JP5558150B2 - Coin discrimination device for coin processing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor, and more specifically, a coin processor capable of detecting a corrugated pattern formed on a side surface of a coin and detecting a defaced coin with high accuracy. The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus.

  A coin processor normally includes a coin discriminating device that discriminates the authenticity and denomination of a coin by detecting the diameter, surface pattern, magnetic properties, etc. of the coin.

  However, in the case of foreign coins with similar coin diameter, surface pattern, magnetic properties, etc., or counterfeit coins with similar coin diameter, surface pattern, magnetic properties, etc. However, it is difficult to determine the true / false of the coin and the denomination based on the diameter, surface pattern, magnetic properties, etc. of the coin.

  Therefore, in order to improve the discrimination accuracy of coins, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-256529 (Patent Document 1) not only detects the diameter, surface pattern, magnetic properties, etc. of coins, but also forms on the side of the coins. Has proposed a coin discriminating device configured to detect foreign coins and counterfeit coins that are similar in coin diameter, surface pattern, magnetic properties, etc. .

  On the other hand, coins whose fouling level exceeds a predetermined fouling level or coins whose wear level exceeds a predetermined wear level due to long-term circulation (hereinafter collectively referred to as “fouling coins”) Is generally collected, and the fouling level and wear level of coins are conventionally disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-306135 (Patent Document 2) and Japanese Patent No. 36552545 (Patent Document 3). As shown, it was detected by how much the surface pattern of the coin matches the reference pattern of the coin of that denomination.

JP 2001-256529 A JP 2000-306135 A Japanese Patent No. 36552545

  However, because the criteria for determining that the coin is worn and soiled differ depending on the operator or user, the coin discriminating device depends on how much the surface pattern of the coin matches the reference pattern of the coin of that denomination. When discriminating whether or not it is a dirty coin, the threshold value is stored in the memory of the coin discriminator, and the operator or user can match his / her sense from these threshold values. The selected threshold value is selected to sort out the damaged coins. However, when sorting out the damaged coins in this way, for a certain operator or user, the damaged coins circulate. As a result, the significance of collecting damaged coins may be lost.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processing machine that can reliably discriminate and sort out damaged coins.

The object of the present invention is to photoelectrically detect the light reflected by the side surface of the coin and the first light source that irradiates light toward the side surface of the coin being transported and reflected by the side surface of the coin. A first photodetector for generating analog data corresponding to the amount of received light, an A / D converter for digitizing the analog data generated by the first photodetector, and the A / D Comparing the digital data of the coin generated by the converter with the reference digital data of the coin, it is provided with a discriminating means for discriminating the authenticity, denomination and fouling level of the coin, and further, one of the coins being conveyed A fourth light source that emits light toward the surface, and a light that is emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by one surface of the coin is photoelectrically received, and an image pattern on one surface of the coin Generate data Light receiving means, pattern data storage means for storing image pattern data of one side of the coin generated by the light receiving means, reference data storage means for storing coin reference data for each denomination, and the pattern data Whether the coin is acceptable by comparing the image pattern data of one side of the coin stored in the storage means with the reference data for each denomination of the coin stored in the reference data storage means, and A coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor comprising a discriminating unit for discriminating the denomination of the coin, wherein the first light source is configured to irradiate light on a side surface near one corner of the coin. This is achieved by a coin discriminating device for a coin processing machine.

  Even if the surface of the coin is not fouled or worn, the corner of the coin may be worn and give the user the impression that it is fouled. The side surface of the coin is irradiated with light, and the light reflected by the side surface near one corner of the coin is photoelectrically detected by the first photodetector. The light irradiated on the side surface in the vicinity of one corner of the coin is scattered, and the first photodetector is compared with the case where the wear of the corner of the coin is less than a predetermined level. Because the amount of light received by the camera is reduced, even if the surface of the coin is not soiled or worn, the coin that gives the impression that the corner of the coin is worn and soiled to the user is identified as a soiled coin. Therefore, it is possible to reliably identify and sort out the fouled coins. .

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor further includes a conveyor belt that conveys the coin while pressing the coin against the surface of the coin passage, and the first light source includes the coin of the coin Light is irradiated to the side surface near the corner on the surface side of the coin passage, and the first photodetector photoelectrically reflects the light reflected by the side surface near the corner on the surface side of the coin passage of the coin. Configured to detect.

  Normally, the coin thickness varies depending on the denomination, but according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the coin passage being conveyed is pressed against the surface of the coin passage by the conveyor belt. The side surface in the vicinity of the corner is irradiated with light from the first light source, and the reflected light is photoelectrically detected by the first photodetector. Therefore, depending on the denomination, the thickness of the coin Even if they are greatly different, it is possible to reliably discriminate a coin whose wear level at one corner of the coin exceeds a predetermined wear level as a dirty coin.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor further includes a second light source that irradiates light on a side surface near the other corner of the coin, and the vicinity of the other corner of the coin. A second photodetector for photoelectrically detecting the light reflected by the side surfaces of the first and second sides.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the light is irradiated to the side surfaces near the both corners of the coin and the light reflected by the side surfaces near the both corners of the coin is configured to be detected photoelectrically, Of these two corners, one wear level is equal to or lower than a predetermined wear level, but a coin whose other wear level exceeds a predetermined wear level can be reliably determined as a dirty coin.

  In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light source for irradiating light on the side surface near one corner of the coin and the second for irradiating light on the side surface near the other corner of the coin. The light source is constituted by a single light source, and a coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor uses a light emitted from the single light source as a side surface near one corner of the coin and the other corner of the coin. An optical means for guiding to a nearby side surface is provided.

  According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to detect the wear level of both corners of a coin using a single light source, and to simplify the structure of a coin discriminating device for a coin processor. become.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor further includes a third light source for irradiating light to a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin, and a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin. A third photodetector for receiving the light reflected by the light source.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish and select a denomination coin having a concavo-convex pattern formed on the side surface and a denomination coin having no concavo-convex pattern formed on the side surface.

  In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light source that irradiates light on a side surface near one corner of the coin, and a third light source that irradiates light on a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin; Is constituted by a single light source, and a coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processing machine sends light emitted from a single light source to a side surface near one corner of the coin and a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin. Provide optical means for guiding.

  According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to simplify the structure of a coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor.

  In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first light source for irradiating light on the side surface near one corner of the coin and the second for irradiating light on the side surface near the other corner of the coin. A light source and a third light source that irradiates light to a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin are configured by a single light source, and a coin discriminating device for a coin processing machine emits light emitted from a single light source. And an optical means for guiding the side surface in the vicinity of one corner of the coin, the side surface in the vicinity of the other corner of the coin, and the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin.

  According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to simplify the structure of a coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor.

  In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the light receiving means comprises color sensor means capable of generating color image data, and the reference data storage means stores the reference chromaticity data and reference lightness data of coins for each denomination. And the discriminating means is further based on R data, G data and B data corresponding to the three primary colors of light in the image pattern data of one side of the coin stored in the pattern data storage means. , Calculating the chromaticity data and lightness data of the image of one side of the coin, and comparing it with the reference chromaticity data and the reference lightness data of the coin for each denomination stored in the reference data storage means, Coin fouling level discriminating means for discriminating the fouling level of one side of the coin is provided.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coin handling machine includes a denomination designation unit that designates a denomination of a coin to be processed, and the determination unit is denominated by the denomination designation unit. Is configured to determine the level of fouling of coins.

  According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coin processing machine includes denomination specifying means for specifying the denomination of the coin to be processed, and the determining means is the coin of the denomination specified by the denomination specifying means. Therefore, when the coin processing machine is a coin wrapping machine, it is possible to select and wrap coins having a contamination level equal to or lower than a predetermined contamination level.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the coin discrimination | determination apparatus which can discriminate | determine and classify | stain a dirty coin reliably.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a coin sorting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the transparent passage portion formed in the coin passage. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing details in the vicinity of the transparent passage portion. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing an LED light source, a convex lens, and a coin passing through a notch portion of the guide rail. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a slit plate in which two slits are formed. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a coin, a first convex lens and a second convex lens, and a first photodiode and a second photodiode passing through a notch portion of a guide rail in the coin passage. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detection system, a control system, and a discrimination system of the coin discriminating apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the second discriminating means of the coin discriminating apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a coin before distribution. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a coin that has been circulated and fouled for a long period of time. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the vicinity of the notch portion of the guide rail of the coin discriminating apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the slit plate of the coin discriminating apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detection system, a control system, a discrimination system, and an input system of a coin discriminating apparatus according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the second discriminating means of the coin discriminating apparatus according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an abbreviated surface view of a slit plate used in the coin discriminating apparatus shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a coin sorting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a coin passage 2 through which a coin 1 is conveyed is provided with a transparent passage portion 3 formed of a transparent material made of glass, acrylic resin, or the like that can transmit light.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the transparent passage portion 3, and FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing details in the vicinity of the transparent passage portion 3.

