GB2541913A - Improvements in or relating to methods and apparatus for counting cash items - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for counting cash items comprises a plurality of receptacles for containing at least one denomination of cash items, a weighing means, such as groups of load cells 4, 6, 8, 10, operable to produce an individual signal indicative of the weight of the cash items located in each receptacle, and a microcontroller 22 operable to generate a composite signal from each of the individual signals from two or more of the receptacles. The method includes the steps of obtaining the individual signals from each of the plurality of receptacles, using time division multiplexing (TDM) to generate a composite signal from the individual signals, and processing the composite signal to obtain the value of the cash items. The time-division-multiplexing may comprise sampling the individual signals consecutively to generate a composite signal including a single sample from each receptacle, or the sampling may be cyclical.

Description

Improvements in or relating to methods and apparatus for counting cash items

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to methods and apparatus for counting cash items.

Background to the Invention

It is known to provide ‘intelligent’ cash registers which are operable to count and record the cash items they contain. Such registers generally include a means to weigh the cash items located within the drawer of the register, and in particular within a number of receptacles within the drawer corresponding to different denominations of cash items, and the weight of the items can subsequently be used to calculate their monetary value. Traditionally, the cash counting process would be undertaken manually. ‘Intelligent’ cash registers have removed the need for manual counting of cash, however, some problems still remain.

Cash registers of this type are commonly used in the retail or catering industries, for example, where the time taken to both count and record the number/value of cash items within a given register may be a limiting factor on the speed at which consecutive transactions may be processed, or indeed the ability for a given register to be used at all. For example, it may be desirable or even necessary in certain situations to provide an ‘intelligent’ cash register which calculates the monetary value of cash items located within the register on a transaction-by-transaction basis, i.e. between consecutive transactions. This may be crucial to provide a means to detect and even prevent fraudulent activities, or in instances wherein the wrong denomination of cash item is placed in the wrong cup or holder within the cash register requiring correction which may otherwise be hidden if a large number of transactions were undertaken between processing. In such situations, it is essential that the calculation be completed before the next transaction is undertaken, which in some cases may be as little as a minute or less, as a further transaction would disrupt the process corresponding to the preceding transaction leading to an unreliable result.

In known “intelligent” cash registers, the time taken to obtain an accurate reading of the weight of cash items located within a cash drawer is limited by the time is takes a signal to settle once cash items have been placed therein. Traditionally, a result would be obtained from each receptacle within a cash drawer consecutively, which involves waiting for the corresponding signal to settle, then taking the final reading before moving onto the next receptacle and undertaking the same process. This process may be time consuming, especially in standard cash registers which commonly have in excess of ten separate receptacles.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a method of and/or an apparatus for counting cash items within a cash register or similar which does not affect the normal operation of the register, i.e. by slowing down the rate at which consecutive transactions can be processed therethrough.

More particularly, it would be advantageous to provide a method and/or apparatus for counting cash items wherein the time taken to obtain accurate readings from each of a plurality of receptacles within a cash register is reduced by obtaining information from more than one receptacle at the same time.

It is therefore an aim of an embodiment or embodiments of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate some of the problems of the prior art by providing a method of and/or an apparatus for counting cash items which takes less time to obtain information which may be subsequently processed.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of counting cash items located within a plurality of receptacles within a cash drawer, the method comprising the steps of: a) generating a composite signal indicative of the weight of the cash items located in at least two of the plurality of receptacles; and b) processing said composite signal to obtain the value of the cash items located therein; wherein step a) comprises obtaining an individual signal from each of the plurality of receptacles indicative of the weight of cash items located therein; and using time-division-multiplexing to generate the composite signal from the individual signals.

By multiplexing the signals from each of the individual receptacles, the time taken to obtain information on the weight of cash items located in each of the receptacles is reduced. This information may subsequently be processed to obtain a value of the cash items located within the register. In this way, the overall time taken to obtain and subsequently process the collected information is reduced.

