JP4231445B2 - Coin identification device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin identifying device used for identifying a coin in a coin processing device such as a vending machine or a financial device.

  A conventional coin identifying device is configured such that a coin passes through a magnetic field generated by a coil. Then, changes in impedance and inductance occurring in the coil are detected as changes in frequency and amplitude of the oscillation circuit, and the material of the coin is determined based on the change in frequency, and the outer diameter and cross-sectional area of the coin are determined based on the change in amplitude. judge. This coin identification device identifies the type of coin based on the determined material, outer diameter, cross-sectional area, etc. of the coin.

  In recent years, in addition to the above-described identification method, it has been required to further improve the identification accuracy by determining features on the coin surface pattern and unevenness. In order to realize such an identification method, it is effective to create an imaging data by imaging a coin surface and identify using the imaging data. However, there are various posture angles in the circumferential direction of coins inserted into the coin slot. Therefore, in order to identify the coin using the imaging data, for example, storing a plurality of reference data corresponding to a plurality of posture angles, collating the imaging data of the identification target coin with the plurality of reference data, There is a method of identifying the type of coin by rotating the imaging data and collating it with one reference data. However, these methods have a problem that the processing time is long and the utility is lacking.

On the other hand, for example, the coin discriminating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem of shortening the processing time in an identification method using imaging data. This coin discriminating device first obtains a center position in coin pattern data (imaging data). Then, the pattern data is converted into a polar coordinate system with the center position as the origin. Subsequently, the posture angle of the coin is obtained by detecting the peak position of the pattern data value and the peak position of the reference pattern data in a region separated from the center position, and the posture angle of the pattern data is the reference pattern data. The pattern data is corrected so as to coincide with the attitude angle, and the coin is discriminated by comparing the corrected pattern data with the reference pattern data.
Japanese Patent No. 3170147

  However, the coin discriminating apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, in this apparatus, since it is necessary to calculate the attitude angle by converting the pattern data into the polar coordinate system, the amount of calculation increases, and the calculation takes a long time and the determination accuracy is kept low. Moreover, when picking up an image of a coin, dirt, dust, or the like of the coin may adhere to the window for picking up the coin. In addition, there are dirt, scratches, wear, etc. in circulation coins. When dirt or the like adhering to the imaging window or coin is reflected in the imaging data, the peak position in the pattern data is likely to be different from the original peak position. When the peak position is different from the original peak position, the corrected pattern data is greatly different from the reference pattern data, and the coin cannot be accurately determined.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has a short processing time, and can reduce the influence of dirt on the imaging window, dirt on the coin, and the like, and can identify a coin to be identified with high accuracy. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a coin identifying device according to the present invention is configured to capture an image input unit that captures an image of a surface of an identification target coin and generates imaging data related to the identification target coin, and an identification target coin based on the imaging data. An identification unit for identifying, wherein the identification unit calculates a center position of the coin to be identified in the imaging data, and in the circumferential data on a predetermined circumference having the predetermined radius centered on the center position , An object to be identified is determined based on a feature section having a predetermined feature over a part of the section, and the feature section and the feature section in the reference circumference data on the predetermined circumference stored in advance according to the type of coin It is characterized by identifying coins.

In the above-described coin identification device, based on the feature section having a predetermined feature (for example, the data value is a value within a specified range) in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference and the feature section of the reference circumference data. , Identify the coin to be identified. In this way, by capturing features over a certain interval in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference, the influence of dirt on the imaging window, dirt on the identification target coin, etc. is suppressed, and the characteristic portion in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference Can be determined with high accuracy, and a coin can be identified by referring to a feature section on a predetermined circumference on the basis of the center position. Therefore, according to the above-described coin identifying device, it is possible to omit the calculation of the posture angle. Therefore, the posture angle is obtained by detecting the conventional method, that is, the peak position and the peak position of the reference pattern data. Compared with the matching method, the processing time can be shortened and the determination accuracy can be increased. Further, it is possible to accurately identify the identification target coin while suppressing the influence of dirt on the imaging window, dirt on the identification target coin, and the like.

