초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for loading software changes into a processor-based coin sorting machine. In one embodiment, a flash card having a memory remotely programmed with a second software code is adapted to be removably electrically coupled to the system controller of the coin sorting machine. Inse

An apparatus and method for loading software changes into a processor-based coin sorting machine. In one embodiment, a flash card having a memory remotely programmed with a second software code is adapted to be removably electrically coupled to the system controller of the coin sorting machine. Insertion of the flash card causes the initial code in the resident memory of the machine to become erased and replaced with the second software code. The flash card may thereafter be removed from the machine and used to load software changes into other machines. In an alternative embodiment, the flash card may remain electrically coupled to the coin sorting machine. In this embodiment, insertion of the flash card causes the machine to execute the second software code, but the initial code is not erased or replaced. Upon removal of the flash card, the machine does not retain the second software code but will revert to execution of the initial code. In either embodiment, remote programming of the flash card with the second software code may be achieved by electrically coupling the flash card to a first coin sorting machine having a resident memory containing the second software code, causing the second software code to be copied from the resident memory of the first coin sorting machine to the flash card memory.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A coin sorting system, comprising:a coin sorter for sorting a plurality of coins;a system controller coupled to the coin sorter;an operator interface panel coupled to the system controller, said operator interface panel including a touch screen display for displaying keys

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A coin sorting system, comprising:a coin sorter for sorting a plurality of coins;a system controller coupled to the coin sorter;an operator interface panel coupled to the system controller, said operator interface panel including a touch screen display for displaying keys associated with operation of the coin sorting system;a resident memory coupled to the system controller and containing a first version of control software to be executed by the system controller, said first version of control software including a first display setting of the touch screen display; anda flash card having a flash card memory containing a second version of control software to be executed by the system controller, said second version of control software including a second display setting of the touch screen display, said flash card being adapted to be removably electrically coupled to the coin sorter, said resident memory being adapted to erase the first version of control software and store the second version of control software in response to the flash card being electrically coupled to the coin sorter, said resident memory being adapted to retain the second version of control software in response to the flash card being thereafter removed from the coin sorter.