Coin identification device

Abstract

To provide a coin identification device that can improve identification accuracy.SOLUTION: This coin identification device 100 comprises a control unit 4 that controls the identification of a coin 50 based on the color of the coin 50 detected by a color detection unit 3 and the detection result from a magnetic detection unit 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin identifying device, and more particularly to a coin identifying device equipped with a magnetic detection unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a coin discriminating device equipped with a magnetic detector is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a coin identification device equipped with a magnetic sensor. In Patent Document 1, the magnetic sensor detects the material and size of the coin by continuously detecting the amount of change in magnetism as the coin passes. The coin identification device also identifies the type of coin based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor, and determines whether the coin is acceptable or not. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-88218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in a coin identification device in which a magnetic sensor (magnetic detection unit) identifies coins based on the amount of change in magnetism, coins of different types may be identified as being of the same type because the amount of change in magnetism is similar. Therefore, there is a demand for a coin identification device that can improve identification accuracy.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a coin identifying device that can improve the identification accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a coin identification device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport path along which coins are transported, a magnetic detection unit that detects changes in magnetic flux caused by coins transported along the transport path, an irradiation unit that irradiates light toward coins transported along the transport path, and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the coins, and also includes a color detection unit that detects the color of the coin based on the light reflected from the coin, and a control unit that controls the identification of the coin based on the color of the coin detected by the color detection unit and the detection result of the magnetic detection unit.

[0008] As described above, a coin identifying device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that controls coin identification based on the coin color detected by the color detection unit and the detection results of the magnetic detection unit. This allows coins to be identified based on both the change in magnetic flux caused by the coin and the coin color, making it possible to identify coins after closely examining them, unlike when identification is based solely on the change in magnetic flux. As a result, identification accuracy can be improved.

[0009] In the coin identifying device according to the above aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to identify the type of coin based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit obtained for each different region of the coin. With this configuration, the coin can be identified after being examined in more detail based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit for each region, thereby further improving the identification accuracy.

[0010] In this case, preferably, the coin is a bicolor coin including a central region and an outer peripheral region surrounding the central region and having a color different from that of the central region, the color detection unit is disposed upstream of the magnetic detection unit in the coin transport direction, and the control unit is configured to distinguish between the central region and the outer peripheral region of the coin based on the detection results of the color detection unit, and to identify whether the coin is a bicolor coin based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit obtained in the central region and the outer peripheral region of the coin. With this configuration, when identifying a bicolor coin, by distinguishing and identifying the central region, the outer peripheral region, and the boundary portion which is the boundary between the central region and the outer peripheral region, it is possible to accurately identify the bicolor coin based on the amount of change in magnetic flux in each of the central region, the outer peripheral region, and the boundary portion.

[0011] In the coin identifying device according to the above aspect, the color detection unit is preferably configured to detect the red, green, and blue regions of light reflected from the coin, and the control unit is configured to identify the coin based on the color of the coin detected by the color detection unit in accordance with the light of each region. With this configuration, colors can be identified in detail according to the amount of light reflected in the red, blue, and green regions, thereby further improving the accuracy of coin identification.

[0012] In the coin identification device according to the above aspect, preferably, the conveying path is a conveying belt including a rotating belt, the color detection unit is configured to irradiate light from the irradiation unit onto the conveying belt and detect the light reflected from the conveying belt, and the control unit is configured to perform control to detect an abnormality in the conveying belt based on the color of the conveying belt detected by the color detection unit. Here, if there is an abnormality, such as a foreign object on the conveying belt or if the conveying belt is soiled, the detected color of the conveying belt will be different from its normal color. Therefore, by detecting an abnormality in the conveying belt, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormality in the conveying belt. Furthermore, by detecting an abnormality in the conveying belt, maintenance can be performed to restore the conveying belt to its normal state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as an inability to accurately detect changes in magnetic flux caused by coins when a foreign object is present on the conveying belt, due to changes in magnetic flux caused by the foreign object.

