Coin Central Ring Optical Detection via Electromagnetic Transparency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bimetallic coins tested using electromagnetic methods face falsification of measurement results due to corrosion-induced contact resistance, and existing methods are inefficient in detecting coins with central rings made of electrically insulating materials.

Innovation Solution

The coin is designed with a central ring that is transparent to specific electromagnetic waves or light ranges, allowing for optical detection through light barriers and sensors, which record signal changes to determine the presence and dimensions of the central ring, outer ring, and core.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic measuring methods are used to test bimetallic coins, then measurement can be performed, but measurement results are falsified due to corrosion-induced contact resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement result accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic measuring methods with optical measuring methods. Instead of using electromagnetic fields that are sensitive to contact resistance and corrosion, the invention uses optical transmitters and receivers to detect light transmission through the coin's central ring, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of corrosion on measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of transmitters and receivers that use light as a mediator to detect coin features. This intermediary optical system bypasses the electrical contact issue entirely, allowing measurement without direct electrical contact with the coin surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a central ring is added to the coin structure, then coin discrimination capability is improved, but detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoin discrimination capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits optical property changes (transparency/translucency) of the central ring material to enable detection. By selecting materials with specific optical characteristics that differ from the outer ring and core, the system can distinguish coins with central rings from conventional coins using simple optical transmission detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the coin into three distinct segments (outer ring, central ring, core) with different optical properties. This segmentation allows the detection system to identify the presence and characteristics of the central ring by detecting differences in light transmission through each segment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional electromagnetic testing is used, then testing process is simple, but detection of coins with central rings is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidcentral ring detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic detection with optical detection methods. Optical transmitters send light through the coin and receivers detect transmission patterns, enabling efficient identification of central rings based on their transparency characteristics, thereby improving detection efficiency for coins with central rings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables accurate and efficient detection and discrimination of coins with central rings, reducing measurement falsification and improving recognition through optical means, particularly using IR light in coin checking devices.

Implementation Method 1

the central ring is transparent to electromagnetic waves of a first wavelength range and/or is less transparent or impermeable to a second wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission and absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2879542B1Method for testing the coin
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS LTD
  • EP2879542B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2879542B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3(c)
  • EP2879542B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Coin (10) comprising a core (1) of a first metal, an outer ring (2) of a further metal, concentrically surrounding the core, and, between the core and the outer ring, a central ring (3), consisting of an electrically insulating material and solidly bonded to said core and outer ring, characterized in that the central ring is transmissive with respect to electromagnetic waves of a first wavelength range and less transmissive or untransmissive with respect to a second wavelength range.