Illumination device, coin image sensor, coin identification device, coin processing device, and coin identification method

Abstract

To provide an illumination device, a coin image sensor, a coin identification device, a coin processing device, and a coin identification method that can improve accuracy of detecting an edge part and a color of a coin and can achieve size reduction and cost reduction.SOLUTION: Provided is an illumination device to be used for a coin image sensor, including: a first light guide body and a second light guide body each provided to extend in a main scanning direction; a first light emitter provided to face at least one of end surfaces in a longitudinal direction of the first light guide body; and a second light emitter provided to face at least one of end surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the second light guide body. In a sub-scanning direction, a directivity angle of light emitted from the first light guide body and a directivity angle of light emitted from the second light guide body are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an illumination device, a coin image sensor, a coin identification device, a coin processing device, and a coin identification method. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional technique is known in which a coin is imaged by irradiating it with light from a light source and receiving the reflected light, and the coin is identified based on the results of comparing the image with a template. This technique makes it possible to identify the type (denomination) of the coin and detect whether the coin is damaged based on the comparison results.

[0003] Regarding such a technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for acquiring a coin image of a coin being conveyed by a line sensor equipped with a light guide member.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an optical coin recognition device that acquires images of coins and performs recognition processing, and is equipped with a low-angle white light source that irradiates light at an angle of 45 degrees or less onto the coin face of the coin being conveyed, and a high-angle white light source that irradiates light at an angle of 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less onto the coin face of the coin being conveyed. It discloses that images obtained by irradiating coins with a low-angle white light source have excellent accuracy in detecting the edge portion (uneven pattern) of the coin, and that images obtained by irradiating coins with a high-angle white light source have excellent accuracy in detecting the color of the coin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6768573 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-64505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a line sensor for coins, which is described as aiming to obtain a clear image of the coin by irradiating it with light from four directions: upstream in the coin transport direction, downstream in the transport direction, and one side and the other side in the passage width direction. However, it does not particularly improve the accuracy of detecting the edge of the coin or the color of the coin.

[0007] Patent document 2 aims to improve the accuracy of detecting the edge (convex / concave pattern) and color of coins in a coin area sensor, but if both low-angle and high-angle light sources are provided as in Patent document 2, the number of parts increases, raising concerns about increased costs.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned current situation, and aims to provide an illumination device, a coin image sensor, a coin identification device, a coin processing device, and a coin identification method that can improve the accuracy of detecting the edge and color of coins, and achieve miniaturization and cost reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, (1) an illumination device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an illumination device used in a coin image sensor, and comprises a first light guide and a second light guide each extending in the main scanning direction, a first light-emitting element arranged to face at least one end face in the longitudinal direction of the first light guide, and a second light-emitting element arranged to face at least one end face in the longitudinal direction of the second light guide, and in the sub-scanning direction, the directional angle of the light emitted from the first light guide and the directional angle of the light emitted from the second light guide are different from each other.

[0010] (2) In the lighting device described in (1) above, the first light guide may have a first light diffusion region that diffuses light incident from the first light-emitting element, and the second light guide may have a second light diffusion region that diffuses light incident from the second light-emitting element, and the shape of the first light diffusion region and the shape of the second light diffusion region may be different from each other.

[0011] (3) In the lighting device described in (2) above, the first light diffusion region may include a first coating film formed on the first light guide using a paint containing a white pigment, and the second light diffusion region may include a second coating film formed on the second light guide using a paint containing a white pigment, and the width of the first coating film in the sub-scanning direction and the width of the second coating film in the sub-scanning direction may be different from each other.

[0012] (4) In the lighting device described in (2) or (3) above, at least one of the first light diffusion region and the second light diffusion region may include a concave-convex pattern extending in the main scanning direction.

[0013] (5) In the lighting device described in (4) above, the uneven pattern may have a ridge line in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the main scanning direction.

[0014] (6) In the lighting device described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the curvature of the light exit surface of the first light guide and the curvature of the light exit surface of the second light guide may be different from each other.

[0015] (7) In the lighting device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the first light-emitting element may emit white light, and the second light-emitting element may emit monochromatic light.

[0016] (8) In the lighting device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element may be alternately lit.

[0017] (9) The lighting device described in any one of (1) to (6) above may further include a third light-emitting element and a fourth light-emitting element, each of which is arranged to face at least one end face in the longitudinal direction of the first light guide, and the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, the third light-emitting element, and the fourth light-emitting element may be alternately lit.

[0018] (10) Furthermore, a coin image sensor according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the illumination device according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0019] (11) Furthermore, a coin discriminating device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes the coin image sensor described in (10) above.

[0020] (12) Furthermore, a coin processing device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes the coin identifying device described in (11) above.

[0021] (13) Furthermore, a coin identification device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes a first light source that irradiates a coin with a line-shaped light extending in a main scanning direction; a second light source that irradiates the coin with a line-shaped light extending in the main scanning direction, the line-shaped light having a directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction smaller than the directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction of the light irradiated from the first light source; a light receiving unit that receives the light irradiated from the first light source and reflected by the coin and outputs a first image signal, and receives the light irradiated from the second light source and reflected by the coin and outputs a second image signal; an image generating unit that generates a first coin image from the first image signal and generates a second coin image from the second image signal; and an identification processing unit that performs an identification process on the coin based on the color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image and the characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin obtained from the second coin image.

[0022] (14) In the coin identification device described in (13) above, the identification processing unit may perform, as the identification process, a process for determining the denomination of the coin based on at least the characteristics of the pattern portion, and a process for determining whether the coin is damaged based on at least one of the characteristics of the color and the characteristics of the pattern portion.

[0023] (15) The coin discriminating device described in (13) or (14) above may further include a light source control unit that controls the first light source and the second light source to alternately light up.

[0024] (16) A coin processing device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes the coin identifying device according to any one of (13) to (15) above.

