Abstract: A multi-biometric finger sensor may include infrared sensing pixels on an integrated circuit substrate for sensing infrared radiation emitted from the user's finger, and at least one other finger biometric characteristic sensor on the integrated circuit substrate for sensing a finger biometric characteristic different than the infrared radiation emitted from the user's finger. The sensor may also include a processor connected to the plurality of infrared sensing pixels and the at least one other finger biometric characteristic sensor. Each of the infrared sensing pixels may include at least one infrared antenna and at least one temperature sensor connected thereto.

Abstract: A validating machine 30 according to the present invention is provided with a validation sensor 2 having a first-side light emitting device 8 and a first-side light receiving device 10 disposed closely to each other and a validation sensor 2? having a second-side light emitting device 8? and a second-side light receiving device 10? disposed closely to each other so that the validation sensor 2 and the validation sensor 2? are disposed opposite to each other on a first side and on a second side of a bill 4. The first-side light emitting device 8 and the second-side light emitting device 8? are controlled so as to emit light at their respective emission timings different from each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a fingerprint input apparatus capable of more stably providing an image “of a higher definition than in prior technologies. The fingerprint input apparatus includes an LED chip 10 and a solid image pickup device substrate 1 adapted to irradiate a finger 20 of a fingerprint inputting person with & light from the LED 10 and bearing a solid image pickup device for receiving light scattered in the interior of the finger, and reads the fingerprint of the finger 20 based on a light reception signal of the solid image pickup device. The solid image pickup device is constituted of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional image pickup device formed on a rectangular solid image pickup device substrate. A rectangular protective member 30 is adhered to a side, to be contacted by the finger 20, of the solid image pickup device substrate 1.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement and a method for checking optical diffraction structures (e.g., kinegrams) on documents. The object of the invention, to find a novel possibility for checking optical diffraction structures on documents which permits detection of the presence and authenticity of optical diffraction structures quickly and economically with respect to apparatus, is met according to the invention in that the sensor unit is arranged orthogonally above the support surface of the document, and in that the illumination unit contains at least two monochromatic light sources which are arranged so as to emit light bundles at defined incident angles with respect to a surface normal of the document directed to the diffraction structure and which can be switched on sequentially.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a sensor system includes an illumination source for outputting illumination. Furthermore, the sensor system also includes an imager for receiving the illumination reflected from a target utilized for authentication. It is noted that the target includes a patterned filter and a reflective substrate.

Abstract: An image reading system comprising a display panel with an image display area formed by a plurality of display pixels which emits display light and displays an image in a viewing field side corresponding to a display signal from the image display area; a transparent substrate which has a read area provided in a viewing field side of the display panel; a plurality of photosensors formed in the read area above the transparent substrate; a driver circuit section formed in an outer side of the read area as one unit with the photosensors; a transparent conductive film for electrostatic protection is provided in an upper part of a plurality of photosensors and the driver circuit section; and comprises a photosensor panel which reads an image of a detectable object placed on the read area that penetrated at least some of the display light emitted from the image display area.

Abstract: A paper sheets feature detector 20, through which a banknote 21 is carried and passed is provided with a carrying-in sensor part 22, a transmissive and reflective line light sensor 23, a magnetic sensor 24, a thickness sensor 27, and a carrying-out sensor part 28. When a watermark part of the banknote 21 is measured by the line light sensor 23, a watermark pattern is detected by a light transmissive sensor, and that pattern is not detected by a light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote. Watermark braille is similarly processed. When the thread is detected by the light transmissive sensor and the thread is not detected by the light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a function selection/designation section that obtains the designation of selection of a signed-document creation mode for creating at least signed authentic documents and/or copies thereof, a signature position designation section that obtains the designation of a signature position on printing sheets, a signature input section that obtains signature information input by handwriting, a signature temporary storage section that temporarily stores the signature information from the signature input section, an image obtaining section that obtains image data of an original to be provided with the signature, a signature/image synthesizing section that synthesizes the signature information in the signature temporary storage section and the image data in the image obtaining section so that the signature is provided at the designated signature position on the printing sheet, and a printout section that prints out signed documents based on the data synthesiz

Abstract: An apparatus for document processing comprises an optical sensor including a light source, a light detector and an optical element. The optical sensor is adapted so that, during operation of the apparatus, at least a first portion of light from the source that enters the optical element travels along paths in the optical element so as to be re-directed by total internal reflection toward the detector and wherein the total internal reflection is maintained when the optical element is wet. Signals form the optical sensor may be used to determine, for example, the state of a document storage cassette or the location of a document with respect to the cassette.

Abstract: An optical module using a linear sensor for identifying images includes a circuit board, a linear sensor installed on the circuit board, a light source set installed on the circuit board, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first plane, a second plane paralleling the first plane, wherein a distance between the second plane and the circuit board is shorter than a distance between the first plane and the circuit board, a first total reflection plane between the first plane and the second plane, for totally reflecting light provided by the light source set, and a second total reflection plane between the first plane and the second plane, for totally reflecting reflected light of the first total reflection plane to the linear sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a document (55). The method comprises exposing the document (55), such as a banknote, to infrared radiation; detecting infrared radiation reflected from a plurality of regions of the document (55) to generate at least one test pattern; determining if the or each test pattern satisfies a predetermined relationship with a predetermined pattern or patterns corresponding to a known document; and, if the predetermined relationship is satisfied, identifying the document (55) as being the same as the known document.

Abstract: An illumination device comprises a housing, a light source, a light transmissive support plate and a sensor. The light source is mounted within a cavity of the housing. The light transmissive support plate is engaged with the housing. The housing and the light source are configured for enabling light from the light source to impinge upon the light transmissive support plate. The sensor is configured for selectively activating the light source dependent upon placement of an article relative to the light transmissive support plate. In one embodiment, the sensor is preferably a force sensitive sensor having the light transmissive support plate engaged therewith. The light transmissive support plate is mounted in a manner enabling force to be applied on the force sensitive sensor by the light transmissive support plate when a corresponding force is applied on a support surface of the light transmissive support plate.

Abstract: A paper sheets feature detector 20, through which a banknote 21 is carried and passed is provided with a carrying-in sensor part 22, a transmissive and reflective line light sensor 23, a magnetic sensor 24, a thickness sensor 27, and a carrying-out sensor part 28. When a watermark part of the banknote 21 is measured by the line light sensor 23, a watermark pattern is detected by a light transmissive sensor, and that pattern is not detected by a light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote. Watermark braille is similarly processed. When the thread is detected by the light transmissive sensor and the thread is not detected by the light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote.

Abstract: A multi-biometric finger sensor may include at least one optical dispersion sensing pixel on an integrated circuit substrate for sensing dispersed light from the user's finger, and at least one other finger biometric characteristic sensor on the integrated circuit substrate for sensing a finger biometric characteristic different than the dispersed light from the user's finger. The sensor may also include a processor connected to the at least one optical dispersion sensing pixel and the at least one other finger biometric characteristic sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: A device for sensing currency comprises means for deriving a signal from a currency item and means for deriving values representative of a characteristic or characteristics of the currency item from said signal using an inverse representation of part of the sensing device.

Abstract: An optically detectable security marker for emitting light at a pre-selected wavelength. The marker comprises a rare earth dopant and a carrier incorporating the rare earth dopant. The interaction of the carrier and the dopant is such that the fluorescent fingerprint of the marker is different from that of the rare earth dopant. The marker may be incorporated into a plurality of items, such as fluids, for example paint, fuel or ink, and laminar products such as paper or banknotes or credit cards.

Abstract: A banknote validator includes a first sensor unit, a second sensor unit, a correction parameter operating unit, and a distinguishing unit. The first sensor unit includes a first projecting section and a first receiving section for projecting and receiving a portion of a first light beam reflected off a received banknote generating a first receiving section signal. The second sensor unit has a second projecting section and a second receiving section for projecting a second light beam and receiving a portion of the second light beam reflected off the received banknote generating a second receiving section signal. The correction parameter operating unit receives the first receiving section signal and produces a correction parameter signal for the distance between the banknote and the second sensor unit. The distinguishing unit receives the second receiving section signal and the first correction parameter signal and determines the validity of the received banknote.

Abstract: A red LED which emits red light and a green LED which emits green light are provided as light sources to emit detection beams onto a fingerprint collation surface. With a finger tip pressed against the fingerprint collation surface, only the red LED is enabled to emit light and reflected light from that surface at this time is input to an image pickup unit, thereby providing a first image. Likewise, only the green LED is enabled to emit light, thereby providing a second image. A difference between intensity levels of reflected light according to the undulations of the fingerprint is determined as a first differential contrast for the first image or second differential contrast for the second image. When the absolute value of a difference between the two differential contrasts is greater than a threshold value, the finger tip is determined as a genuine living finger tip.

Abstract: The apparatus has at least one optical sensor (7, 8), which emits a light beam (13, 14), inclined at an angle in relation to the surface of the pallet (2), and irradiates the surface of the pallet (2) at a point of reflection, and supports (9, 10) with cylinders for displacing the point of reflection by a predetermined distance over the surface of the pallet (2).

Abstract: The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Abstract: In order to provide a procedure and a device that will enable the, at least partially, automated acceptance of bank notes that can be realized in an acceptable cost range and that will enable the highly automated, rapid acceptance of bank notes with a high level of certainty, a method, in which a test for the acceptability of bank notes is performed by automatic vending machines is proposed; by this method a bank note is fed via a transport unit to a digitalization station, where it is at least partially digitized; the data obtained in this manner are then compared with stored data by a computer unit, which makes a determination of value, and renders an automatic decision regarding acceptance. If the automatic decision regarding acceptance is negative, an image of the digitized data is generated in order to allow a service employee to perform a visual inspection of the note and render a final decision regarding acceptance.

Abstract: The optical characteristics of a banknote are measured by using first and second sets of optical devices positioned on respective sides of the banknote path. Each device includes a transmitter and an adjacent pair of receivers, the receivers being capable of receiving light from the adjacent transmitter which has been diffusively reflected by the banknote, and each receiver also receiving light from the transmitter of the opposed device. Calibration is carried out by moving a reference body of predetermined reflectance and transmittance characteristics into the banknote path between the devices.

Abstract: A bill acceptor is constructed to include a housing, the housing having a base for holding a banknote for examination, a first light emitter adapted to emit infrared light onto the banknote carried on the base of the housing for examination, a second light emitter adapted to emit ultraviolet light onto the banknote for visual examination, an image sensor adapted to pick up infrared light reflected from the banknote carried on the base of the housing and to convert received light signal into image signal, and a display adapted to display image signal obtained from the image sensor for verifying the authenticity of the banknote.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for distinguishing a latent fingerprint is provided to prevent a fingerprint recognition apparatus from mis-recognizing a latent fingerprint as a fingerprint of a biomass due to a fingerprint residual on an imaging surface of an optical fingerprint input apparatus. According to the present invention, there is provided a backlight control device for controlling switching on and off of the backlight; an image acquisition device for acquiring a fingerprint image without illuminating the backlight onto the imaging surface; a fingerprint detection device for detecting the existence of a fingerprint from the image acquired by the image acquisition device; and a device for determining that the fingerprint, if detected by the fingerprint detection device, is a latent fingerprint detected due to an external light.

Abstract: Method of verifying the authenticity of a security document (1), the security document including a first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8) and an optical projection element (9) within or superposed with the first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8), the optical projection element (9) acting to transform a light beam (10a) passing from a light beam source through said first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8) into a patterned beam (11) of selected design, the method including the steps of: positioning the security document such that the light beam is transmitted through the first at least partially transparent portion and the patterned beam is projected onto a viewing surface (14), and verifying the presence of a patterned image by the impingement of the patterned beam on the viewing surface (14).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for distinguishing a latent fingerprint is provided to prevent a fingerprint recognition apparatus from mis-recognizing a latent fingerprint as a fingerprint of a biomass due to a fingerprint residual on an imaging surface of an optical fingerprint input apparatus. According to the present invention, there is provided a backlight control device for controlling switching on and off of the backlight; an image acquisition device for acquiring a fingerprint image without illuminating the backlight onto the imaging surface; a fingerprint detection device for detecting the existence of a fingerprint from the image acquired by the image acquisition device; and a device for determining that the fingerprint, if detected by the fingerprint detection device, is a latent fingerprint detected due to an external light.

Abstract: The compact bill validator including a bill accommodating section comprises: a bill sending mechanism sending the bill inward from an inlet via a sending path; a bill identification section being provided to a mid part of the sending path; a turning section turning a traveling direction of the bill; and a bill accommodating section being contiguous with the bill sending mechanism, the bill accommodating section accommodating the bill which has been turned by the turning section. The bill accommodating section has an extended space, which corresponds to an outer part of the turning section. A rear part of the bill accommodated in the bill accommodating section is curved in the extended space.

Abstract: The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Abstract: The product comprises an imager (21), a coded data source (11), and a variable property having a first use, with light emanating from the coded data source (11) representing the first use and specifying which portion of light detected (12) by the imager (21) represents the variable property, where the coded data source (11) can be from a plurality of coded data sources and the imager (11) can be from a plurality of imagers (21).

Abstract: An optical object identification device has a light emission element, an optical system condensing light from the light emission element, a photodetector integrated with a mask provided with a pinhole, and an identification unit for identifying a type of a measurement object by an output waveform from the photodetector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining stone cells within a sample of wood pulp or paper. According to the instant invention a portion of the sample is irradiated with light at a predetermined wavelength or within a predetermined range of wavelengths. The incident light causes those areas of the sample that are occupied by stone cells to fluoresce strongly relative to the background matrix of wood pulp or paper. The strongly fluorescing stone cells are registered digitally using a detector, or are observed visually by an operator viewing the sample through an ocular device. The absolute number of stone cells per unit area or a stone cell size-distribution-plot is obtained using one of automated or manual image analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for testing the authenticity of objects printed with security link are provided which measure light emanating from, in particular reflected or transmitted by, an object to be checked. To guarantee especially reliable authenticity testing, it is provided that light emanating from the object to be checked is detected indifferent spectral regions outside the visible spectral region. To obtain easily operated and safe authenticity testing, it is provided that light emanating from the object is detected at a plurality of places on the object in at least two selected spectral regions. A test series is produced for each spectral region wherein two test series adapted to each other, and authenticity testing is then performed by comparing the adapted two test series.

Abstract: Flexible interconnect packaging system. The system includes a flexible substrate material that includes internal traces coupled to fingerprint sensor mounted to the substrate. Bonding pads of the fingerprint sensor are connected to conductive trace pads of the internal traces using techniques such as, wire bonding, ball/bump methods, tape automated bonding (TAB), or any other applicable bonding methodology for integrated circuits. The final package includes a pre-molded package the forms an open cavity, thereby allowing a sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor to be exposed for access by a user.

Abstract: An improved bill slot panel for a vending machine is disclosed. The bill slot panel of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting element, which is installed at a bill slot entrance of a bill slot panel of the vending machine. The light-transmitting element picks up the light projected by a light source installed inside the bill slot panel to substantially illuminate the bill slot entrance.

Abstract: A camera system (2) for strip-shaped exposure of a bank note (BN) having good optical properties as well as a compact construction has, symmetrically to an optical axis (OA), mirror assemblies (4a, 4b) of elliptical cross section each extending in the direction of the illuminated strip, light sources formed by LED arrays (6a, 6b), an imaging optic in the form of a SELFOC® lens assembly (8), and a photodetector array (12) onto which the illuminated strip of the bank note (BN) is imaged by the SELFOC® lens assembly (8) in a 1:1 ratio.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for distinguishing a latent fingerprint is provided to prevent a fingerprint recognition apparatus from mis-recognizing a latent fingerprint as a fingerprint of a biomass due to a fingerprint residual on an imaging surface of an optical fingerprint input apparatus. According to the present invention, there is provided a backlight control device for controlling switching on and off of the backlight; an image acquisition device for acquiring a fingerprint image without illuminating the backlight onto the imaging surface; a fingerprint detection device for detecting the existence of a fingerprint from the image acquired by the image acquisition device; and a device for determining that the fingerprint, if detected by the fingerprint detection device, is a latent fingerprint detected due to an external light.

Abstract: A reading unit has a scanner unit including a stimulating system, a CCD line sensor, and a position restricting mechanism, which are integrally mounted on a scanner head. The position restricting mechanism has first rubber rollers disposed for rolling contact with a surface of a stimulable phosphor sheet, and a second rubber roller disposed for rolling contact with an opposite surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet. The first rubber rollers and the second rubber roller serve to position a reading line on the stimulable phosphor sheet.

Abstract: A counterfeit detector cash register which includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a keyboard on a top portion of the housing, an electrical data processor within the interior chamber, a data output device on the housing, a cash drawer, a counterfeit currency detector station within the housing, and an electrical power source. The counterfeit currency detector station includes a currency entry slot along a front of the housing, wherein paper currency is at least partially inserted into the housing. The station also includes an ultraviolet light source within the interior chamber of the housing, which emits ultraviolet light onto the paper currency while within the housing. The station further includes a viewing panel along a top portion of the housing, through which the paper currency is viewed while within the housing. The invention is economical in cost and space by eliminating the need for multiple machines.

Abstract: The present invention includes an ATR crystal system comprising: an ATR crystal, one face of the ATR crystal forming a portion of an interior surface of a containment vessel, a radiation source for creating a beam or radiation, the radiation sources optically connected to an input area of the ATR crystal; and a detector for recording the beam of radiation, the detector optically connected to an output area of the ATR crystal. The present invention also includes a method of sample analysis utilizing an ATR crystal embedded in a containment vessel comprising the steps of: providing a containment vessel having an ATR crystal embedded therein; generating a monochromatic beam of light; transmitting the beam to an input of the ATR crystal; transmitting the beam from an output of the ATR crystal to a detector; and recording a signal from the detector.

Abstract: An optically detectable security marker for emitting light at a pre-selected wavelength. The marker comprises a rare earth dopant and a carrier incorporating the rare earth dopant. The interaction of the carrier and the dopant is such that the fluorescent fingerprint of the marker is different from that of the rare earth dopant. The marker may be incorporated into a plurality of items, such as fluids, for example paint, fuel or ink, and laminar products such as paper or banknotes or credit cards.

Abstract: A reading arrangement includes at least one linear detector arrangement which is arranged in parallel relationship above a reading plane and behind an optical imaging element and is oriented on to a reading region of the reading plane, lighting devices and an evaluation unit and serves for machine reading of an information strip with optically encoded information. The light which is scattered or diffracted out of the reading region in which the information strip to be read off by machine is disposed into the optical imaging element is so projected on to the photosensitive faces of the detector arrangement that an image of the reading region is formed. The detector arrangement produces two detector signals and from a comparison of the detector signals, the read information is determined and its authenticity verified.

Abstract: The invention is based on a handheld device, in particular a locating device, having a housing (10), which is movable with a handle unit (12) over a surface of an item being examined and which has a sensor unit (16) for picking up a first motion parameter.

Abstract: Method of verifying the authenticity of a security document (1), the security document including a first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8) and an optical projection element (9) within or superposed with the first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8), the optical projection element (9) acting to transform a light beam (10a) passing from a light beam source through said first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8) into a patterned beam (11) of selected design, the method including the steps of positioning the security document such that the light beam is transmitted through the first at least partially transparent portion and the patterned beam is projected onto a viewing surface (14), and verifying the presence of a patterned image by the impingement of the patterned beam on the viewing surface (14).

Abstract: A photosensor system includes a photosensor array which is constituted by two-dimensionally arraying a plurality of photosensors and has a light-receiving surface, and a front light source which is arranged to face the light-receiving surface at an interval, and illuminates a rear surface of an object whose front surface is set on the light-receiving surface. An image reading assembly reads an object image by receiving light that is emitted by the front light source and passes through the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fitness of a bank note by sensing the bank note transported along a transport path by a transport device. The apparatus includes a plurality of identical sensor and illumination units positioned along each side of the transport path whereby the sensor and illumination units are focused at a single predetermined section of the transport path.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for examining document having at least one excitation device for exciting luminescence light in or on a document to be examined and at least two detector units for detecting at least part of the luminescence light emitted by the document. To increase the reliability of examination of the spectral characteristic of the luminescence light, it is provided that the detector units are disposed one behind the other with respect to the luminescence light emitted by the document. This causes the luminescence light to successively hit the detector units and be detected thereby. The apparatus and method permit any parallactic errors, which occur particularly with a laterally shifted arrangement of detector units, to be greatly reduced so that the detector units can detect the luminescence light emitted by a common partial spatial area of the document.

Abstract: Method of verifying the authenticity of a security document (1), the security document including a first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8) and an optical projection element (9) within or superposed with the first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8), the optical projection element (9) acting to transform a light beam (10a) passing from a light beam source through said first at least partially transparent portion (7, 8) into a patterned beam (11) of selected design, the method including the steps of: positioning the security document such that the light beam is transmitted through the first at least partially transparent portion and the patterned beam is projected onto a viewing surface (14), and verifying the presence of a patterned image by the impingement of the patterned beam on the viewing surface (14).

Abstract: An improved bill slot panel for a vending machine is disclosed. The bill slot panel of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting element, which is installed at a bill slot entrance of a bill slot panel of the vending machine. The light-transmitting element picks up the light projected by a light source installed inside the bill slot panel to substantially illuminate the bill slot entrance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a semiconductor component and a method for identifying a semiconductor component that comprises at least one semiconductor substrate equipped with electronic/electromechanical components, which said semiconductor substrate—except for its leads—is embedded in a housing part made of plastic. It is proposed to equip the semiconductor substrate located in the housing part with an identifier located directly or indirectly thereon that makes it possible to distinguish the semiconductor component from other similarly-designed semiconductor components, and which can be read out from outside the housing part using ultrasound.