Abstract: An apparatus for decoding a sequence of pictures from a data stream is configured for decoding a picture of the sequence by: deriving a residual transform signal of the picture from the data stream; combining the residual transform signal with a buffered transform signal of a previous picture of the sequence so as to obtain a transform signal of the picture, the transform signal representing the picture in spectral components; and subjecting the transform signal to a spectral-to-spatial transformation, wherein the buffered transform signal comprises a selection out of spectral components representing the previous picture.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining the denomination and related data for a currency item using a personal computing device, such as a mobile phone. The device includes or is connected to an image capture device that is preferably a digital video camera. At least one image of a target currency item is captured then processed for image quality. A further processing of the image includes a coordinate mapping. A comparison is made between individual pixels of the processed image based on the assigned coordinate mapping with a database of reference currency images to determine the currency denomination. Additional processing of the currency image provides the date and other data regarding the target currency item. A market value for the target currency item is identified by reference to a valuation database using the data determined for the currency item.

Abstract: A device for spatially normalizing a medical image includes: an adaptive template generation unit configured such that when a plurality of functional medical images are input to a deep learning architecture, the adaptive template generation unit generates, based on prestored learning data, an adaptive template for spatially normalizing the plurality of functional medical images; a learning unit configured to learn by repeating a process of generating an image from an input functional medical image of a user based on the adaptive template through a generative adversarial network (GAN) and determine authenticity of the generated image; and a spatial normalization unit configured to provide the functional medical image of the user which is spatially normalized based on results of the learning.

Abstract: A system classifies materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system, such as a neural network, in order to identify or classify each of the materials as either a monetary coin or not a monetary coin, which may then be sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification. Such a system can sort monetary coins from other forms of scrap, which may have been produced from a shredding of end of life vehicles.

Abstract: A scene-based non-uniformity correction method to achieve a fixed-pattern noise reduction and eliminate ghosting artifacts based on robust parameter updates via a confident inter-frame registration and spatio-temporally consistent correction coefficients. The method includes the steps of: Assessing an input image frame whether the input image frame has a sufficient scene detail for registrations to prevent false registrations originated from low-detail scenes, calculating horizontal and vertical translations between frames to find a shift, introducing a scene-adaptive registration quality metric to eliminate erroneous parameter updates resulting from unreliable registrations and applying a Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based temporal consistency restriction to mask out unstable updates in non-uniformity correction parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for authentication by combining a Reverse Turing Test (RTT) with password-based user authentication protocols to provide improved resistance to brute force attacks. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for user authentication, the method including receiving a username/password pair associated with a user; requesting one or more responses to a first Reverse Turing Test (RTT); and granting access to the user if a valid response to the first RTT is received and the username/password pair is valid.

Abstract: A coin identification system and method is disclosed for determining the identity of a source coin by way of image processing. The system comprises a source coin image capture means, an image processing means, and an output that relays information to the user or sorts the coin according to its match results. The processing means compares at least one image of the source coin to a plurality of reference coin images, whereby the image of the source coin is manipulated and overlaid onto the reference coin images to determine if a match is available with a given probability. An embodiment of the system employs a coin collection and sorting device. Another embodiment contemplates a handheld electronic device that captures and processes the source coin. Both embodiments may connect to a remote server housing the reference coin information or store the information locally.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for optical coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining a digital image of a coin, identifying the outline of the coin using a suitable algorithm, and determining the diameter of the coin using the outline of the coin. The method of this embodiment further includes generating a rectangular image of the coin using, for example, a log-polar transform, generating a series of, for example, Fourier transforms from the rectangular image, and identifying spectral peak locations and intensities in the Fourier transform results. The diameter of the coin, spectral peak location, spectral peak intensity of the coin and/or other aspects of the coin can then be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.

Abstract: A method for identifying counterfeit coins, comprising receiving surface image data and edge image data of the coin at a processor. Identifying a plurality of defects using the processor. Comparing each of the plurality of defects to a database of known authentic coin image data defects to determine whether the coin is authentic.