[0025] (17) Furthermore, a coin identification method according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: irradiating a coin with a line-shaped light extending in a main scanning direction from a first light source; irradiating the coin with a line-shaped light extending in the main scanning direction from a second light source, the line-shaped light extending in the main scanning direction having a beam angle in the sub-scanning direction smaller than the beam angle in the sub-scanning direction of the light irradiated from the first light source; receiving the light irradiated from the first light source and reflected by the coin and outputting a first image signal; receiving the light irradiated from the second light source and reflected by the coin and outputting a second image signal; generating a first coin image from the first image signal; generating a second coin image from the second image signal; and performing an identification process on the coin based on color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image and characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin obtained from the second coin image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an illumination device, a coin image sensor, a coin identification device, a coin processing device, and a coin identification method that can improve the detection accuracy of the edge and color of coins and achieve miniaturization and cost reduction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an illumination device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross section taken along line X1-X1 of FIG. 1 showing the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the directional characteristics of light emitted from a first light guide used in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the directional characteristics of light emitted from a second light guide used in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a cross section taken along line X1-X1 of FIG. 1, illustrating the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a concave-convex pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section taken along line Y1-Y1 in FIG. 6, illustrating the concave-convex pattern according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a cross section taken along line X1-X1 of FIG. 1, illustrating the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating another example of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded schematic view showing an example of a coin image sensor according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section along the sub-scanning direction of the coin image sensor according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a coin discriminating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the coin discriminating device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a coin discriminating device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the illumination device, coin image sensor, coin identification device, coin processing device, and coin identification method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The illumination device and coin image sensor according to the present disclosure can be used in a variety of fields and aspects, but since they can be used as illumination devices and image sensors for image sensors that scan coins and acquire optical image information thereof, in the present embodiment, examples of their application will be described. Furthermore, the coins that are the subject of the present disclosure include not only currency coins but also coins used in gaming machines.

[0029] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same or similar functions in different embodiments and drawings, and repeated explanations of the components are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings explaining the structure show an XYZ coordinate system that is orthogonal to each other, with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions corresponding to the sub-scanning direction, main-scanning direction, and height direction (depth direction) of the image sensor, respectively.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) First, a description will be given of an illumination device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an illumination device according to embodiment 1.

[0031] The illumination device 1 according to this embodiment is an illumination device used in a coin image sensor, and as shown in Fig. 1, irradiates light onto a coin C transported in the sub-scanning direction X of the image sensor, and includes a first light guide 10, a second light guide 20, a first light emitting element 31, and a second light emitting element 32. The coin C to be illuminated (to be illuminated) may be transported in the X-axis direction within an XY plane.

[0032] The first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 each extend in the main scanning direction Y of the image sensor. That is, when the illumination device 1 is incorporated into the image sensor, the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 are arranged so as to be parallel to the main scanning direction Y of the image sensor.

[0033] The first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 are optical components that guide light from the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32, respectively, and irradiate a line of light toward the coin C, which is the irradiation target (illumination target), and convert the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 into a linear light source.

[0034] The first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 may each have a long, thin rod-like shape and may be made of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin. The first light guide 10 has a pair of end faces 11 in its longitudinal direction, and the second light guide 20 has a pair of end faces 21 in its longitudinal direction. The end faces 11 and 12 may be substantially flat. The longitudinal direction of the first light guide 10 and the longitudinal direction of the second light guide 20 are parallel to the main scanning direction Y.

[0035] The first light emitting element 31 is provided to face at least one end face 11 in the longitudinal direction of the first light guide 10. The second light emitting element 32 is provided to face at least one end face 21 in the longitudinal direction of the second light guide 20.

[0036] In Figure 1, a first light-emitting element 31 is arranged on each end face 11 of the first light guide 10, and a second light-emitting element 32 is arranged on each end face 21 of the second light guide 20, but the first light-emitting element 31 may be arranged on only one of the end faces 11, or the second light-emitting element 32 may be arranged on only one of the end faces 21.

[0037] The first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 emit light from end faces 11 and 12 toward the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20, respectively. The end faces 11 and 21 onto which light from the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 is incident can function as an incident surface. The first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 may be provided adjacent to the opposing end faces 11 and 12 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20, respectively.

[0038] The first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 may be configured by, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or the like, and may emit light of different wavelength bands (for example, ultraviolet light, red light, green light, blue light, and infrared light).

[0039] 1, one first light-emitting element 31 or one second light-emitting element 32 is arranged on each end face 11 and 21, but a plurality of first light-emitting elements 31 or second light-emitting elements 32 may be arranged on one end face 11 or 21. For example, a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light in the same wavelength band (e.g., ultraviolet light, red light, green light, blue light, and infrared light) may be arranged as the first light-emitting element 31 or the second light-emitting element 32, respectively.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross section of the illumination device according to the first embodiment taken along line X1-X1 in FIG.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 may have an elongated, generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross section. The generally cylindrical first light guide 10 may have a side surface formed with an exit surface 12 and an opposing surface 13 located opposite the exit surface 12. The first light guide 10 may also have two side surfaces 14 connecting the exit surface 12 and the opposing surface 13. Similarly, the generally cylindrical second light guide 20 may have a side surface formed with an exit surface 22 and an opposing surface 23 located opposite the exit surface 22. The second light guide 20 may also have two side surfaces 24 connecting the exit surface 22 and the opposing surface 23.

[0042] The emission surfaces 12 and 22 are surfaces that emit light incident from the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32, respectively, toward the coin C. The emission surfaces 12 and 22 may be convex as shown in FIG. 2, or may be flat. If the emission surfaces 12 and 22 are convex, they may be composed of a single curved surface (for example, they may be arc-shaped or elliptical arc-shaped in cross section), or may be composed of multiple surfaces. If the emission surfaces 12 and 22 are composed of multiple surfaces, each surface may be flat or curved. The emission surfaces 12 and 22 are each a strip-shaped surface that extends along the main scanning direction Y and has a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0043] The opposing surfaces 13 and 23 are surfaces that reflect light propagating inside the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 toward the emission surfaces 12 and 22, respectively. The opposing surfaces 13 and 23 may be flat as shown in FIG. 2 or convex. If the opposing surfaces 13 and 23 are convex, they may be composed of a single curved surface (for example, a circular or elliptical arc in cross section), or may be composed of multiple surfaces. If the opposing surfaces 13 and 23 are composed of multiple surfaces, each surface may be flat or curved. The opposing surfaces 13 and 23 are each a strip-shaped surface that extends along the main scanning direction Y and has a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0044] The first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 may have substantially the same shape as each other, except for the shape of the light diffusion region described below. For example, the curvature of the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10 may be substantially the same as the curvature of the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20.

[0045] 2, in the illumination device 1 according to this embodiment, the directivity angle θ1 of the light L1 emitted from the first light guide 10 and the directivity angle θ2 of the light L2 emitted from the second light guide 20 are different from each other in the sub-scanning direction X. This improves the accuracy of detecting the edge and color of the coin C. That is, the edge and color of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy from two types of images of the coin C acquired by the image sensor equipped with the illumination device 1.

[0046] To explain in more detail, increasing (widening) the beam angle reduces the directivity of the light, causing deviations in the emission angles of the individual rays contained in the light, and the light is diffused in various directions. As a result, the amount of light reflected by the coin C and received by the image sensor increases, emphasizing the color of the coin C. Therefore, the color of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy from an image of the coin C acquired by irradiating it with light having a larger beam angle.

[0047] Conversely, when the beam angle is made smaller (narrower), the light directionality improves, and the emission angles of the individual rays contained in the light tend to align. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from an oblique direction toward the coin C, reflected by the flat part of the coin C, and then received by the image sensor decreases. As a result, the amount of light emitted from an oblique direction toward the coin C, reflected by the edge part of the coin C, and then received by the image sensor increases relatively, emphasizing the edge part of the coin C. Therefore, the edge part of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy from an image of the coin C acquired by irradiating it with light having a smaller beam angle.

[0048] The edge portion of the coin C that can be detected here may be, for example, the edge of the concave-convex pattern (stamp) of the coin C.

[0049] Furthermore, as will be described later, it is possible to make the beam angle θ1 and the beam angle θ2 different from each other without using any special parts or means, which allows for the miniaturization and cost reduction of the lighting device 1 and devices such as image sensors that include the lighting device 1.

[0050] In this specification, the term "light directivity angle" refers to an index of light directivity and means the half-value angle, i.e., the angle between two directions at which the brightness attenuates to 50% of the maximum value when shifted to either side from the central axis of the light emitted from the light guide, i.e., the direction of maximum brightness (luminous intensity).

[0051] The directivity angle θ1 of the light L1 emitted from the first light guide 10 and the directivity angle θ2 of the light L2 emitted from the second light guide 20 can be measured using a general method or device for measuring the directivity angle (half-value angle) of light.

[0052] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the directional characteristics of light emitted from a first light guide used in the lighting device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the directional characteristics of light emitted from a second light guide used in the lighting device according to embodiment 1.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the directivity angle θ1 of the light emitted from the first light guide 10 in the sub-scanning direction X (for example, ±60° = 120° in Figure 3) may be larger than the directivity angle θ2 of the light emitted from the second light guide 20 in the sub-scanning direction X (for example, ±15° = 30° in Figure 4).

[0054] 3 and 4 show the directivity angles θ1 and θ2 of light in a certain cross section, but the directivity angles θ1 and θ2 may each be approximately constant anywhere in the main scanning direction Y as long as they are within the imaging range of the image sensor. In other words, within the imaging range of the image sensor, the directivity angle θ1 may be larger than the directivity angle θ2 at any position in the main scanning direction Y.

[0055] The specific means for making the directivity angle θ1 and the directivity angle θ2 different from each other is not particularly limited, but examples include (1) a method for making the shape of the light diffusion region of the light guide different, and (2) a method for making the curvature of the exit surface of the light guide different.

[0056] In the case of (1), as shown in Fig. 2, the first light guide 10 may have a first light diffusion region 15 that diffuses light incident from the first light-emitting element 31, and the second light guide 20 may have a second light diffusion region 25 that diffuses light incident from the second light-emitting element 32, and the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may have different shapes. This makes it possible to easily and effectively make the directivity angle θ1 and the directivity angle θ2 different from each other.

[0057] The first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may be provided on the opposing surfaces 13 and 23, respectively, from one end to the other end of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20. Like the opposing surfaces 13 and 23, the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may be strip-shaped regions extending along the main scanning direction Y and having a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction X, or may be provided over substantially the entire surfaces of the opposing surfaces 13 and 23.

[0058] The first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may be located a predetermined distance from the end faces 11 and 12 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20, respectively, or may be positioned up to the edge of the end faces 11 and 12 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20.

[0059] In the case of the above (1), as shown in FIG. 2, the first light diffusion region 15 may include a first coating film 16 formed on the first light guide 10 with a paint containing a white pigment, and the second light diffusion region 25 may include a second coating film 26 formed on the second light guide 20 with a paint containing a white pigment. The width W1 of the first coating film 16 in the sub-scanning direction X (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first light guide 10) and the width W2 of the second coating film 26 in the sub-scanning direction X (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second light guide 20) may be different from each other. This allows the beam angle θ1 and the beam angle θ2 to be easily and effectively different from each other without requiring major component changes. Increasing the width of the coating film formed with a paint containing a white pigment reduces the light directivity, causing deviations in the emission angles of the individual light rays contained in the light, and the light is diffused in various directions. Conversely, narrowing the width improves the directivity of the light, and the emission angles of the individual rays contained in the light tend to become uniform.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the width W1 of the first coating film 16 in the sub-scanning direction X may be greater than the width W2 of the second coating film 26 in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0061] The widths W1 and W2 may each be substantially constant anywhere in the main scanning direction Y within the imaging range of the image sensor. In other words, within the imaging range of the image sensor, the width W1 may be larger than the width W2 at any position in the main scanning direction Y.

[0062] The first coating film 16 and the second coating film 26 may be disposed from one end to the other end on the opposing surfaces 13 and 23 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20, respectively. Alternatively, the first coating film 16 and the second coating film 26 may be disposed a predetermined distance from the end surfaces 11 and 12 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20, respectively, or may be disposed up to the edge of the end surfaces 11 and 12 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20.

[0063] The first coating film 16 and the second coating film 26 may be films in which at least one type of white pigment is uniformly dispersed in a matrix (e.g., a resin matrix), and can be formed, for example, by printing (e.g., screen printing) the first paint and the second paint onto the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20, respectively.

[0064] Examples of white pigments that can be used include titanium oxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), barium sulfate (BaSO4), and magnesium oxide (MgO).

[0065] 2, the angle of the first light guide 10 and the angle of the second light guide 20 may be different from each other. This makes it possible to obtain an image that more accurately emphasizes the edge portion and color of the coin C. Furthermore, both the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 may be inclined in directions such that the emission surfaces 12 and 22 face each other.

[0066] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when viewed in the main scanning direction Y, the angle φ1 formed between the optical axis A1 of the light L1 emitted from the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10 and the sub-scanning direction X may be different from the angle φ2 formed between the optical axis A2 of the light L2 emitted from the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20 and the sub-scanning direction X.

[0067] The angle φ1 may be, for example, greater than or equal to 70° and less than or equal to 90°.

[0068] The angle φ2 may be, for example, greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 56°.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a cross section of the illumination device according to the first embodiment taken along the line X1-X1 in FIG.

[0070] In the case of (1) above, as shown in Fig. 5, at least one of the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may include a concave-convex pattern 40 extending in the main scanning direction Y. By providing a concave-convex pattern, the beam angle of light emitted from the light guide can be easily reduced (narrowed). Therefore, the light diffusion region of the light guide having the smaller beam angle θ1 or θ2 may include the concave-convex pattern 40.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, one of the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 (e.g., the first light diffusion region 15) may include a first coating film 16, and the other of the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 (e.g., the second light diffusion region 25) may include a concave-convex pattern 40.

[0072] Furthermore, the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may each include the uneven pattern 40. By changing the structure of the uneven pattern 40 between the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25, the beam angle θ1 and the beam angle θ2 can be made different from each other.

[0073] Fig. 6 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the concave-convex pattern according to embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a cross section taken along line Y1-Y1 in Fig. 6 showing the concave-convex pattern according to embodiment 1.

[0074] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the concave-convex pattern 40 may have ridge lines 41 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the main scanning direction Y. In this way, the concave-convex pattern 40 having ridge lines 41 can be easily formed, for example, by cutting the opposing surface of the light guide with a cutting tool. Furthermore, by using a mold, the light guide having the concave-convex pattern 40 can also be molded in one go. In other words, the light guide having the concave-convex pattern 40 can be easily manufactured.

[0075] The uneven pattern 40 may have a structure in which the surface is uneven. The uneven pattern 40 may have a plurality of recesses 43 as well as a plurality of protrusions 42, and the plurality of protrusions 42 and the plurality of recesses 43 may be arranged alternately in the main scanning direction Y.

[0076] Each of the protrusions 42 may have, for example, a triangular column shape (triangular prism shape) or an isosceles triangle whose cross section perpendicular to the ridge line 41 has two sides (two inclined surfaces 42a) of equal length sandwiching the vertex of the protrusion 42. Each of the inclined surfaces 42a functions as a reflecting surface that reflects light incident on the first light guide 10 or the second light guide 20. Each of the inclined surfaces 42a may be arranged parallel to the sub-scanning direction X.

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the uneven pattern 40 may entirely protrude outward (opposite the emission surface) from the opposing surface (reference surface 44) of the light guide, or the bottom of each recess 43 may be located on the opposing surface (reference surface 44).

[0078] In addition, the convex portions 42 and concave portions 43 of the uneven pattern 40 may be shifted entirely toward the center of the light guide (the exit surface side), or the entire uneven pattern 40 may be positioned closer to the exit surface than the opposing surface (reference surface 44).

[0079] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the cross section of the illumination device according to the first embodiment taken along the line X1-X1 in FIG.

[0080] In the case of (2) above, as shown in Fig. 8, the curvature of the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10 and the curvature of the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20 may be different from each other. Increasing the curvature of the exit surface of the light guide can make the beam angle of light emitted from the light guide in the sub-scanning direction X smaller (narrower). Conversely, decreasing the curvature of the exit surface of the light guide can make the beam angle of light emitted from the light guide in the sub-scanning direction X larger (wider). Therefore, in this case as well, the beam angle θ1 and the beam angle θ2 can be easily and effectively made different from each other without requiring any major changes to components.

[0081] Here, the curvature of the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10 may be the curvature on the optical axis A1 of the light L1 emitted from the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10, and the curvature of the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20 may be the curvature on the optical axis A2 of the light L2 emitted from the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, the curvature of the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20 may be larger than the curvature of the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10 .

[0083] The curvatures of the exit surfaces 12 and 22 of the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 may be substantially constant anywhere in the main scanning direction Y within the imaging range of the image sensor. That is, within the imaging range of the image sensor, the curvature of the exit surface 22 of the second light guide 20 may be larger than the curvature of the exit surface 12 of the first light guide 10 at any position in the main scanning direction Y.

[0084] In the case of (2) above, the first light guide 10 and the second light guide 20 may have substantially the same shape except for the curvature of the light exit surface.

[0085] 8, the first light diffusion region 15 and the second light diffusion region 25 may also include a first coating film 16 and a second coating film 26, respectively, and the width W2 of the second coating film 26 in the sub-scanning direction X may be substantially the same as the width W1 of the first coating film 16 in the sub-scanning direction X. However, in this case, the width W2 may be smaller than the width W1.

[0086] Next, the light emitting element will be further described.

[0087] The first light-emitting element 31 may emit white light, and the second light-emitting element 32 may emit monochromatic light. By irradiating the coin C with white light, the color of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy. On the other hand, by irradiating the coin C with monochromatic light, the edge portion of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , when the directivity angle θ1 of the light emitted from the first light guide 10 in the sub-scanning direction X is larger than the directivity angle θ2 of the light emitted from the second light guide 20 in the sub-scanning direction X, the first light-emitting element 31 facing the first light guide 10 may emit white light, and the second light-emitting element 32 facing the second light guide 20 may emit monochromatic light.

[0088] The first light-emitting element 31 that emits white light may be, for example, an LED that emits purple light to excite red, green, and blue phosphors, or an LED that emits blue light to excite yellow phosphors. The second light-emitting element 32 that emits monochromatic light may be, for example, an LED that emits red, green, or blue light.

[0089] In the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 may be alternately turned on. That is, the first light-emitting element 31 and the second light-emitting element 32 may be alternately turned on. This makes it possible to easily obtain an image of the coin C by the light L1 irradiated from the first light guide 10 and an image of the coin C by the light L2 irradiated from the second light guide 20.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically illustrating another example of the lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0091] 9 , the lighting device 1 according to this embodiment may further include a third light-emitting element 33 disposed to face at least one end surface 11 of the first light guide 10 in the longitudinal direction, and a fourth light-emitting element 34 disposed to face at least one end surface 11 of the first light guide 10 in the longitudinal direction. The lighting device 1 may alternately light-emitting the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34. That is, the first light-emitting element 31, the second light-emitting element 32, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34 may be lighted in any order. This makes it possible to easily obtain an image of the coin C formed by the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 31, an image of the coin C formed by the light emitted from the second light-emitting element 32, an image of the coin C formed by the light emitted from the third light-emitting element 33, and an image of the coin C formed by the light emitted from the fourth light-emitting element 34.

[0092] In this case, the first light-emitting element 31, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34 may emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively, and the second light-emitting element 32 may emit monochromatic light. By synthesizing an image of the coin C taken with red light, an image of the coin C taken with green light, and an image of the coin C taken with blue light through image processing, an image similar to the image of the coin C taken with white light can be obtained, thereby making it possible to detect the color of the coin C with greater accuracy. In contrast, by irradiating the coin C with monochromatic light, it is possible to detect the edge of the coin C with greater accuracy. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the directivity angle θ1 of the light emitted from the first light guide 10 in the sub-scanning direction X is larger than the directivity angle θ2 of the light emitted from the second light guide 20 in the sub-scanning direction X, the first light-emitting element 31, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34 facing the first light guide 10 may emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively, and the second light-emitting element 32 facing the second light guide 20 may emit monochromatic light.

[0093] In Figure 9, the first light-emitting element 31, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34 are arranged at each end face 11 of the first light guide 10, and the second light-emitting element 32 is arranged at each end face 21 of the second light guide 20, but the first light-emitting element 31, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34 may each be arranged facing only one of the end faces 11, and the second light-emitting element 32 may be arranged facing only one of the end faces 21.

[0094] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of a coin image sensor according to embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is a perspective exploded schematic view showing an example of the coin image sensor according to embodiment 2. Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of a cross section of the coin image sensor according to embodiment 2 taken along the sub-scanning direction.

[0095] The coin image sensor 50 according to this embodiment detects various optical characteristics of the coin C being conveyed, and as it is equipped with the illumination device according to the first embodiment described above, it can obtain two types of images of the coin C by irradiating the coin C with light having different directivity angles. Then, it can detect the edge and color of the coin C with higher accuracy from each image.

[0096] More specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the coin image sensor 50 captures an image of a coin C being transported in the sub-scanning direction X, and may include a first light source 60, a second light source 70, a condensing lens 81, a light receiving unit 82, and a substrate 83.

[0097] The first light source 60 and the second light source 70 each irradiate the coin C with linear light extending in the main scanning direction Y. In other words, neither the first light source 60 nor the second light source 70 illuminates the entire main surface (hereinafter referred to as surface A) of the coin C on the light receiving unit 82 side, but selectively illuminates a partial area of surface A of the coin C, that is, a linear area extending in the main scanning direction Y.

[0098] The first light source 60 includes a first light guide 61 extending in the main scanning direction Y and multiple types of light-emitting elements 62 facing each end face of the first light guide 61 and each emitting light of multiple wavelengths, and sequentially irradiates the light of multiple wavelengths onto surface A of the coin C.

[0099] The first light guide 61 corresponds to the first light guide 10, and the light emitting element 62 includes at least the first light emitting element 31, and may include the first light emitting element 31, a third light emitting element 33 and a fourth light emitting element .

[0100] The second light source 70 includes a second light guide 71 extending in the main scanning direction Y and multiple types of light-emitting elements 72 facing each end face of the second light guide 71 and each emitting light of multiple wavelengths, and sequentially irradiates the light of multiple wavelengths onto surface A of the coin C.

[0101] The second light guide 71 corresponds to the second light guide 20, and the light emitting element 72 includes at least the second light emitting element 32.

[0102] The angle of directivity in the sub-scanning direction X of the light emitted from the second light source 70 is smaller than the angle of directivity in the sub-scanning direction X of the light emitted from the first light source 60.

[0103] Both end portions of the first light guide 61 and the second light guide 71 may be inserted into holes formed in the holder 84, thereby being held by the holder 84. A substrate 85 on which the light emitting elements 62 and 72 are mounted may be disposed adjacent to each holder 84.

[0104] The focusing lens 81 is composed of, for example, a rod lens array in which multiple rod lenses are arranged in the main scanning direction Y, and focuses the light emitted from the first light source 60 and the second light source 70 and reflected by surface A of the coin C.

[0105] These components may be incorporated into a rectangular parallelepiped case 86 with one side open, and the opening of the case 86 may be covered with a transparent protective plate 87 .

[0106] The protection plate 87 may constitute a part of the transport path of the transported coins C. In this case, the protection plate 87 is placed parallel to the XY plane, and the coins C are transported on the protection plate 87 in the X direction.

[0107] The light receiving unit 82 receives light emitted from the first light source 60 and reflected by the coin C (side A) and outputs a first image signal, and also receives light emitted from the second light source 70 and reflected by the coin C (side A) and outputs a second image signal.

[0108] The light receiving unit 82 includes, for example, a linear image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements (light receiving pixels) are arranged in the main scanning direction Y. Each light receiving element is sensitive to the wavelength bands of the light of the plurality of wavelengths emitted by the first light source 60 and the second light source 70. Each light receiving element may be, for example, a silicon (Si) photodiode that is sensitive at least from the visible region to the infrared region of 1100 nm. Each light receiving element may be mounted on a substrate 83 attached to the rear side of the case 86, and may receive light collected by a collecting lens 81, convert the light into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of incident light, and output the electrical signal to the substrate 83. Each light receiving element may receive light of the wavelength in accordance with the timing of the light irradiation of each wavelength by the first light source 60 and the second light source 70. When white light is used to detect the color characteristics of the coin C, a color filter may be provided for each light receiving element.

[0109] The substrate 83 includes, for example, a drive circuit for driving the light receiving elements and a signal processing circuit for processing and outputting signals from the light receiving elements. The substrate 83 may amplify the output signals of the light receiving unit 82 (each light receiving element), and then A / D convert the signals into digital data before outputting them.

[0110] (Embodiment 3) Next, a description will be given of a coin discrimination device according to embodiment 3. Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the coin discrimination device according to embodiment 3.

[0111] 12, the coin recognition device 100 according to this embodiment recognizes conveyed coins and includes a first light source 111, a second light source 112, a light receiving unit 113, an image generating unit 121, and a recognition processing unit 122. The first light source 111, the second light source 112, and the light receiving unit 113 may form a coin image sensor 110.

