Patent US5867589A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5867589A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for document identification
Assignee: Cummins Allison Corp
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Filing: 1997-06-11
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Granted: 1999-02-02
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Expires: 2017-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A currency identification system comprising at least two laterally displaced scanheads, one or more laterally moveable scanheads, or at least two laterally displaced sensors of a linear scanhead. The scanheads or sensors are positioned so as to permit scanning along at least two segments on a first side of a bill. The scanheads or sensors are capable of detecting characteristic information from the bill along the segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated. The system also comprises a pattern generator for generating at least one scanned pattern from the output signals, the scanned pattern representing analog variations in the characteristic information along a segment of the bill. The system also comprises a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, the master pattern representing analog variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill. The system further comprises a signal processor for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of the scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of the master patterns or portions thereof. The signal processor generates an indication of the identity of the bill based on the pattern comparison when the bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Inventors
- 👤 Bradford T. Graves
- 👤 Douglas U. Mennie
- 👤 Richard A. Mazur
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 08:33
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07D; G07D7/00; G07D7/06; G07D7/12; G07D7/128; B; B65; B65H; B65H3/00; B65H3/02; B65H3/06; B65H3/063; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/18; G07D11/00; G07D11/50; G07D7/04; G07D7/1205; G07D7/16; G07D7/162; G07D7/20; G07F; G07F19/00; G07F19/20; G07F7/00; G07F7/04; B65H2301/00; B65H2301/50; B65H2301/54; B65H2301/541; B65H2557/00; B65H2557/50; B65H2557/514; B65H2701/00; B65H2701/10; B65H2701/19; B65H2701/1912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
219 words
A currency identification system comprising: at least three laterally displaced scanheads positioned so as to permit scanning of said bill which is transported past said scanheads in given direction along at least three laterally displaced segments on a first side of a bill, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said first side of said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signals, said at least one scanned pattern representing analog variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least one master pattern representing analog variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
219 words
A currency identification system comprising: at least three laterally displaced scanheads positioned so as to permit scanning of said bill which is transported past said scanheads in given direction along at least three laterally displaced segments on a first side of a bill, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said first side of said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signals, said at least one scanned pattern representing analog variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least one master pattern representing analog variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The currency identification system of claim 1 wherein at least two of said scanheads are stationary scanheads, and at least one of said scanheads is moveable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 2 further comprising: a size detection sensor for retrieving size information from said bill; a memory for storing master size information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a size comparison wherein said size information of said bill is compared with master size information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said size comparison.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
105 words
The currency identification system of claim 3 wherein said size detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said size comparison is performed before said bill is scanned by said scanheads; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said size comparison; and wherein one or more of said scanheads are selected to scan said bill based on said size comparison or the output signals from one or more of said scanheads or derivations thereof are selected for the generation of scanned patterns based on said size comparison.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The currency identification system of claim 4 wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 2 further comprising: a color detection sensor for retrieving color information from said bill; a memory for storing master color information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a color comparison wherein said color information of said bill is compared with master color information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said color comparison.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
The currency identification system of claim 6 wherein said color detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said color comparison is performed before said pattern comparison; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said color comparison; and wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
105 words
The currency identification system of claim 6 wherein said color detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said color comparison is performed before said bill is scanned by said scanheads; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said color comparison; and wherein one or more of said scanheads are selected to scan said bill based on said color comparison or the output signals from one or more of said scanheads or derivations thereof are selected for the generation of scanned patterns based on said color comparison.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The currency identification system of claim 8 wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
98 words
The currency identification system of claim 9 further comprising: at least two second-side scanheads positioned so as to permit scanning along at least two segments on a second side of said bill, said second-side scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing analog variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated, at least two of said second-side scanheads being laterally displaced relative to each other; wherein said second-side scanheads are included within said scanhead selection or output signal selection.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The currency identification system of 10 wherein the output from said color detection sensor is used to determine the face orientation of said bill.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The currency identification system of 10 wherein the output from said color detection sensor is used to determine the face orientation of said bill.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The currency identification system of 11 wherein (1) said scanheads or output signals therefrom or (2) said second-side scanheads or output signals therefrom are selected based on said determination of said face orientation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The currency identification system of 11 wherein (1) said scanheads or output signals therefrom or (2) said second-side scanheads or output signals therefrom are selected based on said determination of said face orientation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
