Ardac, Incorporated

Alan J Kovach

Robert L Gorgone

Gerald M Iannadrea

Anthony H Dolejs

Bruce R Knox

Frank A Novak

In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying upon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered. Further, the system includes a unique anti-jamming technique of drive motor reversals, and an escrow feature which secures the paper once it has been determined to be authentic and before a vend has been made. Yet further, there is included a novel receptacle for receipt and return of paper offered to the acceptor, and a number of variations of anti-stringing devices (112, 114, 118, 130) which may be operatively positioned at the end of the note path.

Security validator

Apparatus for performing tests for determining the validity of a paper purported to be a valid instrument is presented. Fundamentally, the invention comprises a tray for receiving a paper offered as a valid instrument and maintaining the same in sliding relationship between a light source and reticle. A photocell is operatively connected to the reticle and senses light passing from the light source and through the paper and reticle. The output of the photocell is applied to an operational amplifier having a dynamic feedback network and the output of this amplifier is characteristic of both a grid pattern upon the paper and the optical density thereof. This output is then passed to an amplifier circuit which establishes an optical density domain and is operative to pass a signal only if the paper falls within such domain. This output is then passed to appropriate integrating and comparator circuitry to ultimately determine the validity of the paper.

Logarithmic primary testing system for security validation

In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying uon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered. Further, the system includes a unique anti-jamming technique of drive motor reversals, and an escrow feature which secures the paper once it has been determined to be authentic and before a vend has been made. Yet further, there is included a novel receptacle for receipt and return of paper offered to the acceptor, and a number of variations of anti-stringing devices (112, 114, 118, 130) which may be operatively positioned at the end of the note path.

Apparatus for testing the authenticity of paper having colored areas thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes, each emitting light of a different wavelength, are provided in juxtaposition to a paper having areas thereon which are reflective with respect to the light from the various diodes. A single photodetector is maintain closely adjacent the paper for receiving light reflected therefrom. A sequential timing circuit controls the illumination of the diodes such that the photodetector senses the light reflective characteristic of the paper with respect to each of the various wavelengths of light in a mutually exclusive manner. The outputs of the photodetector are passed to a sample and hold circuit which, at the end of a test cycle, maintains data relative to the light reflective characteristics of the paper for each of the various wavelengths of light. Comparator circuitry then tests the data and compares the reflectance values for each wavelength against the values for other wavelengths to determine the authenticity of the paper. The diodes may be selected to emit light in either the visible range or at either end of the light spectrum depending upon the nature of the paper to be tested.

Apparatus for testing colored securities

A secondary detection system for utilization with a security validation apparatus wherein a sensing is made of the amount of light reflected from a given area of a paper security. Fundamentally, the invention consists of an infrared lamp or other emission source casting light through a tunnel and upon a highly reflective but partially transmissive surface. The reflective surface directs a large portion of the light onto the paper security. A first solar cell is provided in juxtaposition to the reflective surface for sensing the amount of light reflected onto the paper while a second solar cell is provided for receiving and sensing that quantity of light reflected back from the paper. A comparator circuit is interconnected between the two solar cells to determine the validity of the paper security on the basis of the percentage of light incident to the paper which is reflected therefrom. In actuality, the reflective surface is partially light transmissive and the first solar cell is positioned behind the reflective surface such that the reading of the light reflected by the reflective surface is actually achieved by the determination of the amount of light transmitted therethrough.

Secondary detection system for security validation

Apparatus for conducting secondary tests for security validation are presented. In one embodiment of the invention a light source, either infrared or visible, is cast upon two neighboring areas of a paper purported to be a valid instrument, these areas being of different light reflective characteristics. Photo cells are maintained in close juxtaposition to each of these two areas and the light reflected therefrom or passed therethrough is sensed by the photo cells. Comparator circuits are interconnected with the photo cells and, in part, determine the validity of the instrument on the basis of the comparison of the intensity of light reflected by each of the two areas. In another embodiment of the invention, a reference reflective surface is provided in juxtaposition to one of the photo cells to test those instruments not having neighboring areas of different light reflective characteristics. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a reference photo cell is provided for sensing the light actually emitted from the light source and establishing this light emission level as a reference level. Further, dividers and comparator circuits interconnect this reference photo cell with one of the other two photo cells for further determining the instrument's validity by testing whether the light reflected from one of the areas falls within a predetermined percentage of the light actually emitted from the light source. The entire unit of the light source, photo cells, and reference photo cell are all maintained within a singular molded housing preferably constructed of a highly light reflective material.

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Cleveland, OH, United States of America

Alan J Kovach