EP0167181A2 - Dispositif pour le traitement de pièces de monnaie - Google Patents

Dispositif pour le traitement de pièces de monnaie Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0167181A2
EP0167181A2 EP85110175A EP85110175A EP0167181A2 EP 0167181 A2 EP0167181 A2 EP 0167181A2 EP 85110175 A EP85110175 A EP 85110175A EP 85110175 A EP85110175 A EP 85110175A EP 0167181 A2 EP0167181 A2 EP 0167181A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coins
coin
memory
operable
container
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP85110175A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0167181A3 (en
EP0167181B2 (fr
EP0167181B1 (fr
Inventor
David Eglise
Alan James Ruddell
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Mars Inc
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Mars Inc
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Application filed by Mars Inc filed Critical Mars Inc
Priority to AT85110175T priority Critical patent/ATE46585T1/de
Priority claimed from EP82305167A external-priority patent/EP0076640B1/fr
Publication of EP0167181A2 publication Critical patent/EP0167181A2/fr
Publication of EP0167181A3 publication Critical patent/EP0167181A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0167181B1 publication Critical patent/EP0167181B1/fr
Publication of EP0167181B2 publication Critical patent/EP0167181B2/fr
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
    • G07F5/24—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks with change-giving
    • 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
    • G07F9/08—Counting total of coins inserted

Definitions

  • This invention relates to coin handling apparatus.
  • the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, related to apparatus which can accept, store and dispense coins.
  • Such apparatus is often used with coin-operated vending machines.
  • the apparatus tests inserted coins and stores them if they are acceptable. Unacceptable coins are rejected. If sufficient acceptable coins are inserted, the vending machine is operated.
  • the apparatus dispenses stored, acceptable coins as change.
  • Such apparatus generally includes a separate coin container for the or each denomination of coin to be dispensed, and a cashbox for any other coin denominations. When a coin container for a particular denomination of coin is full, any further incoming coins of the same denomination are directed to the cashbox.
  • This arrangement uses a pair of sensors for each of the coin containers.
  • One of the sensors is used to determine when the coin container is full so that further coins are directed to the cashbox.
  • the other sensor determines when the coin container is empty, or near empty, as a result of which the coin apparatus may no longer be able to dispense change, and will give a display indicating that the correct amount should be inserted.
  • Each coin container may be a tube which stores the coins in a stack.
  • the empty and full level sensors are mounted adjacent the upper and lower ends of the stack.
  • Each sensor may comprise a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the tube so that the light path is intercepted when a coin is at the appropriate level in the tube.
  • each coin container requires two level sensors makes the containers rather expensive and difficult to construct. Another problem arises in that although the cashbox is regularly emptied, the containers are not and the apparatus tends to keep each container substantially full. This means that the total value of coins kept stored in each vending machine tends to be fairly high. Owners of a fairly large number of vending machines may find the total value of money tied up in the machines in this manner to be unacceptable.
  • a coin handling apparatus having at least one coin container into which the apparatus can selectively direct coins and from which the apparatus can selectively dispense coins, the apparatus having means for keeping a count of coins in the container and being responsive to said count for determining whether coins are to be directed to or dispensed from the container.
  • the apparatus can be arranged to store coins in the coin container until the level reaches a predetermined "full" value, which is preferably stored in an alterable memory.
  • a predetermined "full” value which is preferably stored in an alterable memory.
  • the apparatus of the invention does not need to'have the full level sensor to determine when . the coin container is full.
  • the coin container does have one level sensor which is desirably placed close to, but preferably not at, the bottom of the coin container.
  • the advantage of using such a level sensor is that, as will be described in more detail later, it can be used to correct inaccuracies in the count of coins in the container which may be caused by, for example, coins being manually inserted into the container while the apparatus is switched off and thereby unable to detect the insertion of the coins.
  • a coin handling apparatus having at least one coin container into which the apparatus can selectively direct coins and from which the apparatus can selectively dispense coins, the apparatus having a sensor to provide an output indicating whether or not the number of stored coins in the container is greater than a predetermined number, the apparatus being responsive to the output of the sensor for determining whether coins are to be directed to or dispensed from the container.
  • the apparatus is arranged to keep an estimated count of the coins in the container, which count is incremented and decremented when coins are respectively directed to and dispensed from the container, the apparatus being operable to adjust the count if necessary when the level sensor indicates that the number of coins in the container has risen above a predetermined number, and/or when the sensor indicates that the number of coins has dropped to the predetermined number.
