Optical Sensor for Valuable Paper Validation Using Merged Photocouplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensing devices for validating valuable papers face challenges in accurately detecting plural optical features due to insufficient optical features, increased size, and higher costs associated with the number of light emitting and receiving elements, which affects validation accuracy and compactness.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensing device employs first and second photocouplers positioned on opposite sides of a passageway with light emitting and receiving elements of different wavelengths, allowing for the detection of multiple optical features using a reduced number of elements, enabling accurate validation of valuable papers with different colors and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If increased number of optical sensors are used to improve validation accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and occupied area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light emitting elements (visible light LED and infrared LED) and multiple light receiving elements into a single integrated optical sensor unit. This merging approach allows the device to detect multiple optical features (reflectance and transmittance at different wavelengths) using one compact sensor structure, thereby improving validation accuracy without increasing device complexity or occupied area
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously. The light receiving elements can detect both visible light reflectance and infrared light transmittance, enabling the sensor to validate multiple optical features of valuable papers using a single universal sensor platform, thus avoiding the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection function
2Measurement precision
If increased number of optical sensors are used to improve validation accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the occupied area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light emitting elements and light receiving elements into a single compact optical sensor assembly. This integration allows the system to maintain high validation accuracy by detecting multiple optical features while occupying minimal space, as all detection functions are consolidated into one unified sensor structure rather than requiring separate distributed sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning light emitting and receiving elements at specific geometric relationships (opposite sides, adjacent positions) within a compact three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional optimization allows multiple detection paths (reflectance and transmittance) to be achieved within a small footprint area
3Measurement precision
If more light emitting and receiving elements are used to detect plural optical features, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light emitting elements (visible LED, infrared LED) and light receiving elements into a single integrated optical sensor unit that can be manufactured as one assembly. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing and assembling multiple separate sensor units, while still enabling detection of multiple optical features with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor employs universal light emitting diodes (both visible and infrared) and light receiving elements that can detect multiple wavelengths. This multi-functional design reduces the need for specialized expensive components for each detection function, allowing the use of standardized, cost-effective elements that maintain high detection accuracy across different optical features
4Measurement precision
If more light emitting and receiving elements are arranged to detect multiple optical features, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light emitting elements and light receiving elements into a single integrated optical sensor structure with unified support and positioning mechanisms. This consolidation reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures, alignment mechanisms, and housing for each individual sensor, while maintaining the capability to detect multiple optical features with high precision
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 configuration enhances validation accuracy by deriving plural optical scanning patterns with fewer light emitting and receiving elements, achieving compact size and cost-effectiveness while improving the detection of optical features on valuable papers.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element (21, 23, 31, 33) in the proximity to the light emitting element (20, 22, 30, 32) for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting elements (20, 22, 30, 32) so that each light receiving element (21, 23, 31, 33) can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64. Thus, the optical sensing device can derive plural optical scanning patterns by means of less number of light emitting and receiving elements to improve accuracy in valuable paper validation; can pick out optical patterns for different colors printed on valuable paper by means of plural lights of different wavelength irradiated on a same scan line or area on valuable paper; and can utilize inexpensive light emitting and receiving elements to reduce cost for manufacture.