Digital coindrop and method for operating and configuring a digital coindrop

Abstract

There is provided a digital coindrop and a method for operating a digital coindrop. The method including receiving a coin at a receptor of the digital coindrop; detecting properties of the received coin; identifying and validating the received coin by comparing the detected properties to a configuration profile, the configuration profile received from a remote management server; and accepting or rejecting the received coin based on the identification and validation of the received coin.

Description

DIGITAL COINDROP AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AND CONFIGURING A DIGITALCOINDROPTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The following generally relates to self-service machines; and in particular, a digital coindrop and a method for operating a digital coindrop.BACKGROUND

[0002] Coin-acceptor and coin-dispenser modules are generally used in many self-service machines. In many cases, such modules can receive coins from a user, validate the coins, sort the coins, and count the coins. In some cases, such modules can also store or pass the coins to a coin storage module, keep track of the coins received and dispensed, and / or dispense a refund or appropriate change to the user. In some cases, these modules can be referred to as coindrops, coin acceptors, coin mechanisms, coin slots, coin shutes, and the like.SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect, there is provided a method for operating a digital coindrop, the method comprising: receiving a coin at a receptor of the digital coindrop; detecting properties of the received coin; identifying and validating the received coin by comparing the detected properties to a configuration profile, the configuration profile received from a remote management server; and accepting or rejecting the received coin based on the identification and validation of the received coin.

[0004] In a particular case of the method, the method further comprising communicating transaction data to the remote management server.

[0005] In another case of the method, the transaction data comprising one or more of identification of the received coin, validation of the received coin, acceptance or rejection of the received coin, and time of the receipt of the coin.

[0006] In yet another case of the method, the transaction data comprising the detected properties of the received coin for future updates to the configuration profile.

[0007] In yet another case of the method, the transaction data comprising a geographic location of the digital coindrop.

[0008] In yet another case of the method, the method further comprising receiving an updated configuration profile from the remote management server.

[0009] In yet another case of the method, the updated configuration profile comprises new coin types to be identified and validated.

[0010] In yet another case of the method, identifying and validating the received coin by comparing the detected properties to a configuration profile comprises use of a trained machine learning model.

[0011] In yet another case of the method, the method further comprising using the detected properties of the received coin to generate a new coin profile in the configuration profile or update an existing coin profile in the configuration profile.

[0012] In yet another case of the method, the detected properties comprise one or more of size, weight, material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, electromagnetic properties, imaging properties, or optical properties.

[0013] In another aspect, there is provided a digital coindrop, comprising: a receptor module to receive a coin and detect properties of the received coin using one or more sensors; and a validation module to identify and validate the received coins based on a configuration profile, the configuration profile received from a remote management server via a communication interface and stored in memory, the receptor module deposits the received coin into a container or returns the received coin based on the identification and validation of the received coin.

[0014] In a particular case of the digital coindrop, the digital coindrop further comprising communicating transaction data to the remote management server via the communication interface, the transaction data comprising one or more of identification of the received coin, validation of the received coin, acceptance or rejection of the received coin, time of the receipt of the coin, and geographic location of the digital coindrop.

[0015] In another case of the digital coindrop, the validation module further receives an updated configuration profile from the remote management server via the communication interface.

[0016] In yet another case of the digital coindrop, the detected properties of the received coin are used to generate a new coin profile in the configuration profile or update an existing coin profile in the configuration profile.

[0017] In yet another case of the digital coindrop, the detected properties comprise one or more of size, weight, material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, electromagnetic properties, imaging properties, or optical properties.

[0018] In another aspect, there is provided a method for configuring a digital coindrop in a configuration mode, the method comprising: receiving one or more sample coins; detecting properties of the received coin using one or more sensors; generating a new coin configuration profile or updating an existing coin configuration profile using the detected properties of the received coin; and communicating the new configuration profile or the updated configuration profile to a remote management server, the remote management server distributes the new configuration profile or the updated configuration profile to other digital coindrops.

[0019] In a particular case of the method, the configuration mode is triggered remotely by the management server.

[0020] In another case of the method, the method further comprising validating the configuration profile by testing the digital coindrop with one or more pre-configured coins.

[0021] In yet another case of the method, the detected properties comprise one or more of size, weight, material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, electromagnetic properties, imaging properties, or optical properties.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example operating environment for a digital coindrop, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the digital coindrop;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a digital coindrop, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for configuring of a digital coindrop, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a front-side view of an example physical implementation of the digital coindrop of FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a left-side view of the physical implementation of FIG. 5;

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear-side view of the physical implementation of FIG. 5;

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a right-side view of the physical implementation of FIG. 5;

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a right-side view of the physical implementation of FIG. 5 with a coin path cover and a lower cover removed; and

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side view of the physical implementation of FIG. 5 with a side cover removed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0034] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description.

[0035] Any module, unit, component, server, computer, terminal, engine or device exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or otherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage media, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable). Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may be part of the device or accessible or connectable thereto.Further, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, any processor or controller set out herein may be implemented as a singular processor or as a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors may be arrayed or distributed, and any processing function referred to herein may be carried out by one or by a plurality of processors, even though a single processor may be exemplified. Any method, application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable / executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by such computer readable media and executed by the one or more processors.

[0036] The following generally relates to self-service machines; and in particular, digital coindrop system and method for operating and / or configuring a digital coindrop.

[0037] Self-service machines are automated machines that provide services or products to customers without the need for human assistance. They're designed to increase efficiency, shorten waiting times, and provide services outside of typical business hours or traditional business locations. Examples of these machines include Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), self-checkout systems, vending machines, ticket kiosks, laundromat machines, coffee kiosks, entertainment stations, and self-serve carwash stations. These machines typically involve some form of user interface, a mechanism for accepting payment, and a mechanism for dispensing a product or rendering a service.

[0038] Self-service machines can be equipped with a variety of mechanisms for accepting various forms of payment; such as cash payment, card payment, mobile payment, digital wallet payment, cryptocurrency payment, prepaid card payment, or other forms of payment platformssuch as mobile applications, laundromat applications, retail applications, parking applications, and the like.

[0039] The most common forms of cash payment in self-service machines are made using coins and banknotes. Each one of these payment methods requires a specialized apparatus to receive payment from users, process them, and / or dispense change. A coindrop, also referred to as a coin acceptor, can be used to process coin payments. Similarly, a bill acceptor or bill validator can be used to process payments using bank notes.

[0040] Coindrop modules typically include a combination of mechanical components and electronic components. The coindrop module can include a user interfacing section, which may include various components such as buttons, coin slots, coin trays, or other audio, visual, or mechanical interfaces. As part of the self-service machine, the user interfacing section is presented to the user of the self-service machine to allow coin payments. The coindrop module can also include an internal portion that is generally well secured inside an enclosure and positioned inside the self-service machine where it cannot be accessed by users; such that the internal portion is only accessible by service operators and service technicians.

[0041] Coindrop modules that includes a processor (referred to as a digital coindrop module) can perform a number of advanced functions over traditional coindrop modules. Digital coindrop modules can be connected to a wired or wireless network to permit certain functions, such as payment, configuration, management, and remote collection of activity logs, and the like. In some cases, the digital coindrop module can permit other applications to be run on its software, such as consumer applications, maintenance or operational applications, service stations, point of sales (POS) applications, or the like.

[0042] Self-service machines that include a digital coindrop can provide numerous advantages over those which use traditional coindrops. For example, providing the ability to easily monitor, update, or modify numerous coindrops from a central management point; which eliminates the need for a physical presence at each coindrop location and reduces the logistical challenges of sending a technician to each and every location. This can facilitate scaled operation of numerous self-service machines. Further advantageously, in some cases, digital coindrops better integrate with self-service machines that also accept non-cash forms of payment.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary operating environment 100 for a digital coindrop 200, in accordance with an embodiment, is shown. The operating environment 100 includes thedigital coindrop 200, an operator computing device 400 for operators and maintenance technicians, a self-service computing device 500 which operates the self-service machine, and a management server 600. The digital coindrop 200 can communicate with the operator computing device 400 and / or the self-service computing device 500 using any suitable communication paradigm, for example, via a physical interface, such as electrical contacts or wired connection, or via a wireless interface, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. The digital coindrop module 200, the operator computing device 400, and the self-service computing device 500, and the management server 600 can be in communication with each other over a network 110 (for example, a wireless data network or the Internet). The computing devices in the operating environment 100 can be any suitable device; for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a smartwatch, a dedicated hardware device, or the like. In some cases, aspects or functions of the computing devices in the operating environment 100 can be run on other computing devices, on further computing devices, on a single computing device, or distributed among two or more computing devices that may be locally or remotely distributed. In particular, functions of the operator computing device 400, the self-service computing device 500, and / or the management server 600 can be performed by the digital coindrop 200.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the digital coindrop 200 including various physical and logical components. As shown, the digital coindrop 200 has a number of physical and logical components, including a processor 202 (comprising one or more processors or other hardware for executing instructions), a data memory 204, a input interface 206, a device output interface 208, and a local bus 230 enabling the processor 202 to communicate with the other components. The digital coindrop 200 includes a number of conceptual modules with instructions stored on the data memory 204 to be executed by the processor 202, including a receptor module 218, a validation module 220, and a dispenser module 222. In some cases, the processor 202 can further execute other functions and modules, including in the context of an operating system.