[0013] In the coin identifying device according to the above aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to control the identification of whether the coin is deformed or damaged based on the light reflected from the coin detected by the color detection unit. Here, if the coin is deformed or damaged, the amount or color of the light reflected from the coin will be different from normal. Therefore, based on the light reflected from the coin detected by the color detection unit, it is possible to accurately identify whether the coin is deformed or damaged.

[0014] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to control the device to identify the coin as deformed when the intensity of light reflected from the coin detected by the color detection unit is less than a threshold value, and to return the coin identified as deformed. With this configuration, when a coin is deformed, the direction of the reflected light is different from normal and deviates from the light receiving unit, so the intensity of the light detected by the color detection unit is reduced or zero. Therefore, by setting the threshold value based on the normal light intensity, it is possible to detect coin deformation with even greater accuracy. Furthermore, by returning coins identified as deformed, it is possible to prevent deformed coins from being transported through the transport path into the coin identification device and causing clogging within the coin identification device.

[0015] In the coin identification device, the control unit is configured to control the process of identifying whether a coin is deformed or damaged based on light reflected from the coin detected by the color detection unit. The control unit is also configured to identify whether a coin is damaged based on the color of the coin detected by the color detection unit, and to control the return of coins identified as damaged. With this configuration, when a coin is damaged, the color of the reflected light is different from normal. Therefore, by identifying the coin based on color, it is possible to accurately detect whether the coin is damaged. Furthermore, by returning coins identified as damaged, damaged coins are not transported to the storage unit, thereby preventing the storage unit from becoming dirty. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a coin identifying device that can improve the identification accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a change machine using the coin identification device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a magnetic detection unit and a color detection unit as viewed from the side of the conveyor belt. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic detection unit and the color detection unit as viewed from above the conveyor belt. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a bicolor coin. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating detection results of a magnetic detection unit and a color detection unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a soiled conveyor belt. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 shows a deformed coin. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a deformed coin. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a damaged coin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The configuration of a coin discriminating device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the coin discriminating device 100 includes a conveyor belt 1, a magnetic detection unit 2, a color detection unit 3, and a control unit 4. The conveyor belt 1 is an example of a "conveyance path" described in the claims.

[0021] The coin identification device 100 is used to identify inserted coins 50 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the coin identification device 100 is configured to identify whether the inserted coins 50 are genuine (acceptable) or not, and also to identify the type of coin 50 in order to calculate the total value of the inserted coins 50. The coin identification device 100 is used, for example, in a change machine 500 that constitutes part of a POS (point of sales) system installed in a store. The change machine 500 includes the coin identification device 100, an insertion slot 5, a storage unit 6, a return slot 7, a temporary holding unit 8, and a sorting unit 9.

[0022] The conveyor belt 1 is configured to convey coins 50 inserted through the slot 5. The conveyor belt 1 includes a rotating belt. The conveyor belt 1 is configured to convey coins 50 by rotating the belt via pulleys. In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the coins 50 is defined as the X direction, the direction in which the rotation axis of the conveyor belt 1 extends is defined as the Y direction, and the up-down direction of the conveyor belt 1 is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] 1 and 2 is configured to transport coins 50 toward either the return slot 7 or the temporary storage unit 8. The transport belt 1 moves from the insertion slot 5 toward the storage unit 6 from the X2 direction to the X1 direction, and then rotates so as to return from the X1 direction to the X2 direction.