Further, the coin identification device, the identification unit has a circumferential data with reference circumference on a given circumference on the basis of the position of the characteristic section of the position and reference circumference data characteristic section in a circumferential data on a predetermined circumference The identification target coins may be identified by associating data with each other and comparing the circumferential data on a predetermined circumference with the reference circumference data. In this coin discriminating apparatus, the data of the same part on the predetermined circumference can be accurately obtained by associating these data with each other on the basis of the position of the feature section of the circumference data and the reference circumference data on the predetermined circumference. Can be associated with Then, by comparing the data of the same part associated with each other, it is possible to determine the coincidence / non-coincidence of these data in a short processing time without requiring a complicated operation. Therefore, according to this coin identifying device, it is possible to accurately identify the identification target coin in a short time.

Further, the coin identifying device is characterized in that the identifying unit identifies the identification target coin by comparing the length of the feature section in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference with the length of the feature section in the reference circumference data. It is good. Thereby, based on the feature section of the circumference data on the predetermined circumference determined with high accuracy and the feature section of the reference circumference data, the identification target coin can be identified accurately and easily.

In the coin identifying device, the identifying unit obtains the posture angle from the reference state of the identification target coin based on the position of the feature section in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference and the position of the feature section in the reference circumference data, Identification is performed by extracting identification data at a predetermined identification part of the identification target coin from the imaging data based on the center position and the posture angle, and comparing the identification data with reference identification data stored in advance according to the type of the coin. It is good also as identifying the object coin.

  In this coin identification device, the posture angle of the identification target coin may be obtained based on the position of the feature section. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine the posture angle of the identification target coin while suppressing the influence of dirt on the identification target coin, and accurately and quickly detect feature points other than the predetermined circumference specified based on the posture angle. It becomes possible. Therefore, according to this coin identification device, the identification data can be accurately extracted based on the accurate posture angle, and therefore, the identification target coin can be accurately identified by comparing the identification data with the reference identification data. .

The coin identifying device may be characterized in that the predetermined feature of the feature section is that the circumference data on the predetermined circumference has a value within a specified range over the feature section. Thereby, it is possible to suitably determine the characteristic section while suppressing the influence of dirt on the imaging window, dirt on the identification target coin, and the like.

In the coin identifying device, the identifying unit determines a second feature section different from the feature section in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference, and identifies the identification target coin based further on the second feature section. This may be a feature. According to this coin identification device, it is possible to identify the identification target coin with higher accuracy by identifying the identification target coin based on the plurality of characteristic sections.

Further, the coin identifying device may be characterized in that the identifying unit determines the characteristic section in each of a plurality of pieces of circumference data on a predetermined circumference centered on the center position. According to this coin identification device, the identification target coin can be identified with higher accuracy by identifying the identification target coin based on a plurality of characteristic sections on a predetermined circumference.

  In the coin identification device, the image input unit may include a light source that irradiates infrared light onto the surface of the identification target coin. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the influence on the imaging data due to dirt on the imaging window, dirt on the surface of the coin to be identified, and the like.

  According to the coin discriminating apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to identify the coins to be identified with high accuracy by reducing the processing time and reducing the influence of dirt on the imaging window, dirt on the coins, and the like.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a coin identifying device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the coin identifying device according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the coin identification device 1 identifies the identification target coin based on the image input unit 3 that images the surface of the identification target coin and generates imaging data D ₁ of the surface, and the imaging data D _1. The identification unit 2 and the control unit 11 that controls the image input unit 3 and the identification unit 2 are provided. Identification unit 2 comprises a processing unit 5 for processing the imaging data D _1, a storage unit 7 that stores a reference data for identification, determination section for determining whether or not the identification target coin is consistent with standard coin 9 and. The processing unit 5 may be configured, for example, by reading a program by a central processing unit, or may be configured by an electronic circuit. The processing unit 5 includes an imaging processing unit 51, a center calculation unit 53, a circumference data capture unit 55, a feature section extraction unit 57, and an identification part capture unit 59. The storage unit 7 includes a storage device such as a memory, and includes an imaging data storage area 71, an identification part storage area 73, a reference data storage area 75, and a center position / posture angle storage area 77.

