Coin Sorting Overflow Security via Sensor Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin sorting devices lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized removal of coins from the overflow collection device, making it difficult to detect and prevent theft.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a checking device that verifies the number of coins reintroduced into the input device matches the number removed from the overflow collection device, with a sensor system and authorization process to ensure all coins are returned, and alerting for discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the overflow collection device allows free access for coin removal and re-feeding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized coin removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The verification device provides feedback by comparing the number of coins removed from the overflow collection device with the number of coins re-fed into the input device. This feedback mechanism enables detection of unauthorized coin removal while maintaining the operational flexibility of free access for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical security measures (such as locked containers or access controls) with an electronic verification system using sensors and a checking device. This substitution maintains ease of operation while providing reliable security through automated monitoring and comparison of coin quantities.
2Reliability
If a verification system is added to check coin numbers, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification device utilizes existing components of the coin sorting system (sensors, counting mechanisms, control units) for multiple purposes: both for normal coin sorting operations and for security verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated security hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing coin counts using existing sensors and control logic. The verification process leverages the system's own operational data and components, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If all coins are tracked and verified, then the security is improved, but the loss of time for verification processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process operates continuously and asynchronously with the coin sorting and re-feeding operations. Sensors continuously monitor coin movements, and the verification device continuously compares counts without interrupting the workflow. This continuous operation eliminates dedicated verification time, maintaining both security and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary counting and recording of coin quantities as they move through the sorting and overflow collection processes. By establishing baseline counts in advance, the verification process becomes a simple comparison operation rather than a time-consuming recount, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances security by ensuring all coins are accounted for and preventing theft, allowing for the identification of unauthorized removals and assignment of responsibility to users.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system and authorization process to ensure all coins are returned
Data Source
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AI summary
A coin sorting device (1) for processing coins comprises an input device (10) into which coins (M) can be inserted for sorting, a sorting device (11) for sorting coins (M) inserted via the input device (10), a plurality of receiving containers (12) for storing sorted coins (M), an overflow receiving device (2) for receiving coins (M) after an overflow of at least one receiving container (12), wherein coins (M) can be removed from the overflow receiving device (2) for re-insertion into the input device (10) and can be re-inserted into the input device (10) in a re-insertion process, and a counting device (3) for counting coins (M) inserted into the input device (10) and coins (M) entering the overflow receiving device (2).Additionally, a testing device (4) is provided, which is designed to check whether, during a re-entry process, the number of coins (M) re-entered into the input device (10) corresponds to the number of coins (M) removed from the overflow collection device (2). In this way, a coin sorting device is provided that increases security in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular by preventing unauthorized removal of coins from the overflow collection device.