EP1037177B1 - Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for the transition from a national currency to the Euro - Google Patents

Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for the transition from a national currency to the Euro Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1037177B1
EP1037177B1 EP00113747A EP00113747A EP1037177B1 EP 1037177 B1 EP1037177 B1 EP 1037177B1 EP 00113747 A EP00113747 A EP 00113747A EP 00113747 A EP00113747 A EP 00113747A EP 1037177 B1 EP1037177 B1 EP 1037177B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coins
coin
euro
currency
national
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP00113747A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1037177A3 (en
EP1037177A2 (en
Inventor
Klaus Meyer-Steffens
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Crane Payment Innovations GmbH
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National Rejectors Inc GmbH
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Publication of EP1037177A2 publication Critical patent/EP1037177A2/en
Publication of EP1037177A3 publication Critical patent/EP1037177A3/en
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Publication of EP1037177B1 publication Critical patent/EP1037177B1/en
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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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D1/00—Coin dispensers
    • G07D1/02—Coin dispensers giving change
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D1/00—Coin dispensers
    • G07D1/02—Coin dispensers giving change
    • G07D1/04—Coin dispensers giving change dispensing change equal to a sum deposited
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D2205/00—Coin testing devices
    • G07D2205/001—Reconfiguration of coin testing devices
    • G07D2205/0011—Reconfiguration of coin testing devices by downloading test parameters, e.g. remotely

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a money changer for coin machines for the transition from a national to the euro currency after Claim 1.
  • Money changers are used in many vending machines and other machines. They usually have a number of coin tubes in which the Coins are stacked. The feeding takes place with the help of a sorting device, which are accepted as genuine by a coin acceptor Directs coins into the corresponding tubes. A payout device pays Coins from the tubes according to the overpaid price.
  • the function of the changer is monitored by a microprocessor usually also the other controls and monitoring of the functions the coin acceptor takes over. In the microprocessor z. B. the reference values with which the coin signals of the coin validator are compared are used to determine whether a coin inserted is genuine or not.
  • the invention is based on the object a money changer for coin machines for the transition from a national to the euro currency specify that enables the operator to prepare in a preparatory time to carry out all necessary renovation work before the cut-off date, January 1, 2002, so that the money changer has its full function from the key date can perceive without the effort for the actual change from the national to the euro currency is particularly high.
  • a money changer for coin machines for the transition from a national to the euro currency specify that enables the operator to prepare in a preparatory time to carry out all necessary renovation work before the cut-off date, January 1, 2002, so that the money changer has its full function from the key date can perceive without the effort for the actual change from the national to the euro currency is particularly high.
  • Conversion measures by operators in the event of failure to let In particular will be sought, in addition to the renovation work in the preparation period Conversion measures by operators in the event of failure to let.
  • the changer according to the invention can be designed so that Microprocessor includes either two currency blocks, namely one for the national currency and one for the euro, or a controllable one Area in which it is determined which is the base currency, in which then the other currency has to be converted.
  • the latter applies to such money changers where only one channel compilation for the national currency and the euro currency is provided.
  • Each block is with a number equipped by channels, sufficient national and national coins Rate 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 euro coins, namely 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 E. Otherwise, only half of the channels are available, i.e. H.
  • each only one for a national or euro coin In any case, are reference values to be saved for the evaluation of all described coins, d. H. the The money changer is theoretically able to change all the coins in the money changer be thrown in, using only one rating scale at a time is permitted for the coins, d. H. either the national or the euro currency as the base currency comes into question, therefore a conversion on the base currency.
  • the price block also set the prices in euro currency. Furthermore there is a Allocation of the coin tubes to the euro coins. Eventually, at least two tubes of a three or four tube changer for the Acceptance of euro coins, especially low-value euro coins, installed or set. In some currencies, it is possible to use coin tubes the national currency to be used directly for euro coins. This is e.g. B. the case for tubes for DM coins. In other currencies there was only partial agreement. The coin tubes are then rebuilt or installed so that on the one hand the adoption of national Coins are possible including spending change in this Currency, on the other hand, the acceptance of euro coins, whereby before 1.1.2002 Euro coins should not yet be available.
  • the one according to the invention therefore works Money changer in the usual way and gives change in national Currency out, however, is for acceptance, evaluation, sorting and issuing already prepared by euro coins.
  • the money changer according to the invention must therefore are already available for accepting euro coins. This however, does not necessarily mean that a money changer at that time also has a currency exchange function.
  • the invention provides that the money exchange function at any time after the conversion date is maintained.
  • a tube paid for in the national currency will become empty after the vacancy automatically filled with the appropriate euro coin.
  • the empty reported tube is at any time after the Key date automatically filled with the specified euro coins. This has the advantage that under certain circumstances coin jams in the payout mechanism can be avoided with mixed filling.
  • the changer therefore continues to work with a change function, whereby initially - as long as the national coins are still stored - on change is paid out in either the base of the national currency In the form of national or - if the former no longer exists - euro coins.
  • Switching to euro-based causes all functions the changer, d. H. Display, including prices, Evaluation of the coins inserted, change, etc. only takes place on a euro basis.
  • This switchover takes place either automatically or manually and can be done if a coin tube for the lowest value national coin has a predetermined minimum level or is empty or the tube of for the lowest value euro coins national coins is emptied. Manual switching is then required when the machine setting and money exchange setting on each other must be turned off. Prices are a matter of the machine and money changer must be turned off.
  • Tube counter can be a preset level in a coin tube as Use the trigger or the empty signal for the coin tube.
  • the coin tubes have a vacancy sensor that emits a signal when there are no more coins in the tube. This signal can also be used automatic switchover.
  • the switching time depends on which one Scope of money changers used after the cut-off date. It is conceivable that on the cut-off date, the time of switching to the euro base, the coin tube for the lowest value national coin is already empty, see above that the switch is initiated via the empty sensor, for example. Instead of this Signal can also be used the signal of the tube in which the lowest value euro coin is to be saved. Is this from national coins empty, automatic switching can also be initiated become. However, it is also conceivable to switch over to the euro to be carried out only when all coin tubes for the acceptance of national Coins are empty. In this case, the changer according to the invention retains also its changing function, but increasingly with euro coins Change must be paid out, the fewer national coin tubes Coins included. However, the euro coins are in the national currency to be converted as long as a changeover on a euro basis has not yet taken place Has.
  • the changer according to the invention has the great advantage that for the changer a smooth transition from the national to the euro currency and the money changer never functions as a money changer must set.
  • the only specialty for the customer of vending machines is that during the transition period before the changeover time but can receive change in euros after the cut-off date is converted to national currency and after the changeover time national coins converted into euro currency, as far as in the coin tubes available. If this should be considered a disadvantage at all , it would be regarded as much less than the temporary blocking any money exchange function.
  • the changeover time can be caused by the vacancy of all Coin tubes are established for national coins or by a given one Level in the tubes. Therefore, the changeover time is timed not clearly definable.
  • euro coins can be used as far as available, sorted into the corresponding tubes.
  • the euro coins can be counted with a separate tube counter and their number in Microprocessor can be saved. Can on a second tube counter however, be waived if old and new currencies depend on Exchange rate have approximately the same currency values.

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

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Geldwechsler für Münzautomaten für den Übergang von einer nationalen auf die Euro-Währung nach dem Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a money changer for coin machines for the transition from a national to the euro currency after Claim 1.

Geldwechsler werden in vielen Verkaufs- und sonstigen Automaten eingesetzt. Sie weisen zumeist eine Anzahl von Münztuben auf, in welchen die Münzen gestapelt werden. Die Zuführung erfolgt mit Hilfe einer Sortiervorrichtung, welche die von einem Münzprüfer als echt angenommenen Münzen in die entsprechenden Tuben lenkt. Eine Auszahlvorrichtung zahlt Münzen aus den Tuben nach Maßgabe des überzahlten Preises aus. Die Funktion des Geldwechslers wird von einem Mikroprozessor überwacht, der auch in der Regel die sonstigen Steuerungen und Überwachungen der Funktionen der Münzprüfer übernimmt. Im Mikroprozessor sind z. B. die Referenzwerte gespeichert, mit denen die Münzsignale des Münzprüfers verglichen werden zwecks Bestimmung, ob eine eingeworfene Münze echt ist oder nicht. Nur echte Münzen werden entweder in eine der dafür vorgesehenen Tuben oder in die Kasse gelenkt und führen zu einem Vergleich mit dem im Mikroprozessor voreingestellten Preis für eine Ware oder eine Dienstleistung. Nach Erreichen des vorgegebenen oder eines darüber liegenden Preises kann dann ein Signal an den Automaten gegeben werden zur Ausgabe einer Ware, eines Tickets oder dergleichen. Der überbezahlte Betrag wird, wie bereits erwähnt, aus den Tuben zurückgezahlt. Dies geschieht mit Hilfe einer geeigneten Auszahlvorrichtung. Der hierfür vorgesehene Auszahl-Steuerblock ist mit Sensoren gekoppelt, welche Aufschluß geben über den Zustand der Münztuben. Ein Leerstandssensor meldet, wenn die Tube leer ist oder nur noch eine Minimalanzahl von Münzen enthält. Eine Ausgabe aus dieser Tube findet dann nicht mehr statt. Ein Voll-Sensor sorgt dafür, daß das weitere Auffüllen mit Münzen vermieden wird, wenn eine Münztube gefüllt ist.Money changers are used in many vending machines and other machines. They usually have a number of coin tubes in which the Coins are stacked. The feeding takes place with the help of a sorting device, which are accepted as genuine by a coin acceptor Directs coins into the corresponding tubes. A payout device pays Coins from the tubes according to the overpaid price. The The function of the changer is monitored by a microprocessor usually also the other controls and monitoring of the functions the coin acceptor takes over. In the microprocessor z. B. the reference values with which the coin signals of the coin validator are compared are used to determine whether a coin inserted is genuine or not. Only real coins are either placed in one of the designated ones Tubes or directed into the cash register and lead to a comparison with the Price preset for a product or service in the microprocessor. After reaching the specified or one above A signal can then be given to the machine for output goods, tickets or the like. The overpaid amount is, as already mentioned, repaid from the tubes. This happens with With the help of 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 contains only a minimum number of coins. An issue then no longer takes place from this tube. A full sensor ensures to ensure that further refilling with coins is avoided if one Coin tube is filled.

