CA1257363A - Metering - Google Patents
MeteringInfo
- Publication number
- CA1257363A CA1257363A CA000512334A CA512334A CA1257363A CA 1257363 A CA1257363 A CA 1257363A CA 000512334 A CA000512334 A CA 000512334A CA 512334 A CA512334 A CA 512334A CA 1257363 A CA1257363 A CA 1257363A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- transistor switch
- potential
- meter
- meters
- alarm circuit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A meter monitoring apparatus, for example for use with a coin-operated machine, is adapted to receive the metering pulses as they are generated, and also receives signals representive of a flow of current to the meters, and to provide an alarm if pulses are not received substantially simultaneously from both sources.
A meter monitoring apparatus, for example for use with a coin-operated machine, is adapted to receive the metering pulses as they are generated, and also receives signals representive of a flow of current to the meters, and to provide an alarm if pulses are not received substantially simultaneously from both sources.
Description
The present invention relates to metering and more particularly relates to metering involving the use of meters which respond mechanically or electrically to electrical metering pulses.
There are many applications where meters are utilised to read electrical metering pulses. One specific example is the use of meters present within an amusement with prizes or gaming machine such as a "fruit machine". Such meters are used to record the number of games played and the number of prizes awarded. Typically there will be a bank of meters, each metering one specific occurrence, each meter being triggered by means of an electrical pulse supplied to the meter by a meter pulse generator.
It has been known for dishonest operatives of such machines to dlsconnect the meters for a period of time. This enables the dlshonest operatives to remove, from the cash or token tray within the machine, a number of coins or tokens, and if the meters are only disconnected for a relatively short period of tlme lt ls possible that the owner of the machine will not actually realize that anything is a miss.
Meters of this general type are also used in other positions where disconnection of the meter by dishonest or fraudulent personnel is not desirable. For example, such meters are present in many photocopying machines, especially where such machines are leased to the operator, who is then charged on small fee for each copy taken on the machlne.
The present lnvention seeks to obviate or reduce the problems experienced with prior metering arrangements.
According to this invention there is provided a meter monitoring apparatus adapted to monitor the operation of meters which are actuated in response to electrical pulses from a pulse generator, the arrangement comprising means defining a current path extending to said meters through which current will flow where any one of the meters is actuated, means responsive to a flow of current in said current path, and an alarm device adapted to receive a signal from said responsive means and to be provided with a pulse simultaneously with a pulse being provided to any meter, the alarm device being actuated in response to the . ~
.
~2$7363 reception of one or more such pulses without the corresponding said signal or signals being received.
Preferably said responsive means comprise means to establish a potential difference when a current flows through said current path.
Conveniently the means for establishing the potential difference comprises a resistor or resistive element present in the current flow path.
Preferably said resistor or resistive element comprises one or more diodes in the current flow path.
Conveniently a transistor switch is provided which is switched on when said potential difference is established, the switching on of said transistor switch providing a signal for said alarm circuit.
Advantageously the output of the transistor switch is utilised to control a second transistor switch, operation of the second transistor switch substantially altering a potential which is normally applied to one input of the alarm circuit.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a meter monitoring apparatus said apparatus being adapted for use w~th a plurality of meters each adapted to - receive metering pulses from a meter pulse generator, the meters being connected in parallel between the meter pulse generator and a potential supply line, there being a pair of diodes connected ;~ 25 in series between the supply line and said meters, a transistor switch being connected across said diodes being adapted to be switched on when any one of the meters is pulsed and current flows through said diodes the transistor switch, when switched on, applying potential to a second transistor switch to switch the second transistor switch on, the second transistor switch being connected to an input of an alarm circuit in such a way that when the transistor switch is switched on the input of the alarm circuit is connected to a line carrying a first potential, the said input to the alarm circuit also being connected by means ; 35 of a resistive path to a line carrying a second potential so that when the second transistor switch is not switched on the input to the alarm is provided with the second potential and when the ~, second transistor switch is switched on the input of the alarm is ~ ~J
.,, -~.257363 provided with the first potential, the alarm also being connectedto the meter pulse generator to receive a pulse whenever a metering pulse is supplied to a meter, the alarm circuit being adapted to respond whenever it receives one or more pulses from the meter pulse generator and the potential on said input is not altered to be said first potential.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a circuit diagram, partly in block diagrammatic form, of a metering arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to drawing, a metering arrangement in accordance wlth the invention is lntended to be utilised in connection with an apparatus having a meter pulse generator I which supplies pul~es to one or more meters 2, 2A, etc. Only two meters are shown in the accompanying drawing but it is to be understood that any approprlate numbers of meters may be provided, the meters belng arranged in parallel.
The meter pulse generator is of the type which provides a ;~ signal of zero volts i.s. an "earth" signal on an input to a meter when the meter is to be "clocked" or advanced by one count.
Meters of this type are well known and thus do not warrant descrlption here.
It can be seen, in the accompanying drawing, that the meters
There are many applications where meters are utilised to read electrical metering pulses. One specific example is the use of meters present within an amusement with prizes or gaming machine such as a "fruit machine". Such meters are used to record the number of games played and the number of prizes awarded. Typically there will be a bank of meters, each metering one specific occurrence, each meter being triggered by means of an electrical pulse supplied to the meter by a meter pulse generator.
It has been known for dishonest operatives of such machines to dlsconnect the meters for a period of time. This enables the dlshonest operatives to remove, from the cash or token tray within the machine, a number of coins or tokens, and if the meters are only disconnected for a relatively short period of tlme lt ls possible that the owner of the machine will not actually realize that anything is a miss.
Meters of this general type are also used in other positions where disconnection of the meter by dishonest or fraudulent personnel is not desirable. For example, such meters are present in many photocopying machines, especially where such machines are leased to the operator, who is then charged on small fee for each copy taken on the machlne.
The present lnvention seeks to obviate or reduce the problems experienced with prior metering arrangements.
According to this invention there is provided a meter monitoring apparatus adapted to monitor the operation of meters which are actuated in response to electrical pulses from a pulse generator, the arrangement comprising means defining a current path extending to said meters through which current will flow where any one of the meters is actuated, means responsive to a flow of current in said current path, and an alarm device adapted to receive a signal from said responsive means and to be provided with a pulse simultaneously with a pulse being provided to any meter, the alarm device being actuated in response to the . ~
.
~2$7363 reception of one or more such pulses without the corresponding said signal or signals being received.
Preferably said responsive means comprise means to establish a potential difference when a current flows through said current path.
Conveniently the means for establishing the potential difference comprises a resistor or resistive element present in the current flow path.
Preferably said resistor or resistive element comprises one or more diodes in the current flow path.
Conveniently a transistor switch is provided which is switched on when said potential difference is established, the switching on of said transistor switch providing a signal for said alarm circuit.
Advantageously the output of the transistor switch is utilised to control a second transistor switch, operation of the second transistor switch substantially altering a potential which is normally applied to one input of the alarm circuit.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a meter monitoring apparatus said apparatus being adapted for use w~th a plurality of meters each adapted to - receive metering pulses from a meter pulse generator, the meters being connected in parallel between the meter pulse generator and a potential supply line, there being a pair of diodes connected ;~ 25 in series between the supply line and said meters, a transistor switch being connected across said diodes being adapted to be switched on when any one of the meters is pulsed and current flows through said diodes the transistor switch, when switched on, applying potential to a second transistor switch to switch the second transistor switch on, the second transistor switch being connected to an input of an alarm circuit in such a way that when the transistor switch is switched on the input of the alarm circuit is connected to a line carrying a first potential, the said input to the alarm circuit also being connected by means ; 35 of a resistive path to a line carrying a second potential so that when the second transistor switch is not switched on the input to the alarm is provided with the second potential and when the ~, second transistor switch is switched on the input of the alarm is ~ ~J
.,, -~.257363 provided with the first potential, the alarm also being connectedto the meter pulse generator to receive a pulse whenever a metering pulse is supplied to a meter, the alarm circuit being adapted to respond whenever it receives one or more pulses from the meter pulse generator and the potential on said input is not altered to be said first potential.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a circuit diagram, partly in block diagrammatic form, of a metering arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to drawing, a metering arrangement in accordance wlth the invention is lntended to be utilised in connection with an apparatus having a meter pulse generator I which supplies pul~es to one or more meters 2, 2A, etc. Only two meters are shown in the accompanying drawing but it is to be understood that any approprlate numbers of meters may be provided, the meters belng arranged in parallel.
The meter pulse generator is of the type which provides a ;~ signal of zero volts i.s. an "earth" signal on an input to a meter when the meter is to be "clocked" or advanced by one count.
Meters of this type are well known and thus do not warrant descrlption here.
It can be seen, in the accompanying drawing, that the meters
2, 2A, etc are connected in parallel to a meter supply 3 of +12V
through two IN4001 diodes 4, 5 which are connected in series. It will thus be appreciated that when the meter 2 is to be clocked, for example, the meter pulse generator I will earth (or apply a potential of zero volts to the appropriate lead connected to the relevant meter and a pulse of current will flow from the 12V rail
through two IN4001 diodes 4, 5 which are connected in series. It will thus be appreciated that when the meter 2 is to be clocked, for example, the meter pulse generator I will earth (or apply a potential of zero volts to the appropriate lead connected to the relevant meter and a pulse of current will flow from the 12V rail
3, through the diodes 4, 5 and through the meter thus causing the meter to clock.
A BC327 PNP transistor 6 is provided, the base of which is 35 connected, by means of a lOK resistance 7 to a point between the second diode 5 and the first of the meters 2, 2A etc. The emitter of the transistor 6 is connected to the 12V rail 3, and emitter of the transistor is connected to a IK resistance 8.
,. ..
,,.,,~
;7~63 .
When any one of the meters is clocked and current flows from the 12V rail 3, through the diodes 4, 5 and the meter 2 to the meter pulse generator I, there will be a potential drop across the diodes 4, 5. Thus a potential of approximately IIV is applied to the base of the transistor 6 whilst a potential of 12V is applied to the emitter. The transistor 6 is so biased that when this occurs the transistor is switched on. When the transistor 6 is switched on a +12V signal is applied, through the resistor 8, to the base of a second transistor 9, which is an NPN type translstor BC337. The base of the transistor 9 is connected by means of IK reslstor 10 to an earth rall II, and the emitter of the tran#lstor 9 18 also connected to earth rail II. The connector of the translstor 9 is connected by means of IK
resistor 12 to a +5V supply rall 13 and the node between the reslstor 12 and the collector of the transistor 9 is connected by means of a lead 14 to an alarm circuit 15.
It wlll be understood that, under normal conditions, when the translstor 9 ls "off" a +5V slgnal wlll be present on the lead 14. However, when the above descrlbed pulse is applied to the base of the transistor 9, the translstor 9 ls switched on, and consequently a substantlally zero volt OV signal is present on the lead 14 and ls supplied to the "alarm" circult 15.
It wlll thus be appreciated that, as a consequence of any one of the meters 2, 2A etc been clocked by the meter pulse generator, a correspondlng pulse wlll be applled, as a consequence of meter operation, to the alarm circuit 15. At the end of the meter-clocking operation the circuit will, of course, return to its inltial or quiescent condltion.
It wlll be noted that a lead 16 extends from the meter pulse generator to the alarm clrcuit 15. Whenever the meter pulse generator generates a pulse to clock a meter, it simultaneously ~; generates a pulse which is supplied to the lead 16 and to the alarm circuit.
The alarm circuit 15 is adapted so that if it receives a pulse on the line 16 and does not receive a corresponding pulse on the line 14, (in other words if the meter pulse generator generates a metering pulse, but none of the meters is observed to operate) the alarm circuit will respond. Depending upon the ~2S73~
location of the equipment the alarm circuit could respond in many different ways. For example, if the described metering arrangement is present in an amusement with prizes machine or a gaming machine, the alarm circuit may merely return any coins or tokens inserted into the machine to institute play and may prevent further operation of the machine. If the machine is provided with a CRT display or some other controllable display, a message can be displayed indicating that the machine is temporarily out of order. If the described arrangement is in a photocopying machine the alarm circuit, when actuated, may render the machlne inoperative. Alternatively the alarm circuit may cau8e an alarm bell or some other audible or visible alarm to be actuated, if thls is appropriate in the circumstances surrounding the use of the described device. It will be appreciated that the alarm circuit may also control various other functions.
It will be appreciated that if a person tampers with meters or disconnect~ the meters so that they will not operate, the alarm circuit will be actuated as soon as the first metering pulse is generated which does not actually "clock" a meter.
Also, if a meter suffers a mechanical failure, and thus does not operate, again the alarm circuit will be actuated.
In a modified version of the invention the alarm circuit will only be triggered when two or three successive pulses are received from the meter pulse generator without a corresponding pulse being received on the line 16 from the meter operation monitoring circuit. This will avoid the problems that may arise if a particular meter fails to operate from time to time due to a slight mechanical fault, or if there are other "minor glitches"
in the system.
A BC327 PNP transistor 6 is provided, the base of which is 35 connected, by means of a lOK resistance 7 to a point between the second diode 5 and the first of the meters 2, 2A etc. The emitter of the transistor 6 is connected to the 12V rail 3, and emitter of the transistor is connected to a IK resistance 8.
,. ..
,,.,,~
;7~63 .
When any one of the meters is clocked and current flows from the 12V rail 3, through the diodes 4, 5 and the meter 2 to the meter pulse generator I, there will be a potential drop across the diodes 4, 5. Thus a potential of approximately IIV is applied to the base of the transistor 6 whilst a potential of 12V is applied to the emitter. The transistor 6 is so biased that when this occurs the transistor is switched on. When the transistor 6 is switched on a +12V signal is applied, through the resistor 8, to the base of a second transistor 9, which is an NPN type translstor BC337. The base of the transistor 9 is connected by means of IK reslstor 10 to an earth rall II, and the emitter of the tran#lstor 9 18 also connected to earth rail II. The connector of the translstor 9 is connected by means of IK
resistor 12 to a +5V supply rall 13 and the node between the reslstor 12 and the collector of the transistor 9 is connected by means of a lead 14 to an alarm circuit 15.
It wlll be understood that, under normal conditions, when the translstor 9 ls "off" a +5V slgnal wlll be present on the lead 14. However, when the above descrlbed pulse is applied to the base of the transistor 9, the translstor 9 ls switched on, and consequently a substantlally zero volt OV signal is present on the lead 14 and ls supplied to the "alarm" circult 15.
It wlll thus be appreciated that, as a consequence of any one of the meters 2, 2A etc been clocked by the meter pulse generator, a correspondlng pulse wlll be applled, as a consequence of meter operation, to the alarm circuit 15. At the end of the meter-clocking operation the circuit will, of course, return to its inltial or quiescent condltion.
It wlll be noted that a lead 16 extends from the meter pulse generator to the alarm clrcuit 15. Whenever the meter pulse generator generates a pulse to clock a meter, it simultaneously ~; generates a pulse which is supplied to the lead 16 and to the alarm circuit.
The alarm circuit 15 is adapted so that if it receives a pulse on the line 16 and does not receive a corresponding pulse on the line 14, (in other words if the meter pulse generator generates a metering pulse, but none of the meters is observed to operate) the alarm circuit will respond. Depending upon the ~2S73~
location of the equipment the alarm circuit could respond in many different ways. For example, if the described metering arrangement is present in an amusement with prizes machine or a gaming machine, the alarm circuit may merely return any coins or tokens inserted into the machine to institute play and may prevent further operation of the machine. If the machine is provided with a CRT display or some other controllable display, a message can be displayed indicating that the machine is temporarily out of order. If the described arrangement is in a photocopying machine the alarm circuit, when actuated, may render the machlne inoperative. Alternatively the alarm circuit may cau8e an alarm bell or some other audible or visible alarm to be actuated, if thls is appropriate in the circumstances surrounding the use of the described device. It will be appreciated that the alarm circuit may also control various other functions.
It will be appreciated that if a person tampers with meters or disconnect~ the meters so that they will not operate, the alarm circuit will be actuated as soon as the first metering pulse is generated which does not actually "clock" a meter.
Also, if a meter suffers a mechanical failure, and thus does not operate, again the alarm circuit will be actuated.
In a modified version of the invention the alarm circuit will only be triggered when two or three successive pulses are received from the meter pulse generator without a corresponding pulse being received on the line 16 from the meter operation monitoring circuit. This will avoid the problems that may arise if a particular meter fails to operate from time to time due to a slight mechanical fault, or if there are other "minor glitches"
in the system.
Claims (7)
1. A meter monitoring apparatus adapted to monitor the operation of meters which are actuated in response to electrical pulses from a pulse generator, the arrangement comprising means defining a current path extending to said meters through which current will flow when any one of the meters is actuated, means responsive to a flow of current in said current path, and an alarm device adapted to receive a signal from said responsive means and to be provided with a pulse simultaneously with a pulse being provided to any meter, the alarm device being actuated in response to the reception of one or more such pulses without the corresponding said signal or signals being received.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said responsive means comprise means to establish a potential difference when a current flows through said current path.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for establishing the potential difference comprises a resistor or resistive element present in the current flow path.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said resistor or resistive element comprises one or more diodes in the current flow path.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3, or claim 4, wherein a transistor switch is provided which is switched on when said potential difference is established, the switching on of said transistor switch providing a signal for said alarm circuit.
6. An apparatus according to claim 3, or claim 4, wherein a transistor switch is provided which is switched on when said potential difference is established, the switching on of said transistor switch providing a signal for said alarm circuit, the output of the transistor switch being utilised to control a second transistor switch, operation of the second transistor switch substantially altering a potential which is normally applied to one input of the alarm circuit.
7. A meter monitoring apparatus said apparatus being adapted for use with a plurality of meters each adapted to receive metering pulses from a meter pulse generator, the meters being connected in parallel between the meter pulse generator and a potential supply line, there being a pair of diodes connected in series between the supply line and said meters, a transistor switch being connected across said diodes being adapted to be switched on when any one of the meters is pulsed and current flows through said diodes the transistor switch, when switched on, applying potential to a second transistor switch to switch the second transistor switch on, the second transistor being connected to an input of an alarm circuit in such a way that when the second transistor switch is switched on the input of the alarm circuit is connected to a line carrying a first potential, the said input to the alarm circuit also being connected by means of a resistive path to a line carrying a second potential so that when the second transistor switch is not switched on the input to the alarm circuit is provided with the second potential and when the second transistor switch is switched on the input of the alarm circuit is provided with the first potential, the alarm circuit also being connected to the meter pulse generator to receive a pulse whenever a metering pulse is supplied to a meter, the alarm circuit being adapted to respond whenever it receives one or more pulses from the meter pulse generator and the potential on said input is not altered to be said first potential.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8515996 | 1985-06-25 | ||
| GB08515996A GB2176922B (en) | 1985-06-25 | 1985-06-25 | Improvements in or relating to metering |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1257363A true CA1257363A (en) | 1989-07-11 |
Family
ID=10581263
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000512334A Expired CA1257363A (en) | 1985-06-25 | 1986-06-24 | Metering |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU584432B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1257363A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2176922B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL8601601A (en) |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU4321179A (en) * | 1979-01-09 | 1980-07-17 | Austen B. Barnes | Malfunction detector |
| AU544148B2 (en) * | 1981-02-06 | 1985-05-16 | Commonwealth Of Australia, The | Gating circuit |
-
1985
- 1985-06-25 GB GB08515996A patent/GB2176922B/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-06-19 NL NL8601601A patent/NL8601601A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1986-06-23 AU AU59131/86A patent/AU584432B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1986-06-24 CA CA000512334A patent/CA1257363A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU584432B2 (en) | 1989-05-25 |
| GB2176922A (en) | 1987-01-07 |
| AU5913186A (en) | 1987-01-08 |
| GB8515996D0 (en) | 1985-07-31 |
| GB2176922B (en) | 1988-07-06 |
| NL8601601A (en) | 1987-01-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |