초록 ▼

A money handling mechanism 110 has a first port P1 for connection to a machine controller 130 and a second port P2 to which further money handling mechanisms can be connected. Different types of mechanism, such as a card acceptor 70 or a bill validator 100, can be connected to the second port P2 ove

A money handling mechanism 110 has a first port P1 for connection to a machine controller 130 and a second port P2 to which further money handling mechanisms can be connected. Different types of mechanism, such as a card acceptor 70 or a bill validator 100, can be connected to the second port P2 over a bus B. The first port P1 may be connected to one of several interface adapters 410 to 416, and the communications protocol used is selected accordingly. If the first port P1 uses the same protocol as the second port P2, signals are passed transparently between the first port P1 and the second port P2. Signals from the additional mechanism may be modified to be recognisable by the controller 130. The money handling mechanism 110 may convert between the denominations of currencies represented in the protocols over the first and second ports P1 and P2.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for handling money, including:a money handling apparatus; an internal controller for controlling the money handling apparatus; a first port for removable connection to an external controller for communication with the internal controller; and a second port for removable connection to a f

1. A device for handling money, including:a money handling apparatus; an internal controller for controlling the money handling apparatus; a first port for removable connection to an external controller for communication with the internal controller; and a second port for removable connection to a further device for handling money; wherein the internal controller is arranged to communicate over the second port with the further device using a communications protocol; and wherein the communications protocol enables communication between the internal controller and any one of at least first and second different types of device for handling money, the first type handling money of a different type from those handled by the second type.