This device, integral to automated retail, receives and validates currency for transactions. A typical unit includes a series of sensors and mechanisms designed to identify different denominations of coins based on their physical properties like size, weight, and electromagnetic signature. It then sorts accepted currency into designated hoppers while rejecting slugs, foreign coins, and other invalid objects. This functionality ensures accurate payment processing, preventing fraud and ensuring the machine dispenses the selected product.
Accurate and reliable payment processing is critical for the viability of unattended retail. This technology allows vending machines to operate autonomously, accepting payments and dispensing products without human intervention. Its evolution, from simple mechanical comparators to sophisticated electronic systems, reflects the broader advancements in sensor technology and computing. This development has enabled greater security against fraudulent currency and facilitated the acceptance of various payment methods, fostering the growth of the self-service retail industry.