Abstract: A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing conveyance failure of a paper sheet. The apparatus includes a bill insertion slot, a bill conveyance mechanism capable of conveying a bill inserted from the bill insertion slot, a bill reader reading the bill conveyed by the bill conveyance mechanism, an authenticity determination mechanism determining the authentication of the bill read by the bill reader, a bill determination processing part for determining, before the reading of the banknote by the banknote reader is completed, damage to the bill based on a shape of a portion of the bill which is read and on a shape of a reference bill, and a controller controlling conveyance of the bill by the bill conveyance mechanism based on a result of the determination by the bill determination processing part.

Abstract: A compact, desktop document processor for capturing data and images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents includes a modular base unit. The modular base unit performs processing actions on financial and payment-related documents. The modular base unit is configured to operate in a teller station apparatus and is configured to operate in a back counter apparatus. The base unit includes an interface for connecting to an add-on component to match the base unit to workflow requirements. The base unit operates as the teller station apparatus when a hand feeder component is connected to the base unit at the add-on component interface. The base unit operates as the back counter apparatus when an automatic feeder component is connected to the base unit at the add-on component interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking value documents having an authenticity feature in the form of at least one luminescent substance, includes forming a measuring vector from the measuring values corresponding to different frequencies and/or frequency domains of the luminescence radiation, and performing an allocation of the measuring vector to one of a plurality of given reference vectors corresponding to different authenticity features by allocating at least one object allocation area to each reference vector and checking which object allocation area the measuring vector is located in.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus capable of conducting accurately an authenticity judgment of a bill, which is caused to expand or contract, and an authenticity judgment process method employed therein. The bill processing apparatus includes a bill reader reading a bill, a reference data storage part storing an allowable range acceptable from a reference value as a standard length of a printed area on each surface thereof; and a comparison judgment part executing an authenticity judgment process by comparing the corrected data with an allowable ranged for the other surface stored in the storage part, the actual measurement data on the other surface being corrected based on a correction value calculated with respect to the actual measurement data for the one surface, when the actual measurement data of the length of the printed area of the one surface is out of the allowable range.

Abstract: A system and method of generating at least two distinctive auditory alerts upon receiving a transmission or telephone call at a device is described. Data indicative of a first plurality of sounds corresponding to a user of a device configured to receive the transmission or telephone call is accessed, such as from a memory. The first plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify a received transmission or telephone call being directed to the user. A telephone number, subscriber name or identifier associated with a transmitting or calling party of the transmission or telephone call is accessed. Data indicative of a second plurality of sounds designating the transmitting or calling party based on the subscriber name, telephone number or identifier is retrieved, such as from a data structure, and the second plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify the transmitting or calling party.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods, apparatus and computer program product are described that involve capturing images of a plurality of documents and performing specialized processing on the documents for generalized translation, menu translation, expense reporting, business card and social networking site updating, calendar updating and currency identification. Other specialized applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Forged bank notes are no longer reliably distinguishable from bank note originals (BN) on the basis of their luminescent fibers. According to the invention, the excitation of the fibers to luminescence is effected by means of excitation radiation (S) from the restricted wavelength range from 600 to 640 nm or from 520 to 550 nm, since the forgeries do not luminescence in this range but the originals luminescence red. Detection is therefore effected in the wavelength range from 640 to 700 nm.

Abstract: A banknote discrimination apparatus includes bodies and a plurality of sensors each detachably provided to the bodies and adapted for detecting a banknote. The banknote discrimination apparatus further includes a control unit adapted for discriminating the banknote, based on detection information detected by each sensor. The control unit is configured to discriminate the banknote, by using the detection information detected by one of the plurality of sensors, which is newly attached to one of the bodies, in addition to the detection information detected by the sensor or sensors already attached to the bodies, if the one of the plurality of sensors is attached to the one of the bodies.

Abstract: A bill identification apparatus accurately identifying an authenticity with a folding line formed in a watermark. The bill identification apparatus includes: bill reading means 8; a converter 232 which converts the watermarked image read by the bill reading means 8 for each pixel containing color information having brightness; a image correction processing part 231 which calculates an average density value for each pixel array in one direction, an average density value for each pixel array in the other direction, and an average density value of an entire watermarked image and corrects density values of respective pixels so as to approximate or match the average density value of the entire watermarked image; a reference data storage part 233 which stores a reference watermarked image; an identification processing part 235 which compares the corrected image by the image correction processing part 231 with the reference watermarked image and identifies an authenticity.