  • the apparatus when the apparatus is switched on the initial count of coins in the container is set to zero if the sensor indicates that the number of stored coins is not greater than the predetermined number, and set equal to the maximum permitted number of coins in the container if the sensor indicates that the number of coins in the container is greater than this predetermined number. Thereafter, any alteration in the number of coins in the container will be such that this predetermined number is approached. This is because, if the count is initially set at zero, the apparatus may direct further coins to the container but will not allow coins to be dispensed such that the count would fall below zero. If the initial count is set to the maximum value, the apparatus may dispense coins but will only direct further coins to the container if this stored maximum count value will not be exceeded. If and when the sensor indicates that the number of stored coins has risen above or dropped to the predetermined number, the stored count is corrected.
  • the predetermined number is preferably stored in an alterable memory to allow adjustment for use of the apparatus with coin containers having sensors at different levels.
  • the maximum permitted number of coins in the container is also preferably alterable to permit adjustment of the maximum cash value stored in the container at any time, and thereby facilitate adjustment to suit different owners' requirements and avoid the problems mentioned above.
  • the arrangement of the invention has an additional advantage, in that the apparatus assumes that the coin container is filled to its maximum permitted level if on switch-on the number of coins in the container exceeds the predetermined number detected by the sensor. In fact it is likely that there is less than the maximum permitted number of coins in the container. This means that the level of coins will not be permitted to rise so that the total cash value stored in there stays at less than the maximum permitted value until after the demand for change increases so that the level drops and the count is corrected.
  • level sensor is used herein to describe a sensor-which 'indicates when the number of coins stored in the container is greater than the predetermined number.
  • the coins are stored in a vertical stack so that this predetermined number will correspond to a predetermined height or level, this is not necessarily the 'case and other storage arrangements in which the number of stored coins does not correspond to any particular height could be used.
  • coin handling apparatus it is desirable to provide a control circuit which 'can be used,-with a minimum amount of modification, in conjunction with mechanisms and storage facilities suitable for different types of coins, for example the coins of different countries. It may also be desirable for a number of reasons to be able to change the way in which the control circuit operates.
  • the maximum number of coins to be stored in the or each 'coin container, as referred to above; is one example of a parameter which is desirably alterable.
  • One further aspect of the invention relates to the provision of a coin handling apparatus having means for directing coins along different paths to different locations, and -a. control circuit for operating the directing means in accordance with signals from a coin validator and in accordance with at least one parameter stored in an addressable non-volatile memory, the circuit further including accessing means for accessing and altering said at least one parameter.
  • This parameter may be the maximum permitted number of coins in a coin container.
  • the control circuit would cause a coin to be directed to the container if the validator indicates that the coin is of the right denomination and the number of coins already in the container is less than the maximum permitted number.
  • the ability easily to alter this maximum permitted number has the advantages set out above.
  • the accessing means can be used to access and alter a number of further parameters relating to the way in which coins are handled.
  • the accessing means can be used to access and alter a number of further parameters relating to the way in which coins are handled.
  • the memory contents may determine which denominations of coins go to the respective containers.
  • the coins may be directed to their respective locations by movable gates, in which case the memory contents may also determine the sequence in which the gates are operated, and the intervals for which they are operated.
  • the memory stores other information, e.g. information relating to the values of acceptable coins.
  • information e.g. information relating to the values of acceptable coins.
  • coin value information e.g. information relating to the values of acceptable coins.
  • coin-handling parameters are stored.
  • the control circuit may be capable of operation with more than one type of validator.
  • An alterable memory location could be used to identify to the control circuit which validator is being used.
  • the memory may also store, in an alterable fashion, one or more price settings the or each of which determines how much cash has to be fed to the apparatus before a product will be vended.
  • the setting of prices has been achieved by operating switches in a control circuit.
  • By storing the price settings in an accessible memory the need for such switches is obviated.
  • the structure and operation of the apparatus is simplified by providing a common memory and accessing means for price settings and for additional parameters affecting the operation of the apparatus.
  • the control circuit is arranged to keep a count of coins stored in one or more coin containers each provided with a single level sensor, as described above, another parameter which can be stored in an alterable fashion is the predetermined number of coins which is detected by the single level sensor.
