Coin Recognition Unit Using Merged Magnetic and Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin recognition units face challenges in accurately recognizing bi-metallic coins and stained coins, with existing systems either lacking precision in denomination recognition, failing to detect partial stains, or being overly complex and difficult to integrate with other recognition units.
Innovation Solution
A coin recognition unit comprising magnetic sensors for diameter, thickness, and material detection, combined with optical sensors that emit light of multiple wavelengths to detect stains and color differences on both the face and back of coins, using a glass transport surface to stabilize coin movement and prevent sensor height differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units are placed side by side in the transport path to achieve high recognition capacity, then recognition precision is improved, but device complexity and instability increase due to height differences causing coins to bound or come off the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor units (optical sensors for stain detection and magnetic sensors for denomination recognition) into a single integrated sensor unit. This merging eliminates the need to place multiple separate sensor units side by side, thereby maintaining high recognition precision while avoiding the instability and complexity caused by height differences between separate units.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: optical sensors detect stains on the coin surface while magnetic sensors detect coin material and denomination. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor unit to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate sensor units, resolving the contradiction between recognition precision and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If stain detection modules are placed only on the aligning side of coins, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because only one portion of each face and back can be detected, missing partial stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions optical sensors to detect coins from both the upper and lower sides, adding a vertical dimension to the detection arrangement. This allows the sensors to detect stains on both the face and back of coins, as well as detect partial stains that would be missed if sensors were placed only on the aligning side, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If optical sensors and magnetic sensors are integrated into one unit, then device complexity is reduced and stability is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to limited space for sensor placement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor unit is segmented into distinct functional components: optical sensors for stain detection and magnetic sensors for denomination recognition. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimally positioned within the integrated unit to maintain detection precision, while the overall integration reduces device complexity and improves stability by eliminating height differences between separate units.
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 enables high recognition capacity for bi-metallic and stained coins, stabilizing coin movement and allowing for precise detection of stains and color differences across a broad range of coin surfaces, improving precision and integration with other recognition units.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic sensors that collect magnetic characteristics of a transported coin
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical sensor disposed with a space from the magnetic sensors and configured to collect optical characteristics of a surface of the coin
Implementation Method 3
a glass plate constituting a transport surface on which the coin is transported
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a coin recognition unit having high recognition capacity. The coin recognition unit comprises magnetic sensors each configured to collect magnetic characteristics of a transported coin; at least one optical sensor disposed with a space from the magnetic sensors and configured to collect optical characteristics of a surface of the coin; a glass plate constituting a transport surface on which the coin is transported and having a larger size than the coin; and a controller configured to control the magnetic sensors and the at least one optical sensor and perform a recognition process, the glass plate covering at least part of each magnetic sensor and at least part of each optical sensor.