WO1999012130A1 - Process and apparatus for the identification of metal disc-shaped pieces - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for the identification of metal disc-shaped pieces Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999012130A1
WO1999012130A1 PCT/ES1998/000236 ES9800236W WO9912130A1 WO 1999012130 A1 WO1999012130 A1 WO 1999012130A1 ES 9800236 W ES9800236 W ES 9800236W WO 9912130 A1 WO9912130 A1 WO 9912130A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coin
sensor
core
crown
coins
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES1998/000236
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
José Luis Pina Insausti
Eugenio Guelbenzu Michelena
Original Assignee
Azkoyen Industrial, S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Azkoyen Industrial, S.A. filed Critical Azkoyen Industrial, S.A.
Priority to EP98941424A priority Critical patent/EP0936582B1/en
Priority to DE69804757T priority patent/DE69804757T2/en
Priority to AT98941424T priority patent/ATE216108T1/en
Priority to DK98941424T priority patent/DK0936582T3/en
Priority to AU89798/98A priority patent/AU745775B2/en
Priority to BR9806159-3A priority patent/BR9806159A/en
Publication of WO1999012130A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999012130A1/en
Priority to NO992074A priority patent/NO316908B1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D5/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
    • G07D5/08—Testing the magnetic or electric properties

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the identification of metallic discoidal pieces, such as coins or tokens, and is of special application to the identification of coins composed of two or more parts of different nature, for example coins composed of one crown and a core based on different metals or alloys, or multilayer coins.
  • the invention also includes the apparatus for carrying out the process.
  • the invention relates to a method and an apparatus that allow to obtain with precision information regarding the size of the coin and the nature of the different parts that compose it, in order to be able to achieve its correct identification and all this through the use of optical and electromagnetic sensors.
  • the invention is applicable to the discrimination of monometallic coins, providing great security in the rejection of fraud consisting of the supplement of a coin of lower value with a ring of other material, for example based on plastic bands, aluminum, washers of different alloys, etc., in order to simulate a currency of greater value.
  • the Spanish patent 555,181 which describes a coin discriminator device that uses two optical sensors in combination for the dimensional measurement of the coin, and an electromagnetic sensor, which provides information on the electrical characteristics of the alloy.
  • This electromagnetic sensor is constituted by two coupled coils fed by an oscillator, through whose air gap the coins are circulated.
  • US 4705154 can be cited, which describes a device that incorporates two electromagnetic sensors located one after the other in the ramp or rolling path of the coin, so that said coin is subjected to two consecutive measurements.
  • Each of the sensors consists of two coils coupled to each other. In one case the coils are connected in phase and in the other the connection is made in contraphase. As the sensors are sufficiently spaced, the two electromagnetic sensors are fed with a common oscillator.
  • a sensor of the same type considered is also described in US 4754862, in which a coin discriminating apparatus is proposed that incorporates three electromagnetic sensors, each consisting of a single coil and arranged so that the coin interferes with them. sequentially The sensors share a single oscillator, but in this case a multiplexer is used to activate each of the sensors during the passage of the coin.
  • the size of the sensors, at least two of them, is comparable or higher than the currencies to analyze.
  • Procedures are also known for performing a more timely measurement of the currency and, therefore, are suitable for the analysis of currencies constituted by parts of different nature.
  • Patent PE.0076617A2 proposes a measurement procedure applicable to two-color coins based on the use of Hall effect sensors. By means of these small-sized sensors, variations in the magnetic field caused by the currency under examination can be measured with acceptable spatial accuracy.
  • the use of electromagnetic sensors of small dimensions has the disadvantages of providing low level electrical signals, being very sensitive to the irregularities of the coin passing through the raceway and at the same time its construction and handling is very delicate.
  • the sensors of Hall type constitute very expensive electronic components.
  • the object of the present invention is to solve the problems set forth above, by means of a method and its corresponding apparatus that allow to accurately identify the dimensions of the coins and the characteristics of the alloys of their different parts, all without having to use expensive electronic components. No miniature electromagnetic sensors.
  • the invention proposes a method for the identification of discoidal pieces of a metallic nature, especially coins composed of a crown and a core of different nature, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining and measuring the peak of the signal produced by the passage of the crown of the coin by a first electromagnetic sensor, which represents a first characteristic of said crown; b) measurement of the level of the signal produced by the passage of the core of the coin through a second electromagnetic sensor, at the same moment in which the peak of the aforementioned signal is detected and which represents a first characteristic of the coin core ; c) detection and measurement of one of the secondary peaks that the signal obtained by the passage of the coin crown through the first mentioned sensor, which provides a second characteristic of the coin crown.
  • the procedure also includes the measurement of the level of the signal produced by the passage of the crown of the coin through a third electromagnetic sensor at a certain time taken within the time elapsed since the crown begins and ends to intercept this third electromagnetic sensor, and that provides a third Crown feature
  • the procedure includes the measurement of the peak of the signal produced by the passage of the coin core through the third electromagnetic sensor, which is representative of a second characteristic of said core.
  • the process of the invention can be completed by obtaining the instants of passing the coin through a first and a second optical sensor, for the calculation of the dimension of said coin.
  • the moment in which the measurement of the level of the signal produced by the passage of the crown of the coin through the third sensor is carried out can be defined for a time, counted from when the coin ends its passing through the first optical sensor, which would be located in front of said third electromagnetic sensor.
  • the second and third electromagnetic sensors can be of "self-oscillating" configuration, which allows their frequencies to be measured to obtain an additional parameter related to each of the electrical amplitude measurements portioned by said sensors.
  • the apparatus for carrying out the described procedure includes a first and second electromagnetic sensors that are aligned perpendicular to the raceway of the coins and a third electromagnetic sensor distanced from the second sensor mentioned along the trajectory of the coins and located at the same height as this one of the rolling surface.
  • a first and second electromagnetic sensors that are aligned perpendicular to the raceway of the coins and a third electromagnetic sensor distanced from the second sensor mentioned along the trajectory of the coins and located at the same height as this one of the rolling surface.
  • the apparatus also includes two optical sensors located at the same height of the raceway, separated from each other a certain distance along the path of the coin and preferably located on either side of the second electromagnetic sensor mentioned.
  • the sensors can be formed by pairs of inductors coupled to each other, arranged on opposite sides of the coin passage channel, each pair of inductors forming part of an oscillator, such that the different electromagnetic sensors are totally independent of each other, being able to measure different characteristics of the coins, especially of their nucleus, which will allow to discriminate nuclei constructed by superimposed layers of different metals.
  • the optical sensors will provide temporary signals of the passage of the coins for the calculation of their size.
  • the first electromagnetic sensor mentioned is positioned on the raceway, so that the flow created by said sensor partially intercepts the coin, but essentially does it to the crown thereof. This is important to avoid that the contact resistance between the crown and the core of the coins, which is uncontrollable, affects the quality of the measurement.
  • This sensor can also be built with two coupled coils, located one on each side of the Coin passage channel, centered on the raceway, so that the coin intercepts approximately 50% of the sensor diameter. As will be discussed below, by properly choosing the working frequency and the mode of operation (emitter-receiver), effective discrimination of the coin crown can be achieved, regardless of the material of its core.
  • the second sensor In certain cases it is convenient to use for the second sensor the self-oscillating configuration instead of the fixed-frequency transmitter-receiver, especially when it comes to discriminating coins that have a magnetic crown, since in this case the frequency variation experienced by The sensor to the passage of the currency is a clearly identifying parameter of said property.
  • the first electromagnetic sensor 2 instead of being positioned on the raceway below the second sensor 3, could be mounted above said second sensor
  • Figure 1 shows in longitudinal section a section of the raceway with the arrangement of sensors object of the invention and with a coin start of the section.
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the moment in which the coin simultaneously intercepts the first two electromagnetic sensors.
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to Figures 1 and 2, showing the coin in an intermediate situation, at the moment when it begins to leave the first optical sensor and begins to intercept a third electromagnetic sensor.
  • Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the circuitry used in the apparatus of the invention.
  • Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams in which the signals obtained by the passage of the currency through the different sensors are represented.
  • FIGs 1 to 3 a section of the raceway is shown, which is referred to with the number 1, in coincidence with which a first and second electromagnetic sensors, referenced with the numbers 2 and 3, aligned with each other are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the raceway 1, and a third electromagnetic sensor 4 distanced from the second sensor 3 along the path of the coins and located at the same height as this with respect to the raceway 1.
  • the electromagnetic sensor 4 it is located, as shown in figures 1 to 3, at the end of the area for the measurement of the coins. This is a preferred realization, but depending on the physical space and shapes of the device housing, said electromagnetic sensor 4 could be placed at the beginning of the measurement zone, for example in front of the electromagnetic sensors 2 and 3.
  • the electromagnetic sensor 2 is constituted by two inductors coupled and positioned close to the raceway 1 of the coins.
  • the configuration of this sensor will preferably be of the emitter-receiver type and will be mounted close to the rolling area of the coins, so that the electromagnetic field received by the sensor is fundamentally influenced by the crown of the coin. This can be achieved using, for example, a 9 mm diameter sensor, located on the raceway and displaced outward so that the coins interfere approximately 50% of its dimension. Since this sensor is located on the perpendicular drawn from the center of the sensor 3 to the raceway 1, when the coin is centered on the sensor 3, it will also be centered on the sensor 2, figure 2.
