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 utilise 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: Immediate recognition of deposits and other transactions may be provided by a financial institution for transactions conducted at a remote location. The financial institution may receive transaction data from a device at the remote location and immediately acknowledge the transaction and provide a non-provisional credit to an entity's account. The device may include various currency handling devices such as automatic teller machines (ATM), self-payment kiosks, cash registers and the like. A financial institution may further provide a real-time cash position of an entity across multiple currency handling devices of the entity.

Abstract: A method of processing information items, the method comprises the steps of: for an information item comprising primarily text information: analysing text information of the information item to detect a set of constituent information elements relating to that information item; detecting for each of the constituent information elements a respective degree of relative significance based on the frequency and/or nature of occurrence of the constituent information elements with respect to that information item; selecting a subset of at least two most significant constituent information elements; and generating a pseudo-image representative of the information item, the representative pseudo-image comprising the selected subset of constituent information elements arranged in a predetermined image layout such that: the most significant constituent information element of the subset is represented with most prominence and at a first predetermined region within the representative pseudo-image; and the one or more oth

Abstract: A bill handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a bill insertion slot into which a bill is inserted, a bill feeding mechanism for feeding the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot, a sensor for reading the fed bill, and a bill identifying section for identifying authentication of the bill read by the sensor, a sensor board on which the sensor is installed, and a control board for controlling each operation of the bill feeding mechanism, the sensor and the bill identifying section. The bill handling apparatus further has a first connector installed on the sensor board, and a second connector installed on the control board, and the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other for electrical continuity.

Abstract: A method for developing a template of a reference document, such as a bank note and using that template to validate other test documents. The method involves using images of a plurality of reference documents, such as banknotes and segmenting each image in a like manner into a plurality of segments. Each segment is then classified using a one-class classifier to determine a reference classification parameter. These parameters are used to define a threshold reference classification parameter. Optionally, the step of segmenting is optimized to determine a preferred number of segments, and a preferred combination of these for use in a subsequent validation process. Preferably, this is done using a stochastic algorithm such as a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: An optical system is usable for forming an illuminated pattern on the surface of a material which is being displaced with respect to that illuminated pattern. An illuminating device, which includes several light sources that are driven in a pulsed manner by a control unit, emits light that is used to form the illuminated pattern. A detection device detects the light emitted by the illuminating device. The control unit controls one individual light source, or a group of light sources. An operating time of the light source or sources is synchronized with an exposure time of the detection device. The operating time of the light source is shorter than the exposure time of the detection device.

Abstract: Paper currency is conveyed to a resend area 522 when deposited paper currency is folded paper currency, wherein a front corner thereof, relative to the direction of conveyance, is folded, based on information that is read in from a sensor unit 530a. In the resend area 522, the folded location is up. The folded paper currency is resent within the resend area 522. The action of the conveying rollers 551 and 552 corrects the fold of the paper currency within the resend area 522.

Abstract: An anti-piracy system introduces distortion into a recorded image, while maintaining a high quality projected image. The video source material includes modulated entities for providing artifacts incompatible with the content of the video source material and selectively deliverable information that the projection system uses to demodulate the entities. A projector receives the information about the modulated entity and corrects, or demodulates, the entity. The projection system also imposes a recording device dependent interference on the projected images.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system for authenticating a document includes a first magnetic scanhead adapted to create a first magnetic field for saturating the magnetization of an area on each of the bills. The magnetic detection system further includes a second magnetic scanhead with an electromagnet. The electromagnet is capable of creating a second magnetic field of adjustable intensity. The second magnetic field is the opposite polarity of the first magnetic field. The intensity of the second magnetic field is adjusted by changing the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet is based upon a characteristic of the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of document authentication and more specifically to an apparatus and method for validating an enhanced feature contained in a document under analysis. More specifically, a cross plane comparison is used within a document comparison system to validate the authenticity of a security document. Two images are extracted from two color-planes (e.g. visible light and infrared) of a specified page of a security document and the presence/absence of a pattern or text in each plane is determined. In operation, the security document is exposed to two light sources and grey scale images are extracted. Binary images are then obtained from the grey scale images by filtering each grey scale image and then thresholding each grey scale image. The difference between the two binary images is then calculated to determine if a pattern or text is present in both planes or only in one plane.

