Methods of and apparatus for determining the quantity and physical parameters of objects

Claim 2

In a system for measuring represented objects by generating a video signal having a profile as a function of the response of a represented object along scanning lines across the represented object, the video signal profile having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for generating output electrical signals having transitions occurring as a function of the profile of each sloping transition, comprising: adjustable threshold circuit means for generating a profile reference level signal; comparator circuit means receiving the profile reference level signal and the video signal for comparing the video signal with the profile reference level signal and including first means for selecting those transitions in the video signal which respectively have a value which corresponds to a value of the profile reference level signal and second means to identify whether the value of each respective transition of the video signal exceeds or is less than the value of the profile reference level signal immediately before selecting the corresponding values between the transitions of the video signal and the profile reference level signal for generating boundary identification signals as a function of the comparison of the video signal relative to the profile reference level; and output means receiving the boundary identification signals from the comparator circuit means and the video signal for generating output electrical signals having transitions corresponding to each selected video transition to define the boundary position of the represented object solely as a function of the selected video transitions and independent of the level of the profile reference level signal.

Claim 3

The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the output means generates output electrical signals having transitions occurring as a function of maximum and minimum values of the profiles of each sloping transition.

Claim 4

In a system for measuring represented objects by generating a video signal having a profile as a funcTion of the response of a represented object along scanning lines across the represented object, the video signal profile having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for generating output electrical signals having transitions occurring as a function of the profile of each sloping transition, comprising: first circuit means receiving the video signal generated as a function of the response of a represented object along scanning lines across the represented object for determining the maximum value of the video signal profile between respective video signal profile transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the represented object and including means for storing the maximum value; second circuit means receiving the video signal generated as a function of the response of the represented object along scanning lines across the represented object for determining the minimum value of the video signal profile between respective video signal profile transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the represented object and including means for storing the minimum value; and signal processing means receiving the maximum and minimum video signal profile values determined and stored by the first and second circuit means, respectively, for generating a signal as a function of the maximum and minimum video signal profile values between the transitions of the video signal profile occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the represented object.

Claim 5

In a system for measuring represented objects by generating a video signal having a profile as a funcTion of the response of a represented object along scanning lines across the represented object, the video signal profile having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for generating output electrical signals having transitions occurring as a function of the profile of each sloping transition, comprising: first circuit means receiving the video signal generated as a function of the response of a represented object along scanning lines across the represented object for determining the maximum value of the video signal profile between respective video signal profile transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the represented object and including means for storing the maximum value; second circuit means receiving the video signal generated as a function of the response of the represented object along scanning lines across the represented object for determining the minimum value of the video signal profile between respective video signal profile transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the represented object and including means for storing the minimum value; and signal processing means receiving the maximum and minimum video signal profile values determined and stored by the first and second circuit means, respectively, for generating a signal as a function of the maximum and minimum video signal profile values between the transitions of the video signal profile occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the represented object.

Claim 6

In the system as defined in claim 3, including signal processing means receiving the maximum and minimum video signal profile values wherein the signal generated by the signal processing means is a function of the weighted average of the maximum and minimum video signal profile values.

Claim 7

In the system as defined in claim 4, including signal processing means receiving the maximum and minimum video signal profile values wherein the signal generated by the signal processing means is a function of equal portions of maximum and minimum video signal profile values.

Claim 8

In a particulate measuring system generating, as a function of the responses of a sample to a scanning signal, video signals having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for converting the video signals to signals having binary values and having transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the sample, comprising: first circuit means receiving the video signals generated as a function of the responses of the sample to a scanning signal for determining the maximum values of the video signals between respective video signal transitions, occurring as a function of a boundary of the sample and including means for storing the maximum values; second circuit means receiving the video signals generated as a function of the responses of the sample to the scanning signal for determining the minimum values of the video signals between respective video signal transitions occurring as a function of a boundary of the sample and including means for storing the minimum values; signal summing means receiving the maximum and minimum signal values determined and stored by the first and second circuit means, respectively, for generating a weighted average signal as a function of the maximum and minimum values of the video signals between the transitions of the video signals occurring as a function of at least the one boundary of the sample; signal delay means receiving the video signals for delaying each respective video signal for a period of time as a function of the time for determining the weighted average of the maximum and minimum values of the video signals; and a pulse generator for generating pulses at such time as the delayed video signal reaches the weighted average value.

Claim 9

In a particulate measuring system generating, as a function of the responses of a sample to a scanning signal, video signals having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for converting the video signals to signals having binary values and having transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the sample, comprising: first circuit means receiving the video signals generated as a function of the responses of the sample to a scanning signal for determining the maximum values of the video signals between respective video signal transitions, occurring as a function of a boundary of the sample and including means for storing the maximum values; second circuit means receiving the video signals generated as a function of the responses of the sample to the scanning signal for determining the minimum values of the video signals between respective video signal transitions occurring as a function of a boundary of the sample and including means for storing the minimum values; signal summing means receiving the maximum and minimum signal values determined and stored by the first and second circuit means, respectively, for generating a weighted average signal as a function of the maximum and minimum values of the video signals between the transitions of the video signals occurring as a function of at least the one boundary of the sample; signal delay means receiving the video signals for delaying each respective video signal for a period of time as a function of the time for determining the weighted average of the maximum and minimum values of the video signals; and a pulse generator for generating pulses at such time as the delayed video signal reaches the weighted average value.

Claim 10

In a particulate measuring system generating as a function of the responses of a sample to a scanning signal, video signals having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for converting the video signals to signals having binary values and having transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the sample, comprising: adjustable threshold control circuit means for generating an image intensity reference level signal; first comparator circuit means receiving the video signals and the image intensity reference level signal for comparing the video signals with the image intensity reference level signal and including means for generating first and second output signals as a function of the respective values of the video signals relative to the image intensity reference level signal; first circuit means receiving the video signals and the output signals generated by the first comparator circuit means for determining and including means for storing the maximum values of the video signals between transitions of each respective output signal generated by the first comparator circuit means; second circuit means receiving the video signals and the output signals generated by the first comparator means for determining and storing the minimum values of the video signals between transitions of each respective output signal generated by the first comparator circuit means; signal summing means receiving the maximum and minimum video signal values determined and stored by the first and second circuit means, respectively, for determining a weighted average value signal of the maximum and minimum values of the respective video signals between the transitions of the output signals generated by the first comparator circuit means; signal delay means receiving the video signals for delaying each respective video signal for a period of time as a function of time required to determine the weighted average value; and second comparator circuit means receiving the delayed video signals generated by the signal delay means and the weighted average value signal generated by the signal summing means for, respectively, generating video signals having binary values each as a function of the relative values of the respective delayed video signal and the weighted average signal.