[0024] While the conveyor belt 1 rotates from the X2 direction to the X1 direction, the coins 50 are identified by the magnetic detection unit 2 and the color detection unit 3. The coins 50 identified as acceptable (genuine) by the magnetic detection unit 2 and the color detection unit 3 are transported by the conveyor belt 1 to the temporary storage unit 8 and temporarily stored therein. Furthermore, the coins 50 identified as unacceptable (not genuine) by the magnetic detection unit 2 and the color detection unit 3, including the coins 50 identified as damaged and the coins 50 identified as deformed, are transported by the conveyor belt 1 to the return opening 7 and returned. Of the coins 50 temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 8, those for which a return operation has been performed are transported to the return opening 7 and returned from the return opening 7. Of the coins 50 temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 8, the remaining coins 50 (coins 50 for which a return operation has not been performed) are sorted by denomination by the sorting unit 9 and stored in the storage units 6 corresponding to the denominations.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnetic detection unit 2 is provided relative to the conveyor belt 1. The magnetic detection unit 2 is configured to detect a change in magnetic flux caused by a coin 50 conveyed by the conveyor belt 1. Specifically, the magnetic detection unit 2 is configured to detect a change in magnetic flux caused by a coin 50 conveyed by the conveyor belt 1 from the insertion slot 5 toward the storage unit 6. The magnetic detection unit 2 includes a first sensor coil 21, a second sensor coil 22, and a third sensor coil 23. The first sensor coil 21, the second sensor coil 22, and the third sensor coil 23 each have a ferrite core and a coil wound around the ferrite core. A pair of magnetic detection units 2 are provided, and are arranged so as to sandwich the conveyor belt 1. Note that only one of the magnetic detection units 2 is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the magnetic detection unit 2 is arranged above the conveyor belt 1 (on the Z1 side). Note that in FIG. 2, the generation of a magnetic field is indicated by arrows.

[0026] The first sensor coil 21 is used to detect changes in magnetic flux depending on the material of the coin 50. The first sensor coil 21 is configured to generate magnetic flux when excited. The magnetic flux generated by the first sensor coil 21 changes depending on the coin 50 to be detected, and the change in magnetic flux differs depending on the material of the coin 50. The first sensor coil 21 has an annular or elliptical shape. The elliptical shape includes a track shape in which semicircles of equal radii are connected by parallel straight lines.

[0027] The second sensor coil 22 is used to detect changes in magnetic flux corresponding to the pattern on the coin 50. The second sensor coil 22 is configured to generate magnetic flux when excited. The magnetic flux generated by the second sensor coil 22 changes according to the pattern on the coin 50 to be detected. Specifically, the coin 50 has unevenness on its surface due to the pattern, which causes the thickness to change. Therefore, the second sensor coil 22 is configured to detect changes in magnetic flux corresponding to changes in thickness. Furthermore, the change in magnetic flux differs depending on the pattern on the coin 50. The second sensor coil 22 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0028] The third sensor coil 23 is used to detect the outer diameter of the coin 50. The third sensor coil 23 is configured to generate a magnetic flux when excited. The generated magnetic flux changes depending on the coin 50 to be detected, and the time for which the change in magnetic flux continues varies depending on the outer diameter of the coin 50 to be detected. The third sensor coil 23 is configured to detect the change in magnetic flux depending on the outer diameter of the coin 50. The third sensor coil 23 has an elliptical shape including a track shape. The third sensor coil 23 is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the coin 50.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the color detection unit 3 includes an irradiation unit 31 and a light receiving unit 32. The color detection unit 3 is configured to irradiate light onto the coin 50 from the irradiation unit 31 and receive the light reflected from the coin 50 by the light receiving unit 32. In Fig. 2, the light irradiated from the color detection unit 3 and the light detected are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0030] The irradiating unit 31 is configured to irradiate white light containing light in the red region, light in the green region, and light in the blue region. The light receiving unit 32 is configured to detect the red region, green region, and blue region of the light reflected from the coin 50. The light receiving unit 32 is positioned so that it can irradiate light onto an undeformed coin 50 and receive the light reflected from the coin 50.

[0031] The color detection unit 3 is configured to detect the color of the coin 50 based on the light reflected from the coin 50. Specifically, the color detection unit 3 detects the color according to the red region, green region, and blue region of the light reflected from the coin 50. The color detection unit 3 is configured to detect the color from the intensity of the light received in the red region, green region, and blue region, respectively.

[0032] The color detection unit 3 is arranged on the upstream side (X1 side) of the magnetic detection unit 2 when the coin 50 is transported from the insertion slot 5 to the storage unit 6. Specifically, from the upstream side, the color detection unit 3, the first sensor coil 21, the second sensor coil 22, and the third sensor coil 23 are arranged in this order.

[0033] The control unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 acquires information about the material of the coin 50 that indicates a change in magnetic flux that matches the change in magnetic flux detected by the first sensor coil 21. For example, a 1-yen coin made of aluminum and a 10-yen coin made of bronze have different degrees of change in magnetic flux due to the difference in material. Therefore, by acquiring information about the material of the coin 50, it is possible to identify the type of coin 50. Furthermore, if the change in magnetic flux does not match any of the changes in material, the control unit 4 may identify the coin 50 as not being usable in the change dispenser 500.

[0034] The control unit 4 acquires information about the pattern of the coin 50 that indicates a change in magnetic flux that coincides with the change in magnetic flux detected by the second sensor coil 22. For example, the patterns of a 1-yen coin and a 5-yen coin are different. Therefore, by acquiring information about the pattern of the coin 50, it is possible to identify the type of the coin 50.

[0035] The control unit 4 acquires the outer diameter of the coin 50 from the change in magnetic flux detected by the third sensor coil 23. For example, since the outer diameters of a 1-yen coin and a 500-yen coin are different, the type of coin 50 can be identified by acquiring the outer diameter.

[0036] The control unit 4 also acquires the color of the coin 50 based on the detection result of the color detection unit 3. For example, if the color detection unit 3 can barely detect light in the blue, red, and green regions, it will identify the color of the coin 50 as black. If the color detection unit 3 detects light in the blue, red, and green regions and the intensities of the detected light are approximately the same, it will identify the color of the coin 50 as white.

[0037] The control unit 4 is configured to perform control to calculate the total amount of the inserted coins from the type and number of coins 50 identified by the coin identification device 100.

[0038] The control unit 4 is configured to switch a deposit switching gate (not shown) to control switching of the destination of the coins 50 transported by the transport belt 1. Specifically, the control unit 4 switches a deposit switching gate (not shown) to control transport of the coins 50 to the return port 7 or the temporary storage unit 8.

[0039] The insertion slot 5 is used to insert coins 50 into the change dispenser 500. The size and shape of the insertion slot 5 are not particularly limited as long as it allows coins 50 to be inserted therein.

[0040] The storage unit 6 is configured to store inserted coins 50. The storage unit 6 is provided, for example, for each type of coin 50, and includes a 1-yen coin storage cabinet, a 5-yen coin storage cabinet, a 10-yen coin storage cabinet, a 50-yen coin storage cabinet, a 100-yen coin storage cabinet, and a 500-yen coin storage cabinet.

[0041] The return slot 7 is configured to discharge coins 50. The return slot 7 is configured to return coins 50 that have been returned, coins 50 that are given as change, and coins 50 that have been identified as deformed and are to be returned. The return slot 7 may include a return slot for change, and a return slot for coins 50 that have been identified as deformed and are to be returned, and a return slot for coins 50 that have been identified as damaged and are to be returned.

[0042] (Coin Identification) The identification of the coin 50 by the control unit 4 will now be described. The control unit 4 is configured to perform control to identify the coin 50 based on the color of the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3 and the detection result of the magnetic detection unit 2. Specifically, when the type of the coin 50 inferred from information about the coin 50 acquired from the detection result of the first sensor coil 21, the detection result of the second sensor coil 22, and the detection result of the third sensor coil 23 matches with the type of the coin 50 inferred from the color of the coin 50 identified from the detection result of the color detection unit 3, the control unit 4 identifies the matching type of coin 50 as the type of the inserted coin 50. Furthermore, the control unit 4 identifies the inserted coin 50 as a genuine coin (an acceptable coin 50). In addition, for damaged coins 50 and deformed coins 50, the type of coin 50 inferred from the information about the coin 50 obtained from the detection results of the first sensor coil 21, the second sensor coil 22, and the third sensor coil 23 does not match the type of coin 50 inferred from the color of the coin 50 identified from the detection results of the color detection unit 3, so the control unit 4 identifies the inserted coin 50 as not being an acceptable coin 50.