Am 1.1.2002 wird nach dem Maastricht-Vertrag die Euro-Währung als gültige Währung eingeführt, und alle Verkaufsautomaten müssen für die Annahme des Euro programmiert sein. Dies bedeutet, daß die Preise neu gestaltet werden müssen, bei Bedarf Ware auszutauschen ist und im Geldwechsler das Wechselgeld ausgetauscht wird. Nach dem Stichtag ist noch eine Doppelwährungszeit vorgesehen, in der auch z. B. DM-Münzen von Automaten akzeptiert werden. Sie soll nach einer Übergangsregelung maximal 6 Monate dauern. Es ist jedoch beabsichtigt, diesen Zeitraum so klein wie möglich zu gestalten, z. B. nur 2 Monate währen zu lassen oder gar auf einige wenige Tage zu beschränken. Nach der Doppelwährungs- oder Übergangszeit sollen die Automaten nur noch Euro-Münzen annehmen.On January 1st, 2002 the Euro currency will be the valid one according to the Maastricht Treaty Currency introduced, and all vending machines must be used for that Programmed adoption of the euro. This means that prices are new must be designed, if necessary, goods must be exchanged and in the changer the change is exchanged. After the deadline is still a dual currency period is provided, in which, for. B. DM coins from Vending machines are accepted. According to a transitional arrangement, it should be a maximum Last 6 months. However, this period is intended to be so small to design as possible, e.g. B. only for 2 months or even on limit a few days. After the dual currency or transition period the machines should only accept euro coins.

Der Aufwand, der auf die Automatenaufsteller zukommt, ist beträchtlich. Es muß spätestens zum Stichtag eine Programmierung des Gerätes auf die Annahme des Euros vorgenommen sein, falls dies nicht bereits vorher auf Herstellerseite geschehen ist. Ferner müssen mechanische Umstellungen für die Sortiervorrichtung, die Tuben und den Auszahlmechanismus durchgeführt werden. Die Größe der Euro-Münzen, die in Tuben zu speichern sind, ist teilweise unterschiedlich zu den zu speichernden DM-Münzen. Es ist daher zumindest zum Teil ein Austausch der Münztuben erforderlich. Ferner erfolgt eine entsprechende Anpassung des Auszahlmechanismus.The effort that machine operators face is considerable. It the device must be programmed to the Acceptance of the euro if this has not been done beforehand Manufacturer side has happened. Furthermore, mechanical changes for the sorting device, the tubes and the payout mechanism become. The size of the euro coins that store in tubes is partly different from the DM coins to be stored. It it is therefore necessary to replace the coin tubes at least in part. Furthermore, the payout mechanism is adjusted accordingly.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Geldwechsler für Münzautomaten für den Übergang von einer nationalen auf die Euro-Währung anzugeben, der dem Aufsteller ermöglicht, in einer Vorbereitungszeit vor dem Stichtag, dem 1.1.2002, alle erforderlichen Umbauarbeiten vorzunehmen, so daß der Geldwechsler ab dem Stichtag seine volle Funktion wahrnehmen kann, ohne daß der Aufwand für die tatsächliche Umstellung von der nationalen auf die Euro-Währung besonders hoch ist. Insbesondere wird angestrebt, außer den Umbauarbeiten in der Vorbereitungszeit weitere Umstellmaßnahmen durch Bedienungspersonen in Fortfall kommen zu lassen.The invention is based on the object a money changer for coin machines for the transition from a national to the euro currency specify that enables the operator to prepare in a preparatory time to carry out all necessary renovation work before the cut-off date, January 1, 2002, so that the money changer has its full function from the key date can perceive without the effort for the actual change from the national to the euro currency is particularly high. In particular will be sought, in addition to the renovation work in the preparation period Conversion measures by operators in the event of failure to let.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

Der erfindungsgemäße Geldwechsler kann so ausgelegt sein, daß sein Mikroprozessor entweder zwei Währungsblocks einschließt, nämlich einen für die nationale Währung und einen für den Euro, oder einen ansteuerbaren Bereich hat, in dem bestimmt wird, welches die Basiswährung ist, in welche dann die andere Währung umzurechnen ist. Letzteres gilt für solche Geldwechsler, bei denen nur eine Kanalzusammenstellung für die nationale Währung und die Euro-Währung vorgesehen ist. Jeder Block ist mit einer Anzahl von Kanälen ausgestattet, die ausreicht, Münzen der nationalen plus der Euro-Währung zu bewerten. Der DM-Block z. B. enthält nicht nur Kanäle für alle DM-Münzen 0,10, 0,50, 1,00, 2,00 und 5,00 DM, sondern auch für alle geplanten Euro-Münzen, nämlich 0,05, 0,10, 0,20, 0,50, 1,00 und 2,00 E. Im anderen Fall ist nur die Hälfte der Kanäle vorhanden, d. h. jeweils nur einer für eine nationale oder Euro-Münze. In jedem Fall sind Referenzwerte einzuspeichern für die Bewertung aller beschriebenen Münzen, d. h. der Geldwechsler ist theoretisch in der Lage, alle Münzen, die in den Geldwechsler eingeworfen werden, zu bewerten, wobei jeweils nur ein Bewertungsmaßstab für die Münzen zulässig ist, d. h. entweder die nationale oder die Euro-Währung als Basiswährung in Frage kommt, mithin eine Umrechnung auf die Basiswährung stattfindet.The changer according to the invention can be designed so that Microprocessor includes either two currency blocks, namely one for the national currency and one for the euro, or a controllable one Area in which it is determined which is the base currency, in which then the other currency has to be converted. The latter applies to such money changers where only one channel compilation for the national currency and the euro currency is provided. Each block is with a number equipped by channels, sufficient national and national coins Rate 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 euro coins, namely 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 E. Otherwise, only half of the channels are available, i.e. H. each only one for a national or euro coin. In any case, are reference values to be saved for the evaluation of all described coins, d. H. the The money changer is theoretically able to change all the coins in the money changer be thrown in, using only one rating scale at a time is permitted for the coins, d. H. either the national or the euro currency as the base currency comes into question, therefore a conversion on the base currency.

Wenn vor- und nachstehend von einem Mikroprozessor die-Rede ist, dann ist damit jede Art der elektronischen Datenverarbeitung, Steuerung, Überwachung usw. gemeint, wie sie für den Betrieb eines Geldwechslers in einem Automaten vorzusehen ist.If a microprocessor is mentioned above and below, then it is thus every kind of electronic data processing, control, monitoring etc. meant how to operate a money changer in a machine is to be provided.

Zur Zeit stehen Euro-Münzen für Testzwecke oder zur Kalibrierung noch nicht zur Verfügung. Es ist allerdings möglich, eine Vorprogrammierung vorzunehmen, so daß bei der eigentlichen Programmierung, etwa am Umbautag, nur wenige Programmierschritte erforderlich sind, um die Referenzwerte auch für die Euro-Münzen in den beiden Währungsblöcken zu speichern. Durch vorzeitige, zweckbedingte begrenzte Abgabe von Euro-Münzen oder Euro-Token an autorisierte Personen und Unternehmen vor dem Stichtag wird eine derartige Programmierung möglich sein. Mit Hilfe eines mechanischen oder elektronischen Schalters kann dann der jeweilige Block bzw. der ansteuerbare Bereich in der Auswertevorrichtung zur Aktivierung der Basis-Währung und damit die Umrechnung auf die Basis-Währung eingestellt bzw. angewählt werden. So lange die nationale Währung allein gültige Währung ist, versteht sich, daß der Block eingeschaltet bzw. der Bereich angesteuert ist, bei dem die nationale Währung die Basiswährung ist.Euro coins are currently still available for test purposes or for calibration not available. However, it is possible to pre-program make so that in the actual programming, such as on Remodeling day, just a few programming steps are required to complete the Reference values also for the euro coins in the two currency blocks save. By early, limited use of euro coins or euro tokens to authorized persons and companies Such programming will be possible on the reporting date. With help a mechanical or electronic switch can then be the respective Block or the controllable area in the evaluation device for activation the base currency and thus the conversion to the base currency can be set or selected. So long the national currency is the only valid currency, it goes without saying that the block is switched on or is driven to the area where the national currency is the base currency is.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Geldwechsler werden zum Umbauzeitpunkt über den Preisblock auch die Preise in Euro-Währung gesetzt. Ferner erfolgt eine Zuordnung der Münztuben zu den Euro-Münzen. Schließlich werden mindestens zwei Tuben eines Drei- oder Viertuben-Geldwechslers für die Annahme von Euro-Münzen, insbesondere niedrigwertige Euro-Münzen, eingebaut oder eingestellt. In manchen Währungen ist es möglich, Münztuben der nationalen Währung unmittelbar für Euro-Münzen zu verwenden. Dies ist z. B. bei Tuben für DM-Münzen der Fall. In anderen Währungen ist eine Übereinstimmung nur teilweise gegeben. Die Münztuben werden dann so umgebaut bzw. eingebaut, daß einerseits die Annahme von nationalen Münzen möglich ist einschließlich der Ausgabe von Wechselgeld in dieser Währung, andererseits die Annahme von Euro-Münzen, wobei vor dem 1.1.2002 Euro-Münzen noch nicht zur Verfügung stehen sollen.In the money changer according to the invention, at the time of renovation the price block also set the prices in euro currency. Furthermore there is a Allocation of the coin tubes to the euro coins. Eventually, at least two tubes of a three or four tube changer for the Acceptance of euro coins, especially low-value euro coins, installed or set. In some currencies, it is possible to use coin tubes the national currency to be used directly for euro coins. This is e.g. B. the case for tubes for DM coins. In other currencies there was only partial agreement. The coin tubes are then rebuilt or installed so that on the one hand the adoption of national Coins are possible including spending change in this Currency, on the other hand, the acceptance of euro coins, whereby before 1.1.2002 Euro coins should not yet be available.

Vom Umbauzeitpunkt bis zum Stichtag arbeitet mithin der erfindungsgemäße Geldwechsler in üblicher Weise und gibt Wechselgeld in nationaler Währung aus, ist jedoch für die Annahme, Bewertung, Sortierung und Ausgabe von Euro-Münzen bereits vorbereitet. Zum Stichtag, dem Tag der Einführung der Euro-Münzen, muß daher der erfindungsgemäße Geldwechsler für die Annahme von Euro-Münzen bereits zur Verfügung stehen. Dies bedingt jedoch nicht zwangsläufig, daß ein Geldwechsler zu diesem Zeitpunkt auch eine Geldwechselfunktion hat. Bei der Erfindung ist jedoch vorgesehen, daß zu jedem Zeitpunkt nach dem Umbauzeitpunkt die Geldwechselfunktion aufrechterhalten bleibt. From the time of renovation to the key date, the one according to the invention therefore works Money changer in the usual way and gives change in national Currency out, however, is for acceptance, evaluation, sorting and issuing already prepared by euro coins. As of the cut-off date, the day of the introduction the euro coins, the money changer according to the invention must therefore are already available for accepting euro coins. This however, does not necessarily mean that a money changer at that 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.

Am Stichtag oder danach wird die Einsortierung von nationalen Münzen in die Münztuben gesperrt, sie werden jedoch weiterhin zur Kasse angenommen. Der aktuelle Tubenzählwert wird registriert.On or after the cut-off date, national coins are sorted into the coin tubes are blocked, but they are still accepted at the checkout. The current tube count is registered.

Eine mit nationaler Währung leergezahlte Tube wird nach dem Leerstand automatisch mit der entsprechenden Euro-Münze selbstfüllend gefüllt. Die leergemeldete Tube (Leersensor) wird zu irgendeinem Zeitpunkt nach dem Stichtag automatisch mit den vorgegebenen Euro-Münzen gefüllt. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß unter Umständen Münzverklemmungen im Auszahlmechanismus bei gemischter Befüllung vermieden werden.A tube paid for in the national currency will become empty after the vacancy automatically filled with the appropriate euro coin. The empty reported tube (empty sensor) is at any time after the Key date automatically filled with the specified euro coins. this has the advantage that under certain circumstances coin jams in the payout mechanism can be avoided with mixed filling.

Der Geldwechsler arbeitet mithin weiter mit Wechselfunktion, wobei zunächst - solange noch die nationalen Münzen gespeichert sind - noch auf der Basis der nationalen Währung Wechselgeld ausgezahlt wird, entweder in Form von nationalen oder - falls erstere nicht mehr vorhanden - von Euro-Münzen. Die Umschaltung auf Euro-Basis bewirkt, daß für alle Funktionen des Geldwechslers, d. h. Anzeige im Display einschließlich der Preise, Bewertung der eingeworfenen Münzen, Ausgabe des Wechselgeldes usw. nur noch auf Euro-Basis stattfindet. Diese Umschaltung erfolgt entweder automatisch oder manuell und kann erfolgen, wenn eine Münztube für die niedrigwertigste nationale Münze einen vorgegebenen Mindeststand hat oder leer ist oder die für die niedrigwertigste Euro-Münzen vorgesehene Tube von nationalen Münzen geleert ist. Die manuelle Umschaltung ist dann erforderlich, wenn die Automateneinstellung und Geldwechseleinstellung aufeinander abgestellt sein müssen. Preise sind Sache des Automaten und Geldander abgestellt sein müssen. Preise sind Sache des Automaten und Geldverarbeitung ist Sache des Geldwechslers. Mit Hilfe des ohnehin vorhandenen Tubenzählers läßt sich ein vorgegebener Stand in einer Münztube als Auslöser verwenden oder das Leersignal für die Münztube. Bekanntlich haben die Münztuben einen Leerstandssensor, der ein Signal abgibt, wenn keine Münzen mehr in der Tube sind. Dieses Signal kann ebenfalls zur automatischen Umschaltung genommen werden.The changer therefore continues to work with a change function, whereby initially - as long as the national coins are still stored - on change is paid out in either the base of the national currency In the form of national or - if the former no longer exists - euro coins. Switching to euro-based causes all functions the changer, d. H. Display, including prices, Evaluation of the coins inserted, change, etc. only takes place on a euro basis. This switchover takes place either automatically or manually and can be done if a coin tube for the lowest value national coin has a predetermined minimum level or is empty or the tube of for the lowest value euro coins national coins is emptied. Manual switching is then required when the machine setting and money exchange setting on each other must be turned off. Prices are a matter of the machine and money changer must be turned off. Prices are a matter of the machine and money processing is up to the money changer. With the help of the already existing one Tube counter can be a preset level in a coin tube as Use the trigger or the empty signal for the coin tube. generally known the coin tubes have a vacancy sensor that emits a signal when there are no more coins in the tube. This signal can also be used automatic switchover.

Es ist erkennbar, daß der Umschaltzeitpunkt davon abhängt, in welchem Umfang der Geldwechsler nach dem Stichtag benutzt wird. Es ist denkbar, daß bereits am Stichtag, dem Zeitpunkt der Umschaltung auf die Euro-Basis, die Münztube für die niedrigwertigste nationale Münze bereits leer ist, so daß etwa über den Leersensor die Umschaltung initiiert wird. Statt dieses Signals kann auch das Signal derjenigen Tube verwendet werden, in welche die niedrigwertigste Euro-Münze eingespeichert werden soll. Ist diese von nationalen Münzen leer, kann ebenfalls eine automatische Umschaltung veranlaßt werden. Es ist jedoch auch denkbar, eine Umschaltung auf Euro-Basis erst dann vorzunehmen, wenn alle Münztuben für die Annahme nationaler Münzen leer sind. In diesem Fall behält der erfindungsgemäße Geldwechsler ebenfalls seine Wechselfunktion, wobei jedoch zunehmend mit Euro-Münzen Wechselgeld ausgezahlt werden muß, je weniger Münztuben nationale Münzen enthalten. Die Euro-Münzen sind jedoch in die nationale Währung umzurechnen, solange eine Umschaltung auf Euro-Basis noch nicht stattgefunden hat.It can be seen that the switching time depends on which one Scope of money changers used after the cut-off date. It is conceivable that on the cut-off date, the time of switching to the euro base, the coin tube for the lowest value national coin is already empty, see above that the switch is initiated via the empty sensor, for example. Instead of this Signal can also be used the signal of the tube in which the lowest value euro coin is to be saved. Is this from national coins empty, automatic switching can also be initiated become. However, it is also conceivable to switch over to the euro to be carried out only when all coin tubes for the acceptance of national Coins are empty. In this case, the changer according to the invention retains also its changing function, but increasingly with euro coins Change must be paid out, the fewer national coin tubes Coins included. However, the euro coins are in the national currency to be converted as long as a changeover on a euro basis has not yet taken place Has.

Mit der Umschaltung auf Euro-Basis im Währungsblock werden alle Audit-Daten automatisch in einem separaten Speicherbereich fest abgelegt oder im bestehenden Speicherbereich des Mikroprozessors, nachdem sie auf Euro-Basis umgerechnet worden sind. Rundungsfehler bzw. Umrechnungsdifferenzen können in einem separaten Speicher abgelegt werden. Unter Audit-Daten werden bekanntlich solche verstanden, die Aufschluß geben über das Annahme- und Auszahlungsverhalten eines Automaten, wie z. B. Informationen über einzelne Verkaufsvorgänge unter Bezug auf eingeworfene und zurückgezahlte Münzen, Umsatzangaben usw. Sie werden üblicherweise von einem Operator von Zeit zu Zeit aus dem Automaten ausgelesen.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 microprocessor memory area after being euro-based have been converted. Rounding errors or conversion differences can be stored in a separate memory. Under audit data are known to understand those that 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 read from the machine by an operator from time to time.

Der erfindungsgemäße Geldwechsler hat den großen Vorteil, daß für den Geldwechsler ein gleitender Übergang von der nationalen auf die Euro-Währung erfolgt und der Geldwechsler seine Geldwechselfünktion zu keinem Zeitpunkt einstellen muß. Die einzige Besonderheit für den Kunden von Automaten besteht darin, daß er während der Übergangszeit vor dem Umschaltzeitpunkt aber nach dem Stichtag Wechselgeld in Euro erhalten kann, das auf nationale Währung umgerechnet ist und nach dem Umschaltzeitpunkt nationale Münzen, die in Euro-Währung umgerechnet sind, soweit noch in den Münztuben vorhanden. Falls dies überhaupt als Nachteil zu betrachten ist, wäre er als weitaus geringfügiger anzusehen als die zeitweise Sperrung jeglicher Geldwechselfunktion.The changer according to the invention has the great advantage that for the changer a smooth transition from the national to the euro currency and the money changer never functions as a money changer must set. The only specialty for the customer of vending machines is that during the transition period before the changeover time but can receive change in euros after the cut-off date is converted to national currency and after the changeover time national coins converted into euro currency, as far as in the coin tubes available. If this should be considered a disadvantage at all , it would be regarded as much less than the temporary blocking any money exchange function.

Wie schon erwähnt, kann der Umschaltzeitpunkt durch den Leerstand aller Münztuben für nationale Münzen begründet werden oder durch einen vorgegebenen Füllstand in den Tuben. Daher ist der Umschaltzeitpunkt zeitlich nicht klar festlegbar.As already mentioned, the changeover time can be caused by the vacancy of all Coin tubes are established for national coins or by a given one Level in the tubes. Therefore, the changeover time is timed not clearly definable.

Nach dem Leerstand mindestens einer Münze können Euro-Münzen, soweit verfügbar, in die entsprechenden Tuben einsortiert werden. Die Euro-Münzen können mit einem separaten Tubenzähler gezählt und ihre Anzahl im Mikroprozessor gespeichert werden. Auf einen zweiten Tubenzähler kann jedoch verzichtet werden, wenn alte und neue Währung abhängig vom Umrechnungskurs annähernd gleiche Währungswerte haben. After the vacancy of at least one coin, euro coins can be used as far as available, sorted into the corresponding tubes. The euro coins can be counted with a separate tube counter and their number in Microprocessor can be saved. Can on a second tube counter however, be waived if old and new currencies depend on Exchange rate have approximately the same currency values.

Es ist denkbar, am Stichtag (1.1.2002) mit Hilfe eines Operators die entsprechenden Umschaltungen im Automaten vornehmen zu lassen. Dies ist jedoch bei einer großen Anzahl von Automaten an einem Tag kaum durchführbar, zumindest sehr aufwendig. Es ist daher vorzuziehen, wenn die entsprechenden Funktionsänderungen im Automaten automatisch ablaufen, entweder gesteuert durch einen Zeitgeber oder einen Datumsgeber, der am Stichtag ein entsprechendes Umschaltsignal erzeugt. Alternativ wird mit Hilfe eines Ereignisses, das z. B. durch das erste Auftauchen einer Euro-Münze definiert ist oder das erste Auftauchen einer Mehrzahl von Euro-Münzen bzw. einer bestimmten Kombination von Euro-Münzen ein Umschaltsignal erzeugt. In letzteren Fall findet die Funktionsänderung, die am Stichtag vorzunehmen ist, nicht zu einem exakten Zeitpunkt statt, sondern ereignisabhängig.It is conceivable to use the operator on the key date (1.1.2002) with the help of an operator Have switchings made in the machine. However, this is with a large number of machines hardly feasible in one day, at least very complex. It is therefore preferable if the appropriate Functional changes in the machine run automatically, either controlled by a timer or a date that entered on the key date corresponding switching signal generated. Alternatively, using a Event, e.g. B. defined by the first appearance of a euro coin is or the first appearance of a plurality of euro coins or one certain combination of euro coins generates a switching signal. In in the latter case, the change in function takes place on the key date is not taking place at an exact point in time, but depending on the event.

Claims (3)

  1. A money changer for coin-operated machines 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 validator,
    three or four coin tubes to receive coins of different denominations,
    a disbursing 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 validator and corresponding to the coins,
    a classification control block to address the classifying apparatus, which directs coins of a predetermined denomination to predetermined tubes and directs the remaining coins to a cash-box,
    a price block, if desired, in which the denomination of the inserted coins is compared to a preset price,
    a disbursement control block which addresses the disbursing 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 reference 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 reference currency in the evaluation device, and
    is further 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 program contained in the classification block is designed in such a way that the classifying apparatus directs the national coin into the cash-box at the due date or thereafter and releases the classification of Euro coins in the at least two coin tubes as soon as an appropriate empty-state detector signals that one of the at least two coin tubes is emptied of national coins where the change-overs at the due date date or thereafter being released manually or by a timer or data clock 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 due date or thereafter (the change-over day) if a coin tube for a national coin has a predetermined minimal level or is empty or if a coin tube destined for an Euro coin has been emptied of national coins.
  3. The money changer according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the microprocessor has a separate storage area to firmly file all audit dates automatically during the change-over at the change-over day.
EP00113747A 1998-12-14 1999-07-23 Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for the transition from a national currency to the Euro Expired - Lifetime EP1037177B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19857500 1998-12-14
DE19857500A DE19857500C1 (en) 1998-12-14 1998-12-14 Money changing machine for national currency, applies conversion into Euro currency using microprocessor system
EP99114485A EP1014315B1 (en) 1998-12-14 1999-07-23 Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for receiving a national currency and the Euro

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99114485.8 Division 1999-07-23

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1037177A2 EP1037177A2 (en) 2000-09-20
EP1037177A3 EP1037177A3 (en) 2001-06-27
EP1037177B1 true EP1037177B1 (en) 2002-06-05

Family

ID=7890952

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99114485A Expired - Lifetime EP1014315B1 (en) 1998-12-14 1999-07-23 Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for receiving a national currency and the Euro
EP00113747A Expired - Lifetime EP1037177B1 (en) 1998-12-14 1999-07-23 Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for the transition from a national currency to the Euro

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99114485A Expired - Lifetime EP1014315B1 (en) 1998-12-14 1999-07-23 Money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine for receiving a national currency and the Euro

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1014315B1 (en)
AT (2) ATE218730T1 (en)
DE (3) DE19857500C1 (en)
ES (2) ES2168825T3 (en)
PT (2) PT1037177E (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2144567A (en) * 1983-08-02 1985-03-06 Maygay Machine Limited Gaming machines
DE3513957A1 (en) * 1985-04-18 1986-10-30 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Coin telephone
US4682288A (en) * 1986-08-21 1987-07-21 Brandt, Inc. Electronic control for totaling denominations of several countries
DE3834020A1 (en) * 1987-12-17 1989-06-29 Bergmann & Co Th Coin-operated gaming machine and method for sorting and dispensing the coinage located in it as well as arrangement for carrying out the method
DE69531120T2 (en) * 1994-09-16 2004-05-13 Mars, Inc. Method and device for automatic multi-currency transactions
DE19545417C2 (en) * 1995-12-06 2001-08-16 Nat Rejectors Gmbh Vending machine for accepting coins of different currencies
GB2309570B (en) * 1996-01-25 1999-12-08 Jan Robert Coyle Selective coin and game slot machine
DE19624796A1 (en) * 1996-06-21 1998-01-02 Bally Wulff Automaten Gmbh Money value conversion system for coin-operated vending or amusement machine
GB2326963B (en) * 1997-07-02 2000-08-16 Mars Inc Method of operating a money-handling mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE218730T1 (en) 2002-06-15
DE19857500C1 (en) 2000-05-11
EP1037177A3 (en) 2001-06-27
EP1014315A1 (en) 2000-06-28
ATE211843T1 (en) 2002-01-15
PT1014315E (en) 2002-06-28
ES2174788T3 (en) 2002-11-16
DE59901614D1 (en) 2002-07-11
EP1037177A2 (en) 2000-09-20
EP1014315B1 (en) 2002-01-09
PT1037177E (en) 2002-11-29
DE59900738D1 (en) 2002-02-28
ES2168825T3 (en) 2002-06-16

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