Beckmann Lexikon

A stripe code or bar code signifies an opto-electrically readable text, consisting of parallel lines that are of varying widths and gaps. In this context the term "code" does not refer to encryption, but to the representation of data by binary symbols. The data in a stripe code are machine read and electronically processed by optical reading devices, e.g. bar code reading devices or cameras.
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Chip cards, often referred to as smart cards or integrated circuit cards are special plastic cards with a built-in integrated circuit containing hardware logic, a memory or even a microprocessor. The chip cards use very up-to-date encryption algorithms, ensuring that these cards are secure and reliable payment methods which are protected against unauthorised copying or replication.

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These are devices that sort coins according to specific criteria. They are used for machines to detect and reject counterfeit money, foreign currencies or undesired coins. Mechanical coin selectors are set to one or more coin values during assembly and cannot be realigned to accept other coin values. Mechanical coin selcting does not permit the verification of coins according to as many parameters as are possible with electronic coin selectors. In most cases they are only scanned for diameter and thickness. Mechanical coin selectors are still often used in systems that only accept token coins.

These are devices that sort coins according to specific criteria. They are used in machines to reject counterfeit money, foreign currencies or undesirable coin values. Electronic coin selectors can test a coin on the basis of more parameters than is possible for mechanical coin selectors. In addition to diameter, thickness and weight, the machine can verify the depth of the imprint, the structure of the edges or the properties of the material of which the coin is made. They also allow for acceptance of more coins than mechanical coin selectors.

Only coin change-issuing devices enable a machine to return change. There are two variants of coin storage systems for returning coin change: coin hoppers and coin changing tubes. In the case of coin hoppers, the coins are stored in a kind of shaft which decreases downwards in diameter, while in the case of coin changing tubes, the coins are sorted into tubes. The advantage of the coin hopper is the high volume storage capacity for coin change, whereas the advantage of coin changing tubes lies in their compact structure.

A dip switch is a switch row located on a circuit board. It serves to set configurations and to reset certain parameters. The acronym "DIP" stands for "Dual In-line Package", and is a structural arrangement with two parallel arranged connecting rows.

Dispenser ist the description of the designation of an output device, e.g. as used in automated payment machines for dispensing chip cards.

General designation for technology purposes of a device for optical signals.  A display can be constructed in different ways and can be based on different technical implementations.

The designations of nearly all Beckmann GmbH products begin with the acronym EMS. This abbreviation stands for Electronic Coin-Operated System in german language.

This has been developed specifically by Beckmann GmbH, and enables digital communication between all components of the EMS product series. It consists of an information interface generated by a microprocessor in order to switch, display and control the various devices.

Technology which specifies software (logs, etc.) and hardware (cables, distributors, network cards, etc.) for cable-based data networks which were initially intended for local data networks and were also referred to as LAN technology. It enables the exchange of data in the form of data packages between the devices connected in a local network. Currently, transfer rates of 10, 100 Megabit/s (Fast Ethernet), 1 (Gigabit Ethernet) to 10 Gigabit/s are specified. In its traditional format a LAN only extends across one building; even fibreglass ethernet has only a limited range.

The function of a liquid crystal display is based on the liquid crystals influencing the polarisation direction of light if a particular amount of electrical current is passed through them. LCDs consist of segments that can change their brightness independently of each other. For this purpose the alignment of the liquid crystals is adjusted, causing a change in the permeability for polarised light. The active matrix display is a further development, see TFT display.

A light-emitting diode is an electronic semiconductor component. If voltage passes through the diode in forward bias, it radiates light. The application scope of LEDs for vending machines is manifold and comprises display elements such as for example simple status notifications (monochromatic or multicoloured light points), seven segment displays or the illumination of output trays.

Local computer network that includes as a rule several rooms, but seldom more than one property. A local network can be structured in different technical ways. Ethernet is the most widely available standard nowadays. Transfer now mostly takes place by means of twisted-pair cables (CAT5 or higher), in which case the network usually extends at most for one hundred metres.

Mechanical buttons can also contain digital electronic switches: Piezo-electronic buttons do not require any operating voltage; they generate control voltage by means of a piezo-ceramic activation element. Piezo-ceramics is the term for ceramic materials which show load separation when under the impact of deformation by an external force. That means when, for example, pressure is applied to the material, electrically charged areas form on the top or bottom side, or on the opposing casing surfaces. This is described as the direct piezo-electrical effect.

A contact is in fact a switch. Potential-free means that the input and output electrical current circuits are separated galvanically from each other. An advantage of the potential-free contact is the lack of voltage and current at the output connections. As a consequence, the input and output current circuits can work with differing voltages and currents.

RFID enables automatic and contactless identification and thus significantly facilitates the collection of data. A RFID system consists of a transponder, which contains a marking code, as well as a reading device for reading this code. An RFID transponder can be as small as a rice grain. Coupling is by means of the magnetic alternating field with a low transmission range generated by the reader or by means of high frequency radio waves. By this means not only is data transmitted but the transponder is also supplied with energy. The advantages of this technology are the combination of the small size and the contactless reading possibility, which open up a whole range of new opportunities for access and accounting systems. The transponder can be used as a medium in chip cards or token coins.
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RJ plug connections are plug connections standardized by the US American Federal Communications Commission for telecommunication cabling. The standards describe the designs of plugs and bushings as well as their pin assignments and are designated with the letters RJ in connection with a number; the letter combination "RJ" represents the acronym for Registered Jack (standardised bushing).

In the case of SMD Technology the component parts are directly mounted on the circuit boards. These do not have wire connections, but are welded by means of weldable connection surfaces directly on to a circuit board. The relevant technology is known as "surface assembly". As a result of the reduced component dimensions, devices and controls can be significantly reduced in size.

Displays with thin film transistors are the most important representatives of active matrix displays. A liquid crystal screen is an active matrix display and consists of a matrix of pixels, based on TN-LCD technology. Every single pixel possesses an active amplifier and power supply connections.

These are cable types in which both wires of a wire pair are twisted around each other. Twisted wire pairs offer protection against the disturbing influence of external magnetic alternating fields and electrostatic influences on the transmitted signals, since twisting the wires mutually cancels the external fields to a large extent. To describe the performance efficiency and capacity of cables, they are divided into categories. Cat-5 cables are nowadays the most currently used installation basis; they are used for signal transmissions with high data transmission rates. Cat-5-cables are intended for business frequencies up to 100 MHz. Because of the high signal frequencies particular care must be taken during the laying and installation of the cables, especially with regard to the connecting points of the wires. Cat-5 cables are often used for the structured cabling of computer networks, e.g. for fast ethernet or gigabit ethernet.

Tokens in coin form are usually made of brass or aluminium and are often equipped with a profile or a centric hole. Token coins can be exchanged for a service at a corresponding coin-operated machine.
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A USB Dongle protects software programs against unauthorised duplication. In the case of Beckmann GmbH, the dongle is a USB stick that is supplied directly with the ordered software. The program protected by the dongle is monitored at the start and throughout its operation if the dongle is connected to the computer. If the proper USB stick as copy protection is not present, the program functions are immediately blocked.