[0043] For example, if the color of coin 50 detected by color detection unit 3 is the color of a 50 yen coin or the color of a 100 yen coin, and information about a 100 yen coin is obtained from the detection results of magnetic detection unit 2, control unit 4 will identify the inserted coin 50 as a genuine coin and also as a 100 yen coin.

[0044] If the type of coin 50 inferred from the information about the coin 50 acquired from the detection results of the first sensor coil 21, the second sensor coil 22, and the third sensor coil 23 does not match the type of coin 50 inferred from the color of the coin 50 identified from the detection results of the color detection unit 3, the control unit 4 identifies the inserted coin 50 as an unacceptable coin 50 and performs control to return the coin 50 from the return slot 7. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous identification of the type of coin 50 when a foreign coin 50 is inserted into a change dispenser 500 that is compatible with Japanese coins 50.

[0045] (Identifying bicolor coins) As shown in Figure 4, coin 50 includes a bicolor coin. The bicolor coin includes a central region 51 and an outer peripheral region 52. Outer peripheral region 52 surrounds central region 51 and has a color different from that of central region 51. Outer peripheral region 52 is made of a different type of metal from that of central region 51.

[0046] The control unit 4 is configured to distinguish between the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52 of the coin 50 based on the detection results of the color detection unit 3. The control unit 4 is configured to distinguish whether the coin 50 is an acceptable bicolor coin or not based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 obtained in the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52 of the coin 50, respectively.

[0047] The control unit 4 is configured to distinguish between the outer circumferential region 52 and the central region 51 of the bicolor coin based on the color detected by the color detection unit 3. The control unit 4 is also configured to distinguish the type of coin 50 based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 obtained in the outer circumferential region 52 and the central region 51, respectively. The control unit 4 may detect a boundary portion 53 between the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52, and correct the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 detected in the boundary portion 53. For example, since changes in the magnetic field in the boundary portion 53 are affected by the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52, the control unit 4 may be set with a correction value that takes into account the influence of the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 and the color detection unit 3 for a bicolor coin. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis plots the amount of change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection unit 2 or the intensity of light received by the light receiving unit 32, and the horizontal axis plots the upstream and downstream sides of the conveyor belt 1. FIG. 5 also shows bicolor coins of the same type that have different resistances at the boundary 53 between the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52. The resistance of the boundary 53 varies depending on the bonding strength between the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52, and decreases as the bonding strength between the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52 increases.

[0049] 5, when the resistance of boundary portion 53 is high, the detection result detected by magnetic detector 2 changes significantly at boundary portion 53 compared to when the resistance of boundary portion 53 is low. Furthermore, regardless of the value of the junction resistance, the amount of change in the magnetic field in central region 51 is larger than the amount of change in the magnetic field in outer peripheral region 52.

[0050] As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 5 , the color intensity of the bicolor coin detected by the color detection unit 3 differs between the central region 51 and the peripheral region 52. Furthermore, the color of the bicolor coin detected by the color detection unit 3 differs between the central region 51 and the peripheral region 52. Specifically, in the central region 51, the color detection unit 3 detects blue, green, and red regions, resulting in a color close to gray. Furthermore, in the peripheral region 52, the color detection unit 3 detects green and red regions, resulting in a color close to yellow. Furthermore, the detection results of the color detection unit 3 are substantially the same for coins 50 of the same type, regardless of the resistance of the boundary region 53. Therefore, the control unit 4 can distinguish between the central region 51, the peripheral region 52, and the boundary region 53 based on the detection results of the color detection unit 3. Specifically, based on the time since the start of detection of the coin 50 conveyed by the conveyor belt 1 and the change in the color detection results, the central region 51, the outer peripheral region 52, and the boundary portion 53 can be identified. Based on this, the control unit 4 obtains the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 for each region and identifies whether the coin is an acceptable bicolor coin.

