• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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    • 专利摘要:
    In order to enable a reliable counting of cards with different construction, a card counter is proposed for counting in a stack or magazine held cards with an interactive with the cards sensor, which is characterized in that the sensor at least two different with each of the zu counting cards of the stack or magazine has interacting sensory channels. Furthermore, the invention relates to a correspondingly arranged method for counting cards stored in the stack or magazine.
    公开号:CH712307B1
    申请号:CH01011/17
    申请日:2016-01-15
    公开日:2019-07-31
    发明作者:Habig Fred
    申请人:Boewe Systec Gmbh；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description: The invention relates to a card counter for counting cards held in a stack or magazine with a sensor interacting with the cards and a method for counting cards stored in a stack or magazine, by means of a sensor system a periodically occurring signal as with the cards are evaluated correlated to the count.
    Card counters or methods of the type mentioned are e.g. from WO 2007/072 166 A2, US Pat. No. 5,457,312, US Pat. No. 7,115,857 B1, US Pat. No. 7,045,765 B2 and US 2004/0 178 373 A1. These known card counters or card counting methods are used, inter alia, for counting cards, which can differ from each other in their concrete design, such as in their color, the formation of their edges, the material or the like.
    It is an object of the present invention to allow a reliable counting of cards even with cards of different design.
    The object of the invention is achieved by a card counter and a method for counting stored in a stack or magazine cards with the features of the independent claims. Other, if appropriate, also advantageous advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.
    A card counter for counting cards held in a stack or magazine with a sensor interacting with the cards is characterized in that the sensor system has at least two sensory channels interacting differently with each of the cards or cards of the stack to be counted.
    In contrast to the e.g. from WO 2007 072 166 A2 known card counter, in which only one interacting with the cards sensors for counting the same is provided in the above card counter at least two different with each of the cards to be counted of the stack or magazine interacting sensory channels provided.
    Due to the different with each of the cards to be counted of the stack or magazine interacting sensory channels a reliable counting of cards can be realized with different configurations, due to the fact that by appropriate training or choice of a respective sensory channel this sensitive to one or more predetermined interactions with the respective card with their respective design. Thus, for example, when counting cards stored in the stack or magazine, a first part number of the cards of identical configuration can be detected very sensitively or very precisely for the purpose of counting over the sensitive channel provided for this embodiment. A further part number of the cards held in the stack or magazine with a different configuration could then e.g. be detected very sensitively or very accurately with a provided for the other embodiment sensitive channel for the purpose of counting.
    For example, there are cards that, even if they have geometrically very similar dimensions, different colors or different configurations of the edges. For example, a shadow-directed sensory channel with black cards can hardly produce a reliable signal that can be evaluated. Even with certain edges of the cards, which could be formed, for example, obliquely, concavely or convex or plan depending on the manufacturing process, certain interactions can unfortunately not deliver reliable results.
    Of course, the cards to be counted need not be all of the cards held in the stack or magazine. In particular, it is conceivable that only a few cards - e.g. to be seized by a gripper of a card vault - are counted by the card counter.
    Overall, therefore, can be realized by the provided sensory channels reliable counting of cards with different configurations, since, for example. in contrast to the card counter known from WO 2007/072 166 A2, several sensory channels are provided in the present solution, of which at least one with suitable training could acquire maps with sufficient accuracy for the purpose of counting, which might not be due to their design when using a single sensor would have been recorded. Because with a single sensor, only a limited detection of cards with different design is possible.
    The cards to be counted may in particular be cards with a thickness which lies above 0.20 mm, in particular above 0.25 mm. However, objects with a thickness of over 5.0 mm or over 4.5 mm are not cards in the above sense. As a rule, the cards to be counted will not exceed a width-to-length ratio of 10 cm x 10 cm. Preferably, the cards are sufficiently intrinsically rigid with a minimum S30 = 150 Nmm2 at a Ausknickkraft of 0.4 N according to DIN 53864 standard. Accordingly, maps may also be referred to as inherently stiff sheets, where they are clamped on one side over its thickness as a clamping depth are bending no more than ten times the thickness down below their own weight. Preferably, cards are inherently elastic at least as long as they are not deflected over 10 times their thickness. Typical examples of the cards that can be counted by means of the card counter are telephone cards, credit cards, bank cards, identification cards and identity cards in all conceivable forms.
    The interactions which may underlie the channels may in particular comprise e.g. one channel optically and another channel interacts with the cards via a touch sensor or via an air-interactive sensor. Also, it is e.g. It is conceivable that in the case of an interaction, the cards optically interact with one channel via reflection and, in the case of another interaction with another channel, optically via shadow casting. Also, in the optical reflection, different directions of the incident light may cause different interactions with the card to be counted, so that by providing the different directions with the cards, different interactive sensory channels can be provided. Likewise, different colors and different polarizations in optical interactions are conceivable. It is understood that corresponding different interactions, in particular to allow separation of the channels, can also be combined.
    Preferably, a sensory channel optically interact with an edge or with a narrow side of the respective card, wherein it may be at the edge or narrow side particularly preferably a reflective for the particular light used acting edge or narrow side. This allows a particularly simple counting, since then the stack does not open or the cards must be moved in the magazine or removed from this.
