Coin processing device and corresponding method for classifying coins

Abstract

A coin processing device (10) and a method for classifying coins are provided. The coin processing device (10) includes at least one computerized controller (9) having a storage unit (36), and at least one coin channel (34) for guiding a coin (35). The at least one coin channel (34) includes at least one sensor (37) suitable for measuring a passage time of the coin (35). An accelerating device (43) is connected to the computerized controller (9) and is designed to accelerate the coin (35) in a reproducible manner. A target speed value for a specified coin (35) is stored in the storage unit (36). An actual speed value is calculated based on the transport time detected by the sensor (37). A coin class of the coin (35) is ascertained by the computerized controller (9) from the comparison of the target speed value and the actual speed value.

Claims

1. A coin processing device with a computer control (9), wherein the computer control (9) comprises a storage unit (36), the coin processing device having at least one coin channel (34) for conveying a coin (35), wherein the at least one coin channel (34) has at least one sensor (37) suitable for measuring a throughput time of the coin (35), wherein the sensor (37) is an optical measurement device, the optical measurement device having at least one photoelectric barrier (40) having a light source (45) and two light receivers (46) in a throughput direction of the coin (35), the light receivers (46) being arranged on both sides of the light source (45) for receiving light radiation reflected on a peripheral edge of the coin (35), and wherein the sensor (37) is coupled with the computer control (9), and the coin processing device further having an accelerating device (43), which is coupled with the computer control (9) and is designed for a reproducible acceleration of the coin (35), and wherein a target velocity value for a particular coin (35) is stored in the storage unit (36), the target velocity value being comparable with an actual velocity value calculated on the basis of the throughput time detected by the sensor (37) such that therefrom the class of the coin (35) can be determined.

2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the accelerating device (43) for the coin (35) is designed mechanically, pneumatically or electromagnetically.

3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer control (9) activates an optically and/or acoustically perceptible alarm mechanism when the actual velocity value impermissibly deviates from the target velocity value.

4. The coin processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coin channel (34) has, at least in the area of the sensor (37), a friction-minimizing surface or surface coating.

5. A game apparatus for entertainment with a coin processing device (10) of claim 1.

6. A process for classifying coins in a coin processing device (10), wherein the coin processing device (10) comprises a computer control (9) with a storage unit (36), an accelerating device (43) designed for a reproducible acceleration of a coin (35) and at least one sensor (37) mounted in a coin channel (34) for detecting a throughput time of the coin (35), wherein the coin (35) with the aid of the accelerating device (43) in the coin channel (34) is conveyed (110) past the sensor (37) and in doing so the throughput time of the coin (35) is detected (120) by the sensor (37) and sent (130) to the computer control (9), wherein an actual velocity value for the coin (35) is calculated on the basis of the throughput time by the computer control (9), wherein then by the computer control (9) the actual velocity value of the coin (35) is compared with a target velocity value for the coin and therefrom a coin class of the coin (35) is determined (140), wherein the target velocity value for a particular coin (35) is stored in the storage unit (36), characterized in that the sensor (37) is an optical measurement device having at least one photoelectric barrier (40), wherein the photoelectric barrier (40) comprises a light source (45) and two light receivers (46) in a throughput direction of the coin (35), the light receivers (46) being arranged on both sides of the light source (45), and that the throughput time of the coin (35) is detected by the sensor (37) as light radiation of the light source (45) reflected on a peripheral edge of the coin (35) is successively received by the two light receivers (46) and in case of reception of the reflected light radiation a measurement signal is sent to the computer control (9).

7. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that the target velocity value for the coin (35) is determined by experiments in a learning mode of the computer control (9) and then stored in the storage unit (36).

8. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that the target velocity value for the coin (35) is determined mathematically by the computer control (9) and then stored in the storage unit (36).

9. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that each target velocity value is assigned allowable tolerances which are stored in the storage unit (36) with the respective target velocity value.

10. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that a visually and/or acoustically perceptible alarm device is activated by the computer control (9) at exceeding a tolerance level in comparison of the actual velocity value with the respective target velocity value (140).

11. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that the accelerating device (43) is activated by the computer control (9) by means of an applied signal (110).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(1) The invention is explained below by several examples with reference to the accompanying figures.

(2) The following shows:

(3) FIG. 1 a simplified perspective illustration of a console of a game apparatus for entertainment according to the invention, with the front door opened and a coin processing device according to the invention

(4) FIG. 2 an exemplary and schematic illustration of the coin processing device of FIG. 1

(5) FIG. 3 a schematic and exemplary illustration of Detail IV of the coin processing device according to the invention, according to FIG. 2

(6) FIG. 4 a schematic and exemplary illustration of Detail IV of the coin processing device according to the invention, according to FIG. 2 in an alternative embodiment and example of a flow of the associated process for classifying coins

IMPLEMENTATION OF INVENTION

(7) The game apparatus for entertainment by way of example and schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a console 1 having a top-side header 2 with a curved frame part 3. Furthermore, the game apparatus for entertainment has two opposite side walls 4 with frontally associated frame 5, a base 6 with a rear-illuminable cover plate 7 and a rear wall 8. The console 1 comprises a computer control 9, including a game sequence control, and is coupled to a coin processing device 10. As exemplified in FIG. 2, the coin processing device 10 comprises a coin validator 32, a coin box 11 and a coin-disbursement unit 33. The coin validator 32 is on top of the coin channel 34, behind the associated frame 5, connected to a coin insertion slot 12 installed in a frame 5. A return key 13 in the frame 5 is located beneath the coin insertion slot 12such as illustrated in FIG. 1for example to disburse money.

(8) To close the console 1 from the front side, an upper front cap 16 and a lower front flap 17 are provided. Two screens 19 arranged above the other are mounted, for example in the upper front flap 17 to display game content. The game apparatus for entertainment can be operated via operating elements 26 in a closed state of the console 1that is, when the two front flaps 16, 17 are foldedwhich are housed in a desk 21 and, for example are designed as a push-button switch. The operating elements 26 are coupled with the computer control 9 via connecting lines. Laterally, the control elements 26 comprise on one hand a coin-disbursement basin 28, which is in the closed state of the lower front flap 17 coupled to the coin processing device 10 via slots 29. On the other hand, a bill input/output basin 30 is housed next to the control elements 26 on the desk 21, which is connected with a bill processing unit 31 coupled with a console 1. The bill processing unit 31 comprises, for example a bill checkout and/or a dispenser and is connected to the computer control 9.

(9) The coin validator 32 of the coin processing device 10 is coupled with the computer control 9 of the game apparatus of entertainment comprising the storage unit 36. Furthermore, the computer control 9 is coupled with the coin-disbursement unit 33 and with a coin channel 34 at the side of disbursement 38 of the coin processing deviceas illustrated in FIG. 2. A coin 35 passes through the coin insertion slot 12 in the coin channel 34 of the coin processing device 10 and from there into the coin validator 32. Subsequently, the coin 35 is conveyed to the coin box 11 or in the coin-disbursement unit 33, in which the coins 35 are sorted in a classified manner. If now the disbursement of coins 35, for example, due to the operation of the return key 13 or due to an event of game processing effect should occur, they pass the coin channel 34 at the side of disbursement 38. This coin channel 34 has a sensor 37, which also is passed by the coins 35. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensor 37 may be formed as a photoelectric barrier 40, with the sensor 37, a measurement signal is sent to the computer control 9 when the coin 35 enters an area between the transmitter 41 and receiver 42. At the time of exiting this area, a measurement signal is sent to the computer control 9 as well.

(10) In an alternative embodiment the sensor 37 may comprise two spaced fork photoelectric barriers. In case of interruption of the light beam, a signal is sent to the computer control 9 of each of the fork photoelectric barriers for further evaluation.

(11) With the retention time of the coin 35 in the area of the photoelectric barrier 40 and due to known geometric data of coin classes and/or the length of the photoelectric barrier 40, an actual velocity value can be determined. This actual velocity value is compared with a target velocity value. Target velocity values for all disbursed coins 35 are determinedeither by tests in a learning mode of the computer control or mathematicallyevaluated and provided with tolerances stored in the storage unit 36. Thus, a conclusion of currently disbursed coin classes can be drawn. Since the computer control 9 has information regarding the disbursed coin class based on the determined velocity, it can determine whether the correct coin class or due to error or manipulation another one is currently disbursed, particularly in case of disbursement of a superior coin class. If there is an impermissible deviation between the detected actual velocity value of the coin 35 and the target velocity value, a visually and/or acoustically perceptible alarm, for example, can be activated by the computer control 9.

(12) An acceleration of the coin 35 for passing the measuring area can, for example take place due to the horizontal downwardly inclined coin channel 34 due to gravity. Ideally, an accelerating device 43 is provided, which is coupled with the computer control 9 and through which a reproducible acceleration of the coin 35 and a sufficient velocity for transporting the coin 35 can be obtained (for example at a slightly inclined, horizontal, or rising coin channel 34). Such an accelerating device 43 for the coin 35 can, for example be designed pneumatically, mechanically or electromagnetically.

(13) As illustrated in FIG. 3, the coin channel 34 can be horizontally aligned at the side of disbursement 38 of the coin processing device 10. The coin channel 34 is attached to the accelerating device 43 which is, for example designed as an end-mounted compressed air nozzle 50. The signal applied on the computer control 9 of coin-disbursement 35, compressed air is directed at a specific flow rate to accelerate the coin 35 in the direction of arrow 44 into the coin channel 34. The coin channel 34 is equipped with the sensor 37, comprising a light source 45 and two mutually in a defined position as well as to the light source 45 angularly offset arranged light receiver 46. In case the coin 35 is now entering with its peripheral edge in the area of the emitted light beam, of the light source 45 according to arrow 47, a reflection of the light beam results according to arrow 48 to the one light receiver 46. From this light receiver 46 a corresponding measurement signal is sent to the computer control 9. Then, a scattering of the light beam occurs due to the curvature of the peripheral circumference of the coin 35, until a reflection occurs at the other light receiver 46 according to arrow 49. A corresponding measurement signal from this light receiver 46 is then also sent to the computer control 9. Based on the measurement signals in addition to the measurement of time, where the coin 35 needs to pass through the sensor 37, a calculation of the diameter of the coin 35 and the resulting velocity of the coin 35 is also possible. This ensures an improved classification.

(14) In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the coin channel 34 can, for example be aligned incrementally toward the coin-disbursement basin 28. To convey the coin 35 an accelerating device 43 can be re-coupled with the coin channel 34. The necessary accelerating device 43 for conveying the coin is, for example mechanically designed, comprising a spring mechanism. By means of the spring mechanism, the coin 35 is conveyed by the coin channel 34 and the associated sensor 37 into the coin-disbursement basin 28.

(15) Furthermore, FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence of the process for classifying coins with the coin processing device 10. In this case, the accelerating device 43 is activated in a first process stage step 110 from the computer control 9 by means of a signal, since a coin 35 will be disbursed. The accelerating device 43 comprises, for example a spring mechanism by means of an external power-operated actuator, with which the first process stage 110 accelerates the coin 35 and then moves it into the coin channel 34 passing the sensor 37. From the sensor 37 a second process stage 120 detects a processing time of the coin 35 by the range of the sensor 37. The detected processing time is then sent in a third process stage 130 to the sensor 37 coupled with the computer control 9.

(16) The computer control 9 comprises a storage unit 36 in which a target velocity value is stored for the coin 35 or a respective coin class. The target velocity value for the coin 35 can be determined, for example by experiments in a learning mode of the computer control 9 or calculated mathematically. In addition, permissible tolerances may be stored in the storage unit 36 at any target velocity value.

(17) In a fourth process stage 140, the processing time detected by sensor 37 by the computer control 9 calculates an actual velocity value for the coin 35. For the calculation, for example information about the acceleration of the coin 35 by means of the accelerating device 43, information about dimensions of the coin 35, and/or information on energy spent on the acceleration of the coin 35 can be used. The calculated actual velocity value of the coin 35 is then compared by the computer control 9 with the target velocity value for the coin 35 from the storage unit 36. Therefrom a coin class is determined for the coin 35 and it can be detected in a simple manner, whether, for example an error or manipulation in the disbursement of coins 35 is present.

(18) Furthermore, in the fourth processing stage 140, while comparing the target velocity value and the actual velocity value of the coin 35, it can be tested if the stored tolerance for the respective nominal velocity value is achieved or exceeded. In case this tolerance is exceeded, for example an optically and/or acoustically perceptible alarm can be activated by the computer control 9. Of course, the coin processing device 10 with the computer control unit 9 form one unit. Furthermore, it is possible to have multiple coin-disbursement units 33 at the side of disbursement 38, each having an associated coin channel 34, a sensor 37 and optionally an accelerating device 43. An arrangement of the sensor 37 in the coin channel 34 at the side of insertion 38 is possible. This, for example can be classified in vending machines or in inserted coins 35 of game apparatuses for entertainment, using the process for classifying and testing coins 35 in a simple manner.

(19) TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMBERS 1. Console 2. Header 3. Frame Part 4. Side Wall 5. Frame 6. Foot 7. Covering Plate 8. Rear Wall 9. Computer Control 10. Coin Processing Device 11. Coin Box 12. Coin-Insertion Slot 13. Return Key 16. Upper Front Flap 17. Lower Front Flap 19. Screen 21. Desk 26. Control Element 28. Coin-Disbursement Basin 29. Slot 30. Bill-Inserting/Bill-Disbursement Basin 31. Bill Processing Unit 32. Coin Controller 33. Coin-Disbursement Unit 34. Coin Channel 35. Coin 36. Storage Unit 37. Sensor 38. Side of Disbursement 39. Side of Insertion 40. Photoelectric Barrier 41. Transmitter 42. Receiver 43. Accelerating device 44. Arrow 45. Light Source 46. Light Receiver 47. Arrow 48. Arrow 49. Arrow 50. Compressed Air Nozzle 110. First Processing Stage 120. Second Processing Stage 130. Third Processing Stage 140. Fourth Processing Stage