MXPA99004375A - Universal bank note denominator and validator - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing an indication of a type of note passing through the apparatus includes a note transport (12) which moves the note past transversely spaced spot sensing assemblies (18). Each spot sensing assembly includes four emitters (32). Each of the emitters produces radiation at a different wavelength. The spot sensing assemblies include a reflectance detector (20) and a transmission detector (22) which are disposed on opposed sides of the passing note. The emitters direct radiation onto test spots (34) on the passing note. The emitters in each assembly are activated individually and repeatedly in a sequence. Radiation reflected from each type of emitter to the reflectance detector at each test spot causes a control circuit (24) to generate reflectance values. Radiation transmitted from each emitter through each test spot to the transmission detector causes the control circuit to generate transmission values. The control circuit produces a sensed value set including the reflectance and transmission values from each of the emitters in each of the spot sensing assemblies. The control circuit also determines an angle of skew of the passing note. The control circuit is in connection with a data store which includes memories (138). Each of the memories includes data representative of templates of values corresponding to transmission and reflectance values for known note types in a number of note positions. The control circuit generates stored value sets from the templates and skew angle. The control circuit further calculates a value representative of a level of correlation between the sensed value set and each of the stored value sets. The control circuit determines the highest level of correlation between all the stored value sets which is indicative of the note type.

Description

DENOMINATOR AND UNIVERSAL VALIDATOR OF BANK TICKETS DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to devices for identifying the type and validity of documents. Specifically, this invention relates to a device for identifying the denomination and authenticity of cash.

ANTECEDENTS OF ART Previously numerous devices have been invented to identify the documents and determine their authenticity. Similarly, devices have been previously invented to determine the denomination and authenticity of banknotes and cash. Such devices commonly test the different properties of a presented ticket and based on the properties detected, provide an indication of the denomination or authenticity, or both, of the ticket presented. All devices of the prior art have limitations.

Many devices of the prior art require precise alignment of the bill during the detection of its properties. This requires that the device include a mechanism for aligning the bills and often limits the speed at which bills can be processed. In addition, some devices require that the bills presented be oriented in a particular manner as they are detected. This limits its usefulness since tickets are often not presented in a uniform orientation.

Many devices of the prior art to terminate denomination and validity of banknotes are capable of processing only a small number of banknotes. This has drawbacks since other types of bills can not be processed. Said prior art devices are also generally manufactured to be used with a single coin type, for example, the currency of a particular country. It is often difficult or impossible to adapt such devices to handle currencies of countries that have different physical properties. In addition, it can be difficult to adapt the devices to a new series of ticket printing within the same country.

Many devices of the prior art may also be susceptible to being compromised by counterfeit notes. It is becoming increasingly easy to produce very accurate counterfeit currency reproductions. By limiting the properties of a bill that are tested by denominators and coin validators of the prior art, it is often possible for counterfeit bills to be accepted.

In order to minimize the risk of acceptance of forgeries, the range of acceptance criteria in the prior art devices can be established more explicitly. However, the cash in circulation changes the properties through its use quite quickly. The bills in circulation can change their properties through handling and wear. The bills can get dirty or marked with ink or another substance. The notes can also lose their color due to being washed by mistake with clothes or having been exposed to water or sunlight. Currency denominators and validators of the prior art can reject valid tickets showing said properties when the acceptance criteria are very severe.

The denominators and validators of bills currently available can also be difficult to program and calibrate. Such devices, particularly if they must have the ability to handle more than one type of ticket, may require a great effort for their arrangement and programming. In addition, such devices may require initial calibration and frequent periodic recalibration and adjustment to maintain an adequate level of accuracy.

The denominators and ticket validators of the prior art, particularly those with greater capabilities, often occupy a considerable physical space. This limits where they can be installed. In addition, such devices usually have a relatively high cost, which limits their suitability for particular uses and applications.

Therefore, there is a need for a denominator and cash validator that is more accurate, has greater capabilities, is faster, smaller and has lower costs.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which operates quickly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which does not require the bill to have a particular alignment or orientation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which identifies bills showing a variety of wear and aging conditions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which is capable of handling a wide variety of sizes and types of cash.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which can be easily arranged for its operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which is compact in size.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which is economical to use and manufacture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that indicates the identity of a bill, which is reliable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying a type associated with a bill.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying a type associated with a bill, which is accurate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying a bill, which is capable of identifying bills having various wear and aging conditions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying a bill, which can be used with a wide variety of bills of various orientations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying bills, which can be carried out quickly through a control circuit.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying a bill, which can be used to identify bills that are not aligned in a coherent manner or in a particular orientation.

Additional objects of the present invention will become apparent in the following best embodiments for practicing the invention and the appended claims.

The above objects are achieved in a preferred embodiment of the invention through an apparatus and method for providing an indication of the type of a bill. The apparatus is preferably used to provide indicia indicating a denomination of a bill. That apparatus may also provide an indication as to the orientation or authenticity of the bill, or both.

The invention is preferably used in relation to a conveyor for moving bills. A variety of separate point detection assemblies are arranged transversely with respect to a direction of movement of the bill in the conveyor. In a preferred form of the invention, three point detection assemblies are used, although other embodiments of the invention may include other numbers of said assemblies.

Each junction includes a radiation source comprising a variety of emitters. Each emitter generates radiation at a different wavelength. In the preferred form of the invention, four emitters are used. The emitters generally cover the range of visible light as well as that of the infrared. In the preferred form of the invention, the emitters include red, green, blue and infrared emitters at each junction. Each of the emitters of a junction is directed to eliminate a fixed point of a passing bill.

Each fixed detection junction includes a first detector. The first detector is placed on a first side of the bill as it passes on the conveyor. The first detector is preferably placed in a centered relation with respect to the emitters. The first detector detects the radiation coming from the emitters reflected from the ticket test points.

