JP4319766B2 - Coin discrimination method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin discriminating method and apparatus for detecting the state of the outer peripheral surface of a coin by optical means and accurately discriminating the denomination, authenticity, etc. of the coin based on the obtained detection signal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a method of discriminating the denomination, authenticity, etc. of coins, especially as a method of discriminating Korean 500-won coins that are similar in material and diameter to Japanese 500-yen coins, based on the presence or absence of jaggedness on the outer surface of the coins There is a way to determine. In other words, Japanese 500-yen coins have no jagged edges on the outer surface, whereas Korean 500-won coins have vertical jagged edges on the outer surface. Therefore, for example, by detecting the state of the outer peripheral surface of the coin using the coin discriminating sensor 10 configured as shown in FIG. 2 and determining the presence / absence of the outer peripheral surface based on the obtained detection signal, 500 yen It distinguishes between coins and 500 won coins.
[0003]
That is, the light irradiated in a conical shape from the laser diode 11 is collimated by the collimator lens 12 and further irradiated by the cylindrical lens 13 on the outer peripheral surface 15 of the coin as parallel focused light that is long in the thickness direction of the coin. The reflected light from the outer peripheral surface 15 is received by the photodiode 14 and converted into an electrical signal, further converted into a pulse signal, and the number of pulse signals is counted. It is determined that the coin has 500 won, that is, a 500 won coin.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in Japan, a new 500-yen coin is issued in which an oblique surface is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the coin. On the other hand, as described above, the Korean 500 won coin has a vertical jagged outer peripheral surface. That is, both are coins having a jagged line, and this causes a problem that the conventional discrimination method based on the presence / absence of the jagged surface on the outer periphery cannot discriminate between a new 500 yen coin and a 500 won coin. . Although it may be possible to discriminate it by improving the coin identification sensor itself, there is a problem that this takes time and cost. In addition, there is a coin having no flaws on the outer peripheral surface (hereinafter, simply referred to as “a coin having no flaws”). According to the above-described coin discriminating sensor 10, the flaw of the flawless coins has a flaw. Therefore, it may be difficult to discriminate between new 500 yen coins and coins without jagged edges.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and an object of the present invention is to improve the Japanese new 500-yen coin and the vertical direction in which the diagonal dent is formed without improving the conventional coin identification sensor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a coin discriminating method and apparatus capable of easily and accurately discriminating Korean 500 won coins with or without jagged coins.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a coin discriminating method in which light is applied to an outer peripheral surface of a coin to be conveyed, light reflected from the outer peripheral surface is received by a light receiving means, and the coin is discriminated based on a detection signal obtained from the light receiving means. The above object of the present invention is generated at a predetermined interval from the step of calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin, the step of shaping the detection signal into a pulse signal, and the pulse signal. Extracting a current pulse signal as an effective pulse signal, calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal, and calculating a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2. And determining whether or not the ratio α is within a preset reference range X1, and determining a coin having an inclined surface on the outer peripheral surface based on the determination result.
[0007]
A step of calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin; a step of shaping the detection signal into a pulse signal; and a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval from the pulse signal. Extracting as a signal, calculating the number M of the effective pulse signals, calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal, and calculating a time t3 corresponding to the generation period of the pulse signal. A step of calculating a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2, and dividing an effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 by dividing the number M of the effective pulse signals by the t3. Determining whether the ratio α is within a preset reference range X1, and determining whether the effective pulse signal generation density β is within a preset reference range X2, A step of discriminating a coin having an inclined surface on the outer peripheral surface according to a predetermined result, or a step of calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin, and having an amplitude greater than a predetermined value in the detection signal A step of calculating the amplitude integrated value S by integrating the amplitude of the waveform, a step of shaping the detection signal into a pulse signal, a step of calculating the number N of the pulse signals, and the pulse signal Extracting a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval as an effective pulse signal, calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal, and a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 Calculating the average amplitude value U = S / N by dividing the integrated amplitude value S by the number N of the pulse signals, and the multiplication value Y1 of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U. = Α × U is calculated And determining whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3, and determining a coin having an inclined surface on the outer peripheral surface based on the determination result, or A step of calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin, a step of calculating an amplitude integrated value S by integrating the amplitude of a waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the detection signal, and shaping the detection signal. A step of calculating a pulse signal, a step of calculating the number N of the pulse signals, a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval from the pulse signals is extracted as an effective pulse signal, and the number M of effective pulse signals is calculated. A step of calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation interval of the effective pulse signal, a step of calculating a time t3 corresponding to the generation interval of the pulse signal, and a ratio α between the time t1 and the time t2 = T2 / t1, a step of dividing the integrated amplitude value S by the number N of the pulse signals to calculate an average amplitude value U = S / N, and the ratio α and the average amplitude value U. The step of calculating the multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the above, the step of calculating the effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 by dividing the number M of the effective pulse signals by the time t3, and the average amplitude value U Is divided by the number N of the pulse signals and divided by the effective pulse signal generation density β to calculate a division value Y2 = U / N / β, and the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3. And determining whether or not the division value Y2 is within a preset reference range X4, and determining a coin having an oblique jagged outer peripheral surface based on these determination results. This achieves the above object of the present invention.
