TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to coin image acquisition devices, condensing parts,
and coin handling devices.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Coin image acquisition devices are known which, for a coin recognition processing,
irradiate a transported coin with light at a predetermined timing to form an image
of light reflected by the coin and capture a coin image using an imaging element.
[0003] For example,
JP 2018-124858 A discloses a coin image acquisition device including a plurality of light source units
that are disposed in a circular annular shape to surround a coin and irradiate a surface
of the coin with light, wherein the light source units are controlled to apply light
at timings that make the emission periods different.
[0004] JP 6094253 B discloses an illumination device including a plurality of light sources disposed
in an annular shape, wherein light from the light sources is reflected as parallel
rays by a reflector, the parallel rays are incident on a light-shaping filter as incident
light having an annular contour, and light emitted from the light-shaping filter is
applied to a target.
[0005] The light-shaping filter includes an elliptical lens including a group of lenses
disposed in an annular shape with no space in between, correspondingly to the respective
light sources disposed in the annular shape.
JP 6094253 B describes that the elliptical lens diffuses light in the direction of the minor axis
of the elliptical shape, so that the target can be uniformly irradiated with light.
SUMMARY
[0006] Irradiation of a coin with light from the light source units disposed in an annular
shape in the coin image acquisition device disclosed in
JP 2018-124858 A results in uneven light intensity in the circumferential direction of the coin. The
device therefore uses a light diffusing film for the light guide of the light source
units in order to equalize the light intensity in the circumference direction of a
coin. When such a light diffusing film is used to diffuse light in the circumferential
direction of a coin, light in the radiation direction to the coin is also diffused
under the effect of the light diffusing film. This produces unnecessary stray light
to cause a coin image to include an unnecessary bright spot or the like, failing to
acquire a clear coin image.
[0007] One way to prevent such stray light is to form a barrier wall that blocks stray light
on the light guide of the light source units or in the coin image acquisition device.
It is, however, difficult to form such a barrier film in terms of the space in the
coin image acquisition device.
[0008] The technique disclosed in
JP 6094253 B includes reflecting light from the light sources as parallel rays using the reflector
and then making the parallel rays incident on the elliptical lenses of the light-shaping
filter. As a result, the irradiation distance from each light source to the corresponding
elliptical lens is long and thus the device has a large size.
[0009] Also, when light is reflected as parallel rays using a reflector, part of the light
cannot be directly incident on the elliptical lens, so that the intensity of light
to be emitted from the elliptical lens is small.
[0010] In response to the above current state of the art, an object of the present disclosure
is to provide a coin image acquisition device capable of acquiring a clear coin image
without a light diffusing film that diffuses light or a barrier film that blocks stray
light, and a condensing part usable as a condensing unit of the coin image acquisition
device.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a coin handling device including
the coin image acquisition device.
[0012] In order to solve the above issue and to achieve the object, a coin image acquisition
device of the present disclosure is a coin image acquisition device that acquires
an image of a coin, the coin image acquisition device including: a light source unit
configured to emit light; and an imaging unit configured to capture a reflected image
of a coin irradiated with light from the light source unit, the light source unit
including a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in an annular shape and
a condensing unit configured to collect light from the light-emitting elements, the
condensing unit including a plurality of lenses disposed in an annular shape correspondingly
to the respective light-emitting elements, the condensing unit having a lower degree
of condensation in a circumferential direction of the annular shape than in a radial
direction of the annular shape.
[0013] The lenses in the condensing unit may be integrally connected.
[0014] A surface of each of the lenses may be a prolate spheroid whose minor axis extends
in the radial direction of the annular shape and whose major axis extends in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape.
[0015] Each of the lenses may have a smaller curvature in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0016] Each of the lenses may have a smaller optical power in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0017] In each of the lenses, a gradient at a midpoint of a shortest path along the surface
of the lens from a vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in the radial direction
of the annular shape may be higher than a gradient at a midpoint of a shortest path
along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in
the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0018] Each of the lenses may be an anamorphic aspherical lens.
[0019] A reflector configured to reflect light from the light source unit toward the coin
may be disposed on an optical path from the light source unit to the coin.
[0020] A diffuser plate configured to diffuse light from the light source unit toward the
coin may be disposed on an optical path from the light source unit to the coin.
[0021] An optical axis of light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements may be
inclined toward a center of the annular shape.
[0022] The light source unit may be a low angle light source configured to emit light at
an irradiation angle from the light source unit to an imaging area of higher than
0 degrees and 45 degrees or lower.
[0023] The light source unit may be a high angle light source configured to emit light at
an irradiation angle from the light source unit to an imaging area of higher than
45 degrees and 90 degrees or lower.
[0024] A condensing part of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of lenses integrally
connected in an annular shape, each of the lenses having a lower degree of condensation
in a circumferential direction of the annular shape than in a radial direction of
the annular shape.
[0025] A coin handling device of the present disclosure includes the coin image acquisition
device of the present disclosure.
[0026] The present disclosure can provide a coin image acquisition device capable of acquiring
a clear coin image without a light diffusing film that diffuses light or a barrier
film that blocks stray light, and a condensing part usable as a condensing unit of
the coin image acquisition device.
[0027] The present disclosure can also provide a coin handling device including the coin
image acquisition device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a coin image acquisition device
of a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the example of the coin image acquisition
device of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the first
embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape indicated by L-L' line in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coin image acquisition
device of a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the second
embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coin image acquisition
device of a third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the third
embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a state where a light
source unit of the third embodiment is disposed in the coin image acquisition device.
FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a state where a
diffuser plate is disposed in the coin image acquisition device of a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of a fifth
embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of a sixth
embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a coin recognition device.
FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of an example of the structure of the coin recognition
device.
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a coin handling device.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Embodiments of the coin image acquisition device, condensing part, and coin handling
device of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings.
