Detachable Image Sensor Unit for Banknote Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance and replacement of image sensors in banknote handling apparatuses are complicated due to the difficulty in detaching and replacing individual sensors within the discrimination unit, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A paper sheet handling apparatus with detachable image sensor and ultraviolet/magnetic sensor units, each equipped with a storage element for correction data and a circuit board, allowing for pre-correction of sensor outputs during manufacturing, enabling easy maintenance and replacement by attaching these units to specific attachment parts within the conveyance path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor is integrated into the discrimination unit, then the discrimination function is improved, but the ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discrimination unit is divided into separate functional modules: the image sensor unit, ultraviolet sensor unit, magnetic sensor unit, and controller unit. Each sensor unit can be independently attached to or detached from the controller unit, allowing maintenance and replacement of individual sensors without affecting other components. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both integrated discrimination function and easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units (image sensor, ultraviolet sensor, magnetic sensor) are designed as detachable modules that can be nested onto the controller unit. The attachment parts allow these sensor units to be mounted on the controller unit in a nested configuration, where each sensor unit can be independently accessed, removed, or replaced while maintaining the overall discrimination unit structure. This enables easy maintenance while preserving the integrated discrimination function.
2Ease of repair
If the image sensor is made detachable, then the ease of maintenance and replacement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller unit is designed with universal attachment parts that can accommodate multiple types of sensor units (image sensor, ultraviolet sensor, magnetic sensor). The attachment mechanism and connection terminals are standardized to work with all sensor unit types, reducing the need for different mounting structures for each sensor type. This universality reduces device complexity while enabling easy maintenance and replacement of various sensor 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
This solution allows for efficient maintenance and replacement of image sensor and ultraviolet/magnetic sensor units, reducing costs and simplifying the process by enabling corrections to be performed before attachment, ensuring accurate output without post-attachment corrections.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for capturing and discriminating a banknote
Data Source
AI summary
A method including correcting output of an image sensor unit based on correction information of the image sensor unit that captures and discriminates a paper sheet. A apparatus includes an image sensor unit which includes an image capturing element that captures a banknote so as to discriminate the banknote, a controller that controls the image sensor unit, and a first attachment part, to which the image sensor unit is attached to be detachable, and which includes a connection terminal that connects the image sensor unit and the controller with each other, and which is arranged in a conveyance path for conveying the banknote.