Claim 11

In a particulate measuring system generating as a function of the responses of a sample to a scanning signal, video signals having sloping transitions, a threshold circuit for converting the video signals to signals having binary values and having transitions occurring as a function of at least one boundary of the sample, comprising: adjustable threshold control circuit means for generating an image intensity reference level signal; first comparator circuit means receiving the video signals and the image intensity reference level signal for comparing the video signals with the image intensity reference level signal and including means for generating first and second output signals as a function of the respective values of the video signals relative to the image intensity reference level signal; first circuit means receiving the video signals and the output signals generated by the first comparator circuit means for determining and including means for storing the maximum values of the video signals between transitions of each respective output signal generated by the first comparator circuit means; second circuit means receiving the video signals and the output signals generated by the first comparator means for determining and storing the minimum values of the video signals between transitions of each respective output signal generated by the first comparator circuit means; signal summing means receiving the maximum and minimum video signal values determined and stored by the first and second circuit means, respectively, for determining a weighted average value signal of the maximum and minimum values of the respective video signals between the transitions of the output signals generated by the first comparator circuit means; signal delay means receiving the video signals for delaying each respective video signal for a period of time as a function of time required to determine the weighted average value; and second comparator circuit means receiving the delayed video signals generated by the signal delay means and the weighted average value signal generated by the signal summing means for, respectively, generating video signals having binary values each as a function of the relative values of the respective delayed video signal and the weighted average signal.

Claim 14

Apparatus for scanning, with lines of scan, a selected object in a field of objects and determining whether an object intercept belongs to the selected object, comprising: an image system for generating images of the object of the field of objects; scanning means receiving the images of the objects for scanning the images of the objects and generating signals as a function of the response of the images of the objects to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signals generated by the scanning means for generating intercept signals as a function of the boundaries of the images of the objects scanned; means for identifying an intercept signal of the image of the selected object; storage means for storing time of commencement of the intercept signal of the selected object; means for receiving the stored time of commencement of the intercept signal of the selected object at a time approximately equal to the time between commencement of successive lines of scan subsequent to the time of commencement of the stored intercept signal of the selected object; means for receiving the intercept signals of all of the objects in the field of objects and storing the time of commencement of each intercept of each scan line, subsequent to the first scan line of the image of the selected object; means for erasing the stored commencement time of an intercept signal providing that by the time of termination of the intercept, no stored time of commencement belonging to the intercept signal of the selected object has been received from the storage means; and means for signifying that an intercept belongs to the image of the selected object as soon as an intercept signal coincides with a stored time of the intercept signal corresponding to the selected object.

Claim 15

Apparatus for scanning, with lines of scan, a selected object in a field of objects and determining whether an object intercept belongs to the selected object, comprising: an image system for generating images of the object of the field of objects; scanning means receiving the images of the objects for scanning the images of the objects and generating signals as a function of the response of the images of the objects to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signals generated by the scanning means for generating intercept signals as a function of the boundaries of the images of the objects scanned; means for identifying an intercept signal of the image of the selected object; storage means for storing time of commencement of the intercept signal of the selected object; means for receiving the stored time of commencement of the intercept signal of the selected object at a time approximately equal to the time between commencement of successive lines of scan subsequent to the time of commencement of the stored intercept signal of the selected object; means for receiving the intercept signals of all of the objects in the field of objects and storing the time of commencement of each intercept of each scan line, subsequent to the first scan line of the image of the selected object; means for erasing the stored commencement time of an intercept signal providing that by the time of termination of the intercept, no stored time of commencement belonging to the intercept signal of the selected object has been received from the storage means; and means for signifying that an intercept belongs to the image of the selected object as soon as an intercept signal coincides with a stored time of the intercept signal corresponding to the selected object.

Claim 16

Apparatus for use in counting regions of any shape in a field of view traversed by tracks of scan, such that no more than one count would be counted for each region in the field of view including where a track of scan intersects a region once and an immediately subsequent single track of scan intersects the last mentioned region more than once, comprising: scanning means disposed in optical alignment with the regions in the field of view, for linearly scanning each region and for generating a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the transitional response of each region to each respective track of scan; first circuit means responsive to the first signals for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value when the track of scan intersects the region and a second value when the track of scan does not intersect the region; and logic means for providing, where a given track of scan produces a second signal corresponding to more than one intersection in a given region and where only one intersection occurred in the same region at an immediately preceding track of scan at a time prior to the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection substantially equal to the duration of one complete track scansion from a time during the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection of the region on the given track of scan including the time for producing the second signal between intersections on that track, a modified second signal substantially corresponding to the last mentioned region during and between the more than one intersection as if only one intersection occurred and including second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transitional response for each region corresponding to the values of the second signal and the modified second signals from one of its values to the other for generating a third signal having no more than one response for each region indePendent of the shape of the region.

Claim 17

Apparatus for use in counting regions of any shape in a field of view traversed by tracks of scan, such that no more than one count would be counted for each region in the field of view including where a track of scan intersects a region once and an immediately subsequent single track of scan intersects the last mentioned region more than once, comprising: scanning means disposed in optical alignment with the regions in the field of view, for linearly scanning each region and for generating a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the transitional response of each region to each respective track of scan; first circuit means responsive to the first signals for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value when the track of scan intersects the region and a second value when the track of scan does not intersect the region; and logic means for providing, where a given track of scan produces a second signal corresponding to more than one intersection in a given region and where only one intersection occurred in the same region at an immediately preceding track of scan at a time prior to the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection substantially equal to the duration of one complete track scansion from a time during the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection of the region on the given track of scan including the time for producing the second signal between intersections on that track, a modified second signal substantially corresponding to the last mentioned region during and between the more than one intersection as if only one intersection occurred and including second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transitional response for each region corresponding to the values of the second signal and the modified second signals from one of its values to the other for generating a third signal having no more than one response for each region indePendent of the shape of the region.

