Combined Fluorescence Phosphorescence Bank Note Detection Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bank note processing machines require separate detector modules for florescence and phosphorescence detection, which increases complexity and costs, and may not accurately differentiate between counterfeit and worn notes.

Innovation Solution

A combined florescence and phosphorescence detection module is introduced, using a single detector module with an illumination source, a first sensor for immediate florescence measurement, and a second sensor for delayed phosphorescence measurement, isolated to avoid interference, and controlled by a central processor for accurate counterfeit identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate detector modules are used for florescence and phosphorescence detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate florescence and phosphorescence detector modules into a single integrated detector module. This module includes an illumination source that emits ultraviolet light, a first sensor for detecting florescence signals, and a second sensor for detecting phosphorescence signals, all housed within one modular unit. The combining reduces device complexity and costs while maintaining detection accuracy through spatial and temporal separation of measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Within the combined detector module, the patent segments the detection functions by using separate sensors for florescence and phosphorescence detection. The first sensor detects immediate florescence emission when illuminated, while the second sensor detects delayed phosphorescence emission. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of both properties in a single pass through the note, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate detector modules are used for florescence and phosphorescence detection, then detection functions are fulfilled, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single manufactured module, reducing the total number of components that need to be produced, assembled, and calibrated. The combined module includes shared components such as the housing, illumination source mounting, and signal processing electronics, which reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining the ability to detect both florescence and phosphorescence properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combined detector module is designed as a universal component that can detect multiple note properties (florescence and phosphorescence) simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single module to replace what would traditionally require two separate modules, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining detection versatility across different note types and denominations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single detector module detects both florescence and phosphorescence, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic illumination using an ultraviolet light source that is activated in timed intervals. The illumination source emits ultraviolet light to excite both florescence and phosphorescence materials in the note. By controlling the illumination timing and using the natural temporal differences between immediate florescence emission and delayed phosphorescence emission, the system distinguishes between the two signals and prevents interference, even within a single detector module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical filters as intermediaries between the illumination source and the sensors. These filters selectively transmit specific wavelengths of light to the appropriate sensors while blocking unwanted wavelengths. The first sensor has filters optimized for detecting florescence wavelengths, while the second sensor has filters optimized for phosphorescence wavelengths. This intermediary filtering prevents signal interference and allows both detection functions to operate simultaneously within the same module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution simplifies the detection process, reduces costs, and enhances the ability to distinguish between counterfeit and worn notes by using a single module to measure both florescence and phosphorescence characteristics effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor for immediate florescence measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a second sensor for delayed phosphorescence measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Data Source

PatentUS9761077B2Bank note processing system having a combined florescence and phosphorescence detection system
Publication Date: 2017.09.12 TOSHIBA INTERNATIONAL CORP
  • US9761077B2 patent drawing
  • US9761077B2 patent drawing
  • US9761077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bank note processing system having a combined florescence and phosphorescence detection system. The bank note processing system includes a detection module which has a detector housing having a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a light baffle. An illumination source and a first sensor module are disposed in the first compartment of the detector housing and a second sensor module is disposed in the second compartment of the detector housing. The illumination source directs light to the bank note and the first sensor module measures the bank note's florescence at a first point in time. The second sensor module measures the bank note's phosphorescence at a second point in time and the detection module determines whether the bank note is a counterfeit bank note using the measured florescence and the measured phosphorescence.