[0112] The first light source 111 irradiates the coin with linear light extending in the main scanning direction of the image sensor 110. As the first light source 111, for example, the first light source 60 described in the second embodiment can be used. That is, the first light source 111 may include the first light guide 10 and at least the first light-emitting element 31 described in the first embodiment, or may include the first light guide 10, the first light-emitting element 31, the third light-emitting element 33, and the fourth light-emitting element 34 described in the first embodiment.

[0113] The second light source 112 irradiates the coin with linear light extending in the main scanning direction of the image sensor 110, and with a directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction of the image sensor 110 that is smaller than the directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction of the light irradiated from the first light source 111. As the second light source 112, for example, the second light source 70 described in the second embodiment can be used. That is, the second light source 112 may include the second light guide 20 and the second light-emitting element 32 described in the first embodiment.

[0114] The light receiving unit 113 receives light emitted from the first light source 111 and reflected by the coin to output a first image signal, and also receives light emitted from the second light source 112 and reflected by the coin to output a second image signal. The light receiving unit 113 can be, for example, the light receiving unit 82 described in the second embodiment.

[0115] The image generation unit 121 performs processing to generate a first coin image from the first image signal output from the light receiving unit 113, and also performs processing to generate a second coin image from the second image signal output from the light receiving unit 113.

[0116] The first coin image may be one that has been converted from the original coin image (for example, an RGB color image) into a known color space (such as an HSV color space or an L*a*b* color space). By using an image that is closer to human visual sensitivity in this way, it is possible to highlight the color characteristics of the coin.

[0117] The second coin image may be an image in which edges are detected from the original coin image (e.g., R image) using a known edge extraction filter. This makes it possible to highlight the features of the coin's pattern and periphery.

[0118] The identification processing unit 122 performs a coin identification process based on the color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image generated by the image generation unit 121 and the characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin obtained from the second coin image generated by the image generation unit 121.

[0119] Here, the first coin image is an image obtained by irradiating the coin with light from the first light source 111 at a relatively large beam angle, and therefore the color of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy. The second coin image is an image obtained by irradiating the coin with light from the second light source 112 at a relatively small beam angle, and therefore the edge portion of the coin C can be detected with higher accuracy. This can improve the coin identification process by the identification processing unit 122 based on the color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image and the characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin obtained from the second coin image.

[0120] The identification processing unit 122 may calculate the feature amount of the coin's color from the first coin image as the feature amount of the coin's color, or may calculate the feature amount of the coin's pattern portion from the second coin image as the feature amount of the coin's pattern portion, and may perform coin identification processing based on the calculated feature amount of the color and feature amount of the pattern portion.

[0121] The recognition processing unit 122 may perform a process of identifying at least the denomination and authenticity of the coin as the recognition processing. The recognition processing unit 122 may have a function of determining the fitness of the coin. In this case, the recognition processing unit 122 has a function of detecting dirt, wear, scratches, deformation, etc. on the coin to determine whether the coin should be treated as a genuine coin that can be reused in the market or a damaged coin that is not suitable for market circulation.

[0122] In particular, this embodiment can improve the accuracy of the process of identifying the type (denomination) of a coin and the process of determining whether the coin is damaged. Specifically, for example, the recognition processing unit 122 may perform, as recognition processing, a process of determining the denomination of a coin based on at least the characteristics of the pattern portion, and a process of determining whether the coin is damaged based on at least one of the characteristics of the color and the pattern portion.

[0123] More specifically, the recognition processing unit 122 may perform a coin denomination determination process based on the color characteristics and the pattern characteristics as recognition processing, and a damage determination process based on the color characteristics. This can improve the accuracy of the coin type (denomination) recognition process and the accuracy of the coin damage determination process.

[0124] In this case, the recognition processing unit 122 may calculate the feature amount of the coin's color from the first coin image (for example, the average of a*b* for each predetermined area) as the feature of the coin's color, and compare the calculated feature amount of the color with a template set for each denomination. Furthermore, the recognition processing unit 122 may calculate the feature amount of the coin's pattern portion from the second coin image (for example, the proportion of the pattern in a predetermined area) as the feature of the coin's pattern portion, and compare the calculated feature amount of the pattern with a template set for each denomination. The recognition processing unit 122 may then determine the denomination based on the results of these comparisons.

[0125] In this case, the identification processing unit 122 may calculate the coin's color feature from the first coin image (for example, the sum of the number of pixels where the average of a*b* falls outside the range defined by a predetermined threshold), compare the calculated color feature with a template, and determine whether the coin is damaged based on the comparison result.

[0126] The template is reference information used in the recognition process, and defines at least one or more (usually two or more) attributes (features) of each denomination of the coin to be recognized.

[0127] The image generating unit 121 and the identification processing unit 122 may function by executing corresponding programs by a control unit, which will be described later.

[0128] Next, the operation of the coin recognition device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the coin recognition device according to the third embodiment.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 13, first, a line of light extending in the main scanning direction is irradiated onto the coin from the first light source 111 (step S11).

[0130] Furthermore, the light receiving unit 113 receives light that is emitted from the first light source 111 and reflected by the coin, and outputs a first image signal (step S12).

[0131] Next, the coin is irradiated with line-shaped light extending in the main scanning direction from the second light source 112, the light having a smaller directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction than the directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction of the light irradiated from the first light source 111 (step S13).

[0132] Furthermore, the light receiving unit 113 receives light that is emitted from the second light source 112 and reflected by the coin, and outputs a second image signal (step S14).

[0133] Note that steps S11 and S12 and steps S13 and S14 may be processed in series in the order shown in Fig. 13, or in the reverse order. Furthermore, steps S11 and S12 and steps S13 and S14 may be processed in parallel while the first light source 111 and the second light source 112 are alternately turned on.

[0134] Next, the image generating unit 121 generates a first coin image from the first image signal obtained in step S13 (step S15).

[0135] Furthermore, the image generating unit 121 generates a second coin image from the second image signal obtained in step S14 (step S16).

[0136] Note that steps S15 and S16 may be processed serially in the order shown in FIG. 13, or may be processed serially in the reverse order, or may be processed in parallel or concurrently.

[0137] Next, the recognition processing unit 122 performs a coin recognition process based on the color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image obtained in step S15 and the characteristics of the coin's pattern portion obtained from the second coin image obtained in step S16 (step S17), and the operation of the coin recognition device 100 is completed.

[0138] (Embodiment 4) Next, a description will be given of a coin discrimination device according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the coin discrimination device according to embodiment 4.

