Counting machine and method for counting objects

Abstract

In some embodiments, a counting machine can include a counting region configured to count a plurality of articles. The counting region can include a fixed pressure plate; a movable pressure plate; one or more sensors configured to measure a distance between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate; and a processor configured to determine a number of articles in the counting region by comparing a sampling thickness value to a thickness of an article positioned between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202010095106X, filed February 14, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a counting machine and a method of counting items using a counting machine. BACKGROUND

[0004] Modern production systems are increasingly reliant on highly accurate inventory systems. Such inventory systems can allow for more efficient and cost-effective operation. Certain production processes, including lean manufacturing and just-in-time manufacturing, require even more accurate inventory systems to enable continuous operation during production and reduce excess inventory. However, for small or loose items, it is both inaccurate and time-consuming to accurately count inventory using manual methods for the purpose of inventory. SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the application described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present application.

[0006] In some embodiments, a counting machine can include a counting area configured to count a plurality of items. The counting area can include a fixed pressure plate; a moveable pressure plate; and one or more sensors configured to measure a distance between the fixed pressure plate and the moveable pressure plate; and a processor configured to determine a number of items in the counting area by comparing a sample thickness value to a thickness of an item located between the fixed pressure plate and the moveable pressure plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the moveable pressure plate can be actuated by a control signal that can be sent by the processor. The moveable pressure plate can be actuated by an electric motor. The moveable pressure plate can be actuated by a user. A force measurement of a thickness of an item located between the fixed pressure plate and the moveable pressure plate can be predefined. The sample thickness value can be determined by providing a known number of items to the processor and measuring a thickness of the known number of items in the counting area. The sample value can be an average of two or more measurements. The sample thickness value can be stored by the processor.

[0008] In some embodiments, the counting machine further comprises a scale and a user interface. The processor can be configured to provide a count of an item placed on the scale based on a sample weight value using the user interface.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method of counting items using a counting machine can include receiving a plurality of items in a counting area of the counting machine; measuring a thickness of the plurality of items; and determining a number of the items based on the thickness of the plurality of items and a sample thickness value. The counting machine can include a counting area. The counting area can include a fixed pressure plate; a moveable pressure plate; and one or more sensors configured to measure a distance between the fixed pressure plate and the moveable pressure plate; and a processor connected to the one or more sensors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes generating the sample thickness value based on at least one measurement of a thickness of a known number of items. The sample thickness value is generated by averaging a plurality of measurements.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sample thickness value can be saved from a previous measurement. The moveable pressure plate can be electronically actuatable by the counting machine, and wherein the counting machine actuates the moveable pressure plate and measures the thickness of the plurality of items. The plurality of items can include paper labels or fabric labels. The plurality of items can include radio frequency identification ("RFID") tags, and wherein the measurement can be performed using a predefined force that can be low enough to avoid damaging the RFID tags. The number of items can be determined in 10 seconds using the method.

[0012] In some embodiments, the counting machine further includes a scale and a user interface. The method can further include receiving the plurality of items on the scale; measuring a weight of the plurality of items; and determining the number of items based on the weight of the plurality of items and a sample weight value. The method can further include generating the sample weight value based on at least one measurement of a weight of a known number of items. The sample weight value is generated by averaging a plurality of measurements.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which various embodiments and specific examples of the present application are set forth. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the present application, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present application can be made and the present application includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 A perspective view of a counting machine is depicted in accordance with some embodiments.

[0015] Fig. 2 A flowchart is depicted showing exemplary operations of counting a plurality of items using a counting machine in accordance with some embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 3 A perspective view of a counting machine is depicted in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] By way of example and with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail. It should be appreciated that the disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, devices, apparatuses, methods, systems, etc. can be modified, as appropriate, and that they might require modification to adapt them to, particular applications. In this disclosure, any identification of specific technical, arrangements, etc. relates to or is presented with respect to a specific example, or is merely a general description of such a technical, arrangement, etc. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the identification or reference to a specific detail or example does not constitute a limitation of the described technology, arrangement, etc. and does not imply that any feature, element, device, apparatus, method, system, etc. described in the specification is essential.

[0018] The present disclosure generally describes counting machines and methods of counting a plurality of items using the counting machines. The described counting machines and methods are particularly suitable for counting substantially planar items, such as fibers and textile materials.

[0019] As can be appreciated, counting or inventorying small and / or loose items using conventional counting processes is difficult due to the need to physically manipulate each item to be counted individually. Such physical manipulation is slow, inaccurate, and can result in repetitive stress injuries.

