JPH09167270A - Coin discrimination device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately detect the projecting/recessing parts of coin even in a narrow coin carrier path. SOLUTION: An image pickup device 104 and an image input part 105 picks up the image data on the side face of a coin C carried by a carrier part 101 in the surface direction of the coin C (lower direction of the part 101) and inputs the picked-up image data respectively. A projecting/recessing part detection part 106 detects the presence or absence of the projecting/recessing parts on the side face of the coin C based on the input image data, and the part 106 outputs the data to show its detection result. A discrimination part 107 compares the data outputted from the part 106 with the standard data stored in a standard data storage part 108 to discriminate the kind of the coin C.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin discriminating device for discriminating the types of coins such as coins and medals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, coins have been identified, for example, using characteristics such as the outer diameter, weight, and material of the coins. However, recently, there are many different types of coins having almost the same characteristics. Therefore, a method for accurately discriminating the type of coin using another characteristic has been devised.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-120694 discloses a method of detecting unevenness (hereinafter, abbreviated as a serration) on the side surface of a coin by using an optical fiber. Further, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-152099,
There is disclosed a method for comprehensively determining a denomination by means for optically detecting a hole and first and second magnetic sensors provided on the downstream side of the means.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1-1
In the technique of the publication No. 20694, it is necessary to detect with a sensor from the side direction of the coin in order to detect the jaggedness of the side surface of the coin, and therefore, it is difficult to install the coin when the width of the conveying means for conveying the coin is narrow. is there.

Further, in the conventional optical hole detection, since transmitted light is required, it is difficult to install the coin when one side is pressed with a belt to convey coins. In addition, JP-A-62
In the technology of Japanese Patent No. 152099, since the means for optically detecting a hole and the first and second magnetic sensors are separately provided, the transmission path for collating the respective detection results becomes long.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin discriminating device which can accurately detect a jagged edge of a coin even with a narrow conveying means. Another object of the present invention is to provide a coin discriminating device capable of surely performing hole detection even when a coin is conveyed by pressing one side with a belt. Another object of the present invention is to provide a coin discriminating device in which an extra conveying means can be omitted, the speed can be increased, and the transmission path can be shortened.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A coin identifying device of the present invention comprises image input means for inputting image data of the side surface of a coin as an identification object conveyed by a conveying means from the surface direction of the coin, and the image inputting means. Unevenness detection means for detecting the presence or absence of unevenness on the side surface of the coin based on image data input by means, standard data storage means for storing a plurality of standard data, and the unevenness detection It is provided with identification means for identifying the type of coin by comparing the data output from the means with the standard data in the standard data storage means.

Further, the coin identifying device of the present invention is provided with a ring-shaped light source which is provided at a portion facing a surface of a coin as an identification object which is conveyed by the conveying means and which irradiates the surface of the coin with light. An area that is provided in a portion facing the surface of the coin and outputs image data of the surface of the coin by receiving reflected light from the surface of the coin due to light irradiation of the light source and converting the received light into an electric signal. A sensor, a hole detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a hole in the coin based on the image data output from the area sensor, and outputs data indicating the detection result, and a standard data storage unit that stores a plurality of standard data. And an identifier for identifying the type of coin by comparing the data output from the hole detecting means with the standard data in the standard data storing means. It is provided with a door.

Further, the coin identifying device of the present invention is provided with a first light source which is provided at a portion facing a surface of a coin as an identification object carried by the carrying means and which irradiates the surface of the coin with light. A second light source provided at a portion facing the side surface of the coin and irradiating the side surface of the coin with light; and light reflected by the side surface of the coin due to the light irradiation of the second light source. A reflecting mirror that guides the surface of the coin, and is provided in a portion facing the surface of the coin,
By receiving the reflected light from the surface of the coin by the light irradiation of the first light source, and by receiving the reflected light from the side surface of the coin guided by the reflecting mirror and converting each to an electric signal, An area sensor that outputs the image data of the surface of the coin and the image data of the side surface of the coin, and the type of the coin is identified based on the image data of the surface and the side surface of the coin output from the area sensor. And identification means.

