De La Rue International Limited

Brandt, Inc.

John M Mikkelsen

Robert J Burgert

Jack Denison

Peter Truong

Michael L Defeo

Bo Xu

Kenneth W Maier

Thomas C Gross

A currency note condition recognition apparatus and method uses a programmed microelectronic CPU to execute program instructions stored in a PROM to read in pixel data from an optical imaging section, including LEDs and photodiodes for generating signals which can be converted to a first image of a currency note being transported along the path of travel. The CPU receives position and skew data detected by external sensors for sensing the position and skew of the note. The CPU executes the program instructions, first to assemble a first data image of pixel data representing a two-dimensional image of substantially all of the note while averaging the pixel data in groups for further processing; second, to correct the first data image based on the skew data to eliminate skew; third, to relate the first data image to a plurality of predefined data images according to a mathematical function to determine whether the first data image can be classified as matching any one of the predefined data images corresponding to a specific currency denomination; and fourth to test the note for missing material and transmissivity in order to determine note fitness.

Method and system for recognition of currency by denomination

A system for facing currency notes of a stack of notes, each of which is printed with magnetic ink on only the face thereof in which notes from the stack are moved one by one along a path past an examining location at which magnetic heads examine the respective sides of a note for the presence of magnetic material to produce first and second signals which are integrated over the period of time for which a note is at the location. The integrated first and second signals are compared to produce a facing signal which directs the notes to one or the other of two output trays in accordance with the disposition of the note faces toward one or the other of the path sides.

Magnetic facing system

Growing community of inventors

Philadelphia, PA, United States of America

John M Mikkelsen