160 words
The currency identification system of claim 9 further comprising: a size detection sensor positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction for retrieving size information from said bill; a memory for storing master size information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a size comparison wherein said size information of said bill is compared with master size information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; wherein said size comparison is performed before said bill is scanned by said scanheads; wherein said generation of said preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill is additionally based on said size comparison; and wherein said selection of one or more scanheads to scan said bill or the selection of the output signals from one or more scanheads for the generation of scanned patterns is additionally based on said size comparison.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The currency identification system of claim 1 wherein at least two of said scanheads are laterally moveable scanheads.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The currency identification system of claim 14 wherein said moveable scanheads are laterally positioned in a symmetrical fashion relative to a central axis of said bill.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 14 further comprising: a size detection sensor for retrieving size information from said bill; a memory for storing master size information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a size comparison wherein said size information of said bill is compared with master size information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said size comparison.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
75 words
The currency identification system of claim 16 wherein said size detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said size comparison is performed before said pattern comparison; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said size comparison; and wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
90 words
The currency identification system of claim 16 wherein said size detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said size comparison is performed before said bill is scanned by said scanheads; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said size comparison; and wherein the lateral positioning of one or more of said moveable scanheads is adjusted based on said size comparison so as to permit scanning of selected segments of said bill.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The currency identification system of claim 18 wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 14 further comprising: a color detection sensor for retrieving color information from said bill; a memory for storing master color information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a color comparison wherein said color information of said bill is compared with master color information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said color comparison.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
75 words
The currency identification system of claim 20 wherein said color detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said color comparison is performed before said pattern comparison; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said color comparison; and wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
90 words
The currency identification system of claim 20 wherein said color detection sensor is positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction; wherein said color comparison is performed before said bill is scanned by said scanheads; wherein said signal processing means generates a preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill based on said color comparison; and wherein the lateral positioning of one or more of said moveable scanheads is adjusted based on said color comparison so as to permit scanning of selected segments of said bill.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The currency identification system of claim 22 wherein said at least one of said master patterns of said pattern comparison is chosen from said preliminary set.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
86 words
The currency identification system of claim 23 further comprising: at least three laterally displaced second-side scanheads so as to permit scanning along at least three laterally displaced segments on a second side of said bill, said second-side scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; wherein said second-side scanheads are included within said scanhead selection or output signal selection.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The currency identification system of 24 wherein the output from said color detection sensor is used to determine the face orientation of said bill.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The currency identification system of 24 wherein the output from said color detection sensor is used to determine the face orientation of said bill.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The currency identification system of 25 wherein the lateral positioning of one or more of (1) said scanheads or (2) said second-side scanheads is adjusted based on said determination of said face orientation so as to permit scanning of selected segments of said bill.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The currency identification system of 25 wherein the lateral positioning of one or more of (1) said scanheads or (2) said second-side scanheads is adjusted based on said determination of said face orientation so as to permit scanning of selected segments of said bill.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
154 words
The currency identification system of claim 23 further comprising: a size detection sensor positioned upstream from said scanheads with respect to said given direction for retrieving size information from said bill; a memory for storing master size information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a size comparison wherein said size information of said bill is compared with master size information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; wherein said size comparison is performed before said bill is scanned by said scanheads; wherein said generation of said preliminary set of potential matching bills for said bill is additionally based on said size comparison; and wherein said lateral positioning of one or more of said moveable scanheads is adjusted additionally based on said size comparison so as to permit scanning of selected segments of said bill.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
73 words
The currency identification system of claim 1 further comprising: at least three laterally displaced second-side scanheads positioned so as to permit scanning along at least three laterally displaced segments on a second side of said bill, said second-side scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The currency identification system of claim 28 wherein at least three of said scanheads and at least three of said second-side scanheads are stationary scanheads.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The currency identification system of claim 28 wherein at least two of said scanheads and at least two of said second-side scanheads are moveable scanheads.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
91 words