[0045] The data memory 204 provides non-transitory storage of instructions to be executed by the processor 204. The input interface 206 enables a user to provide input via an input device, for example, via buttons, a touchscreen, or the like. The output interface 208 outputs information to output devices, such as a display, a speaker, a buzzer, one or more signaling lights, or the like. The communication interface 216 permits communication with other computing devices and servers located locally or remotely from the digital coindrop 200. The communication interface216 also permits communication with other systems over a wired or wireless connection, or over the network 110.

[0046] The receptor module 218 receives coins from users, and after validation, may return them back to the users. The validation module 220 checks received coins to identify and validate the coins received. The dispenser module 222 is used to determine coins to be dispensed to the user.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for operating a digital coindrop 700, in accordance with an embodiment. At block 702, the receptor module 218 receives an indication that a coin has been inserted into a temporary hold in the digital coindrop. The receptor module 218 receives a signal from one or more suitable sensors that have detected the presence or passage of the coin; such as optical, mechanical, electrical, or electromagnetic sensors. The receptor module 218 communicates the sensor readings to the validation module 220 for evaluation.

[0048] At block 704, in order to identify and validate the received coin, the validation module 220 compares the readings received by the receptor module 218 against known characteristics of sensor reading for various coins. The known characteristics can be stored in the data memory 204 or received from the coindrop network interface 216. The validation module 218 may use one or more of the characteristics to make the determination; such as, dimensions, shape, weight, color, magnetic features, electrical conduction, visual appearance of patterns on the surface or sides of the coin, or the like. In some cases, the validation can use any suitable comparison, including using machine learning models or other techniques. The validation module 220 can output an identification of the coin and output an estimated measure of accuracy.

[0049] At block 706, the validation module 220 determines whether to accept the coin based on the estimated accuracy. If the estimated accuracy of the validation step is less than a preconfigured threshold, at block 710, the validation module 220 instructs the temporary hold to return the coin to the user; for example, by opening a corresponding chute. If the accuracy of the validation is above the pre-configured threshold, at block 712, the validation module 220 instructs the temporary hold to transfer the coin into a secure container (such as a secured coinbox). The validation module 220, via the coindrop network interface 216, can communicate the receipt or rejection of the coin, the identification of the coin and / or the accuracy of prediction, to the operator computing device 400, the self-service computing device 500, and / or themanagement server 110, in order to proceed with the sale or service provided or dispensed by the self-service machine.

[0050] In some cases, after the sale or service, a refund, change, or exchange of coins may be required. In such cases, at block 714, the coindrop network interface 216 receives an indication from the other computing devices 400, 500, 110 of the coins that are to be provided to the user. The dispenser module 222 instruct the secure container to dispense the required coins based on readings from one or more suitable sensors.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method for configuring a digital coin drop 800, in accordance with an embodiment. Configuration can include adding a new coin configuration profile using sample coins. At block 802, the input interface 206 receives input to switch from a normal operation mode to a configuration mode, to either create a new profile or update an existing profile. The mode change, to initialize the configuration mode, can be performed by a technician, located locally or remotely, by entering a particular input command, or series of input commands, to the input interface 206. Alternatively, the communication interface 216 can receive instructions to change the mode from the operator computing device 400, the self- service computing device 500, and / or the management server 600.

[0052] At block 804, the receptor module 218 receives an indication that a coin has been inserted into the temporary hold in the digital coindrop. The receptor module 218 receives a signal from one or more suitable sensors that have detected the presence or passage of the coin; such as optical, mechanical, electrical, or electromagnetic sensors. The receptor module 218 communicates the sensor readings to the validation module 220 for evaluation.

[0053] At block 806, the validation module 218 uses the received sensor readings to store a new coin profile in the data memory 204 or update an existing profile in the data memory 204, based on the configuration mode. In some cases, the sensor readings can be communicated, via the communication interface 216, to the operator computing device 400, the self-service computing device 500, and / or the management server 600. These further computing devices can be used to refine a coin profile, combine profiles, or troubleshoot or diagnose verification outcomes. In some cases, the communication interface 216 can send the new profile or updated profile is sent to the operator computing device 400, the self-service computing device 500, and / or the management server 600.

[0054] At block 808, the validation module 218 can either instruct the temporary hold to eitherreturn the coin to the user or collect the coin into the secured container.

[0055] At block 812, the input interface 206 receives input to switch from the configuration mode back to the normal operation mode.

[0056] In a conventional coindrop, the number of configured coins is strictly limited and the configurations have to be performed manually by a trained technician. The process involves commuting to the location of the coindrop installation, processing a number of coins repeatedly, and testing the configured coindrop for functionality. Advantageously, the digital coindrop 200 allows for replacing this onerous process with a single configuration and provides a smooth operation of a large number of coindrops. For example, the management server 600 can store and distribute multiple configurations to varying regions; which would conventionally require different coin configuration profiles for each region. Configuration of the digital coinbox 200 can include using a configuration from collective set of profiles in order to create a profile suitable for a specific operation or a subset of their installation locations. The management server 600 can then send the prepared configuration profiles to a specifically selected subset of digital coindrops 200. The possibility of managing profiles using a management server 600 generally overcomes conventional limitations on configuration profiles. For example, when a new coin is introduced into a market, a configuration profile can be created once and distributed to the other digital coinboxes 200 en masse, without requiring configuring each coindrop separately. This is particularly advantageous when there is a substantial amount of coindrops or where coindrops are installed in remote locations.

[0057] In some cases, the operating environment 100 can be used for further processing of operation logs and details of coin profiles. For example, to refine existing profiles, to identify potential issues, to monitor performance of self-service machines, and to form an accounting basis for counting coins and monitoring coin-based operations.

[0058] FIGS. 5 to 9 illustrate an example physical implementation 900 of the digital coindrop 200. The example digital coindrop 200 is installed above a secured coinbox to enable the coindrop to deposit the coins directly into the coinbox. It also includes a card reader and a digital display.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows the front-side of the example digital coindrop 900. The front side of the example digital coindrop 900 is positioned outside the self-service machine and includes portions that are accessible by a user. The example front side 900 includes a metallic frontprotection panel 902, a card reader 904, a digital light emission diode (LED) display 906, a coin receptor slot 908 (which can receive one coin at a time), a return button 910 (which can be pushed by the user to receive a previously inserted coin back), and a coin return slot 912.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows the left-side of the example digital coindrop 900. The front protection panel 902, and the card reader 904 are visible in this view. The internal components 1004 which are positioned inside the self-service machine, are concealed with a side cover 1002.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows the rear-side of the example digital coindrop 900. The electrical connection receptors 1102 are used to connect the circuitry of the self-service machine to the digital coindrop 900. The view shows an angle between the side wall of internal components 1004 relative to the vertical side of the front panel protection panel 902. The angled positioning of the internal components 1004 is commonly used in conventional coindrop modules that rely on gravity to align the inserted coins with internal assembly components and sensors of the coin drop.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows the right-side of the example digital coindrop 900, which is opposite to the side illustrated in FIG. 7. The coin path cover 1202 covers the inserted coin path 1204 which is sloped towards the rear end of the coindrop 900 to allow for rolling of the inserted coins towards the read end of the coin path 1204 using gravity force. The coins pass though a set of coin sensors 1214 which are suitably positioned along the length of the coin path 1204. The lower cover 1206 covers the coin return path 1208 and the exit path 1210. The bottom end of the exit path 1210 is open, creating a coin collection opening 1212 under the digital coindrop 900. A coin sensor 1216 detects the passage of coins through the coin collection opening 1212 to monitor, count, and account for all dropped coins over time.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a right-side view of the example digital coindrop 900, with the coin path cover 1202 and the lower cover 1206 removed. The internal components underneath the coin path cover 1202 and the lower cover 1206 are visible in this view. A plurality of liner ridges 1302 facilitate the rolling and sliding of the coins towards the rear end of the coin path 1204. A return gate 1304 (i.e. , temporary hold) supports the coins on the lower side of the coin path 1204. The return gate 1304 can be moved away to open an opening path between the coin path 1204 and the return path 1208. In some embodiments the return gate is mechanically hinged to one of the sides of the coin path 1204 to allow for measurement of the weight of the coins. In the example digital coindrop 900, the return gate 1304 is normally closed and can be opened and closedusing a solenoid return gate actuator 1306. At the end of the coin path 1204, and after the return gate 1304, an exit gate 1308 is positioned vertically, to control access to the exit path and the secured coin collection space under the coindrop. Similar to the return gate 1304, the return gate 1308 is normally closed and can be opened and closed using a return gate actuator 1310. In some cases, similar to the return gate 1308, an insert control gate is positioned before the return gate 1304. The insert control gate is normally open. The insert control gate gets closed only when a coin has passed it, and detected on the return gate 1304, and not yet existed from the exit gate 1308.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows the left-side view of the example digital coindrop 900, with the side cover 1002 removed. A control board 1402, and a set of gate actuators 1306 and 1310 are visible in this view.

[0065] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for operating a digital coindrop, the method comprising: receiving a coin at a receptor of the digital coindrop; detecting properties of the received coin; identifying and validating the received coin by comparing the detected properties to a configuration profile, the configuration profile received from a remote management server; and accepting or rejecting the received coin based on the identification and validation of the received coin.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating transaction data to the remote management server.

3. The method of claim 2, the transaction data comprising one or more of identification of the received coin, validation of the received coin, acceptance or rejection of the received coin, and time of the receipt of the coin.

4. The method of claim 2, the transaction data comprising the detected properties of the received coin for future updates to the configuration profile.

5. The method of claim 2, the transaction data comprising a geographic location of the digital coindrop.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an updated configuration profile from the remote management server.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the updated configuration profile comprises new coin types to be identified and validated.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying and validating the received coin by comparing the detected properties to a configuration profile comprises use of a trained machine learning model.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using the detected properties of the received cointo generate a new coin profile in the configuration profile or update an existing coin profile in the configuration profile.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the detected properties comprise one or more of size, weight, material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, electromagnetic properties, imaging properties, or optical properties.

11. A digital coindrop, comprising: a receptor module to receive a coin and detect properties of the received coin using one or more sensors; and a validation module to identify and validate the received coins based on a configuration profile, the configuration profile received from a remote management server via a communication interface and stored in memory, the receptor module deposits the received coin into a container or returns the received coin based on the identification and validation of the received coin.

12. The digital coindrop of claim 11, further comprising communicating transaction data to the remote management server via the communication interface, the transaction data comprising one or more of identification of the received coin, validation of the received coin, acceptance or rejection of the received coin, time of the receipt of the coin, and geographic location of the digital coindrop.

13. The digital coindrop of claim 11, wherein the validation module further receives an updated configuration profile from the remote management server via the communication interface.

14. The digital coindrop of claim 11, wherein the detected properties of the received coin are used to generate a new coin profile in the configuration profile or update an existing coin profile in the configuration profile.

15. The digital coindrop of claim 11, wherein the detected properties comprise one or more of size, weight, material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, electromagnetic properties, imaging properties, or optical properties.

16. A method for configuring a digital coindrop in a configuration mode, the method comprising: receiving one or more sample coins;detecting properties of each of the one or more sample coins; generating a new coin configuration profile or updating an existing coin configuration profile using the detected properties of the received coin; and communicating the new configuration profile or the updated configuration profile to a remote management server, the remote management server distributes the new configuration profile or the updated configuration profile to other digital coindrops.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the configuration mode is triggered remotely by the management server.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the configuration mode is triggered upon receiving an input command from a technician.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising validating the configuration profile by testing the digital coindrop with one or more pre-configured coins.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the detected properties comprise one or more of size, weight, material properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, electromagnetic properties, imaging properties, or optical properties.

Images