Linear Array Sensor Coin Discrimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical coin discriminating devices suffer from high discrimination errors due to variations in coin surface reflectance caused by aging and wear, and are inefficient in processing large quantities of coins, requiring excessive time and resources, while also being costly and spatially inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a coin processing system utilizing a one-dimensional linear array of sensors, which can include optical, electromagnetic, magnetic, or capacitive sensors, to image and process coins, enabling faster and more accurate discrimination and authentication by capturing detailed images of coins at high speeds and resolutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional optical coin discriminating devices are used, then coin discrimination is performed, but discrimination errors increase due to variations in coin surface reflectance caused by aging and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoin discrimination accuracyVSAvoiddiscrimination error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the measurement parameter from optical reflectance to electromagnetic properties (magnetic, capacitive, or electromagnetic sensors). This parameter change allows discrimination based on intrinsic coin properties that do not degrade with aging and wear, thereby maintaining measurement precision and reducing discrimination errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the optical discrimination system with an electromagnetic sensing system. By substituting optical sensors with electromagnetic, magnetic, or capacitive sensors, the system eliminates reliance on surface reflectance and achieves more reliable coin discrimination based on electromagnetic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional optical coin discriminating devices are used, then coin processing is performed, but processing speed is slow and time consumption is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoin processing speedVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement of optical sensors with electromagnetic sensing arrays enables faster data acquisition and processing. The electromagnetic sensors can rapidly detect coin properties without the limitations of optical systems, thereby increasing processing speed and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a linear array of multiple sensors that can simultaneously detect multiple coin properties. This segmentation of the sensing function across multiple sensors enables parallel processing of coin characteristics, significantly improving processing speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional optical coin discriminating devices are used, then coin authentication is performed, but device cost is high and spatial efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost and space requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical authentication systems with simpler electromagnetic sensing arrays. The electromagnetic, magnetic, or capacitive sensors require less sophisticated infrastructure and occupy less space, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining or improving authentication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing from optical parameter measurement to electromagnetic property detection, the system achieves authentication with simpler, more cost-effective sensors. The electromagnetic properties of coins can be detected with straightforward sensing arrays that are less expensive and more compact than optical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly reduces discrimination errors, enhances processing speed, and improves the efficiency of coin sorting and authentication, allowing for the reliable and rapid processing of large batches of coins while minimizing space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a one-dimensional linear array of sensors (e.g., optical, electromagnetic, magnetic, or capacitive sensors)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a one-dimensional linear array of sensors (e.g., optical, electromagnetic, magnetic, or capacitive sensors)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance detection: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11625968B1Systems, methods and devices for processing coins with linear array of coin imaging sensors

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 CUMMINS ALLISON CORP

AI summary

Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, and methods of imaging coins are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles. The disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to the coins, and a sorting head having a lower surface adjacent the rotatable disk. The lower surface forms various shaped regions for guiding the coins, under the motion imparted by the rotatable disk, to exit channels through which the coins are discharged to the coin receptacles. A linear array of sensors is mounted to the sorting head and/or the rotatable disk. The sensors examine each coin on the rotatable disk and output a signal indicative of coin image information for processing the coin.