Abstract: This invention relates to the field of information reading, and more specifically, to an improved information reader in a validator which eliminates the requirement to insert an information source in a particular direction in an information reader.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention may include an apparatus. The apparatus may include a channel configured to accommodate a note, a photodetector array preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the note through the channel, a transporter configured to transport the note through the channel, at least one illuminator configured to illuminate a width of the channel, and a lens associated with the photodetector array. The lens and the at least one illuminator may be arranged to provide optical data collected from the width of the channel to the photodetector array. The photodetector array may include a plurality of photodetectors.

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: Apparatus is disclosed systematically to extract data from operating machines of the type used in gaming establishments. Various data is required by management to maximize the operation and the profit potential of a given machine is compiled in the machine itself. The compiled data is serially transferred to a memory device via a one-wire protocol. The memory device writes the data according a defined software routine. The contents of the memory device can be transferred to a computer for subsequent manipulation and display.