Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a document attribute using acoustics are provided. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a feature of a document using acoustics includes emitting a first acoustic signal from a first acoustic transmitter to a first acoustic receiver while a document is between the first acoustic transmitter and the first acoustic receiver, and emitting a second acoustic signal from a second acoustic transmitter to a second acoustic receiver while the document is between the second acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver. The second acoustic signal differs from the first acoustic signal. The method also includes determining the presence of a feature of the document using at least one of the first acoustic signal or the second acoustic signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a document are provided. In one embodiment, a method for authenticating a feature of a document includes capturing a first image of a region of a document while the region is subjected to a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The region includes at least a portion of the document. The method also includes determining a first intensity value associated with the first image of the region, and comparing the first intensity value with a first training intensity value of a region of a training document. The first training intensity value is obtained using the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The method also includes determining whether the document is authentic at least partially based on the comparison between the first intensity value and the first training intensity value.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for detecting a document includes capturing a first plurality of images of a document at a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, capturing a second plurality of images of the document at a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and assembling the first and second pluralities of images to form one or more images of the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a document are provided. In one embodiment, a method for authenticating a feature of a document includes capturing a first image of a region of a document while the region is subjected to a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The region includes at least a portion of the document. The method also includes determining a first intensity value associated with the first image of the region, and comparing the first intensity value with a first training intensity value of a region of a training document. The first training intensity value is obtained using the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The method also includes determining whether the document is authentic at least partially based on the comparison between the first intensity value and the first training intensity value.

Abstract: An apparatus for strapping a set of documents includes a document platform to receive a set of documents and a document strap while the document platform is in a receiving position. The document strap is positionable between the document platform and the set of documents. A frame having a first frame arm and a second frame arm forming a platform-receiving space between the first and second frame arms, and a belt disposed between the document platform and the document strap when the document platform receives the set of documents. The document platform is movable from the receiving position into the platform-receiving space to cause the belt and the document strap to at least partially surround the set of documents, thereby strapping the set of documents together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting tape on a document are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes capturing a first image of a document. The first image is captured while at least a portion of the document is subjected to a first electromagnetic radiation. The method includes capturing a second image of the document. The second image is captured while at least a portion of the document is subjected to a second electromagnetic radiation. The method also includes comparing the first image to the second image to determine whether tape is adhered to the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a document attribute using acoustics are provided. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a feature of a document using acoustics includes emitting a first acoustic signal from a first acoustic transmitter to a first acoustic receiver while a document is between the first acoustic transmitter and the first acoustic receiver, and emitting a second acoustic signal from a second acoustic transmitter to a second acoustic receiver while the document is between the second acoustic transmitter and the second acoustic receiver. The second acoustic signal differs from the first acoustic signal. The method also includes determining the presence of a feature of the document using at least one of the first acoustic signal or the second acoustic signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for imaging documents such as bank notes. The method comprises passing a document past an image sensor such as a line scan camera while sequentially illuminating the document using multi-mode illumination. Two or more light sources are used, each one producing a different mode of illumination. A lookup table divides documents into discrete successive sections (i.e. scan lines) and specifies a mode of illumination (e.g., color, azimuth, reflective, transmissive) for each section of a document during imaging. As the document passes the image sensor, the light sources are activated according to the sequence specified in the lookup table, producing an interleaved, multi-mode image of the document.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for detecting a document includes capturing a first plurality of images of a document at a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, capturing a second plurality of images of the document at a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and assembling the first and second pluralities of images to form one or more images of the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting tape on a document are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes capturing a first image of a document. The first image is captured while at least a portion of the document is subjected to a first electromagnetic radiation. The method includes capturing a second image of the document. The second image is captured while at least a portion of the document is subjected to a second electromagnetic radiation. The method also includes comparing the first image to the second image to determine whether tape is adhered to the document.

Abstract: According to as illustrative embodiment, a method for detect in a document includes capturing a first plurality of images of a document at a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, capturing a second plurality of images of the document at a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and assembling the first and second pluralities of images to form one or more images of the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for strapping a set of documents are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for strapping a set of documents includes a document platform to receive a set of documents and a document strap while the document platform is in a receiving position. The document strap is positionable between the document platform and the set of documents. The apparatus also includes a frame having a first frame arm and a second frame arm forming a platform-receiving space between the first and second frame arms, and a belt disposed between the document platform and the document strap when the document platform receives the set of documents. The document platform is movable from the receiving position into the platform-receiving space to cause the belt and the document strap to at least partially surround the set of documents, thereby strapping the set of documents together.

Abstract: Document guide systems and methods employing a document platen are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, a document guide system employing a document platen includes a document plates having a first, document-faceable side and a second, opposing side, and a document support sub-system adjacent the first side of the document platen. The document support sub-system and the first side of the document platen are adapted to receive a document therebetween, and the document platen forms an aperture adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a document are provided. In one embodiment, a method for authenticating a feature of a document includes capturing a first image of a region of a document while the region is subjected to a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The region includes at least a portion of the document. The method also includes determining a first intensity value associated with the first image of the region, and comparing the first intensity value with a first training intensity value of a region of a training document. The first training intensity value is obtained using the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The method also includes determining whether the document is authentic at least partially based on the comparison between the first intensity value and the first training intensity value.

Abstract: Document guide systems and methods employing a document platen are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, a document guide system employing a document platen includes a document platen having a first, document-faceable side and a second, opposing side, and a document support sub-system adjacent the first side of the document platen. The document support sub-system and the first side of the document platen are adapted to receive a document therebetween, and the document platen forms an aperture adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the presence of Color Shifting Elements (CSE) such as optically variable inks and foils on documents such as bank notes. The invention comprises passing a document past an image sensor such as a line scan camera while sequentially illuminating the document from at least two alternating azimuths. The light source at each azimuth alternates between different colors, producing an image that is interleaved according to color and azimuth of illumination. The invention calculates a reflected color value for each azimuth and compares the color values of the different azimuths to each other. A difference in color between azimuths of illumination indicates the presence of a CSE on the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating characters on a document are provided. In one embodiment, a method for locating characters on a document includes receiving an image of a document, identifying a set of character candidate forms in the image based on image intensity data, identifying a set of characters from the set of character candidate forms based on spatial characteristics of the set of character candidate forms, and outputting a location of the set of characters.

Abstract: Document guide systems and methods employing a document platen are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, a document guide system employing a document platen includes a document platen having a first, document-faceable side and a second, opposing side, and a document support sub-system adjacent the first side of the document platen. The document support sub-system and the first side of the document platen are adapted to receive a document therebetween, and the document platen forms an aperture adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an optically variable material are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for detecting an optically variable material includes capturing a first image of at least a portion of a document while the at least a portion of the document is subjected to a first electromagnetic radiation from a first angle of incidence, and capturing a second image of at least a portion of the document while the at least a portion of the document is subjected to a second electromagnetic radiation from a second angle of incidence. The first angle of incidence is different from the second angle of incidence. The first and second images are captured by an imaging device that has substantially fixed position. The method also includes comparing the first image to the second image to determine whether an optically variable material is present on the document.

Abstract: According to as illustrative embodiment, a method for detect in a document includes capturing a first plurality of images of a document at a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, capturing a second plurality of images of the document at a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and assembling the first and second pluralities of images to form one or more images of the document.