EP1031950A1 - Geldbehandlungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Geldbehandlungsvorrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1031950A1
EP1031950A1 EP00301462A EP00301462A EP1031950A1 EP 1031950 A1 EP1031950 A1 EP 1031950A1 EP 00301462 A EP00301462 A EP 00301462A EP 00301462 A EP00301462 A EP 00301462A EP 1031950 A1 EP1031950 A1 EP 1031950A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coins
coin
microprocessor
float
tube
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP00301462A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gregory John Billington
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crane Payment Innovations Inc
Original Assignee
Mars Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mars Inc filed Critical Mars Inc
Publication of EP1031950A1 publication Critical patent/EP1031950A1/de
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for handling units of currency.
  • the invention will be described mainly in the context of coin handling, but is also applicable to apparatus which also or alternatively handles other units of currency, such as banknotes, smart cards, payment cards or the like.
  • GB 2269256 discusses uses of float levels.
  • the float level for each coin tube is set by a programming operation, which involves the person concerned entering a number of commands to reach an appropriate menu; then entering a number for the number of coins constituting the float level in the first tube; then entering a number for the second tube; and so on.
  • the present invention provides a method of setting float levels for subsequent use in a currency handling apparatus for dispensing currency units from a plurality of stores, the method comprising: manually adding or subtracting currency units to the or each store; and memorising the altered levels as new float levels for subsequent use.
  • this is achieved by providing a current tube count and then counting the numbers of coins added or subtracted from each tube, by the user, and then adding these to the current count, to determine the fullness of the tube. This avoids the needs for additional sensors.
  • the coin handling apparatus 2 in the vending machine 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.
  • validators are known, including validators using optical, acoustic and inductive techniques. Examples of such validators are described in, amongst others, GB 1397083, GB 1443934, GB 2254948, GB 2094008 and GB 2288266, the contents of which documents are incorporated herein by reference.
  • 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, 15, 16 and 17, or allowing the coins to proceed along the path 12 to a path 20 leading to a cashbox 21. 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, 15, 16 and 17, or allowing the coins to proceed along the path 12 to a path 20 leading to a cashbox 21. 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, 15, 16 and 17 leads to a respective one of four coin tubes or containers 22, 24 and 26 and 28.
  • Each of these containers is arranged to store a vertical stack of coins of a particular denomination. Although only four containers are shown, any number may be provided.
  • a dispenser indicated schematically at 29 is operable to dispense coins from the containers when change is to be given by the apparatus.
  • the dispensed coins are delivered to a refund path 31.
  • the tubes 22, 24, 26, 28 are provided in a removable cassette 40, and the tubes themselves are removable from the cassette, as described in GB 2246897 A, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • 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. An LSI could replace the microprocessor.
  • 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.
  • 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 may also be connected via the buses 52 and 54 to an EAROM 60 for storing a variety of alterable parameters.
  • the microprocessor 50 is also coupled via the buses 52 and 54 to input/output circuitry indicated at 62.
  • the circuitry 62 includes user-operable switches, at least one level sensor for each of the coin containers 22, 24, 26, 28, circuits for operating the dispenser 29 and the gates of the coin separator 10, the circuitry of the coin validator 4, and a display visible to a user of the apparatus for displaying an accumulated credit value and an indication when insufficient coins are stored to guarantee that change will be available.
  • the circuitry 62 is connected to a display 68 visible to the operator, and to a keypad 70 accessible only to the operator.
  • the input/output circuitry 62 also includes an interface between the control circuit of the apparatus and a vending machine circuit board 64 to which it is connected, and a further interface to an audit device 66.
  • the microprocessor 50 In operation of the apparatus the microprocessor 50 successively tests the signals from the validator to determine whether a coin has been inserted in the apparatus. 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, 26, 28, 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 microprocessor 50 is arranged to maintain a count of the number of coins in each of the tubes, by keeping for each tube a running total, and incrementing the running total each time a coin of a particular denomination is accepted and routed to the tube in question; and decrementing the running total each time a coin of a particular denomination is dispensed, as disclosed in GB 2110862 (incorporated herein by reference).
  • the keypad 70 comprises 4 keys (labelled “A” to "D") for data entry, and a control key. Although not shown, these will be referred to respectively as keys 71 to 74, and key 75.
  • the operative uses a security key to open the vending machine, thus gaining access to the coin mechanism, and uses the keypad 70 to enter a security code to gain access to the functions of the coin mechanism.
  • the program performed thereafter will now be disclosed with reference to Fig. 4.
  • the mechanism is put into a float level setting mode by a predetermined string of key presses.
  • the microprocessor 50 is arranged to perform the functions of coin validation (that is, acceptance and recognition of coins and routing thereof to the correct coin tubes) and manually actuated coin dispensing.
  • coin validation that is, acceptance and recognition of coins and routing thereof to the correct coin tubes
  • manually actuated coin dispensing one of each of the four buttons 71-74 is associated by the microprocessor with one of each of the four tubes 22-28, so that depression of the respective button 71-74 causes a dispense from the corresponding tube 22-28.
  • step 102 the microprocessor 50 determines whether a coin has been accepted through the validator 4 (for example in response to operation of the gates of the coin separator 10). If a coin has been accepted, then in step 104, the microprocessor 50 reads the denomination of the coin (more particularly, determines the coin tube to which the coin is to be routed by the settings of the coin separator 10).
  • step 106 the current coin count for the tube concerned is read (i.e. the running total specifying the number of coins recorded as being present in the tube) and in step 108, that number is incremented by the microprocessor 50.
  • step 110 the microprocessor determines whether a stop code has been entered (e.g. by holding down key 75 for a predetermined period of time) indicating that the float setting operation is to cease and, if no such code is entered, returns to step 102.
  • a stop code e.g. by holding down key 75 for a predetermined period of time
  • step 102 the microprocessor 50 determines whether one of the buttons 71-74 has been pressed indicating a dispense operation (and, if so, dispenses a corresponding coin).
  • step 114 the identity of the key pressed is determined, and the corresponding tube (i.e. coin denomination) is determined.
  • step 116 the current running total number of coins for that tube is read, and in step 118, the total is decremented, to take account of the dispensed coin. Then, the microprocessor performs step 110 as described above.
  • step 110 When the operator enters the predetermined code or sequence on key 75, this is detected in step 110, and the microprocessor proceeds to step 120, in which the current running totals for each denomination (i.e. tube) are stored as new float levels, which are used in all subsequent operations, and subsequently exits the float level setting program.
  • denomination i.e. tube
  • a relatively unskilled operative can reset the float levels as desired, for example, by applying a ruler horizontally across the transparent outer face of the cassette 40; and dropping coins of each denomination into, or dispensing coins out from, each tube until the level in each tube reaches that of the ruler.
  • This makes it easy to set the float levels to any desired global level; for example, one third, half, or three quarters full, without performing a complex calculation as to the number of coins required (taking into account the different coin thicknesses) to fill each tube to this height and then entering numeric data.
  • the number of coins input during setting the float levels may be determined by providing sensors to determine the stack height; for example using acoustic sensing as in US 5092816.
EP00301462A 1999-02-24 2000-02-24 Geldbehandlungsvorrichtung Ceased EP1031950A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9904282 1999-02-24
GB9904282A GB2347256B (en) 1999-02-24 1999-02-24 Currency handling apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1031950A1 true EP1031950A1 (de) 2000-08-30

