EP2230645B1 - Device and method for detecting the amount of coins in a tank - Google Patents

Device and method for detecting the amount of coins in a tank Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2230645B1
EP2230645B1 EP10002696.2A EP10002696A EP2230645B1 EP 2230645 B1 EP2230645 B1 EP 2230645B1 EP 10002696 A EP10002696 A EP 10002696A EP 2230645 B1 EP2230645 B1 EP 2230645B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coins
tank
magnetic
inductor
magnetic losses
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.)
Active
Application number
EP10002696.2A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2230645A1 (en
Inventor
Alberto Malaguti
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Coges SpA
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Coges SpA
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Priority to PL10002696T priority Critical patent/PL2230645T3/pl
Publication of EP2230645A1 publication Critical patent/EP2230645A1/en
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Publication of EP2230645B1 publication Critical patent/EP2230645B1/en
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    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention is applicable to the field of coin handling devices inserted in coin, food, beverages or similar distributors, and in all devices that can receive and/or dispense coins.
  • this invention relates to a devices suitable to detect and count the coins in one or more tanks belonging to a coin handling device.
  • the coin handling device i.e. a device that receive coins for payment and/or dispense coins as change for a payment or in exchange for paper money.
  • this coin handling device is increasingly being largely used automated devices that contain them.
  • Another example in this sense it is their use for payment for products provided by vending machines or service machines such as payments of motorways, parking vehicles, etc..
  • the coin handling devices generally include an opening for the insertion of coins, one or more tanks for the inserted coins and electronic circuits to control the coin handling device in terms of identifying and counting the inserted coins.
  • the coin handling device should also provide money, it will be provided with more tanks, one for each type of currency accepted.
  • the electronic circuits are also coupled to mechanical means which, after recognition of the inserted coins, it will route them in a corresponding tank.
  • the storing of the number of counted inserted/dispensed coins allow not only to display the amount received and/or dispensed, but also to verify the amount of money contained in the coin handling device.
  • the coin handling devices described have some drawbacks one of which is the insertion or the extraction of coins from the device in the off state and directly from the tanks by an operator or as a result of a theft.
  • a first category of coin handling devices use optical sensors that detect the level of coins in each tank. These sensors, however, return a crude measure because generally limited to detect the passing of predetermined threshold levels, typically located round 10%, 50% and 90% of maximum capacity of the tanks. Moreover, optical sensors require constant cleaning and often have a cumbersome wiring.
  • the document DE 38 02 121 describes a device in that at first the inductor is powered to generate the magnetic field that impinge the coins, then the power is turned off. This makes it possible to measure the magnetic field induced on the coins which is directly dependent on the number of coins. This solution, besides being expensive, is really complicated. The induced magnetic field is indeed very limited and dissolves quickly so it need an evolved and very accurate measurement circuit. Otherwise, the measure may not be possible or to be affected by a significant error.
  • One general object of the present invention is to create a device for measuring the number of coins in a coin handling device which can overcome the drawbacks of the known coin handling devices.
  • a specific object of the invention is to create a device for measuring the number of coins in a coin handling device that provides an indication as accurate as possible of the number of coins in each tank.
  • Another object to be reached is that the proposed device allow to perform an accurate counting of the coins stored in each tank and to detect and report failures or malfunctions caused by mechanical problems on dispensing coins or determined by get stuck of coins in the tanks.
  • Last but not least object is to provide a device for measuring the number of coins in a coin handling device that is simpler and less expensive than the equivalent known coin handling devices.
  • the coin handling device may include at least one substantially tubular tank for storing, loading and dispensing coins.
  • emitter means of a magnetic field including at least one inductor arranged peripherally to the tank and powered to generate a magnetic field capable of impinging the coins.
  • the device may also comprise detector means, for detect magnetic losses in the magnetic field due to the coins presents in the tank, and calculating means operatively connected to the detector means to determine the number of coins in the tank as a function of the magnetic losses caused by them.
  • the emitter means may include at least one partition circuit composed of at least two passive elements, one of which is the inductor, while the detector means may include at least one voltage measuring circuit connected to the ends of the inductor to measure the electrical potential difference during the power supply of the inductor so detecting the magnetic losses caused by the coins.
  • one aspect of the invention is to use the measurement of electromagnetic losses caused by the coins in a field that impinges them in order to determine their number.
  • the prior art teaches to measure the electromagnetic charge of the coins, charge measured after switching off the magnetic field that induces said charge.
  • the proposed device measure the interference caused by coins to the magnetic field during its life.
  • the measurement of magnetic losses is easier and more precise than the measure of a field of limited value and especially having a very short life.
  • the measure contextual to the power supply can also limit the time thereof. All this features helps to get a device whose electronic circuits are particularly simple and inexpensive compared to equivalent known devices.
  • the previous object are then joined also by a method of measuring the number of coins in at least one tank of a coin handling device, or of a similar system, comprising the following steps:
  • the predetermined value of magnetic losses is obtained during a calibration step.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 they are illustrated a coin handling device G, containing a device 1 for detecting the number of coins presents in at least one substantially tubular tank 2, and the circuit diagram of the electronic control circuits 3 of that device 1.
  • the coin handling device G there are an insertion area I of coins and a control unit C generally provided with a display D on which are displayed information about coins and the total amount inserted and, where appropriate, information about the coins and the total amount to be dispensed.
  • the coin handling device G comprises pipes for the passage of coins from the insertion area I to the tanks 2.
  • the coin handling device G generally comprises identification means of the coins inserted, usually but not necessarily, of electromagnetic type as known by many devices of the prior art, and sorting means to direct the identified coins to the correspondent tank 2.
  • the device 1 for detecting the number of coins present in the tanks 2 comprises emitter means 4 for generating a magnetic field capable of impinges the coins contained in each tank 2.
  • the emitter means 4 comprise at least one inductor 5, generally consisting in a coil as can be seen in FIG. 3 , arranged peripherally to each tank 2 and electrically powered by an AC generator 6.
  • the magnetic field generated causes the induction, on the coins which it impinges, of parasitic currents, also named Foucault's currents, which determine magnetic losses on the magnetic field.
  • the magnetic losses increase with the number of coins according to a substantially linear progression.
  • the linearity of this progression is very important since it will allow to detect the number of coins presents in each tank 2.
  • the AC generator 6 comprises a sinusoidal generator closed by a resistor 7 on an inductive load consists of the inductor 5 arranged around a corresponding tank 2.
  • the current generated by the generator 6 flows on a partition circuit made by the resistor 7 and the inductor 5 , the latter being, as mentioned, a load with its own impedance.
  • the magnetic losses of the inductor 5 have a minimum value due to parasitic resistance of the inductor 5 and to the magnetic losses of any real and not ideal magnetic field. Consequently, the load impedance offered by the inductor 5 have a maximum value. This translates into a maximum value of the electric potential difference presents at the ends of the inductor 5.
  • the voltage value measurable at the ends of the inductor 5 is inversely proportional to the number of coins introduced in the tanks 2. This result, to be easily used, must be as linear as possible.
  • the inductor 5 will be fed by a generator 6 which approximates as better as possible a "constant current generator".
  • this condition is approximated by placing in series with the generator 6, that is a constant voltage generator, the resistor 7 dimensioned to cause a high voltage drop. This is achieved by ensuring that its value is comparable with the impedance load provided by the inductor 5.
  • any technician of that field certainly understand the importance that have the choice of the oscillation frequency of the alternating current for the linearity mentioned above.
  • it belongs to a frequency range dependent on the inductance value of the inductor 5.
  • the range frequency is related exclusively to construction parameters of the inductor 5 and it is therefore advantageously determined during the assembling and calibration steps of the device 1 and it will not change during its use. This allows to ensure accuracy in detecting the number of coins in each tank 2.
  • the capacitive effect becomes dominant which means that the generated magnetic field suffers a significant influence by external factors such as, for example, the other tanks, the case of the coin handling device, the body of the distributor device that contains the coin handling device, and any other metallic element or magnetic field nearby.
  • the device 1 comprises detector means 8 to detect of the magnetic losses, and calculation means 9, operatively connected to the detector means 8, to determine the number of coins stored in each tank 2 as a function of the magnetic losses detected.
  • the detector means 8 include at least one measurement circuit 10 of the electric potential difference at the ends of the inductor 5.
  • This measurement circuit 10 is generally connected to the calculation means 9.
  • these latter comprise at least one programmable logical unit 12.
  • the calculations are particularly simple to perform, it is also obvious that this embodiment can provide additional processing and functionality steps.
  • an A/D converter 13 preferably, but not necessarily, built-in the programmable logical unit 12.
  • this A/D converter 13 can correctly convert only voltage value within a predetermined range, it is generally appropriate, although not necessary, connect an amplifier circuit 14 between the measurement circuit 10 and the A/D converter 13.
  • This amplifier circuit 14 allows to adjust, advantageously, the voltage value detected at the ends of the inductor 5 to the interval of the acceptable voltage values of the A/D converter 13.
  • programmable logical unit 12 comprises a microprocessor powered with 5 V.
  • the A/D converter 13 properly converts electrical signals with a voltage not exceeding 5 V. Consequently, the amplifier 14 is designed to bring the maximum detectable voltage value at the ends of the inductor 5, corresponding to an empty tank 2, at a value close to 5 V. However, having to take into account the tolerances of all components of the electronic circuit, generally it is chosen to reduce by 10% the maximum voltage value, which means that the amplifier 14 is designed to bring the maximum value of detected voltage value to a value close to 4.5 V.
  • the amplification value of the amplifier is adjustable during the testing and calibration steps of the device of the invention.
  • the amplifier could be controlled by the programmable logical unit that will vary the amplification bringing the output signal of the amplifier close to 5 V in the absence of coins in each tank. It is enhanced, therefore, the use of the A/D converter allowing to obtain an optimal detection accuracy without the use of high precision electronic components.
  • the programmable logical units 12 may also allow a process of linearisation of the system, if they were known the deviations from the ideal behaviour of the device 1, information that can be acquired during the initial calibration step. Equipping the microcontroller by a temperature sensor it will be possible also to correct any drifts due to temperature changes.
  • a possible embodiment consists on the use a gate 15 of the programmable logical unit 12. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 4 , the gate 15 is controlled by at least one timer element comprised in the programmable logical unit 12 so as to allow the output from said gate 15 of an electrical signal square shaped and with a desired frequency.
  • the gate 15 is controlled by at least one timer element comprised in the programmable logical unit 12 so as to allow the output from said gate 15 of an electrical signal square shaped and with a desired frequency.
  • the timer element can be an external element to the programmable logical unit.
  • the voltage value of the sinusoidal electrical signal is typically equal to 3 V RMS, which is about 8 V peak to peak. It binds to the circuit because said voltage value, if it were detected at the ends of the inductor 5, at the output of the measurement circuit 10 become an electrical signal having a maximum voltage value about 5 V.
  • object of the invention is also a method for measuring the number of coins in at least one tank 2 of a coin handling device G or a similar device.
  • This method comprises a first step of generating and emitting a magnetic field which impinges the tank 2 so that the coins stored in it cause magnetic losses in the magnetic field.
  • the reasons for the magnetic losses has been extensively described previously and is therefore not repeated.
  • step there is the measuring step of the magnetic losses to which it follow the calculation of the number of coins stored obtained by subtracting the present value of magnetic losses measured, to the value of magnetic losses in absence of coins and dividing that difference by a predetermined value of magnetic losses generated by the presence of one coin in the tank 2.
  • a calibration step to fix that predetermined value of magnetic losses and the value of magnetic losses with the tank 2 empty.
  • the calibration step comprises at least the following steps:
  • the electronic circuits described, and essential for the device 1 may be included in the control unit C of the coin handling device G. However, it is also possible that all the electronics control and calculation circuits essential for the device 1 are displaced inside it. In this case, the device 1 is independent form the coin handling device G and it will be compatible with any similar device.
  • the calculation of the number of coins found in one or more tanks 2 does not return an integer number at least for certain numbers of coins.
  • the calibration step is performed preferably, but not necessarily, when the calculated number of coins is not an integer.
  • the programmable logical unit 12 stores the value for scaling the measurement and obtain an integer number and applies it for all the voltage value equal or less thereof, that is for a number of coins equal to or greater than that for which it was necessary the scaling step.
  • This calibration step can then be performed for additional calculated numbers of coins. This means that with the increase of the number of coins in each tank 2, the programmable logical unit 12 may need to take into account additional successive scaling steps.
  • the wired connection can be constituted by only two power supply connections using the same for the transmission of data and control signals. To do so it could be used, for example, the conveyed waves transmitting signals technique.
  • the above link in order to avoid the presence of connecting cables or electro-mechanical contacts between the device 1 and the coin handling device G, that are complex to realize and manage during the maintenance, the above link can be made with the wireless technique. Some possibilities, in this direction, are made by optical or magnetic links.
  • the latter are really effective. They are made by an unidirectional or bidirectional transmission of signals between a first metal magnetic pole of the coin handling device G and a second metal magnetic pole of the device 1 of the invention.
  • the coin handling device G comprises pipes for transport the coins from the insertion zone I of the tanks 2 in correspondence of which there are identification means of the coins inserted, usually but not necessarily of the electromagnetic type.
  • These identification means may be used to count coins and store the inserted or dispensed coin number in the coin handling device G. This means allow not only to indicate the amount received or supplied, but also to further verify the number of coins stored in the coin handling device G.
  • this additional control allows to determine whether there will be unauthorized withdrawals of coins from the tanks 2, especially in power off instants of the device 1. Besides that, a real-time detection of the number of coins presents on the pipes allow to verify whether there are changes in the number of coins presents in the tanks 2 at the power on of the coin handling device G.
  • the proposed device fulfil all the intended objects and, particularly, overcome the drawbacks of the prior art being accurate during time.
  • the device of the invention also allows to detect and report failures or malfunctions thereof caused by mechanical errors or coin supplying error also due to a coin block in the tanks.
  • the device of the invention is susceptible of a number of changes and variants, within the inventive principle disclosed in the appended claims. All the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different depending on different needs.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Testing Of Coins (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
EP10002696.2A 2009-03-16 2010-03-15 Device and method for detecting the amount of coins in a tank Active EP2230645B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL10002696T PL2230645T3 (pl) 2009-03-16 2010-03-15 Urządzenie i sposób do wykrywania ilości monet w pojemniku