Abstract: An authenticity determination method and an apparatus for determining the authenticity of solid object having a random and readable intrinsic characteristic distributed on the surface thereof are disclosed. In this method and apparatus, reference data expressing the characteristic distributed on the genuine solid object are acquired, and cross-checking data expressing the characteristic distributed on the solid object to be determined for authenticity are derived.

Abstract: A bill handling apparatus having a thickness detection sensor 401 for detecting the thickness of bills; optical sensors 405 and 406 for acquiring images of the profiles and surfaces of the bills; a judgment unit for judging the positions and directions of folds of the bills with the use of signals obtained with the thickness detection sensor 401 and the optical sensors 405 and 406; and a control unit for exercising control such that if a judgment result of the judgment unit shows that the position and direction of a fold of a folded bill are unlikely to cause double bill transfer during bill transfer by considering the relationship of the folded bill to a bill located immediately before or after the folded bill, the folded bill is kept in the apparatus without being returned to the user.

Abstract: A contents border detection apparatus and monitoring method. The apparatus comprises a digital watermark detector for detecting a digital watermark embedded in contents for which a time element is provided; and a border detector for detecting border locations for the contents corresponding to the state of the digital watermark detected by the digital watermark detector. The border detector includes a first border specification device for specifying the border locations for the contents based on information, written in the digital watermark, that is detected by the digital watermark detector and includes a second border specification device for specifying the border locations for the contents based on bit patterns embedded as the digital watermark. The border locations for the contents are detected by using the process result obtained both by the first and the second border specification devices.

Abstract: A method for detecting an image corresponding to at least a monetary banknote is provided. The method includes selecting a detection procedure from a plurality of different detection procedures, and verifying the image according to the selected detection procedure. A method for performing a currency type analysis operation on an image corresponding to at least a monetary banknote is provided. The method includes respectively assigning a plurality of bit values to a plurality of currency types to create a currency type definition table, performing a color analysis operation on the image to generate a color analysis operation result, and determining a currency type of the monetary banknote according to the color analysis operation result and the currency type definition table.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system for authenticating a document includes a first magnetic scanhead adapted to create a first magnetic field for saturating the magnetization of an area on each of the bills. The magnetic detection system further includes a second magnetic scanhead with an electromagnet. The electromagnet is capable of creating a second magnetic field of adjustable intensity. The second magnetic field is the opposite polarity of the first magnetic field. The intensity of the second magnetic field is adjusted by changing the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet is based upon a characteristic of the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along one of its dimensions. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with a preselected dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A paper sheets feature detector 20, through which a banknote 21 is carried and passed is provided with a carrying-in sensor part 22, a transmissive and reflective line light sensor 23, a magnetic sensor 24, a thickness sensor 27, and a carrying-out sensor part 28. When a watermark part of the banknote 21 is measured by the line light sensor 23, a watermark pattern is detected by a light transmissive sensor, and that pattern is not detected by a light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote. Watermark braille is similarly processed. When the thread is detected by the light transmissive sensor and the thread is not detected by the light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor illuminates a banknote as it passes through an evaluation channel in a manner to locate the banknote in the width of the channel. A photo sensor array receives reflected light from the surface of the banknote and has a series of responsive divisions across an illuminated banknote. These divisions are sampled and analysed according to the banknote position to determine the authenticity of the banknote. Both apparatus and method steps are disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a sheet paper identification device and method capable of preventing use of the device in an abnormal state by preventing erroneous identification caused by dust attached to an interior of a pickup section, detecting the abnormal state in the pickup section due to the dust, and notifying it outside. When a sheet paper is inserted from a sheet paper insert section (3), the sheet paper is fed by a sheet paper feed section (4). An image pickup section (7) images the interior of the image pickup section (7) before the sheet paper is fed to the image pickup section (7) so as to acquire image data without any sheet paper so as to acquire image data having the sheet paper. A dust detection section (8) calculates the position and the area of the image indicating dust of the image data having no sheet paper.

