JPH09218968A - Coin identifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive device with which forged coins can be easily and surely excluded by providing an irradiating means for irradiating the prescribed area of coin with spot light, a photodetecting means for detecting the reflected light position of spot light and an identifying means for identifying regular coins and forged coins from the shape of track at the reflected light position. SOLUTION: A coin identification sensor 100 is provided with a spot light irradiating means 125 for irradiating the prescribed area on the front side or rear side of coin, an RGB photodetecting means 123 for photodetecting the reflected light and detecting any damage, stain or concentric pattern, etc., and a coin material detecting means 110 for detecting the material of coin or the like. When passing a coin through a coin passage part, the magnetic characteristics and various optical characteristics of the coin are detected by the coin identification sensor 100, based on this detected information, the material, diameter mill, color, damage and concentric pattern or the like of the coin are discriminated by a discriminating means 200 at a coin identification part and the denomination and truth/false of the coin is identified.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged at different positions so as to surely discriminate counterfeit coins, particularly lathe-processed circular coins.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, financial institutions such as banks collect 5
In coins such as 00 yen, fake coins of the same diameter and the same thickness made of lead or copper were sometimes mixed. However, in the conventional coin identification device, the size of the coin is
Measure with an optical sensor to identify coins, analyze the material of the coin from the magnetic material components, and use the magnetic sensor to detect the amount of magnetic field change generated with the movement of the coin to identify the coin, or the coin surface. The image is input, and identification processing such as coin identification is performed by the so-called pattern recognition technology.

[0003]

However, in the technique for measuring the coin diameter and detecting the magnetic field change amount described above, the same shape,
In principle, it was difficult to identify and eliminate counterfeit coins of the same material. Furthermore, in order to eliminate counterfeit coins that have just been scraped with a lathe, a device that recognizes an image pattern on the surface of a coin by a pattern matching technique is also used, but such a device has a large configuration and is expensive. At the same time, there is a drawback that it takes a long processing time. On the other hand, as the prior art 1, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-60240 discloses a coin having concentric concavities and convexities in which laser light is received by a linearly arranged displacement detection element and the displacement of the reflected light is measured. Techniques for identifying are disclosed. However, the conventional technique 1 has a problem that the device becomes expensive by using the laser light emitting element and the CCD linear sensor. Further, as the prior art 2, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-301
Japanese Patent No. 840 describes a technique for identifying the authenticity of a banknote by detecting the difference in height of minute irregularities on the surface of the banknote by detecting the reflected light receiving position of the minute spot light. However, the method of the prior art 2 has a problem that the counterfeit currency standard data is required and such data is usually not constant. The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a concentric vortex by lathe processing that is the same in diameter, the same material or lead coin as a true coin, and is easy to manufacture with a same color. An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive coin discriminating device that easily and surely eliminates counterfeit coins having a pattern.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus having a conveying means for conveying coins one by one in a separated state, and the above object of the present invention is to separate and convey the coins. Irradiation means for irradiating a spot on a predetermined area deviated from the center of either the front side or the back side of the coin, a light receiving means for detecting the reflected light position of the spot light, and a trajectory shape of the reflected light position. It is achieved by including identification means for identifying genuine coins and counterfeit coins.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The coin discriminating sensor of the present invention comprises a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic characteristics and a plurality of optical system sensors for detecting optical characteristics (hereinafter referred to as "optical system composite sensor"). It is compactly arranged and contained in one housing (or two housings), and has a structure in which a coin transport path is formed, and it is possible to accurately identify the denomination, authenticity, etc. of the transported coin. it can. First, referring to FIG. 1, using an identification unit of a coin processing machine using a rotary disc for general coin feeding,
Explain the movement of coins. The coins of the mixed denomination input from the coin input part are stored on a conveyor provided on the inner bottom of a coin storage device (not shown), and are driven to the horizontal rotary disk 21 of the coin delivery device 20 by driving the conveyor. Be done. The coins supplied onto the rotating disk 21 shown in FIG. 1 move along the guide wall 21a of the disk circumference due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating disk 21 and pass under the thickness regulating member 21b, thereby opening the opening. The coins are delivered from the portion 21c to the coin passage 31A in a one-layer, one-row state. The coins sent to the coin passage 31A are moved along the passage bottom surface 31a and to one side of the passage side surface 31b by a single conveyor belt (for example, a 5φ round belt) 32 wound around a belt transmission pulley 33. The coin is pressed and moved on the coin passage 31A while sliding, and is conveyed to the coin identification sensor unit 100. The coins conveyed in the state of one layer and one row on the coin passage 31A pass through the coin passage portion 110 of the coin identification sensor 100, and further to the coin passage 31B in the downstream region.
2 is carried by the coin, where the coin is in the coin passage 1
When passing through 10, the coin magnetic sensor and various optical characteristics of the coin are detected by the coin discriminating sensor 100, and based on the detected information, the discriminating means of the coin discriminating section discriminates the coin material, diameter, notch, and color. , Stains and concentric patterns, etc.,
It is designed to identify the denomination and authenticity of coins.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the coin discriminating apparatus of the present invention. The coin discriminating apparatus is a coin discriminating sensor 100 capable of detecting the material, diameter, knurl, color, stain, concentric pattern, and the like of coins. According to the setting information such as the identification mode and the coins to be packaged, it is configured by a discriminating means 200 which discriminates the authenticity of coins and discriminates the denomination based on the detection information of the coin discriminating sensor 100 and outputs the discrimination result. To be done. As shown in the broken line of FIG. 2, the coin identification sensor 100 has a passage portion 130 which is a passage for a transport coin, and linear light emitting means 121a, 12 for detecting the diameter of the coin.
1b, linear light receiving means 121c, and serrated detection means 122
Filter means 1 for absorbing light of a specific wavelength emitted from
24. Rigid detection means 1 for detecting the presence or absence of knurls on the side of coins
22, a spot light irradiating means 125 for irradiating a predetermined area on the front surface or the back surface of the coin, and an RGB light receiving means 12 for receiving the reflected light and detecting a color, stain, concentric pattern, or the like.
3, and coin material detecting means 110 for detecting the material of coins
In addition, the components of each sensor are compactly included in one housing and unitized. FIG. 3 is a plan structural view showing an example of the configuration of the coin identification sensor 100, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a front structural view of the optical system composite sensor unit 120 of FIG. 3 viewed from the coin transport direction (direction of arrow x in the figure). As shown in FIG. 3, the coin identification sensor 100 includes a magnetic sensor unit 110 for detecting the magnetic characteristics of coins and a plurality of optical system sensors for detecting the optical characteristics of coins, which are arranged in one housing. It is composed of an optical system composite sensor unit 120. In the present invention, the magnetic sensor unit 110 and the optical system composite sensor unit 120 are used.
Although the above is integrated into one sensor unit, as shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic sensor unit 110 and the optical system composite sensor unit 120 are independent units, and each of them can be manufactured and installed / replaced independently. May be set. In the configuration example described below, the optical system composite sensor section 120 is arranged on the upstream side of the transport path (coin path),
An arrangement will be described as an example in which coins are moved toward the right side (the right side of the passage portion 130 having the width W in FIG. 3) of the conveying path in the coin conveying direction. Further, in another configuration example, a configuration in which the optical system composite sensor unit 120 is arranged on the downstream side of the transport path is also possible.

