Abstract: A reading unit has an auxiliary scanning feed unit for feeding a stimulable phosphor sheet vertically in an auxiliary scanning direction, a scanning light applying unit for applying a laser beam to the stimulable phosphor sheet, a reading assembly for reading radiation image information carried by the stimulable phosphor sheet, a fixed guide unit for holding one surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, and first and second movable guide units for holding the other surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the first and second movable guide units being movable toward and away from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Consequently, the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet can be read highly accurately and efficiently with a simple arrangement.

Abstract: A fingerprint optical input apparatus comprises a contact image sensor for viewing a moving finger and providing a high contrast image. A narrow strip of the fingerprint touching a transparent platen is illuminated by sheet of collimated light at an oblique angle to the surface. The fingerprint image is viewed by frustrated total internal reflection by a GRIN rod lens array and projected onto a linear array sensor. Various embodiments of the platen provide a compact design by using TIR or mirror reflections of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated illuminating radiation source such as a surface-emitting laser or a radiation source and a LCD affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed on the top surface of the prism, a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points, and a lens for focusing the sub-beam radiation on the sensor. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation. A computer can provide for sequential emission of the sub-beams so that a single cell photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the reflected sub-beams or a multiple cell photoelectric sensor can be used, with each cell corresponding to a particular sub-beam. Reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint valley point.

Abstract: A bank note detector has four LED's emitting Red, Green, Blue, and infrared light and a detector for sensing light reflected and transmitted from the bank note. The system includes microprocessor for analysis circuiting for selecting and adjusting the LED's, for programmable amplifying the light detected and feeding the amplified signal to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device includes an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a single output receptacle for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to the output receptacle along a transport path. The device further includes a discriminating unit that evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit comprises two detectors positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle. The detectors are disposed on opposite sides of the transport path so that they are disposed adjacent to opposite sides of the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. The evaluation device also flags a bill when the denomination of the bill is not determined by the discriminating unit.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated illuminating radiation source such as a surface-emitting laser or a radiation source and a LCD affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed and the top surface of the prism, and a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation. A computer can provide for sequential emission of the sub-beams so that a single cell photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the reflected sub-beams or a multiple cell photoelectric sensor can be used, with each cell corresponding to a particular sub-beam. Reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint valley point. Non-reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint ridge point.

Abstract: A module (28) for sensing the edges of a banknote as it passes through the module. The module consists of an array of LEDs (32) optically coupled to a light diffusing element (36) past which the banknote moves. A CCD array (40) has photoelectric conversion elements coupled to the path in which the banknote moves by a self-focusing fibre-optic lens array (38). The CCD array consists of four segments (42,44,46,48) having individual shift registers which are read out in parallel, and converted to digital signals by a number of comparators (56). The comparators compare the CCD pixel output with individual threshold levels which are stored in a digital memory (54). The pixel threshold levels are converted to an analog signal for comparison with the CCD output signals by digital to analog converters (54). The digital data streams produced are divided into series of data which are analysed to determine the presence of an optical transition in the corresponding pixel series of the CCD arrays.

Abstract: An improved optical sensor for a banknote validator uses an aspherical lens having a planar wall as a combination radiation plug for a port in the pathway and a focusing arrangement. Emitters and receivers are closely positioned on a common support and generally located at the focal point of the lens. The radiation reflected by a banknote is focused and received by the receiver. The lens also serves to collimate the produced radiation of the emitters for scanning of the banknote.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is disclosed, which employs a plurality of tactile sensors, each has an elastic insulating body between a member of an electrically conductive material, i.e., a gate electrode, and an insulating film deposited on a channel region of a field-effect transistor (FET). The channel region is formed between a source region and a drain region. Each of the tactile sensors is connected in series with a transistor that serves as a source of constant or steady current to form a source follower circuit. With the source follower circuit, output of each of the tactile sensors is converted into source voltage. The source voltage of each of the source follower circuits is extracted via a first switching element at a common output terminal. The source follower circuits are connected via a second switching element to a source of electric power.

