Reflective optical sensor for bill validator
US7271398B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D7/121
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A simple high optical efficiency reflective optical sensor for bill validator uses an inexpensive bulb having a case which is transparent to efficient luminous radiation. This case is used as a wave guide to return reflected radiation to at least one photo detector situated directly under the transparent bottom of the case. The bulb emits a narrow beam of light and is positioned in close proximity and perpendicular to a bill surface and illuminates it. The light reflected or fluoresced by the bill is collected widely with a convex lens end of the bulb case and this collected radiation is transmitted through the bulb case to the at least one photo detector. Preferably, the bulb is a light emitting diode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.