  • This enables the control circuit to be used with different coin containers, or coin containers having differently-positioned level sensors, or containers for use with coins of different thicknesses.
  • the coin count could also be stored in a non-volatile fashion but in view of the possibility of manually altering the level of coins when the power is off, it is preferred that the coin count be initialised each time the apparatus is switched on. The coin count can thus be stored in a volatile memory.
  • an addressable non-volatile memory storing information determining the way in which the apparatus operates has some memory locations which are accessible by operating an input means in a predetermined manner, and other memory locations which require the input means to be operated in a different manner before they become accessible.
  • two levels of access are provided, although of course further levels could also be provided if desired.
  • This allows certain memory locations, such as those used for price setting, to be easily accessible, and preferably alterable while other memory locations storing for example coin-handling parameters can be accessed only by authorised operators who know the correct way of operating the input means in order to gain access.
  • the predetermined manner of operation required to gain access to particular memory locations may involve inserting a predetermined value into a memory location to which 'access is already provided.
  • non-volatile memory is required to ensure that the stored information determining the way in which the apparatus operates, including the way it handles incoming coins, is not lost when the power to the apparatus is shut off.
  • non-volatile is used herein in a broad sense to refer to any kind of memory which can retain information when the main power to the apparatus is interrupted. ' This could for example be achieved by using a separate battery power supply for the memory.
  • the non-volatile memory is of a type which retains its contents when its own power supply is terminated.
  • the non-volatile memory is an electrically alterable read-only memory (EAROM).
  • EAROM electrically alterable read-only memory
  • other memories such as magnetic bubble type memories, could be used instead.
  • a coin handling apparatus having a control circuit for determining the way in which the apparatus operates in accordance with information stored in a memory having electrically alterable contents and of a type which retains its contents when its power supply is interrupted.
  • a control circuit for a coin handling apparatus is operable to keep an accumulated total of credit which is incremented in response to the insertion of acceptable coins into the apparatus and which is decremented upon the vending of a product, the control circuit being periodically operable to increment the accumulated total without acceptable coins being inserted, the control circuit having an addressable memory with alterable contents determining when said incrementing without the insertion of acceptable coins is to take place.
  • the apparatus is provided with a "discount" feature whereby under certain circumstances a user of the machine may be given extra credit without having to insert coins.
  • This facility is preferably provided in an apparatus capable of giving change, so that the user can select whether the extra credit is to be given in the form of change or a vended product.
  • the apparatus is preferably operable in a "multi-vend" mode, whereby a user can insert coins to accumulate a credit sufficient to purchase more than one product, and then successively operate the apparatus to vend the products without having to insert coins between the vending operations.
  • the extra "discount” credit can be given only if the user successively operates the apparatus to vend a predetermined number of products (as determined by the contents of the memory) in a single operation.
  • the discount is provided only if the user purchases, in a single operation, products having a total value at least equal to a predetermined, stored amount.
  • the apparatus may however additionally, or alternatively, provide the "discount” credit in a "single-vend” mode, in which case the apparatus may provide the "discount” credit after a predetermined number of operations of the apparatus.
  • the coin handling apparatus is provided with a digital display which can be operated to reveal the contents of some or all of the memory locations.
  • the display may also provide a display of memory addresses_so that the memory can be accessed by operating an input means (e.g. push-buttons) until the correct memory address is shown, the display then being operated to enter a mode in which it displays the contents of the selected memory location, which contents can then be altered.
  • the display could also be used to display the status of various parts of the circuitry of the coin handling apparatus.
  • control circuit includes a microprocessor.
  • the coin handling apparatus 2 includes a coin validator';4 for receiving coins as indicated at 6.
  • the validator provides signals indicating whether the coins are acceptable, and if so the denomination of the coins.
  • Acceptable coins then enter a coin separator 10, which has a number of gates (not shown) controlled by the circuitry of the apparatus for selectively diverting the coins from a main path 12 into any of a number of further paths 14, 16 and 18, or allowing the coins to proceed along the path 12 to a path 20 leading to a cashbox. If the coins are unacceptable, instead of entering the separator 10 they are led straight to a reject slot via a path 30.
  • a coin separator 10 which has a number of gates (not shown) controlled by the circuitry of the apparatus for selectively diverting the coins from a main path 12 into any of a number of further paths 14, 16 and 18, or allowing the coins to proceed along the path 12 to a path 20 leading to a cashbox. If the coins are unacceptable, instead of entering the separator 10 they are led straight to a reject slot via a path 30.
