US6026175A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Currency discriminator and authenticator having the capability of having its sensing characteristics remotely altered
Assignee: Cummins Allison Corp
•
Filing: 1996-09-27
•
Granted: 2000-02-15
•
Expires: 2016-09-27
Abstract
Abstract A document handling system communicates with a host system such as a cash settlement machine. The operator of the host system enters the denomination of the notes to be counted by the note counting device. The host system then sends a signal to the document handling device to establish the denomination that is to be counted. The sensitivity level within the document handling device is set corresponding to the signal sent by the host. The document handling device then generates authenticity data from each of the plurality of notes and compares the authenticity data to the sensitivity level to determine whether each of the plurality of notes is genuine.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark C. Munro
- 👤 Sanjay Shivde
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 05:52
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/20; G06Q20/202; G07; G07D; G07D7/00; G07D7/04; G07D7/20; G07D7/202; G07D7/2041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of detecting counterfeit currency in a note counting device, said note counting device being coupled to a host that is remotely located from said note counting device, said note counting device and said remotely located host being controlled by an operator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a denomination of a plurality of notes to be counted by said note counting device; (b) entering, under the command of said operator, said denomination of said plurality of notes at said remotely located host; (c) instructing, under the command of said operator, said remotely located host to send a signal to said note counting device to establish said denomination that is to be counted; (d) setting a sensitivity level within said note counting device corresponding to said denomination of said plurality of notes associated with said signal; (e) generating authenticity data from each of said plurality of notes; and (f) comparing said authenticity data with said sensitivity level to determine whether each of said plurality of notes is genuine.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of detecting counterfeit currency in a note counting device, said note counting device being coupled to a host that is remotely located from said note counting device, said note counting device and said remotely located host being controlled by an operator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a denomination of a plurality of notes to be counted by said note counting device; (b) entering, under the command of said operator, said denomination of said plurality of notes at said remotely located host; (c) instructing, under the command of said operator, said remotely located host to send a signal to said note counting device to establish said denomination that is to be counted; (d) setting a sensitivity level within said note counting device corresponding to said denomination of said plurality of notes associated with said signal; (e) generating authenticity data from each of said plurality of notes; and (f) comparing said authenticity data with said sensitivity level to determine whether each of said plurality of notes is genuine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of generating authenticity data includes the step of determining a checksum corresponding to the concentration of magnetic ink on each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said step of generating a checksum includes the substeps of: (a) magnetically scanning along a predetermined path on each of said plurality of notes; (b) measuring magnetic concentration at a plurality of data points along said predetermined path, each of said data points having a value that corresponds to the concentration of magnetic ink; and (c) generating said checksum by adding said value of magnetic concentration at each of said data points.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 3 wherein each of said plurality of notes is generally rectangular in shape and said predetermined path is substantially parallel to one edge of each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 3 wherein each of said plurality of notes is generally rectangular in shape and said predetermined path is substantially parallel to one of the short edges of each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a counterfeit note signal in response to one of said plurality of notes having authenticity data outside said sensitivity levels, said counterfeit signal being sent to said remotely located host from said note counting device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of generating authenticity data includes the steps of: exposing each of said plurality of notes to optical energy; and determining a sensed optical energy value corresponding to the amount of optical energy received from each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said sensed optical energy value corresponds to UV energy reflected from each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said sensed optical energy value corresponds to fluorescent energy emitted from each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said sensitivity level includes a magnetic sensitivity level and an optical sensitivity level.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said step of setting said sensitivity level only sets one of said magnetic sensitivity level and said optical sensitivity level.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, further including the step of altering a default sensitivity level within said note counting device for detecting overlapping notes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said remotely located host is a cash settlement machine.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said cash settlement machine is a personal computer.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of detecting counterfeit currency in a document handling device, said document handling device being coupled to a host that is remotely located from said document handling device, said document handling device and said remotely located host being controlled by an operator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a denomination of a plurality of notes to be counted by said document handling device; (b) setting a default sensitivity level for said denomination of said plurality of notes; (c) instructing, under the command of said operator, said remotely located host to send a signal to said document handling device to change said default sensitivity level for said denomination to a modified sensitivity level; (d) generating authenticity data from each of said plurality of notes; and (e) comparing said authenticity data with said modified sensitivity level to determine whether each of said plurality of notes is genuine.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of detecting counterfeit currency in a document handling device, said document handling device being coupled to a host that is remotely located from said document handling device, said document handling device and said remotely located host being controlled by an operator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a denomination of a plurality of notes to be counted by said document handling device; (b) setting a default sensitivity level for said denomination of said plurality of notes; (c) instructing, under the command of said operator, said remotely located host to send a signal to said document handling device to change said default sensitivity level for said denomination to a modified sensitivity level; (d) generating authenticity data from each of said plurality of notes; and (e) comparing said authenticity data with said modified sensitivity level to determine whether each of said plurality of notes is genuine.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said step of generating authenticity data includes the step of determining a checksum corresponding to the concentration of magnetic ink on each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said step of generating a checksum corresponding to the concentration of magnetic ink on said note comprises the substeps of: (a) magnetically scanning along a predetermined path on each of said plurality of notes; (b) measuring magnetic concentration at a plurality of data points along said predetermined path, each of said data points having a value that corresponds to the concentration of magnetic ink; and (c) generating said checksum by adding said value of magnetic concentration at each of said data points.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 17 wherein said note is generally rectangular in shape and said predetermined path is substantially parallel to one of the short edges of said note.