WO1998000814A1 - Positive drive coin discrimination apparatus and method - Google Patents
Positive drive coin discrimination apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998000814A1 WO1998000814A1 PCT/US1997/011166 US9711166W WO9800814A1 WO 1998000814 A1 WO1998000814 A1 WO 1998000814A1 US 9711166 W US9711166 W US 9711166W WO 9800814 A1 WO9800814 A1 WO 9800814A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- coin
- disk
- coins
- pockets
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
- G07F5/24—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks with change-giving
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
- G07D3/02—Sorting coins by means of graded apertures
- G07D3/06—Sorting coins by means of graded apertures arranged along a circular path
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
- G07D3/12—Sorting coins by means of stepped deflectors
- G07D3/121—Sorting coins by means of stepped deflectors arranged on inclined paths
- G07D3/123—Sorting coins by means of stepped deflectors arranged on inclined paths the coins being deflected off rails
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
- G07D3/14—Apparatus driven under control of coin-sensing elements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D5/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D5/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
- G07D5/08—Testing the magnetic or electric properties
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D9/00—Counting coins; Handling of coins not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G07D9/008—Feeding coins from bulk
Definitions
- a number of devices employ singulators, transport devices, sensors and/or diverters (STSD devices) for handling, identifying and/or discriminating coins or other small discrete objects.
- STSD devices include coin counting or handling devices, such as those described in Ui. Patent Applications 08/255,539, 08/237,486, and 08/431,070, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Other examples include vending machines, gaming devices such as slot machines, bus or subway coin or token "fare boxes," and the like.
- the present invention provides a coin-handling device which, rather than being gravity-fed, provides positive positioning and/or transport of coins, e.g. past a sensor, in one embodiment a single hopper structure achieves simulation, transport, sensing and diversion, preferably all performed on or adjacent a single rotating disk.
- the disk defines one or more pockets which receive coins from a mass of coins in an adjacent bowl.
- the disk and, optionally, adjacent fingers and ledges, are configured to position, at most, one coin in each pocket, thus achieving singulation, as the disk rotates. Rotation of the disk carries the pockets past at least one sensor, thus achieving transport and sensing functions, without the need for relying on gravitational forces to achieve such transport and sensing.
- a ramp can be selectively lowered to divert coins (or other objects) from pockets, thus achieving the diversion function.
- the device is configured such that unrecognized objects remain in the pockets to travel past the diverter (and are preferably delivered to a reject or customer-return chute), while recognized, valued coins (or other objects) are removed from pockets as they rotate to the diverter.
- Such an active acceptance device is believed to result in increased accuracy (compared to, e.g., an approach in which unrecognized or unaccepted coins or other objects are diverted in order to separate them from accepted coins).
- the functions of singulation, transport, sensing and diversion occur adjacent a single disk, such as in or adjacent to a hopper device.
- the reduction in part-count and complexity that this approach permits is believed to contribute to lower fabrication and maintenance costs, while permitting construction of a device that has high accuracy, particularly for self-service, untrained-user, mass-input applications
- Fig. I is a block diagram of a coin discriminating device
- Fig.2 is a front elevational view of a coin singulation and transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention
- Fig.3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the device of Fig.2;
- Fig.4 is a side elevational view of the device of Fig.2 partially in cross-section;
- Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of Fig.2,
- Figs. 6A - 6C are cross-sectional view corresponding to the view of Fig. 5, depicting coin movement into a com pocket,
- Fig.7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7A - 7A of Fig.2, f ig 7B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the view of Fig.7A, but showing the ramp in an up position;
- Fig. 8 is a front perspective view of a coin singulation and transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the device of Fig.8;
- Fig 10 is a partial perspective view of a coin disk and ramp according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a control device showing inputs and outputs thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a control process of a type which may be used in connection with an embodiment of the present invention
- Figs. I3A and 13 B are front and side elevational views of a sensor core usable in connection with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 14 is a block diagram of functional components of a sensor circuit, usable in connection with an embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. I depicts one manner of conceptualizing the stages or functions of a mass-input retail-level coin discriminating or counting device.
- a feed and clean system 104 receives the mass of coins and preferably performs some form of cleaning to deal with non-coin objects, preferably feeding or moving the coins toward downstream components
- a singulation component 106 receives coins and outputs one or more streams of coins in a smgulated "one at a time” fashion.
- a transport mechanism 108 moves the coins, one at a time, past a sensor 110, which senses one or more characteristics of the coins or other objects.
- the sensor 110 may be configured to discriminate among different denominations of coins, discriminate coins of one country from those of another, and the like.
- the sensed characteristics are provided to diverter 112 for sending valued coins to one location and non-coin items to another location
- the diverter 112 may divert different denominations of coins to different locations.
- a control device 116 typically a programmable control device such as a computer, processor or hard-wired logic device, may provide control signals to various components such as by controlling the feed and clean system 104 to turn on and off (e.g., (or regulating the flow of coins) and/or controlling the singulation system 106 to start, stop, or change speed.