Imaging processing unit 51 takes in the image pickup data D ₁ from the image input unit 3 is means for processing to be stored in the storage unit 7 so operation is facilitated in the identification unit 2 the imaging data D _1. Specifically, the imaging unit 51 first converts the image pickup data D ₁ of the from the image input unit 3 on the gray scale data (gray scale image). Then, the image data D ₂ is generated by digitizing the color density in the gray scale data for each pixel. An example of the imaging data D ₂ is shown in FIG. The imaging processing unit 51 sends the generated imaging data D ₂ to the storage unit 7. The storage unit 7 stores the imaging data D ₂ in the imaging data storage area 71.

Center calculation section 53 is means for calculating the center position of the identification target coin 15 C (see FIG. 2 (a)) in the image pickup data D _2. Center calculation unit 53 reads the imaging data D ₂ from the imaging data storage area 71 of the storage unit 7, and calculates the center position C of the identification target coin 15, for example by the following method. That is, the center calculation unit 53 assumes a first straight line in the imaging data D ₂ , and obtains two intersections between the first straight line and the outer periphery of the identification target coin 15. Then, a perpendicular bisector of the line segment defined by the two intersection points is obtained. Further, assuming a second straight line different from the first straight line in the imaging data D ₂ , two intersections between the second straight line and the outer circumference of the identification target coin 15 are obtained, and are defined by the two intersections. Find the perpendicular bisector of the line. Intersection of the two perpendicular bisectors obtained in this manner is, that is, the center position C of the identification target coin 15 in the image pickup data D _2. The center calculation unit 53 provides the center position information D ₁₃ regarding the center position C of the identification target coin 15 calculated as described above to the circumference data capturing unit 55 and stores the center position / posture angle of the storage unit 7. Store in area 77.

Circumferential data acquisition unit 55 is a means for extracting data (circumference data) D ₁₄ on a given circumference around the center position C of the identification target coins 15 from the image data D _2. That is, the circumference data capturing unit 55 receives the center position information D ₁₃ regarding the center position C from the center calculation unit 53. In addition, the circumference data capturing unit 55 reads predetermined circumference information (for example, radius) D ₃ from the identification part storage area 73 of the storage unit 7. In addition, the circumferential data capturing unit 55 reads the imaging data D ₂ from the imaging data storage area 71 of the storage unit 7. The circumferential data acquisition unit 55, based on the center position information D ₁₃ and circumferentially information D _3, (circumference A of example FIG. 2 (a)) predetermined radius of the circumference around the center position C extracting data D ₁₄ of the upper from the image data D _2. An example of the data D ₁₄ on the circumference shown in FIG. 2 (b). In FIG. 2B, the horizontal axis is the circumferential position on the circumference A, and the vertical axis is the data value. The circumference data acquisition unit 55 provides the extracted data D ₁₄ on the circumference to the feature section extraction unit 57 and the determination unit 9.

The feature section extraction unit 57 is a means for determining a feature section having a predetermined feature in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference. That is, the feature section extraction unit 57 receives the data D ₁₄ on the circumference from the circumference data capture unit 55. Then, the feature section extraction unit 57 has a feature section having a predetermined feature, for example, a feature in which the data D ₁₄ on the circumference has a value within a specified range over the section (for example, a point in FIG. 2B). a section between a ₂ and point b ₂ ) is determined. In addition to this, various other features can be used as the feature of the feature section, such as a feature in which data values in the section continue at a change rate of a predetermined level. The feature section extraction unit 57 obtains the position of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference (for example, the circumferential positions of the points a ₂ and b ₂ in FIG. 2B). The feature section extracting section 57 is provided in the determination unit 9, for example information such as the length of the feature section as the feature section information D _6.

The feature section extraction unit 57 is also a means for obtaining the positional relationship of the feature sections based on the extracted position of the feature section and the position of the feature section in the reference circumference data stored in advance according to the type of coin. . That is, the feature section extraction unit 57 reads the reference position information D ₄ regarding the position of the feature section of the reference circumferential data from the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7. Here, Fig.3 (a) is a figure which shows the standard coin 17 of a reference | standard state. FIG. 3B is a graph showing data (reference data) D ₈ on the circumference A of the standard coin 17 in the reference state shown in FIG. The storage unit 7 stores, for example, reference data D ₈ shown in FIG. 3B in the reference data storage area 75 as reference circumference data. Further, the storage unit 7 stores, for example, the positions of the points a ₁ and b _{1 in} the circumferential direction shown in FIG. 3B in the reference data storage area 75 as the reference position information D ₄ . The feature section extraction unit 57 obtains the relationship between the reference position information D ₄ read from the storage unit 7 and the position of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference. The feature section extraction section 57 provides positional relationship information D ₁₀ about the position relation between the characteristic section to the determination section 9. The positional relationship information D ₁₀ is used for associating the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A with the reference data D ₈ in the determination unit 9.

