Optics: measuring and testing – Document pattern analysis or verification
Patent
1996-05-29
1998-06-09
Epps, Georgia Y.
Optics: measuring and testing
Document pattern analysis or verification
27125801, G06K 974
Patent
active
057643466
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatus for handling value sheets. The term value sheets is intended to denote banknotes, bonds, credit cards, bank cards, tickets, identity cards, entrance cards and the like. In one form, the invention is concerned with apparatus for handling such sheets so that the sheets can be tested by an optical sensor for identifying and/or authenticating such sheets.
GB1470737 describes a value sheet tester which employs an optical colour sensor. In order to compensate for the effects of aging and drift which may cause inconsistent results over a long period of time, reference measurements are made by the optical sensor using a reverence device, and the results are used for re-calibration.
Based on the above principle, a known bank note tester has a built-in reference surface which is fixed at a position to face the optical sensor across the path of bank notes. When a bank note is transported past the sensor, the note obscures the reference surface such that the surface of the note is sensed. In the absence of a bank note, the reference surface is exposed, and reference measurements can be made by the optical sensor to verify its calibration, and to effect re-calibration if necessary.
In order to achieve accurate results from the optical sensor, it is important that the notes are fed past the sensor at a predetermines distance corresponding to the predetermined focusing distance of the optical sensor. Similarly, in order to achieve accurate results from the reference surface, the reference surface is aced immediately adjacent the path of the notes such that, in the absence of bank notes, the reference surface will be approximately at the correct focusing distance from the optical sensor. In fact, the notes contact the reference surface as the notes are transported past the optical sensor.
If the mechanism handles notes at only a low rate, each note will be transported past the optical sensor and the reference surface at a relatively low speed, and the above arrangement is quite satisfactory. However, if a higher handling rate is desired, then the notes have to be transported past the optical read at a correspondingly higher speed.
With the above arrangement, the bank notes fed at such a higher speed may be prone to jamming because the notes have to be transported at high speed past the reference surface, and contact with the reference surface is generally required to ensure that the bank notes are at the correct distance from the optical sensor.
Furthermore, regular cleaning of the reference surface is required to ensure that the surface is not dirty when reference measurements are taken. Any dirt on the reference surface may cause inappropriate reference measurements to be made, which could upset the calibration of the optical sensor, and lead to a loss of accuracy of the validator. Typically, cleaning is carried out every three months. The conventional way to clean the reference surface is to insert a cleaning sheet into the mechanism as a dummy banknote such that it is drawn pas the reference surface. The sheet may be wetted with a solvent to clean the surface. If this does not remove the dirt, then the mechanism has to be opened to gain access to the reference surface, and the surface cleaned manually. Such an operation is both time consuming and relatively expensive if it has to be carried out by an authorised technician. Further, the mechanism can not be used while the cleaning operation is being carried out.
Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,543 which describes a bill discriminating device which uses sensor circuitry for scanning and reading the printed patterns of a bill, and producing data representing the density of the printed patterns. A carrier roller is disposed under the sensor for transporting the bill. The roller has a black or blackish periphery for keeping the reflectance of light to a minimum. The data read by the sensor consists of "useless" data representing the black carrier roller, and data representing the tone of the printed
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Gerlier Andre
Jard Philippe
Epps Georgia Y.
Mars Incorporated
Stafira Michael P.
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