Coin Identification System Using Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coin identification systems lack an automated means to efficiently determine the type, mint date, and value of coins within a larger collection, especially when coins are worn or of similar appearance, leading to time-consuming and costly manual sorting processes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that captures and analyzes both sides of a coin using an image capture means, comparing the coin's surface contours and edges to a database of known coin images to identify the coin's type, mint mark, and potential value, deployable in both sorting devices and handheld devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sorting and identification methods are used, then accuracy in determining coin type and value can be maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting and visual inspection with an automated optical imaging system coupled with image processing algorithms. The system captures coin images using a camera, processes them through software that analyzes surface features, edges, and patterns, and automatically identifies coin type, mint date, and value without human intervention, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables coins to be automatically identified and sorted through self-contained image capture and processing capabilities. The image processing means analyzes coin features independently without requiring external manual examination, allowing the system to autonomously determine coin identity and classify it appropriately, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If professional graders are employed to identify rare coins, then identification accuracy improves, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive human expert graders with an automated computational system. The image processing algorithms replicate and enhance the capabilities of professional graders by analyzing coin images for surface contours, edge patterns, and distinctive features, providing accurate identification and valuation without the ongoing operational costs of employing experts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the coin through high-resolution imaging and uses this copy for analysis instead of requiring physical handling by experts. The image processing means extracts all necessary identification information from the digital representation, eliminating the need for costly human expertise while maintaining accurate coin classification.
3Productivity
If automated coin counting devices are used, then productivity increases, but the ability to determine coin type, mint mark, and value remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coin analysis process into distinct image processing stages: capturing the coin image, extracting surface contour information, analyzing edge patterns, identifying mint marks, and determining coin value. This segmentation allows the system to process coins rapidly while preserving and analyzing all relevant detail information that simpler counting devices would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from simple 2D counting to comprehensive multi-dimensional analysis by examining coin surface contours, edge profiles, and pattern distributions in the image data. This dimensional enhancement enables the automated system to extract detailed information about coin type, mint mark, and value while maintaining high processing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coin identification system and method is disclosed for determining the identity of a source coin by way of image processing. The system comprises a source coin image capture means, an image processing means, and an output that relays information to the user or sorts the coin according to its match results. The processing means compares at least one image of the source coin to a plurality of reference coin images, whereby the image of the source coin is manipulated and overlaid onto the reference coin images to determine if a match is available with a given probability. An embodiment of the system employs a coin collection and sorting device. Another embodiment contemplates a handheld electronic device that captures and processes the source coin. Both embodiments may connect to a remote server housing the reference coin information or store the information locally.