NZ731150B2 - A coin deposit and dispensing machine and a method for controlling output of coins from a coin deposit and dispensing machine - Google Patents
A coin deposit and dispensing machine and a method for controlling output of coins from a coin deposit and dispensing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ731150B2 NZ731150B2 NZ731150A NZ73115017A NZ731150B2 NZ 731150 B2 NZ731150 B2 NZ 731150B2 NZ 731150 A NZ731150 A NZ 731150A NZ 73115017 A NZ73115017 A NZ 73115017A NZ 731150 B2 NZ731150 B2 NZ 731150B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- coins
- coin
- dispensing machine
- front face
- output
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 title claims description 11
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 17
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D1/00—Coin dispensers
- G07D1/02—Coin dispensers giving change
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
- G07D11/22—Means for sensing or detection
- G07D11/23—Means for sensing or detection for sensing the quantity of valuable papers in containers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D9/00—Counting coins; Handling of coins not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G07D9/002—Coin holding devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D9/00—Counting coins; Handling of coins not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G07D9/008—Feeding coins from bulk
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D9/00—Counting coins; Handling of coins not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G07D9/02—Change trays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/06—Coin boxes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
- G07G1/0018—Constructional details, e.g. of drawer, printing means, input means
Abstract
coin depositing and dispensing machine (100) comprises: a front face (102); a coin input unit (104); a coin processing unit (106); at least one container (110) for storing coins of a specific denomination; and a coin output unit (120), comprising a first element (122) and a second element (124) carrying the first element (122), wherein the first element (122) in a first position (122A) is arranged relative the at least one container (110) for receiving coins from the at least one container (110), wherein the first element (122) is displaceable relative the second element (124) from the first position (122A) towards the front face (102) to a second position (122B), and wherein the second element (124), when the first element (122) is in the second position (122B), is displaceable for carrying the first element (122) to an output position (122C), where the first element (122) at least partially protrudes from the front face (102). rrying the first element (122), wherein the first element (122) in a first position (122A) is arranged relative the at least one container (110) for receiving coins from the at least one container (110), wherein the first element (122) is displaceable relative the second element (124) from the first position (122A) towards the front face (102) to a second position (122B), and wherein the second element (124), when the first element (122) is in the second position (122B), is displaceable for carrying the first element (122) to an output position (122C), where the first element (122) at least partially protrudes from the front face (102).
Description
A COIN DEPOSIT AND DISPENSING MACHINE AND A METHOD FOR
CONTROLLING OUTPUT OF COINS FROM A COIN DEPOSIT AND
DISPENSING MACHINE
This application claims priority from Swedish Application No. 1650550-5 filed
on 25 April 2016, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein
by this reference.
Field of the invention
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for coin
handling. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an apparatus and
method for a coin depositing and dispensing machine.
Background art
Coin deposit and dispensing machines are known in the art. Coin
deposit and dispensing machines may typically be used for allowing insertion
and/or retraction of coins in relation to a bank account or for exchanging coins
to notes or coins of other denominations. A coin deposit and dispensing
machine may be arranged to recycle coins, i.e. coins inserted to the machine
may in a later transaction be output from the machine.
One type of coin deposit and dispensing machines comprise a
machine body with a front face at which a user is presented with an interface
with which to operate the machine. The machine further comprises a coin
input unit for input of coins into the machine and a coin processing unit which
is arranged to receive coins input through the coin input unit. The coin
processing unit determines a denomination of coins and sorts coins according
to denomination. The machine further comprises a coin storage unit
comprising at least one container for storing coins of a specific denomination.
The machine further comprises a coin output unit which is arranged to receive
coins output from the coin storage unit. The coin output unit may for example
comprise a drawer in which to place a portable receptacle, such as for
example a cash till, arranged to be easily removed from the drawer. The
drawer may be opened, presenting the coins for the user for retrieval. One
such coin deposit and dispensing machine is known from US 8,109,379.