Claim 18

Apparatus for counting objects of any shape represented in a field of view traversed by lines of scan by counting no more than one count for each object represented in the field of view including where a line of scan intersects a represented object once and an immediately subsequent single line of scan intersects the last mentioned represented object more than once, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means intersects any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; logic means for providing, where a given line of scan produces a second signal corresponding to more than one intersection in a given represented object and where only one intersection occurred in the same represented object at an immediately preceding line of scan at a time prior to the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection substantially equal to the duration of one complete line scansion from a time during the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection of the represented object on the given line of scan including the time for producing the second signal between intersections on that line, a modified second signal substantially corresponding to the last mentioned represented object during and between the more than one intersection as if only one intersection occurred and including second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal and said modified second signals from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said represented objects; and counting means responsive to said third signal for counting the number of said third signals generated by said second circuit means.

Claim 19

Apparatus for counting objects of any shape represented in a field of view traversed by lines of scan by counting no more than one count for each object represented in the field of view including where a line of scan intersects a represented object once and an immediately subsequent single line of scan intersects the last mentioned represented object more than once, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means intersects any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; logic means for providing, where a given line of scan produces a second signal corresponding to more than one intersection in a given represented object and where only one intersection occurred in the same represented object at an immediately preceding line of scan at a time prior to the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection substantially equal to the duration of one complete line scansion from a time during the producing of the second signal corresponding to more than one intersection of the represented object on the given line of scan including the time for producing the second signal between intersections on that line, a modified second signal substantially corresponding to the last mentioned represented object during and between the more than one intersection as if only one intersection occurred and including second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal and said modified second signals from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said represented objects; and counting means responsive to said third signal for counting the number of said third signals generated by said second circuit means.

Claim 20

Apparatus for counting represented objects within a field, comprising: first means for generating a video signal as a function of the response of the represented objects and field to lines of scan traversing the represented objects and field; boundary detection means receiving the video signal generated by the first means to generate an electrical signal as a function of the boundary of each represented object to be counted; means receiving the electrical signal which is a function of the boundary of each represented object for electrically modifying the shape of each represented object by generating another electrical signal for any represented object having an area outside each respective represented object through which a scan line passes outside the represented object from any one respective point on the boundary of the respective represented object to intersect some other second respective point on the boundary of the respective object provided that a line of scan immediately preceding the first line of scan intersecting each respective outside area of the respresented object intersects the respective represented object continuously within a respective scan range defined by a portion of the field substantially immediately about the intersection between the first scan line intersecting the respective outside area, and the respective outside area; and means for counting the respective represented object whenever a line of scan does not intersect the represented object and follows a line of scan which intersects the represented object.

Claim 21

Apparatus for counting represented objects within a field, comprising: first means for generating a video signal as a function of the response of the represented objects and field to lines of scan traversing the represented objects and field; boundary detection means receiving the video signal generated by the first means to generate an electrical signal as a function of the boundary of each represented object to be counted; means receiving the electrical signal which is a function of the boundary of each represented object for electrically modifying the shape of each represented object by generating another electrical signal for any represented object having an area outside each respective represented object through which a scan line passes outside the represented object from any one respective point on the boundary of the respective represented object to intersect some other second respective point on the boundary of the respective object provided that a line of scan immediately preceding the first line of scan intersecting each respective outside area of the respresented object intersects the respective represented object continuously within a respective scan range defined by a portion of the field substantially immediately about the intersection between the first scan line intersecting the respective outside area, and the respective outside area; and means for counting the respective represented object whenever a line of scan does not intersect the represented object and follows a line of scan which intersects the represented object.

Claim 22

Apparatus for counting represented objects of any shape in the field of view traversed by lines of scan including counting represented objects having at least a generally convoluted outline configuration extending generally transversely to any given line of scan in a direction toward a subsequent line of scan, counting no more than one count for each represented object in the field of view, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value when said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal for each represented object having at least a generally convoluted outline configuration extending generally transversely to a line of scan in a direction toward a subsequent line of scan only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said represented objects and including means for generating a fourth signal for each represented object having no generally convoluted outline configurations extending generally transversely to a line of scan in a direction toward a subsequent line of scan only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to the last mentioned one of said represented 0bjects; and counting means responsive to said third and fourth signals for counting the number of said third and fourth signals generated by said second circuit means to thereby respectively count represented objects.

Claim 23

Apparatus for counting represented objects of any shape in the field of view traversed by lines of scan including counting represented objects having at least a generally convoluted outline configuration extending generally transversely to any given line of scan in a direction toward a subsequent line of scan, counting no more than one count for each represented object in the field of view, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value when said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal for each represented object having at least a generally convoluted outline configuration extending generally transversely to a line of scan in a direction toward a subsequent line of scan only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said represented objects and including means for generating a fourth signal for each represented object having no generally convoluted outline configurations extending generally transversely to a line of scan in a direction toward a subsequent line of scan only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to the last mentioned one of said represented 0bjects; and counting means responsive to said third and fourth signals for counting the number of said third and fourth signals generated by said second circuit means to thereby respectively count represented objects.

Claim 24

Apparatus for counting regions of any shape in a field of view, such that one and only one count is counted for a single region in the field of view, comprising: scanning means disposed in optical alignment with the regions in the field of view, for linearly scanning each region and for generating a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the transitional response of each region to each respective line of scan; first circuit means responsive to the first signals for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value when the line of scan traverses the region and a second value when the line of scan does not traverse the region; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transitional response of the values of the second signal from 0ne of its two values to the other, for generating a third signal as a function of the second signal and as a function of each preceding third signal corresponding to the region, provided that where a previous scan line has only one uninterrupted intercept with the region and the next succeeding scan line has at least two uninterrupted intercepts with the region whose time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line substantially coincides with the time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line having a single intercept in the previous scan, the third signal is generated as a single response commencing at a time which is a function of the time of the first intercept on the line of scan having more than one intercept and terminates at a time which is a function of the time of the last intercept on the line having more than one intercept relative to the region; delay means receiving the third signals for generating a fourth signal as a function of each third signal delayed for a time approximately equal to the time between commencement of each line of sCan, for transmitting to the second circuit means for the second circuit means to generate the third signals, the fourth signals corresponding, respectively, to the preceding third signals of which each succeeding third signal is a function; logic circuit means receiving the third signal for generating a final signal as a function of the occurrence of the last third signal generated; and counting means responsive to the final signal for counting each final signal generated by the logic circuit means.

