A coin sensor device for determining specific types of coins

专利摘要:
A coin sensor assembly for use in sensing a specific type of coin is described. The coin sensor assembly SA comprises: a coin guide CG for allowing a coin to follow a predetermined path in said coin sensor assembly; a transmitter coil TC; a primary receiver coil RC1; and a secondary receiver coil RC2. The coin guide CG defines a detection area DA which is arranged between said transmitter coil TC on the one hand and said primary receiver coil RC1 and said secondary receiver coil RC2 on the other hand. The transmitter coil TC is being adapted to be applied with an electrical transmitter signal TS so as to generate a magnetic field corresponding to said electrical transmitter signal; the primary receiver coil RC1 is being adapted to induce a primary electrical signal ES1, based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal TS, and as being sensed by said primary receiver coil RC1, and the secondary receiver coil RC2 is being adapted to induce a secondary electrical signal ES2, based on based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal TS, and as being sensed by said secondary receiver coil RC2. The inventive coin sensor assembly provides better detection of coins when used in a coin sensor device.
公开号:DK202000450A1
申请号:DKP202000450
申请日:2020-04-16
公开日:2021-11-08
发明作者:Erik Rasmussen Jes
申请人:Ctcoin As；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

DK 2020 00450 A1 1 A coin sensor device for determining specific types of coins Field of the invention The present invention relates in general to the field of coin handling systems. — More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a coin sensor assembly. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a coin sensor device for sensing a specific type of coin. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method for determining a specific type of coin by using such coin sensor device.
— In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a computer program product configured to carry out certain process steps of the method according to the third aspect of the invention. In a fifth aspect the present invention related to a coin counting device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the invention.
In a sixth aspect the present invention relates to a coin sorting device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the invention.
In a seventh aspect the present invention relates to a coin recycler comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the invention.
In an eighth aspect the present invention relates to a coin packaging device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the invention.
In a ninth aspect the present invention relates to a use of a coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention; or of a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention; or of a coin counting device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin sorting device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin recycler according to the sixth aspect of the invention; or of a coin packaging device according to the seventh aspect of the invention, for handling coins. Background of the invention Within the field of banking and automatic coin handling systems it has been known for decades to provide devices which are able to distinguish one type of coin of a given currency system from another type of coin of the same or another currency system. Such devices are used e.g. for coin sorting and coin counting.
DK 2020 00450 A1 2 Originally such devices were of purely mechanical design, wherein the device, based on the specific parameters of weight, physical dimensions and so forth of the coins, was able to distinguish one type of coin from another.
However, such purely mechanical devices will not be suitable for use in coin handling devices in situations in which two or more coins of the currency systems being handled have too similar physical dimensions.
An improvement to the purely mechanical device mentioned above was subsequently invented. This improvement relates to an electronic sensor device.
The electronic sensor device made use of a transmitter coil and a receiver coil. An electric AC — signal is being applied to the transmitter coil, thereby creating a magnetic field in that transmitter coil.
The receiver coil, on the other hand, will by virtue of the magnetic field generated in the transmitter coil induce an electrical signal in the receiver coil. This electrical signal induced in the receiver coil will be altered as a coin passes the detection area between the transmitter coil — and the receiver coil, commensurate with inter alia the type of metal or alloy used for manufacturing the coil, the amount of metal or alloy making up the coin, and the physical dimensions of the coin.
Accordingly, as different types of coins of a specific currency system varies as to the above- mentioned parameters, a specific coin signature, as measured by the receiver coil, can be assigned to each type of coin of a specific currency system.
By electronically consulting a data storage, comprising an array of coin signatures and comprising information relating to associated types of coins, and by comparing the coin signature of an actual coin passing the detection area of the prior art coin sensor, with the various coin signatures in the data storage, it will be possible to determine which type of coin is passing the detection areas in the coin sensor device.
Although the electronic coin sensor device described above and comprising a transmitter coil and a receiver coil will allow a more reliable determination of types of coins and hence will be more efficient in a process involving determination of a huge amount of coins, this electronic coin sensor device nevertheless poses some shortcomings.
— One of these shortcomings relates to the consequences of coins moving at relative high velocities. As the velocity of a coin is increased, the coin will have a tendency to leave the supporting coin guide, in that it may start to bounce along its coin guide.
Accordingly, it has been found that at high speeds of coin passages in the prior art electronic coin sensor device, the coins exhibit deviations as to the specific height level, relative to the coin guide, the coins will attain in passing the receiver coil.
DK 2020 00450 A1 3 Such effect makes the coin signature determined in respect of an actual coin passage deviate from a coin signature in respect of a coin which has not left the supporting coin guide in its passage through the detection area between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil. Hence, an accurate determination of the coin signature of the actual coin will be impaired or even impossible with the prior at coin sensor device in case the coins start bouncing along the coin guide. Accordingly, improved coin sensor devices, uses and methods are needed in the operation of identifying specific types of coins. It is an objective of the present invention to provide devices, uses and methods which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Brief description of the invention These objectives are fulfilled according to the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth and the ninth aspect of the present invention.
Accordingly, the first aspect of the present invention relates to a coin sensor assembly for use in sensing a specific type of coin, wherein said coin sensor assembly in the orientation intended during use comprises: -a coin guide for allowing a coin to follow a predetermined path in said coin sensor assembly; -a transmitter coil; -a primary receiver coil; -a secondary receiver coil; wherein said coin guide defines a detection area which is arranged between said transmitter coil on the one hand and said primary receiver coil and said secondary receiver coil on the — other hand; wherein said transmitter coil is being adapted to be applied with an electrical transmitter signal so as to generate a magnetic field corresponding to said electrical transmitter signal; wherein said primary receiver coil is being adapted to induce a primary electrical signal, based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal, and as being sensed by said primary receiver coil; wherein said secondary receiver coil is being adapted to induce a secondary electrical signal, based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal, and as being sensed by said secondary receiver coil.
DK 2020 00450 A1 4 In a second aspect of the present invention relates to a coin sensor device comprising a coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect in combination with a control unit; wherein said control unit comprises an identifier and a data storage; wherein said control unit is configured to provide said electric transmitter signal to said transmitter coil; wherein said control unit is configured to receive said primary electrical signal from said primary receiver coil; wherein said control unit is configured to receive said secondary electrical signal from said secondary receiver coil,
wherein said primary electrical signal is in the form of a primary steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area; and wherein said primary electrical signal is in the form of a disturbed primary signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area; wherein said secondary electrical signal is in the form of a secondary steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area; and wherein said secondary electrical signal is in the form of a disturbed secondary signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area; wherein said identifier is being configured to receive information originating from said disturbed primary signal and from said disturbed secondary signal, and on the basis thereof to define specific coin signatures, which are representative of a specific coin passing said detection area; wherein said data storage, in respect of each coin of one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said primary receiver coil at two or more different height levels above said coin guide, each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures representing information relating to said disturbed primary signal upon passage of a specific coin in said detection area at a specific height level above said coin guide; wherein said data storage, in respect of each said coin of said one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil at said two or more different height levels above said coin guide, each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures representing information relating to said disturbed secondary signal upon passage of said specific coin in said detection area at said specific height level above said coin guide; wherein said data storage comprises information relating to a correlation between a specific coin signature of said array of different coin signatures, and the corresponding type of coin
— passing said detection area;
DK 2020 00450 A1 wherein said identifier, upon passage of an actual coin in said detection area, is configured to consult said data storage, and thereby by comparison, identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that actual coin. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method for determining a specific type of 5 coin amongst a number of possible types of coins; wherein said method comprises the following steps: 1) providing a coin sensor device according to second aspect of the present invention; i1) while allowing a specific coin to follow the predetermined path of said coin guide of said device and thereby to pass said detection area, allowing said control unit to apply an electrical — signal to said transmitter coil; ii1) while performing step ii), allowing said primary receiver coil to induce a disturbed primary electrical signal; iv) while performing step ii), allowing said secondary receiver coil to induce a disturbed secondary electrical signal; v) allowing said control unit to receive said disturbed primary electrical signal from said primary receiver coil and said disturbed secondary electrical signal from said secondary receiver coil, and thereby allow said identifier to define a coin signature associated with said coin, vi) allowing said identifier, to consult said data storage, and thereby by comparison with the information retrievable therefrom and relating to arrays of coin signatures, to identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that specific coin passing said detection area.
In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a computer program product which, when being loaded on a data carrier, is being configured for carrying out steps ii) — vi) of the — method of the third aspect of the present invention.
In a fifth aspect the present invention relates to a coin counting device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
In a sixth aspect the present invention relates to a coin sorting device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
In a seventh aspect the present invention relates to a coin recycler comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
In an eighth aspect the present invention relates to a coin packaging device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention. In a ninth aspect the present invention relates to the use of a coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, or of a coin sensor device according to the second
DK 2020 00450 A1 6 aspect of the present invention; or of a computer program product according to the fourth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin counting device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin sorting device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin recycler according to the seventh aspect of the present invention; or of —acoin packaging device according to the eight aspect of the present invention in handling coins.
With the present invention in its various aspects improved coin sensing abilities are attained.
Hereby, according to the various aspects of the present invention, valid coins as well as invalid coins are more accurately identified and in respect of valid coins, more accurately the nominal value of such coins can be identified.
Brief description of the figures Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of a prior art coin sensor device properly handling coins which do not bounce in the passage through the coin sensor device.
Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration illustrating the problems encountered by the prior art coin sensor device illustrated in fig. 1 when coins are bouncing in the passage through the coin sensor device.
Fig. 3a is a schematic diagram which illustrates the design of a coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention.
Fig. 3b illustrates coin signatures which can be identified and assigned to coins passing the detection area of the coin sensor assembly of fig. 3a.
Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of the coin sensor device according to the present invention, properly handling coins irrespective whether they bounce or not in their passage through the coin sensor device.
Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration illustrating a situation in which the coin sensor device of fig. 4 is about to identify another type of coin than the coin being detected in fig. 4. Detailed description of the invention The first aspect of the present invention In a first aspect the present invention relates to a coin sensor assembly for use in sensing a specific type of coin, wherein said coin sensor assembly in the orientation intended during use comprises:
DK 2020 00450 A1 7 -a coin guide for allowing a coin to follow a predetermined path in said coin sensor assembly; -a transmitter coil; -a primary receiver coil; -a secondary receiver coil; wherein said coin guide defines a detection area which is arranged between said transmitter coil on the one hand and said primary receiver coil and said secondary receiver coil on the other hand; wherein said transmitter coil is being adapted to be applied with an electrical transmitter signal so as to generate a magnetic field corresponding to said electrical transmitter signal; wherein said primary receiver coil is being adapted to induce a primary electrical signal, based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal, and as being sensed by said primary receiver coil; wherein said secondary receiver coil is being adapted to induce a secondary electrical signal, — based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal, and as being sensed by said secondary receiver coil.
Accordingly, the coin sensor assembly allows the transmitter coil to be applied an electric signal which will induce an electric signal in the primary receiver coil as well as the in the secondary receiver coil.
The signals induced in the primary receiver coil and in the secondary receiver coil, respectively will allow a more accurate identification of a coin passing the detection area between the transmitter coil on the one hand and the primary receiver coil and said secondary receiver coil on the other hand, as explained further below in relation to the second aspect of the present invention.
Inthe present description and in the amended claims the term “in the orientation intended during use” may be construed to mean an orientation in which the coin guide is arranged in a lower part of the coin sensor assembly, relative to the transmitter coil and the primary and the secondary receiver coils.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention, the coin guide comprises a rail having a lower surface delimiting the predetermined path of a coin in a downward direction; and optionally also one or two sides extending in an upward direction from said lower surface, thereby delimiting the predetermined path of said coin in a sideways direction.
Hereby a coin to be detected can be securely guided through the detection area. This is particularly advantageous in case the coin sensor assembly is to be used in a free flow coin handling device.
2 DK 2020 00450 A1 In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention, the primary receiver coil and said secondary receiver coil are arranged at different height levels in relation to said coin guide. In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention primary receiver coil and said secondary receiver coil are arranged directly above each other, or in a staggered arrangement above each other. These two embodiments are particularly advantageous in that they provide very accurate identification of coins passing the detection area of the coin sensor assembly. In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention an — inner, lowest point of said primary receiver coil and/or said secondary receiver coil independently is/are arranged at a height above said coin guide of 0 — 50 mm, such as 1 — 45 mm, e.g. 2 — 40 mm, such as 4 — 38 mm, for example 5 — 35 mm, such as 8 — 30 mm, e.g. 10- 25 mm or 15 — 20 mm.
These dimensions have proven to be sufficient for the intended purpose of inducing an electric signal of adequate magnitude in the two receiver coils.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention primary receiver coil and said secondary receiver coil are having physical dimensions so as to define equal magnitudes of areas for incoming magnetic flux or different magnitudes of areas for incoming magnetic flux.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the secondary receiver coil is being arranged at a height level higher than the height level of the primary receiver coil.
These two embodiments both provide a coin sensor assembly having an adequate sensibility. In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the — area for incoming magnetic flux of said first and/or second receiver coil independently is selected from the range of 1 - 1000 mm”, such as 2 — 800 mm , e.g. 5 — 700 mm , such as 10 - 600 mm , such as 20 — 500 mm , e.g. 40 — 400 mm , such as 50 — 300 mm , such as 100 — 250 mm , such as 150 — 200 mm In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the axial length of said first and/or second receiver coil independently is selected from the range of 0.5 — 50 mm, such as 1 — 45 mm, e.g. 2 — 40 mm, such as 4 — 35 mm, e.g. 5 —30 mm, such as 8-35 mm, e.g. 10-25 mm or 15 — 20 mm.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the number of windings of said first receiver coil and/or said second receiver coil independently — is selected from the ranges of 5 — 20,000, e.g. 10 — 15,000, such as 50 — 12,000, such as 100 — 10,000, for example 200 — 8,000, for example 500 — 6,000, such as 800 — 5,000, for example 1,000 — 4,000 or 2,000 — 3,000.
2 DK 2020 00450 A1 These dimensions have proven to be sufficient for the intended purpose of inducing an electric signal of adequate magnitude in the two receiver coils. In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the inner, lowest point of said transmitter coil is arranged at a height above said coin guide of 0 — 50mm, such as I — 45 mm, e.g. 2 — 40 mm, such as 4 — 38 mm, for example 5 — 35 mm, such as 8 —30 mm, e.g. 10-25 mm or 15 — 20 mm. In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the area for outgoing magnetic flux of said transmitter coil TC is selected from the ranges of 5 — 3,000 mm , such as 10 — 2,500 mm , e.g. 20 — 2,000 mm , such as 35 - 1,500 mm such as 40 — 1,200 mm , e.g. 50 — 1,000 mm , such as 75 — 800 mm , such as 100 — 600 mm , such as 150 — 500 mm , for example 200 — 400 mm or 250 — 300 mm .