Hereinbelow, the present disclosure is described by taking as examples a coin image
acquisition device for coins as money and a condensing part usable in a coin handling
device and the coin image acquisition device. The coins in the present disclosure
encompass coins usable in gaming machines as well as coins as money. Described below
are examples of the coin image acquisition device, the condensing part, and the coin
handling device.
(First embodiment)
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a coin image acquisition
device of a first embodiment.
[0031] A coin image acquisition device 10 includes a box-shaped housing 40 with an opening
in one of the surfaces. In the housing 40, a light source unit 20 and an imaging unit
30 are disposed. The opening of the housing 40 is closed with a plate-shaped transparent
portion (transparent plate) 41.
[0032] The drawings suitably show the XYZ coordinate system where the X, Y, and Z axes are
orthogonal to one another. The surface of the transparent portion (transparent plate)
41, i.e., a plane parallel to the plane where a coin 100 is present during image capturing,
corresponds to the XY plane, and a direction orthogonal to the XY plane corresponds
to a direction along the Z-axis. In this coordinate system, the direction from a coin
100 toward the imaging unit 30 during image capturing corresponds to the -Z direction,
and the direction opposite the -Z direction corresponds to the +Z direction.
[0033] The transparent portion 41 is a portion on which a coin 100 as the target of image
capturing is to be placed. FIG. 1 shows a coin 100 with a dotted line.
[0034] The transparent portion 41 can be made of a material such as sapphire glass that
is high in strength and transparency. The dimensions of the transparent portion 41
can be determined to be larger than a coin with the maximum diameter among coins 100
as the recognition targets.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the coin image acquisition
device of the first embodiment.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 2, the light source unit and the imaging unit in the coin
image acquisition device are described.
[0037] The light source unit 20 is a light source that irradiates an imaging area 35 with
light.
[0038] The imaging area 35 is an area where an imaging unit captures an image to acquire
a coin image.
[0039] Light emitted from the light source unit 20 is reflected by a coin 100, and the reflected
light is received by a lens unit 31 of the imaging unit 30. An image of the reflected
light is formed by an imaging element 32, so that a reflected image of the coin 100
is captured. The imaging element 32 can be a photoelectric conversion element (area
sensor) that converts optical signals to electrical signals, such as a CCD image sensor.
[0040] The structure above enables capturing of an image of a coin 100 on the transparent
portion 41 while irradiating the coin 100 with light.
[0041] The imaging unit 30 may include a control board 33 that controls driving of the imaging
element 32. The imaging unit 30 may be disposed immediately below the imaging area
35 (in FIG. 2, at a position in the -Z direction).
[0042] The light source unit 20 surrounds the imaging unit 30 and includes a plurality of
(for example, 20) light-emitting elements 21 disposed in an annular shape and a condensing
unit 22 that collects light from the light-emitting elements 21.
[0043] The light-emitting elements 21 are disposed on the same XY plane at equal intervals
around the imaging unit 30.
[0044] Each of the light-emitting elements 21 is on a plane inclined from the XY plane.
Yet, these light-emitting elements, when disposed side by side, appear to be on the
same XY plane at equal intervals.
[0045] The light-emitting elements 21 can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light from
the light-emitting elements 21 may be light in any wavelength range, such as infrared
light or visible light. For an increase in the ability of detecting the color of a
coin 100, white light can be used. In other words, the light-emitting elements 21
can be white LEDs.
[0046] Also, the light-emitting elements 21 can be elements that emit light isotropically
at all the azimuths within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis (central axis) of
the emitted light.
[0047] The LEDs may have any shape, and may each be a flat plate LED without a lens on the
surface of the sealing resin, or a flat plate LED without the sealing resin around
the LED element or a lens thereon. When a flat plate LED is used, the distance between
the light-emitting element and the condensing unit can be short as compared with a
case where a dome LED with a lens on the surface of the sealing resin is used.
[0048] The light source unit 20 may include a control board 23 that controls driving of
the light-emitting elements 21. The control board 23 controls the timing to drive
the light-emitting elements 21. The control board 23 of the light source unit 20 may
be in cooperation with the control board 33 of the imaging unit 30, so as to drive
the light-emitting elements 21 at the timing when a coin 100 passes the imaging area
35, for example, and capture a coin image with the imaging element 32.
[0049] The coin image acquisition device 10 may or may not include a timing sensor (photosensor)
that detects arrival of a coin 100.
[0050] The condensing unit 22 is disposed on an XY plane around the imaging unit 30 and
includes a plurality of lenses 22a disposed in an annular shape correspondingly to
the respective light-emitting elements 21. The condensing unit 22 has a lower degree
of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape than in the
radial direction of the annular shape.
[0051] An example of this condensing unit is described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the
first embodiment.
[0053] The condensing unit 22 shown in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of (for example, 20)
lenses 22a on an annular base 22b. Being on the annular base 22b, the lenses 22a as
a whole appear to be disposed in an annular shape. Also, the lenses 22a are integrally
connected via the base 22b. The annular shape of the condensing unit may be a circular
annular shape.
[0054] Each lens can be made of a transparent resin such as PMMA or polycarbonate and can
be produced by injection molding.
[0055] The base can also be made of a transparent resin such as PMMA or polycarbonate, and
can be produced integrally with the lenses by injection molding.
[0056] The bottom surface (the surface closer to the base 22b) of each lens 22a is flat
while the top surface (the surface remote from the light-emitting element 21) is curved.
With the flat bottom surface, the lens 22a can be close to the light-emitting element
21, so that the light can be effectively used.
