Having Means To Test Surface Configuration Patents (Class 194/328)
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Patent number: 11854332Abstract: A coin distribution mechanism for distributing coins into their denominations during conveyance is provided, which makes it possible to distribute two desired denominations of coins using a single gate member. A first gate member movable around a first axis is provided below a coin conveyance path. The first gate member is moved by a first position switching device among a default position where a gate is closed, a first switched position that allows a coin to drop through the gate to move in a first direction, or a second switched position that allows a coin to drop through the gate to move in a second direction. When a coin has a first (or second) denomination, the first gate member is moved to the first (or second) switched position. When a coin does not have the first and second denominations, the first gate member is located at the default position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: ASAHI SEIKO CO., LTD.Inventor: Minoru Enomoto
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Patent number: 11231594Abstract: An identification apparatus or system includes an estimation unit that estimates an operating distance between the surface of an optical device and an imaging unit as an estimated value. A reference distance refers to the distance between a first face of an identification target and the imaging unit and at which light diffracted by a diffraction grating is capable of being recorded by the imaging unit. A first determination unit is included that determines whether the estimated value matches the reference distance and a second determination unit that determines whether an image captured by the imaging unit matches a reference image. Conditions for identifying the optical device as the identification target include a condition that the first determination unit determines that the estimated value matches the reference distance and a condition that the second determination unit determines that the image captured by the imaging unit matches the reference image.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomohito Masuda, Eri Miyamoto
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Patent number: 10401151Abstract: An optical outer diameter measurement apparatus includes a rotary device driven to rotate by a motor to convert light emitted from a light-emitting element into scanning light, a collimator lens configured to convert the scanning light into parallel scanning light that is projected toward an object to be measured, a condenser lens configured to condense the parallel scanning light having passed by the object to be measured, a light-receiving element configured to receive light condensed by the condenser lens, a housing that accommodates the rotary device and the collimator lens, and an optical-path cover including, in the housing, two walls extending in a scanning direction of the scanning light and located opposite each other with the scanning light between the two walls.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Ryoichi Imaizumi, Ichirou Taniguchi
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Patent number: 9070238Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coin counting and sorting module comprising: a coin sorter; a coin bowl having an inner surface comprising a rotating surface adapted for being rotated when the module is in operation; a coin sensor for detecting and removing counterfeit coins; a coin separating rail knife for receiving coins one by one; an inclined rail block; and an anti-bounce block rigidly fastened to the inclined rail block by a finite number of fastening elements. This disclosure also provides a coin handling apparatus comprising such a coin counting and sorting module.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Scan Coin ABInventors: Jerry Karlsson, Peter Gillstedt, Markus Jonasson, Robert Gustavsson
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Publication number: 20150101907Abstract: A method and apparatus including the steps of establishing a defining attributes of a respective coin based at least upon a predetermined ratio of weight per unit of volume or upon topological features of one or more predominant surfaces of the coin, measuring a first set of dimensional parameters that define a shape of the disk including one or more thickness and diameter measurements, measuring a second parameter including a weight of the disk, measuring a third set of parameters defining a set of topographical features of the disk, comparing the measured parameters within at least some of the plurality of files of the database; and classifying the disk as a specific type of coin by substantially matching at least some of the measured parameters of the disk with the attributes of at least one of the plurality of files.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Michael J. Hall
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Patent number: 8708129Abstract: A method and system for prevention of dust accumulation on a coin sensor assembly (67) in a coin handling machine (60), includes a lower optical element (83, 90) positioned below a coin track (63) and then either, or both of, 1) blowing off dust that tends to accumulate on the cover (83) for the lower optical element (90) and 2) coating the cover (83) for the lower optical element (90) with a transparent conductive coating (83a) that is electrically grounded to prevent accumulation of dust due to static electrical attraction. A fan unit (82) is positioned adjacent the cover (83) for blowing dust off the cover (83) during operation of the coin handling machine (60). The method and system is preferably a optical reflector system with an upper optical element in the form of a reflector (86, 87) and a transparent conductive coating of material (87a) is also provided on the reflector (86, 87).Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Talaris, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Thomas P. Adams, Jason R. Parpart, Myron W. Spoehr