First, the structure of the optical system composite sensor section 120 of the coin identification sensor 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the optical system composite sensor unit 1
In the passage portion 130 provided at the center of the upper portion of 20, the bottom plate 1
A coin passage 131 composed of 31a and a side plate 132b is formed, and in the present invention, sapphire glass is used as a member of the coin passage 131. Sapphire glass
The hardness of the Vickers hardness of 1800 or more is used, and the coin passage 131 is made to transmit light and the abrasion resistance of the coin passage 131 is increased. Above the coin passage 131 made of sapphire glass, a plurality of small light sources are arranged linearly in a direction orthogonal to the coin transport direction x, and the first and second linear light sources are divided into right and left at the center. 12
1a and 121b are provided, and the first and second linear light sources 121a and 121 are provided on the lower surface of the coin passage 131.
One linear light receiving means 122 is provided at a position facing b. Further, in the vicinity of the outer wall of the side plate 131b (side by side) of the coin passage 131, light is applied to the side surface portion of the conveyed coin from a direction parallel to the conveying surface of the coin and the reflected light is received to form a serrated state ( Presence detection means 1 for detecting presence / absence and number)
22 are provided. Below the coin passage 131, a predetermined angle (for example, about 35
Is provided with an irradiation means 125 configured by a lamp light source or the like that forms a spot light at an angle of 100 degrees, and an RGB light reception means 123b that receives the light of the irradiation means 125 reflected from the bottom surface of the conveyed coin. Above the above, the irradiation means 12
A light receiving sensor 123c for receiving the direct light of No. 5 through the coin passage 131 is arranged in the optical axis direction of the irradiation means 125. Further, the light receiving sensor 123c and the RGB light receiving means 123b are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the surface of the coin passage 131. The irradiating means 125, the RGB light receiving means 123b and the light receiving sensor 123c are arranged on the first surface vertical to the coin transport surface, and the magnetic sensor section 110 and the linear light sources 121a, 121b and the linear shape. It is arranged between the second surface on which the light receiving means 122 is arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the notch detecting means 122 is composed of a light emitting portion 122A and a light receiving portion 122B, is arranged at a predetermined angle on the transport surface, and the light emitting portion 122A.
Between the first surface and the second surface, the light receiving portion 122B is disposed on substantially the same surface as the second surface.