Claim 25

Apparatus for counting regions of any shape in a field of view, such that one and only one count is counted for a single region in the field of view, comprising: scanning means disposed in optical alignment with the regions in the field of view, for linearly scanning each region and for generating a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the transitional response of each region to each respective line of scan; first circuit means responsive to the first signals for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value when the line of scan traverses the region and a second value when the line of scan does not traverse the region; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transitional response of the values of the second signal from 0ne of its two values to the other, for generating a third signal as a function of the second signal and as a function of each preceding third signal corresponding to the region, provided that where a previous scan line has only one uninterrupted intercept with the region and the next succeeding scan line has at least two uninterrupted intercepts with the region whose time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line substantially coincides with the time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line having a single intercept in the previous scan, the third signal is generated as a single response commencing at a time which is a function of the time of the first intercept on the line of scan having more than one intercept and terminates at a time which is a function of the time of the last intercept on the line having more than one intercept relative to the region; delay means receiving the third signals for generating a fourth signal as a function of each third signal delayed for a time approximately equal to the time between commencement of each line of sCan, for transmitting to the second circuit means for the second circuit means to generate the third signals, the fourth signals corresponding, respectively, to the preceding third signals of which each succeeding third signal is a function; logic circuit means receiving the third signal for generating a final signal as a function of the occurrence of the last third signal generated; and counting means responsive to the final signal for counting each final signal generated by the logic circuit means.

Claim 26

Apparatus for counting regions of any shape in a field of view, such that no more than one count is counted for each region in the field of view, comprising: scanning means disposed in optical alignment with the regions in the field of view, for linearly scanning each region and for generating a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the transitional response of each region to each respective line of scan; first circuit means responsive to the first signals for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value when the line of scan traverses the region and a second value when the line of scan does not traverse the region; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transitional response of the values of the second signal from one of its two values to the other, for generating a third signal as a function of the second signal and as a function of each preceding third signal corresponding to the region, provided that where a previous scan line has only one uninterrupted intercept with the region and the next succeeding scan line has at least two uninterrupted intercepts with the region whose time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line substantially coincide with the time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line having a single intercept in the previous scan, the third signal is generated as a single response commencing at a time which is a function of the time of the first intercept on the line of scan having more than one intercept and terminates at a time which is a function of the time of the last intercept on the line having more than one intercept relative to the region; delay means receiving the third signals for generating a fourth signal as a function of each third signal delayed for a time approximately equal to the time between commencement of each line of scan, for transmitting to the second circuit means for the second circuit means to generate the third signals, the fourth signals corresponding, respectively, to the preceding third signals of which each succeeding third signal is a function; logic circuit means receiving the third signal for generating a final signal as a function of the occurrence of the last third signal generated; and counting means responsive to the final signal for counting each final signal generated by the logic circuit means.

Claim 27

Apparatus for counting regions of any shape in a field of view, such that no more than one count is counted for each region in the field of view, comprising: scanning means disposed in optical alignment with the regions in the field of view, for linearly scanning each region and for generating a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the transitional response of each region to each respective line of scan; first circuit means responsive to the first signals for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value when the line of scan traverses the region and a second value when the line of scan does not traverse the region; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transitional response of the values of the second signal from one of its two values to the other, for generating a third signal as a function of the second signal and as a function of each preceding third signal corresponding to the region, provided that where a previous scan line has only one uninterrupted intercept with the region and the next succeeding scan line has at least two uninterrupted intercepts with the region whose time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line substantially coincide with the time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line having a single intercept in the previous scan, the third signal is generated as a single response commencing at a time which is a function of the time of the first intercept on the line of scan having more than one intercept and terminates at a time which is a function of the time of the last intercept on the line having more than one intercept relative to the region; delay means receiving the third signals for generating a fourth signal as a function of each third signal delayed for a time approximately equal to the time between commencement of each line of scan, for transmitting to the second circuit means for the second circuit means to generate the third signals, the fourth signals corresponding, respectively, to the preceding third signals of which each succeeding third signal is a function; logic circuit means receiving the third signal for generating a final signal as a function of the occurrence of the last third signal generated; and counting means responsive to the final signal for counting each final signal generated by the logic circuit means.

Claim 28

The apparatus for counting regions of any shape, as defined in claim 15, wherein: the delay means receiving the third signals for generating the fourth signal as a function of each third signal, delays the fourth signal for a time less than the time between the commencement of lines of scan.

Claim 29

The apparatus for counting regions of any shape, as defined in claim 15, wherein: the logic circuit means receiving the third signal generates the final signal when the second signal is at least partially coincident with the third signal.

Claim 30

Apparatus for counting objects of any shape in a field of view, counting no more than one count for each object in the field of view, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first vaLue while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said objects; counting means responsive to said third signal for counting the number of said third signals generated by said second circuit means; and third circuit means responsive to said second signal for inhibiting said second circuit means when said second signal corresponds to any of said objects intersecting any two adjoining boundaries of the field of view of said scanning means, said third circuit means being inoperative when said second signal corresponds to any of said objects intersecting the other two boundaries of said field of view.

Claim 31

Apparatus for counting objects of any shape in a field of view, counting no more than one count for each object in the field of view, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first vaLue while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said objects; counting means responsive to said third signal for counting the number of said third signals generated by said second circuit means; and third circuit means responsive to said second signal for inhibiting said second circuit means when said second signal corresponds to any of said objects intersecting any two adjoining boundaries of the field of view of said scanning means, said third circuit means being inoperative when said second signal corresponds to any of said objects intersecting the other two boundaries of said field of view.

Claim 32

Apparatus for counting represented objects of any shape in a field of view, counting no more than one count for each represented object in the field of view, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said represented objects; counting means responsive to said third signal for counting the number of said third signals generated by said second circuit means; and third circuit means responsive to said second signal for reducing the width of each second signal pulse corresponding to an intercept of one of said represented objects by said scanning means and having a pulse width greater than a predetermined value by a fixed amount.

