UV Fluorescence Detection for Soiled Bank Note Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated currency processing systems lack an effective method for identifying and removing soiled bank notes from circulation, which are rendered unusable due to dirt and biological residue accumulation during handling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ultraviolet detectors that transmit and receive UV signals to identify soiled bank notes by measuring reflected UV fluorescence, determining soiling levels based on calibration data, and directing soiled notes for replacement or disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used to identify soiled bank notes, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but processing speed and productivity are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system using UV transceivers that emit ultraviolet light and measure reflected fluorescence from bank notes. This substitution enables high-speed automated processing while maintaining accurate detection of soiled notes through optical measurement rather than human visual assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV transceivers as an intermediary detection mechanism between the bank notes and the processing system. These transceivers measure reflected UV fluorescence, which serves as an intermediate indicator of soiling levels, enabling automated decision-making about note acceptability without direct human inspection.
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical detection methods are used, then the system remains simple, but soiled bank notes cannot be accurately identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light reflection to ultraviolet fluorescence measurement. By using UV transceivers that operate at different wavelengths, the system achieves precise detection of organic soiling materials that are invisible under normal lighting conditions, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dual-transceiver system where one transceiver emits UV light at a first wavelength and another detects reflection at a second wavelength. This periodic alternating action between emission and detection phases enables precise measurement of fluorescence characteristics while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Reliability
If all bank notes are inspected thoroughly for soiling, then quality control is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial inspection by using UV transceivers to measure fluorescence only at specific critical areas of bank notes during high-speed processing. Rather than examining every note comprehensively, the system performs targeted measurements that are sufficient to identify soiled notes, thereby maintaining quality control while minimizing processing time loss.
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 enables efficient and automated detection of soiled bank notes, ensuring that only clean notes remain in circulation, improving the quality of bank notes and reducing the need for manual removal.
Implementation Method 1
transmit and receive UV signals to identify soiled bank notes by measuring reflected UV fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A method for handling soiled bank notes is disclosed. The method includes directing a bank note to an ultraviolet detector; transmitting an ultraviolet signal from the ultraviolet detector to the bank note; receiving a reflected ultraviolet signal from the bank note at the ultraviolet detector; analyzing the reflected ultraviolet signal; identifying a soiling level for the bank note based on analysis of the reflected ultraviolet signal; and handling the bank note based on the identified soiling level. Analyzing the reflected ultraviolet signal can include comparing a characteristic of the reflected ultraviolet signal with calibration data. The calibration data can be stored in a computer-readable medium. The bank note is identified as a soiled bank note if the identified soiling level exceeds a threshold soiling level.