CN85105672A - Label and token handling devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Token handling devices utilizes an electromagnetic carrier to a label emission data, time clock and electric energy.The mode of this label with the time clock synchronised, the variation by on its carrier wave degree of absorption sends data.In this token handling devices, detect the transmission of these data by receiver, and at every turn when reception one label, regulate this receiver sensitivity.This label can be used in and use coin to handle in the transaction and in some other fields for identifying purpose.The existing data that have on this label can be used to change the working method of this token handling devices.As, this token handling devices can constitute an automatic vending machine, and can change the price that this machine markets the goods with this label.

Description

Label and token handling devices

The present invention discusses the label of throwing and the treatment facility of throw mark thing.

Specifically, at automatic vending machine, game machine, telephone set coin-feed machine, the device and receive money there of changing from the user, just provide certain valuable article, finish in these fields such as similar machine of certain service or certain function, though the present invention says that the unique field that can use is these, also is very useful use field.For convenience's sake, at this, we are called slot machine to such machine.These machines will be handled a large amount of coins usually; That is to say that these machinery requirements have the space of sizable storage coin, and need and collect these coins regularly, and be sent to a center regularly and get on; Then, again these coins are counted, consigned to a bank again.This process is for the owner of machine.Being pretty troublesome, also is very expensive.In addition, the user just must have those general on market coins in order to use this machine; Therefore, if the user often uses this machine, he just need carry quite a large amount of coins.The user also must have the coin of various suitable amount of money value general on those markets, the type unless this machine is changed; And in the latter case, association is with this change with oneself, also will be the thing that quite bothers.

Some machine above-mentioned, for example game machine except can handling real coin, can also be handled special label.But, in general, all use with the identical method of true coin and handle these labels.

The invention relates to some devices of those shortcomings of being mentioned above solving substantially.These devices make these machines, can be to replace the mode of true coin, perhaps preferably except can handling true coin, can also handle the label that those storages have data.And, can check and approve the things transaction of different numerical value with these data-storing labels; And best is that this machine can also rebound this label; Therefore, can repeatedly use these labels.Can adopt two types system: one is to charge to system, and in this system, the user will make an initial payment to a label; Storage has the data of the value of representing it on this label; According to used label, this machine carries out operation, thereby changes the data in this storage; According to the amount that this trading value is being represented, cause to reduce this value; Another is a credit system, in this system, and the data of its label storage representative of consumer accounts; This machine just carries out operation according to used label so, thereby points out out this accounts data; Therefore, just can these accounts have been charged to the amount of representing this transaction value thereupon.In the latter's system, can couple together this machine and a central station that maintains this account information onlinely, perhaps with can store by means of the data-storing module regularly the central station of collected information couple together onlinely.

Allow the user adopt one " charging to " or " credit " label, operate this machine, those that mentioned above just avoiding effectively are about the problem that will handle and assist the band mass of coins.

Yet people will reflect very much, and what taste is that the present invention goes up in this respect, in some other field, also is of great value.For example, the present invention also is of great use in the field of tag recognition; Wherein, for example can be with being restricted to some data-storing labels that have only the people's automatic equipment that just can obtain through permission to use together.

First specific aspect of the present invention sprinkle and to be so a kind of equipment.This equipment is handled coin again, handles the label that storage has data again; This flag data can be determined by the communication between this equipment and this label; And this equipment has one and is used to receive coin and label, and is used to make these coins effective, and communicates with these labels, and they are transported to the shared path that the device tested gets on.

It is advantageous using shared path.Like this, the user adopts label to operate machines, just can be with adopting the coin identical method of operating machines to operate.For example, insert label and coin by the same notch of inserting coins.

This feature also has special superior part, because it does not need label is provided different inlet ports and inlet passage, so will reequip the existing a large amount of machine that is using that has been in; So that allow these machines increase the function that goes up the marks for treatment thing again, just become very simple.

Preferably proving installation is mounted to and has two testing stations that separate, one is used to make those coins effective, and another is used for communicating by letter mutually with those labels; And this Unit Installation makes that only those are ejected the article of coming by first testing station, just is sent to second testing station.

Preferably identifying whether effectively device of coin, as its first testing station.Like this, needn't be to handling the machinery of coin, and comprise identify coin whether effectively device do any substantial change, just can allow the machine of existing coin startup, reequiping has become the machine of marks for treatment thing.Generation and come, it just need for those labels along ejecting the occupied path of article of coming, fit on testing station by the effective device of coin.In this machine, this feature is useful especially, and is used for ejecting article and true coin is distinguished for an effective device of coin and one are housed, thereby forms the coin machinery of the separation vessel of a device, also is very common; And in coin not of the same race starts the machine, all be the device that same-type is housed.In these cases, lead to the coin channel of this effective device, can be significantly along with the difference of the machine that is equiped with coin machinery, and different.If the label inquiry station is installed on the place ahead of the effective device of coin, if the structure of this coin machinery itself is not done significant the change so.In some cases, in automatic vending machine, just may not have enough places, allow to do this repacking.In optimum implementation, by among this device, eject path along it, go up the label testing station in the installing, just avoided this point.

People can imagine that in most communal facility, the most of article that insert this machine will be real coins; And the article that inserted seldom can be neither true coin be again a label.Therefore, at first installing the device of Coin validation, then more large quantities of article are sent to each testing station, concerning this set, will be optimum; So, this equipment will have been worked in an efficient way.

This equipment was preferably in this equipment before a transaction is finished, and had the device that can temporarily keep these labels.If this label is a kind of formula mark of charging to, so wish to have such characteristic, exactly can be before returning to the user, the amount by means of corresponding with this trading value changes the value that is stored in this label.If this label is a kind of credit formula mark, so more wish to have such characteristic, particularly insert the just situation of " the multiple article dispenser " of multi-pass operations continuously of coin or label repeatedly need not the user; Because about showing that a transaction finishes, this label is fetched in perhaps a series of closing the transaction again, will be a kind of easily by way of.Credit formula label can also return to the user immediately after inquiry; But this matching requirements user must must carry out some operation when his transaction is finished.So that point out this machine; If the user forgets such work, if other users do shopping with this machine more so, then the value of these transaction subsequently will be deducted away from original user's accounts.

Temporarily the holding device that label is kept preferably as the label testing station, is configured in after effective device; And preferably be assemblied in after separating with reception/eject out door; So, this device just only receives only those and has ejected next article by this effective device.A kind of more convenient embodiment is that this label testing station and this holding device are combined.This scheme has such advantage, can realize the communication with this label again after this label rests on this holding device in other words.

This equipment preferably also will have the device that is used to revise or change the data on this label, or introduces the device of new data to this label.In charging to system, go change after having finished a transaction with this device, the value of its label.Also, be assemblied on this holding device preferably the device that is used to finish this function; But, in another embodiment, it can be assemblied in the exit of this holding device, so that in the process that this label comes out, revise its data from this machine.

More preferably the device that is used for obtaining data from these labels, and the device that is used to revise the information on these labels, all be assemblied on this holding device.Adopt shared parts, can finish this two kinds of functions.

According to second specific aspect of the present invention, it is modifiable to store data, can will make such shape of coin and the such size of coin substantially by communicating a kind of label that decides with this label.This label can enter and by a standard coinage processing machine.So, have a lot of superior parts.In other words, the machine that existing those coins start is reequiped, allow them can handle these labels again, just become very easy; Because it is just to the equipment of those complete standards, installs again and be used for the device that communicates with label.For example, just as described above, can assemble up the ejection path of a testing station along this machinery; Therefore, this label can pass its effective device, again it is ejected, and then leads to this testing station again and gets on.This point of the present invention still has such advantage; In other words, both having made plan only is these machines to use with label, and truly coin uses, and however, it still may use these standard coinage processing machines and treatment technology.

This label can have its power supply; But, had better transmit power supply by token handling devices.

Used label on various piece of the present invention all is best the arrangement, and therefore, these labels and this equipment are to communicate with the mode of " contactless ".Can adopt various technology.For example, can adopt the very low frequency (VLF) radio transmission, thereby obtain data there by label, and if requirement, can also deliver to this label to data and get on.British patent specification № 1,599, and 120 and № 2,077,556A has described the radiotelegraphy that is used to inquire.Perhaps can also adopt additive method, for example, optical technology.

An another kind of technology that is considered to have superior especially part has constituted the theme on a third aspect of the present invention.According to this on the one hand, token handling devices is also referred to as and is the label inquisitor, has to be used for the device that communicates with label.How this communication absorbs electromagnetic field by this label is determined.This invention can also expand to the suitable a kind of label that uses with a kind of like this equipment and get on.This label preferably has a kind of field that can control and absorbs circuit, so that can change the degree of its absorption or the character of absorption.

In the illustrated here embodiment, this absorption circuit is a resonant circuit.Its resonance frequency can be changed between two values at least.This equipment is by producing a different frequency, and the electromagnetic field of a continuous sweep frequency preferably, just can communicate with this label.This equipment is determined the data of being stored according to producing the frequency that absorbs electromagnetic field on this label.Or rather, this equipment comes specified data according to the variation on the absorption frequency; Therefore, the specific resonance frequency of this resonant circuit is not depended in the work of this equipment in fact.

In addition, best a kind of device has also been described here.This device in, this label be by the electromagnetic signal that inquisitor sends power (or rather, its frequency is approximately 100KH ₂).Be used to transmit the signal of power supply, equally also be used for the communication between this label and this inquisitor.Transmit power supply by within a short time interval, optionally interrupting it, data transfer is gone to this label.This label is the device with power supply storage; Therefore, these interrupt not influencing its work.By optionally a low-impedance coupling to the wireless two ends of the reception of inquisitor, this label is delivered to this inquisitor to data and is got on.Change the degree of the energy absorption that can detect by this inquisitor like this.Or rather, it is to give on some times of determining earlier, making the transmission of its data; And for make it more convenient for the purpose of, preferably to adopt a clock signal.Or rather, this inquisitor is used with the identical method of data pulse and is transmitted these time clock; And these time clock both had been used for sending on this label, also were used for outwards sending from this label.

Moreover in this device, but this label contains a kind of memory (or rather, being a kind of EAROM) of nondestructive read-write.It would be desirable this device is used to store some such operational datas of like this mark value; But this device can also have other purposes.Particularly, relate to all computings of this label, before all having finished, in many cases, stop the transmission power supply to this label, this device just may be optimal.For example, in the usage flag thing, in order to reduce power consumption, this device just may be of great use in phone-payment is provided with; When beginning to insert label, can inquire this label, check whether this label is effective, and then, cut off its power supply according to duration of this phone, and power supply more thereafter, so that, reduce the value of this label according to the amount of using corresponding to this telephone charge.Therefore, on power supply process, can require any one (that is to say, can be that data are sent to this inquisitor, perhaps also can be to receive data there from this inquisitor) in two order of operations of this label to this label.Can in this label, adopt this non-destructive memory, be used for storing a sign.This this label of sign indication is among which part in the complete cycle of this computing actually, and points out according to its power supply, which comes partly to determine what action this label takes with actually.

