Card counter with card counting preset data entry system method

Abstract

A card counter (10) prints card inventory information locally and communicates with a remote computer (43) for permanent storage and retrieval of inventory information. A microprocessor controller detects a counting error in response to the actual count failing to match a preset count, failing to match a precount information machine read from a machine readable precount label (130) attached to the cards (18), in the event of a phase error from a pair of parallel scanning card sensor circuits (58, 59) or if the final counts of the two card sensor circuits (58, 59) do not match. In the event of detection of a counting error, an error indication is provided and entry of the count into an accumulator memory is inhibited. The preset number is entered into memory by selectively entering an actual count into the preset memory. A pair of separate accumulators are provided for concurrently accumulating totals of two different groups of cards (18). The card sensor circuits (58, 59) are digitally filtered by the microprocessor (44) which also automatically performs self diagnostics to reduce counting errors due to malfunction. Malfunction of a scan drive motor (61) is reduced through provision of a slip clutch (FIGS. 10A and 10B). Alphanumeric display units are both electrically connected to the control circuit (FIG. 2) and releasibly, mechanically attached to a printed circuit board (112) of said control circuit (FIG. 2) by means of a multiline electrical connector (120) attached to the edge of the printed circuit board (112).