Claim 33

Apparatus for counting represented objects of any shape in a field of view, counting no more than one count for each represented object in the field of view, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said represented objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to said one of said represented objects; counting means responsive to said third signal for counting the number of said third signals generated by said second circuit means; and third circuit means responsive to said second signal for reducing the width of each second signal pulse corresponding to an intercept of one of said represented objects by said scanning means and having a pulse width greater than a predetermined value by a fixed amount.

Claim 48

Apparatus for counting or measuring objects of any shape which comprises: a television camera aligned with said objects for developing a video signal in response to the scanning thereof; a television monitor coupled to said television camera for displaying an image of the field of view; first circuit means coupled to said television camera for generating a binary video siGnal having a first value when said television camera is scanning across an object and a second value when it is not; second circuit means responsive to said binary video signal for detecting the number of said objects and for generating a first signal for each of said objects detected; first counter means responsive to said first signals for counting and storing the number thereof; third circuit means responsive to said binary video signal for performing the desired dimensional measurements and for generating a second signal proportional thereto for each of said objects; fourth circuit means responsive to each of said second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of all of said second signals corresponding to each of said objects; second counter means responsive to each of said train of pulses for counting and storing the pulses contained in each; and character generation means responsive to the count stored in said first and second counters and coupled to said television monitor for generating signals to darken a strip in the field of view as shown on said television monitor, and generating signals to brighten appropriate locations within said darkened strip, said brightened locations being selected by said character generation means to describe said count or measurement result.

Claim 49

Apparatus for counting or measuring objects of any shape which comprises: a television camera aligned with said objects for developing a video signal in response to the scanning thereof; a television monitor coupled to said television camera for displaying an image of the field of view; first circuit means coupled to said television camera for generating a binary video siGnal having a first value when said television camera is scanning across an object and a second value when it is not; second circuit means responsive to said binary video signal for detecting the number of said objects and for generating a first signal for each of said objects detected; first counter means responsive to said first signals for counting and storing the number thereof; third circuit means responsive to said binary video signal for performing the desired dimensional measurements and for generating a second signal proportional thereto for each of said objects; fourth circuit means responsive to each of said second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of all of said second signals corresponding to each of said objects; second counter means responsive to each of said train of pulses for counting and storing the pulses contained in each; and character generation means responsive to the count stored in said first and second counters and coupled to said television monitor for generating signals to darken a strip in the field of view as shown on said television monitor, and generating signals to brighten appropriate locations within said darkened strip, said brightened locations being selected by said character generation means to describe said count or measurement result.

Claim 54

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of a represented object of any shape, as defined in claim 29, wherein: the means for scanning the represented object, when scanning a represented object having differing spatial properties causing corresponding differing responses of the represented object to the scan traversing the object, generates the first signals having differing values corresponding to the differing spatial properties of the represented object.

Claim 55

The apparatus for measuring the dimension of a represented object of any shape, as defined in claim 29, wherein: the means for scanning the represented object, when scanning a represented object having differing physical properties causing corresponding differing responses of the represented object to the scan traversing the represented object, generates the first signal having differing values corresponding to the differing physical properties of the represented object.

Claim 56

The apparatus for measuring the dimension of a represented object of any shape, as defined in claim 29, wherein: the means for scanning the represented object, when scanning a represented object having differing chemical properties causing corresponding differing responses of the represented object to the scan traversing the represented object, generates the first signal having differing values corresponding to the differing chemical properties of the represented object.

Claim 63

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 35, wherein: the first circuit means responsive to the first signal generates the second signal having a binary value.

Claim 64

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 35, wherein: the first circuit means generates the first signal, varying as a function of a response of the object to the scan traversing the object, as a function of the amplitude of the first signal.

Claim 65

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 35, wherein: the first circuit means generates the first signal, varying as a function of a response of the object to the scan traversing the object, as a function of the waveform of the generated signal.

Claim 66

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 35, wherein: the means for scanning the object scans in lines formed by a light spot.

Claim 67

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 35, wherein: the means for scanning the object scans in lines formed by an electron beam.

Claim 70

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 41, wherein: the means for scanning the image, when scanning an image having differing spatial properties causing corresponding differing responses of the image to the scan traversing the image, generates the first signals having differing values corresponding to the differing spatial properties of the image.

Claim 71

The apparatus for measuring the dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 41, wherein: the means for scanning the image, when scanning an image having differing physical properties causing corresponding differing responses of the image to the scan traversing the image, generates the first signal having differing values corresponding to the differing physical properties of the image.

Claim 72

The apparatus for measuring the dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 41, wherein: the means for scanning the image, when scanning an image having differing chemical properties causing corresponding differing responses of the image to the scan traversing the image, generates the first signal having differing values corresponding to the differing chemical properties of the image.

Claim 77

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 46, wherein: the first circuit means responsive to the first signal generates the second signal having a binary value.

Claim 78

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 46, wherein: the first circuit means generates the first signal, varying as a function of a response of the image to the scan traversing the image, as a function of the amplitude of the first signal.

Claim 79

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an imagE of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 46, wherein: the first circuit means generates the first signal, varying as a function of a response of the image to the scan traversing the image, as a function of the waveform of the generated signal.

Claim 80

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 46, wherein: the means for scanning the image scans in lines formed by a light spot.

Claim 81

The apparatus for measuring a dimension of an image of an object of any shape, as defined in claim 46, wherein: the means for scanning the image scans in lines formed by an electron beam.

Claim 82

Apparatus for measuring the longest dimension of one or more of a group of objects of any shape which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for selectively isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a first pulse proportional in width to the widest second signal corresponding to said selected object; fourth circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a second pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan lines intercepting said selected object; fifth circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a third pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between two parallel tangents to said selected object, said tangents taken at a first angle with respect to the direction of scan; sixth circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a fourth pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between two parallel tangents to said selected object, said tangents taken at a second angle with respect to said direction of scan; comparator means responsive to said third, fourth, fifth and sixth circuit means for determining the widest of said first, second, third and fourth pulses; and readout means responsive to said comparator means for displaying the dimension corresponding to said widest of said first, second, third or fourth pulses.

Claim 83

Apparatus for measuring the longest dimension of one or more of a group of objects of any shape which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for selectively isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a first pulse proportional in width to the widest second signal corresponding to said selected object; fourth circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a second pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan lines intercepting said selected object; fifth circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a third pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between two parallel tangents to said selected object, said tangents taken at a first angle with respect to the direction of scan; sixth circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a fourth pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between two parallel tangents to said selected object, said tangents taken at a second angle with respect to said direction of scan; comparator means responsive to said third, fourth, fifth and sixth circuit means for determining the widest of said first, second, third and fourth pulses; and readout means responsive to said comparator means for displaying the dimension corresponding to said widest of said first, second, third or fourth pulses.