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Patent number: 8615123Abstract: A coin identification method and apparatus capable of reliably acquiring stable two-dimensional images of both surfaces of coins 217, and using the acquired two-dimensional images to perform identification and discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between coin denomination, types, dates and origins of mint. In a coin pathway, imaging devices 207a,b are positioned at an image-capture position such that images above and below the surface of passing coins are captured under illumination. The coin denomination is identified by geometric measurements of enhanced images, the coin type is identified by matching templates to enhanced images, and the coin date and mint are identified using template matching to segmented sub-images. In one embodiment, the coin identification information is used for the promotion of a coin counting service. The results are displayed in an entertaining and engaging manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: IdentiCoin, Inc.Inventor: Steven Dabic
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Publication number: 20120249780Abstract: A subject discriminating apparatus discriminates a subject having an unevenness pattern on a surface of the subject. The subject discriminating apparatus includes: a transparent unit including a supporting surface supporting the subject; a light irradiation unit irradiating illumination light onto the surface of the subject through the transparent unit; an imaging unit imaging an imaging region including at least a part of the transparent unit, and generating image data; and a discrimination processing unit discriminating the subject, using the image data generated by the imaging unit. The discrimination processing unit discriminates the subject based on discrimination image data generated by correcting subject image data using correction image data. The subject image data is generated by imaging the imaging region in a state of the subject presenting in the imaging region. The correction image data is generated by imaging the imaging region free from the subject in the imaging region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Naofumi MIRUMACHI, Masataka Takahashi
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Publication number: 20120217126Abstract: A coin detector having the characteristics of simple structure, low cost and high recognition speed is disclosed to include a housing defining therein a coin passage, and a circuit module, which uses an optical pickup device consisting of an optical module and an analog-to-digital converter to detect the number and pitch of the parallel lines and grooves of the reeded edge of each inserted coin and a microprocessor to determine the authenticity and value of each inserted coin by means of comparing the data of the sensed number of pitch of parallel lines and grooves with a predetermined reference data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Ruei-Jia Huang, Dong-Ying Yang
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Publication number: 20120118698Abstract: Characterizing an item of currency employs a validation apparatus that includes at least three specified light sources for illuminating the item of currency. Each of the specified light sources has an emission spectrum similar to an approximating function for reconstructing a predetermined set of spectrum. At least one receiver receives light emitting from the at least three specified light sources. A transportation unit transports the item of currency within the validation apparatus. The light received by the receiver is at least one of light reflected by or light transmitted through the item of currency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: MEI, INC.Inventors: Fatiha Anouar, Gaston Baudat, Philippe S. Jard
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Patent number: 7967125Abstract: A deformed-coin detector accurately detecting a deformed coin without being affected by a variation in transporting speed of a coin. A coin transported along a coin transporting face comes into contact with detecting elements of coin-thickness detecting bodies, the detecting elements move by a distance corresponding to the dimension of the coin in its thickness direction and simultaneously, light shielding portions of the coin-thickness detecting bodies move. A light detecting portion detects a light shielding amount that varies due to movement of the light shielding portions. A coin denomination determining unit determines a denomination of the coin transported along the coin transporting face and reads a reference light-shielding amount pre-stored in a reference light shielding amount storing unit regarding the denomination.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Ishimatsu, Satoru Katori, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Yasushi Hiraoka, Osamu Uehara
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Patent number: 7967126Abstract: An apparatus to locate a coin comprises a rotary platform configured to hold the coin and a plurality of coin contacting mechanisms, coupled to the rotary platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Coinsecure, Inc.Inventor: Richard M. Haddock
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Patent number: 7856137Abstract: A correlation value image is generated from an input image and a template image, and separated into a positive correlation value image and a negative correlation value image. The template image is separated into a positive template image and a negative template image. A plurality of positive-negative-separated correlation images are generated by combining the positive correlation value image and the negative correlation value image and the positive template image and the negative template image. A polar-coordinates-converted input image and a polar-coordinates-converted template image are employed as the input image and the template image, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Toru Yonezawa, Hirofumi Kameyama
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Patent number: 7802669Abstract: A coin or token image acquiring apparatus includes a coin moving unit for receiving coins in a sequential manner and translating each coin to a predetermined station. A time sensor unit detects the position of the respective coins in the coin moving unit and provides a timing signal that can activate an image apparatus unit positioned at the predetermined station. A light emitting apparatus is positioned to illuminate the coin face at the predetermined station so that the image apparatus can capture an illuminated image of the face of the coin. A storage unit can store a reference image of an authenticated coin image where by a comparator unit can compare the captured image of the coin with the authenticated coin image to provide an authenticated output signal when the respective image is matched. A separator unit can separate false coins from authenticated coins.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuo Irie
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Publication number: 20100230234Abstract: A deformed-coin detector accurately detecting a deformed coin without being affected by a variation in transporting speed of a coin. A coin transported along a coin transporting face comes into contact with detecting elements of coin-thickness detecting bodies, the detecting elements move by a distance corresponding to the dimension of the coin in its thickness direction and simultaneously, light shielding portions of the coin-thickness detecting bodies move. A light detecting portion detects a light shielding amount that varies due to movement of the light shielding portions. A coin denomination determining unit determines a denomination of the coin transported along the coin transporting face and reads a reference light-shielding amount pre-stored in a reference light shielding amount storing unit regarding the denomination.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2006Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Ishimatsu, Satoru Katori, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Yasushi Hiraoka, Osamu Uehara
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Publication number: 20090296365Abstract: A coin illumination source comprises a geometric feature configured to surround a coin under evaluation, a plurality of illumination sources mounted within the geometric feature, and a viewing aperture through which an imaging device can capture an image of the coin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: CoinSecure, Inc.Inventor: Richard M. Haddock
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Patent number: 7584833Abstract: A coin discriminator measures both the surface and average electrical conductivity of coins in order to distinguish genuine minted coins from fake or bogus coins such as cast coins which may be nominally of the same material as a minted coin. The conductivities are measured using a coil to induce eddy currents within the coin. The high frequency components of the eddy current are monitored to measure the surface conductivity. The low frequency components are measured to monitor the bulk or average conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: ScanCoin Industries ABInventor: Geoffrey Howells
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Patent number: 7552811Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for testing coins which are placed in a coin acceptor unit and which are displaced in front of an image sensor consisting of lines and columns, whereby said image sensor records an image of the coins that are to be tested. At least one of the front columns in the direction of movement of said coins and/or at least one line of the image sensor captures parameters, which in conjunction with the temporal detection information, are used to provide information on the movement of said coins. It is determined independently from said parameters when the coin will appear in a desired overlap area for recording, whereby the image sensor is shifted into an activation mode of the columns and lines of the overlap area and recording is triggered.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstatten GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Manfred Wollny
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Publication number: 20080135373Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a bogus note managing system including the same, and a bogus note managing method that are capable of accurately and efficiently managing a bogus note such that the bogus note cannot be used for a bad purpose, the image forming apparatus including: a read unit to determine whether an object to be read is money; a storage unit to store money registration information including identification information of the money; a comparison unit to compare money identification information, which is received so as to identify the money, with the identification information stored in the storage unit when the object to be read is the money; and a control unit to control history information of the money to be stored in the storage unit when the money identification information is identical to the identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Won Young CHI, Jae Ho Kim, Sook Hyun Kong, Yoon Lee, Sung Hyun Ryu, Eun Young Jung
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Publication number: 20080128243Abstract: A method for determining an exact centre of a coin introduced into a coin acceptor unit, the method comprising: determining a probable centre of the coin by means of a sensor arrangement; recording an image of the coin to be examined; and developing an edge region of the coin around the probable centre and beyond a probable edge thereof using the image of the coin, the edge region of the coin being imaged as an at least approximately sinusoidal line upon displacement of the probable centre to the exact centre, and the exact centre being determined from analysis of the at least approximately sinusoidal line using an amplitude and phase angle of a chosen starting point.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: WALTER HANKE MECHANISCHE WERKSTATTEN GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Manfred Wollny, Klaus Spinnler, Andreas Kuleschow, Robert Couronne
