CA2518343A1 - Banknote changer - Google Patents
Banknote changer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2518343A1 CA2518343A1 CA002518343A CA2518343A CA2518343A1 CA 2518343 A1 CA2518343 A1 CA 2518343A1 CA 002518343 A CA002518343 A CA 002518343A CA 2518343 A CA2518343 A CA 2518343A CA 2518343 A1 CA2518343 A1 CA 2518343A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- banknote
- validator
- cassette
- bill
- enhanced
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/04—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/0087—Banknote changing devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
- G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
- G07D11/28—Setting of parameters; Software updates
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
- G07F5/18—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
- Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
Abstract
An enhanced validator cooperates with a host device using a modified Multi-Drop Bus Protocol. The enhanced validator includes a banknote recycler to allow banknotes to be temporarily stored from banknotes provided to the validator and provided as change necessary to complete future transactions. The defining of the combination of a banknote validator, banknote recycling cassette and a banknote storage cassette as an~ enhanced validator simplifies the changes necessary to the Multi-Drop Bus Protocol. This arrangement and definition allows the enhanced validator to function as a~ conventional validator without recycler in the event the communication protocol of the lost device has not been updated. A preferred arrangement for the components of the enhanced banknote validator is also disclosed.
Description
BANKNOTE CHANGER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a banknote changer which includes a validator for determining the authenticity of a banknote in combination with the capability to store banknotes in a recycling cassette and to issue any of these stored banknotes as part of a financial transaction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a host of vending type machines or automated point of purchase devices that have been designed to receive cash or other payment and operate with a series of peripheral devices. The vending machine or other host device can include a coin changer or card reader or banknote validator to provide an appropriate means for completing the financial transaction. Due to the different manufacturers of peripheral devices the industry has generally adopted a common communicated protocol, Multi-Drop Bus (MDB) protocol. This protocol is used for allowing a host device to communicate with various peripheral devices. This protocol separately identifies the different peripheral devices and allows the peripheral device to communicate and be controlled by the host device. The host device typically includes higher level software that typically tracks the various financial transactions and controls and coordinates the overall functions of the host device.
The MDB protocol includes a portion thereof for accommodating new devices or improved peripheral devices having additional features. Built into the protocol is an Expansion Command extension where additional new features can be defined and adopted by the standard if acceptable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a banknote changer which includes a validator for determining the authenticity of a banknote in combination with the capability to store banknotes in a recycling cassette and to issue any of these stored banknotes as part of a financial transaction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a host of vending type machines or automated point of purchase devices that have been designed to receive cash or other payment and operate with a series of peripheral devices. The vending machine or other host device can include a coin changer or card reader or banknote validator to provide an appropriate means for completing the financial transaction. Due to the different manufacturers of peripheral devices the industry has generally adopted a common communicated protocol, Multi-Drop Bus (MDB) protocol. This protocol is used for allowing a host device to communicate with various peripheral devices. This protocol separately identifies the different peripheral devices and allows the peripheral device to communicate and be controlled by the host device. The host device typically includes higher level software that typically tracks the various financial transactions and controls and coordinates the overall functions of the host device.
The MDB protocol includes a portion thereof for accommodating new devices or improved peripheral devices having additional features. Built into the protocol is an Expansion Command extension where additional new features can be defined and adopted by the standard if acceptable.
- 2 -The present invention discloses an efficient banknote changer that allows effective recycling of banknotes as change in combination with a particular cooperation with the existing protocol and host devices to minimize the changes in the operation of the devices.
The present standard (MDB 2003) does not include command sets and status for banknote recyclers that are necessary for effective use of these devices.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
According to the present invention, a host device in combination with peripheral device cooperates for completing a financial transaction requires communication between said devices. The devices communicating using Multi-Drop Bus Protocol having an enhanced validator defined therein. The peripheral device is an enhanced validator that includes a banknote recycler and the host device communicates and controls the enhanced validator using the Multi-Drop Bus Protocol to provide change for financial transactions using the banknote recycler.
In a different aspect of the invention an enhanced banknote validator is disclosed. The enhanced banknote validator comprises a banknote recycler comprising a banknote validator, a banknote recycling cassette and a banknote storage cassette. The banknote recycler includes a bi-directional banknote drive path connecting a discharge of the banknote validator to the banknote recycling cassette or to bypass an inlet of said banknote cassette and connect the banknote drive path with the banknote storage cassette. In addition the banknote recycling cassette is positioned intermediate the banknote validator and the banknote storage cassette.
In a preferred aspect of the banknote recycler
The present standard (MDB 2003) does not include command sets and status for banknote recyclers that are necessary for effective use of these devices.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
According to the present invention, a host device in combination with peripheral device cooperates for completing a financial transaction requires communication between said devices. The devices communicating using Multi-Drop Bus Protocol having an enhanced validator defined therein. The peripheral device is an enhanced validator that includes a banknote recycler and the host device communicates and controls the enhanced validator using the Multi-Drop Bus Protocol to provide change for financial transactions using the banknote recycler.