Abstract: A method includes: capturing an image of a coin, locating an acquisition area of the image using a landmark of the coin, the acquisition area comprising a feature unique to the coin and generating a digital representation of the acquisition area.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automated precious metal bullion authentication apparatus and system that, without human intervention, develops and disseminates information to enable a user to distinguish between genuine and non-genuine precious metals bullion items. The systems and devices may work together with third-party hardware or software and, with Internet access, may be utilized 24/7, 365 days a year. The system or device enables a user to receive directly at a point of sale, or anywhere in public or private, information regarding whether an item is genuine or not. Information regarding genuineness of an item may be provided to the user before, during, or after a monetary or non-monetary exchange or transaction between individuals or entities. The system or device identifies and authenticates precious metal bullion items automatically through a multiplicity of procedures and renders a conclusion based on data from acquired digital images and other physical measurements.

Abstract: Herein described is a computer based system, a computer-readable storage media, and a method for optimizing the amount of currency transferred to a custodial inventory vault of a depository institution. The currency comprises ten and twenty dollar bills. For example, the method comprises determining a first amount of ten and twenty dollar bills, subtracting a second amount corresponding to a minimum vault holding requirement from the first amount to yield a third amount. The third amount is transferred along with a predetermined fourth amount to the custodial inventory vault of the depository institution. The predetermined fourth amount may be chosen to minimize or obviate an occurrence of an ending cash balance of ten and twenty dollar bills being less than the second amount. The third and fourth amounts of ten and twenty dollars bills are held in the custodial inventory vault and provide a monetary benefit for the depository institution.

Abstract: A method and system for prevention of dust accumulation on a coin sensor assembly (67) in a coin handling machine (60), includes a lower optical element (83, 90) positioned below a coin track (63) and then either, or both of, 1) blowing off dust that tends to accumulate on the cover (83) for the lower optical element (90) and 2) coating the cover (83) for the lower optical element (90) with a transparent conductive coating (83a) that is electrically grounded to prevent accumulation of dust due to static electrical attraction. A fan unit (82) is positioned adjacent the cover (83) for blowing dust off the cover (83) during operation of the coin handling machine (60). The method and system is preferably a optical reflector system with an upper optical element in the form of a reflector (86, 87) and a transparent conductive coating of material (87a) is also provided on the reflector (86, 87).

Abstract: An image coding method determines one of frame coding and field coding while suppressing an increase in the complexity. The image coding method includes coding a current picture included in the pictures; determining whether a picture next to the current picture is to be coded in frame coding or field coding, depending on motion information that is information for indicating a motion in the current picture; and coding the next picture in frame coding when it is determined in the determining that the next picture is to be coded in frame coding, and coding the next picture in field coding when it is determined in the determining that the next picture is to be coded in field coding.

Abstract: Systems for processing digital check image files include an image classification module programmed to review a plurality of attributes associated with a digital check image file including at least one check image, and to categorize the digital check image file into at least one category of a plurality of categories, and a decision module programmed to decide how to process the digital check image file based on the category.

Abstract: A coin identification method and apparatus capable of reliably acquiring stable two-dimensional images of both surfaces of coins 217, and using the acquired two-dimensional images to perform identification and discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between coin denomination, types, dates and origins of mint. In a coin pathway, imaging devices 207a,b are positioned at an image-capture position such that images above and below the surface of passing coins are captured under illumination. The coin denomination is identified by geometric measurements of enhanced images, the coin type is identified by matching templates to enhanced images, and the coin date and mint are identified using template matching to segmented sub-images. In one embodiment, the coin identification information is used for the promotion of a coin counting service. The results are displayed in an entertaining and engaging manner.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for optical coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining a digital image of a coin, identifying the outline of the coin using a suitable algorithm, and determining the diameter of the coin using the outline of the coin. The method of this embodiment further includes generating a rectangular image of the coin using, for example, a log-polar transform, generating a series of, for example, Fourier transforms from the rectangular image, and identifying spectral peak locations and intensities in the Fourier transform results. The diameter of the coin, spectral peak location, spectral peak intensity of the coin and/or other aspects of the coin can then be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.

Abstract: A coin identification system and method is disclosed for determining the identity of a source coin by way of image processing. The system comprises a source coin image capture means, an image processing means, and an output that relays information to the user or sorts the coin according to its match results. The processing means compares at least one image of the source coin to a plurality of reference coin images, whereby the image of the source coin is manipulated and overlaid onto the reference coin images to determine if a match is available with a given probability. An embodiment of the system employs a coin collection and sorting device. Another embodiment contemplates a handheld electronic device that captures and processes the source coin. Both embodiments may connect to a remote server housing the reference coin information or store the information locally.