Furthermore, the feature section extraction unit 57 is also a means for obtaining a posture angle. That is, the feature section extraction unit 57 obtains the difference between the reference position information D ₄ read from the storage unit 7 and the position of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference, thereby identifying the identification target coin in the imaging data D ₂ . A posture angle with respect to 15 reference states is obtained. Specifically, when the total number of data D ₁₄ on the circumference is N and the distance between the points a ₁ and a ₂ (or the distance between the points b ₁ and b ₂ ) is L, the posture angle θ Is obtained as θ = L × 360 / N.

The feature section extraction unit 57 stores the posture angle information D ₅ regarding the posture angle of the identification target coin 15 thus obtained in the center position / posture angle storage area 77 of the storage unit 7. The storage unit 7 preferably stores reference position information D ₄ corresponding to both the front surface and the back surface of the identification target coin 15. Then, the feature section extraction unit 57 determines the front and back of the identification target coin 15 in the imaging data D ₂ according to the length of the feature section and the like, and uses the reference position information D ₄ corresponding to the front and back of the identification target coin 15 to determine the posture angle. Is preferably obtained.

The identification part capturing unit 59 is a means for extracting the identification data D ₁₁ at a predetermined identification part of the identification target coin 15 from the imaging data D ₂ based on the center position C and the posture angle of the identification target coin 15. . That is, the identification part capturing unit 59 reads the imaging data D ₂ from the imaging data storage area 71 of the storage unit 7. In addition, the identification part capturing unit 59 reads the identification part information D ₉ from the identification part storage area 73 of the storage unit 7. Here, the identification part information D ₉ is a position of the identification part (for example, the region B in FIGS. 2A and 3A) for identifying the identification target coin 15 with reference to the center position C. And information such as size. The storage unit 7 stores such identification part information D ₉ in the identification part storage area 73 in advance.

The identification part capturing unit 59 reads the posture angle information D ₅ and the center position information D ₁₃ from the center position / posture angle storage area 77 of the storage unit 7. Based on the posture angle information D ₅ and the center position information D ₁₃ , the identified part capturing unit 59 captures the identified part (region B in FIG. 2A) indicated in the identified part information D ₉ in the imaging data D ₂ . Identify. Then, the identification part capturing unit 59 extracts the identification data D ₁₁ at the identified identification part from the imaging data D ₂ and provides the identification data D ₁₁ to the determination unit 9. The storage unit 7, it is preferable to store the identification part information D ₉ corresponding to both the front surface and the back surface of the identification target coin 15. The recognition site acquisition unit 59, it is preferable to extract the recognition site with a recognition site information D ₉ corresponding to the front and back of the identification target coin 15.

Determination section 9, the identification data D ₁₄ on the circumference A of the subject coin 15, be compared on the basis of the reference data D ₈ on prestored circular peripheral A to a feature section that depending on the type of the coin Thus, it is a means for determining whether or not the identification target coin 15 matches the standard coin 17. That is, the determination unit 9 receives the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A of the identification target coin 15 from the circumference data capture unit 55. Further, the determination unit 9 reads the reference data D ₈ on the circumference A from the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7. Further, the determination unit 9 receives the positional relationship information D ₁₀ of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A from the feature section extraction unit 57. Determination section 9, based on the positional relationship information D _10, the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A, based on the position of the characteristic section of the position and the reference data D ₈ of characteristic section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A associating the reference data D ₈ together.

As an example of a method for associating the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A with the reference data D ₈ , the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ are respectively stored in the ring buffer, and the position of each feature section is used as a starting point. Read the data sequentially. By this, the data between the same sites in data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ is associated with each other. Note that the method of associating the data D ₁₄ with the reference data D ₈ is not limited to this, and the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ are aligned and stored in the buffer based on the position of the feature section. Various methods can be applied. As a buffer for storing the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ , a buffer area may be provided in the storage unit 7, or a register inside the CPU may be used.

