JPS60153589A - Substitute currency and substitute currency handler - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The present invention relates to substitute money and a substitute money handling device.

The present invention particularly, but not exclusively, relates to vending machines, game machines, play machines, payment telephones, and change dispensing machines that provide something of value or perform a service or function in lieu of money received from a user. And it is useful in the field of machines similar to these. These machines will be referred to herein as coin operated machines for convenience. These machines generally handle large amounts of coins.

This means that these machines need to have large storage spaces for coins, that the coins need to be collected and transported in a regular manner to a central location, and that they need to be counted and sent to banks. It means that there is. This measure is inconvenient and expensive for the machine owner. Furthermore, the user must have coins available for use of the machine, and therefore, if one wishes to use the machine frequently, it is necessary to have an inconveniently large number of coins. If the machine is not a coin supply type, the user must have coins of the appropriate denomination available, and if the machine is a coin supply type, it is inconvenient to carry coins around one's person. That will be the case.

Certain machines mentioned above, such as gaming machines, were capable of handling special tokens in addition to one genuine coin. however,
These coins were generally treated in much the same way as real coins.

The present invention can be used to permit the processing of different values and preferably a data storage token returned by the device for repeated use in place of or outside of the genuine coin. The present invention relates to a device in which the above-mentioned drawbacks can be significantly alleviated by making the device capable of handling. Two types of equipment could be used for this. These allow the user to make an initial payment for the surrogate, and this surrogate stores its value within it and reduces its value by an amount corresponding to the value of the transaction. A debit device and a token operable to change the stored data when in use store data representing a debit and credit account of the user, the debit and credit account being debited by an amount corresponding to the value of the transaction. It is a credit device operable to note the debit and debit account data when using a substitute currency so as to obtain. In this latter case, the device can be connected on-line to a central location that stores account information, or can store information that is regularly collected by a data storage module.

The ability of the user to operate the device using either "debit" or "credit" tokens effectively avoids the aforementioned problems associated with handling and holding large numbers of coins.

However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention have value in other fields. For example, the present invention has a confirmation hole (1
It is also useful in the field of dentifica- tion tags. In this field, for example, data storage tokens could be used in automated devices for access to areas restricted to authorized personnel.

A first specific aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for handling both coins and tokens. In this case, the token stores data that can be determined during communication with the device, and the device receives and sends the coin and token to a testing device for verifying the coin and communicating with the token. have a common path for

A common use is that the machine is operated using a coin, for example by inserting the token and the coin through the same slot, and the user can operate the machine using the token in the same way. There is an advantage. This feature also eliminates the need for separate insertion slots and passages for tokens, allowing many existing machines already in use to additionally handle tokens. A major advantage is that it becomes easier to transform existing machines.

The testing device preferably has two separate testing sections, one for coin verification and one for communication with the token, so that only items rejected by the former testing section are tested in the latter. It is sent to the department.

Preferably, the coin verification machine is the former testing section. This allows the existing coin operating machine to handle substitute coins without requiring any physical changes to the coin handling machine, including the coin verification machine. It is merely necessary to install a test station for substitute coins along the path taken by items rejected by the coin validator. This feature is particularly useful. The reason is that the coin verifier and the coin mechanism incorporating the separator for separating rejected items and genuine coins form a unit, and the same type of unit is installed in different types of coin actuators. This is because it is very commonplace. In this state, the coin path leading to the coin validator has the iJ ability to vary substantially depending on the coin actuator in which the coin mechanism is installed. If the substitute currency interrogator is installed in front of the coin confirming OJ device, in some cases it may be possible to do so without substantially changing the configuration of the coin mechanism itself.
There may not be enough room within the vending machine to make such changes (installation of a substitute money inquiry department).

However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
- This is avoided by installing a substitute currency test section along the rejection path within the

In most publicly installed devices, it is contemplated that the majority of items inserted into the device are real coins, with very few inserted items that are neither real coins nor token money.

Thus, by ensuring that coin verification occurs first,
Since the majority of the items sent to each test section are appropriate for that test section, the apparatus operates in an effective manner.

Preferably, the device includes means for temporarily retaining the token within the device until processing is completed. If the substitute money is of a debit nature, it is desirable that this feature allows the value stored in the substitute money to be changed by an amount corresponding to the value of the transaction before being returned to the user. It will be done. The foregoing features are particularly desirable in "multi-vending" machines which are operated many times in succession without requiring the user to repeatedly insert coins or tokens when the token is for credit. The reason is that searching for substitute currency is
This is because it would be a convenient way to indicate the end of one process or a series of processes.

The credit token could alternatively be returned to the user immediately after interrogation, but this would require the user to perform some action to signal the machine when his processing is complete. and if he forgets this, the value of subsequent operations carried out by other users will be deducted from his account.

The retainer for temporarily holding the token is preferably located after the coin validator, such as the token tester, and more preferably is receptacle such that the retainer only receives items rejected by the coin validator. / Placed after separation by rejection gate. In a particularly convenient embodiment, the token testing part and the holding part are combined. The advantage of this is that communication with the token can be carried out after the token is held in the holder.

