Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating distinguishing authenticity features comprising diffraction elements on a document which is illuminated by an illumination source. The distinguishing authenticity element which is to be examined, diffracts the beam of the illuminating source and projects it onto an evaluating unit in the device. In order to be independent of the nature and location of the diffraction pattern, the diffraction pattern derived from the document to be examined is projected onto a screen and the image of the pattern recorded and evaluated by a camera (matrix or cells).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a paper of value, in particular for condition testing of a bank note, are proposed wherein the bank note is subjected both to dark-field measurement and to bright-field measurement. From comparison of the measuring results of dark-field measurement and bright-field measurement one can make a clear statement about whether a flaw, for example a hole, tear, etc., is present in the bank note in the tested area. The bright-field and dark-field measuring devices can be formed separately with one LED array and detector array in each case. However, preferred embodiments provide for either a common LED array with two detectors or two LED arrays with a common detector. If two LED arrays are used, the dark-field radiation source is preferably formed as an IR light source and the bright-field radiation source as a red-light radiation source in order to permit authenticity testing of the paper of value to be performed as well as condition testing thereof. (FIG.

Abstract: A business model algorithm for creating a second “original” document of an original document from a first location to a second location by means of transmitting an electronic image of said document and printing the same at the second location, verifying the accuracy of the transmitted image, validating the transmitted ad printed copy and destroying the original document at the first location, and scanning, verifying, printing, comparing accuracy and validation of the transmitted copy, and a business model algorithm for electronic verification and execution of documents by a multiplicity of parties located at different locations from each other and from the location of the document.

Abstract: A counterfeit detector cash register which includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a keyboard on a top portion of the housing, an electrical data processor within the interior chamber, a data output device on the housing, a cash drawer, a counterfeit currency detector station within the housing, and an electrical power source. The counterfeit currency detector station includes a currency entry slot along a front of the housing, wherein paper currency is at least partially inserted into the housing. The station also includes an ultraviolet light source within the interior chamber of the housing, which emits ultraviolet light onto the paper currency while within the housing. The station further includes a viewing panel along a top portion of the housing, through which the paper currency is viewed while within the housing. The invention is economical in cost and space by eliminating the need for multiple machines.

Abstract: The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for capturing an electronic image signal from the interaction of light with features of, on, or near a media surface. In addition to signature marks, these features can include characters, character strings, symbols, icons, dot pitches, line types, line and character formats, optical densities, color, indentations, texture, and patterns. More specifically, the claimed invention is useful primarily for optically capturing, processing, parameterizing, and identifying hand written signatures, but may also be applied to identification of other surface features such as print, line art, graphics embossments, textures or colors. The signals are captured, processed, sometimes parameterized, and used to make associations with an identifying name. These associations can be given a statistical probability of correctness.

Abstract: The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Abstract: In the present invention, an identification code representing that a playing card constitutes a prescribed group is given to the playing card in order to discover an abnormal playing card mingled in with genuine playing cards for illicit purposes. The identification code is read from each of a plurality of playing cards constituting the prescribed group so as to determine whether the playing card is a genuine playing card or an abnormal playing card. The identification code may be provided on the playing card in a condition invisible to the human eye under normal usage conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for discriminating a latent fingerprint that can prevent a fingerprint recognition apparatus from mis-recognizing a latent fingerprint as a fingerprint of a biomass due to a fingerprint residual on an imaging surface of an optical fingerprint input apparatus. According to the present invention. there is provided backlight control means for controlling switching on and off of the backlight; image acquisition means for acquiring a fingerprint image without illuminating the backlight onto the imaging surface: fingerprint detection means for detecting an existence of a fingerprint from the image acquired by the image acquisition means; and fingerprint discriminating means for discriminating that the fingerprint if detected by the fingerprint detection means, is a latent fingerprint detected due to an external light.

Abstract: A reading unit has an auxiliary scanning feed unit for feeding a stimulable phosphor sheet vertically in an auxiliary scanning direction, a scanning light applying unit for applying a laser beam to the stimulable phosphor sheet, a reading assembly for reading radiation image information carried by the stimulable phosphor sheet, a fixed guide unit for holding one surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, and first and second movable guide units for holding the other surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the first and second movable guide units being movable toward and away from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Consequently, the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet can be read highly accurately and efficiently with a simple arrangement.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method in which the focus of the imaging apparatus can be adjusted.

