Till Management via Coin Scale Weight Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing till management systems face substantial overhead costs due to coin recycling, as sites are often net consumers of coin, and the process of recycling loose coins is more challenging and expensive than recycling rolled coins.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses a cash recycler and a coin scale to manage tills, where the coin scale captures the weight of coins corresponding to specific denominations, allowing for accurate recording and validation of coin values, thereby optimizing the recycling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If coins are recycled using a recycler, then funds are secured for pickup by a courier, but substantial overhead costs are incurred because sites are net consumers of coin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coin weighing function from the traditional recycler system by introducing a separate coin scale device. This allows coins to be weighed and valued without being processed through the entire recycler system, eliminating unnecessary recycling steps for net consumer sites and reducing overhead costs associated with courier pickups.
Solution Approach 2:
The recycler controller is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only controls the cash recycler for note processing but also manages the coin scale for coin weighing and validation. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both note recycling and coin valuation without requiring separate dedicated systems, optimizing resource utilization.
2Ease of operation
If recyclers are replenished with bags filled with loose coins, then coin supply is maintained, but the process becomes more challenging and expensive compared to using boxes of rolled coins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual coin counting and verification processes with automated weighing using the coin scale. Instead of physically handling and counting individual coins or verifying rolled coin contents manually, the system uses weight measurements to quickly determine coin values, significantly simplifying the replenishment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coin scale enables the recycler system to automatically determine the value of coin inserts without external intervention. The controller receives weight data from the scale, calculates coin values, and validates tills autonomously, reducing the need for manual verification and simplifying operations.
3Measurement precision
If coin value is determined by manual counting, then accuracy can be verified, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual coin counting with automated weight-based measurement using the coin scale. The scale quickly measures the weight of coin inserts, and the controller calculates the corresponding coin value based on pre-stored denomination weights, providing accurate valuation without the time and labor required for manual counting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation of coin value based on physical weight measurements. Instead of physically counting each coin, the controller creates a computational model that translates weight data into monetary value, maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing processing time.
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
This solution reduces wasted resources associated with coin recycling for net consumers of coin, optimizes the balancing of funds to individual coin levels, and allows sites to acquire less expensive boxes of rolled coins for replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
The coin value is determined by capturing a weight of a set of coins of the plurality of coins corresponding to a designated coin denomination. The weight of the set of coins is captured using a coin scale.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for till management. In one implementation, a recycling of notes is triggered using a recycler controller. The notes are recycled using a cash recycler, and the notes corresponding to a till. A coin value of plurality of coins corresponding to the till is recorded using the recycler controller. The coin value is determined by capturing a weight of a set of coins of the plurality of coins corresponding to a designated coin denomination. The weight of the set of coins is captured using a coin scale. The till is validated based on the coin value and the recycling of the notes.