WO2004013818A1

WO2004013818A1 - An automatic coin sorting and dispenser apparatus for cash register system with weight responsive measuring elements

Info

Publication number: WO2004013818A1
Application number: PCT/SE2003/000926
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leif Nordvist
Original assignee: Cashguard Ab
Priority date: 2002-08-02
Filing date: 2003-06-05
Publication date: 2004-02-12
Also published as: AU2003241249A1; SE521898C2; SE0202357L; SE0202357D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coin sorting and dispenser apparatus arranged for use with automatic cash register apparatuses (3), which apparatus (1) comprises an input unit (5) for inputting coins, a sorting apparatus (7) and a dispenser unit (9) for dispensing coins, between which units a storage device (11) is arranged for storing coins in compartments (13) according to denomination, a data unit (15) for recording the number of input and dispensed coins by means of detection devices (14) arranged at the respective input and dispenser units (5, 9). A weighing apparatus (17) is associated with the said storage device (11) for weighing coins and can be connected to the said data unit (15) for checking whether the number of coins in the storage device (11) agrees with a value calculated by the data unit (15).

Description

An automatic coin sorting and dispenser apparatus for cash register system with weight responsive measuring elements

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to a coin sorting and dispenser apparatus according to the preamble to Claim 1 .

The present invention relates to systems for automatic self - contained cash register apparatuses for use in shops or the like .

The use of coin sorting and dispenser apparatuses for handl ing coins is well known "with regard to automatic self - contained cash register systems . A coin sorting and dispenser apparatus can be a device of the CashGiaard type (registered trademark) .

The connection of an automatic self -contained cash- handl ing apparatus to a cash register is thus known, the task of the automatic self -contained apparatus being- to handle coins , that is receive and evaluate coins , sort , store and dispense coins .

Other: apparatuses for handling coins in cash register systems are also currently available on the market . These include manual cash register apparatuses with coin boxes , in which coins, are placed according to denomination and are removed manually by the cashiers in tine event of transactions with the shop' s customers . In certain cases , these coin boxes are checked by a weighing device placed under each coin box to check the box' s content of coins . US 5 756 977 shows an example of such a cash register apparatus .

The automatic coin sorting and dispenser apparatus of the CashGuard type described above works very satisfactorily . The self -contained storage device in the apparatus must occasionally be refilled with coins , as certain denominations have a tendency to be dispensed more often than others when issuing change to the shop ' s customers . In certain cases , in order- to reduce the need for refilling, the apparatus is caused to dispense other denominations than these so-called shortage denominations . Such a cash register system of the CashGuard type , which is arranged to provide change in the form of coins , is described in the Swedish patent application SE0200985 - 0 .

However, now and then refilling of coins in the automatic coin sorting and dispenser apparatus is required when the number of coins of a denomination runs out in the apparatus . The refilling can be carried out by an operator or by personnel serving at the checkout . The problem is that the number of ref i lled coins of a denomination sometimes does not correspond to the amount requested by the cash register system or the amount specified by the operator . This can , in turn, cause time-consuming and expensive work to be carried out when the operator must carry out the requisite extra refilling of coins in the storage device . Similarly, it is necessary, in order for a control function for controlling the dispensing- of coins to work satisfactorily, for a check to be carried out of the recorded number of coins in the apparatus .

An obj ect of the present invention is to avoid the said disadvantages of known cash register systems and to develop further the automatic coin sorting and dispenser apparatus described above .

Another obj ect is to give the control system of an automatic sel f -contained cash-handling apparatus greater accuracy for dispensing coins and rel i able recording of the total number of coins stored in the apparatus .

Another obj ect of the invention is also to achieve a reliable reserve system that ensures that it is possible to dispense coins via the di spenser unit .

