This device, integrated into vending machines, enables customers to make purchases using paper currency. It automatically identifies, validates, and accepts bills of different denominations, then signals the machine to dispense the selected product. For instance, a customer wishing to buy a beverage can insert a five-dollar bill into the device, which then processes the payment and allows the vending machine to complete the transaction.
Automated cash handling offers significant advantages to vending machine operators. It reduces the need for frequent manual collection of coins, minimizes the risk of theft, and provides accurate accounting of transactions. Furthermore, it expands payment options beyond coins, increasing accessibility and convenience for consumers. Historically, vending machines relied solely on coins, limiting purchase options and requiring frequent servicing. The development and adoption of this technology revolutionized the industry, paving the way for the widespread availability of vending machines offering a broader range of products.