U.S. patent number 3,699,981 [Application Number 05/021,726] was granted by the patent office on 1972-10-24 for coin value determining apparatus and system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Abbott Coin Counter Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Barton C. Conant, James A. Thomas.
United States Patent |
3,699,981 |
Conant , et al. |
October 24, 1972 |
COIN VALUE DETERMINING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
Abstract
Apparatus for high speed, high volume coin processing comprises
sensor elements adapted for indicating both sizes and positions of
coins in continuous non-selective transit. Systems incorporating
such apparatus and providing denominational value indication are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Conant; Barton C. (Westport,
CT), Thomas; James A. (Stamford, CT) |
Assignee: |
Abbott Coin Counter Co., Inc.
(Greenwich, CT)
|
Family
ID: |
21805800 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/021,726 |
Filed: |
March 23, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
194/334;
377/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07D
3/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07D
3/00 (20060101); G07D 3/14 (20060101); G07d
009/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;133/8 ;194/1M,1N
;209/80,111.7 ;235/92CN,92V,92DN |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Kocovsky; Thomas E.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for use in determining the denominational values of
differently-sized coins in transit therethrough at random speeds
comprising first sensor means generating signals varying in
accordance with sensed coin size and second sensor means so
positioned with respect to said first sensor means as to sense a
coin then in transit concurrently with said first sensor means and
to generate a signal of predetermined characteristics at a time at
which said first output signals exhibit variation in accordance
with sensed coin size indicative of the denominational value of
said coin then in transit.
2. Apparatus for use in determining the denominational values of
differently-sized coins in transit therethrough at random speeds,
including first sensor means generating first output signals
exhibiting changing characteristics indicative of coin sizes sensed
during the time period in which a coin in transit is in the field
of sensitivity thereof, and second sensor means generating second
output signals positioned with respect to said first sensor means
such that said coin in transit enters the field of sensitivity
thereof during each said time period and such that a second output
signal exhibiting changing characteristics is generated at a time
during each said time period at which the coin size indication of
said first output signals is definitive of the denominational value
of said coin in transit.
3. The apparatus claimed in claim 2 wherein said coins are of n
different sizes and wherein said first sensing means provides first
output signals exhibiting changing characteristics indicative of
the varying sizes exhibited only by individual coins in transit of
n-1 of said n different sizes.
4. The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said first sensor means
comprises a group of n-1 sensors each providing one of said first
output signals.
5. The apparatus claimed in claim 4 wherein said first sensor group
and second sensor means include radiant energy sensors normally
receiving excitation and thereby generating said first and second
output signals, said characteristics thereof changing upon
interruption of said excitation by coins in transit.
6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5 wherein said n-1 radiant energy
sensors of said first sensor group are disposed in a common plane
transverse to the direction of coin transit.
7. The apparatus claimed in claim 5 wherein said second sensor
means comprises radiant energy sensors disposed in a common plane
parallel to the direction of coin transit.
8. A system providing denominational value indicating signals
comprising the apparatus claimed in claim 2 and circuit means
including gating circuits providing said denominational value
indicating signals, each gating circuit receiving said second
output signal and another signal having a characteristic exhibiting
change in accordance with one of said first output signals.
9. The system claimed in claim 8 wherein n said gating circuits are
included, each gating circuit providing a diverse denominational
value indicating signal.
10. The system claimed in claim 9 wherein said first sensor means
comprises a group of n-1 sensors each providing one of said first
output signals.
11. A system providing denominational value indicating signals
comprising the apparatus claimed in claim 2 and circuit means
including gating circuits providing said denominational value
indicating signals, each gating circuit receiving said second
output signal and another signal having a characteristic exhibiting
change in accordance with one of said first output signals or a
combination thereof.
12. The system claimed in claim 11 wherein said denominational
value indicating signals are indicative of units or tens
denominational value.
13. A system providing first and second count signals for
respective excitation of units and tens denominational value
counters for totalization of the values of differently-sized coins
in transit, comprising the system claimed in claim 10 and first and
second pulse generators receiving said denominational value
indicating signals and respectively providing said first and second
count signals.
14. The system claimed in claim 13 wherein said denominational
value indicating signals are indicative of units or tens
denominational value and wherein said first pulse generator
receives said units value signals and said second pulse generator
receives said tens value signals.
15. The system claimed in claim 14 wherein said pulse generators
each comprise a serial chain of bistable elements, each bistable
element receiving one of the denominational value signals received
by said pulse generators.
16. The system claimed in claim 15 wherein said denominational
value indicating value signals have characteristics adapted to
change the states of said bistable elements both to provide said
first and second count signals and to return all said bistable
elements to a common state after provision of said count pulses.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for processing diverse coins in
transit and more particularly to apparatus and system employable
therein for determining the denominational values of such coins
while same are in continuous transit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Present day coin processing devices for determination of the number
or denominational value of diverse coins have as their point of
origin the detection of different size characteristics of the
coins, such characteristics providing the only consistent basis of
difference in the case of, for example, the U. S. coins comprising
the half-dollar, quarter, nickel, penny and dime, which exhibit
decreasing diameter in the stated succession.
Various mechanical, photoelectric and electromechanical apparatus
presently known for such detection fall into one of two basic
categories, a first type adapted for use where coin transit is
momentarily interrupted and a second type adapted for use where
coin transit is continuous and unaffected by the size detection. In
the first type of apparatus, typified by that illustrated in U. S.
Pat. No. 2,594,422, coins in transit are individually received
prior to size segregation by an indexable rotor which controllably
positions each received coin in precise relation to a sensor which
generates an output signal having an amplitude characteristic
related to coin size. The evident shortcomings of such apparatus
are the severe limitation on coin processing speed and the need for
the rotor and associated mechanism.
With respect to the second type of apparatus, two versions are
known. In one version, coins in continuous transit are first
segregated in accordance with size by selective deflection thereof
into collection bins. Thereupon, as shown in U. S. Pat. Nos.
3,048,251 and 3,016,191, sensors not having size-discriminating
capacity and disposed in the respective collection bins are
actuated by the segregated coins to provide count signals. While
processing speed is unlimited by the nature of coin size detection
in such apparatus, the required multiple sensors are independent of
one another and are randomly energized or deenergized by the
segregated coins, simultaneous coin sensing by more than one sensor
being probable. To avoid count confusion, it is necessary in such
apparatus to provide independent counting means in association with
each sensor. The dependency of such apparatus on coin segregating
means is a further shortcoming thereof.
In the other version of the second type of known size-detection
apparatus, typified by the showings of U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,237,132
and 3,086,536, observation is made of the selective interruption of
multiple light beams disposed in succession along a chute adapted
to continuously transfer the coins to segregating means. In order
that such observation have meaning, it is essential in this version
of the second type of apparatus that a single coin selectively
completes its traverse of the succession of light beams before a
second coin begins its traverse thereof. Thus, high speed
processing of coins in non-selective transit is prohibited by the
nature of these devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide coin size
determination apparatus for use in high speed coin processing
devices.
It is a particular object of this invention to provide apparatus
for determination of the sizes of coins while same are in
continuous non-selective transit.
It is a further object of the invention to provide coin size
determining apparatus operative without need for prior coin
sorting.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a system for
indication of denominational values of coins in continuous
non-selective transit.
It is a more particular object of the invention to provide such
denominational value indication systems adapted for use in
conjunction with independent totalizers adapted to receive diverse
indications of all denominational values of processed coins or in
conjunction with cooperating totalizers adapted to receive
indications of units and tens denominational values of processes
coins.
In the efficient attainment of these and other objects, apparatus
is provided in the present invention comprising a first sensor
group adapted to provide first signals exhibiting changing
characteristics in accordance with the varying sizes exhibited by
each coin in transit, and second sensor means so positioned with
respect to said first sensor group as to provide a second output
signal exhibiting changing characteristics at such a time at which
said first output signals provide size indication definitive of the
denominational value of the coin in transit past the sensors. The
sensor group and sensor means define a registration zone
successively occupyable by each of successive coins in continuous,
non-selective transit thereby. Coin processing speed and volume is
substantially increased by such apparatus and same is readily
adapted by signal processing circuitry to provide individual
denominational value indication for each coin in transit or
alternatively, to provide said units and tens denominational value
indications. Systems employing the apparatus of the invention in
combination with different signal processing circuitry comprise
further aspects of the invention provided herein.
The manner in which the foregoing and other objects of the
invention are attained will be evident from the detailed discussion
of preferred embodiments of the invention hereinafter and from the
drawings wherein like numerals are used to identify like parts
throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin counter and sorter partly
broken away to show apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a frontal elevational view of a section of transfer chute
18 of FIG. 1 illustrating coins in transit therethrough.
FIG. 3 is a pictorial side elevational view of transfer chute 18
with block diagrammatic illustration of circuit elements associated
therewith.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of discriminators 68 and 70 of FIG.
3.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of denominational value detector 80
of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of registration pulse generator 138
of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a block diagrammatic illustration of alternate circuit
elements usable in the arrangement of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of detector and encoder 202 of FIG.
7.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of decimal converter 214 of FIG.
7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, collector and transfer unit 10 of coin
sorter-counter 1 includes a coin depository scoop 12 and a
continuously rotating turntable 14. Coins, the denominational
values of which are to be totalized, are gravity-fed onto the
turntable and are individually displaced by turntable pins 16 from
the vicinity of plate 12 and are carried by the turntable to
acceptor 17 of chute 18, the coins being maintained about the
periphery of the turntable during such transfer by centripetal
forces provided by retaining guard 20 or by gravitational forces
depending upon turntable rotational speed. Chute 18 is inclined
downwardly such that coins transferred thereto roll edgewise
through the chute under the influence of either the force attending
their issuance from turntable 14 to acceptor 17 or gravitational
force. Coin deflector elements 22, 24, 26 and 28 are secured in
chute 18 at different elevations corresponding with the different
sizes of coins traversing the chute for purposes of selectively
deflecting coins into sorting bins 30, 32, 34 and 36. In the
arrangement of FIG. 1 sorting-counting apparatus 1 accommodates
four differently sized coins, e.g. dime, penny, nickel and quarter.
In all discussion to follow, this specific exemplary arrangement
will be considered, modification of the system and apparatus herein
to accommodate coins of further different sizes requiring only
evident modifications. Disposed along chute 18 between collector
and transfer unit 10 and the first deflector element 22 is a coin
size and position discriminator 38. This unit preferably includes
photoelectric means for coin size and position indication and to
this extent embraces an exciting unit 40 and a unit 42 containing
sensing devices and signal processing circuitry.
Referring to the side elevational view of chute 18 illustrated in
FIG. 2 and to the FIG. 3 showing, apertures 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52
are provided in wall 54 of the chute and unit 42 sensors 56, 58,
60, 62 and 64 are mounted on wall 54 in respective registration
with the apertures such that the apertures define the fields of
view of the sensors. In the absence of coins in chute 18 all of the
sensors will be continually excited by illuminators 40a through 40e
of exciting unit 40 of FIG. 1. In the preferred arrangement,
sensors 56, 58 and 60, constituting a first sensor group, are
aligned in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of chute 18
and are positioned at respectively increasing heights above
longitudinal guide rail 55 to be selectively deenergized and to
thereby provide size indication of diverse coins in transit through
the chute. Sensors 62 and 64, constituting second sensor means, are
preferably aligned in a plane parallel to longitudinal guide rail
55. As will be clarified hereinafter in detail, the second sensor
means is positioned with respect to the first sensor group such
that, upon deenergization of the second sensor means by a coin in
transit, the states of energization or deenergization of the
individual sensors of the first sensor group will provide size
indication definitive of the proper denominational value of the
coin. In this respect, the first sensor group output signals will
be identified hereinafter as size-indicating signals and the second
sensor group signals will be referred to as position-indicating or
coin registration signals. Such distinction will be clarified by
discussion of events accompanying the transit of a particular coin
through chute 18.
The four diverse coins discussed above are illustrated in solid
lines in FIG. 2 in such position in chute 18 that each coin covers
apertures 50 and 52 of wall 54 thereby deenergizing the second
sensor means. In this connection only one coin can pass a given
position in the chute at a given instant by reason of the
cross-sectional dimensions of the chute (FIG. 3) and the indication
in FIG. 2 of all four coins in common position is thus descriptive
only. With its direction of travel indicated by the arrow, the
25.cent. piece is illustrated in successive transit positions a, b
and c wherein its vertical diameter coincides with the vertical
lines defining such positions. In position a, the coin occupies the
fields of sensitivity of certain of the sensors of the first sensor
group, namely sensors 58 and 60. If the output signals of the first
sensor group with the coin in this position were to be accepted as
having size indication definitive of the size of the coin then
traversing the chute, confusion would ensue since these output
signals would be identical respecting the 25.cent. piece at
position a and the 5.cent. piece at position c. Such confusion
would similarly result if position b, wherein the coin is further
advanced in transit through chute 18, were employed as the
denominational value sensing position in the chute, sensor 56
remaining partially excited at such position. To avoid such
confusion the system herein has as a 25.cent. piece-defining
condition that all of the first group sensors be unenergized. At
chute position c, the size indication provided by the output
signals of the first sensor group meets this condition and the
signals are clearly definitive of size distinctly indicating the
proper denominational value of the coin traversing the chute. Note
that at position c, the second sensor means is unenergized by
reason of the presence of each of the coins at said position.
The following other denominational value-defining conditions are
applicable. If all sensors of the first sensor group are energized
and the second sensor means is unenergized, a dime is in transit.
With only the second sensor means and sensor 60 unenergized, a
penny is in transit. Deenergization of sensors 50, 52, 58 and 60
occurs where a nickel is in transit. As previously stated, where
all sensors are unenergized a quarter is in transit. Evidently the
single position c is not the only position at which the above
conditions occur. Rather a registration zone generally indicated at
66 may be readily defined wherein the conditions apply.
Such zone commences for each coin in transit upon the initial
interruption of second sensor means excitation thereby and extends
thereafter through and beyond position c above. Whereas any
position within such zone may be employed in practicing the
invention, said commencement of such zone is preferably employed.