The time-division-multiplexing of the individual signals, hereinafter referred to as the multiplexing process, may comprise sampling the individual signals consecutively to generate a composite signal which includes a single sample from each receptacle. In such embodiments, the composite signal may provide information on the status of each receptacle at a given point in time. Similarly, the multiplexing process may comprise sampling each individual signal cyclically. In this way, the composite signal may provide information regarding any changes in the individual signals over a given length of time.

The signal from at least one of the receptacles may be checked during the multiplexing process to determine whether the signal has settled. In this context, a signal may be deemed to have settled if it is not fluctuating outside of a predetermined threshold range, e.g. if a predetermined number of readings remain within a predetermined range of the previous reading. In some embodiments the signal from each of the receptacles is checked during the multiplexing process. In such embodiments, the receptacles from which a settled signal is detected may be omitted from any subsequent cycles of the multiplexing process. The method may omit settled signals by obtaining an individual signal from each of the plurality of receptacles which is determined to be unsettled time-division-multiplexing the resultant signals to generate the composite signal from the individual signals and not from the settled signals.

In this way, in embodiments where the multiplexing process is performed in a cyclical manner, only those receptacles from which a changing signal is received is processed and analysed. This allows settled information from all of the receptacles to be obtained in the shortest time possible, since the method skips reading the signals from receptacles which have a settled reading and can thereby obtain subsequent readings from unsettled receptacles sooner.

Generally, the multiplexing process is performed using a microcontroller. In such embodiments, the microcontroller may be used to select which individual signal is being sampled at any given time and combines the sampled signals to form the composite signal.

In some embodiments, the composite signal generated in accordance with step a) of the first aspect of the invention may comprise a first composite signal, and in such embodiments, the method may further comprise generating at least one further composite signal in addition to the first. For example, in embodiments wherein there is at least four receptacles, the first composite signal may be generated from the individual signals from at least two receptacles, and a second composite signal may be generated from the individual signals from at least two further receptacles. The two or more composite signals may be generated simultaneously. In alternative embodiments, the two or more signals are generated consecutively.

In some embodiments the signal received from each receptacle comprises an analogue signal and the method further comprises converting said analogue signal to a digital signal. Generally, the conversion between the analogue signal and the digital signal may be performed using an Analogue-to-Digital-Convertor (ADC).

In some embodiments the signal from at least two of the plurality of receptacles is input into the same ADC into separate input channels. In further embodiments, the signals from at least four receptacles are input into a single ADC into separate input channels. In embodiments wherein the signal from more than one receptacle is input into the same ADC, the method may comprise sampling the input signal from each receptacle consecutively. For example, the operation of the ADC may be rotated between input channels in a ganged mode of operation from a first channel, to a second channel, to a third channel and so on until each of the channels has been sampled. Alternatively, the input from each receptacle may be sampled in a cyclical fashion, rotating from a first channel to a second channel and so on until all channels have been sampled, and then repeating the process for a given number of cycles. In the above detailed embodiments, each sampled signal may subsequently be used to construct the composite signal which forms the output from the ADC. The above described process may be undertaken using a microcontroller to control the operation of the or each ADC.

In yet further embodiments the method comprises utilising at least two separate ADCs, and inputting the signal from at least one of the plurality of receptacles into each ADC. There may be a signal from more than one of the plurality of receptacles input into each ADC. In such embodiments, the method may comprise that as described above, whereby the operation of each ADC is rotated between input channels to sample each individual signal in a consecutive or cyclic fashion and form a composite signal constructed from the individual signals.

In embodiments utilising more than one ADC to convert individual input signals from the plurality of receptacles and subsequently forming a composite signal therefrom, each ADC may be operated simultaneously. In such embodiments the method results in the generation of a composite signal from each of the ADCs which may be subsequently processed separately. In other embodiments, the ADCs may be operated consecutively, with a first ADC generating a first composite signal before a second ADC begins its operation. In embodiments of this type, the composite signals from each of the ADCs may still be processed separately. Alternatively, each composite signal may be later combined and processed as a single “master” signal containing information from each of the ADCs.

