Coin processor

Abstract

To provide a coin processor that can improve the identification accuracy of coins.SOLUTION: A coin processor includes: a coin passage 25 through which a coin C is conveyed; an illumination unit 91 that emits light toward the coin C in the coin passage 25; an image capturing unit 92 that captures images of the coin by reflection of light emitted by the illumination unit 91; a correction unit that corrects coin image data output by the image capturing unit 92; and a chart unit 101 that serves as an indicator of the correction performed by the correction unit. The correction unit corrects the coin image data based on the image data of the chart unit 101 included in the image data output by the image capturing unit 92.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a coin processing machine, an identification device for identifying coins is provided, and based on the identification result of the identification device, sorting and the like are performed, and various processes are then carried out. Generally, in a coin identification device, two or more of various identification elements such as the diameter, thickness, material, pattern, color, holes, and serrations of a coin are detected, and the identification results thereof are comprehensively judged to output identification results such as authenticity, denomination, and normality / damage. Among these identification elements of the coin identification device, there is one that images a coin with an area sensor such as a CCD camera in order to detect features on the coin surface such as a pattern or color (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a coin processing apparatus, it is desired to improve the coin identification accuracy.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing apparatus capable of improving the coin identification accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention includes a coin passage through which coins are conveyed, an illumination unit that irradiates light toward the coins in the coin passage, an imaging unit that images the coins by reflection of the light irradiated by the illumination unit, a correction unit that corrects coin image data output by the imaging unit, and a chart unit that serves as an index for correction performed by the correction unit. The correction unit corrects the coin image data based on the image data of the chart unit included in the image data output by the imaging unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin processing apparatus capable of improving the discrimination accuracy of coins.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A coin processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front" is the operator side of the coin processing apparatus 10, and "rear" is the side opposite to the operator of the coin processing apparatus 10.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the coin processing apparatus 10 has an operation unit 11 to which operations by an operator are input and a display unit 12 that displays information to the operator on the front surface 10B side of its upper surface 10A. Further, the coin processing apparatus 10 has a coin insertion unit 21 into which loose coins are inserted by the operator on the rear side of the operation unit 11 on its upper surface 10A. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the coin processing apparatus 10 has a feeding mechanism 22 below this coin insertion unit 21 that feeds out the coins inserted into the coin insertion unit 21 one by one. This feeding mechanism 22 has a rotating disk 23 that receives the coins inserted into the coin insertion unit 21 and is rotatably provided around a vertical axis, and a separating unit 24 that is located on the side of the rotating disk 23 and separates and feeds out the coins that move outward by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating disk 23 by passing them through.

[0011] The coin processing apparatus 10 has a coin passage 25 that guides the coins fed out from the separating unit 24 of the feeding mechanism 22 on the side of the separating unit 24 of the feeding mechanism 22. The coin passage 25 has a passage portion 26 that is horizontally arranged and on which the coins slide on the upper surface, and conveying guide portions 27, 28 provided on both the left and right sides in the coin conveying direction of the passage portion 26 and that are one step higher than the passage portion 26. The conveying guide portions 27, 28 guide both the left and right sides in the coin conveying direction of the coins that slide on the lower surface of the passage portion 26. The interval between the conveying guide portions 27, 28, that is, the width of the passage portion 26, is such that coins of all denominations fed out from the feeding mechanism 22 can be arranged in a line in the order they are fed out and sequentially transferred.

[0012] The passage portion 26 has a first straight portion 31 that is connected to the separating unit 24 and extends in a substantially tangential direction of the rotating disk 23, a second straight portion 32 that extends from the side opposite to the separating unit 24 of the first straight portion 31 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first straight portion 31, and a third straight portion 33 that extends from the side opposite to the first straight portion 31 of the second straight portion 32 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the second straight portion 32.

[0013] Above the passage portion 26, a conveying mechanism 36 is provided along the passage portion 26. This conveying mechanism 36 conveys the coins fed from the feeding mechanism 22 into the passage portion 26 along the passage portion 26 while pressing them from above. In other words, the coins are conveyed through the driving of the conveying mechanism 36 in the passage portion 26.

[0014] The conveying mechanism 36 includes a linearly-shaped introduction-side belt 37 in a plan view that conveys the coins fed from the rotating disk 23 upstream of the first straight portion 31 of the passage portion 26, a U-shaped upstream-side conveying belt 38 in a plan view that conveys the coins sent out from the introduction-side belt 37 from the first straight portion 31 to a part on the second straight portion 32 side of the third straight portion 33, and a linearly-shaped downstream-side conveying belt 39 in a plan view that receives the coins from the upstream-side conveying belt 38 and conveys them in the remaining part on the side opposite to the second straight portion 32 of the third straight portion 33.

[0015] In the first straight portion 31 of the passage portion 26, in the vicinity of the feeding mechanism 22 and at the position of the introduction-side belt 37 in the coin conveying direction, a coin detection sensor 47 for detecting the coins conveyed on the first straight portion 31 by the introduction-side belt 37 is provided. The coin detection sensor 47 is, for example, an optical sensor, and by detecting the passage of the coins moving on the first straight portion 31, it serves as a count sensor capable of counting the number of passing coins.