- control device 116 may provide control signals to the transport system, e. , to initiate, stop or control the rate of transport.
- the diverter 112 may receive its control signals either from the control device 118 or, in some cases, directly from the sensor 110 or hardware associated therewith 122, bypassing the control unit 116.
- One aspect of the present invention is directed principally to the singulation and transport functions 106, 108, and preferably provides a single rotating disk which both smgulatts coins (or other objects) and transports the smgulated objects past a sensor 110.
- features or characteristics of one of the subsystems may affect the operation or selection of another system or function
- a sensor system 110 is provided which has predetermined limits on how quickly the coin may move past the sensor, such constraints will have an impact on the design and/or control of the transport system 108.
- systems shown as separate systems in Fig. I may be combined or may overlap.
- a single disk is used both for portions of the singulation function, the transport function and the diverter function.
- the fact that there may be some cleaning which occurs in the feed and clean system 104 is not incompatible with providing some cleaning function in other systems such as the singulation system and/or the diverter system.
- the feed and clean system 104 can include an input tray and/or slide similar to that described in Ui. Patent 5,564,546 and/or a trommel or coin conditioning system similar to that described in Serial Number PCT/US97/03I36 and/or Serial Number 60/012,964.
- a singulation system 106 receives a mass of (possibly partially cleaned) coins and/or other objects fed to it by the feed and clean system 104.
- the mass of coins is placed in a bowl 212 with an open side 214 adjacent a rotatably mounted disk 216.
- the disk 216 is driven so as to rotate at about 60 to 72 RPM.
- the level of coins in the bowl 212 and/or the rate at which coins are introduced into the bowl 212 is controlled either by upstream feed systems 104, or by physical walls or barriers.
- openings (smaller than the smallest acceptable coin) adjacent the bottom of the bowl 212 permit small debris to fall into a preferably removable trap 352.
- the disk is mounted at an angle 218 to vertical 220, (equal to the angle of the axis of rotation from horizontal) preferably between about zero and 45 degrees (more preferably between about 10 degrees and about 15 degrees, and even more preferably about 15 degrees).
- Disk 216 is provided with one or more recessed areas or pockets 224a through 2241.
- the pockets are U-shaped, and have a diameter 226 sufficient to accommodate, and preferably substantially equal to, the diameter of the largest coin which can be accepted.
- the pockets will have a diameter 226 of about I.I inches (about 28 mm), in order to accommodate the Ui. fift -cent piece.
- the disk 216 is rotatably mounted in an opening 228 formed on a plate 230.
- the opening 228 provides a flange 232 positioned behind the perimeter or edge of the rear surface of the disk 216.
- the edge of the disk 216 is beveled 234 (fig.5), which may help prevent items such as rubber bands from being lodged between the rim of the disk 216 and the edge of the plate 230 or flange 232, eventually slowing or braking the disk 216.
- the mass of coins will reside near the bottom of the bowl.
- the cumulative effect of the mass of coins is believed to lead to a tendency to deflect the bottom edge of the disk 216 in a direction 618 towards the flange 232.
- the disk 212 can rub against the flange 618, creating a braking effect.
- sufficient clearance such as about 0.03 inch (about 0.75 mm) 622, is preferably provided to avoid this effect.
- spaces and cracks in the device which might otherwise be large enough to receive or jam a coin are filled with a foam or other material to avoid jamming or loss of coins.
- the flange 232 may be provided with foam rubber or other sealant over much of its extent, such foam rubber is preferably absent from the coin pickup region 362.
- the bottom surface of the pockets 224 are provided with ribs or ridges which preferably extend along an axis 240 at an angle 242, with respect to the disk radius 244, between about 40 degrees and about 50 degrees, preferably about 45 degrees.
- An annular groove or trough 246 having a radial extent 248 of about 3 inches (about 75 mm) and a depth 252 (with respect to the disk outer surface) of about .1 inches (about 2.5 mm) is formed in the pocketed surface of the disk, concentric with its rotation axis.
- the pockets 224 have a depth 227 which is less than the thickness of the thinnest coin to be accepted by the device (where the depth of the pocket 216 is calculated from the outer surface of the disk to the tops of the ridges 238a, 238b, 238c, as shown in Fig.5).
- the thinnest Ui. coin is a Ui. dime
- the depth 227 of the pockets 224 are preferably about .06 inches (about 1.5 mm).
- the depth of the pocket is sufficiently shallow that it does not contain two stacked coins of the thinnest denomination (such as dimes, in the case of Ui. coins).
- the edges of the pockets are relatively sharp, such as providing an edge radius of about .001 inch (about 0.025 mm) or less.
- the disk 216 has an overall thickness 264 of about .125 inches (about 3 millimeters), and a diameter 266 of about 7 inches (about 18 centimeters).