The device preferably also comprises means for updating or otherwise changing data in the token or introducing new data in the token. This means
In debit devices, it is used to change the value of the token after the transaction has been performed. Means for accomplishing this is also located in the holder, but in this alternative embodiment, it can be located downstream of the holder to update the data during exit of the token from the machine. Good morning.

Preferably, the means for obtaining data from the substitute currency and the means for updating information on the substitute currency are both arranged in the holding part. These two functions can also be implemented using common elements.

According to a second particular aspect of the invention, the token storing changeable data that can be determined by communication thereto has approximately the shape and size of a coin. This token is such that it can fit into and pass through a standard coin handling machine. This has several advantages. This means that it is much easier to modify existing coin operated machines so that they can additionally handle coins. This is because the modification merely involves attaching the means for communicating with the token to an otherwise fairly standard device. For example, as discussed above, the testing station can be located along the rejection path of the coin handling machine so that the token passes through the coin verifier, is rejected, and then reaches the testing station. This aspect of the invention also has the advantage that standard coin handling mechanisms and techniques can be used even if the machine is intended to be used only with tokens and not with real coins. I like it.

Although the token may include its own power source, it is preferably powered by energy delivered by the token handling device.

The tokens used in the various aspects of the invention are preferably such that tokens with which token handling devices can communicate in a "contactless" manner. For example, very low frequency wireless transmission.

To obtain data from surrogates, and if desired,
It can be used to send data to this surrogate currency. British Patent Specification Boxes 1,599,120 and 2,077'
, No. 556A describes a wireless technique for interrogation. Other methods could alternatively be used, such as optical techniques.

One alternative technique considered particularly advantageous forms the subject of the third aspect of the invention.

According to this aspect, the token handling device, also referred to as the token interrogator, has means for communicating with the token by determining how electromagnetic fields are absorbed by the token. The invention also extends to tokens suitable for use in such devices. The token preferably has an electromagnetic field absorption circuit that can be controlled to vary the degree or nature of absorption.

In one embodiment described herein, this is a resonant circuit whose resonant frequency can be switched between at least two values. The token handling device may be capable of communicating with tokens by generating electromagnetic fields of different frequencies, more preferably continuously swept frequencies.

stomach. The substitute IT currency handling device determines the data stored in the substitute currency according to the frequency at which absorption of the electromagnetic field occurs. Preferably, the device determines data in response to changes in the absorption frequency, so that the device operates substantially independently of the particular resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

Alternative, suitable devices are also described herein. With this device,
The substitute currency (preferably with a frequency of about 100kllz)
It is powered by electromagnetic signals sent by the interrogator. The same signals used to transmit power are also used for communication between the token and the interrogator. Data is communicated to the token by selectively interrupting the transmission of power for short periods of time. Since the substitute currency has power storage means, these interruptions do not interfere with its operation.

The token transmits data to the interrogator by selectively coupling a low impedance across its receiving antenna. This changes the degree of energy absorption, which can be detected by the interrogator. Data transmission is preferably timed and a clock signal is preferably used to facilitate this.

Preferably, the interrogator has a clock pulse as well as a data pulse.
This clock pulse is used for transmission both to and from the token.

Furthermore, in this device, the token includes a non-volatile readable and programmable memory (preferably EAROM). This memory is preferably used for operational data storage, such as surrogate monetary values, or for other uses. In particular, under many circumstances it may be desirable to terminate power transfer to the token before all operations on the token are completed. This may be useful, for example, to reduce power consumption when tokens are used in payment telephone equipment. The token can be interrogated when first inserted to check its validity, whereupon the power is cut off for the duration of the telephone call and
It can then be added back to reduce the value of the token by an amount corresponding to the price of the telephone call.

Thus, when powering the token is fully powered, one of two sequences of operation of the token could be requested (i.e., transmitting data to the interrogator or receiving data from the interrogator). (8). Non-volatile memory within the surrogate indicates which part of the complete cycle of operation the surrogate is in, and what actions are taken by the surrogate as the power supply increases. Can be used to store flags used to determine the

The apparatus embodies several further independently inventive aspects, including: a) receiving power from an antenna, preferably by changing the impedance of the antenna; A device containing a token that transmits data (by completely shorting or at least connecting a very low impedance).

b) A two-way communication can be established between the token and the interrogator using the same carrier signal originating from the interrogator [and preferably transmitting power and/or clock pulses to the token. ] Substitute money and interrogators.

C) A substitute currency and an interrogator, with two routes between them (
a can be established and two-way communication is sent by the interrogator] and the interrogator synchronized with the tarok pulse.

d) A device containing a token powered by energy received from an interrogator. The token has a non-volatile, writable memory and is adapted to perform one of a plurality of sequences of operations following power-up depending on flag data stored in said memory. At least one of these sequences results in a change in the aforementioned flag data.

It will be appreciated that these aspects of the invention reside in each and combination of tokens and interrogators.

The token handling device may have a transmitter coil and a receiver coil for transmitting and receiving signals that are selectively absorbed by the token. Or alternatively a single coil can be used for both purposes.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, 1 substitute currency handling% 1
7i automatically substitutes its sensitivity to received transmissions (JS;
Each time a new token is received by the device,
It is made to change.

Although the transmitted carrier wave could be generated by the surrogate, this aspect is important when the surrogate transmits data by varying the degree to which it absorbs the transmitted carrier wave from another source, and also when the surrogate transmits data by changing the degree to which it absorbs the transmitted carrier wave from another source. Particularly useful when powered by energy. This is because, under these circumstances, the signal received by the token handling device may change due to some differences in the tokens or due to some specific location of the tokens. However, this possibility can be compensated for by adapting the receiver sensitivity to ensure that changes in the absorption of the carrier wave transmitted by the coin handler are correctly received by this coin handler. can.

The token handling machine is preferably capable of communicating with the token regardless of the particular orientation of the token.

According to yet another particular aspect of the invention, a token handling device is operable in accordance with operational data stored therein and capable of communicating with a coin to determine the token data stored by the token. provided. The device is operable to fill in a first mode or a second mode depending on proxy money data; , is capable of operating in said second mode to change operational data in a manner dependent on said surrogate monetary data.

The substitute currency handling device uses the inserted substitute currency to enable access to a specific area, or in the case of a vending machine, to sell a product or provide a service. ), but
It is also conceivable that its operating parameters could be changed by inserting a special token storing predetermined data. This may be particularly useful, for example, if a vending machine owner wishes to change pricing data stored on his vending machine.

He specifically created a coded token that would be used when inserted into a vending machine, so that changes in pricing could be made as easily as when using tokens to buy products from a vending machine. , and could be achieved using the same electronic components. In the field of confirmation coins that can store a specific code that, when read by a token handling device, allows entry and exit into a specific area, for security reasons, even if one wishes to change the code that allows entry and exit, good. This could be achieved very easily using a particularly encoded token that stores data that causes the token handling device to enter the second mode.

In the second mode, the information in the token is used to modify the storage parameters so that in the future, the token handling device recognizes another security code as appropriate to allow access.

According to other particular aspects of the invention, the token is operable to receive and communicate with the token to determine data stored by the token, to perform an action, and to perform an action related to the action. A token handling device is provided that is operable to alter data stored by tokens according to a predetermined value. The device performs a security code recognition operation to determine whether the L1 token stores an appropriate security code in the vending machine prior to performing the procedure, and 1) It is possible to perform the following actions only if the safety code is stored.

Thus, vending machines and similar machines for dispensing products or performing services accept tokens issued by a particular company, such as the company that owns the vending machine, but not other companies. Placed so as not to accept substitute coins issued by 1 (which may be identical except for the security code stored therein) and 1! ).

Thus, he is paid for every nickel he makes at a series of vending machines that H';S uses to sell his machines or products. I can guarantee that.

Preferably, the token handling device itself must store an appropriate security code on the token in order for the procedure to take place. It is thus ensured that one company's tokens cannot have their value changed in an unauthorized manner by insertion into another company's token handling equipment.

The substitute currency handling device can also be adapted to handle real coins.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aspects described above are combined to produce a substitute money handling device of great advantage and utility.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, the coin and substitute currency handling system @2
has a coin validator 4.

This coin validator is for receiving coins and substitute coins 6 moving along a common path 7 from an input loss slot 1- (not shown).

During the passage of the coin and token 6 along the path 8 within the coin validator 4, a test operation is performed to determine whether a valid coin has been inserted and, if so, the denomination of the coin. Ru.

These tests are standard, such as induction tests.

Acceptable coins then enter a coin separator 10. This coin separator is arranged in several separate passages 14.1 from the main passage 12.
A number of games 1-(FIG. (not shown). If coin checker 4
If the item tested is not determined to be an acceptable coin, the coin does not continue to travel through separator 10 and is routed to rejection path 30.

Each of passageways 14, 16 and 18 has three coin receptacles 22
, 24 and 26, respectively. Each of these coin receptacles is adapted to store vertically stacked coins of a particular denomination. The dispenser, indicated schematically at 28, is adapted to dispense with the coin receptacle 22 when no change is to be made by the device 2.
．． 24 and 26.

Whenever the coin validator recognizes an acceptable coin, the credit number 1- is increased by an amount corresponding to the value of that coin. When sufficient credits have been accumulated, device 2 generates a signal indicating this. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 2 is installed in a vending machine (not shown) and the vending machine receives a signal indicating that a user may initiate the sale of a product. Shown against the machine. The device 2 may also be arranged to operate so that the product can be sold repeatedly until the credit count falls to a level below the minimum price of the product sold by the vending machine.

At any stage, the user can press the rEscROWJ button. This ends the process (or series) and begins transmitting the change in value corresponding to the remainder of the accumulated credit, which is then cleared.

Since the apparatus so far described is entirely conventional, details of the specific configurations suitable for accomplishing these functions will not be described.

In addition to these 41 components, the apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a surrogate currency testing or interrogation section 32, shown in more detail in FIG. This section 32 is located along the rejection path 30 so that all rejected items are sent to a token testing or interrogation section 32 before being sent to the rejection pan for retrieval by the user. I'm getting fucked.

Referring to FIG. 2, the rejection passageway 30 includes a rear wall 34, a front wall (not shown in FIG. 2 to allow viewing of the interior of the surrogate test or interrogation section 32), and a side wall 36. and 38. The rear wall 34 has a gate 42
has a hole 40 so that it can be selectively pushed A into or retracted from the passageway 3o by the solenoid 1-44.

Typically, gate 42 is positioned within aisle 30 so that all rejected items are stopped at token testing or interrogation station 32. Each item is interrogated and if it is found not to be a token, games 1-42 are retracted so the item can proceed to the reject pan.

If the item is a surrogate currency, the surrogate currency is not present in the game at the surrogate currency testing or questioning section 32 until the completion of the action(s) performed by the user.
-42 and following completion of the process, gate 4
2 is withdrawn, so the substitute currency is returned to the user.

FIG. 2 shows a token 50 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Since this substitute money 50 is to be used with a debit device, it stores data representing a specific value. This specific value is reduced after a single process or a series of processes is performed and before the substitute currency 50 is returned to the user.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the type of circuitry that may be used for the surrogate coin and surrogate test or interrogation section 32. As shown in FIG. However, it will be appreciated that many other types of circuits could alternatively be used.

The substitute currency testing or interrogation unit 32 has transmitting (Q) and receiving coils 52 and 54, respectively.
is driven by a drive circuit 56 which is operated in response to signals obtained from a microprocessor 58. Microprocessor 58 also receives and processes signals from receive coil 54 via input circuit 6o.

The signals are connected to the main data bus 62 of the control circuit of the coin handling mechanism.
send to Main data bus 62, input circuit 60 and drive circuit 56 are connected to microprocessor 58 via multiplex circuit 64. Multiplex circuit 64 connects microprocessor 5 via data bus 66, address bus 68 and read/write signal path 70.
Communicate with 8. The microprocessor 58 is a substitute currency 50
controls the reading of data from and the transmission of data to the token 50, and also sends the value of the token to the circuitry of the primary coin mechanism, and after the process(s) has been performed, the primary coin 50. Communicates with the main coin mechanism to receive the remaining value from the mechanism's circuitry.

The circuit of the main coin mechanism may be of a type known per se, such as that described in British Patent No. 2,110,862. Alternatively, in an alternative system, the main processor of the main coin mechanism's circuitry could be used to directly control the token test or interrogation section, so that no additional microprocessor 58 would be needed.

microprocessor 5 to interrogate the substitute currency 50;
8 causes the drive circuit 56 of the transmitter to drive the transmitting coil 52. Drive circuit 56 spans such that the output frequency used to drive transmitter coil 52 sweeps from a low value to a high value each time drive circuit 56 is operated. The output frequency is shown in FIG. 4(a).

The token 50 includes circuitry, indicated generally at 72, for selectively absorbing the energy transmitted by the transmitting coil 52. In this particular case, circuit 72 is a resonant circuit that includes a coil 74 and a parallel connected capacitor 76.

Semiconductor switch 8 to change the resonant frequency of circuit 72
0, another parallel connected circuit 78 is connected or disconnected from the circuit by switching t! ).

The energy transmitted by the sending coil 52 is picked up by the receiving coil 54.
The signal from is sent to a comparator in input circuit 60 for amplitude detection.

The signals generated by input circuit 60 are shown in FIG. 4(b). Each time the frequency of the signal sent to the transmitting coil 52 is swept, there is a point where energy is strongly absorbed by the resonant circuit 72, so that short pulses are present in the signal generated by the input circuit 6. It is known that it will occur. The exact time within each sweep at which this pulse is generated depends on the resonant frequency of circuit 72 and can therefore be changed by operation of switch 80.

The transmission of data from the substitute currency 50 to the substitute currency test or question part 32 is such that, for example, data pings 1 to "1" are represented by absorption frequencies when the switch 80 is closed; A "0" is achieved by the selective operation of switch 80, as represented by the absorption frequency when switch 80 is open.

This data can be detected by microprocessor 58 in a variety of ways. For example, the microprocessor may be configured such that the interval between the pulses received from the input circuit 60 is a value I)1 determined by the operating speed of the drive circuit 56. It could be possible to know when to change to the value P2 which occurs when the resonant frequency is just changed from its higher value to the value P3 which occurs when it is just changed from its higher value to its lower value.

Or alternatively, the microprocessor controls the input circuit 65 from the beginning of the frequency sweep each time a token is received.
The time until the pulse is generated tl (4th (b)
(see figure) could be measured. During further frequency sweeps, the resonant frequency is determined to be low if the time required to generate a pulse is approximately equal to tl, and high if the time is significantly larger than that. It will be judged.

Since none of these methods relies on a specific value of the resonant frequency, large a'1 tolerance errors are allowed for the dummy qIY circuit.

Data is sent to the token 50 by amplitude modulating the 4Q signal applied to the J coil 52. This amplitude modulated signal has a varying frequency, as shown in FIG. 4(a). , or, for example, can have -=.frequency in the middle, which is located at the midpoint of the frequency (17).

The signal is sent to the resonant circuit 7 which has an output point connected to the detection circuit 82.
It is picked up by 2.