Abstract: A fingerprint detecting device includes a flat transparent body, a light source, a thin surface film layer, a fluid layer, and an image detection unit. The transparent body on which a skin surface of a finger is pressed has a surface constituted by a scattering surface with a fine three-dimensional unevenness. The light source irradiates incident light from an inside of the transparent body on the skin surface pressed against the surface of the transparent body. The surface film layer is formed on the surface of the transparent body via a small gap, on which a three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferred by pressing the finger. The fluid layer is formed by sealing one of a gas and a liquid in the gap between the surface of the transparent body and the surface film layer, and is pressed by the surface film layer on which the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferred.

Abstract: A sheet discriminating apparatus includes a light source for emitting light toward a sheet, a spectrophotometer for receiving light emitted from the light source and reflected by a non-printed surface portion of the sheet and generating spectral data, a memory for storing reference data, and a discriminator for discriminating genuineness of the sheet based on the spectral data generated by the spectrophotometer and the reference data stored in the memory. According to the thus constituted sheet discriminating apparatus, it is possible to accurately discriminate the genuineness of a sheet, particularly a bill or security certificate.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device comprises an array of sense elements (12) which each include a sense electrode (33), providing in combination with an overlying fingerprint part a capacitance (35), and first and second diode devices (30, 31) connected respectively between the sense electrode and associated ones (18, 20) of first and second sets (e.g. row and column) address conductors. An address circuit (22, 24) connected to the address conductors biases the diode devices in a respective address period such that a potential is applied via the first address conductor and the first diode device to the sense electrode and thereafter stored charge, indicative of the capacitance, is transferred via the second diode device to the second address conductor. The device offers fast, reliable, scanning and can conveniently be implemented using thin film technology for low cost and compactness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting watermark and security thread in a currency note. Optical sensing circuits positioned from the surface of the currency note rely upon the transmissive and reflective characteristics of the security features and the note itself to determine the authenticity of the note and the security feature. The apparatus and methods determine a difference signal between the transmissive and reflective light signals and compare the difference signal to a series of known difference signals.

Abstract: A fingerprint detection apparatus which includes a detection array having a detection surface, and a fingerprint platform configured to supply a plurality of partial fingerprint images of a fingerprint to the detection surface as the fingerprint is moved relative to the detection surface. The fingerprint detection apparatus also includes a processing device that is configured to construct a final fingerprint image from the plurality of partial fingerprint images supplied to the detection surface. A method of detecting a fingerprint image comprising the steps of: (1) supplying a plurality of partial fingerprint images of a fingerprint to a detection surface of a detection array as the fingerprint is moved relative to the detection surface; and (2) constructing a final fingerprint image from the plurality of partial fingerprint images.

Abstract: Provided is an economical identification system suitable for use on commercial products which is difficult to duplicate, and highly identifiable. The system includes an identification medium having a high-polymer cholesteric liquid crystal material applied thereon. The high-polymer cholesteric liquid crystals selectively reflect a certain wavelength, and this wavelength changes with the change in the incident angle of the light. The liquid crystals also have the property to circularly polarize the reflected light in either sense. By taking advantages of such properties, it is possible to provide a highly identifiable structure which, however, is highly difficult to illicitly duplicate. In particular, by forming the reflective layer of a hologram with high-polymer cholesteric liquid crystals, the hologram can be used as an identification medium which is highly difficult to duplicate but easy to identify with a machine.

Abstract: A document acceptor includes a document transport path and a multi-function optical sensor disposed adjacent the document path. The multi-function sensor can be operated in one of two or more modes. Depending on the mode in which the sensor is operated, signals from the sensor can be used, for example, to indicate whether a document has reached a particular position, to determine whether the document includes a predetermined pattern, such as a bar-code pattern, or to determine whether an attempt is being made to pull the document out of the acceptor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation in a relatively narrow wavelength band within radiation having a wide range of wavelengths. The method comprises detecting radiation in a first wavelength band including the narrow wavelength band and other wavelengths; detecting radiation in a second wavelength band which comprises substantially only the other wavelengths; and comparing the levels of detected radiation to determine the presence of radiation in the narrow wavelength band.

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: An image input device includes a light source, a light guide for guiding the light, a first and a second low refractive index layer formed on surfaces of the light guide, the first and second low refractive index layers having a lower refractive index than that of the light guide, a light input device to make the light from the light source incident onto the light guide so that the incident light is totally reflected at the boundary of the light guide with the first or second low refractive index layer, a photoelectric converter, the photoelectric converter being disposed on the second low refractive index layer and an optical element having a plurality of lenses optically contacted with the surface of the light guide via the first low refractive index layer, the optical element taking out part of the light traveling in the light guide to illuminate a document and collecting reflected light from the document onto the photoelectric converter by means of the lenses.

Abstract: A time recorder receives bar coded time cards, punches time data on the cards and stores the time data in memory. Each card has a bar code at each end corresponding to the same value. For each pay period, a unique bar code and the card on which it is printed are assigned to each employee during an initialization process. A card is inserted upside down into the time recorder for each employee and the bar code is read by the system and assigned to an employee. At the same time, employee information is printed on the card.

Abstract: A sensor section for obtaining identification data from a bill passing through a bill transfer path can selectively be mounted in a plurality of positions on the body of a bill identifying apparatus. The sensor section is mounted in one of the mounting positions, and a certain region of the bill passing through the transfer path is sensed by means of a sensor section to obtain identification data. When the use of forged bill is identified by the bill identifying apparatus, or after the machine has been used for a predetermined time, the mounting position of the sensor section is changed to another one. Thereupon, the sensor section senses other region of the bill passing through the transfer path to obtain identification data. Thus, the sensor section can easily cope with the use of the counterfeit bill even if the bill identifying apparatus is designed to be capable of sensing only a part of the whole area of the bill.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrimination method which reduces memory size and validate bills at a high speed. According to the present invention, reflected light or transmitted light from a paper note is received by an image sensor, image data is stored in a memory device, a region of the paper note is cut out from the image data in the memory device, the cut-out paper note image data is blocked and normalized, and a bit corresponding to the blocked value is turned on, the block paper note image data is encoded into pattern data, and the compression-coded pattern data is compared with prestored reference paper note pattern data to discriminate the paper note.

Abstract: A fingerprint reading modular device capable of extracting and accurately reproducing and enhancing the ridge pattern on the skin of a fingertip is provided. A narrow illumination source spanning the width of the device is focused onto a movable glass or transparent platen, producing reflected rays containing fingerprint information, as the finger is placed on this platen. Reflected rays are focused by a Selfoc optic fiber lens array onto a linear array of solid state reading elements which convert the image of the fingerprint to electrical signals, producing a digital image for each line of information. The movable transparent platen has an initial position and a terminal position, such that the method of scanning begins with the finger pressed against the platen in its initial position and pushed until the platen reaches its terminal position, whereby the solid state elements read multiple lines of the finger as it moves towards the terminal position.

Abstract: An optical scanner utilizes two linear CCD detectors and a bandpass means to improve the ability of the scanner to discriminate against specular reflection. A coded symbology is illuminated by a noncoherent light source and light reflected from the coded symbology along a first path strikes the front face of the bandpass means. The bandpass means, functioning as a notch filter, transmits a select bandwidth of light while reflecting all other light onto a first CCD detector. Simultaneously, light reflected from the bar code symbol travels along a second path, at a different angle with respect to the plane of the coded symbology than the first path, is reflected from a mirror onto the back face of the bandpass means. The bandpass means transmits the select bandwidth of light onto a second CCD detector and reflects all other light. The second CCD detector has a notch filter which permits the detection of only the select bandwidth.

Abstract: A bill or security discriminating apparatus includes at least one irradiating device for irradiating a surface of a bill or security at a predetermined angle with the surface thereof, at least one polarization separating device for receiving light reflected by the surface of the bill or security and separating the received light into P-polarized light and S-polarized light, at least one first light detector for photoelectrically detecting the P-polarized light separated by the at least one polarization separating device and generating an electrical signal in accordance with intensity of the detected light, at least one second light detector for photoelectrically detecting the S-polarized light separated by the at least one polarization separating device and generating an electrical signal in accordance with intensity of the detected light, and a discriminator for discriminating the bill or security in accordance with the intensity of the P-polarized light and S-polarized light based on the electrical signals

Abstract: An optical imaging device such as a fingerprint imager or a CCD camera, has a reduced size due to the provision of multiple lenses which are associated with respective CCDs. The optical path between the lenses and the CCDs is shortened. In a fingerprint version of the device, a staircase-shaped prism is advantageously used in combination with the multiple lens and multiple CCD arrangement. An alignment means is provided to facilitate the reconstructing the image out of partial images created by separate CCDs.

