Media validation
AssigneeNCR Corporation
InventorGary A. Ross
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of validating selected properties of media includes: providing a sensor having a monochromatic light source and a light detector, with the detector being positioned to receive only diffusely reflected light from the source; locating the media in the path of the sensor; activating the light source, and detecting light diffusely reflected from the media to provide an output from the detector containing data relating to the response of the media to the light source; moving the media with respect to the sensor so as to gather sample data from different areas of the media; processing the sample data to determine a selected characteristic of the media; and comparing the sample data against a reference database of data obtained from genuine media.
Claims28
A method of validating selected properties of media, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a sensor apparatus comprising a plurality of distinct monochromatic light sources extending radially inwardly from a perimeter of a disc toward a common light detector which is positioned at a center of said disk to receive only diffusely reflected light from the sources;
- (b) locating an item of media in a path of the sensor apparatus;
- (c) activating a first monochromatic light source, and detecting light diffusely reflected from the media, to provide an output from the detector containing data relating to the response of the media to the light source;
- (d) moving the media with respect to the sensor apparatus;
- (e) activating another monochromatic light source, and detecting light diffusely reflected from the media, to provide an output from the detector containing data relating to the response of the media to the light source;
- (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) at least until each distinct monociromatic light source has been activated;
- (g) processing the sample data to determine a selected characteristic of the media;
- and
- (h) comparing the sample data against a reference database of data obtained from genuine media.
Apparatus for sensing selected properties of media located in a path, the apparatus comprising:
- a number of monochromatic light sources extending radially inwardly from a perimeter of a disc for illuminating media in the path;
- and
- a common light detector positioned at a center of said disc for receiving only diffusely reflected light from media in the path.
A system for sensing selected properties of media in a path, the system comprising:
- a number of monochromatic light sources extending radially inwardly from a perimeter of a disc for illuminating media in the path;
- a common light detector positioned at a center of said disc for receiving only diffusely reflected light from media in the path;
- timing means for generating a timing signal;
- means for activating each light source in synchrony with the timing signal;
- means for recording outputs from the light detector;
- and
- means for processing the recorded outputs.
A self-service terminal comprising:
- a system for sensing selected properties of media located in a path, the system including (i) a number of monochromatic light sources extending radially inwardly from a perimeter of a disc, (ii) a common light detector positioned at a center of said disc for receiving only diffusely reflected light from media located in the path, (iii) means for generating a timing signal, (iv) means for activating each light source in synchrony with the timing signal, (v) means for recording outputs from the light detector, and (vi) means for processing the recorded outputs.
A method of screening a banknote comprising:
- illuminating a spot on said banknote with monochromatic light;
- detecting intensity of light diffusely reflected from said spot;
- moving said banknote to obtain a corresponding channel of data from detecting intensity of said diffusely reflected light from a plurality of said spots extending along a length of said banknote;
- determining physical length of said note from said channel of data;
- comparing said physical length against a reference database of lengths for genuine banknotes to determine a match therewith;
- identifying denomination of said banknote from said reference database for said match;
- and
- validating said banknote from said reference database.
An apparatus for screening a banknote comprising;
- means for illuminating a spot on said banknote with monochromatic light;
- means for detecting intensity of light diffusely reflected from said spot;
- means for moving said banknote to obtain a corresponding channel of data from detecting intensity of said diffusely reflected light from a plurality of said spots extending along a length of said banknote;
- means for determining physical length of said note from said channel of data;
- means for comparing said physical length against a reference database of lengths for genuine banknotes to determine a match therewith;
- means for identifying denomination of said banknote from said reference database for said match;
- and
- means for validating said banknote from said reference database.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.