Multi-Sensor Coin Identification for Accurate, Jam-Resistant Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin counting machines face inaccuracies in distinguishing coins by diameter, confuse similar geometric shapes, are bulkier and more complex, and fail to discriminate between metallic and non-metallic materials, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of jamming.
Innovation Solution
A coin identification system using a capacitive sensor with a closed-loop PLL resonant circuit, inductive eddy current sensor, and magnetic sensor to detect capacitive, inductive, and magnetic parameters of coins, enabling accurate identification of both metallic and non-metallic coins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diameter-based detection is used to identify coins, then identification speed is improved, but identification accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish similar geometric shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (capacitive sensing, inductive sensing, and magnetic sensing) into a unified identification system. This merging allows the system to simultaneously measure multiple parameters (capacitance, inductance, magnetic properties) of each coin, enabling accurate differentiation between coins of similar diameters while maintaining high identification speed through parallel signal acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-parameter detection (diameter only) to multi-parameter detection by measuring capacitance, inductance, and magnetic properties. These additional parameters provide unique signatures for different coin types, allowing accurate identification even when geometric dimensions are similar. The control unit analyzes combinations of these parameters to distinguish between various coin denominations and materials.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are combined to increase identification reliability, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates capacitive, inductive, and magnetic sensing capabilities into a single multi-functional sensor assembly. This merging approach achieves high identification reliability through multiple measurement modalities while minimizing the increase in device complexity by sharing common structural elements, signal processing circuits, and control logic across all sensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single integrated structure performs capacitive measurement, inductive measurement, and magnetic field detection. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive coin identification capability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same physical platform supports multiple sensing operations.
3Reliability
If tolerance is minimized to prevent counterfeit coins, then security is improved, but legitimate coins are incorrectly rejected
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves beyond single-parameter tolerance checking to multi-parameter verification. By measuring capacitance, inductance, and magnetic properties simultaneously, the system creates a comprehensive fingerprint for each coin type. This multi-dimensional parameter space allows the establishment of more robust acceptance criteria that can accommodate normal manufacturing variations and wear while maintaining strict security against counterfeits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements feedback-based decision making by continuously analyzing the combination of measured parameters and comparing them against stored reference profiles. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust acceptance decisions based on the overall pattern match across multiple parameters, rather than relying on rigid single-parameter tolerance thresholds that incorrectly reject legitimate coins.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensors are used, then metallic coins can be discriminated, but non-metallic coins cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed with universal detection capability that works across different material types. The capacitive sensor detects changes in electrical capacitance caused by any material with different dielectric properties, the inductive sensor responds to materials with different magnetic permeability, and the magnetic sensor detects magnetic field disturbances. This multi-functional sensing approach enables reliable detection and discrimination of both metallic and non-metallic coins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple physical parameters (capacitance, inductance, magnetic field) that vary differently across material types. Metallic coins produce characteristic responses in all three measurements, while non-metallic coins produce distinct patterns. By analyzing these parameter variations, the system achieves versatile material discrimination capability that extends beyond traditional metal-only detection to include plastic, ceramic, and other non-metallic coin materials.
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
Ensures accurate, fast, and reliable coin counting with reduced risk of jamming, supports both metallic and non-metallic coins, and is economical and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor (13) arranged in the vicinity to said transfer channel and comprising a closed-loop resonant circuit (14) configured to detect first identification parameters of the coin when such coin passes through the transfer channel (12)
Implementation Method 2
The second proximity sensor is configured to create induced currents on a metal object such as a coin
Implementation Method 3
The third sensor essentially allows to detect how the magnetic field is disturbed following the passage of a coin from the transfer channel
Data Source
AI summary
Coin identification system, of the type installable on a coin counting machine and comprising a capacitive sensor comprising a closed-loop resonant circuit configured to detect identifying parameters of said coin, said system being capable of associating a specific type of coin with said identifying parameters.