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said document handling device is a note counting device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said step of setting a default sensitivity level includes the step of entering said denomination of said plurality of notes at said remotely located host, and sending said note counting device from said remotely located host a denomination signal corresponding to said denomination of said plurality of notes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said step of generating authenticity data includes the steps of: exposing each of said plurality of notes to optical energy; and determining a sensed optical energy value corresponding to the amount of optical energy received from each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said sensed optical energy value corresponds to UV energy reflected from each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said sensed optical energy value corresponds to fluorescent energy emitted from each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said sensitivity level includes a magnetic sensitivity level and an optical sensitivity level.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said step of setting said sensitivity level only sets one of said magnetic sensitivity level and said optical sensitivity level.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 15, further including the step of altering a default sensitivity level within said note counting device for detecting overlapping notes.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15, further including the step of altering a default sensitivity level based on a series of said denomination.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said step of determining a denomination is accomplished automatically via said document handling device.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
181 words
A method of detecting counterfeit currency in a note counting device, said note counting device being coupled to a host that is remotely located from said note counting device, said note counting device and said remotely located host being controlled by an operator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a series and denomination of a plurality of notes to be counted by said note counting device; (b) entering, under the command of said operator, said series and denomination of said plurality of notes at said remotely located host; (c) instructing, under the command of said operator, said remotely located host to send at least one signal to said note counting device to establish said series and denomination that is to be counted; (d) setting a sensitivity level within said note counting device corresponding to said series and denomination of said plurality of notes associated with said signal; (e) generating authenticity data from each of said plurality of notes; and (f) comparing said authenticity data with said sensitivity level to determine whether each of said plurality of notes is genuine.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
181 words
A method of detecting counterfeit currency in a note counting device, said note counting device being coupled to a host that is remotely located from said note counting device, said note counting device and said remotely located host being controlled by an operator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining a series and denomination of a plurality of notes to be counted by said note counting device; (b) entering, under the command of said operator, said series and denomination of said plurality of notes at said remotely located host; (c) instructing, under the command of said operator, said remotely located host to send at least one signal to said note counting device to establish said series and denomination that is to be counted; (d) setting a sensitivity level within said note counting device corresponding to said series and denomination of said plurality of notes associated with said signal; (e) generating authenticity data from each of said plurality of notes; and (f) comparing said authenticity data with said sensitivity level to determine whether each of said plurality of notes is genuine.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
205 words
An apparatus for detecting counterfeit currency, comprising: a microprocessor; means for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from a plurality of notes; means for scanning said note along a predetermined path to obtain authenticity data values for each of said plurality of notes; means associated with said microprocessor for comparing said authenticity data values to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; means for indicating whether said authenticity data value for each of said plurality of notes is within a predetermined range of said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; and means associated with said microprocessor for receiving at least two external signals from a host system, one of said external signals is for establishing said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, the other of said external signals is for establishing which denomination of currency is to be processed, said host system being remotely located from said counterfeit currency detection apparatus such that said sensitivity levels can be selected by an operator of said host system who is at a remote position from said counterfeit currency detection apparatus, said comparing means being operable in response to said microprocessor receiving said one of said external signals.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
205 words
An apparatus for detecting counterfeit currency, comprising: a microprocessor; means for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from a plurality of notes; means for scanning said note along a predetermined path to obtain authenticity data values for each of said plurality of notes; means associated with said microprocessor for comparing said authenticity data values to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; means for indicating whether said authenticity data value for each of said plurality of notes is within a predetermined range of said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; and means associated with said microprocessor for receiving at least two external signals from a host system, one of said external signals is for establishing said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, the other of said external signals is for establishing which denomination of currency is to be processed, said host system being remotely located from said counterfeit currency detection apparatus such that said sensitivity levels can be selected by an operator of said host system who is at a remote position from said counterfeit currency detection apparatus, said comparing means being operable in response to said microprocessor receiving said one of said external signals.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 30 in combination with said host system and a communication line connecting said counterfeit currency detection apparatus with said host system, said communication line transmitting said at least two external signals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 30 further including means for determining the denomination of each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said scanning means is a magnetic scanning device.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said scanning means is an optical scanning device having a light source for illuminating a strip of a preselected segment of said note.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
187 words
An apparatus for detecting counterfeit currency, comprising: a microprocessor; a memory device coupled to said microprocessor for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from a plurality of notes; a scanning mechanism to detect authenticity characteristics for each of said plurality of notes; means associated with said microprocessor for comparing said authenticity characteristics to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; and an electrical port being connected to said microprocessor and for coupling said apparatus to a host system that is remotely located from said counterfeit currency detection apparatus, said electrical port receiving at least one external signal from said remotely located host system establishing said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels and sending a counterfeit signal to said remotely located host system in response to said authenticity characteristics being outside said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels being selectable by an operator of said remotely located host system and, in response thereto, said remotely located host system producing said at least one external signal received at said electrical port.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
187 words
An apparatus for detecting counterfeit currency, comprising: a microprocessor; a memory device coupled to said microprocessor for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from a plurality of notes; a scanning mechanism to detect authenticity characteristics for each of said plurality of notes; means associated with said microprocessor for comparing said authenticity characteristics to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; and an electrical port being connected to said microprocessor and for coupling said apparatus to a host system that is remotely located from said counterfeit currency detection apparatus, said electrical port receiving at least one external signal from said remotely located host system establishing said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels and sending a counterfeit signal to said remotely located host system in response to said authenticity characteristics being outside said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels being selectable by an operator of said remotely located host system and, in response thereto, said remotely located host system producing said at least one external signal received at said electrical port.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said at least one external signal includes a signal for establishing a denomination of said plurality of notes that are to be processed.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 35 further including a second scanning mechanism for determining the denomination of each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said scanning mechanism is a magnetic scanning device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said scanning mechanism is an optical scanning device having a light source for illuminating a strip of a preselected segment of said note.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
261 words
A cash settlement system for recording and reconciling financial data, comprising: a cash settlement machine having a controller, an operator interface panel coupled to said controller, a graphics display coupled to said controller, and at least one electrical port coupled to said controller; a document handling device for authenticating and counting a plurality of notes, said document handling device being remotely located from said cash settlement machine and including a control means, a scanning mechanism to detect authenticity data values for each of said plurality of notes, a memory device coupled to said control means for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from said plurality of notes, means associated with said control means for comparing said authenticity data values to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, and a second electrical port being coupled to said control means, said electrical port for receiving at least one external signal from said cash settlement machine establishing said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels and for sending a counterfeit signal to said said cash settlement machine in response to said authenticity data values being outside said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; and means for connecting said at least one electrical port of said cash settlement machine to said second electrical port of said document handling device such that an operator of said cash settlement machine who is remotely located from said document handling device can select said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels for detecting counterfeit notes in said document handling device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
261 words
A cash settlement system for recording and reconciling financial data, comprising: a cash settlement machine having a controller, an operator interface panel coupled to said controller, a graphics display coupled to said controller, and at least one electrical port coupled to said controller; a document handling device for authenticating and counting a plurality of notes, said document handling device being remotely located from said cash settlement machine and including a control means, a scanning mechanism to detect authenticity data values for each of said plurality of notes, a memory device coupled to said control means for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from said plurality of notes, means associated with said control means for comparing said authenticity data values to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, and a second electrical port being coupled to said control means, said electrical port for receiving at least one external signal from said cash settlement machine establishing said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels and for sending a counterfeit signal to said said cash settlement machine in response to said authenticity data values being outside said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels; and means for connecting said at least one electrical port of said cash settlement machine to said second electrical port of said document handling device such that an operator of said cash settlement machine who is remotely located from said document handling device can select said one of said plurality of sensitivity levels for detecting counterfeit notes in said document handling device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cash settlement system of claim 40 wherein said document handling device further includes a second scanning mechanism for determining the denomination of each of said plurality of notes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 1, further including the step of depositing said plurality of notes into a hopper of said note counting device as a stack and said step of generating authenticity data includes the step of conveying said plurality of notes from said stack one at a time through said note counting device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
38 words
The counterfeit currency detecting apparatus of claim 35, further including a hopper for receiving said plurality of notes as a stack, said plurality of notes being conveyed from said stack to said scanning mechanism one at a time.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
165 words
A system for detecting counterfeit currency, comprising: a counterfeit currency detection apparatus including a controller having a memory device coupled thereto for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from a plurality of notes, a scanning mechanism to detect authenticity characteristics for each of said plurality of notes, means associated with controller for comparing said authenticity characteristics to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, and a first electrical port connected to said controller; a host system that is external to said counterfeit currency detection apparatus, said host system including means for selecting one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, means for producing a signal corresponding to a selected one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, and a second electrical port for transmitting said signal externally from said host system; and a communication line between said first electrical port and said second electrical port for transmitting said signal from said host system to said counterfeit currency detection apparatus.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
165 words
A system for detecting counterfeit currency, comprising: a counterfeit currency detection apparatus including a controller having a memory device coupled thereto for storing a plurality of sensitivity levels to be used in detecting a counterfeit note from a plurality of notes, a scanning mechanism to detect authenticity characteristics for each of said plurality of notes, means associated with controller for comparing said authenticity characteristics to one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, and a first electrical port connected to said controller; a host system that is external to said counterfeit currency detection apparatus, said host system including means for selecting one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, means for producing a signal corresponding to a selected one of said plurality of sensitivity levels, and a second electrical port for transmitting said signal externally from said host system; and a communication line between said first electrical port and said second electrical port for transmitting said signal from said host system to said counterfeit currency detection apparatus.
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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) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-08-16 | 2004-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-02-14 | 2007-08-16 | 2008-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-02-14 | 2011-08-16 | 2012-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |