[0001] This invention relates to coin handling apparatus.
[0002] The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, related to apparatus which can
accept, store and dispense coins. Such apparatus is often used with coin-operated
vending machines. The apparatus tests inserted coins and stores them if they are acceptable.
Unacceptable coins are rejected. If sufficient acceptable coins are inserted, the
vending machine is operated. The apparatus dispenses stored, acceptable coins as change.
[0003] Such apparatus generally includes a separate coin container for the or each denomination
of coin to be dispensed, and a cashbox for any other coin denominations. When a coin
container for a particular denomination of coin is full, any further incoming coins
of the same denomination are directed to the cashbox.
[0004] This arrangement uses a pair of sensors for each of the coin containers. One of the
sensors is used to determine when the coin container is full so that further coins
are directed to the cashbox. The other sensor determines when the coin container is
empty, or near empty, as a result of which the coin apparatus may no longer be able
to dispense change, and will give a display indicating that the correct amount should
be inserted.
[0005] Each coin container may be a tube which stores the coins in a stack. The empty and
full level sensors are mounted adjacent the upper and lower ends of the stack. Each
sensor may comprise a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides
of the tube so that the light path is intercepted when a coin is at the appropriate
level in the tube.
[0006] The fact that each coin container requires two level sensors makes the containers
rather expensive and difficult to construct. Another problem arises in that although
the cashbox is regularly emptied, the containers are not and the apparatus tends to
keep each container substantially full. This means that the total value of coins kept
stored in each vending machine tends to be fairly high. Owners of a fairly large number
of vending machines may find the total value of money tied up in the machines in this
manner to be unacceptable.
[0007] One could reduce this amount of money by altering the position of the full level
sensor. This would of course reduce the number of times the apparatus could dispense
change without being replenished. One could reach a position providing a suitable
compromise, but the differing requirements of different vending machine owners may
require that they have differently-positioned level sensors. Adapting the level sensors
to each owner's particular requirements would of course substantially increase the
manufacturing difficulties.
[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a coin handling apparatus having
at least one coin container into which the apparatus can selectively direct coins
and from which the apparatus can selectively dispense coins, the apparatus having
means for keeping a count of coins in the container and being responsive to said count
for determining whether coins are to be directed to or dispensed from the container.
[0009] The apparatus can be arranged to store coins in the coin container until the level
reaches a predetermined "full" value, which is preferably stored in an alterable memory.
Thus, the maximum amount of coins stored in the container can easily be adjusted to
suit differing requirements.
[0010] Accordingly, the apparatus of the invention does not need to'have the full level
sensor to determine when . the coin container is full. Preferably, however, the coin
container does have one level sensor which is desirably placed close to, but preferably
not at, the bottom of the coin container. The advantage of using such a level sensor
is that, as will be described in more detail later, it can be used to correct inaccuracies
in the count of coins in the container which may be caused by, for example, coins
being manually inserted into the container while the apparatus is switched off and
thereby unable to detect the insertion of the coins.
[0011] It is not, however, necessary that the apparatus keep an accurate .:count of the
coins in the container, and indeed the apparatus could instead merely use a single
level sensor to provide an indication of whether the level of coins in the container
is above or below a predetermined level, the apparatus thereafter controlling the
storing and dispensing of the coins in accordance with the indication from the level
sensor. Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention there is provided a coin handling
apparatus having at least one coin container into which the apparatus can selectively
direct coins and from which the apparatus can selectively dispense coins, the apparatus
having a sensor to provide an output indicating whether or not the number of stored
coins in the container is greater than a predetermined number, the apparatus being
responsive to the output of the sensor for determining whether coins are to be directed
to or dispensed from the container.
[0012] In theory one could control whether dispensing or further storing of coins is to
take place solely on the basis of the sensor output. This would have the advantage
that only one level sensor is required, rather than two as in the prior art, but would
have the disadvantage that the apparatus would be incapable of giving successive amounts
of change without being frequently replenished.
[0013] Accordingly, it is preferred that the above two aspects of the invention be combined,
whereby the apparatus is arranged to keep an estimated count of the coins in the container,
which count is incremented and decremented when coins are respectively directed to
and dispensed from the container, the apparatus being operable to adjust the count
if necessary when the level sensor indicates that the number of coins in the container
has risen above a predetermined number, and/or when the sensor indicates that the
number of coins has dropped to the predetermined number.
[0014] In a preferred arrangement of the invention, when the apparatus is switched on the
initial count of coins in the container is set to zero if the sensor indicates that
the number of stored coins is not greater than the predetermined number, and set equal
to the maximum permitted number of coins in the container if the sensor indicates
that the number of coins in the container is greater than this predetermined number.
Thereafter, any alteration in the number of coins in the container will be such that
this predetermined number is approached. This is because, if the count is initially
set at zero, the apparatus may direct further coins to the container but will not
allow coins to be dispensed such that the count would fall below zero. If the initial
count is set to the maximum value, the apparatus may dispense coins but will only
direct further coins to the container if this stored maximum count value will not
be exceeded. If and when the sensor indicates that the number of stored coins has
risen above or dropped to the predetermined number, the stored count is corrected.
[0015] The predetermined number is preferably stored in an alterable memory to allow adjustment
for use of the apparatus with coin containers having sensors at different levels.
The maximum permitted number of coins in the container is also preferably alterable
to permit adjustment of the maximum cash value stored in the container at any time,
and thereby facilitate adjustment to suit different owners' requirements and avoid
the problems mentioned above. The arrangement of the invention has an additional advantage,
in that the apparatus assumes that the coin container is filled to its maximum permitted
level if on switch-on the number of coins in the container exceeds the predetermined
number detected by the sensor. In fact it is likely that there is less than the maximum
permitted number of coins in the container. This means that the level of coins will
not be permitted to rise so that the total cash value stored in there stays at less
than the maximum permitted value until after the demand for change increases so that
the level drops and the count is corrected.
[0016] The term "level sensor" is used herein to describe a sensor-which 'indicates when
the number of coins stored in the container is greater than the predetermined number.
Although in the preferred arrangement the coins are stored in a vertical stack so
that this predetermined number will correspond to a predetermined height or level,
this is not necessarily the 'case and other storage arrangements in which the number
of stored coins does not correspond to any particular height could be used.
[0017] In coin handling apparatus it is desirable to provide a control circuit which 'can
be used,-with a minimum amount of modification, in conjunction with mechanisms and
storage facilities suitable for different types of coins, for example the coins of
different countries. It may also be desirable for a number of reasons to be able to
change the way in which the control circuit operates. The maximum number of coins
to be stored in the or each 'coin container, as referred to above; is one example
of a parameter which is desirably alterable.
[0018] Other aspects of the invention involve the use of an addressable non-volatile memory,
and means for accessing the memory, in order to change the way in which the control
circuit operates.
[0019] One further aspect of the invention relates to the provision of a coin handling apparatus
having means for directing coins along different paths to different locations, and
-a. control circuit for operating the directing means in accordance with signals from
a coin validator and in accordance with at least one parameter stored in an addressable
non-volatile memory, the circuit further including accessing means for accessing and
altering said at least one parameter.
[0020] This parameter may be the maximum permitted number of coins in a coin container.
The control circuit would cause a coin to be directed to the container if the validator
indicates that the coin is of the right denomination and the number of coins already
in the container is less than the maximum permitted number. The ability easily to
alter this maximum permitted number has the advantages set out above.
[0021] Preferably however the accessing means can be used to access and alter a number of
further parameters relating to the way in which coins are handled. For example, if
the apparatus has a number of separate coin containers, the memory contents may determine
which denominations of coins go to the respective containers.
[0022] The coins may be directed to their respective locations by movable gates, in which
case the memory contents may also determine the sequence in which the gates are operated,
and the intervals for which they are operated.
[0023] In an alternative aspect of the invention, instead of coin-handling parameters the
memory stores other information, e.g. information relating to the values of acceptable
coins. Preferably, however, both coin value information and coin-handling parameters
are stored.
[0024] The control circuit may be capable of operation with more than one type of validator.
An alterable memory location could be used to identify to the control circuit which
validator is being used.
[0025] The memory may also store, in an alterable fashion, one or more price settings the
or each of which determines how much cash has to be fed to the apparatus before a
product will be vended. Previously, the setting of prices has been achieved by operating
switches in a control circuit. By storing the price settings in an accessible memory
the need for such switches is obviated. Also, the structure and operation of the apparatus
is simplified by providing a common memory and accessing means for price settings
and for additional parameters affecting the operation of the apparatus.
[0026] If the control circuit is arranged to keep a count of coins stored in one or more
coin containers each provided with a single level sensor, as described above, another
parameter which can be stored in an alterable fashion is the predetermined number
of coins which is detected by the single level sensor. This enables the control circuit
to be used with different coin containers, or coin containers having differently-positioned
level sensors, or containers for use with coins of different thicknesses. The coin
count could also be stored in a non-volatile fashion but in view of the possibility
of manually altering the level of coins when the power is off, it is preferred that
the coin count be initialised each time the apparatus is switched on. The coin count
can thus be stored in a volatile memory.
[0027] Previously many, or all, of the coin-handling parameters have been unalterable, which
required the construction of different circuits for different types of apparatus.
Although switches could have been provided for altering these parameters, as was done
for price setting, this would have taken up a great deal of space, increased costs
and enabled unauthorised tampering with the circuit to alter the way in which the
apparatus operates. The provision of a non-volatile, accessible and alterable memory
for storing these parameters now enables a single control circuit to be used in a
variety of different apparatuses.
[0028] The unauthorised alteration of the way in which the apparatus operates can be prevented
by employing a further aspect of the invention, in which an addressable non-volatile
memory storing information determining the way in which the apparatus operates has
some memory locations which are accessible by operating an input means in a predetermined
manner, and other memory locations which require the input means to be operated in
a different manner before they become accessible. Thus, two levels of access are provided,
although of course further levels could also be provided if desired. This allows certain
memory locations, such as those used for price setting, to be easily accessible, and
preferably alterable while other memory locations storing for example coin-handling
parameters can be accessed only by authorised operators who know the correct way of
operating the input means in order to gain access. By way of example, the predetermined
manner of operation required to gain access to particular memory locations may involve
inserting a predetermined value into a memory location to which 'access is already
provided.
[0029] The use of a non-volatile memory is required to ensure that the stored information
determining the way in which the apparatus operates, including the way it handles
incoming coins, is not lost when the power to the apparatus is shut off. The term
"non-volatile" is used herein in a broad sense to refer to any kind of memory which
can retain information when the main power to the apparatus is interrupted. ' This
could for example be achieved by using a separate battery power supply for the memory.
[0030] However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the non-volatile memory is of
a type which retains its contents when its own power supply is terminated. In the
embodiment to be described below, the non-volatile memory is an electrically alterable
read-only memory (EAROM). However, other memories, such as magnetic bubble type memories,
could be used instead.
[0031] Thus, in a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a coin handling
apparatus having a control circuit for determining the way in which the apparatus
operates in accordance with information stored in a memory having electrically alterable
contents and of a type which retains its contents when its power supply is interrupted.
[0032] In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, a control circuit for
a coin handling apparatus is operable to keep an accumulated total of credit which
is incremented in response to the insertion of acceptable coins into the apparatus
and which is decremented upon the vending of a product, the control circuit being
periodically operable to increment the accumulated total without acceptable coins
being inserted, the control circuit having an addressable memory with alterable contents
determining when said incrementing without the insertion of acceptable coins is to
take place. Thus, the apparatus is provided with a "discount" feature whereby under
certain circumstances a user of the machine may be given extra credit without having
to insert coins. This facility is preferably provided in an apparatus capable of giving
change, so that the user can select whether the extra credit is to be given in the
form of change or a vended product.
[0033] The apparatus is preferably operable in a "multi-vend" mode, whereby a user can insert
coins to accumulate a credit sufficient to purchase more than one product, and then
successively operate the apparatus to vend the products without having to insert coins
between the vending operations. In these circumstances, the extra "discount" credit
can be given only if the user successively operates the apparatus to vend a predetermined
number of products (as determined by the contents of the memory) in a single operation.
Alternatively, the discount is provided only if the user purchases, in a single operation,
products having a total value at least equal to a predetermined, stored amount.
[0034] The apparatus may however additionally, or alternatively, provide the "discount"
credit in a "single-vend" mode, in which case the apparatus may provide the "discount"
credit after a predetermined number of operations of the apparatus.
[0035] The ability easily to alter the contents of the memory determining when the "discount"
credit is given enables the apparatus to be easily adjusted to suit individual owners'
requirements.
[0036] Preferably the coin handling apparatus is provided with a digital display which can
be operated to reveal the contents of some or all of the memory locations. The display
may also provide a display of memory addresses_so that the memory can be accessed
by operating an input means (e.g. push-buttons) until the correct memory address is
shown, the display then being operated to enter a mode in which it displays the contents
of the selected memory location, which contents can then be altered.
[0037] The display could also be used to display the status of various parts of the circuitry
of the coin handling apparatus.
[0038] Preferably, the control circuit includes a microprocessor.
[0039] An arrangement embodying the invention will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical part of a coin handling apparatus
in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the circuit of the coin handling apparatus;
Fig. 3 schematically shows an arrangement for accessing and altering the contents
of a memory of the circuit shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 schematically shows one of the coin storage containers of the apparatus; and
Figs. 5 and 6 are flow charts to describe some of the operations carried out by the
apparatus.
[0040] Referring to Fig. 1, the coin handling apparatus 2 includes a coin validator';4 for
receiving coins as indicated at 6. During the passage of the coins 6 along a path
8 in the validator 4, the validator provides signals indicating whether the coins
are acceptable, and if so the denomination of the coins.
[0041] Acceptable coins then enter a coin separator 10, which has a number of gates (not
shown) controlled by the circuitry of the apparatus for selectively diverting the
coins from a main path 12 into any of a number of further paths 14, 16 and 18, or
allowing the coins to proceed along the path 12 to a path 20 leading to a cashbox.
If the coins are unacceptable, instead of entering the separator 10 they are led straight
to a reject slot via a path 30.
[0042] Each of the paths 14, 16 and 18 leads to a respective one of three coin containers
22, 24 and 26. Each of these containers is arranged to store a vertical stack of coins
of a particular denomination.
[0043] A dispenser indicated schematically at 28 is operable to dispense coins from the
containers when change is to be given by the apparatus.
[0044] The arrangement so far is quite conventional, ahd the details of particular structures
suitable for using as various parts of the mechanism will therefore not be described
in detail.
[0045] Referring to Fig. 2, the circuit of the present embodiment of the invention incorporates
a microprocessor 50 connected to data and address buses 52 and 54. Although separate
buses are shown, data and address signals could instead be multiplexed on a single
bus. A bus for control signals could also be provided.
[0046] The 'microprocessor 50 is connected via the buses 52 and 54 to a read-only memory
(ROM) 56 and a random access-memory (RAM) 58. The ROM 56 stores the program controlling
the overall operation of the microprocessor 50, and the RAM 58 is used by the microprocessor
50 as a scratch-pad memory.
[0047] The microprocessor 50; the ROM 56 and the RAM 58 are, in the preferred embodiment,
combined on a single integrated circuit.
[0048] The microprocessor 50 is also connected via the buses 52 and 54 to an EAROM 60. The
EAROM 60 stores a variety of alterable parameters to be described in more detail later.
The EAROM 60 may be of a type which inputs and outputs data in a serial fashion, in
which case it may be connected to only a single data line, instead of the data bus
52.
[0049] The microprocessor 50 is also coupled via the buses 52 and 54 to input/output circuitry
indicated at 62. The circuitry 62 includes a level sensor for each of the coin containers
22, 24 and 26, circuits for operating the dispenser 28 and the gates of the coin separator
10, the circuitry of the coin validator 4, a display visible to a user of the apparatus
for displaying an accumulated credit value, and a further display and a set of switches
to be described in connection with Fig. 3.
[0050] The input/output circuitry 62 also includes an interface between the control circuit
of the apparatus and a vending machine to which it is connected.
[0051] In operation of the apparatus the microprocessor 50 successively tests the signals
from the validator to determine whether a coin has been inserted in the apparatus.
It also successively tests the signals from the switches to be described with reference
to Fig. 3 to determine whether an operator desires to access the memory locations
in the EAROM 60. When a credit has been accumulated, the microprocessor also tests
signals from the vending machine to determine whether a vending operation has been
carried out. In response to various signals received by the microprocessor 50, various
parts of the program stored in the ROM 56 are carried out. The microprocessor is thus
arranged to operate and receive signals from the level sensors of the coin containers
22, 24 and 26, and to control the gates in the separator 10 in order to deliver the
coins to the required locations, and is also operable to cause appropriate information
to be shown on the displays of the apparatus and to deliver signals to the vending
machine to permit or prevent vending operations. The microprocessor is also operable
to control the dispenser to deliver appropriate amounts of change.
[0052] The particular sequence of most of the operations carried out by the microprocessor
may be the same as those determined by the hard-wired logic in previous apparatus.
A suitable program to be stored in the ROM 56 can therefore be designed by anyone
familiar with the art,'and accordingly only the operations carried out by the particularly
relevant parts of this program will be described.
[0053] Referring to Fig. 3, the control circuit is provided with a display 100 which can
display four digits and a decimal point at any one of four locations each positioned
after a respective digit. The circuit also has three pushbuttons, 102, 104 and 106,
which can be operated to bring the display 100 into use.
[0054] In order to set the apparatus up for use, the pushbutton 102 (referred to as the
"start" button) is operated. This is recognised by the microprocessor 50 which then,
in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 56, causes the display to read zero.
The displayed value can then be incremented by successively pressing the pushbutton
106 (referred to as the "up" button), and decremented by successively pressing the
pushbutton 104 (referred to as the "down" button). In this way,-the operator can bring
the displayed number to any desired value within a predetermined range (above which
the display returns to zero). Each of the displayable numbers corresponds to a particular
memory location in the EAROM 60.
[0055] Once a desired number has-been reached, the operator again presses the set button
102, following which the display 100 displays the contents of the appropriate memory
location. These 'contents can then be incremented or decremented by using the up and
down buttons 106 and
104, and the altered contents can be entered into the EAROM
60 by again pressing the set button 102. This operation of altering the memory contents
can be terminated by pressing. the set button 102 twice 'in succession.
[0056] This method is'used to set in the EAROM 60 a number of prices so that when the apparatus
is used, the microprocessor 50 will recognise when sufficient credit has been accumulated
by the insertion of coins to deliver the signals which allow the vending machine to
be operated.
[0057] By operating the buttons 102, 104 and 106 in a predetermined manner, the operator
may gain access to further memory locations of the EAROM 60 (i.e. enter a "second
access mode"). This could, for example, be done by inserting a particular value in
a particular memory location which is normally accessible. Then, when the display
has been incremented to the highest normally available address, the microprocessor
can be arranged to look at the memory location storing that particular value and,
on noting that the value is present, permit further incrementing of the display to
further memory addresses.
[0058] This arrangement permits restricted access to certain memory locations. These memory
locations can be used to store, for example
(1) the maximum amount of change which the apparatus will dispense in a single operation.
This ensures that a user cannot build up excessive credit and then recover the credit
by way of dispensed cash unless he has first operated the vending machine in order
to reduce the credit to below the set value.
(2) A "discount" value, which corresponds to the amount of credit awarded in a discount
operation.
(3) A "discount" event number, which controls when a discount is to be awarded.
(4) The coin denominations which are acceptable by the apparatus when it is in a state
in which it may not be able to deliver change (i.e. when an "exact change" indication
is given).
(5) A value which determines whether the apparatus will operate in a single-vend or
a multi-vend mode (as referred to above).
(6) A value which determines whether, once a credit has been accumulated, a vending
operation must be carried out before any change is given by the apparatus.
[0059] Other parameters affecting circuit operation can also be stored.
[0060] Still further memory locations can be accessed by operating the pushbuttons 102,
104 and 106 in a further predetermined manner (to achieve a "third access mode").
These further memory locations would normally have appropriate values stored in them
on manufacture of the apparatus, and would not require alteration on installation
of the apparatus. However it is useful to provide a third level of access whereby
an operator can inspect locations, and can also alter these if this ever becomes necessary,
for example if a mechanism with which. 'the circuit operates is altered.
[0061] The memory locations which are addressed at this third level of access store'parameters
relating to the way in which coins are handled by the apparatus, and further parameters
relating to the values of the coins with which the apparatus is intended to be used.
[0062] The coin handling parameters include timing values which determine how long gates.are
opened or closed, gating parameters which determine which location each denomination
of coin is directed to by the gates, and dispensing timing values which determine
how long a dispensing mechanism is to be actuated for, and how long the necessary
delay period is between the end of one dispensing operation and the beginning of a
succeeding dispensing operation. These latter values will depend upon coin size and
weight..
[0063] The coin value parameters include the relative values of the coins, and a scale 'factor
whereby actual coin values can be calculated and displayed on the credit display of
the apparatus.
[0064] Other parameters would not normally need to be changed except in special circumstances
may also be stored at this third level of access. For example, there may be a memory
location storing the minimum number of coins in a coin container' below which the
'apparatus will provide an "exact change" indication to warn that the apparatus may
not be able to deliver change .
[0065] There may also be a memory location to identify the type of coin validator being
used with 'the apparatus.
[0066] The apparatus can be used with an optional audit or accountability system which keeps
a record of the transactions carried out by the apparatus. One of the memory locations
stores a value indicating whether or not such an audit system is in operation. This
memory location is at the third access level, so as to avoid unauthorised tampering
with the contents of the location and thereby falsification of the accountability
record. However, it is desirable to provide for situations in which an owner of the
apparatus wishes to add an audit system to apparatus which has not previously been
provided-with such a system. To enable this to be achieved simply, there is provided
a further memory location at the second level of access into which the owner can insert
a special code which causes the microprocessor to enter into the "audit location"
at the third level of access a code indicating the presence of an audit system. The
microprocessor program is so arranged, however, that it is not possible to use the
location at the second access level to cause the storage, in the audit location, of
a code signifying that no audit system is in use; the third level of access is required
to achieve this.
[0067] The result of this is that there is a memory location which can be altered to store
at least one particular code (indicating the presence of an audit system) at the second
level of access, but can only be altered so as to store a different code (indicating
the absence of an audit system) at the third level of access. This provides. for simple
and convenient modification when audit systems are being added, but prevents or makes
very difficult tampering with the system to provide a false indication that there
is no audit system present, which would result in the apparatus failing to record
transactions.
[0068] Similar arrangements can be used for storing other parameters. It is of course also
possible to have a corresponding arrangement at the first and seconds levels of access,
rather than the second and third levels.
[0069] With the EAROM 60 storing the appropriate values, which have been entered on installation
and/or manufacture, and the apparatus in a condition for use, an operator can use
the display 100 and the pushbuttons 102, 104 and 106 to check on the operation of
the apparatus. By operating the pushbuttons in a certain sequence, for example by
pressing the down button 104 prior to pressing the set button 102, one can cause the
microprocessor 50 to,shift the display into a diagnostic mode. In this mode, the display
100 (and/or the external credit display of the apparatus) displays numbers dependent
upon the status of various parts of the apparatus. For example, the apparatus can
be arranged to indicate whether any of the coin containers 22, 24 and 26 is empty,
whether a sensor in the separator is providing a signal indicating that the separator
is jammed, etc.
[0070] It is known in conventional coin handling apparatuses to direct coins to coin containers
such as those shown at 22, 24 and 26 in Fig. 1, and to dispense the coins from the
containers in a change dispensing operation. It is also known that the apparatus should
recognise when the coins stored in each container reach a relatively low level, so
that change may not be available and an indication that only the correct amount of
cash should be inserted into the machine is given. Furthermore, it is known to detect
when the level of coins is above a predetermined maximum level, so that further coins
of the same denomination are directed to the cashbox instead of the coin container.
[0071] However, in the past this has usually been achieved by using two level sensors, one
for detecting a low level of coins and the other for detecting a high level of coins.
The present embodiment provides an arrangement which requires only one level sensor,
but which nevertheless operates in the desired manner, as will be explained in the
following.
[0072] Referring to Fig. 4, each coin container (only container 22 is illustrated in Fig.
4) has a single level sensor formed by a light source 150 and a light detector 152
mounted on opposite sides of the coin container. The level sensor can be operated
at any desired time by the microprocessor sending a signal to illuminate the light
source 150. This will produce an output from the light detector 152, which is delivered
to the microprocessor 50, only if no coin blocks the light path between the source
and the detector.
[0073] The sensor is located fairly close to, but not at, the bottom of the coin container,
although other positions could be used instead. The light detector 152 provides an
output signal when the light source 150 is operated only if the number of coins in
the container is equal to or less than a predetermined number, referred to herein
by the mnemonic MTNUM. Any further coins will block the light from the source 150.
[0074] Each time the microprocessor causes a coin to be directed to the coin container,
a coin count stored in the RAM 58 for that particular container is incremented. The
coin count is decremented every time the microprocessor 50 causes a coin to be dispensed
from the container.
[0075] The way in which the apparatus operates to keep a count of the coins in the containers
will now be described with reference only to the coin container 22. The operation
for the other coin containers is identical.
[0076] When the apparatus is switched on, the microprocessor 50 reads the sensor 150, 152
associated with the container. If the sensor is uncovered (i.e. if the number of coins
is less than or equal to MTNUM) then the microprocessor stores, as the coin count
for that container, the value zero. If on the other hand the sensor is covered, then
the value stored as the coin count is a further predetermined number referred to herein
by the mnemonic FULNUM and corresponding to the desired maximum number of coins in
the container.
[0077] The stored coin count is subsequently altered in accordance with coin dispensing
and accepting operations.
[0078] The detailed operation of the apparatus'when it receives an acceptable coin of the
denomination stored in the container 22 will be described with reference to the flow
chart of Fig. 5.
[0079] Following the recognition of an acceptable coin at step 500, the microprocessor determines
whether the stored coin count (CC) is less than FULNUM at step 502. If not, i.e. if
the count indicates that the maximum permitted number of coins is stored in the container,
then at step 504 the microprocessor operates the gates to steer the coin to the cashbox.
The microprocessor then proceeds, as indicated at step 506, to carry out any subsequent
operations such as incrementing a credit total, signalling the vending machine, etc.
[0080] Assuming that the coin count is less than FULNUM, then in step 508 the microprocessor
operates the steering gates in the separator 10'in order to direct the coin to the
coin container 22.
[0081] The microprocessor then, in step 510, reads the level sensor for the coin container
22. There then follows a delay period in step 512, wherein the microprocessor waits
for a period set by the contents of a location in the EAROM 60 which is alterable
at the third level of access. During this period the coin is passing through the separator
10. Then, at step 514, the level sensor of the container 22 is read again.
[0082] At step 516 the gates directing the coin to the coin container 22 are closed.
[0083] At step 518 the microprocessor determines whether the level sensor of the container
22 is covered. This is done by "OR-ing" the results of the sensing operations at steps
510 and 514. In other words, if in either of these operations the sensor indicates
that no coin is present, then the microprocessor assumes that the sensor is uncovered,
i.e. that the number of stored coins is equal to or less than MTNUM.
[0084] The reason for carrying out the sensing operation twice, with an intervening pause,
is to avoid the sensor erroneously indicating that the coin level is greater than
MTNUM. This could otherwise occur if a previously accepted coin was passing the level
sensor at the time the sensor is read. The delay between the two readings is such
that a coin passing the sensor at the time of 'the first reading would have settled
in the container by the time the second reading is taken, and on the other hand any
coin passing the level sensor at the time of the second reading would not have reached
the sensor when the first reading was taken.
[0085] The time between the opening and closing of the gates sending the 'coin to the coin
container may also be determined by alterable contents of an EAROM location, and may
be selected in accordance with the physical properties of the coin.
[0086] The period of operation of the gates can be selected as described in British Patent
Specification No. 1,582,691.
[0087] If, as a result of the sensing operations, it is discovered that the sensor is not
covered, the microprocessor proceeds to step 520, in which'the coin count is incremented
by. 1, and to step 506.
[0088] On the other hand, if the sensor is covered, then the microprocessor proceeds to
step 522. Here the microprocessor determines whether the stored coin count is greater
than MTNUM. As the sensor has been found to be covered, then the count should indeed
be greater than MTNUM, and if it is then the microprocessor proceeds to step 520 to
increment the count.
[0089] However if the coin count is less than or equal to MTNUM, the microprocessor proceeds
to step 524. At this step, the microprocessor determines whether the coin count is
equal to zero. Under normal circumstances, the coin count would be greater than zero,
in which case the microprocessor proceeds to step 526, in which the coin count is
set equal to a "coin-increasing correction" value of MTNUM plus 2. At this step therefore,
the microprocessor corrects any errors in the coin count which may have resulted from
the microprocessor, at switch-on, storing an initial coin count of zero when in fact
several coins were already stored in the container. Thus, step 526 corrects any inaccurate
counts which are smaller than the actual number of coins in the container.
