JP6927074B2 - Coin identification mechanism, coin processing unit, ticket vending machine, coin identification method, and coin identification program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for identifying the type and authenticity of a coin.

Conventionally, there is a coin identification device provided with a plurality of identification sensors to identify the type of inserted coin. Other than acceptable coins (for example, commemorative coins and game coins, foreign coins, etc.) may be inserted into the coin identification device. Therefore, the coin identification device uses a plurality of sensors to collectively identify the denomination and true / false of the inserted coin.

The coin identification device includes an unevenness sensor that detects the unevenness of the coin, a material sensor that detects the material of the coin, and a material thickness sensor that detects the thickness of the coin (for example, Patent Document 1). In the coin identification device described in Patent Document 1, an unevenness sensor, a material sensor, and a material thickness sensor are arranged in this order. The unevenness sensor detects the unevenness of the inserted coin, the material sensor detects the material of the inserted coin, and the lumber thickness sensor detects the thickness of the inserted coin. The coin identification device identifies the true, false and denomination of the inserted coin by these sensors.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-70929

However, in recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases where users insert commemorative coins, game coins, or coins used overseas into ticket vending machines, etc., which are made of different materials from regular coins (for example, 100-yen coins, 500-yen coins, etc.). ing. Therefore, there is a demand for a coin identification device that can more accurately identify the inserted coins. Further, in the coin identification device, coins can be identified more accurately by increasing the number of sensors, but increasing the number of sensors may lead to an increase in cost.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing an increase in cost and further improving the identification accuracy of coins.

The coin identification mechanism, the coin processing unit, and the ticket vending machine of the present invention are configured as follows in order to achieve the above object.

This coin identification mechanism has an outer shape detection sensor that detects the outer shape of a coin being conveyed along a transport path at the first detection position, and a second detection position located downstream of the first detection position. A magnetic sensor that detects the magnitude of the magnetic field on the transport path, a frequency setting unit that sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor according to the outer shape of the coin detected by the outer shape detection sensor, and the second detection position. A determination unit for determining the authenticity of the coin based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected from the magnetic sensor when the coin passes through the coin.

In this configuration, the denomination of the coin is tentatively determined from the output of the outer shape detection sensor, and the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor is set according to the tentatively determined denomination. False can be determined. That is, in this configuration, by using the two sensors, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost and further improve the coin identification accuracy.

In this coin identification mechanism, it is preferable that the determination unit determines the authenticity of the coin based on the change that occurs when the coin passes through the magnetic field generated by the magnetic sensor.

With this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the authenticity of a coin from the difference in the direct output value of the magnetic sensor between when the coin has passed and when the coin is on standby (a state in which the coin has not passed).

In this coin identification mechanism, the outer shape detection sensor may detect the outer shape of the coin based on the input image of the coin.

With such a configuration, the accuracy of the tentative determination can be improved.

This coin processing unit includes a coin identification mechanism and a coin transport unit having a transport path for transporting the coins inserted from the insertion unit to the downstream side.

In this configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost and further improve the identification accuracy of coins.

This ticket vending machine has a coin processing unit, an operation unit that accepts user input operations, and
It includes coins processed by the coin processing unit and a ticketing unit that issues a ticket in response to an input operation received by the operation unit.

In this configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost and further improve the identification accuracy of coins.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and further improve the identification accuracy of coins.

It is a block block diagram which shows the structure of the main part of a ticket vending machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the appearance of a ticket vending machine. It is a block block diagram which shows the structure of the main part of a coin processing unit. It is a block block diagram which shows the structure of the main part of a coin identification part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the position of the outer shape detection sensor and the magnetic sensor on a transport path. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an optical path emitted from the external shape detection sensor, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an optical path of reflected light received by the external shape detection sensor. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the magnitude of the illuminance received by the external shape detection sensor, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the magnitude of the illuminance received by the external shape detection sensor in another example. It is a figure which shows the coin correspondence table which corresponded the diameter of a coin, the presence or absence of a hole, the denomination and the oscillation frequency. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the structure of a magnetic sensor. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the magnitude of a magnetic field with the passage of time. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the frequency characteristic for each coin. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the ticketing process of a ticket in a ticket vending machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the charge processing of an IC card in a ticket vending machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of a coin identification process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the magnetic sensor which concerns on the modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the frequency characteristic for each coin which concerns on a modification. FIG. 17A is an explanatory view showing an example of the positional relationship between the transmissive photoelectric sensor and the coin according to the modified example, and FIG. 17B is another example of the positional relationship between the transmissive photoelectric sensor and the coin. It is explanatory drawing which showed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external shape detection sensor which concerns on another modification.

Hereinafter, a coin identification unit (coin processing mechanism) 23, a coin processing unit 6, a ticket vending machine 1, a coin identification method, and a coin identification program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<1. Application example>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the ticket vending machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the appearance of the ticket vending machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the ticket vending machine 1 includes a control unit 2, a display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a ticket issuing unit 5, a coin processing unit 6, a bill processing unit 7, a wireless communication unit 8, and the like. It includes a communication unit 9. The ticket vending machine in this example is installed at a station, and a user inserts money to issue a ticket such as a ticket. The ticket vending machine 1 also performs processing such as charging (payment) for an IC card that can be used as a ticket by the user. As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket vending machine 1 has a display 3a in front of the main body 10 of the ticket vending machine 1. The user performs various operations according to the content displayed on the display 3a.

<2. Configuration example>
As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 2 includes a display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a ticket issuing unit 5, a coin processing unit 6, a bill processing unit 7, a wireless communication unit 8, and a communication unit 9 included in the ticket vending machine 1. Control the unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 3 has a display 3a provided on the main body 10 and controls the display of the screen to be displayed on the display 3a.

The operation unit 4 has an input device such as a touch panel 4a attached on the screen of the display 3a and a key operation unit 4b having a numeric keypad. The operation unit 4 detects the user's input operation on the input device and notifies the control unit 2 of the detected input operation.

The ticketing unit 5 issues a ticket. The ticket vending machine 1 is provided with a ticketing slot 5a, a card insertion slot 5b, or the like in front of the main body 10. The ticketing slot 5a releases a ticket to be issued to the user. Further, the card insertion slot 5b takes in the IC card inserted by the user and discharges the processed IC card. The ticketing unit 5 takes in the IC card inserted in the card insertion slot 5b and reads the card data stored in the IC card. The ticketing unit 5 also writes card data to the IC card (updates the card data) and the like. Then, the ticketing unit 5 discharges the IC card from the card insertion slot 5b in order to return the IC card to the user.

The coin processing unit 6 accepts coins used for settlement of the transaction amount related to the issuance of a ticket or the like. In addition, the coin processing unit 6 discharges change coins to the user. The ticket vending machine 1 is provided with a coin slot 6a and a change coin tray 6b in front of the main body 10. The coin slot 6a has a shape that allows coins to be inserted into the main body 10 of the ticket vending machine 1 even when a plurality of coins are stacked. The coin processing unit 6 has a coin identification unit 23 that identifies the denomination and authenticity of the inserted coins inserted by the user and the change coins released as change to the user. The details of the coin processing unit 6 will be described later.

The banknote processing unit 7 accepts banknotes used for settlement of the transaction amount related to the issuance of a ticket or the like. In addition, the bill processing unit 7 discharges change bills to the user. The ticket vending machine 1 is provided with a bill insertion slot 7a and a bill discharge port 7b in front of the main body 10. The bill processing unit 7 identifies the denomination and authenticity of the inserted bills inserted by the user at the bill insertion slot 7a or the change bills discharged to the user at the bill discharge port 7b.

The wireless communication unit 8 reads the card data stored in the IC card by wireless communication. Further, the wireless communication unit 8 writes the card data to the IC card by wireless communication.

The communication unit 9 communicates with station affairs equipment such as an automatic ticket gate and a station server (not shown) and another ticket vending machine 1 via a network.

The coin processing unit 6 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the coin processing unit 6 according to this example. As shown in FIG. 3, the coin processing unit 6 includes a control unit 20, a coin feeding unit 21, a coin transport unit 22, and a coin identification unit 23.

The control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit of the coin processing unit 6, the coin feeding unit 21, the coin transport unit 22, and the coin identification unit 23. Further, the control unit 20 inputs / outputs data to / from the control unit 2.

The coin feeding unit 21 separates the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 6a (see FIG. 2) one by one and guides them to the transport path 221.

The coin transport unit 22 transports the coins guided to the transport path 221 by the coin feeding section 21 along the transport path 221. The coin transport unit 22 according to this example transports coins to the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221 so that either the front or the back of the coin faces each other (see FIG. 5).

The coin identification unit 23 identifies the denomination and authenticity of the coin for each coin transported along the transport path 221. The coin identification unit 23 is the coin identification mechanism referred to in the present invention.

The coin identification unit 23 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing the configuration of the main portion of the coin identification unit 23 according to this example. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the positions of the external shape detection sensor 31 and the magnetic sensor 32 on the transport path 221. As shown in FIG. 4, the coin identification unit 23 includes a control unit 30, an outer shape detection sensor 31, and a magnetic sensor 32. Further, the control unit 30 has a signal processing unit 33, a frequency setting unit 34, a determination unit 35, and a memory 36.

As shown in FIG. 5, the outer shape detection sensor 31 detects the outer shape of the coin C1 being transported along the transport path 221 at the first detection position 222 of the transport path 221. More specifically, the external shape detection sensor 31 is, for example, a reflection type image sensor, and has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion on a surface of the transport path 221 facing the transport surface 220. The light emitting portion of the external shape detection sensor 31 has one or a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) (not shown). Further, the light receiving portion of the external shape detection sensor 31 is arranged so that, for example, the light receiving surfaces of a plurality of CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) (not shown) face the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221. The plurality of CCDs are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (traveling direction of the coin C1) P1 in parallel with the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221. Each CCD receives the reflected light that the light emitted from the LED is reflected by the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221 or the coin C1. The external shape detection sensor 31 outputs the illuminance of the received reflected light to the signal processing unit 33.

FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of optical paths 31a and 31b that emit light from the external shape detection sensor 31. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of optical paths 31c and 31d of the reflected light received by the external shape detection sensor 31. The transport direction P1 is a direction orthogonal to the paper surface and indicates a direction from the front surface to the back surface of the paper surface. Here, the optical path 31a shown in FIG. 6A is an optical path of light that irradiates the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221. Further, the optical path 31b shown in FIG. 6A is an optical path of light irradiated on the irradiation surface of the coin C1. As shown in FIG. 6B, each CCD of the external shape detection sensor 31 receives the reflected light reflected by the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221 or the coin C1. Here, the optical path 31c shown in FIG. 6B is an optical path of the reflected light reflected by the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221. The optical path 31d shown in FIG. 6B is an optical path of the reflected light reflected by the coin C1.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the external shape detection sensor 31 irradiates the transport surface 220 or the coin C1 of the transport path 221 with light from the plurality of LEDs.

By the way, the reflectance differs depending on the material of the surface that reflects light. That is, the illuminance received by the CCD differs depending on the material of the surface that reflects the light. More specifically, since the material of the coin C1 and the material of the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221 are different, the illuminance of the reflected light reflected by the coin C1 is the reflected light reflected by the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221. It is different from the illuminance of. In this example, the reflectance of the coin C1 is higher than the reflectance of the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221. As a result, among the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs, the illuminance of the reflected light reflected by the coin C1 is larger than the illuminance of the reflected light reflected by the transport surface 220 of the transport path 221.

The signal processing unit 33 detects the diameter of the coin C1 and the presence / absence of holes by performing processing such as AD conversion from the illuminance data input from the external shape detection sensor 31.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the magnitude of the illuminance received by each CCD of the external shape detection sensor 31. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the magnitude of the illuminance received by each CCD of the external shape detection sensor 31 of another example. For example, the signal processing unit 33 detects a CCD whose illuminance exceeds the threshold Th1 from the data input from the external shape detection sensor 31. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the signal processing unit 33 selects the CCDs at both ends in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction P1 (the left-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 6) among the plurality of CCDs that have received the illuminance exceeding the threshold Th1. To detect. Then, the signal processing unit 33 determines the distance having the longest distance between the CCDs at both ends as the diameters L1 and L2 of the coin C1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, whether or not the signal processing unit 33 receives illuminance not exceeding the threshold Th1 between the CCDs at both ends in the transport direction P1 among the plurality of CCDs that have received the illuminance exceeding the threshold Th1. Is detected. When the signal processing unit 33 receives an illuminance that does not exceed the threshold Th1 between the CCDs at both ends, the signal processing unit 33 determines that the coin C1 has a hole.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a coin correspondence table 320 in which coin diameters, presence / absence of holes, denominations, and oscillation frequencies are associated with each other. The frequency setting unit 34 tentatively determines the denomination and sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32 according to the diameter of the coin C1 detected by the external shape detection sensor 31 and the presence or absence of holes. As shown in FIG. 8, the frequency setting unit 34 tentatively identifies the denomination of the coin C1 using the coin correspondence table 320 stored in advance in the memory 36 or the like, and the magnetic sensor 32 according to the denomination. The oscillation frequency of is set to the oscillation frequencies f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5 shown in the coin correspondence table 320. The oscillation frequencies f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5 in the coin correspondence table 320 are appropriately set depending on the configuration of the magnetic sensor 32 and the like.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the magnetic sensor 32. The magnetic sensor detects a voltage M1 that fluctuates depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor 32 generates an alternating magnetic field by passing an alternating current having a desired oscillation frequency. When the coin C1 passes through the magnetic field, the magnetic sensor 32 detects a voltage different from the voltage when the coin C1 is not in the magnetic field (standby) due to the eddy current generated in the coin C1. That is, the standby voltage when the coin C1 does not pass through the magnetic field is larger than the voltage M1 when the coin C1 passes through the magnetic field.

As shown in FIG. 9, the magnetic sensor 32 is a sensor in which two coils 32a and 32b are connected in series. In this example, the coils 32a and 32b of the magnetic sensor 32 are connected to each other so that the directions of the magnetic fields are the same. The magnetic sensor 32 detects the voltage M1 that fluctuates depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field on the transport path 221 at the second detection position 223 (see FIG. 5) located downstream of the first detection position 222. The magnetic sensor 32 is arranged so as to sandwich the transport path 221 between the coil 32a and the coil 32b. The determination unit 35 determines the true value of the coin C1 based on the amount of change in the voltage M1 (hereinafter referred to as an evaluation value) detected from the magnetic sensor 32 when the coin C1 passes through at the second detection position 223 (see FIG. 5). Judge false. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the voltage M1 output from the magnetic sensor with the passage of time including the time when the coin C1 is passed. The voltage M1 is input to the determination unit 35 from the magnetic sensor 32. The determination unit 35 determines whether or not the evaluation value of the coin C1 is within a desired range. When the determination unit 35 determines that the evaluation value is within a desired range described later, the determination unit 35 determines that the coin C1 is a tentatively determined denomination (true). Further, when the determination unit 35 determines that the evaluation value is not within the desired range, the determination unit 35 determines that the coin C1 is not a tentatively determined denomination (false). The evaluation value is the amount of change when the standby voltage at which the coin C1 has not passed is the maximum value and the smallest voltage among the voltages detected when the coin C1 is passing is the minimum value. Is.

Here, the relationship between the coin denomination and the oscillation frequency will be described. The magnetic sensor 32 detects a change in voltage M1 due to eddy current loss. Coins have different magnetic properties depending on the material and other factors. The magnetic sensor 32 according to this example needs to be set with an oscillation frequency suitable for each denomination. The suitable oscillation frequency is, for example, when trying to identify a 100-yen coin, even if it has the same outer shape as the 100-yen coin (game coin, foreign coin, etc.), it has a different output value (voltage M1) from the magnetic sensor 32. ) Is the detectable frequency.

Further, the coin identification unit 23 in this example determines that the commemorative coin is an unusable coin. That is, when the user mistakenly inserts the commemorative coin, the ticket vending machine 1 releases the commemorative coin from the change coin tray 6b.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the frequency characteristics of the magnetic sensor 32. In this example, FIG. 11 shows coins that can be used in Japan (1 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins) (hereinafter collectively referred to as). The frequency characteristics of 100-yen commemorative coins, 100-yen commemorative coins, and 500-yen commemorative coins are shown. In the frequency characteristics shown in FIG. 11, the output k1 indicates the sensor output value of the 100-yen coin, and the output k2 indicates the sensor output value of the 100-yen commemorative coin. As shown in FIG. 11, the output k11 at the first oscillation frequency f1 is a higher value than the output k21 at the first oscillation frequency f1. The output k12 at the second oscillation frequency f2 is closer to the output k22 at the second oscillation frequency f2 than at the first oscillation frequency f1. The coin identification unit 23 stores the data of the magnetic characteristics shown in FIG. 11 in advance, and uses this data when identifying the coin C1 inserted by the magnetic sensor 32.

When determining that the 100-yen commemorative coin is not a regular coin, the frequency setting unit 34 sets an oscillation frequency in which the frequency characteristic of the 100-yen coin and the frequency characteristic of the 100-yen commemorative coin are clearly different. That is, the coin identification unit 23 according to this example is set by the frequency setting unit 34 so that the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32 becomes the first oscillation frequency f1. The coin identification unit 23 has a result calculated from the evaluation value of the coin C1 at the first oscillation frequency f1 (see FIG. 10) within a desired range including the output k11 at the first oscillation frequency f1 shown in FIG. Whether or not the coin C1 is a 100-yen coin is determined. More specifically, it is assumed that the output k11 at the first oscillation frequency f1 shown in FIG. 11 is 100%. In this case, the coin identification unit 23 determines that the coin C1 is a 100-yen coin if the result calculated from the evaluation value of the coin C1 at the first oscillation frequency f1 is in the range of 100 ± 5%. When the coin C1 is a 100-yen commemorative coin, the coin identification unit 23 can determine that the coin is not a 100-yen coin because the result calculated from the evaluation value at the first oscillation frequency f1 does not fall within the range of 100 ± 5%. ..

The coin identification unit 23 in this example detects the outer shape of the coin C1 from the outer shape detection sensor 31 and provisionally determines the denomination based on the outer shape of the coin C1. Then, the coin identification unit 23 in this example sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32 corresponding to each denomination, and determines the authenticity of the coin C1 based on the evaluation value obtained from the magnetic sensor 32. The coin identification unit 23 in this example identifies the coin C1 by using two sensors. As a result, the coin identification unit 23, the coin processing unit 6, and the ticket vending machine 1 can suppress an increase in cost and further improve the identification accuracy of the coin C1.

The control unit 30 of the coin identification unit 23 is composed of a hardware CPU, a memory 36, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the coin identification program according to the present invention, it operates as the frequency setting unit 34 and the determination unit 35. Further, the memory 36 has an area for developing the coin identification program according to the present invention and an area for temporarily storing data and the like generated when the coin identification program is executed. The control unit 30 may be an LSI in which a hardware CPU, a memory 36, and the like are integrated. Further, the hardware CPU is a computer that executes the coin identification method according to the present invention.

<3. Operation example>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a ticketing process of a ticket or the like in the ticket vending machine 1. The ticketing process of a ticket or the like in the ticket vending machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The following operation is merely an example and is not limited to this. Further, the ticket vending machine 1 accepts the insertion of money (coins and banknotes) by the user. The money inserted by the user may be one of coins or banknotes, or both. The coin is inserted into the coin slot 6a. The bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 7a.

In the ticket vending machine 1, when at least one of coins and bills is inserted into the coin insertion slot 6a or the bill insertion slot 7a (S11: Yes), the inserted coin amount and the inserted bill are inserted. Is calculated as the total input amount (S12).

The ticket vending machine 1 accepts the issuance of a ticket desired by the user by the operation unit 4 (S13). At this time, the ticket vending machine 1 displays the ticket on the display 3a so that it is not possible to select a ticket that exceeds the total amount of money that the user has put in.

The ticket vending machine 1 releases the ticket from the ticketing port 5a by the ticketing unit 5 that issues the received ticket (S14). When the ticket vending machine 1 determines whether or not it is necessary to return the change to the user (S15), and when the ticket vending machine 1 determines that it is necessary to return the change to the user (S15: Yes). ), Calculate the change (S16). Then, the ticket vending machine 1 releases the change (S17) and ends the process.

At this time, when a coin (change coin) is released as change, the coin processing unit 6 releases the change coin to the change coin tray 6b. Further, when a bill (fishing bill) is discharged as change, the bill processing unit 7 discharges the change bill to the bill discharge port 7b.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a charging process for the IC card in the ticket vending machine 1. The charging process for the IC card in the ticket vending machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The ticket vending machine 1 takes in the IC card inserted in the card insertion slot 5b (S21). The ticket vending machine 1 reads the card data recorded on the IC card by the wireless communication unit 8 (S22). The ticket vending machine 1 accepts the insertion of at least one of coins and banknotes (S23). The processing of the input money is the same as the ticketing processing described above.

The ticket vending machine 1 accepts the designation of the charge amount desired by the user by the operation unit 4 (S24). The ticket vending machine 1 charges the IC card with the designated charge amount by the ticketing unit 5 (S25). The ticket vending machine 1 updates the card data of the IC card by the wireless communication unit 8 (S26). The ticket vending machine 1 discharges the IC card whose card data has been updated to the card insertion slot 5b (S27). When the ticket vending machine 1 determines whether or not it is necessary to return the change to the user (S28), and when the ticket vending machine 1 determines that it is necessary to return the change to the user (S28: Yes). ), Calculate the change (S29). Then, the ticket vending machine 1 releases the change (S30) and ends the process. The release of change is the same as the ticketing process described above.

Next, the operation of the coin identification process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the coin identification process. The coin identification unit 23 determines whether or not the outer shape detection sensor 31 has detected the coin C1 (S31). When the external shape detection sensor 31 detects the coin C1 (S31: Yes), the coin identification unit 23 detects the diameter of the coin C1 and the presence / absence of a hole (S32). The coin identification unit 23 tentatively determines the denomination of the coin C1 based on the diameter of the coin C1 and the presence or absence of holes (S33). The coin identification unit 23 sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32 according to the tentatively determined denomination (S34). The coin identification unit 23 acquires an evaluation value from the voltage M1 output from the magnetic sensor 32 (S35). The coin identification unit 23 determines whether or not the result based on the evaluation value is within a desired range based on the output of the frequency characteristic (see FIG. 11) (S36). When the coin identification unit 23 determines that the result based on the evaluation value is within the desired range (S36: Yes), the coin identification unit 23 determines that the coin C1 is the tentatively determined denomination (true) (S37). .. Further, when the coin identification unit 23 determines that the result based on the evaluation value is not within the desired range (S36: No), it determines that the coin C1 is not a tentatively determined denomination (false) (it is false). S38).

<4. Modification example>
The coin identification unit 23 according to the modified example will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic sensor 32A according to the modified example. The coils 321a and 321b of the magnetic sensor 32A according to the modified example are connected so that the directions of the magnetic fields are opposite to each other. As described above, the frequency characteristics of the coin C1 when the magnetic sensor 32A connected so that the directions of the magnetic fields of the two coils 321a and 321b are opposite to each other are used are the above-mentioned frequency characteristics (see FIG. 9). Different from. The coin identification unit 23 according to this modification identifies the coin C1 by using the frequency characteristic shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the frequency characteristics of the coin according to this modification. The output k1a shown in FIG. 16 is the sensor output value of a 1-yen coin, the output k2a is the sensor output value of a 5-yen coin, the output k3a is the sensor output value of a 10-yen coin, and the output k4a is a sensor of a 50-yen coin. The output value, the output k5a indicates the sensor output value of a 100-yen coin, and the output k6a indicates the sensor output value of a 500-yen coin.

In the region where the oscillation frequency is low (third oscillation frequency f3), the output k1a, the output k2a and the output k3a have higher output values than the output k4a, the output k5a and the output k6a, but the region where the oscillation frequency is high (third oscillation frequency f3). At 5 oscillation frequency f5), the output values are lower than the output k4a, the output k5a, and the output k6a.

