JP2000076512A - Coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin processor capable of compensating the drop of a sensor output due to the stain of a carrying surface and improving the identification accuracy of a coin. SOLUTION: This coin processor has an image sensor 30 which detects the pattern on the surface of a coin C, a sensor 40 which detects the outer diameter of the coin C and a material sensor 60 which detects the material of the coin C in an integral manner. The image sensor 30 has a transparent plate 31 constituting a carrying surface 5 carrying the coin C and is given a rank corresponding to the degree of the stain of the transparent plate 31. When the identification accuracy by the sensor 30 falls because the carrying surface gets stained, detection results by another sensor having a high rank are preferentially decided so that the drop of the detection accuracy of the image sensor 30 can be compensated and that the identification accuracy of a coin in an inspecting part can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a circulating coin processing apparatus which is mounted on, for example, an automatic teller machine in a financial institution such as a bank and automatically performs coin depositing and dispensing processing. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A financial institution such as a bank is provided with an automatic teller machine for handling cash such as coins and bills. The automatic teller machine incorporates a circulation type coin processing device that automatically performs coin depositing and dispensing processing.

[0003] At the time of deposit, the coin processing device accepts the deposited coin, identifies its authenticity and denomination, and stores the deposited coin in a corresponding denomination safe in accordance with the identification result. At the time of withdrawal, the required number of coins of the required denomination are taken out from the respective denomination safes, and the number of coins is discriminated after identifying the authenticity or the denomination.

[0004] The inspection unit for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the deposit / withdrawal coin includes a diameter sensor and a material sensor for physically detecting the outer diameter and material of the coin, and also irradiates the surface of the coin with light to illuminate the coin. It has an image sensor that detects reflected light and optically detects a pattern on the coin surface. The image sensor includes a transport surface made of a transparent glass member, an LED for irradiating light to coins transported on the transport surface from below the transport surface, and a reflected light from the coin below the transport surface. Area CC
D.

[0005] Since coins are circular and rotate 360 °,
The reflected light captured by the area CCD is sliced and binarized at a predetermined threshold value, and is compared with genuine coin data prepared in advance to identify authenticity and denomination.

[0006]

In this type of image sensor, if the output of the sensor is reduced due to dirt on a conveying surface for conveying coins, it becomes difficult to discriminate coins, and a large number of genuine coins are rejected. Problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing apparatus capable of compensating for a decrease in sensor output due to dirt on a conveyance surface and improving coin recognition accuracy. is there.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a coin processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first and a second inspection for identifying the authenticity and denomination of a coin inserted. Means, first and second diagnostic means for diagnosing the discriminating ability of coins by the first and second inspection means, respectively, and the first and second diagnostic means based on the diagnostic results by the first and second diagnostic means. Determining means for determining the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to the identification result with the higher identification ability among the second inspection means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the coin processing apparatus, the first determination means may determine that the first and second inspection means have the highest coin discriminating ability. And when the coins are diagnosed by the second diagnosing means and the identification results obtained by the first and second inspection means do not match, it is determined that the coin cannot be identified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin processing apparatus comprising: first and second inspection means for identifying the authenticity and denomination of a coin inserted; and the first and second inspection means. First and second diagnostic means for diagnosing the discriminating ability of the coins by the means and giving ranks according to the discriminating ability, and based on the ranks given by the first and second diagnostic means. Determination means for determining the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to the identification result of the higher rank among the first and second inspection means.

[0011] According to the coin processing device of the present invention, the judging means includes a rank assigned to the first and second inspection means by the first and second diagnosis means. Is the highest rank, and when the identification results by the first and second inspection means do not match,
It is characterized by determining that the coin cannot be identified.

In the coin processing apparatus according to the present invention, the first and second inspecting means for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the inserted coin, and a command and a switch setting from a higher level. Setting means for assigning priorities to the first and second inspection means; and an identification result of a higher priority order among the first and second inspection means based on the priority given by the setting means. And a judgment unit for judging the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to the coin.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin processing apparatus for conveying coins inserted therein, and illuminating the coins conveyed by the conveying means to receive light from the coins. A diameter sensor for detecting the outer diameter of the coin, and an image sensor for irradiating light to the surface of the coin conveyed by the conveying means, receiving reflected light thereof, and detecting a pattern on the surface of the coin. A first and a second for diagnosing the detection capability of the diameter sensor and the image sensor, respectively, and assigning a rank according to the degree of decrease in the detection capability.
And the priority of the detection result of the diameter sensor and the image sensor having the higher detection capability based on the rank given by the first and second diagnosis means. Determination means for determining fake or denomination.

According to the coin processing device of the present invention, the determining means may determine that the first and second diagnostic means have the highest ranks assigned to the sensors. If the coins do not match the detection results of the coins based on the detection results of the sensors, it is determined that the coins cannot be identified.

According to the coin processing device of the present invention, the judging means detects the detection result by a sensor assigned a rank lower than the highest rank by the first and second diagnostic means. The criterion based on is lowered.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin processing apparatus for conveying coins inserted therein, and illuminating the coins conveyed by the conveying means to receive light from the coins. A diameter sensor for detecting the outer diameter of the coin, and an image sensor for irradiating light to the surface of the coin conveyed by the conveying means, receiving reflected light thereof, and detecting a pattern on the surface of the coin. Setting means for prioritizing the detection results of the diameter sensor and the image sensor by a command or switch setting from a higher order; and, based on the priority given by the setting means, the priority order of the diameter sensor and the image sensor. Determination means for determining the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to the detection result of the higher coin.

Further, according to the coin processing device of the present invention, the determining means lowers a criterion based on a detection result by a sensor set to a rank lower than the highest rank by the setting means. It is characterized by the following.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an automatic teller machine (AT) installed in a financial institution such as a bank.
M) schematically shows the overall configuration of a circulation type coin processing device mounted on M. and the like.

The coin processing apparatus has a rotatable receiving tray 1 as a deposit and withdrawal port, and at the time of depositing, coins of various mixed denominations to be processed are input from the outside of the apparatus via the receiving tray 1 and output. At the time of money, coins of various mixed denominations to be paid out of the apparatus via the tray 1 are discharged.

When a coin is inserted, the tray 1 is rotated,
The received coins are dropped on the upper feeding portion 2 of the centrifugal disk structure disposed vertically below. The upper feeding portion 2 separates the coins dropped from the tray 1 by centrifugal force, and separates the coins 2a
Are regulated one by one by a height regulation guide (not shown) provided at the exit of the printer.

At a position adjacent to the exit of the disk 2a of the upper feeding section 2, a pickup roller 3 is provided, and a conveying path 4 for forcibly conveying coins fed by the pickup roller 3 is formed. The transport path 4 runs a transport belt 6 stretched between a pair of rollers 4a and 4b separated from each other by pressing the transport belt 6 against a substantially horizontal transport surface 5. On one side of the transport path 4, that is, on the far side in the figure, a transport reference surface (described later) that extends substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal transport surface 5 is formed. Further, the pickup roller 3 is provided in the upper feeding section 2.
Is slightly inclined in the direction in which coins fed from the press are pressed against the transport reference plane. Therefore, the coin fed out by the pickup roller 3 is pressed against the transport reference surface and transported with its transport position aligned on the transport surface 5.

The coins taken out to the transport path 4 are transported one by one at a predetermined pitch according to the rotation speed ratio between the pickup roller 3 and the transport path 4.

Normally, since the upper feeding section 2 has a higher coin feeding ability than the pickup roller 3, coins are connected almost continuously before the pickup roller 3. Subsequent coin (outer diameter: Dia) is pick-up roller 3
Is driven by the rotation speed of the coin, and the coin taken out first is driven at the conveyance speed of the downstream conveyance path 4 during the traveling time of its own diameter. The conveyance pitch Xint of the coin is Xint = (V2 · Dia) / V1 V1: upstream drive rotation speed (rotation speed of pickup roller 3) V2: downstream drive rotation speed (rotation speed of transport path 4)

The conveying path 4 forcibly conveys coins fed from the upper feeding section 2 while pressing the coins on the conveying surface 5 by a conveying belt 6, and an inspection section 7 (discriminating means) disposed downstream. (To be described in detail later). The inspection unit 7 optically and magnetically identifies the characteristics (authentication, denomination, etc.) of the conveyed coin.

A pre-inspection sensor 4c having a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element (PD) provided with the transport surface 5 interposed therebetween is provided on the transport path 4 immediately before the inspection section 7. The pre-inspection sensor 4c detects the passage of the coin by blocking the optical axis between the two with the coin.

