A self-service coin changer
By combining an image recognition and weight detection module with a coin identification module, and an coin sorting and banknote exchange module, the problems of recognition accuracy and security of self-service coin exchange machines have been solved, enabling efficient and secure coin exchange operations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU YIMATONG ELECTRONIC TECH SERVICE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing self-service coin exchange machines suffer from problems such as insufficient recognition accuracy, low sorting efficiency, complex operation, and inadequate security, failing to meet users' needs for convenient, safe, and efficient exchange.
The coin recognition module combines image recognition and weight detection, along with a coin sorting module and a banknote exchange module. Equipped with a touch screen and a security lock, it achieves high-precision coin recognition, rapid sorting, and secure storage.
It improves the accuracy of coin denomination and authenticity identification, simplifies the operation process, enhances the user experience, ensures the internal security of the device, and is suitable for various public places.
Smart Images

Figure CN224399896U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of self-service equipment technology, and more specifically, to a self-service device for coin exchange, and in particular, a self-service coin exchange machine that can automatically identify, classify, and exchange coins for banknotes. Background Technology
[0002] With cash transactions still accounting for a significant portion of daily life, coins, as an important medium for small payments, are widely circulated in retail, public transportation, vending machines, and other fields. However, carrying and using large quantities of coins brings many inconveniences to users, such as their weight, volume, and difficulty in sorting them. Especially when it is necessary to exchange loose coins for banknotes, users often need to go to banks or specific exchange points, which consumes time and energy.
[0003] Traditional coin exchange methods rely heavily on manual service, where users hand their coins to a teller for counting and exchange. This method is not only inefficient but also susceptible to human error, such as omissions or failure to detect counterfeit coins. Furthermore, manual service is limited by operating hours and location, failing to meet users' needs for exchange anytime, anywhere. In recent years, self-service coin exchange machines have entered the market. These machines typically accept coins and exchange them for banknotes or electronic currency, partially alleviating the shortcomings of manual exchange. However, existing self-service coin exchange machines still have the following problems:
[0004] Insufficient recognition accuracy: Some devices rely on only a single recognition technology (such as weight or size), which has limited ability to identify worn coins and counterfeit money, and is prone to misjudgment or missed judgment.
[0005] Low sorting efficiency: The coin sorting mechanism has a complex design, slow sorting speed, and is prone to blockage due to mechanical failure, which increases maintenance costs.
[0006] Poor user experience: The interface is not intuitive enough, the redemption process is cumbersome, requiring users to spend a lot of time learning how to use it, and there is no mechanism for refunding counterfeit currency, which may harm users' rights.
[0007] Insufficient security: Coins and banknotes stored inside the device are vulnerable to unauthorized external access, and the protection measures are inadequate.
[0008] Therefore, how to provide a self-service coin exchange machine that is accurate in identification, efficient in classification, convenient in operation, and highly secure has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content
[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing self-service coin exchange machines, such as low recognition accuracy, complex operation, and insufficient security, and to provide a self-service coin exchange machine with a compact structure, integrated functions, and the ability to achieve high-precision coin recognition and fast exchange.
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0011] A self-service coin exchange machine includes: a body for housing and supporting various functional modules; a coin receiving module fixedly installed on the body for receiving coins inserted by a user; a coin recognition module connected to the coin receiving module for real-time identification of the denomination and authenticity of the coins; a coin sorting module connected to the coin recognition module for storing the identified coins according to their denominations; a banknote exchange module located within the body for exchanging coins for banknotes according to user needs; and a control module electrically connected to the coin receiving module, the coin recognition module, the coin sorting module, and the banknote exchange module for controlling the operation of each module and enabling user operation; wherein, the coin recognition module includes an image recognition unit and a weight detection unit; the image recognition unit is used to identify the denomination and authenticity of the coins using image recognition technology, and the weight detection unit is used to detect the weight of the coins to assist in verifying their authenticity.
[0012] Preferably, the coin receiving module includes a coin inlet and a coin conveying channel; the coin inlet is located outside the body of the device, and the coin conveying channel is connected to the coin inlet for conveying coins to the coin recognition module.
[0013] Preferably, the coin sorting module includes multiple coin storage boxes and a coin sorting mechanism; the coin storage boxes are set according to coin denominations, and each coin storage box corresponds to storing one denomination of coin; the coin sorting mechanism is used to sort coins into the corresponding coin storage boxes according to the recognition result of the coin recognition module.
[0014] Preferably, the banknote exchange module includes a banknote storage box and a banknote dispensing slot; the banknote storage box is used to store banknotes of different denominations, and the banknote dispensing slot is located on the outside of the machine body to provide banknotes for exchange to users.
[0015] Preferably, the control module includes a microprocessor and a touch screen; the microprocessor is used to process data and instructions from each module, and the touch screen is located on the outside of the device to display the operating interface and receive user input.