A challenge with designing coin depositing and dispensing machines is
that internal mechanical systems e.g. for transport of coins between different
part of the machine, may require quite some space. Also, the machine may
be designed to be robust and reliable, which may imply that the internal
mechanical systems become large. Based for instance on such
considerations, the coin storage unit may be located far from the front face of
the machine and possibly even in the vicinity of the rear of the machine. From
a user perspective, access to dispensed coins should be provided in a way
that is easy and ergonomic for the user. As the user is operating the machine
in front of the front face of the machine, it may not be easy to provide
dispensed coins in an ergonomic way to the user as the coins are output from
the coin storage unit placed far from the front face of the machine.
Summary
It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the
above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any
combination and solve at least the above mentioned problem.
According to a first aspect, these and other problems are solved in full,
or at least in part, by a coin depositing and dispensing machine, said machine
comprising: a front face; a coin input unit for input of coins into the machine; a
coin processing unit, which is arranged to receive coins input through the coin
input unit, to determine a denomination of coins, and sort coins according to
denomination; a storage unit comprising at least one container for storing
coins of a specific denomination; and a coin output unit, comprising a first
element and a second element, the second element being arranged to carry
the first element, wherein the first element in a first position is arranged in
relation to the at least one container for receiving coins output from the at
least one container, wherein the first element, when the coin output unit is in a
closed state and the second element is in a closed position, is displaceable in
relation to the second element from the first position in a direction towards the
front face to a second position in a vicinity of the front face, and wherein the
second element, when the first element is in the second position, is
displaceable in relation to the front face from said closed position to an open
position when the coin output unit is in an open state for carrying the first
element to an output position, where the first element at least partially
protrudes from the front face.
According to the invention, the coin output unit comprising two
elements which are movable with respect to each other and with respect to
the front face. This implies that the coin output unit may displace an element
between a first position for receiving coins and a second position, prepared
for presenting coins to the user. Thus, when coins are to be output to a user,
the elements need not be extended far from the front face of the machine in
order for a coin holding unit to protrude from the front face and be easily
accessible to the user. Thus, coins may be easily and ergonomically
accessible for the user regardless whether the coin storage unit is arranged
far from the front face of the machine.
More specifically, the coin output unit comprises a first element and a
second element. The second element is arranged to carry the first element.
The first element, when being in a first position, is arranged in relation to the
at least one container for receiving coins output from the at least one
container. The first element is displaceable in relation to the second element
from the first position in a direction towards the front face to a second position
in a vicinity of the front face. When the first element is in the second position,
the second element is displaceable in relation to the front face. Thus the first
element may be carried to an output position where the first element at least
partially protrudes from the front face. The user standing in front of the front
face may now easily and ergonomically access the coins.
The coin output unit disclosed hereinabove is advantageous as it
allows a solution to the problem without having to introduce an additional
transport system for transporting coins from the coin storage unit to the coin
output unit. This simplifies the mechanical structure of the machine and
increases the reliability of operation. A further advantage of the coin output
unit disclosed hereinabove is that it allows repositioning the first element
internally within the coin depositing and dispensing machine such that coins
output from the coin storage unit may be directed to other parts of the
machine. This is advantageous if the amount of coins in the coin storage unit
becomes close to a maximum fill level in the coin storage unit, such that input
of coins to the machine may be prevented. Then, the repositioning of the first
element may allow an overflow of coins in a container of the coin storage unit
to be output from the coin storage unit without the coins being provided to any
unauthorized user (by the coins being output to the first element). Rather,
when the first element is repositioned, coins from the coin storage unit may
be output to an overflow compartment, not accessible to unauthorized users
and which may, for instance, be arranged below the first position of the first
element to allow coins from the coin storage unit fall by gravity from the coin
storage unit into the overflow compartment
According to one embodiment, the coin depositing and dispensing
machine further comprises a control unit, arranged to determine the position
of the first element with respect to the front face. The control unit may thus
ensure that the first element is in a correct position before sending any control
signal to allow e.g. dispensing of coins from the coin storage unit or output of
coins by displacing the second element to carry the first element to the output
position.
According to one embodiment, the coin depositing and dispensing
machine further comprises a displacing unit, arranged to displace the first
element in relation to the second element between at least the first position
and the second position. The displacing unit may include a motor and may be
arranged in relation to the first and second elements for acting on the first
element so as to displace the first element.
According to one embodiment, the first element is box-shaped defining
a space for receiving coins. The first element may in one embodiment have a
single compartment for receiving coins from several containers of the coin
storage unit. In another embodiment, the first element may have several
compartments such that coins may be sorted by denominations by the
compartments receiving coins from different containers.
According to one embodiment, the first element is linearly displaceable
in relation to the second element. A linear movement between the first and
the second elements may be easily controlled.
According to one embodiment, the first element is movably mounted to
the second element by means of a first rail system.
According to one embodiment, the second element is movably
mounted to the coin depositing and dispensing machine by means of a
second rail system.
According to one embodiment, the second element has a front plate,
which is arranged to be flush with the front face in a closed position of the
second element. This implies that second element may seal the front face of
the machine tightly to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the coin
storage unit through an opening in the front face accommodating the second
element.
According to one embodiment, the first element is arranged to receive
a receptacle having compartments for receiving different denominations of
coins. Thus, if a user wants coins to be output in a sorted manner, the first
element may first be brought to the output position, allowing the user to
arrange the receptacle in the first element before requesting withdrawal of
coins. Then, the coins may be output to the receptacle in the first element
allowing the user to remove the receptacle and leave the machine with coins
sorted by denominations in the receptacle.
According to one embodiment, the coin depositing and dispensing
machine further comprises a transport box arranged to receive coins from the
storage unit when the first element is in the second position. The transport
box may be adapted to receive coins when there is a risk of overflow of coins
in a container in the coin storage unit.
Cash-in-transit (CIT) personnel may empty coins from the transport
box at appropriate times. In one embodiment, the transport box is accessible
from the rear of the machine allowing the CIT personnel to empty the
machine from a rear face of the machine. The machine may even be wall-
mounted, such that the front face and the rear face are separated by a wall,
allowing CIT personnel to work in a secure area.
The machine may also comprise an input unit at the rear face, allowing
CIT personnel to fill the machine with coins if the machine is close to having a
shortage of coins.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for
controlling output of coins from a coin depositing and dispensing machine, the
method comprising: determining, by a control unit, that a first element is in a
first position commensurate with an output of a storage unit, outputting coins
from the storage unit, displacing the first element in relation to a second
element being arranged to carry the first element from the first position to a
second position when a coin output unit of the coin depositing and dispensing
machine is in a closed state and the second element is in a closed position,
controlling, by the control unit, that the first element is in the second position,
displacing the second element in relation to a front face of the coin depositing
and dispensing machine from said closed position to an open position when
the coin output unit is in an open state for carrying the first element to an
output position, where the first element at least partially protrudes from the
front face of the coin depositing and dispensing machine, whereby a user is
allowed to retrieve coins output from the coin depositing and dispensing
machine.
The method allows output of coins in a manner that is easy and
ergonomic to a user as explained above in relation to the first aspect. Also,
thanks to the control unit controlling the position of the first element, the
control unit may ensure that the coin deposit and dispensing machine does
not take any actions unless the first element is in a correct position.
According to one embodiment, the method further comprises detecting
a fill level of coins in a container of the storage unit, comparing the fill level to
a threshold value and, in case the fill level is above the threshold value,
displacing the first element from the first position to the second position and
outputting, by the storage unit, coins from the container of the storage unit to
a transport box.
Thus, the coin deposit and dispensing machine may easily shift
between output of coins to the first element for presentation to a user and
output of coins to a transport box for handling overflow of coins in containers.
