EP1037177A2 - Process to adapt a money changer for a coin-actuated vending machine from the national currency to the Euro - Google Patents

Abstract

• eine einem Münzprüfer nachgeordnete Sortiervorrichtung,
• drei oder vier Münztuben für die Aufnahme von Münzen unterschiedlicher Wertigkeit,
• eine Auszahlvorrichtung für die Ausgabe von Münzen aus den Münztuben,
• mindestens einen Mikroprozessor, der eine
  • Auswertevorrichtung für die vom Münzprüfer kommenden, den Münzen entsprechenden Münzsignale aufweist,
  • einen Sortiersteuerblock zur Ansteuerung der Sortiervorrichtung, welche Münzen vorgegebenen Wertes in vorgegebene Tuben lenkt und übrige Münzen in eine Kasse,
  • gegebenenfalls einen Preisblock, in dem der Wert der eingeworfenen Münzen mit einem voreingestellten Preis verglichen wird,
  • einen Auszahlsteuerblock, der die Auszahlvorrichtung ansteuert zur Ausgabe der Münzen aus den Münztuben, wenn der Wert der eingeworfenen Münzen den voreingestellten Preis übersteigt,
  • gegebenenfalls einen Display-Steuerblock zur Ansteuerung einer Anzeige für den Betrag der eingeworfenen Münzen, wobei
  • die Auswertevorrichtung für die nationale Währung und die Euro-Münzsignale programmiert oder programmierbar ist und wahlweise in Abhängigkeit von der angewählten Währung (Basis-Währung) eine Umrechnung oder Bewertung aus der nicht angewählten Währung in die gewählte durchführt,
• einen Wahlschalter zur wahlweisen Aktivierung der nationalen Währung oder der Euro-Währung in der Auswertevorrichtung bzw. eines ansteuerbaren Bereichs zur Aktivierung der Basis-Währung in der Auswertevorrichtung, und
  wobei mindestens zwei Münztuben so ausgelegt sind, daß jeweils Münzen der nationalen Währung bzw. Euro-Münzen speicherbar sind und das im Sortiersteuerblock enthaltene Programm derart ausgebildet ist, daß am Stichtag oder danach die Sortiervorrichtung die nationale Münze in die Kasse lenkt und die Sortierung von Euro-Münzen in die zumindest zwei Münztuben freigibt, sobald ein entsprechender Leerstandsmelder meldet, daß eine der zumindest zwei Münztuben von nationalen Münzen leer ist, wobei die Umschaltungen am Stichtag oder danach manuell, durch einen Zeit- oder Datumsgeber ausgelöst werden oder durch Mittel, die ein Ereignis registrieren, z. B. das erste Auftauchen einer Euro-Münze, das Auftauchen einer Mehrzahl von Euro-Münzen oder einer bestimmten Kombination von Euro-Münzen.

Money changer for coin machines for accepting coins from a national and euro currency, the money changer having the following features:

• a sorting device arranged after a coin validator,
• three or four coin tubes for accepting coins of different values,
• a payout device for dispensing coins from the coin tubes,
• at least one microprocessor, the one
  • Has evaluation device for the coin signals coming from the coin validator and corresponding to the coins,
  • a sorting control block for controlling the sorting device which directs coins of a given value into given tubes and other coins into a cash register,
  • if applicable, a price block in which the value of the inserted coins is compared with a preset price,
  • a payout control block which drives the payout device to dispense the coins from the coin tubes if the value of the inserted coins exceeds the preset price,
  • optionally a display control block for controlling a display for the amount of coins inserted, wherein
  • the evaluation device for the national currency and the euro coin signals is programmed or programmable and, depending on the selected currency (base currency), carries out a conversion or evaluation from the non-selected currency into the selected one,
• a selector switch for selectively activating the national currency or the euro currency in the evaluation device or a controllable area for activating the base currency in the evaluation device, and
  wherein at least two coin tubes are designed so that coins of the national currency or euro coins can be stored and the program contained in the sorting control block is designed such that on the key date or thereafter the sorting device directs the national coin into the cash register and the sorting of euros Releases coins into the at least two coin tubes as soon as a corresponding vacancy indicator reports that one of the at least two coin tubes of national coins is empty, the switchovers being triggered manually or by a time or date generator or by means of a means on or after the key date Register event, e.g. B. the first appearance of a euro coin, the appearance of a plurality of euro coins or a certain combination of euro coins.