Abstract: A coin identification method and apparatus capable of reliably acquiring stable two-dimensional images of both surfaces of coins 217, and using the acquired two-dimensional images to perform identification and discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between coin denomination, types, dates and origins of mint. In a coin pathway, imaging devices 207a,b are positioned at an image-capture position such that images above and below the surface of passing coins are captured under illumination. The coin denomination is identified by geometric measurements of enhanced images, the coin type is identified by matching templates to enhanced images, and the coin date and mint are identified using template matching to segmented sub-images. In one embodiment, the coin identification information is used for the promotion of a coin counting service. The results are displayed in an entertaining and engaging manner.

Abstract: A transaction processing apparatus includes a display unit, a base unit, and an attaching and detaching unit that connects circuits of the display unit and the base unit. The display unit includes an authentication-information acquiring unit that acquires, in a state in which the display unit is detached from the base unit, identity authentication information of a customer and an authentication-information storing unit that stores the acquired identity authentication information.

Abstract: A print defect management device that supports job-specific print defect management automatically assesses print job pages to determine the severity of image quality defects likely to occur on one or more selected printers. Views of identified troubled pages may be rendered to include approximations of color and image quality defects based on the original page image data, and each printer's color rendition data and defect data, thereby allowing troubled pages for one or more selected printers to be viewed prior to printing. Suggested changes may be automatically or manually applied. Once satisfied with the image quality of print job pages rendered for a specific printer, a user may submit the print job to the same printer, thereby assuring that the user's image quality expectations are met in the printed product. The device may support job-specific print defect management with both local and/or remote printers via LAN, WAN and/or Internet based connectivity.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and managing information taken from tokens, like credit cards and gift cards, includes a portable computing device (PCD). The PCD may support a token recognizer that may comprise hardware and/or software that may reside in memory of the PCD. The token recognizer may work in combination with a camera. The token recognizer may comprise a broad recognizer module and an optical character recognition (“OCR”) module. The camera of the PCD may capture images of one or more physical tokens. These captured images of the physical tokens may be processed by the token recognizer so that digital images as well as data provided by the physical tokens may be maintained in memory of the PCD for later presentation to the user. These later presentations on the PCD may be used for account management and for conducting transactions, such as making payment at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

Abstract: A coin detecting apparatus has: a light source for emitting a light beam onto either of two surfaces of a coin; a half mirror for splitting the light beam reflected on the surface of the coin into a transmitted light beam and a reflected light beam; a full area sensor for obtaining a full image of the surface of the coin in accordance with one of the transmitted light beam and the reflected light beam; and a regional area sensor for obtaining a partial image of the surface of the coin in accordance with the other one of the transmitted light beam and the reflected light beam. By doing this, it is possible to provide a coin detecting apparatus capable of improving accuracy in coin detection and shortening time therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for recognizing a coin by using the embossed pattern characteristics thereof. For this purpose, the inventive method comprises in spreading the characteristics of the picture, in reducing said characteristics by reducing said picture and in transforming it by polar transformation, in comparing the transformed picture with a plurality of reference patterns according to a first simplified criterion, in creating a list of the reference patterns, in sorting them according to the similarity thereof with the transformed picture and in comparing the transformed picture with the reference patterns contained in the list according to the sorting thereof upon a second exact criterion.

Abstract: A method for identifying an object involves transmitted at least one electronic image of the object to be identified to an evaluation unit. The electronic image is compared in the evaluation unit for matches with at least one electronic image of the object to be identified stored in a database, or at least one object having an identical or similar shape, and the evaluation unit then outputs the data stored in the database for the at least one image detected as a sufficient match.

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 correlation value image is generated from an input image and a template image, and separated into a positive correlation value image and a negative correlation value image. The template image is separated into a positive template image and a negative template image. A plurality of positive-negative-separated correlation images are generated by combining the positive correlation value image and the negative correlation value image and the positive template image and the negative template image. A polar-coordinates-converted input image and a polar-coordinates-converted template image are employed as the input image and the template image, respectively.

Abstract: A coin or token image acquiring apparatus includes a coin moving unit for receiving coins in a sequential manner and translating each coin to a predetermined station. A time sensor unit detects the position of the respective coins in the coin moving unit and provides a timing signal that can activate an image apparatus unit positioned at the predetermined station. A light emitting apparatus is positioned to illuminate the coin face at the predetermined station so that the image apparatus can capture an illuminated image of the face of the coin. A storage unit can store a reference image of an authenticated coin image where by a comparator unit can compare the captured image of the coin with the authenticated coin image to provide an authenticated output signal when the respective image is matched. A separator unit can separate false coins from authenticated coins.

