| 摘要 |
<p>A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items (510) as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors (245) may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions. After detecting the unique prize, the controller (125) for the insertion device shuts down the FMD (115) for a pre-determined period of time to allow the unique prize to pass through without triggering the FMD. The controller may also increase a counter each time one of the unique prizes is detected to keep track of the number of unique prizes inserted. Once the unique prize passes through, the FMD is turned back on so that foreign objects may again be detected.</p> |