   As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the coin 1 is sent to the transparent passage portion 3 in the coin passage 2 in the direction of arrow A along the pair of guide rails 5, 5 by the transport belt 3 a. A pair of magnetic sensors 6 and 6 for detecting the magnetic properties of the coin 1 are provided on the upstream side of the transparent passage portion 3 with respect to the conveyance direction of the coin 1.

  The coin 1 is configured to be conveyed while being pressed against the upper surface of the coin passage 2 by the conveyance belt 3a. Therefore, in the portion of the transparent passage portion 3, the coin 1 is transferred to the transparent passage portion 3 by the conveyance belt 3a. It is configured to be conveyed while being pressed against the upper surface of the sheet. Below the transparent passage portion 3, there is provided a light emitting means 7 for irradiating the coin 1 passing through the transparent passage portion 3 with light, and below that, the light emitting means 7 emits light and is reflected by the coin 1. Image data generating means 8 for receiving light and generating image data is provided. The light emission means 7 and the image data generation means 8 constitute a pattern data detection unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting means 7 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 9 such as LEDs arranged on a circle centering on the central portion of the transparent passage portion 3. The shaft is arranged at a small angle with respect to the horizontal direction and directed to a predetermined point on the central axis of the circle centered on the central portion of the transparent passage portion 3, and passes over the transparent passage portion 3. The coin 1 can be irradiated with light at a shallow angle.

  The image data generating means 8 is provided below the lens system 12, the lens system 12 disposed so that the optical axis coincides with the central axis of the circle centered on the central portion of the transparent passage portion 3, and the focal point thereof. Is disposed on the upper surface of the transparent passage portion 3, and a color sensor 13 that photoelectrically detects light emitted from the light emitting element 9 and reflected by the surface of the coin 1, and the color sensor 13 An A / D converter (not shown) for converting the analog image data of the lower surface of the coin 1 obtained by photoelectric detection into a digital signal and generating digitized image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 I have. In the present embodiment, a two-dimensional CCD type color sensor is used as the color sensor 13.

  Two sets of timing sensors 15 and 15 comprising a light emitting element 15a and a light receiving element 15b are provided immediately downstream of the image data generating means 8, and light emitted from the light emitting element 15a is transmitted through the transparent passage portion 3. When the light receiving element 15b can receive light and the light receiving element 15b does not receive the light emitted from the light emitting element 15a, a timing signal is output. The timing sensor 15 is configured such that when light emitted from the light emitting element 15a is blocked by the coin 1 conveyed on the surface of the transparent passage portion 3 and is not received by the light receiving element 15b, a timing signal is output. It is arranged with respect to the image data generating means 8 so that the center of the coin 1 is at a position that coincides with the center of the transparent passage portion 3.

  Although not shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 3, as shown in FIG. 2, a notch portion 5 a is formed in one guide rail 5 of the coin passage 2 on the upstream side of the transparent passage portion 3. The LED light source 20 that emits light toward the coin 1 being conveyed through the notch portion 5a of the guide rail 5 and the LED light source 20 are emitted to the side of the notch portion 5a of the guide rail 5. The omnidirectional light reflected by the convex lens 22 that converts the reflected light into parallel light, the slit plate 23 formed with two slits, and the side surface of the coin 1 that passes through the notch 5a of the guide rail 5 is parallel. First convex lens 24a and second convex lens 24b that convert light, and first photodiode 21a and second photodiode that receive parallel light that has passed through first convex lens 24a and second convex lens 24b. Eau 21b is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light from the LED light source 20 is configured to enter the side surface of the coin 1 from an oblique direction.

  Further, two sets of timing sensors 16 and 16 including a light emitting element 16a and a light receiving element 16b are provided immediately upstream of the notch 5a formed in the guide rail 5 of the coin passage 2.

  4 is a schematic side view showing the LED light source 20, the convex lens 22, and the coin 1 passing through the notch 5a of the guide rail 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the slit plate 23. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the slit plate 23 is formed with a first slit 23 a and a second slit 23 b which are elongated in the lateral direction and are separated from each other in the vertical direction, and emitted from the LED light source 20. The light 25 converted into parallel light by the convex lens 22 passes through the first slit 23a or the second slit 23b, thereby being converted into two light beams 25a and 25b that are elongated in the lateral direction. The light beam 25a that has passed through 23a is incident on the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1, and the light beam 25b that has passed through the second slit 23b is incident on the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1, , Reflected.

  FIG. 6 is an abbreviation showing the coin 1, the first convex lens 24a and the second convex lens 24b, the first photodiode 21a and the second photodiode 21b passing through the notch 5a of the guide rail 5 of the coin passage 2. It is a side view.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the omnidirectional light 26a reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 passing through the notch 5a of the guide rail 5 is incident on the first convex lens 24a, and becomes parallel light. Is incident on and detected by the first photodiode 21a provided on the upper side, and a light amount detection signal is output from the first photodiode 21a and reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1. The non-directional light 26b enters the second convex lens 24b, becomes parallel light, enters the second photodiode 21b provided on the lower side, is detected, and is detected, and the second photodiode 21b. Output a light amount detection signal.

  Here, the LED light source 20, the convex lens 22, the first slit 23a and the second slit 23b of the slit plate 23, the first convex lens 24a and the second convex lens 24b, the first photodiode 21a and the second photodiode. 21b is emitted from the LED light source 20, and the light passing through the convex lens 22 and the first slit 23a is incident on the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 passing through the notch 5a of the guide rail 5 of the coin passage 2. The light reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 and made parallel light by the first convex lens 24a is incident on the first photodiode 21a and emitted from the LED light source 20, and the convex lens 22 and the second The side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 in which the light that has passed through the slit 23 b passes through the notch 5 a of the guide rail 5. The position is set so that the light that is incident and reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 and made parallel light by the first convex lens 24a enters the first photodiode 21a. .

  In the present embodiment, since the coin 1 is configured to be conveyed while being pressed against the upper surface of the transparent passage portion 3 by the conveyance belt 3a, even if the thickness of the coin 1 varies depending on the denomination, By arranging the LED light source 20, the convex lens 21, the second slit 23b of the slit plate 23, the second convex lens 24b, and the second photodiode 21b in this manner, the light emitted from the LED light source 20 can be reliably transmitted. The coin 1 can be incident on the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner portion.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detection system, a control system, and a discrimination system of the coin discriminating apparatus according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the detection system of the coin discriminating apparatus includes a pair of timing sensors 15 and 15 that detect that the coin 1 has reached the transparent passage portion 3, and a pair that detects the magnetic properties of the coin 1. Magnetic sensors 6, 6, two sets of timing sensors 16, 16 that detect reaching the notch 5 a formed in the guide rail 5 of the coin passage 2, and the LED light source 20, A second photodiode that detects light reflected from the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner of the coin 1 and emitted from the first photodiode 21a and the LED light source 20 that detects light reflected at the substantially central portion of the side surface. 21b.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control system of the coin discriminating apparatus outputs a light emission signal to the light emitting means 7 when it receives a timing signal from the timing sensors 15, 15 to emit light, and the transparent passage portion 3. The coin 1 located on the upper surface is irradiated with light, and when a timing signal is received from the timing sensors 16, 16, the light emission control means 30 that emits the LED light source 20, and the timing signals from the timing sensors 15, 15 When received, the color sensor 13 of the image data generating means 8 starts detecting the light reflected by the surface of the coin 1 and receives the timing signal from the timing sensors 16 and 16 to receive the first photo. Image reading control for causing the diode 21a and the second photodiode 21b to start detecting the light reflected by the side surface of the coin 1 And a stage 31.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the discriminating system of the coin discriminating apparatus includes a first reference data memory 41 storing magnetic data indicating magnetic properties for each denomination, and a reference regarding the diameter of the coin of each denomination. Data, reference chromaticity data, reference lightness data, and a second reference data memory 42 for storing reference data regarding whether or not a concavo-convex pattern is formed on the side surface, and a plurality of annular regions on the coin surface of each denomination A third reference data memory 43 for storing reference ratio data indicating the ratio of data “0” in the binary image pattern data group to be processed, and the LED light source 20 at a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 before distribution. The fourth reference data memory 4 stores reference side surface reflection data for each denomination determined on the basis of the light amount when the reflected light is detected by the first photodiode 21a. And the reference wear corresponding to the amount of light when the light from the LED light source 20 is irradiated on the side surface near one corner of the coin 1 before distribution and the reflected light is detected by the second photodiode 21b. And a fifth reference data memory 45 for storing data. The reason why the reference side surface reflection data for each denomination is stored in the fourth reference data memory 44 is to determine whether or not the uneven pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1. When the concave / convex pattern is formed on the side surface, the light emitted from the LED light source 20 and applied to the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 is scattered by the concave / convex pattern, and is reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin. The amount of light reflected and photoelectrically detected by the first photodiode 21a is reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 on which the concave / convex pattern is not formed, and is photoelectrically generated by the first photodiode 21a. Accordingly, the reference side surface reflection data is stored in the fourth reference data memory 44 in the form of a threshold value for each denomination.

  Further, the discrimination system of the coin discriminating device accesses the first reference data memory 41 based on the detection signals from the magnetic sensors 6, 6, and stores the magnetism for each denomination stored in the first reference data memory 41. The first discriminating means 36 for discriminating the denomination of the coin 1 by comparing the reference magnetic data indicating the physical properties with the magnetic data of the coin 1 input from the magnetic sensors 6 and 6, and the first discriminating means 36. As a result of the determination, the reference data regarding the diameter of each denomination coin stored in the second reference data memory 42, the reference chromaticity data and the reference lightness data, and the reference ratio stored in the third reference data memory 43 The data and the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 detected photoelectrically by the color sensor 13 and digitized by the A / D converter 18 and the first photodiode 21a. One of the coins 1 photoelectrically detected and digitized by the A / D converter 27a and the side reflection data of the coin 1 and the second photodiode 21b photoelectrically detected and digitized by the A / D converter 27b Based on the wear data of the side surface in the vicinity of the corner of the coin, the discrimination result of the second discriminating means 37 for discriminating the denomination of the coin 1 and the degree of fouling of the lower face, the discrimination results of the first discriminating means 36 and the second discriminating means 37 The denomination / acceptance determination means 65 for finally determining whether or not the coin 1 is acceptable and the denomination of the coin 1 is provided.

  Although not shown in FIG. 7, the coin discriminating apparatus includes a display that displays whether or not the coin 1 is acceptable and that the coin 1 is soiled exceeding a predetermined contamination level.

  In the present embodiment, the denomination determination signal from the first determination unit 36 is output to the light emission control unit 30, and the light emission control unit 30 follows the denomination determination signal from the first determination unit 36. Based on the denomination of the coin 1 discriminated by the one discriminating means 36, the light emission amount of the light emitting means 7 is controlled. Here, the third reference data memory 43 stores reference ratio data of binary image pattern data groups corresponding to the annular regions of the front and back surfaces of all denominations to be processed.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the second discriminating means 37.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second discriminating means 37 detects the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 detected photoelectrically by the color sensor 13 and digitized by the A / D converter 18, and uses orthogonal coordinates. Coin of each denomination stored in the second reference data memory 42 by accessing the image pattern data memory 50 expanded and stored in the xy coordinate system and the second reference data memory 42 The data relating to the diameter of the coin 1 and the image pattern data on the lower surface of the coin 1 read from the image pattern data memory 50 are compared, the denomination of the coin 1 is determined based on the diameter of the coin 1, and a denomination determination signal is output. Of the coin 1 based on the first denomination determining unit 51, the denomination determining signal input from the first determining unit 36, and the denomination determining signal input from the first denomination determining unit 51. Denomination The second denomination discriminating unit 52 that discriminates and outputs a denomination discrimination signal, and corresponds to the three primary colors R, G, and B of the light in the image pattern data on the lower surface of the coin 1 stored in the image pattern data memory 50. Based on the R, G, and B data, the chromaticity data and lightness data of the coin 1 are calculated, and based on the denomination determination signal input from the second denomination determination unit 52, the second reference data memory 42 Compared with the stored reference chromaticity data and reference lightness data of the coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52, the defacement degree of the coin 1 is determined, and the denomination / acceptable determination means The first coin fouling degree discriminating unit 61 that outputs a first fouling judgment signal to 65 and the light emitted from the LED light source 20 and reflected by the side surface in the vicinity of one corner of the coin 1 are detected. Light reception generated by the second photodiode 21b The amount data is digitized by the A / D converter 27, and the obtained wear data of the coin 1 is compared with the reference wear data stored in the fifth reference data memory 45, and the wear of the coin 1 is compared. A second coin fouling degree discriminating unit 62 that discriminates the level and outputs a second fouling discriminating signal to the denomination / acceptable decision means 65; and the lower surface of the coin 1 developed and stored in the image pattern data memory 50 A central coordinate determining unit 54 for determining the central coordinates of the image pattern data of the image data, and binarizing the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 developed and stored in the image pattern data memory 50 to obtain a second denomination determining unit 52. The binarized image pattern data based on the denomination determination signal input from the center and the center coordinate signal input from the center coordinate determination unit 54 are converted into a plurality of circular regions on the surface of the coin 1. The number of binary image pattern data groups corresponding to the denomination corresponding to the area is divided into two groups, and the number of data “0” in the binary image pattern data group corresponding to each annular area is obtained. A binarized data generation unit 55 for determining a ratio of data “0” in the data and generating ratio data of each binary image pattern data group corresponding to each annular area on the lower surface of the coin 1; The third reference data memory 43 storing the reference ratio data indicating the ratio of data “0” in the binary image pattern data group corresponding to the plurality of annular regions on the surface of the seed coin is accessed, and the second The reference ratio data in the binary image pattern data group corresponding to each annular area on the coin surface of the corresponding denomination is read in accordance with the denomination determination signal input from the denomination determination unit 52 of the above, and binarized data generation From part 55 Compared with the ratio data of each binary image pattern data group corresponding to each annular area on the lower surface of the coin 1 that has been pressed, it is determined whether the coin 1 is acceptable and the denomination of the coin 1 It has a denomination determining unit 60 that outputs a denomination determining signal to the acceptable determination means 65.

  The coin discriminating apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above determines whether or not the coin 1 is acceptable, whether or not the coin 1 is defaced beyond a predetermined defacement level, and the coin 1 denomination is discriminated.

  The coin 1 is fed along the pair of guide rails 5 and 5 in the direction of the arrow A in the coin passage 2 and is provided with a pair of timing sensors 16 provided immediately upstream of the notch portion 5a of the guide rail 5; 16, when the coin 1 is detected, a coin detection signal is output to the light emission control means 30 and the image reading control means 31.

  The light emission control unit 30 turns on the LED light source 20 when receiving the coin detection signal from the timing sensors 16 and 16. As a result, light is emitted from the LED light source 20 toward the cutout portion 5 a of the guide rail 5.

  The light emitted from the LED light source 20 is collimated by the convex lens 22 and passes through the first slit 23a and the second slit 23b of the slit plate 23, whereby two light beams 25a, 25b elongated in the lateral direction. The light beam 25a generated by the first slit 23a is incident on the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1, and the light beam 25b generated by the second slit 23b is the lower side of the coin 1. The light is incident on the side surface near the corner and reflected.

  The light reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 is photoelectrically detected by the first photodiode 21a, and the analog data corresponding to the generated received light quantity is digitized by the A / D converter 27a. It is stored in the first memory area of the coin side data memory 46 as side reflection data of the coin 1.

  On the other hand, the light reflected by the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner of the coin 1 is photoelectrically detected by the second photodiode 21b, and analog data corresponding to the generated received light quantity is converted by the A / D converter 27b. It is digitized and stored as wear data of the coin 1 in the second memory area of the side data memory 46.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the coin 1 before distribution, and FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the coin 1 that has been distributed and fouled for a long period of time.

  As shown in FIG. 9, since the angle between the side surface and the surface of the coin 1 before distribution is about 90 degrees, the light beam 25b incident on the side surface near one corner of the coin 1 As shown in FIG. 10, the coin 1 that has been regularly reflected on the side surface of 1 and reflected in the direction perpendicular to the side surface and circulated and soiled for a long period of time is worn at both corners of the coin 1. The light 25b incident on the side surface in the vicinity of one corner of the coin 1 is not only in the direction orthogonal to the side of the coin 1, but also on one corner of the coin 1. It is also reflected in the surface direction of adjacent coins 1.

  Therefore, the light reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 after distribution is received by the second photodiode 21b, and the analog data corresponding to the amount of received light is digitally converted by the A / D converter 27b. The wear data of the converted coin 1 includes analog data corresponding to the amount of received light received by the second photodiode 21b receiving the light reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 before distribution. Since it is smaller than the reference wear data digitized by the A / D converter 27b and becomes smaller as the circulation period becomes longer, the light reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 is detected by the second photodiode 21b. By doing so, it becomes possible to detect the wear level of the corners of the coin 1, and hence the fouling level of the coin 1.

  In general, although the thickness of the coin varies depending on the denomination, in the present embodiment, the coin is being pressed against the upper surface of the coin passage 2 by the conveyor belt 3a, and on the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 being conveyed. Since the light is irradiated and the light reflected by the side surface of the coin 1 is detected by the second photodiode 21b, the thickness of the coin 1 varies greatly depending on the denomination. Through the convex lens 22 and the second slit 23b, the light from the LED light source 20 can be reliably applied to the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner of the coin 1, so that the wear or contamination level of the coin 1 can be reduced. Can be accurately determined.

  On the other hand, the light that has become the light beam 25a elongated in the lateral direction by passing through the first slit 23a is reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1, and is detected photoelectrically by the first photodiode 21a. As will be described later, the side-surface reflection data of the coin obtained by digitizing analog data corresponding to the amount of received light generated by the A / D converter 27a indicates whether or not the concave-convex pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1. Used to discriminate.

  The coin 1 is further fed in the coin passage 2 along the pair of guide rails 5 and 5 in the direction of arrow A, and its magnetic properties are detected by the pair of magnetic sensors 6 and 6, and the detection signal Is output to the first determination means 36.

  When the detection signal is input from the magnetic sensors 6 and 6, the first determination unit 36 accesses the first reference data memory 41, and stores each denomination stored in the first reference data memory 41. Reference magnetic data indicating magnetic properties are read out, compared with the magnetic data of the coin 1 input from the magnetic sensors 6 and 6, the denomination of the coin 1 is determined, and the denomination determination signal is used as the second determination means. 37 and the light emission control means 30.

  Furthermore, when the coin 1 is sent to the transparent passage portion 3 in the coin passage 2 to block the light emitted from the light emitting element 15a of the timing sensor 15, and the light receiving element 15b does not receive the light from the light emitting element 15a, A timing signal is output from the timing sensor 15 to the light emission control means 30 and the image reading control means 31.

  When the timing signal is input from the timing sensor 15, the light emission control means 30 outputs a light emission signal to the light emission means 7 based on the denomination determination signal input from the first determination means 36, and the light emission element 9 Then, light of a light amount corresponding to the denomination of the coin 1 determined by the first determination unit 36 is emitted toward the lower surface of the coin 1 located on the transparent passage portion 3.

  That is, when the denomination coin 1 determined by the first determining means 36 is made of a material having a high light reflectance such as white copper or aluminum, the light emission control means 30 indicates that the light emitting element 9 has a high strength. A light emission signal is output to the light emitting means 7 so as to emit small light, while the denomination coin 1 determined by the first determining means 36 is made of a material having a low light reflectance such as copper or brass. In this case, the light emission control means 30 is configured to output a light emission signal to the light emission means 7 so that the light emitting element 9 emits light with high intensity.

  Further, when the timing signal is input from the timing sensor 15, the image reading control unit 31 emits light emitted from the light emitting element 9 to the color sensor 13 of the image data generation unit 8 and reflected by the lower surface of the coin 1. Start detecting.

  Since the light emitting means 7 is arranged so that light can be irradiated to the coin 1 passing over the transparent passage portion 3 at a shallow angle, the light is reflected according to the uneven pattern on the lower surface of the coin 1. Reflected light from the surface of the coin 1 is guided to the color sensor 13 by the lens system 12 and is photoelectrically detected by the color sensor 13, and image pattern data on the surface of the coin 1 is generated by the color sensor 13. The image pattern data on the surface of the coin 1 generated by the color sensor 13 is digitized by the A / D converter 18, and the digitized image pattern data is stored in the image pattern data memory 50 of the second discriminating means 37. And expanded and stored in an orthogonal coordinate system, that is, an xy coordinate system.

  When the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 is stored in the image pattern data memory 50 of the second discriminating means 37, the first denomination discriminating part 51 of the second discriminating means 37 uses the second reference data. The memory 42 is accessed, the reference data regarding the diameter of the coin 1 is read, the image pattern data stored in the image pattern data memory 50 is read and compared, the denomination of the coin 1 is determined, and the denomination determination signal Is output to the second denomination determining unit 52.

  Here, there is a coin that has a slightly different diameter even if the denomination is different, and when the coin with a slightly larger diameter is worn, the diameter may be almost the same. In some cases, the denomination of the coin 1 cannot be accurately determined. In the present embodiment, the first discriminating means 36 discriminates the denomination of the coin 1 based on the magnetic property of the coin 1 and outputs a denomination discrimination signal to the second denomination discrimination unit 52. The first denomination discriminating unit 51 of the second discriminating means 36 discriminates the denomination of the coin 1 based on the diameter of the coin and outputs a denomination discrimination signal to the second denomination discrimination unit 52. When the denominations of the coin 1 determined by the first denomination determining unit 51 of the first determining unit 36 and the second determining unit 37 do not match based on these denomination determining signals, they cannot be accepted. Since it is comprised so that it may be discriminate | determined, the 1st denomination discrimination | determination part 51 of the 2nd discrimination means 37 determines the denomination of the coin 1 to one based on the diameter of the coin 1, When the denomination discrimination signal is generated and output to the second denomination discrimination unit 52, the coin 1 is acceptable. Despite the currency, in the second denomination discriminating section 52, there is a possibility that the coin 1 is determined to be unacceptable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first denomination discriminating part 51 of the second discriminating means 37 is based on the detected diameter of the coin 1, and the denomination having the closest diameter and the denomination having the second closest diameter. The two denominations are selected and a denomination discrimination signal is output to the second denomination discrimination unit 52.

  Thus, based on the denomination determination signal input from the first determination unit 36 and the denomination determination signal input from the first denomination determination unit 51 of the second determination unit 37, the second denomination determination unit. 52 determines the denomination of the coin 1, and when the determination results of the first denomination determining unit 51 of the first determining means 36 and the second determining means 37 match, the denomination determining signal Are output to the first coin fouling degree discriminating unit 61, the binarized data generating unit 55 and the denomination determining unit 60, and when the discrimination results do not match, the coin 1 is a fake coin or a foreign coin. Then, it is determined that it cannot be accepted, and an unacceptable coin detection signal is output to a display (not shown).

  Upon receiving the denomination determination signal from the second denomination determination unit 52, the denomination determination unit 60 accesses the third reference data memory 43 and stores the reference ratio data stored in the third reference data memory 43. In accordance with the denomination determination signal input from the second denomination determination unit 52, first, the reference ratio data of the back side of the coin of the corresponding denomination is read out and input from the binarized data generation unit 55. Compared to the ratio data, the denomination of the coin 1 is determined.

  In determining the denomination of the coin 1, the denomination determining unit 60 uses the reference ratio data of each binary image pattern data group corresponding to each annular area of the coin 1 and the ratio data input from the binarized data generating unit 55. The absolute value Di (i = 1 to n, n is the number of annular regions of the coin 1 and predetermined by the denomination) is obtained, and each 2 corresponding to each annular region of the coin 1 is obtained. It is determined whether or not the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the value image pattern data group is less than a predetermined value D0.

  As a result, when the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the binary image pattern data group corresponding to all annular regions of the coin 1 is less than the predetermined value D0, the denomination determining unit 60 further The absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data is integrated over all binary image pattern data groups corresponding to the entire annular area of the coin 1, and the obtained integrated value I is less than a predetermined value I0 determined in advance. Determine whether or not.

  As a result, when the integral value I is less than the predetermined value I0, the denomination determining unit 60 determines that the coin 1 is a coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52. If the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52, the absolute value Di and the integral value I should theoretically be zero, Even if the surface of the coin 1 is worn or the denominations coincide with each other due to a detection error or the like, it may not become zero. Therefore, in this embodiment, Di is less than D0 and I is When it is less than I0, it is determined that the coin 1 is a coin determined by the second denomination determining unit 52.

  On the other hand, when the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the binary image pattern data group corresponding to at least one annular area of the coin 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value D0, When the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the binary image pattern data group corresponding to all annular regions is less than the predetermined value D0, but the integral value I is greater than or equal to the predetermined value I0, the coin 1 This denomination cannot be determined to be the same as the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52. However, the coin 1 cannot always be conveyed with its surface facing up, and the surface of the coin 1 is sent downward in the coin passage 2 so that the surface pattern on the surface side of the coin 1 is It may be detected by the color sensor 13. Therefore, just because the ratio data of the coin 1 does not match the reference ratio data on the reverse side of the coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52, the coin 1 is immediately replaced with the fake coin. Or it is a foreign coin and it determines with it being unacceptable, and will reduce a discrimination precision remarkably.

  Therefore, the denomination determining unit 60 further accesses the third reference data memory 43, reads out the reference ratio data on the surface of the coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52, and is exactly the same. Thus, it is determined whether or not the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of each binary image pattern data group corresponding to each annular area of the coin 1 is less than a predetermined value D0. When the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the binary image pattern data group corresponding to all the annular areas is less than the predetermined value D0, the denomination determining unit 60 further determines the reference ratio data and the ratio. The absolute value Di of the difference from the data is integrated over the entire binary image pattern data group corresponding to the entire annular region of the coin 1, and it is determined whether or not the obtained integrated value I is less than a predetermined value I0. . As a result, when the integrated value I is less than the predetermined value I0, the denomination determining unit 60 determines that the coin 1 is a coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52.

  On the other hand, when the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the binary image pattern data group corresponding to at least one annular area on the surface of the coin 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value D0, When the absolute value Di of the difference between the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the binary image pattern data group corresponding to all annular areas on the surface of 1 is less than the predetermined value D0, but the integral value I is greater than or equal to the predetermined value I0 As a result of comparing the ratio data with the reference ratio data and the ratio data of the coins of the denominations having the closest magnetic properties and diameters of the coins 1 in the circulating coins, the surface pattern of the front and back surfaces of the coins 1 It means that the surface pattern of the coin of the denomination determined by the denomination determination unit 52 is different. Therefore, whether the coin 1 is a fake coin or a foreign coin and is determined to be unacceptable. Denomination determining section 60, the display outputs the disable coin detection signal received in (not shown), and displays a message indicating the coin 1 is unacceptable.