Abstract: A device and method for reading and authenticating currency serial numbers to prevent counterfeiting and other money-related crime is provided. The device may be retrofitted to be installed in an existing money counting machine, and may read serial numbers of currency that passes through the counting machine. The serial numbers can be captured from stationary currency prior to entering the counting machine, and the serial numbers may be authenticated by comparing the number against various databases.

Abstract: A discrimination machine optically senses an object having a surface with a planar structure while scanning the planar structure along the surface. The machine includes a discrimination sensor including optical devices detecting light generated from the planar structure. The optical devices are disposed at an interval in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a scanning direction, to ensure a sufficiently wide sensing area for the object. A deviation detector detects deviation of the planar structure from a plane based on electrical signals output from the respective optical devices detecting the light generated by the object while the discrimination sensor is scanning the object. An optical device selector selects an optical device, from among the optical devices, based on the deviation detected. A determination is made as to whether the electrical signal output from the optical device selected is within an allowable margin.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor for authenticating a banknote 2, has a sensing station S with detector 18 that produces image signals corresponding to a face the banknote. A processor 24 pre-processes the image signals and compares them with stored reference data corresponding to an acceptable banknote from memory 25 to determining the authenticity of the banknote and its denomination. A display device 29 displays an image 31 corresponding to the banknote under test based on the image signals from the detector 18, to allow the user to perform a visual check that the banknote detected at the sensing station corresponds to the banknote under test presented by the user. Also, the detected denomination of the banknote is displayed on device 32. The user can accept or reject the banknote using buttons 33 and 34, and retrieve images of previously accepted banknotes with button 35.

Abstract: A security document comprising artwork including a security pattern, characterized in that the security pattern has the form of a line structure in which lines width or line spacing is adjusted to carry predefined data. The artwork is generated by the modifying at least one color of at least a part of the artwork to embed the security pattern in the artwork. Methods for detecting the security pattern include use of a frequency domain structure to detect the security pattern despite rotation and scaling of the document, use of signal tiling to improve signal detection, and use of statistical analyses to verify detection of the security pattern.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light is used for checking the authenticity of sheet material, in particular bank notes, whereby the ultraviolet light transmitted, i.e., pervading the sheet material to be checked, is used for checking authenticity.

Abstract: A system for processing currency and other media includes a compact currency bill processing device, a coin scale, and a controlling device. The compact currency bill processing device is adapted to count and determine the denomination of currency bills received in an input receptacle and transported, one bill at a time, to at least one output receptacle. The coin scale adapted to receive and determine a coin total for at least one group of coins of a single denomination. The controlling device is communicatively coupled to the currency bill processing device and the coin scale, and includes an integrated keypad and printer. The keypad is adapted to manually receive information from an operator, and the printer is adapted to print a hardcopy of information associated with the currency bills, the coins, and other media.

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: Techniques and systems are disclosed to perform, in some examples, the steps of receiving a note or an image of a note, imaging at least a portion of the note, determining a value of at least one field indicated by a predetermined identifier of the note through character and mark recognition, and storing information regarding the note in a memory. The information regarding the note that may be stored in a memory may be forwarded to a regulatory agency or an external entity for reporting or record-keeping.

Abstract: The invention discloses a currency recognition apparatus and an information updating method thereof. The currency recognition apparatus according to the invention includes a transmitting module and an updatable memory. The transmitting module receives or transmits the updated information related to the currency recognition apparatus through a network. The updatable memory is electrically connected to the transmitting module and stores the updated information.

