EP0996095A1 - Electronic usage control system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a checkout device of an electronic usage control device with an insertion slot (1) for inserting value and information carriers (6), which insertion slot (1) comprises a reading device for detecting the information content of value and / or information carriers and which reading device a cassette ( 15), the reading device forms two successive reading stations (4, 5), one of which reads the information stored in the information carrier (6) and the other the information stored in the value carrier (6) and the reading device a switch (7, 12 , 8, 13), which, depending on the setting of the switch, directs the information carrier (6) leaving the reading device (4, 5) either into the cassette (15) or into an output opening (9). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a cashier or a combined inlet and outlet control device an electronic usage control device.

Electronic usage control devices are in the State of the art especially as cashier devices in bathing establishments, parking garages or similar facilities known. An electronic usage control device the known type has a cashier with an insertion slot for inserting value and Information carriers, which insertion slot one Reading device is adjacent to detect the Information content of value and / or information carriers comprises and which reading device a cassette is subordinate. The user is in the cashier an information carrier that he previously received from an inlet control device, for example. A known inlet control device, which also with an outlet control device can be combined, also has an insertion slot for insertion an information carrier which has a reading device is subordinate to capture the information content of the information carrier. The reader is one Downstream switch, for guiding the information carrier either to a dispensing opening or into a cassette. If the combined inlet and outlet device as Output device used, so according to the corresponding Operating a control panel from a data carrier moved a magazine to the reading device, where necessary described and then by means of the switch to the dispensing opening directed where it can be removed by the user can. The data carrier carries one in this state Information about the time at which the user has released the disk. At a bathing establishment the delivery of the information medium against prepayment. In the case of a parking garage, the information carrier is given usually without prepayment. If the information carrier in the insertion slot of the cashier is inserted there with the help of the reading device the information content read and evaluated. For a swimming pool that already has a prepayment has been paid, the cash register device checks, whether the standard bathing time has not been exceeded is. If the bathing time is exceeded, the Cashier device the user by plugging in of value carriers, which are coins can pay an amount. When using the usage control device in a parking garage must pay the user fee from the cashier to be collected. This is also done by inserting corresponding value carriers.

The invention has for its object an electronic Use control device technical to continue training.

The task is solved by the in the claims specified invention.

The solution according to the invention initially relates to further training a cashier according to the generic term. According to the invention it is provided that the reading device two reading stations in a row trains, one of which is in the information carrier and the other the one stored in the security Reads information. As a result of this configuration faster handling of users is possible. Through one and the same slot you can both Carriers of value and information are supplied. Of the cashier becomes the information carrier evaluated and a corresponding value from the value carrier withheld. The security can also be in the form of a Monthly card one access or one use for one release a certain period of time. When using a such, temporary, value-bearing carrier supplementary value carriers can also be used, with which, for example, a difference for special tariffs can be paid. In an analogous way, too such value carriers are used that the user grant a certain discount framework. In an advantageous Further development of the invention is provided that a switch is arranged downstream of the reading device. This switch guides the person leaving the reading device Value or information carrier either in the cassette or into a delivery opening. The dispensing opening is preferably below the switch. It is special Advantage if the value and / or information carrier as a coin-shaped carrier of rewritable Transponders are designed. The one previously described Soft can be of a variety of electromagnetic actuatable locking slide be formed. It is further an advantage if the two reading stations both the information of value as well as the information can read the information carrier. At this Design it does not matter which of the two coin-shaped Value or information carriers first in the Insertion slot. It is also from Advantage if each of the two reading stations the value information stored on the security can overwrite. With this configuration, the Value carrier can be designed as a coin, which one Has transponder that has a data carrier in which the monetary value is saved. Will the two coin-shaped data carrier in the slot thrown in, the cashier determines Evaluation of those stored on the information carrier Data the cost of using the facility. Previous loans are also taken into account. This The value is then debited from the value carrier by the value stored there by a corresponding one Amount is reduced by the memory content there is overwritten accordingly. Then leads the Soak the information carrier in a cassette. The Security is either directed to the exit opening, especially if there is still one on the security Balance is available, or also in a cassette, when the value is used up.