  • Each of the paths 14, 16 and 18 leads to a respective one of three coin containers 22, 24 and 26.
  • Each of these containers is arranged to store a vertical stack of coins of a particular denomination.
  • a dispenser indicated schematically at 28 is operable to dispense coins from the containers when change is to be given by the apparatus.
  • the circuit of the present embodiment of the invention incorporates a microprocessor 50 connected to data and address buses 52 and 54. Although separate buses are shown, data and address signals could instead be multiplexed on a single bus. A bus for control signals could also be provided.
  • the 'microprocessor 50 is connected via the buses 52 and 54 to a read-only memory (ROM) 56 and a random access-memory (RAM) 58.
  • ROM read-only memory
  • RAM random access-memory
  • the ROM 56 stores the program controlling the overall operation of the microprocessor 50
  • the RAM 58 is used by the microprocessor 50 as a scratch-pad memory.
  • the microprocessor 50; the ROM 56 and the RAM 58 are, in the preferred embodiment, combined on a single integrated circuit.
  • the microprocessor 50 is also connected via the buses 52 and 54 to an EAROM 60.
  • the EAROM 60 stores a variety of alterable parameters to be described in more detail later.
  • the EAROM 60 may be of a type which inputs and outputs data in a serial fashion, in which case it may be connected to only a single data line, instead of the data bus 52.
  • the microprocessor 50 is also coupled via the buses 52 and 54 to input/output circuitry indicated at 62.
  • the circuitry 62 includes a level sensor for each of the coin containers 22, 24 and 26, circuits for operating the dispenser 28 and the gates of the coin separator 10, the circuitry of the coin validator 4, a display visible to a user of the apparatus for displaying an accumulated credit value, and a further display and a set of switches to be described in connection with Fig. 3.
  • the input/output circuitry 62 also includes an interface between the control circuit of the apparatus and a vending machine to which it is connected.
  • the microprocessor 50 successively tests the signals from the validator to determine whether a coin has been inserted in the apparatus. It also successively tests the signals from the switches to be described with reference to Fig. 3 to determine whether an operator desires to access the memory locations in the EAROM 60. When a credit has been accumulated, the microprocessor also tests signals from the vending machine to determine whether a vending operation has been carried out. In response to various signals received by the microprocessor 50, various parts of the program stored in the ROM 56 are carried out.
  • the microprocessor is thus arranged to operate and receive signals from the level sensors of the coin containers 22, 24 and 26, and to control the gates in the separator 10 in order to deliver the coins to the required locations, and is also operable to cause appropriate information to be shown on the displays of the apparatus and to deliver signals to the vending machine to permit or prevent vending operations.
  • the microprocessor is also operable to control the dispenser to deliver appropriate amounts of change.
  • the control circuit is provided with a display 100 which can display four digits and a decimal point at any one of four locations each positioned after a respective digit.
  • the circuit also has three pushbuttons, 102, 104 and 106, which can be operated to bring the display 100 into use.
  • the pushbutton 102 (referred to as the "start” button) is operated. This is recognised by the microprocessor 50 which then, in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 56, causes the display to read zero. The displayed value can then be incremented by successively pressing the pushbutton 106 (referred to as the "up” button), and decremented by successively pressing the pushbutton 104 (referred to as the "down” button). In this way,-the operator can bring the displayed number to any desired value within a predetermined range (above which the display returns to zero). Each of the displayable numbers corresponds to a particular memory location in the EAROM 60.
  • the operator again presses the set button 102, following which the display 100 displays the contents of the appropriate memory location.
  • These 'contents can then be incremented or decremented by using the up and down buttons 106 and 10 4, and the altered contents can be entered into the EAROM 60 by again pressing the set button 102. This operation of altering the memory contents can be terminated by pressing. the set button 102 twice 'in succession.
  • This method is'used to set in the EAROM 60 a number of prices so that when the apparatus is used, the microprocessor 50 will recognise when sufficient credit has been accumulated by the insertion of coins to deliver the signals which allow the vending machine to be operated.
  • the operator may gain access to further memory locations of the EAROM 60 (i.e. enter a "second access mode"). This could, for example, be done by inserting a particular value in a particular memory location which is normally accessible. Then, when the display has been incremented to the highest normally available address, the microprocessor can be arranged to look at the memory location storing that particular value and, on noting that the value is present, permit further incrementing of the display to further memory addresses.
  • This arrangement permits restricted access to certain memory locations. These memory locations can be used to store, for example
  • Still further memory locations can be accessed by operating the pushbuttons 102, 104 and 106 in a further predetermined manner (to achieve a "third access mode"). These further memory locations would normally have appropriate values stored in them on manufacture of the apparatus, and would not require alteration on installation of the apparatus. However it is useful to provide a third level of access whereby an operator can inspect locations, and can also alter these if this ever becomes necessary, for example if a mechanism with which. 'the circuit operates is altered.
  • the memory locations which are addressed at this third level of access store'parameters relating to the way in which coins are handled by the apparatus, and further parameters relating to the values of the coins with which the apparatus is intended to be used.
  • the coin handling parameters include timing values which determine how long gates.are opened or closed, gating parameters which determine which location each denomination of coin is directed to by the gates, and dispensing timing values which determine how long a dispensing mechanism is to be actuated for, and how long the necessary delay period is between the end of one dispensing operation and the beginning of a succeeding dispensing operation. These latter values will depend upon coin size and weight.
  • the coin value parameters include the relative values of the coins, and a scale 'factor whereby actual coin values can be calculated and displayed on the credit display of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus can be used with an optional audit or accountability system which keeps a record of the transactions carried out by the apparatus.
  • One of the memory locations stores a value indicating whether or not such an audit system is in operation.
  • This memory location is at the third access level, so as to avoid unauthorised tampering with the contents of the location and thereby falsification of the accountability record.
  • the microprocessor program is so arranged, however, that it is not possible to use the location at the second access level to cause the storage, in the audit location, of a code signifying that no audit system is in use; the third level of access is required to achieve this.
  • an operator can use the display 100 and the pushbuttons 102, 104 and 106 to check on the operation of the apparatus.
  • the pushbuttons By operating the pushbuttons in a certain sequence, for example by pressing the down button 104 prior to pressing the set button 102, one can cause the microprocessor 50 to,shift the display into a diagnostic mode.
  • the display 1 00 (and/or the external credit display of the apparatus) displays numbers dependent upon the status of various parts of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus can be arranged to indicate whether any of the coin containers 22, 24 and 26 is empty, whether a sensor in the separator is providing a signal indicating that the separator is jammed, etc.
  • each coin container (only container 22 is illustrated in Fig. 4) has a single level sensor formed by a light source 150 and a light detector 152 mounted on opposite sides of the coin container.
  • the level sensor can be operated at any desired time by the microprocessor sending a signal to illuminate the light source 150. This will produce an output from the light detector 152, which is delivered to the microprocessor 50, only if no coin blocks the light path between the source and the detector.
  • the sensor is located fairly close to, but not at, the bottom of the coin container, although other positions could be used instead.
  • the light detector 152 provides an output signal when the light source 150 is operated only if the number of coins in the container is equal to or less than a predetermined number, referred to herein by the mnemonic MTNUM. Any further coins will block the light from the source 150.
  • a coin count stored in the RAM 58 for that particular container is incremented.
  • the coin count is decremented every time the microprocessor 50 causes a coin to be dispensed from the container.
  • the microprocessor 50 reads the sensor 150, 152 associated with the container. If the sensor is uncovered (i.e. if the number of coins is less than or equal to MTNUM) then the microprocessor stores, as the coin count for that container, the value zero. If on the other hand the sensor is covered, then the value stored as the coin count is a further predetermined number referred to herein by the mnemonic FULNUM and corresponding to the desired maximum number of coins in the container.
  • the stored coin count is subsequently altered in accordance with coin dispensing and accepting operations.
  • the microprocessor determines whether the stored coin count (CC) is less than FULNUM at step 502. If not, i.e. if the count indicates that the maximum permitted number of coins is stored in the container, then at step 504 the microprocessor operates the gates to steer the coin to the cashbox. The microprocessor then proceeds, as indicated at step 506, to carry out any subsequent operations such as incrementing a credit total, signalling the vending machine, etc.
  • step 508 the microprocessor operates the steering gates in the separator 10'in order to direct the coin to the coin container 22.
  • step 510 reads the level sensor for the coin container 22. There then follows a delay period in step 512, wherein the microprocessor waits for a period set by the contents of a location in the EAROM 60 which is alterable at the third level of access. During this period the coin is passing through the separator 10. Then, at step 514, the level sensor of the container 22 is read again.
  • step 516 the gates directing the coin to the coin container 22 are closed.
  • the microprocessor determines whether the level sensor of the container 22 is covered. This is done by "OR-ing" the results of the sensing operations at steps 510 and 514. In other words, if in either of these operations the sensor indicates that no coin is present, then the microprocessor assumes that the sensor is uncovered, i.e. that the number of stored coins is equal to or less than MTNUM.
  • the reason for carrying out the sensing operation twice, with an intervening pause, is to avoid the sensor erroneously indicating that the coin level is greater than MTNUM. This could otherwise occur if a previously accepted coin was passing the level sensor at the time the sensor is read.
  • the delay between the two readings is such that a coin passing the sensor at the time of 'the first reading would have settled in the container by the time the second reading is taken, and on the other hand any coin passing the level sensor at the time of the second reading would not have reached the sensor when the first reading was taken.
  • the time between the opening and closing of the gates sending the 'coin to the coin container may also be determined by alterable contents of an EAROM location, and may be selected in accordance with the physical properties of the coin.
  • the period of operation of the gates can be selected as described in British Patent Specification No. 1,582,691.
  • step 520 the coin count is incremented by. 1, and to step 506.
  • step 522 the microprocessor determines whether the stored coin count is greater than MTNUM. As the sensor has been found to be covered, then the count should indeed be greater than MTNUM, and if it is then the microprocessor proceeds to step 520 to increment the count.
  • step 524 the microprocessor determines whether the coin count is equal to zero. Under normal circumstances, the coin count would be greater than zero, in which case the microprocessor proceeds to step 526, in which the coin count is set equal to a "coin-increasing correction" value of MTNUM plus 2. At this step therefore, the microprocessor corrects any errors in the coin count which may have resulted from the microprocessor, at switch-on, storing an initial coin count of zero when in fact several coins were already stored in the container. Thus, step 526 corrects any inaccurate counts which are smaller than the actual number of coins in the container.
  • step 524 If at step 524, if the microprocessor determines that the coin count is equal to zero, it proceeds to step 528.
  • a zero count should not in fact be obtained, because earlier deliveries of coins to the container in order to raise the level to a position at which the sensor is covered would have increased the coin count. However the zero count may in fact occur if the container has been manually filled, in which case the coin count would not have been incremented. In this situation the coin count would be completely wrong, and to deal with this problem the microprocessor, at step 528, stores the value FULNUM as the coin count. Any discrepancies between the value FULNUM and the actual number of coins in the container will be dealt with in subsequent operations to be described later.
  • step 506 After setting the coin count, to the appropriate values, the program proceeds to step 506 and the subsequent operations of the apparatus.
  • the "coin-increasing correction" value MTNUM plus 2 which is stored in step 526 corresponds to the minimum value MTNUM plus 1 at which the sensor is covered, plus an extra 1 for the incoming coin which has just been accepted.
  • the apparatus when it is dispensing a coin from the container 22 will now be described with reference to the 'flow chart of Fig. 6.
  • Coins are of course dispensed only if the coin count is greater than zero.
  • the apparatus could be arranged to dispense coins only if the coin count is greater than another number, such as MTNUM.
  • a change 'calculation is carried out to determine how many coins of each 'of the stored denominations are to be dispensed in accordance with the total amount of change and the stored numbers of coins (i.e. the coin counts). Then, for each 'of the coins to be dispensed, the following sequence is carried out.
  • the coin is dispensed. Then at step 602, the coin count is decremented by 1.
  • the sensor is read at step 604. In the dispensing operation, no problems arise from coins' moving past the sensor, and accordingly the sensor is read only once.
  • the microprocessor decides whether the sensor is covered. If it is covered, no modification of the coin count is performed, and the program proceeds to carry out any'subsequent operations, such as calculating. whether any further change is to be dispensed, altering the accumulated credit etc. as indicated at step 608.
  • the coin count may be greater than the actual number of coins in the container, but it should not be less than the actual number of coins.
  • Thas is because the coin count is set to FULNUM on switch-on when the tube sensor is covered. If the coin count is equal to FULNUM, no further coins are 'directed to the coin container.
  • This arrangement has the advantage that the actual number of coins stored in the container is never greater than FULNUM, and may in fact be kept at a value which is lower than FULNUM until the sensor becomes uncovered, in which case the count is corrected as described below.