[0057] Light-emitting elements (not shown in FIG. 3) are disposed under the base 22b of
the condensing unit 22 (on the portion opposite the lenses 22a). The lenses 22a are
disposed correspondingly to the respective light-emitting elements under the base
22b. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the lenses 22a and
the light-emitting elements. Specifically, the lenses 22a and the light-emitting elements
are in a one-to-one correspondence with each other, with the vertex of each lens 22a
being positioned on the optical axis of light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting
element.
[0058] The base 22b has a shape inclined from the horizontal plane (XY plane) with its inner
part in the radius direction of the annular shape having a small height and its outer
part in the radius direction of the annular shape having a large height, meaning that
the base 22b has an annular shape with a bank. With the base having such a shape,
the imaging area can be directly irradiated with light without any reflector on the
optical path from the light source unit to a coin. The "height" indicates the position
in a direction along the Z-axis and increases in the +Z direction.
[0059] In the coin image acquisition device of the present embodiment, the lenses are integrally
connected. The lenses may not be integrally connected. An example of the case where
the lenses are not integrated is a case where each lens is directly disposed on a
portion other than the condensing unit in the coin image acquisition device. When
the lenses are integrally connected, the lenses may be integrally connected with one
another directly or may be integrally connected via another component such as a base
without direct connection.
[0060] The condensing unit includes the radial direction and the circumferential direction
of the annular shape. The radial direction of the annular shape is the diametrical
direction of the annular shape, which is the direction indicated by R-R' line in FIG.
3. The circumferential direction of the annular shape is the direction in which the
lenses are disposed side by side, which is the direction indicated by the closed curve
C drawn with the solid line in FIG. 3. The radial direction and the circumferential
direction of the annular shape are both the directions in the XY plane.
[0061] The condensing unit of the present embodiment is designed such that the condensing
unit has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular
shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape. The design is described with
reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. FIG. 3 shows the line along which the condensing unit
is partially cut in the circumferential direction of the annular shape as L-L' line
drawn with a thick line. The solid line as the closed curve C indicating the circumferential
direction of the annular shape overlaps the thick line as the L-L' line.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape indicated by L-L' line in FIG. 3.
[0063] FIG. 2 is also a schematic view showing the degree of condensation in the radial
direction of the annular shape indicated by R-R' line in FIG. 3. The degrees of condensation
in the directions above are compared with reference to these two drawings.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, in the radial direction of the annular shape, light emitted from
each light-emitting element 21 is incident on the corresponding lens 22a, and is then
bent inward on the emitting surface (the surface indicated by P in FIG. 2) of the
lens 22a.
[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, in the circumferential direction of the annular shape,
light emitted from each light-emitting element 21 is incident on the corresponding
lens 22a, and is then bent inward on the emitting surface (the surface indicated by
Q in FIG. 4) of the lens 22a.
[0066] In comparison between FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the optical path of light emitted from a
lens 22a is narrow in the radial direction of the annular shape and is wide in the
circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0067] This suggests that light emitted from a lens is more collected, i.e., the degree
of condensation is higher, through a narrower optical path. Thus, the condensing unit
of the present embodiment has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0068] The degree of condensation can be determined by irradiating the condensing unit with
light and observing how much light incident on the condensing unit is collected. Thus,
the degree of condensation in the radial direction of the annular shape and the degree
of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape are observed,
so that which degree of condensation is higher can be determined.
[0069] With a higher degree of condensation in the radial direction of the annular shape,
the light use efficiency can be increased and stray light can be reduced. In this
case, a barrier film to block stray light may not be used.
[0070] Meanwhile, with a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential direction of
the annular shape, the unevenness in light intensity in the circumferential direction
can be reduced. In this case, light diffusing film to diffuse light may not be used.
[0071] In other words, use of a condensing unit as described in the present embodiment enables
a coin image acquisition device capable of acquiring a clear coin image without a
light diffusing film to diffuse light or a barrier film to block stray light.
[0072] In comparison with a mode in which a condensing unit includes lenses each having
the same degree of condensation in the radial direction and the circumferential direction
of the annular shape, the condensing unit in the coin image acquisition device of
the present disclosure may be one modified to have a higher degree of condensation
in the radial direction of the annular shape, or may be one modified to have a lower
degree of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape. Also,
the condensing unit may be one modified to have a higher degree of condensation in
the radial direction of the annular shape and a lower degree of condensation in the
circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0073] Also, the degree of condensation in the condensing unit may be made low in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape such that the optical path of light emitted from each
lens overlaps the optical path of light emitted from a lens adjacent thereto in the
circumferential direction.
[0074] In this case, the optical paths may start to overlap each other in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape at any point between the light source unit and the
imaging area, or may start to overlap each other in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape at any point between the light source unit and the position half
the optical path from the light source unit to the imaging area.
[0075] Also, the optical paths may start to overlap each other in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape at any point between the light source unit and the imaging area,
or may start to overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the annular
shape at any point between the light source unit and the position half the optical
path from the light source unit to the imaging area, without any diffuser plate (described
in the later-described fourth embodiment) on the optical path from the light source
unit to a coin in the coin image acquisition device.
[0076] The following shows an example of a lens that causes the condensing unit to have
a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape
than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0077] For example, the surface of each of the lenses may be a prolate spheroid whose minor
axis extends in the radial direction of the annular shape and whose major axis extends
in the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0078] The surface of each of the lenses shown in FIG. 3 is a prolate spheroid.
[0079] Each of the lenses may be an anamorphic aspherical lens.
[0080] With the lenses having such a shape, the condensing unit can have a lower degree
of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape than in the
radial direction of the annular shape.
[0081] Each of the lenses may have a smaller curvature in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0082] The curvature herein means the degree of curve of a lens in a cross-sectional view
and does not mean a mathematical curvature. The curvature herein is an index determined
by comparing the cross-sectional shapes of lenses as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 by
their appearances to determine which of the degrees of curvature in the radial direction
and in the circumferential direction is higher or lower.