All junctions also include a second detector. The second detector is placed on a second side of the bill opposite the first detector. The second detector detects the radiation coming from each emitter that passes through the test points of the ticket.

The apparatus of the invention includes a circuit in operative connection with a data warehouse. The circuit can be operated to activate each of the emitters in each point detection junction in a sequence. According to one form of the invention, the sequence of all emitters of the same type produces radiation simultaneously, while all other types of emitters are switched off. Alternatively, the sequence may cause the emitters in the point detection assemblies to turn on at different times. However, in the preferred embodiment only one emitter of each point detection junction is active any time the sensors are being read. The transmitters are preferably activated in continuous sequence.

The emitters are sequenced numerous times as the bill that is on the conveyor passes adjacent to the point detection junctions. As a result, three sets of test points arranged in line are detected on each bill.

For each test point, the first detector that detects the reflection produces a first signal sensitive to each emitter. Each first signal is representative of the amount of radiation reflected from the test point from a corresponding emitter. Similarly, a second-detector produces second signals sensitive to the amount of light transmitted through the test point found on the bill from each emitter.

The circuit may be operated to receive the first and second signals of the first and second detectors, respectively, and to generate reflectance and transmission values in response thereto. For each test point, four reflectance values and four transmission values are generated. Likewise, for each row of three test points that are verified in the ticket simultaneously through those of point detection assemblies, twelve reflectance values and twelve transmission values are generated. In the preferred form of the invention, generally, about 29 rows of test points are detected as the banknote passes the point detection junctions. This causes the circuit to generate about 348 reflective values and 348 transmission values per ticket.

The values in the data warehouse correspond to the reflectance and transmission values for a number of ticket types in various orientations and spatial positions. The circuit can be operated to generate sets of stored values from the values found in the data warehouse. The sets of stored values are generated based on the angle of bias of the bill, which is detected as it passes the detection junctions. The circuit generates numerous sets of stored values, each corresponding to a particular ticket, denomination, banknote orientation and ticket position.

The circuit can be operated to calculate values representative of the levels of correlation between the set of detected values of reflectance and the transmission values for the ticket, and each of the sets of stored values. When comparing the level of correlation between the set of detected values and the set of stored values, the maximum correlation value is determined. The maximum level of correlation will be with a set of stored value that corresponds to the denomination and particular orientation of the ticket that passed through the conveyor to produce the set of detected values. The circuit can be operated to generate a signal indicating the type of ticket it identifies.

In the preferred form of the invention, the circuit can be operated to compare the maximum correlation value with an established threshold value. Even spent bills and those that have been put to use show a relatively high level of correlation with a set of stored values for the correct ticket type. However, if the level of correlation is not above the established threshold, then the bill can not be identified, or it can be a counterfeit, or perhaps, it can be identified and determined that it can not be reused. The circuit generates signals indicating these conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for identifying bills of the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric schematic view of three point detection assemblies detecting the points of a moving note.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a dot detection assembly.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation demonstrating how a set of detected data values of a test ticket is correlated with sets of previously stored values for a variety of banknote denominations and orientations in the operation of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation demonstrating the calculation of a representative value of a level of correlation between a set of detected data values and a set of stored data values for a particular bill type.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the data detected from three point detection assemblies and the calculation of a representative value of a level of correlation between the set of detected values and a set of stored values.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of values stored in a data store 'of the preferred embodiment of the invention, and how these data correlate with a set of detected values.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of a bill passing through the apparatus of the present invention in a skewed condition.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of data generated by the circuit of the invention sensitive to signals from the point detection junctions for the skewed bill shown in Figure -8.

Figure 10 is a tabular representation of the data shown in Figure 9 moved for the purpose of calculating a representative value of a level of correlation.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation showing how the data of detected values of a biased banknote correlates with the data stored in the data warehouse of the invention.

Figure 12 is a schematic representation showing the steps in the correlation sequence performed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the control circuit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a graphical representation of the reflectance signals obtained through cross-sectional spot sensing assemblies for a skewed bill, which will be used by the control circuit to determine an angle of bias.

Figure 15 is a schematic view of a skewed banknote and three transversely disposed point detection assemblies corresponding to the data shown graphically in Figure 14.

BEST MODALITIES TO BRING THE INVENTION TO PRACTICE Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention generally indicated by 10. The apparatus includes a bill conveyor 12. The conveyor 12 is preferably a transport conveyor. belt type that moves sheets such as banknotes one by one from an inlet end 14 to an outlet end 16. Such leaves as bills move on the conveyor 12 in a direction of the bill indicated by the arrow A.

The apparatus of the present invention also includes a variety of point detecting assemblies 18. The preferred form of the invention includes three point detection assemblies that are separated from each other in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of movement of the bill ( see Figure 3).

Each of the point detecting assemblies includes a reflectance detector, indicated schematically by 20. Each point detecting assembly 18 also includes a transmission detector indicated schematically by 22. As indicated in Figure 1, the reflectance detector 20 is in operative condition with, and emits first signals to, a control circuit indicated schematically by 24. The transmission sensors 22 are also in operative condition with the control circuit 24, and the transmission detectors emit second signals thereto. . The control circuit 24 is also in operative connection with a data store indicated schematically by 26 which holds stored values in a way that will be explained later.

The apparatus of the present invention can, in certain embodiments, also include auxiliary validation detectors indicated schematically by 28. Auxiliary detectors 28 preferably detect properties of notes passing undetected by point detection assemblies. These auxiliary detectors may include, for example, magnetic type detectors or detectors for detecting identification strips on passing notes or sheets. Auxiliary detectors 28 do not form part of the present invention and will not be discussed in more detail herein. It will be understood, however, that many types of auxiliary detectors may be used in connection with the present invention and the signals emitted by said detectors are processed and analyzed in the control circuit 24 through suitable electronic components.