Determination unit 9 compares the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ on the circumference A mutually associated, by determining these match-mismatch, or identification target coin 15 matches the standard coin 17 Determine whether or not. The storage unit 7, it is preferable to store the reference data D ₈ corresponding to both the front surface and the back surface of the identification target coin 15. The determination section 9, it is preferable to perform the determination using the reference data D ₈ corresponding to the front and back of the identification target coin 15 in the image pickup data D _2.

Further, the determination unit 9 compares the length of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A with the length of the feature section in the reference data D _8, so that the identification target coin 15 matches the standard coin 17. It further has a function of determining whether or not. That is, the determination unit 9 receives from the feature segment extraction unit 57 the feature segment information D ₆ regarding the length of the feature segment (between a _{2 and} b ₂ ) in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A. Further, the determination unit 9 reads the standard feature section information D ₇ regarding the length of the feature section (reference length) in the standard coin 17 from the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7. Here, the storage unit 7 stores the length of the feature section (between a _{1 and} b ₁ ) in the standard coin 17 shown in FIG. 3A in the reference data storage area 75 as the standard feature section information D _7. Yes. Based on the feature section information D ₆ and the standard feature section information D ₇ , the determination unit 9 compares the feature section length of the identification target coin 15 with the feature section length of the standard coin 17 and matches or does not match these lengths. It is determined whether or not the identification target coin 15 matches the standard coin 17. The storage unit 7 preferably stores standard feature section information D ₇ corresponding to both the front surface and the back surface of the identification target coin 15. The determination section 9, it is preferable to perform the determination using the standard characteristic section information D ₇ according to the front and back of the identification target coin 15 in the image pickup data D _2.

Moreover, the determination part 9 is further provided with the following function. That is, the determination unit 9 compares the reference identification data D ₁₂ stored in advance in accordance with the type of the identification data D ₁₁ and the coin by determining these match-mismatch discrimination target coin 15 standard coin It is determined whether or not it matches 17. Specifically, the determination unit 9 receives the identification data D ₁₁ from the identification part capturing unit 59 and reads the reference identification data D ₁₂ from the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7. Here, the storage unit 7, for example, previously stored in the reference data storage area 75 the data in the area B of the standard coin 17 shown in FIG. 3 (a) as the reference identification data D _12. The determination unit 9 determines whether or not the identification target coin 15 matches the standard coin 17 by comparing the identification data D ₁₁ and the reference identification data D ₁₂ . The storage unit 7, it is preferable to store the reference identification data D ₁₂ corresponding to both the front and back surfaces to be identified coin 15. The determination section 9, it is preferable to perform the determination using the reference identification data D ₁₂ corresponding to the front and back of the identification target coin 15 in the image pickup data D _2.

Determination unit 9 is a data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ on the circumference A match with each other, and is a characteristic section length of the feature section length and the standard coins 17 to be identified coins 15 are coincident with each other When the identification data D ₁₁ and the reference identification data D ₁₂ coincide with each other, a coincidence signal S ₄ indicating that the identification target coin 15 coincides with the standard coin 17 is sent to the outside of the coin identification device 1. Output.

  Note that, similarly to the processing unit 5 described above, the determination unit 9 may be configured by, for example, a central processing unit reading a program, or may be configured by an electronic circuit.

The control unit 11 is means for controlling the processing unit 5 and the determination unit 9 of the identification unit 2. The control unit 11 receives an insertion signal S ₁ indicating that a coin (identification target coin 15) has been inserted into the coin insertion slot from the image input unit 3. Then, the control unit 11 receives the activation signal S _1, and sends a control signal S ₂ to the processing unit 5 to start processing the imaging data D _1. Further, when the characteristic section information D ₆ , the positional relationship information D ₁₀ , the identification data D ₁₁ , and the data D ₁₄ are output from the processing unit 5, the control unit 11 causes the determination unit 9 to determine the identification target coin 15. It sends an instruction signal S _3.