[0020] Additionally, items must be counted at multiple stages of a modern production process. For example, items need to be counted at a warehouse for inventory management purposes, counted for distribution to a production floor, and then counted again before being distributed to individual workers. If the count of items is inaccurate at any of these stages, problems can arise. For example, if labels are inaccurately counted using conventional counting processes, the production process can have too few or too many labels attached to garments.

[0021] As can be appreciated, performing any of these counting processes using conventional counting processes is extremely time consuming and equates to hundreds of man-hours. In certain embodiments, the counting machines and methods described herein can measure hundreds of items in a batch in about 10 seconds or less. Additionally or alternatively, the counting machines and methods described herein can help save about 35% or more, about 50% or more, about 75% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or more, about 98% or more, or about 99% of the time compared to manual counting processes.

[0022] The counting machines and methods described herein can be generally suitable for counting any substantially planar item, and can avoid the problems and timing issues described above by accurately and quickly counting such items. For example, the counting machines and methods described herein can count fibers and textile materials, including labels, tags, textile swatches, cardboard or other paperboard, paper towels, flat plastic (e.g., plastic inserts), and even other flat items, such as buttons. Labels can be paper labels, fabric labels including printed fabric labels ("PFLs"), hang tags, woven labels, tongue labels, size strips, heat transfer labels ("HTLs"), folded booklets, and packets. As can be appreciated, such items can be particularly suitable for garment manufacturing, such as care and use labels and pricing labels.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the planar items can have any width and height generally so long as they can fit or be supported by the counting machines described herein. For example, in various embodiments, the items can vary in size from about 5 mm by 5 mm to about 300 mm by 300 mm. In certain embodiments, the items can vary from about 10 mm by 25 mm to about 100 mm to about 260 mm. However, as can be appreciated, the counting machines and methods described herein can also be modified to count larger items. The items can generally have any thickness or depth.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the items to be counted can include RFID tags. While RFID tags can generally be counted electronically by using a suitable RFID interrogator, the counting machines and methods described herein can provide a suitable inventory of such RFID tags in situations where electronic interrogation is difficult. For example, the methods described herein can accurately count a pile of RFID tags without inadvertently counting other nearby RFID tags. Advantageously, the counting machines described herein do not damage the RFID tags during the counting process.

[0025] Generally, the counting machines and methods described herein can inventory items by a sampling process that can quickly and accurately determine the number of items sampled. For example, in certain embodiments, a pile of items can be counted by the described counting machines by measuring the thickness and / or weight of the pile and comparing the thickness and / or weight to a sampling value. As used herein, a sampling value refers to a number that relates a thickness or weight to a number of items (e.g., an example sampling value can relate a thickness of 5.1 cm to 510 items).

[0026] In certain embodiments, a sampling value can be automatically determined by a counting machine by providing the machine with a predetermined number of items or samples and instructing the machine to measure the thickness and / or weight of the predetermined number of items. A processor on the counting machine can use the provided number of items and the measured thickness and / or weight to generate a sampling value. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 An exemplary counting machine is depicted in

[0027] In some embodiments, for example in Fig. 1 Some counting machines 100 can include one or more counting areas 110 that include a fixed pressure plate 120 and a movable pressure plate 130. In some embodiments, during a counting operation, items to be counted (not depicted) are placed in the counting area 110, and then the movable pressure plate 130 is moved to push against the items to be counted. The distance between the fixed pressure plate 120 and the movable pressure plate 130 can then be measured. A control panel 140 can allow a user to control the counting machine, and for example, enter a number of items for calibration, read a number of items during a measurement operation, and so on.

[0028] The counting machine 100 can include one or more features depicted in Fig. 1 such as an on / off switch 150, an emergency stop 160, a manual gauge 170, an extended sample support 180 for supporting larger items, and an alignment bar 190 for aligning items prior to measurement. In some embodiments, one or both of the movable pressure plate 130 and the fixed pressure plate 120 are configured to sense force and / or pressure, for example by including or being coupled to a force and / or pressure sensor.

[0029] In some embodiments, for example in Fig. 3 Some counting machines 200 can include one or more of a power switch 210, an emergency stop 220, a guide plate 230, a pressure sensor assembly 240, a touch screen 250, a measurement head 260, a weigh scale 270, and a thickness measurement slot 280. In some embodiments, the weigh scale 270 can be configured to weigh an item whose thickness is being measured, for example by being incorporated into a support for one or more of the pressure sensor assembly 240, the measurement head 260, and the guide plate 230.