Abstract: A method of processing documents involving: transporting the documents at high speed unidirectionally and without pause along a prescribed transport path past at least one image-lift site; scanning the entirety of respective document faces at the sites with illumination from a light-source; providing a light-guide along a path between the light-source and the sites; providing an energy-shaping gate, disposed at each of the sites and acting to channel the imaging illumination energy there; and providing a heat-dissipation stage disposed operatively adjacent the light source and acting to extract infra-red energy therefrom and dissipate it so as to shield the sites; this heat-dissipation stage comprising an infra-red extraction unit arranged and adapted to remove a substantial part of the infra-red energy projected along a prescribed beam-path from a high-intensity spectral source; the extraction unit comprising: a selective reflector interrupting the beam path and adapted to divert infra-red energy as an infra

Abstract: A method of authenticating watermarked paper comprises the steps of transtly heating a first surface (50) of a watermarked sheet of paper (40) using a hot air source (22); forming a thermal image of the watermark (42) using a thermal imager (30); and analyzing the thermal image to determine whether or not the watermarked paper is authentic. The evolution of the thermal image with time is characteristic of the watermark and is dependent on the local thermal mass of the paper in the region of the watermark.

Abstract: A scanner with an extended depth of focus for electro-optically reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, comprises a collection optical system for collecting radiation reflected from objects in the field of view along plural different optical axes and an optical detector for detecting radiation collected by the collection optical system along each of the plural different optical axes and for generating electrical output signals indicative thereof. The scanner further includes processing circuitry for processing the output signals of the optical detector by comparing the output signals of the optical detector with one another, a memory for storing the detector output signals and further processing circuitry receiving the stored output signals of the optical detector from the memory and selectively outputting one of the received signals to a decoder.

Abstract: Individual sheets of paper currency or bills are conveyed in line in a path from a receiving inlet slot through a verification station and outputting verified currency through a storage slot. The verification station senses the value and authenticity of the currency and converts the value into a signal and thereafter moves the paper currency to the storage station where they are securely stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device and recognition system includes an array of closely spaced apart sensing elements each comprising a sensing electrode and an amplifier circuit. The device is used to sense electrical charge on a fingertip and obviates the need to pre-charge the sensing electrode. The device may be constructed with a single die or with multiple dies.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a printed value sheet for printed value sheet validation apparatus is provided. Light is emitted from a light emitting element onto a first part of a printed value sheet on a first surface side thereof while the sheet is being transported so that a portion of the emitted light transmits through the sheet from the first surface side to a second surface side. The light having transmitted through the sheet to the second surface side is guided onto a second part of the sheet on the second surface side by a light guiding element so that a portion of the guided light transmits through the sheet back to the first surface side at the second part. A portion of the light so transmitted back to the first side is received by a light receiving element so as to be converted to an optical data pattern for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held scanning device which contacts an object to be scanned only at substantially colinear points, e.g., via a roller. This configuration allows the scanning device to scan very close to the edge of an object to be scanned while remaining fully supported by the object. In order to counteract detrimental effects caused by tilting of the scanning device during a scan, the scan region of the scanning device is located close to the roller, a relatively high f-number lens is used and a widened illumination area is employed. The scanning device is also configured to provide for easy grasping by a user and to allow the user to view the scan region during a scan.

Abstract: A banknote (9) inserted by a user in an entrance channel (1) of a banknote validator moves along a transport path defined by upper and lower belts (10 and 11) past two sensors (2). Each belt is supported on a respective support member (6, 7). The belts are driven on respective rollers (12, 13) which are rotatable on respective axles (14, 15). Projections (21, 20) or the support members bear on the axles (15, 14) against the action of springs (19, 18) such that the lower belt (11), in the region of the first sensor (2), is located at a predetermined distance from the first sensor and that the upper belt (10), in the region of the second sensor (2), is located at a predetermined spacing from the second sensor (2), thus causing the inserted banknote (9) to pass the sensors (2) at a predetermined spacing therefrom. Reference surfaces are similarly mounted. A support for the axles is described in which one end of the axle is axially movable relative to the support.

