EP1014315B1 - Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for receiving a national currency and the Euro - Google Patents

Abstract

The currency changing machine has the facility to accept a national currency and apply a conversion into Euro currency. The money is entered and is passed through a checking unit before being sorted into denominations. The conversion is made by a programmed microprocessor. The system has a several magazines for storage of the money.

Description

The invention relates to a changer for coin machines for the Acceptance of coins from a national currency and the euro currency according to the generic term of claim 1.

Money changers are used in many vending machines and other machines. she usually have a number of coin tubes in which the coins are stacked become. The feeding takes place with the help of a sorting device, which the by a coin acceptor into the corresponding tubes as genuine coins directs. A payout device pays coins out of the tubes according to the overpaid amount Price. The function of the changer is controlled by a microprocessor monitors who also usually the other controls and monitoring of the Functions of the coin validator. In the microprocessor z. B. the reference values with which the coin signals of the coin validator are compared to determine whether a coin inserted is real or not. Only real ones Coins are either in one of the designated tubes or in the cash register steered and lead to a comparison with that preset in the microprocessor Price for a product or service. After reaching the given or If the price is higher, a signal can then be given to the machine to issue goods, tickets or the like. The overpaid amount is, as already mentioned, repaid from the tubes. This is done with the help a suitable payment device. The payout control block provided for this is coupled with sensors, which provide information about the condition of the coin tubes. A vacancy sensor reports when the tube is empty or only a minimum number of coins contains. An edition from this tube will then no longer be found instead of. A full sensor ensures that further refilling with coins is avoided when a coin tube is filled.

On January 1, 2002, the Euro currency became the valid currency according to the Maastricht Treaty introduced, and all vending machines must be programmed to accept the euro his. This means that prices have to be redesigned if necessary Goods are to be exchanged and the change is exchanged in the changer. After the cut-off date, a double currency period is also planned, in which B. Vending machine coins are accepted. It is said to be based on a transitional arrangement last a maximum of 6 months. However, this period is intended to be so small to design as possible, e.g. B. only for 2 months or even for a few limit a few days. After the dual currency or transition period the machines only accept euro coins.

The effort that machine operators face is considerable. It must Programming the device to accept the euro at the latest on the key date if this has not already been done on the manufacturer's side. Furthermore, mechanical adjustments for the sorting device, the tubes and the payout mechanism. The size of the euro coins in Tubes to be stored are sometimes different from the DM coins to be stored. It is therefore necessary to replace the coin tubes at least in part. Furthermore, the payout mechanism is adjusted accordingly.

DE 195 45 417 A is a money changer for coin-operated machines with a switchover facility from a national currency to the euro currency. With the well-known The device is a coin validator, four change tubes in a change container and a cash register is provided, the coin validator sending a credit signal to a control unit to enumerate a loan. The control unit compares the enumerated Credit with the prices on a price list, where the customer can choose in which currency the purchase price or the amount still to be paid is displayed want to get. A first inserted coin generates a currency signal and causes an assignment to the corresponding price list of the associated currency. The customer can also choose the amount to be paid using both currencies enter into the coin machine. For coins that are not the base currency belong, the control unit uses a conversion value and adds the Equivalent value in the base currency to the loan. If the credit is higher than the price the desired goods, the control unit calculates an amount of change and gives a control signal to the change container to dispense the overpaid amount. The program contained in the sort control block blocks sorting on or after the key date national coins that are directed into the cash register and gives the sorting of euro coins free in specified coin tubes.

From DE 38 34 020 A a gaming machine with a cash acceptance unit is known which different currencies can accept.

In the older, not previously published WO99 / 01847 A a coin device is described which can be switched to another currency for acceptance, whereby Different options are proposed, such as after switching to the new currency of acceptance and exchange of money will be handled should. In addition, an automatic switchover on the key date or on a suggested another day afterwards, for example by the appearance of a first one Coin in the new currency or a combination of coins in the new currency.

The coin tubes can only contain coins of one currency and must be exchanged after the currency change.

In the previously announced, however post-published WO 98/58355 addresses the idea of coins different values in one and the same tube. A reallocation of coin tubes due to a currency change is also mentioned.

The invention has for its object a money changer to specify for coin machines, which enables the operator to prepare in a preparatory time before the deadline, January 1st. 2002 to undertake all necessary renovation work so that the money changer the key date can perform its full function without the effort for actual changeover from the national currency to the euro currency is particularly high. In particular, the aim is, apart from the renovation work in the preparation time to let further changeover measures by operators come to an end.

This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

The changer according to the invention is designed so that its microprocessor either includes two currency blocks, one for the national currency and has one for the euro, or a controllable area in which it is determined which is the base currency into which the other currency is to be converted. The latter applies to those changers who only have a single channel combination for the national currency and the euro currency. Every block is equipped with a number of channels that are sufficient to the national coins plus the euro currency. The DM block z. B. not only contains channels for all DM coins 0.10, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00 and 5.00 DM, but also for all planned ones Euro coins, namely 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 E. In the other case, is only half of the channels are present, i. H. only one for a national or euro coin. In any case, reference values must be saved for the evaluation of all described coins, d. H. the changer is theoretically able to remove all coins, which are thrown into the changer, only one at a time Valuation scale for the coins is permissible, d. H. either the national or the Euro currency as the base currency comes into question, therefore a conversion to the Base currency takes place.

If there is talk of a microprocessor before and after, then that's it any type of electronic data processing, control, monitoring, etc. meant how to provide for the operation of a changer in a machine is.

Euro coins are currently not available for test purposes or for calibration Available. However, it is possible to carry out preprogramming so that with the actual programming, for example on the day of the conversion, only a few programming steps are required to include the reference values for the euro coins in both Save currency blocks. Through early, purpose-based limited delivery of euro coins or tokens to authorized persons and companies Such programming will be possible before the deadline. With help of a mechanical or electronic switch can then the respective block or controllable area in the evaluation device for activating the base currency and thus the conversion to the base currency can be set or selected. As long as the national currency is the only valid currency, it goes without saying that the Block is switched on or the area is activated in which the national currency is the base currency.

In the money changer according to the invention, at the time of the conversion, via the price block prices are also set in euro currency. An assignment is also made the coin tubes to the euro coins. Finally, at least two tubes a three or four-tube changer for accepting euro coins, in particular low-value euro coins, installed or set. In some currencies it is possible to use coin tubes of the national currency directly for euro coins to use. This is e.g. B. the case for tubes for DM coins. In other currencies there is only partial agreement. The coin tubes are then rebuilt or installed so that on the one hand the acceptance of national coins it is possible to issue change in this currency, on the other hand the acceptance of euro coins, whereby before 1 January 2002 euro coins still should not be available.

The money changer according to the invention therefore works from the time of the conversion until the cut-off date in the usual way and gives change in national currency, however for accepting, evaluating, sorting and issuing euro coins already prepared. On the cut-off date, the day of the introduction of the euro coins, the Money changers according to the invention for the acceptance of euro coins are already available stand. However, this does not necessarily mean that a money changer to this Time also has a currency exchange function. However, the invention provides that the money exchange function at any time after the conversion date is maintained, with different handling after the reporting date it can be provided whether the changer is based on national currency or the euro base performs its exchange function as long as the machine accepts of national currency coins is not yet blocked on a second key date.

As already mentioned, euro coins are sorted into after the cut-off date the designated coin tubes, but still in national currency coins are included. In the device according to the invention therefore takes place on the cut-off date or at the time of switching a count of the coins present in the tubes as well as storing their value in the microprocessor. More coins The national currency is then no longer stored in the coin tubes because the Sorting device via the sorting control block for acceptance or sorting is blocked by national coins in the coin tubes. These immediately arrive in the cash register. The changer therefore continues to work with a change function, whereby initially - as long as the national coins are still stored - still on the base change can be paid in the national currency, either in the form of national or - if the former no longer exists - euro coins. This Process can continue until a switch to the euro base takes place. This switchover means that for all functions of the changer, i.e. Indication on the display including the prices, evaluation of the thrown Coins, change, etc. only take place on a euro basis.

On the cut-off date, national coins are sorted into the coin tubes blocked, but they will still be accepted at checkout. The current tube count is registered. After this time, euro coins, if available, sorted into the corresponding tubes, so that temporarily in the tubes a double currency is saved. The newly added euro coins can be counted with a separate tube counter and their number in the microprocessor get saved. However, there is no need for a second tube counter, if the old and new currencies are approximately the same depending on the exchange rate Have currency values or a tube empty paid with national currency after Vacancies are filled automatically with the appropriate euro coin. An empty tube (empty sensor) can at any time after the Key date to be automatically filled with the specified euro coins. this has the advantage that under certain circumstances coin jams in the payout mechanism mixed filling can be avoided.

It is conceivable, on the key date (January 1st, 2002) with the help of an operator, the appropriate Have switchings made in the machine. However, this is a big one Number of machines in a day hardly feasible, at least very complex.

It is therefore preferable if the corresponding functional changes in the machine run automatically, either controlled by a timer or a Date generator that generates a corresponding switchover signal on the key date. alternative with the help of an event, e.g. by the first appearance of a euro coin is defined or the first appearance of a plurality of euro coins or generates a changeover signal for a specific combination of euro coins. In in the latter case, the change in function to be carried out on the key date does not take place takes place at an exact time, but depending on the event.

With the changeover to the euro base in the currency block, all audit data is saved automatically stored in a separate storage area or in the existing one Memory area of the microprocessor after it has been converted to euros are. Rounding errors or conversion differences can be found in a separate Memory. As is known, audit data is understood to mean provide information about the acceptance and payment behavior of a machine, such as B. Information about individual sales transactions with reference to thrown in and repaid coins, sales information, etc. They are usually made by read from the machine by an operator from time to time.

The invention has the great advantage that a smooth transition for the changer from the national to the euro currency and the money changer No need to set money exchange function at any time. The only peculiarity for customers of vending machines is that during the transition period before can receive change in euros after the cut-off date, which is converted to national currency and national after the switchover time Coins converted into euro currency. If this is a disadvantage at all is to be considered, it would be regarded as much less than the temporary Block any money exchange function.

As already mentioned, the changeover time can be due to the vacancy of all coin tubes for national coins or based on a specified level in the tubes. Therefore, the time of switching cannot be clearly determined in time.

Below are two examples of the operation of the changer according to the invention for Germany and the implementation of the changeover time by emptying the tube for the lowest value DM coin and one corresponding example for Spain.

Example for Germany exchange rate 1 euro = 1.97 DM DM basis

DM tubes for 1,- 0.50 0.10 0.10 DM Euro tubes for (without conversion) 0.50 0.10 0.20 0.05 Euro DM values per euro coin 0.985 0.197 0.394 0.0985 rounded DM values 1.00 0.20 0.40 0.10 DM holdings on the key date 33 20 90 25 piece

Euro-based

DM holdings at changeover day 12 5 0 0 piece Euro holdings on the changeover day 20 50 15 60 piece Euro value per DM coin .5076 .2538 - - Rounded euro values 0.50 0.25 - -

Mixed return on DM basis

credit 5.00 DM price 1.40 DM repayment 3.60 DM → 3 x 1, -DM + 1 x 0.50 DM + 1 x 0.10 DM When already empty 0.50 DM tube 3 x 1, - DM + 6 x 0.10 DM Or 3 x 1; -DM + 1 x 0.20 Euro + 2 x 0.10 DM

Mixed return at euro base

credit 2.0 euros price 0.65 euros repayment 1.35 euros → 2 x 1, - DM + 1 x 0.50 DM + 1 x 0.10 Euro

Example for Spain exchange rate 100Pts = 0.60 euros

Euro-based

Mixed return at peseta base

credit 500 pts price 125 pts repayment 375 pts → 3 x 100 pts + 3 x 25 pts When already empty 25 pts tube 3 x 100 pts + 4 x 0.10 euros + 2 x 5 pts
(300 + 64 + 10 = 374 Pts) Repayment error of 1 Pts is deleted.

Mixed return at euro base

credit 2.0 euros price 0.65 euros repayment 1.35 euros → 2 x 0.5 euros + 2 x 25 pts + 1 x 0.05 euros
(1.0 + 0.30 + 0.05 = 1.35 euros) The example for Germany shows that the DM tubes can also be used for Euro tubes. It is therefore not necessary to convert the coin tubes before the cut-off date. On the cut-off date, the DM holdings are registered and saved in the coin tubes. The exchange function can therefore continue to be carried out by paying out DM coins. At a switchover point at which the DM tubes are empty for 0.10 DM, the changeover takes place on a euro basis, ie all DM coins still available in the coin tubes are converted on a euro basis. However, the tubes can already be filled with euro coins. For example, there are fifteen and sixty euro coins in the tubes for storing 0.20 and 0.50 euros, respectively.

As long as the changer is still performing his exchange function on a DM basis, he can either pay back in DM coins or mixed before the switchover, d. H. also with euro coins. After the switchover time, the same can happen be, however, the DM coins are converted on a euro basis.

The example for Spain is similar, but one at the time of the renovation Coin tube is newly installed at 0.05 euros, therefore in the period between the time of the conversion and the key date, the change function is slightly restricted. Before the switchover time and then there is a change of exchange on a peseta or euro basis.

In the accompanying drawing, a first tube is shown with an example Level as of the reporting date. In the microprocessor is a tube counter for DM coins and a tube counter for euro coins is provided. In the tube are on the cut-off date z. B. thirty-three 1 DM coins. Above is a free area for adoption of 0.5 euro coins is suitable. The status of the Euro tube counter is therefore Zero.

After the cut-off date, euro coins can be saved and on the changeover day there is a stand of twelve DM coins and thirty-five in the tube 0.5 euro coins.

In the example shown, a second tube counter, e.g. H. a euro tube counter be dispensed with, because 0.5 euros corresponds to around 1.00 DM. Behaves differently however, if such a smooth conversion is not possible.

From the example it can also be seen that the old currency continued as Change is available and already new Euro change with the corresponding one Sorting can be stored.

Finally, the attached drawing sheet shows a timeline on which the various The times of the changeover of a money changer are specified as well as the Base currency in the phases between the times. The second deadline marked the end of the transition period, after which the acceptance of national coins is blocked is. The corresponding signal can e.g. B. generated by a timer, similar to the 1st reporting date.

Claims (6)

1. A money changer for automatic coin dispensers to receive coins of a national currency and the Euro currency wherein the money changer has the features below:

   a sorting apparatus disposed downstream of a coin acceptor unit,

   three or four coin tubes to receive coins of different denominations,

   a pay-out mechanism to dispense coins from the coin tubes,

   at least one microprocessor which has

   an evaluation device for the coin signals arriving from the coin acceptor unit and corresponding to the coins,

   a sorting control block to activate the sorting apparatus, which directs coins of a predetermined denomination to predetermined tubes and directs the remaining coins to a cash-box wherein the program contained in the sorting control block is configured in such a way that the sorting apparatus directs the national coins to the cash-box and releases the sorting of Euro coins in the at least two coin tubes at the fixed date or thereafter,

   a price block, if desired, in which the denomination of the inserted coins is compared to a preset price,

   a pay-out control block which addresses the pay-out mechanism to dispense the coins from the coin tubes if the denomination of the inserted coins exceeds the preset price,

   a display control block, if desired, to address a display for the amount of the inserted coins, wherein

   the evaluation device is programmed or is adapted to be programmed for the national currency and Euro coin signals and selectively performs a conversion or assessment from the non-selected currency into the selected currency in response to the selected currency (the base currency),

   a selector switch to selectively activate the national currency or the Euro currency in the evaluation device or an addressable region to activate the base currency in the evaluation device, and

   a tube counter to register the coins sorted into each tube,

   characterized in that at least two coin tubes are designed in such a way that both coins of the national currency and the Euro currency can be stored and the number of the respective coins in the coin tubes is counted and is stored in the microprocessor by means of a tube counter with the conversion of the sorting operation at the fixed date or thereafter being released manually or by a timer or date transmitter or by means registering an event, e.g. the first appearance of an Euro coin, the appearance of a plurality of Euro coins or a certain combination of Euro coins.
2. The money changer according to claim 1, characterized in that the program of the microprocessor is configured so as to automatically change the selector switch from the currency block for the national currency over to the Euro block or the Euro base during the fixed date or thereafter (the change-over day) if a coin tube for a national coin has a predetermined minimum level or is empty or if a coin tube destined for an Euro coin has been cleared of national coins.
3. The money changer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the program of the microprocessor is configured in such a way that the change-over at the change-over date converts the balance of national coins to Euro coins in the coin tube in the microprocessor with the national coins continuing to be paid out as an Euro-based change.
4. The money changer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the program of the microprocessor is configured in such a way that Euro coins stored in coin tubes after the fixed date and prior to the change-over at the change-over day are converted into those of a national currency basis and are paid out as a change.
5. The money changer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the microprocessor has a separate storage area to automatically and firmly file all audit dates during the change-over at the change-over day or the audit dates, after being converted into an Euro basis, are filed in the existing storage area of the microprocessor.
6. The money changer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a second tube counter is provided in the microprocessor.

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