[0051] (Conveyor belt identification) As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to detect abnormalities in the conveyor belt 1 based on the color of the conveyor belt 1 detected by the color detection unit 3. Specifically, the control unit 4 is configured to detect the presence of an abnormality, such as a foreign object or soiling, when the detected color differs from a predetermined color. The color detection unit 3 is configured to irradiate light from the irradiation unit 31 onto the conveyor belt 1 and detect the light reflected from the conveyor belt 1. The color detection unit 3 is configured to irradiate light onto the conveyor belt 1 moving from the coin slot 5 toward the storage unit 6 when no coins 50 have been inserted. Furthermore, detection of abnormalities in the conveyor belt 1 may be configured to be performed, for example, when the coin identification device 100 (change dispenser 500) is started up, or may be performed by a maintenance technician. In FIG. 6, the light irradiated from the color detection unit 3 and the detected light are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0052] The control unit 4 is configured to set a threshold value for the light intensity based on the color of the conveyor belt 1 when it is not soiled. For example, the control unit 4 determines that the conveyor belt 1 is soiled if the light intensity detected by the color detection unit 3 is lower than the threshold value. Threshold values ​​are set for the blue, red, and green regions. If the conveyor belt 1 is close to white and is not soiled, light in the blue, red, and green regions is detected. However, if the conveyor belt 1 is soiled and black, the detectable light in each region is low or zero. Therefore, by setting a threshold value based on the intensity of each region when it is not soiled, the control unit 4 can determine whether the conveyor belt 1 is soiled or not. The control unit 4 may also be configured to notify a maintenance technician if an abnormality is detected. In this case, an error screen may be displayed or a sound may be emitted. The maintenance technician then performs maintenance such as cleaning the conveyor belt 1 and removing foreign matter.

[0053] (Identifying deformed or damaged coins) The control unit 4 is configured to perform control to identify whether the coin 50 is deformed or damaged based on the light reflected from the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3.

[0054] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the control unit 4 identifies whether the coin 50 is deformed based on the intensity of light detected by the color detection unit 3. Depending on the deformed coin 50, the change in magnetic flux generated by the magnetic detection unit 2 may not be significantly different from that of a normal, undeformed coin 50. Therefore, depending on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2, the deformed coin 50 may be identified as a normal coin 50. However, in the case of a deformed coin 50, the direction of reflected light differs from that of a normal coin 50, so the light receiving unit 32 either cannot receive light (it becomes almost zero) or the light intensity is reduced. Therefore, by setting a threshold based on the light intensity in the blue region, the red region, and the green region for an undeformed and undamaged coin, the control unit 4 can identify the deformed coin 50 when the intensity of the received light is below the threshold. Deformed coins 50 include those that are bent as shown in Figure 7 and those that are deeply scratched as shown in Figure 8. In Figures 7 and 8, the light emitted from the color detection unit 3 and the light detected are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0055] The control unit 4 is configured to perform control to return coins 50 that are identified as being deformed. By returning deformed coins 50, it is possible to prevent coins 50 from clogging inside the change machine 500 in which the coin identification device 100 is used. Furthermore, by returning deformed coins 50, it is possible to prevent coins 50 from being stored in the wrong storage unit 6. In this case, coins 50 that are identified as being deformed are transported to the return port 7 by the transport belt 1 and returned from the return port 7.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9 , the control unit 4 identifies whether the coin 50 is soiled or not based on the color of light detected by the color detection unit 3. Depending on the soiled coin 50, the amount of change in magnetic flux generated by the magnetic detection unit 2 may not be significantly different from that of a normal, unsoiled coin 50, and the coin may be identified as a normal coin 50 depending on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2. However, in the case of a soiled coin 50, light of a specific wavelength may be absorbed, and the color of the light detected by the color detection unit 3 may be different. Therefore, by setting a threshold based on the light intensity in the blue region, the light intensity in the red region, and the light intensity in the green region when the coin is not soiled, the control unit 4 can identify whether the coin is soiled or not. In FIG. 9 , the light emitted from the color detection unit 3 and the light detected therefrom are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0057] The control unit 4 is configured to perform control to return coins 50 that are identified as being soiled. Returning the soiled coins 50 can prevent the storage unit 6 from becoming soiled. In this case, the coins 50 that are identified as being soiled are transported by the transport belt 1 to the return opening 7 and are returned from the return opening 7.