FIG. 5 shows an optical system composite sensor section 120 of FIG.
Shows an example of the structure of the back surface of the first and second linear light sources 121a, 121b, the member of the cover 121A,
A cloudy resin is used so that the linear light receiving means 121c can receive uniform light. Further, as a filter means 124, light of a specific wavelength is cut off on the lower surface of the sapphire glass (bottom plate of the coin passage) 131a above the light receiving surface of the linear light receiving means 121c so that adjacent sensors of the optical system do not interfere with each other. A filter 124a for (absorption) is vapor-deposited. For example, in the arrangement example of FIG. 4, the illumination light of the notch detecting means 122 reflected from the conveyed coin is the linear light receiving means 121.
It will not enter the c side. On the other hand, the linear light receiving means 12
On the light receiving surface of 1c, a film is attached to form a slit-shaped window (not shown) so that the reflected light from the irradiation means 125 of the RGB light receiving means 123b does not enter. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer wall of the housing uses a heat radiating plate 120B made of, for example, aluminum die cast so that the heat of the IC and the lamp light source is radiated. And
The sensor components included in the housing are molded and integrated with a filler 120A (for example, silicone resin) as shown by the hatched portion in FIG. A connector 120C is provided below the housing, and is connected to the signal processing circuit via the connector 120C.

Next, specific examples of sensor components of the optical system composite sensor section 120 will be shown to describe the identification determination elements and the determination valid objects of each optical system sensor. First and second linear light sources 121a and 121b and linear light receiving means 121c
The optical system sensor (hereinafter, referred to as "diameter detection sensor") is used as a diameter and hole detection sensor. As the first and second linear light sources 121a and 121b, for example, two LED arrays in which a plurality of LEDs are linearly arranged are used, and as the linear light receiving means 121c, a CCD is used.
(One-dimensional image sensor) is used. Then, based on the detection information of the CCD 121c, the coin is separated and the hole is detected by the difference in diameter. An optical system sensor as the notch detecting unit 122 (hereinafter, referred to as a "notch detecting sensor")
Is composed of a laser diode, a selfoc lens (or collimator lens), a cylindrical lens and a photodiode. Based on the detection information of the photodiode, it detects foreign currency similar to 500 yen and 10 yen new coins and Chinese deduction etc. Separation takes place. Since the illumination light from the laser diode is light with a wavelength of near infrared rays,
As the filter 124a attached to the sapphire glass, a near infrared cut filter that cuts near infrared is used. An optical system sensor (hereinafter, referred to as "RGB detecting means") as the RGB light receiving processing means 123, which includes the irradiation means 125, the RGB light receiving means 123b, and the light receiving sensor 123c for correction, has a color stain on coins, a concentric circular pattern, and the like. Is used as a means for detecting. As the irradiation means 125,
A white light lamp that radiates spot light in a circular shape is used, and more specifically, a spot light generation irradiation means 125 including a white light lamp and a lens (and a slit; a slit is preferable) is used as a passage. It is attached to illuminate the outside of the center of the coin conveyed from the bottom surface of the coin, and its elevation angle is set to about 35 degrees. The size of the spot shape of this spot light is, for example, an area of 5 × 10 mm, but when a filament is used for the lamp and this light is condensed by a lens,
A peak of the illuminance can be formed in a narrow area in the central part, and the diameter is about 1/3 of one side of a circular coin. The lower part of the coin is made of transparent sapphire glass, and the surface of the coin is generally formed into a mirror surface, which is closer to the center of the passage than the optical axis of the reflected light that receives and reflects the light from the spot light. The light receiving means 123b is arranged at a position to receive scattered light. As the RGB light receiving means 123b, a light receiving element having a sensitivity characteristic as shown in FIG. 6 (A), which is arranged as shown in FIG. 6 (B), is integrated with a package having an outer shape as shown in FIG. 6 (C). It has been stored. That is, the light receiving sensor on the light receiving plane shown in FIG. 6B is an R (red), G (green), B (blue) light receiving means as shown in the figure, and the RGB light receiving means are independent of RGB. The sandwiched structure has a sensor area, G is arranged in the center of the sandwich structure, R and B are arranged next to each other in layers on both sides, and a point symmetrical structure is formed with the center of the RGB light receiving means as the center. Then, the outputs of the two R and B light receiving elements located on the point object of the RGB light receiving means are added and processed, and the areas of the entire R, B, and G light receiving elements in the RGB light receiving means are made equal. ing. That is, the RGB light receiving means is arranged at a position such that the optical axis reflected when the spot light from the irradiation means 125 is applied to the mirror surface of the coin placed on the conveying path is outside the light receiving surface of the RGB light receiving means. Further, it is arranged at a position slightly closer to the irradiation means so that scattered light scattered by the non-uniformity of the surface of the circular object can be received. When a counterfeit coin with a concentric circular spiral wound passes over the light receiving means, the direction of the reflecting surface changes according to the direction of the vortex that is changed by the transport of the coin, so that the reflection is as shown in FIG.
The circular locus path as shown in (D) is drawn, and the light receiving position of the reflected light is sequentially changed, so that the output intensities of R and B of the RGB light receiving means are changed. Based on this change in output intensity, it is determined whether or not there is a concentric spiral pattern on the surface of the coin to be discriminated. Next, a photodiode is used as the light receiving sensor 123c. Then, the detection output of each RGB of the RGB light receiving means 123b is inputted to the logarithmic amplifier 123d as shown in FIG. 7, and the output signal R is logarithmically compressed.
O, GO, BO are input to the subtractor 123e, and the output signals VOR / G and VOB / G separate the copper-based / aluminum coin and the copper-based coin, the white copper-based and lead fake coins, and the 500-yen coin. And a counterfeit coin with a concentric pattern made by cutting with a lathe. Further, the RGB light receiving means 12
On the basis of the detection output of 3b, the dirty coins are separated in the flowing currency, and the light receiving sensor 123c is used as a sensor for detecting a light-shielded state by coins and a sensor for detecting dirty coins, which will be described later. , Is used as a sensor for correcting the amount of light emitted by the irradiation means 125. That is, it is also used as a light emission amount monitoring sensor for keeping the light emission intensity of the irradiation means 125 constant (reference value).

Next, the color and stain detection processing in the coin discriminating apparatus will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a portion of the RGB detection means 123 of the optical system composite sensor section 120, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line AA. Information on the color and stain of coins is obtained by the optical system composite sensor unit 12
It is detected by the detection signal of the RGB detection unit 123 of 0 (the RGB light receiving unit 123b and the light receiving sensor 123c for correction). As shown in FIG. 9, the RGB detecting means irradiates the back surface of the coin 2 with the light from the irradiating means 125 and the scattered light from the bottom plate 131 of the coin passage (sapphire glass) 131.
The RGB light receiving means 123b receives the light through a and outputs the light reception signal. Further, the light from the irradiation unit 125 is received by the light receiving sensor 123c, and the light receiving signal is output.
The output of the signal processing circuit of the RGB detection means 123 has four channels of data VO (R / G), VO (B / G), shown in (A), (B), (C), and (D) below. There are VOG and VOD, and these data (hereinafter referred to as "color data") are expanded in the dual port RAM in the same manner as the magnetic data detected by the coin material detecting means 110. (A) VO (R / G): Difference in the amount of change in the green system with respect to the amount of change in the red system of the RGB light receiving means 123b. (B) VO (B / G): Difference in the amount of change in the green system with respect to the amount of change in the blue system of the RGB light receiving means 123b. (C) VOG: amount of change in the green color of the RGB light receiving means 123b. (D) VOD: Light receiving voltage level of the light receiving sensor 123c (shown in FIG. 11). FIG. 10 shows RGB light receiving means 123 for scattered light from the coin 2.
Data distribution when light is received by b, X axis is green output VOG
(0V to 5V), Y-axis output ratio VO (B / G) of blue and green (0
V-5V) is shown in the graph. As shown in FIG. 10, the darker the hue, the lower the level of the green output VOG (voltage), and the higher the clarity of the green and the cleaner the higher the level of the green output VOG. On the other hand, as the hue is reddish, the level of the blue-green output ratio VO (B / G) is lower, and as the hue is whitish, the level of the blue-green output ratio VO (B / G) is higher. In the case of new coins, the data distribution of white copper / aluminum coins is as shown in (a) in the figure, and in the case of flowing currencies, the data distribution is as shown in (a) in the figure, and In this case, the data distribution is as shown by (c) in the figure. On the other hand, copper-based (bronze / brass-based) coins have the data distribution shown in (e) in the figure for new coins, and the data distribution shown in (e) in the figure for flowing currencies. In the case of dirty currency, the data distribution is as shown by (F) in the figure. For example, a 10-yen new coin (d) has a VOG similar to the bronze / aluminum new coin (a) and the current currency (a), but VO (B /
G) is distant. In addition, VO (B / G) of the 10-yen currency (o) and scam (f) is close to the bronze / aluminum currency (a) and scam (c), but VOG is a scam (c) It becomes the level of. In the color and stain detection process, the denominations of coins and the reference characteristic values of new coins, flowing currencies, and stains are registered in advance by using the above characteristics, and the green output VOG of the RGB light receiving means 123b is registered. And the output ratio VO (B / G) of blue and green are combined,
Discriminate coins based on color and stains. For example, aluminum with a 10-yen diameter is judged as a 10-yen new coin from the value of VOG, but since it has a low VO (B / G), it is regarded as an abnormal coin and eliminated. Also, the dirty coin is determined by the low voltage of VOG.

FIG. 11 shows the timing of sampling the color data. The color data is detected in the light-shielding state by the output signal VOD of the RGB detection sensor (light-receiving sensor 123c), and the light-shielding period accompanying the passage of coins is detected. Sample the data. That is, the output signal V of the light receiving sensor 123c
The OD level is sampled at a predetermined cycle (for example, 730 ms cycle) to detect the falling point Td and the rising point Tu of VOD. For example, the time when the output value of VOD changes from the standby level by a predetermined amount L1 (for example, L1 = the standby level of VOD × (1/8) mv) is set as the falling point Td, and the output of VOD The value is a predetermined amount L2 (for example, L2
The time point at which the amount of change in (VOD standby level × (1/8) mv) is detected is defined as the rising point Tu. Then, VO from the detected point Td to the point Tu
The sampling data of (R / G), VO (B / G) and VOG are stored in the RAM as "color data" of one coin.

Next, the operation of detecting a circular counterfeit coin having a concentric circular pattern such as a lathe processing flaw will be described. First, the counterfeit coin generally has a concentric lathe scratch as shown in FIG. This lathe scratch is caused by the bite used, and the uneven cross section is almost uniform. And
Counterfeit coins are produced by cutting out one by one using a lathe, and concentric circular pattern scratches are created due to scratches on the bite during processing. In addition, in the case of normal lathe processing, it becomes spiral after cutting. In the present invention, the description will be made assuming that the concentric pattern also includes a spiral cutting flaw. In addition, there is a fear that such counterfeit coins can be easily mass-produced by manufacturing a press die and pressing members, and the function of eliminating such counterfeit coins is indispensable even in an automatic coin processing machine. It has become a thing. The size of the vortex or groove is usually about 1 mm and the depth is about 0.1 to 0.2.
mm, and the shape is the shape of the cutting tool to be cut.
FIG. 9 shows a position where the irradiating means 125, the light receiving means 123b, and the reflected light axis are present on the sensor mounting plane. The spot light output from the irradiation means 125 is shown in FIG.
The coin moves in a dotted line from the bottom to the top on the surface of the counterfeit coin (A). The trajectory of the scattered reflected light at that time is processed by dividing the moving section of the coin into five sections indicated by sections ZA, ZB, ZC, ... ZE that are not necessarily evenly spaced in FIG. That is, section ZA
When the spot light illuminates, the light receiving position of the reflected light is in the position of (a) to (b) of FIG. 6D, and in this case, the light reflection surface in the unevenness of the counterfeit coin is spotted. It moves from (a) to (b) in FIG. 6D, which is almost parallel to the direction of the optical axis of light and has no influence. Next, in the section ZB, the light reflecting surface of the uneven coin of the counterfeit coin faces 45 degrees.
From position (b) to position (c) in (D), the uneven surface of the counterfeit coin and the optical axis of the spot light are perpendicular to each other in the section ZC, and the reflected optical axis is at the center position as shown in FIG.
It becomes (c) of (D). In the section ZD, the position shifts by 90 degrees from that in the section ZB to reach the position from (c) to (d) in FIG. 6D, and in the section ZD, the position moves from (d) to (e) in FIG. 6D. The light receiving positions of (a) to (e) of FIG. 6D are attached so as to be located on the sensor surface of the light receiving means 123b.