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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coin comprises a platform configured to hold the coin and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce a beam directed toward a portion of at least one surface of the coin. The electromagnetic radiation source is arranged to produce a far-field scattering signature upon interaction the at least one surface of the coin. A plurality of collection elements is configured to produce an electrical signal based upon collecting at least a portion of the far-field scattering signature.

Abstract: The coin sorting system includes a feed unit (A), a sorting unit (B), and a passageway member (P). Each unit (A; B) has a rotary disc (2; 4) and a stationary member (1; 3) opposed to the disc. Each disc (2; 4) has a rotating axis inclined relative to a horizontal plane. A guide passageway (10) with an outlet (19a) thorough which coins are fed one by one as the disc (2) rotates is formed on the stationary member (1) of the feed unit (A). Provided on the stationary member (3) of the sorting unit (B) are a conveying passageway (32) with an inlet (34) thorough which the coins fed from the outlet (19a) are introduced one by one and multiple sorting devices (6a, 6b; 5a to 5e) each for selectively ejecting the coins. A rolling-coin passageway (7) is formed on the passageway member (P) extending aslope to cause the coins to roll from the outlet (19a) to the inlet (34) under own weight thereof.

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: With a coin authenticity judging method according to an embodiment of the present invention, image data of an incuse/relief portion 14, formed on a surface of a medal 13, are acquired by capturing an image of the incuse/relief portion 14 by means of an image sensor 23, disposed so as to oppose the medal 13 substantially straightly, while illuminating light from a light source disposed obliquely above the medal 13, and an image processing of using two or more predetermined threshold values to multinarize brightness information, including shading related to the incuse/relief portion 14, in the acquired image data into three or more values is performed. By the image processing of multinarization into the three or more values, the medal 13 surface is regionally divided in to at least a profile region 14-1, a top surface region 14-2a, and a bottom surface region 14-2b in the incuse/relief portion 14.

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 a method and device for recognizing a coin by using the embossed pattern characteristics thereof. For this purpose, the inventive method comprises in spreading the characteristics of the picture, in reducing said characteristics by reducing said picture and in transforming it by polar transformation, in comparing the transformed picture with a plurality of reference patterns according to a first simplified criterion, in creating a list of the reference patterns, in sorting them according to the similarity thereof with the transformed picture and in comparing the transformed picture with the reference patterns contained in the list according to the sorting thereof upon a second exact criterion.

Abstract: A coin discriminating method includes steps of irradiating a surface of a coin with light, photoelectrically detecting light reflected by the surface of the coin, producing detected pattern data of the surface of the coin, binarizing corresponding reference pattern data so that “1” is assigned to pixel data having a signal intensity level equal to or higher than a predetermined signal intensity level and “0” is assigned to pixel data having a signal intensity level lower than the predetermined signal intensity level to produce reference bright portion pattern data consisting of “1” pixel data and reference dark portion pattern data consisting of “0” pixel data, extracting bright portion pattern data consisting of pixels corresponding to pixels included in the reference bright portion pattern data and dark portion pattern data consisting of pixels corresponding to pixels included in the reference dark portion pattern data from the detected pattern data, and discriminating whether or not the surface of the coin

Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of concurrently picking up the images of the surface and the side of a coin by using two light sources, downsizing a device, and providing high-accuracy coin distinguishing. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a first light (105) from a flash shooting first light source (104), and the outer periphery portion of the surface of the coin (C) is irradiated with a second light (107) from a flash shooting second light source (106). Then, a fist reflection light (108) reflected off the side of the coin (C) and a second reflection light (109) reflected off the outer periphery portion of the coin (C) are input to an image sensor (110) to concurrently obtain the images of the side and the surface of the coin (C).

Abstract: The invention relates to a document discriminating apparatus and a discriminating method for use in processing documents at financial institutions. A characteristic portion inherent in an optional format is cut out from image data read from a document in the optional format. Color constituents of the cut out image data are analyzed, and a color constituent exhibiting characteristics is selected from the constituents, and a color separation parameter is set for the selected color constituent. Data information is prepared which is related to the image data cut out based upon the color separation parameter. On the other hand, data information is prepared from image data obtained by reading a document to be discriminated based on the color separation parameter. Then, the data information is compared for determination with the data information stored in the document discriminating dictionary unit, whereby the document is discriminated.