Abstract: Systems for preparation of a mark and authentication of a mark vis-a-vis a counterfeit mark. Emission spectra comprising intensity versus wavelength distributions are collected from a series of taggants. One or more taggants is selected from the collected emission data such that the spectra of the selected taggants are distinguishable. The selection is also based on a consideration of the emitted radiation of a substrate and a dispersive medium. The authentication system uses multivariate statistical analysis to calculate at least one measurement statistic of a mark to be authenticated and at least one statistical limit based on a series of training marks prepared by the preparation system. Authenticity of the mark is determined based on a comparison of the measurement statistic and the statistical limit.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises 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 image scanner and the discrimination unit. The image scanner obtains an image of the documents, obtains an image of a selected area of the documents, and obtains information contained in the selected area of the document. The discrimination unit determines the authenticity of the document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of U.S. currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of U.S. currency bills of a plurality of denominations to be evaluated. According to one embodiment, a transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle along a transport path at a rate of at least about 800 bills per minute. A denomination discriminating unit which includes a detector positioned along the transport path evaluates the bills. The device comprises a single denominated bill output receptacle positioned to receive bills whose denomination have been determined by the discriminating unit including bills of a plurality of denominations. A separate stacker bin is provided and a diverter positioned along the transport path routes bills whose denomination cannot be determined to the separate stacker bin.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) comprises: a fascia (12) having a note entry/exit slot (56); and a note processing module (60) for processing notes deposited via the slot. The note processing module (60) includes a note transport mechanism (70, 70A) for transporting notes between the slot and a note imaging means (74) arranged to scan the notes at a first speed. The transport mechanism includes a loop (70A) arranged to transport notes through the imaging means (74) a second time at a second speed, the first speed being greater than said second speed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a controlling unit that controls all units of the image forming apparatus, a reading unit that reads an image, a processing unit that generates image data based on the image read, a recognizing unit that recognizes a ground tint pattern in the image read, and a detecting unit that detects an abnormality in the recognizing unit. When the recognizing unit recognizes a ground tint pattern in an image read, the controlling unit controls the processing unit to perform a special processing on the image. When the detecting unit detects an abnormality in the recognizing unit, the controlling unit controls the image forming apparatus according to the abnormality.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing banknotes or other sheet-like objects, the banknotes are conveyed along a transport path, thereby passing sensor means. A transmission and a reflection image of the banknote are captured by illuminating the banknotes and measuring the transmittive and reflective light intensity of light with a high resolution. Based on these images, a validation of the banknotes is carried out. After the validation, a double feed detection is performed by evaluating the transmission and the reflection intensities for a predefined set of test spots with a two-dimensional evaluation. If it is decided on double feed, the banknotes are rejected. Otherwise the banknotes are accepted and further processed. Because of the additional dimension in the evaluation compared with known double detection methods, the invention enables a more robust double note detection also in cases with different degrees of soiling of the banknotes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bill discriminating and counting apparatus having a function of handling bills of a plurality of currency systems with one machine. That is to say, by providing a plurality of START/STOP keys for starting discriminating and counting of the bills, and by assigning the bills of different currency systems to each of them, the bills of a plurality of currency systems may be handled only by operating the START/STOP key corresponding to the currency system, without performing selection and setting of the currency system each time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus authenticating a bill. The method irradiates infrared light having a predetermined wavelength onto a print area of a genuine bill from a light emitting unit, stores transmitted light data of light transmitted through the genuine bill as reference data, irradiates infrared light having the predetermined wavelength onto a print area of the bill to be authenticated from the light emitting unit, and compares transmitted light data of infrared light transmitted through the bill with the reference data. The method further determines in advance a region different in visibility under visible light and under infrared light as a specific region in a print area of the bill, applies a predetermined weighting to the transmitted light data of light in the specific regions of the bill to be authenticated and the genuine bill, and compares the weighted data with each other. Based on comparison results the bill is authenticated.