- the size of the disk 216 should be sufficiently small to result in a loaded mass which is small enough not to overload the motor 268 at the desired rotation rate (as described below), but the disk should have sufficient thickness 264 to avoid an undesirable degree of deflection of the disk 216 (such as may result in friction braking from contact with the flange 232).
- the disk should provide enough room to position the pockets 224 at a radius 244 from the axis of rotation 272 to achieve the desired throughput (e.g., as measured by the rate of coins transported past the sensor), and the desired influence (or lack thereof) of inertial or centrifugal force on the coins in the pockets (as described below).
- the device is able to acheive, with fully-loaded pockets, a throughput of at least about 500 coins per minute, preferably about 600 coins per minute, more preferably 700 coins per minute and even more preferably, at least about 850 coins per minute.
- the maximum acheivable coin throughput (for a device which has a single rotating disk) will be 720 coins per minute, and the maximum acheivable throughput at a rate of 72 RPM will be 864 coins per minute.
- throughput may always be increased by increasing the rotation rate, it has been found that, within certain windows, throughput of counted or discriminated coins is increased by decreasing the rotation rate (e g., from about 72 RPM to about 60 RPM), because this tends to facilitate coin pickup (i.e , positioning coins in pockets), reducing the number of empty pockets
- a number of materials can be used for forming the disk 216.
- the disk 216 is formed from G-IO epoxy board of the type commonly used for printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- the disk 216 can also be formed of numerous other materials, including metals, reinforced metals, ceramics, reinforced ceramics, metal disks with ceramic inserts, plastics (such as that sold under the trade name of Del ⁇ n), fiberglass, resins, reinforced resins, and the like.
- all or a portion (such as annular portion 274) of the pocketed surface of the disk, and particularly the pocket edges, is covered with a wear-resistant material such as silicon carbide or other ceramic coating.
- the disk 216 is positioned concentrically in opening 228 by coupling (e.g., via screws 276a, 276b, 276c) to the output shaft 278 of concentrically-mounted motor 268.
- Motor 268 may be concentrically mounted in a number of fashions, e.g., as depicted in Fig.9.
- the depicted embodiment shows the disk 216 directly mounted to the output shaft 278 of the motor 268, other types of transmissions are possible, including belt-drive transmissions, gear transmissions, and the like
- the motor 268 provides a relatively vibration-free and very smooth motion.
- motors such as an alternating current (AC) motor, a stepper motor, and the like.
- AC alternating current
- SS60 Model SS60, available from Oriental Motors.
- timing disk 282 such as optical timing disk 282 is also mounted concentrically with the axis of rotation 272
- timing disk 282 has a circular concentric opening of a size allowing the disk to be press-fit onto the output shaft 278 of the motor 268
- the timing disk 282 includes 12 evenly spaced concentric holes 286 with a (preferably infrared) light source 288 and detector 292 mounted in a stationary position with respect to the plate, on opposite sides of the timing disk 282, radially aligned with the holes 286.
- the detector 292 will detect light from the source 282 as each hole 286 rotates into alignment with the detector 292 A signal indicative of such light detection may be communicated (e g., via a wire or a wireless link) to a control device, as described more thoroughly below.
- the timing disk 282 contains 12 evenly-spaced holes 286, each one corresponding to one of the 12 pockets in the disk 216 to provide, upon each rotation of the disk 216, twelve pulses at detector 292, each corresponding to one of the pockets.
- the phase of detected light pulses with respect to, e g., the pocket positions of the disk 216, may be adjusted by rotating the press-fit timing disk 282 with respect to the output shaft 278 about the common axis
- one or more fingers 314, 316 are positioned adjacent the pocketed surface of the disk 216 in approximately the one o'clock and three o'clock positions, and extending across at least a portion of, and preferably beyond, the annular region occupied by the pockets 224
- the fingers 314 are provided to assist in repositioning coins or other objects which are not properly seated in pockets, such as coins which may have adhered to the front surface of the disk 216 or to other coins
- other devices for moving improperly-positioned coins or other objects can be used, such as rigid bars, brushes, levers, and the like.
- the fingers 314, 316 are made of stainless steel, preferably with sufficient strength to move the coins as desired, but with sufficient resiliency to deflect so as to avoid jamming.
- a stripper plate 366 is positioned on the left portion of the bowl 212 (in the view of Fig.3) to prevent coins or other objects which may have adhered to the surface of the disk, without residing in pockets, from exiting the bowl in a manner so as to cause a jam or to move to a location other than an acceptable location (i e., reject chute 342, acceptable coin chute 344, or trap 352).
- the depicted vertical position of the stripper wall 366 can be determined empirically, and has been found to significantly affect efficiency of the device.
- One or more coin sensors or discriminators 312 are provided in such a position as to permit detection or discrimination of coins or other objects in the pockets 224.
- an electromagnetic discriminator 312 is positioned adjacent the pocketed surface of the disk 216 approximately in the eleven o ' clock position in the view of Fig.2.
- the plates 230 are formed of aluminum.
- the discriminator 312 is mounted to permit adjustment of the position of the sensor in a radial direction 314.
- the discriminator 312 is configured to provide and output signals of a nature which permits automatic coin discrimination, preferably permitting at least discrimination of coins from non- coin objects and, more preferably, also permitting discrimination from non-acceptable coins (e.g., coins of one or more predetermined countries, from coins of other countries) and, even more preferably, permitting discrimination among various coin denominations (e.g., permitting discrimination of Ui. pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars from one another).
- output from the discriminator 312 is provided via a communication link such as a wire or, a wireless communication link (such as an infra red (IR) communication link, and the like, not shown) to a control device and/or counting device.
- IR infra red
- detectors or discriminators can be used, including electromagnetic, magnetic, optical, acoustic, capacitive, and the like.
- the detector can be of the type described in Ui. Patent Application Serial Number 08/807,046, which is a continuing application claiming priority in Ui. Patent Application Serial Number 08/672,639 filed June 28, 1996, both commonly assigned herewith and incorporated herein by reference, and/or Ui. Patent
- the senor uses a magnetic core 2B02 (Figs. I3A, I3B) with low-frequency 2804 and high frequency 2806 windings on the core.
- the core 2802 in the depicted embodiment, is generally U-shaped with a lower annular, semicircular, square cross-sectioned portion 2808 and an upper portion defining two spaced-apart legs 2812a, 2812b.
- the facing surfaces 2822a, b of the legs 2812a, b are, in the depicted embodiment, substantially parallel and planar and are spaced apart a distance 2824 of about OJ inches (about 8 mm).
- the upper leg 2812a of the core is spaced from the lower leg 2812b of the core by the inter-face gap 2824 to define a space for coin passage through the inter-leg gap.
- the core 2802 may be viewed as having the shape of a capped torroid with extended legs 2812a, 2812b with parallel faces 2822a, b.
- the extended faces provide relative insensitivity to the vertical 2828 or horizontal 2832 position of coins therein so as to provide useful data regardless of moderate coin bounce and/or wobble as a coin passes through the gap 2824. It is beleived the extended legs provide tolerance to system variation in coin positional registration that can result from, e.g., the action of gravity, friction and/or inertial forces on the coin.
- a low frequency winding 2804 is positioned at the bottom of the semicircular portion 2808 and the high frequency winding is positioned on each leg 2806a, b of the semicircular portion, in one embodiment the low frequency winding is configured to have an inductance (in the driving and detection circuitry described below) of about 4.0 miHiHenrys and the high frequency winding 2806a, b to have an inductance of about 40 microHenrys. These inductance values are measured in the low frequency winding with the high frequency winding open and measured in the high frequency winding with the low frequency winding shorted together.
- the senor or transducer provides a portion of a phase locked loop (PLL) part of a circuit, which is maintained at a substantially constant frequency.
- PLL phase locked loop
- VCO Voltage Controlled Oscillator
- This YCO input voltage is the signal used to indicate change of inductance in this circuit.
- Amplitude measurement of the sinusoidal oscillator waveform is accomplished 2914a, b by demodulating the signal with a negative peak detecting circuit, and measuring the difference between this value and the DC reference voltage at which the sinusoidal signal is centered.
- a parameter such as the size or diameter of the coin or object is indicated by a change in inductance, due to the passage of the coin, and the conductivity of the coin or object is (Inversely) related to the energy loss (which may be indicated by the quality factor or "Q.") while a signal related to change in inductance, and thus to coin diameter is termed "D.”
- the D signal may not be purely proportional to diameter (e.g., being at least somewhat influenced by the value of Q) and Q may not be strictly and linearly proportional to conductance (e.g., being somewhat influenced by coin diameter) there is a sufficient relationship between signal D and coin diameter and between signal Q and conductance that these signals, when properly analyzed, can serve as a basis for coin discrimination.
- the low frequency coil leads are provided to a low frequency PLL 2902a and the high frequency leads are provided to high frequency PLL 2902a, b.
- the coin sensor phase locked loop which includes the sensor or transducer 312, maintains a constant frequency and responds to the presence of a coin in the gap 2824 by a change in the oscillator signal amplitude and a change in the PLL error voltage.
- the winding signals (2 each for high frequency and low frequency channels) are conditioned 2904 and sent to an analog-to-digital (A D) converter 2906.
- the A/D converter samples and digitizes the analog signals and passes the information e.g. to a microcontroller.
- the PLL error voltage is filtered and conditioned for conversion to digital data.
- the oscillator signal is filtered, demodulated, then conditioned for conversion to digital data. Since these signals are generated by two PLL circuits (high and low frequency), four signals result as the "signature" for identifying coins.
- the different frequencies are used. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, iti is believed use of different frequencies facilitates the probing of different depths in the thickness of the coin. It is believed this method is effective because, in terms of the interaction between a coin and a magnetic field, the frequency of a variable magnetic field defines a "skin depth," which is the effective depth of the portion of the coin or other object which interacts with the variable magnetic field.