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Patent number: 7209582Abstract: A coin discriminating method includes steps of irradiating a surface of a coin with light, photoelectrically detecting light reflected by the surface of the coin, producing detected pattern data of the surface of the coin, binarizing corresponding reference pattern data so that “1” is assigned to pixel data having a signal intensity level equal to or higher than a predetermined signal intensity level and “0” is assigned to pixel data having a signal intensity level lower than the predetermined signal intensity level to produce reference bright portion pattern data consisting of “1” pixel data and reference dark portion pattern data consisting of “0” pixel data, extracting bright portion pattern data consisting of pixels corresponding to pixels included in the reference bright portion pattern data and dark portion pattern data consisting of pixels corresponding to pixels included in the reference dark portion pattern data from the detected pattern data, and discriminating whether or not the surface of the coinType: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Laurel Precision Machines Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masataka Takahashi
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Patent number: 7185750Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of concurrently picking up the images of the surface and the side of a coin by using two light sources, downsizing a device, and providing high-accuracy coin distinguishing. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a first light (105) from a flash shooting first light source (104), and the outer periphery portion of the surface of the coin (C) is irradiated with a second light (107) from a flash shooting second light source (106). Then, a fist reflection light (108) reflected off the side of the coin (C) and a second reflection light (109) reflected off the outer periphery portion of the coin (C) are input to an image sensor (110) to concurrently obtain the images of the side and the surface of the coin (C).Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventors: Masanori Sugata, Tomokuni Takeda
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Patent number: 7108120Abstract: A coin inspection method and apparatus capable of inspecting coins having different materials and surface patterns with high accuracy by a simple coil arrangement. An exciting coil is arranged in the vicinity of one side of a coin passage inclined at a predetermined angle so that two magnetic poles thereof face the coin passage. Two receiving coils having substantially identical characteristics are arranged in the vicinity of the same side of the coin passage so that the receiving coils are electromagnetically coupled with the exciting coil. The exciting coil is excited at a predetermined frequency and an oscillation voltage of the exciting coil is detected. Also, an influence of a reactive magnetic field produced by eddy current induced on a surface of the coin is detected by the receiving coil. Material of the coin can be determined based on the oscillation voltage level of the exciting coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventor: Yonezo Furuya
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Patent number: 7044285Abstract: A circular image (A1) of a to-be-examined coin (A0) is picked up by a CCD sensor unit (11). The circular image (A1) of the to-be-examined coin (A0) is transformed into a rectangular image (B1) by a transformation processing means (142). On the other hand, a rectangular image (B) of a master coin (A) used as a criterion is prestored in a master-image memory (148). When the circular image (A1) of the to-be-examined coin (A0) is transformed into the rectangular image (B1) by the transformation processing means (142), the rectangular image (B1) is compared with the rectangular image (B) stored in the master-image memory (148) by a comparison means (144). If both of the rectangular images (B1, B) do not coincide substantially with each other, a part of the rectangular image (B1) of the to-be-examined coin is moved from an end thereof to an opposite end by an alignment means (143) so as to generate a new rectangular image (B2) through a shift conversion.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Hidetoshi Takebayashi
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Patent number: 7010154Abstract: A money identifying method and a device which can identify money with high precision and quickly by optimally binarizing a surface image of the money. The center coordinates and radius of subject coin C are extracted by a coin shape extraction section from the surface image of the subject coin C obtained by an area sensor, and an effective threshold calculation range is extracted by a threshold calculation range extraction section 107 from the extracted center coordinates and radius of the coin. Further, a density histogram is created by a histogram generation section 108 on the basis of the threshold calculation range, an optimum binary threshold value is calculated from the density histogram by a binary threshold calculation section according to a discriminating analysis, and the optimum binary threshold value is used to binarize an image for identifying the subject coin C.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventor: Masanori Sugata