[0016] In the first straight portion 31 of the passage portion 26, at the position of the upstream-side conveying belt 38 in the coin conveying direction, a coin discrimination unit 48 for discriminating and counting the authenticity and denomination of the coins by detecting the material and image of the coins conveyed on the first straight portion 31 by the upstream-side conveying belt 38 is provided so as to constitute a part of the first straight portion 31.

[0017] In the second straight portion 32 of the passage portion 26, an upstream coin sorting unit 50 is provided at the position of the upstream conveyance belt 38 in the coin conveyance direction for sorting the coins conveyed on the second straight portion 32 by the upstream conveyance belt 38 based on the sorting result of the coin discrimination unit 48 or the like. This upstream coin sorting unit 50 has a take-out sorting unit 51 and a reject sorting unit 52 located downstream of the take-out sorting unit 51.

[0018] When the counting mode for counting a specified single denomination of coins and taking out a specified number of coins is executed, the take-out sorting unit 51 excludes the coins of the specified single denomination to be counted from the passage portion 26 until the specified number is reached. Also, when the deposit storage process of counting and classifying coins of mixed denominations by denomination and storing them is executed, the take-out sorting unit 51 does not exclude coins from the passage portion 26.

[0019] When the counting mode is executed, the reject sorting unit 52 excludes coins other than the coins to be counted including unidentifiable coins and coins of the denomination of the coins to be counted exceeding the specified number from the passage portion 26. Also, when the deposit storage process is executed, the reject sorting unit 52 excludes unidentifiable coins from the passage portion 26.

[0020] The take-out sorting unit 51 has a sorting hole 54 formed to penetrate the second straight portion 32 of the passage portion 26 vertically, and a shutter 55 for opening and closing the sorting hole 54. When the shutter 55 is actuated to open, the coins are dropped from the sorting hole 54. This sorting hole 54 communicates with a take-out port (not shown) provided at a position facing outside the machine via a chute (not shown), and guides the dropped coins to the take-out port so that the coins can be taken out of the machine.

[0021] The reject sorting unit 52 has a sorting hole 57 formed to penetrate the second straight portion 32 of the passage portion 26 vertically, and a shutter 58 for opening and closing the sorting hole 57. When the shutter 58 is actuated to open, the coins are dropped from the sorting hole 57. This sorting hole 57 communicates with the reject port 60 shown in FIG. 1 provided at a position facing outside the machine via a chute (not shown), and guides the dropped coins to the reject port 60 so that the coins can be taken out of the machine.

[0022] A coin detection sensor 61 for detecting coins is provided at an upstream position of the coin extraction and sorting unit 51 in the second straight portion 32 of the passage portion 26. The coin detection sensor 61 is, for example, an optical sensor, and is for measuring the timing of opening and closing of the shutter 55 when the detected coin is dropped from the sorting hole 54 of the coin extraction and sorting unit 51. Further, the coin detection sensor 61 can count the number of coins passing therethrough by detecting the passage of coins moving on the second straight portion 32 by the drive of the upstream conveyance belt 38.

[0023] A coin detection sensor 62 for detecting coins is provided at a position between the coin extraction and sorting unit 51 and the reject sorting unit 52 in the second straight portion 32 of the passage portion 26. The coin detection sensor 62 is, for example, an optical sensor, and is for measuring the timing of opening and closing of the shutter 58 when the detected coin is dropped from the sorting hole 57 of the reject sorting unit 52. Moreover, the coin detection sensor 62 can count the number of coins passing therethrough by detecting the passage of coins moving on the second straight portion 32 by the drive of the upstream conveyance belt 38. That is, the coin detection sensor 62 can count coins between the coin extraction and sorting unit 51 and the reject sorting unit 52 downstream thereof.

[0024] In the third straight portion 33 of the passage portion 26, in the deposit storage process, a denomination sorting unit 65 for sorting the coins identified by the upstream coin discrimination unit 48 for each denomination is provided. This denomination sorting unit 65 has the same number of sorting holes 66a to 66f as the number of denominations, which sorts and drops the coins conveyed on the third straight portion 33 by the upstream conveying belt 38 and the downstream conveying belt 39 according to denominations. These sorting holes 66a to 66f are arranged in the order of sorting holes 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e, 66f from the upstream side in the coin conveying direction on the third straight portion 33. The widths of these sorting holes 66a to 66f gradually increase in order to drop the coins in order from the one with the smallest coin diameter. That is, the leftmost sorting hole 66a has the smallest width and sorts and drops 1-yen coins, the next sorting hole 66b is wider than the sorting hole 66a and sorts and drops 50-yen coins, the next sorting hole 66c is wider than the sorting hole 66b and sorts and drops 5-yen coins, the next sorting hole 66d is wider than the sorting hole 66c and sorts and drops 100-yen coins, the next sorting hole 66e is wider than the sorting hole 66d and sorts and drops 10-yen coins, and the next sorting hole 66f is wider than the sorting hole 66e and sorts and drops 500-yen coins.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, coin detection sensors 67a to 67f are correspondingly arranged at positions immediately before each of the sorting holes 66a to 66f in the third straight portion 33. That is, a coin detection sensor 67a is provided at a position immediately before the sorting hole 66a, a coin detection sensor 67b is provided between the sorting hole 66a and the sorting hole 66b, a coin detection sensor 67c is provided between the sorting hole 66b and the sorting hole 66c, a coin detection sensor 67d is provided between the sorting hole 66c and the sorting hole 66d, a coin detection sensor 67e is provided between the sorting hole 66d and the sorting hole 66e, and a coin detection sensor 67f is provided between the sorting hole 66e and the sorting hole 66f. The difference in the number of coins that have passed through adjacent ones among the coin detection sensors 67a to 67f is counted as the number of coins sorted by the one located therebetween among the sorting holes 66a to 66f.