The currency identification system of claim 28 wherein said master patterns are generated by scanning only a single side of genuine bills of the plurality of genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein a valid identity indication is generated only when a match is found between a scanned pattern generated by scanning one side of said bill and one of said master patterns and no match is found between a scanned pattern generated by scanning the other side of said bill and any of said master patterns.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
123 words
The currency identification system of claim 28 wherein two sets of master patterns are generated for genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying, a first side set generated by scanning genuine bills on one side thereof and a second side set generated by scanning genuine bills on an opposing side thereof; and wherein a valid identity indication is generated only when a match is found between a scanned pattern generated by scanning one side of said bill and one of said first side master patterns and another match is found between a scanned pattern generated by scanning the other side of said bill and a second side master pattern associated with the bill-type indicated by the first side master patterns comparison.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The currency identification system of claim 1 wherein said means for generating generates at least three scanned patterns from said output signals.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The currency identification system of claim 1 wherein said memory stores at least three master patterns associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
245 words
A currency identification system comprising: at least three laterally displaced scanheads positioned so as to permit scanning of said bill along at least three laterally displaced segments on a first side of a bill, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least three scanned patterns from said output signals, said at least three scanned patterns representing and approximating analog variations in characteristic information along segments of said bill; a memory for storing at least three master patterns associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least three master patterns representing and approximating analog variations in characteristic information along segments of an associated genuine bill, said scanned patterns and said master patterns representing and approximating analog variations of said characteristic information, said scanned patterns and said master patterns comprising a plurality of sample values, each sample value being proportional to detected characteristic information; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
245 words
A currency identification system comprising: at least three laterally displaced scanheads positioned so as to permit scanning of said bill along at least three laterally displaced segments on a first side of a bill, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least three scanned patterns from said output signals, said at least three scanned patterns representing and approximating analog variations in characteristic information along segments of said bill; a memory for storing at least three master patterns associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least three master patterns representing and approximating analog variations in characteristic information along segments of an associated genuine bill, said scanned patterns and said master patterns representing and approximating analog variations of said characteristic information, said scanned patterns and said master patterns comprising a plurality of sample values, each sample value being proportional to detected characteristic information; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 35 further comprising: a color detection scanhead for retrieving color information from said bill; a memory for storing master color information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a color comparison wherein said color information of said bill is compared with master color information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said color comparison.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The currency identification system of claim 35 wherein at least two of said scanheads are laterally moveable scanheads.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
259 words
A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems comprising: at least two laterally displaced analog scanheads positioned on a first side of said transport path so as to permit scanning of said bill along at least two segments, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signals, said at least one scanned pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least one master pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill, said memory storing at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a first currency system and at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a second currency system; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
259 words
A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems comprising: at least two laterally displaced analog scanheads positioned on a first side of said transport path so as to permit scanning of said bill along at least two segments, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signals, said at least one scanned pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least one master pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill, said memory storing at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a first currency system and at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a second currency system; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 38 further comprising: a color detection scanhead for retrieving color information from said bill; a memory for storing master color information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a color comparison wherein said color information of said bill is compared with master color information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said color comparison.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The currency identification system of claim 38 wherein at least two of said scanheads are laterally moveable scanheads.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
256 words
A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of one or more bill-types comprising: a bill transport mechanism for transporting currency bills, one at a time, from an input receptacle past a scanning section to a single output receptacle at a rate in excess of about 800 bills per minute; at least two laterally displaced analog first-side sensors positioned so as to permit scanning of a test bill along at least two laterally displaced segments located on a first side of said test bill for variations in characteristic information along said segments at a rate in excess of about 800 bills per minute and generating an output signal from at least one of said sensors; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signal, said at least one scanned pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with one or more master patterns or portions thereof from a set of master patterns, said master patterns being associated with genuine bills of the bill-types that the system is capable of identifying, said master patterns representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in characteristic information along segments of an associated genuine bill, said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said test bill based on said pattern comparison when said test bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