For these obj ects , the coin sort ing and dispenser apparatus according to the present invention, described by way of introduction and characterized by what is described in the characteri zing part of Claim 1 , is highly suitable . In this way, an incorrect refilling of coins is detected in real time . The number of coins in the apparatus calculated by the data unit on the basis of recorded input and dispensed coins corresponds , together with a value specif ied when refilling with coins , to the total calculated value . The specified value is always critical with automatic cash register apparatuses , as the refilled number of coins can differ from the specified value or number. When the data unit sends a signal for refilling, this can be caused by the calculated total number of coins of a particular denominat ion dropping below a predetermined value for the number of coins or specified value , whereupon there is a need for refilling with additional coins of a denominat ion . If an operator should refill the apparatus with the incorrect denomination or incorrect amount , the data unit can record a deviation by means of the weighing apparatus, and can signal this to the operator . Weighing apparatuses are currently used to determine the number of coins in gaming machines and manual cash register apparatuses . Such weighing apparatuses have a very high sensitivity and high precision , whereby the weight of one coin can be specified very accurately. By means of the invention, great reliability is obtained of automatic self-contained coin sorting and dispenser apparatuses for automatic cash register systems and any incorrect refil ling can be quickly detected. By this means , cost- effective operation is achieved . In addition, theft is made more difficult by means of the invention.

The data unit is preferably set up to compare a calculated desired value , based on the recording of the numbe r of coins input and dispensed and a specified value for refilling, with a value determined by the weighing apparatus .

By this means , the total amount and the total number of coins in the apparatus can be determined, independent of trie value calculated by the data unit on the basis of t ie recording by the apparatus of the coins input and dispensed, and an observandum can be created on the basi s of two independent values . An evaluation can also be made as to which value is the most re asonable .

A sensor apparatus is suitably arranged in the dispenser unit , and can be connected to the data unit to detect the number of coins dispensed, with the sensor apparatus being arranged to work: in conjunction with the weighing apparatus to check the dispensing .

In this way, a double check can be achieved, whereby any malfunction in the sensor apparatus can be corrected by means of the weighing apparatus . In addition, a separate use can be achieved, where only the weighing apparatus is used for recording the number of dispensed coins and for direct control of the dispensing .

Alternatively, the weighing apparatus can consist of a weighing device for weighing all the compartments .

By this means, installation work can be made easier and cost — effective maintenance of apparatus can be achieved . The weighing apparatus consists suitably of a plurality of we ighing devices , each as sociated with a compartment for weighing each compartment separately .

In this way, incorrect plac ing of coins for refilling can he detected at an early stage . Denominations that can he confused and that are placed in incorrect compartments can be identif ±ed straight away by means of the data unit , and the operator can immediately put the error right .

The weighing apparatus preferably comprises a load cell device comprising strain gauge sensor .

The weighing apparatus suitably comprises a piezo sensor or consists of an electromagnetic beam balance .

Alternatively, the storage device comprises a refilling area located adj acent to the input unit and a weighing apparatus is associated with the refilling area and is arranged to be able to be connected to the data unit .

In this way, the risk of the ft is reduced, while at the same time a value for the refilled number of coins is obtained . From the refill ing area, the coins for refil ling are fed to the intended compartment . The refil ling area can advantageously be permanently open, while the compartments are enclosed in the apparatus the whole time , including during the time that transactions are taking place .

For refilling with coins, the apparatus is suitably able to be opened into an upper part, comprising the input unit and sorting apparatus, and a lower part , comprising the storage device and dispenser unit . By this means, the storage device can be exposed for refilling upon which a check can be made . A sensor for detecting the opening of the apparatus can advantageously be connected to the said data unit, and any refilling is recorded by means of the weighing apparatus . Alternatively, the operator can enter a personal identification code into the data unit and record the time of the opening and specify the operation concerned, such as refilling with coins, service, etc. In this way, a check is made of who is responsible for the exposure of the compartments and what operation was carried out.

Alternatively, a shutter can be arranged for each compartment in the apparatus for refilling with coins, which shutter comprises a sensor that can be connected to the data unit for keeping track over time of the status of the shutter.