    In the present context, a stack of cards is preferably defined by a substantially linear array of cards perpendicular to the card plane. For easier handling and reliable counting results, it is advantageous if the cards are each aligned identically and preferably each have substantially the same geometric dimensions. As used herein, the term magazine refers to a stack of cards that are grouped into a collectively tradeable group, which may be implemented by, for example, a tape or sleeve, but also by a box or tray , In this case, the cards are in each case directly against one another when using a tape or a shell, while they may also be provided separately in a box, a tub or a holder by, for example, a part of the cards on a box or tub side and the other part of the cards are supported on another box or tub side or by providing a separate holding compartment for each card in the holder. Likewise, supplementary holding devices, such as, for example, clamping bodies or springs, can ensure that the cards in the boxes, trays or holders reliably exist as a magazine.
    By the sensor of the card counter is meant, in the present context, a device which is adapted to operate the cards for counting, inter alia, using at least one sensor based on interactions, e.g. optical reflection or shadow, which in turn are subject to a certain interaction mechanism between the card and the sensor - e.g. an optical interaction mechanism - to capture. It is understood that the sensor may interact with the card as a single assembly depending on the specific embodiment, such as in «fast or acoustic feedback sensors, or that the sensor, for example via a transmitter, such as a lamp or an ultrasonic transmitter, and may have a receiver, such as a photodiode, a photocell or a microphone, to cause a corresponding interaction.
    A sensory channel is generally to be understood as a sensory detection functionality of the sensor system which is set up to interact with the cards via a specific or predetermined interaction for sensory detection, e.g. a detection functionality, which is set up to interact on the optical paths via reflection or shadow with the cards. As a sensory channel, for example, each one measurement by light under a certain color or polarization or with different input and output angles or by taking advantage of certain effects such as shadow or reflectance serve. Likewise, as a sensory channel can serve a mechanical scanning or a departure with acoustic sensors.
    In a preferred embodiment of the card counter, a displacement device for displacing the sensor along the stack or magazine is provided. Due to the intended displaceability of the sensors, a long series of consecutively arranged cards, which are arranged in the stack or magazine, ie arranged linearly or in one spatial direction, can be detected sensitively by displacing the sensors along the stack or magazine for the purpose of counting , When relocating the sensors along the stack or magazine, the sensors are displaced in the longitudinal direction of the row of cards arranged in succession.
    It is understood that it does not matter whether moved during the displacement of the stack or the magazine and the sensor is held stationary at least in relevant modules or vice versa. Likewise, both the stack or the magazine as well as the sensors can be moved as long as a relative movement, ie a displacement, of the sensor with respect to the stack or the magazine takes place.
    To provide one or more optically interacting sensory channels, in a practical embodiment the sensor system may comprise an optical device in which at least one transmitter and at least one receiver or at least two transmitters or at least two receivers are arranged in a one-piece housing or block or are molded on this. In this way, advantageously a structurally simple and compact designed sensors can be provided. Such a design makes a corresponding sensor for counting stored in stacks or magazines cards also independent of the other features according to structurally simple and compact. Particularly advantageous this can be implemented in the form of a base plate, in which the optics are used or formed, in the latter case, the base plate is preferably made entirely of transparent material. The same applies alternatively or cumulatively thereto, if other optical components, such as
    Apertures or light sources are arranged or formed correspondingly in a base plate or other one-piece assembly, where appropriate, several such assemblies or base plates, such as an assembly or base plate for the light sources and an assembly or base plate for optics or a supplementary assembly or base plate for panels, then structurally connected to each other. This also results in considerable advantages in the assembly, especially in terms of accuracy.
    In a practical embodiment of the card counter, the sensor system has five different sensory channels interacting with each of the cards of the stack or magazine to be counted, the first and second channels being arranged to optically interact with the cards via shadows from different sides, wherein the third and fourth channels are adapted to optically interact via reflection at different angles with the cards, and wherein the fifth channel is adapted to also optically interact with the cards via reflection, wherein in the fifth channel the angle of incidence of the respective Map or edge of the map of radiated light close to vertical, ie less than 10 ° or 8 ° to the map plane. The angle of incidence is, in a known manner, the angle measured from the normal of the edge surface of the respective card, that is to say parallel to the card plane. A card counter designed in accordance with this practical embodiment advantageously enables the consideration of a multiplicity of different card constructions on account of the different interactions possible over the five sensory channels. The fifth channel is also suitable, in particular because of the intended angle of incidence, above all for a flat illumination of the respective card edge or card narrow side, in which the card edge or card narrow side is illuminated in its entirety or almost entirely. In order to enable a very sensitive or high-contrast detection, the illumination can be particularly preferably with a colored light, e.g. an RGB LED, done.
    A method of counting cards held in a stack or magazine by evaluating via a sensor a periodically occurring signal as correlating with the cards for payment, may be characterized in that the sensor via at least two different sensory channels with each the cards of the stack or magazine to be counted interact. The interaction via at least two different sensory channels - that is, via channels which interact differently with each of the cards to be counted - advantageously enables a reliable counting of cards, even with different configurations, as already explained above.