Reference hereinafter to such registration zone is intended to
indicate such preferred portion of such registration zone.
A fourth sensor may be included in the first sensor group at a
position below sensor 60 such that light beam excitation of said
fourth sensor will be interrupted upon transit of a dime to provide
specific first sensor group output signal change indicative of a
dime in transit upon occurrence of second sensor means
deenergization. On the other hand, such fourth sensor is
unnecessary since n different denominational value-defining
conditions can be derived from n-1 sensors as described above.
Whereas the particular sensor arrangement of FIG. 2 is preferred,
it is not requisite that the sensors of the first sensor group be
aligned in the specified plane. Also, as mentioned, positioning of
the second sensor means is dependent upon the choice of location of
the first sensor group such that the respective output signals
thereof are meaningful of true coin denominational values.
From the foregoing it will be evident that the first group of
sensors generates first output signals exhibiting changing
characteristics (e.g. HI to LO) upon deenergization thereof, which
signals are indicative of varying sizes exhibited by individual
coins traversing the chute as same are in transit. Such signals
initially take on size definition according with the denominational
value of the coin in transit when the coin is within said
registration zone, i.e. when the second sensor group becomes
deenergized and generates output signals exhibiting changing
characteristics (e.g. HI to LO) indicative of such occurrence.
The first group of sensors and the circuitry processing the output
signals thereof comprise coin size discriminator 68 of FIG. 3. The
second sensor means and circuitry processing the output signals
thereof comprise coin position discriminator 70 of FIG. 3.
Discriminator 68 provides its output signals on lines 72, 74, 76
and 78 to a denominational value detector 80 to which is also
applied over line 82 the output signals of discriminator 70. A
selective one of output lines 84, 86, 88 and 90 of detector 80 is
energized to thereby provide a denominational value indicating
signal. In such selective energization, detector 80 is operatively
responsive to the line 82 signal change characteristic to
selectively gate the signals then provided on lines 72, 74, 76 and
78.
Circuitry employable in discriminators 68 and 70 is illustrated in
FIG. 4. Light beams S1, S2 and S3 impinge upon and excite
phototransistors 92, 94 and 96, the collectors of which are
connected to a voltage source providing a positive potential and
the emitters of which are directly-connected respectively to
transistors 98, 100 and 102. The transistor collectors are also
tied to said positive potential and the emitters thereof are
connected through resistors 104, 106 and 108 to ground. Said
positive potential constitutes a first voltage level (HI) for the
logic circuits to be discussed hereinafter. A second voltage level
for the logic circuits is ground (LO). The outputs of the
transistors are coupled over lines 110, 112 and 114 to first inputs
of AND gates 116, 118 and 120. These gates have their outputs
coupled directly to discriminator 68 output lines 72, 74 and 76.
The fourth output of the discriminator is provided on line 78 by
direct interconnection thereof with line 114.
Gate 116 has the second input thereof connected to ground by line
122 and the second input to gate 118 is provided by line 72 through
connecting line 124. Gate 120 receives its second input from a
further AND gate 126, the output of which is applied to line 128.
Gate 126 receives a first input from line 112 over connecting line
130 and the second input thereto is grounded by line 132.
The foregoing AND gates and all AND gates in subsequent discussion
are adapted to provide a HI output only upon coincident LO state of
both inputs thereto. Under all other input conditions the gates
provide LO output signals. All gates to be discussed hereinafter
are AND gates and follow this operating characteristic. Fairchild
9914 Medium Power Dual Two Input Gate includes gates providing the
foregoing logic and may be used throughout.
The operation of discriminator 68 will be evident by consideration
of the functions therein attendant upon consideration of a penny
entering the aforementioned registration zone of chute 18. In the
absence of a coin in transit, all of the phototransistors 92-96 are
energized, in turn energizing transistors 98-102. As a result, all
of lines 110, 112 and 114 are HI. Light beam S3 is interrupted by
said penny with resulting deenergization of phototransistor 96 and
transistor 102 whereupon line 114 is LO as is output line 78. Since
lines 110 and 112 remain HI, output lines 72 and 74 are LO, since
both inputs to gates 116 and 118 are not LO. In contrast to output
lines 72, 74 and 78 output line 76 is HI indicating the
interruption of light beam S3. Same occurs since both inputs to
gate 120 are LO. As mentioned, line 114 is upon UPON deenergization
of transistor 102. Line 128 is also LO since the line 130 input to
gate 126 is HI.
The following other conditions apply as respects the condition of
the output lines of discriminator 68 and selective blocking of
input light beams S1-S3. Where S2 and S3 are interrupted, only line
74 is HI. Where S1, S2 and S3 are interrupted, only line 72 is HI.