Next, the processing of the output signal of the light receiving means 123b will be described. The RGB light receiving means 123b is shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), for example, 7.00 mm in length and 7.6 m in width.
It has a size of m and is divided into three parts in the coin transport direction, and the two parts at both ends are further divided into two to be composed of a total of five light-receiving elements, and the elements are arranged as shown in FIG. 6C. The output is 2 of the R and G sensors located diagonally as shown in FIG. 6 (B).
The output of the RGB light receiving means 123b is one for each RGB, with the sum for each one being one output. Then, by the logarithmic amplifier 123d and the differential amplifier 123e in the subsequent stage, as shown in FIG.
Outputs of V _{OB / G} and V _{OR / G} are obtained as shown in FIG. The output of VOG is also obtained separately. Then, considering the characteristics of the output waveforms V _{OR / G} and V _{OB / G} of the differential amplifier 123e of FIG. 7 for the circular counterfeit coin, first, the spot light is generated in the section ZB of FIG. 13 (A). Figure 6
It becomes (b) of (D) and the red part R of the RGB light receiving means 123b.
, V _{OR / G} becomes higher than the interval ZA and becomes V
_{OB / G} is low. On the other hand, in the section ZD of FIG. 13A, conversely, V _{OR / G} becomes low and V _{OB / G} becomes high.
Further, in the section ZC of FIG. 13 (A), V _{OR / G} , V
Both _{OB and G} are turning points, and the effect of uneven illuminance becomes large. Therefore, in the case of a counterfeit coin having a concentric pattern, the waveform is as shown in FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B). Also, in the case of normal coins, there is a pattern on the surface,
Since the number of patterns is small and the directions are not constant, the patterns are not so affected and the waveforms shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D are obtained.

Based on this operation principle, the operation is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the light emission amount of the irradiation means 125 is adjusted (step S90).
0), the light emission amount of the irradiation unit 125 is adjusted so that an appropriate output can be obtained as the output Vod of the light receiving sensor 123c in FIG. Next, the transport of coins is started (step S902),
The coins are separated and conveyed one by one, waiting for arrival at the sensor unit. Then, the arrival of coins is determined based on the above output Vod (step S904). When the arrival of coins is detected, the output V _{OR / G} and V _{OB / G} data are sampled at predetermined time intervals during the passage of one coin (step S906). As an example, with a 500-yen coin, sampling processing is executed at predetermined time intervals so that 16 to 25 points of data are collected.

Next, the waveform of the coin shown in FIG. 13 will be described as an example. First, RG _t1 and BG _t1 of the start block peak value are calculated in the section ZA (step S90).
8). This processing is performed by the output V _{OR / G} data RG ₁ to R
This is a process of calculating the maximum value RG _t1 from G ₆ . Similarly, the minimum value BG _t1 is calculated from the output V _{OB / G} data BG ₁ to BG ₆ . Subsequently, the start block level values (RG _t2 and BG _t2 ) are calculated in the section ZB (step S910). This process is output V
_This is a process of calculating an average value RG _t2 from _{OR / G} data RG ₇ and RG ₈ . Similarly, output V _{OB / G} data B
The average value BG _t2 is calculated from G ₇ and BG ₈ . Next, RG _t4 and BG _t4 having the center block peak value of 1 are calculated from the data of the sections ZB to ZD (step S912). This processing is performed by the output V _{OR / G}
This is a process of calculating the minimum value RG _t4 from the data of data RG ₉ to RG ₂₁ . Similarly, output V
_The minimum value BG _t4 is calculated from the data of the _{OB / G} data BG ₉ to BG _t21 . Then, RG _t3 and BG _t3 that are the center block peak values 2 are calculated from the data of the sections ZB to ZD (step S).
914). This process is a process of calculating the maximum value RG _t3 from the data from RG ₉ to the RG _t4 detection data of step S912 in the output V _{OR / G} data. Similarly, a maximum value BG _t3 is calculated from the data from BG _t4 detection data to BG ₂₁ in step S912 on the output V _{OB / G} data. Next, in the section ZD, the end block level values RG _t5 and BG
_t5 is calculated (step S916). This processing is performed by calculating the average value RG of the output V _{OR / G} data RG ₂₂ and RG _23.
This is a process of calculating _t5 . Similarly, the average value BG _t5 of the output V _{OB / G} data BG ₂₂ and BG ₂₃ is calculated.

Thus, when the peak value and the level value of the start block and the center block can be calculated, the judgment calculation is executed (step S918). That is,
Calculated values RGt3-RGt4 and BGt3-BGt4 are calculated. Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated value satisfies a predetermined threshold value (step S920). This determination condition is a condition (RGt3-RGt4> Th0) and (B
If Gt3-BGt4> Th2), the coin is determined to be a counterfeit coin and an abnormality is notified (step S924). On the other hand, if the above determination conditions are not satisfied, a normal notification is output (step S922). Figure 15 shows the waveform of an ideally shaped counterfeit coin.
The waveform of an ideal normal coin is shown in (A) and FIG. 15 (B). A characteristic of the waveform of the counterfeit coin is that there is a large difference between Max and Min near the center of the coin, and it was possible to confirm a sufficient counterfeit coin elimination capability by actually using that portion for the determination. By the way, some normal coins have some patterns as shown in FIG. 15 (C).
It is necessary to set a threshold value of 20 determination processes. For this reason, a counterfeit coin with a small flaw as shown in FIG. 15D cannot be excluded in this embodiment.

Next, the coin discriminating method and the denomination judging method are shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the timing chart of No. 8. First, the coin identifying method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the coin identifying unit (not shown), the identification process is started by the start command from the device body (not shown), and the CCD 121
Sampling of the diameter data of c, the serrated data of the serrated detection sensor 122, and the output signal VOD of the RGB detection means 123 (light receiving sensor 123c) is started. Here, CCD1
The diameter data of 21c is sampled from the time when the self-trigger point P1 is detected to the time when the coin dropout point P2 is detected, as shown in FIG. 18 (step S201). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when the falling (coin light shielding) point Td of the output signal VOD of the RGB detection sensor (light receiving sensor 123c) is detected (step S202), VO (R / G of the RGB detection means 123 is detected. ), VO
(B / G) and VOG color data acquisition is started (step S203). Then, when the rising edge (coin missing) point Tu of VOD of the RGB detecting means is detected (step S204), the following processes (A) to (E) are performed. (A) The color data fetching process is terminated. (B) The number of knurled counts is fetched as the knurled data of one coin, the knurled counter is cleared, and the fetching process ends (step S205). (C) Importing of magnetic data is started (step S206). (D) Set a denomination code transmission timer (for example, a 12 ms timer) (step S2)
07). (E) As a pre-process for denomination determination, a color factor is obtained based on color data (step S208). Then, the magnetic data is sampled for a predetermined time (for example, about 6 ms) from the start of capturing the magnetic data in step S206, and the peak in the data is detected (step S208). If the magnetic peak is confirmed, the peak value and the value at the peak are stored (step S209), the coin identification processing is ended, and the denomination determination processing is started.

Next, the denomination determination method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Each check within the dotted line frame in FIG. 17 is performed according to the identification mode selected and set from the outside. For example, when the set identification mode is the degenerate mode, items other than those set as non-check targets, such as a false currency check and a stain check using color data, are checked. Here, an example is given in which a stain check is set as a non-check target. If the coin identification process described above is completed, the coin identification unit performs a denomination determination process based on each of the above data stored in the RAM. First, the magnetic data and the diameter data (diameter factor) sampled by the CCD are checked (step S301), and the coin denomination is provisionally determined based on the non-white copper / white copper material information and the coin diameter data (step S3).
02). If it is determined to be a fake coin at the time of determining the provisional denomination, the process proceeds to step S315 (step S303),
The denomination code of the fake coin is transmitted to the apparatus main body, and the denomination determination process of the coin is finished (step S315). If the temporary denomination is determined and it is determined that the coin is normal, the material of the copper-based coin is checked by magnetic data (material information) in the case of 500 yen, 100 yen, and 50 yen according to the temporary denomination ( Step S304). "NG" in this material check
In the case of, it is determined that the copper-based material is a fake coin, and step S315 is performed.
(Step S305), the denomination code of the fake coin is transmitted to the apparatus main body, and the denomination determination process of the coin is finished (Step S315). If the material check is "OK", if it is 500 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, and 1 yen, the color data of the RGB detection means is checked with the color factor obtained in the color data preprocessing (step S208). Perform (step S306). With this color data check, 50
In the case of a 0-yen coin, it is further checked by hue or the like whether it is a lathe coin (a counterfeit coin made by cutting with a lathe). For example,
Since a counterfeit coin produced by lathe processing often has a concentric pattern, the color data is checked to determine whether or not there is a concentric circle portion to identify the lathe coin (step S3).
07, S308). If the color check is "NG", it is determined that the coin is a color false coin, the process proceeds to step S315, the denomination code is transmitted to the apparatus body, and the denomination determination process of the coin is completed (step S315). Color check is "O"
If it is "K", a check is performed based on the check data in the case of 500 yen. Furthermore, if the false coin detection level is set to "strong" in the identification mode, 10 is set.
A jagged check of 0 yen and 50 yen is performed based on the jagged data (step S309). If the result of the check is "NG", it is determined as a counterfeit coin and the step S315 is performed.
(Step S310), the denomination code is transmitted to the apparatus main body, and the denomination determination process of the coin is finished (Step S315). If the Giza check is “OK”,
The presence / absence of a hole is checked based on the hole data. This check is performed regardless of the denomination, and the consistency of the presence or absence of holes of the denomination is checked. Then, the hole check is "N
In the case of G ", it is determined that the coin is a hole fake coin, and the process proceeds to step S315 (step S313), the denomination code is transmitted to the apparatus main body, and the denomination determination process of the coin is completed (step S315). The coins for which the provisional denomination has been determined in step S302 are regarded as normal coins when the above-mentioned respective checks are performed and all coins are determined to be the same coin, and the denomination code is transmitted to the apparatus main body and the denomination of the coins is transmitted. The determination process is ended (step S314) The transmission of the denomination code to the apparatus main body is performed by an interruption by the denomination code transmission timer (12 ms timer) set in step S207 of the identification process, and the process shown in FIG. It is transmitted at the time of Te.