By the way, in the coin identification unit 23 according to this modification, the larger the sensor output of the magnetic sensor 32A, the higher the SN ratio (Signal Noise ratio) of the evaluation value due to the influence of the resolution of the subsequent circuit of the magnetic sensor 32A, for example, the AD converter. It becomes smaller.

For example, if the constant of the tuning circuit (resonance circuit) is set so that the sensor output of the magnetic sensor 32A in the 1-yen coin becomes large at the third oscillation frequency f3 shown in FIG. 16, the sensor output of the magnetic sensor 32A in the 100-yen coin is set. Becomes smaller. Further, if the constant of the tuning circuit is set so that the sensor output of the magnetic sensor 32A in the 100-yen coin becomes large at the fifth oscillation frequency f5, the sensor output of the magnetic sensor 32A in the 1-yen coin becomes small. Therefore, the frequency setting unit 34 sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32A to the third oscillation frequency f3 when it tentatively determines whether the target coin is a 1-yen coin, a 5-yen coin, or a 10-yen coin. Further, the frequency setting unit 34 sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32A to the fifth oscillation frequency f5 when the target coin is tentatively determined to be 50 yen or 100 yen. Further, the frequency setting unit 34 tentatively determines that the target coin is 500 yen, in order to clarify the difference between the output k6 of the 500 yen coin and the output k5a of the 100 yen coin and the output k4a of the 50 yen coin. In addition, the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32A is set to the fourth oscillation frequency f4.

As a result, the coin identification unit 23 according to this modification can detect a large sensor output for each of the tentatively determined coins C1 regardless of the denomination. Therefore, the coin identification unit 23 according to this modification can improve the determination accuracy by setting an oscillation frequency suitable for each denomination.

Further, even if the outer shape detection sensor 31 of the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification is configured to scan one surface of the coin C1 (the surface facing the light emitting surface of the LED) in the transport direction P1. good.

Further, the outer shape detection sensor 31 of the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification may be a transmissive photoelectric sensor. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the transmissive photoelectric sensor and the coin C1. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the transmissive photoelectric sensor and the coin C1.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the external shape detection sensor 31 includes a light emitting element 31e and a light receiving element 31f. The light emitting element 31e of the external shape detection sensor 31 is, for example, an LED. The light receiving element 31f of the external shape detection sensor 31 is, for example, a CCD. The light receiving element 31f is arranged so that the light receiving surface faces the light emitting surface of the LED. In the external shape detection sensor 31 according to this modification, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the CCD does not receive the light emitted by the LED while the coin C1 passes between the light emitting element 31e and the light receiving element 31f. That is, the outer shape detection sensor 31 according to this modification calculates the diameter of the coin C1 from the length of time during which the light emitting element 31e is not receiving light.

Further, the outer shape detection sensor 31 of the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification may be a camera that acquires an image. Further, the outer shape detection sensor 31 of the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification may be an image sensor using an RGB light source. As a result, the coin identification unit 23 can make a tentative determination with higher accuracy even if the outer shape of the coin C1 is the same, which leads to an improvement in the accuracy of the authenticity determination of the genuine coin.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an outer shape detection sensor 31 according to another modification. As shown in FIG. 18, the outer shape detection sensor 31 of the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification detects the outer shape by using the leaf spring 37 and the distance sensor 38. The coin C1 comes into contact with the leaf spring 37 while passing through the transport path 221. The leaf spring 37 advances in the transport direction P1 while the coin C1 is in contact with the leaf spring 37, so that the free end of the leaf spring 37 bends toward the distance sensor 38 side (lower side of the paper surface) due to the load of the coin C1. The distance sensor 38 detects the flexed distance of the free end of the leaf spring 37. As a result, the outer shape detection sensor 31 can detect the outer shape of the coin C1.

Further, the frequency setting unit 34 of the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification may temporally switch the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor 32 while the coin C1 passes through the magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 32. As a result, the coin identification unit 23 can improve the accuracy of authenticity determination of genuine coins.