Detection circuit 82 is operable to derive data sent by token test or interrogator 32 from the received waveform.

The detection circuit 82 is capable of detecting the predetermined code sent by the substitute currency test or interrogation section 32.

A detection signal indicating these codes is sent to the control circuit 84. Detection circuit 82 may also detect data intended to be stored within token 50. This data is sent to memory circuit 86.

In this embodiment, memory circuit 86 is a circular shift register, and its contents are returned to the circular shift register as they are read.

Control circuit 84 reads data from memory circuit 86 and sends it to transmit circuit 88 . Control circuit 84 causes transmitter circuit 88 to selectively operate switch 80 in accordance with data from memory circuit 86 so that the data is sent to token testing or interrogation section 32 .

The operation of the coin machine t'4 circuit is as follows. When the token is submitted to the token II test or question section 32, the drive circuit 56 is activated. The substitute money 50 detects this and sends a predetermined code representing a request to the substitute money test or interrogation section 32 to send the safety code stored in the microprocessor 58 to the substitute money test or interrogation section 32. send.

The safety code of the token test or interrogation section 32 is checked by control circuit 84 and further operation is permitted only if the security code is appropriate for the token. Although this method is selective, any subsequent changes to the data within the proxies may result in the vending machine containing the proxies testing or questioning section 32 being appropriate, e.g. This is done to ensure that this occurs only when the property is owned by A. The safe code recognition operation of the surrogate test or interrogator could be performed, for example, by determining whether the safe code matches the number stored in memory circuit 86. This allows tokens with identical circuitry to be made suitable for different vending machines by simply changing the contents of memory circuit 86.

If the security code of the surrogate currency test or interrogation section is appropriate for the surrogate currency, the surrogate currency sends the surrogate currency security code stored in memory circuit 86 to the surrogate currency test or interrogation section 32. Microprocessor 58 determines whether the substitute currency security code is appropriate for the vending machine and allows subsequent processing only if appropriate. This ensures that the vending machine cannot be operated with the insertion of tokens supplied by an unauthorized company.

It will be appreciated that the surrogate security code will only be transmitted if the surrogate test or interrogator security code is found to be appropriate. This improves the security of the device as it is made difficult for unauthorized persons to determine the surrogate monetary security code.

After the safety code recognition operation, the substitute currency 50 is stored in the memory circuit 86.
start transmitting the value of the substitute currency stored in]. If desired, this may only be done after the surrogate testing or interrogation unit 32 first recognizes that the surrogate security code is appropriate.

The microprocessor 58 then sends a signal to increase the credit to Callan 1 by the value of the token. The user is then able to carry out the transaction in the same way as if the credit count had been increased by inserting a coin.

After completing the process (,+B number or series), the user can press ESC
Activate the ROW button. The device then responds by sending data representing the remaining credit to microprocessor 58. Then, the substitute money test or question section 32,
This data is sent to the substitute money 50. Detection circuit 82 recognizes the special code added to the sent data. This special code causes control circuit 84 to transfer data representing the remaining credit from detection circuit 82 to memory circuit 86 . This data is replaced with the previously stored surrogate monetary value. The token 50 then indicates receipt of the data, following which the device causes the game 1-42 to retract, thus allowing the token 50 to be returned to the user.

Fungible money may be used with the device for several complementary purposes. For example, by inserting a special code into the token memory circuit 8G instead of or in addition to the token security code, the microprocessor 58 can be caused to enter a special mode upon detection of that code. Can be done. In this mode, the microprocessor 58 controls the token 50
This data is sent to the coinja structure and changes the list of prices stored therein. This is a convenient way to handle changes in the prices of items sold by vending machines.

In a similar manner, microprocessor 58 can be enabled to enter another mote that is used to change the safety code that microprocessor 58 stores.
In the future, different safety codes may be recognized as appropriate for use with this device. A convenient way of accomplishing this latter function is that upon receipt of the first token storing the aforementioned special code, the microprocessor 58 enters the aforementioned other mode, but before actually changing the stored code. second to
They will probably be waiting for the receipt of the substitute currency. Upon receipt of the second token, the security code stored in microprocessor 58 is replaced by the security code stored in the token.

This device has certain values when you first install the vending machine.

The reason is that this specific value allows all vending machines to be initialized with the same token and, following this, each vending machine in response to the receipt of one of the tokens of a particular company. This is because the machine is made available for use with that particular company's token.

Fungible money can also be used to collect data from devices. In this case, another predetermined code is stored in the memory circuit 86, which is recognized a,B by the microprocessor 58 as permission to transfer the data to be collected into the token 50. This could, for example, be audit data regarding the operations performed by the machine installed with the device.

Once the value of the debit substitute currency 50 is reduced to zero, the substitute currency stores its original value in its memory circuit 8 at the time of payment.
6 can be reinserted. This can be accomplished using a machine similar in construction to the dummy test or interrogator 32. However, in this case, the microprocessor 58 would be caused to send a further predetermined value to the token 50, which was kept secret for security reasons. This further value will be recognized by the detection circuit 82 and cause subsequent data to be written into the memory circuit 86 as a token value. The detection circuit 82 may simply insert an increased token value into the memory circuit 86 when this special symbol is received, although of course under other circumstances a decreased value may be inserted. It is done like this.