[0090] If at step 524, if the microprocessor determines that the coin count is equal to
zero, it proceeds to step 528. A zero count should not in fact be obtained, because
earlier deliveries of coins to the container in order to raise the level to a position
at which the sensor is covered would have increased the coin count. However the zero
count may in fact occur if the container has been manually filled, in which case the
coin count would not have been incremented. In this situation the coin count would
be completely wrong, and to deal with this problem the microprocessor, at step 528,
stores the value FULNUM as the coin count. Any discrepancies between the value FULNUM
and the actual number of coins in the container will be dealt with in subsequent operations
to be described later.
[0091] After setting the coin count, to the appropriate values, the program proceeds to
step 506 and the subsequent operations of the apparatus.
[0092] The actual sequence of operations set out in Fig. 5, including the order in which
the gates are opened and closed and the coin counts altered, can of course be modified.
[0093] The "coin-increasing correction" value MTNUM plus 2 which is stored in step 526 corresponds
to the minimum value MTNUM plus 1 at which the sensor is covered, plus an extra 1
for the incoming coin which has just been accepted.
[0094] The operation of the apparatus when it is dispensing a coin from the container 22
will now be described with reference to the 'flow chart of Fig. 6. Coins are of course
dispensed only if the coin count is greater than zero. In an alternative arrangement,
the apparatus could be arranged to dispense coins only if the coin count is greater
than another number, such as MTNUM.
[0095] Firstly, a change 'calculation is carried out to determine how many coins of each
'of the stored denominations are to be dispensed in accordance with the total amount
of change and the stored numbers of coins (i.e. the coin counts). Then, for each 'of
the coins to be dispensed, the following sequence is carried out.
[0096] At step 600, the coin is dispensed. Then at step 602, the coin count is decremented
by 1. The sensor is read at step 604. In the dispensing operation, no problems arise
from coins' moving past the sensor, and accordingly the sensor is read only once.
[0097] At step 606, the microprocessor decides whether the sensor is covered. If it is covered,
no modification of the coin count is performed, and the program proceeds to carry
out any'subsequent operations, such as calculating. whether any further change is
to be dispensed, altering the accumulated credit etc. as indicated at step 608.
[0098] It should be noted that, when the tube sensor is covered, the coin count may be greater
than the actual number of coins in the container, but it should not be less than the
actual number of coins. Thas is because the coin count is set to FULNUM on switch-on
when the tube sensor is covered. If the coin count is equal to FULNUM, no further
coins are 'directed to the coin container. This arrangement has the advantage that
the actual number of coins stored in the container is never greater than FULNUM, and
may in fact be kept at a value which is lower than FULNUM until the sensor becomes
uncovered, in which case the count is corrected as described below. Thus, the actual
amount of cash stored in the container is, for a while at least, kept lower than the
maximum permitted value.
[0099] If, after the dispensing operation, the sensor is uncovered, the microprocessor proceeds
from step 606 to step 610.
[0100] If the coin count is greater than MTNUM, then at step 612 the coin count is corrected
by setting it equal to a "coin-decreasing correction" value of MTNUM. The program
then proceeds to step 608.
[0101] If at step 610 the coin count is not greater than MTNUM, the program proceeds directly
to step 608.
[0102] As a result of the operations described above, a single level sensor is used to enable
the apparatus to keep a count of the coins in the container in order to determine
whether coins are to be stored in the container or dispensed from the container. The
program is designed so that any inaccuracies in the count are corrected when the level
of the coins reaches that of the level sensor. If the initial count is too low because
the level of coins was below the tube sensor, then the level will not be allowed to
drop lower, but otherwise coins may be stored in and dispensed from the container
so that the level may eventually increase to that of the level sensor. On the other
hand, if initially the tube sensor was covered but the container was not full, then
the level of coins may rise or fall but will not be permitted to rise any higher than
the initial level.
[0103] Of course the tendency to approach the level of the sensor will depend on the cash
inserted and dispensed from the apparatus, so that in actual practice the level of
the sensor may not be reached. However this would only occur when there is insufficient
demand for change, or an insufficient number of acceptable coins coming into the apparatus.
In either case inaccuracies in the coin count are of no significance, because change
is either not desired or cannot be given because of shortage of coins.
[0104] The values MTNUM and FULNUM are stored in the EAROM and can be altered at the third
level of access referred to above. This enables the value FULNUM to be altered to
suit individual owners' requirements, and also to be varied for different coin denominations.
It is sometimes found that large coins forming a high stack may detrimentally affect
the performance of the dispenser. This can be avoided by reducing the value of FULNUM.
[0105] The value of MTNUM can be changed to suit different coin containers and sizes of
coins, which will alter the number of.coins necessary to reach the height of the level
sensor.
[0106] When the third level of access to the EAROM 60 is reached, the microprocessor is
arranged to transfer the coin counts for the various containers to the EAROM 60 so
that these 'coin counts can be inspected.