In a different aspect of the invention an enhanced banknote validator is disclosed. The enhanced banknote validator comprises a banknote recycler comprising a banknote validator, a banknote recycling cassette and a banknote storage cassette. The banknote recycler includes a bi-directional banknote drive path connecting a discharge of the banknote validator to the banknote recycling cassette or to bypass an inlet of said banknote cassette and connect the banknote drive path with the banknote storage cassette. In addition the banknote recycling cassette is positioned intermediate the banknote validator and the banknote storage cassette.
In a preferred aspect of the banknote recycler
- 3 -the banknote validator and the banknote storage cassette are provided at opposite ends of the bi-directional banknote drive path.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which;
Figure 1 illustrates a general schematic overview of a host device communicating with an associated banknote changer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION IN WHICH:
Figure 1 shows a host device 2 in association with a banknote changer 20. The host device includes a communication protocol generally indicated as 4 and higher level software 6. For many vending machines the communication protocol is Multi-Drop Bus Protocol which allows the host device to communicate with any of a number of peripherals such as a banknote validator, card reader, a coin mechanism etc. The MDB protocol generally shown as 10 accommodates a communication with series of known peripheral devices that are manufactured by many different manufacturers. Each manufacturer of a peripheral device can use this protocol whereby the device can be installed in many different host devices and be compatible therewith. The Multi-Drop Bus Protocol is well recognized and includes as part thereof an ability to add a new peripheral device by defining a new peripheral address and implement a new instruction set..
The current version of the protocol is MDB/ICP
Version 3.0 March 26, 2003.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which;
Figure 1 illustrates a general schematic overview of a host device communicating with an associated banknote changer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION IN WHICH:
Figure 1 shows a host device 2 in association with a banknote changer 20. The host device includes a communication protocol generally indicated as 4 and higher level software 6. For many vending machines the communication protocol is Multi-Drop Bus Protocol which allows the host device to communicate with any of a number of peripherals such as a banknote validator, card reader, a coin mechanism etc. The MDB protocol generally shown as 10 accommodates a communication with series of known peripheral devices that are manufactured by many different manufacturers. Each manufacturer of a peripheral device can use this protocol whereby the device can be installed in many different host devices and be compatible therewith. The Multi-Drop Bus Protocol is well recognized and includes as part thereof an ability to add a new peripheral device by defining a new peripheral address and implement a new instruction set..
The current version of the protocol is MDB/ICP
Version 3.0 March 26, 2003.
- 4 -The banknote changer 20 is a new peripheral device not recognized by the MDB protocol (2003) although "bill validators" are recognized. The banknote changer 20 includes a validator 24 in combination with a banknote recycling cassette 26 and the banknote stacking cassette 28. A bill validator recognized by a host device under the existing protocol and includes as part thereof some mechanism for storage of received banknotes without the ability to use previously stored banknotes as change.
Therefore validator 24 in combination with a banknote stacker 28 is generally recognized by the protocol as a single unit by the host device.
The recycling cassette 26 is typically used to allow recycling of a particular domination of a banknote.
For example, the recycling cassette can be assigned to store and recycle five dollar bills. Basically as a transaction is initiated and a five dollar bill is provided to the validator a decision is made whether the banknote will be stored in the recycling cassette 26. If it is so stored it is then available to the validator to dispense as change for a particular transaction.
For example, a subsequent customer may provide the validator with a twenty dollar bill for settling a transaction that cost three dollars. The validator is capable in combination with the host device of dispensing three previously stored five dollar banknotes as part of the change and providing two dollars by means of a coin exchanger. Such a banknote recycler significantly improves the number of transactions that the host device can complete. If the host device only includes a coin dispenser and does not include the banknote recycler 20, the host device may decide to reject the transaction as dispensing of seventeen dollars change would not be
Therefore validator 24 in combination with a banknote stacker 28 is generally recognized by the protocol as a single unit by the host device.
The recycling cassette 26 is typically used to allow recycling of a particular domination of a banknote.
For example, the recycling cassette can be assigned to store and recycle five dollar bills. Basically as a transaction is initiated and a five dollar bill is provided to the validator a decision is made whether the banknote will be stored in the recycling cassette 26. If it is so stored it is then available to the validator to dispense as change for a particular transaction.
For example, a subsequent customer may provide the validator with a twenty dollar bill for settling a transaction that cost three dollars. The validator is capable in combination with the host device of dispensing three previously stored five dollar banknotes as part of the change and providing two dollars by means of a coin exchanger. Such a banknote recycler significantly improves the number of transactions that the host device can complete. If the host device only includes a coin dispenser and does not include the banknote recycler 20, the host device may decide to reject the transaction as dispensing of seventeen dollars change would not be
- 5 -profitable or that amount in coins may be not be available. Furthermore, if the transaction was accepted, then the ability for the coin exchanger to provide for dispensing of change for a subsequent transaction is obviously reduced. Therefore the banknote recycler 20 can significantly improve the overall operation of the system. As the price of products continue to increase the ability to provide change effectively becomes of increased importance.
The particular banknote recycler 20 includes a validating head 24 provided at one end of the device with the banknote recycler 26 provided at an intermediate position with the banknote cassette provided at the bottom portion. With this arrangement the drive path 33 that connects the validator 24 to the entrance of the banknote recycler 26 is relatively short. This has advantages in reducing the transaction time as the length of the transportation path is reduced. This transportation path is bi-directional as generally indicated by the double sided arrow within the recycling cassette 26. Banknotes to be recycled are basically accumulated on the winding drum 27. Switch 40 is shown in an actuating position forming a transition of the banknote path 33 into the recycling cassette 26 or from the recycling cassette 26 to the banknote path 33. If a received banknote is of a denomination not to be recycled it is provided to the banknote stacking cassette 28. A
series of stacked banknotes 30 are shown within this cassette. This banknote cassette will be removed from time to time as any banknotes provided to the cassette are not available for recycling.