[0026] The coins sorted by the sorting holes 66a to 66f are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 70 shown in FIG. 1 in a state of being sorted by coin type, and then stored in the storage unit 71 below the temporary storage unit 70 in a state of being sorted by coin type.

[0027] The temporary storage unit 70 is provided so as to be pullable out on the front surface 10B side of the coin processing apparatus 10, temporarily stores the coins sorted by the sorting holes 66a to 66f shown in FIG. 2 for each coin type, and can return the temporarily stored coins by being pulled out from the front surface 10B shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] The storage unit 71 has storage boxes 72a to 72f of different coin types that receive and store coins for each coin type from the temporary storage unit 70. The storage boxes 72a to 72f are each provided so as to be pullable out on the front surface 10B side of the coin processing apparatus 10, and the stored coins can be taken out by being pulled out from the front surface 10B. The storage box 72a stores the coins sorted by the sorting hole 66a, the storage box 72b stores the coins sorted by the sorting hole 66b, the storage box 72c stores the coins sorted by the sorting hole 66c, the storage box 72d stores the coins sorted by the sorting hole 66d, the storage box 72e stores the coins sorted by the sorting hole 66e, and the storage box 72f stores the coins sorted by the sorting hole 66f.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first straight portion 31 of the passage portion 26 is a transparent passage portion 81 formed by a flat transparent plate 80 made of a transparent material such as glass or acrylic resin through which light can pass, at the position of the coin identification portion 48. The transparent plate 80 forming the transparent passage portion 81 extends horizontally not only within the range of the transparent passage portion 81 but also to the range of the lower surfaces of the conveyance guide portions 27 and 28.

[0030] The coin identification unit 48 has two sets of timing sensors 82 provided at a position upstream of the transparent passage portion 81 in the coin conveyance direction. These timing sensors 82 are provided at positions spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the coin conveyance direction with the positions in the coin conveyance direction in the transparent passage portion 81 aligned. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the timing sensors 82 has a light emitting element 83 and a light receiving element 84 arranged vertically via the transparent passage portion 81. These timing sensors 82 are provided such that the light emitted from the light emitting element 83 can be received by the light receiving element 84 via the transparent passage portion 81, and output a signal indicating the presence of the coin C when the light receiving element 84 does not receive the light emitted from the light emitting element 83. The timing sensors 82 measure the timing of the coin C entering the transparent passage portion 81 by the drive of the conveyance mechanism 36.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the coin identification unit 48 has a pair of magnetic sensors 88 for detecting the magnetic properties of the coin C on the downstream side in the coin conveyance direction of the timing sensors 82 in the transparent passage portion 81. These magnetic sensors 88 are provided with the positions in the coin conveyance direction in the transparent passage portion 81 aligned and spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the coin conveyance direction.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the coin identification unit 48 has an illumination unit 91 below the transparent passage portion 81 that irradiates light from below through the transparent passage portion 81 toward the surface (lower surface) of the coin C passing over the transparent passage portion 81. Further, the coin identification unit 48 has an imaging unit 92 below the illumination unit 91 that captures an image of the surface (lower surface) of the coin C by the reflection of the light irradiated by the illumination unit 91.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the lighting unit 91 includes a number (e.g., 24) of light-emitting elements 93 such as LEDs arranged at equal intervals on a circle centered at a predetermined position in the middle of the coin conveyance direction of the transparent passage portion 81 and at the center in the direction orthogonal to the coin conveyance. As shown in FIG. 4, each light-emitting element 93 is arranged such that its optical axis forms a small angle with respect to the horizontal direction and faces a predetermined point on the central axis of a circle centered on the central portion of the transparent passage portion 81, enabling light to be irradiated onto the surface (lower surface) of the coin C passing over the transparent passage portion 81 at a shallow angle. The annular lighting unit 91 is arranged such that its central axis is parallel or coincident with the central axis of the coin C on the transparent passage portion 81.

[0034] The imaging unit 92 includes a lens system component 95 arranged such that its optical axis coincides with the central axis of the annular lighting unit 91, and an area sensor 96 provided below the lens system component 95. The area sensor 96 is provided such that the focal position by the lens system component 95 is on the upper surface of the transparent passage portion 81. The area sensor 96 is configured by arranging a large number of light-receiving elements such as CCDs that photoelectrically detect the light emitted from the lighting unit 91 and reflected by the surface (lower surface) of the coin C in a planar manner. The imaging unit 92 converts the image data of the coin C obtained by photoelectrically detecting by the area sensor 96 into a digital signal to generate digitized image data of the coin C. The imaging unit 92 uses the area sensor 96 to perform imaging with the circular imaging target area X shown in FIG. 3 on the upper surface of the transparent passage portion 81 as the imaging range.

[0035] The lighting unit 91 is annularly arranged so as to surround the imaging target area X, which is the imaging range of the imaging unit 92 in the transparent passage portion 81, over the entire circumference, and is capable of irradiating at least this imaging target area X with light. Therefore, the lighting unit 91 is annularly arranged so as to surround the coin C passing over the transparent passage portion 81 over the entire circumference, and irradiates the surface (lower surface) of the coin C sliding on the transparent passage portion 81 with light from below.

[0036] The coin identification unit 48 has a chart unit 101, which is an index for correcting the image data captured by the area sensor 96 of the imaging unit 92, i.e., a reference chart unit, on the lower surface facing the imaging unit 92 of, for example, the transport guide unit 27, which is one of the transport guide units 27 and 28.

[0037] The chart unit 101 is provided in a range that overlaps with the transparent plate 80 in the horizontal direction. The chart unit 101 is arranged within the imaging target area X, which is the effective imaging area of the area sensor 96 of the imaging unit 92. Since the chart unit 101 is provided on the lower surface of the transport guide unit 27, it is provided outside the area through which the coin C passes in the imaging target area X, i.e., outside the area of the transparent passage portion 81 in the imaging target area X. The chart unit 101 is a color chart painted with a reference color. The area sensor 96 captures the chart unit 101 arranged within the imaging target area X, which is the effective imaging area, together with the coin C to be identified.

[0038] Note that the chart unit 101 may be provided on the lower surface facing the imaging unit 92 of the transport guide unit 28, which is the other of the transport guide units 27 and 28, instead of the transport guide unit 27, which is one of the transport guide units 27 and 28, or may be provided on the lower surfaces of both the transport guide units 27 and 28.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the coin identification unit 48 has a magnetic sensor memory 102 that stores magnetic data detected by the magnetic sensor 88 and an area sensor memory 103 that stores image data detected by the area sensor 96. A detection signal of the coin C from the timing sensor 82 is input to the magnetic sensor memory 102 and the area sensor memory 103, respectively.

[0040] The magnetic sensor memory 102 stores the magnetic data detected by the magnetic sensor 88 based on the detection signal of the coin C by the timing sensor 82. That is, based on the conveyance speed of the conveyance mechanism 36, the magnetic sensor memory 102 stores the magnetic data detected by the magnetic sensor 88 at a timing when it is estimated that after the timing sensor 82 detects the target coin C, the target coin C has been conveyed to a position where the magnetic sensor 88 can favorably detect the magnetic data.

[0041] The area sensor memory 103 stores the image data captured by the area sensor 96 based on the detection signal of the coin C by the timing sensor 82. That is, based on the conveyance speed of the conveyance mechanism 36, the area sensor memory 103 stores the image data detected by the area sensor 96 at a timing when it is estimated that after the timing sensor 82 detects the target coin C, the target coin C has been conveyed to a position where the area sensor 96 can favorably capture the image data.

[0042] The coin discrimination unit 48 has a material discrimination unit 105 that determines the authenticity and denomination of the target coin C based on the magnetic data stored in the magnetic sensor memory 102. For example, the material discrimination unit 105 compares the detected magnetic data of the target coin C with magnetic reference data, which is preset and stored magnetic reference data. If there is magnetic reference data that can be determined to be close, it determines that the target coin C is a genuine coin of the denomination of this magnetic reference data and outputs a first denomination candidate signal indicating this denomination. For example, if the material discrimination unit 105 compares the detected magnetic data of the target coin C with the magnetic reference data and there is no magnetic reference data that can be determined to be close, it determines that the target coin C is a counterfeit coin and outputs a first counterfeit determination signal indicating that it is a counterfeit coin.

[0043] The coin identification unit 48 includes a coin image data extraction unit 107 that extracts coin image data, which is the image data of the target coin C in the transparent passage portion 81, from the image data stored in the area sensor memory 103, and a color chart image data extraction unit 108 that extracts color chart image data, which is the image data of the chart portion 101 outside the transparent passage portion 81, from the image data stored in the area sensor memory 103.

[0044] The coin identification unit 48 has an outer diameter determination unit 111 that detects the outer diameter data of the target coin C from the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107 and determines authenticity and denomination based on the detected outer diameter data. The outer diameter determination unit 111, for example, compares the detected outer diameter data of the target coin C with outer diameter reference data, which is preset and stored reference data for the outer diameter. If there is outer diameter reference data that can be determined to be close, it determines that the target coin C is a genuine coin of the denomination of this outer diameter reference data and outputs a second denomination candidate signal indicating this denomination. The outer diameter determination unit 111, for example, compares the detected outer diameter data of the target coin C with the outer diameter reference data. If there is no outer diameter reference data that can be determined to be close, it determines that the target coin C is a counterfeit coin and outputs a second counterfeit determination signal indicating that it is a counterfeit coin.

[0045] The coin identification unit 48 has a pattern determination unit 112 that detects the pattern data of the target coin C from the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107 and determines authenticity and denomination based on the detected pattern data. The pattern determination unit 112, for example, compares the detected pattern data of the target coin C with pattern reference data, which is preset and stored reference data for the pattern. If there is pattern reference data that can be determined to be close, it determines that the target coin C is a genuine coin of the denomination of this pattern reference data and outputs a third denomination candidate signal indicating this denomination. The pattern determination unit 112, for example, compares the detected pattern data of the target coin C with the pattern reference data. If there is no pattern reference data that can be determined to be close, it determines that the target coin C is a counterfeit coin and outputs a third counterfeit determination signal indicating that it is a counterfeit coin.

[0046] The coin identification unit 48 has a color / brightness reference data storage unit 115 in which color reference data that is reference data for color and brightness reference data that is reference data for brightness are set and stored in advance.

[0047] The coin identification unit 48 has a correction unit 117 that corrects the coin image data output by the area sensor 96 of the imaging unit 92 and extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107. The correction unit 117 corrects the coin image data of the target coin C included in the same image data based on the image data of the chart unit 101 included in the image data output by the area sensor 96. The correction unit 117 corrects the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107 from this image data stored in the area sensor memory 103 based on the color chart image data extracted by the color chart image data extraction unit 108 from the image data output from the area sensor 96 and stored in the area sensor memory 103, and the color reference data and brightness reference data stored in the color / brightness reference data storage unit 115.

[0048] The correction unit 117, for example, calculates the difference between the color chart image data extracted by the color chart image data extraction unit 108 and the brightness reference data under the standard light source stored in the color / brightness reference data storage unit 115, and corrects the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107 so as to shift the brightness by this difference. As a result, the brightness of the coin image data becomes close to the actual brightness of the target coin C. In other words, the correction unit 117 calculates the difference in brightness due to the secular change of the area sensor 96 and the lighting unit 91 at the time of imaging, and the influence of the surrounding environment such as temperature and humidity on the color chart image data imaged by the area sensor 96 this time with respect to the brightness reference data, and corrects the coin image data imaged by the area sensor 96 this time so as to shift the brightness by this difference. Specifically, this difference calculates the difference in parameters related to brightness as correction data.

[0049] In addition, the correction unit 117 calculates, for example, the difference between the color chart image data extracted by the color chart image data extraction unit 108 and the color tone reference data in the standard light source stored in the color tone / brightness reference data storage unit 115, and corrects the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107 so as to shift the color tone by this difference. As a result, the color tone of the coin image data approaches the actual color tone of the target coin C. In other words, the correction unit 117 calculates the difference in color tone due to aging changes in the area sensor 96 and the illumination unit 91 at the time of imaging, and the influence of the surrounding environment such as temperature and humidity, with respect to the color tone reference data, in the color chart image data captured by the area sensor 96 this time, and corrects the coin image data captured by the area sensor 96 this time so as to shift the color tone by this difference. Specifically, this difference is the difference in each parameter of R, G, and B, which are the three primary colors of light, with respect to the color tone.

[0050] The coin discrimination unit 48 has a color tone discrimination unit 119 that determines authenticity and denomination based on the color tone of the coin image data whose brightness and color tone have been corrected by the correction unit 117. The color tone discrimination unit 119 compares, for example, the coin image data of the target coin C corrected by the correction unit 117 with the color tone reference data, which is the preset and stored color tone reference data. If there is color tone reference data that can be determined to be close, it is determined that the target coin C is a genuine coin of the denomination of this color tone reference data, and a fourth denomination candidate signal indicating this denomination is output. The color tone discrimination unit 119 determines, for example, that the target coin C is a counterfeit coin if there is no color tone reference data that can be determined to be close when comparing the detected color tone data of the target coin C with the color tone reference data, and outputs a fourth counterfeit determination signal indicating that it is a counterfeit coin. Thus, what is input to the color tone discrimination unit 119 is not the coin image data itself captured by the area sensor 96, but the coin image data whose brightness and color tone have been corrected by the correction unit 117.

[0051] The coin identification unit 48 has a comprehensive determination unit 121 that finally determines the authenticity and denomination of the target coin C based on the authenticity and denomination of the target coin C determined by the material determination unit 105, the authenticity and denomination of the target coin C determined by the outer diameter determination unit 111, the authenticity and denomination of the target coin C determined by the pattern determination unit 112, and the authenticity and denomination of the target coin C determined by the color determination unit 119.

[0052] For example, for a single target coin C, the comprehensive determination unit 121 determines that it is a genuine coin of a predetermined denomination by the material determination unit 105 and outputs a first denomination candidate signal, determines that it is a genuine coin of a predetermined denomination by the outer diameter determination unit 111 and outputs a second denomination candidate signal, determines that it is a genuine coin of a predetermined denomination by the pattern determination unit 112 and outputs a third denomination candidate signal, determines that it is a genuine coin of a predetermined denomination by the color determination unit 119 and outputs a fourth denomination candidate signal. Moreover, when the first denomination candidate signal, the second denomination candidate signal, the third denomination candidate signal, and the fourth denomination candidate signal indicate the same denomination, this target coin C is determined to be a genuine coin of this same denomination, and a denomination signal indicating this denomination is output to the device control unit 123.

[0053] For example, for a single target coin C, when it is determined to be a counterfeit coin by at least one of the material determination unit 105, the outer diameter determination unit 111, the pattern determination unit 112, and the color determination unit 119, and at least one of the first counterfeit determination signal, the second counterfeit determination signal, the third counterfeit determination signal, and the fourth counterfeit determination signal is output, this target coin C is determined to be a counterfeit coin, and a mismatch signal indicating that it is a counterfeit coin is output to the device control unit 123.

[0054] When the comprehensive determination unit 121 outputs either a denomination signal or a mismatch signal for a single target coin C, it outputs a memory reset signal to the magnetic sensor memory 102 and the area sensor memory 103. When the memory reset signal is input, the magnetic sensor memory 102 erases the magnetic data of this target coin C. When the memory reset signal is input, the area sensor memory 103 erases the image data at the time of imaging of this target coin C.

[0055] Here, the interval at which the coin C is fed out by the feeding mechanism 22 shown in FIG. 2 is such that after one coin C is detected by the timing sensor 82, the comprehensive determination unit 121 outputs either a coin type signal or a mismatch signal for this coin C and outputs a memory reset signal to the magnetic sensor memory 102 and the area sensor memory 103, erases the magnetic data of the magnetic sensor memory 102, and erases the image data of the area sensor memory 103, and then is set to detect the next one coin C by the timing sensor 82. In other words, after one coin C is identified, the coin identification unit 48 outputs a memory reset signal from the comprehensive determination unit 121 to the magnetic sensor memory 102 and the area sensor memory 103 as a preparation for identifying the next coin C, thereby resetting the data of the magnetic sensor memory 102 and the area sensor memory 103 for this one coin C and making it possible to store the magnetic data and image data of the next coin C.

[0056] When the coin identification unit 48 performs identification on each of the coins C sequentially conveyed one by one, the correction unit 117 performs the above-described correction. That is, when the coin identification unit 48 performs identification on the first coin C imaged by the imaging unit 92, the correction unit 117 performs the above-described correction, and when the coin identification unit 48 performs identification on the next second coin C imaged by the imaging unit 92, the correction unit 117 performs the above-described correction again, and when the coin identification unit 48 performs identification on the next third coin C imaged by the imaging unit 92, the correction unit 117 performs the above-described correction again. In this way, the correction unit 117 performs correction every time the imaging unit 92 images the coin C by the area sensor 96.

[0057] Next, regarding the control content by the device control unit 123, as an example of various processes, the deposit storage process will be described as an example.

[0058] When performing a deposit storage process of counting mixed-denomination coins, classifying them by denomination, and storing them, basically, the operator will insert mixed-denomination coins into the coin insertion unit 21. In this state, the operator will sequentially perform a selection and designation operation for the deposit storage process and an input for starting the process on the operation unit 11. Then, the device control unit 123 will drive the payout mechanism 22 and the conveyance mechanism 36. Thus, the coins in the coin insertion unit 21 are separated one by one by the separation unit 24 from the rotating turntable 23 and fed out onto the passage portion 26 of the coin passage 25. In the order in which they are fed out in the passage portion 26, they are transferred to the introduction-side belt 37 and the upstream-side conveyance belt 38, and are conveyed by this upstream-side conveyance belt 38 toward the coin identification unit 48 and the upstream-side coin sorting unit 50.

[0059] The coin C conveyed as described above is first detected by the coin detection sensor 47 at the position of the introduction-side belt 37 while being conveyed by the introduction-side belt 37. Next, it moves on the transparent passage portion 81 while being conveyed by the upstream-side conveyance belt 38. During the movement on this transparent passage portion 81, this coin C is detected by the timing sensor 82 of the coin identification unit 48, and then passes through the position of the magnetic sensor 88. The magnetic sensor 88 detects magnetic data based on the timing when this coin C is detected by the timing sensor 82 and stores it in the magnetic sensor memory 102. After that, this coin C passes through the imaging target area X of the imaging unit 92, and the area sensor 96 of the imaging unit 92 captures the image data of the imaging target area X based on the timing detected by the timing sensor 82 and stores it in the area sensor memory 103.

[0060] From the magnetic data stored in the magnetic sensor memory 102, the material determination unit 105 determines the denomination and authenticity of this coin C and outputs a first denomination candidate signal or a first false determination signal.