  • the actual amount of cash stored in the container is, for a while at least, kept lower than the maximum permitted value.
  • step 606 If, after the dispensing operation, the sensor is uncovered, the microprocessor proceeds from step 606 to step 610.
  • step 612 the coin count is corrected by setting it equal to a "coin-decreasing correction" value of MTNUM. The program then proceeds to step 608.
  • step 610 If at step 610 the coin count is not greater than MTNUM, the program proceeds directly to step 608.
  • a single level sensor is used to enable the apparatus to keep a count of the coins in the container in order to determine whether coins are to be stored in the container or dispensed from the container.
  • the program is designed so that any inaccuracies in the count are corrected when the level of the coins reaches that of the level sensor. If the initial count is too low because the level of coins was below the tube sensor, then the level will not be allowed to drop lower, but otherwise coins may be stored in and dispensed from the container so that the level may eventually increase to that of the level sensor. On the other hand, if initially the tube sensor was covered but the container was not full, then the level of coins may rise or fall but will not be permitted to rise any higher than the initial level.
  • the values MTNUM and FULNUM are stored in the EAROM and can be altered at the third level of access referred to above. This enables the value FULNUM to be altered to suit individual owners' requirements, and also to be varied for different coin denominations. It is sometimes found that large coins forming a high stack may detrimentally affect the performance of the dispenser. This can be avoided by reducing the value of FULNUM.
  • MTNUM can be changed to suit different coin containers and sizes of coins, which will alter the number of.coins necessary to reach the height of the level sensor.
  • the microprocessor is arranged to transfer the coin counts for the various containers to the EAROM 60 so that these 'coin counts can be inspected.
  • the microprocessor is arranged to read the sensors and store an additional count (either zero or FULNUM) not only when the power is switched on, but also when the pushbutton- 102 is pressed. This allows an operator to fill the coin container manually, and then start a new coin count without turning off the power.
  • an additional count either zero or FULNUM
  • the level sensor of each of the containers can be positioned at any desired level.
  • the level sensor could be right at the top of the container.
  • the level sensor be at a relatively low position to avoid substantially underestimating the actual level of coins at initialisation, which would cause an. "exact change only” indication to be given more often than necessary.
  • the sensor could also be right at the bottom of the container, but it is preferably higher than this so as to provide the "exact change" indication as a warning prior to the container being completely emptied. It is generally desirable that the level sensor be at or near the level of coins below which the "exact change" indication is given.
  • control circuit throughout coin acceptance and dispensing stages, and the delivery of signals to the venidng machine may, by way of example, correspond to the operations carried out by the circuitry of the Mentor 3000 system marketed by Mars Money Systems.
  • stored program may be arranged to cause the circuit to operate in accordance with the techniques described in British Patent Specification No. 2,006,501.
  • the coin handling apparatus of the invention may be used with machines other than vending machines, although it is particularly useful in circumstances in which change is to be dispensed.
  • the apparatus may be used in conjunction with pay telephones.
  • Other examples are amusement and gaming machines, and change-giving machines.
  • the microprocessor 50 carries out many different functions. Clearly, though, discrete circuitry could be used in place of a microprocessor, in which case many of the functions would be carried out by different, respective circuits.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
EP85110175A 1981-09-29 1982-09-29 Dispositif pour le traitement de pièces de monnaie Expired - Lifetime EP0167181B2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85110175T ATE46585T1 (de) 1981-09-29 1982-09-29 Vorrichtung zur behandlung von muenzen.

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8129397 1981-09-29
GB8129397 1981-09-29
EP82305167A EP0076640B1 (fr) 1981-09-29 1982-09-29 Dispositif de manipulation de pièces

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82305167A Division-Into EP0076640B1 (fr) 1981-09-29 1982-09-29 Dispositif de manipulation de pièces
EP82305167.7 Division 1982-09-29

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0167181A2 true EP0167181A2 (fr) 1986-01-08
EP0167181A3 EP0167181A3 (en) 1987-05-20
EP0167181B1 EP0167181B1 (fr) 1989-09-20
EP0167181B2 EP0167181B2 (fr) 1995-02-01

Family

ID=26085773

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85110175A Expired - Lifetime EP0167181B2 (fr) 1981-09-29 1982-09-29 Dispositif pour le traitement de pièces de monnaie

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0167181B2 (fr)
AT (1) ATE46406T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE3279953D1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0557960A2 (fr) * 1992-02-28 1993-09-01 Sanyo Electric Company Limited Dispositif de traitement de pièces de monnaie pour machines de vente automatiques
WO1994003874A1 (fr) * 1992-07-30 1994-02-17 Mars Incorporated Appareil de manipulation de monnaies
WO1994011848A1 (fr) * 1992-11-12 1994-05-26 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Systeme a conteneurs amovibles d'argent et dispositif de comptabilisation du contenu des conteneurs
EP0689171A2 (fr) * 1994-06-03 1995-12-27 National Rejectors Inc. GmbH Dispositif d'examen de pièces de monnaie
WO2004013818A1 (fr) * 2002-08-02 2004-02-12 Cashguard Ab Appareil de triage et de distribution automatique de pieces pour systeme de caisse enregistreuse comportant des elements de mesure reagissant au poids

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4056181A (en) 1975-03-17 1977-11-01 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. System and method for determining vendibility in automatic vending machine
GB2006501A (en) 1977-10-18 1979-05-02 Mars Inc Coin mechanism exact change indicator apparatus
GB1582691A (en) 1976-06-07 1981-01-14 Mars Inc Coin apparatus
EP0076640A1 (fr) 1981-09-29 1983-04-13 Mars Incorporated Dispositif de manipulation de pièces

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GB1415162A (en) * 1971-12-18 1975-11-26 Shaw A Coin supply monitor
US3948377A (en) * 1973-01-17 1976-04-06 Nippon Coinco Co., Ltd. Coin handling apparatus for a vending machine
JPS6057626B2 (ja) * 1976-04-30 1985-12-16 株式会社日本コインコ 自動販売機の制御装置
US4096933A (en) * 1976-11-16 1978-06-27 Fred M. Dellorfano, Jr. Coin-operated vending systems
US4231105A (en) * 1978-07-05 1980-10-28 Umc Industries, Inc. Vendor control circuit
CA1116729A (fr) * 1978-07-28 1982-01-19 Stephen E. Heeger Controleur de sequence avec microprocesseur
US4272757A (en) * 1979-04-05 1981-06-09 Mars, Incorporated Vending machine accountability system
US4286703A (en) * 1979-05-11 1981-09-01 Umc Industries, Inc. Coin testing and sorting apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4056181A (en) 1975-03-17 1977-11-01 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. System and method for determining vendibility in automatic vending machine
GB1582691A (en) 1976-06-07 1981-01-14 Mars Inc Coin apparatus
GB2006501A (en) 1977-10-18 1979-05-02 Mars Inc Coin mechanism exact change indicator apparatus
EP0076640A1 (fr) 1981-09-29 1983-04-13 Mars Incorporated Dispositif de manipulation de pièces

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0557960A2 (fr) * 1992-02-28 1993-09-01 Sanyo Electric Company Limited Dispositif de traitement de pièces de monnaie pour machines de vente automatiques
EP0557960A3 (en) * 1992-02-28 1994-08-17 Sanyo Electric Co Coin processor for use with automatic vending machines
US5380242A (en) * 1992-02-28 1995-01-10 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Coin processor for use with automatic vending machines
WO1994003874A1 (fr) * 1992-07-30 1994-02-17 Mars Incorporated Appareil de manipulation de monnaies
US5499944A (en) * 1992-07-30 1996-03-19 Mars Incorporated Currency handling apparatus
WO1994011848A1 (fr) * 1992-11-12 1994-05-26 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Systeme a conteneurs amovibles d'argent et dispositif de comptabilisation du contenu des conteneurs
EP0689171A2 (fr) * 1994-06-03 1995-12-27 National Rejectors Inc. GmbH Dispositif d'examen de pièces de monnaie
EP0689171A3 (fr) * 1994-06-03 1996-03-13 Nat Rejectors Gmbh Dispositif d'examen de pièces de monnaie
WO2004013818A1 (fr) * 2002-08-02 2004-02-12 Cashguard Ab Appareil de triage et de distribution automatique de pieces pour systeme de caisse enregistreuse comportant des elements de mesure reagissant au poids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0167181A3 (en) 1987-05-20
ATE46406T1 (de) 1989-09-15
EP0167181B2 (fr) 1995-02-01
EP0167181B1 (fr) 1989-09-20
DE3279953D1 (en) 1989-10-26

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