- a first frequency is provided which is relatively low to provide for a larger skin depth, and thus interaction with the core of the coin or other object, and a second, higher frequency is provided, high enough to result in a skin depth substantially less than the thickness of the coin.
- the sensor is able to provide four parameters: core conductivity; cladding or coating conductivity; core diameter; and cladding or coating diameter.
- core conductivity cladding or coating conductivity
- core diameter cladding or coating diameter
- cladding or coating diameter a parameter that is similar to the core conductivity.
- the core and cladding diameters will be similar, obtaining both measurements can be sudful since there may be some coupling of the Q and D signals, and may be helpful in defeating certain types of counterfeit coin schemes, such as so-called cloaking schemes.
- the low-frequency skin depth is greater than the thickness of the plating or lamination, and the high frequency skin depth is less than, or about equal to, the plating or lamination thickness (or the range of lamination depths, for the anticipated coin population).
- the frequency which is chosen depends on the characteristics of the coins or other objects expected to be input.
- the low frequency is between about 50 KHz and about 500 KHz, preferably about 200 KHz and the high frequency is between about 0.5 MHZ and about 10 MHZ, preferably about 2 MHz.
- results of the coin discrimination analysis are used in controlling the path of coins.
- a controllably-movable ramp 322 is positioned adjacent the pocketed surface of the disk 216 in such a manner as to move, in response to activation of a solenoid 324, between a down position (Fig.7A) and an up position (Fig.7B).
- the ramp 322 tapers toward the leading edge 328 to a finger 332 of a size and shape such that it can fit into the annular groove 246.
- the ramp 322 is preferably formed of full hard stainless steel to provide for sufficient durability.
- the ramp 322 has a thickness of about .01 inches (about 0.25 mm) and is otherwise configured such that the leading edge 32B of the ramp 322, when the ramp is in the down position (Fig.7A), is below the coin- contact plane 334 (see Fig. 5) of pockets 224, to avoid contact between the leading edge of the ramp 328 and the leading edge of a coin 334c in a pocket as the pocket moves past the ramp.
- the ramp 322 when the ramp 322 is positioned in the down position (Fig.7A) to divert a coin (or other object) from a pocket (as described more thoroughly below), the coin first contacts the upper surface of the ramp 322 at a location 336 spaced from the leading edge, so that a direct collision between a coin leading-edge and the ramp leading-edge is avoided.
- the solenoid preferably does not actively lift the coin, but, rather, the power to move the coin from a pocket is provided by the rotation of the disk.
- the tip of the ramp 322 is positioned underneath the coin at the time the leading edge of the coin first contacts the upper surface of the ramp. in the depicted embodiment, the finger 322 is positioned at approximately the nine o'clock position of the disk 216.
- a reject chute 342 and acceptable-coin chute 344 are positioned with upper openings at approximately the eight o 'clock position of the disk 216.
- the lower opening 342a of the reject chute is formed as or positioned adjacent, a reject bin or container (not shown) for receiving rejected coins and/or rejected non-coin objects.
- coins or other objects diverted to the acceptable coin chute 344 can be directed to either of two or more arms 344a, 344b by a diverter paddle 346, which may be operated by a motor 348 to move between a first position 346 for diverting coin into one arm 344b, and a second position 35 ' for diverting coins into the other arm 344a (e.g., when it has been sensed that the coin bin or bag connected to arm 344b is full).
- the diverter or paddle 346 is moved by an AC synchronous gear motor 348, available from Houser, at a rate of about 30 RPM.
- the device can be configured either so that the ramp 322 moves to the down position to remove non-coin objects from the pockets (letting acceptable coins rotate past the ramp), or so that the ramp moves to the down position to remove acceptable-coins from the pockets (letting non-coin objects or non-acceptable coins rotate past the ramp). It is preferred to use the latter method, picking out good coins and letting non-coin objects and debris rotate past the ramp. This is because, the actual device (ramp) is operating on a recognized coin with known properties (e.g. size and weight) whereas attempting to divert non- coin objects would require the ramp to operate on an object of unknown size and shape.
- known properties e.g. size and weight
- a system which diverts only valued coins to an acceptance bin or bag reduces or eliminates non-coin debris that, e.g., can jam in post-process equipment (equipment that processes coins from the bins or bags after they are removed from the coin-handling machine) reducing post-processing costs.
- the solenoid 324 must be a solenoid which is sufficiently fast-acting to move the ramp between the up position and the down position in a period no greater than that required to rotate the disk 216 through an angle 348 defined by the space between adjacent pockets. In one embodiment, the time required to move the ramp to the down position is about five milliseconds. Although a solenoid 324 has been found to be sufficiently quick and reliable for the described function, it is also possible to use other devices for moving the ramp, such as a stepper motor. One example of a solenoid which can be used for this purpose is manufactured by Guardian.
- Fig. II is a block diagram showing the relationship of a computer or other controller 810 to various input devices (such as the optical detector 292, sensor 312, and "hopper full sensor” 812), and the output signals to controlled components (such as the solenoid 324, a motor 268, and/or diverter flapper 346), according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- input devices such as the optical detector 292, sensor 312, and "hopper full sensor” 812
- output signals such as the solenoid 324, a motor 268, and/or diverter flapper 346
- Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a procedure, preferably a computer-implemented procedure, for controlling a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which may involve software being run on the computer or other controller 810.
- Fig. 12 illustrates only those portions of software for the singulation and transport functions and does not illustrate, for example, software for evaluating absence/presence, type and/or denomination of coins or other objects.
- a mass or plurality of coins is fed, by a feed system 104, into the bowl 212.
- the control system will reside in an idle state or loop 912 until the device has sensed that objects are being fed into the bowl 914. At this time, the control system will cause the motor to start in order to rotate the disk 216 and begin singulating and transporting coins.
- the system will continuously monitor for detection of a jam 918 or detection of a "no more coins" result 922.
- the device reacts to detection of a jam or other undesired stoppage of the rotation of the disk 216 in such a manner as to tend to clear the jam or other problem.
- One characteristic of the preferred AC synchronous motor is that the motor tends to rapidly oscillate or vibrate, at about 60 hertz, when the drive shaft is jammed or otherwise stopped. This oscillatory movement tends to assist in clearing jams.
- the controller will control the motor to undergo a "shake" mode 924, alternately moving the disk about 5 to 10 degrees in forward 353 and reverse 354 directions, with a relatively short period (e.g., about 200 milliseconds).
- a "shake" mode 924 alternately moving the disk about 5 to 10 degrees in forward 353 and reverse 354 directions, with a relatively short period (e.g., about 200 milliseconds).
- Other devices for assisting in deja ming include providing streams or jets of air (which may be relatively high pressure, short duration jets or streams, e.g., provided from a large reservoir of compressed air).
- the controller when the sensor or discriminator 312 fails to detect any coins in any pockets (or a predetermined period of time (such as 5 seconds) 922, the controller causes the motor to rotate the disk 216 in a reverse direction 926 (clockwise in the view of Fig.2) 354, preferably, at about the same rate of 60 to 72 RPM.
- a reverse direction 926 clockwise in the view of Fig.2
- items contained in the bowl e.g., unacceptable coins, non-coin objects, or coins which were not captured by pockets
- are carried clockwise out of the bowl 12 typically about 10 to IS degrees, before being ejected by inertia from the disk and moving into the reject chute.
- the device is configured to urge the coins which reside in the bowl toward a position such that the plane of the coin is parallel to the plane of the disk.
- the lower portion of the bowl 212 is configured to provide a trough 612 extending somewhat below the lower edge of the disk 212.
- a shoulder region 614 is positioned above the trough, and provides a "waterfall” effect such that, as coins slide down the wall of the bowl 212 under the influence of gravity, upon reaching the shoulder 614 the coins tend to flip or rotate, as shown in Fig.6B, with the upper edge gaining a rotational momentum 616, tending to carry the coin in the desired direction, parallel to the disk 212 for engagement or "pickup" by a coin pocket, as depicted in Fig.6C.
- the force of gravity includes a radially outward component, which tends to reinforce the radially outward centrifugal force on the coins, positioning the coins in a radially-outward portion of the pockets.
- the disk As the disk
- the force of gravity takes on a radially-inward component. Accordingly, in the position between about the one o'clock position and the eleven o'clock position, gravity forces begin to outweigh centrifugal (inertia) forces, and the coins tend to move from a radially outward position 3341 towards a radially inward position 334b.
- the sensor 312 is of a type which is sensitive to the radial position of the coin with respect to the sensor, it is believed useful to facilitate this movement to the radially-inward position, so that by the time the coins reach the sensor, they are registered in the pockets in a known radial position (preferably an inmost radial position) with respect to the sensor 312.
- One manner of facilitating this movement is to provide the ridges 2 8a, 238b, 238c, described above, which tends to minimize the area of contact between the coins and the disk, also minimizing friction and surface tension, particularly as coins slide within the pocket toward the desired registered position.
- This feature has been found to be especially useful when the coins are wet or are coated with an adhesive or sticky substance.
- Another feature that reduces or minimizes surface contact between the coins and the disk can be used.
- the depicted embodiment uses gravity advantageously for registering the coins in the desired radial position within the pockets
- other manners of registering the coins within the pockets may also be used, such as by providing for a relatively fast RPM and/or large diameter of the disk, (relying on centrifugal (inertia) forces, in order to register the coins to the radially outward position), or providing for additional fingers or other mechanical guiding devices.
- a relatively shallow angle tends to lead to increased difficulty of stripping multiple or unwanted coins from pockets, which may lead to jamming.
- Another approach to addressing the issues of coin positional registration is to configure, locate and/or position system sensors such that they are tolerant of coin positional variation.
- the pocket will contain, at most, a single coin.
- the sensor detects one or more characteristics of the coin (such as a characteristic indicative of its conductivity, permissivity, diameter, thickness, plating or composition and the like).
- Data from the sensor 312 is provided to the computer 810, as shown in Fig. 11 , and, in the preferred embodiment, is analyzed in order to determine whether the object in the pocket (if any) should be removed from the pocket by the ramp 322 or allowed to rotate past the ramp.
- a number of processes can be used for analyzing data to make this determination. Examples of processes which can be used for this purpose include those described in Ui. Patent Application Serial Number 08/672,639 and
- the computer or other controller 810 outputs a signal 814 to the solenoid 324 to control whether the solenoid will position the ramp 322 in the up position or down position.
- the controller provides a "ramp down" signal 934 to the solenoid 324 at a time after the trailing edge of the preceding pocket has rotated past the leading edge of the ramp 332, and before the leading edge of the target pocket (i.e., the one containing the accepted coin) is rotated to the position of the leading edge of the ramp 332.
- this is achieved by activating the solenoid 324 a predetermined period (such as about 40 milliseconds) after a pulse corresponding to the target pocket is detected by the detector 292.
- a predetermined period such as about 40 milliseconds
- the amount of time allowed for moving the ramp to down position i.e., the amount of time for rotation through angle 348, is about 10 milliseconds. The device is believed to operate with reasonable reliability when the downtime tolerance is about one to two milliseconds.
- the sensor/controller controls the solenoid 324 so that, after moving downward to remove the coin or other object from the first of the two successive pockets, the ramp is maintained in one down position as the first pocket rotates past the position of the ramp leading edge and the second of the two successive pockets rotates past the position of the ramp leading edge, thus causing ejection of the second of the two successive coins.
- a similarly-sustained down position of the ramp can be used for three or more successive pockets which have acceptable coins, which can reduce the amount of wear from repeated cycling.
- the device can be configured so that whenever the ramp is moved to the down position to remove a coin or other object from a pocket, thereafter the solenoid is always deactivated so as to initiate lifting the ramp toward the up position before the next successive pocket rotates to the ramp leading edge position.
- the solenoid is always deactivated so as to initiate lifting the ramp toward the up position before the next successive pocket rotates to the ramp leading edge position.
- one operable mode of use has been to initiate downward movement of the ramp about 5 milliseconds following detKtion of a pulse corresponding to the first pocket and to initiate upward movement of the ramp about 30 milliseconds after initiation of the downward movement. It has been found that an operable mode can be achieved if the phase for the optical disk is adjusted such that a pulse, corresponding to a particular pocket is generated about S milliseconds after the leading edge of such pocket first reaches the center line of the detector/discriminator 312.
- the optical detector 292 By judiciously positioning the optical detector 292 and adjusting the phase, it is possible to configure an operable device in which the optical pulse corresponding to a particular pocket is always the next optical pulse following an event (such as arrival of a pocket at a detector) and/or so that when down movement of a ramp is desired, proper timing is achieved by generating a signal which causes the solenoid 324 to be activated upon the occurrence of the next pulse from the optical detector 292.
- the coins or other objects to be sensed are moved in a positive-drive fashion past the sensor (as opposed to relying on gravity-driven, ramped, or other passive movement systems), creating a more predictable rate of movement past the sensor and the diverting mechanism, which, depending e.g. on the type of sensor used, can result in more accurate sensing and diversion of valued coins.
- a further advantage of the disclosed device is that the coins are contained, positively positioned and propelled past the sensor and diverted, reducing or minimizing the opportunity for losing or inaccurately diverting a coin. Such position propulsion provides the opportunity for faster throughput speeds than a passive, e.g. fully gravity-driven, system.
- a powered system instrumented with appropriate sensors and controlled with software can achieve self-recovery from jams, reducing field downtime and several costs.
- the relatively uncomplicated configuration of the device reduces the number of locations where coins and/or non-coin debris can lodge, potentially causing machine jams.
- the signal output by the sensor can be used to ascertain the diameter of the coin or other object (such as by multiplying the duration of the signal between the leading edge of the coin and the trailing edge of the coin times the known velocity of the coin past the sensor).
- the positive (or near-positive) control of the coin means that the coin is contained, preferably for the entire journey from pick-up past the sensor.
- the position of the coin is thus known, within a certain envelope, at all times during such containment, resulting in decreased complexity (e.g. of sensing and diverting hardware and software) and increased accuracy.
- Positive control provides more stability for the coins, giving the possibility of higher processing speeds, for the same level of stability or accuracy.
- the present configuration reduces or eliminates the potential for coins to leave the intended path (to "fall off the rail") before, during and after their passage past the sensor.
- the present invention provides for a relatively small number of parts to achieve the singulation, transport and diversion functions, and at a relatively low cost.
- the low part count also assists in providing the device as a low maintenance device.
- the depicted configuration with integrated hopper and sensor (and diverter) provides a relatively simple assembly and disassembly for lower fabrication and operating costs, and a low part count for low manufactured cost.
- the design accommodates a variety of sensor configurations including a gapped plate and a gapped torroid configuration.
- the depicted flat disk is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and simple and inexpensive to service and requires little adjustment or maintenance. It is believed that, previously, flat disks were considered difficult to properly load and thus a poor choice.
- the bi-directional ramp at the bottom of the hop per assists in properly loading all coins into the disk pockets, even though the disk is flat.
- the actuate-to-accept configuration of the diverter helps ensure safe and error free operation. Active acceptance increases accuracy because there is no need to try to hit or strike unrecognized and potentially odd-shaped debris and materials with a solenoid or pin. Actuate-to-accept configuration allows the machine to return unrecognized or unaccepted items, material or debris to the user, avoiding placing debris in an "acceptance" bin.
- the diverter configuration permits the use of a stepper motor for actuation of the diverter, rather than a solenoid, which offers superior reliability.
- the pockets are provided with a circular or "U" shape, other shapes could be provided, e.g. to assist in registering the coins with respect to the sensor.
- the pocket edge can be shaped so that the portion of the pocket edge which is at the bottom as the pocket approaches the sensor (approximately the eleven o'clock position) has, for example, a T shape to help the coin register under the sensor.
- an activatable ramp is used to divert or lift coins out of pockets
- other devices for removing coins or other objects from pockets can be used.
- coins may be removed by striking the opposite or rear surface ( " i.e. the surface opposite the surface which has the coin pockets) of the disk in the region of the pockets (preferably thin-floored pockets, such as 0.01 to 0.015 inch thick), with a quick (e.g., ten millisecond) pulse.
- This option is not preferred since it has been found sometimes ineffective for coins which are sticky or coated with an adhesive material.
- devices may be provided to impart vibration to the bowl of the coins within the bowl, such as by positioning protrusions on the disk 216, configured to periodically strike stationary surfaces as the disks rotate, to impart an impact or vibration.
- a device which has two or more rotating pocketed disks or other coin singulation devices, such that the stream of input coins are divided among two or more si ⁇ gulators, rails, and/or sensors or the like, e.g. to acheive a higher throughput.
- the described sensor can sense passive coins or other objects, it is possible to use the present invention in connection with a sensor which senses an active or reflective object.
- coins or other objects may be provided with circuit/ or other devices configured to broadcast, transpond or reflect signals such as radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic signals.
- RF radio-frequency
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9930669A GB2341711B (en) | 1996-06-28 | 1997-06-27 | Positive drive coin discrimination apparatus and method |
AU37921/97A AU3792197A (en) | 1996-06-28 | 1997-06-27 | Positive drive coin discrimination apparatus and method |
CA002295767A CA2295767A1 (en) | 1997-06-27 | 1997-06-27 | Positive drive coin discrimination apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US67263996A | 1996-06-28 | 1996-06-28 | |
US80704697A | 1997-02-24 | 1997-02-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO1998000814A1 true WO1998000814A1 (en) | 1998-01-08 |
Family
ID=27100793
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/011166 WO1998000814A1 (en) | 1996-06-28 | 1997-06-27 | Positive drive coin discrimination apparatus and method |
PCT/US1997/011174 WO1998000813A2 (en) | 1996-06-28 | 1997-06-27 | Coin discrimination apparatus and method |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/011174 WO1998000813A2 (en) | 1996-06-28 | 1997-06-27 | Coin discrimination apparatus and method |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0956542A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002505770A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1228858A (en) |
AU (2) | AU3878997A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2259234C (en) |
GB (1) | GB2341711B (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ333535A (en) |
WO (2) | WO1998000814A1 (en) |
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WO2000008607A1 (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2000-02-17 | Azkoyen Medios De Pago, S.A. | Coin returning device for coin actuated machines |
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- 1997-06-27 NZ NZ333535A patent/NZ333535A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-06-27 JP JP50431398A patent/JP2002505770A/en active Pending
- 1997-06-27 WO PCT/US1997/011166 patent/WO1998000814A1/en active Application Filing
- 1997-06-27 CN CN 97197440 patent/CN1228858A/en active Pending
- 1997-06-27 EP EP97936020A patent/EP0956542A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-06-27 WO PCT/US1997/011174 patent/WO1998000813A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2259234A1 (en) | 1998-01-08 |
JP2002505770A (en) | 2002-02-19 |
NZ333535A (en) | 2000-08-25 |
CN1228858A (en) | 1999-09-15 |
GB2341711A (en) | 2000-03-22 |
GB9930669D0 (en) | 2000-02-16 |
CA2259234C (en) | 2003-08-12 |
AU3792197A (en) | 1998-01-21 |
AU3878997A (en) | 1998-01-21 |
GB2341711B (en) | 2001-06-06 |
EP0956542A4 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
EP0956542A2 (en) | 1999-11-17 |
WO1998000813A2 (en) | 1998-01-08 |
WO1998000813A3 (en) | 1998-04-09 |
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