Abstract: A method of determining the authenticity of a document of value provided with a watermark pattern, the method comprising determining whether the watermark pattern exhibits a discontinuity.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analysis the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document using x-rays. A security thread is provided in a security thread region of the document. An x-ray source illuminates the security document and an x-ray detector receives x-rays from the security thread region of the document and generates a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of a security thread present within the region.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting a region of raised material on a document surface. A surface of the document is illuminated with at least one angled radiation beam such that any raised material on the document surface reflects the radiation. The surface containing the raised material is imaged using at least one radiation detector. The image is then processed to detect the existence on the document surface of the raised material. The illuminating step causes a reflection and/or shadow to be generated from at least one edge of the raised material. The processing step detects the location of the material using the said reflection and/or shadow from the at least one edge.

Abstract: A method of determining the authenticity of a document of value provided with a watermark pattern, the method comprising determining whether the watermark pattern exhibits a discontinuity.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document using x-rays. A security thread is provided in a security thread region of the document. An x-ray source illuminates the security document and an x-ray detector receives x-rays from the security thread region of the document and generates a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of a security thread present within the region.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting a region of raised material on a document surface. A surface of the document is illuminated with at least one angled radiation beam such that any raised material on the document surface reflects the radiation. The surface containing the raised material is imaged using at least one radiation detector. The image is then processed to detect the existence on the document surface of the raised material. The illuminating step causes a reflection and/or shadow to be generated from at least one edge of the raised material. The processing step detects the location of the material using the said reflection and/or shadow from the at least one edge.

Abstract: A document monitoring device comprises an ultrasonic transmitter (20) and an ultrasonic receiver (22) positioned on opposite sides of a document inspection position. A control system (5) is coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter (20) and receiver (22) for causing ultrasonic signals to be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver through the inspection position and for monitoring the ultrasonic signals received by the receiver. At least one of the receiver (22) and transmitter (20) comprises a piezoelectric polymer film (32, 34).