EP0470439A1 - Coin acceptor - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic coin acceptor for testing two or more coins of different value, having two or more sensors which, when a coin is inserted, generate a characteristic analog test signal, a signal processing device which derives a measurement quantity characteristic of the coins from the test signal which is stored in a first storage area, furthermore having a comparison device which successively compares the measurement quantities stored in the first memory with at least in each case one reference value characteristic of the respective authentic coin and stored in a programmable second storage area and outputs an authenticity signal when measurement quantity and reference value have a predetermined relation to one another. The signal processing device derives from the test signals of all sensors a number of measurement quantities which is greater than the total number of sensors; the measurement quantities are stored in a defined order in the first storage area and a coordination of individual coin value sensor combinations with measurement quantities is stored in a third storage area. A comparison device compares in each case only the associated measurement quantity with the reference value allocated to the measurement quantity, for the respective coin value sensor combination. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an electronic coin validator according to the preamble of claim 1.

Electronic coin validators mostly use optical or electromagnetic sensors to determine the size, a specific material content or other criteria of an authenticity test that determine the authenticity of a coin. The advantages of electronic coin validators include that coins of different values can pass through the same measuring section. Electronic coin validators can therefore be made very small, even if they are designed to accept a larger number of coin values at the same time.

The sensors usually generate analog output signals which are converted into digital signals with the aid of an A / D converter so that they are accessible for digital processing. Electronic coin validators usually work with a microprocessor. The microprocessor contains, for example, a comparison device which compares a digital test signal generated by the sensor with a reference signal stored in a programmable memory area, an authenticity signal being generated if the test signal and reference signal have a predetermined relationship to one another. For reasons of better differentiation, not a single reference value is specified, but two different reference values that define a reference band or a reference window. If the test signal falls into the reference window, an authenticity signal can be generated.

As already mentioned, the electronic coin validator is normally designed to accept multiple coin values. In addition, several sensors are often used, which examine the coins to be checked for different criteria in order to make the authenticity check more precise. It is therefore customary to first store all the test signals generated during the passage of a coin in a memory area, which can be part of the microprocessor, before the described evaluation is carried out. If there is more than one coin value, the microprocessor does not "know" which coin value has generated the test signals. It is therefore necessary to compare the test signals with all reference values or reference windows for all coin values in order to carry out an authenticity check. It goes without saying that this test process can be terminated if a real coin is detected in this way before the test cycle has ended (optimization).

It goes without saying that the processes described must take place very quickly, so that a rapid insertion sequence of the coins or at least a rapid generation of the authenticity signal and the timely activation of the acceptance gate are ensured. However, this can be achieved with the available electronic means.

The sensors used in a coin validator are mostly electromagnetic, and the signal generated by a passing coin has a typical curve, usually in the manner of a bell curve. It goes without saying that such measurement curves can be evaluated differently. For example, the peak values of the individual measurement curves can be determined, the area of the measurement curves, an average measurement value, etc. Furthermore, the intersection of two measurement curves can be determined, an addition of two intersection points can be made, an addition of intersection point and peak value or any other combination to be created. In conventional coin validators for more than two coin values, a fixed combination of measured values is set, which can also be referred to as measuring mode. Such a measuring mode is used, for example, for a coin validator to be used for German coins, i.e. 0.05 / 0.10 / 0.50 / 1.00 / 2.00 / 5.00 DM for all coins to be specified. Since the coins can vary greatly, particularly in terms of their material, their size is not calculated, so there is a single measuring mode not equally suitable for all coins for separating counterfeit money.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a coin validator for the testing of two or more coins of different values, which enables an individual test for each coin value with the shortest possible test time.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

In the coin validator according to the invention, a separate measuring mode can be provided for each coin value. The number of potentially measurable variables is therefore greater than the number of sensors. For example, the peak value and the mean value can be formed from the test signal of a sensor. Furthermore, as already explained above, curve intersections and combinations of the values mentioned can be used. These measured variables are stored in the first memory area at predetermined addresses. In a third memory area, individual coin value sensor combinations are assigned to the addresses. When a coin passes the sensors, all the measurands in question are first saved. However, not all of the measured variables are relevant for the respective coin for the separation of counterfeit money. For example, four to six measured values are sufficient for real money counterfeit money evaluation. Which measured quantities are processed for which coins results from the aforementioned assignment in the third memory area. This assignment is made during the manufacture of the coin validator. For example, experiments can find out for which coin values which measured values deliver the clearest differentiation criteria.

The reference values are also stored in accordance with the aforementioned assignment of the measured variables to the coin value sensor combination. If an evaluation is to be carried out after a coin has been inserted and the measured variables have been stored, the lowest coin value, for example the 5-pfennig coin, will be used. Because of the assignment made in the third memory area, this coin corresponds to a specific measurement variable to be selected for the first sensor. This was stored in a specific address in the memory. It can now be compared with the assigned reference value. If there is a match with the reference value (authenticity criterion), a flag is set. If there is a match, a corresponding comparison is repeated for the assigned measured variable of the second sensor and so on. This procedure is carried out for all coin values until it has been determined which coin it is. If a counterfeit coin has been inserted, the test routine described continues to the end.

However, since not all measured variables are used and compared with a correspondingly large number of reference values, the test described can be carried out within a relatively short period of time. If the method according to the invention were not provided, a large number of comparison processes would have to take place in succession with the same objective, which is time-consuming and would require an impermissibly high storage capacity.

Sensors for measuring physical quantities of a coin, such as the aforementioned inductive and optical sensors, are subject to a so-called drift over a temperature range. This drift results from the temperature behavior of the electronic and mechanical components. So that there are no incorrect measurements or incorrect assessments, it is known to carry out temperature compensation, for example, by arranging a temperature-dependent element in the circuits for the individual sensors, which element changes the behavior of the sensor as a function of the temperature. In addition to the considerable structural effort, there is the disadvantage that an appropriate calibration may be required in production.

It was also found that the temperature behavior of a sensor depends not only on its own nature, but also on the nature of the coin to be tested (size, material, material distribution in the coin, etc.). Depending on whether the coin is an iron disk, a copper-nickel disk, a copper disk or the like, the drift is different at different temperatures. Compensation of a sensor with the aid of the sensor circuit cannot take such a phenomenon into account.

The invention is therefore also based on the object of providing an electronic coin validator for checking two or more coins of different values with a test device containing at least one sensor, in which coin-dependent temperature compensation can be carried out in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 2.

The electronic coin validator according to the invention requires a single temperature sensor which can be provided for the other components independently of the electronic circuits. It only serves to generate a signal which is dependent on the ambient temperature and is preferably digitized via an A / D converter. The same A / D converter can be used that is normally used for digitizing the output signals of the sensors.

In the electronic coin validator according to the invention it was recognized that a specific compensation curve exists for each coin value and sensor (sensor-coin value combination). With a given electronic coin acceptor, it can be determined by laboratory measurement. Therefore, the coin validator according to the invention provides a programmable fourth memory area in which a series of compensation curves is stored for individual sensor-coin value combinations, each curve consisting of a series of compensation values. In theory, it is conceivable to save the complete compensation curve. For practical applications, it is sufficient to store individual compensation values that correspond to certain temperatures or certain temperature ranges. The respective compensation value series are then stored in the respective coin validators during production, for example via an external programming device (PC).

Theoretically, a compensation curve could be required for each coin-value sensor combination. In practice, some curves are the same for certain combinations, so that the same curve can be used for several comparison processes. For some combinations, no compensation required at all.

The coin validator according to the invention also contains a selection device which selects the corresponding compensation value for a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a predetermined sensor-coin value combination from the associated compensation value series. If the sensor inputs a test signal in digitized form into the microprocessor, it can use the determined compensation value to modify the test signal before it is compared with the specified reference value. It goes without saying that the reference signal can also be modified with the compensation value instead of the test signal.

Since the coin validator does not "know" which coin value has been inserted in the case of several coin values to be accepted, the microprocessor must compare the test signal with all reference values of the sensors and coin values one after the other in the manner already described. For each comparison process, the test signal or the reference signal must therefore be modified again, the compensation value being able to be different, but not necessarily so.

The electronic coin validator according to the invention has a number of advantages. On the one hand, it enables individual temperature compensation for any coin value sensor combination. This also allows a finer measurement to be made, for example because the width of a reference window can be made smaller.

Another advantage of the invention is that a structural effort for temperature compensation is not necessary. The setting of the electronic coin validator in the production for compensation purposes is extremely simple. With the help of a programming unit to be used anyway, the necessary values can be stored, the temperature behavior of the coin validator for the different coins to be accepted being determined beforehand by laboratory measurements.

Depending on the country, a coin acceptor must accept different coins. This can be taken into account by programming the reference values accordingly. To ensure that temperature compensation is taken into account, compensation values can also be stored in the relevant memory areas for coin values that should not be accepted in the respective application. For example, it is possible to store the compensation value series for a number of countries with different coins and to activate the applicable ones depending on the country of use. This does not result in any additional effort when programming the coin validator. It is only necessary to determine the compensation value series beforehand for all coin values to be taken into account by means of laboratory measurements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the assignment of the compensation value series to the coin values and the sensors is stored in the form of a matrix in a programmable fifth memory area. When a coin is inserted, the associated compensation value series is determined for a first coin value and a first sensor, which is used in this combination. The compensation value is then determined using the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. For this purpose, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the compensation values can be assigned to the temperature ranges and the compensation value series in the form of a matrix in a programmable sixth memory area.

At the end of a test path, a so-called coin diverter is usually arranged, which is operated electromagnetically and directs the real coins into the cash register or an intermediate store and false coins into a return channel. This control of the coin branches and other coin branches, for example for sorting, is usually also carried out via the microprocessor. This has corresponding outputs for the purpose of controlling the functional elements. However, the number of outputs is limited for certain reasons. Corresponding assignment of the outputs of the coin validator and the control inputs of the functional elements is carried out by means of plug coding or other circuit measures. One embodiment of the invention provides that the assignment of the authenticity signals or the coin values to the outputs can be stored in the form of a matrix in a seventh programmable memory area. The assignment of the outputs is therefore individually programmable, which simplifies production. It is based on the fact that the variable sizes can be taken into account when programming the coins at the end of production. It is also conceivable to transfer all the variable data that have been created once in the form of a data block to the respective programmable coin validator of the same type.

The same can happen with regard to the normally provided lock entrances. Lock inputs are usually used to prevent signals from being output through the outputs, even if the authenticity check has detected the presence of a real coin. For this reason, after an authenticity signal has been determined, the lock inputs are queried within the microprocessor as to whether an issue is via the coin outputs of the microprocessor control can take place. An embodiment of the invention provides that the assignment of the authenticity signals or the coin values to the lock inputs can be stored in the form of a matrix in a programmable eighth memory area. In this way, the assignment of the lock inputs to the coin values can be set as desired.

• Fig. 1 zeigt die nummernmäßige Zuordnung von möglichen Meßgrößen (Funktionsbeschreibung) von vier Sensoren eines Münzprüfers.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine Zuordnungsmatrix der Funktionen nach Fig. 1 zu den Kombinationen der Münzwertmessungen.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine Zuordnung der Funktionen zu Münzwert-Meßgrößen-Kombinationen.
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine Programmablauf für den Münzprüfer nach der Erfindung.
• Fig. 5 zeigt ein Blockschaltbild eines Münzprüfers nach der Erfindung.
• Fig. 6 zeigt verschiedene Kompensationskurven.
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine einzelne Kompensationskurve.
• Fig. 8 zeigt eine Matrix für die Zuordnung von Münzwerten zu Münzsensoren.
• Fig. 9 zeigt eine Matrix für die Zuordnung von Münzwerten zu Münzimpulsausgängen, Sortiermagnetausgängen und Münzsperreingängen.
• Fig. 10 zeigt schematisch einen Münzprüfer mit einzelnen Sensoren und zugehörigen Prüfsignalverlaufskurven.
• Fig. 11 zeigt einen Programmablaufplan eines Münzprüfers nach der Erfindung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

• 1 shows the numerical assignment of possible measured variables (functional description) of four sensors of a coin validator.
• FIG. 2 shows an assignment matrix of the functions according to FIG. 1 to the combinations of the coin value measurements.
• 3 shows an assignment of the functions to coin value / measured variable combinations.
• 4 shows a program sequence for the coin validator according to the invention.
• Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a coin validator according to the invention.
• 6 shows various compensation curves.
• Fig. 7 shows a single compensation curve.
• 8 shows a matrix for the assignment of coin values to coin sensors.
• 9 shows a matrix for the assignment of coin values to coin pulse outputs, sorting magnet outputs and coin lock inputs.
• 10 schematically shows a coin validator with individual sensors and associated test signal curve curves.
• 11 shows a program flow chart of a coin validator according to the invention.

In Fig. 10, a coin validator 40 is indicated, which has four sensors a, b, c, d. 10 also shows voltage-dependent measurement signals from sensors a to d as a function of time, for example when a 5 DM coin is inserted. As can be seen, four measurement curves are shown in time relation in the manner of bell curves, i.e. with a maximum and a certain area. The sensor a measures the material at low frequency (MNF). The sensor b measures the size at the top (GRO). The sensor c measures the size below (GRU). The sensor d measures the material at high frequency (MHF).

As can easily be seen, for example, the peak or maximum values can be used as measured variables. 10, the measurement curve MNF is a characterization of the phase position. The measurement curve relating to the amplitude is not shown. In any case, the peak value can be determined from five measurement curves of the four sensors a to d. This is indicated in Fig. 1 (under the numbers 1 and 2, the letter P means the phase and the letter A the amplitude). An average value can also be determined from the five measurement curves. For example, the intersection points MNFP / GRU or MNFA / GRU can also be determined. Furthermore, the temporal position of the measurement curve GRU can be a measurement criterion. Finally, a combination of the measured values GRO + MHF can also be used to form an authenticity signal. When a coin is passed through, for example, all measured variables 1 to 13 or 1 to n are determined and stored in a first memory area, the storage taking place according to predetermined addresses, as can be seen from FIG. 2 top half (first memory area).

3, the coin values or coin channels corresponding to all German coin values from 5 Pf to 5 DM are plotted in the vertical axis. The sensors are indicated in the horizontal, but, as already mentioned, a sensor for both the phase and can also be used for the amplitude measurement. The combinations compiled in the matrix according to FIG. 3 are each assigned a measured variable or a function. According to FIG. 2, it is stored in the third memory area at a specific address. 4 shows how the coin validator works.

First of all, all the results coming from the sensors are determined with the aid of suitable signal processing and digitally stored in the first memory area, specifically at the specified address. A first coin channel or coin value is then selected and related to a sensor. With a 5 pfennig coin, for example, this results in function 1 in the MNFP sensor, which according to FIGS. 1 and 2 means: "peak value of the phase curve". It goes without saying that the assignment shown in FIG. 3 is already in the memory when a coin check is carried out. On the basis of tests, it can be tried out during production which measurement quantities are best suited for which coins for the separation of counterfeit money. As a rule, four to six measured variables are sufficient, even if a much higher number can be made available. However, the measured variables for the individual coin values are not congruent for the reasons described above.

The peak value of the phase curve MNFP selected during the comparison test is then compared with the assigned reference value. This reference value is stored in a second memory area, not shown, in accordance with the addressing according to FIGS. 1 and 2. Usually not a single reference value is provided, but a reference value pair, so that it can be determined whether the actual value is within the band formed by the reference value pair or not. If the measured variable lies outside the band in the comparison, the test is continued. If it is within the band, a flag is set. In the manner described, a comparison is made for all coin value sensor combinations, and the comparison process can be ended when a specific coin value has been determined. If counterfeit money has been inserted, the check must take place until the end.

An electronic coin validator 10 according to FIG. 5 has a test track 12, along which coins, how the coin 14 can run. Sensors 16 1 to n are assigned to test section 12. They can be of conventional construction and work inductively, optically, capacitively and the like. The sensors 16 are connected to a microprocessor 20 via a multiplexer 18, wherein the multiplexer 18 can also be part of the processor 10. A temperature sensor 22 is also connected to the microprocessor 20 via the multiplexer 18. The data of the sensors 16 and the temperature sensor 22 are analog data which are converted into binary data in the processor by means of an analog-digital converter.

The microprocessor contains a number of functional units, including preferably programmable memory areas. As mentioned, for each coin value to be checked, at least one reference value must be stored for each sensor, with which the test signals generated by the sensors 16 are to be compared. Preferably, two reference values are provided for each sensor and coin value in order to create a so-called reference window into which the test signal must fall so that an acceptance or generation of an authenticity signal can take place with regard to the specific sensor and the coin value.

If the authenticity of the coin is determined during the passage of a coin value, a corresponding output pulse is generated for the outputs 22a in the microprocessor 20, the outputs 1 to n being assigned to individual coin values or coin channels. In addition, three outputs 24 are provided for sorting magnets G1 to G3. With 28 blocking inputs 1 to n are designated, via which, for example, blocking data are entered into the microprocessor 20, which determine whether the output of an authenticity pulse should take place via the outputs 22. Y is another input that can represent an input function. X denotes an output function of the microprocessor 20.

A programming unit 30 is connected to the microprocessor 20. Via the programming unit (PC) all variable data can be transferred to the microprocessor and thus programmed, e.g. 3, the reference signals in the third memory area and the addressing of the functions or measured variables.

The analog output signal of a sensor is temperature-dependent. However, this temperature dependence also depends on the coin tested. There is therefore a characteristic connection with the temperature for each sensor-coin combination. This is shown in Fig. 6. The temperature from 0 to 60 C is shown on the Y axis. This temperature range is divided into six ranges from 0 to 5. 6 shows 0 to n curves, where n can be larger, equal or smaller than the number of coin value sensor combinations. If, for example, three coin values are to be accepted by the coin validator and the number of sensors or test signals is 5, the total number of the combination can be 15. 15 combination curves would then have to be determined. The combination curves are determined for all coin validators of one type using laboratory measurements. As can be seen, the course of the compensation curves is very different. The compensation curves are now stored in a memory area of the microprocessor 20. However, this is not done by storing the continuous curve, but by storing curve points that correspond to the temperature ranges 0 to 5, for example. This is shown in more detail in Fig. 7.

In FIG. 7, compensation values are shown on the X-axis and designated Step. For example, one step corresponds to an analog value of 10 mV. It can be seen from the curve of FIG. 8 that the compensation value 0 results in the temperature range from 1 and 2 from 10 to 30 ° C. In the temperature range 0, i.e. from 0 to 10 ° C, there is a compensation value of -1, analogously in temperature range 3 the compensation value +1, in temperature range 4 the compensation value +2, in temperature range 5 the compensation value +3 etc. It goes without saying that when using an A / D converter with higher resolution, a finer gradation of the compensation values can also be made possible.

8 shows an allocation matrix of the compensation value series (hereinafter, instead of a compensation curve, one speaks of a compensation value series because of the pointwise approach to the compensation curve) to individual coin channels or coin values. Here, for example, the coin values 0.5, 10 and 50 pfennigs and DM 1, -, DM 2, - and DM 5, - are shown. Furthermore, n sensors are taken into account, for example coin sensor "low frequency; phase measurement sung ", coin sensor" low frequency; Amplitude measurement "," Sensor size measurement above "," Sensor size measurement below "and sensor" high frequency ". These sensors are shown schematically in Fig. 10 of the coin validator 40. As already mentioned, the coin sensor a generates two test signals, namely a phase-dependent signal at a low frequency as well as an amplitude-dependent signal. Sensor b applies to the size measurement of larger coins with a diameter greater than 24 mm. Coin sensor c serves to measure the diameter of coins below 24 mm. Coin sensor d serves to measure the material at a high frequency. The other parts of the test device 40 are further expanded 8 that it can be seen in the matrix or table that each combination of coin value and sensor is assigned a specific series of coin values. For example, the 50 Pfenning coin is for the test signal "low frequency; Phase measurement "and also the amplitude signal assigned to row 1. The sensors for size measurement are assigned to coin series 0. The coin sensor n-1 is assigned to coin series 2 and the sensor for measurement with high frequency is assigned to coin series 1. The numbers in the matrix therefore indicate with which "curve" compensation must take place when a certain coin is inserted.

The assignment table according to FIG. 8 is stored in a programmable memory area, for example in a RAM, an OT-PROM, an EEPROM, an EPROM etc. The compensation value series according to FIG. 6 can also be stored in a fixed memory area (ROM).

The operation of the coin validator described is explained below with reference to FIG. 11. The temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 22 is detected and digitized in the microprocessor 20. 6 are stored in a storage area. The measured temperature value is assigned to a memory area 0 to 6. This happens regardless of whether a coin is being checked or not. If a coin is inserted, for example coin 14, the individual sensors 1 to n successively generate analog test signals which are temporarily stored in a memory area of microprocessor 20. After the last test signal has been saved, the comparison with the reference values begins. Since the coin validator does not know which coin value has been inserted, he must "play through" all of the accepted coin values in order to be able to carry out a perfect coin check. It begins, for example, with the coin value or coin channel 1 according to the matrix according to FIG. 8 and compares the test signal with the reference values for the individual sensors 1 to n. Before this comparison, however, the test signal is temperature compensated. The coin value row 0 is decisive for the coin sensor 1 according to FIG. 8. With coin series 0, a predetermined compensation value results for the previously determined temperature range. This modifies the test signal before it is compared with the reference value for sensor 1. It is assumed that a reference window is provided. A flag is set if the compensated test signal is within the bandwidth of the window. If it is not within the bandwidth, the flag is deleted. The process described is now repeated for all further sensors 2 to n. If the compensated test signal for all sensors is within the bandwidth, it is a real 5 Pfennig coin and the test process can be canceled. If all or most of the test signals are outside the bandwidth, the comparison with the reference values for a further coin value is continued until a decision can be made as to which coin it is and whether it is genuine.

As already mentioned, instead of compensating the test signal, the reference value can also be compensated for.

In FIG. 10, the sensor MNF marked with a also represents a start sensor CP1. The switching level U1 is the level which, when exceeded, allows the entire measuring routine of the coin validator to run. This value must be kept very low for coins with a very small amplitude. However, a very low switching level often leads to hypersensitivity of the start sensor. Therefore, efforts are made to raise the switching threshold for larger coins. It is therefore advantageous if the U1 switching threshold can be individually programmed via the microprocessor.

Sensor d serves as a stop sensor (CP2). When you exit the coin of this sensor, the complete coin value acquisition is completed. This is followed by the comparison routine described above to determine which coin has been inserted and whether it is genuine. Here it is necessary for the controller to react quickly to determine whether the coin can be accepted or not so that the acceptance gate 42 can be activated. Depending on the number of coin values and the size of the coins, you have to react more or less quickly. Here, too, it makes sense to make the switching threshold U2 individually programmable in order to be able to intervene and adjust during production. On the other hand, the level should of course be as low as possible in order to be able to draw more information from the course of the curve. If the number of processing operations in the microprocessor is large and / or the coverage of CP2 is large the individual test times can also be reduced by setting the switching threshold significantly higher.

It follows from the above embodiment that the switching thresholds U1 and U2 are also stored in a programmable memory in order to relocate them as required. The acceptance switch 42 is followed by an acceptance sensor CP3, the response of which can also be designed to be programmable.

FIG. 9 shows a further assignment matrix that can be stored in further programmable memory areas of the microprocessor 20. The coin values are located on the Y axis and a number of coin pulse outputs 1 to 6 are located on the first part of the X axis (see FIG. 1). In the present case, the number of coin values is greater than the number of exits. It is therefore necessary to provide a specific assignment of the pulse outputs 22 for certain coins, which control functional units downstream of the coin validator 10, for example delivery of goods, delivery of a ticket, control of the credit facility, etc. The assignment of coin value and coin pulse output is via the matrix, which stored in memory. However, it can be programmed as desired or reprogrammed at a later time. A corresponding assignment between the coin values or coin channels and the sorting magnets 26 takes place in the same way. Finally, this assignment also exists for coin lock inputs 28 as a function of the coin values.

Claims (10)

1.Electronic coin validator for the verification of two or more coins of different values with two or more sensors which generate a characteristic analog test signal when a coin is inserted, a signal processing device which derives a characteristic quantity characteristic of the coins from the test signal, which results in a first Memory area is stored, further with a comparison device which compares the measured variables stored with the first memory in succession with at least one reference value stored in a programmable second memory area, which is characteristic of the respective real coin, and emits an authenticity signal if the measured variable and reference value have a predetermined relationship to one another, and a control device that controls the timing of the storage, the comparison processes and the delivery of the output signals, characterized in that the signal processing device from the test For signals from all sensors, a number of measured variables is derived which is greater than the total number of sensors, the measured variables are stored in a defined sequence in the first memory area, an assignment of individual coin-value sensor combinations to measured variables is stored in a third memory area, in the second memory area the reference values are assigned to the coin value sensor combinations and the comparison device for the respective coin value sensor combination only compares the assigned measurement variable with the reference value assigned to the measurement variable. 2. Electronic coin validator in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that a temperature sensor (22) is provided, in a programmable fourth memory area for sensor-coin value combinations, rows of compensation values are stored, each compensation value being a series of a specific temperature or a specific temperature range corresponds, a selection device for a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a predetermined sensor-coin value combination from the associated compensation value series selects the corresponding compensation value and the respective test signal or the corresponding reference value is modified with the compensation value before a comparison process. 3. Coin validator according to claim 2, characterized in that the number of rows of compensation values stored in the fourth memory area is greater than the number of the actual sensor-coin value combinations of the coin validator, the additional compensation value series relating to other coin values. 4. Coin validator according to claim 2 or 3, in which the test signals are digitized, characterized in that the output signal of the temperature sensor (22) is digitized and temperature ranges are assigned a number, each number corresponding to a compensation value of a predetermined series of compensation values. 5. Coin validator according to claim 4, characterized in that each compensation value series is assigned a number and the selection device for a given coin value sensor combination first determines the number of the series and then the compensation with the temperature number from the series value. 6. Coin validator according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the assignment of the compensation value series to the coin values and the sensors is stored in the form of a matrix in a programmable fifth memory area. 7. Coin validator according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the assignment of the compensation values to temperature ranges and the compensation value series is stored in the form of a matrix in a programmable sixth memory area. 8. Coin validator, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the authenticity signals are directed to predetermined outputs of the coin validator, characterized in that the assignment of the authenticity signals or the coin values to the outputs in the form of a matrix can be stored in a programmable seventh memory area is. 9. Coin validator according to claim 8, in which the control device queries lock inputs and forwards an authenticity signal to the corresponding output only when the assigned lock input indicates a release, characterized in that in a programmable eighth memory area the assignment of the authenticity signals or the coin values to the Lock inputs can be saved in the form of a matrix. 10. Coin validator, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the threshold or reference values for switching the sensors on and off can be stored in a programmable ninth memory area.

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