[0030] As can be appreciated, the counting machines described herein can be modified in various ways. For example, in certain embodiments, the manual gauge 170 and the extended sample support 180 can be omitted. In certain embodiments, the control panel 140 can be simplified to a simple display, while in other embodiments, the control panel can display a touch screen interface to allow for more advanced counting operations, such as storing known item types. As can be appreciated, the counting machine 100 can include a processor, ram, and so on (not depicted).

[0031] In certain embodiments, the movable component (e.g., the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, or the measurement head 260) can be actuated by a counting machine. In such embodiments, the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, or the measurement head 260 can be actuated by any suitable means. For example, the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, or the measurement head 260 can be attached to a track and translated along the length of the counting area by a rotary screw or a linear motor. In other embodiments, the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, or the measurement head 260 can be attached to a movable belt that is wound to translate the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, or the measurement head 260. In certain alternative embodiments, the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, or the measurement head 260 can be manually actuated by a user.

[0032] The counting machines of various embodiments can include electronic sensors to measure, for example, the distance traveled by the movable component. As can be appreciated, the distance can be measured in a variety of ways. For example, a linear or rotary encoder can be used to directly measure the distance traveled by the movable pressure plate, or an indirect measurement of the motor can be used. Some embodiments can include a laser or infrared sensor to measure the distance to a target object, such as the movable pressure plate 130, the pressure sensor assembly 240, the measurement head 260, or a portion of a component connected to or associated with the movable component of the counting machine. In certain embodiments, the counting machines described herein can have a micron precision (e.g., about ±0.001 mm precision).

[0033] For various embodiments, the number of items that can be counted is related to the total thickness of the stack of items. In certain embodiments, the distance that can be measured can vary from about 1 mm to about 16 cm, 18 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, or more. For various embodiments, the number of items that can be counted can range from about 2 to about 1,000 or more.

[0034] For various embodiments, the weight of the items to be counted can be between 0.05 g to 10 g, 20 g, 30 g, 40 g, 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g, 250 g, 300 g, 350 g, 400 g, 450 g, 500 g, or more.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the movable component can apply a predetermined amount of force to a stack of items to ensure consistent measurements. The predetermined amount of force can be automatically set based on the type of item being measured. For example, a certain predetermined force can be used for cloth, while a different predetermined force can be used for paper. In certain embodiments, the predetermined force can be the same between different items to be measured.

[0036] As can be appreciated, the amount of force applied to the stack of sample items can be measured in a variety of ways. For example, the fixed pressure plate can include a mechanical force gauge, or the mechanical force can be determined from the motor used to move the movable pressure plate. When the movable component is actuated by the counting machine, the counting machine can automatically stop actuating the movable pressure plate, measure the distance traveled by the movable pressure plate at the exact moment the predetermined force is reached, and then retract the movable pressure plate. When the movable pressure plate is actuated by the user, the counting machine can measure and record the distance traveled by the movable pressure plate at the exact moment the predetermined force is reached, and then notify the operating user that the measurement is complete.

[0037] In certain embodiments, a sample value can be determined from two or more measurements. For example, a sample value can be calculated by averaging together 3 measurements of a stack of items having a known quantity. As can be appreciated, taking multiple measurements can increase the accuracy of the sampling process and / or identify quality issues related to the sampled items.

[0038] In certain such embodiments, a different number of stacked items can be used for each sample measurement. For example, a sample value can be generated by measuring the thickness of different numbers of the same item (e.g., a stack of items that are about 2 cm thick, about 4 cm thick, and about 8 cm thick). An average sample value can then be automatically calculated from the set of measurements.

[0039] In certain embodiments, sample values can be retained and stored for future use. Typically, a sample value can be retained indefinitely for use as long as the items to be measured are not modified, and the environmental conditions remain approximately constant. In certain embodiments, a user can enter a name into the counting machine to facilitate the use of a sample value in future measurements. In certain embodiments, a counting machine can retain over one hundred different sample values. In certain embodiments, a counting machine can retain past counting operations.

[0040] In certain embodiments, a counting machine can provide a verification function. The verification function can be performed similarly to the sampling method. For example, a user can provide a stack of items having a known count, and the counting machine can verify that the known count matches the sample value. If the values do not match, the machine can request additional samples to determine a new sample value.

[0041] In certain embodiments, it can be useful to measure approximately the same number of items to increase the accuracy of the counting process. In such embodiments, the counting machine can include a ruler or scale to assist the user in loading approximately the same number of items for each counting operation.

[0042] Fig. 2A sample flowchart showing the use of a counting machine according to some embodiments is depicted in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the process begins at block 200, where the counting machine asks the user what item to count. If the item does not have a previously recorded sample value, or the user wants to update the sample value, the process continues to block 210, where the counting machine takes one or more measurements to generate a sample value. If a sample value is recorded in block 200 or block 210, the process continues to block 220, where the counting machine measures the thickness and / or weight of the pile of items and determines the number of items based on the measured thickness and / or weight and the sample weight value and / or sample thickness value. The process ends at block 230, where the number of counted items is reported.

[0043] As can be appreciated, Fig. 2 Fig. 2 The process depicted in FIG. 2 can vary. For example, block 210 or 220 can also include a verification function, and block 230 can include an offset value function.

[0044] In certain embodiments, an offset value can be calculated when multiple measurements are taken to calculate an average sample value. For example, the offset value can be determined by calculating the offset between each calibration measurement value and the average sample value. An average offset can also be calculated. The average offset can be calculated by adding the absolute value of each offset value together and dividing by the number of measurements. The average offset divided by the average sample value can provide an average offset percentage.

[0045] As can be appreciated, the offset value can be used to provide feedback to the user on the quality of the measurement. For example, a high average offset value for a particular measurement can alert the user that there is likely an error. The counting machine can provide any desired level of error, such as an offset of about 2.5% or greater, about 5% or greater, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the average offset value can be used to provide a confidence limit of about the number of items counted. For example, for a measurement of 125 items with an average offset value of 1.4%, in certain embodiments the counting machine described herein can indicate that there are between 123.25 and 126.75 items.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the counting machine can automatically request recalibration of the sample value at predetermined time intervals. For example, the counting machine can request a recalculation of the sample value every week, every month, etc.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the counting machine can include an offset function. The offset function can offset the number of items counted by the counting machine. For example, a counting machine including an offset of 2 items can report that there are 2 fewer items than actually exist. The offset can be used to ensure that enough items are always delivered to a production floor, for example, where undercounting can cause problems. In certain embodiments, the offset can match the precision of the counting machine. For example, when the counting machine is precise to within 2 items, an offset value of 2 can be used to ensure that there is always at least the desired number of items and to minimize the risk of undercounting.

[0048] In some embodiments, a user interface including options for communicating in English or Chinese can be presented to the user. The user interface can provide options for performing one or both of a weight measurement and a thickness measurement.

[0049] For some embodiments, the system can provide options for customizing various operational parameters (e.g., run speed, measurement speed, jog speed, zero speed, rounding value). The run speed can be the speed of the measurement head as it moves toward a label to be measured but has not yet contacted the label. The measurement speed can be the speed of the measurement head or other movable component as it moves toward the label after it has initially contacted the label. The jog speed can be a speed limit setting for manual movement of the movable component, or an estimated maximum speed of the movable component. For example, the speed can be electronically limited by active braking or use of the motor. The zero speed can be the speed of the movable component as it returns to the original position. The rounding value can be the amount to round when the weight or thickness measurement is a non-integer. The sample cycle can be the number of times to request a sample during a sampling operation.

[0050] For some embodiments, after thickness sampling for a set number of cycles or a user-selected number of cycles, the system can provide the following fields to the user: memory, material, copy thickness, quantity, and offset. The memory can be used to receive input for a user-selected memory field in which to store the sampled values. For example, memory slot 0 can hold information for an AS12 material, with a thickness of 7.160 and a label quantity of 50.

[0051] The thickness can be a result derived from a sample test of a total stack of labels (or other items). The label quantity can allow the user to input the number of labels measured as a known quantity. The offset can allow the user to offset the total count to eliminate uncertainty. For example, if the count is 100 plus or minus 2, a negative 2 offset can be used to provide a count result of 98, which would be an accurate “at least” number for calculating how many labels or other counted items exist.

[0052] For some embodiments, the system can enable a user to set parameters for a "stabilization time" and a "rounding value." The stabilization time can refer to the duration of time that the system will require measurements to remain stable. Requiring a longer duration of time can result in more accurate measurements, but can slow down measurements taken using the device. The rounding value can refer to the amount at which the system will begin rounding. For example, for a value of "5" as the rounding value, the system will round 50.5 to 51.

[0053] For some embodiments, during a weight sampling operation, the system is configured to perform a specified number of sample tests and then provide the following fields: material, weight, number of labels, and offset. The material field allows a user to specify the material being weighed, allowing future measurements to be taken on the same material to use a single weight that is calibrated as a basis for counting. The material code can be used to not only indicate the base material, but also to indicate a specific type of label, such as labels using a variety of materials with or without specific patterns, styles, shapes, and / or appearances. The weight field can provide an average weight measurement value from the multiple samples. The number field can allow a user to input the number of labels tested. The offset field can allow a user to specify an offset amount to account for uncertainty in the test results.

[0054] As can be appreciated, the counting machine described herein can also be modified. For example, in certain embodiments, the counting machine can include an RFID transponder. In such embodiments, the counting machine can program the counted items with information such as the number of items in the counted group, the time of manufacture, or even information about the intended use of the items. Additionally or alternatively, the counting machine can include a printer. In such embodiments, the printer can print the number of counted items, the time at which the items were counted, and the like.

[0055] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.

[0056] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

[0057] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any application disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or along with any other prior or co- pending application or contrary to patentability of any application disclosed or claimed herein. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this document shall control.

[0058] The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for the purpose of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the form to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Some of those modifications and variations have been discussed and others will occur to the skilled practitioner. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to illustrate various embodiments. The scope is, of course, defined not by the examples or embodiments described herein but by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

[0059] It is understood that certain aspects, features, structures or characteristics of various embodiments can be interchanged or combined. Reference to certain embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the application to the specific embodiments described. The occurrence of the phrase“in some embodiments” in various locations throughout this specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, nor is it necessary that all of the embodiments include the same worldings. It is also understood that steps in the methods described herein need not be performed in the order described, and that steps can be performed in an order other than that described. Additionally, other steps can be included and certain steps can be omitted in additional or alternative methods consistent with certain embodiments.

Claims

1. A counting machine comprising: a counting area configured to count a plurality of items, the counting area comprising: a fixed pressure plate; a pressure sensor assembly; and a movable pressure plate; one or more sensors configured to measure a distance between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate to measure a thickness of the plurality of items; a motor configured to actuate the movable pressure plate to apply a predefined force to the plurality of items; and a processor configured to determine a number of items in the counting area by: using the motor to move the movable pressure plate towards the plurality of items until the pressure sensor assembly indicates that the predefined force has been reached; determining the number of items by comparing a sample thickness value to a thickness of the items located between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate, wherein the counting machine is configured to automatically request recalibration of the sample thickness value at a predetermined time interval; and retracting the movable pressure plate away from the plurality of items after the number of items has been determined.

2. The counting machine of claim 1, wherein the movable pressure plate is actuatable by a control signal sent by the processor.

3. The counting machine of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the movable pressure plate is actuatable by a user.

4. The counting machine of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the thickness of the items located between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate is measured at a predefined force.

5. The counting machine of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sample thickness value is determined by providing a known number of items to the processor and measuring a thickness of the known number of items in the counting area.

6. The counting machine of claim 5, wherein the sample thickness value is an average of two or more measurements.

7. The counting machine of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sample thickness value is stored by the processor.

8. The counting machine of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: a scale; and a user interface, wherein the processor is configured to provide a count of items placed on the scale based on a sample weight value using the user interface.

9. A method of counting articles using a counting machine, the counting machine having a counting area, one or more sensors configured to measure a distance between a fixed pressure plate and a moveable pressure plate, a motor configured to actuate the moveable pressure plate, and a processor, the counting area including the fixed pressure plate; a pressure sensor assembly; and the movable pressure plate, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of items in the counting area of the counting machine between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate, using a processor to determine a number of items in the counting area by: using the motor to move the movable pressure plate towards the plurality of items until the pressure sensor assembly indicates that a predefined force has been reached; determining the number of items by comparing a sample thickness value to a thickness of the items located between the fixed pressure plate and the movable pressure plate, wherein the counting machine is configured to automatically request recalibration of the sample thickness value at a predetermined time interval; and retracting the movable pressure plate away from the plurality of items after the number of items has been determined.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: generating the sample thickness value based on at least one measurement of thickness of a known number of items.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sample thickness value is generated by averaging a plurality of measurements.

12. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the sample thickness value is saved from a previous measurement.

13. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the movable pressure plate is electronically actuatable by the counting machine, and wherein the counting machine actuates the movable pressure plate and measures thickness of the plurality of items.

14. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the plurality of items comprises paper labels or fabric labels.

15. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the plurality of items comprises radio frequency identification markers (RFID markers), and wherein the measurements are performed using a predefined force that is low enough to avoid damaging the RFID markers.

16. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the method is used to determine the number of items in 10 seconds.

17. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the counting machine further comprises a scale and a user interface, the method further comprising: receiving the plurality of items on the scale; measuring a weight of the plurality of items; and determining the number of items based on the weight of the plurality of items and a sample weight value.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: generating the sample weight value based on at least one measurement of weight of a known number of items.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the sample weight value is generated by averaging a plurality of measurements.

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