Brief descriptions of the drawings
The invention will by way of example be described in more detail with
reference to the appended schematic drawings, which shows presently
preferred embodiments of the invention.
Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a coin depositing and
dispensing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 2a-c shows a schematic side view of the output unit of the coin
depositing and dispensing machine in different positions according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 3a-b show flow charts of a method for a coin depositing and
dispensing machine according to an embodiment of present disclosure.
Detailed description
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to
the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for
thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention
to the skilled person.
Referring to Fig. 1, a coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 is
shown schematically in a side view.
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 comprises a front
face 102. The front face 102 is facing a user that intends to deposit or
dispense coins from the machine 100. The front face 102 may be planar but
may, alternatively, be curved. Typically, the front face 102 is aligned vertical
or close to vertical. There may, however, be portions of the front face 102
which are not vertical or close to vertical. For example, parts of the front face
102 could be aligned horizontal or close to horizontal. The front face may be
arranged in any manner in order to provide an ergonomic posture of a user
that interacts with the machine 100.
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 further comprises a
coin input unit 104 for input of coins into the machine 100. The purpose of the
coin input unit 104 is to allow a user to input coins to the machine. A further
purpose of the coin input unit 104 is to allow transport of the coins from the
coin input unit 104 further into the machine 100.
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 further comprises a
coin processing unit 106. The coin processing unit 106 is arranged to receive
coins input through the coin input unit 104, to determine a denomination of
coins, and sort coins according to denomination.
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 further comprises a
coin storage unit 108 comprising at least one container 110 for storing coins
of a specific denomination. Each one of the at least one container 110
comprises an output from which coins may leave the at least one container
110.
Each container 110 may have an ejector/counter at the bottom of the
container 110 for outputting coins from the container 110. The ejector/counter
may be controlled e.g. by a control signal to selectively activate output of
coins from the container 110. The ejector/counter may be of any type known
per se, such as electromechanical or pneumatic.
The internal transport and sorting of coins from the coin input unit 104,
via the coin processing unit 106 and to the coin storage unit 108 is not
explicitly disclosed herein. It should be understood that many alternative ways
exist for achieving said internal transport and sorting of coins within the scope
of the claims.
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 further comprises a
coin output unit 120. The purpose of the coin output unit 120 is to, at the
request of a user, receive, from the coin storage unit 108, a predefined
amount of coins of one or more denominations, said coins corresponding to a
predefined sum of money. The further purpose of the coin output unit 120 is
to present the coins to the user in such a way as to let the user easily and
ergonomically retrieve the coins from the coin depositing and dispensing
machine 100.
The coin output unit 120 comprises a first element 122 and a second
element 124 where the second element 124 is arranged to carry the first
element 122. The first element 122 is displaceable in relation to the second
element 124. The second element 124 is displaceable in relation to the front
face 102 of the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100.
The purpose of the first element 122 is to carry coins output from the
coin storage unit 120. Thus, the first element 122 may be regarded as the
coin-carrying element. At least part of the first element 122 may be box-
shaped defining a space for receiving coins. Additionally, or alternatively, the
first element 122 may be arranged to receive a receptacle having
compartments for receiving different denominations of coins. The first element
122 and the receptacle will be arranged such that the receptacle will follow
the movement of the first element 122 when the first element 122 is displaced
in relation to the second element 124 and/or in relation to the front face 102.
This may be realized by the receptacle having dimensions corresponding to
the inner dimensions of a box-shaped part of the first element 122.
Alternatively, the receptacle may be secured to the first element 122 in other
ways, such as e.g. by securing pins in the first element corresponding to
holes in the receptacle.
A receptacle secured to, or residing in, the first element may be
regarded as the coin-carrying element. As it is understood from the
description hereinabove that the receptacle will follow the movement of the
first element 122, the following description will be referring to the first element
122 only. It is further understood that the coin depositing and dispensing
machine 100 operates in the same way regardless of whether a receptacle is
used or not.
The coin output unit 120 will now be further discussed with reference to
Fig. 2a, b and c showing side views of the coin output unit 120 for three
positions of the first element 122.
Figure 2a shows the coin output unit 120 in a closed state,
characterized by the second element 124 being in a closed position. When
the coin output unit 120 is in a closed state, the user cannot access the
content of the first element 122. The first element 122, when being in a first
position 122A (see Fig. 2a), is arranged in relation to the at least one
container 110 such as to receive coins output from the at least one container
110. The first position 122A may be directly under the at least one container
110, allowing for the coins to reach the first element 122 by falling from the
output of the at least one container 110 at the force of gravity. Alternatively,
the first position 122A may be horizontally offset to the at least one container
110. The coins may then be guided to the first element by means of an
additional guiding unit, comprising for example a plurality of tubes.
Even though a plurality of tubes may be used, the possibility of
displacing the first element 122 in the machine 100 may imply that the tubes
may not need to transport coins a long distance.
Figure 2b also shows the coin output unit 120 in a closed state
characterized by the second element 124 being in a closed position. The first
element 122 is displaceable in relation to the second element 124 from the
first position 122A in a direction towards the front face 102 to a second
position 122B in a vicinity of the front face 102. Likewise, the first element 122
is also displaceable in relation to the second element 124 from the second
position 122B in a direction away from the front face 102 to the first position
122A.
As the displacement of the first element 122 in relation to the second
element 124 occurs when the coin output unit 120 is in a closed state, the
displacement may preferably be realized by a displacing unit 152. The
displacing unit 152 is arranged to displace the first element 122 in relation to
the second element 124 between at least the first position 122A and the
second position 122B. The displacing unit may for example comprise a
stepper motor, which may be connected to the first and/or second elements
for driving a displacement of the first element 122 in relation to the second
element 124.
Figure 2c shows the coin output unit 120 in an open state,
characterized by the second element 124 being in an open position. When
the coin output unit 120 is in an open state, the user may access the content
of the first element 122. The opening of the coin output unit is realized using a
displacement of the second element 124 in relation to the front face 102. The
second element 124, when the first element 122 is in the second position
122B, is displaceable in relation to the front face 102 for carrying the first
element 122 to an output position 122C, where the first element 122 at least
partially protrudes from the front face 102.
Thus, by the operations disclosed hereinabove, the coin output unit
120 may, while being in a closed state, receive coins from a coin storage unit
120 being located at quite some distance from the front face 102, for example
in the vicinity of the rear of the machine 100, yet still allow a user to easily and
ergonomically access the coins when the coin output unit 120 is in an open
state. For instance, the second element 124 need not be extended far away
from the front face 102 in order for the first element 122 to protrude from the
front face 102.
The first element 122 may be displaceable in relation to the second
element 124 in many ways. For example, the first element 122 may be
linearly displaceable in relation to the second element 124. The displacement
may be facilitated by the use of a mechanical displacement system. For
example, the first element 122 may be movably mounted to the second
element 124 by means of a first rail system 160. The first rail system 160 may
be of the type where the weight is carried by ball bearings.
It should be understood that, although indicated to be horizontal in Fig
1 and 2a-c, the displacement of the first element 122 in relation to the second
element 124 does not have to be horizontal. Alternatively, the displacement
may be along a direction forming an inclination angle with the horizontal axis.
The inclination angle may be positive or negative.
It should also be understood that the displacement of the first element
122 in relation to the second element 124 may be other than linear. For
example, it may be curvilinear, such as circular, elliptical or the like, or it may
comprise more than one sub displacement following separate directions
and/or paths. For example, the first element 122 may be displaceable in
relation to the second element 124 not only along the depth dimension
defined from the front face towards the rear of the machine, but also along the
dimension defined from the left side to the right side of the machine 100, i.e. a
dimension perpendicular to the depth dimension.
The second element 124 may be displaceable in relation to the front
face 102 of the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 in many ways.
For example, the second element 124 may be linearly displaceable in relation
to the front face 102. The displacement may be facilitated by the use of a
mechanical displacement system. For example, the second element 124 may
be movably mounted to the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 by
means of a second rail system 162. The second rail system 160 may be of
the type where the weight is carried by ball bearings.
It should be understood that, although indicated to be horizontal in Fig
1 and 2a-c, the displacement of the second element 124 in relation to the
front face 102 of the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 does not
have to be horizontal. Alternatively, the displacement may be along a
direction forming an inclination angle with the horizontal axis. The inclination
angle may be positive or negative.
It should also be understood that the displacement of the second
element 124 in relation to the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100
may be other than linear. For example, it may be curvilinear, such as circular,
elliptical or the like, or it may comprise more than one separate displacement
following separate directions and/or paths. For example, the second element
124 may be displaceable in relation to the front face 102 not only along the
depth dimension defined from the front face towards the back of the machine,
but also along the dimension defined from the left side to the right side of the
machine 100, i.e. a dimension perpendicular to the depth dimension.
The second element may comprise a front plate 170, which may be
arranged to be flush with the front face 102 in a closed position of the second
element 124 (i.e. when the output unit is in a closed state).
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 may further comprise
a control unit 150. The control unit 150 may comprise a processing unit. The
control unit 150 may receive input from sensors in the machine 100 and may
execute processing instructions for determining how coins are to be handled
in view of the sensed input. The control unit 150 may also be arranged to
send control signals to different machine parts, so as to control function of the
machine parts, such as activating or deactivating a motor for driving an
element. The control unit 150 may also register transactions performed by the
machine 100 and may communicate information on such transactions and/or
information on a status of the machine to an external computer system.
The processing unit of the control unit 150 may be implemented as a
microprocessor, which may be programmable for controlling operation of the
microprocessor. For instance, the processing unit may be a central
processing unit (CPU). The processing unit may alternatively be a special-
purpose circuitry for providing only specific logical operations. Thus, the
processing unit may be provided in the form of an appliation-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific instruction-set processor
(ASIP) or a field-programmable gate array.
The control unit 150 may further comprise a non-volatile memory for
storing information, such as instructions for controlling operation of the
processing unit and log data of transactions performed by the machine 100.
The control unit 150 may further comprise a communication unit for
sending control signals, in order to control functionality of other components
of the machine 100. The control unit 150 may be arranged to control
displacing unit(s), ejection/counter of containers 110, etc.
The control unit 150 may be arranged to determine the position of the
first element 122 with respect to the front face 102. The control unit 150 may
thus receive input from a sensor unit arranged to measure the position of the
first element 122. The sensor unit may be arranged to also measure the
position of the second element 122. Alternatively, more than one sensor unit
is used.
The coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 may comprise a
second displacing unit, arranged to displace the second element 124 in
relation to the front face 102. The second displacing unit may be arranged to
displace the second element 124 at least between the second position 122B
and the output position 122C. The second displacing unit may be controlled
by the control unit 150. The second displacing unit allows for easy opening
and closing of the coin output unit.
Alternatively, or additionally, the coin depositing and dispensing
machine 100 may comprise a locking unit arranged to secure the second
element 124 within the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 such that
the output unit 120 is in a locked state. When being in a locked state, the coin
output unit 120 is in a closed state (i.e. the second element 124 being in a
closed position). The locked state is further characterized by the user being
prevented from displacing the second element 124, as the front plate 170 of
the second element 124 is flush with the front face 102. The locking unit may
be controlled by the control unit 150.
If large amounts of coins are deposited into the machine 100,
container(s) 110 may start to fill up. If a container 110 is completely filled,
jams of coins may occur upstream in transport of coins.