The method may comprise converting the analogue signal from each receptacle before the multiplexing process is carried out, or may comprise performing the conversion process during the multiplexing process. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, the multiplexing process comprises sampling the analogue signal from a first receptacle, converting the sampled analogue signal into a digital signal, and repeating the process for each receptacle consecutively. In such embodiments, the composite signal is built up of each of the generated digital signals.

In embodiments wherein the method comprises the generation of more than one composite signal, each composite signal may be processed according to step b) simultaneously. In alternative embodiments, each composite signal may be generated and subsequently processed separately, and in some embodiments each composite signal is generated and subsequently processed consecutively.

In some embodiments the method comprises using receptacles in the form of coin cups or notes holders, for example. In such embodiments, there may also be provided a means to calculate the weight of items located within each cup/holder.

The weight of items located within each receptacle may be obtained using one or more load cells. In such embodiments, the method may comprise using the one or more load cells to generate each individual signal. In some embodiments, the signal from the or each load cell may be subsequently be converted before multiplexing, or during the multiplexing process.

Processing the composite signal in accordance with step b) of the method of the first aspect of the present invention may initially comprise de-multiplexing the composite signal. Subsequent to this step, each individual signal previously forming the composite signal may be processed to identify the value of cash items located in the corresponding receptacle. To calculate the value of the cash items located within a given receptacle, the total weight of items located therein may first be calculated from the individual signal, this weight being subsequently divided by the expected weight of the given denomination of the cash item located within the receptacle to give the total number of items. The total number of items is then simply multiplied by the value of the item to count the value of the cash items.

In some embodiments, the calculation of the value of cash items located within each receptacle may include additional steps to account for possible errors in the process. For example, human error leading to the wrong denomination of cash item located within a given receptacle, or environmental effects on the cash items themselves, for example. Possible method steps to account for such errors are detailed in the Applicant’s PCT application no. WO 2005/071623.

The method may additionally comprise processing the obtained data to detect and even prevent fraudulent activities. For example, the method may be used to obtain data on the value of cash items contained within a register and compare this with an expected amount. This comparison may be made between transactions, and in such instances it may be crucial to reduce the time taken to obtain and process the data as time between transactions may be small, for example in a busy retail or catering environment. The additional method steps may be as described in the Applicant’s PCT application no. WO 2005/043428, for example.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cash counting apparatus comprising: a plurality of receptacles, each being operable to receive and contain at least one denomination of cash item to be counted; a means to weigh cash items located in each receptacle, said weighing means being operable to produce an individual signal indicative of the weight of the cash items located therein; and a microcontroller operable to generate a composite signal from each of the individual signals from two or more of the plurality of receptacles.

The apparatus may additionally comprise a processing unit. The processing unit may be operable to receive the generated composite signal and subsequently process said signal to obtain information on the value/number of the cash items located within each receptacle.

Each receptacle may be a coin cup or a notes holder, for example, the choice of which being dependent on the denomination of cash items to be counted. In some embodiments the apparatus includes a coin cup or notes holder for each denomination of cash item to be counted.

In presently preferred embodiments, the weighing means may be operable to produce an electric signal which is indicative of the weight of cash items located within each receptacle. The electrical signal may comprise an analogue signal, and in such embodiments the apparatus may further comprise one or more ADCs to convert the analogue signal to a digital signal if required. In other embodiments, and in particular in those wherein a digital signal from each receptacle is desirable, the weighing means may be operable to produce a digital signal directly without the need for one or more additional ADCs.

In some embodiments the weighing means may comprise a load cell or series of load cells. In presently preferred embodiments there is provided one load cell per receptacle. The load cell/cells may comprise any form of load cell, the choice of load cell being dependent on the expected weight of cash items to be located within each receptacle. For example, the or each load cell may comprise a piezoelectric load cell, or may be a hydraulic or pneumatic load cell. In some embodiments the or each load cell comprises a capacitive load cell. The apparatus may comprise more than one different type of load cell, which may include, but are not limited to those stated above.

The microcontroller may be operable to obtain an individual signal from each of the plurality of weighing means directly, or may be operable to control the operation of an ADC into which the output signal from the weighing means is input. In embodiments wherein the apparatus incorporates one or more ADCs, the microcontroller may be operable to control the operation of the ADC to selectively sample the connected weighing means.

In presently preferred embodiments the microcontroller may be operable to perform time-division-multiplexing on the input signals from the weighing means, taking each individual signal and multiplexing said signals to form a composite signal suitable for subsequent processing. The microcontroller may be operable to multiplex signals from each weighing means directly. In other embodiments the microcontroller is operable to act upon the or each ADC to control the operation of said ADC/s such that the output from said ADC/s comprises the claimed composite signal. For instance, the microcontroller may be operable to instruct the or each ADC to selectively sample the input signals from the connected weighing means such that the output signal from the or each ADC comprises a composite signal formed from selected samples on the individual input signals. This sampling may be in a consecutive or cyclical fashion, rotating between said individual input signals.

The apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) which includes the microcontroller. The PCB may additionally comprise each of the additional components of the apparatus, including ADCs (where necessary) and/or the processing unit.

According a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a cash register comprising an apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

The cash register may comprise a plurality of receptacles in the form of one or more coin cups or notes holders, for example. Each receptacle may be connected to a means of weighing cash items located within said receptacle, which may be located beneath said receptacle in a working orientation.

In some embodiments the cash register may comprise a drawer in which the apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is located. The drawer may be a sliding drawer which may be slidable into and out of a frame. In other embodiments the drawer may be stationary and may comprise an openable lid providing access thereto. The lid may be a flip top lid, or may be a sliding lid, for example.

In some embodiments the cash register may comprise a means to detect when the drawer is closed, e.g. positioned within the frame or with its lid positioned to prevent access to the interior of the drawer. In such embodiments, said means may be connected to the circuitry comprising the apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention. This may be utilized to provide a signal to the apparatus to indicate whether or not a transaction is taking place, and may provide a signal to either start or stop the cash counting process dependent on the status of the drawer.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a cash counting apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a portion of the cash counting apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a table showing the signals at each input of a single ADC along with the output from the corresponding ADC subsequent to the multiplexing process, obtained by a method in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a table showing the signals at the input of each ADC along with the composite multiplexed signal produced in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process steps involved in generating a composite signal in accordance with an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process steps involved in generating a composite signal in accordance with a further embodiment of the method of the present invention.

Figure 7 A is a perspective view of a drawer of a cash register in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 7B is a side cross sectional view of the drawer shown in Figure 6A.

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic drawings illustrating a cash counting apparatus 2 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 2 includes weighing means in the form of load cells (4', 4", 4"', 4""; 6', 6", etc.), the cells being grouped into three sets of four load cells 4, 6, 8, and one set of two 10. Each separate load cell making up the load cell groups 4, 6, 8, 10 is connected to individual input channels (Channel 0, Channel 1, Channel 2 and Channel 3) within a corresponding ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 (note. Only Channel 0 and Channel 1 are present in load cell 20 in the presently illustrated embodiment). The ADCs 14, 16 and 18 comprise quad-channel ADCs including four input channels, one for each load cell. ADC 20 comprises a dual-channel ADC including two input channels. Although shown in the illustrated setup, it should be appreciated that the apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention may include any number of ADCs of any given type depending on the number of load cells present, the choice of which being dependent on the number of different denominations of currency to be counted in total.

The apparatus 2 further comprises a microcontroller 22 in communication with, and being operable to control the operation of, each of the ADCs 14, 16, 18, 20. The microcontroller 22 controls the output of each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 through respective connections 24, 26, 28, 30 [which may be wired or wireless]. Each of the ADCs 14, 16, 18, 20 also includes respective output lines 34, 36, 38, 40 operable to communicate the output from each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 to the microcontroller 22 for subsequent processing of the generated signals. A method in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

In use, the apparatus 2 is operable to monitor and process the signals produced by each load cell. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell from the load cell groups 4, 6, 8, 10 is connected to a corresponding cash item receptacle 44', 44", 44'", 44"" (64' etc., 84' etc., 104' etc.) and is operable to produce an electrical signal which is indicative of the weight of cash items located therein. Generally, the signal from each load cell comprises an analogue signal which is sent to the corresponding ADC 14, 16, 18, 20. The ADC converts the received analogue signal into a digital signal suitable for processing.

The microprocessor 22 controls the multiplexing process at the centre of the present invention. Taking ADC 14 on its own, although it should be appreciated that the following process applies equally to each of the remaining ADCs 16, 18, 20, the microprocessor 22 controls the operation of ADC 14 to form a composite signal made up of the individual input signals from the corresponding load cells 4', 4", 4"', 4"". In particular, the microprocessor 22 instructs the ADC 14 to sample the input channels in a cyclical fashion, i.e. sample Channel 0 (corresponding to the signal from load cell 4'), then sample Channel 1 (corresponding to the signal from load cell 4"), then sample Channel 2 (corresponding to the signal from load cell 4'"), and then sample Channel 3 (corresponding to the signal from load cell 4""), and repeat in the same order. In this way, a composite signal is formed which contains each of the sampled signals from each input channel.

The above process differs from conventional processes in which a single channel of the ADC would be sampled for a set period of time/set number of samples before moving onto the next channel. The first channel would not be sampled again. On the other hand, the present invention provides a method of obtaining information from more than one channel simultaneously, thereby reducing the overall time taken to obtain information from all cash receptacles within the cash drawer. For example, a prior art process may obtain 200 samples from a single channel in a given time, the time being sufficient to allow the signal to settle. By cyclically sampling the channels according to the method of the present invention you can obtain say 50 samples from each channel over the same period of time. In essence, this process makes use of the fact that the signal from each channel should have settled over the same period. Provided this is the case, you can obtain information from all four channels in the same amount of time as a single channel in prior art methods.

The above process is tabulated in Figure 3, which shows the composition of the composite signal from its constituent signals from each input channel. The values for the individual signals and the generated composite signals are shown by way of example only. The table shown in Figure 3 illustrates how the signals from each input channel, and the corresponding composite signal, vary over time from time To up to time T7. During sweep /', the ADC rotates between its four input channels and samples Channel 0 at time To, Channel 1 at time Ti, Channel 2 and time T2 and Channel 3 at time T3. The composite signal, i.e. the ADC output, is shown along the bottom row of the table and contains information on the value at each input channel. In the illustrated embodiment this comprises [1010..(Channel 0)][ 1111..(Channel 1)][0011..(Channel 2)] [1101.. (Channel 3)], however, it should be appreciated that these values are shown simply as an example. The process is repeated for sweep (i+1). This process is illustrated diagrammatically in the flowchart of Figure 5.

In further embodiments the microprocessor 22 is operable to process the signals from the inputs of all of the ADCs 14, 16, 18, 20 in such a way to form a composite multiplexed signal containing information from the signals from all of the ADCs 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, the first sweep from microprocessor 22 instructs each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 to obtain a signal from channel 0, the second sweep from channel 1 of each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20, the third sweep from channel 2, and finally the fourth sweep from channel 3. In such cases, the formed composite signal includes information from each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 in the form of ADC 14 [Channel 0], ADC 16 [Channel 0], ADC 18 [Channel 0], ADC 20 [Channel 0], ADC 14 [Channel 1], ADC 16 [Channel l]...etc. This is tabulated in a similar way to Figure 3 in Figure 4. In practice, the values from each input channel may not be recorded during each sweep. In presently envisaged embodiments the sampling process of each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 may be run in one of two modes, the first, hereinafter referred to as continuous sampling mode, each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 is programmed to perform autonomously and is able to automatically discard and overwrite any unread samples. In this mode, during each sweep each channel is read and signaled but not stored/used to generate the composite signal. In a second mode, hereinafter referred to as sample and stop mode, the sampled signals from each channel are taken and used to generate a composite signal suitable for processing. For example, the process may involve a series of four sweeps, and only during the last of the four sweeps is the apparatus run in sample and stop mode. In this way, the readings taken first three sweeps, whilst the apparatus is running in continuous sampling mode, are discarded. This process is shown diagrammatically in the flow chart of Figure 6.By performing the multiplexing process in the above fashion, readings from a newly switched channel are given time to settle during the first three sweeps leading to a greater accuracy in the samples taken in the final sweep. It should be noted that the number of sweeps undertaken in each set mode is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment detailed above and may be changed depending on the circumstances of the particular use of the apparatus 2.

In further embodiments the microprocessor 22 is operable to analyse the signal from each channel of each ADC 14, 16, 18, 20 to determine whether the signal has settled. In such embodiments, if a signal has settled the microprocessor is operable to skip reading the settled signal in the next sweep.

Taking an example where there is only two ADCs 14, 16 having only two input channels (Channel 0 and Channel 1), the resultant composite multiplexed signal may be as follows:

Sweep i: ADC 14[Ch. 0]; ADC 16[Ch.O]; ADC 14[Ch. 1]; ADC 16[Ch.l]

Sweep i+1: ADC 14[Ch. 0]; ADC 16[Ch.O]; ADC 14[Ch. 1]; ADC 16[Ch.l]

Sweep i+2: ADC 14[Ch. 0]; ADC 14[Ch. 1]; ADC 16[Ch.l]

Sweep i+3: ADC 14[Ch. 1]; ADC 16[Ch.l]

In the above example, the signal from Channel 0 of ADC 16 is determined to have settled at sweep i+1. It has therefore been omitted when performing sweep i+2, so the third sweep is conducted faster, as only 3 channels are read. Similarly, the signal from Channel 0 of ADC 14 is determined to have settled at sweep i+2 and is therefore omitted from sweep i+3, which only reads the two unsettled channels. In this way, the process of obtaining and multiplexing the signal is sped up as signals are no longer processed once they are determined to have settled and unsettled readings can be reread more quickly.

Figures 6A and 6B show the apparatus 2 illustrated in the preceding Figures used in a drawer 80 of a cash register in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

The drawer 80 includes a series of receptacles 44', 44", etc.; 46', 46", etc.; 48', 48", etc.; defined as receptacle groups 44, 46, 48, these groups corresponding to respective load cells 4', 4", etc.; 6', 6", etc.; 8', 8", etc.; or load cell groups 4, 6, 8 as shown in Figure 1. The receptacles are located within the drawer 80 with corresponding load cells located thereunder, as shown in Figure 6B. In this way, upon introducing cash items into a given receptacle, the receptacles are moved to act upon its corresponding load cell under the influence of gravity. In this way, the signal from each load cell changes with variations in the weight of items located within the corresponding receptacle.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (32)

1. A method of counting cash items located within a plurality of receptacles within a cash drawer, the method comprising the steps of: a) generating a composite signal indicative of the weight of the cash items located in at least two of the receptacles; and b) processing said composite signal to obtain the value of the cash items located therein; wherein step a) comprises obtaining an individual signal from each of the plurality of receptacles indicative of the weight of cash items located therein; and using time-division-multiplexing to generate the composite signal from the individual signals.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the time-division-multiplexing of the individual signals comprises sampling the individual signals consecutively to generate a composite signal which includes a single sample from each receptacle.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the time-division-multiplexing comprises sampling each individual signal cyclically.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the composite signal generated in accordance with step a) of the method comprises a first composite signal, and the method further comprises generating at least one further composite signal in addition to the first.

5. A method of claim 4 in which the two or more composite signals are generated simultaneously.

6. A method of claim 4 in which the two or more signals are generated consecutively.

7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the signal received from each receptacle comprises an analogue signal and the method further comprises converting said analogue signal to a digital signal.

8. A method of claim 7 wherein the conversion between the analogue signal and the digital signal is performed using an Analogue-to-Digital-Convertor, ADC.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the operation of the ADC is rotated between input channels of the ADC in a ganged mode of operation from a first channel, to a second channel, to a third channel and so on until each of the channels has been sampled.

10. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the input from each receptacle is sampled in a cyclical fashion, rotating from a first channel to a second channel and so on until all channels have been sampled, and then repeating the process for a given number of cycles.

11. A method as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein each sampled signal is subsequently used to construct the composite signal which forms the output from the ADC.

12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 comprising utilising at least two separate ADCs, and inputting the signal from at least one of the plurality of receptacles into each ADC.

13. A method of any preceding claim in which processing the composite signal in accordance with step b) of the method initially comprises de-multiplexing the composite signal.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein each individual signal previously forming the composite signal is subsequently processed to identify the value of cash items located in the corresponding receptacle.

15. An apparatus for counting cash items comprising: a) a plurality of receptacles, each of which being operable to receive and contain at least one denomination of cash item to be counted; b) a means to weigh cash items located in each receptacle, said weighing means being operable to produce an individual signal indicative of the weight of the cash items located therein; and c) a microcontroller operable to generate a composite signal from each of the individual signals from two or more of the plurality of receptacles.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 additionally comprising a processing unit.

17. An apparatus of claim 16 wherein the processing unit is operable to receive the generated composite signal and subsequently process said signal to obtain information on the value/number of the cash items located within each receptacle.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17 wherein each receptacle is a coin cup or a notes holder, as is chosen dependent on the denomination of cash items to be counted.

19. An apparatus of any of claims 15 to 18 wherein the weighing means is operable to produce an electric signal which is indicative of the weight of cash items located within each receptacle.

20. An apparatus of claim 19 wherein the electrical signal comprises an analogue signal, the apparatus further comprising one or more ADCs to convert the analogue signal to a digital signal.

21. An apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 20 in which the weighing means comprises a load cell or series of load cells.

22. An apparatus of any of claims 15 to 21 wherein the microcontroller is operable to perform time-division-multiplexing on the input signals from the weighing means, taking each individual signal and multiplexing said signals to form a composite signal suitable for subsequent processing.

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 20 wherein the microcontroller is operable to act upon the or each ADC to control the operation of said ADC/s such that the output from said ADC/s comprises the claimed composite signal.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 in which the microcontroller is operable to act upon the or each ADC to instruct the or each ADC to selectively sample the input signals from the connected weighing means such that the output signal from the or each ADC comprises a composite signal formed from selected samples on the individual input signal.

25. A cash register comprising the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24.

26. A cash register as claimed in claim 25 comprising a drawer in which the apparatus of any of claims 15 to 24 is located.

27. A cash register of claim 26 wherein the drawer is a sliding drawer which is slidable into and out of a frame.

28. A cash register of claim 26 wherein the drawer is stationary and comprises an openable lid providing access thereto.

29. A cash register of any of claims 25 to 28 further comprising a means to detect when the drawer is closed.

30. A cash register of claim 29 wherein said means is connected to the circuitry comprising the apparatus of any of claims 15 to 24, said connection being operable to provide a signal to the apparatus to indicate whether or not a transaction is taking place.

31. A cash register of claim 30 wherein said means provides a signal to either start or stop the cash counting process dependent on the status of the drawer.

32. A method, apparatus or cash register substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.