Abstract: An active matrix circuit having a simplified circuit configuration is disclosed. The active matrix circuit includes selection lines extending along rows, signal lines extending along columns, active devices disposed at respective locations where the selection lines and the signal lines cross each other, a vertical scanning circuit for outputting selection pulses to sequentially scan the selection lines thereby selecting active devices, and a horizontal scanning circuit for outputting control pulses to open or close the respective signal lines thereby inputting or outputting a signal to selected active devices.

Abstract: An irregular pattern detector includes a first optical system, a transparent light guide body and a second optical system. The first optical system has a light source. The transparent light guide body has an incident face receiving incident light from the light source of the first optical system, a detection face facing the incident face for placing of a subject having an irregular pattern, a curved surface reflecting scattered light from the detection face, an optical absorbing face facing the curved surface and having an opening outputting light reflected from the curved surface. The second optical system, such as an imaging lens, guides the light from the opening of the optical absorbing face of the transparent light guide body to a camera device. This irregular pattern detector can be scaled down, and can produced precise images without any deformation.

Abstract: In order to provide an apparatus which has a simple arrangement, can be easily adjusted, and can authenticate a bill, negotiable instrument, and the like with high reliability, adjustment is performed in advance in the absence of an identification target to equalize outputs from a photoelectric converter with respect to light sources A and B that emit light beams having different wavelengths. In this state, the difference in output between detection signals based on the light beams transmitted through an identification target is detected as an output from a high-pass filter. A sampling circuit samples a signal proportional to the difference in output between the detection values based on the light sources A and B, which is based on this output difference. Authentication is performed on the basis of the sampled value.

Abstract: A method for inspecting features on a reticle is provided. The method includes providing a layout design of a test feature and transferring the layout design of the test feature onto the reticle. After the test feature is transferred onto the reticle, an image of the transferred layout design is captured to determine whether or not the transfer is acceptable. This determination is made by comparing the captured image of the transferred layout design against the layout design of the test feature. The comparison ascertains deviations between the captured image and the layout design and determines if the deviations fall within a user specified range.

Abstract: A paper currency recognition system used in a money exchange machine includes a LED type transmitter unit and a phototransistor type receiver unit controlled by a CPU. The receiver unit also includes an N-channel MOSFET. When a variation in the induction or signal current from the receiver unit is detected, the CPU controls the MOSFET to let a part of the induction current be shunt to the MOSFET, enabling the value of the induction current to be regulated to a readable range, and at the same time drives a control chip of the receiver unit to regulate the LED driving current, keeping the light intensity of the LED within a constant value.

Abstract: A paper sensor uses two sample and hold circuits which are fired by the phase and antiphase of an oscillator that also drives an infrared light emitting diode (LED). These circuits sample the output from a phototransistor. If the outputs from the phototransistor are different when the LED is lit and unlit, then a comparator will give an output, thus synchronously filtering out unwanted infrared light that may cause a false paper reading.

Abstract: A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems. The device includes a discriminating unit for discriminating the identity a bill, the discriminating unit retreiving characteristic information from the bill. Furthermore, a memory stores master characteristic information associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying; the memory storing master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill from at least two currency systems. A signal processor compares the retrieved characteristic information with master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill; the signal processor generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on the comparison when the bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the authenticity of a document relative to a previously programmed document are disclosed. The method provides a broadband light source; illuminates a document with the light source; collects reflected light; converts it into a corresponding electrical signal or signals; digitizes the electrical signals; and prepares a spectral signature of the document for further analysis. The spectral signature can also be normalized to account for variations in analyzed documents caused by soiling and fading. The method also provides for comparing a previously programmed and stored spectral signature to the spectral signature of a test document using a matching value to indicate whether the test document is authentic or not. The apparatus provides a device for application of the method for verifying document authenticity.

Abstract: A method of processing documents of value. The method including detecting a visible pattern on at least one side of a document; detecting the response of at least one side of the document to infrared radiation; comparing the detected visible pattern to one or more predetermined patterns and identifying the document if the detected visible pattern is sufficiently similar to the or one of the predetermined patterns; and determining from the response to infrared radiation if the document is authentic.

Abstract: A method of validating selected properties of media includes: providing a sensor having a monochromatic light source and a light detector, with the detector being positioned to receive only diffusely reflected light from the source; locating the media in the path of the sensor; activating the light source, and detecting light diffusely reflected from the media to provide an output from the detector containing data relating to the response of the media to the light source; moving the media with respect to the sensor so as to gather sample data from different areas of the media; processing the sample data to determine a selected characteristic of the media; and comparing the sample data against a reference database of data obtained from genuine media.