Abstract: A video of a negotiable instrument may be provided from a user to a financial institution so that an image of the negotiable instrument may be obtained from the video and deposited in a user's bank account. In an implementation, a user may use a device such as a video camera, a web camera, or a video-enabled phone to convert an endorsed check into a video data file by making a video of the check and storing the video in a video data file. The user may send the video data file to the financial institution, where it may be processed and deposited in an account associated with the user. Any technique for sending a video data file to the financial institution may be used.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus capable of inexpensively performing an authenticity judgment of a bill and a paper sheet on which a bar code is printed is provided. The bill processing apparatus has light emitting parts (80a, 81b) for irradiating an identification object passing through a traveling route with light; a light receiving part (81a) receiving light from the identification object that is irradiated by the light emitting parts (80a, 81b); a determining part (232) determining whether the identification object is a bill or a paper sheet on which a bar code is printed based on the light received by the light receiving part (81a); and a light emission control part controlling the light emission of the light emitting parts (80a, 81b). The light emission control part changes the lighting interval according to the object determined by the determining part (232).

Abstract: The CPU (31) of a banknote handling machine has a window identification portion (312) which judges whether a banknote is windowed; a presence/absence detection portion (316) which detects presence or absence of the banknote through transport path sensors (PSN); a front/rear end identification portion (317) which judges the passage of the front end portion and the rear end portion of the banknote at positions corresponding to the transport path sensors (PSN); an identification stop portion (315) which stops operation of identifying the passage of the rear end portion at a position corresponding to one of the transport path sensors (PSN) by the front/rear end identification portion (317), for a preset identification stop period (LS) from the time when the absence of the banknote is detected, in the case where the presence/absence detection portion (316) detects the absence of the banknote after the front/rear end identification portion (317) judged that the front end passed the position corresponding to one of

Abstract: In a paper sheet processing apparatus comprising a function for determining the state of a paper sheet, an optical sensor generates template data by optically reading the state of an input paper sheet. A template data unit stores template data of a paper sheet. An image processing unit corrects gradation data of the whole paper sheet based on the gradation data of a predetermined area of the paper sheet obtained by the optical sensor. Based on comparison of the corrected gradation data with the template data, the state of the paper sheet is determined.

Abstract: What are proposed are a method and a system for guaranteeing the authenticity or checking the authenticity of documents, in particular banknotes or the like, which each have a substrate (1) with specific substrate features (2), an image of the substrate being recorded before a document is issued and the image data obtained in the process being stored in a manner assigned to document data, in order to keep these data ready for possible later comparison enquiries concerning the authenticity of an issued document.

Abstract: A method and systems for recovering an image and/or information from a document layer(s) is provided. A first light source directs light to the document. A second light source directs light towards a beam splitting mirror which reflects the light towards the document. An image receiver receives the first and second reflected light from the document layer(s). The image receiver passes a signal to a personal computer which processes the received information. Such processing is to establish whether the document includes a retroreflective laminate, a plain polyester laminate, or neither. Additionally, further processing can establish whether the document has been tampered with, altered, or forged.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) operates responsive to data bearing records. Users of the machine may deliver and receive records including individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine such as notes, checks or other documents. Notes assessed by the machine as being of questionable validity may be marked with a removable mark or otherwise identified.

Abstract: In order to carry out an image processing with high precision by using a simple structure, an image processing apparatus is provided with an input unit, a storage unit, a binarization unit, and a determination unit. The input unit inputs image data of an image. The storage unit stores a first condition on absolute positions of pixels in the image and a second condition on positions of pixels relative to a target pixel. The binarization unit binarizes the target pixel based upon a color data of the target pixel and that of at least one related pixel to the target pixel to generate a binarized value. The at least one related pixel in the image satisfies the first and second conditions. The determination unit determines whether or not the image has a specified pattern, based upon the binarized values.

Abstract: An image sensor for detecting a counterfeit bill includes an ultraviolet ray emitting section for emitting ultraviolet rays to a bill to be checked; an image sensor section for acquiring a first image as an image obtained by photographing the bill to be checked in a state in which ultraviolet rays are not emitted by turning off the ultraviolet ray emitting section, and a second image as an image obtained by photographing the bill to be checked in a state in which ultraviolet rays are emitted by turning on the ultraviolet ray emitting section; a storing section for storing the first image and the second image; and a counterfeit bill detecting section for extracting a fluorescent image by removing the first image from the second image stored in the storing section and determining whether the bill to be checked is a counterfeit bill or an original bill.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus, as implemented by a software program on a computer system, for digitally producing counterfeit-deterring scrambled or encoded indicia images. This method and system are capable of combining a source image with a latent image so the scrambled latent image is visible only when viewed through a special decoder lens. The digital processing allows different latent images to be encoded according to different parameters. Additionally, latent images might be encoded into single component colors of an original visible image, at various angles from each other.