Furthermore, the coin identifying device of the present invention is provided with an image inputting means for simultaneously inputting image data of the front surface and image data of the side surface of the coin as an identification object carried by the carrying means, and the image inputting means. Hole detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a hole in the coin based on the image data on the surface of the coin, and outputting data indicating the detection result, and image data for the side surface of the coin input by the image inputting means. The presence or absence of unevenness on the side surface of the coin is detected by the unevenness detecting means for outputting data indicating the detection result, the standard data storing means for storing a plurality of standard data, and the data output from the hole detecting means. By comparing the data output from the unevenness detection means and the standard data in the standard data storage means, respectively. It is provided with identifying means for identifying the type of serial coins.

According to the present invention, for example, the image data of the side surface of the coin is input from the surface direction of the coin by using the area sensor and the reflecting mirror, so that the unevenness (jagged) can be accurately formed even in the narrow conveying means. Detection can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, by inputting image data of the surface of a coin from the surface direction of the coin using an area sensor and a reflection illumination system, one side is pressed by a belt to convey the coin. Even in the case of performing the hole detection, it is possible to reliably detect the hole.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, by simultaneously inputting the image data of the front surface and the image data of the side surface of the coin using the area sensor and the reflecting mirror, the outer diameter which was originally a different detection. The detection, pattern detection, hole detection, and unevenness detection can be performed by one device, an extra conveying means can be omitted, the speed can be increased, the transmission path can be shortened, and high accuracy can be achieved. It is possible to identify.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a coin identifying device according to the first embodiment. The identification device includes a conveyance unit 101 as a conveyance unit that conveys a coin (coin) C as an identification target in a direction of an arrow in the drawing, a timing sensor 102, a timing generation circuit 103, an image pickup unit 104 as an image input unit, and an image input unit. 105, a notch detecting unit 106 as an unevenness detecting unit, an identifying unit 107 as an identifying unit, a standard data storing unit 108 as a standard data storing unit, a selecting unit 109, and a gate 110.

With such a structure, the coin C is transferred to the transport section 101.
Thus, the coin C is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure to discriminate whether or not the coin C is desired, and the gate 110 sorts the coins based on the discrimination result.

Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail. The transport unit 101 transports the coin C in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and includes a transport surface 101a and a transport belt 101b that presses the coin C onto the transport surface 101a and forcibly transports it. When the coin C transported by the transport unit 101 passes through the position of the timing sensor 102, the timing sensor 102 detects it, so that the timing circuit 103 causes the timing C 103 to pass when the coin C passes over the imaging unit 104. Is generated, and the image of the coin C is captured by the image capturing unit 104.

The image pickup unit 104 picks up images of the front and side surfaces of the coin C at the same time. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the transparent glass plate 201 forming a part of the conveying surface 101a is conveyed. The light source 202, the condensing optical element 203, and the condensing optical element 203, which are provided in a portion facing the side surface of the coin C.
The light source 20 is provided below the reflecting mirror 204 and the light source 202.
The rectangular field mask 205 for blocking direct light from the area 2 to the area sensor 207, the ring-shaped array light source 206, and the area sensor 207 are used to capture the area sensor image as shown in FIG.

That is, according to FIG. 2, the image pickup unit 10
In FIG. 4, one surface (lower surface) of the coin C being conveyed is illuminated with light from the light source 206, and an image is formed by reflecting the light, and the image of the surface of the coin C is converted into an electric signal by the area sensor 207. Is converted to. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data of the surface portion is collected in the area A of the area sensor image. The part of this area A is X, Y
In terms of coordinate values, 0 <x <X1 and 0 <y <Y1 respectively.
Hit the range.

