Homework help needed

I have been given the following question on a piece of homework and havent got a clue where to start. Could someone help me please?

Task-1

''You have been approach by a manufacturing company to develop an embedded microcomputer system for counting the products coming out the production line on a conveyor belt, knowing that these products would subsequently be packaged in 12x12 boxes. Visual signals should be provided to regulate the packaging (hint- similar to a traffic light).''

Assume that a hardware system, based on a design similar to the target board used in the practical sessions, has been provided.

(a)

Suggest a solution (hardware & software) that meets the needs of the company.
15 marks

(b)

Provide a full description in the form of an algorithm or flow chart for the software needs and translate this algorithm into a fully functional program,