Claim 84

Apparatus for measuring the projected length of one or more represented objects in a field of represented objects, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each track of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means for generating an identification signal as a function of the occurrence of the time that the scanning means scans a predetermined region of the field of represented objects; means for generating object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals relating to a represented object bearing a predetermined time relationship to the identification signal and including means for generating other object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals bearing a predetermined time relationship to previously generated object signals; and third circuit means responsive to said object signals for generating a signal as a function of the number of second signals which signaL relates to the projected length.

Claim 85

Apparatus for measuring the projected length of one or more represented objects in a field of represented objects, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each track of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means for generating an identification signal as a function of the occurrence of the time that the scanning means scans a predetermined region of the field of represented objects; means for generating object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals relating to a represented object bearing a predetermined time relationship to the identification signal and including means for generating other object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals bearing a predetermined time relationship to previously generated object signals; and third circuit means responsive to said object signals for generating a signal as a function of the number of second signals which signaL relates to the projected length.

Claim 86

Apparatus for measuring the projected length of one or more represented objects in a field of represented objects, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each track of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically and sequentially isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a first pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan tracks intercepting each selected represented object; fourth circuit means responsive to said first pulse generated by said third circuit means for generating a train of second pulses, the number of which is proportional to the width of said first pulse; and readout means responsive to the number of said second pulses generated by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of length for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of projected length measurements, and circuit means responsive to each of said pulses generated by said third circuit means for determining into which of said projected length subranges each of said pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 87

Apparatus for measuring the projected length of one or more represented objects in a field of represented objects, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each track of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically and sequentially isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a first pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan tracks intercepting each selected represented object; fourth circuit means responsive to said first pulse generated by said third circuit means for generating a train of second pulses, the number of which is proportional to the width of said first pulse; and readout means responsive to the number of said second pulses generated by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of length for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of projected length measurements, and circuit means responsive to each of said pulses generated by said third circuit means for determining into which of said projected length subranges each of said pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 88

Apparatus for measuring the projected length of one or more represented objects in a field of represented objects, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each track of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for selectively isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a first pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan tracks intercepting each selected represented object; fourth circuit means responsive to said first pulse generated by said third circuit means for generating a train of second pulses, the number of which is proportional to the width of said first pulse; and readout means responsive to the number of said second pulses generated by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of length for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of projected length measurements, and circuit means responsive to each of said pulses generated by said third circuit means for determining into which of said projected length subranges each of said pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 89

Apparatus for measuring the projected length of one or more represented objects in a field of represented objects, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each track of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each track of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for selectively isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signal for generating a first pulse proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan tracks intercepting each selected represented object; fourth circuit means responsive to said first pulse generated by said third circuit means for generating a train of second pulses, the number of which is proportional to the width of said first pulse; and readout means responsive to the number of said second pulses generated by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of length for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of projected length measurements, and circuit means responsive to each of said pulses generated by said third circuit means for determining into which of said projected length subranges each of said pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 90

Apparatus for measuring the average projected length of a group of objects of any shape which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alIgnment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically isolating second signals corresponding to each of said objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a first pulse for each one of said objects proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan lines intercepting each of said objects; fourth circuit means responsive to said first pulses generated by said third circuit means for generating a train of second pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said first pulses; fifth circuit means responsive to said train of said second pulses generated by said fourth circuit means for counting the number of said second pulses; sixth circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition for each object of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects; seventh circuit means responsive to said third signal for counting the number thereof generated by said fifth circuit means; eighth circuit means responsive to said fifth and seventh circuit means for dividing said number of second pulses counted by said fifth circuit means by said number of third signals counted by said sixth circuit means and for generating a fourth signal proportional to the quotient obtained; and readout means responsive to said fourth signal calibrated in units of length for displaying the measured results.

Claim 91

Apparatus for measuring the average projected length of a group of objects of any shape which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alIgnment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically isolating second signals corresponding to each of said objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a first pulse for each one of said objects proportional in width to the perpendicular distance between the first and last scan lines intercepting each of said objects; fourth circuit means responsive to said first pulses generated by said third circuit means for generating a train of second pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said first pulses; fifth circuit means responsive to said train of said second pulses generated by said fourth circuit means for counting the number of said second pulses; sixth circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition for each object of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects; seventh circuit means responsive to said third signal for counting the number thereof generated by said fifth circuit means; eighth circuit means responsive to said fifth and seventh circuit means for dividing said number of second pulses counted by said fifth circuit means by said number of third signals counted by said sixth circuit means and for generating a fourth signal proportional to the quotient obtained; and readout means responsive to said fourth signal calibrated in units of length for displaying the measured results.

Claim 92

Apparatus for measuring Feret''s diameter of an object in a direction normal to a line of scan traversing the object, comprising: scanning means for scanning the object with lines of scan spaced apart a predetermined fixed distance and generating signals as a function of the response of the object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signals generated by the scanning means for generating intercept signals as a function of the boundary of the object to be measured; logic means receiving the intercept signals for generating modified signals for each line of scan intercepting the object; and circuit means receiving the modified signals for generating an output signal directly proportional to Ferret''s diameter as a function of a product of the number of modified signals received for the object and the spacing adjacent lines of scan.

Claim 93

Apparatus for measuring Feret''s diameter of an object in a direction normal to a line of scan traversing the object, comprising: scanning means for scanning the object with lines of scan spaced apart a predetermined fixed distance and generating signals as a function of the response of the object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signals generated by the scanning means for generating intercept signals as a function of the boundary of the object to be measured; logic means receiving the intercept signals for generating modified signals for each line of scan intercepting the object; and circuit means receiving the modified signals for generating an output signal directly proportional to Ferret''s diameter as a function of a product of the number of modified signals received for the object and the spacing adjacent lines of scan.