The banknote changer 20 with the banknote stacking cassette 28 provided at an end position, also allows the banknote path 33 to be relatively short. A
The particular banknote recycler 20 includes a validating head 24 provided at one end of the device with the banknote recycler 26 provided at an intermediate position with the banknote cassette provided at the bottom portion. With this arrangement the drive path 33 that connects the validator 24 to the entrance of the banknote recycler 26 is relatively short. This has advantages in reducing the transaction time as the length of the transportation path is reduced. This transportation path is bi-directional as generally indicated by the double sided arrow within the recycling cassette 26. Banknotes to be recycled are basically accumulated on the winding drum 27. Switch 40 is shown in an actuating position forming a transition of the banknote path 33 into the recycling cassette 26 or from the recycling cassette 26 to the banknote path 33. If a received banknote is of a denomination not to be recycled it is provided to the banknote stacking cassette 28. A
series of stacked banknotes 30 are shown within this cassette. This banknote cassette will be removed from time to time as any banknotes provided to the cassette are not available for recycling.
The banknote changer 20 with the banknote stacking cassette 28 provided at an end position, also allows the banknote path 33 to be relatively short. A
- 6 -banknote that is passed to the cassette 28 is typically engaged by drive rollers 44 and 46 either side of a banknote receiving slot in the cassette. The banknote is then provided to a guide arrangement below these rollers and as such is not necessary to drive the banknote all the way to the bottom of the cassette. In this way, the banknote path 33 that requires drive rollers is relatively short.
Any time saved due to the start drive path is important as customers are waiting to complete a transaction. Increased transactions times are not desirable.
In some cases, the banknote changer 20 also acts as a temporary escrow device in combination with the drive path 33. For example, if banknotes are provided to the device and it is desired to return the individual's particular banknotes to him if the transaction is canceled, then the banknotes may be temporarily stored within the recycling cassette 26 until the transaction has been completed. It is also possible to partially store the banknotes along the bottom portion of the banknote path 33. If all the banknotes are stored in the recycling cassette 26 when the transaction has been accepted, the recycling cassette provides the last banknote to the path 33 and switch 40 is closed. The banknote is then driven in the opposite direction to the banknote stacking cassette 28. This process is repeated for each of the banknotes that were received in escrow.
Typically this feeding operation is carried out in what would otherwise be down time of the validator.
Another feature of the banknote changer 20 is the ability of the system to download some or all of the banknotes in the recycling cassette 26 to the banknote _ 7 _ stacking cassette 28. Once again, a banknote is returned to the path 33 with the switch 40 in the actuating position and then the switch 40 is closed whereafter the drive is reversed and the banknote is then provided to the banknote cassette 28. This function may be used by service technicians about to service the device where some or all of the previously stored banknotes for recycling are transferred to the banknote cassette.
With this arrangement the service personnel also have convenient access to the exposed banknote stacking cassette 28 which is provided adjacent a lower edge of the device. With this position there is typically additional clearance to allow convenient removal and insertion of cassettes. Therefore from the above it can be appreciated that a banknote changer 20 provides an effective peripheral device for use in association with a host device. Therefore, it is desirable that this type of peripheral device can easily be added to a host device. As previously discussed, the MDB protocol does allow for new peripheral devices. One approach would be to rewrite the protocol for a new type of device i.e., a banknote changer. This is certainly a possibility however it represents a requirement to significantly expand the protocol. Furthermore, the number of changes and the capability of the expansion command feature to address future changes would be significantly reduced.
In contrast to this approach the present invention effectively categorizes the banknote changer 20 as an enhanced banknote validator. As previously mentioned, the protocol basically accepts that a banknote validator peripheral device includes a storage capability and the enhanced banknote validator also allows for recycling. The host device often tracks the amount of currency received and processed by the peripheral device _ g _ as well as the number and amount of currency within the device. This accumulated net value within the validator device will be the same if a recycling cassette is also included. This is the case as the host device may not distinguish where the banknotes are stored i.e., whether they are stored in the recycling cassette or in the stacking cassette. The host device is primarily concerned with the number of stored banknotes. Therefore, the present approach is to modify the protocol to recognize an enhanced validator which includes a recycling cassette.
The present protocol recognizes a series of validator codes which indicate the particular state of the validator with respect to a banknote. The existing protocol includes a number of bill routing codes including:
0000: Bills Stacked 001: Escrow Position 010: Bill Returned 011: Not Used 100: Disabled Bill Rejected Additions Two new codes are required for the banknote changer namely;
101: Dispensed 110: Unloaded Therefore two additional states are required for the enhanced validator (i.e., a validator that includes a recycling cassette).
The protocol also requires a new command that allows the host device to instruct the enhanced validator to dispense a bill. The command is "level 2+ dispense". A further command "level 2+ unload" is an instruction command to unload the recycling cassette to the banknote cassette. A further command is "level 2+ set up cassette" which is an instruction from the host controller to assign to the recycler a certain denomination for recycling. Certain things are also provide within the extension command set. A
new command level 2+ recycling cassette status request is provided. This allows the host controller to ask the status of the recycler. Various codes are provided to reflect this status.
Additional details and explanation of the operation of the enhanced validators are provided herebelow as one example of implementation of the banknote changer as an enhanced validator.
1. Overview.
Bill Changer (BC) units are regular bill validators with the capability to store bills in the recycling cassette/cassettes and to issue change from the cassette/cassettes.
In order to provide functionality of the devices in the MDB network and to keep compatibility with old versions of the protocol the following is proposed:
~ A Bill Changer is assigned the Bill Validator address (30H) ~ All recycling cassette related operations are considered as optional features and should be explicitly enabled by EXPANSION COMMAND/FEATURE ENABLE
command ~ If the optional feature is disabled the unit will operate as regular bill validator without utilizing recycling cassette functionality ~ Four extra subcommands of the EXPANSION COMMAND are used to control recycling cassette functionality 2. Extension description.
The following changes are proposed in the MDB/ICP
description (changes are in bold/italics):
1~B Protocol Section 6.3 changes VMC Command Code Bill Changer Response Data POLL 33H 16 bytes: Z1 Z1 - Z16 - Bill Changer Activity - 16 bytes Indicates the Bill Changer activity, for example, the type and number of bills accepted, and stacker position.
If there is nothing to report, the Bill Changer should send only an ACK. Otherwise, the only valid responses are:
Bills Accepted/Issued:
Indicates the type and number of bills accepted and stacker status.
NOTE: These responses should be used to add or subtract credit.
Z1 (lyyyxxxx):
yyy = Bill Routing;
000: BILL STACKED
001: ESCROW POSITION
010: BILL RETURNED
011: NOT USED
100: DISABLED BILL REJECTED
101: DISPENSED*
110: UNLOADED**
xxxx = Bill Type (0 to 15) Status:
(00000001) - Defective Motor*** - One of the motors has failed to perform its expected assignment.
(00000010) - Sensor Problem*** - One of the sensors has failed to provide its response.
(00000011) - Bill Changer Busy***** - The Bill Changer is busy and can not answer a detailed command right now.
(00000100) - ROM Checksum Error*** - The Bill Changers internal hecksum does not match the c calculated checksum.
(00000101) - Bill Changer Jammed*** - A bills) has jammed in the acceptance path.
(00000110) - Bill Changer was reset**** - The Bill Changer has been reset since the last POLL.
(00000111) - Bill Removed**** - A bill in the escrow position has been removed by an unknown means. A BILL RETURNED message should also be sent.
(00001000) - Cash Box out of position*** - The Bill Changer has detected the cash box to be open or removed.
(00001001) - Unit Disabled***** - The Bill Changer has been disabled, by the VMC or because of internal conditions.
(00001010) - Invalid Escrow request**** - An ESCROW
command s requested for a bill not in the wa escrow position.
(00001011) - Bill Rejected**** - A bill was detected, but rejected because it could not be identified.
(00001100) - Possible Credited Bill Removal**** . There has been n attempt to remove a credited a (stacked) bill.
Note:
- Bill Changers must have a means to disable this code due to potential older VMC issues.
- virtually all VMCs designed prior to this code's introduction (10/16/02) will not support it.
- It is a vending machine system issue as to what is done when this code is received.
(OlOxxxxx) - Number of attempts to input a bill while Bill Changer is disabled.****
NOTE:
* The state when a bill or several bills from recycling cassette have been successfully dispensed to the customer.
** The state when unloading operation (moving bills from recycling cassette to the drop box) has been successfully completed.
The Bill Changer may send several of one type activity up to 16 bytes total.
*** Sent once each occurrence. The unit is then disabled until the condition is removed. Bill Changer will respond with unit disabled until repaired or replaced.
**** Sent once each occurrence.
***** Sent once each POLL
VMC Command Code Sub-Command Bill Changer Response Data bytes: Z1 ... Z33 COMMAND LEVEL 2+ IDENTIFICATION
WITH OPTION BITS
Z1 - Z3 - Manufacturer Code - 3 bytes Identification code for the equipment supplier.
Sent as ASCII characters. Currently defined codes are listed in the EVA document entitled "
European Vending Association Data Transfer Standard" (EVA-DTS), the Audit Data Lists section, sub-section 2, "Manufacturer Codes".
Z4 - Z15 = Serial Number - 12 bytes Factory assigned serial number. All bytes must be sent as ASCII characters, zeros (30H) and blanks (20H) are acceptable.
Z16 - Z27 = Model #/Tuning Revision -12 bytes Manufacturer assigned model number. All bytes must be sent as ASCII characters, zeros (30H) and blanks (20H) are acceptable.
Z28 - Z29 = Software Version - 2 bytes Current software version. Must be sent in packed BCD format.
Z30 - Z33 - Optional Features - 4 bytes Each of the 32 bits indicate an optional features availability. If the bit is set the feature is available. Bits should be sent in descending order, i.e. bit 31 is sent first and bit 0 is sent last. Currently defined options are:
b0 - File Transport Layer (FTL) supported as defined in Section 2.6.
b1 - Recycling cassette functionality supported as defined below. The option enables use of the recycling cassette and related states and commands. If the option is enabled and there is a Recycling Cassette assigned to specific denomination the Bill Changer will pack all bills of this denomination to the cassette instead of stacking them to the Drop Cassette.
b2... b31 Available for future use.
EXPANSION COMMAND extension (new for the protocol VMC Command Code Sub-Command Bill Changer Response Data bytes: ZI ... Z2 COMMAND LEVEL 2+ RECYCLING CASSETTE
STATUS REQUEST
The command requests current recycling cassette status.
The response data describe cassette assignment, state and number of bills stored inside.
Z1-Z2 Recycling Cassettes Status - 2 bytes.
The data returned in response to this command is a word (2-byte) entry.
The entry has the following format:
most significant byte:
bit 7 - cassette presence flag, set to 1 if cassette present;
bit 6 - cassette full flag;
bit 5 - reserved (not used);
bits 0 ... 4 - bill type, may take on of the following values:
0 ... 15 - cassette assigned to the bill type 0 ... 15;
24 - cassette assigned to ESCROW;
IFFI - cassette is not assigned;
least significant byte - number of bills in cassette.
If the cassette presence flag is not set all the other information in the entry has no meaning.
NOTE:
The Recycling Cassette can be programmed for ESCROW
operation (bill type 24). It means that all accepted bills not having a Recycling Cassette assigned to them would be directed from into the Recycling Cassette assigned to Escrow type instead of being stacked into Drop Cassette. The option is useful when one wishes to return the money (in case of transaction cancellation) with exactly the same bills the customer inserted. If the customer cancels the transaction all his bills will be returned. If transaction completes successfully all bills from the Escrow Recycling cassette should be reloaded into the Drop Cassette. It is a VMC responsibility to perform this operation during the pause before next customer. If the next customer enters the bill the reload process should be interrupted and the Bill Changer will serve the customer. The reload process should be continued at the next pause.
With Escrow cassette present in the unit the host controller should maintain the log of bill insertions done by the customer. Otherwise in case of transaction cancellation the customer may not get the money back with bills he inserted.
VMC Command Code Sub-Command VMC Data Non a COMMAND LEVEL 2+ DISPENSE
Command initiates dispensing of one bill from the recycling cassette back to the customer. During the dispensing process Bill Changer will report BUSY state.
When the process is successfully completed the DISPENSED
state will be reported.
VMC Command Code Sub-Command VMC Data None COMMAND LEVEL 2+ UNLOAD
Command initiates unloading process. After receiving the command the Bill Changer will unload a bill from the cassette into the Drop box. During the unloading process Bill Changer will report BUSY state. When the process is successfully completed the UNLOADED state will be reported.
VMC Command Code Sub-Command VMC Data byte: ZI
COMMAND LEVEL 2+ SETUP CASSETTE
Command for assigning recycling cassette a bill type. If the cassette is not empty, the command carries out complete unloading of the cassette. In this case Bill Changer will enter BUSY state until operation is completed.
ZI Cassette setup byte:
Bits 0...4 - Bill type to assign for the cassette (1FH to make cassette "not assigned", 24 to set cassette to Escrow type);
Bi is 5, 6, 7 - not used;
NOTE: if a cassette assignment operation fails the cassette will automatically become "not assigned"; some examples of possible failure causes are: cassette is not physically present, cassette is assigned to a bill type not supported by that specific software version (does not have a valid entry in the bill table) etc.
The classification of the banknote recycler as an enhanced type of validator allows the normal command set for the validator to be used with only a limited number of additional instruction commands and status functions to be added. With this arrangement the MDB protocol can easily be amended and these amendments do not represent a extensive rewriting of the protocol. In addition by classifying the banknote recycler in this manner any higher level software can also be changed without extensive rewrite to track additional information.
A further feature of this approach is the ability to install in an existing host device, the banknote changer 20 peripheral device shown in Figure 1. For example, this device absent the recycling cassette 26 or basically just a shell for the recycling cassette 26 will allow the device to operate in the manner of a conventional validator with a banknote starker. Thus, this device is easily installed in any existing machines and will operate satisfactorily. Even if this device includes the recycling cassette 26 if the protocol has not been updated, the peripheral device will merely operate as a validator with a banknote starker. The device will thus operate with both the original protocol and if an enhanced protocol is available then the recycling cassette 26 can be used. Basically the controller 25 of the validator 24 is used for directing of a banknote to either the banknote recycler 26 or the banknote stacker 28. Thus each manufacturer can include software specific to his enhanced validator for controlling specific operations of his device while allowing effective communication with the modified protocol. This particular arrangement allows any changes in the protocol as well as any changes in the higher level software of the host device 2 to be relatively simple.
The modification to the protocol to recognize and control a validator having a recycling capability has been described with respect to a single recycling cassette. This approach is not limited to a single recycling cassette and can be used for controlling multiple recycling cassettes. Each of the recycling cassettes can be assigned a particular denomination of banknotes to recycle. Therefore, an enhanced validator can be defined and set up to recycle several denominations of banknotes.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Any time saved due to the start drive path is important as customers are waiting to complete a transaction. Increased transactions times are not desirable.
In some cases, the banknote changer 20 also acts as a temporary escrow device in combination with the drive path 33. For example, if banknotes are provided to the device and it is desired to return the individual's particular banknotes to him if the transaction is canceled, then the banknotes may be temporarily stored within the recycling cassette 26 until the transaction has been completed. It is also possible to partially store the banknotes along the bottom portion of the banknote path 33. If all the banknotes are stored in the recycling cassette 26 when the transaction has been accepted, the recycling cassette provides the last banknote to the path 33 and switch 40 is closed. The banknote is then driven in the opposite direction to the banknote stacking cassette 28. This process is repeated for each of the banknotes that were received in escrow.
Typically this feeding operation is carried out in what would otherwise be down time of the validator.
Another feature of the banknote changer 20 is the ability of the system to download some or all of the banknotes in the recycling cassette 26 to the banknote _ 7 _ stacking cassette 28. Once again, a banknote is returned to the path 33 with the switch 40 in the actuating position and then the switch 40 is closed whereafter the drive is reversed and the banknote is then provided to the banknote cassette 28. This function may be used by service technicians about to service the device where some or all of the previously stored banknotes for recycling are transferred to the banknote cassette.
With this arrangement the service personnel also have convenient access to the exposed banknote stacking cassette 28 which is provided adjacent a lower edge of the device. With this position there is typically additional clearance to allow convenient removal and insertion of cassettes. Therefore from the above it can be appreciated that a banknote changer 20 provides an effective peripheral device for use in association with a host device. Therefore, it is desirable that this type of peripheral device can easily be added to a host device. As previously discussed, the MDB protocol does allow for new peripheral devices. One approach would be to rewrite the protocol for a new type of device i.e., a banknote changer. This is certainly a possibility however it represents a requirement to significantly expand the protocol. Furthermore, the number of changes and the capability of the expansion command feature to address future changes would be significantly reduced.
In contrast to this approach the present invention effectively categorizes the banknote changer 20 as an enhanced banknote validator. As previously mentioned, the protocol basically accepts that a banknote validator peripheral device includes a storage capability and the enhanced banknote validator also allows for recycling. The host device often tracks the amount of currency received and processed by the peripheral device _ g _ as well as the number and amount of currency within the device. This accumulated net value within the validator device will be the same if a recycling cassette is also included. This is the case as the host device may not distinguish where the banknotes are stored i.e., whether they are stored in the recycling cassette or in the stacking cassette. The host device is primarily concerned with the number of stored banknotes. Therefore, the present approach is to modify the protocol to recognize an enhanced validator which includes a recycling cassette.
The present protocol recognizes a series of validator codes which indicate the particular state of the validator with respect to a banknote. The existing protocol includes a number of bill routing codes including:
0000: Bills Stacked 001: Escrow Position 010: Bill Returned 011: Not Used 100: Disabled Bill Rejected Additions Two new codes are required for the banknote changer namely;
101: Dispensed 110: Unloaded Therefore two additional states are required for the enhanced validator (i.e., a validator that includes a recycling cassette).
The protocol also requires a new command that allows the host device to instruct the enhanced validator to dispense a bill. The command is "level 2+ dispense". A further command "level 2+ unload" is an instruction command to unload the recycling cassette to the banknote cassette. A further command is "level 2+ set up cassette" which is an instruction from the host controller to assign to the recycler a certain denomination for recycling. Certain things are also provide within the extension command set. A
new command level 2+ recycling cassette status request is provided. This allows the host controller to ask the status of the recycler. Various codes are provided to reflect this status.
Additional details and explanation of the operation of the enhanced validators are provided herebelow as one example of implementation of the banknote changer as an enhanced validator.
1. Overview.
Bill Changer (BC) units are regular bill validators with the capability to store bills in the recycling cassette/cassettes and to issue change from the cassette/cassettes.
In order to provide functionality of the devices in the MDB network and to keep compatibility with old versions of the protocol the following is proposed:
~ A Bill Changer is assigned the Bill Validator address (30H) ~ All recycling cassette related operations are considered as optional features and should be explicitly enabled by EXPANSION COMMAND/FEATURE ENABLE
command ~ If the optional feature is disabled the unit will operate as regular bill validator without utilizing recycling cassette functionality ~ Four extra subcommands of the EXPANSION COMMAND are used to control recycling cassette functionality 2. Extension description.
The following changes are proposed in the MDB/ICP
description (changes are in bold/italics):
1~B Protocol Section 6.3 changes VMC Command Code Bill Changer Response Data POLL 33H 16 bytes: Z1 Z1 - Z16 - Bill Changer Activity - 16 bytes Indicates the Bill Changer activity, for example, the type and number of bills accepted, and stacker position.
If there is nothing to report, the Bill Changer should send only an ACK. Otherwise, the only valid responses are:
Bills Accepted/Issued:
Indicates the type and number of bills accepted and stacker status.
NOTE: These responses should be used to add or subtract credit.
Z1 (lyyyxxxx):
yyy = Bill Routing;
000: BILL STACKED
001: ESCROW POSITION
010: BILL RETURNED
011: NOT USED
100: DISABLED BILL REJECTED
101: DISPENSED*
110: UNLOADED**
xxxx = Bill Type (0 to 15) Status:
(00000001) - Defective Motor*** - One of the motors has failed to perform its expected assignment.
(00000010) - Sensor Problem*** - One of the sensors has failed to provide its response.
(00000011) - Bill Changer Busy***** - The Bill Changer is busy and can not answer a detailed command right now.
(00000100) - ROM Checksum Error*** - The Bill Changers internal hecksum does not match the c calculated checksum.
(00000101) - Bill Changer Jammed*** - A bills) has jammed in the acceptance path.
(00000110) - Bill Changer was reset**** - The Bill Changer has been reset since the last POLL.
(00000111) - Bill Removed**** - A bill in the escrow position has been removed by an unknown means. A BILL RETURNED message should also be sent.
(00001000) - Cash Box out of position*** - The Bill Changer has detected the cash box to be open or removed.
(00001001) - Unit Disabled***** - The Bill Changer has been disabled, by the VMC or because of internal conditions.
(00001010) - Invalid Escrow request**** - An ESCROW
command s requested for a bill not in the wa escrow position.
(00001011) - Bill Rejected**** - A bill was detected, but rejected because it could not be identified.
(00001100) - Possible Credited Bill Removal**** . There has been n attempt to remove a credited a (stacked) bill.
Note:
- Bill Changers must have a means to disable this code due to potential older VMC issues.
- virtually all VMCs designed prior to this code's introduction (10/16/02) will not support it.
- It is a vending machine system issue as to what is done when this code is received.
(OlOxxxxx) - Number of attempts to input a bill while Bill Changer is disabled.****
NOTE:
* The state when a bill or several bills from recycling cassette have been successfully dispensed to the customer.
** The state when unloading operation (moving bills from recycling cassette to the drop box) has been successfully completed.
The Bill Changer may send several of one type activity up to 16 bytes total.
*** Sent once each occurrence. The unit is then disabled until the condition is removed. Bill Changer will respond with unit disabled until repaired or replaced.
**** Sent once each occurrence.
***** Sent once each POLL
VMC Command Code Sub-Command Bill Changer Response Data bytes: Z1 ... Z33 COMMAND LEVEL 2+ IDENTIFICATION
WITH OPTION BITS
Z1 - Z3 - Manufacturer Code - 3 bytes Identification code for the equipment supplier.
Sent as ASCII characters. Currently defined codes are listed in the EVA document entitled "
European Vending Association Data Transfer Standard" (EVA-DTS), the Audit Data Lists section, sub-section 2, "Manufacturer Codes".
Z4 - Z15 = Serial Number - 12 bytes Factory assigned serial number. All bytes must be sent as ASCII characters, zeros (30H) and blanks (20H) are acceptable.
Z16 - Z27 = Model #/Tuning Revision -12 bytes Manufacturer assigned model number. All bytes must be sent as ASCII characters, zeros (30H) and blanks (20H) are acceptable.
Z28 - Z29 = Software Version - 2 bytes Current software version. Must be sent in packed BCD format.
Z30 - Z33 - Optional Features - 4 bytes Each of the 32 bits indicate an optional features availability. If the bit is set the feature is available. Bits should be sent in descending order, i.e. bit 31 is sent first and bit 0 is sent last. Currently defined options are:
b0 - File Transport Layer (FTL) supported as defined in Section 2.6.
b1 - Recycling cassette functionality supported as defined below. The option enables use of the recycling cassette and related states and commands. If the option is enabled and there is a Recycling Cassette assigned to specific denomination the Bill Changer will pack all bills of this denomination to the cassette instead of stacking them to the Drop Cassette.
b2... b31 Available for future use.
EXPANSION COMMAND extension (new for the protocol VMC Command Code Sub-Command Bill Changer Response Data bytes: ZI ... Z2 COMMAND LEVEL 2+ RECYCLING CASSETTE
STATUS REQUEST
The command requests current recycling cassette status.
The response data describe cassette assignment, state and number of bills stored inside.
Z1-Z2 Recycling Cassettes Status - 2 bytes.
The data returned in response to this command is a word (2-byte) entry.
The entry has the following format:
most significant byte:
bit 7 - cassette presence flag, set to 1 if cassette present;
bit 6 - cassette full flag;
bit 5 - reserved (not used);
bits 0 ... 4 - bill type, may take on of the following values:
0 ... 15 - cassette assigned to the bill type 0 ... 15;
24 - cassette assigned to ESCROW;
IFFI - cassette is not assigned;
least significant byte - number of bills in cassette.
If the cassette presence flag is not set all the other information in the entry has no meaning.
NOTE:
The Recycling Cassette can be programmed for ESCROW
operation (bill type 24). It means that all accepted bills not having a Recycling Cassette assigned to them would be directed from into the Recycling Cassette assigned to Escrow type instead of being stacked into Drop Cassette. The option is useful when one wishes to return the money (in case of transaction cancellation) with exactly the same bills the customer inserted. If the customer cancels the transaction all his bills will be returned. If transaction completes successfully all bills from the Escrow Recycling cassette should be reloaded into the Drop Cassette. It is a VMC responsibility to perform this operation during the pause before next customer. If the next customer enters the bill the reload process should be interrupted and the Bill Changer will serve the customer. The reload process should be continued at the next pause.
With Escrow cassette present in the unit the host controller should maintain the log of bill insertions done by the customer. Otherwise in case of transaction cancellation the customer may not get the money back with bills he inserted.
VMC Command Code Sub-Command VMC Data Non a COMMAND LEVEL 2+ DISPENSE
Command initiates dispensing of one bill from the recycling cassette back to the customer. During the dispensing process Bill Changer will report BUSY state.
When the process is successfully completed the DISPENSED
state will be reported.
VMC Command Code Sub-Command VMC Data None COMMAND LEVEL 2+ UNLOAD
Command initiates unloading process. After receiving the command the Bill Changer will unload a bill from the cassette into the Drop box. During the unloading process Bill Changer will report BUSY state. When the process is successfully completed the UNLOADED state will be reported.
VMC Command Code Sub-Command VMC Data byte: ZI
COMMAND LEVEL 2+ SETUP CASSETTE
Command for assigning recycling cassette a bill type. If the cassette is not empty, the command carries out complete unloading of the cassette. In this case Bill Changer will enter BUSY state until operation is completed.
ZI Cassette setup byte:
Bits 0...4 - Bill type to assign for the cassette (1FH to make cassette "not assigned", 24 to set cassette to Escrow type);
Bi is 5, 6, 7 - not used;
NOTE: if a cassette assignment operation fails the cassette will automatically become "not assigned"; some examples of possible failure causes are: cassette is not physically present, cassette is assigned to a bill type not supported by that specific software version (does not have a valid entry in the bill table) etc.
The classification of the banknote recycler as an enhanced type of validator allows the normal command set for the validator to be used with only a limited number of additional instruction commands and status functions to be added. With this arrangement the MDB protocol can easily be amended and these amendments do not represent a extensive rewriting of the protocol. In addition by classifying the banknote recycler in this manner any higher level software can also be changed without extensive rewrite to track additional information.
A further feature of this approach is the ability to install in an existing host device, the banknote changer 20 peripheral device shown in Figure 1. For example, this device absent the recycling cassette 26 or basically just a shell for the recycling cassette 26 will allow the device to operate in the manner of a conventional validator with a banknote starker. Thus, this device is easily installed in any existing machines and will operate satisfactorily. Even if this device includes the recycling cassette 26 if the protocol has not been updated, the peripheral device will merely operate as a validator with a banknote starker. The device will thus operate with both the original protocol and if an enhanced protocol is available then the recycling cassette 26 can be used. Basically the controller 25 of the validator 24 is used for directing of a banknote to either the banknote recycler 26 or the banknote stacker 28. Thus each manufacturer can include software specific to his enhanced validator for controlling specific operations of his device while allowing effective communication with the modified protocol. This particular arrangement allows any changes in the protocol as well as any changes in the higher level software of the host device 2 to be relatively simple.
The modification to the protocol to recognize and control a validator having a recycling capability has been described with respect to a single recycling cassette. This approach is not limited to a single recycling cassette and can be used for controlling multiple recycling cassettes. Each of the recycling cassettes can be assigned a particular denomination of banknotes to recycle. Therefore, an enhanced validator can be defined and set up to recycle several denominations of banknotes.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (3)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. ~A host device in combination with a peripheral device cooperate to allow completion of a financial transaction requiring communication between said devices, said devices communicating using Multi-Drop Bus Protocol having an enhanced validator defined therein, and wherein said peripheral device is an enhanced validator that includes a banknote recycler and said host device communicates and controls said enhanced validator using said Multi-Drop Bus Protocol to provide change for financial transactions using said banknote recycler.
2. ~A banknote recycler comprising a banknote validator, a banknote recycling cassette and a banknote storage cassette; said banknote recycler including a bi-directional banknote drive path connecting a discharge of said banknote validator to said banknote recycling cassette or to by pass an inlet of said banknote cassette and connect said banknote drive path with said banknote storage cassette; and wherein said banknote recycling cassette is positioned intermediate said banknote validator and said banknote storage cassette.
3. ~A banknote recycler as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said banknote validator and said banknote storage cassette are provided on opposite ends of said bi-directional banknote drive path.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002518343A CA2518343A1 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2005-09-02 | Banknote changer |
| PCT/CA2006/001426 WO2007025380A2 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2006-08-31 | Banknote recycler |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002518343A CA2518343A1 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2005-09-02 | Banknote changer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2518343A1 true CA2518343A1 (en) | 2007-03-02 |
Family
ID=37806529
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002518343A Abandoned CA2518343A1 (en) | 2005-09-02 | 2005-09-02 | Banknote changer |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2518343A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007025380A2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19536481A1 (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-04-03 | Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst | Cash acceptance and dispensing machine |
| US6473283B1 (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2002-10-29 | Mp Electronics, Inc. | Voltage protection circuit for multi-drop bus of an automated coin vending machine |
| CA2339722C (en) * | 2000-03-02 | 2010-06-22 | Cashcode Company Inc. | Integrated banknote validator and dispenser |
| CA2502344A1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2006-09-24 | Cashcode Company Inc. | Validator with recycling cassette and stacker |
-
2005
- 2005-09-02 CA CA002518343A patent/CA2518343A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-08-31 WO PCT/CA2006/001426 patent/WO2007025380A2/en active Search and Examination
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2007025380A2 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
| WO2007025380A3 (en) | 2007-04-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20130904 |