Bank Bill Reader Sensor Interface Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bank bill identification devices have a complex structure due to differences in image pixels, reading periods, and timing between sensors, requiring separate interfaces for each sensor module.

Innovation Solution

A reading device with sensor modules and an input/output controller that generates and transmits timing signals based on unit conveyance distances and predetermined orders, allowing for sequential output of read data without the need for separate interfaces for each sensor module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate interfaces are provided for each sensor module to handle different image pixels, reading periods, and timing, then each sensor can operate independently with its own characteristics, but the device structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation independenceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single interface unit is designed to handle multiple sensor modules with different characteristics (image pixels, reading periods, timing). The interface unit universally manages data acquisition from various sensors through a standardized connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each sensor while maintaining their operational independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple interfaces are provided for each sensor module, then data acquisition from each sensor can be optimized, but the number of components and connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate interface functions are merged into a single integrated interface unit. This unified interface handles data acquisition from all sensor modules through one connection point, reducing the total number of components and connections while maintaining optimized data acquisition capabilities for each sensor type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If each sensor module has its own dedicated interface, then timing and reading period variations can be managed individually, but the overall system configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming synchronizationVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single interface unit acts as an intermediary between the control unit and multiple sensor modules. This intermediary manages the timing synchronization and reading period variations for all sensors through centralized control, simplifying the system configuration by eliminating the need for individual interface management for each sensor while maintaining reliable timing synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11295094B2Reader device and identification device

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An input and output controller transmits timing signals respectively to sensor modules based on unit conveyance distances of the respective sensor modules and a predetermined order of the sensor module. The sensor modules reads, in response to the timing signals, identification information included in an object and respectively generates read data and. The input and output controller acquires the read data respectively generated by the sensor modules and respectively outputs the read data in the predetermined order.