[0107] Preferably, the microprocessor is arranged to read the sensors and store an additional
count (either zero or FULNUM) not only when the power is switched on, but also when
the pushbutton- 102 is pressed. This allows an operator to fill the coin container
manually, and then start a new coin count without turning off the power.
[0108] The level sensor of each of the containers can be positioned at any desired level.
For example, the level sensor could be right at the top of the container. However
it is preferred that the level sensor be at a relatively low position to avoid substantially
underestimating the actual level of coins at initialisation, which would cause an.
"exact change only" indication to be given more often than necessary. The sensor could
also be right at the bottom of the container, but it is preferably higher than this
so as to provide the "exact change" indication as a warning prior to the container
being completely emptied. It is generally desirable that the level sensor be at or
near the level of coins below which the "exact change" indication is given.
[0109] The various operations carried out by the control circuit throughout coin acceptance
and dispensing stages, and the delivery of signals to the venidng machine may, by
way of example, correspond to the operations carried out by the circuitry of the Mentor
3000 system marketed by Mars Money Systems. By way of further example, the stored
program may be arranged to cause the circuit to operate in accordance with the techniques
described in British Patent Specification No. 2,006,501.
[0110] The coin handling apparatus of the invention may be used with machines other than
vending machines, although it is particularly useful in circumstances in which change
is to be dispensed. By way of example, the apparatus may be used in conjunction with
pay telephones. Other examples are amusement and gaming machines, and change-giving
machines.
[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the microprocessor 50 carries out many different functions.
Clearly, though, discrete circuitry could be used in place of a microprocessor, in
which case many of the functions would be carried out by different, respective circuits.
1. Coin handling apparatus having control means responsive to a validator which is
operable to receive and test coin-like items, the control means being operable to
cause the items to be directed to different locations and to increment a credit count
in response to the validator testing an item and determining that it is a genuine
coin, wherein the control means has a memory storing alterable contents determining
the manner in which said control means operates, the apparatus further including user-operable
means permitting a user to read-out at least some of the contents of said memory,
said memory having first locations which are made accessible to the user by operating
the user-operable means in a first predetermined manner to place the apparatus in
a first access mode, and second locations which are inaccessible to the user in said
first access mode and accessible in a second access mode requiring the operation of
said user-operable means in a second, different predetermined manner.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user-operable means can be operated
by the user to alter the contents of the memory.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said memory includes a location the contents
of which can be altered to at least one predetermined value by operating said user-operable
means in one of said access modes, but which can be altered to at least one different
predetermined value only by operating said user-operable means in a different access
mode.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the memory has a third set
of locations which can be accessed by operating the user-operable means in a third
predetermined manner.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said memory stores parameters
determining the respective paths along which the control means directs different types
of items.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including a plurality of gates which
are selectively operable by the control means to direct the items to different locations,
and wherein the memory stores parameters determining the times for which the respective
gates are operated.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the memory stores parameters
determining how much the credit count is incremented in response to the testing of
different types of genuine coins.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, for use in a vending machine operable
to dispense at least one product, wherein the memory stores information determining
how much the credit count has to be incremented before said one product will be dispensed.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said control means is operable
additionally to increment said credit count without determining that a tested item
is a genuine coin.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said memory stores a parameter determining
when said additional incrementing is to take place.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control means is further
operable to cause at least one type of genuine coin to be dispensed from a container
in a change-giving operation.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein one of said locations to which coins
are directed is said container, and wherein the control means is operable to direct
coins of that type to said container only if the number of coins in the container
is less than a predetermined number stored in said memory.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the memory has an auxiliary
power supply for allowing the memory to retain its contents on interruption of the
main power supply.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the memory is a non-volatile
electrically alterable read-only memory.
15. Coin handling apparatus comprising an item-routing arrangement selectively operable
to direct coin-like items to different locations, and control means for controlling
said item-routing arrangement, the control means being responsive to the output of
a validator which has tested said coin-like items so as to direct coins of different
denominations to respective ones of said locations, wherein the locations to which
the respective denominations of coins are to be directed is determined in accordance
with alterable data stored in a memory of the control means, said memory being operable
to retain its contents on interruption of a main power supply of the control means.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, having user-operable means permitting a user
to access the contents of the memory so as to display said contents.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the user-operable means can be operated
to alter said contents.
18. Coin handling apparatus comprising:
at least one coin container;
means for selectively directing coins to and dispensing coins from said container;
and
control means for controlling said directing and dispensing means, the control means
being operable to keep a count of the coins in the container and being operable to
alter said count as coins are directed to and dispensed from said container;
wherein the apparatus further includes sensing means for indicating whether or not
the number of coins in the container is greater than a predetermined number, said
control means being operable to modify the count in response to an alteration in the
output of the sensing means.
19. Change-giving apparatus having a coin validator for receiving and testing coins,
and coin handling apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim for receiving from the
validator coins which have been determined to be genuine, and for dispensing change.
20. A vending machine having change-giving apparatus as claimed in claim 19.