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Patent number: 7004299Abstract: To identify an embossed image of a coin in an automatic coin machine, the coin requiring identification is moved past an image receiver and a light source, the light source having at least two lighting portions which illuminate an object field of the coin requiring identification from different directions under the same angle with respect to the surface normal of the object field and with wavelength ranges which do not overlap each other. An image receiver records one picked-up exposure of the object field from which images are obtained for each of the individual lighting portions of the individual wavelength ranges. A maximum image is then determined from the images, wherein each pixel has associated therewith the maximal intensity value from the images of the individual wavelength ranges. A genuine-coin or counterfeit-coin signal is determined from the maximum image.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: National Rejectors, Inc. GmbHInventors: Manfred Eich, Markus Adameck, Michael Hossfeld
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Patent number: 6899215Abstract: A method of deriving a classifying function for classifying items of currency includes deriving a plurality of measurements from at least one currency sensor and a plurality of currency items, and forming a set of data from the measurements, the elements of the data set corresponding to points in a first space, and determining a set of values corresponding to the measured values. The method also includes selecting a kernel function corresponding to a mapping of the first space to a second space, the method including deriving an expression representing the function of the measured values in terms of the kernel function and using it to derive a classifying function.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Gaston Baudat, Fatiha Anouar
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Patent number: 6860375Abstract: Methods and devices for dynamically assigning document parameters to output receptacles of multiple output receptacle document evaluating devices. Documents are directed into individual output receptacles based upon their document parameter or parameters. For example, according to one embodiment a currency evaluating device comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of currency bills, a plurality of output receptacles, a transport mechanism, and a processor adapted to control the operation of the device. The processor is programmed to determine the denomination of a bill and determine if an output receptacle is associated with the denomination of the bill. If an output receptacle is not associated with the denomination of the bill, the processor is programmed to associate an output receptacle with the denomination of the bill and cause the bill to be transported to an output receptacle associated with the denomination of the bill.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Cummins-Allison CorporationInventors: Curtis W. Hallowell, Robert J. Klein, Mark C. Munro, Bradford T. Graves
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Publication number: 20040168881Abstract: To identify an embossed image of a coin in an automatic coin machine, the coin requiring identification is moved past an image receiver and a light source, the light source having at least two lighting portions which illuminate an object field of the coin requiring identification from different directions under the same angle with respect to the surface normal of the object field and with wavelength ranges which do not overlap each other. An image receiver records one picked-up exposure of the object field from which images are obtained for each of the individual lighting portions of the individual wavelength ranges. A maximum image is then determined from the images, wherein each pixel has associated therewith the maximal intensity value from the images of the individual wavelength ranges. A genuine-coin or counterfeit-coin signal is determined from the maximum image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: NATIONAL REJECTORS INC. GMBHInventors: Manfred Eich, Markus Adameck, Michael Hossfeld
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Patent number: 6761257Abstract: A coin discriminating device has a first camera for producing a first image of a first surface of a coin, a second camera for producing a second image of a second surface of the coin, and a processor, e.g. a computer, which is operatively connected to the first and second cameras. The processor analyzes the first and second images in order to determine a type of the coin.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Scan Coin Industries ABInventor: Jerry Karlsson
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Publication number: 20040129528Abstract: A circular image (A1) of a to-be-examined coin (A0) is picked up by a CCD sensor unit (11). The circular image (A1) of the to-be-examined coin (A0) is transformed into a rectangular image (B1) by a transformation processing means (142). On the other hand, a rectangular image (B) of a master coin (A) used as a criterion is prestored in a master-image memory (148). When the circular image (A1) of the to-be-examined coin (A0) is transformed into the rectangular image (B1) by the transformation processing means (142), the rectangular image (B1) is compared with the rectangular image (B) stored in the master-image memory (148) by a comparison means (144). If both of the rectangular images (B1, B) do not coincide substantially with each other, a part of the rectangular image (B1) of the to-be-examined coin is moved from an end thereof to an opposite end by an alignment means (143) so as to generate a new rectangular image (B2) through a shift conversion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventor: Hidetoshi Takebayashi
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Publication number: 20040124064Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of concurrently picking up the images of the surface and the side of a coin by using two light sources, downsizing a device, and providing high-accuracy coin distinguishing. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a first light (105) from a flash shooting first light source (104), and the outer periphery portion of the surface of the coin (C) is irradiated with a second light (107) from a flash shooting second light source (106). Then, a fist reflection light (108) reflected off the side of the coin (C) and a second reflection light (109) reflected off the outer periphery portion of the coin (C) are input to an image sensor (110) to concurrently obtain the images of the side and the surface of the coin (C).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Masanori Sugata, Tomokuni Takeda
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Publication number: 20040124065Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of distinguishing a cyclic linear uneven pattern or a character imprint formed on the side of a coin with a high accuracy and at a high speed. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a light (105) from a flash shooting light source (104), a reflection light (106) reflected off the side of the coin (C) is input to an image sensor (107) to obtain the image of the side of the coin (C), images obtained by a vertical-direction projection operation unit (110) and an oblique-direction projection operation unit (111) are subjected to projection operation, the presence/absence of mills of the coin (C) is judged by a mill pitch detection unit (112) based on two one-dimension waveforms obtained from the projection results, the directions of the mills of the coin (C) are judged by a mill-direction detection unit (113), and the coin (C) is distinguished by a distinguishing unit (115) based on the results of judging.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventor: Masanori Sugata
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Publication number: 20040108183Abstract: A coin discrimination method and device reliably acquires stable two-dimensional images of the surfaces of coins, and using the acquired two-dimensional images is able to perform discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between genuine and counterfeit coins, and between coin types. In a coin pathway configured so as to block interfering light, sensors are positioned at an image-capture position and at a position upstream from the image-capture position; an image sensor is caused to begin image capture simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor upstream of the image-capture position, of a coin, and illumination is emitted for a short time simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor at the image-capture position, of the coin, to acquire an image of the coin. Specific patterns are detected in a binary image obtained by converting the acquired image to binary level, and coin discrimination is performed based on the detected patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventors: Masanori Sugata, Akira Onodera
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Patent number: 6725995Abstract: A discrimination object deflecting apparatus can discriminate and sort medals quickly in an amusement facility or the like. The apparatus is composed of a discrimination section for continuously discriminating continuously moving medals, a passage for continuously moving the discriminated medals according to a discriminating speed of the discrimination section, a deflection passage connected to one side of the passage, a deflection drive section which is provided on the other side of the passage to be countered to the deflection passage and is actuated according to a discriminating signal of the discrimination section and flips the medal moving along the passage towards the deflection passage, and a control section for controlling to drive the deflection drive section according to the discriminating signal of the discrimination section.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Unirec Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junichi Yamagishi
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Patent number: 6688449Abstract: A pattern identification apparatus is used to speedily identify tokens at a game arcade. The apparatus is inexpensive and has an image pickup device (15). The image pickup device has an area sensor (17) consisting of a two-dimensional matrix of photoelectric pixels. Each of the photoelectric pixels has a photodiode (19), a signal comparator (21), and a signal holder (23). The photoelectric pixels are connected to address lines (5), respectively. Required ones of the address lines are specified. Signals are read, to a data line, out of the signal holders of the photoelectric pixels that are connected to the specified address lines in response to addressing signals passed through the specified address lines. The specified address lines correspond to concentric circles (45, 47, 49) defined on a target (39) of disk shape. The target is identified according to the read signals that represent the concentric circles defined on the target.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Unirec Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junichi Yamagishi
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Patent number: 6685000Abstract: A coin discrimination method and device reliably acquires stable two-dimensional images of the surfaces of coins, and using the acquired two-dimensional images is able to perform discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between genuine and counterfeit coins, and between coin types. In a coin pathway configured so as to block interfering light, sensors are positioned at an image-capture position and at a position upstream from the image-capture position; an image sensor is caused to begin image capture simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor upstream of the image-capture position, of a coin, and illumination is emitted for a short time simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor at the image-capture position, of the coin, to acquire an image of the coin. Specific patterns are detected in a binary image obtained by converting the acquired image to binary level, and coin discrimination is performed based on the detected patterns.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventors: Masanori Sugata, Akira Onodera
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Publication number: 20040003981Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a money-receiving machine for recognizing currency is disclosed. After a coin or a paper currency inserted into a coin or paper currency receiving unit of the money-receiving machine, the currency recognition apparatus fetches an image of the inserted currency, and selects the reference image of currency corresponding to the image of the inserted currency from a database. Then the currency recognition apparatus calculates a similarity value between the image of the inserted currency and the reference image of the selected currency, and determines that the inserted is genuine if the similarity value is larger than a critical value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicants: Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd., D-Link CorporationInventor: Charng-Long Lee
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Patent number: 6667615Abstract: The present invention provides for a metallic surface identifying sensor including: a magnetic pole portion for detection which shifts facing a surface of a magnetic body to be identified having an uneven shape wherein the distance from the surface to be identified changes along with the uneven shape while shifting; a reference magnetic pole portion which is placed across from a reference surface, wherein the distance from the reference surface to the magnetic pole portion is maintained approximately constant regardless of the shifting of the magnetic pole portion for detection in relation with the surface to be identified; magnetizing coils which are separately wound around the magnetic pole portion for detection and the reference magnetic pole portion to generate magnetic fluxes; and detecting coils which are separately wound around the magnetic pole portion for detection and the reference magnetic pole portion to detect the magnetic fluxes wherein the uneven shape of the surface to be identified of the metType: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fusayoshi Aruga, Junichi Nakajyo, Shogo Momose, Hiroshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 6640956Abstract: A coin handling machine (10) has a coin sorting member (12) with a plurality of sorting openings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) by which respective denominations of coins (14) are sorted, having a coin driving member (21) with webs (22) for moving the coins to the coin sorting openings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), having a motor (60) coupled to the coin driving member (21), and having a brake (65) for stopping the motor (60), the coin handling machine (10). A coin imaging sensor (40) optically images at least a portion of a coin (14) and for transmitting dimensional data for identifying coins by denomination. A main controller (120) receives said dimensional data and counts each coin for bag stopping purposes separate from the counts maintained for totalizing the sorted coins. The controller (120) transmits signals to at least reduce the speed of the motor (60) when a bag count limit is reached for a respective denomination.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Robert F. Fredrick, John P. Grajewski, John A. Kressin, Thomas S. Murphy, Jon R. Stieber
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Patent number: 6637577Abstract: The present invention provides a banknote scope that is comprised of a lightproof cartridge and a circuit control-detecting device, wherein a light-emitting component of said detecting device is set upon the inside of the lightproof cartridge; said lightproof cartridge has a gap-detecting channel so that the light ray emitted from the detecting device exactly shines on the detecting channel via a detecting window; for observing, the lightproof cartridge has a sight-glass coordinating to the detecting window oppositely. This banknote scope can reduce the radiation of static electric to the human body, and to avoid the user unexpectedly inserting fingers into the detecting window, therefore the operation of it is very safe, and it has a cramped construction, small volume for facilitating carryover and operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventors: Chieh Ouyang, Liming Chao
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Patent number: 6634482Abstract: Improved currency scanners for coins and bills which are connected to computers having memories which contain information concerning coinage or printing errors and scarce coins or bills and which compare each coin or bill as it is scanned to identify and alert the user to such coins or bills.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Robert J. Miele
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Publication number: 20030178282Abstract: A currency validator includes a currency counter, a plurality of cameras, an image processor, a comparing processor, and a threshold processor. The currency counter counts multiple currencies including a test currency. Each of the cameras is located at a unique angle from a characteristic area on the test currency. The cameras record and output multiple images of the characteristic area. The image processor crops and reduces the recorded images. The comparing processor compares the processed images with corresponding references. The comparing processor then outputs the results as error matrices. The threshold processor compares the error matrices with corresponding threshold matrices. The threshold processor then outputs a validation result for the tested currency based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Dong-Shan Bao