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVI2009A000058A IT1393468B1 (it) 2009-03-16 2009-03-16 Dispositivo e metodo per la rilevazione della quantita' di monete in un serbatoio

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2230645A1 EP2230645A1 (en) 2010-09-22
EP2230645B1 true EP2230645B1 (en) 2013-04-10

Family

ID=41314596

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10002696.2A Active EP2230645B1 (en) 2009-03-16 2010-03-15 Device and method for detecting the amount of coins in a tank

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2230645B1 (pt)
ES (1) ES2418488T3 (pt)
IT (1) IT1393468B1 (pt)
PL (1) PL2230645T3 (pt)
PT (1) PT2230645E (pt)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2960873A1 (en) * 2014-06-24 2015-12-30 International Currency Technologies Corporation In-coin passage coin sensing system
CN107123189A (zh) * 2017-06-06 2017-09-01 南京宝坚电子科技有限公司 一种声波异面测数装置及基于该装置的测数方法
SG10201808711XA (en) * 2018-10-02 2020-05-28 Genting International Gaming & Resort Tech Pte Ltd Chip processing self-service kiosk

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3802121C2 (de) * 1988-01-26 1996-11-28 Nsm Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung der Höhe eines Münzstapels in einem Münzrohr
DE9218929U1 (de) * 1992-04-13 1996-05-02 Nsm Ag Münzstapelrohr
US6267662B1 (en) * 1999-04-13 2001-07-31 Mars Incorporated Measuring a stack of coins in a coin handling device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2418488T3 (es) 2013-08-14
ITVI20090058A1 (it) 2010-09-17
PL2230645T3 (pl) 2013-11-29
EP2230645A1 (en) 2010-09-22
IT1393468B1 (it) 2012-04-20
PT2230645E (pt) 2013-07-12

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