Where none of S1, S2 and S3 is interrupted, line 78 is HI. The
logic operations involved in such selective generation of signals
indicative of size characteristics of other coins in transit are
provided by the remaining identified circuitry of the
discriminator.
In order that the output signals of discriminator 68 be processed
at such time that they contain pertinent size information
definitive of denominational values of coins in transit,
discriminator 70 provides a signal on line 82 at the instant a coin
first enters the registration zone. To this effect the light beams
P1 and P2 impinge upon and excite phototransistors 134 and 136, the
collectors of which are coupled to the positive supply and emitters
of which are connected to registration pulse generator 138 over
lines 140 and 142. The registration pulse generator, which is
discussed in detail in connection with FIG. 6 below, receives a
further input in the form of continuous clock pulses provided on
line 144. Suffice it to say for the present that pulse generator
138 provides on line 82 a LO signal only upon coincident
deenergization of phototransistors 134 and 136 upon interruption of
both light beams P1 and P2.
One embodiment of coin denominational value detector 80 of FIG. 3
is shown in detail in FIG. 5. The detector includes AND gates 145,
147, 149 and 151 each of which has one grounded input and one input
connected individually to lines 72 through 78. Each of further AND
gates 146, 148, 150 and 152 receives a first input from one of
gates 145, 147, 149 and 151. The coin registration signals provided
on line 82 are applied in common to all of the gates over lines
154, 156, 158 and 160 as the second gate inputs.
In operation detector 80 will provide a LO signal on a selective
one of its output lines 84, 86, 88 and 90 upon the occurrence of
the line 82 registration signal thereby providing indication of one
of denominational values 25.cent., 5.cent., 1.cent. and 10.cent.,
respectively. Such output line will be associated with that one of
gates 145, 147, 149 and 151 which derives a HI input signal from
lines 72-78. By way of example, if input line 76 is HI and lines
72, 74 and 78 are LO, as occurs when a 1.cent. piece enters said
registration zone, gate 149 will provide a LO output and gates 145,
147 and 151 will provide a HI output. With one input HI, gates 146,
148 and 152 will yield low outputs irrespective of the occurrence
of the LO signal on line 82 indicative of coin registration. On the
other hand, gate 150 will have both inputs thereto LO upon
occurrence of the registration signal on line 82 and will thereupon
yield a HI output signal on line 88, the 1.cent. denominational
value line.
The respective characteristics of the size-indication signals of
the sensors and discriminator 68, the position-indication signals
of discriminator 70, and the denomination value indication signals
of detector 80 are set forth in Table I below for the cases of each
diverse coin entering said registration zone and the 25.cent. piece
also in the non-registration zone position b of FIG. 2.
TABLE I
Function Line Coin in Transit
__________________________________________________________________________
25.cent. 5.cent. 1.cent. 10.cent. * 93 LO HI HI HI HI 95 LO LO HI
HI LO Size 97 LO LO LO HI LO Defini- 72 HI LO LO LO LO tion 74 LO
HI LO LO HI 76 LO LO HI LO LO 78 LO LO LO HI LO Registra- ( 140 LO
LO LO LO HI tion De- ( 142 LO LO LO LO HI finition 82 LO LO LO LO
HI Denomina- ( 84 HI LO LO LO LO tional 86 LO HI LO LO LO Value De-
( 88 LO LO HI LO LO finition 90 LO LO LO HI LO
__________________________________________________________________________
a preferred circuit arrangement for registration pulse generator
138 is illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein lines 140 and 142 of FIG. 1
provide first inputs for AND gates 162 and 164, the second inputs
to which are connected to ground by lines 166 and 168. Lines 140
and 142 provide first and second inputs to gate 170 over lines 172
and 174. Outputs of gates 162 and 164 are applied to gate 176 over
lines 178 and 180. The outputs of gates 170 and 176 provide first
inputs for gates 182 and 184 through lines 186 and 188. These gates
provide their outputs on lines 190 and 192 which are respectively
coupled to the alternate gate inputs over lines 194 and 196.
Lines 190 and 192 provide gating signals for flip-flop 198 to which
clock pulses are applied over line 144. The logic for this
flip-flop is that output line 200 thereof will be set HI upon the
occurrence of a HI gating signal on line 190 and is set LO upon the
occurrence of a HI gating signal on line 192. Line 200 is coupled
through appropriate pulse-shaping circuitry as indicated by the
dotted line, to pulse generator output line 82. Since such
pulse-shaping circuitry may take various forms depending upon the
pulse width desired to be produced by the generator, same is not
indicated in detail.
In light of the foregoing detailed logic operations discussed in
connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 the logic operations of the circuitry
of FIG. 6 will be clear from Table II below, which indicates the
states of circuit lines during transit of a coin through chute 18
of FIG. 1.
TABLE II
Lines
__________________________________________________________________________
140 HI LO LO HI HI 142 HI HI LO LO HI 178 LO HI HI LO LO 180 LO LO
HI HI LO 186 LO LO HI LO LO 188 HI LO LO LO HI 190 HI HI LO LO L HI
192 LO LO HI HI LO 200 HI HI LO LO HI
__________________________________________________________________________
from Table II it will be seen that line 200 is HI as the coin in
transit enters the chute since both of input lines 140 and 142 are
HI. This state of line 200 continues as one of light beams P1 and
P2 exciting phototransistors 134 and 136 (FIG. 4) is interrupted.
Line 200 goes LO as both light beams P1 and P2 are interrupted and
both input lines 140 and 142 are LO, and line 200 returns to its HI
state as the coin leaves the registration zone and both input lines
140 and 142 are returned to the HI state. Thus, in terms of coin
transit line 200 is HI at all times other than when the coin in
transit interrupts both light beams P1 and P2, i.e. when the coin
first enters and resides in the registration zone.
Whereas the foregoing system of FIG. 4 is adapted to provide coin
size indicating signals discretely indicative of the denominational
values of coins in transit and may be associated with various
counting devices known in the art for totalization of such values,
the foregoing sensing apparatus of the invention is preferably
employed in the system embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7 wherein a
coin denominational value detector and encoder 202 is employed in
place of detector 80 of FIG. 4. This detector and encoder receives
signals from lines 72-78 and 82, as in the case of detector 80, and
generates output signals on lines 206, 208, 210 and 212 which have
characteristics both indicative of coin denominational value and
adapted for automatic zeroing of decimal converter 214 to which
they are applied. In response to the states of lines 206-212,
converter 214 provides output pulses on line 216 indicative of the
denominational value of certain coins in units count and provides
on line 218 pulses indicative of the denominational value of other
coins in tens count. For example, in the case of a processing of a
quarter, five pulses are provided on line 216 and two pulses on
line 218. The denominational value information is thus in the form
adapted for direct use in connection with known decimal input
totalizing display devices, such as Nixie-tube units and the like.
An understanding of the FIG. 7 system will follow from detailed
discussion of the circuit arrangements of FIGS. 8 and 9
respectively indicating the structure and operation of detector and
encoder 202 and decimal converter 214.
In FIG. 8 a plurality of AND gates 222, 224, 226 and 228 is
provided for selective combination of the input signals provided on
lines 72 through 78. For this purpose, lines 72, 76 and 78 are
connected directly to certain inputs of the gates whereas line 74
is applied directly to one input of gate 230, the second input to
which is derived over line 232 from line 72. Gate 230 provides its
output over line 234 to gate 236, the output of which is provided
over line 238 to certain of the aforementioned four selective
combination gates. Gate 236 provides on line 238 a signal which is
HI only when line 234 is LO which is the case when either line 72
or line 74 is HI. Thus AND gates 230 and 236 combine to provide an
OR function such that whenever the coin in transit is a 5.cent.
piece or a 25.cent. piece, i.e. when either line 72 or line 74 is
HI, line 238 will be HI. Since it is desired to perform only two
types of counting in the FIG. 7 system, i.e. multiples of one and
multiples of ten, gates 230 and 236 act to indicate the 5.cent.
content of the quarter piece and line 72 may thereafter be
considered as indicating a denominational value of 20.cent. or
twice the desired multiplicand of ten. Line 78 provides
denominational value indicative of 10.cent. or one times this
multiplicand. Lines 238 and 76, respectively indicative of
denominational values of 5.cent. and 1.cent., involve the units
multiplicand. The particular manner of interconnection of these
denominational value lines and the selective combination AND gates
is illustrated in FIG. 8. Output lines 242, 244, 246 and 248 have
the states indicated in Table III below in accordance with the
states of input lines 72 through 78 relating denominational
values.
TABLE III
25.cent. 5.cent. 1.cent. 10.cent. Line 72 HI LO LO LO Line 74 LO HI
LO LO Line 76 LO LO HI LO Line 78 LO LO LO HI Line 238 HI HI LO LO
Line 242 LO LO LO HI Line 244 HI HI LO HI Line 246 HI HI HI LO Line
248 LO HI HI LO
output lines 242-248 are applied to a further set of four AND gates
252, 254, 256 and 258 along with the registration signal provided
on line 82. The respective states of output lines 206 through 212
is indicated in Table IV below, again in relation to the
denominational value signals on lines 72 through 78.
TABLE IV
25.cent. 5.cent. 1.cent. 10.cent. Line 72 HI LO LO LO Line 74 LO HI
LO LO Line 76 LO LO HI LO Line 78 LO LO LO HI Line 206 HI HI HI LO
Line 208 LO LO HI LO Line 210 LO LO LO HI Line 212 HI LO LO HI
output lines 206 and 208 are indicative of units values of certain
coins in transit, i.e. of nickels and pennies, and of a five-cent
value of each quarter. Output lines 210 and 212 are indicative of
tens values of coins in transit, i.e. dimes and a twenty-cent value
of each quarter. The circuitry of unit 202 is effective also to
provide such units and tens values signals with encoding which
effectuates an automatic zeroing of decimal converter 214 shown in
detail in FIG. 9.
In FIG. 9 the converter comprises an upper channel pulse generator
260 having an output terminal 261 and a lower channel pulse
generator 262 having an output terminal 263. The upper channel
provides units readout on line 216 and includes flip-flops 264,
266, 268 and 270 and an AND gate 272. The lower channel provides
tens readout on line 218 and includes flip-flops 274, 276 and 278
and an AND gate 280. The inputs to the converter are derived from
lines 206 and 208 for channel 260 from lines 210 and 212 for
channel 262. Clock pulses are provided over lines 282 and 284.
The various flip-flops other than 264 and 274 of FIG. 9 exhibit
like state-changing characteristics and detailed discussion will be
given for flip-flop (F/F) 266 in explanation of flip-flop logic.
The F/F has input gating terminals 286 (set) and 288 (clear), an
input trigger (clock pulse) terminal 290, first and second output
terminals 292 (output) and 294 (complementary output) and a further
input terminal (preset) 296. When gating terminals 286 and 288 are
LO, any change in state at terminal 290 from a HI to a LO will
alter the state of the F/F. When the gating terminals are HI, no
change in state will occur other than that which may be provided by
application of either a LO or HI signal to preset terminal 296,
which is effective to respectively provide a LO or HI signal at
complementary output terminal 294. Output terminals 292 and 294
provide opposite phase signals at all times, one terminal yielding
a HI or LO signal and the other respectively yielding LO or HI. In
the case of F/F 266 the gating terminals 286 and 288 are constantly
enabled by connection thereof directly to ground (LO) such that any
change in state of F/F 264 from HI to LO will change the state of
F/F 266. In the case of F/F 266 only output terminal 294 is used.
Fairchild 9923 Medium Power JK Flip Flop provides the foregoing
logic and may be used in channels 260 and 262.
As a typical example of flip-flop operation, let it be assumed that
a HI signal is applied from line 206 to terminal 296 thereby
setting terminal 294 HI. If F/F 264 now changes state from HI to LO
at the complementary output terminal thereof, F/F 266 will be
triggered and terminal 294 will go LO. No further change will occur
at line 294 until F/F 264 reverts to its original state and
thereafter changes state from HI to LO again, thereby directing
terminal 294 to HI.
Flip-flops 268, 270, 276 and 278 are each connected in like manner
to F/F 266, and presetting signals are applied to these flip-flops
from input lines 206 through 212. F/F 264 and F/F 274 are connected
similarly with the exceptions that the trigger (clock pulse)
terminals thereof are connected directly to clock pulse lines 282
and 284, that the preset terminals thereof are not used and that
the gating terminals thereof are connected to gates 272 and 280.
Thus, these flip-flops change state only when the outputs of the
gates 272 and 280 are LO, i.e. when at least one of the gate inputs
is HI. As illustrated gate 272 derives its input signals from lines
298 and 300 which are respectively connected to the complementary
output terminals of F/F 266 and F/F 270. AND gate 280 derives its
input from lines 302 and 304 which are respectively connected to
the complementary output terminals of F/F 276 and F/F 278.
As a particular example of operation of channel 260 let it be
assumed that input line 206 is HI and input line 208 is LO. Note
from Table IV that this condition occurs for the 5.cent. and
25.cent. pieces. F/F 266 and F/F 268 provide HI signals at their
output terminals and F/F 270 provides a LO signal at its output
terminal. The signals appearing on lines 298, 300 being HI, LO,
gate 272 provides a LO output on line 273 and upon the occurrence
of the next clock pulse (CP1) on line 282, F/F 264 is triggered.
This F/F, as is the case of F/F 274, is monostable in operation,
since no signals are applied to its preset terminal. Output
terminal 261 of the F/F exhibits a pulse (LO to HI to LO) upon
triggering in accordance with the monostable character thereof and
input terminal 290 of F/F 266 receives a triggering signal (HI to
LO). F/F 266 is thereupon set LO, providing a LO signal on line
298. F/F 268 is similarly changed in state since the trigger
terminal thereof receives a HI to LO signal. The same result occurs
in the case of F/F 270 whereby line 300 goes HI. AND gate 272
continues to provide a LO signal on line 273 and F/F 264 is again
triggered upon the occurrence of the next succeeding clock pulse
(CP2). A second pulse is generated at terminal 261 and F/F 266 is
again changed in state to exhibit a HI output signal on line 298.
F/F 268 does not change state at this time, the triggering signal
applied thereto changing from a LO to a HI in contrast to the
required triggering signal characteristic. With no change in state
of F/F 268, F/F 270 remains unchanged. This sequence of events will
continue until both inputs to AND gate 272 are LO whereupon line
273 will go HI disabling the gating terminals of F/F 264. These
events are compiled in Table V below.
TABLE V
Before Upon Upon Upon Upon Upon Upon CP1 CP1 CP2 CP3 CP4 CP5 CP6
Line 298 HI LO HI LO HI LO LO Line 269 HI LO LO HI HI LO LO Line
300 LO HI HI HI HI LO LO Line 273 LO LO LO LO LO HI HI Terminal 261
pulse pulse pulse pulse pulse no pulse
As a result of the states of input lines 206 and 208, five pulses
only are generated at terminal 261, indicative of the units
denominational value of the 5.cent. piece of five cents of a
25.cent. piece.
With this example the circuit may be inspected in like manner upon
the occurrence of 1.cent. and 10.cent. pieces in transit and it
will be found that the number of pulses provided at terminal 261
will accord in number with the units denominational value of the
penny, i.e. one pulse only, and no pulses will appear thereat for
the dime. Furthermore, by reason of the particular encoding of the
signals on lines 206 and 208, it will be noted that the counting
flip-flops 266-268-270, and 276-278, each comprising a serial chain
of bistable elements, are all returned to a LO state upon the
completion of generation of such precise number of pulses. The
counter is thus automatically reset to zero upon the completion of
pulse generation. The pulses generated at terminal 262 may be
counted as units input by any appropriate totalizing device.
In the case of lower channel 262 operation therein is similar to
the foregoing exemplary operation of the units channel and there
will be selectively generated at output terminal 263 a single pulse
in the case of a 10.cent. piece in transit and two pulses in the
case of a 25.cent. piece in transit. Table VI indicates circuit
occurrences in the case of a quarter.
TABLE VI
Before Upon Upon Upon CP'1 CP'1 CP'2 CP'3 Line 302 LO HI LO LO Line
304 HI HI LO LO Line 281 LO LO HI HI Terminal 263 pulse pulse no
pulse
In Table VI, the clock pulses are identified at CP' in contrast to
those (CP) considered in Table V. The clock pulses, CP, provided to
channel 260 over line 282 are in phase with those provided to
registration pulse generator 138 of FIG. 6 over line 144 such that
units denominational value signals are generated by channel 260 for
counting prior to the tens denominational value signals generated
by channel 262. The latter channel operates with clock pulses CP'
which are time-delayed with respect to clock pulses CP to insure
the operating relation between the channels which permits "carry"
computations in the counting or totalizing apparatus fed by decimal
converter 214.
By way of summary of The foregoing, in the system of FIG. 3, the
apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 is adapted to provide n output signals
on lines 84 to 90, each of which is indicative of the
denominational value of one of the n (four) exemplary coins herein.
To this end, the n gating circuits 146 to 152 of detector 80
receive, as a common input, the registration signal provided by the
second sensor means of discriminator 70, and as another input the
output of one of gates 145 to 151, i.e. a signal changing in
accordance with a selective one of the signals provided by the
first sensor group of discriminator 68. These denominational value
indicating signals may be totalized separately, e.g. by n counters
or by a single units counter with multiplier inputs of 25, 10 and
five.
In the system of FIG. 7, the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 is adapted
to provide n output signals on lines 206 to 212 indicative,
separately or in combination, of the denominational values of the n
(four) exemplary coins herein. To this end, the n gating circuits
252 to 258 of detector and encoder 202 receive, as a common input,
the registration signal provided by the second sensor means of
discriminator 70, and as another input, the output of one of gates
222 to 228, i.e. a signal changing in accordance with a selective
one or a combination of the signals provided by the first sensor
group of discriminator 68. The denominational value signals on
lines 206 and 208 contain units value information and the
denominational value signals on lines 210 and 212 contain tens
value information and the respective lines are applied to units
pulse generators 260 and tens pulse generator 262. These generators
provide units and tens denominational value pulses adapted for
totalization by a single units and tens decimal input counter. By
virtue of the encoding capacity of gates 222 to 228, the signals on
lines 206 to 210 are adapted for both controlling the pulse
generator output pulse provision and for automatically resetting
the pulse generators to a common state of preparedness for the next
subsequent count pulse generation.
Whereas the invention has been disclosed by way of particularly
preferred embodiments for arrangement of the sensor groups of FIG.
2, for the systems of FIGS. 3 and 7 and for the logic circuit
implementations thereof, various modifications thereof will be
evident to those skilled in the art and can be introduced without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such
embodiments are thus intended in a descriptive and not in a
limiting sense, the invention herein being defined in the following
claims.
* * * * *