Coin Discrimination Using Segmented Sensor Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin denomination discrimination apparatuses face challenges in accurately distinguishing bimetallic coins due to structural unevenness at the connecting portion, leading to variations in data obtained by sensors, which degrades discrimination accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a coin detector with multiple sensors positioned along the carrying path, including first to fourth coin detection sensors, and additional sensors for diameter detection, ensuring consistent positional relationships and simultaneous detection of peripheral and central part characteristics, thereby minimizing the impact of structural unevenness and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single material sensor and thickness sensor are used to detect both core and ring-shaped parts, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to structural unevenness at the connecting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple sensors: material sensors are positioned to detect only the core part or only the ring-shaped part, and thickness sensors are similarly positioned. This segmentation allows each sensor to measure only one type of part, avoiding the mixing of data from the connecting portion which has structural unevenness, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If sensors are positioned to detect both core and ring-shaped parts simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to data dispersion from the connecting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection targets by positioning different sensors to detect different parts (core vs. ring-shaped) separately. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple parts without the data dispersion problem, as each sensor measures only its designated target area, maintaining both productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning sensors at specific locations to detect specific properties of specific parts. Material sensors detect material properties of the core or ring, while thickness sensors detect thickness at corresponding locations. This localized detection approach ensures that each measurement is taken from a homogeneous area, avoiding the structural unevenness at the connecting portion and maintaining high data consistency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A coin discrimination apparatus is provided, which is capable of discriminating the denomination and authenticity of coins accurately even if they are bimetallic coins. A first coin detection sensor, located near a guide, obtains a physical characteristic about a peripheral part of a coin moved on a carrying path. A second coin detection sensor, located apart from the guide, obtains a physical characteristic about a central part of the coin. A third coin detection sensor, located on a downstream side of the carrying path with respect to the first sensor and near the guide, obtains a physical characteristic about the peripheral part of the coin. A fourth coin detection sensor, located on the downstream side of the carrying path with respect to the second sensor and apart from the guide, obtains a physical characteristic about the central part of the coin. An additional physical characteristic about the peripheral part of the coin is obtained by cooperation of the second and third sensors when the coin reaches the third sensor.