[0016] Preferably, it also includes a coin return module, connected to the coin recognition module and the control module, for returning coins identified as counterfeit or unrecognizable to the user.
[0017] Preferably, the machine body is equipped with a safety lock to lock the internal space of the machine body and prevent unauthorized access.
[0018] Preferably, the coin receiving module further includes a coin counter, which is disposed in the coin conveying channel to count the number of coins inserted.
[0019] Preferably, the banknote exchange module further includes a banknote recognition unit, which is located between the banknote storage box and the banknote dispensing slot, for recognizing and verifying the authenticity of the exchanged banknotes.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0021] 1) High-precision identification: Through a dual verification mechanism combining image recognition and weight detection, the accuracy of coin denomination and authenticity identification is significantly improved, effectively avoiding misjudgment of counterfeit or worn coins.
[0022] 2) Efficient sorting: The coin sorting module adopts a design that combines a sorting mechanism with a storage box, which realizes the rapid and automated sorting and storage of coins, reduces the risk of mechanical blockage, and improves processing efficiency.
[0023] 3) User-friendly: Equipped with a touch screen, providing an intuitive interface, users can easily complete the exchange process; the coin refund module further protects user rights.
[0024] 4) High security: The machine is equipped with a security lock to ensure the safety of the coins and banknotes inside and prevent unauthorized access or theft.
[0025] 5) High applicability: The equipment has a compact structure and high integration, and can be widely deployed in public places such as banks, shopping malls, and supermarkets to meet diverse coin exchange needs. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main appearance structure of a self-service coin exchange machine according to the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a self-service coin exchange machine according to the present invention;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the module connection relationship of a self-service coin exchange machine according to the present invention.
[0030] In the diagram: 1: Main body; 2: Coin receiving module; 21: Coin inlet; 22: Coin conveying channel; 23: Coin counter; 3: Coin recognition module; 31: Image recognition unit; 32: Weight detection unit; 4: Coin sorting module; 41: Coin storage box; 42: Coin sorting mechanism; 5: Banknote exchange module; 51: Banknote storage box; 52: Banknote dispensing slot; 53: Banknote recognition unit; 6: Control module; 61: Microprocessor; 62: Touch screen; 7: Coin return module; 11: Security lock. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0032] Please see Figure 1-3 , Figure 1-3 The overall structure of a preferred embodiment of the self-service coin exchange machine of this utility model is shown. The self-service coin exchange machine mainly includes a machine body 1, a coin receiving module 2, a coin recognition module 3, a coin sorting module 4, a banknote exchange module 5, a control module 6, and a coin return module 7.
[0033] In this embodiment, the body 1 is the external frame of the device, made of high-strength metal material, which has good pressure resistance and durability. A safety lock 11 is installed on the body 1, which locks the internal space through mechanical or electronic locking methods to ensure the safety of coins and banknotes.
[0034] The coin receiving module 2 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the main body 1, and includes a coin inlet 21, a coin conveying channel 22, and a coin counter 23. The coin inlet 21 is a rectangular opening, sized to accommodate various coin sizes, allowing users to directly insert coins. The coin conveying channel 22 uses an inclined slide or conveyor belt structure to smoothly transport coins to the coin recognition module 3. The coin counter 23 is located inside the coin conveying channel 22, and based on photoelectric sensors or mechanical counting principles, it counts the number of coins inserted in real time and transmits the data to the control module 6.
[0035] The coin recognition module 3 is connected to the coin receiving module 2 and includes an image recognition unit 31 and a weight detection unit 32. The image recognition unit 31 uses a high-resolution camera and image processing algorithms to quickly identify the coin's pattern, size, and denomination, and simultaneously determines its authenticity through feature matching technology. The weight detection unit 32 is equipped with a high-precision weighing sensor to measure the weight of each coin and compare it with standard data to further verify the coin's authenticity. The combination of these two components ensures high accuracy in recognition.
[0036] The coin sorting module 4 is connected to the coin recognition module 3 and includes multiple coin storage boxes 41 and a coin sorting mechanism 42. The coin storage boxes 41 are set according to the face value of circulating coins (e.g., 1 yuan, 0.5 yuan, 0.1 yuan), and each storage box has independent space and markings. The coin sorting mechanism 42 adopts a solenoid valve or mechanical baffle structure. Based on the recognition results of the coin recognition module 3, it controls the opening and closing of the baffles or the switching of tracks to sort the coins into the corresponding coin storage boxes 41.
[0037] The banknote exchange module 5 is located at the lower part of the machine body 1, and includes a banknote storage box 51, a banknote dispensing slot 52, and a banknote recognition unit 53. The banknote storage box 51 has a multi-compartment design and can store banknotes of different denominations (such as 5 yuan, 10 yuan, and 20 yuan). The banknote recognition unit 53 is located on the banknote transport path and verifies the authenticity of banknotes based on optical recognition technology, ensuring the security of the exchanged banknotes. The banknote dispensing slot 52 is located on the front panel of the machine body 1, through which users can retrieve the exchanged banknotes.
