Patent ID: 6045443
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A method of dispensing change using coins selected from a set of denominations, the method comprising selecting between different change combinations that sum to a desired dispense amount, wherein, when all denominations in the set are available for change irrespective of the selected combination, a decision is made during a dispensing operation and prior to dispensing any coin, the decision determining whether:(a) coins are dispensed according to a higher denomination priority principle, taking into account all of said denominations, whereby a relatively high denomination coin is dispensed in preference to relatively low denomination coins which sum to an amount equal to the relatively high denomination coin, or whether(b) coins are dispensed according to a modified version of the higher denomination priority principle, wherein the modified version results in an exception being made to the higher denomination priority principle; anddispensing coins in accordance with the decision, and without being influenced by changes in the number of available units occurring as a result of the dispensing operation.