[0083] The height of the vertex of a lens is the same in the radial direction and the circumferential
direction, and thus the degree of curvature is higher in whichever one of these directions
in which the diameter of the bottom surface of the lens is shorter. The diameters
of the bottom surface of the lens in the radial direction and the circumferential
direction are the lengths respectively indicated by the double-headed arrow W
P in FIG. 2 and the double-headed arrow W
Q in FIG. 4.
[0084] The height of the vertex of a lens is defined as the length of a perpendicular line
from the vertex of the lens to the bottom surface of the lens.
[0085] With the curvatures of each lens in the relationship as described above, the condensing
unit can have a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential direction of the
annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0086] In each of the lenses, the gradient at the midpoint of the shortest path along the
surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in the radial
direction of the annular shape may be higher than the gradient at the midpoint of
the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an
end of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0087] FIG. 2 shows the midpoint M
p of the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to
an end of the lens in the radial direction of the annular shape. The gradient at the
point Mp represents the inclination of a tangent Dp at the point Mp. The degree of
inclination of the tangent Dp is defined as the inclination from the line extending
in the radial directions of the bottom of the lens in a cross-sectional view (the
line extending in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrow Wp in FIG. 2)
taken as the horizontal axis.
[0088] FIG. 4 shows the midpoint M
Q of the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to
an end of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape . The gradient
at the point M
Q represents the inclination of a tangent D
Q at the point M
Q. The degree of inclination of the tangent D
Q is defined as the inclination from the line extending in the circumferential directions
of the bottom of the lens in a cross-sectional view (the line extending in the directions
indicated by the double-headed arrow W
Q in FIG. 4) taken as the horizontal axis.
[0089] With these gradients defined as described above, the degree of inclination of the
tangent Dp is higher than the degree of inclination of the tangent D
Q.
[0090] With the gradients of each lens in such a relationship, the condensing unit can have
a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape
than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0091] Each of the lenses may have a smaller optical power in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape. The optical
power is an index showing how much the angle of light changes when the light is emitted
from a lens; the optical power is an index defined as the reciprocal of the focal
length of a lens.
[0092] For example, the optical power in the radial direction of the annular shape can be
0.4 to 1.0. Also, the optical power in the circumferential direction of the annular
shape can be -0.1 to 0.3.
[0093] The ratio between the optical power in the radial direction of the annular shape
and the optical power in the circumferential direction of the annular shape (the optical
power in the circumferential direction of the annular shape/the optical power in the
radial direction of the annular shape) can be set to -0.25 to 0.75.
[0094] With the optical power of a lens in the radial direction of the annular shape and
the optical power of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape
in a relationship described above, the condensing unit can have a lower degree of
condensation in the circumferential direction of the annular shape than in the radial
direction of the annular shape.
[0095] Hereinabove, the degree of condensation in the direction (the direction indicated
by R-R' line in FIG. 3) matching the radial direction of the annular shape and the
degree of condensation in the direction (the direction indicated by L-L' line and
the closed curve C in FIG. 3) matching the circumferential direction of the annular
shape have been described.
[0096] Here, the degree of condensation in the area between a line extending in the direction
matching the radial direction of the annular shape and a line extending in the direction
matching the circumferential direction of the annular shape can be made gradually
lower from the line extending in the radial direction of the annular shape toward
the line extending in the circumferential direction of the annular shape. An example
thereof is a mode in which the degree of condensation is highest along the line extending
in the direction matching the radial direction of the annular shape and the degree
of condensation is lowest along the line extending in the direction matching the circumferential
direction of the annular shape.
[0097] The surface shape of the lenses, the curvature of the lenses, the optical power of
the lenses, the gradient of the lenses, and the like may be defined such that the
condensing unit has the degrees of condensation as described above.
[0098] The coin image acquisition device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 includes no reflector
on the optical path from the light source unit 20 to a coin 100, and has a structure
in which light from the light source unit 20 directly reaches the imaging area 35
and the coin 100 without being reflected.
[0099] Each light-emitting element 21 of the light source unit 20 is disposed on a plane
inclined from the XY plane. In addition, the optical axis of light emitted from each
light-emitting element 21 is inclined toward the center of the annular shape. In other
words, the optical axis of light emitted from each light-emitting element 21 is inclined
from a direction orthogonal to the XY plane toward the center of the imaging area
35.
[0100] Also, the light source unit 20 is a low angle light source that emits light at an
irradiation angle from the light source unit 20 to the imaging area 35 of higher than
0 degrees and 45 degrees or lower.
[0101] Light emitted from a low angle light source and specularly reflected on a coin is
less likely to be incident on an imaging element, and light emitted from the low angle
light source and diffusely reflected on a coin is more likely to be incident on an
imaging element. Lighting using a low angle light source is therefore advantageous
in detecting an uneven pattern on the surface of a coin, and thus is suitable in detecting
a latent image.
[0102] The irradiation angle from the light source unit 20 to the imaging area 35 is defined
as the angle (the angle indicated by θ in FIG. 2) formed by the imaging area (XY plane)
and the optical axis of light immediately before being incident on the imaging area
35 after emitted from the light source unit 20.
[0103] The condensing unit shown in FIG. 3 which is usable in the coin image acquisition
device of the present embodiment includes lenses integrally connected in an annular
shape, wherein each of the lenses has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
This condensing unit is an example of the condensing part of the present disclosure.
(Second embodiment)
[0104] The coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure may include the light
source unit at a position different from that in the coin image acquisition device
of the first embodiment.
[0105] A coin image acquisition device of the second embodiment includes the light source
unit disposed closer to the imaging element and emits light at a high angle. The coin
image acquisition device of the second embodiment is the same as the coin image acquisition
device of the first embodiment in that it includes no reflector on the optical path
from the light source unit to a coin and light from the light source unit reaches
the imaging area and the coin without being reflected.
[0106] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coin image acquisition
device of a second embodiment.
[0107] A coin image acquisition device 11 shown in FIG. 5 includes a light source unit 120
at a position different from that in the coin image acquisition device 10 of the first
embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
[0108] This structure is a structure with a high angle light source that emits light at
an irradiation angle (the angle indicated by θ in FIG. 5) from the light source unit
120 to the imaging area 35 of higher than 45 degrees and 90 degrees or lower.
[0109] Light emitted from a high angle light source and specularly reflected on a coin is
more likely to be incident on an imaging element, and light emitted from the high
angle light source and diffusely reflected on a coin is less likely to be incident
on an imaging element. Lighting using a high angle light source therefore enables
detection of the color of the surface of a new coin which is almost like a mirror
surface, the presence or absence of metallic luster thereof, and stain or soiling
of a coin which is difficult to identify even visually.
[0110] The structure of the condensing unit 122 in the light source unit 120 is varied since
the angle of light from the light source unit 120 to the imaging area 35 is different.
[0111] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the
second embodiment.
[0112] The condensing unit 122 shown in FIG. 6 has a similar structure to the condensing
unit 22 shown in FIG. 3 and includes lenses 122a and a base 122b.
[0113] The base 122b has an annular shape with a bank, and the inclination (the inclination
from the horizontal plane (XY plane)) of the base 122b shown in FIG. 6 is gentler
than the inclination of the base 22b of the condensing unit 22 shown in FIG. 3.
[0114] The inclination of the base may be determined based on the positional relationship
between the light source unit and the imaging area in the coin image acquisition device
in which the condensing unit is used.
[0115] Condensing units usable in the coin image acquisition device of the second embodiment
may have the following features as with the condensing units usable in the coin image
acquisition device of the first embodiment.
[0116] A condensing unit usable in the coin image acquisition device of the second embodiment
may include a plurality of lenses integrally connected.
[0117] The surface of each of the lenses may be a prolate spheroid whose minor axis extends
in the radial direction of the annular shape and whose major axis extends in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape.
[0118] Each of the lenses may have a smaller curvature in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0119] Each of the lenses may have a smaller optical power in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0120] In each of the lenses, the gradient at the midpoint of the shortest path along the
surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in the radial
direction of the annular shape may be higher than the gradient at the midpoint of
the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an
end of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0121] Each of the lenses may be an anamorphic aspherical lens.
[0122] The annular shape of the condensing unit may be a circular annular shape.
[0123] The condensing unit shown in FIG. 6 includes lenses integrally connected in an annular
shape, wherein each of the lenses has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
This condensing unit is an example of the condensing part of the present disclosure.
(Third embodiment)
[0124] The coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure may include a reflector
that reflects light from the light source unit toward a coin on the optical path from
the light source unit to the coin.
[0125] A coin image acquisition device of the third embodiment includes a reflector.
[0126] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coin image acquisition
device of the third embodiment.
[0127] A coin image acquisition device 12 shown in FIG. 7 includes a reflector 50 that reflects
light from a light source unit 220 toward a coin 100 on the optical path from the
light source unit 220 to the coin 100.
[0128] Light from the light source unit 220 travels in the +Z direction and is reflected
by the reflector 50 to irradiate the imaging area 35. The direction in which light
from the light source unit 220 travels can be regarded as the direction perpendicular
to the plane including the imaging area 35 and the surface of the coin 100.
[0129] The reflector is an annular component, and can be made of a material having a mirror
surface such as glass or a metal. The reflector can be disposed immediately above
the light source unit (at the position being a certain distance away from the light
source unit in the +Z direction) such that light (optical axis) emitted from the light
source unit is directly applied to the reflector.
[0130] The reflective surface of the reflector is not parallel or perpendicular to the Z-axis,
and is inclined from all the XZ plane, YZ plane, and XY plane so as to be able to
reflect light emitted along the Z-axis toward the imaging area.
[0131] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the
third embodiment.
[0132] A condensing unit 222 shown in FIG. 8 includes a plurality of lenses 222a on an annular
base 222b. Being on the annular base 222b, the lenses 222a as a whole appear to be
disposed in an annular shape. Also, the lenses 222a are integrally connected via the
base 222b.
[0133] Light-emitting elements (not shown in FIG. 8) are disposed under the base 222b of
the condensing unit 222 (on the portion opposite the lenses 222a). The lenses 222a
are disposed correspondingly to the respective light-emitting elements under the base
222b. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the lenses 222a
and the light-emitting elements. Specifically, the lenses 222a and the light-emitting
elements are in a one-to-one correspondence with each other, with the vertex of each
lens 222a being positioned on the optical axis of light emitted from the corresponding
light-emitting element.
[0134] The base 222b has a circular annular shape not inclined from the horizontal plane
(XY plane) with its inner part and outer part in the radius direction of the annular
shape having the same height, meaning that the base 222b has a shape without a bank.
[0135] Based on such a shape of the base, the condensing unit 222 overall has a circular
annular shape not inclined from the horizontal plane (XY plane) with its inner part
and outer part in the radial direction having the same height.
[0136] The coin image acquisition device of the present embodiment reflects light emitted
from the light source unit using a reflector to irradiate the imaging area. Use of
the reflector enables suitable irradiation of the imaging area even when the base
of the condensing unit has an annular shape not inclined from the horizontal plane.
[0137] Condensing units usable in the coin image acquisition device of the third embodiment
may have the following features as with the condensing units usable in the coin image
acquisition device of the first embodiment.
[0138] A condensing unit usable in the coin image acquisition device of the third embodiment
may include a plurality of lenses integrally connected.
[0139] The surface of each of the lenses may be a prolate spheroid whose minor axis extends
in the radial direction of the annular shape and whose major axis extends in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape.
[0140] Each of the lenses may have a smaller curvature in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0141] Each of the lenses may have a smaller optical power in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0142] In each of the lenses, the gradient at the midpoint of the shortest path along the
surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in the radial
direction of the annular shape may be higher than the gradient at the midpoint of
the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an
end of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0143] Each of the lenses may be an anamorphic aspherical lens.
[0144] The condensing unit shown in FIG. 8, which is usable in the coin acquisition device
of the present embodiment, includes lenses integrally connected in an annular shape,
wherein each of the lenses has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
This condensing unit is an example of the condensing part of the present disclosure.
[0145] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a state where a
light source unit of the third embodiment is disposed in the coin image acquisition
device.
[0146] The coin image acquisition device 12 includes a tubular component 60 that includes
the imaging unit 30 inside.
[0147] The light source unit 220 is disposed outside the tubular component 60. FIG. 9 shows
the condensing unit 222 of the light source unit 220 which has a circular annular
shape. The condensing unit 222 is designed such that light from each lens 222a travels
in the +Z direction. A light-emitting element (not shown in FIG. 9) is disposed at
a position in the -Z direction relative to each lens 222a.
[0148] Pillar components 61 are disposed outside the condensing unit 222. A reflector (not
shown in FIG. 9) can be disposed on the pillar components 61 to reflect light emitted
from the condensing unit 222.
(Fourth embodiment)
[0149] The coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure may include a diffuser
plate that diffuses light from the light source unit toward a coin on the optical
path from the light source unit to the coin.
[0150] A coin image acquisition device of the fourth embodiment includes a diffuser plate.
[0151] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a state where a
diffuser plate is disposed in the coin image acquisition device of the fourth embodiment.
[0152] FIG. 10 shows part of a coin image acquisition device 13 of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 10 therefore corresponds to a drawing in which a diffuser pate 70 is disposed
in the coin image acquisition device 12 shown in FIG. 9.
[0153] The diffuser plate 70 is made of a translucent resin material, has a shape of a wide
circular annular plate (donut shape), and is disposed at a position in the direction
in which light from the light source unit 220 travels.
[0154] The diffuser plate can be disposed immediately above the light source unit (at a
position in the +Z direction) such that light (optical axis) from the light source
unit is directly applied to the diffuser plate.
[0155] With a diffuser plate on the optical path from the light source unit to a coin, light
from the light source unit can be diffused and the unevenness in intensity of light
reaching the imaging area can be reduced. The coin image acquisition device of the
present disclosure can reduce unevenness of light intensity without any diffuser plate,
but does not exclude use of a diffuser plate and may use a diffuser plate. Use of
a diffuser plate can further reduce unevenness of the intensity of light.
[0156] In the coin image acquisition device in FIG. 10, the diffuser plate is disposed between
the light source unit and the reflector. Yet, the diffuser plate may be anywhere on
the optical path from the light source unit to a coin and may be between the reflector
and a coin (between the reflector and the imaging area). Also in the coin image acquisition
device of the first embodiment or the second embodiment including no reflector, a
diffuse plate may be disposed on the optical path from the light source unit to a
coin, e.g., between the light source unit and a coin.
(Fifth embodiment)
[0157] The coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure may include a condensing
unit having a shape different from those of the condensing units in the coin image
acquisition devices of the first embodiment to fourth embodiment.
[0158] Hereinbelow, a condensing unit usable in the coin image acquisition device of the
fifth embodiment is described.
[0159] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the
fifth embodiment.
[0160] A condensing unit 322 shown in FIG. 11 includes integrated lenses 322a, and overall
has an annular structure.
[0161] The condensing unit 322 overall has a circular annular shape not inclined from the
horizontal plane (XY plane) with its inner part and outer part in the radius direction
having the same height as with the condensing unit 222 shown in FIG. 8. The mode in
which the condensing unit 322 is used in a coin image acquisition device can be the
same as the coin image acquisition device of the third embodiment.
[0162] The condensing unit 322 includes no base. Yet, the condensing unit may include a
base and a structure with the integrated lenses 322a may be disposed on the base.
[0163] In the condensing unit 322, adjacent lenses 322a are directly connected in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape. FIG. 11 shows the boundary between a lens 322a and
an adjacent lens 322a' by line B.
[0164] Each lens 322a has a shape with curved faces obtained by cutting the inner side thereof
in the radial direction of the annular shape (the portion indicated by line C in FIG.
11) and the outer side thereof in the radial direction of the annular shape (the portion
indicated by line D in FIG. 11).
[0165] In each lens 322a shown in FIG. 11, the portions indicated by line B, line C, and
line D in FIG. 11 are portions through which light emitted from a light-emitting element
and incident on the lens does not pass. Thus, the shapes of the portions indicated
by line B, line C, and line D in FIG. 11 do not affect the degree of condensation
of the lens in the circumferential direction and the degree of condensation of the
lens in the radial direction.
[0166] The condensing unit 322 shown in FIG. 11 therefore also has a lower degree of condensation
in the circumferential direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction
of the annular shape, and can be used as a condensing unit in the coin image acquisition
device of the present disclosure.
[0167] Condensing units usable in the coin image acquisition device of the fifth embodiment
may have the following features as with the condensing units usable in the coin image
acquisition device of the first embodiment.
[0168] Each of the lenses may have a smaller curvature in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0169] Each of the lenses may have a smaller optical power in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0170] In each of the lenses, the gradient at the midpoint of the shortest path along the
surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in the radial
direction of the annular shape may be higher than the gradient at the midpoint of
the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an
end of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0171] The condensing unit shown in FIG. 11, which is usable in the coin image acquisition
device of the present embodiment, includes lenses integrally connected in an annular
shape, wherein each of the lenses has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
This condensing unit is an example of the condensing part of the present disclosure.
(Sixth embodiment)
[0172] The coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure may include a condensing
unit having a shape different from those of the condensing units in the coin image
acquisition devices of the first embodiment to fifth embodiment.
[0173] Hereinbelow, a condensing unit usable in the coin image acquisition device of the
sixth embodiment is described.
[0174] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a condensing unit of the
sixth embodiment.
[0175] A condensing unit 422 shown in FIG. 12 includes a plurality of lenses 422a on an
annular base 422b. Being on the annular base 422b, the lenses 422a as a whole appear
to be disposed in an annular shape. Also, the lenses 422a are integrally connected
via the base 422b.
[0176] This condensing unit 422 can also be considered as a structure obtained by separating
the integrated lenses in the condensing unit 322 shown in FIG. 11 and connecting and
integrating the lenses via the base.
[0177] The condensing unit 422 overall has a circular annular shape not inclined from the
horizontal plane (XY plane) with its inner part and outer part in the radius direction
of the annular shape having the same height as with the condensing unit 222 shown
in FIG. 8. The mode in which the condensing unit 422 is used in a coin image acquisition
device can be the same as in the coin image acquisition device of the third embodiment.
[0178] Each lens 422a has a shape with flat faces obtained by cutting both ends thereof
in the circumferential direction of the annular shape (the portions indicated by lines
E and F in FIG. 12), the inner side thereof in the radial direction of the annular
shape (the portion indicated by line G in FIG. 12), and the outer side thereof in
the radial direction of the annular shape (the portion indicated by line H in FIG.
12).
[0179] In each lens 422a shown in FIG. 12, the portions indicated by line E, line F, line
G, and line H in FIG. 12 are portions through which light emitted from a light-emitting
element and incident on the lens does not pass. Thus, the shapes of the portions indicated
by line E, line F, line G, and line H in FIG. 12 do not affect the degree of condensation
of the lens in the circumferential direction and the degree of condensation of the
lens in the radial direction.
[0180] The condensing unit 422 shown in FIG. 12 therefore also has a lower degree of condensation
in the circumferential direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction
of the annular shape, and can be used as a condensing unit in the coin image acquisition
device of the present disclosure.
[0181] Condensing units usable in the coin image acquisition device of the sixth embodiment
may have the following features as with the condensing units usable in the coin image
acquisition device of the first embodiment.
[0182] Each of the lenses may have a smaller curvature in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0183] Each of the lenses may have a smaller optical power in the circumferential direction
of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
[0184] In each of the lenses, the gradient at the midpoint of the shortest path along the
surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an end of the lens in the radial
direction of the annular shape may be higher than the gradient at the midpoint of
the shortest path along the surface of the lens from the vertex of the lens to an
end of the lens in the circumferential direction of the annular shape.
[0185] The condensing unit shown in FIG. 12, which is usable in the coin image acquisition
device of the present embodiment, includes lenses integrally connected in an annular
shape, wherein each of the lenses has a lower degree of condensation in the circumferential
direction of the annular shape than in the radial direction of the annular shape.
This condensing unit is an example of the condensing part of the present disclosure.
(Other embodiments)
[0186] The annular shape of the condensing unit in the coin image acquisition device of
the present disclosure and the annular shape of the condensing part of the present
disclosure are not limited to the circular annular shape, and may be any other annular
shape such as an elliptical annular shape or a racetrack shape. In each of these shapes,
the center used to define the radial direction can be determined as the position of
the orthographic projection of the central point of the imaging area.
(Coin recognition device and coin handling device including coin image acquisition
device)
[0187] The coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure is usable in a coin recognition
device and a coin handling device.
[0188] Described below are an example of a coin recognition device including the coin image
acquisition device of the present disclosure, and an example of the coin handling
device of the present disclosure including the coin recognition device.
[0189] The coin handling device of the present disclosure described below includes the coin
recognition device including the coin image acquisition device of the present disclosure,
and is therefore a coin handling device including the coin image acquisition device
of the present disclosure.
[0190] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a coin recognition device.
[0191] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of an example of the structure of the coin recognition
device.
[0192] A coin recognition device 1 shown in FIG. 13 includes, sequentially from the upstream
to the downstream of the transport path, a magnetic detection sensor 15, the coin
image acquisition device 10, a fitness detection sensor (optical detection sensor)
16, a phosphorescence detection sensor 17, and a fluorescence detection sensor 18,
which are integrated. The arrow in FIG. 13 indicates the transport direction of coins
100 passing through the transport path.
[0193] The coin recognition device may include other various sensors around the coin image
acquisition device. Individual sensors disposed correspondingly to the detection elements
for a coin 100 enable highly accurate detection, increasing the recognition ability
(recognition accuracy) of the coin recognition device. Such sensors also enable determination
of the denominations of various coins 100, defining a sensor unit globally applicable.
Furthermore, integration of sensors enables reduction in cost and space. Sensors other
than the coin image acquisition device can be common sensors usable in the field of
coin recognition devices, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0194] The coin recognition device 1 in FIG. 13 includes a transport unit 19, which may
be configured to transport many coins consecutively so as to allow the coin image
acquisition device 10 to acquire coin images consecutively.
[0195] The transport unit 19 used to transport coins 100 can be one including, for example,
a transport belt 19a provided above the transport surface (at a position in the +Z
direction) along the transport path and transport pins 19b fixed at constant intervals
for the transport belt 19a.
[0196] The transport belt 19a is driven by a driving device including components such as
a pulley and a motor. The transport belt 19a moves with the cylindrical transport
pins 19b being in contact with the outer peripheries of coins 100 so that the coins
100 are transported one by one with space in between along the transport path. The
transport unit 19 may have any structure other than the structure shown in the figure
as long as it can transport coins 100. The transport belt 19a alone may be used without
the transport pins 19b, or the shape and size of the transport pins 19b may be varied.
In the case of omitting the transport pins 19b, the transport belt 19a moves together
with coins 100 while holding the surface of the coins 100. The transport belt 19a
enables coins 100 to slide while holding the coins 100 in contact with the surface
of the transport path or transport guide, increasing the accuracy of detection by
sensors such as the coin image acquisition device 10. The transport pins 19b enable
control of the positions of transported coins 100, also increasing the accuracy of
detection by sensors such as the coin image acquisition device 10. The coins 100 can
slide on the transport surface along one end of the transport path.
[0197] The coin recognition device including the coin image acquisition device of the present
disclosure may be a device that captures an image of a non-transported coin.
[0198] Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the coin recognition device 1 may include a storage unit
82 and a recognition unit 81 used to recognize and/or determine the kind, authenticity,
fitness (stained or soiled), and the like of a coin 100 using a coin image acquired
by the coin image acquisition device 10.
[0199] The storage unit 82 stores coin information on the target coins 100, and also stores
coin images (images for recognition processing) captured by the coin image acquisition
device 10 while the coins 100 are handled. The recognition unit 81 recognizes and/or
determines the kind, authenticity, fitness (stained or soiled), and the like of a
coin 100 by comparing the coin information and the image for recognition processing.
[0200] The recognition unit has a physical structure including, for example, software programs
for execution of various processings, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes
the software programs, and various hardware devices (for example, field programmable
gate array (FPGA)) that are controlled by the CPU. The software programs and data
required in operation of each component are stored in a storage unit, a dedicated
memory device such as RAM or ROM separately provided, or a hard disk, for example.
[0201] The storage unit may physically be, for example, a storage device such as a volatile
or non-volatile memory or a hard disk. The storage unit is used to store various data
required in processings executed by the coin recognition device.
[0202] The coin recognition device including the coin image acquisition device of the present
disclosure is usable in the coin handling device of the present disclosure.
[0203] The coin handling device includes a component that functions to execute an operation
other than recognition of a coin, in addition to the coin recognition device.
[0204] The coin handling device is configured to execute processings such as coin depositing
and dispensing, coin roll production, and coin roll dispensing. Each coin roll holds
a predetermined number of (for example, 50) coins. The predetermined number of coins
may be wrapped with a wrapping material.
[0205] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a coin handling device.
[0206] A coin handling device 2 includes the coin recognition device 1 (not shown in FIG.
15) inside a housing 200, and also includes a coin inlet 201, a rejection unit 206,
a return box 207, a dispensing box 210, a collection unit 211, a coin roll dispensing
unit 231, a coin roll gathering box 232, and a coin roll outlet 233, for example.
[0207] These components can be stored in the housing 200 of the coin handling device 2.
[0208] The coin handling device 2 may include an operation display 260 outside the housing
200.
[0209] The coin inlet 201 is a component through which the target coins are inserted.
[0210] The rejection unit 206 is a component to which a coin determined as a coin to be
rejected (rejected coin) by the coin recognition device 1 is guided.
[0211] The return box 207 stores coins to be returned. The return box 207 is removable from
the housing 200 of the coin handling device 2 and is drawable from the front of the
housing 200.
[0212] The dispensing box 210 stores coins to be fed out. The dispensing box 210 is removable
from the housing 200 of the coin handling device 2 and is drawable from the front
of the housing 200.
[0213] The collection unit 211 stores coins to be collected. The collection unit 211 is
removable from the housing 200 of the coin handling device 2 and is drawable from
the front of the housing 200.
[0214] The coin roll dispensing unit 231 stacks coin rolls (coin rolls to be fed out). The
coin roll dispensing unit 231 is provided with an outlet that opens on the front surface
of the housing 200 of the coin handling device 2. The outlet is provided with a shutter.
When the shutter opens, an operator can take the coin rolls out of the coin roll dispensing
unit 231.
[0215] The coin roll gathering box 232 stacks coin rolls (coin rolls to be fed out) and
has a larger stacking capacity than the coin roll dispensing unit 231. The coin roll
gathering box 232 is removable from the coin handling device 2 (specifically, the
housing 200).
[0216] The coin roll outlet 233 feed out the coin rolls to the outside of the coin handling
device 2.
[0217] The operation display 260 allows an operator to operate the system and inputs the
information in response to the operation made by the operator. The operator thus can
cause the coin handling device 2 to execute various processings.
[0218] As descried above, the embodiments were described with reference to the drawings.
The present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The structures of the
embodiments may be combined or modified as appropriate within the spirit of the present
disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0219] As described above, the present disclosure provides a technique useful in acquiring
a clear coin image without a light diffusing film that diffuses light or a barrier
film that blocks stray light.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0220]
1: coin recognition device
2: coin handling device
10, 11, 12, 13: coin image acquisition device
15: magnetic detection sensor
16: fitness detection sensor (optical detection sensor)
17: phosphorescence detection sensor
18: fluorescence detection sensor
19: transport unit
19a: transport belt
19b: transport pin
20, 120: light source unit
21: light-emitting element
22, 122, 222, 322, 422: condensing unit
22a, 122a, 222a, 322a, 322a', 422a: lens
22b, 122b, 222b, 422b: base
23: control board (control board of light-emitting element)
30: imaging unit
31: lens unit
32: imaging element
33: control board (control board of imaging element)
35: imaging area
40: housing (housing of coin image acquisition device)
41: transparent portion
50: reflector
60: cylindrical component
61: pillar component
70: diffuser plate
81: recognition unit
82: storage unit
100: coin
200: housing (housing of coin handling device)
201: coin inlet
206: rejection unit
207: return box
210: dispensing box
211: collection unit
231: coin roll dispensing unit
232: coin roll gathering box
233: coin roll outlet
260: operation display