Abstract: The coin-type determining device, for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches formed on the circumferential surface of the coin transferred through a coin transfer path, comprises: a plurality of notch detecting devices provided separately from each other with respect to an axis of the coin; a determining device for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches based on the difference between the notch detection results by the notch detecting devices.

Abstract: A circular image (A1) of a to-be-examined coin (A0) is picked up by a CCD sensor unit (11). The circular image (A1) of the to-be-examined coin (A0) is transformed into a rectangular image (B1) by a transformation processing means (142). On the other hand, a rectangular image (B) of a master coin (A) used as a criterion is prestored in a master-image memory (148). When the circular image (A1) of the to-be-examined coin (A0) is transformed into the rectangular image (B1) by the transformation processing means (142), the rectangular image (B1) is compared with the rectangular image (B) stored in the master-image memory (148) by a comparison means (144). If both of the rectangular images (B1, B) do not coincide substantially with each other, a part of the rectangular image (B1) of the to-be-examined coin is moved from an end thereof to an opposite end by an alignment means (143) so as to generate a new rectangular image (B2) through a shift conversion.

Abstract: A money identifying method and a device which can identify money with high precision and quickly by optimally binarizing a surface image of the money. The center coordinates and radius of subject coin C are extracted by a coin shape extraction section from the surface image of the subject coin C obtained by an area sensor, and an effective threshold calculation range is extracted by a threshold calculation range extraction section 107 from the extracted center coordinates and radius of the coin. Further, a density histogram is created by a histogram generation section 108 on the basis of the threshold calculation range, an optimum binary threshold value is calculated from the density histogram by a binary threshold calculation section according to a discriminating analysis, and the optimum binary threshold value is used to binarize an image for identifying the subject coin C.

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 a full 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 full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A method of deriving a classifying function for classifying items of currency includes deriving a plurality of measurements from at least one currency sensor and a plurality of currency items, and forming a set of data from the measurements, the elements of the data set corresponding to points in a first space, and determining a set of values corresponding to the measured values. The method also includes selecting a kernel function corresponding to a mapping of the first space to a second space, the method including deriving an expression representing the function of the measured values in terms of the kernel function and using it to derive a classifying function.

Abstract: A process for identifying an embossed image of a coin in an automatic coin tester, in which a coin is moved to an image receiver and a light source, the image receiver picks up at least one image of the embossed image of the coin, and a validation device compares the image to a first reference pattern to find out whether the first reference pattern is contained in the image which was picked-up. If the first reference pattern is contained in the image, the validation device determines whether a second reference pattern is contained in an area the position of which is determined relative to the position of the first reference pattern, the validation device producing a genuine coin or counterfeit coin signal for the coin depending on the coincidence of the image with the reference patterns.

Abstract: The coin-type determining device, for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches formed on the circumferential surface of the coin transferred through a coin transfer path, comprises: a plurality of notch detecting devices provided separately from each other with respect to an axis of the coin; a determining device for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches based on the difference between the notch detection results by the notch detecting devices.

Abstract: The coin-type determining device, for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches formed on the circumferential surface of the coin transferred through a coin transfer path, comprises: a plurality of notch detecting devices provided separately from each other with respect to an axis of the coin; a determining device for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches based on the difference between the notch detection results by the notch detecting devices.

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: A coin discriminating device has a first camera for producing a first image of a first surface of a coin, a second camera for producing a second image of a second surface of the coin, and a processor, e.g. a computer, which is operatively connected to the first and second cameras. The processor analyzes the first and second images in order to determine a type of the coin.

Abstract: A coin discriminating method includes steps of irradiating a surface of a coin with light, photoelectrically detecting light reflected by the surface of the coin, producing detected pattern data of the surface of the coin, binarizing corresponding reference pattern data so that “1” is assigned to pixel data having a signal intensity level equal to or higher than a predetermined signal intensity level and “0” is assigned to pixel data having a signal intensity level lower than the predetermined signal intensity level to produce reference bright portion pattern data consisting of “1” pixel data and reference dark portion pattern data consisting of “0” pixel data, extracting bright portion pattern data consisting of pixels corresponding to pixels included in the reference bright portion pattern data and dark portion pattern data consisting of pixels corresponding to pixels included in the reference dark portion pattern data from the detected pattern data, and discr