Description

The invention relates to methods for converting a money changer for coin machines from a national to the euro currency after Claim 1.

Money changers are used in many vending machines and other machines. They usually have a number of coin tubes in which the Coins are stacked. The feeding takes place with the help of a sorting device, which are accepted as genuine by a coin acceptor Directs coins into the corresponding tubes. A payout device pays Coins from the tubes according to the overpaid price. The The function of the changer is monitored by a microprocessor usually also the other controls and monitoring of the functions the coin acceptor takes over. In the microprocessor z. B. the reference values with which the coin signals of the coin validator are compared are used to determine whether a coin inserted is genuine or not. Only real coins are either placed in one of the designated ones Tubes or directed into the cash register and lead to a comparison with the Price preset for a product or service in the microprocessor. After reaching the specified or one above A signal can then be given to the machine for output goods, tickets or the like. The overpaid amount is, as already mentioned, repaid from the tubes. This happens with With the help of a suitable payment device. The payout control block provided for this is coupled with sensors, which provide information about the condition of the coin tubes. A vacancy sensor reports when the tube is empty or contains only a minimum number of coins. An issue then no longer takes place from this tube. A full sensor ensures to ensure that further refilling with coins is avoided if one Coin tube is filled.

On January 1st, 2002 the Euro currency will be the valid one according to the Maastricht Treaty Currency introduced, and all vending machines must be used for that Programmed adoption of the euro. This means that prices are new must be designed, if necessary, goods must be exchanged and in the changer the change is exchanged. After the deadline is still a dual currency period is provided, in which, for. B. DM coins from Vending machines are accepted. According to a transitional arrangement, it should be a maximum Last 6 months. However, this period is intended to be so small to design as possible, e.g. B. only for 2 months or even on limit a few days. After the dual currency or transition period the machines should only accept euro coins.

The effort that machine operators face is considerable. It the device must be programmed to the Acceptance of the euro if this has not been done beforehand Manufacturer side has happened. Furthermore, mechanical changes for the sorting device, the tubes and the payout mechanism become. The size of the euro coins that store in tubes is partly different from the DM coins to be stored. It it is therefore necessary to replace the coin tubes at least in part. Furthermore, the payout mechanism is adjusted accordingly.

The invention has for its object methods for converting a Money changer for coin machines from a national to the euro currency specify that enables the operator to prepare in a preparatory time to carry out all necessary renovation work before the cut-off date, January 1, 2002, so that the money changer has its full function from the key date can perceive without the effort for the actual change from the national to the euro currency is particularly high. In particular will be sought, in addition to the renovation work in the preparation period Conversion measures by operators in the event of failure to let.

This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

The changer according to the invention can be designed so that Microprocessor includes either two currency blocks, namely one for the national currency and one for the euro, or a controllable one Area in which it is determined which is the base currency, in which then the other currency has to be converted. The latter applies to such money changers where only one channel compilation for the national currency and the euro currency is provided. Each block is with a number equipped by channels, sufficient national and national coins Rate euro currency. The DM block z. B. not only contains channels for all DM coins 0.10, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00 and 5.00 DM, but also for all planned euro coins, namely 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 E. Otherwise, only half of the channels are available, i.e. H. each only one for a national or euro coin. In any case, are reference values to be saved for the evaluation of all described coins, d. H. the The money changer is theoretically able to change all the coins in the money changer be thrown in, using only one rating scale at a time is permitted for the coins, d. H. either the national or the euro currency as the base currency comes into question, therefore a conversion on the base currency.

If a microprocessor is mentioned above and below, then it is thus every type of electronic data processing, control, monitoring etc. meant how to operate a money changer in a machine is to be provided.

Euro coins are currently still available for test purposes or for calibration not available. However, it is possible to pre-program make so that in the actual programming, such as on Remodeling day, just a few programming steps are required to complete the Reference values also for the euro coins in the two currency blocks save. By early, limited use of euro coins or euro tokens to authorized persons and companies Such programming will be possible on the reporting date. With help a mechanical or electronic switch can then be the respective Block or the controllable area in the evaluation device for activation the base currency and thus the conversion to the base currency can be set or selected. So long the national currency is the only valid currency, it goes without saying that the block is switched on or is driven to the area where the national currency is the base currency is.

In the money changer according to the invention, at the time of renovation the price block also set the prices in euro currency. Furthermore there is a Allocation of the coin tubes to the euro coins. Eventually, at least two tubes of a three or four tube changer for the Acceptance of euro coins, especially low-value euro coins, installed or set. In some currencies, it is possible to use coin tubes the national currency to be used directly for euro coins. This is e.g. B. the case for tubes for DM coins. In other currencies there was only partial agreement. The coin tubes are then rebuilt or installed so that on the one hand the adoption of national Coins are possible including spending change in this Currency, on the other hand, the acceptance of euro coins, whereby before 1.1.2002 Euro coins should not yet be available.

From the time of renovation to the key date, the one according to the invention therefore works Money changer in the usual way and gives change in national Currency out, however, is for acceptance, evaluation, sorting and issuing already prepared by euro coins. As of the cut-off date, the day of introduction the euro coins, the money changer according to the invention must therefore are already available for accepting euro coins. This however, does not necessarily mean that a money changer at that time also has a currency exchange function. However, the invention provides that at any point in time after the conversion, the currency exchange function is maintained.

On or after the cut-off date, national coins are sorted into the coin tubes are blocked, but they are still accepted at the checkout. The current tube count is registered.

A tube paid for in the national currency will become empty after the vacancy automatically filled with the appropriate euro coin. The empty reported tube (empty sensor) is at any time after the Key date automatically filled with the specified euro coins. this has the advantage that under certain circumstances coin jams in the payout mechanism can be avoided with mixed filling.

The changer therefore continues to work with a change function, whereby initially - as long as the national coins are still stored - on change is paid out in either the base of the national currency In the form of national or - if the former no longer exists - euro coins. Switching to euro-based causes all functions the changer, d. H. Display, including prices, Evaluation of the coins inserted, change, etc. only takes place on a euro basis. This switchover takes place either automatically or manually and can be done if a coin tube for the lowest value national coin has a predetermined minimum level or is empty or the tube of for the lowest value euro coins national coins is emptied. Manual switching is then required when the machine setting and money exchange setting on each other must be turned off. Prices are a matter of the machine and money processing is up to the money changer. With the help of the already existing one Tube counter can be a preset level in a coin tube as Use the trigger or the empty signal for the coin tube. As is well known the coin tubes have a vacancy sensor that emits a signal when there are no more coins in the tube. This signal can also be used automatic switchover.

It can be seen that the switching time depends on which one Scope of money changers used after the cut-off date. It is conceivable that on the cut-off date, the time of switching to the euro base, the coin tube for the lowest value national coin is already empty, see above that the switch is initiated via the empty sensor, for example. Instead of this Signal can also be used the signal of the tube in which the lowest value euro coin is to be saved. Is this from national coins empty, automatic switching can also be initiated become. However, it is also conceivable to switch over to the euro to be carried out only when all coin tubes for the acceptance of national Coins are empty. In this case, the changer according to the invention retains also its changing function, but increasingly with euro coins Change must be paid out, the fewer national coin tubes Coins included. However, the euro coins are in the national currency to be converted as long as a changeover on a euro basis has not yet taken place Has.

With the changeover to the euro basis in the currency block, all audit data is saved automatically stored in a separate storage area or in the existing memory area of the microprocessor after being based on euro have been converted. Rounding errors or conversion differences can be stored in a separate memory. Under audit data are known to understand those that provide information about the Acceptance and payment behavior of a machine, such as B. Information about individual sales transactions with reference to thrown in and repaid coins, sales information etc. They are usually read from the machine by an operator from time to time.

The inventive method has the great advantage that for the money changer a smooth transition from the national to the euro currency and the money changer never functions as a money changer must set. The only specialty for the customer of vending machines is that during the transition period before the changeover time but can receive change in euros after the cut-off date is converted to national currency and after the changeover time national coins converted into euro currency, as far as in the coin tubes available. If this should be considered a disadvantage at all , it would be regarded as much less than the temporary blocking any currency exchange function.

As already mentioned, the changeover time can be caused by the vacancy of all Coin tubes are established for national coins or by a given one Level in the tubes. Therefore, the changeover time is timed not clearly definable.

After the vacancy of at least one coin, euro coins can be used as far as available, sorted into the corresponding tubes. The euro coins can be counted with a separate tube counter and their number in Microprocessor can be saved. Can on a second tube counter however, be waived if old and new currencies depend on Exchange rate have approximately the same currency values.

It is conceivable to use the operator on the key date (1.1.2002) with the help of an operator Have switchings made in the machine. However, this is with a large number of machines hardly feasible in one day, at least very complex. It is therefore preferable if the appropriate Functional changes in the machine run automatically, either controlled by a timer or a date that entered on the key date corresponding switching signal generated. Alternatively, using a Event, e.g. B. defined by the first appearance of a euro coin is or the first appearance of a plurality of euro coins or one certain combination of euro coins generates a switching signal. In in the latter case, the change in function takes place on the key date is not taking place at an exact point in time, but depending on the event.

Claims (3)

Money changer for coin machines for accepting coins from a national and the euro currency, the (money changer having the following features: a sorting device arranged after a coin validator, three or four coin tubes for accepting coins of different values, a payout device for dispensing coins from the coin tubes, at least one microprocessor, the one Has evaluation device for the coin signals coming from the coin validator and corresponding to the coins, a sorting control block for controlling the sorting device which directs coins of a given value into given tubes and other coins into a cash register, if applicable, a price block in which the value of the inserted coins is compared with a preset price, a payout control block which drives the payout device to dispense the coins from the coin tubes if the value of the inserted coins exceeds the preset price, optionally a display control block for controlling a display for the amount of coins inserted, wherein the evaluation device for the national currency and the euro coin signals is programmed or programmable and, depending on the selected currency (base currency), carries out a conversion or evaluation from the non-selected currency into the selected one, a selector switch for selectively activating the national currency or the euro currency in the evaluation device or a controllable area for activating the base currency in the evaluation device, and
characterized in that at least two coin tubes are designed such that coins of the national currency or euro coins can be stored in each case and the program contained in the sorting control block is designed such that the sorting device directs the national coin into the cash register and or on the key date or thereafter Sorting of euro coins into the at least two coin tubes releases as soon as a corresponding vacancy indicator reports that one of the at least two coin tubes is empty of national coins, the switchovers being triggered manually or by a time or date generator or by means on the key date or thereafter that register an event, e.g. B. the first appearance of a euro coin, the appearance of a plurality of euro coins or a certain combination of euro coins. Money changer according to claim 1, characterized in that the program is designed in the microprocessor so that the selector switch during on the key date or after (switchover day) automatically from the currency block for the national currency on the euro block or the euro base is switched when a coin tube for a national coin has a predetermined minimum level or is empty or one for one Euro coin provided coin tube is empty of national coins. Money changer according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that that the microprocessor has a separate memory area for automatic fixed storage of all audit data when switching over on Has switching day.