  • the electromagnetic sensor 3 will also be constituted by two inductors coupled and positioned on the opposite sides of the passage channel of the coins 5. On both sides of this electromagnetic sensor two optical sensors 6 and 7 will be arranged to measure the dimension (string ) of the currency.
  • coin 5 includes a crown 8 and a core 9.
  • the sensor 3 will be smaller than the size of the smallest core of the two-color coin that can be analyzed and positioned in such a way that when the coin is centered, the interaction with the electromagnetic field created by the sensor 3 is mainly due to the core of said coin.
  • the electromagnetic sensor 4 will allow obtaining a third characteristic of the crown by measuring the level of the signal produced by the passage of said crown 8 through the sensor 4 at a certain moment, an instant that will be comprised within the time that elapses from that the crown 8 begins and ends to intercept the said electromagnetic sensor 4.
  • the sensor 4 can be used in combination with one of the optical sensors, to obtain the third mentioned feature of the coin crown, taking the measurement of the amplitude signal of the sensor 4, at a defined moment for a time TI, counted from the moment in which the coin is in the position represented in figure 3.
  • the electrical signal produced by the sensor can be seen in figure 7, in which the central portion of the signal would be representative of a second characteristic of the core of the coin, while the value of the V5 signal, which corresponds to the value of the signal at a time TI after the rising edge of the optical sensor 6 occurred, would be a third characteristic of The crown of the coin.
  • the value chosen for the IT time will be related to the size of the coins to be discriminated against and the separation between the electromagnetic sensor 4 and the optical sensor 6.
  • the IT time can be calculated for each of the coins entered in the device, being an inverse function at the speed of the coins passing through the sensors. In this way the measurement of the ring by the sensor 4 will be carried out in fixed positions for each of the denominations (coin diameters). The average speed of the coin can be easily calculated by measuring the passage time of the coin's leading edge between the two optical sensors.
  • the oscillation frequency depends on the inductors themselves used as sensors
  • this frequency can be measured and be an additional parameter related to each of the amplitude measurements electrical provided by the described sensors.
  • the frequency measurement of each of the sensors 3 and 4 can be performed by any of the known procedures, in our case the counting of impulses for a known time (fixed or variable) with which the value of the oscillator frequency will be the quotient between the resulting number of the account and the time invested of said account. These operations can be performed by block 25 of Figure 4 consisting of a microprocessor.
  • the block diagram shown in Figure 4 shows schematically the elements that form the preferred embodiment of the proposed invention.
  • the sensors have been represented in the order in which the interception sequence takes place by almoneda 5. Following the order of entry of the coin 5 rolling down the inclined ramp 1, it first intercepts the optical sensor 6 connected to the microprocessor 25 in charge among other functions of measuring the passage times of the coins by the optical sensors 6 and 7 for the calculation of the diameter.
  • the coin intercepts the electromagnetic sensor 3, which as it has been advanced measures the characteristics of the core of the coin.
  • the sensor 3 is formed by two inductors of small dimensions, preferably they will be of the "pot core” type of 9 mm in diameter located on both sides of the passage channel of the coins connected in phase, that is to say that the electromagnetic fields of both are added ( mutual induction coefficient M> 0), forming part of an oscillator 10, followed by a rectifier 11 and an amplifier and signal conditioner 12, whose output is introduced to the multiplexer 23, responsible for switching the different inputs to an analog converter - digital 24 which will provide the microprocessor 25 with the equivalent digital values of the analog values of the signals from the electromagnetic sensors 3, 4 and 2.
  • a direct connection from the oscillator 10 to the microprocessor 25 to analyze the oscillation frequency which also provides information on the characteristics of the coin.
  • the coin In its route along the ramp 1, the coin intercepts the sensor 2 of the ring 8 or external part of the coin, being constituted by two inductors mounted on both sides of the coin passage channel and positioned in the coin rolling area , so that the electromagnetic flux that is established between both inductors is intercepted to the passage of the currency fundamentally by its external zone (ring).
  • the inductors must be small in size, with the use of the 9 mm diameter "pot core" type being convenient.
  • the sensor configuration will preferably be of the ISSUER-RECEIVER type.
  • the transmitter will be powered by a square signal generator 13 with a series resistance 14 of a significantly higher value than that of the sensor 2 itself, the assembly behaving like a current generator modulated by a square signal.
  • an RC filter 15 in parallel with the sensor 2.
  • the signal delivered by the sensor 2 receiver is introduced into an Intensity - Voltage converter, at whose output we obtain a square signal of proportional amplitude to the electromagnetic field transmitted between the emitting coil and the receiver of the sensor 2.
  • the signal is passed through a bandpass filter 15.
  • the filtered signal is conveniently amplified in the amplifier 18 and then rectified in step 19
  • the output is applied to the multiplexer 23 to be analyzed by the microprocessor 25, as well as the electromagnetic sensor 3.
  • the electromagnetic sensor 4 will be constructed in a manner similar to that described above 3, with the difference that the coils will preferably be connected in phase opposition (mutual induction coefficient M ⁇ 0), in order to obtain a new differentiating characteristic of the coin.
  • This sensor can also be built with inductors of the "pot core” type of 9 mm in diameter, mounted at a height on the tread identical to that of sensor 3, so that the core of the coin under study is analyzed.
  • the sensor 4 is part of an oscillating circuit 20 that oscillates freely. This oscillation is affected in the presence of the currency, both in its frequency of oscillation, and in the amplitude of the oscillations.
  • the oscillator signal is rectified in block 21 and properly amplified and filtered in block 22 before applying it to multiplexer 23 for analysis. together with other signals by the microprocessor 25.
  • a direct connection from the oscillator 20 to the microprocessor 25 is provided to analyze the oscillation frequency, which also provides information on the characteristics of the coin.
  • the microprocessor 25 analyzes the signals it receives from the electromagnetic and optical sensors and processes them according to an operating program that can reside either in an internal memory of the microprocessor itself or in an external memory 26, which will also store the parameters representative of acceptable currencies. Once the currency has been measured and the representative parameters calculated for each of the sensors, the microprocessor 25 compares said parameters with the representative of valid coins stored in memory 26. If acceptable, it is admitted by opening a Acceptance gate, not represented, by means of the output block 28 and controlling by other sensors, not represented and through inputs 27 that is admitted correctly, avoiding possible fraud. When the currency is accepted, a code is issued, through the output block 28, which identifies the type of currency. Admission may be subject to external conditions (inhibitors, sales machine orders, etc.), these signals being received through the input block 27.

Abstract

Method and apparatus for the identification of metal disc-shaped pieces, specially applicable to coins, comprised of a core and a crown of different compositions, consisting in measuring the peak P1 of the electric signal produced by the passage of the crown (8) through the first electromagnetic sensor (2); the detection and measurement of one of the secondary peaks P3, P4 of the electric signal obtained by the passage of the crown (8) through the first electromagnetic sensor (2); and the measurement of the value P2 of the electric signal produced by the passage of the core (9) through a second electromagnetic sensor (3) at the same time as peak P1 is detected.

Description

PROCEDIMIENTO Y APARATO PARA LA IDENTIFICACIÓN DEPROCEDURE AND APPLIANCE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF
PIEZAS DISCOIDALES METÁLICAS.METAL DISCOIDAL PARTS.
La presente invención se refiere a un procedimiento y aparato para la identificación de piezas discoidales metálicas, tales como monedas o fichas, y es de especial aplicación a la identificación de monedas compuestas por dos o mas partes de diferente naturaleza, por ejemplo monedas compuestas por una corona y un núcleo a base de metales o aleaciones diferentes, o bien monedas multicapa. La invención incluye también el aparato para la realización del procedimiento .The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the identification of metallic discoidal pieces, such as coins or tokens, and is of special application to the identification of coins composed of two or more parts of different nature, for example coins composed of one crown and a core based on different metals or alloys, or multilayer coins. The invention also includes the apparatus for carrying out the process.
Mas concretamente, la invención se refiere a un procedimiento y un aparato que permitan obtener con precisión información relativa a la dimensión de la moneda y a la naturaleza de las diferentes partes que la componen, con el fin de poder lograr su correcta identificación y todo ello mediante el uso de sensores ópticos y electromagnéticos . La invención es aplicable a la discriminación de monedas monometálicas, aportando una gran seguridad en el rechazo de fraudes consistentes en el suplemento de una moneda de valor inferior con un anillo de otro material, por ejemplo a base de cintas plásticas, aluminio, arandelas de diferentes aleaciones, etc., con el fin de simular una moneda de mayor valor.More specifically, the invention relates to a method and an apparatus that allow to obtain with precision information regarding the size of the coin and the nature of the different parts that compose it, in order to be able to achieve its correct identification and all this through the use of optical and electromagnetic sensors. The invention is applicable to the discrimination of monometallic coins, providing great security in the rejection of fraud consisting of the supplement of a coin of lower value with a ring of other material, for example based on plastic bands, aluminum, washers of different alloys, etc., in order to simulate a currency of greater value.