Abstract: A method of processing documents includes receiving a stack of documents including currency bills and substitute currency media. Each substitute currency medium has at least one barcode. The method further includes transporting the stack of documents via a transport mechanism, one document at a time, along a transport path and denominating with a currency detector each of the currency bills in the stack of documents. The currency detector is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes scanning with a barcode scanner a barcode on each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents. The barcode scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes imaging with an image scanner each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents to generate a raw image file of the substitute currency medium. The image scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to encode substrates (e.g., paper, synthetics, etc.) with information, and substrates including signals encoded therein. One claim recites a substrate-making process including: obtaining an element to be utilized in a substrate-making process, the element including a property to introduce a texture pattern including an encoded signal into a substrate, the encoded signal being machine-detectable from image data corresponding to at least a portion of the texture pattern, the encoded signal including a variable component; and utilizing the element to impart the texture pattern into a substrate during the substrate-making process. Another claim recites a physical substrate including: a surface having a texture pattern provided in the surface during a substrate-making process. The texture pattern includes a machine-readable signal that is detectable from image data corresponding to at least a portion of the texture pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking bank notes which scans the bank notes to be checked by means of a semiconductor array, including two linear semiconductor arrays formed of at least three layers which are sensitive to light of different wave-lengths, a first linear semiconductor array scanning the bank notes in a defined range of spectral sensitivity of the semiconductor (e.g. in the visible range), and a second linear semiconductor array scanning the bank notes in a range different therefrom (e.g. of invisible infrared light). From the signals of the two arrays a color image of the bank note and at least one image in the range of invisible light are obtained by suitable combination.

Abstract: To perform notes detection, candidate reference marks are identified in a document. A starting note zone is identified in the document. A pair of similar reference marks is identified from the candidate reference marks including a first reference mark in the note zone and a second reference mark outside the note zone. The document is marked up to indicate a note associated with the first and second reference marks.

Abstract: A method for testing a printing system for printing information-embedded regions includes transmitting a test sheet data file to a print service provider. The test sheet data file includes a plurality of complete or incomplete information-embedded regions. A sample printed using the test sheet data file is received from the print service provider. The printed sample is evaluated, and a record of the evaluation is created. The evaluation record is stored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for creating, providing and documenting assembly and test instructions comprising the following components; an acquisition device (1), an interactive electronic documentation device (5) connected thereto for processing the captured assembly and test instructions, to which device a telephone and address directory (6) and a document management system (7) for exchanging status messages, order-specific assembly and test documents, text modules, control files and order data are connected, a signature device (9) for verifying documents (8) created by the documentation device (5) and an archive system (11) which is connected to the signature device (9) and the document management system (7).

Abstract: A method of sorting documents of value comprises: a) forming a stack of documents of value, the stack including two or more batches of documents of value, each batch of documents of value being provided with first and second separators to separate the batch from an adjacent batch; and, b) sequentially feeding all the documents in the stack through a sorting machine to inspect the documents and to sort the documents into one or more output stations in dependence upon the results of the inspection, and sorting all first separators to a separator output station.

Abstract: A currency processing device for receiving a stack of U.S. currency bills and rapidly processing all the bills in the stack, the device comprising: an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of U.S.

Abstract: A system 100 for authenticating a physical product 110, such as a banknote, including at least one physical product and a verification device 130. The physical product including a random distribution of a plurality of physically detectable particles 112 in a substrate of the product. In association with the physical product, a digital representation (114) is stored (‘stored representation’) of measured physical properties of the particles including an actual distribution of at least some of the particles, where the physical properties are measured through reflection and transmission. The verification device includes a measurement unit 450 for determining a digital representation (‘measured representation’) based on measurements of physical properties of the particles, including an actual distribution of at least some of the particles, through reflection and transmission; and a comparison unit 470 for comparing the measured representation with the stored representation.

Abstract: The device will make it easy to recognize an individual object located at a specific location using radio frequency ID tags. The device includes an object having an object main body, a tag provided with the object main body, and a display section provided with the object main body to display the information corresponding to the ID information stored on the tag.

Abstract: An initial search method uses the input image and the template to create an initial search result output. A high precision match uses the initial search result, the input image, and the template to create a high precision match result output. The high precision match method estimates high precision parameters by image interpolation and interpolation parameter optimization. The method also performs robust matching by limiting pixel contribution or pixel weighting. An invariant high precision match method estimates subpixel position and subsampling scale and rotation parameters by image interpolation and interpolation parameter optimization on the log-converted radial-angular transformation domain.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises 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 image scanner and the discrimination unit. The image scanner obtains an image of the documents, obtains an image of a selected area of the documents, and obtains information contained in the selected area of the document. The discrimination unit determines the authenticity of the document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

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.