Abstract: In one embodiment there is described a reader capable of processing image data representing a substrate. The reader can include a multiple pixel image sensor and a lens focusing image onto the multiple pixel image sensor. In one embodiment the image data representing a substrate processed by a reader can include a representation of a bar code symbol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lottery game tickets and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, a wavelength-sensitive addition is incorporation in game ticket play area. In another embodiment, reflectance characteristics of a game ticket play area are controlled.

Abstract: In one method according to the invention, a security document of an undetermined size within a range of sizes is processed by capturing images corresponding to a topside and bottomside thereof sufficient to encompass the largest possible sized document and then searching through the captured image data to locate an identification code which may have been formed on any location of the document. If a symbol is found that satisfies a predetermined criteria for being an identification code, then the symbol is decoded, and the identification code for the document is utilized to control further processing of the document. Further processing subroutines of the document may include subroutines which utilize one or multiple imaging systems to verify that the document is authentic, subroutines for validating the document, and subroutines for voiding the document.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of a material detection system according to the invention, a security document is disposed in an optical path between an infrared light source and image sensor so that the imaging system comprising the infrared light source, image sensor and associated controller determines characteristics of material compositions of a document based on transmissivity characteristics of a document. In a second embodiment, a radiation wavelength sensitive additive which emits energy in a second band of wavelengths when radiated in a first band of wavelengths is incorporated in a security document and detected for by an imaging system which detects for emitted radiant energy in the second band of wavelengths.

Abstract: A security document processing apparatus is provided having a feed path for receiving documents and at least one imaging assembly for capturing image data from documents received in the apparatus. The apparatus may include a material detection imaging assembly for detecting the material composition of certain materials on documents received in the apparatus. The material detection imaging assembly may detect material on a document by detecting transmissivity characteristics, or by sensing radiation emission characteristics of a document in the case received documents are of a type including radiation wavelength sensitive additives incorporated therein.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for voiding a security document. The system voids a security document by supplying heat to a localized area of a specially configured security document. According to the invention, conductive material is formed on a document so that at least one relatively higher resistance section is formed on the document. When a voltage is supplied to the document, a relatively high amount of heat is supplied to the document about the area of the relatively higher resistance section. Heat-sensitive material may be formed about the location of the relatively higher resistance section such that the heat sensitive material becomes visible or changes color when a voltage is supplied to the document.

Abstract: A secure gaming ticket and validation method for gaming tickets includes storing validation information and ticket identification information in different locations. The stored information is then encoded to create an interim type of data, which is combined with prize information data to create a validation signature. The validation signature determines a win status of gaming ticket.