Ya se conocen numerosos dispositivos para la discriminación o identificación de monedas basadas en el uso individual o combinado de sensores de diferentes tipos, fundamentalmente sensores electromagnéticos y en menor proporción capacitivos, ópticos, extensométricos, piezoeléctricos y acústicos.Numerous devices are already known for the discrimination or identification of coins based on the individual or combined use of sensor sensors. different types, mainly electromagnetic sensors and to a lesser extent capacitive, optical, extensometric, piezoelectric and acoustic.
Dentro de estos antecedentes puede citarse por ejemplo la patente española 555.181, de los mismos solicitantes, en la que se describe un dispositivo discriminador de monedas que utiliza en combinación dos sensores ópticos, para la medición dimensional de la moneda, y un sensor electromagnético, que proporciona información de las características eléctricas de la aleación. Este sensor electromagnético está constituido por dos bobinas acopladas alimentadas por un oscilador, por cuyo entrehierro se hacen circular las monedas . En el mismo sentido puede citarse la patente US.4705154 que describe un dispositivo que incorpora dos sensores electromagnéticos situados uno a continuación de otro en la rampa o camino de rodadura de la moneda, de forma que se somete a dicha moneda a dos mediciones consecutivas. Cada uno de los sensores está constituido por dos bobinas acopladas entre sí. En un caso las bobinas se conectan en fase y en el otro la conexión se realiza en contrafase. Como los sensores están suficientemente espaciados, los dos sensores electromagnéticos se alimentan con un oscilador común.Within this background, for example, the Spanish patent 555,181, of the same applicants, which describes a coin discriminator device that uses two optical sensors in combination for the dimensional measurement of the coin, and an electromagnetic sensor, which provides information on the electrical characteristics of the alloy. This electromagnetic sensor is constituted by two coupled coils fed by an oscillator, through whose air gap the coins are circulated. In the same sense, US 4705154 can be cited, which describes a device that incorporates two electromagnetic sensors located one after the other in the ramp or rolling path of the coin, so that said coin is subjected to two consecutive measurements. Each of the sensors consists of two coils coupled to each other. In one case the coils are connected in phase and in the other the connection is made in contraphase. As the sensors are sufficiently spaced, the two electromagnetic sensors are fed with a common oscillator.
Un sensor del mismo tipo considerado se describe también en al US.4754862, en la que se propone una aparato discriminador de monedas que incorpora tres sensores electromagnéticos, constituidos cada uno de ellos por una bobina única y dispuestos de forma que la moneda interfiera con ellos de forma secuencial . Los sensores comparten un único oscilador, pero en este caso se utiliza un multiplexor para activar cada uno de los sensores durante el paso de la moneda. El tamaño de los sensores, al menos dos de ellos, es comparable o superior a las monedas a analizar.A sensor of the same type considered is also described in US 4754862, in which a coin discriminating apparatus is proposed that incorporates three electromagnetic sensors, each consisting of a single coil and arranged so that the coin interferes with them. sequentially The sensors share a single oscillator, but in this case a multiplexer is used to activate each of the sensors during the passage of the coin. The size of the sensors, at least two of them, is comparable or higher than the currencies to analyze.
Las técnicas descritas en los documentos analizados no son aplicables en la discriminación de monedas con partes de diferente naturaleza, puesto que los sensores electromagnéticos descritos proporcionan una información promediada de toda la moneda, sin distinguir entre las diferentes partes que la componen.The techniques described in the documents analyzed are not applicable in the discrimination of currencies with parts of different nature, since the electromagnetic sensors described provide averaged information of the entire currency, without distinguishing between the different parts that compose it.
Son también conocidos procedimientos para la realización de una medición mas puntual de la moneda y que, por tanto, son apropiados para el análisis de monedas constituidas por partes de diferente naturaleza.Procedures are also known for performing a more timely measurement of the currency and, therefore, are suitable for the analysis of currencies constituted by parts of different nature.
En este sentido puede citarse el documento WO.93/22747, que describe un validador de monedas que utiliza dos sensores electromagnéticos de reducido tamaño (5 mm frente a los 14 mm comúnmente utilizados) y la medida se basa en la diferencia entre las salidas que proporcionan ambos sensores cuando la moneda está situada de forma que una de las partes, por ejemplo la externa, intercepte uno de los sensores mientras que la otra parte, la interna, intercepte el otro. De esta manera se analizan las diferencias entre las características de los dos materiales. La patente PE.0076617A2 propone un procedimiento de medida aplicable a monedas bicolores basado en la utilización de sensores de efecto Hall . Por medio de estos sensores, de reducidas dimensiones, pueden medirse con aceptable precisión espacial las variaciones del campo magnético que provoca la moneda sometida a examen. El uso de sensores electromagnéticos de pequeñas dimensiones tiene las desventajas de proporcionar señales eléctricas de bajo nivel, ser muy sensibles a las irregularidades de paso de la moneda por el canal de rodadura y a la vez su construcción y manipulación es muy delicada. Además los sensores de tipo Hall constituyen componentes electrónicos muy costosos .In this regard, document WO.93 / 22747, which describes a coin validator that uses two electromagnetic sensors of small size (5 mm versus the 14 mm commonly used), can be cited and the measurement is based on the difference between the outputs that both sensors provide when the coin is located so that one of the parties, for example the external one, intercepts one of the sensors while the other part, the internal part, intercepts the other. In this way the differences between the characteristics of the two materials are analyzed. Patent PE.0076617A2 proposes a measurement procedure applicable to two-color coins based on the use of Hall effect sensors. By means of these small-sized sensors, variations in the magnetic field caused by the currency under examination can be measured with acceptable spatial accuracy. The use of electromagnetic sensors of small dimensions has the disadvantages of providing low level electrical signals, being very sensitive to the irregularities of the coin passing through the raceway and at the same time its construction and handling is very delicate. In addition the sensors of Hall type constitute very expensive electronic components.
El objeto de la presente invención es resolver los problemas antes expuestos, mediante un procedimiento y su correspondiente aparato que permiten identificar con precisión las dimensiones de las monedas y las características de las aleaciones de sus diferentes partes, todo ello sin tener que utilizar componentes electrónicos costosos ni sensores electromagnéticos miniatura.The object of the present invention is to solve the problems set forth above, by means of a method and its corresponding apparatus that allow to accurately identify the dimensions of the coins and the characteristics of the alloys of their different parts, all without having to use expensive electronic components. No miniature electromagnetic sensors.
La invención propone un procedimiento para la identificación de piezas discoidales de naturaleza metálica, especialmente monedas compuestas por una corona y un núcleo de diferente naturaleza, que comprende las siguientes etapas: a) obtención y medición del pico de la señal producida por el paso de la corona de la moneda por un primer sensor electromagnético, que representa una primera característica de dicho corona; b) medición del nivel de la señal producida por el paso del núcleo de la moneda por un segundo sensor electromagnético, en el mismo instante en el que se detecta el pico de la señal antes citada y que representa una primera característica del núcleo de la moneda; c) detección y medición de uno de los picos secundarios que presenta la señal obtenida por el paso de la corona de la moneda a través del primer sensor citado, que proporciona una segunda característica de la corona de la moneda.The invention proposes a method for the identification of discoidal pieces of a metallic nature, especially coins composed of a crown and a core of different nature, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining and measuring the peak of the signal produced by the passage of the crown of the coin by a first electromagnetic sensor, which represents a first characteristic of said crown; b) measurement of the level of the signal produced by the passage of the core of the coin through a second electromagnetic sensor, at the same moment in which the peak of the aforementioned signal is detected and which represents a first characteristic of the coin core ; c) detection and measurement of one of the secondary peaks that the signal obtained by the passage of the coin crown through the first mentioned sensor, which provides a second characteristic of the coin crown.
El procedimiento incluye además la medición del nivel de la señal producida por el paso de la corona de la moneda por un tercer sensor electromagnético en un determinado instante tomado dentro del tiempo transcurrido desde que la corona empieza y finaliza a interceptar a éste tercer sensor electromagnético, y que proporciona una tercera característica de la corona.The procedure also includes the measurement of the level of the signal produced by the passage of the crown of the coin through a third electromagnetic sensor at a certain time taken within the time elapsed since the crown begins and ends to intercept this third electromagnetic sensor, and that provides a third Crown feature
Además el procedimiento incluye la medición del pico de la señal producida por el paso del núcleo de la moneda a través del tercer sensor electromagnético, que es representativa de una segunda característica de dicho núcleo.In addition, the procedure includes the measurement of the peak of the signal produced by the passage of the coin core through the third electromagnetic sensor, which is representative of a second characteristic of said core.
El procedimiento de la invención puede completarse con la obtención de los instantes de paso de la moneda a través de un primer y un segundo sensor ópticos, para el cálculo de la dimensión de dicha moneda. En este caso, el instante en el que se lleva a cabo la medición del nivel de la señal producida por el paso de la corona de la moneda por el tercer sensor puede estar definido por un tiempo, contado a partir de que la moneda finaliza su paso a través del primer sensor óptico, el cual iría situado por delante de dicho tercer sensor electromagnético.The process of the invention can be completed by obtaining the instants of passing the coin through a first and a second optical sensor, for the calculation of the dimension of said coin. In this case, the moment in which the measurement of the level of the signal produced by the passage of the crown of the coin through the third sensor is carried out can be defined for a time, counted from when the coin ends its passing through the first optical sensor, which would be located in front of said third electromagnetic sensor.