In the above configuration, the substitute currency 50 is always returned to the user after the process (single or series) is performed. In other alternative embodiments, a gate is provided for selectively directing the token from the token testing or interrogation portion 32 to either a rejector or a storage box. Under normal circumstances, the substitute currency will be returned to the user. However, if the value of the token is reduced to zero in the debit device, or if the number of debit or credit accounts stored in the credit token is worthless, the token is instead stored in the storage box in the vending machine. can be held.

The interrogation of the surrogate currency and the insertion of data therein is performed in the apparatus described above while the surrogate currency is held in the surrogate currency test or interrogation portion 32. Also, alternatively,
The question can be made to occur when the substitute coin passes through the coin validator 4. Indeed, the interrogation could be carried out using elements also used for coin verification, for example induction coils. In this case, the gate 42 can be left open at all times so that all items other than valid substitute coins rejected by the coin verifier 8 are delivered directly to the rejection pan.

A suitable structure of the substitute money will be explained.

This token is small and actually has the size and shape of a coin. This substitute currency has a turret battery,
A printed circuit board is mounted thereon via an annular spacer.

The entire circuit of the substitute currency 50 consists of a coil 74 and a capacitor 7.
6. All but 78 are contained within a single integrated circuit chip mounted on a printed circuit board. Capacitors 76 and 78 may be of the ceramic chip type and are mounted on a printed circuit board.

Coil 74 is formed by a printed circuit etched on a printed circuit board. Coil 74 has a helical shape and can include, for example, about 10 turns.

The tokens are placed inside a capsule made of plastic material. Alternatively, the token could have a releasable casing to allow battery replacement.

The substitute money 50 is in the substitute money test or question part 32,
Note that it works correctly regardless of its particular orientation.

In the embodiment described above, input circuit 60 produces a two-level output that is dependent on the amplitude of the signal received by coil 54. This signal is then processed by microprocessor 58.

In an alternative embodiment, input circuit 60 is connected to microprocessor 5.
For example, a phase-locked loop or monostable circuit could be included to process the signal from the coil 54 to send a digital signal representative of the data sent by the token 50 to the coin 8.

The above-described configuration uses inductive technology and preferably
The present invention relates to a substitute currency that communicates using a transmission frequency in the range of approximately 10'MHz to 100MHz.

Of course, other techniques could be used without major changes to the circuit. Low frequency radio technology could also be used and, alternatively, optical communication technology could also be used.

5-8 show variations of the circuit described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. Although these are described as separate embodiments, it will be appreciated that individual features described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 5-8, and vice versa. Referring to FIG. 5, a token handling device 100 has a transmitter drive circuit 102 coupled to a transmitting antenna 104. Referring to FIG.

In use, the first substitute currency 106 is placed between the transmitting antenna 104 and the receiving antenna 108. Receiver circuit 11
0 is connected to the receiving antenna 108.

The microprocessor 112 has three output lines 114 . and an input line 118 for receiving data from receiver circuit 110. Lines 114, 116 and 118 can be connected to the microprocessor via appropriate interface circuitry. The microprocessors 112 also each have an R
Connected to OM, RAM and non-volatile writable memory circuits 120, 122 and 124. Non□
Volatile memory circuit 120 is preferably an EAROM.

The circuit of the substitute money 106 is shown in FIG. The token 106 has an antenna 130 connected to a power storage capacitor 134 via a diode 132.

The energy transmitted by antenna 104 is half-wave rectified by diode 132 and stored by capacitor 134. This capacitor 134 voltage is used to power the token 106 circuitry.

The received carrier wave is also sent to diode 136, which is used for amplitude modulation.

Blocking the transmitted carrier wave causes a pulse at the output of diode 136 which is sent to Schmidt inverter 138, the output of which is connected to latch 140. Latch 140 is RO
M.

RAM and non-volatile (preferably 1”: A ROM
) each of the memory circuits 144. ．． 146 and 148
may be read and cleared by microprocessor 142 having a Data is sent to the microprocessor 142 on line 150 and a clear pulse is sent to the latch 140 on line 152.

Microprocessor 142 controls analog switch 15
It has another output line 154 that can control 6.

When analog switch 156 is turned on, antenna 1
The terminals of 30 are shorted through diode 158.

Lines 150, 152 and 154 would typically be connected to microprocessor 142 through appropriate interface circuitry (not shown).

In use of this embodiment, the token handling device transmits the transmitting antenna 104 when receiving the token 106.
It is arranged to start transmitting a carrier wave with a frequency of the order of magnitude of 0Kllz. Some of the transmitted energy is picked up by antenna 130 within token 106 and used to increase the power supplied to token 106. Some of the remaining energy is picked up by receive antenna 108.

The transmitter drive circuit 102 is controlled to cause a block in the carrier wave transmission. This interruption occurs at regular intervals (for example every 1 ms) and lasts for example three transport cycles each. These are short enough so 9 substitute coins 1
The voltage stored on capacitor 134 of 06 does not drop to the extent that it interferes with the operation of the token circuit.