Abstract: A bank note processing machine includes a plurality of sensors, a transport system, an input/output device, a control device and an interface. The control device has a memory configured to control elements of the bank note processing machine by means of software and/or data stored in the memory. The interface is arranged to couple memory systems of different kinds to the bank note processing machine in order to alter, supplement or replace software and/or data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency discrimination comprises first and second stationary scanheads, disposed on opposite sides of a bill transport path, for scanning respective first and second opposing surfaces of a bill traveling along the bill transport path and for producing respective output signals. The bill travels along the transport path in the direction of a predetermined dimension of the bill. A memory stores master characteristic patterns corresponding to associated predetermined surfaces of a plurality of denominations of genuine bills. Sampling circuitry samples the output signals associated with the respective first and second opposing surfaces of the scanned bill. A signal processor is programmed to determine which one of the first and second opposing surfaces corresponds to the associated predetermined surfaces of the plurality of denominations of genuine bills.

Abstract: There is described a method for checking the authenticity of security documents, in particular banknotes, wherein authentic security documents comprise security features printed, applied or otherwise provided on the security documents, which security features comprise characteristic visual features intrinsic to the processes used for producing the security documents. The method comprises the steps of (i) acquiring a sample image of at least one region of interest of the surface of a candidate document to be authenticated, which region of interest encompasses at least part of the security features, (ii) digitally processing the sample image by performing a decomposition of the sample image into at least one scale sub-space containing high resolution details of the sample image and extracting classifying features from the scale sub-space, and (iii) deriving an authenticity rating of the candidate document based on the extracted classifying features.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of character and text recognition of a bit-mapped graphic file received from an optical scanning device. The method comprises a trainable template cache, a preliminarily trained feature analysis means, and a context analysis means. The present invention discloses the way to use said means for achieving the best results in recognition. The method supposes that the template cache along with the context analysis means are used as the main shape characteristic analyzing means. The feature analysis means along with the context analysis means are used as subsidiary shape characteristic analyzing means and as a training means for the template cache. The method comprises applying the main shape characteristic analyzing means and optionally applying the subsidiary shape characteristic analyzing means if no or not enough reliability of recognition is achieved after the template cache analyzing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to steganographic encoding. Once claim recites a method including: obtaining plural-bit auxiliary data; creating an original carrier signal representing the plural-bit auxiliary data; reducing information content of the original carrier signal so that the carrier still conveys the plural-bit auxiliary data, yielding a reduced carrier signal; and hiding the reduced carrier signal in host data. Another claim recites a mechanical part including: a metallic surface including a pattern, the pattern conveying plural-bit auxiliary data in a steganographic manner, and the pattern provides at least diffuse reflection. Of course, other claims and combinations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relies on a band moiré image layout model capable of predicting the band moiré image layer layout produced when superposing a base band grating layer of a given layout and revealing line grating layer of a given layout. The base band grating layer, the revealing line grating layer and the resulting band moiré image layout may have a rectilinear or a curvilinear layout. Thanks to the band moiré image layout model, one can choose the layout of two layers selected from the set of base band grating layer, revealing line grating layer and band moiré image layer and obtain the layout of the third layer by computation, i.e. automatically. The presented methods may be used for creating an individualized protection for various categories of documents (banknotes, identity documents, checks, diploma, travel documents, tickets) and valuable products (optical disks, medical drugs, products with affixed labels, watches).

Abstract: A currency examining system for detecting counterfeit currency. There is a magnifying device, substantially above the bill of currency being examined, configured to magnify the image of the currency; a transparent support member, substantially below the magnifying device, whereupon currency for examination may be placed; and a light unit, substantially below the transparent support member, configured to illuminate so as to show light through the transparent support member. Additionally there is a security mark index display, being configured to provide indicia of various security marks for determining authenticity of a bill of currency. The currency examining system also includes an adjustable frame member; a reflective member configured to reflect and direct light from the light unit generally towards the bill of currency being examined; and a control device in communication with the light unit, configured to control the intensity of light emitted from the light unit.

Abstract: Verification of areas within an image corresponding to banknotes includes dividing the image into a plurality of image sections; generating a banknote boundary map having border sections corresponding to a boundary of monetary banknotes within the image; generating a texture decision map having texture sections within a valid range according to a valid monetary banknote; determining a number of objects in the texture decision map by removing texture sections in the texture decision map that correspond to the border sections in the banknote boundary map; calculating a texture property value for each object; calculating a shape property value for each object; and further removing texture sections from the texture decision map corresponding to objects that do not have the texture property value within a first predetermined range and the shape property value within a second predetermined range.

Abstract: A multifunctional portable electronic device includes a camera module, a central processing unit and a display module. The came module is configured to capture images of the anti-counterfeit parts of a to-be-tested item. The central processing unit is configured to receive the images captured by the camera module, compare the images with anti-counterfeit template images of anti-counterfeit parts of a genuine item pre-stored in memory, and determine whether the to-be-tested item is genuine. The display module is configured to show the determined result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medium recognition apparatus for determining the type of a medium by using color information obtained by scanning the inserted medium, as well as a method for determining the type of a medium by using the apparatus. Color information and size information obtained by scanning only a partial region of a medium image, the hue of the medium image scanned by the image sensor, or RGB channel color information scanned by the color sensor is compared with pre-stored reference information to determine the type of the medium. This guarantees that the type of the medium is determined quickly and accurately based on simple comparing results.

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: Currency is validated by comparing identifying information extracted from the currency, such as a serial number associated with the currency, to identifying information in a list corresponding to invalid currency, such as counterfeit currency. If the extracted identifying information matches identifying information on the list, the currency is deemed invalid. A photograph or thumbprint image can be obtained by a person using the invalid currency to help in later identification of that individual. Optical character recognition techniques can be used to extract the identifying information.

Abstract: In a discriminating apparatus, a substrate portion of printed matter is irradiated with a light beam emitted from a light source, and the intensity of the light beam reflected from the substrate is detected by a photodetector. The discrimination as to whether the printed matter is the original or a reproduction is performed by a discriminating unit based on the contrast value in the intensity of the reflected light detected by the photodetector. Thus, the discriminating apparatus discriminates whether the printed matter is the original or a reproduction at high speed and also permits lowering the possibility of an erroneous discrimination.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) detector for detecting and verifying the authenticity of documents placed therein and exposed to UV light and white light backlighting. The UV detector includes a detector housing, and a viewing chamber having a viewing mirror mounted therein for viewing documents. The detector housing also includes a document insertion slot for inserting documents into the viewing chamber adjacent to the viewing mirror. The detector housing further includes an LED holder for holding one or more LED'S to provide a source of UV light in the viewing chamber which is transmitted to the viewing mirror and to the documents for identifying UV activated features on the documents. Additionally, the detector housing includes an LED and translucent member disposed therein for providing diffuse visible white light for identifying watermarks on the documents. A user looks into the viewing chamber for viewing the UV activated features and watermarks on the documents.

Abstract: A method of testing a document comprises deriving a plurality of measurements from the document at a resolution R and processing the measurements to derive values at a different resolution.

Abstract: In order to check the authenticity of a banknote or other such document it is printed with two patches of magnetisable ink, and each patch is magnetised to present a multipole sequence of alternating polarity. If the document is folded to bring the two patches together and then rubbed to and fro in the direction of the pole sequences, they will be subject to alternating forces of attraction and repulsion which can be sensed through the fingertips and gives the impression of a physically rippled texture notwithstanding that the patches actually have a smooth surface. The presence or absence of this effect can therefore be used to distinguish between a genuine document bearing such magnetised patches and a counterfeit which may be visually identical but lacks the correct magnetisation. In a variant only one of the patches is printed on the document itself and the other is on a separate “key” device which is rubbed over it to test for the presence of the correct magnetisation.

Abstract: A currency genuineness detection system using plurality of opto-electronic sensors with both transmission and reflective (including fluorescence) properties of security documents is developed. Both detection sensing strategies utilize integrated response of the wide optical band sensed under UV visible along with optional near infra red light illumination. A security document is examined under static condition. A window signal signature is thus possible from photodetectors responses for various kinds of documents of different denominations, kinds and country of origin. A programmable technique for checking the genuineness of a security document is possible by feeding a unique code of the currency under examination.

Abstract: A method for detecting a boundary of a monetary banknote within an image includes dividing the image into a plurality of sections; generating a color feature map containing color histogram data for each section of the image; generating a gray level feature map indicating a gray level value for each section of the image; recording border sections onto a banknote boundary map, the border sections being sections having color histogram data within a first predetermined range and gray level values within a second predetermined range; removing internal border sections enclosed by perimeter border sections from the banknote boundary map; and dilating the perimeter border sections on the banknote boundary map.

Abstract: A method for verifying areas within an image corresponding to monetary banknotes includes: dividing the image into a plurality of verification sections; generating a banknote boundary map having border sections corresponding to boundaries of valid monetary banknotes; generating a texture decision map from the image having texture sections each having texture values within a valid range according to a valid monetary banknote, determining objects in the texture decision map by removing texture sections in the texture decision map corresponding to border sections in the banknote boundary map; calculating a texture property value for objects according to texture feature values for each verification section; calculating shape property values for each object; and further removing texture sections from the texture decision map corresponding to objects that do not have the texture property value within a first predetermined range and the shape property value within a second predetermined range.

Abstract: Character recognition is described. In one embodiment, it may use matched sequences rather than character shape to determine a computer-legible result.

Abstract: A document processing system includes an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past an image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The image scanner operates to obtain images of the documents and further operates to obtain images of selected portions of the documents, and further can obtain information contained in the selected portions. The discrimination unit operates to determine document authenticity. A system controller directs the flow of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A system for automatic detection of authenticity of security documents by measuring reflected components of incident energy in three or more optical wave bands. The system involves the use of UV-visible light source, an optional near infra red light source, photodetectors and associated sensing circuitry. Photoelectric signals generated by photodetectors from the reflected energy received from a security document are used to verify its authenticity under UV-visible along with optional near infra red illumination. The process involves measurement of energy reflected as photoelectric signals from a security document in at least three optical wavebands by suitably located photodetectors with appropriate wave band filters and the electronic signal processing to distinguish between a genuine document from a fake one for ultimate LED indicator display and audio-visual alarms, hence the detection of fake security document.

Abstract: The invention describes a process to prevent counterfeiting or alteration of a printed or engraved surface, characterized by the incorporation of a signature of the form of a digital mark into parts or the entire document, and in particular a digital mark technology to hide information in an invisible way through over-printing by using a method called asymmetric amplitude modulation. This method can be applied to any type of printed material such paper, packaging, or any other surface. Visible information can also be printed over the digital mark. As an application example, applied to a paper document the digital mark can be used to guarantee the document authenticity, as it would be destroyed by a copy process.

Abstract: A counterfeit currency detector including a tubular body having a forward end and a rearward end, a contact assembly mounted at the forward end of the tubular body, and a counterfeit solution applicator mounted at the rearward end of the tubular body. The contact assembly includes an ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: A method of counting currency documents including a plurality of coded data portions thereon. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the currency document and the method includes, sensing at least one coded data portion for each currency document using a sensing device. This is used to generate indicating data, which is transferred to a computer system, to allow the computer system to determine the identity for each currency document. The identity is then used to determine a value for each currency document, allowing the documents to be counted.

Abstract: A system for processing deposits and/or withdrawals in a financial institution accepts a plurality of documents, including currency bills, at an input receptacle of a document-processing device, converts the image of at least some of the documents to electronic data representing the image. The currency bills are denominated by the document processing device, and the total value of the bills included in each deposit is accumulated. Whenever the total value of the bills in a deposit exceeds a prescribed value, a report may be generated containing at least an identification of the specified account, the total value of the bills in the deposit, and the serial numbers of the bills. The serial numbers may be extracted from images of the bills.

Abstract: A U.S. currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of U.S. currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. According to one embodiment the device comprises an input receptacle positioned to receive a stack of bills to be evaluated and at least one output receptacle positioned to receive bills after evaluation. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to the at least one output receptacle. The device also comprises a denomination discriminating unit adapted to denominate bills of a plurality of U.S. denominations. According to some embodiments, the device is adapted to deliver any bill that has been denominated to one and only one of the at least one output receptacle. According to some embodiments, the device has a single output receptacle.

Abstract: A coding method codes a sequence of digitized images with a plurality of macro blocks in error-prone networks in which case the macro blocks in a section of the image are coded in a first intra-coding mode depending on predetermined criteria. In addition, the macro blocks in a section of the image are coded in a second intra-coding mode or in an inter-coding mode in which case in the inter-coding mode for the macro blocks, movement vectors are selected from the number of accessible reference images. The selection from the number of accessible reference images is limited in such a way that referencing takes place from image areas that were not subjected to the first intra-coding mode at a later stage.

Abstract: An image processing system according to the invention comprises a valuable information processing apparatus which manages valuable information equivalent to money, and an image forming apparatus which is connected to the valuable information processing apparatus and forms an image according to the valuable information. The image forming apparatus stores read or input image data into image data memory means. Then, image data stored in the image data memory means is invalidated when the valuable information to be managed by the valuable information processing apparatus fulfills a predetermined condition.