[0139] 14, the coin recognition device 100A according to this embodiment recognizes transported coins, and includes a coin image sensor 110A, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a transport unit 140. The coin recognition device 100A may also include a magnetic sensor 150.

[0140] The coin image sensor 110A detects various optical characteristics of the coins being transported, and may be provided with the first light source 111, second light source 112, and light receiving unit 113 described in embodiment 3 along the coin transport path.

[0141] The magnetic sensor 150 detects various magnetic properties of the coins being transported, and may include an AC power supply, an excitation coil, and a detection coil. The excitation coil generates a magnetic field on the transport path when an AC voltage output by the AC power supply is applied. The detection coil outputs a detection signal based on an induced voltage caused by the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil. The detection coil then outputs a detection signal based on an induced voltage caused by a magnetic field that changes as the coins are transported along the transport path. The detection signal from the magnetic sensor 150 can be used, for example, to identify the denomination and authenticity of the coins.

[0142] The control unit 120 is configured by programs for realizing various processes stored in the storage unit 130, a CPU that executes the programs, and various hardware (e.g., FPGA) controlled by the CPU. The control unit 120 controls each part of the coin identification device 100A in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 130.

[0143] The control unit 120 may include a light source control unit 123 that controls the turning on and off of the first light source 111 and the second light source 112, in addition to the image generation unit 121 and the identification processing unit 122 described in the third embodiment.

[0144] The light source control unit 123 may perform control to alternately light up the first light source 111 and the second light source 112. More specifically, when the first light source 111 includes the first light guide 10 and the first light emitting element 31 described in the first embodiment, and the second light source 112 includes the second light guide 20 and the second light emitting element 32 described in the first embodiment, the light source control unit 123 may alternately light up and extinguish the first light emitting element 31 and the second light emitting element 32. Furthermore, when the first light source 111 includes the first light guide 10, the first light emitting element 31, the third light emitting element 33, and the fourth light emitting element 34 described in the first embodiment, and the second light source 112 includes the second light guide 20 and the second light emitting element 32 described in the first embodiment, the light source control unit 123 may light up and extinguish the first light emitting element 31, the second light emitting element 32, the third light emitting element 33, and the fourth light emitting element 34 in any order.

[0145] The control unit 120 has the function of performing processes such as acquiring the first image signal and the second image signal from the light receiving unit 113, generating the first coin image and the second coin image based on the acquired first image signal and the second image signal, and identifying the coin based on the color characteristics of the coin acquired from the generated first coin image and the characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin acquired from the generated second coin image, using a program stored in the memory unit 130.

[0146] The storage unit 130 is composed of a non-volatile and / or volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores various programs and various data for controlling the coin identification device 100A.

[0147] The transport unit 140 rotates and drives a plurality of rollers, belts, etc., to transport coins one by one along a transport path provided within the coin recognition device 100A.

[0148] The conveying unit 140 may include a conveying belt stretched above the conveying surface along the coin conveying path, and cylindrical conveying pins fixed at regular intervals relative to the conveying belt. The conveying belt is driven by a drive device equipped with a motor or the like. The conveying pins come into contact with the outer edge of the coin, and the conveying belt moves, so that the coins are conveyed one by one along the conveying path at intervals. Note that the configuration of the coin conveying means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of conveying coins, and the conveying pins may be omitted and only the conveying belt may be used.

[0149] (Embodiment 5) Next, a coin processing device according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The coin processing device according to this embodiment includes a portion having functions other than coin identification in addition to the coin identification device described in the third or fourth embodiment. The coin processing device according to this embodiment is configured to perform processes such as depositing and dispensing coins, generating wrapped coins, and dispensing wrapped coins. Note that wrapped coins are made up of a predetermined number of coins (for example, 50 coins), and these predetermined number of coins may be wrapped in packaging material.

[0150] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of one example of a coin processing device according to this embodiment. The coin processing device according to this embodiment may have the configuration shown in FIG. 15, for example. The coin processing device 200 shown in FIG. 15 includes a coin identification device (not shown in FIG. 15) in a housing 201, and further includes a coin insertion unit 202, a reject unit 206, a return box 207, a dispensing box 210, a collection unit 211, a wrapped coin dispensing unit 231, a wrapped coin lump box 232, a wrapped coin dispensing unit 233, etc. These components can be stored within the housing 201 of the coin processing device 200. The coin processing device 200 may also include an operation and display unit 260 outside the housing 201.

[0151] The coin insertion unit 202 is a unit where coins to be processed are inserted. The reject unit 206 is a unit where coins that have been identified by the coin identification device and identified as being to be rejected (rejected coins) are led.

[0152] The return box 207 is configured to store coins to be returned. The return box 207 is configured to be detachable from the housing 201 of the coin processing device 200, and can be pulled out from the front of the housing 201.

[0153] The dispensing box 210 is a portion where coins to be dispensed are stored. The dispensing box 210 is configured to be detachable from the housing 201 of the coin processing device 200, and can be pulled out from the front of the housing 201.

[0154] The collecting unit 211 is a portion that stores coins to be collected. The collecting unit 211 is configured to be detachable from the housing 201 of the coin processing device 200, and can be pulled out from the front of the housing 201.

[0155] The wrapped coin dispensing unit 231 is a part that accumulates wrapped coins (wrapped coins to be dispensed). The wrapped coin dispensing unit 231 is provided with a dispensing port that opens on the front surface of the housing 201 of the coin processing device 200, and the dispensing port is provided with a shutter. When the shutter is in an open state, the operator can remove wrapped coins from the wrapped coin dispensing unit 231.

[0156] The wrapped coin bulk box 232 is a part that accumulates wrapped coins (wrapped coins to be dispensed), and has a larger accumulation capacity than the wrapped coin dispensing unit 231. The wrapped coin bulk box 232 is configured to be detachable from the coin processing device 200 (specifically, the housing 201).

[0157] The wrapped coin dispensing unit 233 is a part that dispenses wrapped coins to the outside of the coin processing device 200.

[0158] The operation display unit 260 is configured to receive operations from an operator and input information in response to the operator's operations, thereby enabling the operator to cause the coin processing device 200 to perform various processes.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the methods for making the beam angle θ1 and the beam angle θ2 different from each other are described as follows: (1) making the shape of the light diffusion region of the light guide different, and (2) making the curvature of the light exit surface of the light guide different. However, methods that do not depend on the structure of the light guide may also be used, such as (3-1) a method using a reflecting mirror, or (3-2) a method using laser light.