[0058] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0059] As described above, this embodiment includes a control unit 4 that performs control to identify the coin 50 based on the color of the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3 and the detection result of the magnetic detection unit 2. This allows the coin 50 to be identified based on both the change in magnetic flux caused by the coin 50 and the color of the coin 50, so that, unlike when the coin 50 is identified based only on the change in magnetic flux, the coin 50 can be identified after closely examining the coin 50. As a result, the identification accuracy can be improved.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to identify the type of coin 50 based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 obtained for each different area of ​​the coin 50. This allows the coin 50 to be identified after being examined in more detail based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 for each area, thereby further improving the identification accuracy.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coin 50 is a bicolor coin including a central region 51 and an outer circumferential region 52 that surrounds the central region 51 and has a color different from that of the central region 51. The color detection unit 3 is disposed upstream of the magnetic detection unit 2 in the conveyance direction of the coin 50. The control unit 4 is configured to identify the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52 of the coin 50 based on the detection results of the color detection unit 3, and to identify whether the coin is a bicolor coin based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit 2 obtained for the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52 of the coin 50. As a result, when identifying a bicolor coin, the central region 51, the outer circumferential region 52, and a boundary portion 53 that is a boundary between the central region 51 and the outer circumferential region 52 can be distinguished and identified, thereby enabling accurate identification of the bicolor coin based on the amount of change in magnetic flux in each of the central region 51, the outer circumferential region 52, and the boundary portion 53.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the color detection unit 3 is configured to detect the red, green, and blue regions of the light reflected from the coin 50, and the control unit 4 is configured to identify the coin 50 based on the color of the coin 50 detected in accordance with the light of each region by the color detection unit 3. This allows for detailed color identification according to the amount of light reflected in the red, blue, and green regions, thereby further improving the accuracy of identifying the coin 50.

[0063] In this embodiment, the conveying unit is the conveying belt 1 including a rotating belt, the color detection unit 3 is configured to irradiate the conveying belt 1 with light from the irradiation unit 31 and detect the light reflected from the conveying belt 1, and the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to detect abnormalities in the conveying belt 1 based on the color of the conveying belt 1 detected by the color detection unit 3. Here, if there is a foreign object on the conveying belt 1 or if the conveying belt 1 is soiled or otherwise abnormal, the detected color of the conveying belt 1 differs from its normal color. Therefore, abnormalities in the conveying belt 1 can be accurately detected based on the color of the conveying belt 1. Furthermore, by detecting abnormalities in the conveying belt 1, maintenance can be performed to restore the conveying belt 1 to its normal state. Therefore, for example, if there is a foreign object on the conveying belt 1, it is possible to prevent problems such as inaccurate detection of changes in magnetic flux caused by coins 50 due to changes in magnetic flux caused by the foreign object.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to identify whether the coin 50 is deformed or damaged based on the light reflected from the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3. Here, if the coin 50 is deformed or damaged, the amount or color of light reflected from the coin 50 will be different from normal. Therefore, based on the light reflected from the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3, it is possible to accurately identify whether the coin 50 is deformed or damaged.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to identify the coin 50 as deformed when the intensity of light reflected from the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3 is less than a threshold, and to perform control to return the coin 50 identified as deformed. As a result, when the coin 50 is deformed, the direction of the reflected light is different from normal and deviates from the light receiving unit 32, so the intensity of the light detected by the color detection unit 3 becomes low or zero. Therefore, by setting the threshold based on the normal light intensity, it is possible to detect the deformation of the coin 50 with even greater accuracy. Furthermore, by returning the coin 50 identified as deformed, the deformed coin 50 is transported into the coin recognition device 100 via the conveyor belt 1, and clogging within the coin recognition device 100 can be prevented.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to identify whether the coin 50 is damaged or not based on the color of the coin 50 detected by the color detection unit 3, and to perform control to return the coin 50 that is identified as damaged. As a result, when the coin 50 is damaged, the color of the reflected light is different from normal. Therefore, by identifying the coin 50 based on color, it is possible to accurately detect whether the coin 50 is damaged. Furthermore, by returning the coin 50 that is identified as damaged, the damaged coin 50 is not transported to the storage unit 6, and therefore it is possible to prevent the storage unit 6 from being soiled.

[0067] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the coin identification device is used in a change dispenser, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the coin identification device may be used in a coin mechanism that constitutes a vending machine. In this case, the conveying path is a chute through which coins pass, and a magnetic detection unit and a color detection unit are provided for the chute.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the magnetic detector includes the first, second, and third sensor coils, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the magnetic detector may include one, two, four, or more sensor coils.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example in which a pair of magnetic detectors are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the number of magnetic detectors may be one, or three or more.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the irradiating unit of the color detection unit irradiates white light, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the irradiating unit of the color detection unit may be configured to irradiate light in the blue region, light in the red region, and light in the green region separately.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the color detection unit is disposed upstream of the magnetic detection unit when transporting coins from the coin slot to the storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the color detection unit may be disposed downstream of the magnetic detection unit.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the color detection unit detects the intensity of the reflected light, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the color detection unit may detect the amount of reflected light received.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the control unit distinguishes between the outer circumferential region and the central region of a two-color coin based on the detection result of the color detection unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may distinguish between the central region (hole) and the outer circumferential region (portion other than the hole) of a coin with a hole, such as a 5-yen coin or a 50-yen coin.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the control unit performs control to detect abnormalities in the conveyor belt based on the color of the conveyor belt detected by the color detection unit, and also performs control to detect deformation and damage of coins based on the detection results detected by the color detection unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, only one of the control to detect abnormalities in the conveyor belt and the control to detect deformation and damage of coins based on the detection results detected by the color detection unit may be performed, or neither may be performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Conveyor belt (conveyor section) 2 Magnetic detection unit 3 Color detection unit 4. Control section 6 Storage area 31 Irradiation unit 32 Light receiving section 50 coins 51 Central area 52 Outer area 100 Coin Identification Device

Claims

1. a conveyance path along which coins are conveyed; a magnetic detector that detects a change in magnetic flux caused by the coins transported through the transport path; a color detection unit that includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the coins transported along the transport path, and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the coins, and that detects the color of the coins based on the light reflected from the coins; a control unit that controls the identification of the coin based on the color of the coin detected by the color detection unit and the detection result of the magnetic detection unit.

2. The coin identification device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to identify the type of the coin based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit obtained for each different region of the coin.

3. the coin is a bicolor coin including a central region and an outer peripheral region surrounding the central region and having a different color from the central region; In the coin conveying direction, the color detection unit is disposed upstream of the magnetic detection unit, 3. The coin identification device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to identify the central region and the outer peripheral region of the coin based on the detection results of the color detection unit, and to identify whether the coin is a bicolor coin based on the detection results of the magnetic detection unit obtained in the central region and the outer peripheral region of the coin.

4. the color detection unit is configured to detect red, green, and blue regions of light reflected from the coin; The coin identifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to identify the coin based on the color of the coin detected by the color detection unit in response to the light of each region.

5. the conveying path is a conveying belt including a rotating belt, the color detection unit is configured to irradiate the conveyor belt with light from the irradiation unit and detect light reflected from the conveyor belt; The coin identifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to detect abnormalities in the conveyor belt based on the color of the conveyor belt detected by the color detection unit.

6. The coin identification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control to identify whether the coin is deformed or damaged based on the light reflected from the coin detected by the color detection unit.

7. The coin identification device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to control the coin to be identified as deformed when the intensity of light reflected from the coin detected by the color detection unit is less than a threshold value, and to control the coin to be returned if identified as deformed.

8. The coin identification device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to identify whether the coin is damaged or not based on the color of the coin detected by the color detection unit, and to control the return of the coin that is identified as damaged.

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