In this way, an operator can refill coins directly into each compartment, whereupon this amount and number are automatically recorded in the data unit and the calculated total value, on the basis of the recorded input and dispensed number of coins, gives the total number of coins in the apparatus. In addition, at the same time secure handling of the apparatus is achieved, as other compartments, that are currently not intended to be refilled, do not need to be exposed.

An alarm signal is suitably generated by the data unit if the recorded content of coins does not agree with the weighed contents.

In this way, the apparatus can be made cost-effective, as errors are detected at an early stage and attempts to steal are reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings , in which :

Figures la and lb show schematically a first embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 2 shows schematically a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows schematically an apparatus with eight compartments in a view from above ;

Figure 4 shows schematically a third embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows schematically, and in the form of a diagram, time periods for refilling coins in the apparatus .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in greater detail with ref erence to Figures la and lb . Components that are not of importance for the invent ion are omitted, in order to make the different embodiments clearer .

Figures la and lb show schematically a coin sorting and dispenser apparatus 1 , al so called apparatus, arranged for use with automatic self -contained cash-handling cash register apparatuses 3 , which apparatus comprises an input unit 5 for inputting coins , a sorting apparatus 7 and a dispenser unit 9 for dispensing coins , between which units a storage device 11 is arranged for storing coins in compartments 13 according to denomination, a data unit 15 for recording the number of input and di spensed coins by means of detection devices 14 arranged at the respective input and dispenser units 5 / 9 and set up to generate a signal to an operator for refilling the storage device 11 with coins , on the basis of a calculated value . A weighing apparatus 17, such as an electroni c weighing device comprising a pie zo sensor, is associated with the storage device 11 or weighing coins and can be connected electronically to the data uni t 15 for checking whether the number of coins in the storage device 11 agrees with the value calculated by the data unit 15 .

The data unit 15 is set up to compare a calculated desired value based on the recording of the number of input and dispensed coins and the specified value for ref illing, with a value determined by the weighing apparatus 1 7 . By this means , the total amount and the total number of coins in the apparatus 1 can be determined, independent of the value calculated by the data unit 15 on the basis of the recordi ng by the apparatus 1 of input and dispensed coins in the memory 16 of the data unit and an observandu can be created on the bas i s of two independent values . An evaluation can also be made using the data unit 15 as to which value is the most reasonable .

When a customer places a coin in a coin inlet 21 on the input unit 5 in the direction of the arrow p , the coin passes a validation device 20 , a so- called coin reader, to check among other things the alloy and type of coin, and a detector 23 , such as a sensor according to known technology, for recording the coin in the data unit 15 . The data unit 15 stores the number of input coins at item level in its memory 16 and records the value , which value is used among other things for the reconciliat ion in conjunction with a cash register 25 . The coins are sorted in the sorting apparatus 7 according to denomination into the respective compartment s 13 . The sorting apparatus 7 can be a device described in the International Patent Application no . PCT/SE02/00604 of the CashG ard type (registered trademark) .

A sensor apparatus 19 , such as a device with a light emitting diode or the like , is arranged in association with the dispenser unit 9 and is able to be connected electronically to the data unit 15 for detecting the number of coins dispensed . The abovementioned detection device 14 consists of the sensor apparatus 19 and the detector 23 . For di spensing coins as change controlled automatically by the data unit 15 working in conj unction with the cash register 25 , the di spensing is. controlled by a motor 27 that propels coins out from the respective compartments 13 via a track 29 . The sensor apparatus 19 sends a signal to the data unit via a lead 31 each time a coin passes through the dispenser unit 9 . When the data unit 15 has recorded that the number of coins di spensed corresponds to a calculated value of coins to be dispensed, the data unit 15 shuts of f the motor 27 and the dispensing ceases . A moving device 33 or so-cal led "dispenser" rotates the track 29 to the next compartment upon instructions from the data unit 15 , if so required. So-called dispensers are available at present according to known technol ogy . The coin is dispensed in the direction of the arrow q and ends up in a bowl 30 , after which the coin can be picked up by the customer .

The sensor apparatus 19 is arranged to work in conj unction with the weighing apparatus 17 to keep a check on the said dispensing . For example, if a piece of paper from a coin tube for wrapping coins should accidentally end up in a compartment 13 and then get stuck in front of the sensor apparatus 19 preventing a signal for shutting off the motor 27 from being generated, an incorrect dispensing could take place . As the data unit 15 i s arranged to record changed weight of the coins stored in the storage device 11 by means of the weighing apparatus 17 and to calculate how much the number of coins to be dispensed of the specified denomination weighs , the data unit 15 can shut off the motor 27" after the required number of coins has been dispensed . For certain appl ications , the -weighing apparatus 17 can thus be used to control the dispensing of coins .

The data, unit 15 is arranged to generate an alarm signal i f the recorded content of coins does not agree with the weighed content . In this way, any theft of coins from the storage device 11 or a mal function concerning dispensing can be detected in real time , which is cost -effective .

According to the first embodiment , the -weighing apparatus 17 consists of a single weighing device 35 for weighing all the compartments at the same time . The weighing device 35 comprises in this embodiment , as mentioned above , a piezo sensor . The weighing of coins in orde r to determine the number of coins in a container is known technology . The weighing device 35 is so arranged that the weight of a coin is abl e to be determined very accurately .

Figure lb shows the status of the apparatus 1 during refilling with coins in accordance with the arrow r . For ref illing of coins , the apparatus 1 is , in accordance with the first embodiment , able to be opened into an upper part 37 , compris ing the input unit 5 and sorting apparatus 7 , and a lower part 39 , comprising the storage device 11 and the dispenser unit 9 . When the upper part 37 is opened, this opening is recorded by the data unit 15 by means of a sensor 41 . The operator can open the apparatus 1 when he has entered his personal identification code into the data unit 15 via a keyboard (not shown) . The data unit 15 is arranged to record weight changes , and if the upper part 37 is closed again without any weight change having taken place, this means, for example, that a service operation may have been carried out. If there has been a change in weight, an observandum is created in real time for the data unit that coins have been added or removed.

A central database unit 42 is arranged to be able to be connected to the automatic self-contained cash register apparatus 3 (see Figure la) . The central database unit 42 is able to be connected to additional automatic cash register apparatuses 3 in the shop by means of cables 44. In this way, a shopkeeper can keep a check on any malfunctions. A control unit 46 in the central database unit 42 is arranged to control the flow of coins from the di f f erent cash register apparatuses 3 in the shop in real time. On the basis of the weighed storage device 11 with coins in each cash register apparatus 3, the control .unit 46 can calculate when there is a need for refilling of coins and prioritize the cash register apparatuses 3 with the greatest need for refilling. One type of control of items, such as coins and notes, is described, as mentioned above, in the Swedish patent application no. SE2OO985-0.

Figure 2 shows an apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment, where the storage device 11 comprises a refilling area 43 located adjacent to the input unit 5 and a -weighing apparatus IV , of the load cell device 45 type comprising a strain gauge sensor, which is associated with the refilling area 43 and arranged to be able to be connected electronically to the data unit 15. The load cell device can determine the weight to one or a few thousandths of a gram.

Components and parts shown in Figure 2, which have been given a reference numeral, correspond in other respects to components and parts in the first embodiment with the same ref rence numeral .

The refilling area 43 is located above the sorting apparatus and is always open . The ref illing area 43 is arranged with a ref i lling duct (not shown) that can be connected to the sorting apparatus 7 . The operator ref i lls the refilling area 43 with the amount specified by the data unit 15 without needing to expose the main storage device 11 of the apparatus to a possible thief .

The weighing device 35 is arranged in association with the compartment 13 for controlling the di spensing of coins in a similar way to that described above , but with the dif ference that a weighing device 35 is placed under each compartment 13 for recording the weight of each type of coin at individual coin level . In this way, the data unit 15 can store in its memory 16 information about how many coins are currently stored in the storage device 11 in real time and at item leve l , and can cause the apparatus 1 to carry out suit able dispensing routines .

Components and parts shown in Figures 3 and 4 , which have been given a reference numeral , correspond to components and parts in the first embodiment with the same reference numeral .

Figure 3 shows schematically a coin sorting and dispenser apparatus 1 with eight compartments in a view from above .

A shutter 48 is arranged for each compartment 13 in the apparatus 1 for ref illing with coins , which shutter 48 comprises a sensor (not shown) that can be connected electronically to the said data unit for keeping track over" time of the status of the said shutter 48 . In the event that it is detected that a shutter 48 has opened for refilling with coins and the weight after refilling is not what it should be , the central database unit 42 is arranged in such a -way that it sounds an alarm at central level in the shop . Each weighing device 35 is adj usted according to the empty weight of each compartment 13 . This can be carried out automatically at regular intervals depending upon the wear and tear on the compartments 13 . The control unit 46 ( see Figure la) causes the respect ive data unit 15 to empty its compartments 13 when appropriate , for example when the number of coins in the compartment is small and the operator is in control and "resets" the compartment 13 . A mechanism 50 for removal of coins from the respective compartments 13 is arranged in the lower part 39 of the apparatus 1 according to known technology .

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention . In this embodiment , the we ighing apparatus 17 consists of a plurality of weighing devices 35 as in Figure 2 , but with the difference that the refilling is carried out directly into the respective compartments 13 . The apparatus 1 can be opened as shown in Figure lb . The sorting apparatus 7 can also be said to constitute a storage component , as coins for sorting are recorded in the data unit 15 as having been input .

Each weighing device 35 is associated with its respective compartment 13 for weighing each compartment separately. The weighing device 35 consists of an electromagnetic beam balance . An alarm signal is generated by the data unit 15 if the recorded content of coins does not agree with the weighed content . If the operator has input 100 coins of a denomination into a compartment 13 , the position of which has been determined by the data unit 15 and which compartment is intended for a different type of coin, the data uni t 15 can record this error by means of the weighing device 35 and signals the error to the operator in real time by means of a screen (not shown) .

The central database unit 42 generates a warning signal that indicates that it is not permissible to remove money if the operator does not enter a personal identification code . In this way, a shopkeeper can keep a check on and record events at the shop' s checkouts .

Figure 5 shows schematically, in the form of a diagram, time periods for refilling the apparatus 1 with coins . The vertical axis N shows the number of coins of a denomination stored in a compartment 13 . The horizontal axis T is a time axis . The number of coins in the respective compartments 13 of the storage device 11 recorded by the data unit 15 varies over time . Certain denominations must be refilled more often than others in the storage device 11 of the automatic self -contained cash-handling cash register apparatus 3 . At the time tl , the number of coins recorded by the data unit and the value calculated by the data unit 15 , correspond to a lower limit value n2 , whereupon a signal for refill ing of a denomination is sent to the operator' s screen (not shown) . The data unit 15 also calculates the amount , that is to say the number of coins , that must be refilled as a minimum and displays this information to the operator . The operator records his personal identification code using the keyboard

(not shown) and the amount he intends to refill . The data unit 15 calculates the new number nl of stored coins in the compartment 13 on the basis of the value input by the operator for the refilled coins and the previously recorded input and dispensed coins . The recorded number nl is then compared with the value weighed by the weighing device 35 and the value determined by the data unit 15 converted into the actual number of coins , also called here the weighed number of coins . If a larger amount , calculated using the weighing device 35 , has been refilled into the compartment 13 than the amount recorded by the operator for refilling , the data unit 15 will send a signal to the operator to ask whether he has placed the correct denomination in the compartment 13 or the correct number ^' of coins . The operator has perhaps accidentally put in an additional pack of coins and indicates this to the data unit for adj ustment , upon which the recorded value is adj usted upwards . The difference between the -weighed number of coins and the recorded number nl corresponds to pi .

The dotted l ine L shows the adjusted value and at t2 it is again time to refill as the indicated number corresponds t o n2 . If the adjustment of the recorded number by means of the weighing de-vice 35 had not taken place , there would have been a signal for refilling at t3 , when the actual number of coins was in fact n3 . This error p2 would have been compounded by further incorrect re ills and an expensive malfunction could otherwise have occurred in the automatic self -contained cash-handling cash register apparatus . The error would also have af ected the control function in the data unit 15 and the central data unit 42 that is dependent upon the recorded number of coins being correct .

The data unit is arranged for other functions and alarm signals , including giving an alarm at central level in the shop if no refilling is carried out after a certain interval of time, in spite of the operator having entered in a value for refilling with coins .

Indications can be given by the data unit 15 whether the operator has refilled coins into an incorrect compartment 13 .

Within the framework of the present invention, there are combinations of the embodiments described above and similar systems for recording coins . Of course, the present invention can be used with other self-contained cash-handling apparatus and other devices, such as apparatus for securities and notes, comprising storage devices that are only exposed during service operations and or the like. Instead of a personal identification code, a fingerprint identification reader can be used to check the identity of the operator. Weighing devices can be used for a few selected compartments for denominations of coins where refilling is carried out more frequently.

Claims

1. Coin sorting and dispenser apparatus arranged for use with automatic cash register apparatuses (3), which apparatus (1) comprises an input unit (5) for inputting coins, a sorting apparatus (7) and a dispenser unit (9) for dispensing coins, between which units a storage device (11) is arranged for storing coins in compartments (13) according to denomination, a data unit (15) for recording the number of input and dispensed coins by means of detection devices (14) arranged at the respective input and dispenser units

(5, 9) characterized in that a weighing apparatus (17) is associated with the said storage device (11) for weighing coins and can be connected to the said data unit (15) for checking whether the number of coins in the storage device (11) agrees with a value calculated by the data unit (15) .

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said data unit (15) is set up to compare a calculated desired value based on the recording of the number of input and dispensed coins and a specified value for refilling, with a value determined by the weighing apparatus (17) .

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sensor apparatus (19) is arranged in association with the dispenser unit (9) and is able to be connected to the said data unit (15) for detecting the number of coins dispensed, the sensor apparatus

(19) being arranged to work in conjunction with the said weighing apparatus (17) to keep a check on the said dispensing.

4. Apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said weighing apparatus (17) consists of a weighing device (35) for weighing all the compartments (13) .

5. Apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said weighing apparatus (17) consists of a plurality of weighing devices (35) , each associated with a compartment (13) for weighing each compartment (13) separately.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said weighing apparatus (17) comprises a load cell device comprising strain gauge sensor.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said weighing apparatus (IV) comprises a piezo sensor or consists of an electromagnetic beam balance.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said storage device (11) comprises a refilling area

(43) located adjacent to the said input unit (5) and a weighing apparatus (17) is associated with the refilling area (43) and is arranged to be able to be connected to the said data unit (15) .

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for refilling with coins, the apparatus (1) is able to be opened into an upper part (37) , comprising the input unit (5) and sorting apparatus (7), and a lower part (39), comprising the storage device (11) and dispenser unit (9) .

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shutter (48) can be arranged for each compartment (13) in the apparatus (1) for refilling with coins, which shutter (48) comprises a sensor (49) that can be connected to the said data unit (15) for keeping track over time of the status of the said shutter (48) .

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an alarm signal is generated by the said data unit (15) if the recorded content of coins does not agree with the weighed contents.