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Patent number: 6619461Abstract: The modular validator includes a frame body which acts as an intermediary for releasably securing and releasably electrically connecting a series of modular components. In particular, a releasable power interface cooperates with the frame body and a releasable validating head. The frame body allows each of the components to be separately removable and also provides electrical connection between the validator and a host device.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Cashcode Company Inc.Inventors: Leon Saltsov, Sergiy Bukhman
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Patent number: 6588571Abstract: A method of deriving a classification for classifying items of currency into two or more classes comprises measuring known samples for each class, selecting a function corresponding to a non-linear mapping of the feature vector space to a second higher-dimensional space, mapping feature vectors to image vectors, and deriving coefficients representing N−1 axes, where N is the number of classes, in the second space, obtaining values representing the projections of the image vectors for the measured samples onto the N−1 axes, and using those values to derive a separating function for separating the classes equivalent to a function in the second space.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Gaston Baudat
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Publication number: 20030062243Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting fraud upon a money or token accepting device is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus operates in a coin path configured to accept and direct a coin. Prior to credit being provided for a coin or other item of value, the method and apparatus detects and/or analyzes objects in the coin path. The fraud detection system may comprise a sensor mounted to monitor a coin rake or other gating device and/or one or more emitter/detector pairs located in the coin path that transmit energy across the coin path for detection by a detector. The emitter/detector pairs may utilize complex signal schemes to detect fraud perpetration devices. Upon detection of fraud, the money acceptance system will not provide credit or product and a warning or signal may be provided to authorities or to tilt the machine to prevent further attempts at fraud.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventor: Harold E. Mattice
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Patent number: 6499581Abstract: A coin discriminating apparatus includes a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic properties of a coin being transported and producing magnetic data of the coin, an optical sensor for producing optical data of the coin, a reference optical data memory for storing reference optical data of an obverse surface and a reverse surface of coins of each denomination, a reference magnetic data memory for storing reference magnetic data of an obverse surface and a reverse surface of coins of each denomination to be discriminated, a first coin discriminator for comparing optical data of the coin produced by the optical sensor with reference optical data of an obverse surface and a reverse surface of coins of each denomination and determining whether or not the coin is acceptable and the denomination of the coin, and a second coin discriminator for reading from the reference magnetic data memory magnetic reference data selected depending upon whether reference optical data of the obverse surface of a coin of a certain deType: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Yoshida, Takao Moritani, Shigetoshi Imai
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Patent number: 6484865Abstract: A coin discriminating apparatus includes a coin passage member, a first transporting belt disposed above the coin passage member, thereby transporting it, a first light source, a first light detector, a second transporting belt for supporting the lower surface of the coin, a coin passage forming member disposed above the second transporting belt, a second light source, a second light detector, a first pattern data memory for storing the pattern data of the lower surface of the coin, a second pattern data memory for storing the pattern data of the upper surface of the coin, a reference pattern data memory for storing reference pattern data of coins of each denomination, a discriminator for comparing the pattern data of the lower surface of the coin with the reference pattern data of coins of each denomination and comparing the pattern data of the upper surface of the coin with the reference pattern data of coins of each denomination, thereby discriminating whether or not the coin is acceptable and the denominaType: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiko Hibari, Junichi Arikawa
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Publication number: 20020170803Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and corresponding method for examining objects, in particular documents of value, identification or security documents, having at least one detector device (1, 10-15) for detecting at least one property of an object to be examined (5) and for generating at least one detector signal (S) corresponding to the detected property, the detector device (1, 10-15) and the object (5) being movable relative to each other in a transport direction (T) and the detector device (1, 10-15) extending over at least a partial area of the object (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Friedemann Loffler
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Patent number: 6417471Abstract: Device for recognizing coins based on their di-electric surface properties by radiating electromagnetic radiation by a transmitter onto a coin, which is reflected from the surface of the coin and received by a receiver which transforms the reflected electromagnetic radiation into a measuring signal, said signal is then evaluated by an evaluator unit in which a wavelength-selective evaluating signal is generated and compared to wavelength-selective comparison bands.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: F. Zimmerman GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Wolfgang Rompel