Random one-of-N selector

An apparatus for making a decision to select one item from several items, each of said items initiating a signal having a first duration, said apparatus comprising:

• means for generating pulses;
• means for counting pulses, said counting means in electrical connection with said generating means, said counting means counting pulses from a first number up to a reference number thereby defining a counting cycle, said counting cycle having a second duration;
• means in electrical connection with said counting means for resetting said counting means after each of said counting cycles whereby said counting means can begin another counting cycle;
• means for activating said counting means upon receipt of said output signal, said counting means activated for a third duration, said counting means responsive to said activating means and in operational connection with said sensing means for receipt of said output signal, said counting means having a count when deactivated, and wherein the sum of said first and said third duration is at least five times longer than said second duration;
• means in electrical connection with said counting means for comparing said count of said counting means to said first number;
• and
• means in electrical connection with said comparing means for indicating said item is selected when said count and said first number are equal.

A method for making a selection of an item from several items comprising the steps of:

• recognizing separately a first item of said several items;
• establishing a first duration of time equal to the length of time required to recognize said first item;
• starting a clock for said first duration of time;
• repeatedly counting from a first number to a reference number when said clock is started, each counting from said first number to said reference number defining a counting cycle, each counting cycle having a second duration of time, said first duration of time being at least five time longer than said second duration of time;
• stopping said clock at a count when said first duration of time ends;
• comparing said count at the end of said first duration of time to said first number;
• designating said item as a selected item if said count equals said first number;
• and
• designating said item as a nonselected item if said count does not equal said first number.