The point detection assemblies 18 are shown in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3. Each point detection junction includes reflectance detector 20, which in the preferred form of the invention includes a photocell. The reflectance detectors 20 are placed on a first side of the passing bill 30 which is shown in the shaded portion of Figure 2. The conveyor 12 moves the bill 30 past the dot detecting assemblies.

Each point detecting assembly 18 includes four emitters 32. The emitters 32 are generally positioned adjacent to, and in circular relation to, each reflectance detector 20. Each point detection junction includes wavelength emitters generally encompassing in visible range of light and infrared light. In the described embodiment each point detecting junction includes a blue emitter, a green emitter, a red emitter, and an infrared emitter. In the preferred form of the invention, the emitters are light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are selectively operable to produce generally monochromatic light at a particular wavelength. In other embodiments of the invention, other types and wavelengths of emitters may be used.

Each emitter 32 of a point detection junction is oriented such that it directs and concentrates the radiation at a test point indicated schematically by 34, which is shown on the adjacent surface of a passing bill. In the preferred form of the invention, because there are three point detection assemblies, the properties of the bill are sampled simultaneously at three test points 34 which are transversely spaced across the bill. As best shown in Figure 3, the radiation from the emitters 32 is reflected from each test point 34 towards the reflectance detector 20 of the dot detection assembly. The reflected light is passed through a lens 36 adjacent to each of the reflectance detectors to further concentrate the light reflected thereon.

The radiation from the emitters 32 also passes through each test point of the test ticket. The transmitted radiation passes to the transmission detector 22 of each of the point detecting assemblies 18. In the preferred form of the invention, each of the transmission sensors 22 includes a photocell. As a result, when the reflectance detector 20 detects radiation from one of the emitters reflected from the test ticket, the transmission detector 22 simultaneously detects the transmitted radiation. through the test ticket from the issuer.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the control circuit 24 is operable to selectively activate each of the emitters 32. The control circuit activates each type of emitter in each of the individual point detection assemblies, such as so that only one emitter in a point detection junction produces radiation at any given time.

In one embodiment, the control circuit 24 can be operated to activate the same type of emitter in each of the point detecting assemblies 18 simultaneously. For example, all the blue emitters in each of the point detection assemblies are activated to produce radiation at the same time. Thereafter, all blue emitters turn off and all green emitters are turned on at each of the point detection junctions. After that, the green emitters turn off and the red ones light up. When the red emitters are switched off, the infrared emitters are switched on. The infrared emitters turn off and the sequence is repeated. Alternatively, the emitters can be activated in a "marquee" style in such a way that the particular emitter type of each junction is on for a time before being read, and the emitters of the same type are read at different times. This approach has the advantage that it allows the transmitters to stabilize before being read by the controller. Of course, the sequence of the transmitters may be different in other embodiments.

The emitters radiate individually and in sequence quickly, so that each emitter is turned on once for each test point 34. The test points are preferably discrete and each of the emitters directs the light generally to the same point of the ticket during a sequence, despite the fact that the bill is moving.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, each reflectance detector 20 produces four first signals for each test point 34. The first four signals are produced in response to the radiation of the emitters blue, green, red and infrared. Similarly, each transmission detector 22 produces four second signals for each test point 34. There is a second signal for the radiation transmitted through the test point from the four emitters in the point detection junction.

The control circuit 24 receives each of these first signals and can be operated to generate a reflectance value sensitive to each signal representative of the magnitude of light reflected by the bill 30 from the four emitters. In the same way, the control circuit 24 can be operated to generate sensible transmission values to each of the four second signals coming from the transmission detector 22. Each of the transmission values are representative of the light transmitted through the point test from each issuer. Because there are three point detection assemblies 18 transversely spaced across the bill, the first circuit can be operated to generate twelve reflectance values and twelve transmission values for each row of three test points 34 on the bill.

In the preferred form of the invention, the control circuit 24 is operative to activate the emitters in the point detection assemblies very quickly. This is done in such a way that the test points remain discrete and compact. A number of test points is preferably detected as the bill passes the three point detection assemblies 18 on the conveyor. In the preferred form of the invention, the point detection assemblies are activated in such a way that each point detection junction detects approximately 29 test points on a normal US ticket. This means that usually (29 x 3 = 87) test points are detected on the average ticket. Because 4 transmission values and four reflectance values are generated per test point (87 x 8 = 696), approximately 696 data values are collected per ticket..

The conveyor 12 is preferably moved at such a speed that 15 normal US dollars per second pass through the dot detection junctions. Of course, in other embodiments, different numbers of test points, data values and ticket rates may be applied.

A fundamental advantage of the present invention is that the emitters produce radiation covering the range of visible light as well as that of infrared light. This provides signals that prove the validity of the bill at different wavelengths in both the transmission and reflectance modes. This allows much more data to be collected with respect to the image and material properties of the banknote than the previous types of denominators and bill validators.

Another fundamental advantage of the present invention is that it is capable of identifying many types of notes in different orientations. As will be explained later, the preferred form of the present invention does not require that the bills be precisely aligned either in the direction of the bill, or transversely in the path of the bill.

As shown schematically in Figure 4, a bill that is supplied to the present invention for identification and validation can be one of many types. The preferred form of the. invention is configured to identify 20 different banknote denominations. Of course, other embodiments of the invention may analyze different number of denominations of notes. However, in the preferred form of the present invention, there is no requirement that the supplied tickets be oriented in a particular manner. Therefore, tickets can be provided face up, face down, as well as with the top of the bill being the first, or with the bottom of the bill being the first. To identify the bill as a particular type, the present invention must be capable of handling bills supplied in all four orientations.

In Figure 4, a set of detected values 38 is shown, representative of a set of data detected in the test ticket. As discussed above in the preferred embodiment, this detected set of values will usually include a set that is 24 times 29. This is because each row of three test points generates 24 values (12 reflectance and 12). of transmission) and there are usually 29 rows of test points on the ticket.

