JPH06162309A - Coin sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a coin sorting device which has high decision precision by recognizing even a fine difference in the shape pattern of a coin surface, etc. CONSTITUTION:The digital signal (shape variable signal) outputted from an A/D converter 14 is stored in a RAM 16 in the order of a time series as waveform data on electromotive force variation outputted from coin sensors 2a and 2b corresponding to a coin 1, and then a coin decision part provided in a CPU 15 reproduces the electromotive force output variation into an analog waveform, thereby deciding the kind of the coin 9 basing on the analog waveform (electromotive force output waveform).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin sorting device used for an automatic vending machine or the like to discriminate the authenticity of inserted coins, and more particularly to a technique for discriminating the type of coins.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 10 shows the structure of a general coin sorting device used in vending machines and the like. In the figure, the coin sorting device is provided with a groove serving as a transfer passage 5 for the coin 1 in the non-magnetic material 2, and the cores 3a and 3b are provided on one side and the other side of the transfer passage 5, respectively.
It has coils 4a and 4b wound around 3b. In this coin sorting device, since the bottom surface of the transport passage 5 is an inclined surface that gently descends from the input side of the coin 1 to the storage side, the inserted coin 1 moves in the transport passage 5 in the direction of arrow A. Rotate in the direction of the sensor cores 3a, 3b
And the coin sensor portion including the sensor coils 4a and 4b. The output of the coin sensor unit has different peak values and output periods depending on the shape and material of the coin 1 passing through it, and therefore the coin type is determined based on this output signal. Then, as a result of the discrimination of the coin type, coins determined to be proper coins (genuine coins) are stored in the coin type, while coins determined to be improper coins (counterfeit coins) are coin outlets. It is rejected to (the change payment outlet).

FIG. 11 shows the circuit configuration of a coin sorting device having such a configuration. In the figure, the outputs of the coin sensor units 2a and 2b having the above configuration are connected to an oscillator 11
It oscillates at a frequency of about 00 kHz and is output to the A / D converter 14 via the amplifier 12 and the peak hold circuit 13. The A / D converter 14 converts the input signal into a digital amount at a predetermined sampling period and outputs it as a digital signal. FIG. 12 shows an example of an output waveform output from the coin sorting device having such a configuration. The sensor voltage output waveform shown in FIG. 12 shows how the sensor voltage changes during the period T in which the coin 1 is passing through the set positions of the coin sensor units 2a and 2b, and the peak value Vp of this sensor voltage is shown. Since coins differ depending on the diameter and thickness of the coin 1 and the material of the coins, the coins can be specified from different attributes, and the discrimination accuracy can be improved.

[0004]

In recent years, foreign currency is used in vending machines, and the number of cases in which a product is damaged is increasing.

This is because in the conventional coin sorting apparatus which discriminates coins by utilizing the difference in the shape and material of coins,
The peak value of the sensor voltage output from the coin sensor unit corresponding to the diameter, thickness and material of the coin is used as an index for denomination determination and true / false determination.
As with the foreign currency indicated by, if the diameter, thickness and material of the coin and the coin indicated by the solid line (a) are the same, even if the surface shape pattern (pattern) is different, the same peak value Vp as the coin is obtained. Is caused by the fact that it is determined to be a true coin. As described above, the conventional coin discriminating method has a problem in that it cannot surely discriminate similar foreign currencies or false coins having a similar form.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to realize a coin sorter capable of detecting a minute change such as a shape pattern on the surface of a coin and improving the discrimination accuracy of coin types. is there.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, means taken in the coin sorting apparatus according to the present invention are
A shape variable signal generating means for generating an electromotive force corresponding to a coin moving relatively provided in a coin transportation path and emitting the electromotive force as a digitized shape variable signal, and an electromotive force for the shape variable signal in chronological order. And a coin discriminating means for discriminating the corresponding coin type based on the electromotive force output waveform obtained from the waveform data stored in the storing means. Here, it is preferable that the coin discriminating unit discriminates the corresponding coin type based on the waveform area defined in the electromotive force output waveform by the preset electromotive force reference value in the electromotive force output waveform. In addition, the coin discriminating means requires the first and second electromotive force output waveforms respectively for the electromotive force to increment the preset first and second electromotive force reference value intervals.
It is preferable to discriminate the corresponding coin type based on the ratio of the elapsed time and the second elapsed time. Further, the coin discriminating means determines the first elapsed time required for the change rate of the electromotive force to change in the preset first and second electromotive force change reference value sections of the electromotive force output waveform, respectively. It is preferable that the type of the corresponding coin is determined based on the ratio with the second elapsed time.

[0008]

In the coin sorter having the above-mentioned structure with such means, the shape variable signal generating means provided on the coin conveying path digitizes the electromotive force generated corresponding to the coins moving relatively. When it is issued as a variable signal, the storage means stores the shape variable signal in time series as electromotive force waveform data. Then, the coin discriminating means discriminates the corresponding coin type based on the electromotive force output waveform (analog waveform) obtained from the waveform data, and discriminates that the coin on the transport path is an appropriate coin (genuine coin). When it is determined that the coin is an improper coin (counterfeit coin), the coin is guided to another path. Here, the electromotive force output waveform, which is the reference for coin discrimination, is generated according to the diameter, thickness, and material of the coin moving on the transfer path, and corresponds to the shape pattern of the coin surface (coin thickness). The coin can be specified by comparing the data obtained from the electromotive force output waveform with the data of the proper coin. Therefore, since the surface shape of each coin is recognized and discriminated, the coin discrimination accuracy is high.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a coin sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the configuration of the coin sorting device of this example is substantially the same as that of the conventional coin sorting device shown in FIG. 10, and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. The point to be noted in the coin sorting apparatus of this example is the electromotive force that outputs the digital signal (shape variable signal) output from the A / D converter 14 by the RAM 16 from the coin sensor units 2a and 2b according to the coin 1. By storing the change waveform data in chronological order, the coin discriminating unit provided in the CPU 15 reproduces an electromotive force output change from the coin sensor units 2a and 2b as an analog waveform, and this analog waveform (electromotive force output waveform) The point is that the type of coin is determined based on.

A coin discriminating method of the coin sorting apparatus having such a structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a graph in which digital signals (sensor voltage values) output from the A / D converter 14 are plotted in time series at predetermined time intervals. In FIG. 2, the period T from the rising point to the falling point of the sensor voltage is
Indicates a period during which the coin 1 is passing over the coin sensor units 2a and 2b. In the coin discriminating method of the coin sorting apparatus of this example, in the region formed by the analog waveform shown in FIG. 2, the region exceeding the preset reference value Va of the sensor voltage, that is, the hatched portion S in FIG. The area of the indicated area is calculated and used as an index for denomination discrimination and true / false discrimination. In FIG. 3, plot points a ₀ , a ₁ , a ₂ ,
Both a _n-1 and a _n are coin sensor units 2a and 2b.
The output of the A / D converter 14 by digitizing an the sensor voltage value plot before and after exceeding the reference value Va in ascending side of the sensor voltage value and a _0, a _1, respectively, at the descending side of the sensor voltage values A before and after exceeding the reference value Va
_n-1 , a _n . During the period Tn, the sensor voltage value is a _0.
Time varying from a _n from the period Ta is the time changes from a ₀ to a reference value Va, also, the period Tb is the time to change from a reference value Va to a _n. Further, the period Tc corresponding to the bottom of the shaded portion S is the time until the sensor voltage value falls below the reference value Va after it exceeds the reference value Va.
That is, it is the time obtained by removing the periods Ta and Tb from the period Tn.

Here, the periods Ta, Tb and Tc can be expressed by the following equations.

[0013]

[Equation 1]

Further, by using these periods Ta, Tb and Tc, the area of the hatched portion S can be obtained by the following equation.

[0015]

[Equation 2]

Here, in the equation (4), since the speed at which the coin 1 passes over the coin sensor portions 2a and 2b is not constant, the correction is performed by division by the period Tc during which the coin sensor portions 2a and 2b pass. .

Then, based on the area of the hatched portion S calculated using the equations (1) to (4), the denomination of the inserted coin 1 and the authenticity discrimination are performed. As described above, in the coin sorting apparatus of this example, the coin denomination and true / counterfeit discrimination of coins are performed based on the area of the hatched portion S obtained from the waveform diagram showing the time series transition of the sensor voltage value. It is also possible to detect minute differences such as the shape pattern of the coin surface, which cannot be distinguished by the conventional coin distinguishing method. For example, in FIG. 12, the true coin indicated by the solid line (a) and the broken line (b)
Since the coins having the same coin diameter, thickness and material show the same peak value Vp, it is impossible to make a true / false decision, but the coin discriminating method of the present example. According to this, it is possible to detect the difference between the increase and decrease of the sensor voltage value caused by the difference in the shape pattern of the coin surface as the difference in the area. Therefore, it is possible to reliably discriminate between fake coins of similar form and similar foreign currencies, and it is possible to discriminate coins with high accuracy.

[Embodiment 2] Next, a coin discriminating method of a coin sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the configuration of the coin sorting device of this example is the same as the configuration of the coin sorting device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, its description is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a graph in which a digital signal (sensor voltage value) output from the A / D converter 14 is plotted in time series at predetermined time intervals, showing a process of increasing the sensor voltage value. is there. The coin discriminating method of the coin sorting apparatus of this example is based on the reference sensor voltage values Va, Vb and V.
c is set, a first reference value section from the sensor voltage value Va to Vb and a second reference value section from the sensor voltage value Va to Vc are set in advance, and output from the coin sensor units 2a and 2b. Ratio of the first elapsed time T ₁ required for the sensor voltage value to increment the first reference value section to the second elapsed time T ₂ required to increment the second reference value section Is used as an index for denomination discrimination and true / false discrimination.
In FIG. 4, plot points a ₀ , a ₁ , b ₀ , b ₁ , c
₀ and c ₁ are sensor voltage values in which the outputs of the coin sensor units 2a and 2b are digitized by the A / D converter 14 and plotted, and a ₀ and a ₁ are values before and after exceeding the reference value Va.
_{It is set as 1,} and before and after exceeding the reference value Vb are designated as b ₀ and b ₁ , and before and after exceeding the reference value Vc as c ₀ and c ₁ . Further, the period t ₁ is the time when the sensor voltage value changes from a ₀ to the reference value Va, the period t ₃ is the time when it changes from b ₀ to the reference value Vb, and the period t ₅ is the time when it changes from c ₀ to the reference value Vc. Is.

Here, the periods t ₁ , t ₃ and t ₅ are calculated by the following equations.

[0021]

[Equation 3]

Further, in FIG. 4, period t ₂ shows the time when the sensor voltage value changes from a ₀ to b ₀ , and period t ₄
Indicates the time required to change from a ₀ to c ₀ . Periods t ₁ , t ₃ and t calculated by the above equations (5) to (7)
_The elapsed times T ₁ and T ₂ can be obtained by the following equation using t ₁ to t ₅ which is a period obtained by adding the periods t ₂ and t ₄ to ₅ .

[0023]

[Equation 4]

Next, the elapsed time T thus obtained
_{From 1} and T ₂ , the ratio of the increasing process of the sensor voltage value is calculated by the following equation.

[0025]

[Equation 5]

Then, based on the ratio calculated by the equation (10), the denomination of the inserted coin and the authenticity are discriminated. As described above, in the coin sorting apparatus of the present example, similar to the coin discriminating method of the coin sorting apparatus of the first embodiment, the coins are determined based on the time ratio obtained from the waveform diagram showing the time series transition of the sensor voltage value. Since the denomination discrimination and the authenticity discrimination are performed, it becomes possible to detect a minute difference such as a shape pattern on the surface of the coin which cannot be discriminated by the conventional coin discriminating method. For example, even if the coins have the same peak value, such as two types of coins indicated by the solid line (c) and the broken line (d) in FIG. 5, there is a difference in the process of increasing the sensor voltage value. Since the ratio of the two is different, it is effective in determining coins.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a coin discriminating method of a coin sorting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. Since the configuration of the coin sorting device of this example is the same as the configuration of the coin sorting device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, its description is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a graph in which the digital signal (sensor voltage value) output from the A / D converter 14 is plotted in chronological order at predetermined time intervals, and FIG. The degree of voltage value increment (rate of change, waveform slope) is plotted in chronological order. Therefore, in FIG. 7, if the change rate of the sensor voltage value is the same, the next plot point is on the same axis, and if the change rate is small, the next plot point is plotted on the lower side. The plot showing the decreasing process of the sensor voltage value is the horizontal axis t
To the lower anti-incremental side. In the coin discriminating method of the coin sorting apparatus of this example, the reference values S1, S2 and S3 of the change rate of the sensor voltage value are determined, and the reference values S1 to S2 are set.
Is set in advance and a second reference value section extending from the reference values S2 to S3 is set in advance, and the rate of change of the sensor voltage value is required to pass through the first reference value section. The ratio between the first elapsed time T ₁₁ and the second elapsed time T ₁₂ required to pass the second reference value section is obtained and used as an index for denomination determination and true / false determination. . In FIG. 7, plot points s ₁₀ , s ₁₁ , s ₂₀ , s ₂₁ , s _30, and s ₃₁ are all numerical values indicating the rate of change of the sensor voltage value, and the reference value S
Before and after exceeding 1 is s ₁₀ and s ₁₁ , before and after exceeding the reference value S2 is s ₂₀ and s ₂₁ , and before and after exceeding the reference value S3 is s ₃₀ and s
_{It is as 31} . Further, the period t ₁₁ is the time required for the rate of change of the sensor voltage value to change from s ₁₀ to the reference value S1, and the period t ₁₃ is the time required for changing from s ₂₀ to the reference value S2.
The period t ₁₅ is the time required to change from s ₃₀ to the reference value S3.

Here, the periods t ₁₁ , t ₁₃ and t ₁₅ are calculated by the following equations.

[0030]

[Equation 6]

Further, in FIG. 7, the period t ₁₂ shows the time when the rate of change of the sensor voltage value changes from s ₁₀ to s ₂₀ ,
Period t ₁₄ represents a time varying from s ₂₀ to s _30. Periods t ₁₁ and t ₁₃ calculated by the above equations (11) to (13)
And t ₁₅ plus the periods t ₁₂ and t ₁₄ , which is t ₁₁ −
Using t ₁₅ , the elapsed times T ₁₁ and T ₁₂ are calculated from the equations (14) and (15) shown below. Then, the formula (1
According to 6), the ratio of the elapsed times T ₁₁ and T ₁₂ can be calculated.

[0032]

[Equation 7]

Then, based on the ratio calculated by the equation (16), the denomination of coins inserted and the authenticity are discriminated. As described above, in the coin sorting device of the present example, similarly to the coin discriminating method of the coin sorting devices of the first and second embodiments, the coin sorting process is performed based on the waveform diagram showing the time series transition of the sensor voltage value. Since the denomination discrimination and the authenticity discrimination are performed, the surface shape of each coin is recognized as a pattern for discrimination, and therefore the discrimination accuracy is high. For example, when two types of coins indicated by a solid line (e) and a broken line (f) in FIG. 8 are plotted in time series in the change rate of the sensor voltage value for each predetermined period, it becomes FIG. In FIG. 9, the waveform of the coin indicated by the broken line (to) does not change from the rise time of the sensor voltage value to the peak value,
The waveform of the coin shown by the solid line (e) is different from the waveform of the protrusion, but the rate of change of the sensor voltage value changes during the ascending and descending processes. ing. Therefore, the ratio of the elapsed time T ₁₁ and the elapsed time T _{12 of} each of the two types of coins is different, which is effective for the determination of coins.

[0034]

As described above, in the coin sorting device according to the present invention, the shape variable signal generating means for emitting the electromotive force generated in correspondence with the relatively moving coins as the digitized shape variable signal, and the shape. Since the variable signal is stored in chronological order as electromotive force waveform data and the coin is discriminated using the electromotive force output waveform obtained from this waveform data, the discrimination accuracy of the coin is high. That is, the electromotive force output waveform reproduced based on the waveform data is a waveform of the electromotive force generated according to the diameter, thickness, and material of the coin on the transport path, and corresponds to the shape pattern of the surface of the coin. Therefore, since the surface shape of each coin is recognized and discriminated, it is possible to reliably discriminate similar fake coins and foreign currencies.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a coin sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discrimination method in the coin sorting device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discrimination method in the coin sorting device.

FIG. 10A is a sectional view showing the configuration of a general coin sorting device, and FIG. 10B is a side view thereof.

11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the coin sorting device shown in FIG.

12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coin discriminating method in the coin sorting device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Coin 2 ... Coin sensor part (non-magnetic material) 3 ... Sensor core 4 ... Sensor coil 5 ... Transport path 11 ... Oscillator 12 ... Amplifier 13 ... Peak Hold circuit 14 ... A / D converter 15 ... CPU (coin discriminating means) 16 ... RAM (storage means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A shape variable signal generating means for generating an electromotive force corresponding to a coin moving relative to one another, which is provided on a coin transporting path, and outputs the electromotive force as a digitized shape variable signal, and the shape variable signal. Storage means for storing the electromotive force waveform data in time series order, and coin discriminating means for discriminating the corresponding coin type based on the electromotive force output waveform obtained from the waveform data stored in the storage means. And a coin sorting device. 2. The coin discriminating means according to claim 1, wherein the coin discriminating means responds based on a waveform area defined in the electromotive force output waveform by a preset electromotive force reference value in the electromotive force output waveform. A coin sorter characterized by discriminating the type of coin. 3. The coin discriminating means according to claim 1, wherein the preset first and second of the electromotive force output waveforms are included.
It is characterized in that the corresponding coin type is determined based on the ratio of the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time required for the electromotive force to increment in the second electromotive force reference value section. Coin sorting device. 4. The coin discriminating means according to claim 1, wherein the preset first and second of the electromotive force output waveforms are included.
The corresponding coin type is discriminated based on the ratio of the first elapsed time and the second elapsed time required for the change rate of the electromotive force in the second electromotive force change reference value section. A coin sorting device characterized by the above.