Random one-of-N selector
- 353 Church Rd., Beech Island, SC 29841
An apparatus for selecting at random one item of N items on the average comprising counter and reset elements for counting repeatedly between zero and N, a number selected by the user, a circuit for activating and deactivating the counter, a comparator to determine if the counter stopped at a count of zero, an output to indicate an item has been selected when the count is zero or not selected if the count is not zero. Randomness is provided by having the counter cycle very often while varying the relatively longer duration between activation and deactivation of the count. The passive circuit components of the activating/deactivating circuit and those of the counter are selected for the sensitivity of their response to variations in temperature and other physical characteristics of the environment so that the response time of the circuitry varies. Additionally, the items themselves, which may be people, may vary in shape or the time they press a pushbutton, so that, for example, an ultrasonic beam broken by the item or person passing through it will add to the duration of the count and thus to the randomness of the selection.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- Kronberg, James W. (353 Church Rd., Beech Island, SC 29841)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5204671
- OSTI ID:
- 868754
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Random one-of-N selector
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Related Subjects
one-of-n
selector
apparatus
selecting
item
items
average
comprising
counter
reset
elements
counting
repeatedly
zero
selected
user
circuit
activating
deactivating
comparator
determine
stopped
count
output
indicate
randomness
provided
cycle
varying
relatively
duration
activation
deactivation
passive
components
sensitivity
response
variations
temperature
physical
characteristics
environment
time
circuitry
varies
additionally
people
vary
shape
press
pushbutton
example
ultrasonic
beam
broken
person
passing
add
selection
circuit component
physical characteristics
response time
circuit components
physical characteristic
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