The right side of Figure 4 shows sets of stored values 40. In the preferred form of the invention, the control circuit 24 produces the sets of stored values. The detected set of values 38 generated from the bill is compared for its correlation with each of the sets of stored value sets 40. In Figure 4, 80 sets of stored values are shown. This is representative of the 20 banknote denominations multiplied by four possible orientations for each type of ticket.

As will be explained in detail later, in the preferred form of the invention, there are more than 80 sets of stored values with which the set of detected values is compared. This is because the device must determine not only the particular type of ticket (among 80 possible types and orientations of the ticket), but also has to determine the type of ticket even if the position of the ticket can be modified either at the address in which the bill is transported or transverse to the address of the bill, or may be biased in relation to the address of the conveyor.

The process by which the control circuit calculates the representation values of the level of correlation between the detected set of values (which is representative of the transmission reflectance values from the detected note) and the stored value sets, is schematically represented in Figure 5. For purposes of calculating the correlation made by the control circuit 24, the set of detected values 38 is considered as data (x), The data values of the set of stored values indicated by 42 are considered as data (y). The level of correlation is calculated according to the equation: where: Cx and is the correlation coefficient. Xi is the detected value of the data of the set of detected values. yi is the corresponding value in the set of stored values. μx is the average of the values in the portion of the set of detected values that is being correlated. μy is the average of the values in the corresponding portion of the set of stored values that is being correlated. sx is the standard deviation of the values detected in the portion of the set of detected values that is being correlated. s? is the standard deviation in the corresponding portion of the set of stored values.

As will be appreciated, the greater the correlation coefficient, the greater the level of correlation between the set of detected values and the set of stored values being compared. A high value is indicative that the set of stored values corresponds to the test ticket of a particular type that generates the data in the set of detected values.

Turning now to Figure 6, a set of detected values 44 of a bill passing through the point detecting assemblies 18 is shown schematically. As shown in the upper portion of Figure 6, the set of detected values 44 is a matrix of 24 by 29. The lower portion of Figure 6 shows a set of stored values of similar size 46 generated by the circuit 24 from the data found in the data warehouse 26 so that it will be explained later.

In the preferred form of the invention, each set comprising three columns of "x" values representing one color and one mode in the set of detected values 44 is verified as to the correlation with the corresponding values in the three columns of the set of stored values 46. A correlation coefficient is calculated for the values in each set of triple columns. The correlation coefficients for each of the 8 sets of triple columns are multiplied by the control circuit to obtain a general correlation value indicative of a level of correlation between the set of detected values and the set of stored values.

In one form of the invention, the values of the correlation coefficient for the values of the reflectance mode are first multiplied to obtain a general correlation value for the reflectance. After that, the same is done for 'all the correlation coefficient values for the values of the transmission mode to obtain a general value for the transmission. These general values are then multiplied to calculate a final value indicative of the correlation of the stored set of values and the test ticket.

Calculating the transmission and reflectance values separately has the advantage that the individual values can be analyzed individually in the control circuit according to their programming. This may be preferred in certain embodiments. For example, the high correlation of the general reflectance but not the transmission may be indicative of a certain quality of the ticket that may force it to be removed from circulation.

Other embodiments may combine correlation values in other ways, for example, by wavelength or radiation. The combination of the correlation values for the analysis may differ in other embodiments, depending on the bills and the properties of interest. The present invention, given that the set of stored values generated are arranged in matrices, can analyze certain physical areas in the notes with details through the programming of the control circuit. Therefore, in the embodiment of the invention, the manner in which the sets of detected and stored values are generated and the correlation values calculated can be adjusted to the properties of the bill and to areas of interest therein.

The particular type of ticket that passes through the apparatus of the invention is generally indicated by the set of stored values that have the highest general level of correlation with the set of detected values. This set of stored values corresponds to a type of ticket, for example, a particular ticket denomination in a particular orientation. Once the control circuit determines the set of stored values with the highest level of correlation, it then indicates the particular type of banknote that has been determined by generating a signal indicative thereof.

In some embodiments it is also desirable to note situations in which the passing ticket has a relatively low level of correlation with all possible ticket types. This may be indicative of a fake bill, a foreign bill or currency that is unacceptable to be reused due to rips, dust, wear, or strange markings. The control circuit 24 is operable to provide an indication not only of the identity of the bill type that correlates best with the set of detected values, but also to indicate when the maximum calculated correlation level is below one set of values. threshold that suggests a false or unacceptable bill.

Alternatively, the control circuit of the apparatus of the present invention can be configured to include several thresholds established for the correlation. This may correspond to bills suspected of being fake or severely damaged, and bills that show only signs of wear, aging or abuse that make them unacceptable to return to circulation. Since the preferred form of the present invention provides data that accurately identifies notes by denomination despite wear, dust, and strange marks, it is possible to make such judgments regarding the quality of a bill, as well as to identify its type.

The present invention also provides data that can be used advantageously and specifically for counterfeit detection purposes. The ability of the invention to test both transmission and reflectance across a broad spectrum of radiation, and to compare detected data with stored values for suitable bills, allows the establishment of thresholds for particular radiation wavelengths. Some radiation wavelengths may provide more indicative data than others with respect to counterfeit or unacceptable notes. This is particularly true in countries that have bills that include different color paths for different denominations. The control circuit of the present invention can be programmed to abstract and analyze particular abstracted correlation data for this purpose.

While the embodiment of the invention previously described, the correlation coefficients are calculated for sets corresponding to three data columns and these correlation coefficients are combined, other embodiments may use sets composed of other portions of the data detected with purposes of calculating the correlation coefficients. These correlation coefficients can then be combined to produce a final value indicative of the correlation with the stored value data. For example, correlation values can be calculated between each column or row of detected data and stored data. These correlation values can then be combined. Alternatively, correlation values based on twelve columns related to each modality (transmission / reflectance) can be calculated and then these two values combined. Alternatively, a single correlation value can be calculated for all data in the sets of detected and stored values. It has been found that the approach to calculate the correlation coefficients for the three columns of data and then combine them works well for the currency of the United States. However, for other types of banknotes or documents, or for other forms of detection hardware, other approaches for calculating the correlation coefficients and then combining them may also work well to indicate the identity of the ticket or test document.

With reference again to Figure 6, it should be noted that in the embodiment of the invention shown generally in the first four rows of the detected data and generally in the last three rows of said data do not correlate with the sets of stored values when the bill is aligned transversely in its path. In general, the calculation of the level of correlation is made between the sets of values detected and the set of stored values comprising 22 rows and 24 columns. As will be explained later, the first four rows of data detected from the banknote and the last three rows are generally used to calculate which banknote is skewed in the transverse direction of the banknote path as well as to confirm that the banknote has the right length If the bill is skewed, the control circuit generates the sets of stored values by selecting values from the data store that are correspondingly transposed to correspond to the calculated angle of bias. In addition, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if a bill is "longer" than a suitable bill, in such a way that it produces data for more test points than it should, the control circuit identifies it as a bill. suspect or falsified and rejected or- treated accordingly.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the bills passing the point detection assemblies on the conveyor do not have to be aligned neither in the direction of the bill nor in the transverse direction to be able to identify themselves. To achieve this, the data store includes data for all identifiable ticket types at a much lower separation than the test points detected by the point detection assemblies as a bill passes. In the preferred form of the invention, the data is collected and stored in increments that are one quarter of the separation between the test points on a ticket passing on the conveyor. Of course, other increments may be applied in other embodiments of the invention.

In Figure 7 a set of detected values 38 is schematically represented. A first template 48 is representative of a particular type of ticket denomination that passes in centered relation with respect to the three point detection junctions on the conveyor. As a result, it is indicated in Figure 7 with a "0" offset. The values shown in the first template 48 are the 24 transmission and reflectance values for a bill of a particular type at one-quarter increments between the test points and a passing bill. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the first template 48 would be a matrix of 24 times (29 x 4) 116 values.

The control circuit derives the sets of stored values for comparison with a set of values detected from the template 48 by taking the values in each fourth row of the template. In other words, the data appearing in rows 1, 5, 9, 13 and so on correspond to a note at a particular position in relation to the direction in which a note moves on the conveyor. Similarly, rows 2, 6, 10, 14 and so on correspond to the same type of ticket in another position relative to the address of the bill.

From the template 48, the control circuit generates sets of stored values corresponding to the particular ticket type to which the template 48 corresponds in different positions in relation to the transport direction of the bill.

In Figure 7, a second template 50 corresponds to the same type of ticket as the ticket 48. The second template 50, however, has reflectance and transmission values for test points on the banknote offset by a transverse increase from the test points that produced the values of the first template 48. By taking each fourth row of values of the template 50 the control circuit generates sets of stored values for the particular ticket type, transversally offset from the centered position and in several positions in relation to the address of the ticket transporter.

The third template 52 shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the same type of banknote as the templates 48 and 50. The template 52 contains values corresponding to the test points of a banknote moved transversely from the zero offset position in an opposite direction of the template 50. The third template 52 is also a matrix of 24 by 116 values. The control circuit produces the sets of values stored from it by abstracting every fourth row of values.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the templates are provided for test points in various transversely offset positions. This allows the bills to be disposed from the central line of the bill's path, as well as having a first end that is not aligned with any reference, and can still be identified.

The process of entering the data necessary to produce the templates is achieved in the preferred embodiment during an adjustment mode of the apparatus. In the adjustment mode, the data of the stored values are generated by placing a ticket of each type on the conveyor. The data is collected by each point detection junction from 116 rows of test points instead of 29 rows which is the common number for a detected ticket. This can be achieved by the static placement of the bill or, alternatively, by moving the bill at a rate that allows the spot detection assemblies to be sequenced enough times to collect the data for storage in the data store.

During the adjustment mode, the notes are detected by being centered in the path of the conveyor as well as being arranged transversely from the centered or "zero-compensated" position, in such a way that the templates for banknotes that are transversally compensated in increments. The ability to dispose the device through the use of current currency and making it pass through the conveyor allows the arrangement of forms of the device quickly and reliably. This is desirable in cases where the data must be collected for twenty bills, each of which has four orientations and several compensation positions.

In one embodiment of the invention, templates for four compensated positions are produced in each transverse direction from the position offset to zero. These templates are compensated in increments of an eighth of an inch to an inch. This means that a ticket passing through the conveyor can be placed half a inch away in the transverse direction of the position offset to zero and still be identified accurately.

In other embodiments of the invention it is feasible to collect or calculate, or both, the experimentally stored values and store them in templates in the data warehouse. Alternatively, such templates can be produced on a separate machine and then loaded into the device data store. As long as the data is collected accurately, the device will adequately indicate the type of ticket detected.

The process by which the apparatus of the present invention calculates a level of correlation and determines the identity of a bill is schematically represented in Figure 12. It should be understood that in the operation of the apparatus 10 the control circuit 24 activates the emitters of each one of the point detection assemblies 18 in the sequence continuously. A ticket can reach any point during the sequence. As the banknote moves adjacent to and then exceeds the point detecting junctions 18, the control circuit collects the data in a step 54. The collected data is arranged in the memory as an array of values that is generally 24 by 29. Matrix 56 represents this raw data. Matrix 56 may contain, in effect, more values if the bill is skewed. However, for purposes of this initial example, a matrix of 24 by 29 that corresponds to a non-skewed note will be assumed.

As represented by sub-matrix 58 of 4 times 24, the control circuit uses the first four rows of data of the bill to calculate a bias angle at a step 60 in the manner discussed below. In addition, as represented by sub-matrix 62 of 4 by 24, the control circuit 24 can be operated to calculate the length of the bill at a step 64. By doing this, the control circuit considers the angle of bias, because the detection junctions of points will detect more than 29 rows of test points on a ticket if the ticket is skewed. At step 64 the length of the bill is determined based on the number of test points of which the data refer, and the angle of bias. The length of the bill is compared to a stored value indicative of the number of long test points of a normal bill, and if the bill is "too long" or "too short" the control circuit 24 generates a signal indicative of the detected condition .

Assuming for purposes of this example that the bill is of correct length and is aligned transversely with respect to the path thereof, the control circuit 24 is operative at a step 66 to generate set of stored values. The set of stored values are generated from the templates 88. The nine templates 68 shown are each an array of 24 columns by 116 rows. The nine templates 68 comprise a master template 70 corresponding to a type of ticket (a bill denomination in a particular orientation). Each of the nine templates 68 corresponds to the type of ticket in each of the transverse positions in the bill's path. The 116 rows of data in each template 68 represent transmission and reflectance values in increments of a quarter of the distance between the test points on a detected ticket that is passed through the conveyor.

In the embodiment of the invention described, the templates 24 by 116 68 comprise the master template 70 which includes all the stored values corresponding to a type of ticket. Because the preferred form of the invention is configured to identify twenty bills in four orientations, there are eighty master templates in the data warehouse of this preferred embodiment. Each of the master templates is composed of nine templates, such as templates 68. This means that in this preferred embodiment the data store contains (80 x 9 = 720) templates, each template having (24 x 116 - 2784) data values, for a total of (720 x 2784 = 2,004,480) values stored in the data warehouse. Of course, other template arrangements may be used in other embodiments.

The control circuit 24 is operative in the example by being shown to produce forty-five sets of stored values 72 from the templates 68 in each master template 70. These set of stored values are shown in a table shown in Figure 12. These set of stored values 72 are generated by the control circuit taking each fourth row of each of the templates 68. The control circuit does this preferably from the sixteenth line in each of the templates 68. This is done because , as discussed above, the first four rows of data taken from the note are used to calculate the angle of bias, if they are not generally used in the generation of the set of stored values 72 if the note is not biased. The forty-five set of stored values 72 are generated for each of the eighty templates 70.

As can be seen in the previous discussion, when discarding the first four rows of test points, the first row of test points of the ticket from which the data would be used for correlation purposes in this example would be the fifth row of test points. This corresponds to the twentieth row (4 x 5) of each template 68. Thus, the control circuit takes the twentieth line and every fourth line thereafter until twenty-two rows of data are read to generate a set of stored values of 22. x 24 72. The set of stored values produced in this way correspond to the "zero vertical position" of the table in Figure 12.

However, because the detected bill can move forward in the path thereof from the zero position, the control circuit 24 is operative to generate sets of stored values 72 that similarly move forward in the direction of the bill. This is done from the nineteenth line in each template 78 and taking every fourth line thereafter until 22 values are collected. This corresponds to an increase of forward change. The sets of stored values generated in this manner are the sets of stored values minus a quarter 72 shown in Figure 12.

Likewise, stored value sets changed in two forward increments are generated from the eighteenth data line in each of the templates 78 and taking each fourth row thereafter. This corresponds to the stored value sets -2/4 72 shown in the table in Figure 12.

As can be appreciated, the stored value sets are also generated from the seventeenth line in each template 68. These correspond to the sets of stored values -3 / 4 72. The sets of values stored from the sixteenth line correspond to the stored value sets -4/4 72 of the table in Figure 12.

The ticket can also move backwards from the "vertical zero position". As a result, the stored value sets 72 are produced from the twenty-first, twenty-second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth values in each of the templates 68. These correspond to the sets of stored position values. vertical +1/4, +2/4, +3/4 and +4/4 respectively shown in Figure 12.

The stored value sets 72 are further generated for the cross compensation positions. As shown in Figure 12, the sets of stored values are produced for the cross compensation positions of -1/8", -2/8", +1/8"and +2/8". (The symbol "is used here with transverse offsets to represent approximately 635 cm.) It should be mentioned that both vertical and transverse compensations are indicated by uniformly separated increments and the like, and that other separate increments may be used in English or metric units. Therefore, the 45 stored value sets 72 represent the reflectance and transmission values for a type of banknotes moved forward and backward in the direction in which the banknote moves on the carrier, as well as in both transverse directions.

Although the master templates 70 consist of nine transverse sub-templates 68, in the preferred form of the invention, the stored value sets 72 are produced only for five transverse positions of the bill, instead of nine. This is because the conveyor of the preferred embodiment and the manner in which the notes are supplied, usually holds the notes up to 1/4"from the zero compensation position. preferred embodiment, it is necessary to produce additional stored value sets, however, in alternative embodiments in which the transverse position of the note can be disposed beyond the zero compensation position, additional sets of stored values can be generated through of the control circuit and used for correlation with the sets of detected values.

With reference again to Figure 12, the unprocessed value matrix 56 of the test ticket that is detected undergoes a vertical bias elimination step 74 performed by the control circuit 24 when the bill is detected as biased, as will be explained later. When the bill is not biased as in this example, step 74 has no effect on the raw data. In the present example, a set of detected values 76 which is a matrix of 24 by 22 occurs in the control circuit 24 directly from the raw data.

Next, the control circuit 24 is operative to calculate the level of correlation between the sets of detected values 76 and each of the sets of stored values 72 in the manner analyzed with reference to Figure 6. The control circuit calculates and stores temporarily correlation values, and storage is represented in Table 78. Of all the calculated correlation values for each master template, usually one value will be the maximum. Of course, there are eighty master templates and the control circuit is operative to find the maximum level of correlation between the forty-five values for each of the 80 master templates. This is represented by a step 80 of Figure 12. The control circuit is then operative in a step 82 to provide an indication of the identity of the bill type that produced the maximum correlation value and therefore correlates more closely with the sets of detected values of the ticket that passed through the device.