256 words
A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of one or more bill-types comprising: a bill transport mechanism for transporting currency bills, one at a time, from an input receptacle past a scanning section to a single output receptacle at a rate in excess of about 800 bills per minute; at least two laterally displaced analog first-side sensors positioned so as to permit scanning of a test bill along at least two laterally displaced segments located on a first side of said test bill for variations in characteristic information along said segments at a rate in excess of about 800 bills per minute and generating an output signal from at least one of said sensors; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signal, said at least one scanned pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with one or more master patterns or portions thereof from a set of master patterns, said master patterns being associated with genuine bills of the bill-types that the system is capable of identifying, said master patterns representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in characteristic information along segments of an associated genuine bill, said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said test bill based on said pattern comparison when said test bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The currency identification system of claim 41 wherein said set of master patterns comprises master patterns associated with genuine bills of at least two different currency systems.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 41 further comprising: a color detection scanhead for retrieving color information from said bill; a memory for storing master color information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a color comparison wherein said color information of said bill is compared with master color information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said color comparison.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The currency identification system of claim 41 wherein at least two of said sensors are laterally moveable scanheads.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The currency identification system of claim 41 wherein at least two of said sensors are photodiodes.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
267 words
A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems comprising: a bill transport mechanism for transporting a currency bill to be scanned along a transport path to a single output receptacle at a rate in excess of 800 bills per minute; at least two laterally displaced analog scanheads positioned on a first side of said transport path so as to permit scanning of said bill along at least two segments, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signals, said at least one scanned pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said memory storing at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a first currency system and at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a second currency system; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
267 words
A currency identification system for identifying currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems comprising: a bill transport mechanism for transporting a currency bill to be scanned along a transport path to a single output receptacle at a rate in excess of 800 bills per minute; at least two laterally displaced analog scanheads positioned on a first side of said transport path so as to permit scanning of said bill along at least two segments, said scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said segments and generating corresponding output signals representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signals, said at least one scanned pattern representing and approximating analog amplitude variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said memory storing at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a first currency system and at least one master pattern associated with a genuine bill from a second currency system; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
88 words
The currency identification system of claim 46 further comprising: a color detection scanhead for retrieving color information from said bill; a memory for storing master color information associated with genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying; and signal processing means for performing a color comparison wherein said color information of said bill is compared with master color information associated with at least one of the genuine bills which the system is capable of identifying and wherein said identity indication is additionally based on said color comparison.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The currency identification system of claim 46 wherein at least two of said scanheads are laterally moveable scanheads.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
232 words
A currency evaluation device for identifying currency bills comprising: a bill transport mechanism for transporting a currency bill to be scanned along a transport path; one or more laterally moveable analog scanheads positioned on a first side of said transport path so as to permit scanning of said bill along one or more segments, said one or more scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said one or more segments and generating corresponding output signal representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signal, said at least one scanned pattern representing analog variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least one master pattern representing analog variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
232 words
A currency evaluation device for identifying currency bills comprising: a bill transport mechanism for transporting a currency bill to be scanned along a transport path; one or more laterally moveable analog scanheads positioned on a first side of said transport path so as to permit scanning of said bill along one or more segments, said one or more scanheads being capable of detecting characteristic information from said bill along said one or more segments and generating corresponding output signal representing variations in the detected characteristic information from which scanned patterns of characteristic information may be generated; means for generating at least one scanned pattern from said output signal, said at least one scanned pattern representing analog variations in said characteristic information along a segment of said bill; a memory for storing at least one master pattern associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying, said at least one master pattern representing analog variations in characteristic information along a segment of an associated genuine bill; and a signal processing means for performing a pattern comparison wherein at least one of said scanned patterns or portions thereof is compared with at least one of said master patterns or portions thereof; said signal processing means generating an indication of the identity of said bill based on said pattern comparison when said bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The currency identification system of claim 49 wherein at least two of said scanheads are laterally moveable scanheads.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-01 | 2002-08-03 | 2003-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-08-03 | 2007-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-01 | 2010-08-03 | 2011-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |