WO2008097005A1

WO2008097005A1 - Apparatus for sorting and storing accumulation of coin having remote control function

Info

Publication number: WO2008097005A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yongdeog Jeong
Original assignee: Yongdeog Jeong
Priority date: 2007-02-07
Filing date: 2008-02-04
Publication date: 2008-08-14
Also published as: KR20070022836A; KR100862326B1

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which can sort coins having similar materials, diameters and thicknesses, which can be adapted to varying environments, and which enables the user to modify set information freely and remotely so that various coins can be sorted easily. The apparatus includes a material detection sensor adapted to oscillate at a first frequency on the movement passage and detect the amount of change in the first frequency depending on the material of the coins; a diameter detection sensor adapted to oscillate at a second frequency on the movement passage and detect the amount of change in the second frequency depending on the diameter of the coins; a timer for setting a detection period and a detection time with regard to the amount of change in the first and second frequencies and measuring the time between a point of initial change of the first frequency and a point of final change of the second frequency to detect passing time data varying depending on the weight of the coins; and a controller for comparing the amount of change in the first and second frequencies and the passing time data with pre- stored set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not and decide the value and number of the inserted coins so that, when the coins are normal, a service is provided or not according to the value and number of the coins.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SORTING AND STORING ACCUMULATION OF COIN HAVING REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTION

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to an apparatus for sorting and storing coins. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remotely controllable apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which can sort coins of similar materials, diameters and thicknesses, which can be adapted to varying environments of the pLace where it is used (e.g. temperature, humidity) for a better sorting ratio, and which enables the user to modify information regarding the settings of the apparatus freely and remotely so that it can easily sort coins from other nations or newly issued coins.

[Background Art]

As generally known in the art, apparatuses for sorting and storing coins are used for various types of facilities that need to determine whether inserted coins are normal or not and, if the coins are confirmed to be normal, provide a service corresponding to their value (e.g. public telephones, vending machines, coin exchangers, game machines) . However, conventional coin sorting apparatuses have a problem in that they function on a mechanical basis, i.e. when a coin passes through the movement passage, the balance of weight of the coin and the size of the movement passage are used to identify the diameter and thickness of the coin. This means that even a metal disk may be regarded as a legal coin as long as it has the same diameter and thickness. This degrades the reliability of the apparatuses.

In an attempt to solve this problem, various types of coin sorting apparatuses have been developed. For example, Korean Registered Patent No. 145104, entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SORTING COINS", discloses technology for improving the sorting ratio in the following manner: a programming technique and a programmable sealer embedded in a single-chip microcomputer are used to convert the change in frequency, which depends on the material, diameters and thickness of coins, into time data. Then, data detected as a result of the conversion is compared with pre-stored reference data to sort coins at a better sorting ratio. However, the prior art disclosed in the above- referenced patent has a problem in that, if coins of similar materials, diameters and thicknesses are inserted, the apparatus can neither determine their normality nor identify their value correctly. Furthermore, the conventional coin sorting apparatus cannot properly cope with the change in environments of the place where it is installed (e.g. temperature, humidity). This degrades the sorting ratio.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the present invention provides an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which is configured so that, even when coins of similar materials, diameters and thicknesses are inserted, it can determine whether the coins are normal or not and evaluate them.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which is adapted to compensate for the change in environments of the place where it is installed (e.g. temperature, humidity) for a better sorting ratio.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which enables the user to freely modify information regarding the settings of the apparatus so that it can easily sort coins from other nations or newly issued coins.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which enables the user to remotely modify information regarding the settings of the apparatus so that the user can quickly modify information regarding the coin sorting and internal settings, or the user can simultaneously modify information regarding the settings of a number of apparatuses.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which has a reduced number of internal components so that it can be manufactured with ease at a lower cost. The present invention also provides an apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which can not only sort coins, but also store and collect coins.

[Technical Solution]

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remotely controllable apparatus for sorting and storing coins mount.ed on a service providing facility, such as a public telephone or a vending machine, and adapted to determine whether coins inserted into a coin muzzle formed on a body are normal or not while the coins move along a movement passage and to store or return the coins, the apparatus including a material detection sensor adapted to oscillate at a first frequency on the movement passage and, when the coins pass, detect the amount of change in the first frequency depending on the material of the coins; a diameter detection sensor adapted to oscillate at a second frequency on the movement passage, the second frequency differing from the first frequency, and detect the amount of change in the second frequency depending on the diameter of the coins; a timer for setting a detection period and a detection time with regard to the amount of change in the first and second frequencies and measuring the time between a point of initial change of the first frequency detected by the material detection sensor and a point of final change of the second frequency detected by the diameter detection sensor to detect passing time data varying depending on the weight of the coins; and a controller for comparing the amount of change in the first and second frequencies and the passing time data with pre- stored set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not and decide the value and number of the inserted coins so that, when the coins are normal, a service is provided or not according to the value and number of the coins.

Preferably, a temperature measurement unit is installed inside or outside the body, the controller extracts correction data corresponding to a current temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit by using data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies based on various temperatures contained in the set information, the controller operates the amount of change in the first and second frequencies based on application of the correction data corresponding to the current temperature, and the controller compares operation results with the set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not.

Preferably, a humidity measurement unit is positioned inside or outside the body, the controller extracts correction data corresponding to current temperature and humidity measured by the temperature measurement unit and the humidity measurement unit by using data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies based on various temperatures and humidity contained in the set information, the controller operates the amount of change in the first and second frequencies based on application of the correction data corresponding to the current temperature and humidity, and the controller compares operation results with the set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not.

Preferably, the set information includes reference frequency variation data regarding measurements of the amount of change in the first and second frequencies depending on the material and diameter of various coins, reference passing time data varying based on the weight of various coins, data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies based on various temperatures and humidity, and data regarding the value of various coins.

Preferably, a coin discharge unit is installed on an end of the movement passage and is adapted to protrude or retract according to determinations made by the controller regarding whether the coins are normal or not so that the coins are moved to a depository or accumulation passage or a return passage branching off from the movement passage. Preferably, a counter is positioned between between the movement passage and the depository passage to count the number of the coins moving to the depository passage.

Preferably, at least one coin playing unit protrudes along an inner wall of the movement passage, and at least one inclination unit is positioned at a predetermined angle on an outer surface of the body so that, when the body is installed on the service providing facility, the body is positioned at a predetermined angle by the inclination unit and guarantees that the coins inserted into the coin muzzle move while making contact with the coin playing unit.

Alternatively, at least one coin playing unit protrudes along an inner wall of the movement passage, and the movement passage is formed at a predetermined angle so that the coins move while making contact with the coin playing unit. Preferably, a coin standby unit is installed on the movement passage between the material or diameter detection sensor and the coin discharge unit and is adapted to protrude or retract according to whether the coins are normal or not so that, when the coins are normal, the coins stand by on the movement passage until total coins amount to a selected service fee and, when the coins are illegal, the coin standby unit cooperates with the coin discharge unit to move the coins to the return passage. Alternatively, the movement passage between the material or diameter detection sensor and the coin discharge unit is divided into a first passage and a second passage having a width smaller than the first passage, a coin direction determination unit is installed between the first and second passages and is adapted to protrude or retract according to the value of the coins passing through the movement passage, the value having been determined by the controller, so that the coins move to the first passage or to the second passage, and coin standby units are installed on the first and second passages, respectively, and are adapted to protrude or retract according to whether the coins are normal or not so that, when the coins are normal, the coins stand by on the movement passage until total coins amount to a selected service fee and, when the coins are illegal, the coin standby units cooperate with the coin discharge unit to move the coins to the return passage.

Preferably, the body has a wired/wireless communication channel for connecting with separate external communication devices including a mobile communication terminal, such as a cellular phone or a PDA, and a computer, such as a laptop computer, set information can be freely transmitted from the external communication devices via the wired/wireless communication device to be stored in the controller or to be deleted, and internal information stored in the controller can be transmitted to the external communication devices.

Preferably, the internal information includes information regarding the total number of coins stored in the service providing facility, information regarding temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit, information regarding humidity measured by the humidity measurement unit, set information stored in the controller and used by the controller, and information regarding whether the service providing facility or the apparatus for sorting and storing coins has errors nor not.

Preferably, a coin insertion detection sensor is installed at or inside the coin muzzle to detect insertion of the coins so that, when the coin insertion detection sensor detects insertion of the coins, the apparatus for sorting and storing coins is woken up from a sleep mode by the controller to determine whether the coins are normal or not and to store or return the coins.

The sensors used in the present invention, particularly the material detection sensor and the diameter detection sensor, commonly have oscillation coils wound inside them. However, sensors having no coils, such as CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) cameras, may also be used to take pictures, which are used to detect the material or diameter of coins.

[Advantageous Effects]

The remotely controllable apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention has the following advantages.

The apparatus is configured so that, even when coins of similar materials, diameters and thicknesses are inserted, it can determine whether the coins are normal or not and evaluate them. The apparatus is adapted to compensate for the change in environments of the place where it is installed (e.g. temperature, humidity) for a better sorting ratio.

The apparatus enables the user to freely modify information regarding the settings of the apparatus so that it can easily sort coins from other nations or newly issued coins .

The apparatus enables the user to remotely modify information regarding the settings of the apparatus so that the user can quickly modify information regarding the coin sorting and internal settings, or the user can simultaneously modify information regarding the settings of a number of apparatuses.

The apparatus has a reduced number of internal components so that it can be manufactured with ease at a lower cost.

The apparatus can not only sort coins, but also store and collect coins.

[Description of Drawings]

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when its front and rear units have been separated; FIGs. 3a and 3b are front and rear views of the rear unit when the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has been opened, respectively;

FIG. 4 magnifies a detector, a coin standby unit and a coin discharge unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIGs. 5a and 5b show the inclination of a movement passage by an inclination unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 shows the structure of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows the structure of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when its front and rear units have been separated; FIG. 10 shows the front of a rear unit when the apparatus shown in FIG. 9 has been opened;

FIG. 11 shows a process of returning an illegal coin by an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 shows a process of storing legal coins by the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 shows the storage of legal coins inserted into the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Mode for Invention]

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when its front and rear units have been separated. FIGs. 3a and 3b are front and rear views of the rear unit when the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has been opened, respectively. FIG. 4 magnifies a detector, a coin standby unit and a coin discharge unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIGs. 5a and 5b show the inclination of a movement passage by an inclination unit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows the structure of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGs. 1-6, the body 100 of the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present

_ 1ijO - invention includes front and rear units 110 and 120, which are connected to each other by a hinge placed on one side. Particularly, the body 110 includes a coin muzzle 10, a movement passage 20, a detector 200, a coin standby unit 300, a coin discharge unit 400 and a controller 900.

The coin muzzle 10 is used to insert coins C when the user wants to use a service providing facility A (FIG. 5), such as a public telephone, a vending machine, a coin exchanger or a game machine, on which the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention is mounted. The coin muzzle 10 is connected to the movement passage 20 (described later) . The apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention stands by, i.e. remains in a sleep mode, before coins C are inserted, in order to reduce power consumption. When coins C are inserted, the apparatus wakes up and sorts, stores, or returns coins C. To this end, the apparatus has a coin insertion detection sensor 12 installed inside the coin muzzle 10, i.e. on the movement passage 20, to detect inserted coins C.

The apparatus preferably has an muzzle opening/closing sensor 240, which partially protrudes to the slot muzzle 10 or retracts from it to open/close the coin muzzle 10, in case no more coins can be inserted into the body 100, which already has a predetermined number of coins C inserted therein, or in case the apparatus maIfunctions.

Coins C inserted into the coin muzzle 10 move along the movement passage 20. According to the present invention, a pair of coin playing units 22 protrudes from an inner wall of the movement passage 20 at a predetermined distance from each other, as shown in FIGs. 5a and 5b. In addition, an inclination unit 30 is placed at an angle on the outer surface of the rear unit 120 of the body 100 so that, when the body 100 is installed on the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) , the body 100 is positioned at an angle by the inclination unit 30 and guarantees that coins C inserted into the coin muzzle 10 make contact with the coin playing preventing units 22 during their movement. In the case of a conventional apparatus for sorting and storing coins as shown in FIG. 5a, coins C tend to play when moving through the movement passage 20. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the amount of change in frequency. In an attempt to prevent coins C from playing and to detect the accurate amount of change in frequency, a pair of sensors for detecting the material, diameter, etc. of coins C is positioned on the front and rear units 110 and 120 of the body 100, respectively, with the sensors facing each other. In contrast, the present invention has solved the above- mentioned problem by using the coin playing preventing units 22, which prevent coins C from playing, without increasing the number of sensors. Use of the coin playing units 22 is also advantageous in that, by reducing the area of contact between coins C and the movement passage 20, coins C can move smoothly even when soaked with water, etc. Although not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to slant the movement passage 20 itself instead of using the inclination unit 30 to incline the movement passage 20 so that coins C make contact with the coin playing units 22 during their movement . The detector 200 is positioned on the outer surface of the body 100, particularly on the inclination unit 30 of the rear unit 120. The position of the detector 200 corresponds to that of the movement passage 20 inside the body 100 so that, after coins C are inserted into the coin muzzle 10, the detector can detect their physical characteristics as they move through the movement passage 20. The detector 200 according to the present invention includes a material detection sensor 210 for detecting the material of coins C among their physical characteristics, a diameter detection sensor 220 for detecting the diameter, and a timer 230 for detecting the weight of coins C. Although a pair of sensors is necessary according to the prior art as mentioned above, just one sensor is used for each function according to the present invention. Particularly, the timer 230 may be positioned inside the controller 900 (described later) , and is briefly shown in the structural diagram of FIG. 6 (not shown in FIGs. 1-5) .

The material detection sensor 210 oscillates at a first frequency, which has a predetermined period, on the movement passage 20. When a coin C passes through the movement passage 20, the material detection sensor 20 detects the amount of change in the first frequency, which depends on the material of the coin C.

The diameter detection sensor 220 is positioned in parallel with the material detection sensor 210, and oscillates at a second frequency, which has a period different from that of the first frequency. The diameter detection sensor 220 detects the amount of change in the second frequency, which depends on the diameter of coins C. The diameter detection sensor 220 is preferably positioned higher than the material detection sensor 210 so that it can detect various diameters. Although the first and second frequencies of the oscillators (not shown) are usually preset to have different values when the apparatus for sorting and storing coins is manufactured, the operator of the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) is preferably enabled to modify the first and second frequencies according to the environments of the place whre the facility is installed, for example, in case a separate oscillator (not shown) exists in the same environments and oscillates at the same period as the first or second frequency.

The timer 230 sets the time or period of detection by the diameter detection sensor 220 and the material detection sensor 210. Particularly, the timer 230 measures the time between the point of initial change of the first frequency detected by the material detection sensor 210 and the point of final change of the second frequency detected by the diameter detection sensor 220. Based on the measured time, the timer 230 detects passing time data, i.e. how long does it take for a coin C to move from the diameter detection sensor 220 and pass through the material detection sensor 210, which depends on the weight of the coin C.

The coin standby unit 300 is installed on the movement passage 20, particularly on the outer surface of the rear unit 120 of the body 100, next to the detector 200. The coin standby unit 300 is adapted to either protrude to the movement passage 20 or retract from it according to whether a coin is normal or not so that a legal coin C stands by on the movement passage 20 until the total coins amount to the predetermined service fee. In the case of an illegal coin C, the coin standby unit 300 cooperates with the coin discharge unit 400 (described later) to discharge the coin C to a return passage 420. The coin standby unit 300 includes a bar-shaped body 310, a shaft 320 protruding from the body 310 so that it is rotatably mounted on the body 100, a coin standby plate 330 formed on one side of the body 310 and adapted to move about the shaft 320 and protrude to the movement passage 20 in the case of a legal coin C so that the coin C stands by, and an adhesion member 340 formed on the other side of the body 310 and adapted to move about the shaft 320 and protrude to the movement passage 20 while alternating with the coin standby plate 330.

A counter 500 is preferably placed at the junction between the movement passage 20 and a depository passage 410, particularly on the rear surface of the rear unit 120 of the body 100, to count the number of coins C moving to the depository passage 410. Although a conventional sensor may be used as the counter 500, it preferably consists of a sensor containing an oscillator (not shown) adapted to oscillate at a frequency (which has a predetermined period) on the movement passage 20, as in the case of the material detection sensor 210 or the diameter detection sensor 220 of the detector 200, so that it can count the number of coins C based on the change in frequency resulting from the passing coins C.

The coin discharge unit 400 is adapted to either protrude to an end of the movement passage 20 or retract from it according to whether a coin C is normal or not so that the coin C is moved to either the depository passage 410 or the return passage 420, both of which branch off from the movement passage 20.

The controller 900 controls the overall operation of the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention. Particularly, the controller 900 compares the amount of change in the first and second frequencies detected by the material detection sensor 210 and the diameter detection sensor 220 of the detector 200, respectively, and the passing time data measured by the timer 230 with pre-stored set information, including reference frequency variation data regarding measurements of change in the first and second frequencies according to the material and diameter of various coins C, reference passing time data depending on the weight of various coins C, and data regarding the value of various coins C. Based on the comparison, the controller 900 determines whether a coin C is normal or not and evaluates it. Then, a service corresponding to the value of legal coins C is provided.

The apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention may have a wired/wireless communication channel 910 (e.g. RS-232) so that it can connect to separate external communication devices T1-T6, including a cellular phone, a PDA. and a laptop computer, in a wired or wireless manner. This enables the operator to freely store or delete set information in the controller 900 regarding coins C to be sorted, regardless of whether the coins are from a foreign nation or they have been newly issued. In other words, when the operator needs to modify the set information, he/she does not have to bring the apparatus to the manufacturer after separating it, but can easily reset the information in the field (i.e. where the service providing facility A is installed) . Alternatively, the operator can easily reset the information remotely, i.e. through the Internet or by using his/her cellular phone or PDA. Such a function is particularly useful when set information regarding newly issued coins C needs rapid modification or addition, or when set information regarding a number of apparatuses for sorting and storing coins needs simultaneous modification. This is also advantageous in that internal information stored in the controller 900 can be transmitted to the external communication devices T1-T6. For example, the internal information includes information regarding the total number of coins C stored in the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) , information regarding temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 700 (described later with regard to the second and third embodiments of the present invention) , information regarding humidity measured by the humidity measurement unit 800

(described later with regard to the third embodiment of the present invention) , set information stored in the controller 900 and used by it, information regarding whether or not the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) or the apparatus for sorting and storing coins have errors, etc.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the above-mentioned apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, except that it has a temperature measurement unit 700 installed inside or outside the body 100 and connected to the controller 900.

The oscillation coil (not shown) inside the oscillator (not shown) has an internal inductance value that changes depending on the varying ambient temperature, and this changes the frequency at which the oscillator (not shown) oscillates. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, in order to compensate for the change in the oscillation frequency resulting from temperature, the set information of the controller 900 includes data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies, which are respectively detected by the material detection sensor 210 and the diameter detection sensor 220, in connection with temperature. More particularly, when coins are inserted, temperature-based correction data is applied to the amount of change in the first and second frequencies, which are detected in response to the insertion, to operate the frequencies. The result of the operation is compared with the reference frequency variation data and the reference passing time data, which are pre-stored in the set information, to improve the coin sorting ratio.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which further includes a device for humidity-based compensation in addition to the device for temperature-based compensation described with reference to FIG. 7.

Particularly, the apparatus additionally has a humidity measurement unit 800 positioned inside or outside the body 100 and connected to the controller 900. Based on data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies in connection with temperature and humidity, which is included in the set information, the controller 900 extracts correction data corresponding to the current temperature and humidity measured by the temperature measurement unit 700 and the humidity measurement unit 800, respectively. Then, correction data corresponding to the current temperature and humidity is applied to operate the amount of change in the first and second frequencies. The result of the operation is compared with the set information to determine whether the coin is normal or not. This improves the coin sorting radio.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, when its front and rear units have been separated. FIG. 10 shows the front of the rear unit when the apparatus shown in FIG. 9 has been opened.

The apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGs. 9 and 10 have a construction similar to that of the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, except that the movement passage 20 between the diameter detection sensor 220 (FIGs. 3 and 4) and the coin discharge unit 400 is divided into first and second passages 20a and 20b, between which a coin direction determination unit 600 is installed and adapted to protrude/retract and determine whether coins C are to move through the first passage 20a or through the second passage 20b.

The second passage 20b has a width smaller than that of the first passage 20a. The reason that the movement passage 20 is divided into the first and second passages 20a and 20b and that the second passage 20b has a smaller width is to prevent thicker coins C2 (FIG. 13) from clogging the movement passage 20 so that every inserted coin C is accurately evaluated. In the case of Indian coins, for example, 5-rupee coins are substantially thicker than 1-rupee or 2-rupee coins (almost twice as thick) . This means that, if the width of the movement passage 20 of the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention is determined based on the width of 1-rupee or 2-rupee coins, it is difficult to insert 5-rupee coins, which are likely to clog the movement passage 20, even when inserted anyhow. If the width of the movement passage 20 corresponds to that of 5-rupee coins, 1-rupee or 2-rupee coins may overlap each other inside the movement passage 20.

Therefore, the fourth embodiment of the present invention takes into consideration the difference in width between 1-rupee or 2-rupee coins and 5-rupee coins. If the controller 900 confirms that an inserted coin is a 1-rupee or 2-rupee coin C (FIG. 13), the coin direction determination unit 600 protrudes so that the coin C (FIG. 13) moves through the second passage 20b having a smaller width (the distance between the front and rear units 110 and 120 of the body 100) . In the case of a 5-rupee coins C2 (FIG. 13), the coin direction determination unit 600 retracts so that the coin moves through the first passage 20a having a larger width. In other words, the second passage 20b has a width smaller than the overall width of the movement passage 20. Another difference between the first and fourth embodiments of the present invention lies in the position of the coin muzzle 10, the position of the detector (i.e. material detection sensor and diameter detection sensor) , and the shape of the upper portion of the movement passage 20. If the first and second passages 20a and 20b are formed without modifying the structure of the apparatus according to the first embodiment, coins C will pass through the first passage 20a before their material, diameter and value are detected. Therefore, the detector is positioned higher according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention so that it is not until the characteristics of coins C are determined that the coin direction determination unit 600 determines whether the coins C are to move through the first passage 20a or through the second passage 20b. When it comes to the shape of the upper portion of the movement passage 20 according to the first embodiment, the coin muzzle 10 is too close to the material detection sensor and the diameter detection sensor. This makes it difficult to accurately detect the characteristics of coins C. Therefore, the coin muzzle 10 is positioned closer to the lateral surface of the body 100 than in the case of the first embodiment, and the movement passage 20 is shaped to have a larger length so that the material detection sensor and the diameter detection sensor can accurately detect the characteristics of coins C.

In addition, the first and second passages 20a and 20b have coin standby plates 330 and adhesion members 340 of coin standby units 300, respectively, just like the movement passage 20 according to the first embodiment has its coin standby unit 300. If a legal coin C is inserted, the coin standby units 300 allow the coin to stand by on the movement passage 20 until the total coins amount to the predetermined service fee. If an illegal coin C is inserted, the coin standby units 300 cooperate with the coin discharge unit 400 so that the coin C moves to the return passage 420. The coin standby unit installed on the second passage 20b is positioned in front of the end of the first passage 20a lest it should interfere with the movement of the coin C2 through the first passage 20a.

Those skilled in the art can easily understand that, although an embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to 1-rupee, 2-rupee, and 5-rupee coins among Indian coins, the present invention is similarly applicable to other Indian coins or to coins used in other nations. In the case of Korea, for example, where the thickness of coins does not vary greatly, the first passage 20a can be omitted. In this case, the coin direction determination unit 600 remains protrudeed, and the coin standby unit on the second passage 20b has the same position as in the case of the first embodiment. To this end, through-holes are preferably formed in the same position as in the case of the first embodiment, as well as in front of the end of the first passage 20a like the fourth embodiment, respectively, so that the coin standby plate 330 and the adhesion member 340 of the coin standby unit can protrude through them. This makes it possible to reposition the coin standby unit according to environments. It is to be noted that the construction of the apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be combined with that according to the second or third embodiment.

The operation of the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the present invention, which is constructed as mentioned above, will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The method for detecting the material or diameter of coins by using a frequency of a predetermined period is widely known in the art, and detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. FIG. 11 shows a process of returning illegal coins by using the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 shows a process of storing legal coins by the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, the user of the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) , such as a public telephone, a vending machine, a coin exchanger, or a game machine, inserts a coin C into the coin muzzle 10. The detector 200, as well as other components of the apparatus for sorting and storing coins, which has been standing by in a sleep mode to reduce power consumption, wake up and start functioning under the control of the controller 900 as soon as the coin insertion detection sensor 12 detects the inserted coin C. After reaching the movement passage 20, the coin C moves inside the body 100, which is mounted on the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) at an angle, toward the bottom while making contact with the coin playing units 22. The coin C, which has been moving while making contact with the coin playing units 22, passes through the material detection sensor 210, which oscillates at a first frequency on the movement passage 20. The material detection sensor 210 stops oscillating at the first frequency as soon as the coin C passes through it so that the diameter detection sensor 220, which oscillates at a second frequency, can detect the diameter of the coin C.

The passing coin C varies bhe inductance value of the oscillation coil (not shown) inside the oscillator (not shown) , and thus changes the first and second frequencies, at which the material detection sensor 210 and the diameter detection sensor 220 oscillate, respectively. The resulting waves are filtered by a Schmitt buffer into relative even waveforms so that the controller 900 can accurately count the amount of change in the first and second frequencies. Then, the waves are inputted to the ATIC (Auto Reload Timer Input Capture) terminal of the controller 900 so that the input capture register measures (i.e. counts) them. The amount of change in the first and second frequencies is captured for a predetermined time, and is stored in the controller 900. The timer 230 measures (i.e. counts) the time between the point of initial change of the first frequency detected by the material detection sensor 210 and the point of final change of the second frequency detected by the diameter detection sensor 220. Based on the measured time, the timer 230 detects passing time data, which depends on the weight of the coin C.

More particularly, as the coin C passes through the material detection sensor 210, counting of the amount of change in frequency, which depends on the material of the coin C, starts concurrently with counting of the passing time that depends on the weight of the coin C. After the coin C has fully passed through the material detection sensor 210, the amount of change in frequency related to the material is stored. The counting related to the material stops, while the counting related to the weight continues. When the coin passes through the diameter detection sensor 220, counting of the amount of change in frequency, which depends on the diameter, starts. After the coin C has fully passed through the diameter detection sensor 220, the counting related to the diameter and weight stops. Then, the amount of change in frequency related to the diameter and the passing time data related to the weight are stored. As widely known in the art, the frequency of a wave has the following relationship: F=l/T (F refers to frequency, T refers to time) . Based on this, the frequency of the coin C, which depends on its weight, can be obtained from the passing time data that also depends on the weight.

Based on the current temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 700 inside the body 100, the controller extracts table data based on the correlation between the temperature and the amount of change in frequency, which is included in the set information, particularly data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies in connection with the temperature.

The extracted temperature correction data is added to the amount of change in frequency, which is stored in the controller 900, particularly to the upper and lower limits of the amount of change in the first frequency (which depends on the material of the coin) and and that of the second frequency (which depends on the diameter of the coin) , respectively. The result is operated based on the widely known standard frequency calculation formula of F=l/2pv (L*C) . The following Table 1 shows the result of experiments conducted by the present inventors, and shows the inductance value of each oscillation coil (not shown) that varies depending on the temperature. It has been assumed in the experiments that the resistance R of the basic oscillation frequency for sampling is 1OK, and the oscillator (not shown) has a reference capacitance C of 680PF. In the table, #l-#10 denote ten different oscillation coil samples. [Table 1]

It is clear from Table 1 that the inductance value of each oscillation coil varies depending on the temperature (- 20-75) . The temperature correction data used in the present invention is based on the result of such experiments, and is added to the upper and lower limits of the amount of change in the first and second frequencies, respectively. The resultant is operated based on the standard frequency calculation formula of F=l/2pv (L*C) .

After obtaining the final amount of change in the first frequency and that of the second frequency in this manner, they are compared with the reference frequency variation data regarding the first and second frequencies, which is included in the set information pre-stored in the controller 900, to primarily determine whether the coin is normal or not.

If the determination solely based on the material and diameter is inadequate, the passing time data, which depends on the weight of the coin C, is compared with the reference passing time data, which is included in the set information of the controller 900 and which varies depending on the weight of the coin C, to secondarily determine whether the coin C is normal or not.

The reference passing time data can be obtained from experiments in connection with the weight of various coins C, just like the temperature correction data has been obtained from the result of experiments shown in Table 1, which have been conducted in connection with temperature. This also applies to the correction data based on humidity measured by the humidity measurement unit 800, which has been described with reference to the third embodiment of the present invention . If the coin C is confirmed to be illegal, it moves through the movement passage 20 and, when the coin discharge unit 400 positioned above the return passage 420 retracts under the control of the controller 900, the coin C moves to the return passage 420, as shown in FIG. lib. Finally, the coin C is discharged to the outside via the return slot (not shown) .

If the coin C is confirmed to be normal, the controller 900 recognizes its face value based on data regarding the value of various coins C, which is included in the set information, and the recognized face value is displayed by the display unit (not shown) . Under the control of the controller 900, the coin standby plate 330 of the coin standby unit 300 protrudes to the movement passage 20, as shown in FIG. 12b, so that the legal coin C stands by on the movement passage 20. The service providing facility A (FIG. 5) may provide a single type of unit service or a number of types of unit services, the service fee of each of which may vary.

As such, the user of the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) inserts coins C one after another until the total coins C amount to the selected service fee. Then, the detector 200 determines whether each coin C is normal or not. If a coin C is confirmed to be normal, it is positioned on the movement passage 20 next to a coin C, which has previously been confirmed to be normal, by the coin standby plate 330 of the coin standby unit 300. In this manner, legal coins are accumulated until they total the service fee. For example, when the service fee is 800 Won (Korean monetary unit), the user inserts coins C until they total 800 Won. The detector 200 determines whether each inserted coin C is normal or not. If the coin C is confirmed to be normal, its value is added to the total amount, and stands by until the total coins C amount to 800 Won.

Suppose that the total amount of inserted coins C, which have been confirmed to be normal, has reached 700 Won and that they are retained by the coin standby unit 300. If the next inserted coin C is confirmed to be illegal, the coin standby plate 330 of the coin standby unit 300 retracts from the movement passage 20 as shown in FIG. lie so that the illegal coin C, as well as the previously inserted coins C, which total 700 Won, move to the return passage 420 to be returned when the coin discharge unit 400 retracts to discharge them.

If the inserted legal coins C total the service fee, the corresponding service is provided. In addition, the counter 500 counts the coins C.

More particularly, assuming that the service fee is 800 Won and that the coin standby plate 330 is retaining seven normal 100-Won coins, the coin standby plate 330 first retracts from the movement passage 20, and the adhesion member 340 moves about the shaft 320 and protrudes to the movement passage 20 to retain the second coin. In addition, the coin discharge unit 400 protrudes to the upper portion of the return passage 420 so that the first coin C, which has been released from the coin standby plate 330, moves along the movement passage 20 toward the depository passage 410 via the upper portion of the return passage 420. Such a movement of the coin C varies the frequency, at which the counter 500 oscillates. The change in frequency is detected to count the number of coins C and store it in the controller 900. After the movement of the first coin is over, the adhesion member 340 retracts from the movement passage 20 and releases the second coin C. The coin standby plate 330 then protrudes and retains the second coin. Then, the coin standby plate 330 retracts again and allows the second coin C to move. The movement of the second coin varies the frequency, and the change in frequency is detected. The counter 500 counts the number of coins again, and stores it in the controller 900. Then, the adhesion member 340 retains the third coin. In this manner, the first to seventh coins C move to the depository passage 410 via the coin standby unit 300 and the coin discharge unit 400, and are counted by the counter 500, which stores the total number of counted coins C in the controller 900. Then, the counter 500 is initiated to get ready to count the number of new legal coins C.

As such, the total number of legal coins C is stored in the controller 900 as internal information for the apparatus for sorting and storing coins, and the internal information can be transmitted to separate external communication devices T1-T6 via the wired/wireless communication channel 910. The internal information may also include data regarding temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 700, data regarding humidity measured by the humidity measurement unit 800, set information currently stored in the controller 900 and used by it, information regarding whether the service providing facility A (FIG. 5) or the apparatus for sorting and storing coins have errors, etc.

FIG. 13 shows the storage of legal coins inserted into the apparatus for sorting and storing coins according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The overall operation of the apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the apparatus according to the second embodiment, and the differences will be described briefly. When a coin C is inserted into the coin muzzle 10, the detector 200 detects its material, diameter and weight so that the controller 900 evaluates the coin C. If it is confirmed based on the evaluation of the coin C that a thick coin C2 has been inserted, the coin direction determination unit 600 retracts under the control of the controller 900 so that the coin C moves to the first passage 20a. If the coin C is not thick, the coin direction determination unit 600 protrudes so that the coin C moves to the second passage 20b. After repeating this process, thicker coins C2 are retained on the first passage 20a by its coin standby unit 300, and thinner coins C are retained on the second passage 20b by its coin standby unit 300, as shown in FIG. 13. If the inserted coins C total the selected service fee, or if insertion of an illegal coin is detected, the corresponding coin standby unit 300 is operated to move the coins C so that the coin discharge unit 400 stores or returns the coins C.

Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1]

A remotely controllable apparatus for sorting and storing coins mounted on a service providing facility which provides a service corresponding to the value of inserted legal coins, and adapted to determine whether coins inserted into a coin muzzle formed on a body are normal or not while the coins move along a movement passage and to store or return the coins, the apparatus comprising: a material detection sensor adapted to oscillate at a first frequency on the movement passage and, when the coins pass, detect the amount of change in the first frequency depending on the material of the coins; a diameter detection sensor adapted to oscillate at a second frequency on the movement passage, the second frequency differing from the first frequency, and detect the amount of change in the second frequency depending on the diameter of the coins; a timer for setting a detection period and a detection time with regard to the amount of change in the first and second frequencies and measuring the time between a point of initial change of the first frequency detected by the material detection sensor and a point of final change of the second frequency detected by the diameter detection sensor to detect passing time data varying depending on the weight of the coins; and a controller for comparing the amount of change in the first and second frequencies and the passing time data with pre-stored set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not and decide the value and number of the inserted coins so that, when the coins are normal, a service is provided or not according to the value and number of the coins .

[Claim 2]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature measurement unit is installed inside or outside the body, the controller extracts correction data corresponding to a current temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit by using data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies based on various temperatures contained in the set information, the controller operates the amount of change in the first and second frequencies based on application of the correction data corresponding to the current temperature, and the controller compares operation results with the set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not.

[Claim 3] The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein a humidity measurement unit is positioned inside or outside the body, the controller extracts correction data corresponding to current temperature and humidity measured by the temperature measurement unit and the humidity measurement unit by using data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies based on various temperatures and humidity contained in the set information, the controller operates the amount of change in the first and second frequencies based on application of the correction data corresponding to the current temperature and humidity, and the controller compares operation results with the set information to determine whether the coins are normal or not.

[Claim 4]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the set information comprises reference frequency variation data regarding measurements of the amount of change in the first and second frequencies depending on the material and diameter of various coins, reference passing time data varying based on the weight of various coins, data regarding correction of the first and second frequencies based on various temperatures and humidity, and data regarding the value of various coins. [Claim 5]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein a coin discharge unit is installed on an end of the movement passage and is adapted to protrude or retract according to determinations made by the controller regarding whether the coins are normal or not so that the coins are moved to a depository passage or a return passage branching off from the movement passage.

[Claim β]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein a counter is positioned between between the movement passage and the depository passage to count the number of the coins moving to the depository passage.

[Claim 7]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one coin playing unit protrudes along an inner wall of the movement passage, and at least one inclination unit is positioned at a predetermined angle on an outer surface of the body so that, when the body is installed on the service providing facility, the body is positioned at a predetermined angle by the inclination unit and guarantees that the coins inserted into the coin muzzle move while making contact with the coin playing unit. [Claim 8]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one coin playing unit protrudes along an inner wall of the movement passage, and the movement passage is formed at a predetermined angle so that the coins move while making contact with the com playing unit.

[Claim 9] The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein a coin standby unit is installed on the movement passage between the material or diameter detection sensor and the coin discharge unit and is adapted to protrude or retract according to whether the coins are normal or not so that, when the coins are normal, the coins stand by on the movement passage until total coins amount to a selected service fee and, when the coins are illegal, the coin standby unit cooperates with the coin discharge unit to move the coins to the return passage.

[Claim 10]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the movement passage between the material or diameter detection sensor and the coin discharge unit is divided into a first passage and a second passage havmg a width smaller than the first passage, a coin direction determination unit is installed between the first and second passages and is adapted to protrude or retract according to the value of the coins passing through the movement passage, the value having been determined by the controller, so that the coins move to the first passage or to the second passage, and coin standby units are installed on the first and second passages, respectively, and are adapted to protrude or retract according to whether the coins are normal or not so that, when the coins are normal, the coins stand by on the movement passage until total coins amount to a selected service fee and, when the coins are illegal, the coin standby units cooperate with the coin discharge unit to move the coins to the return passage.

[Claim ll]

The apparatus as claimed in one of claims 1-10, wherein the body has a wired/wireless communication channel for connecting with separate external communication devices comprising a mobile communication terminal, such as a cellular phone or a PDA, and a computer, such as a laptop computer, set information can be freely transmitted from the external communication devices via the wired/wireless communication device to be stored in the controller or to be deleted, and internal information stored in the controller can be transmitted to the external communication devices.

[Claim 12]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the internal information comprises information regarding the total number of coins stored in the service providing facility, set information stored in the controller and used by the controller, and information regarding whether the service providing facility or the apparatus for sorting and storing coins has errors nor not.

[Claim 13]

The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein a coin insertion detection sensor is installed at or inside the coin muzzle to detect insertion of the coins so that, when the coin insertion detection sensor detects insertion of the coins, the apparatus for sorting and storing coins is woken up from a sleep mode by the controller to determine whether the coins are normal or not and to store or return the coins.