FR2679680A1 - Dispenser of rented objects with electronic charging meter - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispenser of objects to be hired with charging meter, especially for snooker balls, characterised by an electronic device with microcontroller and by the software which drives it: The box (1) acts as receptacle for the rented objects. The objects are accessible after opening a door (4) which can be shut by a lock (5). The opening of the door (4) triggers a charge proportional to the time of use. The closing of this door and the presence of all the hired objects, halts the charge. The hourly rate and cost of rental are displayed respectively on digital displays (2) and (3). The charge parameters can be modified from an external control box (6), or from the computerised communication interface inside the box.

Description

DISTRIBUTOR OF RENTAL OBJECTS
WITH ELECTRONIC TAX COUNTER
The present invention relates to a receptacle device for various objects, in particular blllard balls (1), intended for rental. This device displays the current tariff and the cost of the. rental
The management of electrical information and the calculation of the tariff parameters are carried out by an electronic card (28j based on microcontroller (ii) and associated peripheral components.

The program which controls this device is saved in an erasable read only memory (eprom) (13)
Similar devices in the field of French billiards, of entirely mechanical design present the following technical problems - the energy source being a spring; it is essential to tighten this spring with a winding key to ensure its functioning - a mechanical counter displays the cost of the rental.

- the hourly rate setting requires a modification of the mechanical system, therefore the intervention of a technician on the operating site or the shipment of equipment to the manufacturer's workshops - taxation stops when the door is closed , without
verification of the presence of ALL the balls - the mechanical movements generate an audible clicking.

These problems can be solved in that the invention is characterized by a means (A) for managing and processing information.
electric by a programmable unit supplied with
energy by the sector or by a set of batteries Or
accumulators.

- a means {B) for modifying the tariff parameters;
time stamps and system from a device
outside the distributor.

- a means (C) for consulting the tariff parameters;
time stamps and system from an external device - means for (D) connecting and establishing a
communication on a computer network means (E) for detecting the presence of all
objects in the receptacle at the end of the rental;
once the door is closed, and stop charging.

- a means (F) for saving parameters in the event of
disappearance of energy
This device is composed of - a mechanical box (1,4,30,39,42) carrying out the
main functions of receptacle for objects
rent and support electronic cards
printed.

- a printed card (28) equipped for the unit
programmable processing.

- a printed card (38) equipped for the detection of
closing the door (4) and detecting
presence of objects to rent - an external control unit (6) to modify the
parameters of the device a printed card (29) equipped for the display (2,3)
parameters @
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Mechanical housing:
A main frame (1) on which are fixed:
* a receptacle box (30) for rental objects (31).

especially for :
- French billiards: balls of diameter 61
millimeters
- pool table 16 balls of diameter 57
millimeters.

- American snocker 21 balls of diameter 54
millimeters.

- English snooker 21 balls in diameter
millimeters.

- various rental applications
Plate N 3/3 shows the example of a box
intended for the distribution and rental of s balls
61 millimeters.

In the context of another application; dimensions and
shape of the cabinet and the bSti are variable in
function of the number and dimensions of objects a
to rent; thus creating variants of this device.

8 A transparent door (4), which supports the lock
(5) and thus condemns access to objects in
not used.

This lock (5) together with the receptacle box
(30) has the particularity of not requiring a cie
when the door is opened. The closure of the
door is obtained by pressing it against the
box; the lock pen being designed with a
Slot
A variant of the opening / closing mode consists
when using a lock requiring a key
for opening and closing the door (pen
vertical flat).

The machining of the receptacle box (30) provides
the implementation of the two types of locks
previously described.

The door (4) is mounted on a hinge (7-ff. '.)
itself linked to the receptacle box (30) by 2 screws
(34.35). The screw (35) fd supports a lever (32) which
actuates a micro-contact (36) soldered on the card
printed (38) for detecting the presence of objects.

This microswitch indicates the position of the door
(contact open = door open). It is, moreover;
inaccessible from the outside by the user.

 g a bottom of the shoemaker (39).

2 fixing holes (40) allow
fast attachment / detachment of the device to a
vertical wall.

In addition; 1 central hole (41) ensures
final fixation.

8 a cover (42) fitted with 2 quarter-turn screws (42 ')
allows quick access for intervention in the
housing (changing batteries or connecting the
mains power cord; memory replacement
dead to integrate a new version
operating; wired network connection
computer science).

Programmable processing unit card
The printed card (28) is equipped with a microcontroller of CMOS technology, comprising several inputs / outputs, which manages all the electrical information associated with it from software specific to the application; stored in an erasable EPROM memory e
The microcontroller (li) is clocked by a clock stabilized in frequency by a quartz (25). A variant consists in using a ceramic resonator whose stability is less; but sufficient; and whose cost is also lower.

A double binary address decoder t among 4 (12) linked to the microcontroller (11) activates the memories (13,14) as well as a display interface (17).

 ne extension of this device consists in replacing the microcontroller (11) by a microprocessor and the peripherals with equivalent functions.

A combination of astable and monostable logic circuits perform a hardware "watchdog" function (19). This means that if for some reason the microcontroller no longer respects the cycle of instructions provided in the memory (13) in this case the cyclic inhibition of the watchdog; this process reinitializes the device by forcing the microcontroller (11) to reset. It thus ensures a correct restart of the device.

All charging data; as well as those useful for initializing the device at power-up are saved in an electrically writable and erasable memory EEPROM (14). A variant of this backup device consists in replacing the EEPROM memory (14) by a dynamic memory supplied by battery.

These data are saved as soon as the supply voltage common to all components drops below a critical value
The detection of this critical value is carried out by a specific configurable component (18) connected to a hardware interrupt port of the microcontroller (11) which causes a software interrupt whose processing routine consists in writing the data to be saved in the memory electrically writable and erasable (14) addressed by the decoder (12), while the capacity (Cl) takes over from the energy source.

Communication on a computer network is carried out through a microcontroller port provided for this purpose and a serial link interface of the RS422 type; RS485 (16).

This connection is established in a differential electrical mode and thus allows a multi-point architecture from a two-wire connection.

The connection to the computer network is made by the connecteudr (21), inaccessible to the current user, directly connected to the interface (16).

A computer system connected to this network can thus collect or modify tariff data; time stamps and dispenser system connected.

An NPN transistor with open collector (15) is activated by the microcontroller for the duration of the rental. This information, available on the computer communication connector (21) can be used by an external device.

A combination of NOR type logic gates; with the outputs of the decoder (12) and of the ports of the microcontroller configured as outputs constitute the interface (17) necessary for the display card of the tariff data; time stamped or system. The electrical signals of these components are routed on a single connector (22) for the operation of two displays (2; 7).

The energy supply of all components is provided in 2 modes:
* from the sector, after rectification, filtering,
regulation and stabilization (20) .The sector is
galvanically isolated by a transformer. The
mains connection is made by a connector
(23) inaccessible to the current user.

g from a set of batteries or accumulators
in series and / or put in parallel in a shoemaker
(45) connected directly to the card (28) by a
pair of electric wires
External control box (6):
The means for modifying the parameters consists of a control unit (6) external to the distributor; bound
to the microcontroller (11) by a transmission medium (X) by means of an interface (Y) adapted to the mode of transmission of the electrical information, said control unit comprising several push buttons (8,9,10) whose actuations are processed by memory software (13).

A solution described below, in particular for a billiard ball dispenser, consists in using a wired transmission support (X).

