METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VALIDATING AND CHARACTERIZING COINS

摘要

Method and apparatus for coin validation and characterisation, comprising partial illumination of the edge of coin (1) by a collimated beam of light (6) with a rectangular cross-section, which reaches the edge of the coin along a band parallel to the axis of said coin, of a width equal to or smaller than the thickness of the alterations which are to be detected. A sensor (9) for analysing the reflected light is placed so that it receives only the diffuse reflection (11) caused by the relief or surface alterations of the coin edge, but does not receive specular reflection (12) caused by the smooth areas of said edge. <IMAGE>