Thus, the machine 100 may comprise a sensor for detecting whether
an overflow of coins in a container 110 is about to occur. For instance, the
sensor may detect whether the amount of coins exceed a threshold level, e.g.
by an optical sensor detecting whether a level of coins in the container is
above the threshold level. Alternatively, the control unit 150 may keep track of
the number of coins in the container 110 and determine whether the number
of coins exceed a threshold. To prevent an over-flow of coins within the
machine 100, coins may be output from a container 110 when the number of
coins exceed the threshold. However, overflow coins should not be output
from the container 110 into the coin output unit 120, since the overflow coins
should not be output to a user.
For this purpose, the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 may
further comprise a transport box 180 arranged to receive coins from the coin
storage unit 108. The coins may be received by the transport box 180 from
the coin storage unit 108 when the first element 122 is in the second position
122B. Thus, the first element may be displaced from the first position 122A to
the second position 122B in order for coins to be able to fall from the coin
storage unit 108 to the transport box 180. The transport box 180 may be
located under the coin storage unit 108. Preferably, the transport box 180 is
located under the output of the at least one container 110.
The transport box 180 may be locked to the machine 100 or may be
removed from the machine 100 through a locked door, such that only
authorized personnel may access the transport box 180 and empty the
transport box 180.
In one embodiment, the transport box 180 may be removed through
the rear of the machine 100. Thus, CIT personnel may interact with the
machine 100 through an interface at the rear of the machine 100. The
machine 100 may even be mounted through a wall, such that the front face
102 may be arranged in a publically accessible area, whereas the rear of the
machine 100 may be arranged in a secure area allowing CIT personnel to
interact with the machine 100 in a secure environment.
The rear of the machine 100 may also provide a further input unit
allowing CIT personnel to fill the machine 100 with coins should there be a
shortage of coins in any container 110. The further input unit may be
connected to the coin processing unit 106 allowing the input coins to be
validated and sorted before being filled into the containers 110 of the coin
storage unit 108.
Referring now to Fig. 3a, a method for controlling output of coins from
a coin depositing and dispensing machine 100 will be described. The method
comprises determining, by a control unit 150, that a first element 122 is in a
first position 122A, step S202. When being in the first position 122A, the first
element 122 is able to receive coins output from a coin storage unit 108. The
first element 122 may be located directly under the output of the coin storage
unit 108, thus making it possible for the coins to leave the coin storage unit
108 and reach the first element 122 solely by means of gravity. Then, coins
are output, step S204, from the coin storage unit 108. The first element 122 is
then displaced, step S206, from the first position 122A to a second position
122B. The control unit 150 checks, step S208, that the first element 122 is in
the second position 122B. The control unit 150 may then release a lock of the
second element 124 allowing the second element 124 to be moved. A second
element 124, arranged to carry the first element 122, is then displaced, step
S210, in relation to a front face 102 of the coin depositing and dispensing
machine 100. The purpose of this displacement is to carry the first element
122 to an output position 122C. The output position 122C is located such as
to allow the first element 122 to at least partially protrude from the front face
102 of the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100. This allows for a user
to retrieve coins output from the coin depositing and dispensing machine 100.
A motor may drive the second element 124 to be moved a short
distance out from the front face 102. The user may then pull the second
element 124 further to the output position 122C in order to retreive coins.
When a large number of coins have been deposited in the machine
100, there may be a risk of overflow, as discussed hereinabove. To overcome
this problem, a method of controlling the machine 100 may also comprise
additional steps, which may be performed in relation to deposition of coins,
and as illustrated in Fig. 3b. Firstly, a fill level FL of coins in a container of the
storage unit 108 is detected, step S220. The fill level FL is then compared,
step S222, to a threshold value TV. In case the fill level FL is above the
threshold value TV, the first element 122 is displaced, step S224, from the
first position 122A to the second position 122B. Coins are then output, step
S226, by the storage unit 108, from the container of the storage unit 108 to a
transport box 180.