Variants of the transmission medium (X) and of the adapted interface (Y) exist in other forms such as the use of transmitters in the control unit (6) associated with the control buttons (8,9, 10) and receivers (Y) of the 5 hertz infrared type; magnetic or capacitive
The push buttons (8,9,10) are wired on a printed circuit board to which is also connected one end of a multi-strand cord (X) provided at the other end with a multi-pin connector (7-1), The buttons pushers and the associated printed circuit (46) are integrated in a mechanical housing (6) machined to directly access the pushbuttons
Once the cord is connected to the base (7-2) of the programmable processing unit card (28), the push buttons (8,9,10) of the control box (6) are directly connected to a port of microcontroller input The adaptation interface (Y) is then made up of passive components to ensure electrical polarization
These buttons allow the modification of the tariff parameters displayed on the display card.
g the incrementation (9) or the decrementation (8) of
hourly rates or support.

g the selection or consultation (10) of a tariff 1
among 4
g resetting (8 + 9 at the same time) the
revenue totalizer.

Display card (29):
According to the invention, this printed card comprises two displays (2, 3), in particular with liquid crystals. A variant consists in equipping this card with segmented displays of light-emitting diodes.

A johnson counter (26) combined with 8 BCD decoders / seven segments (27) constitute an original multiplexed display system from an electric bus, coming from the interface (17), defined by the following signals
* the data to be displayed is coded on 4 bit and
permanently present on the entrances of
decoders (27).

* a rectangular clock signal is essential
for liquid crystal displays.

* the presence of a rising edge logic signal
during the presence in the low state of a sifgnal
inhibition causes a shift on the outputs
of the johnson counter (26).

The succession of orders identical to this one
thus validates the data to be displayed on each
decoder, so on each digit of the displays
(2,3).

This bus is a combination of a data port of the microcontroller (11) and the address decoder (12).

Door closing detection and detection card (38) for the presence of rented objects
The way to detect this presence is to
use sensors adapted to the physical characteristics of the objects to be rented.

especially for billiard balls; one solution consists in equipping the card (38) with lever micro-contacts (37) (1 per ball). The weight of the ball is enough to activate the lever of the associated micro-contact.

The detection of the closing of the door is also carried out by a lever microswitch (36) actuated by a lever (32) integral with the hinge (33) of the door (4) by means of the screw (75 ).

All microswitches are mounted in parallel.

The state of the microswitches (36,37), restored through the connector (44); is analyzed by an input port of the microcontroller (11).

 a variant solution for detecting the presence of objects consists in using sensors such as strain gauges, optical sensors; capacitive or magnetic.

your present invention can be made by a person skilled in the art who will adapt it to a specific application that meets the operating and technical criteria taught in this description.

MODES OF OPERATION OF THE DEVICE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION; IN PARTICULAR FOR BILLIARD BALLS
These operating modes clearly define the functional analysis of the software integrated in the
MEMORY (13)
Client operating mode
Initially the hourly rate in force is displayed on the display (3), the cost of the last use on the display (2); the door (4) is closed and the balls are in their respective places; the control unit (6) disconnected
When the door opens, the amount of the charge (fixed rate for each rental) is displayed on the display (2), a software stopwatch is started, the cost is displayed on the display (2 ) and calculated according to the real time of use and the amount of support
When the door (4) closes; provided that all the logs are present, taxation stops, a software totalizer, the amount of which is not visible to the customer, is increased by the tax displayed on (2).

The control unit (6) is inoperative during the rental; even if it is connected.

Responsible operator mode
The person responsible for the device is alone authorized to modify the tariff parameters. To do this, he connects a so-called "responsible" control box (6) equipped with three push buttons (8,9,10) on the base (7-2) of the device.

The presence of the responsible operator is detected by a polarity applied to a terminal on the base (7-2) of the introduction of the connector (7-1) of the control unit. Immediately, the amount of the totalizer of receipts from the last reset is displayed on the display (2), and on the display (3) the current hourly rate preceded by its serial number.

By pressing the button (14) the operator scrolls through the 4 hourly tariffs preceded by their order number. The fifth tariff corresponds to the amount of the charge but is not preceded by a serial number in order to distinguish hourly tariffs. A variant consists of pre-registering more or less than 4 tariffs; this can be done by modifying a software parameter.

By pressing the button (8) the displayed price is decremented in steps of 1 unit (in France I unit = t franc
By pressing the button (9) the displayed price is incremented in steps of t unit (in France L unit = .t francs.