Illumination by the light source 202 is performed by the condensing optical element 2.
Since the light source 202 is installed on the side of the reflecting mirror 204 so as to obliquely illuminate a part of the side surface of the coin C by 03, the light source 202 is installed at a portion facing the side surface of the coin C. When viewed from the direction, when the side surface of the coin C has a knurl, the edge portion of the unevenness appears to shine brightly, and when there is no knurl, it reflects at only one point. Utilizing this phenomenon, at the same time as the image of the surface of the coin C is captured, the image of the side surface is illuminated by the light source 202 installed so as to obliquely illuminate a part of the side surface of the coin C, and its reflection is performed. The light is reflected by a reflecting mirror 204 which is provided so as to be inclined so that light reflected from the side surface of the coin C is guided below the glass plate 201 with respect to the traveling direction of the coin C.
Image data of the side surface portion in the area B portion of the area sensor image as shown in FIG. 3 by being guided to the lower side of the area sensor and converted into an electric signal by the area sensor 207 installed below the glass plate 201. To be collected. In terms of X and Y coordinate values, the area B is X1 <x <X.
2, which falls within the range of 0 <y <Y1.

FIG. 4 shows another configuration example of the image pickup section 104.
In this example, a reflecting mirror 208 is further added to the configuration of FIG. 2 so that the reflected light from the side surface of the coin C is reflected twice and guided to the area sensor 207.

That is, according to FIG. 4, the image pickup unit 10
In FIG. 4, one surface (lower surface) of the coin C being conveyed is illuminated with light from the light source 206, and an image is formed by reflecting the light, and the image of the surface of the coin C is converted into an electric signal by the area sensor 207. Is converted to. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data of the surface portion is collected in the area A of the area sensor image.

Illumination by the light source 202 is performed by the condensing optical element 2.
Since the light source 202 is installed on the side of the reflecting mirror 204 so as to obliquely illuminate a part of the side surface of the coin C by 03, the light source 202 is installed at a portion facing the side surface of the coin C. When viewed from the direction, when the side surface of the coin C has a knurl, the edge portion of the unevenness appears to shine brightly, and when there is no knurl, it reflects at only one point. Utilizing this phenomenon, at the same time as the image of the surface of the coin C is captured, the image of the side surface is illuminated by the light source 202 installed so as to obliquely illuminate a part of the side surface of the coin C, and its reflection is performed. The light is reflected by a reflecting mirror 204 that is inclined so that the light reflected from the side surface of the coin C is guided to the upper side of the glass plate 201 with respect to the traveling direction of the coin C, and the reflected light is further reflected. The area sensor 2 is reflected by a reflecting mirror 208 provided below the glass plate 201, guided below the glass plate 201, and installed below the glass plate 201.
By being converted into an electric signal by 07, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data of the side surface portion is collected in the area B portion of the area sensor image. In addition, X of each area,
The Y coordinate value is the same as in the configuration example of FIG. 2 described above.

The image input unit 105 A / D-converts the image data output from the image pickup unit 104 into digital image data, and sends the digital image data to the notch detecting unit 106 as unevenness detecting means. In addition to the digital image data, the image input unit 105 also outputs coordinate information obtained from the area sensor 207, and sends the coordinate information to the notch detecting unit 106.

The notch detecting unit 106 detects the presence or absence of a notch on the side surface of the coin C based on the image data of the area B of the area sensor image sent from the image input unit 105, and follows the flowchart shown in FIG. Processing is performed.

According to FIG. 5, the notch detector 106
In steps 401 to 407, the image input unit 105
Among the pixels of the area B portion of the area sensor image output from, the pixels having a pixel value equal to or larger than a certain threshold value are counted. Since the light source 202 is installed so as to obliquely illuminate the side surface of the coin C, if the side surface of the coin C has a knurl, it is counted by the configuration of the imaging unit 104 as shown in FIG. 2 or 3. The number of pixels that can be displayed is large, and if there are no notches, it will be small. After that, in steps 408 to 410, if the counted value is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, the data “1” is output to the identification unit 107 as a knurl, and if it is less than the predetermined threshold value, the data “1” is not knurled. 0 ”is output to the identification unit 107.

The identification section 107 is composed of an exclusive OR circuit 501, for example, as shown in FIG. According to FIG. 6, the exclusive OR circuit 501 compares the data sent from the notch detecting unit 106 with the standard data stored in the standard data storage unit 108, and if the two data match, the data “ If “1” does not match, data “0” is output to the coin sorting unit 109.

In this case, the standard data storage unit 108 indicates, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, whether a desired coin has a notch, data "1" when the coin is not present, and data "1" when there is no notch. It is stored as "0".

The sorting unit 109 drives the gate 110 to rotate in accordance with the sorting data output from the identifying unit 107, so that the coin C transported by the transport unit 101 is placed in one of two passages (not shown). Sort.

As described above, the area sensor 207 is used to capture the image of the side surface of the coin C, and the image is taken from the lower side of the transport unit 101. Therefore, even when the width of the transport unit 101 is narrow, the side surface of the coin C is notched. Can be reliably detected.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the coin identifying device according to the second embodiment. The identification device includes a transport unit 101,
Timing sensor 102, timing generation circuit 103,
The image pickup unit 104, the image input unit 105, the identification unit 107, the standard data storage unit 108, the selection unit 109, the gate 110, and the hole detection unit 701 as a hole detection unit.

In the second embodiment, the hole detecting section 7 is used instead of the notch detecting section 106 in the first embodiment described above.
01 is used, and other parts are the same. Therefore, only the hole detection unit 701 will be described in detail.

The hole detection unit 701 detects the presence or absence of a hole in the coin C from the image data and coordinate information of the area A of the area sensor image sent from the image input unit 105, and is shown in FIG. Processing according to the flow chart is performed.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method for detecting the presence / absence of a hole in the coin C in the hole detecting section 701.
In accordance with the data of the area A of the area sensor image output from 05, a pixel at a constant distance of, for example, 2 mm or less from the center coordinates of the coin C is imaged at a certain constant, for example, without placing any reflector. The presence or absence of a pixel having a value equal to or larger than the threshold value corresponding to the pixel value in the case of is determined.

According to FIG. 9, the hole detecting section 701 obtains the center position when the coin C is regarded as a circle from step 801 to step 808. That is, in step 801, the X coordinate value (maximum X coordinate value) Xmax of the pixel having the largest X coordinate among the pixel values having a value equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected. This process is realized, for example, by the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 10, after initializing in step 901, it is checked in step 902 whether or not an image having a brightness equal to or higher than the luminance is picked up.
At 03, it is checked whether or not it is the image with the largest X coordinate value so far, and if it is the image with the largest X coordinate value so far, then at step 904 that X coordinate value is stored. The procedure is repeated from step 905 to step 908 for the entire imaging range to find the X coordinate maximum value Xmax of the surface image of the coin C.

In step 802, the X coordinate value (minimum X coordinate value) Xmin of the pixel having the smallest X coordinate among the pixel values having a value equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected. This process is realized, for example, by the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 11, after the initial setting in step 1001, it is checked in step 1002 whether or not an image having a brightness equal to or higher than the luminance is picked up. It is checked whether or not the image has the smallest X coordinate value, and if it is the image having the smallest X coordinate value so far, the X coordinate value is stored in step 1004. From step 1005 to step 1008,
By repeatedly checking the entire imaging range, coin C
The minimum X-coordinate value Xmin of the surface image is calculated.

In step 803, the Y coordinate value (maximum Y coordinate value) Ymax of the pixel having the largest Y coordinate among the pixel values having a value equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected. This process is realized, for example, by the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 12, after initial setting in step 1101, it is checked in step 1102 whether or not an image having a brightness equal to or higher than the luminance is picked up. It is checked whether the image has the largest Y coordinate value. If the image has the largest Y coordinate value so far, the Y coordinate value is stored in step 1104. As in steps 1105 to 1108,
By repeatedly checking the entire imaging range, coin C
The maximum Y-coordinate value Ymax of the surface image is calculated.