    Preferably, the sensor is displaced along the stack or magazine. Advantageously, by relocating, a long series of consecutively arranged cards held in the stack or magazine can be sensitively detected for counting, as stated above. As also already explained above, this depends on a relative movement between the sensor on the one hand and the stack or the magazine on the other hand, wherein the relative movement has a component perpendicular to the card plane, ie along the stack or magazine.
    Particularly preferably, the sensor interacts with both channels - or with the at least two channels - at the same time with at least one card and detected by both channels the card sensitive. By simultaneously interacting the two channels with at least one card, a very reliable detection of the respective card and thus a very reliable counting can be made possible. Namely, the reliability in counting can be increased by having one of the sensory channels due to e.g. a construction that is not optimal for this channel is not sufficiently sensitive, the sensitivity required for reliable counting can be provided by the other channel, since e.g. the design of the card is better matched to the other channel. In addition, can be shortened by the simultaneous interaction advantageous the process time or count time. The simultaneous interaction allows, if desired, in particular, a correlation of both sensory channels to increase the process reliability, for example by a plausibility check.
    In a practical embodiment of the counting method, the periodically occurring signals of the sensors per channel are first evaluated individually and then compared and / or superimposed. An evaluation of the individual channels can be done, for example, with statistical methods, for example by analyzing the variance, in order to determine, for example, the sensitivity of each channel in this way. In a comparison, the most sensitive channel can then be chosen for payment or for part of the payment. It is conceivable that the comparison for another part of the cards recognizes a different channel as the most sensitive channel, which is then used for a count. Likewise, it is conceivable to use the comparison to select several channels, for example the two or three most sensitive channels, which are used for counting, and to compare their counting results with one another for control purposes or to superimpose these channels initially in their signal and then only the first Counting to make, this selection of multiple channels may be limited to parts of the stack or magazine.
    By suitable evaluation methods in conjunction with suitable comparison methods or overlay methods for the signals occurring, the reliability of the counting value provided by the counting method, which in the ideal case is e.g. the actual number corresponding to cards held in the stack or magazine can be substantially increased. An overlay of the periodically occurring signals can be detected by an optical interaction e.g. be made by adding the gray values. The evaluation of the signals can be carried out using an arbitrary evaluation method, ie an evaluation method in which e.g. the intensity of the signal is taken into account. In particular, a frequency-dependent signal intensity of the evaluation could also advantageously be used as the basis for a Fourier analysis.
    Preferably, after the evaluation, the more significant of the two signals can be used for example for a payment and the other signal for a control and / or for a plausibility check.
    By using, for example, the more significant signal or the most significant signals for counting, the reliability of the count provided by the counting method, which in the ideal case is e.g. the actual number corresponding to cards held in the stack or magazine can be substantially increased. It is understood that the sensory channel of the more significant signal at one region of the stack or magazine need not be identical to the channel of the more significant signal of another region of the stack or magazine. Thus, the areas of the stack or magazine could in particular differ in that the respective cards have different configurations or are at least partially not configured identically.
    Particularly advantageously, the other or the respective other signal can be used for a check and / or for a plausibility check, whereby the reliability of the count provided by the counting method can be increased again. A check or plausibility check could e.g. be that the count result of a count of the other signals or at least, for example, the second most significant should correspond to the count of counting the more significant signals, otherwise, the count usually does not match the actual number, held in the stack or magazine cards.
    For a plausibility check of the counting result, further values, such as, for example, a card thickness or a card weight, can be used in a particularly practical manner. About the card thickness or the card weight can be closed advantageously using the count result on the entire length of the stored in the stack or magazine cards or on the total weight of all cards. A subsequent comparison with the actually present length or the actual total weight then enables a plausibility check of the counting result.
    The plausibility check may e.g. in the card counter or externally by the user, whereby the count result of the count of the more significant signals and / or the other signals can be output to facilitate the plausibility check.
    In a practical embodiment of the card counter or counting method, the sensors in each channel different tracks interact with the cards. Depending on the design of the respective card, this procedure makes it possible to take into account an optimum track for the sensory channel with regard to its sensitivity, preferably on an edge or narrow side of the respective card. In this case, in particular in the case of similar interaction mechanisms, but also in other interaction mechanisms, skipping or influencing of the signals of different channels can be minimized. The latter applies, for example, to two optical channels in which, for example, white light can cover colored light of an adjacent channel, or a mechanical channel which would cover a light beam with a button or the like. By choosing different tracks these disadvantages are reduced to a minimum. The different tracks may in particular be tracks parallel to one another, which are preferably arranged perpendicular to the extension direction of the edge or narrow side or aligned parallel to the direction of extension of the stack or magazine.
    In a further practical embodiment of the card counter or counting method, the sensor system has a common sensor head for the two channels. By providing a common sensor head for the two channels, a structurally simple and compact sensor can be provided.
    Particularly preferably, the sensor head carries both at least one receiver and carries at least one transmitter at least one channel. In this way, a very compact and thus space-saving card counter can be created. The transmitter may vary depending on the nature of the interaction mechanism provided, e.g. to act an acoustic source or a light source. The receiver may be e.g. to act an arrangement of a plurality of CDD sensors to provide analogous to the known from scanning or digital photography technique mapping particular the edges or narrow sides of the cards to be counted.
    It is also conceivable to provide a common receiver and / or a common transmitter for the two channels, along with the creation of a very compact sensor. For example, a white illumination can be provided, which is reflected by the cards on different pixels of CCD sensors. Possibly. then different channels may be provided by filters such as color filters or polarizing filters, or other accompanying measures.
    In a preferred embodiment of the card counter or the counting method, the two channels interact in each case by means of different interaction mechanisms with the cards. This can be implemented, for example, with one channel optically and the other channel via a touch sensor or an air-interacting sensor. Likewise, for example, with a channel optically via reflection and the other channel optically via shadow an interaction with the cards. By providing the different interaction mechanisms, it is advantageously possible to take into account a large number of different card configurations and the most diverse possibilities of interactions. For example, consider transparent cards, which may only be difficult to visual reflections and almost impossible to cast shadows, but acoustic ones
    Reflection are suitable, so they could therefore be detected with sufficient precision based on a sensory channel, which includes an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver for counting purposes, while colored or opaque maps could be detected by shadows.
    The two channels can each interact by means of identical interaction mechanisms with the cards, for example, optically, and interact with the cards from different directions and / or with different frequencies. As a result, different colors, but also differently shaped edges can be reliably counted by different interactions with each suitably selected channels.
    In addition to the exemplified optical interaction mechanism, any other interaction mechanisms are conceivable, in particular an interaction mechanism which makes contact with the cards, e.g. via tactile sensors or an interaction mechanism that provides triangulation by means of laser light. The interaction from different directions can in particular include interaction via shadow casting and / or via different reflection directions and / or via different illumination directions and / or via different viewing directions, wherein this can be realized in particular by different transmitters or receivers. Even with an identical interaction mechanism, by providing the different directions and / or frequencies for interacting with the cards, a wide variety of different sensitivities can be provided, which can be advantageously tailored individually to a variety of card designs.
    In a further preferred embodiment of the card counter or counting method is provided at least one of the sensory channels that this interacts using polarized light with the cards. By using polarized light, unwanted or spurious reflections or scattering effects can be effectively suppressed in a known manner. A polarizing filter used to provide the polarized light could here be e.g. be arranged on the optical path between the transmitter and the card and / or on the optical path between the card and the receiver. Also, if necessary, cards can interact with polarized light with high sensitivity.
    As already explained above, at least one of the sensory channels can optically interact with the cards. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the corresponding channel has an optical transmitter and an optical receiver in order to ensure a corresponding interaction.
    In this case, it is particularly advantageous for the optical transmitter and / or the optical receiver to comprise an opto-electrical converter, such as a light-emitting diode or a photodiode, an incandescent lamp, a photocell or the like, the optical system electrical converter with at least one further optical component, such as a diaphragm or a lens, is connected by means of a common module housing to a module which can be fastened to the sensor by means of a holder of the sensor. This allows for a compact design, a fast and reliable interchangeability of the opto-electrical converter with the associated optical component or a simple and reliable assembly of the sensor, since the opto-electrical converter and the associated optical component can be positioned on the module housing to each other, so that subsequent adjustments between the opto-electrical converter and the associated optical component can be omitted here.
    It is understood that the module housing itself, for example, by its wall, the optical device or another optical device can provide, for example, to provide a diaphragm or a shading.
    By the holder can be ensured in a suitable embodiment, an accurate positioning of the assembly of opto-electrical converter, the other optical component and the common module housing, which, for example, by appropriate fitting seats or suitable recesses and projections, with which the holder the assembly cooperates, can be guaranteed. In particular, the holder can be provided by suitable recesses into which the assembly can be inserted. Corresponding recesses may be provided in particular in a base plate in which a plurality of further sensory channels or in particular optical elements or even further assemblies of opto-electrical converters, associated further optical components and in each case a common assembly housing are arranged. For reasons of compactness, it is advantageous in this case if, in the direction of the cards, the base plate has essentially no projections and possibly projections whose dimensions are those of the optical components or those of the assemblies of opto-electrical converters, further associated optical components and in each case common Assembly housings comply with or do not exceed, are provided.
    Preferably, the package housing is parallel to a main beam direction of the arrangement of the opto-electrical converter and the further optical component less than twice the distance between the opto-electrical converter farthest point of the optical assembly and a the optical component on farthest point of the optical transducer and perpendicular to the main beam direction is smaller than twice the extent of the opto-electrical transducer and the other optical component perpendicular to the main beam direction. This requires a very compact design of the corresponding modules, which can then be readily used in more complex assemblies, such as larger housing or corresponding base plates.
    The modules are particularly easy to exchange and handle, when no further optical assemblies in the optical path between this point and the cards are arranged from a the opto-electrical converter converter furthest away point to the cards. It is then possible to align the opto-electrical converter and the associated optical assemblies all to one another accordingly, so that in this respect further adjustments are not necessary. In particular, filters, such as polarizing filters, or lenses can be aligned accordingly with respect to the module housing, with an overall alignment of the modules with respect to the cards can then be done via a corresponding support on the sensor.
    Preferably, the module housing is formed cylinder jacket-shaped. This ensures a simple structure, wherein the module housing does not necessarily have to have a circular cylindrical surface. Rather, the cylindrical surface can follow, for example, the outer shape of the opto-electrical converter and / or the optical assembly.
    The inner wall of the module housing can, in particular if the module housing is designed in the form of a cylinder jacket, serve as an aperture and possibly also be blackened in particular.
    In order to automatically start or stop the counting, various measures can be provided depending on the specific implementation of the present invention. For example, counting may simply start and end when the sensor is moved from a starting point to an end point relative to the stack or magazine. This procedure is structurally very simple to implement, but can sometimes lead to errors that could be caused for example by the wall of a magazine holder or a tray or by a card holder. It is also possible to provide the wall of a holder, a tub or a box or the edge of a card holder with a mark that can detect the sensor, so that the counting is started or ended upon reaching the mark. In this case, it is conceivable that the marking can be directly detectable by the sensors of the channels, where necessary also the marking in the channels leads to different signals, or that a separate sensory measuring process, for example by a switch or a light barrier, is used for this purpose becomes. In this case, these measures can also be combined with each other in a variety of ways, it being understood that these measures and their combination can also be used advantageously advantageous regardless of the use of different channels in card counters and counting methods. Thus, it is possible, for example, to start a counting process when the sensor system reaches a specific start position and ends the counting process, when no periodic signal is measured or a final signal defined by a specific marker is measured.
    Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of embodiments, which are particularly shown in the attached drawing. In the drawing shows:
    Figure 1 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a first embodiment of a card counter together with cards which are held in a magazine which is displaceable in a carriage.
    Fig. 2 shows the carriage with magazine of the embodiment of Figure 1 enlarged and from another perspective.
    3 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a card counter together with cards which are held in a magazine in which the sensor system can be displaced;
    4 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of the sensor system of the card counter according to FIGS. 1 to 3;
    5 shows a detailed view of the sensor system with respect to the stack of cards of the arrangements according to FIGS. 1 to 3;
    6 shows an enlarged three-dimensional representation of a subregion of the sensors of the card selector
    Figures 1 to 3 from another perspective, together with the cards that are held in the magazine;
    7 shows a schematic detail view of the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 to 3 with three different cards and two transmitters of the sensor system according to FIG. 4;
    8 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a sensor system,
    9 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a third exemplary embodiment of a sensor system;
    10 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a sensor system;
    11 shows a plan view of a plurality of cards detected by the sensor system via different channels;
    Fig. 12 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a third embodiment of a card counter together with cards held in a magazine;
    Fig. 13 is a top view of the sensor plate of the arrangement of Fig. 12;
    FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the sensor plate of the arrangement of FIGS. 12 and 13; FIG.
    Fig. 15 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a fourth embodiment of a card counter together with cards held in a magazine;
    FIG. 16 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 15 with the sensor housing open; FIG.
    17 shows a plan view of the base plate of the arrangement according to FIGS. 15 and 16;
    FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a diode and lens assembly of the arrangement of FIGS. 15-17; FIG. and
    Fig. 19 is a plan view of the base plate of the arrangement of FIG. 15 to 18 in a removed assembly of diode and lens.
    The card counter 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3 for counting in a magazine 12 held cards 14 has a interacting with the cards 14 sensors 16. In order to count the cards 14 held in the magazine 12, the entire magazine 12 can be moved in a straight line relative to the sensor system 16 via a rail 36 (see Figures 1 and 3), whereby all the cards 14 of the magazine 12 are counted by the sensor system 16 for counting can be detected. Here, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the magazine 12 is displaced in a carriage 50 (see Fig. 2) below the sensor 16, while in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the sensor 16 is displaced over the magazine 12.
    The sensor system 16 of the arrangements according to FIGS. 1 to 3 has four sensory channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 interacting with each of the cards 14 of the magazine 12 to be counted (see in particular FIGS. 4 to 5). Each of the four sensory channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 comprises a transmitter 28 in the form of a light source and a receiver 26 common to all sensory channels, which illustrates an opto-electronic line sensor 34 known from conventional scanners (only very schematically - see FIG. 4 and 5).
    Each of the transmitters 28 has blackened edge regions for suppression of stray light (not illustrated). Likewise, the receiver may have corresponding blackening.
    It is also conceivable to provide diaphragms and the like in modified embodiments.
    Each transmitter 28 further includes a non-illustrated arrangement of one or more light emitting diodes or a chip and a lens. In this way, the scattered light can be kept very low and the respective focus area can be illuminated very brightly or very intensively, in particular also to cover or "overshoot" scattering effects.
    Further, by means of this technique, for example, a light spot 54 with a focus area or an extension of 4 mm on the cards is possible, so that at a typical width of 5 mm, a read track or a channel as a scattering area an edge of 0.5 mm remains to accommodate five channels on a card with an edge length of 25 mm.
    Preferably, for optically detecting the cards 14 of all sensory channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 light in flash form with a length of 20 milliseconds is used. The temporal length of the flash for optically detecting the cards 14 can preferably be adapted to the speed with which the sensor 16 is moved relative to the magazine 12 or with which the magazine 12 is moved relative to the sensor 16.
    The sensor system 16 has a common sensor head 24 for all four channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 (see in particular FIGS. 4 and 5).
    Each of the four transmitters 28 is mounted in a bracket 40 attached to the sensor head 24.
    Each of the four sensory channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 interacts in different ways with the cards to be counted 14. Thus, it is provided in the channels 18, 19 that these optically interact with each other from different directions via shadows with the cards 14 , For this purpose, the light emitted or emitted by the two transmitters 28 (see also FIGS. 5 and 6) is used to generate a shadow on the edge 38 or narrow side 38 of a card 14, which is the card 14 which is connected to the light 42 is irradiated immediately adjacent. For this purpose, it is necessary that the irradiation directions are selected such that a corresponding shadow can form on the edge 38 of the respectively adjacent card 14, which is detected by the receiver 26 for the purpose of counting.
    In the situation illustrated in FIG. 5, the detection via the sensory channels 18, 19, in particular for cards 14 with a construction which, due to their dimensions, implies that in the magazine 12 the upper edges 38 of the irradiated ones Cards 14 are arranged below the upper edges 38 of the adjacent cards 14 - see. for example, e.g. the outer left or outer right card 14 of FIG. 8. Irradiation of the center card 14 from a suitable direction may here result in the desired shadowing on the edge 38 of the outer left or outer right card 14. While the edges 38 of the outer left hand card 14 and the center card 14 have a convex and concavely curved cross-sectional shape, respectively, the edge 38 of the outer right hand surface has a rectilinear cross-sectional shape.
    In the channels 30 and 32 it is provided that they interact visually via reflection with the cards 14. For this purpose (see also Fig. 5), the cards 14 are irradiated by the transmitters 28 of the channels 30 and 32 with light 42 and the reflected light is detected by the receiver 26 for the purpose of counting.
    It is understood that the channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 at different and spaced apart portions 52 (see Fig. 6) of the respective edge 38 of a card 14 interact with this, in order to avoid falsifying overlays (see FIG 6 and 11). In this case, the sensor 16 interacts with all four channels 18, 19, 30 and 32 simultaneously with the respective card 14 and the card 14 is detected simultaneously by means of all four channels 18, 19, 30 and 32.
    The sensor system 16 according to FIG. 8 differs from the sensor system described above in that, in order to provide a fifth sensory channel 46, it has another separate transmitter 48 for optical interaction via reflection. The intended angle of incidence of the light irradiated onto the respective card 14 or edge 38 lies essentially at zero degrees, so that this channel 46 is suitable, above all, for a planar illumination of the respective edge 38, in which the edge 38 is entirely or nearly at Whole is illuminated.
    The sensor system 16 according to FIG. 9 differs from the sensor systems described above in that the holders 40 are arranged parallel to one another in order to form a row-shaped arrangement of the transmitters 28, which is particularly suitable for channels with different colors or polarizations.
    The sensor system 16 according to FIG. 10 differs from the sensor systems described above in that only two transmitters 28 and two holders 40 are provided for forming only two sensory channels 18, 19.
    In a method for counting in the magazine 12 vorhaltenen cards 14 using a card counter of Fig. 1 to 3 when using one of the above or below described sensors 16 is provided via the sensor 26 provided via the sensor 26 periodically occurring signal as correlated with the cards 14 to count, for which purpose the sensor 16 via the different sensory channels 18, 19, 30, 32 and 46 interacts with each of the cards to be counted 14 of the magazine 12 and each channel a slightly different and depending Design of the respective card and different signal is detected.
    The periodic signals detected by the receiver 26 are the result of the detection of the reflected or just unreflected light upon irradiation of the edges 38 of the cards 14 or upon the detection of a shadow cast on the edges 38 (see also FIG. 5 to 7). Depending on the configuration of the cards, a different appearance then results for each channel, an example being shown by way of example in FIG. 11. In this example, a sensor 16 was used according to the arrangement of FIG. 8, wherein the channel 18, ie on one of the two cast shadows channels was omitted. Also, for reasons of clarity, the per se very long linear image of the measured magazine is divided into 5 superimposed sections, the magazine or the associated stack beginning right above in Fig. 11 and runs to the left until it reaches the left side of the representation has the image separated and continued in the line below until the magazine ends at the bottom right.
    As can be seen, the magazine is not filled in the rear, so bottom left, because there no periodic signal can be detected.
    Each channel 19, 30, 32 and 46 is located in the image in each case a track as a section 52 perpendicular to the cards.
    The appearance when illuminated by means of the fifth sensory channel 46, the appearance in two reflections by means of the sensory channels 30 and 32 and the appearance in the case of shadowing by means of the sensory channel 19 is illustrated in Fig. 11, which is a plan view of the edges 38 shows all held in the magazine 11 cards. Immediately recognizable is that consecutively several cards are arranged with identical configuration, in which case the configuration changes, and that each configuration different Sensitivitä-th at the respective channels 19, 30, 32 and 46 are to be found. Corresponding deviating configurations can be present on the one hand by the color and on the other hand by different edges, in particular by the production of the cards 14, edges 38 (cf. FIG. 7 by way of example for three cards 14) of the cards 14.
    In concrete implementation, a corresponding appearance is then graphically evaluated by first determining the sensitivity of the respective channels by variance and then superimposed the signals of the two most sensitive channels in the respective sections along the magazine and then from this superimposed signal, the number of cards is determined. The signals of the remaining channels are then used for a plausibility check. It is understood that other procedures for a corresponding evaluation can be used.
    In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, an alternative sensor application is used, which dispenses with separate holders and the sensors and the associated optics 62 all in a common base plate 58 arranges, resulting in corresponding manufacturing advantages and also an increase in accuracy brings. Also, in this embodiment, the sensor 16 is displaced relative to a stack 56 of cards 14, which ultimately, depending on the specific application, may also be provided in a magazine.
    Here, the base plate corresponding recesses 62 (shown by way of example), in which diodes 60 and corresponding optics 62 and a line sensor are inserted at the necessary angles. The edges of the recesses are blackened to minimize stray light. It is understood that, if appropriate, suitable diaphragms or other optical devices can be inserted into the base plate 58. It is also conceivable to use only the optics 62 and other optical devices, if any, in the base plate 58, while the light sources, so for example diodes can be attached elsewhere, for example on a housing of the sensor head 24.
    In an alternative embodiment to the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 14, the base plate is formed of an optically transmissive material, so that the optics can be formed directly in the base plate. Any recesses or the entire remaining base plate can then be blackened. Possibly. Also, another base plate may be provided for other optical elements or for the light sources and the receiver, such as the line sensor, which is then connected to the former, the optics having base plate.
    It is also conceivable to connect the optics 60, such as lenses 66 and the diodes 60 to common assemblies 70 by means of a common module housing 72, which then in an alternative to the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 14 and in FIGS 15 to 19 illustrated embodiment can be used in the base plate 58.
    As shown in particular by way of example in FIG. 18, the common component housing 72 may be designed in the shape of a cylinder jacket, and thus also serve as a diaphragm 68, in particular if it is blackened internally. In the one end of the cylinder jacket-shaped common assembly housing 72 then the lens 66 and in the other end of the diode 60 is used as an opto-electrical converter, so that the common components housing 72, the optical components, lens 66 and diaphragm 68 in relation to the opto-electrical converter. electrical converter can be firmly and accurately positioned, for example, also by the fact that the opto-electrical converter is inserted in each case at different depths into the respective module housing 72, as in particular Figs. 17 and 19 can be removed.
    As can be seen immediately, the assembly 70 is very small and can be used as an optical unit quickly and easily in recesses 62 of the base plate 58, which then serve as brackets 59 for the assemblies 70, and removed again. It is understood that corresponding assemblies 70 can not be used in another place than in a base plate 58 in the sensor head 24.
    By the recesses 62 and by the brackets 59, the assemblies 70 are positioned with respect to the entire sensor 16.
    Each of the assemblies 70 has a main beam direction 74, which may also be defined correspondingly with respect to optical receivers and generally corresponds to an optical axis (see FIG. 18). As will be readily apparent, when assembly 70 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 18, assembly housing 72 is parallel to main radiation direction 74 less than twice the distance between an opto-electrical converter furthest point 76 of the optical assembly. namely, the lens 66, and a lens component 66, namely the lens 66, farthest point 78 of the optical transducer or the diode 60 and perpendicular to the main steel direction 74 is smaller than twice the extent of the opto-electrical transducer and the other Also, from the point 76 of the optical assembly to the cards 14, no further optical assemblies are placed in the optical path between this point 76 and the cards 14.
    The base plate 58 covers a housing 25 of the sensor head 24 at its end facing the cards 14, in which the receiver 26 is arranged and also has a recess 62, which serves as a diaphragm for this receiver 26, on.
    10 card counter 12 magazine 14 cards 16 sensors 18 sensory channel 19 sensory channel 20 displacement device 24 sensor head 25 housing 26 receiver 28 transmitter 30 sensory channel 32 sensory channel 34 line sensor 36 rail 38 edge 40 support 42 light 44 rail 46 sensory channel 48 Transmitter 50 Carriage 52 Section 54 Light spot 56 Stack 58 Base plate 59 Bracket 60 Diode 62 Recess 64 Optics 66 Lens 68 Panel 70 Module 72 Common module housing 74 Main beam direction 76 Point 78 Point
    权利要求:
    Claims (23)
    [1]
    claims
    1. Arrangement of a stack (56) or magazine (12) and a card counter (10) for counting held cards (14) interacting with the cards (14) sensor system (16), characterized in that the sensor system (16 ) has at least two sensory channels (18, 19) interacting differently with each of the cards (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) to be counted.
    [2]
    2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by a displacement device (20) for displacing the sensor (16) along the stack or magazine (12).
    [3]
    3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cards are arranged linearly in the stack (56) or magazine (12).
    [4]
    4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the two different with each of the cards to be counted (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) interacting channels (18, 19) an optical transmitter ( 28) or an optical receiver having an opto-electrical converter, such as a light (60) or photodiode, wherein the opto-electrical converter with at least one further optical component, such as a diaphragm (68) or a lens (66 ), by means of a common module housing (72) to an assembly (70) is connected to the sensor (16) by means of a holder (59) of the sensor (16) can be fastened.
    [5]
    5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module housing (72) parallel to a main beam direction (74) of the arrangement of the opto-electrical converter and the further optical component is smaller than twice the distance between a the opto-electrical converter on farthest point (76) of the optical assembly and a point (78) of the optical transducer farthest from the optical component and perpendicular to the main beam direction (74) is less than twice the extension of the opto-electrical transducer and the further optical component perpendicular to the main radiation direction (74).
    [6]
    6. Arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that from a the opto-electrical converter farthest point (76) of the optical assembly to the cards (14) no further optical assemblies in the optical path between this point ( 76) and the cards (14) are arranged.
    [7]
    7. Arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the module housing (72) is formed cylinder jacket-shaped and the inner wall of the module housing (72) serves as a diaphragm (68).
    [8]
    8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor system (16) per channel (18, 19) interacts in different tracks (22) with the cards (14).
    [9]
    9. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensor system (16) has a common sensor head (24) for the two channels (18, 19).
    [10]
    Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor head (24) carries both at least one receiver (26) and at least one transmitter (28) of at least one channel (18, 19).
    [11]
    11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two different with each of the cards to be counted (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) interacting channels (18, 19) respectively by means of different interaction mechanisms, for example with a Channel (18) optically and the other channel (19) via a touch sensor or an air-interacting sensor or for example with a channel optically via reflection and the other channel optically shadow cast interact with the cards (14).
    [12]
    12. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the two differently with each of the cards to be counted (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) interacting channels (18, 19) each by means of identical interaction mechanisms with the cards (14), for example, optically, interact and interact from different directions and / or with different frequencies with the cards (14).
    [13]
    13. A method of counting in a stack (56) or magazine (12) held cards (14) by a sensor (16) a periodically occurring signal is evaluated as correlating with the cards (14) for payment, characterized in that the sensor system (16) interacts with each of the cards (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) to be counted via at least two different sensory channels (18, 19).
    [14]
    14. counting method according to claim 13, characterized in that the sensor system (16) along the stack (56) or magazine (12) is displaced.
    [15]
    15. Counting method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the sensor system (16) interacts with both channels (18, 19) simultaneously with at least one card (14) and by means of both channels (18, 19) the card (14) is sensitive detected.
    [16]
    16. counting method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the periodically occurring signals of the sensor (16) per channel (18, 19) initially evaluated individually and then compared and / or superimposed.
    [17]
    17. counting method according to claim 16, characterized in that after the evaluation, the sizing of the periodicity more significant of the two signals for a count and the other signal are used for a control and / or for a plausibility check.
    [18]
    18. Counting method according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that for a plausibility check of the count other values, such as a card thickness or a card weight, are used.
    [19]
    19. counting method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the sensor system (16) per channel (18, 19) interacts in different tracks (22) with the cards (14).
    [20]
    20. counting method according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the sensor system (16) has a common sensor head (24) for the two channels (18, 19).
    [21]
    21. Counting method according to claim 20, characterized in that the sensor head (24) carries both at least one receiver (26) and at least one transmitter (28) of at least one channel (18, 19).
    [22]
    22. counting method according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the two different with each of the cards to be counted (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) interacting channels (18, 19) each by means of different interaction mechanisms, for example with a channel (18) optically and the other channel (19) via a touch sensor or an air-interacting sensor or for example with a channel optically via reflection and the other channel optically shadow cast interact with the cards (14).
    [23]
    23. counting method according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the two different with each of the cards to be counted (14) of the stack (56) or magazine (12) interacting channels (18, 19) each by means of identical interaction mechanisms with the Cards (14), for example, optically, interact and interact from different directions and / or with different frequencies with the cards (14).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2016134692A1|2016-09-01|
    DE112016000921A5|2017-11-16|
    DE102015002419A1|2016-09-01|
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    US3422274A|1964-06-01|1969-01-14|Edward M Coan|Radiation sensitive apparatus for sensing and counting|
    JP2726514B2|1989-09-22|1998-03-11|株式会社東工精機製作所|Card counting device|
    US5457312A|1994-08-24|1995-10-10|Ford Motor Company|Method and apparatus for counting flat sheets of specularly reflective material|
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    FR2854476B1|2003-04-30|2005-07-01|Datacard Inc|DEVICE FOR COUNTING STACKED PRODUCTS|
    US7115857B1|2005-06-27|2006-10-03|River City Software Llc|Apparatus for remotely counting objects in a collection using differential lighting|
    FR2895119B1|2005-12-19|2008-02-15|Datacard Corp|DEVICE FOR COUNTING SMALL SERIES|
    JP5443915B2|2009-09-16|2014-03-19|グローリー株式会社|Paper sheet counting apparatus and paper sheet counting method|JP6667303B2|2015-08-07|2020-03-18|日本電産サンキョー株式会社|Card storage device|
    法律状态:
    2020-08-31| PL| Patent ceased|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DE102015002419.1A|DE102015002419A1|2015-02-26|2015-02-26|Card counter and method for counting cards held in a stack or magazine|
    PCT/DE2016/100019|WO2016134692A1|2015-02-26|2016-01-15|Card counter and method for counting cards held in a stack or magazine|
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