Abstract: The fingerprint image input apparatus includes two-dimensional image sensor 14 formed on transparent substrate 21 and including diffraction grating 41, photo-sensitive elements 24, switch elements 22, switching lines 25, signal reading lines 26, bias applying lines 27, and light interception plates 23 disposed below photo-sensitive elements 24, planar light source 11 and transparent protective film 42. Diffraction grating 41 is formed on two-dimensional image sensor 14 together with photo-sensitive elements 24 commonly using one or more opaque materials of photo-sensitive elements 24.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the authenticity of a security document (28). The security document (28) comprises a base material and in its volume particles having some electromagnetic properties which are substantially different from the corresponding electromagnetic properties of the base material. The apparatus comprises at least one emitter (18) for emitting near infrared or visible waves to the document (28), at least one detector (20) for detecting any of the emitted near infrared or visible waves reflected from the document (28) and means (30) for processing the detected near infrared or visible waves in order to differentiate the security document (28) from a document comprising electromagnetic particles or parts on its surface.

Abstract: A current boosted positive feedback logarithmic transresistance amplifier is provided for currency validators. The amplifier has a photo-diode capable of producing a current in response to light, connected to an operational amplifier having both a positive and a negative feedback branch. A logarithmic density amplifier having a feedback resistor and a log diode connected in shunt with the resistor as a dynamic feedback to the amplifier is connected to the positive feedback branch of the current boosting amplifier by way of the log diode. The summing action at the inputs of the current boosting amplifier result in a current at the log diode that is a direct multiple of the current in the photo-diode.

Abstract: Metal fibers are mixed, at a predetermined mixing ratio, into a document for which forgery should be prevented. In reading a document, microwaves are applied to the document via a transmission antenna and reflected microwaves are received via a reception antenna. The document includes a portion in which the microwave reception level falls within a predetermined range and which portion is longer than a predetermined length, the document is regarded as a forgery preventive document and the copying operation is stopped. Further, a registration guide is so formed as to reflect microwaves at a certain reflectance. Influences of variations due to a temperature change and aging are compensated by measuring a reception level corresponding to the registration guide.

Abstract: The note path of a banknote validator has a U-shaped transverse cross section. A transverse strip of the note path is illuminated by light from a light transmitting station by means of a unitary light guide which has an arcuate portion conforming to the transverse cross section of the note path. Light reflected from a banknote, within the note path, is captured by the light guide and guided to a light receiving station. The light guide is shaped such that a transverse strip of the note path is substantially evenly illuminated. The U-shape of the note path also assists the insertion of notes into the validator, as an inserted note is caused to bow during insertion thereby increasing its rigidity.

Abstract: A fingerprint image input apparatus comprises a plane light source for irradiating light having a two-dimensional light distribution and an approximately even luminance, a two-dimensional image sensor capable of allowing the light to pass through, and an optical part for guiding light from the plane light source, having passed the two-dimensional image sensor, to a finger and guiding light reflected at the finger to the photoelectric converting element. The two-dimensional image sensor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form. A bias power source for supplying a bias voltage to the individual pixels, a scanning circuit for outputting a scan signal to the pixels and a first detecting circuit for detecting photoelectric data signals from the pixels are connected to those pixels via bias lines, scan lines and data lines.

Abstract: A scanner with an extended depth of focus for electro-optically reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, comprises a collection optical system for collecting radiation reflected from objects in the field of view along plural different optical axes and an optical detector for detecting radiation collected by the collection optical system along each of the plural different optical axes and for generating electrical output signals indicative thereof. The scanner further includes processing circuitry for processing the output signals of the optical detector by comparing the output signals of the optical detector with one another, a memory for storing the detector output signals and further processing circuitry receiving the stored output signals of the optical detector from the memory and selectively outputting one of the received signals to a decoder.

Abstract: A measuring device with an integrated light beam scanning means for detecting the number of revolutions of a rotating body, contrast-coded data (bar codes) being capable of detection by means of the light beam scanning means. The measuring device includes a selecting means to select the mode of operation consisting of measuring the number of revolutions or detecting data. An analyzing means analyzes signals outputted by the scanning means (1) and automatically selects one of the modes of operation consisting of measuring the number of revolutions and detecting data in dependence on the result of the analysis.

Abstract: The installation for quality control of printed sheets (1) comprises means (8-13) for transferring said sheets, and cameras (2, 4, 6) for checking the print quality. The transfer means (8-13) are designed to transport the sheets in a plane and to allow the print quality of each of the faces of the sheet to be checked as well as a quality check using transparency to be carried out in succession and in a single pass. The means for checking each face are two cameras (2, 3) located on either side of said plane at two offset locations, the transfer means being designed to leave an open window at the side of each camera. A third camera (6) carries out the check using transparency.

Abstract: A scanning device and method of forming a scanned electronic image include an imaging sensor and at least one navigation sensor. In the preferred embodiment, the imaging sensor is a linear array of sensor elements, with a two-dimensional navigation sensor array at each end. The scanning device has three degrees of freedom, since position information from the navigation sensors allows manipulation of an image signal from the imaging sensor to reduce distortion artifacts caused by curvilinear scanning. Acceptable sources of the position information include printed matter and contrast variations dictated by variations in the inherent structure-related properties of the medium on which the scanned image is formed. Illumination for optimal operation of the navigation system may be introduced at a grazing angle in some applications or in the normal to a plane of the original in other applications, but this is not essential.

Abstract: Night vision binoculars including an optical system for the projection of an incident light flux formed by an objective which is itself coupled through an image-reducing interface to detection means in matrix form where the image from the interface is converted into a video signal supplied to at least one miniature display coupled to an ocular. The binoculars may take the form of two modules that can be fitted into each other, a body module and a binocular visor module. Application to night vision by electronic imaging with overlay of additional information elements.

Abstract: A method of processing documents involving: transporting the documents at high speed along a prescribed transport path past at least one image-lift site; scanning the entirety of respective document faces at the sites; providing an energy-shaping ate, disposed at each of the sites and acting to channel the imaging illumination energy there; and providing a heat-dissipation stage acting to extract infra-red energy therefrom and dissipate it so as to shield the sites; this heat-dissipation stage comprising an infra-red extraction unit that includes a selective reflector interrupting the beam path and adapted to divert infra-red energy as an infra-red beam along a second path; and an associated infra-red dissipation unit including multi-blade surface; disposed within an enclosure, adapted to receive the infra-red beams and to trap them and convert them to surface heat.

Abstract: The image sensor according to the present invention comprises a light emitting diode which irradiates light onto a document image, a phototransistor which receives the reflected light and executes photoelectric conversion, an amplifier which amplifies an analog signal from the phototransistor, a time constant circuit into which an analog signal from the amplifier is inputted and which delays the analog signal by a specified period of time, an amplifier into which the analog signal outputted from the amplifier and the analog signal delayed in the time constant circuit are inputted and which differentially amplifies the analog signals, and a knot gate into which the analog signals outputted from the amplifier are inputted and which outputs a digital signal of "0" or "1" according to whether a value for the analog signal is positive or negative.

Abstract: For the classification of a pattern in particular on a banknote or a coin, a receiving system detects, by a measurement procedure, vectors of a test item, a pre-processing system transforms the measured vectors into local feature vectors ALCi(l) and a learning classification system carries out a plurality of testing operations. A first activity compares in a first testing operation each of the local feature vectors ALCi(l) to a vectorial reference value. It is only if the first testing operation takes place successfully that the first activity, by means of first estimates which are stored in a data base, links the local feature vectors ALC(l) to provide global line feature vectors AGIi. In a second testing operation a third activity compares the global line feature vectors AGIi to corresponding reference values and, if the second testing operation is successful, computes a single global surface vector AGF of which a fourth activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the optical recognition of documents (1) extends over the entire width of a transfer plane (3). Regularly disposed photoelectric elements (4), whose optical axes Create a single sensor plane (5) that is perpendicular to transfer plane (3), receive light (7) as altered by document (1). Photoelectric elements (4) are regularly disposed in a manner in which their optical axes are contained in a sensor plane (5) perpendicular to transfer plane (3). A region (8) of document (1), determined by sensor plane (5), is illuminated by at least one light line (9 or 10) which is inclined with respect to sensor plane 5. The light modified by document (1) is received by photoelectric elements (4). The adjacent light sources in each light line (9,10) are separated by a uniform source distance (A), which is smaller than the sensor distance (B) between two adjacent photoelectric elements (4). The light sources emit light within a narrow spectral width in pulses of short duration.

Abstract: A specified original that is not supposed to be copied is marked with a pattern that is formed by infrared reflected light. A copying apparatus includes a detecting unit for detecting the pattern and determines that an original is the specified original in accordance with the detection by the detecting unit. A copying operation is controlled in accordance with the determination of whether the original is the specified original that is not supposed to be copied.