In step 804, the Y-coordinate value (Y-coordinate minimum value) Ymin of the pixel having the smallest Y-coordinate among the pixel values having a value equal to or larger than the threshold value is detected. This process is realized, for example, by the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 13, after initializing in step 1201, it is checked in step 1202 whether or not an image having a brightness equal to or higher than the luminance is picked up. It is checked whether or not the image has the smallest Y coordinate value. If the image has the smallest Y coordinate value so far, the Y coordinate value is stored in step 1204. As in steps 1205 to 1208,
By repeatedly checking the entire imaging range, coin C
The Y coordinate minimum value Ymin of the surface image is calculated.

Next, in step 805, the X coordinate maximum value Xmax and the X coordinate minimum value Xmin obtained as described above are added, and then in step 806, the value obtained in step 805 is right-bit-shifted. By doing so, it is divided by "2" to obtain the X coordinate center value Xc. Further, in step 807, the Y-coordinate maximum value Ymax and the Y-coordinate minimum value Ymin obtained as described above are added. Next, in step 808, the value obtained in step 807 is right-bit-shifted to 2 "
Then, the Y coordinate center value Yc is obtained.

Since the surface of the coin C is not a perfect mirror surface but has a certain degree of surface roughness, the ring-shaped array light source 2
When illuminated with a light source such as 06, a small amount of light is reflected and appears in the pixel value on the area sensor image. When there is no reflector, no light is reflected, and the pixel value on the area sensor image is extremely low. By this phenomenon, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of a reflecting object.

For this reason, when a coin C having a hole is imaged, the pixel value of the hole portion of the coin C is extremely lower than that of the portion having no hole. Therefore, the threshold value is set low. The presence or absence of a hole can be determined by counting the pixel values below the threshold value. Therefore, in steps 809 to 810,
Presence / absence of a pixel having a pixel value at a certain distance from the center position, for example, 2 mm or less, which has a pixel value less than or equal to a threshold value corresponding to a pixel value when a certain object is imaged without placing any reflector. Is counted to determine the presence or absence of a hole, and if present, data “1” is output to the identifying unit 107, and if not present, data “0” is output. This process is performed, for example, in FIG.
This is realized by the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 14, after initializing in step 1301, it is checked in step 1302 whether the current pixel is within the specified range. If it is within the specified range, step 13 is executed.
It is checked whether or not an image having a brightness of 03 or less is captured, and if the image is captured, the number of pixels is counted in step 1304. By repeatedly examining it for the entire imaging range as in steps 1305 to 1308,
In step 1309, it is determined that there is a hole if the total number of pixels is a certain value or more, and if there is no hole, otherwise.

In this case, the standard data storage unit 108 indicates, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, whether or not a desired coin has a hole, data "1" if there is a hole and data "0" if there is no hole.
It is remembered as.

In this way, the transport unit 10 is used for detecting the hole of the coin C.
By using the area sensor 207 that captures an image from the downward direction of 1 and the reflection illumination system, even when the coin C is conveyed by pressing one side with the conveyance belt 101b, the hole of the coin C can be detected reliably. it can.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the coin identifying device according to the third embodiment. The identification device is provided with a transport unit 10.
1, timing sensor 102, timing generation circuit 10
3, image pickup unit 104, image input unit 105, knurling detection unit 10
6, identification unit 107, standard data storage unit 108, selection unit 1
09, a gate 110, a hole detection unit 701, an outer diameter detection unit 1501 as an outer diameter detection unit, and a pattern detection unit 1502 as a pattern detection unit.

In the third embodiment, in addition to the notch detector 106 in the first embodiment and the hole detector 701 in the second embodiment, the outer diameter detector 1 is further added.
501 and a pattern detection unit 1502 are added,
The other parts are the same. Therefore, only the outer diameter detection unit 1501, the pattern detection unit 1502, and the identification unit 107 will be described in detail.

The outer diameter detecting section 1501 includes an image input section 105.
The outer diameter of the coin C is detected from the image data and the coordinate information of the area A of the area sensor image sent from
The process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a method of detecting the outer diameter of the coin C in the outer diameter detecting section 1501. According to the data of the area A of the area sensor image output from the image input section 105, the image of the coin C is displayed. Detect the range.

According to FIG. 17, in step 1601, the X coordinate value (maximum X coordinate value) Xmax of the pixel having the largest X coordinate among the pixel values having a value equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected.
This process is realized, for example, by the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 described above.

In step 1602, the X coordinate value (X
The minimum coordinate value Xmin is detected. This process is realized, for example, by the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 described above.

Next, in step 1603, the outer diameter value is calculated by subtracting the minimum X coordinate value Xmin from the maximum X coordinate value Xmax, and the calculated outer diameter value is sent to the identification unit 107. The pattern detection unit 1502 uses the image data and coordinate information of the area A of the area sensor image sent from the image input unit 105,
The pattern on the surface of the coin C is detected, and the process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

According to FIG. 18, the pattern detecting section 1502
In steps 1701 to 1706, when the pixel value of the pixels in the area A of the area sensor image output from the image input unit 105 has a constant pixel value, for example, the surface of the coin C has an uneven pattern edge. Area sensor 20
Pixels that are equal to or greater than the threshold are counted, with the value of the pixel value appearing in 7 as the threshold. The number of pixels increases when the pattern is complicated, and decreases when the pattern is simple. The counted value is output to the identification unit 107 as the feature amount of the pattern.

In this case, the standard data storage unit 108 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the standard outer diameter of a desired coin, the presence or absence of a hole, the presence or absence of a notch, and the count value of a pattern. .

The identification section 107 includes an outer diameter detection section 1501, a hole detection section 701, a notch detection section 106, and a pattern detection section 1502.
By comparing each data output from the standard data in the standard data storage unit 108, it is determined whether or not the coin C matches the desired type of coin stored as the standard data, and Output the identification result.

The identifying unit 107, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, has a subtractor 1901, an absolute value calculator 1902, a comparator 1903, a subtractor 1904, an absolute value calculator 1905,
It is composed of a comparator 1906, an exclusive OR calculator 1907, an exclusive OR calculator 1908, and an OR calculator 1909.

That is, according to FIG. 20, the identification unit 1
In 07, the data output from the hole detection unit 701 and the presence / absence data of the hole in the standard data storage unit 108 are received by the exclusive OR calculator 1907, and the calculation result is output to the OR calculator 1909. At the same time, the data output from the knurling detection unit 106 and the presence / absence data of the knurls in the standard data storage unit 108 are received by the exclusive OR calculator 1908, and the calculation result is output to the OR calculator 1909.

At the same time, the data output from the outer diameter detection unit 1601 and the outer diameter data in the standard data storage unit 108 are input to the subtractor 1904, and the calculation result is output to the absolute value calculator 1905. The calculation result of the absolute value calculator 1905 is input to the comparator 1906, and if it is equal to or more than a certain threshold value, the data “1” is obtained. If it is less than the certain threshold value, the data “0” is obtained, and the logical sum operator 1909 is obtained. Is output to.

Further, at the same time, the data output from the pattern detection unit 1502 and the data of the value of the feature amount of the pattern in the standard data storage unit 108 are input to the subtractor 1901 and the calculation result is output to the absolute value calculator 1902. To be done. The calculation result of the absolute value calculator 1902 is input to the comparator 1903,
If the value is equal to or more than a certain threshold value, the data “1” is obtained. If it is less than the certain threshold value, the data “0” is obtained.
09 is output.

Finally, in the OR calculator 1909, the data "1" is set only when all the input data are "1".
Otherwise, the data "0" is returned to the coin sorting unit 10
Output to 9.

In FIG. 15, the outer diameter detecting section 150
1, hole detection unit 701, serrated detection unit 106, pattern detection unit 1
The present invention can be configured by combining any two or three optional detectors of the four detectors 502. In this case, the identification unit 107 and the standard data storage unit 108 are configured only with the portions related to the combined detection units in FIGS. 20 and 19.

As described above, each area sensor 207 performs each detection, and the combination is used to make the determination, whereby the speed can be increased, the highly accurate identification can be performed, and the transmission path can be shortened. be able to.

In the above embodiment, the case where the coin identification device for identifying the type of coin is applied has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a coin for identifying the type of medal. The same can be applied to the identification device.

[0066]

As described above in detail, according to the coin discriminating apparatus of the present invention, the image data on the side surface of the coin is narrowed by inputting the image data from the surface direction of the coin using the area sensor and the reflecting mirror. Even with the transporting means, it is possible to accurately detect unevenness (jagged).

According to the coin identifying device of the present invention,
For example, by inputting image data on the surface of a coin from the surface direction of the coin using an area sensor and a reflective illumination system, hole detection can be performed reliably even when the coin is conveyed with one side being held down by a belt. You can

Further, according to the coin identifying device of the present invention,
For example, by inputting the image data of the front surface and the image data of the side surface of the coin at the same time using the area sensor and the reflecting mirror, the outer diameter detection, which was originally a different detection,
Pattern detection, hole detection, and unevenness (grating) detection can be performed by one device, redundant conveyance means can be omitted, speed can be increased, transmission path can be shortened, and highly accurate identification can be performed. It will be possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

2A and 2B schematically show the configuration of an image pickup unit, where FIG. 2A is a side view and FIG. 2B is a top view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image of an area sensor.

FIG. 4 schematically shows another configuration of the image pickup unit,
(A) is a side view and (b) is a top view.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by a notch detector.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an identification unit.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an array of standard data stored in a standard data storage unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a coin identifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by a hole detection unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for detecting the maximum X coordinate value in the hole detection unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for detecting an X coordinate minimum value in the hole detection unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for detecting a maximum Y-coordinate value in the hole detection unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for detecting a Y coordinate minimum value in a hole detection unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for detecting the presence / absence of a hole in a hole detecting unit.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an array of standard data stored in a standard data storage unit.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a coin identifying device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by an outer diameter detection unit.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by a pattern detection unit.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an array of standard data stored in a standard data storage unit.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an identification unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

C ... Coin (coin), 101 ... Transport section (transport means), 102 ... Timing sensor, 103 ... Timing generating circuit, 104 ... Imaging section (image input means), 1
05 ... image input section (image input means), 106 ... serrated detection section (unevenness detection section), 107 ... identification section (identification section), 108 ... standard data storage section (standard data storage section), 109 ... ... Sorting section, 110 ... Gate, 701 ...
... hole detection unit (hole detection means), 1501 ... outer diameter detection unit (outer diameter detection means), 1502 ... pattern detection unit (pattern detection means), 201 ... glass plate, 202 ... light source, 203
...... Condensing optical element, 204, 208 ...... Reflecting mirror, 205
...... Rectangle field mask, 206 ...... Ring array light source (ring light source), 207 ...... Area sensor.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image input unit for inputting image data of a side surface of a coin as an identification object conveyed by a conveying unit from a front direction of the coin, and a side surface of the coin by the image data input by the image input unit. Unevenness detection means for detecting the presence or absence of unevenness in the, and output data indicating the detection result, standard data storage means for storing a plurality of standard data, data output from the unevenness detection means and the standard data storage means A coin discriminating device for discriminating the type of coin by comparing with standard data in the coin discriminating device. 2. The image input means is provided at a portion facing a side surface of the coin carried by the carrying means, and a light source for irradiating light to the side surface of the coin, and the coin by the light irradiation of the light source. A reflecting mirror that guides the reflected light from the side surface of the coin toward the surface of the coin, and the reflected light from the side surface of the coin that is provided by the reflecting mirror is received to generate electricity. The coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an area sensor that outputs image data of a side surface of the coin by converting the signal into a signal. 3. A ring-shaped light source, which is provided at a portion facing the surface of the coin as an identification object to be conveyed by the conveying means, and irradiates the surface of the coin with light, and faces the surface of the coin. An area sensor that is provided in a part and outputs image data of the surface of the coin by receiving the reflected light from the surface of the coin by the light irradiation of the light source and converting it into an electric signal, and an output from this area sensor. Hole detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a hole in the coin based on the image data to be output and outputting data indicating the detection result; standard data storing means for storing a plurality of standard data; and outputting from the hole detecting means. Identifying data for identifying the type of coin by comparing the stored data with the standard data in the standard data storage means. That coin identification device. 4. A first light source, which is provided at a portion facing a surface of a coin as an identification target that is transported by a transporting unit, and irradiates the surface of the coin with light, and a side surface of the coin. A second light source that is provided in the part and irradiates the side surface of the coin with light; and a reflecting mirror that guides light reflected from the side surface of the coin by the light irradiation of the second light source toward the surface direction of the coin. The first coin is provided at a portion facing the surface of the coin.
The reflected light from the surface of the coin due to the light irradiation of the light source of the coin is received, and the reflected light from the side surface of the coin guided by the reflecting mirror is received and converted into an electric signal, respectively. An area sensor that outputs image data of the front surface and image data of the side surface of the coin, and an identification unit that identifies the type of the coin based on the image data of the surface and the side surface of the coin output from the area sensor. A coin identification device comprising: 5. The area sensor is provided at a portion facing the surface of the coin, and has a first area for receiving reflected light from the surface of the coin due to light irradiation of the first light source, and the reflection area. A second area for receiving reflected light from the side surface of the coin guided by a mirror, and the image data of the surface of the coin input from the first area of the area sensor is applied to the coin. On the other hand, the presence / absence of a hole on the side surface of the coin is detected by the hole detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of a hole and outputting data indicating the detection result, and the image data of the side surface of the coin input from the second area of the area sensor. The presence / absence detecting unit detects the presence / absence and outputs the data indicating the detection result, and the standard data storing unit stores a plurality of standard data. 5. The coin identification according to claim 4, wherein the coin type is identified by comparing the data and the data output from the unevenness detection means with the standard data in the standard data storage means, respectively. apparatus. 6. An image input unit for simultaneously inputting image data of a front surface and image data of a side surface of a coin to be conveyed by a conveying unit, and image data of a surface of the coin input by the image input unit. By detecting the presence or absence of a hole in the coin by means of a hole detection means for outputting data indicating the detection result, and image data of the side surface of the coin input by the image input means An unevenness detection unit that detects the presence or absence and outputs data indicating the detection result, a standard data storage unit that stores a plurality of standard data, a data output from the hole detection unit and an output from the unevenness detection unit Identification for identifying the type of coin by comparing data with standard data in the standard data storage means, respectively. Coin identification device, characterized by comprising a stage, a. 7. The image input means is provided at a portion facing the surface of the coin carried by the carrying means, and has a ring-shaped first light source for irradiating the surface of the coin with light, and the coin. Second light source which is provided at a portion facing the side surface of the coin and irradiates the side surface of the coin with light, and the light reflected from the side surface of the coin due to the light irradiation of the second light source is directed toward the surface of the coin. Is provided in a portion facing the surface of the coin, and the reflected light from the surface of the coin due to the irradiation of the light from the first light source is received in the first region and is guided by the reflective mirror. An area sensor that outputs the image data of the surface of the coin and the image data of the side surface of the coin by receiving the reflected light from the side surface of the coin, which is received in the second region and converted into electric signals, respectively. 7. The coin identifying device according to claim 6, wherein the coin identifying device comprises: