Patent ID: 6494776
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: G07D,G07F,G07G

Abstract:
A method for automatic counting of coins utilizing remote locations which can be coupled to a central location, the method comprising:providing a central computer facility; providing at least first and second automatic coin-counting devices, each including a communications facility which can electronically communicate with the central computer facility; performing a first transaction including receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins together in a first receiving area and counting at least some of the plurality of coins in each of the automatic coin-counting devices to obtain, in each of the automatic coin-counting devices, at least a first total; receiving at least a first user input in each of the first and second automatic coin-counting devices, the first user input including an acceptance of the first total in the absence of a selection of a product; performing a second transaction including receiving and counting a plurality of randomly oriented coins in each of the automatic coin-counting devices to obtain, in each of the automatic coin-counting devices, at least a second total; transmitting information relating to each of the first and second transactions, from each of the automatic coin-counting devices, to the central computer facility, using the communications facilities, without the need to first transmit the information from one of the automatic coin-counting devices to another automatic coin-counting device; and outputting at least a first voucher, at each of the automatic coin-counting devices, the voucher for an amount related to an amount of coins counted.