Further, the coin identification unit 23 according to another modification may have a plurality of magnetic sensors 32.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and at the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof. In addition, various inventions can be formed by an appropriate combination of the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. In addition, components from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

Further, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the configuration according to the above-described embodiment can be described as described in the following appendix.

<Additional notes>
An outer shape detection sensor (31) that detects the outer shape of the coin (C1) being conveyed along the transport path (221) at the first detection position (222), and a downstream side of the first detection position (222). The magnetic sensor (32) that detects the magnitude of the magnetic field on the transport path (221) at the second detection position (223) located at, and the coin (C1) that is detected by the outer shape detection sensor (31). When the coin (C1) passes through the frequency setting unit (34) that sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor (32) and the coin (C1) at the second detection position (223) according to the outer shape of the magnetic sensor (31). A coin identification mechanism including a determination unit (35) for determining the authenticity of the coin (C1) based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected from the coin (C1).

1 ... Ticket vending machine 4 ... Operation unit 5 ... Ticketing unit 6 ... Coin processing unit 22 ... Coin transport unit 31 ... External detection sensor 32 ... Magnetic sensor 34 ... Frequency setting unit 35 ... Judgment unit C1 ... Coin 221 ... Coin path 222 ... No. 1 detection position 223 ... 2nd detection position

Claims (8)

An outer shape detection sensor that detects the outer shape of coins being transported along the transport path at the first detection position,
A magnetic sensor that detects the magnitude of the magnetic field on the transport path at the second detection position located downstream of the first detection position, and
A frequency setting unit that sets the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor according to the outer shape of the coin detected by the outer shape detection sensor, and
A determination unit that determines the authenticity of the coin based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor when the coin passes through the second detection position.
Equipped with a,
The determination unit uses the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value of the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor as an evaluation value, and determines whether the evaluation value is within a preset range to determine whether the coin is true or false. To judge,
Coin identification mechanism. The outer shape detection sensor detects the outer shape of the coin based on the input image of the coin.
The coin identification mechanism according to claim 1. The frequency setting unit temporally switches the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor while the coin passes through the magnetic field of the magnetic sensor.
The coin identification mechanism according to claim 1 or 2. The coin identification mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and
A coin transporting section having a transport path for transporting the coins thrown in from the throwing section to the downstream side, and a coin transporting section.
To prepare
Coin processing unit. The coin processing unit according to claim 4 is provided.
An operation unit that accepts user input operations and
A ticketing unit that issues a ticket according to the inserted coin processed by the coin processing unit and an input operation received by the operation unit, and a ticketing unit.
To prepare
Ticket-vending machine. The coin processing unit according to claim 4 and
A card insertion slot for taking in an IC card and discharging the IC card,
A ticketing unit that reads the card data recorded on the IC card taken in from the card insertion slot and charges the IC card with the charge amount specified by the user.
An operation unit that accepts the designation of the charge amount by the user, and
A wireless communication unit that updates the card data of the IC card charged with the charge amount is provided.
Ticket-vending machine. The magnitude of the magnetic field on the transport path is determined from the first detection position according to the outer shape of the coin detected by the outer shape detection sensor that detects the outer shape of the coin being carried along the transport path at the first detection position. At the second detection position located on the downstream side, the frequency setting step to set the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor to be detected, and
When the coin passes through the second detection position, the computer executes a determination step of determining the authenticity of the coin based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor .
In the determination step, the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value of the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor is used as an evaluation value, and the authenticity of the coin is determined by whether or not the evaluation value is within a preset range. To judge,
Coin identification method. The magnitude of the magnetic field on the transport path is determined from the first detection position according to the outer shape of the coin detected by the outer shape detection sensor that detects the outer shape of the coin being carried along the transport path at the first detection position. At the second detection position located on the downstream side, the frequency setting step to set the oscillation frequency of the magnetic sensor to be detected, and
When the coin passes through the second detection position, the computer is made to execute a determination step of determining the authenticity of the coin based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor.
In the determination step, the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value of the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor is used as an evaluation value, and the authenticity of the coin is determined by whether or not the evaluation value is within a preset range. To judge,
Coin identification program.

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