| 摘要 |
A token receiving and categorizing system and method which identifies tokens as a particular one of several acceptable tokens or as an unacceptable token includes the performance of a series of measurements of chord lengths on a token and selecting the largest of those chord length measurements for comparison with each of a plurality of stored disjoint token diameter ranges. An indication of a particular acceptable token denomination is recorded only if the largest chord length measurement is within a stored token diameter range corresponding to that denomination. The chord length measurements are performed by causing the token to fall between a light source and a linear light sensing array with the source casting a shadow of the token onto the array. The first location within the array at which a transition from light to shadow occurs, as well as the last location within the array at which a transition from shadow to light occurs, are identified with the difference between those two locations forming an indication of chord lengths. A chord length measurement may be repeated, for example from 40 to 80 times during the passage of a token. The monetary amount of each token deposited, if applicable, may be displayed as well as an accumulated total for a sequence of tokens on either a short term or long term basis. Various electromechanical devices may be coupled to the system in a manner to prevent transient current generation from those devices interfering with the system operation.
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