Gate Member Banknote Detection via Segmented Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional money handling apparatuses fail to reliably detect banknotes that become caught by components and remain inside the apparatus, as these banknotes may only partially block detection light depending on their position or shape, leading to undetected changes in light detection.
Innovation Solution
A money handling apparatus with a gate member that opens and closes a passage, incorporating a detection unit to identify banknotes caught by the gate member, allowing for accurate detection of remaining banknotes by monitoring the gate member's position and light detection changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light emitting element and light receiving element are used to detect remaining banknotes, then detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates when banknotes only partially block the detection light
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent light receiving elements arranged in the travel direction of the banknotes. Instead of relying on a single light receiving element that may not detect partial blocking, multiple elements work together to provide comprehensive coverage. When any light receiving element detects a change in light amount, the system determines that banknotes are remaining, thereby improving detection reliability even when only partial blocking occurs.
2Device complexity
If a single light receiving element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection coverage deteriorates when banknotes are positioned at various locations
Solution Approach 1:
The single light receiving element is segmented into multiple light receiving elements arranged along the travel direction of the banknotes. This segmentation increases the detection coverage area without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the additional elements are positioned strategically to cover different locations where banknotes might remain.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point detection (one light receiving element) to a distributed detection approach (multiple light receiving elements arranged in space). By adding the spatial dimension of multiple detection points along the travel direction, the system achieves broader coverage area while maintaining manageable complexity.
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
Enables precise detection of banknotes that cannot move and remain within the apparatus, improving the reliability of money handling operations by indirectly detecting caught banknotes through changes in the gate member's position and light reception.
Implementation Method 1
When there is any banknote in the cassette, the banknote blocks the detection light
Data Source
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AI summary
Money that cannot move and remains in a money handling apparatus is detected. The money handling apparatus (1) includes: a storage (34) configured to store money; a gate member (44) configured to open and close a passage leading to the storage by moving between a closed position to restrict movement of the money and an opened position to allow the money to pass through the passage; and a detection unit configured to detect presence/absence of money caught by the gate member.