Con el sistema propuesto se obtienen, además de las dimensiones de la moneda, dos o mas características representativas del anillo y núcleo, lo que en conjunto asegura la identificación exacta de la moneda que se analiza.With the proposed system, in addition to the dimensions of the coin, two or more representative characteristics of the ring and core are obtained, which together ensures the exact identification of the currency being analyzed.
Además los sensores electromagnéticos segundo y tercero pueden ser de configuración "autooscilante" , lo cual permite medir sus frecuencias para la obtención de un parámetro adicional relacionado con cada una de las mediciones de amplitud eléctrica porcionadas por dichos sensores.In addition, the second and third electromagnetic sensors can be of "self-oscillating" configuration, which allows their frequencies to be measured to obtain an additional parameter related to each of the electrical amplitude measurements portioned by said sensors.
El aparato para la realización del procedimiento descrito incluye un primer y un segundo sensores electromagnéticos que van alineados en dirección perpendicular a la pista de rodadura de las monedas y un tercer sensor electromagnético distanciado del segundo sensor citado a lo largo de la trayectoria de las monedas y situado a la misma altura que éste de la superficie de rodadura. De los dos primeros sensores electromagnéticos citados uno de ellos va dispuesto de modo que intercepte solo la corona de las monedas, mientras que el otro va dispuesto de modo que intercepte secuencialmente el núcleo y corona. El tercer sensor interceptará igualmente de forma secuencial el núcleo y corona de las monedas . El aparato incluye además dos sensores ópticos situados a igual altura de la pista de rodadura, separados entre sí una distancia determinada a lo largo de la trayectoria de la moneda y situados preferentemente a uno y otro lado del segundo sensor electromagnético citado .The apparatus for carrying out the described procedure includes a first and second electromagnetic sensors that are aligned perpendicular to the raceway of the coins and a third electromagnetic sensor distanced from the second sensor mentioned along the trajectory of the coins and located at the same height as this one of the rolling surface. Of the first two electromagnetic sensors mentioned one of them is arranged so that it intercepts only the crown of the coins, while the other is arranged so that it sequentially intercepts the core and crown. The third sensor will also sequentially intercept the core and crown of the coins. The apparatus also includes two optical sensors located at the same height of the raceway, separated from each other a certain distance along the path of the coin and preferably located on either side of the second electromagnetic sensor mentioned.
Los sensores pueden estar formados por parejas de inductores acoplados entre sí, dispuestos en las caras opuestas del canal de paso de las monedas, formando parte cada pareja de inductores de un oscilador, de tal manera que los diferentes sensores electromagnéticos sean totalmente independientes entre sí, pudiéndose así medir distintas características de las monedas, especialmente de su núcleo, lo cual permitirá discriminar núcleos construidos por capas superpuestas de diferentes metales.The sensors can be formed by pairs of inductors coupled to each other, arranged on opposite sides of the coin passage channel, each pair of inductors forming part of an oscillator, such that the different electromagnetic sensors are totally independent of each other, being able to measure different characteristics of the coins, especially of their nucleus, which will allow to discriminate nuclei constructed by superimposed layers of different metals.
Los sensores ópticos proporcionarán señales temporales del paso de las monedas para el cálculo de la dimensión de las mismas .The optical sensors will provide temporary signals of the passage of the coins for the calculation of their size.
El primer sensor electromagnético citado va posicionado en la pista de rodadura, de modo que el flujo que cree dicho sensor intercepte de forma parcial a la moneda, pero lo haga fundamentalmente a la corona de la misma. Esto es importante para evitar que la resistencia de contacto entre la corona y el núcleo de las monedas, que es incontrolable, afecte a la calidad de la medición. Este sensor puede construirse también con dos bobinas acopladas, situadas una a cada lado del canal de paso de las monedas, centradas en la pista de rodadura, de forma que la moneda intercepte aproximadamente el 50% del diámetro del sensor. Según se expondrán mas adelante, eligiendo adecuadamente la frecuencia de trabajo y el modo de funcionamiento (emisor-receptor) , puede conseguirse una eficaz discriminación de la corona de la moneda, independientemente del material de su núcleo. En determinados casos es conveniente utilizar para el segundo sensor la configuración de autooscilante en lugar de la de emisor-receptor a frecuencia fija, especialmetne cuando se trate de discriminar monedas que presenten una corona magnética, puesto que en este caso la variación de frecuencia experimentada por el sensor al paso de la moneda es un parámetro claramente identificador de dicha propiedad.The first electromagnetic sensor mentioned is positioned on the raceway, so that the flow created by said sensor partially intercepts the coin, but essentially does it to the crown thereof. This is important to avoid that the contact resistance between the crown and the core of the coins, which is uncontrollable, affects the quality of the measurement. This sensor can also be built with two coupled coils, located one on each side of the Coin passage channel, centered on the raceway, so that the coin intercepts approximately 50% of the sensor diameter. As will be discussed below, by properly choosing the working frequency and the mode of operation (emitter-receiver), effective discrimination of the coin crown can be achieved, regardless of the material of its core. In certain cases it is convenient to use for the second sensor the self-oscillating configuration instead of the fixed-frequency transmitter-receiver, especially when it comes to discriminating coins that have a magnetic crown, since in this case the frequency variation experienced by The sensor to the passage of the currency is a clearly identifying parameter of said property.
Como es evidente, el primer sensor electromagnético 2, en lugar de estar posicionado en la pista de rodadura por debajo del segundo sensor 3, podría estar montado por encima de dicho segundo sensorAs is evident, the first electromagnetic sensor 2, instead of being positioned on the raceway below the second sensor 3, could be mounted above said second sensor
3 , de forma que la moneda interceptara parcialmente el flujo magnético que se establece entre los dos inductores del sensor. Esta disposición tendría, como es lógico, la limitación de que solo sería de aplicación para la discriminación de monedas dentro de un determinado rango de diámetros y de dimensiones de coronas .3, so that the coin partially intercepts the magnetic flux that is established between the two inductors of the sensor. This provision would, of course, be the limitation that it would only apply to the discrimination of currencies within a certain range of diameters and crowns dimensions.
Las características y ventajas de la invención se exponen seguidamente con mayor detalle, con ayuda de los dibujos adjuntos, en los que se muestra un ejemplo de realización no limitativo. En los dibujos:The features and advantages of the invention are set forth in greater detail below, with the help of the attached drawings, in which a non-limiting embodiment is shown. In the drawings:
La figura 1 muestra en sección longitudinal un tramo de la pista de rodadura con la disposición de sensores objeto de la invención y con una moneda al inicio del tramo.Figure 1 shows in longitudinal section a section of the raceway with the arrangement of sensors object of the invention and with a coin start of the section.
La figura 2 es una vista similar a la figura 1, mostrando el instante en el que la moneda intercepta simultáneamente los dos primeros sensores electromagnéticos.Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the moment in which the coin simultaneously intercepts the first two electromagnetic sensors.
La figura 3 es una vista similar a las figuras 1 y 2, mostrando la moneda en una situación intermedia, en el instante en el que comienza a abandonar el primer sensor óptico y comienza a interceptar un tercer sensor electromagnético.Figure 3 is a view similar to Figures 1 and 2, showing the coin in an intermediate situation, at the moment when it begins to leave the first optical sensor and begins to intercept a third electromagnetic sensor.
La figura 4 muestra una diagrama de bloques de la circuitería utilizada en el aparato de la invención. Las figuras 5 a 7 son diagramas en los que se representan las señales obtenidas por el paso de la moneda a través de los diferentes sensores .Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the circuitry used in the apparatus of the invention. Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams in which the signals obtained by the passage of the currency through the different sensors are represented.
