Coin Sorting Scanner for Automated Rare Coin Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coin sorting machines do not identify the rarity of coins, relying solely on circulation value, and require manual identification by users, which is time-consuming and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A coin sorting machine equipped with a scanner and CPU that automates the identification of rare coins by scanning and cross-referencing with a database, routing rare coins to a separate pathway while sorting by denomination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a coin sorting machine uses automated sensors to identify coins by size and circulation value, then the sorting efficiency is improved, but the ability to identify rare coins is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification methods (automated sensor-based circulation value identification and scanner-based rarity identification) into a single coin sorting machine. The scanner captures images of coins and the CPU analyzes them for rarity characteristics, while automated sensors simultaneously determine circulation value. This merging allows the machine to perform both functions concurrently, resolving the contradiction between sorting efficiency and rarity identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The coin sorting machine is designed with multi-functionality to handle both circulation value sorting and rarity identification. The system includes a scanner and CPU for rarity analysis in addition to the standard automated sensors for circulation value determination. This universal design enables the machine to serve multiple purposes: sorting by denomination, identifying rare coins, and providing comprehensive coin information, thereby resolving the limitation of single-function machines.
2Measurement precision
If a user manually identifies rare coins using reference materials, then the identification accuracy is improved, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of examining coins with reference materials with an automated optical scanning and digital image analysis system. The scanner captures high-resolution images of coins, and the CPU automatically analyzes these images using algorithms that identify rarity characteristics such as errors, mint marks, and design variations. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually examine coins, dramatically reducing evaluation time while maintaining or improving identification accuracy through consistent algorithmic analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and sorting rare coins without requiring user expertise or manual intervention. The scanner and CPU work autonomously to capture coin images, analyze them for rarity, and route coins appropriately. The machine serves itself by having the CPU cross-reference scanned coin images with a database of known rare coins, eliminating the need for human operators to have specialized knowledge or spend time researching each coin.
3Device complexity
If a coin sorting machine processes all coins through the same pathway, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to separate rare coins is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coin sorting process into distinct pathways: a first pathway for rare coins and a second pathway for non-rare coins. The scanner and CPU identify rare coins, and the machine routes them through the first pathway to a separate collection area, while non-rare coins proceed through the second pathway for standard denomination sorting. This segmentation allows the machine to handle different coin types appropriately without requiring a completely complex redesign, as each pathway can be relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of rare coins before the final sorting action. The scanner captures images and the CPU analyzes them for rarity characteristics prior to routing decisions. This preliminary action allows the machine to prepare the coin routing in advance, directing rare coins to the first pathway and non-rare coins to the second pathway before they reach the collection areas. This approach enables flexible routing without adding significant complexity, as the decision-making process occurs early in the coin's journey through the machine.
Data Source
AI summary
The rare coin identifying machine is a coin sorting machine with integrated scanner interconnected to a CPU to identify collectible rare coins. The purpose being to automate the rarity identification for both avid coin collectors and novice. This automation will help alleviate human error in rare coin identification and the time needed to access them. The scanner inside the coin sorting machine scans coins one at a time and the CPU crosschecks database to see if a rare coin match occurs. If one does occur, then the coin exists the machine. If one does not occur, then the coin is routed to the proper stack.