Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing an improved coin acceptor are described. In one aspect, an electronic coin acceptor exaggerates relatively small differences in coin diameters. A coin deposited into the coin acceptor passes along a coin path through two sensing beams, with at least one of the beams positioned at a nonperpendicular angle to the coin path. Timing information relating to the coin's passage through the beams is recorded and utilized to identify the coin. In another aspect, the thickness of the coin is determined as the coin passes through the sensing beams.

Abstract: Systems and processes for updating the program memory of an embedded system are described. According to one aspect, a portable update device optically communicates with the embedded system and provides an update of the program memory of the embedded system. The embedded system may be located in a device which is not readily physically accessible. The program memory of the embedded system can be updated without the need for “on site” technical expertise.