Metallic profile and coin imaging using an inductive proximity sensor microsystem

Abstract We have realized metallic profile and coin imaging using a miniaturized inductive proximity sensor. The sensor is a microsystem composed of a 1 mm diameter coil and a new ASIC interface based on the principle of a differential relaxation oscillator. We successfully acquired wellrecognizable images of various coins with different geometrical, electrical and magnetic properties. The integration of such sensor microsystems on a line will open the way to fast and safe coin pattern recognition.

[1]  P. Hauptmann Sensors: A Comprehensive Survey , 1996 .

[2]  P.-A. Besse,et al.  High-resolution miniaturized inductive proximity sensor: characterization and application for step-motor control , 1998 .

[3]  A. Billat,et al.  Flat eddy-current matrix sensor for detecting metallic objects , 1991 .

[4]  A. Billat,et al.  Etude d'un capteur électromagnétique plat de proximité , 1986 .

[5]  Rade S. Popovic,et al.  A differential relaxation oscillator as a versatile electronic interface for sensors , 1997 .

[6]  Minoru Fukumi,et al.  Designing a neural network for coin recognition by a genetic algorithm , 1993, Proceedings of 1993 International Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN-93-Nagoya, Japan).

[7]  Takahiro Ide,et al.  A Multi-layer Eddy Current Micro Sensor For Non-destructive Inspection Of Small Diameter Pipes , 1995, Proceedings of the International Solid-State Sensors and Actuators Conference - TRANSDUCERS '95.

[8]  Radivoje Popovic,et al.  The future of magnetic sensors , 1996 .

[9]  Dominique Placko,et al.  A focused-field eddy current sensor for nondestructive testing , 1993 .

[10]  Minoru Fukumi,et al.  Rotation-invariant neural pattern recognition system with application to coin recognition , 1992, IEEE Trans. Neural Networks.

[11]  Y. de Coulon,et al.  Microcoil speed and position sensor for automotive applications , 1997 .

[12]  P.-A. Besse,et al.  Scaling down an inductive proximity sensor , 1996 .

[13]  H. Fenniri,et al.  Profile imagery using a flat eddy-current proximity sensor , 1994 .