This device imbody goes out the inventive point of some further uniquenesses, and wherein these are:

A) include the system of label; This label receives from the electric energy on the antenna, and by changing the impedance of this antenna ends, transmits data (or rather, be exactly by short circuit, perhaps connect a very low impedance in this antenna ends at least).

B) can use the same carrier signal that generates by this inquisitor there, set up two-way communication between its label and the inquisitor (and preferably power and/or time clock are sent to this label get on).

C) can set up two-way communication between label and the inquisitor, and this communication is two-way, and is with the time clock synchronised that sends by this inquisitor.

D) include the system of a label; This label is to use the energy power supply that receives from inquisitor there; And but this label has the memory that a non-destructive writes, and be according to its power supply process, it is set finishes a sequential in the many operation time sequence that decide by the flag data that deposits in this memory, and will finish a sequential in these sequential that in this flag data, cause variation at least.

People will reflect very much, and what taste is that these aspects of the present invention are summed up as this label respectively, and inquisitor, and their combination.

This token handling devices can have some emissions that are used to transmit and receive optionally the signal that absorbs for this label and the coil of reception.Another program is the purposes to this two aspect, can adopt a single coil.

According to a further aspect of the invention, be that this token handling devices device is become when the underlined thing, can automatically change the sensitivity that it receives emission, and preferably allow this treatment facility all receive a new label at every turn.When the degree of absorption of this label by its electromagnetic radiation of change, when launching data, this device is useful especially; And when this label is when powering by the electromagnetic energy that receives, this device is useful especially especially; Because among these situations, by the received signal of this token handling devices, because the JND on its label, perhaps the JND on this marker location can change.In order to guarantee by the variation in the absorption of the carrier wave of this token handling devices emission, can be correctly to receive for this token handling devices; So, just can compensate to this variation by adjusting its receiving sensitivity.

This equipment it would be desirable, no matter the concrete orientation of its label how, can both communicate with this label.

According to another particular aspects of the present invention, provided so a kind of token handling devices at this; This equipment is finished some computings according to the operational data of being stored in this equipment; And the flag data of this equipment in order to come thus to determine to be stored, can communicate by the isolabeling thing; This equipment can enter first state according to its flag data, perhaps enters the operation of second state; This equipment can be finished the operation of above-mentioned computing, and in its second state, can use the mode that is associated with above-mentioned flag data to change the operation of its operational data in its first state.

People can imagine and obtain, this equipment normally just makes it finish (like some field that can utilize of some operation owing to send some labels to, perhaps, under the situation of such machine, sell a kind of product or finish a kind of service) at automatic vending machine or the like; What but this equipment can also have it passes through to enter the particular marker that a kind of storage has the given data of giving, the computing parameter that changes.For example, if the owner of an automatic vending machine wants to change the price data in the automatic vending machine that deposits him in, this specific character just will be very useful.He will have a special coded markings thing, according to the insertion label to this automatic vending machine, just can produce above effect so; Therefore, can accomplish change on this price at an easy rate; And adopt same electronic component,, accomplish this point when among this machine, buying a product like that easily just as utilizing a label.

On aspect these labels of identification, it can store a specific code; This code, when reading with this equipment, can concrete zone of access; And, require it can change the code of its authorize access for the cause of safety.By the special coded markings thing that adopts storing data, just can accomplish this point at an easy rate, like this equipment that makes enters its second state; Wherein, utilize the information on this label, change the parameter of being stored; Therefore, this equipment will be familiar with these different security codes in the future, similarly is special-purpose authorize access code.

According to another specific aspect in addition of the present invention, provide a kind of such token handling devices at this.For the data of determining thus to be stored, it can be used for receiving, and communicates with these labels; And it can be used for carrying out a transaction according to a corresponding to label of predetermined value that is being associated with this transaction, and changes the data of being stored; Before carrying out this transaction, this equipment can be realized the work of a security code identifying operation, thereby judges whether this label stores the security code that is suitable for this machine is arranged; Thereby only when the storage of this label had this suitable security code, this machine was just carried out this transaction.

Therefore, can design these automatic vending machines like this, and similar allocated product or carry out the machine of some service, so that these machines can only be accepted those labels by concrete company's distribution, the company that for example has this automatic vending machine, but those labels can not be accepted by other company's distribution.The label of these other company's distribution may be identical with the label of this company's distribution, but the security code difference of on these labels, being stored only.In this way, the owner of these a series of automatic vending machines just can guarantee that all are used for getting the label of product from his machine, all can pay for him.

It would be desirable that this token handling devices itself must store last one and specialize in order to realize the security code of the label that these exchanges use.In this way, it just can be guaranteed, the label of a company, if go be inserted into the token handling devices of another company in a kind of not approved mode among, these labels will can not change their value so.

Can also be assembled into the equipment of handling true coin to this token handling devices.

In optimum implementation of the present invention, be that above-mentioned various aspects are combined, thereby produce one very superior, also be very practical label disposal system.

Now, we consult following accompanying drawing by way of example, illustrate to implement devices more of the present invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a synoptic diagram according to coin of the present invention and token handling devices;

Fig. 2 represents is label in the proving installation of Fig. 1 equipment;

Fig. 3 is the label in first device and the schematic block diagram of a circuit of testing station thereof;

Fig. 4 (a) and (b) be that to be used for the circuit of key diagram 3 are the oscillograms of how to work;

Fig. 5 be the explanation second the device in token handling devices and a block scheme of label;

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of the receiver in the token handling devices of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram of the label of Fig. 5; And

What Fig. 8 illustrated is the signal waveforms that is received by the receiver in the token handling devices of Fig. 5.

Referring to Fig. 1, this coin and label treating apparatus 2 include the effective device 4 of coin that is used to receive coin and label, and as indicated on 6, along entering coin and the label that shared path 7 that the oblong aperture (not shown) begins is advanced certainly.In this effective device 4,, during the passing through of coin and label 6, finish some test operations along path 8; Thereby judging the next thing that injects, is effective coin; And, if effective coin, then judge the mark amount of money of this coin.These tests all are the tests of standard, for example, can be the induction tests.

Then, these coins that can receive enter Coin separator 10.This separation vessel 10 has several (not shown).These circuit by this equipment are controlled, and are used for selectively these coins are delivered to from primary path 12 that any one path gets in several minutes paths 14,16 and 18; Perhaps make these coins along path 12 inlet passages 20, the guiding cash cassette.If the article of test are judged as and are not receivable coin in this effective device 4, so just these article are sent to and eject path 30 and get on, and no longer continued by this separation vessel 10.

Path 14,16 and each path of 18 all lead to a container in three containers 22,24 and 26 respectively.Assemble each container, folded in order to the coin stacked vertically of having deposited a concrete mark amount of money.When will provide a change, just can do the sharing out the work of coin in these containers with 28 dividers of schematically pointing out by this device.

No matter when, when effective device had been discerned a receivable coin, its credit counting just increased a last amount number corresponding to this coin value.When having accumulated enough credits, its equipment 2 just produces the signal of its credit number of indication.For example, in an optimum implementation, this equipment 2 is installed in (not shown) in the automatic vending machine, sort signal just will indicate this automatic vending device so, and the user can start the sale of a product and operate.Can be mounted to this device like this and operate, that is to say, can before its credit counting drops to the lowest price that is lower than this machine institute product sold, repeat constantly to sell this product.

In any stage, the user can handle the knob of " ESCROW ".This knob stops this transaction or stops this a series of transaction, and begins to carry the change corresponding to its cumulative credit residue numerical value, and then this credit number also just has been eliminated totally.

Till now, above-mentioned device is quite common device, as for some specific structural details that are suitable for finishing these functions, therefore also just there is no need to have explained again.

Except these structures, the equipment among Fig. 1 also has a label proving installation, and perhaps inquiry unit 32; More detailed details table is shown on Fig. 2.This device 32 is assemblied on the position of ejecting path 30; Therefore, these article be transported to allow on the ejection placing that the user regains before, all ejection article all will be transported to this device 32 earlier and get on.

Referring to Fig. 2, this ejection path 30 is at rear wall 34, for the antetheca that comes is not shown in the center section Fig. 2 that can see its inquiry unit, and stretching between two sidewalls 36 and 38.Rear wall 34 has an aperture 40; Therefore,, can push this path 30 to door 42 selectively, and from this path 30, draw back again by solenoid 44.

Generally, this 42 is positioned among its path 30; Therefore, all that is ejected next article, all rests on this inquiry unit 32.Each part article is inquired, thereby, not label if find it, so just draw back this door 42, got on so just can deliver to ejection tray to these part article.

If these article are labels, so just on this inquiry unit 32, it is retained by door 42; Till remaining into this transaction or a series of transaction always and finishing by this user; And then this door 42 drawn back; Therefore, this part label can loopback be given this user again.

Fig. 2 represents a label 50 in the optimum implementation of the present invention; It uses with the system of charging to; Therefore, its storage has the data of representing an occurrence; A transaction or after a series of transaction is done, and these label 50 loopbacks are given before this user, reduce this occurrence.

What Fig. 3 illustrated is an example that can be used for this class circuit of this label and this inquiry unit.What worth mirror was tasted is alternatively to use the circuit of many other types.

This inquiry unit 32 has transmitting coil and receiving coil 52 and 54 respectively.Drive this transmitting coil 52 by driving circuit 56.Start this driving circuit 56 according to the signal that generates by microprocessor 58.This microprocessor 58 by an input circuit 60, also receives and handles the signal from receiving coil 54; And these signal conveys are gone to the master data bus 62 of this Coin processing device tool control circuit.Through a multi-channel conversion circuit 64, data bus 62, input circuit 60, and driving circuit 56, be connected to this microprocessor 58 and get on.This multi-channel conversion circuit 64, through a data bus 66, an address bus 68, and a read/write path 70, be connected with this microprocessor 58.Reading of the data that 58 controls of this microprocessor come from this label 50, and the conveying that transmits data to this label 50; And be connected with its total coin mechanizing circuit, after finishing with a convenient transaction or a series of transaction, give this circuit this mark value, and receive remaining therefrom value of getting off.

This total coin mechanizing circuit may formerly have known structure, like disclosed british patent specification UK-A-2, the structure described in 110,862.In another device, can directly control this inquiry unit with the master processor of this coin mechanizing circuit; Therefore, just will no longer need this additional microprocessor 58.

In order to inquire this label 50, this microprocessor 58 makes the driving circuit 56 of its transmitter come drive coil 52.This circuit 56 is provided with like this; Each when starting this circuit 56, the output frequency that is used for driving this coil 52 just from low value to high scan value.Fig. 4 (a) shows this output frequency.

This label 50 includes a circuit that generally absorbs the energy that is come by emission on the coil 52 with 72 indicated being used for selectively.Under this concrete situation, this circuit 72 is exactly one and includes a coil 74, and the resonant circuit of a shunt capacitance 76.In order to change the resonance frequency of this circuit 72, come to be switched to circuit to another one shunt capacitance 78 and to get on, and not receive this circuit and get on a semiconductor switch 80.

The energy of being launched by transmitting coil 52 picks up it by means of receiving coil 54, and the signal conveys that generates from this coil 54 is gone as the comparer the input circuit 60 of amplitude detecting to one.Fig. 4 (b) shows the signal that is produced by this input circuit 60.It is also noted that when scanning its frequency that is sent to the signal that this transmitting coil 52 gets on, have more here, in this, this resonant circuit 72 absorbs its energy consumingly at every turn; Therefore, in the middle of the signal that this input circuit 60 is produced, can produce a short pulse.Among each frequency sweeping, produce the precise time of this short pulse, be the resonance frequency that depends on resonant circuit 72; And, by the manipulation of switch 80, can change thus.

By the selectivity operation of switch 80, just can accomplish from the data of label 50 to send to inquiry unit 32; For example, do like this, when connecting this switch, represent data bit (bit) " 1 " with its absorption frequency; And when disconnecting this switch, represent data bit (bit) " 0 " with its absorption frequency.

These data can in all sorts of ways by microprocessor 58 and detect.When for example, can allow the prompting of this microprocessor receiving time interval between pulse and the pulse from circuit 60 by numerical value P ₁(seeing Fig. 4 (b)) is altered to data P ₂, perhaps be altered to numerical value P ₃P ₁Be to determine P by the frequency that starts driving circuit 56 ₂Be just when its low value changes to its high value, to produce P when its resonance frequency ₂Be just when its high value changes to its low value, to produce when its resonance frequency.

In other words, this microprocessor can be set like this, cause,, just measure from the starting point of its frequency sweeping and produce time t the time point of a pulse to circuit 60 whenever receiving a label ₁(seeing Fig. 4 (b)).During the frequency sweeping afterwards,, the time of being occupied, come down to equal t if for a pulse that will produce ₁, just to be confirmed as be low to this resonance frequency so; And if this time is actually greater than numerical value t ₂, just to be confirmed as be high to this resonance frequency so.

Neither one is to depend on resonance frequency with particular value in these methods; Therefore, in this label circuit, allow bigger tolerance limit.

By being added to the signal that transmitting coil 52 gets on, carry out Modulation and Amplitude Modulation, data transmission is gone to label 50.This amplitude-modulated signal can have a frequency that is changing, and it perhaps also can have a single frequency simply shown in Fig. 4 (a), such as, be positioned on the mid point of this frequency sweeping.

This signal is picked up by resonant circuit 72, and the output of this resonant circuit 72 is connected to testing circuit 82 and gets on.This circuit 82 can be accomplished from its received waveform, produces the data that sent by inquiry unit 32 and comes.

This circuit 80 can detect by giving of sending of its inquiry unit 32 decides code.The detection signal that characterizes these codes is sent to control circuit 84.This testing circuit 82 can also detect plan will deposit some data on this label 50 in.These data are sent to memory circuit 86 again to get on.

In the present embodiment, this memory circuit 86 is circulating registers; When the content in this register is read out, again the content in this register is returned to be displaced in this register and go.

Its control circuit 84 can be so that read out data from this memory circuit 86, and be sent to a radiating circuit 88 again and get on.This control circuit 84 causes this radiating circuit 88, according to from the data in the memory circuit 86, handles this switch 80 selectively; Therefore, this just delivers to inquiry unit 32 to data and has got on.

The work of this circuitry is such.When in inquiry unit, one when receiving a label, just starts driving circuit 56.This point is detected by label 50; This label is sent of security code that 58 storages of microprocessor of expression request query device 32 emissions have to inquiry unit 32 and is given and decide code subsequently.

Check this device security code by control circuit 84, some operations then only when if this device security code is suitable for this label just, just allow to go on.Carry out this program that can select, be change,, be only and allow to take place if only when this machine that includes inquiry unit 32 is an appropriate machine in order to ensure data on any label afterwards, such as, be by a concrete machine that company had.The identifying operation of this device security code, such as, can by judge a code whether be stored in numeral in the memory circuit 86 and be complementary and realize; This will make those have the label of same circuits, as long as change the content in this memory circuit 86 simply, just can be applicable to various machine.

Suppose that this device security code is suitable for this label, this label is sent a label security code that is stored in the memory circuit 86 to inquiry unit 32 more then.This microprocessor 58 judges that these label security codes are to be suitable for this machine, and, have only when this code be when being fit to, just allow do transaction subsequently.If this has just guaranteed that this machine has inserted the label of being supplied with by the company that does not have approval, can not work.

Be noted that and have only when having found that this device security code is when being fit to, and just launches this label security code.This has just improved the security of this system, because this will determine this label security code with regard to making this machine for those not approved people, can be quite difficult.

After the identifying operation of this security code, this label 50 just begins to launch the mark value that deposits in its memory circuit 86.If requirement can just be carried out this emission only after inquiry unit 32 recognizes that at first this label security code is fit to.

Then, this microprocessor 58 is sent signal, and making this credit counting increases and go up this mark value again.Subsequently, if allow the user to increase this credit counting, just can carry out and conclude the business with identical method by inserting some coins again.

After this transaction or a series of transaction were finished, the user just started an ESROW knob.This equipment responds this startup by transmit the data of its residue credit of expression to microprocessor 58.Subsequently, inquiry unit 32 just sends to this label 50 to these data and gets on.Testing circuit 82 identifications are added to a particular code on the data of being launched always, and this code causes its control circuit 84 data of its residue credit of expression of self-detection circuit 82 in the future, is shifted to memory circuit 86.These data are replaced the mark value of having stored before it.Then, this label has just been known received data, and and then, this equipment causes the withdrawal of door 42; Thereby, make this label 50 again loopback given this user.

These labels of this equipment can be made many additional purposes.For example, by in the memory circuit 86 of a label, a particular code being inserted on the position of label security code, or append on this label security code, so, this microprocessor 58 according to the detection of this code, just can cause entering a kind of specific state.In this state, this microprocessor 58 extracts data from label 50, then give the coin mechanizing circuit these data again, thus the price list that change portion has within it stored.This is for the variation of handling on the product price of being sold by this machine, really a method quite easily.

With same form, can be used for changing the security code that microprocessor 58 is stored so that this microprocessor 58 is sent an another kind of state to; Therefore, various security code all will be identified in the future, because it is suitable for using with this machine.Reaching one of function of this latter method easily, will be to allow this microprocessor, when receiving a storage first label of particular code is arranged, enter another state; But, change actually before its storage code, wait for receiving one second label.When receiving its second label, remove to replace to store security code among this microprocessor 58 with being stored in code on this label.This device when putting together machines for the first time, has special numerical value; Because this device will allow and can start all machines with same label; And then, every machine all will be according to a label in these labels that receive, and repacks into to be suitable for the machine of coming together to use with the label of a concrete company.

Can also be these labels be used to collect data from this equipment.In this case, be in memory circuit 86, another gives and decides code in the storage; And,, the data that collect are sent to this label 50 get on as a kind of mandate by microprocessor 58 these codes of identification.Such as this mandate can be the inspection data that are related to some operations that the machine that is equipped with this equipment carrying out always.

In case this value of charging to label 50 is reduced to zero, according to its payment, this label can make its original value reenter in its memory circuit 86 so.This point can be finished with a machine that structurally is similar to inquiry unit 32.Yet, in this case, will make this microprocessor 58 transmit another predetermined value in addition, and this predetermined value is for the sake of security, will maintain secrecy to this label 50.By testing circuit 82, discern this another value, and will cause the data afterwards, be sent in this memory circuit 86 as its mark value and go.This testing circuit 82 is provided with like this, in other words, has only when receiving this particular code, just can enter the mark value that is increased to memory circuit 86; But, under some other situation, allow to enter the value that some will reduce certainly.

In above-mentioned device, after a transaction or a series of transaction are finished, always to give this user's label 50 loopbacks.In another embodiment, provide a door, be used for selectively these labels from inquiry unit 32 are perhaps sent into ejection tray, perhaps sent into storage case.In normal circumstances, be to give the user's the label loopback.Yet if charge in the system at one, this mark value is reduced to zero words; Perhaps, if the accounts numeral that is had in a credit label is invalid, so just can be retained in this label in the storage case of this machine intimate.

In above device, when remaining on its label on this inquiry unit 32, carry out to the inquiry of its label with to the input of data on its label.In other words, when its label on one side by the effective device of this coin 4 time, Yi Bian just can produce inquiry.In fact, can adopt equally also to be used for the element of coin on effectively, realize inquiry; For example, inductive coil.In this case, this 42 is being opened; Therefore, those are ejected all article except those effective labels of coming by the effective device 8 of coin, just all directly are sent to ejection tray and have got on.

What Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 represented is an available structure of this label 50.This label is very little, and in fact is to get such size of coin and shape.This label has a lithium battery 100, and it is installed on the printed circuit board (PCB) 102 by a circular orientation frame 104.Whole circuit of this label 50 except coil 74, and beyond electric capacity 76 and 78, are included within the single integrated circuit chip 106; And this piece integrated circuit chip 106 also is mounted in above the P.e.c. 102.Electric capacity 76 and 78 can be the electric capacity of potsherd type; And, also can be mounted in above the printed circuit board (PCB) 102.

On printed circuit board (PCB) 102, form coil 74 by the P.e.c. corrosion.This coil has spiral structure; And, such as, can nearly ten circles.

With this label with plastics as 108 pointed encapsulating.Another program is that this label can have an on limits housing, can replace battery 100.

Its specific orientation it is also noted that this label 50 is among its inquiry unit 32, no matter how, all can correctly carry out work.

In said apparatus, this input circuit 60 produces a two-value output according to the signal amplitude that is received by coil 54.Then, handle this signal by microprocessor 58 again.In another embodiment, such as this circuit 60 can include a phase-locked loop, perhaps a monostable circuit, it is used for handling signal, so that can also transmit the digital signal of the data that an expression sends by this label 50 to microprocessor 58 from coil 54.

Device described above will be used the label that adopts induction technology to do communication, and it would be desirable the transmission frequency of the about 10MHz of employing to this scope of 100MHz.

Certainly, people also can be appreciated that and need not this circuitry is done big change, can adopt other some technology fully.Can adopt the low frequency radiotelegraphy, or adopt optical communication technique.

Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 has illustrated the form of a kind of change of the above-mentioned circuitry relevant with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.Though will all be described as being different embodiments to these, people can be appreciated that certainly, and those are can use in the embodiment of Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 to go at each technical characterictic that is associated described in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, and vice versa.Referring to Fig. 5, this token handling devices 100 includes one and is coupled to the transmitter that emitting antenna 104 gets on.Driving circuit 102.When in use, this label 106 is configured between emitting antenna 104 and the receiving antenna 108.Receiver circuit 110 is connected to this receiving antenna 108 to get on.

Microprocessor 112 has an output line 114 that is used for controlling this transmitter drive circuit 102, and the output lines 116 of the sensitivity of its receiver circuits 110 of will illustrate three controls in back, and be used to receive a incoming line 118 from the data of receiver circuit 110.Can be by suitable interface circuit line 114,116, and 118 are connected to microprocessor 112 and get on.Again microprocessor 112 is connected respectively to ROM, RAM, and the writeable memory circuit 120,122 of non-destructive, and 124 get on.This non-destructive memory circuit 124 is an EAROM preferably.

Fig. 7 shows the circuit of this label 106.This label has an antenna 130.This antenna 130 is connected to an electric energy reservoir capacitor 134 by a diode 132 and gets on.The energy that will be sent by antenna 104 is made half-wave rectification by diode 132, and allows capacitor 134 that it is stored.Voltage on these capacitor two ends is used for to these label circuit 106 power supplies.The carrier wave that it is received equally also is sent to diode 136 and gets on.And separate as Modulation and Amplitude Modulation with it and to call.Some interruptions on the carrier wave that this emission comes cause producing several pulses on the output terminal of diode 136.Again these pulses are sent to a Schmit(Schmidt) phase inverter 138.Again the output of this Schmit phase inverter being connected to a locking 140 gets on.By having ROM respectively, RAM, and non-destructive memory (preferably EAROM) circuit 144,146, and this locking 140 can be read and remove to a microprocessor 142 of 148.Send data to this microprocessor with line 150, and send reset pulse to this locking with line 152.

This microprocessor 142 also has the output line 154 that can control analog switch 156.When this switch is switched on, just two terminal short circuits of antenna 130 have been got up by a diode 158.

Generally, with line 150,152, and 154 be connected to microprocessor 142 and get on through suitable interface circuit (not shown).

In the use of this embodiment, allow this token handling devices according to the reception of label 106, make its emitting antenna 104 at 100KH ₂On the frequency of the order of magnitude, carrier wave of starting emission.Some emitted energy will be picked up by the antenna in the label 106 130, and be used for to this label power supply.Remaining some energy will be picked up by receiving antenna 108.

Its transmitter drive circuit 102 is controlled like this, to such an extent as to make it in the emission process of carrier wave, can produce interruption.This interruption is well-regulated interval (such as interval 1ms), and each interruption, such as, continue 3 carrier cycles.These interruptions will enough be lacked, and that is to say that the voltage that two ends had of the capacitor 134 in this label 106 is unlikely to drop to the degree that the work that can make its label circuit is interfered.

Before microprocessor 112 received these pulses of interrupting corresponding to the emission carrier wave shown in Fig. 8 (a) of clearly having determined on online 118, the microprocessor 112 in this token handling devices was just regulated the sensitivity of receiver circuit 110 with line 116.

Regulate receiving sensitivity in this way, should be able to be enough to guarantee change the short circuit of antenna 130 in the label 106 that is produced, and will cause on the output terminal of receiving antenna 108, producing detectable pulse because it absorbs on the energy.Yet, if requirement can be provided with this system like this, in other words, according to the practical operation of switch 156 in the label 106.Regulate the sensitivity of receiver, thereby guarantee that the pulse that is produced is detectable.

In case adjusted after the sensitivity of this receiver, this token handling devices just begins and the communicating by letter of this label.In order to accomplish this point, the ALT pulse in the carrier wave shown in Fig. 8 (a) 200 is used as time clock; And the pulse 202 of dislocation is used as data pulse.With carrier wave and pulse 202 presentation data values " 0 " of coming one after the other, use by the carrier wave that do not have that does not have pulse 202 to cause and interrupt presentation data value " 1 ".

In label 106, microprocessor 142 once and again conducts a survey to the pulse in the locking 140, and according to the detection to this pulse, removes this locking.Measure the cycle between these consecutive pulses, and storage is got up.The cycle that this cycle of measuring makes this microprocessor 142 can calculate one " window "; Within cycle, next pulse appears possibly at this " window ".

Data to label send, and always will start by data value " 1 ".Therefore, this microprocessor 142 detected its pulse and does not appear at first time in the locking 140 within the desired cycle.On this time, this label can judge that in a succession of train of impulses, which pulse is a time clock 200 actually, and which pulse is data pulse 202.

Above description has been summarized and how data has been sent on label.

Adopt analog switch 156, the data that have on the label are sent to this token handling devices.In between a short-term between its carrier wave interrupts and interrupts, can connect this analog switch.Because the increase of coming one after the other on the energy that is absorbed for this label 106, these short-terms of this switch 156 are connected, and will cause having some special pulses on the line 118 from receiver circuit 110.

This device is such, and when this token handling devices 100 was being expected to receive self-marker 106 data, it just sent data value " 0 " continuously.This label will receive first, from the data of token handling devices; Therefore, the work of this label always with this token handling devices synchronised.Come self-marker's data to send, always the start bit (initial bit) that will be sent between a time clock 200 and the data pulse 202 with coexisting comes together to start.The indication of this start bit Fig. 8 (b) 204 on.

These later data are exactly that a ground has transmitted according to subsequently time clock 200 and the interval between the data pulse 202; Therefore, these at interval among, decide according to the content of its data, additional pulse 206 may occur, and also may not occur.

When this system used, for the purpose of reliable, the transmission of any data in one direction can be carried out followed by the back of launching identical data in the opposite direction, thereby guarantee reliable and safe operation.

This label 106 stores some such data of like security code, mark value or the like in memory 148.When token handling devices at first receives label, and powered by received energy, this label has just been communicated by letter each other with token handling devices so, thereby check these security codes, use together so guarantee that their each parts all adapt to another part.And then after this operation, this microprocessor sends its mark value to this token handling devices, and is going up at the same time, and indication of storage on one of memory 148 sign location shows that this working routine finished.

Subsequently, stop the emission of its carrier wave; Therefore, this label has just no longer received electric energy.This point is useful especially in the coin telephone device.In the next stage, when requiring to communicate with this label again, just launch carrier wave again, therefore this label is powered once more.When this power supply is always checked sign in the memory 148 for the first time by microprocessor, just produce.In this case, this device is finished the certain operations of being carried out with decision before outage, this value of credit is dealt into this token handling devices gets on.Therefore, (having finished after the security code checked operation) will wait for a new mark value of credit that will be sent by this token handling devices now; Therefore this device can be revised the value of credit that it has stored.

This program is in its end, and microprocessor 142 resets the sign in the memory 148; Therefore, when subsequently this label being sent back to this user again, and on a time after a while, be inserted in the token handling devices again and go, and power supply time once more, this device just will get into smooth by rights, its mark value be sent to this equipment get on.

In above device, it is also noted that it is by a Low ESR (diode 158) being connected to the two ends of antenna 130, transmit data on the label.Adopt diode 158, prevent owing on antenna 130, produce some problems of back electromotive force (EMF), and also guarantee to be not more than the supply voltage of this switch by the voltage that analog switch 156 is switched.But should be noted that, can be with some other way, accomplish the change in the impedance that is connected on the antenna 130.Moreover, need not to have influence on the impedance that is connected on the antenna 130, just can accomplish the change on the absorption of electromagnetic radiation degree; For example, can adopt a retarder for this purpose.

Fig. 6 describes the receiver circuit 110 on this token handling devices 100 in detail.The part of the tuned circuit that the reverse input end that receiving coil 108 formations are connected to amplifier 162 through a Modulation and Amplitude Modulation demodulator diode 160 gets on.The positive input of this amplifier 162 receives a reference potential; This reference potential is to generate from the node between two branch roads; A branch road is exactly to be connected to the resistance 164 that a power lead gets on, and another branch road is exactly the parallel network that is connected to the resistance 166 that another power lead gets on through each analog switch 168.By line 116 these analog switches 168 of control from microprocessor 112.

The value of resistance 166 is R, 2R and 4R.People can imagine, if there is an analog switch to connect, send the reference potential of amplifier 162 positive inputs so to, will change.Therefore, this has just changed the sensitivity of receiver.

Claims (12)

1, one is used for the equipment that communicates with the label that has data, this equipment can carry out following operation (a) and carrier signal is transmitted into this label gets on, (b) utilize this carrier signal to send the data to label, and it is (c) right for this label by detection, variation on the degree of absorption of its carrier wave receives from the data on this label.

2, according to the equipment in the claim 1, wherein this equipment can send to this label with the above-mentioned carrier signal of utilization of power.

3, according to the equipment in claim 1 or 2, wherein this equipment can utilize time clock above-mentioned carrier signal to send to this label.

4, a token handling devices and a combination that has the label of data, this equipment can be done to this label transmit clock pulse, and with the data of this time clock synchronised; And this label can carry out using the mode of the time clock synchronised of coming with reception from its equipment to send data to this equipment.

5, label that has data is assembled into the electric energy that can receive from being used in the equipment of from this label sense data, and this label has a nondestructive memory that writes, and this label the power supply after finish by a program that is stored in many working routines that De Biao Chi data decide in this memory, finish a program in the caused program of those variations at least by this flag data.

6, the data that token handling devices with the device that is used to receive data, its emission in order that determine have been stored by label; And this equipment also has finishes the device of regulating operation automatically; Thus, just on the label that is occurred, change the sensitivity of its receiving trap.

7,, wherein this equipment is assembled into the equipment that can launch carrier wave, and its receiving trap can detect and is the operation of this label to the variation in the absorption of this carrier wave according to the equipment in the claim 6.

8, according to the equipment in claim 6 or 7, wherein this equipment can be launched electric energy on this label.

9, according to the equipment in any claim in the claim 6 to 8, wherein this equipment when it receives a label, just can be finished above-mentioned adjusting operation at every turn.

10, token handling devices is finished some operations according to the operational data that storage in this equipment has, and this equipment can communicate with a label, thereby judges the flag data that is stored in view of the above; And this equipment can enter first state according to its data type, or enters the operation of second state; This equipment can be finished the work of aforesaid operations, and when its second state, use the method that is determined by above-mentioned flag data to change its operational data when its first state.

11, carrying out coin effectively detects, and the label readout equipment, be used for receiving coin and label and be used for they are sent to proving installation, be effective coin and communicate to have a shared path so that check these coins with these labels.

12,, include assembling and from above-mentioned shared path, receive article, and fict coin is sent into the ejection path, and real coin is sent into effective pick-up unit of accepting path according to the equipment in the claim 11; And its label readout device is positioned at it and ejects among the path.

Images