Coin Handling Refill Control During Active User Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coin handling devices automatically refill while in use, leading to processing overlap and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A money handling method that suspends refill operations when the device is in use and resumes after use is completed, optimizing processing to avoid overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the extension unit automatically executes refill processing when inventory falls below a predetermined amount, then the coin handling device maintains sufficient coin supply, but processing overlap occurs when the user is actively using the device
Solution Approach 1:
The refill processing mode is made dynamic by switching between automatic execution and suspension based on the user operation state. The control unit monitors whether the operation unit is in a state allowing operation, and automatically adjusts refill execution accordingly, optimizing both coin supply reliability and processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operation unit's state and using this information to control refill processing. When the operation unit indicates user activity, the system suspends refill; when idle, it executes refill, creating a closed-loop control system that resolves the contradiction between reliable supply and efficient processing.
2Extent of automation
If refill processing is executed automatically without user state monitoring, then the system operates autonomously, but processing overlap and inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The automation level is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically monitors user operation state and dynamically adjusts the automation execution of refill processing, suspending when users are active and resuming when idle. This dynamic automation approach maintains high autonomy while avoiding processing overlaps that would reduce efficiency.
3Productivity
If the extension unit suspends refill when the device is in use, then processing overlap is avoided, but the refill may be delayed beyond optimal timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the operation unit state before executing refill processing. By checking whether the device is in use beforehand, the system can suspend refill at the optimal moment, preventing processing overlap while minimizing delay. This preliminary check mechanism ensures refill occurs as soon as the device becomes available.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring of operation unit state continues continuously, ensuring that once the device becomes idle, the suspended refill processing is immediately resumed. This continuous monitoring maintains the useful action of refill without unnecessary delays, balancing processing efficiency with timely coin supply replenishment.
Data Source
AI summary
A money handling method includes: dispensing, by a money handling device, money stored in a storage unit in response to a request by a user, if a predetermined condition is satisfied; refilling, by a second device, the storage unit with money, if the money handling device is used by the user at the time of the start of refill by the second device; suspending the refill by the second device; and performing, by the second device, the suspended refill after the end of use of the money handling device by the user.