The coins passing through the inspection unit 7 are transported again to the transport path 4.
Is transported further downstream, and sent to the sorting unit 8 disposed downstream. The sorting unit 8 sorts coins transported through the transport path 4 into denominations based on the identification result of the inspection unit 7. The sorting unit 8 includes, for example, well-known opposed gates 9,.
The gates 9 are selectively opened and closed to sort coins into denominations.

The coins sorted by the sorting section 8 are inserted into denomination safes 10,... Disposed below the coins, and are sorted and accumulated by denomination. The coin identified as a rejected coin by the inspection unit 7 passes through the sorting unit 8 and is guided to the downstream transport path 12 via the U-turn transport path 11 provided on the downstream side of the denomination safe 10. Then, it is returned to the tray 1 by the downstream transport path 12.

When the denomination safe 10 is full, an overflow box 13 for storing excess coins is provided in the inspection unit 7.
The surplus coins are inserted through a well-known opposed gate 14.

When the overflow box 13 is full, for example, the safe 15 provided downstream of the sorting unit 8
The excess coins are collected by a well-known facing gate 16 or the like. It should be noted that when refilling coins from outside the apparatus, refill coins are inserted into the safe 15.

When a predetermined number of coins are not stored in the cash-type safe 10, the safe 15
, A replenishment operation to the denomination safe 10 is performed. That is, a coin dispensing section (not shown) constituted by a reciprocating picker and the like provided at the lower portion of the safe 15 takes out a specified number of coins from the safe 15 and feeds the lower portion disposed below the denomination safe 10. Put into the unit 17. The lower feeding portion 17 is
It has a centrifugal disk structure similar to that of the upper feeding section 2.

The lower feeding section 17 feeds out coins thrown out of the safe 15 one by one and sends them to a sandwiching type vertical conveyor 18 constituted by a flat belt or the like. The coin is transported to the section 2. The coins conveyed to the upper dispensing unit 2 are dispensed one by one in the same manner as described above, conveyed on the conveying path 4, and after authenticity or denomination is identified in the inspection unit 7, the coins are sorted by the sorting unit 8 and given coins. Deposit safe 10
Is stored in.

The above is the description of the deposit processing system for performing coin deposit processing. Next, the dispensing processing system for performing coin dispensing processing will be described. The withdrawal process is performed by taking out coins from the denomination safe 10 and paying them out to the tray 1. First, a coin dispensing unit 1 composed of a reciprocating picker and the like arranged at the lower part of each denomination safe 10,.
, Take out a specified number of coins from each denomination safe 10, and dispose them to the lower payout section 17 disposed below each denomination safe 10,.

Then, the lower feeding section 17 feeds coins thrown out of the respective denomination safes 10, one by one and sends them to the vertical conveyor 18, where the coins fed through the vertical conveyor 18 are fed upward. Conveyed to section 2. The coins conveyed to the upper dispensing unit 2 are dispensed one by one in the same manner as described above and conveyed on the conveyance path 4, and after checking the type and quantity in the inspection unit 7, conveyed to the most downstream by the disbursed instruction number, It is guided to the downstream transport path 12 via the U-turn transport path 11, and is discharged to the tray 1 by the downstream transport path 12.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing dispensed coins and the like, and reference numeral 21 denotes a foreign substance collection box for collecting foreign substances.
The temporarily held coins are guided to the temporary holding section 20 by selectively opening and closing the facing gate 20a.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the structure of the inspection unit 7. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the inspection unit 7 as viewed from above the transport surface 5, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the inspection unit 7 as viewed from the upstream side of the coin C in the transport direction (arrow a). (C) is a sectional view of the inspection unit 7 as viewed from the front side.

The inspection section 7 includes a material sensor 60 for magnetically detecting the material of the coin C along the transport direction of the coin C (the direction of the arrow a in the figure) and a diameter for optically detecting the outer diameter of the coin C. A sensor 40 and an image sensor 30 for optically detecting a pattern on the surface of the coin C are provided side by side. Each sensor 30, 4
Reference numerals 0 and 60 are integrally held by the base member 7a, and are integrally detachable from the coin processing device. The diameter sensor 40 and the material sensor 60 are respectively provided with opening portions 40a and 60 for inserting and removing the conveyor belt 6.
a.