Abstract: A camera system (2) for strip-shaped exposure of a bank note (BN) having good optical properties as well as a compact construction has, symmetrically to an optical axis (OA), mirror assemblies (4a, 4b) of elliptical cross section each extending in the direction of the illuminated strip, light sources formed by LED arrays (6a, 6b), an imaging optic in the form of a SELFOC® lens assembly (8), and a photodetector array (12) onto which the illuminated strip of the bank note (BN) is imaged by the SELFOC® lens assembly (8) in a 1:1 ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting media type by aligning a media type detector onto a media, with sufficient force, in a media manipulation or sensing apparatus, such that the media type detector will accurately detect a type of media of a media when the media is tilted. A media manipulation or sensing apparatus, where the media type detector is arranged before a picking mechanism, with the media type detector including a force applying mechanism to apply force to a housing sled that is aligned onto the media, and with the housing sled being able to rotate with the media as the media tilts.

Abstract: A paper currency recognition system used in a money exchange machine and constructed to include a LED type transmitter unit and a phototransistor type receiver unit controlled by a CPU, the receiver unit having a MOSFET of N number passage. When detected a variation of the induction current from the receiver unit, the CPU controls the MOSFET to let a part of the induction current be shunt to the MOSFET, enabling the value of the induction current to be regulated to the readable range, and at the same time drives control chip of the receiver unit to regulate the LED driving current, keeping the light intensity of the LED to be maintained within a constant value.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a small-size image reading apparatus which has a high accuracy in image reading, by a different means from the prior arts. A panel includes a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoreceptor devices which are interposed between a pair of light-transmitting substrates. At an edge of one of the light-transmitting substrate, a slope is formed, and a light source is opposed to the slope. Light transmitted by reflection on the surfaces of the light-transmitting substrates is emitted on an object which comes in contact with the surface of the panel, and light returned from the object is received by the photoreceptor devices, whereby an image of the object is read. Thus, a direction in which light passes through the panel can be restricted, and the accuracy in image reading can be increased.

Abstract: A first housing is provided so as to be able to rotate with respect to a second housing and a first and second openings are provided in the first housing. Within the first housing are provided an image pickup device having a plurality of photosensitive elements therein arranged on one face of a transparent substrate, a surroundings imaging lens system fixed to the first opening and disposed on the side of the transparent substrate of the image pickup device, a fiber collection member fixed to the second opening and bonded to the side of the photosensitive elements of the image pickup device via an adhesion layer, and a light emitting element. In addition, a light absorbing face is formed in a surface of the second housing, which becomes in contact with the first housing.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting an amount of soiling of a bill. The method includes steps of (A) illuminating at least a portion of the bill with excitation light; in response to the excitation light, (B) emitting response light from the portion of the bill; (C) detecting an intensity of the emitted response light; and (D) correlating the detected intensity with an amount of soiling of the bill. The method can include a further step of (E) correlating the amount of soiling with an amount of wear of the bill, and may also further include a step of (F) detecting a presence of a substantially specular surface region on the bill, indicating a presence of a foreign substance, such as a piece of transparent or semi-transparent tape. Also disclosed is a method and system for detecting a presence of a foreign substance on a surface of a bill.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method in which the focus of the imaging apparatus can be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-sensor device which generates a signal comprised of one or more electromagnetic waveforms, that are transmitted against a first target material, such as a wall, whereupon said wave or portion thereof is reflected by a first surface and a second wave or portion of said first wave will penetrate the target material and be reflected in part by a second surface for the purpose of ascertaining if the cavity between said first target surface and said second target surface contains a quantity of United States currency.

Abstract: A signature recognition system for identifying an article with a distinctive diffraction element (or elements) and verifying the presence of that element or elements comprising: an article with one or more diffraction gratings impressed thereon, the grating(s) exhibiting periodic wave surface profiles having a depth-to-pitch ratio &dgr; of between 0.1 and 0.5, a source of polarized electromagnetic radiation of wavelength &lgr; such that the pitch G of the periodic wave surface profile of the grating(s) is comparable to an integer multiple n of that wavelength, a device for directing the source of polarized electromagnetic radiation to the surface of the grating(s) at a plane of incidence substantially normal to the plane of the surface of the diffraction grating and at an angle of approximately 45° azimuth to the alignment of the grooves on the surface, and a device for detecting radiation reflected from the grating(s) surface which is oppositely polarized to the incident radiation.

Abstract: A photosensor system includes a photosensor array which is constituted by two-dimensionally arraying a plurality of photosensors and has a light-receiving surface, and a front light source which is arranged to face the light-receiving surface at an interval, and illuminates a rear surface of an object whose front surface is set on the light-receiving surface. An image reading assembly reads an object image by receiving light that is emitted by the front light source and passes through the object.

Abstract: A photosensor system includes a photosensor array constituted by two-dimensionally arraying a plurality of photosensors, an image reading section which reads a subject image at a predetermined image reading sensitivity by using the photosensor array, a sensitivity adjustment image reading section which reads a sensitivity adjustment subject image while the image reading sensitivity in the photosensor array is changed to a plurality of stages, an optimal image reading sensitivity deriving section which derives an image reading sensitivity optimal for reading operation of the subject image, on the basis of a pixel data group relating to an image pattern of the subject image read by the sensitivity adjustment image reading section, and an image reading sensitivity setting section-which sets the optimal image reading sensitivity as the image reading sensitivity in the image reading section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and corresponding method for examining documents, in particular documents of value, identification or security documents, having at least one excitation device for exciting luminescence light (16) in or on a document to be examined (10) and at least two detector units (1, 2) for detecting at least part of the luminescence light (16) emitted by the document (10).

Abstract: A system for and a method of optical scanning which provide for focusing a light beam using one or more flex circuits, each flex circuit containing an aperture that is moved into or out of the outgoing optical path of a light beam via an electromagnetic mechanism. The electromagnetic mechanism includes a moving coil or moving magnet attached to each flex circuit for positioning the flex circuit aperture in or out of the outgoing optical path when the electromagnetic mechanism is actuated by an electric current. By positioning a greater or lesser number of apertures in the outgoing optical path, the final aperture size may be modified, thereby adjusting the focal location and depth of field of the light beam. Accordingly, the scanning system provides improved focusing characteristics, as well as an increased read range.

Abstract: In order to provide an apparatus which has a simple arrangement, can be easily adjusted, and can authenticate a bill, negotiable instrument, and the like with high reliability, adjustment is performed in advance in the absence of an identification target to equalize outputs from a photoelectric converter with respect to light sources A and B that emit light beams having different wavelengths. In this state, the difference in output between detection signals based on the light beams transmitted through an identification target is detected as an output from a high-pass filter. A sampling circuit samples a signal proportional to the difference in output between the detection values based on the light sources A and B, which is based on this output difference. Authentication is performed on the basis of the sampled value.

Abstract: In order to provide an apparatus which has a simple arrangement, can be easily adjusted, and can authenticate a bill, negotiable instrument, and the like with high reliability, adjustment is performed in advance in the absence of an identification target to equalize outputs from a photoelectric converter with respect to light sources A and B that emit light beams having different wavelengths. In this state, the difference in output between detection signals based on the light beams transmitted through an identification target is detected as an output from a high-pass filter. A sampling circuit samples a signal proportional to the difference in output between the detection values based on the light sources A and B, which is based on this output difference. Authentication is performed on the basis of the sampled value.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated LED array affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed on the top surface of the prism, and a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points. A sensor lens may also used for focusing the sub-beam radiation on the sensor. A lens wafer may be affixed between the prism and the LED array for focusing the radiation from each LED on its corresponding illumination point on the contact surface. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation.

Abstract: A bill validator for detecting the presence of a bill comprising a bill passageway having a first side and a second side, a light source positioned at the first side, the light source for emitting light across the passageway, a reflecting surface positioned at the second side, and a detector device positioned at the first side, the detector device for receiving light reflected from the reflecting surface.

Abstract: In quantitatively detecting light permeated through or reflected from a paper sheet in order to detect optical characteristics of the paper sheet, an optical paper sheet checking apparatus detects with stability and optimum precision.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting strings attached to bills or other forms of payment in a currency validator. In one implementation a string fraud detection means uses polarized light to detect a string. In another implementation, polarized light and light in a different range of wavelengths are used to detect a string.

Abstract: A system for measuring a biological parameter, such as blood glucose, the system comprising the steps of directing laser pulses from a light guide into a body part consisting of soft tissue, such as the tip of a finger to produce a photoacoustic interaction. The resulting acoustic signal is detected by a transducer and analyzed to provide the desired parameter.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1, an optical device 10 comprises an input optical member 11, in which a plurality of optical fibers 14 are arranged parallel to each other and integrally formed, having an entrance surface 11a and an exit surface 11b which intersect an optical axis at an angle of 15° and at an angle of 30°, respectively; and an output optical member 12, in which a plurality of optical fibers are c:l arranged parallel to each other and integrally formed, having an entrance surface 12a and an exit surface 12b which intersect an optical axis at an angle of 7.5° and at an angle of 90°, respectively. Here, the exit surface 11b of the input optical member 11 and the entrance surface 12a of the output optical member 12 are in contact with each other, whereas the angle formed between the optical axis of the input optical member 11 and the optical axis of the output optical member 12 is an angle of 22.5° which is the difference between 30° and 7.5° mentioned above.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device includes an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a single output receptacle for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to the output receptacle along a transport path. The device further includes a discriminating unit that evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit comprises two detectors positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle. The detectors are disposed on opposite sides of the transport path so that they are disposed adjacent to opposite sides of the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. The evaluation device also includes means for flagging a bill when the denomination of the bill is not determined by the discriminating unit.

Abstract: A grid-shaped array of conductor areas is used for capacitive image acquisition. Shielding conductors are disposed in each case between the conductors that are provided for measurement. During a plurality of charging and discharging cycles, the potential is always carried along on the conductors belonging to a respective pixel in order to prevent displacement currents between the shielding capacitors. By way of example, a compensation line with a feedback operational amplifier can be used for identically altering the electrical potentials on the conductors.

Abstract: A module (28) for sensing the edges of a banknote as it passes through the module. The module consists of an array of LEDs (32) optically coupled to a light diffusing element (36) past which the banknote moves. A CCD array (40) has photoelectric conversion elements coupled to the path in which the banknote moves by a self-focusing fiber-optic lens array (38). The CCD array consists of four segments (42,44,46,48) having individual shift registers which are read out in parallel, and converted to digital signals by a number of comparators (56). The comparators compare the CCD pixel output with individual threshold levels which are stored in a digital memory (54). The pixel threshold levels are converted to an analog signal for comparison with the CCD output signals by digital to analog converters (54). The digital data streams produced are divided into series of data which are analyzed to determine the presence of an optical transition in the corresponding pixel series of the CCD arrays.

Abstract: A fingerprint optical input apparatus comprises a contact image sensor for viewing a moving finger and providing a high contrast image. A narrow strip of the fingerprint touching a transparent platen is illuminated by sheet of collimated light normal to or at an oblique angle to the surface. The fingerprint image is viewed at an oblique angle by partially scattered light or by frustrated total internal reflection by a GRIN rod lens array and projected onto a linear array sensor. Various embodiments of the platen provide a compact design by using TIR or mirror reflections of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: In a cleaning sheet for cleaning a bill identification unit comprising bill identification sensors, a brush part is formed on the surface of a main sheet body of the cleaning sheet so that when the brush part passes through bill identification sensors, the brush part cleans the bill identification sensors and concave portions where the bill identification sensors are embedded so that even a non-contact type bill identification sensor disposed slightly retreated from the surface of a bill transporting route can be cleaned.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device and recognition system includes a capacitive array of sense elements in conjunction with a means of determining motion of a surface being imaged. A plurality of images is combined to form a composite image having an area that is greater than the area of a single captured image. The sensing device is disposed between protective surfaces and supported by a flexible structure.

Abstract: A light beam emitted by a surface illuminant reaches the surface of a transparent base layer of a recess/projection detection optical element. A light beam emitted almost vertically is emitted to an air layer. A light beam incident on the transparent base layer at an angle larger than a total reflection angle returns to a two-dimensional photosensor at a portion contacting the air layer, but scatters in a transparent particle at a portion contacting the transparent particle. When a finger is brought into contact with a scattering reflection layer, the scattering reflection state does not change in an area corresponding to a valley of a fingertip. As indicated by an arrow, an amount of reflected light beam is large. In an area corresponding to a ridge of the fingertip, the light beam scattered by the transparent particle is absorbed. The amount of reflected light beam is small, as indicated by an arrow.

Abstract: The object to be identified is affixed with an identification medium comprising a reflective layer consisting of a reflective hologram or diffraction grating. The high polymer cholesteric liquid crystal provides an inexpensive identification medium, and the use of the second light receiving unit for providing a reference signal provides a high S/N output signal which is highly distinct and resistant to the contamination of the identification medium. Also, the elimination of the need for expensive optical elements such as beam splitters also contributes to the reduction of cost.