As discussed previously, the embodiments of the invention have also stored, in relation to the control circuit, a threshold value, which must exceed the maximum level of correlation calculated before a bill is considered genuine. If the maximum level of correlation of all stored value sets does not exceed this threshold level, then the bill is suspect and possibly a counterfeit. Suspicious bills of this type can be returned to the customer or kept inside the device at a designated place. This is done by a deviation mechanism that transports the bills to the designated place.

Alternative embodiments of the invention may also be applied to separate bills considered in good condition from those showing wear, abuse or dirt. This is achieved by storing in relation to the control circuit 24 an additional threshold value for a correlation which is above the threshold in terms of authenticity of the notes, but below that for notes in suitable condition. Said intermediate threshold may be applied for the purpose of separating banknotes which, although still in good condition, are sufficiently worn or soiled that they must be removed from the circulation.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it can provide an indication of the type of note including the orientation thereof. This allows the present invention to be coupled with mechanisms that redirect the bill and separate bills of different denominations. This possibility is to collect the bills to make bundles or to dispense them to a user of the machine in which the apparatus of the present invention is installed.

The present invention also provides capabilities for detecting counterfeit bills. This is achieved because the control circuit can selectively process the available data so as to aid in the detection of counterfeit notes. If, for example, it is known that the counterfeit currencies of a particular country tend to deviate significantly from the real currency, either in terms of reflection or transmission of a particular wavelength of radiation, or in a particular area of a In the case of a ticket, the level of correlation for this particular wavelength or region of the ticket can be analyzed individually in the control circuit. Banknotes that show the properties of a classification can then be identified as suspicious even though the general level of correlation may be marginally acceptable. The particular properties that can distinguish a counterfeit bill from a genuine one will depend on the particular currency or other document involved and its properties.

An additional advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that bills passing through the apparatus do not have to be aligned transversely in the path of the bill. Rather, the bills can be biased in such a way that one of the transverse sides is in front of the other. An example of a bill 84 that is skewed in relation to the path thereof is shown schematically in Figure 8. The bill 84 is shown with its left side first. The lines 86 that are superimposed on the bill of Figure 8 show the lines or grid of the test points on which a sampling would be made if the bill were aligned in the path thereof. The lines 88 represent the lines of the test points of the skewed bill that are checked by the point detection junctions. The superimposed lines 90 represent the site where the point detecting junctions detect the data. Thus, the intersections of rows 90 and 88 represent a grid of places where the data is collected through the dot detection junctions as bill 84 passes.A set of detected values 92 shown in Figure 9 shows the raw data array that is generated as the bill 84 passes the point detection assemblies. The point detection junction that is placed to the left of Figure 8 begins to detect the bill data before the center point detection junction. In addition, the center point detection junction begins to detect the data before the point detection junction on the right. The point detection junctions that do not detect the bill detect a reflectance value close to zero and a high transmission value. Similarly, on the back of the bill shown in the lower set of unprocessed detected values 92, the spot detecting junctions fail to detect the bill at different times so that it is essentially a mirror image of the bill. condition of the first end of the bill. As can be seen in Figure 8, due to the biased nature of the bill, the data detection assemblies detect data for more than 29 of the cross lines 90. It should be remembered that the 29 rows of test points were detected in the previous Example for a non-skewed ticket.

To analyze this data, the control circuit 24 of the apparatus of the present invention can be operated to modify the data of the set of unprocessed detected values 92 represented in Figure 9, in such a way that it is similar to the other sets of values detected for the bills aligned transversely. The control circuit 24 of the invention is further operative to produce sets of stored values that account for the angle of bias of the bill.

When a banknote is biased, the control circuit 24 is first operative to modify the set of unprocessed detected values 92 by transposing the data to eliminate the data points near the first end representing the absence of a banknote. This involves changing the values to the right for each type of issuer as shown in Figure 9, upwards in such a way that a set of detected values is created in which the data of the detected bills are present in each position in the 29 rows Said sets of modified detected values are indicated with the number 94 in Figure 10.

As shown in Figure 10, when changing the raw values, a set of detected values is produced which is a matrix of 24 by 29 detected values. Although the data was collected from more than 29 of the cross lines 90 when the note was detected, the detected value sets modified 94"square" the detected data in such a way that it is a set of detected values similar to the transversely aligned banknote .

Said "square" data can be used in the control circuit in order to verify if the detected bill is of suitable length. If after "squaring" the data without processing the data does not correspond to the length of the appropriate ticket, an adequate indication of a suspicious ticket is given.

As can be seen in Figure 8, modifying the sets of raw values detected 92 to create the sets of detected values 94 does not result in a matrix of values that can be easily correlated with the banknote templates that are aligned in the path of the ticket. This is because the test points of the skewed bill 84 move progressively closer to the right end of the bill as it passes. The speed at which the test points of the bill migrate to the right is a function of the angle of bias. To enable the correlation of the modified detected sets of values 94 with the sets of stored values, the control circuit 24 can be operated to generate sets of stored values for the correlation that accounts for the angle of bias. This is represented graphically in Figure 11.

Figure 11 shows a modified set of detected values indicated schematically by the number 96. This sets of detected values modified 96 for purposes of this example can be seen as corresponding to a bill similar to that of Figure 8 where the bill is skewed to such that the left side of the reference frame leads to the right side. The control circuit can be operated based on the calculated skew angle of the bill to take values from different sub-templates 68 in the master template 70 as graphically depicted in Figure 12.