By simultaneously pressing the buttons (8) and (9) for a period longer than 2 seconds the totalizer is reset. The combination of the 2 buttons for a fixed period avoids a false maneuver, the reset must be a deliberate operation .

The disconnection of the control box causes the memorization of the new tariff values. The new hourly rate in force will be the one which was displayed before the disconnection of the control unit. new tariff in force will be the one with the same serial number as the one preceding the connection of the control box.

Operator operator mode:
In this mode, the operator uses an "operator" control unit identical to that of "manager" (6) but fitted with only the push button (10)
By pressing this button, the operator can scroll through the hourly rates recorded on the display (3) and choose one from among them. This is the only operation possible with this type of box.

The display (2) will not be affected during this operation and will therefore display the cost of the last rental. The new rate in force will be the one that was displayed before the disconnection of the control box.

Claims (2)

CLAIMS li Device for distributing rental objects electronic tax counter of the type comprising a receptacle for rental objects (30), in particular billiard balls; accessible by a lockable door (4), a display of the tariff elements (2,3) (hourly tariff; cost of the hiring; amount of the fixed price in charge totaling of the receipts); characterized in that it comprises - a means for managing and processing electrical information by a programmable unit. - a means to modify the tariff parameters; time stamps and system from a device external to the distributor. a means for consulting the tariff parameters; time stamps and system means for connecting and establishing communication over a computer network. - a means for detecting the presence of all the objects in the receptacle at the end of the rental; once the door is closed; and stop taxation. - a means to save parameters in the event of loss of energy. 2)) Device according to claim I characterized in that the means for managing and processing electrical information by a programmable unit consists of a microcontroller ç X comprising several inputs / outputs, clocked by a quartz (25) and an implanted software in a read only memory (13) to manage all of its accesses; an address decoder (12) connecting the microcontroller to the memories (13,14) and to a display interface (17), a "watchdog" device (19) ensuring good initialization of the microcontroller, a stabilized power supply (2C)) if the energy used is the sector, failing a set of batteries or accumulators (45). 3) Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the means for modifying the parameters consists of a control unit (6) external to the distributor; connected to the microcontroller (11) by a transmission medium CX) by means of an interface (Y) adapted to the mode of transmission of the electrical information; said control unit comprising several push buttons (8, 9, 10) whose actuations are processed by the memory software (13) 4) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for consulting the parameters; consisting of a display card (29) f comprising displays (2,3), a Johnson counter (26) combined with 8 BCD / seven segment decoders (27 indexed from 9 to 8); represents an original multiplexed display system from a bus; electrical from the interface (17) connected to the microcontroller (11) and defined by the following signals: the data to be displayed are coded on four bits and permanently present on the inputs of the decoders (27). g a rectangular clock signal is essential for displays; especially liquid crystal. g the presence of a logic signal with a rising edge during the presence in the low state of an inhibition signal causes a shift on the outputs of the Johnson counter (26). The succession of commands identical to this one thus validates the data to be displayed on each decoder; therefore on each digit of the displays (2,3). 5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for connecting and establishing communication on a computer network consists of a connector (21) for the external connection of a component specific to the serial transmission mode (16) connected the communication port integrated in the microcontroller (11).  67 Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means por detecting the presence of all the objects in the receptacle at the end of the rental consists of a card (38) equipped with several sensors adapted to the physical characteristics of said objects; in particular lever micro-contacts (1 contact under each rented object and a contact actuated by a lever (32) for the door (4)) mounted in parallel, connected to an input port of the microcontroller (11) through a connector (44). 7) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for saving parameters in the event of loss of energy consists of a critical voltage threshold detector (18) connected to a hardware interrupt port of the microcontroller ( ii) which will cause a software interruption, the processing routine of which consists in writing the data saved in the electrically writable and erasable memory (14) addressed by the decoder (12), while the tank capacity fCt) ensures the relay of the source d energy gone.