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the number of windings of the coil of the transmitter coil is selected from the range of 1 — 20,000, e.g. 2 — 15,000, such as 5 — 12,000, such as 10 — 10,000, for example 50 — 9,000, e.g. 100 — — 8,000, such as 200 — 7,000, for example 500 — 6,000, such as 800 — 5,000, for example 1,000 — 4,000 or 2,000 — 3,000.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the axial length of said transmitter coil is selected from the range of 0.5 — 50 mm, such as 1 — 45 mm, e.g. 2—40 mm, such as 4 — 35 mm, e.g. 5 — 30 mm, such as 8 —35 mm, e.g. 10 — 25 mm or 15-20 mm.
These dimensions and numbers have proven to be sufficient for the intended purpose of providing sufficient magnetic flux in the two receiver coils.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the coin sensor assembly additionally comprises one or more additional receiver coils; wherein — each said additional receiver coil is being adapted to induce an additional electrical signal, based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal, and as being sensed by further receiver coil.
Providing the coin sensor assembly with more than two receiver coils may enhance detection ability of the coin sensor device with which the coin sensor assembly is to be used.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention the coin sensor assembly is adapted for use in a free flow device or in a forced flow device; wherein in case of a forced flow device, said coin guide is being defined as part of the forced path to be followed by a coin moving in such a forced flow device.
The coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention is particularly well-suited for use in free-flowing coin handling devices.
However, the coin sensor assembly may also be used in so-called forced flow devices in which the trajectory of the coin is forced to follow a predetermined path. In such a latter case,
DK 2020 00450 A1 10 the coin guide as being part of the coin sensor assembly shall be interpreted to be part of that forced path defined in respect of and to be followed by a coin moving in such a forced flow device.
The second aspect of the present invention In a second aspect of the present invention relates to a coin sensor device comprising a coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect in combination with a control unit; wherein said control unit comprises an identifier and a data storage; wherein said control unit is configured to provide said electric transmitter signal to said transmitter coil; wherein said control unit is configured to receive said primary electrical signal from said primary receiver coil; wherein said control unit is configured to receive said secondary electrical signal from said secondary receiver coil,
wherein said primary electrical signal is in the form of a primary steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area; and wherein said primary electrical signal is in the form of a disturbed primary signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area; wherein said secondary electrical signal is in the form of a secondary steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area; and wherein said secondary electrical signal is in the form of a disturbed secondary signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area; wherein said identifier is being configured to receive information originating from said disturbed primary signal and from said disturbed secondary signal, and on the basis thereof to define specific coin signatures, which are representative of a specific coin passing said detection area; wherein said data storage, in respect of each coin of one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said primary receiver coil at two or more different height levels above said coin guide, each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures representing information relating to said disturbed primary signal upon passage of a specific coin in said detection area at a specific height level above said coin guide; wherein said data storage, in respect of each said coin of said one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil at said two or more different
— height levels above said coin guide, each said coin signature of said array of different coin
DK 2020 00450 A1 11 signatures representing information relating to said disturbed secondary signal upon passage of said specific coin in said detection area at said specific height level above said coin guide; wherein said data storage comprises information relating to a correlation between a specific coin signature of said array of different con signatures, and the corresponding type of coin passing said detection area; wherein said identifier, upon passage of an actual coin in said detection area, is configured to consult said data storage, and thereby by comparison, identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that actual coin. Accordingly, the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the invention comprises the coin — sensor assembly of the first aspect in combination with a control unit.
The control unit is configured to provide an electric transmitter signal to the transmitter coil of the device. Additionally, the control unit is configured to receive the electric signals induced in the primary and the secondary receiver coil.
Based on the electric signal induced in the primary and the secondary receiver coils, respectively, the identifier of the control system identifies, on the basis of these electric signals being induced in the two receiver coils, an actual coin signature representative of the coin passing the detection area of the coin sensor assembly.
The identifier subsequently consults the data storage of the control unit which is configured to be able to provide information as to coin signatures as would be measured by the primary and — secondary receiver coil at two or more different height levels above the coin guide, wherein each of these coin signatures representing information relating to disturbed signals encountered in the primary and in the secondary receiver coils upon passage of a specific coin in the detection area at a specific height level above said coin guide.
In essence, the control unit is thereby configured to handle actually coin signatures as measured by the primary and secondary receiver coils, respectively and the control unit is furthermore configured to consult the data storage which can be said to have stored therein or at least being able to provide “model coin signatures” in respect of different coins passing the detection area at different height levels above the coin guide.
On the basis hereof a more accurate coin detection is made possible by the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the information relating to coin signatures of the array of coin signatures of said data storage relates to a collection of correlations between coin signatures of all valid coins of one or more specific currency systems and its corresponding specific coin.
Hereby, each specific coin of one or more currency systems can be detected by the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention.
DK 2020 00450 A1 12 In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention control unit is being configured to process said disturbed primary signal and said disturbed secondary signal separately and in parallel. This is one preferred mode of processing information provided by the primary and secondary receiver coil. In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention control unit is being configured to provide a composite disturbed signal from said disturbed primary signal and said disturbed secondary signal, and wherein said control unit is being configured process said composite disturbed signal; wherein said disturbed primary signal contributes with a first weight to said composite signal, and wherein said disturbed secondary signal contributes with a second weight to said composite signal.
This is an alternative and preferred mode of processing information provided by the primary and secondary receiver coil. In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the — control unit is configured to provide said transmitter signal in the form of a sine curve, a triangular curve, a square curve or another type of regular curve shape having a specific frequency; or in the form of an aggregation of such curves having different frequencies; or is in the form of white noise or pink noise; or is in the form of transient signal(s).
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the — control unit U is configured to provide said transmitter signal having a frequency or frequencies in the range of 100 — I x 10° Hz, such as 300 - 1 x 10% Hz, such as 750 - 1 x 10’ Hz, suchas 1 x 10° Hz - 1 x 10% Hz, suchas 1 x 10*Hz- 1x 10’ Hz or 1 x 10°Hz- I x 10° Hz.
These details relating to the transmitter signal provided by the control unit to the transmitter — coil have proven beneficial for the intended purpose.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the data storage has previously been loaded with said information relating to said array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said primary receiver coil at said two or more different height levels; and the data storage has previously been loaded with information relating to an array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil at said two or more different height levels.
This is one preferred embodiment of being able to retrieve from the data storage, information relating to the array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by the primary receiver coil and the secondary receiver coil, respectively.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the control unit is being configured to predict said information relating to said array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said primary receiver coil at said two or more different height levels, based on user inputs provided to said control unit; and wherein the
DK 2020 00450 A1 13 control unit is being configured to provide said information to said data storage; and the control unit is being configured to predict said information relating to said array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil at said two or more different height levels, based on user inputs provided to said control unit; and wherein said — control unit is being configured to provide said information to said data storage. In this embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the control unit is configured to provide said information relating to said array of different coin signatures and said information relating to said array of different coin signatures on the basis of artificial intelligence or deep learning.
These two embodiments are useful in providing accurate coin identification with the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the invention.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the information retrievable from said data storage and relating to said array of different coin signatures, is relating to parameters, such as amplitude of the coin signatures of said array of coin signatures; frequency dependent amplitudes of the coin signatures of said array of coin signatures; or phase shift of the coin signatures of said array of coin signatures; or a combination of such parameters.
These parameters have proven advantageous to apply in the identification performed by the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the invention.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the information being retrievable from said data storage and relating to said array of different coin signatures, each is relating to predetermined ranges of one or more parameters; wherein said control unit is configured to identify a specific coin passing said detection area, only in case the coin signature, as identified by said identifier is having a value/values of said one or more — parameters falling within said predetermined ranges as retrievable from said data storage. According to this embodiment the coin signatures of the coin signature assemblies being retrievable from the data storage of the control unit are represented by a range between two extreme values of parameter(s), and in order for the identifier to recognize an actual coin signature as originating from the first and second receiver coils, respectively, that coin signature must lie within the range defined by these extreme values. Such extreme values of that parameter(s) are predetermined.
In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the primary and secondary receiver coils, respectively, are configured to provide the disturbed signals to the control unit in the analog domain; and said control unit is configured to quantify these signal so as to obtain digitized signals; wherein the information being retrievable from the data storage and relating to the array of coin signatures and are in the form of digital information; and wherein the control unit is configured for performing processing in the digital domain.
DK 2020 00450 A1 14 Converting the analog signals induced in the receiver coils and converting these signals into a digitized form is preferrred because the signals in this way can be processed digitally. In one embodiment of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the present invention the coin sensor assembly is a coin sensor assembly which additionally comprises one or more additional receiver coils; wherein each said additional receiver coil is being adapted to induce an additional electrical signal, based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal, and as being sensed by further receiver coil; wherein said control unit is configured to receive each said additional electrical signal from each said additional receiver coil; wherein each said electrical signal is in the form of an N’th steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area; and wherein said N’th electrical signal is in the form of a disturbed N'th signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area; wherein said identifier is being configured to additionally receive information originating from each said disturbed N’th signal, and on the basis thereof to define specific coin — signature, which are representative of a specific coin passing said detection area; wherein said data storage, in respect of each coin of one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures, as would be measured by each of said N’th receiver coil at two or more different height levels above said coin guide, each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures representing information relating to said disturbed N’th signal upon passage of a specific coin in said detection area at a specific height level above said coin guide; wherein said data storage comprises information relating to a correlation between a specific coin signature of said array of different con signatures, and the corresponding type of coin passing said detection area; wherein said identifier, upon passage of an actual coin in said detection area, is configured to consult said data storage, and thereby by comparison, identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that actual coin.
This embodiment with additional receiver coils and additional processing of electric signals induced in these additional receiver coils provides for improved detection ability of the coin sensor device of the second aspect of the invention.
In this embodiment each additional receiver coil added gives rise to features in analogy with the features associated with each of the primary and secondary receiver coil. This applies in respect of the coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect of the invention as well as to the coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the invention and to the signal — processing performed therewith.
The third aspect of the present invention
DK 2020 00450 A1 15 In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method for determining a specific type of coin amongst a number of possible types of coins; wherein said method comprises the following steps: 1) providing a coin sensor device according to second aspect of the present invention; 11) while allowing a specific coin to follow the predetermined path of said coin guide of said device and thereby to pass said detection area, allowing said control unit to apply an electrical signal to said transmitter coil, ii1) while performing step ii), allowing said primary receiver coil to induce a disturbed primary electrical signal; iv) while performing step ii), allowing said secondary receiver coil to induce a disturbed secondary electrical signal; v) allowing said control unit to receive said disturbed primary electrical signal from said primary receiver coil and said disturbed secondary electrical signal from said secondary receiver coil, and thereby allow said identifier to define a coin signature associated with said coin; vi) allowing said identifier, to consult said data storage, and thereby by comparison with the information retrievable therefrom and relating to arrays of coin signatures, to identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that specific coin passing said detection area.
The fourth aspect of the present invention In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a computer program product which, when being loaded on a data carrier, is being configured for carrying out steps ii) — vi) of the method of the third aspect of the present invention.
The fifth aspect of the present invention In a fifth aspect the present invention relates to a coin counting device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
The sixth aspect of the present invention In a sixth aspect the present invention relates to a coin sorting device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
DK 2020 00450 A1 16 The seventh aspect of the present invention In a seventh aspect the present invention relates to a coin recycler comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention. — The eighth aspect of the present invention In an eighth aspect the present invention relates to a coin packaging device comprising a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention. The ninth aspect of the present invention In a ninth aspect the present invention relates to the use of a coin sensor assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, or of a coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention; or of a computer program product according to the fourth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin counting device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin sorting device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention; or of a coin recycler according to the seventh aspect of the present invention; or of a coin packaging device according to the eight aspect of the present invention in handling coins.
Example 1 This example illustrates the operation of a prior art coin sensor device adapted to sense passing coins moving in a fashion where they do not bounce (i.e. leave the supporting coin guide). In this example reference is made to Fig. 1.
In this simplified example we refer to a fictious currency system comprising only two coins having the nominal values NV of 1.00 and 5.00, respectively.
A coin sensor assembly SA according to prior art is constructed. The coin sensor assembly SA comprises a transmitter coil TC and a receiver coil RC. Between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil is arranged coin guide CG for allowing a coin C to follow a predetermined path by rolling and/or by sliding. The coin guide defines a detection area DA between the transmitter coil TC and the receiver coil RC.
In fig. 1 the coin sensor assembly SA is viewed in a front view, meaning that we are looking in a direction parallel to the coin path of the coin guide CG.
In respect of the transmitter coil TC and the receiver coil RC, the outer rim of the windings has an area of 200 mm and the axial length of these coils is 8 mm. Each coil TC and RC has 190 turns of copper wire.
1 DK 2020 00450 A1 A control unit CU is connected to the transmitter coil TC and to the receiver coil RC. The control unit is generating an alternating electrical signal which is being supplied to the transmitter coil TC via its electric leads. Hereby a magnetic field is generated in the transmitter coil. The electrical signal supplied to the transmitter coil is a simple sine wave having a frequency of 1.00 kHz. Due to the close vicinity of the receiver coil RC relative to the transmitter coil TC, the receiver coil induces an electric signal commensurate with the magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil TC and as sensed by the receiver coil RC. The induced signal of the receiver coil is supplied to the control unit.
In the situation where no coin is passing the detection area DA between the transmitter coil TC and the receiver coil RC the electric signal induced in the receiver coil RC can be considered as being a steady-state signal.
Once a coin is passing the detection area DA between the transmitter coil TC and the receiver coil RC the steady-state signal induced in the receiver coil RC is being disturbed, thereby implying that a disturbed signal is being induced in the receiver coil RC.
The magnitude of this disturbance is depending on inter alia the type of metal/alloys used in the manufacture of the coin C, the amount of metal/alloy used per coin, and physical dimensions of the coin C.
The magnitude of the disturbance of the steady-state signal, caused by a specific type of a passing coin C, and as represented as the disturbed signal, can be interpreted to represent a “coin signature” CS of that specific type of coin C.
In fig. 1 it is seen that a coin C is passing the detection area DA of the coin sensor assembly SA of the prior art coin sensor device CSD. The lower rim of the coin C is arranged at a height level Ho corresponds to the level of the coin guide CG.
Accordingly, the passing of the coin C in the detection area DA gives rise to a disturbed signal being induced in the receiver coil RC.
An identifier ID of the control unit CU of the coin sensor device CSD of fig. 1 is configured to identify a coin signature CS representative of the passing coin C. This is illustrated in fig. 1 as the curve in the dashed “blob” within the control unit CU. Subsequently, the control unit CU consults the data storage DS and attempts, by comparison, to identify which of the preloaded coin signatures CSA of the data storage, that passing coin represents. In fig. 1 it is seen that the data storage DS has been preloaded with coin signatures CSA — corresponding to coins of the two possible nominal values NV = 1.00 and NV = 5.00.
8 DK 2020 00450 A1 The data in the data storage DC and relating to the array of coin signatures CSA have been loaded in that data storage DS as predetermined ranges of signals. This is illustrated in Fig. 1 as the two sine curves having different amplitudes in each of the boxes representing the stored array CSA of coin signatures in the data storage DS.
In order for a coin C, passing the detection area DA and hence giving rise to a coin signature CS as identified by the identifier ID to be recognized, and in order to determine the nominal value NV of that coin, the associated coin signature CS must lie withing the predetermined ranges as determined by these two sine curves.
In the example illustrated in fig. 1 it can be seen that the coin signature CS identified by the identifier ID, and representing the signal induced in the receiver coil RC can be determined to correspond to a coin having the nominal value NV = 1.00.
Finally, a counter CO which is also connected to the control unit CU, detects that a coin having an associated nominal value NV = 1.00 has passed the coin sensor assembly and the counter CO adds this value to the sum being counted.
In case a coin C is passing the detection area DA arranged between the transmitter coil TC and receiver coil RC in respect of which the identified coin signature CS does not match any of the coin signatures CSA previously stored in the data storage DS, the control unit CU assigns a “not valid” or a “counterfeit status” designation to that specific coin C and the counter CO will add no value to the sum of coins being counted in respect of such coins.
Example 2 This example illustrates the operation of the prior art coin sensor of Example 1. However, in this example the coins C are passing the detection area DA arranged between the transmitter coil TC and receiver coil RC at a considerably higher velocity which implies that some of the coins leaves the support onto which they are supported, i.e. by bouncing along the coin guide CG.
Due to the considerably higher velocity of the coins in this example, the coins have a tendency to deviate from their intended path of propagation as confined by the coin guide CG defining such intended path of propagation because the coins will simply bounce along the coin guide CG defining the intended path of propagation at such high velocity.
The consequence of such bouncing movement is that some of the coins C will pass the receiver coil RC at a height level which is offset, relative to the coin guide CG, compared to the situation in which no bouncing takes place.
This is illustrated in fig. 2.
19 DK 2020 00450 A1 Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration illustrating the problems encountered by the prior art coin sensor device illustrated in fig. 1 when coins are bouncing in the passage through the coin sensor device. In Fig. 2 it is seen that the lower rim of the coin C having a nominal value, NV = 5.00 is arranged at a height level Hi which is in a raised position, compared to the height level Ho, which in turn correspond to the level of the coin guide CG. The net result of the coin C passing the detection area DA at a raised position Hj is that the disturbed signal induced in the receiving coil RC when the coin passes the detection area will deviate from the electrical signal (disturbed signal) induced in the receiver coil RC in respect of the same coin when that coin is passing the receiver coil RC at the height level Ho corresponding to the level of the coin guide CG.
Accordingly, the coin signature CS detected from the passage of a bouncing coin C will represent a distorted signal, compared to the otherwise detected coin signature, and thereby represent an “inaccurate coin signature” of that coin.
— Itis obvious that the control unit CU, upon consulting the data storage DS which comprises information relating to coin signatures CS of various coins, will have greater difficulties in identifying the type of coin C passing the detection area DA when that coin is passing the detection area DA at a height level Hi which does not correspond to the height level of the coin guide CG itself.
Hence, such a situation gives rise to identification problems.
The deviation of the specific coin signature CS of a bouncing coin, compared to a non- bouncing coin, may even be so great that the identifier ID of the control unit CU will have to assign a “not valid” or a “counterfeit status” designation to such a bouncing coin C because no proper identification is possible.
In the situation illustrated in Fig. 2 the coin C having a nominal value NV = 5.00 is passing the detection area DA at a height level Hi which is raised compared to the level Ho of the coin guide CG.
Again the identifier ID identifies a coin signature CS to the coin C giving rise to a disturbed signal in the receiver coil RC.
It can be seen that the coin signature CS as identified by the identifier ID and originating from the induced signal in the receiver coil RC, in this case matches the information in the data storage DS relating to a coin signature of the valid coin with nominal value NV = 1.00. Hence, the prior art coin sensor device CSD in fig. 2 erroneously determines the nominal value NV of coins passing the detection area DA between the transmitter coil TC and the receiver coil RC when coins are not following the coin guide, e.g. because they are bouncing which may be caused by high velocity of the coins.
0 DK 2020 00450 A1 As illustrated above in Example I and 2, although the prior art coin sensor device will be able to sense and identify a specific type of coin amongst an array of coins belonging to a specific currency system provided that the coins indeed follow a desired path of propagation without bouncing, problems arise when the same coin sensor is being used for identifying coins which — are moving at relatively high speed, hence involving increased risk of bouncing coins. Now we take at look at Fig. 3a and 3b which illustrate the fundamental principle of the present invention. Fig. 3a is a schematic diagram which illustrates the design of a coin sensor assembly of the first aspect of the present invention.
— Fig. 3b illustrates coin signatures which can be identified and assigned to coins passing the detection area of the coin sensor assembly of fig. 3a.
Fig. 3a schematically shows the inventive coin sensor assembly SA comprising a transmitter coil TC and a primary receiver coil RC1 as well as a secondary receiver coil RC2. The secondary receiver coil RC2 is arranged above the primary receive coil RCI.
— The coin sensor assembly SA also comprises a coin guide CG. Between the transmitter coil TC on the one hand and the primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2 on the other hand, a detection area DA is present.
In contrast to the prior art coin sensor assembly, the inventive coin sensor assembly SA comprises two receiver coils RC1 and RC2 and these collectively give rise to a coin signature CS comprising a primary coin signature CS1 and a secondary coin signature CS2, each originating from the disturbed signal being induced in the primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2, respectively, upon passage of a coin C in the detection area DA. Fig. 3a illustrates three different height levels Ho, H1 and H» at which a coin C passes the detection area.
— It should be noted, that although three coins C are shown in fig. 3a the appearance of three coins merely is intended for illustrating three different height levels of passage of the coin C, rather that illustrating that more than one coin C is passing the detection area DA at once.
It is intended that only one coin C is passing the detection area DA at any given time. The fundamental principle of the present invention is that as a coin C passing the detection area DA will disturb the incoming flux originating from the transmitter coil TC commensurate with the size and materials of the coin, the provision of two receiver coils RC1 and RC2 will give rise to information relating to a disturbing effect in respect of each of these two receiver coils RC1 and RC2 and such information is useful for identifying a coin C passing the detection areas DA, irrespective of the height level at which this passage takes place.
DK 2020 00450 A1 It seems plausible that when a coin C is being present at height level H; that coin will only be able to disturb a steady-state signal being induced in the primary receiver coil RC1 to a less extent than when that coin C is being present at height level Ho; and that when being present at the height level Hy, the coin C will be able disturb a steady-state signal being induced in the secondary receiver coil RC2 to a higher extent than when that coin C is being present at height level Ho. Moreover, again with reference to Fig. 3a, it seems plausible that when a coin C is being present at the height level Ha, the coin C will only able disturb a steady-state signal being induced in primary receiver coil RC1 to a very low extent, if any, whereas at height level Ho, — the steady-state signal induced in the secondary receiver coil RC2, will be disturbed to a higher extent than when that coin C is being present at height level Hj. Fig. 3b shows in respect of the three height levels Ho, Hi and Ha, as illustrated in Fig. 3a, coin signatures CS comprising a combination of a primary coin signature CS1 and a secondary coin signature CS2, wherein the primary coin signature CS1 originates from information relating to the disturbed signal in the primary receiver coil RC1, and wherein the secondary coin signature CS2 originates from information relating to the disturbed signal in the secondary receiver coil RC2 upon passage of a coin C in the detection area DA. In fig. 3b the three graphs in the left column represents coin signatures CS1 originating from information relating to the disturbed signal in the primary receiver coil RC1 at height level Ho (picture 1)); at height level Hi (picture 11)); and at height level H, (picture 111)). Likewise, the three graphs in the right column of Fig. 3b represents coin signatures CS2 originating from information relating to the disturbed signal in the secondary receiver coil RC2 at height level Ho (picture iv)); at height level H, (picture v)); and at height level H (picture vi)).
Example 3 This example illustrates the operation of the coin sensor device of the present invention. In this example reference is made to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration illustrating the working principle of the coin sensor device according to the present invention, properly handling coins irrespective whether they bounce or not in their passage through the coin sensor device. Fig. 4 shows the inventive coin sensor device CSD comprises a coin sensor assembly SA in combination with a control unit CU. The coin sensor assembly SA comprises a transmitter coil TC and a primary receiver coil RC1 and a secondary receiver coil RC2.
> DK 2020 00450 A1 The transmitter coil TC is arranged on one side of the coin guide CG which defines the desired path of the coins to follow. The primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2 are arranged on the other side of the coin guide CG.
In this example the transmitter coil TC is identical to that of Example 1 and 2 and each of the receiver coils RC1 and RC2 are having physical and electrical dimensions as the receiver coil RC of Example I and 2. A detection area DA is arranged between the transmitter coil TC on the one hand and the primary receiver coil RC1 and a secondary receiver coil RC2 on the other hand.
Again, in fig. 4 the coin sensor assembly SA is viewed in a front view, meaning that we are looking in a direction parallel to the coin path of the coin guide CG. It is seen that the secondary receiver coil RC2 is arranged above the primary receiver coil RC1.
As in the case of the prior art coin sensor device, a control unit CU is connected to the transmitter coil TC.
— The control unit CU is also connected to the primary receiver coil RC1 as well as the secondary receiver coil RC2.
The control unit is generating an alternating electrical signal TS of the same type as in Example 1 and 2 which is being supplied to the transmitter coil TC via its electric leads. Hereby a magnetic field is generated in the transmitter coil.
— Due to the close vicinity of the primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2 relative to the transmitter coil TC, the primary and the secondary receiver coils RCI, RC2 each induces an electric signal ES1 and ES2, respectively, commensurate with the magnetic field originating from the transmitter coil TC and sensed by the receiver coils RC1 and RC2, respectively.
— The electrical signal ES1 and ES2 induced in the primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2, respectively, are supplied to the control unit CU.
In the situation where no coin is passing the detection area DA between the transmitter coil TC on the one hand and the primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2 on the other hand, the electric signal induced in each of the receiver coils RC1,RC2 can be considered as being a primary steady-state signal and a secondary steady-state signal, respectively.
Once a coin is passing the detection area DA between the transmitter coil TC on the one hand and the primary receiver coil RC1 and the secondary receiver coil RC2 on the other hand, the primary steady-state signal and the secondary steady-state signal induced in the two receiver coils RC1 and RC2 are being disturbed, hence leading to a disturbed primary signal ES1
3 DK 2020 00450 A1 being induced in the primary receiver coil RC1 and to a disturbed secondary signal ES2 being induced in the secondary receiver coil RC2.
The magnitude of these disturbances of the induced signals in the two receiver coils RC1 and RC2, respectively, are depending on inter alia the type of metal/alloys used in the manufacture of the coin, the amount of metal/alloy used per coin, and physical dimensions of the coin; and as will be seen below, also on the height level of the position of the coin. Accordingly, the magnitude of the disturbance of the primary steady-state signal (or the disturbed signal itself) induced in the primary receiver coil RC1 and the magnitude of the disturbance of the secondary steady-state signal (or the disturbed signal itself) induced in the secondary receiver coil RC2, caused by a specific type of a passing coin C, can be interpreted to represent a “coin signature” CS1,CS2, respectively of that specific type of coin, and the combination of coin signatures CS1 and CS2 can collectively be considered as being a coin signature CS of that specific type of coin. As different coins belonging to a specific currency system will have different characteristics relating to the above mentioned parameters, different coins of such a specific currency system will lead to different coin signatures CS1 and CS2 of that currency system. Moreover, the coin signature CS of a specific type of coin and comprising the two coin signatures CS1 and CS2 will vary depending on the height level above the coin guide at which the coin passes the detection area DA, as explained above.
— This fact is utilized in the control unit of the coin sensor device according to the second aspect of the present invention as explained in more detail below. As seen in fig. 4 the control unit CU comprises an identifier ID. The identifier ID is being configured to receive information originating from the disturbed primary signal and from the disturbed secondary signal, and on the basis thereof to define a specific coin signature CS (comprising CS1 and CS2) representative of a specific coin passing the detection area DA. Again, for the sake of simplicity, a simplified and fictious currency system comprising only two nominal values, viz. the nominal values NV = 1.00 and NV = 5.00 are used in this example. The control unit CU comprises a data storage DS. The data storage DS, in respect of each coin of the currency system is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures CSA 1, as would be measured by the primary receiver coil RC1 at the two different height levels, Ho and Hi above said coin guide CG, wherein each coin signature of the array of different coin signatures CSA1 is representing information relating to the disturbed primary signal upon passage of a specific coin C in the detection area DA at a — specific height level Ho or Hi above said coin guide CG. Likewise, the data storage DS, in respect of each coin of the currency system is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures CSA2, as would be measured by the secondary receiver coil RC2 at the two or more different height levels Ho and
DK 2020 00450 A1 Hi above said coin guide CG, wherein each coin signature of the array of different coin signatures CSA2 representing information relating to the disturbed secondary signal upon passage of a specific coin C in the detection area DA at a specific height level Ho or Hi above said coin guide CG.
— In fig. 4 it can be seen that the data storage DS, in respect of each of the two valid nominal values (NV = 1.00 and NV = 5.00) comprises information relating to an array of different coin signatures CSA1, as would be measured by the primary receiver coil RC1 at two different height levels (viz. the height level Ho and Hi as shown in fig. 4). This is represented by the two columns, each comprising two groups of two coin signatures in the box in fig. 4 denoted DS (data storage).
Accordingly, the data storage DS in respect of each of the two valid nominal values of the fictious currency system used in this example (NV = 1.00 and NV = 5.00), comprises information relating to a set of preloaded coin signatures CS, comprising sets of coin signature as would be measured by the primary receiver coil CS1 and by the secondary receiver coil CS2, respectively. Information relating to these sets of coin signatures are stored in the data storage in respect of two different height levels (Ho and Hi, respectively) upon passage of the coin in the detection area DA.
Again, as in Example 1 and 2, the information stored in the data storage DS and relating to the array of coin signatures are being stored as predetermined ranges within which a coin signature CS (as represented by the coin signatures CS1 and CS2) identified by the identifier ID must lie in order for the control unit CU to be able to determine the identity and nominal value NV of a passing coin.
This is illustrated in Fig. 4 by the two sine curves (one having a relative low amplitude and the other having a relative high amplitude) in each of the boxes in the data storage DS.
— As seen in Fig. 4 the data storage DS also comprises information relating to a correlation between a specific preloaded coin signature selected from the array of different coin signatures CSA1/CSA2 and the corresponding type of coin passing said detection area DA. This is illustrated in fig. 4 at the far-right column in the control unit CU, in which the nominal values NV is assigned to the four sets of preloaded coin signatures in the data storage DS.
