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: According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for guiding a document includes a curved, document guide having a receiving end and an outgoing end. The receiving end is adapted to receive a moving document. The curved document guide is to guide the document along a curved path such that the document experiences a centrifugal force causing the document to substantially flatten against a concave surface of the curved document guide as the document moves toward the outgoing end of the curved document guide. At least a portion of the curved document guide has a radius of curvature. The curved document guide further includes an apex of the curvature at which one or more instruments are approximately directed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the physical fitness of documents such as bank notes. The method comprises passing a document past an image sensor while sequentially illuminating the document using multi-mode illumination, wherein a predetermined mode of illumination is used for each line scanned by the image sensor, producing an interleaved image of the document. A multi-dimensional transformation function is applied to this interleaved image to produce a composite measurement, which is then projected onto an empirically determined fitness vector to yield a scalar fitness value for the document. This value is compared against empirically prescribed fitness values to determine if the document is fit enough to remain in circulation or should be taken out of circulation and retired (destroyed).

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: 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: 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 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: 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: Document inspection system comprising a transport system for transporting documents along a transport path (12) through an inspection station. At least one ultrasonic inspection apparatus at the inspection station, the apparatus including ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers (42,44) arranged on opposite sides of the transport path, and a processing system for monitoring ultrasonic signals received by the receiving transducer. An ultrasonic absorbing material (300) is provided around the transducers and facing the transport path for absorbing ultrasound reflected by a document. Document guide apparatus (312,314), having a lower coefficient of friction than the absorbing material, extends partially over the absorbing material (300) so as to prevent documents contacting the absorbing material in use while leaving the absorbing material exposed to the transport path at least adjacent the transducers.

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: The present invention provides a method for determining the physical fitness of documents such as bank notes. The method comprises passing a document past an image sensor while sequentially illuminating the document using multi-mode illumination, wherein a predetermined mode of illumination is used for each line scanned by the image sensor, producing an interleaved image of the document. A multi-dimensional transformation function is applied to this interleaved image to produce a composite measurement, which is then projected onto an empirically determined fitness vector to yield a scalar fitness value for the document. This value is compared against empirically prescribed fitness values to determine if the document is fit enough to remain in circulation or should be taken out of circulation and retired (destroyed).

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: Document inspection system comprising a transport system for transporting documents along a transport path (12) through an inspection station. At least one ultrasonic inspection apparatus at the inspection station, the apparatus including ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers (42,44) arranged on opposite sides of the transport path, and a processing system for monitoring ultrasonic signals received by the receiving transducer. An ultrasonic absorbing material (300) is provided around the transducers and facing the transport path for absorbing Document guide apparatus (312,314), having a lower coefficient of friction than the absorbing material, extends partially over the absorbing material (300) so as to prevent documents contacting the absorbing material in use while leaving the absorbing material exposed to the transport path at least adjacent the transducers.

Abstract: Automatic image-based volumetric detection of an object in a space is achieved based on a combinational characteristic produced by combining a first characteristic of a reference image associated with the space when empty, and second characteristic of a detection image associated with the space at a time when object detection is active. The combinational characteristic is independent of relative image intensity between the reference image and the detection image. The object detection operation is thus provided with a degree of independence relative to the respective illumination conditions during capture of the reference and detection images.

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).

Abstract: A document processing machine for identifying and authenticating documents having both transparent and opaque regions and routing the documents appropriately is provided. In one embodiment, the document processing machine includes an image capturing device, a light source, a data processing system, and a document control system. The image capturing device captures the image of at least a portion of a document wherein the document comprises transparent and non-transparent regions. The light source emits light toward the image capturing device and is positioned such that the document passes between the light source and the image capturing device. The data processing system is functionally connected to the image capturing device, and obtains the image of the document from the image capturing device, compares the image to a nominal pattern to determine whether the document is authentic, and determines the manner in which the document should be processed based upon whether the document is authentic.

Abstract: A document processing machine for identifying and authenticating documents having both transparent and opaque regions and routing the documents appropriately is provided. In one embodiment, the document processing machine includes an image capturing device, a light source, a data processing system, and a document control system. The image capturing device captures the image of at least a portion of a document wherein the document comprises transparent and non-transparent regions. The light source emits light toward the image capturing device and is positioned such that the document passes between the light source and the image capturing device. The data processing system is functionally connected to the image capturing device, and obtains the image of the document from the image capturing device, compares the image to a nominal pattern to determine whether the document is authentic, and determines the manner in which the document should be processed based upon whether the document is authentic.