The image sensor 30 is mounted on the inspection unit 7 as an option. The presence or absence of the mounting is determined by a switch S (described later) connected to an inspection CPU (described later) that controls the inspection unit 7.
(E.g., via a dip switch)
Alternatively, the determination is made based on whether or not there is a communication response with a mechanical control CPU (not shown) that controls the operation of the entire coin processing device.

The diameter sensor 40 is the image sensor 3
0 can be substituted, the image sensor 30
In the present embodiment, the diameter sensor 40 is provided in addition to the image sensor 30 in order to further enhance the coin identification accuracy in the inspection unit 7, although it is not indispensable to attach the coin.

As described above, the inspection unit 7 including the image sensor 30, the diameter sensor 40, and the material sensor 60 comprehensively determines the detection results obtained by the sensors 30, 40, and 60, and determines the coin denomination and trueness. Identify fake etc. Usually, the coin detection performance of the image sensor 30 is different from those of the other sensors 40 and 6.
0, the diameter sensor 40 and the material sensor 60
The detection result of the image sensor 30 has a higher priority than the detection result of the above.

Hereinafter, the sensors 30, 40, 6 of the inspection unit 7
Each of 0 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the image sensor 30 has a transparent plate 31 such as sapphire glass embedded at a substantially central position of the transport surface 5 through which the coin C passes, and the coin C is transported on the transparent plate 31. The belt 6 is forcibly conveyed. An LED (light emitting diode) is provided below the transparent plate 31 as a light source that irradiates light obliquely to the lower surface of the transparent plate 31 to illuminate the surface of the coin C conveyed on the transparent plate 31.
An array 32, a CCD area sensor 33 as a photoelectric conversion element for receiving reflected light from the surface of the coin C and converting the reflected light into an electric signal, and a printed wiring board 34 to which the area sensor 33 is attached are provided. These transparent plates 31, L
The ED array 32, the CCD area sensor 33, and the printed wiring board 34 are fixed to the base member 7a.

By arranging the LED array 32 obliquely with respect to the transparent plate 31, it is possible to emphasize the shading of the uneven shape of the surface of the coin C conveyed on the transparent plate 31, and to easily binarize the detected signal. it can.

As the area sensor 33, for example, 20 to
A 300,000 pixel consumer area sensor is used. The area sensor 33 reads an image (pattern) on the surface of the coin C by turning on the LED array 32 momentarily when the coin C comes to a predetermined position, and transfers the image to a memory such as a RAM as image data. It is supposed to.

Here, the coin C by the image sensor 30
The pattern detection process will be described with reference to FIG. The output signal from the area sensor 33 is converted into a digital value by an image processing unit (not shown), sent to a CPU described later as image data of the coin C, and stored in a memory such as a RAM.

When the image data of the coin C is stored in the RAM, the CPU specifies an image area of the coin C from the image data stored in the RAM (performs a so-called check processing). Next, the image data of the specified image area is binarized to extract the feature amount of the image. These image processes are performed by high-speed arithmetic processing by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). When the feature value is extracted, the CPU determines the authenticity or the type of the coin C by comparing the extracted feature value against determination reference data prepared in advance in the ROM and comparing them.

That is, generally, the coin C is circular,
Rotate 360 degrees. Therefore, it is difficult to specify the direction. Further, even when performing image processing, considering the rotation of the coin C, the processing time becomes impractical (response is delayed).

Therefore, it is necessary to extract a feature amount irrelevant to the rotation of the coin C. That is, from the image data captured by the area sensor 33, the area where the image of the coin C is captured is specified (so-called detection processing is performed), and the specified area is formed into a ring shape having a predetermined width (for example, about 1 mm). , And in each ring area, the image data is binarized at a predetermined threshold to obtain an integrated value of density (high-level integrated value). Next, from the relationship (distribution) of the density integrated value in each ring area, the similarity with the distribution data of each genuine coin stored in advance (reference distribution pattern as reference value data) is determined, and the similarity is determined to be a predetermined value. If the value is equal to or more than the value (for example, about 0.9), it is determined that the coin is a genuine coin and the denomination is determined.

As shown in FIG. 4 (and FIG. 2), the diameter sensor 40 has a transparent plate 41 made of transparent and strong sapphire glass. This transparent plate 41 is used for the transparent plate 3.
1 are arranged in the same plane as the transparent plate 31 so as to form the transport surface 5 of the inspection unit 7 together with the inspection plate 1. The transparent plate 41 made of sapphire glass is used for a material sensor 6 described later.
It extends to zero.