  If it is determined that the coin 1 is a coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52, the denomination determining unit 60 further accesses the fourth reference data memory 44 to access the second denomination. The reference side reflection data of the denomination coin 1 determined by the seed determination unit 52 is read out, and the side reflection data of the coin 1 stored in the first memory area of the side data memory 46 is read out, and the two are compared. Then, it is determined whether or not the coin 1 is a coin of the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52.

  As described above, when the concave / convex pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1, the light applied to the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 is scattered by the concave / convex pattern. The amount of light reflected by the central portion and detected by the first photodiode 21a is reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 on which the uneven pattern is not formed on the side surface and detected by the first photodiode 21a. Therefore, a threshold value is determined as reference side surface reflection data for each denomination depending on the presence or absence of the uneven pattern, and stored in the fourth reference data memory 44. The analog data corresponding to the received light quantity reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 and detected photoelectrically by the first photodiode 21a is converted into an A / D converter. By comparing the side surface reflection data of the coin 1 generated by digitization with the data 27a and the reference side surface reflection data, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the uneven pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the denomination determining unit 60 detects the side reflection data and the reference side surface of the coin 1 that is photoelectrically detected by the first photodiode 21a and digitized by the A / D converter 27a. The second denomination is determined when it is determined that the uneven pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1 as a result of determining whether the uneven pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1 by comparing the reflection data. When the concave / convex pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1 of the denomination determined by the unit 52, the denomination of the coin 1 is finally determined to be the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52. The denomination determination signal that the denomination of the coin 1 is the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52 is used as the denomination / acceptable determination means 65 and the second coin defacement degree. Output to the discriminator 62, On the other hand, when the concave / convex pattern is not formed on the side surface of the coin 1 of the denomination determined by the second denomination determination unit 52, the coin 1 is an unacceptable coin such as a counterfeit coin or a foreign coin. Determination is made and an unacceptable coin detection signal is output to the denomination / acceptable determination means 65.

  Similarly, the side-surface reflection data of the coin 1 that is photoelectrically detected by the first photodiode 21a and digitized by the A / D converter 27a is compared with the reference side-surface reflection data, and the side surface of the coin 1 is compared. As a result of determining whether or not the concavo-convex pattern is formed, when it is determined that the concavo-convex pattern is not formed on the side surface of the coin 1, the denomination of the coin 1 of the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52 When the uneven pattern is not formed on the side surface, it is finally determined that the denomination of the coin 1 is the denomination determined by the second denomination determining unit 52, and the denomination of the coin 1 is the first denomination. A denomination determination signal indicating that the denomination is determined by the second denomination determination unit 52 is output to the denomination / acceptance determination unit 65 and the second coin contamination degree determination unit 62, while The denomination determination unit 52 determines the size. When the uneven pattern is formed on the side surface of the denominated coin 1, it is determined that the coin 1 is an unacceptable coin such as a counterfeit coin or a foreign coin, and the denomination / acceptable determination means 65. Outputs an unacceptable coin signal.

  When the denomination / acceptable determination unit 65 receives an unacceptable coin signal from the denomination determining unit 60 of the second determination unit 37, an unacceptable coin is detected on the display (not shown). A message to that effect is displayed.

  On the other hand, the first coin contamination degree determination unit 61 reads the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 stored in the image pattern data memory 50, and based on the R, G, and B data in the image pattern data, the coin 1 And calculating the chromaticity data and brightness data of the second, accessing the second reference data memory 42, and based on the denomination determination signal input from the second denomination determination unit 52, the second denomination determination unit 52, the reference chromaticity data and reference lightness data of the coin of the denomination determined by 52 are read out, and compared with the calculated chromaticity data and lightness data of the coin 1, the coin 1 is damaged beyond a predetermined contamination level. It is tentatively determined whether or not there is. That is, when the coin 1 is defaced exceeding a predetermined contamination level, the color of the surface of the coin 1 changes, and the difference between the chromaticity data of the coin 1 and the reference chromaticity data exceeds the predetermined level. In addition, since the surface of the coin 1 is darkened, the lightness data and the reference lightness data of the coin 1 exceed a predetermined level. Therefore, the first coin fouling degree determination unit 61 performs the chromaticity data and lightness of the coin 1. By comparing the data with the reference chromaticity data and the reference lightness data, it is possible to determine whether or not the coin 1 is soiled exceeding a predetermined soiling level.

  When it is determined that the coin 1 is defaced exceeding a predetermined defacement level, the first coin defacement degree discriminating unit 61 receives the first defaced coin signal indicating that the defaced coin has been detected as a denomination Output to the acceptable determination means 65. When the denomination / acceptable determination means 65 receives the first fouling coin signal from the first fouling degree determination unit 61, the display (not shown) indicates that an unacceptable coin has been detected. Display a message.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the contamination level of the coin 1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined contamination level, the first coin contamination degree determination unit 61 does not output any signal.

  When receiving the denomination determining signal from the denomination determining unit 60, the second coin contamination degree determining unit 62 reads out the reference denomination data of the corresponding denomination from the fifth reference data memory 45, and stores it in the side data memory 46. The wear data of the coin 1 stored in the second memory area is read out and compared.

  As a result, when the difference between the wear data of the coin 1 and the reference wear data of the corresponding denomination is greater than a predetermined value, the wear level of the lower corner of the coin 1 is greater than the predetermined wear level. When the light emitted from the LED light source 20 to the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 through the convex lens 22 and the second slit 23b is scattered by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 Since the determination can be made, the second coin fouling degree discriminating unit 62 receives the second fouling judgment signal indicating that the coin 1 is a fouling coin whose fouling level exceeds a predetermined fouling level. The information is output to the possibility determining means 65, and at the same time, a display (not shown) is displayed that a dirty coin has been detected.

  On the other hand, when the difference between the wear data of the coin 1 and the reference wear data of the corresponding denomination is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wear level of the lower corner of the coin 1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined wear level. Therefore, the second coin contamination degree determination unit 62 determines that the coin 1 is a coin having a contamination level equal to or lower than a predetermined contamination level, and does not output any signal.

  Thus, the coins that are determined to be unacceptable are selected, and the coins that are determined to be unacceptable are collected separately, and even if they are acceptable, they are defaced beyond a predetermined defacement level. The coins that are separated from the coins that are determined to be acceptable are also collected separately.

  According to this embodiment, the corner portion of the coin 1 wears as the circulation period becomes longer. Therefore, if the wear level of the corner portion of the coin 1 is detected, the fouling level of the coin can be detected. Paying attention, light is irradiated from the LED light source 20 to the side surface near the lower corner of the coin of the corresponding denomination before distribution through the convex lens 22 and the second slit 23b. The second photodiode 21b detects the light reflected by the side surface in the vicinity of the portion and converted into parallel light by the second convex lens 24b, generates analog data corresponding to the received light amount, and is digitally converted by the A / D converter 27b. The reference wear data of the lower corner portion of the coin 1 obtained by the conversion is generated and stored in the fifth reference data memory 45, and from the LED light source 20, the convex lens 22 and the second scan are stored. Light is irradiated onto the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 through the base 23b, reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1, and converted into parallel light by the second convex lens 24b. Analog data corresponding to the amount of received light is detected by the second photodiode 21b and digitized by the A / D converter 27b. Compared with the reference wear data of the corresponding denomination stored in the data memory 45, when the difference from the reference wear data is larger than a predetermined value, the wear level of the lower corner of the coin 1 is set to the predetermined wear. Since it is larger than the level, the light emitted from the LED light source 20 to the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner portion of the coin 1 through the convex lens 22 and the second slit 23 b is in the vicinity of the lower corner portion of the coin 1. By the side It was judged to be scattered, because they determine the coin 1 and fouling coin, a simple structure, it is possible to determine whether or not the coin 1 is fouling.

  In this embodiment, the LED light source 20, the convex lens 22, the second slit 23b of the slit plate 23, the second convex lens 24b, and the second photodiode 21b are emitted from the LED light source 20, and the convex lens 22 and the second lens 21b. The light that has passed through the second slit 23b is incident on the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 that passes through the notch 5a of the guide rail 5, is reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1, The position is set so that the light made parallel by the second convex lens 24b is incident on the second photodiode 21b, and the coin 1 is pressed against the upper surface of the transparent passage portion 3 by the transport belt 3a. However, since it is configured to be transported, the light emitted from the LED light source 20 is surely hardened even if the thickness of the coin 1 differs depending on the denomination. 1 can be made incident on the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner of the coin. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the coin 1 is a coin that has been soiled with a contamination level exceeding a predetermined contamination level. Become.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the vicinity of the notch 5a of the guide rail 5 of the coin discriminating apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a front view of the slit plate.

  As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in the coin discriminating apparatus according to this embodiment, the slit plate 23 converts the light 25 emitted from the LED light source 20 into a light beam 25a, and the coin 1 Instead of the first slit 23a that leads to the substantially central portion of the side surface, the third slit that converts the light 25 emitted from the LED light source 20 into a light beam 25c and guides it to the side surface near the upper corner of the coin 1 23c is formed.

  Here, the position of the third slit 23c is determined so that the light beam 25c is incident on the side surface near the upper end of the coin having the smallest thickness among the coins to be discriminated, The light beam 25c that has passed through the slit 23c is photoelectrically detected by a third photodiode (not shown).

  In this embodiment, unlike the coin discriminating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the LED light source 20 irradiates the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1, and the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1. Since the light reflected from the portion is not configured to be detected by the first photodiode 21a, it cannot be determined whether or not the uneven pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1; Whether or not one denomination is acceptable is determined by the denomination determining unit 60 of the second discriminating means 37 based solely on the magnetic properties and surface pattern of the coin 1.

  In the present embodiment, light that is irradiated on the side surface near the upper corner portion of the coin 1 and reflected by the side surface near the upper corner portion of the coin 1 is photoelectrically detected by a third photodiode (not shown). In addition, a third coin fouling degree determination unit (not shown) is provided for determining whether the wear level of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined wear level based on the detected light quantity.

  In the coin discriminating apparatus according to this embodiment configured as described above, based on the surface pattern of the coin 1, the first coin fouling that discriminates whether or not the fouling level of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined fouling level. Degree discriminating unit 61, second coin fouling degree discriminating unit 62 for discriminating whether or not the wear level of the side surface near the lower corner of coin 1 exceeds a predetermined wear level, and the upper corner of coin 1 Any one of the third coin fouling level discriminating sections for discriminating whether or not the side wear level exceeds a predetermined wear level has determined that the fouling level or wear level of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined level. Sometimes, it is configured to determine that the coin 1 is a dirty coin.

  In order to sort out and collect the fouled coins at a stage where the fouling level or wear level is low, a predetermined fouling level or wear level for determining the fouling level or wear level of the coin 1 is set to a relatively low level, It is determined whether or not the fouling level or wear level of 1 exceeds a predetermined level, and when it is determined that it is a fouling coin, the wear level of one corner of the coin 1 exceeds the predetermined level. However, the wear level of the other corner of the coin 1 may be less than or equal to a predetermined level, and only the wear level of one corner of the coin 1 is detected to determine whether the coin 1 is a defaced coin. When discriminating, it is possible that the coins to be sorted as dirty coins cannot be sorted, but according to this embodiment, the coins are conveyed while being pressed against the surface of the coin passage 2 by the conveying belt 3a. In addition to the wear level of the side surface of the lower corner of the coin 1 being detected, the wear level of the side surface of the upper corner of the coin 1 being conveyed while being pressed against the surface of the coin passage 2 is also detected. Since it is determined whether or not 1 is a fouling coin, the wear level of one corner of the coin 1 is not more than a predetermined wear level, but the wear level of the other corner exceeds the predetermined wear level. The coins 1 that are present can also be selected and collected as fouling coins.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detection system, a control system, a discrimination system and an input system of a coin discriminating apparatus according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a second discrimination means. is there.

  The coin discriminating apparatus according to this embodiment is incorporated in a coin processing machine that processes only coins of a specific denomination, such as a coin wrapping machine. As shown in FIG. 13, the input system of the coin discriminating apparatus is The denomination designating means 70 is operated by an operator or user and designates the denomination of the coin to be processed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the denomination designation signal input to the denomination designation unit 70 is configured to be input to the first discrimination unit 36 and the second discrimination unit 37.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the slit plate used in this embodiment.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the slit plate 23 of the coin discriminating apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the light emitted from the LED light source 20 and converted into parallel light by the convex lens 22 is the lower corner of the coin 1. Only slits 23b for converting into light beams 25b that are elongated in the lateral direction incident on the side surfaces near the portion are formed.

  Therefore, the coin discriminating apparatus according to this embodiment does not include the fourth reference data memory 44 that stores the reference side surface reflection data.

  The coin discriminating apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above determines whether or not the coin 1 is acceptable, whether or not the coin 1 is defaced beyond a predetermined defacement level, and the coin It is determined whether or not one denomination matches the designated denomination designated by the denomination designation signal.

  First, the denomination of coins to be processed is input to the denomination designation means 70 by an operator or user, and the denomination designation signal is sent from the denomination designation means 70 to the first discrimination means 36 and the second discrimination means 37. Is output.

  When receiving the denomination designation signal from the denomination designation means 70, the first discrimination means 36 and the second discrimination means 37 each store the coin denomination designated by the operator or the user in a memory area (not shown). To store.

  The coin 1 is fed along the pair of guide rails 5 and 5 in the direction of the arrow A in the coin passage 2 and is provided with a pair of timing sensors 16 provided immediately upstream of the notch portion 5a of the guide rail 5; 16, when the coin 1 is detected, a coin detection signal is output to the light emission control means 30 and the image reading control means 31.

  The light emission control unit 30 turns on the LED light source 20 when receiving the coin detection signal from the timing sensors 16 and 16. As a result, light is emitted from the LED light source 20 toward the cutout portion 5 a of the guide rail 5.

  The light emitted from the LED light source 20 is converted into parallel light by the convex lens 22, passes through the slit 23 b of the slit plate 23, is converted into a light beam 25 b that is elongated in the lateral direction, and is generated by the slit 23 b. 25b is incident on the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 and reflected.

  The light reflected by the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner of the coin 1 is photoelectrically detected by the photodiode 21b, and the analog data corresponding to the generated received light amount is digitized by the A / D converter 28b. It is stored in the memory area of the side data memory 46 as wear data of the coin 1.

  As described above, since the angle between the side surface and the surface of the coin 1 before distribution is about 90 degrees, the light beam 25 b incident on the side surface near one corner of the coin 1 is the side surface of the coin 1. The coin 1 circulated and soiled over a long period of time is reflected in a direction orthogonal to the side surface and is worn, and the corners of the coin 1 are worn and rounded. Therefore, the light beam 25b incident on the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner portion of the coin 1 is reflected not only in the direction orthogonal to the side surface of the coin 1 but also in the surface direction of the coin 1 adjacent to the lower corner portion. .

  Therefore, the light reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 after distribution is received by the photodiode 21b, and the analog data corresponding to the generated received light amount is digitized by the A / D converter 27b. As for the wear data 1, the photodiode 21 b receives the light reflected by the side surface in the vicinity of the lower corner of the coin 1 before distribution, and the analog data corresponding to the generated received light amount is digitally converted by the A / D converter 27 b. Since the light is reflected by the lower corner portion of the coin 1 by the photodiode 21b, the wear level of the corner portion of the coin 1; Therefore, it becomes possible to detect the contamination level of the coin 1.

  The coin 1 is further fed in the coin passage 2 along the pair of guide rails 5 and 5 in the direction of arrow A, and its magnetic properties are detected by the pair of magnetic sensors 6 and 6, and the detection signal Is output to the first determination means 36.

  When the detection signal is input from the magnetic sensors 6 and 6, the first determination unit 36 accesses the first reference data memory 41 to check the magnetic property of the denomination coin designated by the operator or the user. Whether or not the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination of the coin specified by the operator or the user by reading the reference magnetic data shown and comparing it with the magnetic data of the coin 1 input from the magnetic sensors 6 and 6. Is determined.

  As a result, when it is determined that the denomination of the coin 1 does not match the denomination of the coin designated by the operator or the user, the first discrimination means 36 denominated the denomination of the coin 1 specified. An unacceptable coin detection signal indicating that it is not a seed is output to the second discriminating means 37 and the light emission control means 30, and an unacceptable coin detection signal is output to a display (not shown).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination of the coin designated by the operator or the user, the first determination means 36 sends the denomination determination signal to the second denomination signal. To the discriminating means 37 and the light emission control means 30.

  Furthermore, when the coin 1 is sent to the transparent passage portion 3 in the coin passage 2 to block the light emitted from the light emitting element 15a of the timing sensor 15, and the light receiving element 15b does not receive the light from the light emitting element 15a, A timing signal is output from the timing sensor 15 to the light emission control means 30 and the image reading control means 31.

  When the timing signal is input from the timing sensor 15, the light emission control means 30 outputs a light emission signal to the light emission means 7 based on the denomination determination signal input from the first determination means 36, and the light emission element 9 Then, light of a light amount corresponding to the denomination of the coin 1 determined by the first determination unit 36 is emitted toward the lower surface of the coin 1 located on the transparent passage portion 3.

  Further, when the timing signal is input from the timing sensor 15, the image reading control unit 31 emits light emitted from the light emitting element 9 to the color sensor 13 of the image data generation unit 8 and reflected by the lower surface of the coin 1. Start detecting.

  Since the light emitting means 7 is arranged so that light can be irradiated to the coin 1 passing over the transparent passage portion 3 at a shallow angle, the light is reflected according to the uneven pattern on the lower surface of the coin 1. Reflected light from the surface of the coin 1 is guided to the color sensor 13 by the lens system 12 and is photoelectrically detected by the color sensor 13, and analog image pattern data on the surface of the coin 1 is generated by the color sensor 13. . The analog image pattern data on the surface of the coin 1 generated by the color sensor 13 is digitized by the A / D converter 18, and the digitized image pattern data is the image pattern data memory 50 of the second determination means 37. And expanded and stored in an orthogonal coordinate system, that is, an xy coordinate system.

  When the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 is stored in the image pattern data memory 50 of the second discriminating means 37, the first denomination discriminating part 51 of the second discriminating means 37 uses the second reference data. The memory 42 is accessed, the reference data regarding the diameter of the coin 1 of the denomination designated by the operator or the user is read out, the image pattern data stored in the image pattern data memory 50 is read out and compared, and the gold of the coin 1 is read out. It is determined whether or not the coin type matches the coin type specified by the operator or the user. If it is determined that the coin type matches, a discrimination continuation signal is output to the second denomination determining unit 52.

  Thus, the second denomination determining unit 52 determines the denomination of the coin 1 based on the determination continuation signal input from the first denomination determining unit 51 of the second determining unit 37, and the coin 1 When it is determined that the denomination coincides with the denomination designated by the operator or the user, the determination continuation signal is sent to the first coin contamination degree determination unit 61, the binarized data generation unit 55 and the denomination determination. When it is output to the unit 60 and the discrimination results do not match, it is determined that the coin 1 is a fake coin or a foreign coin and cannot be accepted, and an unacceptable coin detection signal is displayed on a display (not shown). Is output.

  When the denomination determining unit 60 receives the determination continuation signal from the second denomination determining unit 52, the denomination determining unit 60 accesses the third reference data memory 43 and stores the reference ratio data stored in the third reference data memory 43. The reference ratio data of the back side of the coin of the denomination designated by the operator or the user is read from the inside, and compared with the ratio data input from the binarized data generation unit 55, it is shown in FIGS. Similarly to the embodiment, it is determined whether or not the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination designated by the operator or the user. Alternatively, an acceptable coin detection signal indicating that it matches the denomination designated by the user is output to the denomination / acceptable determination means 65.

  On the other hand, as a result of reading the reference ratio data on the back side of the coin of the denomination designated by the operator or the user and comparing it with the ratio data input from the binarized data generation unit 55, the denomination of the coin 1 is Alternatively, when it is determined that the denomination does not coincide with the denomination designated by the user, the denomination determining unit 60 further performs the third reference data memory similarly to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43, the reference ratio data of the surface of the coin of the denomination designated by the operator or the user is read from the reference ratio data stored in 43, and compared with the ratio data input from the binarized data generation unit 55, It is determined whether or not the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination designated by the operator or the user.

  As a result, when it is determined that they match, the denomination determining unit 60 displays an acceptable signal indicating that the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination designated by the operator or the user. Output to the acceptable decision means 65, and if it is determined that they do not match, the unacceptable coin detection that the denomination / acceptable decision means 65 has detected an unacceptable coin such as a counterfeit coin or a foreign coin Output a signal.

  When the denomination / acceptable determination unit 65 receives an unacceptable coin signal from the denomination determining unit 60 of the second determination unit 37, an unacceptable coin is detected on the display (not shown). A message to that effect is displayed.

  When receiving the discrimination continuation signal from the second denomination discrimination unit 52, the first coin contamination degree discrimination unit 61 stores it in the image pattern data memory 50 in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIGS. The image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 being read out is read out, and the chromaticity data and brightness data of the coin 1 are calculated based on the R, G, B data in the image pattern data, and the second reference data memory 42 Based on the denomination discrimination signal input from the second denomination discrimination unit 52, the reference chromaticity data and the reference brightness data of the coin of the denomination discriminated by the second denomination discrimination unit 52 are obtained. Compared with the chromaticity data and lightness data of the coin 1 that has been read and calculated, it is tentatively determined whether or not the coin 1 is soiled beyond a predetermined soiling level.

  When it is determined that the coin 1 is defaced exceeding a predetermined defacement level, the first coin defacement degree discriminating unit 61 receives the first defaced coin signal indicating that the defaced coin has been detected as a denomination Output to the acceptable determination means 65. When the denomination / acceptable determination means 65 receives the first fouling coin signal from the first fouling degree determination unit 61, the display (not shown) indicates that an unacceptable coin has been detected. Display a message.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the contamination level of the coin 1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined contamination level, the first coin contamination degree determination unit 61 does not output any signal.

  When receiving the denomination determination signal from the denomination determining unit 60, the second coin contamination degree determination unit 62 reads out the reference wear data of the corresponding denomination from the fifth reference data memory 45, and stores it in the side data memory 46. The stored wear data of the coin 1 is read out and compared, and whether the wear level of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined wear level is determined in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. Determine.

  As a result, when it is determined that the wear level of the lower corner portion of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined wear level, the second coin fouling level determination unit 62 determines that the fouling level of the coin 1 has a predetermined fouling level. A second defacement determination signal indicating that the defaced coin is exceeded is output to the denomination / acceptance determination means 65, and at the same time, a display (not shown) indicating that the defaced coin has been detected is displayed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the wear level of the lower corner portion of the coin 1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined wear level, the second coin fouling level determination unit 62 determines that the fouling level of the coin 1 is a predetermined fouling level. It is determined that it is the following coin, and no signal is output.

  Thus, the coins that are determined to be unacceptable are selected, and the coins that are determined to be unacceptable are collected separately, and even if they are acceptable, they are defaced beyond a predetermined defacement level. The coins that are separated from the coins that are determined to be acceptable are also collected separately.

  On the other hand, the coin 1 determined that the denomination of the coin 1 matches the denomination specified by the operator or the user by the coin discriminating apparatus and the fouling level is equal to or lower than the predetermined fouling level is further downstream in the coin passage 2. Sent to the side.

  According to the present embodiment, the corner of the coin 1 is irradiated on the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 based on the knowledge that the corner becomes worn as the circulation period becomes longer. Since the light reflected by the side surface is detected to detect the level of fouling of the coin 1, whether or not the coin 1 is a fouling coin can be accurately determined with a very simple configuration.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the coin discriminating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 10, based on the image pattern data on the lower surface of the coin 1 detected photoelectrically by the color sensor 13 and digitized by the A / D converter 18. The second denomination discriminating unit 52 of the second discriminating means 37 discriminates the denomination of the coin 1 and transmits the light emitted from the LED light source 20 through the convex lens 22 and the first slit 23a. Whether the uneven surface pattern is formed on the side surface of the coin 1 by photoelectrically detecting the light reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 and reflected by the first central portion 21a. Discriminating whether or not the coin 1 is a denomination coin having a concave / convex pattern formed on its side surface or a coin having no concave / convex pattern formed on its side surface. When the result does not match the denomination of the coin 1 determined based on the image pattern data of the coin 1, the coin 1 is finally determined to be an unacceptable coin such as a counterfeit coin or a foreign coin. Although configured, the coin discriminating device photoelectrically reflects the light reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 by the first photodiode 21a as in the coin discriminating device shown in FIGS. In addition to the means for discriminating the denomination of the coin 1 on the basis of the side reflection data obtained by the detection, the means for discriminating the denomination of the coin 1 is provided. It is not always necessary to irradiate light at the substantially central portion and photoelectrically detect the light reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin 1 by the first photodiode 21a.

  Furthermore, in the coin discriminating apparatus shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the light emitted from the LED light source 20 is irradiated onto the side surface near the upper corner of the coin 1 through the convex lens 22 and the third slit 23c. The light reflected by the side surface near the upper corner of the coin 1 is detected photoelectrically by a third photodiode (not shown), and the wear level near the upper corner of the coin 1 is a predetermined wear level. However, since the thickness differs depending on the denomination of the coin 1, and the position of the upper corner of the coin 1 is also different, the slit plate is used instead of the slit 23c. 23, a plurality of slits are formed, and the light emitted from the LED light source 20 is irradiated on the side surface near the upper corner of the coin 1 to detect the reflected light, and the wear level of the upper corner of the coin 1 is determined. To do Masui.

  In the coin discriminating apparatus shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the light emitted from the LED light source 20 is transmitted to the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 through the convex lens 22 and the second slit 23b. The light that is irradiated and reflected by the side surface near the lower corner of the coin 1 is detected photoelectrically by the second photodiode 21b, and the wear level near the lower corner of the coin 1 has a predetermined wear level. The light emitted from the LED light source 20 is irradiated on the side surface near the upper corner of the coin 1 through the convex lens 22 and the third slit 23c, and the upper corner of the coin 1 is determined. Whether or not the wear level near the upper corner of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined wear level is detected photoelectrically by a third photodiode (not shown) by the light reflected by the side face near the block. Discrimination However, normally, as the circulation period of the coin 1 becomes longer, the wear of both corners of the coin proceeds in the same manner. When the circulation period of the coin 1 is sufficiently long, one of the coins 1 The wear level at the corner of the coin 1 is below the predetermined wear level, but it is rare that the wear level at one corner of the coin 1 exceeds the predetermined wear level. It is not always necessary to irradiate the side surface with light and detect the reflected light to determine whether or not the wear level in the vicinity of both sides of the coin 1 exceeds a predetermined wear level. Therefore, when being conveyed while being pressed against the surface of the coin passage 2, even if the thickness of the coin 1 changes, the position of the lower corner does not change. Irradiate light to the side to detect reflected light photoelectrically. By detecting the wear level of the coin 1, it is sufficient to detect the wear level of the coin 1 by irradiating the side surface near the upper corner of the coin 1 and photoelectrically detecting the reflected light. Is not always necessary.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, at least one of the first coin fouling degree discriminating part 61 and the second coin fouling degree judging part 62. However, when it is determined that the coin 1 is a fouling coin, the coin 1 is determined as a fouling coin, but both the first coin fouling degree determination unit 61 and the second coin fouling degree determination unit 62 Only when 1 is determined to be a fouling coin, the coin 1 may be determined to be a fouling coin, and the first coin fouling degree determination unit 61 and the second coin fouling degree determination unit 62 may be determined. Even if one of the coins determines that the coin 1 is a dirty coin, the other of the first coin stain degree determination unit 61 and the second coin stain degree determination unit 62 determines that the coin 1 is not a stain coin. The coin 1 is not a fouled coin It can also be so.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first coin fouling degree discriminating part 61, the second coin fouling degree judging part 62, and the third coin fouling degree judging part (not shown) When any of the coins 1 is determined to be a dirty coin, the coin 1 is determined to be a dirty coin, but the first coin contamination degree determination unit 61, the second coin contamination degree determination unit 62, and the third Only when all of the coin fouling degree discriminating units have discriminated that the coin 1 is a fouling coin, the coin 1 may be discriminated as a fouling coin, or the first coin fouling degree discriminating unit. 61. When the two coin fouling degree discriminating units of the second coin fouling degree discriminating unit 62 and the third coin fouling degree discriminating unit determine that the coin 1 is a fouling coin, It can also be determined that it is a dirty coin.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, the notch part 5a of the guide rail 5 and the LED light source 20 are provided in the upstream part of the transparent channel | path part 3, and the coin 1 which passes the notch part 5a of the guide rail 5 from the LED light source 20 is provided. The notch 5a of the guide rail 5 and the LED light source 20 are provided on the upstream side of the transparent passage 3, and the notch of the guide rail 5 is cut from the LED light source 20. It is not always necessary to irradiate the coin 1 passing through the portion 5a, and the notch portion 5a of the guide rail 5 and the LED light source 20 are provided in the downstream portion of the transparent passage portion 3, and the guide rail from the LED light source 20 is provided. You may make it irradiate light to the coin 1 which passes the 5 notch part 5a.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, light is irradiated to the lower surface of the coin 1 from the light emission means 7, the image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 is detected, and based on the obtained image pattern data of the lower surface of the coin 1 , The denomination of the coin 1, the fouling level, and whether or not the coin is acceptable, but as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 36552545, light is emitted from the light emitting means to the upper surface of the coin 1. , The image pattern data on the upper surface of the coin 1 is detected, and the denomination and the contamination level of the coin 1 are determined based on the obtained image pattern data on the upper surface of the coin 1 and image pattern data on the lower surface of the coin 1. It may also be determined whether or not coins are acceptable.

  Furthermore, in this specification, the means does not necessarily mean a physical means, but includes cases where the functions of the means are realized by software. Further, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coin 2 Coin channel | path 3 Transparent channel | path part 3a Conveying belt 5 Guide rail 5a Notch part 6 Magnetic sensor 7 Light emission means 8 Image data generation means 9 Light emitting element 10 Pattern data detection unit 12 Lens system 13 Color sensor 15 Timing sensor 15a Light emitting element 15b Light receiving element 16 Timing sensor 16a Light emitting element 16b Light receiving element 18 A / D converter 20 LED light source 21a First photodiode 21b Second photodiode 22 Convex lens 23 Slit plate 23a First slit 23b Second slit 23c Third Slit 24a first convex lens 24b second convex lens 25 light 25a light beam 25b light beam 25c light beam 26a omnidirectional light 26b omnidirectional light 27a A / D converter 27b A / D converter 30 light emission control means 31 Image reading control means 36 First determination means 37 Second determination means 41 First reference data memory 42 Second reference data memory 43 Third reference data memory 44 Fourth reference data memory 45 Fifth reference data Memory 46 Side data memory 50 Image pattern data memory 51 First denomination determining unit 52 Second denomination determining unit 54 Central coordinate determining unit 55 Binary data generating unit 60 Denomination determining unit 61 First coin contamination degree Discriminator 62 Second coin fouling degree discriminator 65 Denomination / acceptance determination means 70 Denomination designation means

Claims (9)

The first light source that irradiates light toward the side of the coin being conveyed and the light reflected by the side of the coin are detected photoelectrically, and the amount of light received by the light reflected by the side of the coin is detected. A first photodetector for generating corresponding analog data, an A / D converter for digitizing the analog data generated by the first photodetector, and a coin generated by the A / D converter The digital data of the coin is compared with the reference digital data of the coin, and a discriminating means for discriminating the authenticity, denomination and fouling level of the coin is provided , and further, the light is directed toward one side of the coin being conveyed. A fourth light source that emits light; and a light receiving unit that photoelectrically receives light emitted from the fourth light source and reflected by one surface of the coin, and generates image pattern data of the one surface of the coin; The light reception Pattern data storage means for storing image pattern data of one side of the coin generated by the step, reference data storage means for storing reference data of coins for each denomination, and stored in the pattern data storage means The image pattern data on one side of the coin is compared with the reference data for each denomination of coins stored in the reference data storage means to determine whether the coin is acceptable and the denomination of the coin. A coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processing machine provided with a discriminating means for discriminating, wherein the first light source is configured to irradiate light on a side surface near one corner of a coin. Coin discriminating device for a coin processor. Further, a transport belt is provided for transporting the coins while pressing the coins against the surface of the coin passage, and the first light source irradiates light to a side surface near a corner portion on the surface side of the coin passage of the coin, 2. The coin according to claim 1, wherein the one photodetector is configured to photoelectrically detect light reflected by a side surface in the vicinity of a corner portion on a surface side of the coin passage of the coin. Coin discrimination device for processing machines. Furthermore, a second light source that irradiates light on the side surface near the other corner of the coin, and a second photodetector that photoelectrically detects light reflected by the side surface near the other corner of the coin. The coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising: The first light source for irradiating light on the side surface near one corner of the coin and the second light source for irradiating light on the side surface near the other corner of the coin are constituted by a single light source. 4. An optical means for guiding light emitted from a single light source to a side surface in the vicinity of one corner of the coin and a side surface in the vicinity of the other corner of the coin. A coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processing machine. And a third light source for irradiating light on a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin and a third photodetector for receiving light reflected by the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin. The coin discriminating device for a coin processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The first light source that irradiates light on the side surface in the vicinity of one corner of the coin and the third light source that irradiates light on a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin are configured by a single light source, 6. The discriminating device comprises optical means for guiding light emitted from a single light source to a side surface near one corner of the coin and a substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin. The coin discriminating device for a coin processing machine described in 1. The first light source that irradiates light on the side surface near one corner of the coin, the second light source that irradiates light on the side surface near the other corner of the coin, and the approximate center of the side surface of the coin A third light source that irradiates the light with a single light source, and the coin discriminating device transmits the light emitted from the single light source to the side surface near one corner of the coin, The coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising optical means for guiding the side surface in the vicinity of the other corner and the substantially central portion of the side surface of the coin. The light receiving means is constituted by color sensor means capable of generating color image data, the reference data storage means stores reference chromaticity data and reference lightness data of coins for each denomination, and the determination means includes: Furthermore, based on R data, G data, and B data corresponding to the three primary colors of light in the image pattern data of one side of the coin stored in the pattern data storage means, the image of one side of the coin Chromaticity data and lightness data are calculated and compared with the reference chromaticity data of the coin for each denomination stored in the reference data storage means and the reference lightness data, and the contamination level of one side of the coin is determined. 8. A coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor according to claim 1 , further comprising a coin fouling level discriminating unit for discriminating. The coin processor includes a denomination specifying unit that specifies a denomination of a coin to be processed, and the determining unit is configured to determine a defacement level of a denomination coin specified by the denomination specifying unit. The coin discriminating apparatus for a coin processor according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the coin discriminating apparatus is used.

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