[0061] From the image data of the imaging target area X stored in the area sensor memory 103, the coin image data extraction unit 107 extracts the coin image data of the coin C, and the color chart image data extraction unit 108 extracts the color chart image data of the chart unit 101. Then, the outer diameter determination unit 111 detects the outer diameter data from the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107, and determines the authenticity and denomination of this coin C from this outer diameter data, and outputs a second denomination candidate signal or a second fake determination signal.

[0062] Also, the pattern determination unit 112 detects pattern data from the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107, and determines the authenticity and denomination of this coin C from this pattern data, and outputs a third denomination candidate signal or a third fake determination signal to the comprehensive determination unit 121.

[0063] Also, the correction unit 117 corrects the brightness and color tone of the coin image data extracted by the coin image data extraction unit 107 based on the color chart image data extracted by the color chart image data extraction unit 108 and the color tone reference data and brightness reference data stored in the color tone / brightness reference data storage unit 115. Then, the color tone determination unit 119 determines the authenticity and denomination of this coin C from the corrected coin image data, and outputs a fourth denomination candidate signal or a fourth fake determination signal to the comprehensive determination unit 121.

[0064] When the comprehensive determination unit 121 determines that this coin C is a genuine coin, it outputs the denomination signal of its denomination to the device control unit 123. When it determines that it is a fake coin, it outputs a mismatch signal to the device control unit 123, and outputs a memory reset signal to the magnetic sensor memory 102 and the area sensor memory 103.

[0065] When the device control unit 123 determines that the coin C is a fake coin by the comprehensive determination unit 121, based on the timing when this coin C is detected by the coin detection sensor 62, it opens the shutter 58 at a timing when it can fall into the sorting hole 57 of the reject sorting unit 52. Then, this coin C falls from the sorting hole 57 and is guided to the reject port 60.

[0066] Also, when the coin C is determined to be a genuine coin by the comprehensive determination unit 121, the device control unit 123 keeps the shutter 58 of the reject sorting unit 52 closed, allows this coin C to pass through, and conveys it toward the denomination sorting unit 65. Then, the denomination sorting unit 65 sorts and drops the conveyed coin C into the sorting holes 66a to 66f for each denomination and temporarily stores it in the temporary storage bins 73 of the temporary storage unit 70 according to the denomination.

[0067] And when all the coins C of the feeding mechanism 22 are sorted by either the reject sorting unit 52 or the denomination sorting unit 65, the device control unit 123 confirms the coincidence between the counting result for each denomination by the coin identification unit 48 and the counting result for each denomination by the coin detection sensors 67a to 67f provided corresponding to the sorting holes 66a to 66f, and causes the counting result to be displayed on the display unit 12.

[0068] When an approval operation is input to the operation unit 11 by the operator who has seen this, the device control unit 123 delivers the coins C temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 70 according to the denomination to the storage bins 72a to 72f for each denomination in the storage unit 71. Thereby, the coins C temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 70 according to the denomination are stored in the storage unit 71 according to the denomination.

[0069] On the other hand, when a cancel operation is input to the operation unit 11 by the operator who has seen the counting result displayed on the display unit 12, the device control unit 123 makes the temporary storage unit 70 in a state where it can be pulled out. The operator pulls out the temporary storage unit 70 and takes out the coin C.

[0070] As described above, in the coin processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the correction unit 117 of the coin discrimination unit 48 corrects the coin image data of the coin C based on the color chart image data of the chart unit 101 included in the image data output by the imaging unit 92. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the change in performance over time of the lighting unit 91 and the imaging unit 92 and the use environment such as temperature and humidity. Accordingly, it becomes possible to improve the discrimination accuracy of the coin C. Moreover, since the coin processing apparatus 10 includes the image of the chart unit 101 in the image data output by the imaging unit 92 and corrects the coin image data based on the chart color image data of the chart unit 101, it has a simple structure and a low cost. In addition, it is not necessary for the serviceman to take the trouble to adjust the imaging unit 92 by a special operation.

[0071] That is, the image data captured by the imaging unit 92 does not have a constant brightness or color due to the change in performance over time of the lighting unit 91 and the imaging unit 92 and the influence of temperature and humidity. For example, when the light emission amount of the lighting unit 91 composed of LEDs increases and becomes brighter at a low temperature, the image also appears brighter. Also, when the sensitivity of the area sensor 96 of the imaging unit 92 composed of a CCD camera decreases due to aging deterioration, the image appears darker. For example, in order to suppress the influence of temperature and humidity, a method of adding a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor to predict the change in brightness due to temperature and humidity and adjusting the image data can be considered. However, adding a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor increases the cost, and the prediction of the change is only a prediction, so the accuracy is inferior. On the other hand, since the coin processing apparatus 10 does not need to add a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, it has a simple structure and can improve the discrimination accuracy of the coin C at low cost.