[0008]
Further, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is to form a waveform of a light emitting means for irradiating the outer peripheral surface of a coin to be conveyed, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, and a detection signal from the light receiving means. A waveform shaping means for outputting a pulse signal, a timer counter for processing the pulse signal from the waveform shaping means, a sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin, and an A / A for converting the detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal. D conversion means, and each output signal from the timer counter and A / D conversion means are inputted, time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, an effective pulse signal is extracted from the pulse signal, The time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the valid pulse signal is calculated, the ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 is calculated, and whether the ratio α is within the preset reference range X1. A light emitting means for irradiating light on the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, or a discriminating means for discriminating a coin having a slanted jagged surface on the outer peripheral surface based on the determination result; A light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, a waveform shaping means for shaping the detection signal from the light receiving means to output a pulse signal, a timer counter for processing the pulse signal from the waveform shaping means, A sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin, an A / D conversion means for converting a detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal, and each output signal from the timer counter and A / D conversion means are input, and the coin A time t1 corresponding to the diameter is calculated, an effective pulse signal is extracted from the pulse signals, the number M of the effective pulse signals is calculated, and a time t corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal is calculated. A time t3 corresponding to the pulse signal generation interval is calculated, a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 is calculated, and the number M of the effective pulse signals is divided by the t3. Then, the effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 is calculated to determine whether the ratio α is within the preset reference range X1, and the effective pulse signal generation density β is set to the preset reference range. By determining whether or not the coin is within X2 and providing a discriminating means for discriminating a coin having an oblique jagged surface on the outer peripheral surface based on these determination results, or irradiating the outer peripheral surface of the conveyed coin with light Light emitting means, light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, waveform shaping means for shaping a detection signal from the light receiving means and outputting a pulse signal, and counting pulse signals from the waveform shaping means To process An Immer counter, peak hold means for detecting and holding the peak value of the detection signal from the light receiving means, and first A / D conversion means for converting the peak value obtained by the peak hold means into a digital signal; A sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin, a second A / D converter for converting a detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal, the timer counter, and the first and second A / D converters Are output, the time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, the amplitude of a waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the detection signal is integrated to calculate an amplitude integrated value S, and the pulse signal N is calculated, a valid pulse signal is extracted from the pulse signal, a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the valid pulse signal is calculated, and a ratio α between the time t1 and the time t2 t2 / t1 is calculated, the amplitude integrated value S is divided by the number N of the pulse signals to calculate an average amplitude value U = S / N, and a multiplication value Y1 = the ratio α and the average amplitude value U = A determining means is provided for calculating α × U, determining whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3, and determining a coin having an oblique jagged outer peripheral surface based on the determination result. Or a light emitting means for irradiating light to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, a light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, and a pulse signal by shaping the detection signal from the light receiving means. Waveform shaping means for output, timer counter for counting and processing pulse signals from the waveform shaping means, peak hold means for detecting and holding the peak value of the detection signal from the light receiving means, and the peak hold means Peak value obtained in First A / D conversion means for converting the signal into a digital signal, a sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin, a second A / D conversion means for converting the detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal, and the timer Each output signal from the counter and the first and second A / D conversion means is input, a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, and an amplitude of a waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the detection signal To calculate the amplitude integrated value S, calculate the number N of the pulse signals, extract the effective pulse signals from the pulse signals, calculate the number M of the effective pulse signals, and calculate the number of the effective pulse signals. A time t2 corresponding to the generation interval is calculated, a time t3 corresponding to the generation interval of the pulse signal is calculated, a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 is calculated, and the amplitude integrated value S The pulse signal The average amplitude value U = S / N is calculated by dividing by the number N, and a multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U is calculated. By dividing by the time t3, an effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 is calculated, and the average amplitude value U is divided by the number N of the pulse signals, and divided by the effective pulse signal generation density β = Y2 = U / N / β is calculated to determine whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3, and whether or not the division value Y2 is within a preset reference range X4. In addition, this is achieved by providing a discriminating means for discriminating coins having slanted serrations on the outer peripheral surface based on these determination results.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, a coin discriminating mechanism configured as shown in FIG. 1 is used, and a coin discriminating sensor 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is used as a sensor for detecting the state of the outer peripheral surface of the conveyed coin. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the coin discriminating mechanism, and FIG. 1B is a side view thereof. The coin passage 1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the coin C on both sides of the passage bottom plate 2 in the passage width direction. Guide lines 3 and 4 for restricting the movement of the sheet are provided, and a conveying means 5 is provided above the passage bottom plate 2. The conveying means 5 has a conveying belt (for example, rubber) 8 that is stretched between and rotated between pulleys 6 and 7, and enters along one guideline 3 at the entrance of the coin passage 1. The conveyor belt is pressed against the upper surface of the coin C to be moved, and the coin C is moved along the guideline 3 and moved without free rolling by the contact of the conveyor belt 8. The diameter of the conveyed coin C is detected by the magnetic sensor 9 provided on the coin passage 1, and the state of the outer peripheral surface is detected by the coin discriminating sensor 10 provided outside the guideline 3. Further, a passage sensor (not shown) is provided on the coin passage 1 and is used for taking out data for one coin from passage detection and coin data stored in time series described later. The coin discriminating sensor 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 2 and irradiates the outer peripheral surface 15 of the coin with parallel focused light that is long in the thickness direction of the coin.
[0010]
This situation will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 (a) is a diagram in which parallel focused light is irradiated to a jagged portion of a coin having a vertical jagged surface (hereinafter referred to as “vertical jagged”) on the outer peripheral surface 15 of the coin. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the parallel focused light is irradiated to a jagged portion of a coin having a diagonal jagged line (hereinafter referred to as “diagonal jagged”). When a parallel focused light is irradiated on the outer peripheral surface of a coin having a vertical jagged line, as shown in FIG. The amount of light changes greatly, and the detection signal from the photodiode 14 has a plurality of undulations corresponding to the peak and valley of the knurled shape and corresponds to the coin diameter as shown in FIG. It occurs regularly with a large amplitude in the entire section. On the other hand, when the parallel focused light is irradiated to the outer peripheral surface of the coin with the diagonal jagged edges, the area where the parallel focused light is irradiated as shown in FIG. Since both are partially present, there is little change in the amount of reflected light, and the influence of the distance between the sensor and the outer peripheral surface of the coin becomes significant, and the detection signal from the photodiode 14 is the same as that shown in FIG. A concavo-convex waveform with a small amplitude is generated near the center in the width direction. Further, in the case of a coin without a jagged line, an irregular uneven signal appears in the middle of one large convex waveform as shown in FIG.
[0011]
In the case of a coin having no jaggedness or scratches, although not shown, it usually has one large convex waveform. 4A, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 6A are noise-removed to obtain FIG. 4B, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6B, respectively. When converted, the pulse signals shown in FIGS. 4C, 5C, and 6C are obtained. In the present invention, coins are determined by paying attention to such a difference in signal waveform, that is, a difference in pulse signal.
[0012]
Hereinafter, the coin discriminating method and apparatus of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and its operation example will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 7, SG <b> 1 indicates a detection signal output from the photodiode 14 of the coin identification sensor 10, and SG <b> 2 indicates a detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 9.
[0014]
First, when the detection signal SG1 (for example, FIG. 4 (a) or FIG. 5 (a)) from the photodiode 14 of the coin identification sensor 10 is input to the integration circuit 16, FIG. 4 (b) or FIG. A signal from which a noise component is removed from the waveform of the detection signal SG1 as shown is output, and this signal is input to the waveform shaping circuit 17 and converted into a pulse signal as shown in FIGS. 4 (c) and 5 (c). And sequentially input to the timer counter 18. Although the timer counter 18 is not shown, the two counters (counter 18a and counter 18b) operate alternately. From the time when the first pulse signal is input to the counter 18a until the next pulse signal is input. (For example, from the rise of the pulse signal to the next rise), and an interrupt signal is output to the CPU 20 in the determination means 19 simultaneously with the end of the count. When this interrupt signal is input, the CPU 20 reads the count value of the counter 18 a and stores this value in the RAM 22 in the determination means 19. While the CPU 20 reads and stores the count value of the counter 18a, the other counter 18b performs a counting operation on the second pulse signal, and when the counting is completed, the CPU 20 assigns it to the CPU 20 in the same manner as described above. Input signal.
[0015]
Then, the CPU 20 sequentially reads these count values for each interrupt from the counters 18 a and 18 b and stores them in the RAM 22. The CPU 20 corresponds to one coin to be discriminated from the count value stored in the RAM 22 in time series using the detection signal of the passage sensor provided on the coin passage 1 of the coin discriminating mechanism described above. The count value is taken out. Simultaneously with the above-described signal processing to the detection signal SG1, the detection signal SG2 from the magnetic sensor 9 is also converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 24 after the noise is removed by the integration circuit 23 and sequentially stored in the RAM 22. The The CPU 20 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 21.
[0016]
Next, the determination operation by the determination unit 19 will be described. In the present embodiment, in the case of a coin having a vertical jagged line, a pulse signal is present in the entire section corresponding to the coin diameter as shown in FIG. 4 (c), and therefore extracted from the time t1 corresponding to the coin diameter and the pulse signal. Whereas the ratio α (= t2 / t1) to the time t2 corresponding to the generated period of the effective pulse signal becomes a large value, in the case of a coin having an oblique serration, as shown in FIG. Since the pulse signal exists only in the section near the center of, the ratio α is a relatively small value. Therefore, if the ratio α is used for the determination, it is based on the fact that it is possible to easily discriminate between a coin having an oblique serration and a coin having a vertical serration.
[0017]
First, the CPU 20 calculates a time t1 corresponding to the coin diameter from the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 9 stored in the RAM 22 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 21 (step S101). Next, the CPU 20 extracts a count value corresponding to one discrimination target coin stored in the RAM 22 that is generated at a predetermined interval. Note that a pulse signal corresponding to the count value extracted here is an effective pulse signal. Then, the time from the first count value to the last count value of the extracted count values, that is, the time t2 corresponding to the valid pulse signal generation interval is calculated (step S102). As shown in FIG. 9, the effective pulse signal is an effective pulse signal if the pulse interval | ti−ti + 1 | is within a certain range.
[0018]
Next, the CPU 20 calculates a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 calculated in steps S101 and S102 (step S103), and whether or not the ratio α is within a preset reference range X1. (Step S104), and if the ratio α is within the reference range X1, it is determined that the coin has an oblique serration (step S105). If it is determined in step S104 that the ratio α is not within the reference range X1, it is further determined whether or not the upper limit of the reference range X1 is exceeded (step S106). It is determined that there is a coin (step S107). When it is determined in step S106 that the ratio α does not exceed the upper limit value of the reference range X1, it is determined that the coin is not jagged (step S108).
[0019]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The present embodiment is also realized by the circuit configuration of FIG. 7 as in the first embodiment.
[0020]
First, the CPU 20 calculates a time t1 corresponding to the coin diameter based on the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 9 stored in the RAM 22 (step S201). Next, a time t3 (corresponding to the time from the first pulse to the last pulse) corresponding to the pulse signal generation interval is calculated from the count value corresponding to one discrimination target coin stored in the RAM 22. (Step S202). Then, the CPU 20 extracts a count value for one coin described above that is generated at a predetermined interval, and the number of the extracted count values is referred to as the number M of effective pulse signals (hereinafter referred to as “effective pulse signal number M”). (Step S203). Further, the time from the first count value to the last count value of the extracted count values, that is, the time t2 corresponding to the valid pulse signal generation interval is calculated (step S204), and the ratio α = time t1 to time t2 = t2 / t1 is calculated (step S205). Subsequently, the effective pulse signal number M calculated in step S203 is divided by the time t3 corresponding to the pulse signal generation interval calculated in step S202 to calculate an effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 (step S206). . Then, it is determined whether the ratio α is within the preset reference range X1 (step S207). If the ratio α is within the reference range X1, it is further determined whether the effective pulse signal generation density β is within the reference range X2. Determination is made (step S208). In step S208, if the effective pulse signal generation density β is within the reference range X2, it is determined that the coin has a slanted jagged line (step S209), and if it is not within the reference range X2, it is determined that the coin has no jagged line (step S212). .
[0021]
In addition, since the effective pulse signal generation density β is smaller than the coin having an oblique serrated line, the coin having no serrated line is out of the reference range X2 in the step S208, and is determined to be a jagged coin (step S212). On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S207 that the ratio α is not within the reference range X1, it is determined whether or not the effective pulse signal number M is within the reference range X5 (step S210). If M is within the reference range X5, the coin is determined to be a vertical jagged coin (step S211), and if not, the coin is determined to be a jagged coin (step S212).
[0022]
The effective pulse signal generation density β used in the discrimination method in the second embodiment is an effective parameter for discriminating coins that are partially scratched on the outer peripheral surface among the coins without jagged edges. Therefore, by using the ratio α and the effective pulse signal generation density β in combination, it is possible to easily discriminate between a coin having an oblique jagged line and a coin having a vertical jagged line or a coin having a flaw without a jagged line.
[0023]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 11 and the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0024]
The detection signal SG1 output from the photodiode 14 of the coin identification sensor 10 is input to the waveform shaping circuit 26 and the peak hold circuit 28 after noise is removed by the integration circuit 25. The signal input to the waveform shaping circuit 26 is counted by the timer counter 27 in the same manner as the timer counter 18 in FIG. 7, and the count value is sequentially stored in the RAM 33 in the determination unit 30. The CPU 31 uses the detection signal of the passage sensor to extract a count value corresponding to one discrimination target coin from the count values stored in the RAM 33 in time series. The detection signal SG2 from the magnetic sensor 9 is also noise-removed by the integration circuit 34, and then converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 35. This digital signal is stored in the RAM 33. On the other hand, the signal input to the peak hold circuit 28 is subjected to digital conversion by the A / D converter 29 after the peak values (peak value of peak and peak value of valley) are extracted, and the peak value is digitally converted. The value is stored in the RAM 33.
[0025]
In such a configuration, the operation of the discriminating means 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0026]
CPU31 calculates time t1 corresponding to a coin diameter from the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 9 memorize | stored in RAM33 according to the program stored in ROM32 (step S301). Next, the number N of pulse signals (hereinafter referred to as “number of pulse signals N”) is calculated from the count value corresponding to one coin to be discriminated stored in the RAM 33 (step S302). Then, the CPU 31 extracts the count value for one coin described above at a predetermined interval, and further, the time from the first count value to the last count value of the extracted count value, that is, an effective pulse Time t2 corresponding to the signal generation interval is calculated (step S303), and the ratio α = t2 / t1 between time t1 and time t2 is calculated (step S304). Further, the amplitude is calculated from the waveform peak value of the detection signal SG1 stored in the RAM 33, and the amplitude integrated value S is calculated by integrating the amplitudes of waveforms having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S305).
[0027]
Next, the average amplitude value U = S / N is calculated by dividing the amplitude integrated value S by the number of pulse signals N (step S306), and further, a multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U is calculated. (Step S307). Then, it is determined whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3 (step S308), and if it is within the reference range X3, it is determined that the coin has a slanted jagged line (step S309). If it is determined in step S308 that the multiplication value Y1 is not within the reference range X3, it is further determined whether or not the multiplication value Y1 exceeds the upper limit value of the reference range X3 (step S310). If it is, it is determined that the coin has a vertical jagged line (step S311). If it is determined in step S310 that the multiplication value Y1 does not exceed the upper limit value of the reference range X3, it is determined that the coin is not jagged (step S312).
[0028]
In the third embodiment, there is a significant difference between the ratio α between the time t1 corresponding to the coin diameter and the time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal, and the slanted and vertical jagged coins. By using the multiplication value Y1 with the average amplitude value U for the determination, it is possible to more accurately determine a coin having an oblique serration and a coin having a vertical serration.
[0029]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This example is also determined using the circuit configuration of FIG.
[0030]
First, the CPU 31 calculates a time t1 corresponding to the coin diameter from the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 9 stored in the RAM 33 (step S401), and pulses from the count value corresponding to one discrimination target coin stored in the RAM 33. The number N of signals is calculated (step S402), and a time t3 (corresponding to the time from the first pulse to the last pulse) corresponding to the pulse signal generation interval is calculated (step S403). Then, the CPU 31 extracts the count value for one coin described above that is generated at a predetermined interval, and the number of extracted count values is the number M of effective pulse signals (hereinafter referred to as the number of effective pulse signals M). (Step S404). Further, the time from the first count value to the last count value of the extracted count values, that is, the time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal is calculated (step S405), and the ratio α = time t2 to time t2 = t2 / t1 is calculated (step S406).
[0031]
Next, the amplitude is calculated from the waveform peak value of the detection signal SG1 stored in the RAM 33, and the amplitude integrated value S is calculated by integrating the amplitude of the waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S407). Next, the average amplitude value U = S / N is calculated by dividing the amplitude integrated value S by the number of pulse signals N (step S408), and further, the multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U is calculated. (Step S409). Subsequently, the effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 is calculated by dividing the number M of effective pulse signals calculated in step S404 by the time t3 corresponding to the pulse signal generation interval calculated in step S403 (step S410). ). Next, a divided value Y2 = U / N / β is calculated by dividing the average amplitude value U by the number N of pulse signals and further dividing by the effective pulse signal generation density β (step S411). Then, it is determined whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within the preset reference range X3 (step S412). If the multiplication value Y1 is within the reference range X3, whether or not the division value Y2 is within the reference range X4. It is determined whether or not (step S413). If the divided value Y2 is within the reference range X4, it is determined that the coin has a diagonal jagged line (step S414), and the coin that does not fall within the reference range X4 is determined to have a jagged coin (step S417).
[0032]
Note that for the coin with scratches without burrs, since the effective pulse signal generation density β is smaller than that with slanted burrs, the divided value Y2 is large, and is out of the reference range in step S413 and is determined to be burred coins (step S417). ). Here, the division value Y2 = U / N / β is used in order to make the difference between the coins with diagonal knurls and the coins without knurls more pronounced. For those for which the multiplication value Y1 is determined not to be less than or equal to the reference value X3 in step S412, it is determined whether or not the effective pulse signal number M is within the reference range X5 (step S415). If it is determined to be a coin with a vertical jagged line (step S416), it is determined to be a coin without a jagged line (step S417).
[0033]
In the fourth embodiment, by using the multiplication value Y1 and the division value Y2 together, it is possible to more accurately discriminate between a coin having an oblique jagged line and a coin having a vertical jagged line or a coin having a flaw without a jagged line. .
[0034]
Note that the processing procedure and parameter combination of the determination method in the above-described embodiment are not limited to this, and can be changed as necessary. In the above description, the time corresponding to the coin diameter is calculated using the detection signal of the magnetic sensor. However, the output signal may be measured by an optical sensor, for example.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to easily make a new Japanese 500-yen coin with diagonal knurls and a Korean 500-won coin with vertical gussets or coins without knurls without improving the conventional coin identification sensor. In addition, it can be discriminated accurately and accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a coin discrimination mechanism.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a coin discrimination sensor.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining vertical and oblique coins.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal of a coin having a vertical jagged line.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal of a coin having diagonal serrations.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a detection signal of a coin with a dent and no flaw.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a first circuit configuration example of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an effective pulse signal;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a second circuit configuration example of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Coin identification sensor
11 Laser diode
12 Collimating lens
16, 23, 25, 34 Integration circuit
18, 27 Timer counter
24, 29, 35 A / D converter
19, 30 Discriminating means
20,31 CPU
22,33 RAM

Claims (8)

In the coin discriminating method, the light is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, the reflected light from the outer peripheral surface is received by the light receiving means, and the coin is discriminated based on the detection signal obtained from the light receiving means. Calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the signal, a step of shaping the detection signal into a pulse signal, and extracting a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval from the pulse signal as an effective pulse signal. , Calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal, calculating a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2, and a reference range X1 in which the ratio α is set in advance. And a step of determining whether the outer peripheral surface has a slanted jagged surface based on the determination result. In the coin discriminating method, the light is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, the reflected light from the outer peripheral surface is received by the light receiving means, and the coin is discriminated based on the detection signal obtained from the light receiving means. Calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the signal, a step of shaping the detection signal into a pulse signal, and extracting a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval from the pulse signal as an effective pulse signal. Calculating the number M of the effective pulse signals; calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal; calculating a time t3 corresponding to the generation period of the pulse signal; A step of calculating a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2, and a process of calculating an effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 by dividing the number M of the effective pulse signals by the t3. Then, it is determined whether or not the ratio α is within a preset reference range X1, and whether or not the effective pulse signal generation density β is within a preset reference range X2, and these determinations are made. And a step of discriminating a coin having an oblique jagged outer peripheral surface according to the result. In the coin discriminating method, the light is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, the reflected light from the outer peripheral surface is received by the light receiving means, and the coin is discriminated based on the detection signal obtained from the light receiving means. Calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the signal, integrating the amplitude of a waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the detection signal, calculating an amplitude integrated value S, shaping the detection signal into a waveform, and applying a pulse A step of calculating a signal, a step of calculating the number N of the pulse signals, a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval from the pulse signal is extracted as an effective pulse signal, and corresponds to a generation period of the effective pulse signal A step of calculating a time t2, a step of calculating a ratio α = t2 / t1 of the time t1 and the time t2, and an average amplitude value U by dividing the amplitude integrated value S by the number N of the pulse signals. A step of calculating S / N, a step of calculating a multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U, and whether the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3. And a step of discriminating a coin having an oblique jagged outer peripheral surface based on a result of the determination. In the coin discriminating method, the light is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, the reflected light from the outer peripheral surface is received by the light receiving means, and the coin is discriminated based on the detection signal obtained from the light receiving means. Calculating a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the signal, integrating the amplitude of a waveform having an amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the detection signal, calculating an amplitude integrated value S, shaping the detection signal into a waveform, and applying a pulse A step of calculating a signal, a step of calculating the number N of the pulse signals, a pulse signal generated at a predetermined interval from the pulse signals is extracted as an effective pulse signal, and the number M of effective pulse signals is calculated. A step of calculating a time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal, a step of calculating a time t3 corresponding to the generation period of the pulse signal, the time t1 and the time t2 A step of calculating a ratio α = t2 / t1, a step of dividing the integrated amplitude value S by the number N of the pulse signals to calculate an average amplitude value U = S / N, the ratio α and the average amplitude value A step of calculating a multiplication value Y1 = α × U with U, a step of calculating the effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 by dividing the number M of the effective pulse signals by the time t3, and the average amplitude Dividing the value U by the number N of the pulse signals and dividing by the effective pulse signal generation density β to calculate a division value Y2 = U / N / β; and the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3 Determining whether or not the division value Y2 is within a preset reference range X4, and determining a coin having an oblique jagged outer peripheral surface based on these determination results. A coin discriminating method characterized by comprising. Light emitting means for irradiating light to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, and waveform shaping means for shaping a detection signal from the light receiving means and outputting a pulse signal A timer counter for processing a pulse signal from the waveform shaping means, a sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin, an A / D conversion means for converting a detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal, the timer counter, Each output signal from the A / D conversion means is input, a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, an effective pulse signal is extracted from the pulse signal, and it corresponds to the generation period of the effective pulse signal A time t2 is calculated, a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 is calculated, it is determined whether or not the ratio α is within a preset reference range X1, and the determination result is A coin discriminating apparatus comprising: a discriminating unit that discriminates a coin having an oblique jagged surface on the outer peripheral surface. Light emitting means for irradiating light to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, and waveform shaping means for shaping a detection signal from the light receiving means and outputting a pulse signal A timer counter for processing a pulse signal from the waveform shaping means, a sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin, an A / D conversion means for converting a detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal, the timer counter, Each output signal from the A / D conversion means is input, a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, an effective pulse signal is extracted from the pulse signal, and the number M of the effective pulse signals is calculated. The time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal is calculated, the time t3 corresponding to the generation period of the pulse signal is calculated, and the ratio of the time t1 and the time t2 is α = t2 / 1 is calculated, the effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 is calculated by dividing the number M of the effective pulse signals by the t3, and whether or not the ratio α is within the preset reference range X1. And determining means for determining whether or not the effective pulse signal generation density β is within a preset reference range X2, and determining a coin having an oblique jagged outer circumferential surface based on these determination results. A coin discriminating apparatus characterized by that. Light emitting means for irradiating light to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, and waveform shaping means for shaping a detection signal from the light receiving means and outputting a pulse signal A timer counter that counts and processes the pulse signal from the waveform shaping means, a peak hold means that detects and holds a peak value of the detection signal from the light receiving means, and a peak obtained by the peak hold means A first A / D conversion means for converting a value into a digital signal; a sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin; a second A / D conversion means for converting a detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal; Each output signal from the timer counter and the first and second A / D conversion means is input, a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, and a predetermined value or more in the detection signal is calculated. The amplitude of a waveform having a width is integrated to calculate an amplitude integrated value S, the number N of the pulse signals is calculated, an effective pulse signal is extracted from the pulse signals, and corresponds to the generation period of the effective pulse signal Time t2 is calculated, a ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 is calculated, and the amplitude integrated value S is divided by the number N of the pulse signals to obtain an average amplitude value U = S / N And a multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3. And a discriminating means for discriminating coins having slanted serrations on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Light emitting means for irradiating light to the outer peripheral surface of the coin to be conveyed, light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surface, and waveform shaping means for shaping a detection signal from the light receiving means and outputting a pulse signal A timer counter that counts and processes the pulse signal from the waveform shaping means, a peak hold means that detects and holds a peak value of the detection signal from the light receiving means, and a peak obtained by the peak hold means A first A / D conversion means for converting a value into a digital signal; a sensor for detecting the diameter of the coin; a second A / D conversion means for converting a detection signal from the sensor into a digital signal; Each output signal from the timer counter and the first and second A / D conversion means is input, a time t1 corresponding to the diameter of the coin is calculated, and a predetermined value or more in the detection signal is calculated. The amplitude integrated value S is calculated by integrating the amplitude of the waveform having a width, the number N of the pulse signals is calculated, the effective pulse signals are extracted from the pulse signals, and the number M of the effective pulse signals is calculated. The time t2 corresponding to the generation period of the effective pulse signal is calculated, the time t3 corresponding to the generation period of the pulse signal is calculated, and the ratio α = t2 / t1 between the time t1 and the time t2 is calculated. The amplitude integrated value S is divided by the number N of the pulse signals to calculate an average amplitude value U = S / N, and a multiplication value Y1 = α × U of the ratio α and the average amplitude value U is calculated. The effective pulse signal generation density β = M / t3 is calculated by dividing the number M of the effective pulse signals by the time t3, the average amplitude value U is divided by the number N of the pulse signals, and the effective pulse signal Calculate the division value Y2 = U / N / β divided by the generation density β, It is determined whether or not the multiplication value Y1 is within a preset reference range X3, and whether or not the division value Y2 is within a preset reference range X4, and based on these determination results A coin discriminating apparatus comprising: a discriminating unit that discriminates a coin having an inclined surface on an outer peripheral surface.

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