Claim 94

Apparatus for measuring the area of one or more of a group of represented objects in a field of objects which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each line of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means for generating an identification signal as a function of the occurrence of the time that the scanning means scans a predetermined region of the field of represented objects; means for generating object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals relating to a represented object bearing a predetermined time relationship to the identification signal and iNcluding means for generating other object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals bearing a predetermined time relationship to previously generated object signals; third circuit means responsive to said object signals for generating a signal as a function of the total duration of the first value of the second signal corresponding to said selected one of said represented objects; and fourth circuit means for generating a count as a function of the signal generated by the third circuit means which counts relates to the measured area.

Claim 95

Apparatus for measuring the area of one or more of a group of represented objects in a field of objects which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said field of objects for generating for each line of scan across the field a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means for generating an identification signal as a function of the occurrence of the time that the scanning means scans a predetermined region of the field of represented objects; means for generating object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals relating to a represented object bearing a predetermined time relationship to the identification signal and iNcluding means for generating other object signals corresponding to the second circuit signals bearing a predetermined time relationship to previously generated object signals; third circuit means responsive to said object signals for generating a signal as a function of the total duration of the first value of the second signal corresponding to said selected one of said represented objects; and fourth circuit means for generating a count as a function of the signal generated by the third circuit means which counts relates to the measured area.

Claim 96

Apparatus for measuring the area of one or more represented objects in a group of represented objects of any shape, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically and sequentially isolating second signals correspnding to each of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said isolated second signals corresponding to each selected one of said represented objects; fourth circuit means for counting the number of pulses in said train; and readout means responsive to the number of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of area for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of area measurements, and fifth circuit means responsive to each of said train of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means for determining into which of said area subranges each of said train of pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 97

Apparatus for measuring the area of one or more represented objects in a group of represented objects of any shape, comprising: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically and sequentially isolating second signals correspnding to each of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said isolated second signals corresponding to each selected one of said represented objects; fourth circuit means for counting the number of pulses in said train; and readout means responsive to the number of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of area for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of area measurements, and fifth circuit means responsive to each of said train of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means for determining into which of said area subranges each of said train of pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 98

Apparatus for measuring the area of one or more represented objects in a group of represented objects of any shape, comprising: scaning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for selectively isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said isolated second signals corresponding to each selected one of said represented objects; fourth circuit means for counting the number of pulses in said train; and readout means responsive to the number of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of area for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of area measurements, and fifth circuit means responsive t0 each of said train of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means for determining into which of said area subranges each of said train of pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a Count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 99

Apparatus for measuring the area of one or more represented objects in a group of represented objects of any shape, comprising: scaning means positioned in optical alignment with said represented objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said represented objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said represented objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for selectively isolating second signals corresponding to any one of said represented objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said isolated second signals corresponding to each selected one of said represented objects; fourth circuit means for counting the number of pulses in said train; and readout means responsive to the number of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means calibrated in units of area for displaying the measured result, wherein the readout means includes, a plurality of counters each calibrated to accept and display a subrange of the total expected range of area measurements, and fifth circuit means responsive t0 each of said train of pulses counted by said fourth circuit means for determining into which of said area subranges each of said train of pulses falls and connected to each of said plurality of counters for adding a Count to that counter corresponding to each of said subrange determinations.

Claim 100

Apparatus for measuring the average area of a group of objects of any shape which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically isolating second signals corresponding to each of said objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said isolated second signals; fourth circuit means responsive to said train of pulses generated by said third circuit means for counting the number of pulses in said train; fifth circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition for each object of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects; sixth circuit means responsive to said third signal for counting the number thereof generated by said fifth circuit means; seventh circuit means responsive to said fourth and sixth circuit means for dividing said number of second pulses counted by said fourth circuit means by said number of third signals counted by said sixth circuit means and for generating a fourth signal proportional to the quotient obtained; and readout means responsive to said fourth signal calibrated in units of area for displaying the measured result.

Claim 101

Apparatus for measuring the average area of a group of objects of any shape which comprises: scanning means positioned in optical alignment with said objects for generating for each line of scan a first signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the response of said objects to said scanning means; first circuit means responsive to said first signal for generating for each line of scan a second signal having a first value while said scanning means traverses any portion of one of said objects and a second value when it does not; second circuit means responsive to said second signal for automatically isolating second signals corresponding to each of said objects; third circuit means responsive to said isolated second signals for generating a train of pulses, the number of which is proportional to the total width of said isolated second signals; fourth circuit means responsive to said train of pulses generated by said third circuit means for counting the number of pulses in said train; fifth circuit means responsive to the first and each succeeding transition for each object of said second signal from one of its two said values to the other for generating a third signal only when a scan line having second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects is followed by a scan line having no second signal transitions corresponding to one of said objects; sixth circuit means responsive to said third signal for counting the number thereof generated by said fifth circuit means; seventh circuit means responsive to said fourth and sixth circuit means for dividing said number of second pulses counted by said fourth circuit means by said number of third signals counted by said sixth circuit means and for generating a fourth signal proportional to the quotient obtained; and readout means responsive to said fourth signal calibrated in units of area for displaying the measured result.

Claim 102

Apparatus for measuring area including holes of a convex object, comprising: an imaging system for generating an image of the object including holes to be measured; scanning means receiving the image of the object including holes to be measured for scanning the image of the object with lines of scan spaced apart a predetermined fixed distance and including means for generating a signal as a function of the response of the image of the object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signal generated by the scanning lines for generating an intercept signal as a function of the boundary of the image of the object to be measured; logic means responsive to the first intercept signal for generating a third signal as a function of the intercept signal provided that where a previous scan line has only one uninterrupted intercept with the region and the next succeeding scan line has at least two uninterrupted intercepts with the region whose time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line substantially coincide with the time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line having a single intercept in the previous scan, the third signal appears as a single response commencing at a time which is a function of the time of the first intercept on the line of scan having more than one intercept and terminates at a time which is a function of the time of the last intercept on the line having more than one intercept; and circuit means receiving each of the third signals for generating an output signal as a function of a product of the delay of the third signals and the spacing between adjacent lines of scan.

Claim 103

Apparatus for measuring area including holes of a convex object, comprising: an imaging system for generating an image of the object including holes to be measured; scanning means receiving the image of the object including holes to be measured for scanning the image of the object with lines of scan spaced apart a predetermined fixed distance and including means for generating a signal as a function of the response of the image of the object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signal generated by the scanning lines for generating an intercept signal as a function of the boundary of the image of the object to be measured; logic means responsive to the first intercept signal for generating a third signal as a function of the intercept signal provided that where a previous scan line has only one uninterrupted intercept with the region and the next succeeding scan line has at least two uninterrupted intercepts with the region whose time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line substantially coincide with the time of occurrence relative to the commencement of the scan line having a single intercept in the previous scan, the third signal appears as a single response commencing at a time which is a function of the time of the first intercept on the line of scan having more than one intercept and terminates at a time which is a function of the time of the last intercept on the line having more than one intercept; and circuit means receiving each of the third signals for generating an output signal as a function of a product of the delay of the third signals and the spacing between adjacent lines of scan.

Claim 104

Apparatus for measuring represented objects and generating signals having a direct measurement value corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of a represented object, comprising: an imaging system with variable magnification for magnifying an image of a represeNted object to be measured; scanning means receiving the image of the represented object to be measured for scanning the image of the represented object along substantially parallel tracks and including means for generating a signal as a function of the response of the image of the represented object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signal generated by the scanning means for generating a boundary signal as a function of the boundary of the image of the represented object to be measured; logic means receiving the boundary signal for generating a measurement value signal of the represented object as a function of the boundary signal; electronic means storing magnification calibration information of the imaging system for relating measurement value signals to an appropriate measurement directly in physical units; sensing means sensing if the measurement value signal relates to a length or area measurement to generate a signal corresponding to length or area measurement; and data conversion means receiving the signal corresponding to length or area measurement for selecting the appropriate magnification calibration information to generate a direct measurement signal corresponding to the physical units of the measured represented object as a function of the measurement value signals.

Claim 105

Apparatus for measuring represented objects and generating signals having a direct measurement value corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of a represented object, comprising: an imaging system with variable magnification for magnifying an image of a represeNted object to be measured; scanning means receiving the image of the represented object to be measured for scanning the image of the represented object along substantially parallel tracks and including means for generating a signal as a function of the response of the image of the represented object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signal generated by the scanning means for generating a boundary signal as a function of the boundary of the image of the represented object to be measured; logic means receiving the boundary signal for generating a measurement value signal of the represented object as a function of the boundary signal; electronic means storing magnification calibration information of the imaging system for relating measurement value signals to an appropriate measurement directly in physical units; sensing means sensing if the measurement value signal relates to a length or area measurement to generate a signal corresponding to length or area measurement; and data conversion means receiving the signal corresponding to length or area measurement for selecting the appropriate magnification calibration information to generate a direct measurement signal corresponding to the physical units of the measured represented object as a function of the measurement value signals.

Claim 106

Apparatus for measuring represented objects and generating signals having a direct measurement value corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of a represented object, comprising: an imaging system with discretely adjustable magnification for magnifying an image of the represented object to be measured; scanning means receiving the image of the represented object to be measured for scanning the image of the represented object along substantially parallel tracks and including means generating a signal as a function of the response of the image of the represented object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signal generated by the scanning means for generating a boundary signal as a function of the boundary of the image of the represented object to be measured; logic means receiving the boundary signal for generating a measurement value signal of the represented object as a function of the boundary signal; electronic means storing magnification calibration information relating to each discretely adjustable magnification of the imaging system for relating measurement value signals to an appropriate measurement directly in physical units; sensing means sensing if the measurement value signal relates to a length or area measurement to generate a signal corresponding to length or area measurement; and data conversion means receiving the signal corresponding to length or area measurement for selecting the appropriate magnification calibration information to generate a direct measurement signal corresponding to the physical units of the measured represented object as a function of the measurement value signals.

Claim 107

Apparatus for measuring represented objects and generating signals having a direct measurement value corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of a represented object, comprising: an imaging system with discretely adjustable magnification for magnifying an image of the represented object to be measured; scanning means receiving the image of the represented object to be measured for scanning the image of the represented object along substantially parallel tracks and including means generating a signal as a function of the response of the image of the represented object to the scan; boundary detection means receiving the signal generated by the scanning means for generating a boundary signal as a function of the boundary of the image of the represented object to be measured; logic means receiving the boundary signal for generating a measurement value signal of the represented object as a function of the boundary signal; electronic means storing magnification calibration information relating to each discretely adjustable magnification of the imaging system for relating measurement value signals to an appropriate measurement directly in physical units; sensing means sensing if the measurement value signal relates to a length or area measurement to generate a signal corresponding to length or area measurement; and data conversion means receiving the signal corresponding to length or area measurement for selecting the appropriate magnification calibration information to generate a direct measurement signal corresponding to the physical units of the measured represented object as a function of the measurement value signals.

Claim 108

The apparatus for measuring represented objects and generating signals having a direct measurement value corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of the represented object, as defined in claim 64, further comprising: logic circuit means receiving the direct measurement signal corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of the represented object for converting the received direct measurement signal into a sequence of signals; and a display unit receiving the sequence of signals generated by the logic circuit means for displaying the direct measurement value corresponding to the physical units of the measurement of the represented object in alpha-numeric characters as a function of the received sequence of signals.

Claim 111

The apparatus for producing an electrical signal indicative of a predetermined represented object in a field as defined in claim 66, further comprising: second logic means for generating an object signal having a first condition occurring as a function of the electrical signal indicative of the represented object and having subsequent first conditions occurring as a function of subsequent first conditions of the first signal respectively bearing predetermined time relationships with previous occurrences of first conditions of the object signal, the object signal being indicative of the represented object.

Claim 112

The apparatus as defined in claim 67 further comprising: means receiving the object signal indicative of the represented object for generating a signal corresponding to a physical measurement of the object as a function of the object signal.

Claim 113

The apparatus as defined in claim 66, further comprising: second logic means for generating an object signal having a first condition occurring as a function of the electrical signal indicative of the represented object and having subsequent first conditions occurring as a function of subsequent first conditions of the first signal respectively bearing predetermined time relationships with previous occurrences of first conditions of the object signal, the object signal being indicative of the represented object.

Claim 116

The apparatus as defined in claim 70 further comprising: means receiving the object signal indicative of the represented object for generating a signal corresponding to a physical measurement of the object as a function of the object signal.

Claim 119

The apparatus for measuring a property of a selected represented object in a field of represented objects, as defined in claim 22, further including: electrical means for selectively identifying the property of the selected represented objects to be measured.