[0038] The control module 6 includes a microprocessor 61 and a touch screen 62. The microprocessor 61 is integrated inside the main body 1 and is responsible for processing data from various modules, coordinating workflows, and calculating the exchange amount based on user instructions. The touch screen 62 is mounted on the front panel of the main body 1 and provides a multilingual operating interface, allowing users to select the exchange amount and view information such as the number of coins by touch.
[0039] The coin return module 7 is connected to the coin recognition module 3 and the control module 6, and is located in the middle of the machine body 1. It includes a coin return channel and a coin return port. If the coin recognition module 3 detects a counterfeit coin or an unrecognizable coin, the control module 6 instructs the coin return module 7 to send the coin to the coin return port through the coin return channel to return it to the user.
[0040] The working process of this utility model in specific use is as follows:
[0041] Step 1, insert coins: The user inserts coins into the coin inlet 21, and the coin counter 23 counts the number and displays it on the touch screen 62.
[0042] Step 2, Coin Identification: The coin enters the coin identification module 3 through the coin conveying channel 22. The image recognition unit 31 and the weight detection unit 32 jointly identify its denomination and authenticity, and the result is transmitted to the control module 6.
[0043] Step 3, Classification and Storage: Based on the identification results, the coin classification module 4 sorts the coins into the corresponding coin storage boxes 41 by the coin sorting mechanism 42; counterfeit or unidentifiable coins are sent to the coin return module 7 for return.
[0044] Step 4, Select Exchange: The user selects the exchange amount or banknote denomination via the touch screen 62, and the control module 6 calculates and confirms the exchange plan.
[0045] Step 5, distributing banknotes: The banknote exchange module 5 takes out the corresponding banknotes from the banknote storage box 51, verifies them through the banknote recognition unit 53, and then distributes them to the user through the banknote dispensing port 52.
[0046] Through the above structure and process, this utility model realizes the automated identification, classification and exchange of coins. It is easy to operate, efficient and secure, and suitable for a variety of public places.
[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A self-service coin exchange machine, characterized in that, include: The main body (1) is used to house and support the various functional modules; The coin receiving module (2) is fixedly installed on the body (1) and is used to receive coins inserted by the user; The coin recognition module (3) is connected to the coin receiving module (2) and is used to identify the denomination and authenticity of the coin in real time. The coin sorting module (4) is connected to the coin recognition module (3) and is used to sort and store the recognized coins according to their face value. The banknote exchange module (5) is located inside the machine body (1) and is used to exchange coins for banknotes according to user needs. The control module (6) is electrically connected to the coin receiving module (2), the coin recognition module (3), the coin sorting module (4) and the banknote exchange module (5), and is used to control the operation of each module and realize user operation; The coin recognition module (3) includes an image recognition unit (31) and a weight detection unit (32). The image recognition unit (31) is used to identify the denomination and authenticity of the coin through image recognition technology, and the weight detection unit (32) is used to detect the weight of the coin to help verify its authenticity.
2. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coin receiving module (2) includes a coin inlet (21) and a coin conveying channel (22); the coin inlet (21) is located outside the body (1), and the coin conveying channel (22) is connected to the coin inlet (21) to convey coins to the coin recognition module (3).
3. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coin sorting module (4) includes multiple coin storage boxes (41) and a coin sorting mechanism (42); the coin storage boxes (41) are set according to the coin denomination, and each coin storage box (41) stores a coin of a certain denomination; the coin sorting mechanism (42) is used to sort the coins to the corresponding coin storage box (41) according to the recognition result of the coin recognition module (3).
4. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The banknote exchange module (5) includes a banknote storage box (51) and a banknote dispensing port (52); the banknote storage box (51) is used to store banknotes of different denominations, and the banknote dispensing port (52) is located outside the machine body (1) and is used to provide banknotes for exchange to users.
5. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module (6) includes a microprocessor (61) and a touch screen (62); the microprocessor (61) is used to process the data and instructions of each module, and the touch screen (62) is located on the outside of the body (1) to display the operation interface and receive user input.
6. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a coin return module (7), which is connected to the coin recognition module (3) and the control module (6) for returning coins identified as counterfeit or unrecognizable to the user.
7. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (1) is equipped with a safety lock (11) to lock the internal space of the body (1) and prevent unauthorized access.
8. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coin receiving module (2) also includes a coin counter (23), which is set in the coin conveying channel (22) and is used to count the number of coins inserted.
9. A self-service coin exchange machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The banknote exchange module (5) also includes a banknote recognition unit (53), which is located between the banknote storage box (51) and the banknote dispensing port (52) and is used to identify and verify the authenticity of the exchanged banknotes.