[0072] In addition, since the chart unit 101 is within the imaging target area X when the imaging unit 92 images the coin C, the correction unit 117 of the coin discrimination unit 48 can correct the coin image data of the coin C based on the color chart image data of the chart unit 101 included in the image data output when the imaging unit 92 images the coin C to obtain coin image data. Therefore, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and in addition, it is possible to avoid an increase in the time required for correction and improve the discrimination accuracy of the coin C.

[0073] That is, if imaging for correction is performed separately from imaging of the coin C, movement of the imaging unit is required, the structure becomes complex, the cost becomes high, and in addition, it causes an increase in the time required for correction. On the other hand, since the coin processing device 10 does not require movement of the imaging unit, it has a simple structure, low cost, and can also avoid an increase in the time required for correction.

[0074] In addition, since the chart unit 101 is within the imaging target area X when the imaging unit 92 images the coin C by the area sensor 96 of the imaging unit 92 and is provided outside the transparent passage unit 81 which is the area through which the coin C passes, it is easy to separate the coin image data which is the image data of the coin C and the color chart image data which is the image data of the chart unit 101.

[0075] In addition, since the chart unit 101 is provided on the surface facing the imaging unit 92 of the conveyance guide units 27 and 28 that guide the coin C in the coin passage 25, the chart unit 101 can be easily arranged at an appropriate position.

[0076] In addition, since the correction unit 117 of the coin processing apparatus 10 performs correction every time the imaging unit 92 images the coin C, it is possible to further improve the identification accuracy of the coin C. Moreover, in the coin processing apparatus 10, the chart unit 101 is within the imaging target area X when the imaging unit 92 images the coin C, and corrects the coin image data based on the color chart image data of the chart unit 101 included in the image data output when the imaging unit 92 images the coin C. Therefore, even if correction is performed every time the imaging unit 92 images the coin C, the time required for correction can be significantly shortened compared to the case where the imaging unit moves for correction.

[0077] The coin processing apparatus 10 of the above embodiment can be modified as follows in Modification Examples 1 to 4. <Modification Example 1. Function to visually confirm the effect of correction processing> Based on the output signal from the correction unit 117, every time the coin C is identified, the apparatus control unit 123 may record two images: the corrected coin image (image data with the correct color tone / brightness) and the coin image without correction (image data with a deviation in color tone or brightness), and display them on the display unit 12. As a result, the user can visually compare and confirm that there are aging changes in the lighting unit 91 and the imaging unit 92. Therefore, the user can know to what extent the correction unit 117 corrects the color tone and brightness, and when the change amount of the correction is extremely large, it becomes an opportunity to request maintenance inspection, leading to early detection of malfunctions.

[0078] <Modification Example 2. Fault diagnosis function of the imaging unit 92> Also, the process of Modification Example 1 may be automatically performed by the apparatus control unit 123 instead of the user. Specifically, a threshold value at which a component failure is suspected is set in advance for the correction value calculated by the correction unit 117. When the correction value exceeds this threshold value, the apparatus control unit 123 may perform control to display on the display unit 12 a notification for prompting the user to replace the imaging unit 92 (including the lighting unit 91 and peripheral components), or to perform readjustment or cleaning by a maintenance staff.

[0079] <Modification Example 3. Multiple arrangements of charts> When the imaging unit 92 is a CCD area sensor, since its detection area is planar, the detection area deviating from the transparent passage portion 81 can be widened. Therefore, not only one type but also two or more types of chart portions 101 may be arranged. Thereby, the calculation of each correction value (RGB, luminance) can be performed more accurately.

[0080] <Modification Example 4. The imaging unit 92 is configured with a line sensor instead of a CCD area sensor> The imaging unit 92 may be configured with a line sensor instead of a CCD area sensor. By collecting the outputs of the line sensor, coin image data can be created, and the coin image data can be identified thereon. In this case, the chart portion 101 may be detected by the pixels of the line sensor that detect the location outside the transparent passage portion 81. In the case of the line sensor as well, if chart portions are provided on both sides of the transparent passage portion 81, it becomes possible to use two types of chart portions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 10... Coin processing device, 25... Coin passage, Conveying guide portions... 27, 28, 91... Lighting unit, 92... Imaging unit, 96... Area sensor, 101... Chart portion, 117... Correction unit, C... Coin, X... Imaging target area.

Claims

1. A coin passage through which coins are conveyed, An illumination unit that irradiates light toward the coins in the coin passage, An imaging unit that images the coins by reflection of the light irradiated by the illumination unit, A correction unit that corrects the coin image data output by the imaging unit, A chart unit that serves as an index for the correction performed by the correction unit, Comprising, The correction unit corrects the coin image data based on the image data of the chart unit included in the image data output by the imaging unit. A coin processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The chart unit is provided within the imaging target area when the imaging unit images the coins. The coin processing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The chart unit is within the imaging target area when the imaging unit images the coins and is provided outside the area through which the coins pass. The coin processing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The coin passage has a conveyance guide unit that guides the coins, The chart unit is provided on the surface of the conveyance guide unit facing the imaging unit. The coin processing apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The correction unit performs correction each time the imaging unit images a coin. The coin processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

Images