En las figuras 1 a 3 se representa un tramo de la pista de rodadura, que se referencia con el número 1, en coincidencia con el cual van dispuestos un primero y un segundo sensores electromagnéticos, referenciados con los números 2 y 3, alineados entre sí en dirección perpendicular a la pista de rodadura 1, y un tercer sensor electromagnético 4 distanciado del segundo sensor 3 a lo largo de la trayectoria de las monedas y situado a la misma altura que éste respecto de la pista de rodadura 1. El sensor electromagnético 4 se sitúa, según se aprecia en las figuras 1 a 3, al final de la zona destinada a la medición de las monedas. Esta es una realziación preferente, pero dependiendo del espacio físico y formas de la carcasa del dispositivo, dicho sensor electromagnético 4 podría situarse al principio de la zona de medición, por ejemplo por delante de los sensores electromagnéticos 2 y 3. El sensor electromagnético 2 está constituido por dos inductores acoplados y posicionados próximos a la pista de rodadura 1 de las monedas. La configuración de este sensor será preferentemente del tipo emisor- receptor y se montarán próximos a la zona de rodadura de las monedas, de forma que el campo electromagnético recibido por el sensor se vea influenciado fundamentalmente por la corona de la moneda. Este puede conseguirse utilizando por ejemplo un sensor de 9 mm de diámetro, situado en la pista de rodadura y desplazado hacia el exterior de tal manera que las monedas lo interfieran aproximadamente en un 50% de su dimensión. Al estar este sensor situado en la perpendicular trazada desde el centro del sensor 3 hasta la pista de rodadura 1, cuando la moneda esté centrada en el sensor 3, también lo estará en el sensor 2, figura 2.In Figures 1 to 3 a section of the raceway is shown, which is referred to with the number 1, in coincidence with which a first and second electromagnetic sensors, referenced with the numbers 2 and 3, aligned with each other are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the raceway 1, and a third electromagnetic sensor 4 distanced from the second sensor 3 along the path of the coins and located at the same height as this with respect to the raceway 1. The electromagnetic sensor 4 it is located, as shown in figures 1 to 3, at the end of the area for the measurement of the coins. This is a preferred realization, but depending on the physical space and shapes of the device housing, said electromagnetic sensor 4 could be placed at the beginning of the measurement zone, for example in front of the electromagnetic sensors 2 and 3. The electromagnetic sensor 2 is constituted by two inductors coupled and positioned close to the raceway 1 of the coins. The configuration of this sensor will preferably be of the emitter-receiver type and will be mounted close to the rolling area of the coins, so that the electromagnetic field received by the sensor is fundamentally influenced by the crown of the coin. This can be achieved using, for example, a 9 mm diameter sensor, located on the raceway and displaced outward so that the coins interfere approximately 50% of its dimension. Since this sensor is located on the perpendicular drawn from the center of the sensor 3 to the raceway 1, when the coin is centered on the sensor 3, it will also be centered on the sensor 2, figure 2.
El sensor electromagnético 3 estará también constituido por dos inductores acoplados y posicionados en las caras opuestas del canal de paso de las monedas 5. A uno y otro lado de este sensor electromagnético se dispondrán dos sensores ópticos 6 y 7 encargados de medir la dimensión (cuerda) de la moneda.The electromagnetic sensor 3 will also be constituted by two inductors coupled and positioned on the opposite sides of the passage channel of the coins 5. On both sides of this electromagnetic sensor two optical sensors 6 and 7 will be arranged to measure the dimension (string ) of the currency.
En el ejemplo representado en los dibujos, la moneda 5 incluye una corona 8 y un núcleo 9. El sensor 3 será de unas dimensiones inferiores al tamaño del núcleo mas pequeño de la moneda bicolor que pueda ser analizada y se posicionará de tal manera que cuando la moneda esté centrada, la interacción con el campo electromagnético que crea el sensor 3 se deba fundamentalmente al núcleo de dicha moneda.In the example depicted in the drawings, coin 5 includes a crown 8 and a core 9. The sensor 3 will be smaller than the size of the smallest core of the two-color coin that can be analyzed and positioned in such a way that when the coin is centered, the interaction with the electromagnetic field created by the sensor 3 is mainly due to the core of said coin.
Con las condiciones expuestas, cuando una moneda 5 pasa por el sistema descrito interceptará en primer lugar el sensor óptico 6, que conjuntamente con el sensor óptico 7 medirá la dimensión de la moneda. Posteriormente interceptará el sensor del núcleo 3. Mas adelante la moneda interceptará el sensor 2 de la corona, produciéndose una señal abrupta y con un pico bien definido P1; gracias a la configuración utilizada (emisor-receptor) y al posicionamiento del primer sensor electromagnético (2) , figuras 5 y 6, que coincide cuando la moneda se encuentra centrada con el sensor 2 y por lo tanto con el sensor 3, tal y como se representa en la figura 2. Cuando se detecta esta situación, se toman los valores Px que corresponde al pico de la señal antes comentada, y P2 que corresponde al sensor del núcleo, señales todas ellas que son significativas respectivamente del anillo y del núcleo de la moneda .Under the conditions set forth, when a coin 5 passes through the described system it will first intercept the optical sensor 6, which together with the optical sensor 7 will measure the dimension of the coin. It will then intercept the core sensor 3. More forward the coin will intercept the crown sensor 2, producing an abrupt signal and with a well defined peak P 1; thanks to the configuration used (emitter-receiver) and the positioning of the first electromagnetic sensor (2), figures 5 and 6, which coincides when the coin is centered with sensor 2 and therefore with sensor 3, as It is represented in Figure 2. When this situation is detected, the values P x corresponding to the peak of the above-mentioned signal are taken, and P 2 corresponding to the core sensor, all signals that are significant respectively of the ring and the core of the coin.
Por otra parte, según se aprecia en las figuras 5 y 6, que muestran las señales registradas por los sensores 3 y 2 para dos monedas bicolores diferentes, además de diferenciarse en los picos y I>2 I en una moneda, para el sensor 2 aparecen dos picos secundarios P3 y P4 , mientras que no aparecen en la otra. Esto se debe a la diferente conductividad del metal utilizado para el anillo 8 ó parte externa de la moneda, así en la figura 5 el anillo es muy conductor, mientras que en la figura 6 es poco conductor. Como es lógico, en situaciones intermedias los picos P3 y P4 son intermedios entre las dos situaciones extremas descritas. Esta característica del sensor 2, se da solo para determinadas configuraciones del sensor, en nuestro caso emisor-receptor, y para determinadas bandas de frecuencias de trabajo, por lo que es importante diseñar adecuadamente el sensor para poder utilizar este efecto. Por tanto, midiendo además del pico Pl7 el P3 o el P4 (P3 y P4 son equivalentes por ser simétricos) , se obtiene un parámetro adicional del anillo de la moneda, que es exclusivo de dicho anillo puesto que se produce cuando la moneda comienza a interferir con el sensor 2.On the other hand, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, which show the signals recorded by sensors 3 and 2 for two different two-color coins, in addition to differentiating at the peaks and I> 2 I in one coin, for sensor 2 two secondary peaks P 3 and P 4 appear , while they do not appear in the other. This is due to the different conductivity of the metal used for the ring 8 or external part of the coin, so in figure 5 the ring is very conductive, while in figure 6 it is poorly conductive. Naturally, in intermediate situations the peaks P 3 and P 4 are intermediate between the two extreme situations described. This characteristic of sensor 2, is only given for certain sensor configurations, in our case emitter-receiver, and for certain working frequency bands, so it is important to properly design the sensor in order to use this effect. Therefore, in addition to measuring the peak P l7 the P 3 or the P 4 (P 3 and P 4 are equivalent because they are symmetrical), an additional parameter of the coin ring is obtained, which is exclusive to said ring since it is produced when the coin starts to interfere with sensor 2.
Hasta el momento se han obtenido dos medidas significativas del anillo 8 de la moneda y una del núcleo 9. Se considera conveniente para mejorar la seguridad del sistema, la incorporación de un tercer sensor electromagnético 4 sensible a otra característica de la aleación. Por ejemplo, si se construye el sensor 3 con las bobinas conectadas en fase, el sensor 4 se conectaría en oposición, o bien emplear otra frecuencia de trabajo o cualquier otra variante que permita obtener una segunda característica independiente de la obtenida por el sensor 3. Por ejemplo, en la figura 7, puede verse la señal del sensor 4 funcionando con los dos inductores conectados en contrafase, cuando una moneda bicolor rueda por la zona de medición. La medida a considerar, sería la variación máxima de la señal P5 de la figura 7, que en este caso particular de sensor aparece en la zona media de la señal y se corresponde con la situación de la moneda centrada con el sensor 4. El valor del pico es fácilmente medible por cualquiera de los procedimientos actualmente conocidos .So far, two significant measurements of the coin ring 8 and one of the core 9 have been obtained. It is considered convenient to improve the safety of the system, the incorporation of a third electromagnetic sensor 4 sensitive to another characteristic of the alloy. For example, if sensor 3 is constructed with the coils connected in phase, sensor 4 would be connected in opposition, or use another working frequency or any other variant that allows obtaining a second characteristic independent of that obtained by sensor 3. For example, in figure 7, the signal of the sensor 4 can be seen operating with the two inductors connected in contraphase, when a two-color coin rolls through the measurement zone. The measure to consider would be the maximum variation of the signal P 5 of Figure 7, which in this particular case of sensor appears in the middle area of the signal and corresponds to the situation of the coin centered with the sensor 4. The Peak value is easily measurable by any of the currently known procedures.
Además, el sensor electromagnético 4 permitirá obtener una tercera característica de la corona mediante la medición del nivel de la señal producida por el paso de dicha corona 8 a través del sensor 4 en un determinado instante, instante que estará comprendido dentro del tiempo que transcurre desde que la corona 8 empieza y finalzia a interceptar al citado sensor electromagnético 4.In addition, the electromagnetic sensor 4 will allow obtaining a third characteristic of the crown by measuring the level of the signal produced by the passage of said crown 8 through the sensor 4 at a certain moment, an instant that will be comprised within the time that elapses from that the crown 8 begins and ends to intercept the said electromagnetic sensor 4.
Con la realización descrita el sensor 4 se puede utilizar combinado con uno de los sensores ópticos, para obtener la tercera característica citada de la corona de la moneda, tomando la medida de la señal de amplitud del sensor 4, en un instante definido por un tiempo TI, contado desde el instante en el que la moneda se encuentra en la posición representada en la figura 3. La señal eléctrica que produce el sensor puede apreciarse en la figura 7, en la que la porción central de la señal sería representativa de una segunda característica del núcleo de la moneda, mientras que el valor de la señal V5, que se corresponde con el valor de la señal en un tiempo TI después de producirse el flanco de la subida del sensor óptico 6, sería una tercera característica de la corona de la moneda. El valor que se elija para el tiempo TI estara relacionado con el tamaño de las monedas a discriminar y con la separación existente entre le sensor electromagnético 4 y el sensor óptico 6. Caso de ser la separación de los sensores ópticos inferior a la cuerda de la moneda sometida a examen, el tiempo TI puede calcularse para cada una de las monedas introducidas en el dispositivo, siendo una función inversa a la velocidad de paso de las monedas por los sensores. De esta forma la medición del anillo por el sensor 4 se realizará en posiciones fijas para cada una de las denominaciones (diámetros de las monedas) . La velocidad media de la moneda puede calcularse fácilmente midiendo el tiempo de paso del flanco de entrada de la moneda entre los dos sensores ópticos.With the described embodiment the sensor 4 can be used in combination with one of the optical sensors, to obtain the third mentioned feature of the coin crown, taking the measurement of the amplitude signal of the sensor 4, at a defined moment for a time TI, counted from the moment in which the coin is in the position represented in figure 3. The electrical signal produced by the sensor can be seen in figure 7, in which the central portion of the signal would be representative of a second characteristic of the core of the coin, while the value of the V5 signal, which corresponds to the value of the signal at a time TI after the rising edge of the optical sensor 6 occurred, would be a third characteristic of The crown of the coin. The value chosen for the IT time will be related to the size of the coins to be discriminated against and the separation between the electromagnetic sensor 4 and the optical sensor 6. If the separation of the optical sensors is less than the string of the Currency under review, the IT time can be calculated for each of the coins entered in the device, being an inverse function at the speed of the coins passing through the sensors. In this way the measurement of the ring by the sensor 4 will be carried out in fixed positions for each of the denominations (coin diameters). The average speed of the coin can be easily calculated by measuring the passage time of the coin's leading edge between the two optical sensors.
Caso de utilizar para los sensores 3 y 4 la configuración de "autooscilante" , es decir que la frecuencia de oscilación depende de los propios inductores utilizados como sensores, dicha frecuencia puede medirse y ser un parámetro adicional relacionado con cada una de las mediciones de amplitud eléctrica proporcionadas por los sensores descritos . La medición de frecuencia de cada uno de los sensores 3 y 4, puede realizarser por cualquiera de los procedimientos conocidos, en nuestro caso se utiliza el contaje de impulsos durante un tiempo conocido (fijo o variable) con lo que el valor de la frecuencia del oscilador será el cociente entre el número resultante de la cuenta y el tiempo invertido de dicha cuenta. Estas operaciones las puede realizar el bloque 25 de la figura 4 consistente en un microprocesador.If the "self oscillating" configuration is used for sensors 3 and 4, that is to say that the oscillation frequency depends on the inductors themselves used as sensors, this frequency can be measured and be an additional parameter related to each of the amplitude measurements electrical provided by the described sensors. The frequency measurement of each of the sensors 3 and 4, can be performed by any of the known procedures, in our case the counting of impulses for a known time (fixed or variable) with which the value of the oscillator frequency will be the quotient between the resulting number of the account and the time invested of said account. These operations can be performed by block 25 of Figure 4 consisting of a microprocessor.
El diagrama de bloques que aparece en la figura 4, muestra de forma esquemática los elementos que forman la realización preferente de la invención propuesta. Se han representado los sensores en el orden en que ocurre la secuencia de interceptación por parte de almoneda 5. Siguiendo el orden de entrada de la moneda 5 rodando por la rampa inclinada 1, en primer lugar intercepta el sensor óptico 6 conectado al microprocesador 25 encargado entre otras funciones de medir los tiempos de paso de las monedas por los sensores ópticos 6 y 7 para el cálculo del diámetro.The block diagram shown in Figure 4 shows schematically the elements that form the preferred embodiment of the proposed invention. The sensors have been represented in the order in which the interception sequence takes place by almoneda 5. Following the order of entry of the coin 5 rolling down the inclined ramp 1, it first intercepts the optical sensor 6 connected to the microprocessor 25 in charge among other functions of measuring the passage times of the coins by the optical sensors 6 and 7 for the calculation of the diameter.
Seguidamente la moneda intercepta el sensor electromagnético 3, que como se ha adelantado mide características del núcleo de la moneda. El sensor 3 está formado por dos inductores de pequeñas dimensiones preferiblemente serán del tipo "pot core" de 9 mm de diámetro situados a ambos lados del canal de paso de las monedas conectados en fase, es decir que los campos electromagnéticos de ambos se suman (coeficiente de inducción mutua M>0) , formando parte de un oscilador 10, seguido de un rectificador 11 y de un amplificador y acondicionador de señal 12, cuya salida se introduce al multiplexador 23, encargado de conmutar las diferentes entradas hacia un convertidor analógico - digital 24 que proporcionará al microprocesador 25 los valores digitales equivalentes de los valores analógicos de las señales provenientes de los sensores electromagnéticos 3, 4 y 2. Además se ha previsto una conexión directa desde el oscilador 10 al microporcesador 25 para analizar la frecuencia de oscilación, que también proporciona información de las características de la moneda.Then the coin intercepts the electromagnetic sensor 3, which as it has been advanced measures the characteristics of the core of the coin. The sensor 3 is formed by two inductors of small dimensions, preferably they will be of the "pot core" type of 9 mm in diameter located on both sides of the passage channel of the coins connected in phase, that is to say that the electromagnetic fields of both are added ( mutual induction coefficient M> 0), forming part of an oscillator 10, followed by a rectifier 11 and an amplifier and signal conditioner 12, whose output is introduced to the multiplexer 23, responsible for switching the different inputs to an analog converter - digital 24 which will provide the microprocessor 25 with the equivalent digital values of the analog values of the signals from the electromagnetic sensors 3, 4 and 2. In addition, a direct connection from the oscillator 10 to the microprocessor 25 to analyze the oscillation frequency, which also provides information on the characteristics of the coin.
En su recorrido por la rampa 1, la moneda intercepta el sensor 2 del anillo 8 o parte externa de la moneda, estando constituido por dos inductores montados a ambos lados del canal de paso de las monedas y posicionados en la zona de rodadura de la moneda, de forma que el flujo electromagnético que se establece entre ambos inductores sea interceptado al paso de la moneda fundamentalmente por su zona externa (anillo) . Al igual que el sensor 3 , los inductores deben ser de tamaño reducido, siendo conveniente la utilización del tipo "pot core" de 9 mm de diámetro. En este caso la configuración del sensor será preferiblemente del tipo EMISOR-RECEPTOR. El emisor se alimentará mediante un generador de señal cuadrado 13 con una resistencia en serie 14 de un valor significativamente más elevado que el del propio sensor 2, comportándose el conjunto como un generador de intensidad modulado por una señal cuadrada. Para evitar oscilaciones parásitas, es conveniente la incorporación de un filtro R-C 15 en paralelo con el sensor 2. La señal entregada por el receptor del sensor 2, se introduce en un convertidor Intensidad - Tensión, a cuya salida obtenemos una señal cuadrada de amplitud proporcional al campo electromagnético transmitido entre la bobina emisora y la receptora del sensor 2. Para evitar perturbaciones indeseadas, la señal se hace pasar por un filtro paso banda 15. La señal filtrada se amplifica convenientemente en el amplificador 18 y después se rectifica en el paso 19. La salida se aplica al multiplexador 23 para ser analizada por el microprocesador 25, al igual que el sensor electromagnético 3. Dependiendo del diámetro de la moneda, en su recorrido por la rampa de rodadura 1, puede interceptar el segundo detector óptico 7 simultáneamente con otros sensores, tal como se aprecia en las figuras 2 y 3. Esto no es un inconveniente, puesto que se han habilitado entradas directas al microprocesador 25 para analizar todas las señales aunque sean simultáneas en el tiempo. Gracias a esta característica, cuando la moneda está entrando en la zona de influencia del tercer sensor electromagnético 4 y se encuentre en la posición indicada en la figura 3, se pueden tomar medidas relacionadas con el diámetro de la monedaIn its route along the ramp 1, the coin intercepts the sensor 2 of the ring 8 or external part of the coin, being constituted by two inductors mounted on both sides of the coin passage channel and positioned in the coin rolling area , so that the electromagnetic flux that is established between both inductors is intercepted to the passage of the currency fundamentally by its external zone (ring). Like sensor 3, the inductors must be small in size, with the use of the 9 mm diameter "pot core" type being convenient. In this case, the sensor configuration will preferably be of the ISSUER-RECEIVER type. The transmitter will be powered by a square signal generator 13 with a series resistance 14 of a significantly higher value than that of the sensor 2 itself, the assembly behaving like a current generator modulated by a square signal. To avoid parasitic oscillations, it is convenient to incorporate an RC filter 15 in parallel with the sensor 2. The signal delivered by the sensor 2 receiver is introduced into an Intensity - Voltage converter, at whose output we obtain a square signal of proportional amplitude to the electromagnetic field transmitted between the emitting coil and the receiver of the sensor 2. To avoid unwanted disturbances, the signal is passed through a bandpass filter 15. The filtered signal is conveniently amplified in the amplifier 18 and then rectified in step 19 The output is applied to the multiplexer 23 to be analyzed by the microprocessor 25, as well as the electromagnetic sensor 3. Depending on the diameter of the coin, on its way along the rolling ramp 1, you can intercept the second optical detector 7 simultaneously with other sensors, as seen in Figures 2 and 3. This is not an inconvenience, since they have been enabled direct inputs to microprocessor 25 to analyze all signals even if they are simultaneous in time. Thanks to this feature, when the coin is entering the zone of influence of the third electromagnetic sensor 4 and is in the position indicated in figure 3, measures related to the diameter of the coin can be taken
(sensor n° 7) y con el anillo de la moneda, midiendo en el instante en que queda abierto el sensor 6, la amplitud del sensor electromagnético 4. Esta medición, según se ha explicado con anterioridad, es representativa de otra característica del anillo de la moneda .(sensor n ° 7) and with the coin ring, measuring at the moment the sensor 6 is open, the amplitude of the electromagnetic sensor 4. This measurement, as explained above, is representative of another characteristic of the ring of the coin.
El sensor electromagnético 4 se construirá de una manera similar al descrito anteriormente 3, con la diferencia de que las bobinas se conectarán preferentemente en oposición de fase (coeficiente de inducción mutua M < 0) , para obtener así una nueva característica diferenciadora de la moneda. Este sensor también puede construirse con inductores del tipo "pot core" de 9 mm de diámetro, montados a una altura sobre la rodadura idéntica a la del sensor 3 , de forma que se analice el núcleo de la moneda en estudio. El sensor 4 forma parte de un circuito oscilador 20 que oscila libremente. Esta oscilación, se ve afectada en presencia de la moneda, tanto en su frecuencia de oscilación, como en la amplitud de las oscilaciones. La señal del oscilador, se rectifica en el bloque 21 y se amplifica y filtra adecuadamente en el bloque 22 antes de aplicarla al multiplexador 23 para ser analizada junto con otras señales por el microporcesador 25. Además se ha previsto una conexión directa desde el oscilador 20 al microprocesador 25 para analizar la frecuencia de oscilación, que también proporciona información de las características de la moneda.The electromagnetic sensor 4 will be constructed in a manner similar to that described above 3, with the difference that the coils will preferably be connected in phase opposition (mutual induction coefficient M <0), in order to obtain a new differentiating characteristic of the coin. This sensor can also be built with inductors of the "pot core" type of 9 mm in diameter, mounted at a height on the tread identical to that of sensor 3, so that the core of the coin under study is analyzed. The sensor 4 is part of an oscillating circuit 20 that oscillates freely. This oscillation is affected in the presence of the currency, both in its frequency of oscillation, and in the amplitude of the oscillations. The oscillator signal is rectified in block 21 and properly amplified and filtered in block 22 before applying it to multiplexer 23 for analysis. together with other signals by the microprocessor 25. In addition, a direct connection from the oscillator 20 to the microprocessor 25 is provided to analyze the oscillation frequency, which also provides information on the characteristics of the coin.
El microprocesador 25 analiza las señales que recibe de los sensores electromagnéticos y ópticos y los procesa según un programa de funcionamiento que puede residir indistintamente en una memoria interna del propio microprocesador o bien en otra externa 26, que además almacenará los parámetros representativos de monedas aceptables. Una vez que ha sido medida la moneda y calculados los parámetros representativos para cada uno de los sensores, el microprocesador 25 compara dichos parámetros con los representativos de monedas válidas almacenados en la memoria 26. Caso de ser aceptable, se procede a su admisión abriendo una compuerta de aceptación, no representada, por medio del bloque de salidas 28 y controlando por otros sensores, no representados y a través de entradas 27 que es admitida correctamente, evitando posibles fraudes. Cuando se da la moneda por admitida, se emite un código, a través del bloque de salidas 28, que identifica el tipo de moneda. La admisión puede estar supeditada a condiciones externas (inhibidores, órdenes de la máquina de venta, etc.), recibiéndose estas señales a través del bloque de entradas 27. The microprocessor 25 analyzes the signals it receives from the electromagnetic and optical sensors and processes them according to an operating program that can reside either in an internal memory of the microprocessor itself or in an external memory 26, which will also store the parameters representative of acceptable currencies. Once the currency has been measured and the representative parameters calculated for each of the sensors, the microprocessor 25 compares said parameters with the representative of valid coins stored in memory 26. If acceptable, it is admitted by opening a Acceptance gate, not represented, by means of the output block 28 and controlling by other sensors, not represented and through inputs 27 that is admitted correctly, avoiding possible fraud. When the currency is accepted, a code is issued, through the output block 28, which identifies the type of currency. Admission may be subject to external conditions (inhibitors, sales machine orders, etc.), these signals being received through the input block 27.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES 1.- Procedimiento para la identificación de piezas discoidales metálicas, especialmente aplicable a la identificación de monedas compuestas por un núcleo y una corona de diferente composición, mediante la obtención de características relativas a la naturaleza de la corona y núcleo de la moneda, al paso de dicha moneda por un trayecto en el que van dispuestos sensores electromagnéticos, caracterizado porque comprende, en combinación, la obtención y medición del pico P2 de la señal eléctrica producida por el paso de la corona (8) de la moneda (5) por un primer sensor electromagnético (2) , del tipo emisor-receptor, sensible a la corona de la moneda, representando una primera característica de dicho anillo (8) ; la detección y medición de uno de los picos secundarios P3 , P4 que presenta la señal eléctrica obtenida por el paso de la corona (8) de la moneda a través del primer sensor (2) , que proporciona una segunda característica de la corona de la moneda; y la medición del valor P2 de la señal eléctrica producida por el paso del núcleo (9) de la moneda por un segundo sensor electromagnético 3, del tipo autooscilante, construido por dos inductores acoplados dispuestos en las caras opuestas del canal de paso de las monedas y en la perpendicular trazada desde el centro del primer sensor (2) a la rampa de rodadura (l),en el mismo instante en que se detecta el pico Px de la señal antes citada, que representa una primera característica del núcleo (9) de la moneda.CLAIMS 1.- Procedure for the identification of metallic discoidal pieces, especially applicable to the identification of coins composed of a core and a crown of different composition, by obtaining characteristics related to the nature of the crown and core of the coin, when passage of said coin along a path in which electromagnetic sensors are arranged, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, obtaining and measuring the P 2 peak of the electrical signal produced by the passage of the crown (8) of the coin (5) by a first electromagnetic sensor (2), of the emitter-receiver type, sensitive to the crown of the coin, representing a first characteristic of said ring (8); the detection and measurement of one of the secondary peaks P 3 , P 4 that presents the electrical signal obtained by the passage of the crown (8) of the coin through the first sensor (2), which provides a second characteristic of the crown of the currency; and the measurement of the P 2 value of the electrical signal produced by the passage of the coin core (9) through a second electromagnetic sensor 3, of the self-oscillating type, constructed by two coupled inductors arranged on the opposite sides of the passage channel of the coins and in the perpendicular plotted from the center of the first sensor (2) to the rolling ramp (l), at the same moment when the peak P x of the aforementioned signal is detected, which represents a first characteristic of the core ( 9) of the currency.
2.- Procedimiento según la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque comprende además la medición del valor del pico P5 de la señal eléctrica producida por el paso del núcleo (9) de la moneda a través de un tercer sensor electromagnético (4) del tipo autooscilante, independiente de los sensores electromagnéticos ( 2 y 3) antes citados, que dispone de dos inductores acoplados y dispuestos a ambos lados del canal de paso de las monedas, que es representativa de una segunda característica de dicho núcleo.2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises measuring the value of the P5 peak of the electrical signal produced by the passage of the coin core (9) through a third electromagnetic sensor (4) of the type self-oscillating, independent of the aforementioned electromagnetic sensors (2 and 3), which has two inductors coupled and arranged on both sides of the coin passage channel, which is representative of a second characteristic of said core.
3.- Procedimiento según la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque comprende además la medición del valor (V5) de la señal eléctrica producida por el paso de la corona (8) de la moneda a través del tercer sensor electromagnético (4) en un instante determinado.3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises measuring the value (V5) of the electrical signal produced by the passage of the crown (8) of the coin through the third electromagnetic sensor (4) at a given time .
4.- Procedimiento según la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque se realiza la medición de las frecuencias de oscilación de los sensores electromagnéticos (3 y 4) , que disponen de osciladores independientes, durante el paso de la moneda, para la obtención de un parámetro adicional relacionado con cada una de las mediciones de amplitud eléctrica proporcionadas por dichos sensores. 4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement of the oscillation frequencies of the electromagnetic sensors (3 and 4) is performed, which have independent oscillators, during the passage of the coin, to obtain an additional parameter related to each of the electrical amplitude measurements provided by said sensors.
5.- Aparato para la identificación de piezas discoidales metálicas, especialmente para la identificación de monedas compuestas por un núcleo y una corona de diferente composición, mediante sensores electromagnéticos dispuestos en un tramo del trayecto que recorren las monedas, caracterizado porque comprende, en combinación, un primero y un segundo sensores electromagnéticos (2 y 3) alineados en dirección perpendicular a la pista de rodadura (1) de las monedas (5) y situados de modo que uno de ellos intercepte solo la corona (8) de las monedas y el otro el núcleo (9) y la corona (8) ; estando constituidos cada uno de los sensores por dos inductores acoplados dispuestos a ambos lados del canal de paso de las monedas y presentando el primer sensor la configuración de emisor-receptor, mientras que para el segundo sensor será del tipo autooscilante.5.- Apparatus for the identification of metallic discoidal pieces, especially for the identification of coins composed of a core and a crown of different composition, by means of electromagnetic sensors arranged in a section of the path that the coins travel, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, a first and a second electromagnetic sensors (2 and 3) aligned perpendicular to the raceway (1) of the coins (5) and positioned so that one of them intercepts only the crown (8) of the coins and the another the core (9) and the crown (8); each of the sensors being constituted by two coupled inductors arranged on both sides of the coin passage channel and the first sensor presenting the transmitter-receiver configuration, while for the second sensor It will be of the self-oscillating type.
6.- Aparato según la reivindicación 5, caracterizado porque el primer sensor electromagnético (2) está constituido por dos inductores del tipo "pot core" funcionando uno como emisor y el otro como receptor, habiéndose elegido la frecuencia de trabajo de forma que el paso de las monedas provoque la aparición de un aumento de señal en el momento en que la moneda comience a interferir con el campo que se establece entre el emisor y el receptor, siendo este aumento función de la conductividad de la parte más externa de la moneda.6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first electromagnetic sensor (2) is constituted by two inductors of the "pot core" type operating one as emitter and the other as receiver, the working frequency having been chosen so that the step of the currencies causes the appearance of an increase in signal at the moment in which the currency begins to interfere with the field established between the issuer and the receiver, this increase being a function of the conductivity of the outermost part of the coin.
7.- Aparato según la reivindicación 6, caracterizado porque el primer sensor electromagnético (2) , está constituido por dos inductores del tipo "pot core", conectados a un oscilador y funcionando en la configuración de autooscilante.7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the first electromagnetic sensor (2) is constituted by two inductors of the "pot core" type, connected to an oscillator and operating in the self-oscillating configuration.
8.- Aparato según la reivindicación 5, caracterizado porque el primer sensor electromagnético (2) está posicionado por debajo del segundo sensor electromagnético (3) , preferentemente interceptando parcialmente la rampa de rodadura, de tal manera que sea especialmente sensible a la corona o parte externa de las monedas. 8. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first electromagnetic sensor (2) is positioned below the second electromagnetic sensor (3), preferably partially intercepting the rolling ramp, so that it is especially sensitive to the crown or part External coins.
9.- Aparato según la reivindicación 5, caracterizado porque el primer sensor electromagnético (2) está posicionado por encima del segundo sensor electromagnético (3) , de tal manera que sea especialmente sensible a la corona o parte externa de las monedas, dentro de un determinado rango de diámetros y coronas .9. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first electromagnetic sensor (2) is positioned above the second electromagnetic sensor (3), such that it is especially sensitive to the crown or external part of the coins, within a certain range of diameters and crowns.
10.- Aparato según lar reivindicación 5, caracterizado porque incluye además un tercer sensor electromagnético (4) distanciado del segundo sensor electromagnético (3) antes citado a lo largo de la trayectoria de las monedas y a la misma altura que este, respecto a la pista de rodadura.10. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it also includes a third electromagnetic sensor (4) distanced from the second electromagnetic sensor (3) mentioned above along the trajectory of the coins and at the same height as this, with respect to the raceway.
11. - Aparato según la reivindicación 5 caracterizado porque comprende además dos sensores ópticos (6 y 7) situados a igual altura de la pista de rodadura y dispuestos, preferentemente, a uno y otro lado del segundo sensor electromagnético (3) .11. - Apparatus according to claim 5 characterized in that it further comprises two optical sensors (6 and 7) located at the same height of the raceway and preferably arranged on either side of the second electromagnetic sensor (3).
12.- Aparato según la reivindicación 6, caracterizado porque el emisor del primer sensor electromagnético (2) se alimenta mediante un generador de intensidad modulado por una señal cuadrada de frecuencia fija y el receptor del mismo sensor se conecta a un convertidor intensidad-tensión, cuya salida se conecta a las etapas consistentes en un filtro paso banda, amplificador y rectificador.12. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the emitter of the first electromagnetic sensor (2) is powered by a current generator modulated by a square signal of fixed frequency and the receiver of the same sensor is connected to an intensity-voltage converter, whose output is connected to the stages consisting of a bandpass filter, amplifier and rectifier.
13.- Aparato según la reivindicación 10, caracterizado porque el segundo sensor electromagnético (3) y el tercer sensor electromagnético (4) , se posicionan en las paredes del canal de medida de las monedas de forma que queden sensiblemente centrados con el núcleo de las monedas, proporcionando dos características independientes del núcleo o parte interior de las monedas .13. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the second electromagnetic sensor (3) and the third electromagnetic sensor (4) are positioned on the walls of the measurement channel of the coins so that they are substantially centered with the core of the coins, providing two independent features of the core or inner part of the coins.
14.- Aparato según la reivindicación 10, caracterizado porque tanto el segundo sensor electromagnético (3) como el tercer sensor electromagnético (4) , se construyen preferentemente con inductores del tipo "pot core" de tamaño inferior al del núcleo más pequeño de la moneda a discriminar, conectándose los inductores de cada uno de los sensores a osciladores independientes, de forma que se obtengan dos mediciones independientes del núcleo de la moneda.14. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that both the second electromagnetic sensor (3) and the third electromagnetic sensor (4) are preferably constructed with inductors of the "pot core" type of smaller size than the smallest core of the coin to discriminate, connecting the inductors of each of the sensors to independent oscillators, so that two independent measurements of the coin core are obtained.
15. -Aparato según la reivindicación 14, caracterizado porque en uno de los sensores (3) se conectan los inductores en fase, mientras que en el otro sensor (4) se conectan preferentemente en oposición de fase.15. - Device according to claim 14, characterized in that in one of the sensors (3) the inductors are connected in phase, while in the Another sensor (4) is preferably connected in phase opposition.
16.- Aparato según la reivindicación 14, caracterizado porque se utiliza para los osciladores de ambos sensores la configuración de autooscilante, siendo la frecuencia de oscilación dependiente de las características de los inductores y de las propiedades de la moneda. 16. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the oscillator configuration is used for the oscillators of both sensors, the oscillation frequency being dependent on the characteristics of the inductors and the properties of the coin.
PCT/ES1998/000236 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 Process and apparatus for the identification of metal disc-shaped pieces WO1999012130A1 (en)

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EP98941424A EP0936582B1 (en) 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 Process and apparatus for the identification of metal disc-shaped pieces
DE69804757T DE69804757T2 (en) 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING DISC-SHAPED METAL ITEMS
AT98941424T ATE216108T1 (en) 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING DISC-SHAPED METAL OBJECTS
DK98941424T DK0936582T3 (en) 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 Method and apparatus for identifying disc shaped metal objects
AU89798/98A AU745775B2 (en) 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 Process and apparatus for the identification of metal disc-shaped pieces
BR9806159-3A BR9806159A (en) 1997-09-03 1998-08-27 Method and apparatus for identifying metal disc-shaped parts
NO992074A NO316908B1 (en) 1997-09-03 1999-04-29 Method and device for identifying disc-shaped metal pieces

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ES009701880A ES2127155B1 (en) 1997-09-03 1997-09-03 PROCEDURE AND APPARATUS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF METAL DISCOIDAL PARTS.
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1172772A3 (en) * 2000-06-30 2004-01-07 Azkoyen Medios de Pago, S.A. Method and apparatus for obtaining physical characteristics of coins for their identification
EP1391851A1 (en) 2002-08-22 2004-02-25 Azkoyen Medios de Pago, S.A. Coin selection device and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HUP0000794A2 (en) 2000-07-28
NO316908B1 (en) 2004-06-21
DE69804757T2 (en) 2002-11-28
BR9806159A (en) 2000-10-31
CO5400168A1 (en) 2004-05-31
AR043269A1 (en) 2005-07-27
AU8979898A (en) 1999-03-22
ES2127155A1 (en) 1999-04-01
HUP0000794A3 (en) 2000-08-28
EP0936582B1 (en) 2002-04-10
DE69804757D1 (en) 2002-05-16
ATE216108T1 (en) 2002-04-15
AU745775B2 (en) 2002-03-28
EP0936582A1 (en) 1999-08-18
NO992074L (en) 1999-04-29
PT936582E (en) 2002-09-30
CZ147199A3 (en) 1999-10-13
ES2127155B1 (en) 1999-11-16
DK0936582T3 (en) 2002-08-05
NO992074D0 (en) 1999-04-29
PE104199A1 (en) 1999-11-12

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