Abstract: A note skew detector, for use in a note transport mechanism of an Automated teller Machine (ATM) is described. The detector comprises a light source and a single optical sensor, optically coupled via a pair of optical wave-guides arranged to have an air gap there between so as to provide a note transport path between the said wave-guides. The wave-guides are further arranged to provide a first optical path and a second, distinct, optical path between said light source and said sensor.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement (12) is described. The arrangement comprises: a moveable object (80) including a plurality of marker portions (112) disposed in a calibrated configuration, each marker portion (112) being capable of emitting light in response to stimulation. The arrangement also includes a light source (42) directed towards the marker portions (112) and for causing light emission therefrom. An imaging device (44) is directed towards the marker portions (112) and includes an array of light-detecting elements for sensing light emitted from the marker portions (112) to generate image data. A processor (52), in communication with the imaging device (44), analyses image data received from the imaging device (44) to determine the location of the moveable object (80) based on the calibrated configuration.

Abstract: An optical media detector, for use in a media transport mechanism, the detector comprising a light source and an optical sensor, is described. The light source and sensor are optically coupled via two distinct optical paths which are formed in part by a pair of optical light guides, each of which is formed into part of a pinch roller adapted to contact or being close to contacting media being transported.

Abstract: An optical detector is disclosed, which is adapted to measure the opacity of media. The detector comprises a light means and a light sensor, arranged so as to have a media path there between. The light source has a drive means, which is actively adjustable, during use, for detecting media of different opacities, so as to maintain a substantially constant sensor output.

Abstract: The invention provides for printing apparatus comprising printing means and a host processor (28) for delivering print data and command data via a common interface (30) to the said printing means, and characterized in that the host processor is arranged to deliver said print data with a first characteristic and said command data with a second characteristic, and that the printing means comprises a printing device (34) for receiving the said print data and a control device (40) for receiving the said command data, the apparatus further including detecting means (42) for detecting the said characteristic of the data appearing at the common interface (30), and switch means (48) responsive to the detecting means detecting the said first characteristic for switching data from said common interface (30) to the said printing device (34) so that the full potential of the printing device (34) can be realized.

Abstract: A system for detecting the passage of superposed notes along a feed path. The system includes a sensing station (12) through which the feed path passes and which has a filament lamp (48) and an optical sensor (50). The magnitude of an output signal of the optical sensor is dependent on the intensity of the received light. A microcontroller (52) establishes a threshold value of the output signal by setting the intensity of light emitted from the lamp, when there is no note in the sensing station, to a first level. A pulse width modulator (56) increases the intensity of emitted light from the first level to a second level so that when there is one note present at the sensing station the output signal is above the threshold level. The intensity of emitted light is maintained at the second level whereby superposed notes cause a substantial fall in the output signal of the optical sensor. The microcontroller monitors the output signal to detect this.

Abstract: A secure access circuit provided on a PCB (10) by designating a via hole (26) as a security via hole, storing data relating to the address and status (intact or drilled-out) of the via hole in a connectable EPROM (26), determining the status of the security via hole, and authorizing access of the EPROM only if stored data and determined status of the hole are identical. Circuit (44) can be upgraded by use of different EPROMs; by use of different PCBs with different security via holes corresponding to each upgrade, an illegally copied EPROM providing upgraded facilities by use of a printed circuit board cannot be used on a PCB (10) intended to provide only basic facilities.