Label Counter

I have rolls of labels and only need so many at a time. I would like a way of counting them with some sort of electronic device. So what i need is some sort of infrared eye to signal when it detects a space between the labels then send the signal to a counter and give me a display of the current count. Any ideas?

A photo-reflective or break beam sensor would be the the best guess with out more info though the difference in thickness may be detectable using a radio-isotope source and suitable detector.

I design some time ago a counter for a air hockey game for a friend..... I never really finish it .... mostly because of my friend. Nevertheless I kept it around.... if you change it a little bit you can get what you want....

:idea: Perhaps using one of those cheap SHARP photosensors, to trigger the 555 or the counter directly.

Good Luck

Ivancho