Coin Imaging Sensor Assemblies for Accurate Denomination Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin processing systems face issues with high discrimination errors due to variations in coin surface reflectance from aging and wear, and are inefficient in processing large volumes of coins, with conventional optical systems being slow, unreliable, and costly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of coin processing machines equipped with coin-imaging sensor assemblies that utilize linear arrays of sensors to capture detailed images of coins, enabling accurate authentication and denomination identification, and multi-wavelength sensors to detect non-metallic coin characteristics, improving processing speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensors are used to detect coin characteristics, then the system can identify coin denomination, but discrimination errors increase due to variations in coin surface reflectance from aging and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength by using multiple wavelengths (including infrared and ultraviolet) instead of a single wavelength. This allows the system to detect coin characteristics that are less affected by surface reflectance variations, thereby maintaining accurate denomination identification despite aging and wear of the coins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic sensors as an intermediary detection method alongside optical sensors. The magnetic sensors detect magnetic properties of coins which are independent of surface reflectance, providing a reliable secondary method for coin identification when optical detection is compromised by aging and wear
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems process coins one at a time, then authentication accuracy is maintained, but processing speed decreases and efficiency is reduced for large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple independent sensor types (optical sensors for different wavelengths, magnetic sensors) that can operate simultaneously. This allows parallel processing of multiple coin characteristics without compromising authentication accuracy, thereby increasing processing speed for large volumes of coins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensor assembly that can detect multiple coin characteristics (optical properties at different wavelengths, magnetic properties) simultaneously. This universal detection system maintains high authentication accuracy while processing coins at higher speeds through parallel multi-parameter detection
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
The solution significantly reduces discrimination errors, enhances processing speed, and improves the ability to handle large volumes of coins efficiently, while being more cost-effective and reliable than traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly includes one or more light emitting devices, such as rows of light emitting diodes, for illuminating passing coins
Implementation Method 2
A sensor circuit board with one or more photodetector elements for sensing light reflected off said coins
Data Source
AI summary
Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin imaging sensor assemblies and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit, which is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles, includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins to the coin receptacles. A sensor assembly is mounted to, adjacent or within the sorting head adjacent the rotatable disk. The sensor assembly includes a linear array of sensors, wherein the linear array of sensors is configured to sense coins processed by the coin processing unit, and to output a signal indicative of coin image information for processing the coins.