[0019]

As described above, according to the coin discriminating sensor of the present invention, the light reflected from the uneven surface of the coin moves so as to rotate on the light receiving plane of the light receiving sensor without using an expensive CCD sensor. It is possible to easily and surely detect and eliminate a circular counterfeit coin having a concentric concavo-convex pattern by a lathe by detecting that the
By utilizing the color difference of B, it is possible to simultaneously perform the separation processing of the white copper / aluminum coin and the copper coin by the same sensor output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a part of a structure of an inside of a coin feeding device section and a coin passage section.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a coin identifying device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan structural view showing an example of a configuration of a coin identification sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front structural view of the optical system composite sensor section of FIG. 3 viewed from a direction of an arrow x.

5 is a rear structural view showing an example of the structure of the rear portion of the optical system composite sensor portion of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of sensitivity characteristics, an arrangement position, an outer shape, and a light receiving position of a light receiving unit of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of RGB detection means of the present invention.

8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a portion of RGB detection means of the optical system composite sensor section of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a front structural view of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a color / dirt detection method in the coin identifying device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of sampling color data.

FIG. 12 is a surface shape of a discrimination target coin of the present invention and a reflected light calculation output waveform thereof.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a waveform characteristic portion for each zone section of the output waveform of the light receiving means of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a forged coin identifying process of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an example of a calculation output waveform of the RGB light receiving means of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a coin identifying method in the first example of the configuration of the coin identifying sensor.

FIG. 17 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an output waveform example of each sensor in the configuration example of the coin identification sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 coins 100, 101 coin identification sensor 120 optical system composite sensor unit 120A filler 120B heat sink 120C connector 121 diameter / hole detection means (diameter detection sensor) 121a, b linear light emitting means (LED array) 121c linear light receiving Means (line type CCD) 122 Glitter detecting means (gear detecting sensor) 122a Laser diode 122b SELFOC lens 123 RGB detecting means 123b RGB light receiving means 123c Light receiving means (correction photodiode) 123d Logarithmic amplifier 123e Operational amplifier 124 Filtering means 124a Near Infrared cut filter 125 Irradiating means 130 Passage 131 Coin passage 131a Bottom plate 131b Side plate 200 Discriminating means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A coin discriminating apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying coins one by one in a separated state, wherein a predetermined number of coins that are separated and conveyed is deviated from the center of either one of the front and back sides. Of the spot light, a light receiving unit that detects the reflected light position of the spot light, and an identification unit that identifies a genuine coin or a counterfeit coin from the trajectory shape of the reflected light position. And a coin identification device. 2. The coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiating means comprises a white lamp with a condenser lens and a slit. 3. The coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving unit is composed of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements having different light receiving positions. 4. The coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving means is arranged so as to be displaced from the direct reflection light receiving position of the coin toward the center of the coin so as to receive scattered reflected light. 5. The coin identifying device according to claim 3, wherein the light receiving unit is an RGB sensor. 6. The coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discriminating unit discriminates a counterfeit coin when the shape of the locus of the reflected light position is circular. 7. The coin discriminating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determination of the circular shape is performed by mutually comparing outputs of photoelectric conversion elements having three light receiving positions different from each other. 8. An arithmetic process for each output of the RGB sensor to execute separation of cupronic / aluminum coins and copper coins and separation of cupronic coins and lead fake coins.
The coin identification device described in 1.