The microprocessor 112 of the fiat money handling device continues to operate on line 118 until it receives a well-defined pulse on line 118, shown in FIG.
16 is used to adjust the sensitivity of the receiver circuit 110.

Adjustment of the receiving sensitivity in this manner results in a change in the amount of energy absorbed by the antenna 13 of the token 106.
It should be sufficient to guarantee that a short circuit of 0 will result in a detectable pulse at the output of the receive antenna 108.

However, if desired, the apparatus could be configured such that the receiver sensitivity is adjusted in response to the actual actuation of switch 156 of token 106 to ensure that the resulting pulses are detectable. .

□Once the receiver sensitivity is adjusted, the token handling device begins communicating with the coin (a).

To issue bids, the alternating pulses 200 of the carrier shown in FIG. 8(a) are used as clock pulses, while the intervening pulses 202 are used as data pulses. A data value of zero is represented by a carrier block, and therefore pulse 202, and a data value of 1 represents no carrier block, which means that pulse 102 will be missing.

In token 106, microprocessor 142 repeatedly checks latch 140 for pulses and clears latch 140 upon detection of a pulse. The period between successive pulses is measured and stored. This measured period allows microprocessor 142 to calculate a "window" period within which the next pulse is expected.

Data transmission to the token is always initiated with a data value of 1. Therefore, the microprocessor 142
The first time that a pulse does not appear at latch 140 within the expected period is detected. The token can then determine which of the subsequent series of pulses are clock pulses 200 and which are data pulses 202.

The above description outlines how data is transferred to tokens.

The data stored in the substitute currency is transferred to the analog switch 15
6 to the substitute currency handling device. This switch 156 may be closed for short periods between carrier interruptions. These short closures of analog switch 156 result in an increase in the energy absorbed by token 106 due to the &! An extra pulse will appear at 118.

The token handling device 100 is adapted to continuously transmit data values of zero while expecting to receive data from the token 106 . Since the substitute currency receives data in advance from the substitute currency handling device,
Its operation would have been synchronized with the dummy money handling device. Data transmission from the token is always initialized with a start bit transmitted between clock pulse 200 and data pulse 202. This start bit is shown at 204 in FIG. 8(b).

Additionally, since data is sent bit by bit during successive periods between clock pulse 200 and data pulse 202, additional pulses 206 may appear during these periods depending on the content of the data, but no No, but maybe.

When using the device, for reliability purposes, any data transmission in one direction could be accompanied by the transmission of the same data in the opposite direction to ensure reliable and reliable operation.

The token 106 stores data such as security codes, token values, etc. in the memory 148. When the token is first received by the token handling device to increase the power supply by the received energy, the token and token handling device communicate with each other to check the safety code;
This ensures that each is suitable for use with the other. Following this operation, the microprocessor sends the value of the token to the token handling device and simultaneously stores an indication in the flag location of memory 148 that this sequence of operations is complete.

The carrier wave transmission then ends so that the token no longer receives power. This is particularly useful in payment telephone facilities. If further communication with the token is required in a subsequent step, the carrier wave is transmitted once more and the token is fully powered. Upon power up, memory 148 flags are first checked within microprocessor 142 . In this case, this check determines that a preliminary operation was performed before the power was reduced to send the credit value to the surrogate currency handling device. Therefore, the token is now (after the safety code check operation has been performed)
In order to be able to update the stored credit value, a new credit value of the substitute money sent by the substitute money is awaited.

゛ At the end of this process, the microprocessor 142 resets the flag in memory 148 to 1 so that the token is subsequently released to the user and later inserted into the token handling device, Y, to supply power. is incremented, the microprocessor replaces the value of 1' with the value of 1 in an appropriate manner.
It operates so as to send it to the 1-bill handling device.

It is particularly worth mentioning that in the configuration described above, the data in the token is transmitted by a low impedance (diode 158) connection across the antenna. That is, the diode 158 absorbs the back EM generated at the antenna 130.
This prevents problems caused by analog switch 15.
6 is used to ensure that the voltage switched by analog switch 156 is not greater than the supply voltage of this analog switch 156. However, it should be noted that changing the impedance connected to antenna 130 could be accomplished in some other way. Furthermore, changing the absorption dust of electromagnetic radiation can be done by changing the antenna 13.
This could be achieved without affecting the impedance. That is, for example, for this:
A separate coil could be used.

FIG. 6 shows the receiver circuit 110 of the substitute currency handling device 100.
is shown in detail. The receiver coil 108 forms part of a tuned circuit coupled to the inverting input of an amplifier 162 via a demodulation diode 160 for the amplitude modulated signal. The non-inverting input point of amplifier 1162 is connected in parallel with a resistor 164 connected to one power supply rail on the one hand and a resistor 166 connected to the other power supply rail through respective analog switches 168 on the other hand. The reference potential is received from the connection point between the circuit network. analog switch 1
68 is controlled by line 116 from microprocessor 112.