[0160] In the case of (3-1), for example, instead of the second light guide 20 and the second light emitting element 32, a parabolic mirror and a light emitting element arranged opposite the mirror surface may be used, and the light emitted from the light emitting element may be concentrated by the parabolic mirror, so that the directional angle of the light is made smaller than the directional angle θ1 of the light L1 emitted from the first light guide 10.

[0161] In the case of (3-2), for example, instead of the second light guide 20 and the second light emitting element 32, a laser light source and a focusing lens that focuses the laser emitted from the laser light source may be used, and by focusing the light emitted from the laser light source with the lens, the directivity angle of the light may be made smaller than the directivity angle θ1 of the light L1 emitted from the first light guide 10.

[0162] In this case, one laser light source and one paired condenser lens may be arranged in an array in the main scanning direction of the image sensor. The laser light source may be a laser diode, and the direction of its vertical-transverse mode may be set parallel to the main scanning direction of the image sensor.

[0163] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the configurations of the respective embodiments may be appropriately combined or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0164] As described above, the present disclosure provides a technique useful for detecting the edge and color of coins. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1: Lighting equipment 10, 61: First light guide 11, 21: End face 12, 22: Exit surface 13, 23: Opposite surfaces 14, 24: Side 15: First light diffusion area 16: First coating 20, 71: Second light guide 25: Second light diffusion area 26: Second coating 31: First light-emitting element 32: Second light-emitting element 33: Third light-emitting element 34: Fourth light-emitting element 40: Concave and convex pattern 41: Ridgeline 42: Convex 42a: Slope 43: Recess 44: Reference plane 50, 110, 110A: Coin image sensors 60, 111: 1st light source 62, 72: Light-emitting element 70, 112: Second light source 81: Condenser lens 82, 113: Light receiving section 83, 85: Substrate 84: Holder 86: Case 87: Protective plate 100, 100A: Coin identification device 120: Control unit 121: Image generation unit 122: Identification processing unit 123: Light source control unit 130: Storage part 140: Transport unit 150: Magnetic sensor 200: Coin processing device 201: Housing (housing of coin processing device) 202: Coin slot 206: Rejection Department 207: Return box 210: Withdrawal box 211: Recovery Department 231: Wrapped coin dispensing unit 232: Packaging Coin Bulk Box 233: Wrapped coin dispenser 260: Operation display section X: Sub-scanning direction Y: Main scanning direction Z: Height direction (depth direction) C: Coin (irradiation target) L1: Light emitted from the first light guide L2: Light emitted from the second light guide W1: Width of the first coating film in the sub-scanning direction W2: Width of the second coating film in the sub-scanning direction A1: Optical axis of light emitted from the first light guide A2: Optical axis of the light emitted from the second light guide

Claims

1. An illumination device used in a coin image sensor, a first light guide and a second light guide each extending in a main scanning direction; a first light emitting element provided to face at least one end surface of the first light guide in a longitudinal direction; a second light emitting element provided to face at least one end surface of the second light guide in the longitudinal direction, In the sub-scanning direction, the directivity angle of the light emitted from the first light guide and the directivity angle of the light emitted from the second light guide are different from each other. A lighting device characterized by:

2. the first light guide body has a first light diffusion region that diffuses the light incident from the first light emitting element, the second light guide body has a second light diffusion region that diffuses the light incident from the second light emitting element, The first light diffusion region and the second light diffusion region have different shapes.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1.

3. the first light diffusion region includes a first coating film formed on the first light guide using a paint containing a white pigment; the second light diffusion region includes a second coating film formed on the second light guide using a paint containing a white pigment; The width of the first coating film in the sub-scanning direction and the width of the second coating film in the sub-scanning direction are different from each other.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2.

4. At least one of the first light diffusion region and the second light diffusion region includes a concave-convex pattern extending in the main scanning direction.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2.

5. The concave-convex pattern has ridges in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the main scanning direction.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4.

6. The curvature of the light exit surface of the first light guide and the curvature of the light exit surface of the second light guide are different from each other.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1.

7. the first light-emitting element emits white light; The second light emitting element emits monochromatic light.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1.

8. The first light emitting element and the second light emitting element are alternately lit.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1.

9. a third light emitting element and a fourth light emitting element provided to face each other on at least one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the first light guide; The first light emitting element, the second light emitting element, the third light emitting element, and the fourth light emitting element are alternately lit.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1.

10. Equipped with the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 1. An image sensor for coins, comprising:

11. The coin image sensor according to claim 10 is provided. A coin identification device characterized by:

12. A coin identification device according to claim 11 is provided. A coin processing device characterized by:

13. a first light source that irradiates a line of light extending in a main scanning direction onto the coin; a second light source that irradiates the coin with linear light extending in the main scanning direction, the linear light having a smaller angle of directivity in the sub-scanning direction than the angle of directivity in the sub-scanning direction of the light irradiated from the first light source; a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the coin, and outputs a first image signal, and receives light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the coin, and outputs a second image signal; an image generating unit that generates a first coin image from the first image signal and a second coin image from the second image signal; an identification processing unit that performs an identification process for the coin based on the color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image and the characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin obtained from the second coin image. A coin identification device characterized by:

14. The identification processing unit performs, as the identification processing, a denomination determination processing of the coin based on at least the characteristics of the pattern portion, and a damage determination processing based on at least one of the characteristics of the color and the characteristics of the pattern portion.

14. The coin identification device according to claim 13.

15. a light source control unit that controls the first light source and the second light source to be alternately lit; 14. The coin identification device according to claim 13.

16. A coin identification device according to any one of claims 13 to 15 is provided. A coin processing device characterized by:

17. a step of irradiating a line-shaped light extending in a main scanning direction onto the coin from a first light source; a step of irradiating the coin with line-shaped light extending in the main scanning direction from a second light source, the light having a smaller directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction than the directivity angle in the sub-scanning direction of the light irradiated from the first light source; receiving light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the coin, and outputting a first image signal; receiving light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the coin, and outputting a second image signal; generating a first coin image from the first image signal; generating a second coin image from the second image signal; and performing a coin identification process based on the color characteristics of the coin obtained from the first coin image and the characteristics of the pattern portion of the coin obtained from the second coin image. A coin identification method characterized by:

Images