It should be understood that fill levels may be measured in all of the at
least one container 110. Preferably, one fill level is measured for each one of
the at least one container 110. As an example, if the coin storage unit 108
comprises six containers, six fill levels, FL1, …, FL6 are measured. Each one
of the fill levels are then compared to a threshold value. The threshold value
may be the same for all six containers, but may, alternatively, be different. For
example, the threshold value may be individual for each container, i.e. TV1,
…, TV6. In such a case, six comparisons are made. The coin depositing and
dispensing machine 100 may be arranged to displace the first element 122 in
relation to the second element 124 for allowing output of coins to the transport
box 180 if at least one of the comparisons results in a fill level exceeding a
threshold value.
The embodiments herein are not limited to the above described
examples. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.
Therefore, this disclosure should not be limited to the specific form set forth
herein. This disclosure is limited only by the appended claims and other
embodiments than the mentioned above are equally possible within the scope
of the claims.
Claims (12)
1. A coin depositing and dispensing machine, said machine comprising: a front face; 5 a coin input unit for input of coins into the machine; a coin processing unit, which is arranged to receive coins input through the coin input unit, to determine a denomination of coins, and sort coins according to denomination; a storage unit comprising at least one container for storing coins of a 10 specific denomination; and a coin output unit, comprising a first element and a second element, the second element being arranged to carry the first element, wherein the first element in a first position is arranged in relation to the at least one container for receiving coins output from the at least one 15 container, wherein the first element, when the coin output unit is in a closed state and the second element is in a closed position, is displaceable in relation to the second element from the first position in a direction towards the front face to a second position in a vicinity of the front face, and 20 wherein the second element, when the first element is in the second position, is displaceable in relation to the front face from said closed position to an open position when the coin output unit is in an open state for carrying the first element to an output position, where the first element at least partially protrudes from the front face.
2. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit, arranged to determine the position of the first element with respect to the front face. 30
3. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a displacing unit, arranged to displace the first element in relation to the second element between at least the first position and the second position.
4. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the first element is box-shaped defining a space for receiving coins.
5. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element is linearly displaceable in relation to the second element. 10
6. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element is movably mounted to the second element by means of a first rail system.
7. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 6, wherein 15 the second element is movably mounted to the coin depositing and dispensing machine by means of a second rail system.
8. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second element has a front plate, which is 20 arranged to be flush with the front face in a closed position of the second element.
9. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element is arranged to receive a 25 receptacle having compartments for receiving different denominations of coins.
10. The coin depositing and dispensing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transport box arranged to receive 30 coins from the coin storage unit when the first element is in the second position.
11. A method for controlling output of coins from a coin depositing and dispensing machine, the method comprising: determining, by a control unit, that a first element is in a first position commensurate with an output of a storage unit, 5 outputting coins from the storage unit, displacing the first element in relation to a second element being arranged to carry the first element from the first position to a second position when a coin output unit of the coin depositing and dispensing machine is in a closed state and the second element is in a closed position, 10 controlling, by the control unit, that the first element is in the second position, displacing the second element in relation to a front face of the coin depositing and dispensing machine from said closed position to an open position when the coin output unit is in an open state for carrying the first 15 element to an output position, where the first element at least partially protrudes from the front face of the coin depositing and dispensing machine, whereby a user is allowed to retrieve coins output from the coin depositing and dispensing machine. 20
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising - detecting a fill level of coins in a container of the storage unit, - comparing the fill level to a threshold value and - in case the fill level is above the threshold value, - displacing the first element from the first position to the second 25 position, and - outputting, by the storage unit, coins from the container of the storage unit to a transport box. 152 170
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE1650550-5 | 2016-04-25 | ||
SE1650550A SE1650550A1 (en) | 2016-04-25 | 2016-04-25 | A coin deposit and dispensing machine and a method for controlling output of coins from a coin deposit and dispensing machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ731150A NZ731150A (en) | 2020-11-27 |
NZ731150B2 true NZ731150B2 (en) | 2021-03-02 |
Family
ID=
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