Resistor 166 has values R, 2R and 4R. It will be appreciated that the reference potential delivered to the non-inverting input of amplifier 162 will vary depending on which, if any, analog switches 168 are closed. Therefore, this will change the receiver sensitivity.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coin and substitute coin handling device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a coin substitute in the testing section of the device of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a coin substitute in the first configuration. 4(a) and 4(b) are waveform diagrams for illustrating the operation of the circuit of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the circuit of the test section; FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a receiver of the substitute money handling device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the substitute money handling device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of a signal received by the receiver of the substitute money handling device shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols of main parts] Substitute money handling device・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・2 Coin checker・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・4 Coins and substitute coins・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・6 Coin separator・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・10 passages・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・12.14.16.18.20 Coin container...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・22.24.26 Dispenser・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・ 28 Rejection passage・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・30's substitute currency handling or question department・・・・・・・・・32 holes...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・4゜Gate・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・42 Substitute money・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・5゜Transmission coil・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・52 Receiving coil...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・54 drive circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・56 Microbrosesosa...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・58 input circuit・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・6゜Main data bus・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・62 multiplex circuit...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・64 data bus・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・66 Atres Bus・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
......68 read/write signal circuit...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・7゜Energy selection absorption circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・72 Detection circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・82 Control circuit・・・・・・・・・Self・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・84 Memory circuit...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
86 Transmission circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・88 Substitute coin handling device...
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・100 Transmitter drive circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・1
02 Transmission antenna・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・104 Substitute currency・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・106 Receiving antenna・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・108 Receiver circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・110 Microprocessor・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・112 Memory circuit・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・120.12
2.124 Schmitt Inverter・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・138 Latch・・・・・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・140 Microprocessor・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・1
42ROM・・・・・・・・・・・・Self・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・144RA M・・・・・・・・・
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・14
6EAROM・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
......148FIG, 7 to ('-FIG, 5 FIG, 8 Procedural Amendment January 1985 280 Patent Office Director Kugi, Manabu Yoshiga Indication of Case 1 1988 Patent Application No. 258420 2
Name of the invention 1 Money and substitute money handling device 3 Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Special 5'1 E'D person 1 agent 6 Contents of the Sleeve correction Dispute as shown in the attached document - Procedural amendment 111 (February 20, 2006 JPO Commissioner Shiga 1, Indication of the case Showa year Patent Application No. 258420 9 2 Title of the invention 3, Person making the amendment Relationship with the case Patent applicant 4 Agent 5, Amendment Subject of “Detailed Description of the Invention” column of the specification (
1) "Control circuit 84" on page 36, line 13 of the specification is corrected to "detection circuit 82." (2) In the third line of page 37, ``memorized'' is corrected to ``stored and received from the memory circuit 86 via line 90''. (3) "By" in the fourth line of the same page is corrected to "accordingly by the circuit 82." (4) Delete "Substitute money...can be done." from page 43, line 15 to page 44, line 13.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. (a) Sending a carrier signal to the data storage token; (b)
) sending data to the substitute currency using the carrier signal;
and (c) an apparatus for communicating with a data storage token operable to receive data from the token by detecting a degree of absorption of the carrier signal by the token. 2. A device according to claim 1, which is operable to send power to the substitute currency using the carrier signal. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, which uses the carrier signal to whiten or whiten the edge of the substitute currency.
A device operable to send pulses. 4. A combination of a surrogate money handling device and a data storage surrogate currency, wherein the surrogate money handling device receives a clock pulse from the data storage surrogate currency and a clock pulse for these clocks.
□ operable to send data synchronized with pulses, and such that the data storage token sends data to the token handling device in synchronization with the clock pulses received from the token handling device; A substitute currency handling device and a data storage substitute currency characterized by being operable. 5. It is a data storage substitute currency that receives power from a device and reads data by using this device, has a non-volatile writable □ memory, and increases the power supply (power-u). 'p) then performs one of a plurality of sequences of operations depending on the flag data stored in the memory, and at least one of these sequences of operations results in a change in the flag data. A data storage substitute bill characterized by: 6. Receiving means for receiving a data transmission so as to determine the data stored by a token, and means for automatically performing an adjusting operation to change the sensitivity of said receiving means when a token is present. A substitute money handling device characterized by having: 7. The substitute money handling device according to claim 6, wherein the substitute money handling device is adapted to send a carrier wave, and the receiving means detects a change in absorption of the carrier wave by the substitute money. A substitute money handling device characterized in that it can operate as follows. 8. A substitute money handling device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is operable to send electric power to the substitute money. 9. The substitute money handling device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it is operable to perform the adjustment operation each time a substitute currency is received. Substitute currency handling device. 10. A token handling device capable of performing operations according to operational data stored therein and communicating with a token to determine the token data stored by the token; operable to fill in a first mode or a second mode depending on the type of data; in said first mode to perform said operation; 11. A token handling device operable in said second mode to change said operational data in a manner dependent on said token handling device. 11. 12. Coin verification and substitute money reading device characterized by having a common path for receiving and sending coins and substitute money. 12. Coin verification and substitute money reading device according to claim 11, comprising: characterized in that it comprises verification means adapted to receive items from a common path and direct non-genuine coins to a rejection path and genuine coins to an acceptance path; and substitute currency reading means located in said rejection path. Coin verification and substitute currency reading device.