The invention also relates to further training a combined inlet and outlet control device. In this device, the reading device also have a write function. Additionally should the reading device a magazine for information carriers be upstream. It is advantageous if the reading device a large number, at least two magazines upstream lie, with the same shape in each magazine designed information carriers are stored that but are different from each other by coloring. This inlet and outlet control device has also a corresponding number of cassettes. All information carriers of a magazine and a cassette are the same color. The information carriers have an additional machine-readable Coding from which the reading device provides information can win on the color affiliation. This information is evaluated by one by the reading device to set further course that the information carrier in the associated cassette.

Fig. 1

die schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Kassiervorrichtung und

Fig. 2

die schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Einlaß- und Auslaßkontrollvorrichtung.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

the schematic representation of a cashier device according to the invention and

Fig. 2

the schematic representation of an inlet and outlet control device according to the invention.

The cashier has an insertion slot 1, in which the user can insert a coin 6. A slot lock 2 is assigned to the insertion slot 1, which can block the insertion slot if a pair of data carriers 6 is still in the evaluation. Behind the insertion slot 1 extends vertically running shaft 3, the two one behind the other Training reading stations 4 and 5. The reading stations 4 and 5 are identical. The reading stations 4 and 5 are not only able to use the data carrier 6 read stored information. The reading facilities 4, 5 are also able to store data in to store a memory of a data carrier 6.

The data carrier 6 is in the exemplary embodiment as a coin educated. There is a transponder in the coin which has an overwritable memory in which a variety of data can be stored. So can in the memory, for example, the date of issue of the transponder coin 6, the time of issue and tariff information get saved. In addition, it is possible to get one Store location information in the transponder. Also it is possible to provide the transponder with individual information, For example, assign a code number. Everyone who two reading stations 4, 5 is in the range of gate valves 7, 8, 12, 13 arranged by means of an electromagnet from a locked position in an open position and vice versa can be shifted to the To direct transponder coin 6 in different directions. Each reading station 4, 5 is also a Assigned to sensor 16. This sensor determines whether a Transponder coin 6 in the area of the read / write station 4, 5 is located. By means of the locked position Slider 7, 12, 8, 13 becomes the transponder coin 6 held in the area of the sensor.

At the rear of the shaft 3 is behind the Reading stations 4, 5 a shaft widening 14, which too a cassette 15 leads. Below the shaft 3 there is an output opening 9 which with a Flap 10 is closed. In the area of the dispensing opening 9 there is also a sensor 11 which determines that a transponder coin 6 there the shaft area happened.

Above the insertion slot 1 is in the Shaft 3, another gate valve 17, which has a transponder coin 6 prevents falling. The before Transponder coin 6 lying in slide 17 comes from a overlying magazine.

The operation of the cashier is as follows: When using the cashier in A parking garage results in the following typical case. The user inserts a transponder coin into the slot 1 6 one, the information about the entry time in the parking garage. This transponder coin falls through the shaft 3 to the locking slide 8 and 13. The transponder coin 6 is then in Reading area of the reading station 5. The sensor 16 transmits a control unit, not shown, the signal, that data from the transponder coin 6 from the reading station 5 can be read. It is then checked what type of data carrier is the transponder coin 6 acts. If it is a security, so nothing is done, it is against to an information carrier, so is the information read out and evaluated. Via a display device for example, the amount to be paid to the user displayed.

The second one inserted by the user through the insertion slot 1 Transponder coin 6 falls against the locking slide 7, 12. The sensor 16 then transmits the control unit a signal that in the area of the reading station 4 There is a data carrier that can be read out. Act this data carrier is a value carrier, and the previously inserted data carrier was an information carrier, the reading station 4 reads the value from the Value carrier 6 and overwrites the value with one reduce the amount payable according to the tariff Value. If it is an information carrier, so the electronic control unit reads it there stored data and determined as described the value amount to be paid according to the tariff and books accordingly from the one already inserted A corresponding amount.

After successful debiting, the turnouts 8, 13 or 7, 12 by appropriate slide retraction so posed that the information carrier in a cassette 15 falls and the value holder - if he has another Carries value - falls to dispensing opening 9.

When using the cashier in one Swimming pool is provided to the user by appropriate Operation of a control panel 25 of the cassette device indicates that he is using the swimming pool would like to. The control panel then prompts the user a coin 6 in the slot 1 to plug in. The token then falls down to counter the slide 8 or 13 and is from the reading station 5th read out. If the value holder still has enough high value, the slider 17 opens and an information data carrier field on the slide 7 and is from the reading station 4 read or with a time information overwritten. 6 value coin and information data carrier coin 6 then fall down into the dispensing opening 9. The security was previously a tariff Amount decreased. The cashier can also be used to have the user redeemed, if the standard bathing time has been exceeded.

The combined inlet and Exhaust control device is at the entrance barrier of a parking garage and one at the exit barrier Parking garage positioned. This device can also be installed at the turnstile of a swimming pool and serves to close the barrier or turnstile open if a data medium has been dispensed with the inlet function has been validated or has a validated Disk has been inserted.

The device has in particular an insertion slot 1, in which the data carrier 6 in the form of a Transponder coin can be inserted. Behind the Insertion slot 1 there is a locking slide 19, the one in cooperation with a pivot lever 21 Soft training that is also able to Transponder coin 6 in the area of a reading device 20 to fix, so that the reading device 20, the memory content the transponder coin 6 can read out. The Shaft 3, which runs in the horizontal direction, sets continues above the read / write station 20. In this upper region of the shaft 3 opens the outlet channels two magazines 26, 27, the transponder coins contain. The transponder coins stored in the magazines 26, 27 are designed in the same shape. But you have a different color. Each color corresponds to one Tariff group or the like. In the shaft 3 outlets from the magazines 26, 27 are with electromagnetic gate valves 17, 18 closed. Sensors are located in front of these gate valves 17, 18 16, an electronic control device, not shown signal that in front of the gate valves 17, 18 transponder coins 6 lie.

A shaft 23 sits behind the locking slide 19 away. Immediately behind the gate valve 19 another gate valve 22 with the gate valve 19 forms another switch. This gate valve 22 forms a route when open to a further shaft 24. The shaft 23 leads to a cassette 15 'and the shaft 24 leads to one Cassette 15. The locking slide 22 is then opened, if the electronic control unit after reading the Detects data carrier 6 by means of a reading device 20, that the coin is assigned to a tariff group, to be collected in cassette 15. This is ensures that the colors are different Transponder coins 6 in the cassettes 15, 15 ' can be sorted, because for each color information characteristic machine-readable date on the Transponder coin 6 is stored. It is the transponder coin inserted into the slot 1 6 is not a valid coin, the coin will be 6 through a corresponding functional position of the bar 21 passed to the outlet 9. Likewise, from the Magazines 26 or 27 coming transponder coins Exit opening 9 fed.

In the combined inlet and Exhaust control device results in the following How it works: If the device is at an entrance or uses an input, the user actuates a control panel 25. According to the one selected there Tariffs are either the slider 17 or the slider 18 released so that either from the magazine 26 or 27 a transponder coin 6 up to the reading device 20 can fall. The reading device 20 is also in the Able to store the contents of the transponder coin 6 overwrite. The reading device 20 then overwrites the date memory of the transponder coin 6 with the current one Date and also stores the current time there and possibly other data, such as tariff information. Then the bar 21 pivots and leaves the Drop transponder coin 6 down to the dispensing opening, where it can be removed by the user.

When using the combined inlet and outlet control device as an outlet device User a transponder coin 6 through an insertion slot 1 in the device. The sensor 16 signals the electronic control device that before the reading device is a data medium to be read lies. The electronic device then reads on the disk stored value and checks if it is a valid value. It is about especially by a valid value if the Transponder coin from the one described above Cashier with a corresponding validity date was provided. The latter is particularly the case Case if a corresponding amount from the token could be debited.

If the electronic device determines that the from the transponder coin 6 read by the reading device 20 has a valid value, it opens the barrier or the turnstile and the locking slide at the same time 19, so that the transponder coin 6 arrive in the channel 23 can. Depending on which tariff date the transponder coin 6 carries the gate valve 22 is opened held or kept closed to insert the coin into the to lead corresponding cassette 15 or 15 '.

If the electronic device determines that the from the transponder coin 6 read by the reading device 20 does not have a valid value, the user gets a Given advice to redeem at a pay machine, being the information carrier in the manner described above with a correspondingly changed validity date is provided.

In addition to the value carriers, which have a predefined value wear that are debited from the cashier can, such value carriers are provided, which over a certain pre-defined period like a monthly pass Have validity. On such value carriers is then one or more as a validity criterion Time information is saved and, if necessary, Tariff information.

Additional value carriers are also provided, e.g. Surcharge coins in connection with a time limited value carriers can be used, if this value carrier is used at a special rate shall be. E.g. an extra chip could be provided if the security is a monthly chip for a standard tariff is a subordinate Tariff to use. Is the standard tariff for example normal bathing tariff in a bathing establishment, so the User using the additional charge chip with his "time card" use a warm bath day. Are in an analogous manner additional value chips are also provided in the form of discount carriers. Are these discount carriers, for example, with others Valuables inserted into the slot, so they can use the two reading facilities can be read out in parallel. From the value holder then a lower one taking into account the discount Value debited.

Such a discount carrier can also with a time lock, so that such Discount carriers, for example, can only be used once a day can.

It is essential to the invention that all of the above Types of value and / or information carriers in one and the same slot and especially in any one Order can be inserted. Should be more than two value or information carriers read out simultaneously additional reading stations can be provided his. E.g. three or four reading stations can be provided his.

All the features disclosed are essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application is hereby also the Disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (Copy of the pre-registration) in full included, also for the purpose, characteristics of this Documents in claims of the present registration with to record.

Claims (11)

Cashier device of an electronic usage control device with an insertion slot (1) for Insert value and information carriers (6), which one Insert slot (1) a reading device for detection the information content of value and / or information carriers comprises and which reading device one Cassette (15) is arranged downstream, characterized in that that the reader two in a row Forms reading stations (4, 5), one of which is the in the information carrier (6) and the other one in the Value carrier (6) reads out stored information. Cashier device according to claim 1 or in particular afterwards, characterized in that the reading device a switch (7, 12, 8, 13) is arranged, each After setting the switch, the reading device (4, 5) leaving information carrier (6) either in the Cassette (15) or in a discharge opening (9) passes. Cashier device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dispensing opening (9) vertically below the switch (7, 12, 8, 13) and the Reading device (4, 5). Cashier device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the value and / or information carrier (6) as a coin-shaped carrier of rewritable Transponders are designed. Cashier device according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, thereby characterized in that the the switch a variety of has electronic gate valves (7, 12, 8, 13). Cashier device according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, thereby characterized in that each of the two reading stations (4, 5) both the information of value and of Can read information carriers. Cashier device according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, thereby characterized in that each of the two reading stations (4, 5) the value of one stored on the value carrier Can overwrite value information. Cashier device according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto through one above the reading stations (4, 5) arranged magazine with information carriers with a Delivery organ (17). Combined inlet and outlet device one electronic use control device with a Insert slot (1) for inserting an information carrier (6), which is followed by a reading device (20) is used to record the information content of the Information carrier and downstream switch for guiding of the information carrier either to an output opening or in a cassette (15, 16) by one of those that also have a write function Reading device (20) upstream magazine for information carriers (6). Combined inlet and outlet control according to claim 8 or in particular thereafter, characterized by several cassettes (15, 16) and a corresponding number of magazines (26, 27). Combined inlet and outlet control after one or more of the preceding claims or in particular afterwards, characterized in that the value carriers a limited validity or the information own a specific discount or surcharge.

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