  Next, the configuration of the image input unit 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the image input unit 3 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the image input unit 3 includes a transport belt 31, a transport plate 32, a transparent glass 34, a transparent plate 35, a light emitting element 36, a CCD 37, a lens 38, an imaging timing sensor 39, And a control circuit 40.

  Between the conveyance belt 31 and the conveyance board 32, the conveyance path 33 which is a space | gap for a coin to be conveyed is provided. Moreover, the conveyance board 32 has the opening 32a, and the transparent glass 34 is engage | inserted by this opening 32a. The transparent glass 34 serves as a window for imaging the identification target coin 15. The opening 32a may be provided slightly larger than the size of the identification target coin 15.

  The transparent plate 35 is made of a material that is transparent to visible light or infrared light, such as an acrylic plate, and is provided on the surface of the transport plate 32 opposite to the transport path 33. The transparent plate 35 is provided with an opening 35 a corresponding to the opening 32 a of the transport plate 32. Further, inside the transparent plate 35, a light source such as a light emitting element 36 is disposed around the opening 32a. As the light emitting element 36, for example, an infrared light source such as an infrared LED that emits infrared light can be suitably used.

The CCD 37 is an imaging device for imaging the surface of the identification target coin 15. The CCD 37 is arranged so that its light receiving surface faces the transparent glass 34, and when the identification target coin 15 passes through the transparent glass 34, it is reflected on the surface of the identification target coin 15 out of the light emitted from the light emitting element 36. generating imaging data D ₁ to the light imaged. Further, the CCD 37 images at a timing according to the imaging signal S ₁₃ from the control circuit 40. The CCD 37 sends the generated imaging data D ₁ to the control circuit 40. A lens 38 is disposed between the CCD 37 and the transparent glass 34, and the lens 38 collects light from the surface of the identification target coin 15 and suitably enters the CCD 37.

The imaging timing sensor 39 is provided on the upstream side of the transparent glass 34 in the transport path 33, and sends a passage signal S ₁₁ to the control circuit 40 when the identification target coin 15 passes. The control circuit 40 is a circuit for controlling the light emitting element 36 and the CCD 37. When the control circuit 40 receives the passing signal S ₁₁ from the imaging timing sensor 39, the control circuit 40 applies the power supply voltage V ₁ to the light emitting element 36 to turn on the light emitting element 36 and sends the imaging signal S ₁₃ to the CCD 37. Then, receiving the imaging data D ₁ from the CCD 37, and sends the imaging data D ₁ to the identification unit 2.

  The above is the configuration of the coin identifying device 1 according to the present embodiment. Next, the operation of the coin identifying device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the image input unit 3 is the surface of the identification target coin 15 is imaged, the imaging data D ₁ is generated (step S101). Subsequently, the image pickup data D ₁ in the imaging processing unit 51 is image pickup data D ₂ and is generated gray scale conversion and quantify, imaging data D ₂ is stored in the imaging data storage area 71 of the storage unit 7 (S103 ). Then, in the center calculating section 53, the center position C of the identification target coin 15 in the image pickup data D ₂ is determined (S105). The center position information D ₁₃ regarding the center position C of the identification target coin 15 is stored in the center position / posture angle storage area 77 of the storage unit 7.

Subsequently, in a circumferential data acquisition unit 55, the data D ₁₄ on the circumference from the image data D ₂ on the basis of the center position C of the identification target coin 15 is extracted (S107). At this time, the data D ₁₄ on the circumference is extracted based on the circumference information D ₃ stored in the identification part storage area 73 of the storage unit 7 in advance. Then, the feature section extraction section 57, characteristic section from the data D ₁₄ on the circumference having a predetermined characteristic is determined with (S109), wherein the section information D ₆ on the length of the determined feature section, characterized The position of the section is obtained (S111). Subsequently, the positional relationship information D ₁₀ is generated based on the obtained position of the feature section and the reference position information D ₄ stored in the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7 in advance (S 113). The attitude angle of the target coin 15 is obtained (S115). Posture angle information D ₅ related to the posture angle of the identification target coin 15 is stored in the center position / posture angle storage area 77 of the storage unit 7.

Subsequently, the recognition site acquisition unit 59, the identification data D ₁₁ corresponding to a predetermined recognition site in the identification target coin 15 is extracted from the image data D ₂ (S117). At this time, the identification part includes center position information D ₁₃ and posture angle information D ₅ stored in the center position / attitude angle storage area 77 of the storage unit 7, and identification part information stored in the identification part storage area 73. It is extracted on the basis of D _9.

