Abstract: A currency note condition recognition apparatus and method uses a programmed microelectronic CPU to execute program instructions stored in a PROM to read in pixel data from an optical imaging section, including LEDs and photodiodes for generating signals which can be converted to a first image of a currency note being transported along the path of travel. The CPU receives position and skew data detected by external sensors for sensing the position and skew of the note.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately determining the width of a traveling document in which respective groups of LEDs are disposed along a line extending transversely of the path of document travel inwardly from points spaced by a distance greater than the maximum document width. The groups of LEDs and respective strip photodiodes associated therewith are disposed on opposite sides of the path so that a document travelling along the path partially blocks respective LEDs of said groups. The LEDs are sequentially energized one by one from one end of the group to the other. The completely unblocked energized LEDs are counted and the percent blocked of the partially blocked LED is determined to permit an accurate width measurement to be calculated.