Currency acceptor, and light source for use therein
AssigneeMars, Incorporated
InventorChristian Voser
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-wavelength light source for use in a banknote validator comprises a housing containing a plurality of LEDs and a window for releasing light emitted by the LEDs. Visible wavelengths have a direct path to a diffuser located in the window. Infra-red wavelengths have to be diffusively reflected by the interior of the housing before they reach the diffuser, and thereby suffer greater attenuation that the visible wavelengths. The diffuser acts as a substantially point-like light source.
Claims11
A multi-wavelength light source for illuminating a currency article in a currency validator, the source comprising a housing containing a plurality of LEDs and having a window for releasing light emitted by the LEDs, wherein the light paths from the LEDs to the window differ such that light from at least one LED is attenuated to a greater extent than light from at least one other LED of a different wavelength.
A light source as claimed in any preceding claim, including a diffuser arranged to diffuse light released by the window.
A light source for illuminating a currency article in a currency validator, the source comprising a plurality of LEDs and a diffuser receiving light emitted by the LEDs and forming a substantially point-like secondary light source.
A light source as claimed in any preceding claim, including a collimating lens for producing a collimated light beam from the source.
A currency acceptor having a light source as claimed in any preceding claim.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.