US 4,179,685 AGranted

Automatic currency identification system

AssigneeAbbott Coin Counter Co., Inc.

InventorJames B. O'Maley

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for automatically identifying paper currency, stocks, stamps, and the like, by optically examining and viewing regions on the currency. The graphic pattern scanned is stored as signal information and then compared with signals representing predetermined standard information on the pattern of the currency. An identification is obtained upon the concurrence of a predetermined amount of the two information signals being compared. The system can accommodate lateral shifts of the currency and skew angles of arrival of the currency, and still provides a suitable identification. In the case of lateral shifts, it can either compensate for the shift or provide comparisons with a plurality of standard information signs, each for a different lateral displacement. In the case of the skew angle, it can compare the scanned information with a stored file of different patterns, each representing a different skew angle, or can use statistical mathematics to provide a tentative identification which is then used to select a proper memory file. The system can be used either to sort currency, or to identify a particular denomination while rejecting all other currency denominations.

Claims35

Dependent claims

An automatic currency identifying system, comprising:

transport means for moving the currency past a detecting position;
scanning means at said detecting position for scanning at least a portion of the moving currency and providing scanned information about the currency;
storage means for retaining the scanned information;
memory means for storing a predetermined information concerning the currency;
and
comparison means for comparing the scanned information from the storage means with the stored information from the memory means and providing an output signal upon concurrence of a predetermined amount of information therebetween and further comprising processing means for analyzing the scanned information and controlling the other means, and wherein said scanning means comprises scanning elements and at least two leading edge sensors positioned at spaced apart locations transversely to moving the currency, each of said leading edge sensors producing an output when respectively detecting the leading edge of the currency, and wherein said processing means includes means for measuring the time difference between the occurrence of said leading edge sensor outputs, and timing means associated with said transport means and coupled to said processing means for providing an indication of the speed of the transport, said processing means utilizing said time difference and said speed indication to determine the skew angle of the currency.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 05/739,424Filed 8 Nov 1976
Granted: 18 Dec 1979
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G07D 7/12
Using wave or particle radiation: visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
B65H 29/58
Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles: article switches or diverters
G07D 11/50
Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers: sorting or counting valuable papers
B65H 2404/632
Oscillating, pivoting around an axis parallel to face of material, e.g. diverting means: wedge member