Subsequently, the determining unit 9, based on the positional relationship information D _10, and the data D ₁₄ on the reference data D ₈ and circumferential A are associated with each other, the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ on the circumference A Match / mismatch is determined. Further, in the determination unit 9, the length of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ is determined based on the standard feature section information D ₇ and the feature section information D ₆ stored in the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7. It is determined whether or not the length of the feature section in D ₈ coincides. Further, the determination unit 9 compares the reference identification data D ₁₂ and the identification data D ₁₁ stored in the reference data storage area 75 of the storage unit 7 with each other, and determines whether or not they match. When they match all of the results of these determination in the determination section 9, the coincidence signal S ₄ is outputted to the outside of the coin discriminating apparatus 1 (S119).

The coin identification device 1 according to the present embodiment described above has the following effects. That is, in the coin discriminating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the identification target is based on the feature section having a predetermined feature in the data D ₁₄ on the predetermined circumference A and the feature section of the reference data D ₈ stored in advance. The coin 15 is identified. In this manner, by capturing features over a certain section (that is, a feature section) in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A, the influence of dirt on the transparent glass 34, dirt on the identification target coin 15, etc. is suppressed, and on the circumference A. the characteristic portion of the data D ₁₄ it is possible to determine accurately the, it is possible to identify the identification target coins 15 by referring to the characteristic section of the circumference a of the center position C as a reference. Therefore, according to the coin identifying device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the calculation of the posture angle can be omitted, the posture angle is obtained by detecting the conventional method, that is, the peak position and the peak position of the reference pattern data. Compared with the method of matching pattern data, the processing time can be shortened and the determination accuracy can be increased. Further, it is possible to accurately identify the identification target coin 15 while suppressing the influence of the contamination of the transparent glass 34 and the contamination of the identification target coin 15.

Also, as in the present embodiment, the identification unit 2, the position of the characteristic section of the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A, and the data on the circumference A, based on the position of the characteristic section of the reference data D ₈ D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ after having associated with each other, it is preferable to identify the identification target coins 15 by comparing the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ on the circumference a one another. By associating these data with one another the positions of the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ each feature section of the circumference A as a reference, data of the same site on the circumference A of the data D ₁₄ and the reference data D ₈ It is possible to accurately associate each other. Then, by comparing the data of the same part associated with each other, it is possible to determine the coincidence / non-coincidence of these data in a short processing time without requiring a complicated operation. Therefore, the identification target coin 15 can be identified with high accuracy in a short time.

Further, as in the present embodiment, the identification unit 2 determines the length of the feature section (feature section information D ₆ ) in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A and the length of the feature section (standard feature section) in the reference data D ₈ . The identification target coin 15 may be identified by comparing the information D ₇ ). Thus, based on the characteristic section of the characteristic section and the reference data D ₈ data D ₁₄ on precisely determined circumference A, the identification target coin 15 can be accurately and easily identified.

Further, as in the present embodiment, the identification unit 2 determines the reference state of the identification target coin 15 based on the position of the feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A and the position of the feature section in the reference data D ₈ . You may obtain | require the attitude angle from. Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine the posture angle of the identification target coin 15 while suppressing the influence of dirt or the like of the identification target coin 15. Further, the identification unit 2, the identification data D ₁₁ in the identification region B to be identified coin 15 is extracted on the basis of the center position C, and the attitude-angle from the image data D _2, previously stored reference identification with the identification data D ₁₁ by comparing the data D _12, it may identify the identification target coin 15. As a result, the identification data D ₁₁ in the region other than the circumference A can be extracted without rotating the data. Therefore, by comparing the identification data D ₁₁ with the reference identification data D ₁₂ , It is possible to identify with higher accuracy in a short time.

Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the predetermined feature of the feature section is that the data D ₁₄ on the circumference A has a value within a specified range over the feature section. As a result, even if there is a certain amount of dirt or the like in the feature section, the feature section can be suitably determined without being affected by this.

Moreover, it is preferable that the image input part 3 has the light emitting element 36 which irradiates infrared light on the surface of the identification object coin 15 like this embodiment. Thus, it is possible to reduce the influence on the image pickup data D ₁ by dirt adhering to the surface of the identification target coin 15.

The coin identification device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment determines the one feature section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference, but also determine another second feature section with the characteristic section in the data D ₁₄ on the circumference Good. In this way, by identifying the identification target coin based on the plurality of characteristic sections, the identification target coin can be identified more accurately.

In the above embodiment, the data D ₁₄ on one circumference A is extracted from the imaging data D _2, but data on a plurality of (concentric) circumferences centered on the center position C is extracted, and the data A feature section may be determined in each of a plurality of pieces of data on the circumference. And you may identify an identification object coin based on the characteristic area in each of the data on a some circumference. As a result, it is possible to more accurately identify the identification target coin.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the coin identifying device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of imaging data. FIG. 2B is a graph showing an example of data on the circumference. FIG. 3A shows a standard coin in a reference state. FIG. 3B is a graph showing data on the circumference of the standard coin shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the image input unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the coin identifying device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Coin identification apparatus, 2 ... Identification part, 3 ... Image input part, 5 ... Processing part, 7 ... Memory | storage part, 9 ... Determination part, 11 ... Control part, 15 ... Coin to identify, 17 ... Standard coin, 31 ... Conveying belt, 32 ... Conveying plate, 33 ... Conveying path, 34 ... Transparent glass, 35 ... Transparent plate, 36 ... Light emitting element, 38 ... Lens, 39 ... Imaging timing sensor, 40 ... Control circuit, 51 ... Imaging processing unit, 53 ... center calculation section, 55 ... circumference data capture section, 57 ... feature section extraction section, 59 ... identification part capture section, 71 ... imaging data storage area, 73 ... identification part storage area, 75 ... reference data storage area, 77 ... Center position / posture angle storage area, D ₁ , D ₂ ... Imaging data, D ₃ ... Circumference information, D ₄ ... Reference position information, D ₅ ... Posture angle information, D ₆ ... Feature section information, D ₇ ... Standard feature section information, D ₈ ... reference data, D ₉ ... identification part information, D ₁₀ ... position Relationship information, D ₁₁ ... identification data, D ₁₂ ... reference identification data, D ₁₃ ... center position information, D ₁₄ ... data on the circumference.

Claims (8)

An image input unit that images the surface of the identification target coin and generates imaging data related to the identification target coin;
An identification unit for identifying the identification target coin based on the imaging data,
The identification unit calculates the center position of the coin to be identified in the imaging data, and in circumferential data on a predetermined circumference having a predetermined radius with the center position as a center, over a part of the circumference data A feature section having a predetermined feature is determined, and the identification target coin is identified based on the feature section and the feature section in the reference circumference data on the predetermined circumference stored in advance according to the type of coin. A coin identification device. The identification unit, the predetermined circumference on the the position of the feature section in position and the reference circumference data of the characteristic section in a circumferential data with respect to the circumference data on the predetermined circumference reference circumference The coin identifying device according to claim 1, wherein the coins to be identified are identified by associating data with each other and comparing the circumference data on the predetermined circumference and the reference circumference data with each other. The identification unit identifies the coin to be identified by comparing the length of the feature section in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference with the length of the feature section in the reference circumference data. Or the coin identification device of 2. The identification unit obtains the posture angle from the reference state of the identification target coin based on the position of the feature section in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference and the position of the feature section in the reference circumference data, Identification data at a predetermined identification part of the identification target coin is extracted from the imaging data based on the center position and the posture angle, and the identification data is compared with reference identification data stored in advance according to the type of coin. The coin identification device according to claim 1, wherein the identification target coin is identified. The coin identification according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined feature of the feature section is that circumferential data on the predetermined circumference has a value within a specified range over the feature section. apparatus. The identification unit determines a second feature section different from the feature section in the circumference data on the predetermined circumference, and further identifies a recognition target coin based on the second feature section. The coin identification device according to any one of 1 to 5. The coin identifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the identifying unit determines the characteristic section in each of a plurality of pieces of circumference data on a predetermined circumference centered on the center position. The coin identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image input unit includes a light source that irradiates infrared light onto a surface of the identification target coin.

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