The diameter sensor 40 has an opening 40a for inserting and removing the transport belt 6 on one side along the width direction of the transparent plate 41, that is, along the direction crossing the transport direction of the coin C.
Further, an LED (light emitting diode) array 42 as a light source extending in the width direction above the transparent plate 41, and the printed wiring board 4 on which the LED array 42 is mounted
3, and an optical slit 44 for guiding the light from the LED array 42 to the transparent plate 41, an optical slit 45 disposed below the transparent plate 41, and condensing the light passing through the optical slit 45. It has a condenser lens 46 such as a self-fox lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor 47 for receiving light through the condenser lens 46, and a printed wiring board 48 to which the line sensor 47 is attached.

Between the back side of the transparent plate 41 and the condenser lens 46, there is provided a mask member 49 for masking the transport belt 6 and for preventing the detection accuracy from deteriorating due to the deflection of the transport belt 6. Due to the presence of the mask member 49, the optical slit 45 is divided into two along the width direction of the transparent plate 41.

Guide members 51 and 52 for guiding the transport of coins C and forming an effective detection area are provided at both ends in the width direction of the transparent plate 41. In particular, the inner side surface of the guide member 51 is used as a transport reference plane that defines the transport position of the coin C.

Thus, the transparent plate 4 is transported by the transport belt 6.
When the coin C is forcibly conveyed over the coin 1, the light emitted from the LED array 42 is blocked by the coin C, and a light / dark signal due to the shadow of the coin generated at that time is detected by the line sensor 47. Then, the maximum value of this sensor output is set to RO
By comparing with a diameter determination table (not shown) prepared in advance for M, the outer diameter of the coin C is determined and the denomination of the coin is determined. Also, by measuring the length from the effective area defined by the guide member 51 to the shadow end of the coin, the transport position of the coin C, that is, from the guide member 51 to the coin C
Can be detected.

Here, a method of measuring the outer diameter and the width of the coin C will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
(A) CCD corresponding to one scan of the line sensor 47
In the output signal, the shadow area of the coin C is High, and the other areas are Low. The (b) reference clock corresponding to one pixel and the (c) effective pixel area signal in which only the effective detection area corresponding to the area between the guide members 51 and 52 are High are prepared in advance. By calculating the logical product of (c) the effective pixel area signal and the (a) CCD output signal, an (d) effective clock corresponding to the length of the light-shielded area by the coin C can be obtained. The diameter of the coin C can be measured by counting the number of effective clocks by a counter 95 described later and obtaining the maximum value.

The reference clock from the guide member 51 (at the beginning of the effective pixel area) to the end of the shadow area by the coin C (at the beginning of the CCD output signal) is counted by the counter 95, and (e) the minimum of the passing position clock is counted. By calculating the value, the width of the coin C can be measured.

As shown in FIG. 6, the material sensor 60 has an opening 60a for inserting and removing the transport belt 6 on one side along the width direction of the transparent plate 41. The material sensor 6
Numeral 0 denotes a wide primary core 61 extending in the width direction of the transport path below the transparent plate 41, a primary coil 62 for excitation wound around the primary core 61, and the primary coil 62. The first coil is wound and receives electromagnetic induction from the primary coil 62.
, A wide secondary core 64 extending along the width direction of the conveyance path above the transparent plate 41, and is wound around the secondary core 64 to receive electromagnetic induction from the primary coil 62. A second secondary coil 65 is provided. The primary coil 62 is excited by a sine wave signal emitted from a sine wave oscillator 66.

The outputs from the first and second secondary coils 63 and 65 are respectively amplified to a predetermined level via an amplifier circuit 67, and then the DC component is cut by a DC component cut circuit 68 comprising a capacitor or the like. , Is subjected to full-wave rectification by a full-wave rectifier circuit 69, and an LPF (low-pass filter) 70
, And supplied to the arithmetic circuit 71 as a first secondary coil rectified output V21 and a second secondary coil rectified output V22.

In the arithmetic circuit 71, these rectified outputs V21
The output signal Vout is calculated in accordance with the following formula based on Vout and V22. Where AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3
Is a constant.

Vout = AMP1 * [AMP2 * V21−AMP3 * V22] Then, this output signal Vout is supplied to A through the amplification circuit 72.
The signal is input to the / D converter 73, where it is periodically converted to a digital signal and output as an output signal of the material sensor 60. And the maximum value (peak) of this output signal
Is compared with the material determination data previously recorded in the ROM as shown in FIG. 7, and the material of the coin C passing through the material sensor 60 is determined.

The image sensor 3 in the inspection unit 7
The arrangement order of 0, the diameter sensor 40, and the material sensor 60 can be appropriately set. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system that controls the sensors 30, 40, and 60 of the inspection unit 7 described above. The control system of the inspection unit 7 is the first
The inspection (diameter sensor 40 and material sensor 60) side and the second inspection (image sensor 30) side are divided.

The control system on the first inspection side counts a ROM 91a storing a control program, a RAM 92a for temporarily recording various data, a CPU 90a for sequentially reading and executing the control program, and a clock output from the diameter sensor 40. A TCU 95, an SCU 97 for performing a serial interface with the second inspection, and an A / D converter 73 for sequentially A / D converting and taking in output signals from the material sensor 60.

The control system on the second inspection side includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 99 for processing images at high speed, a ROM 91b storing a control program,
RAM 92b for temporarily recording image data captured in one scan, and CP for controlling DSP 99 and the like
U90b. If the image sensor 30 is provided as a standard equipment in the inspection unit 7, the SCU between the first inspection and the second inspection is unnecessary.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a switch section S for setting various operating conditions and the like in the coin processing apparatus described above. The switch unit S includes an 8-bit dip switch S1 that can be switched on / off, rotary switches S2, S3, and a push switch S4 that can be switched at four positions A to D along the circumference. . In addition, a 7-segment LED for displaying a switching state of each switch near the switch unit S.
Is provided.

In the above-described inspection unit 7, the diameter sensor 40 and the image sensor 30 are optical sensors that detect light from the coin C and identify the authenticity or denomination thereof. It is known that when foreign substances such as dust and metal powder are accumulated on the surfaces 41 and 31 and the transfer surface is contaminated, the detection accuracy of the sensor is reduced.

For this reason, in the present embodiment, at a predetermined timing such as when the coin processing device is started or before the coin is transported,
The degree of dirt on the transfer surfaces of the image sensor 30 and the diameter sensor 40, that is, the degree of decrease in the detection accuracy of each sensor is diagnosed, and a rank according to the diagnosis result is assigned to each of the sensors 30, 4.
It was set to 0. Then, when discriminating the authenticity or denomination of a coin by synthesizing the detection results of the respective sensors, the detection results of the higher-rank sensors are prioritized.

Hereinafter, a method of ranking according to the degree of contamination of the diameter sensor 40 and the image sensor 30 will be described. FIG. 10 shows the output waveform of the diameter sensor 40 in a state where the coin is not conveyed, for each rank according to the degree of dirt. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a method of diagnosing and ranking the degree of dirt from the output waveform of the diameter sensor 40.

When ranking the diameter sensor 40, first, it is confirmed that there is no coin on the transparent plate 41 of the diameter sensor 40 (step 1; NO), and the output waveform of the diameter sensor 40 as shown in FIG. Is obtained. At this time, the distance (X) from the transport reference plane X0 of the diameter sensor 40 (the inner surface of the guide member 51) to the end X1 of the mask member 49 on the transport reference surface side.
It is determined whether or not dirt such as metal powder or dust is detected on the transfer surface 41 (steps 0 to X1) (step 2). If dirt is detected in this portion (step 2; YES), the diameter sensor 40 is detected. Is given a rank B (step 3). In this case, since the portion on the transparent plate 41 to which the coin is conveyed usually has dirt, the influence on the detection accuracy when detecting the outer diameter of the coin is relatively small.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2 that no stain is detected between X0 and X1 (step 2; N
O), end portion X of mask member 49 separated from the transport reference plane
2 to the inner surface Xe of the guide member 52 (X2 to X
e) It is determined whether or not dirt is detected on the transparent plate 41 (step 4). If dirt is detected in this portion (step 4; YES), the diameter sensor 40 is given rank C (step 4). Step 5). In this case, since it is expected that the portion of the transparent plate 41 that is not cleaned by the transport of coins is contaminated, it greatly affects the detection accuracy of the sensor.

If it is determined in step 2 that there is no stain on X0 to X1 (step 2; NO), and if it is determined that there is no stain on X2 to Xe in step 4 (step 4; NO), It is determined that there is no dirt on the transparent plate 41 that affects the detection accuracy, and the diameter sensor 40 is given rank A (step 6).

Next, a method of ranking the image sensors 30 will be described. FIG. 12 illustrates an output image of the image sensor 30 in a state in which no coin is conveyed for each rank according to the degree of dirt.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of diagnosing and ranking the degree of dirt from the output image of the image sensor 30.

When ranking the image sensor 30, it is first confirmed that there is no coin on the transparent plate 31 of the image sensor 30 (step 1; NO), and an image is obtained by the image sensor 30 as shown in FIG. Is done.
For example, when there is nothing on the transparent plate 31, most of the light from the LED array 32 is transmitted through the transparent plate 31, and there is almost no reflected light detected by the area sensor 33.
An image as shown in FIG. 2 (a) is obtained. In addition, if there is a foreign substance such as dust or metal powder on the transparent plate 31, light is reflected by the foreign substance.
As shown in (1), a white image is obtained only in the pixel portion of the area sensor that has received the reflected light.

When the image of the image sensor 30 is acquired, the ratio of white pixels in all the acquired images is determined (steps 2 and 4), and when the ratio of white pixels is less than 10% (step 2; YES) ) Is given a rank A to the image sensor 30 (step 3). When the ratio of white pixels is 10% or more and 30% or less (step 2; NO,
(Step 4; YES) Rank B in the image sensor 30
Is given (step 5). Further, when the ratio of white pixels exceeds 30% (step 4; NO), rank C is assigned to the image sensor 30 (step 6).

As described above, when the dirt on the conveying surfaces of the image sensor 30 and the diameter sensor 40 is diagnosed and a rank is given according to the degree of the decrease in the detection accuracy, the authenticity of the coin is checked by the inspection unit 7. When a denomination or a denomination is identified, a detection result by a sensor having a higher rank (basically A rank) is determined with priority. FIG. 14 is a table showing combinations of the diagnosis results (ranks) of the sensors.

For example, the image sensor 30 (second inspection)
Is rank A and diameter sensor 40 (first inspection) is rank B
When it is diagnosed that the diameter is C or C, the criterion of the outer diameter of the coin by the diameter sensor 40 is set lower than usual, and the detection result of the image sensor 30 is determined prior to the detection result of the diameter sensor 40. Further, when it is diagnosed that the rank of the diameter sensor 40 is A and the rank of the image sensor 30 is B or C, the criterion for coins by the image sensor 30 is set lower than usual, and the criterion for genuine coins is satisfactory. Is set. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a large amount of genuine coins from being rejected due to the contamination of the transparent plate 31. In this case, it goes without saying that the result of detection by the diameter sensor 40 having a higher rank is determined with priority.

When it is diagnosed that the rank of all the sensors is A without any decrease in the detection accuracy of each of the sensors 30, 40 and 60, the detection results by all the sensors 30, 40 and 60 are Judgment is made comprehensively, and the authenticity and denomination of the coin are identified. However, even though the ranks of all the sensors 30, 40, and 60 are A, if the coin identification results from the respective sensors do not match, the "mismatch rejection"
Is determined, and the coin is rejected.

Further, regardless of the degree of decrease in the detection accuracy of each sensor 30, 40, 60, each sensor 30, 40, 6
The rank of 0 can be arbitrarily set by a command from the upper level or a dip switch setting as shown in FIG. Thereby, the priority order of the detection results by the sensors 30, 40, 60 can be arbitrarily set.

As described above, according to the present invention, the degree of decrease in the detection accuracy of the optical sensor such as the image sensor 30 or the diameter sensor 40 due to the contamination of the conveyance surface is diagnosed, and the rank corresponding to the diagnosis result is determined. , And priorities are given to the detection results of each sensor. Therefore, for example, even when the conveyance surface of the image sensor 30 is contaminated with dust or metal powder and the detection accuracy is reduced, the detection result of the other sensor is prioritized to compensate for the reduction in the detection accuracy. Thus, the identification accuracy in the inspection unit 7 can be improved. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0076]

As described above, the coin processing apparatus according to the present invention has the above-described configuration and operation, so that it is possible to compensate for a decrease in sensor output due to dirt on the conveying surface.
Accuracy of coin identification can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a coin processing device of the present invention.

2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a side view, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view showing an inspection unit incorporated in the coin processing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a method of identifying coins by an image sensor incorporated in the inspection unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a diameter sensor incorporated in the inspection unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a method of detecting the outer diameter of a coin using the diameter sensor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a material sensor incorporated in the inspection unit of FIG. 2 and a control circuit thereof.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing material determination reference data in the material sensor of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of the inspection unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a switch unit for setting various operations in the coin processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a method of ranking the diameter sensors of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a method of ranking diameter sensors in conjunction with FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a method for ranking image sensors incorporated in the inspection unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method of ranking image sensors in conjunction with FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a table showing combinations of ranks of respective sensors in the inspection unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a table showing ranks of sensors according to commands and switch settings from a host.

[Description of Signs] 1 ... Receiving tray, 2 ... Upper feeding section, 3 ... Pickup roller, 4 ... Transport path, 5 ... Transport surface, 6 ... Transport belt, 7 ... Inspection section, 10 ... Deposit safe, 17 ... Lower feeding Section: 30: Image sensor, 31, 41: Transparent plate, 40: Diameter sensor, 60: Material sensor, C: Coin, S: Switch section.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A first and a second inspection means for identifying the authenticity and denomination of an inserted coin, and a first and a second means for diagnosing the discernment ability of the coin by the first and the second inspection means, respectively. 2 based on the diagnosis result by the first and second diagnosis means, and preferentially gives the authenticity of the coin by giving priority to the identification result of the first and second inspection means having the higher identification ability. A coin processing device comprising: a determination unit that determines a denomination or a denomination. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second diagnosis units determine that the coin discriminating ability of the first and second inspection units is the highest. 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the identification result by the second inspection means does not match, it is determined that the coin cannot be identified. 3. A first and a second inspection means for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the inserted coin, and diagnosing a coin discriminating ability by the first and the second inspection means, respectively, and identifying the coin. First and second diagnostic means for giving a rank according to the ability; and a rank among the first and second inspection means based on the rank given by the first and second diagnostic means. Determining means for determining the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to the higher identification result. 4. The determination means, wherein the rank given to the first and second inspection means by the first and second diagnosis means is the highest rank, and the first and second diagnosis means are the highest rank. 4. The coin processing device according to claim 3, wherein when the identification results by the inspection means do not match, it is determined that the coin is not identifiable. 5. A first and second inspection means for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the inserted coin, and prioritizing the first and second inspection means by a command or switch setting from a higher order. Based on the setting means and the priority given by the setting means,
A coin processing device comprising: a judgment unit for judging the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to the identification result of the higher priority order among the first and second inspection units. . 6. A conveying means for conveying the inserted coins, a diameter sensor for illuminating the coins conveyed by the conveying means, receiving light from the coins, and detecting an outer diameter of the coins, An image sensor for irradiating light on the surface of the coin conveyed by the conveying means and receiving the reflected light to detect a pattern on the surface of the coin, and diagnosing the detection capabilities of the diameter sensor and the image sensor, respectively. First and second diagnostic means for assigning a rank according to the degree of decrease in the detection capability; and the diameter sensor and the image based on the rank assigned by the first and second diagnostic means. A coin processing device, comprising: a determination unit that determines the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to a detection result by a sensor having higher detection ability among the sensors. 7. The judgment means judges that the rank given to each of the sensors by the first and second diagnosis means is the highest rank, and judges the coin based on a detection result by each of the sensors. 7. The coin processing device according to claim 6, wherein when the results do not match, it is determined that the coin cannot be identified. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said determining means lowers a criterion based on a detection result by a sensor assigned a rank lower than the highest rank in said first and second diagnostic means. Coin processing equipment. 9. A conveying means for conveying the inserted coins, a diameter sensor for illuminating the coins conveyed by the conveying means, receiving light from the coins, and detecting an outer diameter of the coins, An image sensor that irradiates light onto the surface of the coin conveyed by the conveying means, receives reflected light thereof, and detects a pattern on the surface of the coin; and a diameter sensor and an image based on commands and switch settings from a host. Setting means for prioritizing the detection results of the sensors; and, based on the priority given by the setting means,
Determining means for determining the authenticity or denomination of the coin by giving priority to a detection result of a higher priority order among the diameter sensor and the image sensor. 10. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said determining means lowers a criterion based on a detection result of a sensor set to a rank lower than the highest rank by said setting means.