Family

ID=10848439

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00301462A Ceased EP1031950A1 (de) 1999-02-24 2000-02-24 Geldbehandlungsvorrichtung

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1031950A1 (de)
GB (1) GB2347256B (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008009020A1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2008-01-17 Coin Acceptors, Inc. A method of setting and controlling coin store operating levels
EP1906367A1 (de) 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Sanden Corporation Münzsammelvorrichtung
US7992699B2 (en) 2003-04-10 2011-08-09 Talaris Inc. Machine and method for cash recycling and cash settlement

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1397083A (en) 1971-05-24 1975-06-11 Mars Inc Coin selector utilizing inductive sensors
GB1443934A (en) 1972-10-12 1976-07-28 Mars Inc Method and apparatus for use in an inductive sensor coin selector manufacture of carbon fibre
GB2094008A (en) 1981-02-11 1982-09-08 Mars Inc Improvements in and relating to apparatus for checking the validity of coins
GB2140187A (en) * 1983-05-13 1984-11-21 Knight Technology Ltd Apparatus for testing and routing coins
GB2161007A (en) * 1984-06-28 1986-01-02 Simper Enterprises Limited Pet Coin-released machines
US4883158A (en) 1987-03-24 1989-11-28 Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Coinco Device and method for managing amount of stored coins
GB2246897A (en) 1990-08-10 1992-02-12 Mars Inc Releasable coin storage tube in coin testing mechanism
GB2254948A (en) 1991-04-15 1992-10-21 Mars Inc Coin validation.
GB2269256A (en) 1992-07-30 1994-02-02 Mars Inc Coin handling apparatus
GB2288266A (en) 1994-03-29 1995-10-11 Mars Inc Coin validation
WO1998058355A2 (en) * 1997-06-18 1998-12-23 Mars, Incorporated Currency handling apparatus

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2491573A (en) * 1947-07-16 1949-12-20 Clarence C Mcpherson Coin dispensing mechanism

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1397083A (en) 1971-05-24 1975-06-11 Mars Inc Coin selector utilizing inductive sensors
GB1443934A (en) 1972-10-12 1976-07-28 Mars Inc Method and apparatus for use in an inductive sensor coin selector manufacture of carbon fibre
GB2094008A (en) 1981-02-11 1982-09-08 Mars Inc Improvements in and relating to apparatus for checking the validity of coins
GB2140187A (en) * 1983-05-13 1984-11-21 Knight Technology Ltd Apparatus for testing and routing coins
GB2161007A (en) * 1984-06-28 1986-01-02 Simper Enterprises Limited Pet Coin-released machines
US4883158A (en) 1987-03-24 1989-11-28 Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Coinco Device and method for managing amount of stored coins
GB2246897A (en) 1990-08-10 1992-02-12 Mars Inc Releasable coin storage tube in coin testing mechanism
GB2254948A (en) 1991-04-15 1992-10-21 Mars Inc Coin validation.
GB2269256A (en) 1992-07-30 1994-02-02 Mars Inc Coin handling apparatus
GB2288266A (en) 1994-03-29 1995-10-11 Mars Inc Coin validation
WO1998058355A2 (en) * 1997-06-18 1998-12-23 Mars, Incorporated Currency handling apparatus

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7992699B2 (en) 2003-04-10 2011-08-09 Talaris Inc. Machine and method for cash recycling and cash settlement
WO2008009020A1 (en) * 2006-07-14 2008-01-17 Coin Acceptors, Inc. A method of setting and controlling coin store operating levels
EP1906367A1 (de) 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Sanden Corporation Münzsammelvorrichtung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9904282D0 (en) 1999-04-21
GB2347256A (en) 2000-08-30
GB2347256B (en) 2002-12-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0076640B1 (de) Vorrichtung zur Handhabung von Münzen
EP0653084B1 (de) Geldbehandlungsvorrichtung
WO2002023491A2 (en) Gaming machine with hopper and printer
US20020195309A1 (en) Money handling apparatus and method
EP0924660B1 (de) Münzvorrichtung
EP1050857B1 (de) Geldverarbeitungsvorrichtung
US6994202B1 (en) Money acceptance method and apparatus
EP1049052B1 (de) Münzausgabevorrichtung
EP0993661B1 (de) Verfahren zum betrieb eines münzmechanismus
EP1031950A1 (de) Geldbehandlungsvorrichtung
EP0988621B1 (de) Geldverarbeitungsvorrichtung
EP0986031B1 (de) Verfahren und Gerät zur Geldausgabesteuerung
US6913131B2 (en) Cash handling machine
EP0167181B2 (de) Vorrichtung zur Behandlung von Münzen
JP4918731B2 (ja) メダル貸出装置
JP2686923B2 (ja) 自動販売機の釣銭制御管理装置
JP4538648B2 (ja) メダル貸出装置及びメダル貸出装置におけるメダルの貸出方法
JPH05274533A (ja) 自動発売機
JPH05120518A (ja) つり銭払い出し装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010223

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE ES FR GB

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20050623

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MEI, INC.

111Z Information provided on other rights and legal means of execution

Free format text: DEESFRGB

Effective date: 20061103

111Z Information provided on other rights and legal means of execution

Free format text: DE ES FR GB

Effective date: 20070802

R11X Information provided on other rights and legal means of execution (corrected)

Free format text: DE ES FR GB

Effective date: 20070802

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MEI, INC.

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED

18R Application refused

Effective date: 20150322