The identifier ID, will upon passage of an actual coin C in the detection area DA consult the data storage DS and will thereby, by comparison between the coin signature CS identified in the identifier ID in respect of that actual coin C passing the detection area DA on the one hand and the stored information CSA1,CSA2 in the data storage DS on the other hand, be able to identify the type and/or nominal value NV of that actual coin.
In fig. 4 it is seen that the coin signature CS as recorded by the primary receiver coil CS1 and the secondary receiver coil CS2 as contained in the dashed “blob” and comprising the two coin signatures CS1 and CS2 correspond to a coin having a nominal value NV = 5.00 and that this coin is passing at height level Hi.
Ds DK 2020 00450 A1 The counter CO subsequently adds the value of 5.00 to the amount counted.
Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating identification of another coin with the coin sensor device of Fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows the identifier ID having identified a coin signature CS comprising the two signatures CS1 and CS2 originating from the receiver coils RC1 and RC2, respectively.
It can be seen (referring to the data storage DS of Fig. 4) that the coin signature CS identified in Fig. 5 corresponds to the passage of a coin having a nominal value NV = 1.00 and the this coin has passed the detection area DA of the coin sensor assembly in the height level Ho.
Accordingly, Example 4 illustrates that with the coin sensor assembly SA and with the coin sensor device CSD of the first and the second aspect, respectively, the problems of the prior art devices relating to identification problems in case of bouncing coins can be solved.
It is clear that the data storage can be loaded with information relating to the array of coin signatures CSA1 and CSA2 and representing coin signatures as would be measured by the primary and secondary receiver coil RC1 and RC2, respectively, at more height levels than two height levels as illustrated in this example.
It has been found that increasing the number of height levels in respect of which information is stored in the data storage, and relating to such coin signatures, would lead to increased detection ability of the coin sensor device CSD.
The processing of the data involved in the use of the coin sensor device may preferably be performed in the digital domain.
Hence, once the receiver coils RC1 and RC2 have provided the disturbed signals ES1 and ES2, respectively, the control unit may be configured to quantify these signal so as to obtain digitized signals.
Likewise, the information stored in the data storage DS and relating to the array of coin signatures CSA1 and CSA2 may be in the form of digital information so that — most of the processing of the control unit CU will be performed digitally.
A person skilled in the art of designing coin sensors will know how to design such a control unit CU operating in the digital domain.
It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof.
6 DK 2020 00450 A1 List of reference numerals C Coin CG Coin guide Co Counter CS Coin signature CSA Coin signature array stored in data storage CSAl Coin signature array retrievable from data storage and originating from primary receiver coil CSA2 Coin signature array retrievable from data storage and originating from secondary receiver coil CSD Coin sensor device CSI Coin signature of primary receiver coil CS2 Coin signature of secondary receiver coil CU Control unit DA Detection area DS Data storage ES1 Primary electric signal ES2 Secondary electric signal ID Identifier NV Nominal value of coin RC Receiver coil RCI Primary Receiver coil RC2 Secondary receiver coil SA Coin sensor assembly TC Transmitter coil TS Transmitter signal

权利要求:
Claims (26)
[1] 1. A coin sensor assembly (SA) for use in sensing a specific type of coin (C), wherein said coin sensor assembly in the orientation intended during use comprises: -a coin guide (CG) for allowing a coin to follow a predetermined path in said coin sensor assembly; -a transmitter coil (TC); -a primary receiver coil (RC1); -a secondary receiver coil (RC2); wherein said coin guide (CG) defines a detection area (DA) which is arranged between said transmitter coil (TC) on the one hand and said primary receiver coil (RC1) and said secondary receiver coil (RC2) on the other hand; wherein said transmitter coil (TC) is being adapted to be applied with an electrical transmitter signal (TS) so as to generate a magnetic field corresponding to said electrical transmitter signal; wherein said primary receiver coil (RC1) is being adapted to induce a primary electrical signal (ES1), based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal (TS), and as being sensed by said primary receiver coil (RC1); wherein said secondary receiver coil (RC2) is being adapted to induce a secondary electrical signal (ES2), based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal (TS), and as being sensed by said secondary receiver coil (RC2).
[2] 2. A coin sensor assembly (SA) according to claim 1, wherein said coin guide (CG) comprises a rail having a lower surface delimiting the predetermined path of a coin in a downward direction; and optionally also one or two sides extending in an upward direction from said lower surface, thereby delimiting the predetermined path of said coin in a sideways direction.
[3] 3. A coin sensor assembly (SA) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said primary receiver coil (RC1) and said secondary receiver coil (RC2) are arranged at different height levels in relation to said coin guide (CG).
[4] 4. A coin sensor assembly (SA) according to claim 3, wherein said primary receiver coil (RC1) and said secondary receiver coil (RC2) are arranged directly above each other, or in a staggered arrangement above each other.
[5] 5. A coin sensor assembly (SA) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said coin sensor assembly additionally comprises one or more additional receiver coils (RCN); wherein each said additional receiver coil (RCN) is being adapted to induce an additional electrical signal (ESN), based on characteristics of said magnetic field originating from said electrical transmitter signal (TS), and as being sensed by further receiver coil (RCN).
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[6] 6. A coin sensor assembly (SA) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said coin sensor assembly is adapted for use in a free flow device or in a forced flow device; wherein in case of a forced flow device, said coin guide (CG) is being defined as part of the forced path to be followed by a coin moving in such a forced flow device.
[7] 7. A coin sensor device (CSD) comprising a coin sensor assembly (SA) according to any of the claims 1 — 6 in combination with a control unit (CU); wherein said control unit comprises an identifier (ID) and a data storage (DS); wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to provide said electric transmitter signal (TS) to said transmitter coil (TC); wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to receive said primary electrical signal (EST) from said primary receiver coil (RC1); wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to receive said secondary electrical signal (ES2) from said secondary receiver coil (RC2); wherein said primary electrical signal (ES1) is in the form of a primary steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area (DA); and wherein said primary electrical signal (ES1) is in the form of a disturbed primary signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area (DA); wherein said secondary electrical signal (ES2) is in the form of a secondary steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area (DA); and wherein said secondary electrical signal (ES2) is in the form of a disturbed secondary signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area (DA); wherein said identifier (ID) is being configured to receive information originating from said disturbed primary signal and from said disturbed secondary signal, and on the basis thereof to define specific coin signatures (CS, CS1,CS2), which are representative of a specific coin passing said detection area (DA); wherein said data storage (DS), in respect of each coin of one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures (CSA1), as would be measured by said primary receiver coil (RC1) at two or more different height levels (Ho,H1) above said coin guide (CG), each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures (CSA1) representing information relating to said disturbed primary signal upon passage of a specific coin in said detection area (DA) at a specific height level (Ho,H1) above said coin guide (CG); wherein said data storage (DS), in respect of each said coin of said one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures (CSA2), as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil (RC2) at said two or more different height levels (Ho,H1) above said coin guide, each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures (CSA2) representing information relating to said disturbed
Do DK 2020 00450 A1 secondary signal upon passage of said specific coin in said detection area (DA) at said specific height level (Ho,H1) above said coin guide (CG); wherein said data storage (DS) comprises information relating to a correlation between a specific coin signature of said array of different con signatures (CSA1,CSA2), and the corresponding type of coin passing said detection area (DA); wherein said identifier (ID), upon passage of an actual coin in said detection area (DA), is configured to consult said data storage (DS), and thereby by comparison, identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that actual coin.
[8] 8. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to claim 7 wherein the information relating to coin signatures of the array of coin signatures (CSA1,CSA2) of said data storage (DS) relates to a collection of correlations between coin signatures of all valid coins of one or more specific currency systems and its corresponding specific coin.
[9] 9. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said control unit (CU) is being configured to process said disturbed primary signal and said disturbed secondary signal — separately and in parallel.
[10] 10. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to claim 7 or 8 wherein said control unit (CU) is being configured to provide a composite disturbed signal from said disturbed primary signal and said disturbed secondary signal, and wherein said control unit (CU) is being configured process said composite disturbed signal; wherein said disturbed primary signal contributes with a first weight to said composite signal, and wherein said disturbed secondary signal contributes with a second weight to said composite signal.
[11] 11. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 10, wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to provide said transmitter signal (TS) in the form of a sine curve, a triangular curve, a square curve or another type of regular curve shape having a specific frequency; or in the form of an aggregation of such curves having different frequencies; or is in the form of white noise or pink noise; or is in the form of a transient signal(s).
[12] 12. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 11, wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to provide said transmitter signal (TS) having a frequency or frequencies in the range of 100 — I x 10° Hz, such as 300 - 1 x 10% Hz, such as 750 - 1 x 10’ Hz suchas1x 10% Hz - 1x 10% Hz, suchas 1x 10'Hz- 1 x 10' Hz or 1x 10°Hz- 1x 10° Hz.
[13] 13. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 12, wherein said data storage (DS) has previously been loaded with said information relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA1), as would be measured by said primary receiver coil (RC1) — atsaid two or more different height levels (Ho,H1); and wherein said data storage (DS) has previously been loaded with information relating to an array of different coin signatures (CSA2), as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil (RC2) at said two or more different height levels (Ho,H1).
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[14] 14. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 12, wherein said control unit (CU) is being configured to predict said information relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA1), as would be measured by said primary receiver coil (RC1) at said two or more different height levels (Ho,H1), based on user inputs provided to said control unit (CU); and wherein said control unit is being configured to provide said information to said data storage (DS); and wherein said control unit (CU) is being configured to predict said information relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA2), as would be measured by said secondary receiver coil (RC2) at said two or more different height levels (Ho,H,), based on user inputs provided to said control unit (CU); and wherein said control unit (CU) is being configured to provide said information to said data storage (DS).
[15] 15. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to claim 14, wherein said control unit is configured to provide said information relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA1) and said information relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA2) on the basis of artificial intelligence or deep learning.
[16] 16. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 15, wherein said information retrievable from said data storage (DS) and relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA 1,CSA2), is relating to parameters, such as amplitude of the coin signatures of said array of coin signatures (CSA1,CSA2); frequency dependent amplitudes of the coin signatures of said array of coin signatures (CSA1,CSA2); or phase shift of the coin signatures of said array of coin signatures (CSA1,CSA2); or a combination of such parameters.
[17] 17. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 16, wherein said information being retrievable from said data storage (DS) and relating to said array of different coin signatures (CSA1,CSA2), each is relating to predetermined ranges of one or — more parameters; wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to identify a specific coin (C) passing said detection area (DA), only in case the coin signature (CS), as identified by said identifier (ID) is having a value/values of said one or more parameters falling within said predetermined ranges as retrievable from said data storage (DS).
[18] 18. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 17, wherein said receiver coils (RC1) and (RC2) are configured to provide the disturbed signals (ES1) and (ES2), respectively, to the control unit (CU) in the analog domain; and wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to quantify these signal so as to obtain digitized signals; wherein the information being retrievable from the data storage (DS)) and relating to the array of coin signatures (CSA1) and (CSA2) are in the form of digital information; and wherein the control — unit (CU) is configured for performing processing in the digital domain.
[19] 19. A coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 18, wherein said coin sensor assembly (SA) is a coin sensor assembly according to claim 5; wherein said control unit (CU) is configured to receive each said additional electrical signal ESN from each said additional receiver coil (RCN);
21 DK 2020 00450 A1 wherein each said electrical signal (ESN) is in the form of an N’th steady-state signal in case no coin is being present in said detection area (DA); and wherein said N’th electrical signal (ESN) is in the form of a disturbed N th signal, in case a coin is being present in said detection area (DA); wherein said identifier (ID) is being configured to additionally receive information originating from each said disturbed N'th signal, and on the basis thereof to define specific coin signature (CS, CS1, CS2,... CSN), which are representative of a specific coin passing said detection area (DA); wherein said data storage (DS), in respect of each coin of one or more predetermined currency systems is configured for providing information relating to an array of different coin signatures (CSAN), as would be measured by each of said N th receiver coil (RCN) at two or more different height levels (Ho,H1) above said coin guide (CG), each said coin signature of said array of different coin signatures (CSAN) representing information relating to said disturbed N’th signal upon passage of a specific coin in said detection area (DA) at a specific height level (Ho,H1) above said coin guide (CG); wherein said data storage (DS) comprises information relating to a correlation between a specific coin signature of said array of different con signatures (CSA1,CSA2,...CSAN), and the corresponding type of coin passing said detection area (DA); wherein said identifier (ID), upon passage of an actual coin in said detection area (DA), is configured to consult said data storage (DS), and thereby by comparison, identify the type and/or nominal value and/or year of minting and/or issue of that actual coin.
[20] 20. A method for determining a specific type of coin amongst a number of possible types of coins; wherein said method comprises the following steps: 1) providing a coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 19; ii) while allowing a specific coin (C) to follow the predetermined path of said coin guide (CG) of said device and thereby to pass said detection area (DA), allowing said control unit (CU) to apply an electrical signal (TS) to said transmitter coil (TC); ii1) while performing step ii), allowing said primary receiver coil (RC1) to induce a disturbed primary electrical signal (ES1); — iv) while performing step ii), allowing said secondary receiver coil (RC2) to induce a disturbed secondary electrical signal (ES2); v) allowing said control unit (CU) to receive said disturbed primary electrical signal from said primary receiver coil and said disturbed secondary electrical signal from said secondary receiver coil, and thereby allow said identifier (ID) to define a coin signature (CS, CS1,CS2) associated with said coin;
2 DK 2020 00450 A1 vi) allowing said identifier (ID), to consult said data storage (DS), and thereby by comparison with the information retrievable therefrom and relating to arrays of coin signatures (CS,CSA1,CSA2), to identify the type and/or nominal value (NV) and/or year of minting and/or issue of that specific coin passing said detection area (DA).
[21] 21. A computer program product which, when being loaded on a data carrier, is being configured for carrying out steps ii) — vi) of the method of claim 20.
[22] 22. A coin counting device comprising a coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 19.
[23] 23. A coin sorting device comprising a coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7—19.
[24] 24. A coin recycler comprising a coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 —
19.
[25] 25. A coin packaging device comprising a coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 19.
[26] 26. Use of a coin sensor assembly (SA) according to any of the claims 1 — 6, or of a coin sensor device (CSD) according to any of the claims 7 — 19; or of a coin counting device according to claim 22 or of a coin sorting device according to claim 23 or of a coin recycler according to claim 24 or of a coin packaging device according to claim 25 in handling coins.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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DK180701B1|2021-12-02|

引用文献:

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公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

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法律状态:
2021-11-08| PAT| Application published|Effective date: 20211017 |

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2021-12-02| PME| Patent granted|Effective date: 20211202 |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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DKPA202000450A|DK180701B1|2020-04-16|2020-04-16|A coin sensor device for determining specific types of coins|DKPA202000450A| DK180701B1|2020-04-16|2020-04-16|A coin sensor device for determining specific types of coins|