As shown in the right part of Figure 11, the values of columns 98, 100 and 102 represent templates similar to sub-templates 68 for a horizontal compensation of 0", horizontal compensation of +1/8" and horizontal compensation of 2/8", respectively, as shown in Figure 12. In order to generate a set of stored values for the correlation with the modified detected sets of values 96, the control circuit 24 can be operated to select a series of values from the compensated template 0"represented by column 98. Next, the control circuit is operative to" jump "in such a way that it begins to select values from column 100 that correspond to template 68 for the same type of ticket transposed to + 1/8"from the offset position 0". In addition, after taking several values from column 100, the control circuit is operative to begin selecting values from column 102 which is representative of the template for the same type of banknote disposed at +2/8"from the offset position 0".

The point where the control circuit 24 begins to select values from different templates is determined by the angle of bias. The sets of stored values are generated for all the positions of the banknote arranged 1/4"from the zero reference in the banknote path in a similar manner.

As can be seen in the graphical representation of Figure 11, to generate the sets of stored values that encompass the possible positions for a biased banknote, the control circuit must abstract values from the templates 68 for banknotes that are disposed to more than 1 / 4"of the zero offset position As can now be seen in Figure 12, that is why there are additional transverse offset templates 68 in each master template 70, even if the ticket is generally confined to an area of plus or minus 1 / 4"from the position offset to zero in the bill's path.

The calculation of the angle of bias that determines how the control circuit selects or abstracts values from the different templates to produce the stored value sets is explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 15 shows a note 104 that is skewed similarly to the bill 84 of Figure 8. The bill 104 has a left side that goes before the right side in a direction of travel of the bill 'indicated by the Arrow A. A dot detection junction 106 is placed on the left as shown in Figure 15. A point detecting assembly 108 is positioned to the right as shown in Figure 16. Both point detection assemblies are the same and similar to the point detection assemblies 18 previously analyzed.

The line 110 of Figure 15 is representative of the reflectance values for a first type of emitter to have produced radiation that is reflected from the bill 104 in an amount greater than an established threshold 112. This threshold is indicated as 20 percent in Figure 14, and this has been discovered through experimentation as an acceptable value for this purpose when using US banknotes. Of course, other threshold values may apply. The data points 114 are representative of actual reflectance values for the particular type of emitter in the point detection junction 106 which was the first of the emitters to produce a reflectance value above the threshold. The line 110 is produced by a curve fitting process performed by the control circuit 24 using real data points 114. This is done through the execution of known curve fitting algorithms.

The control circuit adjusts row 116 to data points 118. The data points 118 are representative of actual reflectance values from the emitter time at the point detecting junction 108 corresponding to the emitter that produced the data points 114. at the point detecting junction 106. By comparing the times at which the lines 110 and 116 each crossed the threshold 112, the bank skew angle can be calculated. This difference in time at which the reflectance values for the same type of emitter at each point detection junction crossed the threshold is represented by the quantity? T of Figure 14.

The distance between point detecting assemblies 106 and 108 is a known fixed amount. Similarly, the speed at which the bill moves on the bill conveyor is also known, as shown in Figure 15, the angle of bias? it can be calculated by means of the following equation: tan0 = where : ? is the angle of bias; v is the speed of the ticket in the direction of the same; ? t is the time difference of when the first emitter of a first point detecting junction detects the property of the bill crossing the threshold, and when the corresponding emitter in the point detection junction arranged remotely detects the property for that junction crossing, the threshold; x is the distance between the point detecting assemblies 106, 108 for which the time difference is evaluated.

As can be seen from the previous analysis, the angle of bias determines the points at which the control circuit begins to select the values of the templates to produce the sets of stored values for comparison with the set of modified detected values. Of course, the angle of bias can be in any direction that requires the control circuit to be enabled to abstract the values of the templates 68 progressively in any direction of transverse compensation.

With reference again to Figure 12, which shows the correlation sequence, step 74 is the step of eliminating the bias in which the sets of detected unprocessed values from the point detection assemblies as the set 92 of the Figure 9 is "squared" to produce a set of modified detected values similar to set 94 of Figure 10. When the data is skewed, this step is performed to produce the set of detected values 76 of Figure 12 for correlation purposes.

In step 66, the control circuit produces the sets of stored values by abstracting the data from the templates 88 of each master template 70, sensitive to the angle of bias detected. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the values are abstracted from the compensated template at 0"68 and the template offset at +1/8 68 to generate the stored value sets 72 in the table of the sets of stored values vertical compensated position 0 and horizontal 0".

As will be appreciated from the above analysis, for the stored value sets 72 shown in the table above the 0 position, the changes between the two adjacent templates 68 occur one row of data above with each -1/4 step up in the box of stored value sets. Similarly, the change between the templates would occur one data line down for each increment of +1/4 below the vertical offset position 0 in the table of stored value sets.

For example, to generate the stored value sets 72 shown in the table with a vertical compensation of 0 and a horizontal compensation of -1/8", the values in the corresponding rows highlighted in Figure 12 in the horizontal compensation template 0", would be taken instead of the template that has a horizontal compensation of 0.", the displayed lines highlighted in Figure 12 in the horizontal compensation template +1/8"would be taken instead from the horizontal compensation template 0". Similarly, control circuit 24 would abstract the data rows of these two templates one row of data up from the values used to produce the set of stored values 0, -1/8"to generate the set of stored values shown in the table in -1/4", -1/8." Extracting the values of the templates two rows of data up from the values used to generate the stored value sets 0, -1/8", provides the sets of stored values -2/4, -1/8 and so on.

Similarly, by abstracting the values of the two templates used to produce the stored value sets 0, -1/8"72, provides the sets of stored values +1/4, -1/8"; +2/4, -1/8"; +3/4, -1/8" and +4/4, -1/8"This is done by abstracting the values successively a row of data lower than the abstracted ones to produce the set of values stored earlier.

Similarly, to produce the set of stored values 72 in the vertical offset 0, the horizontal compensation position -2/8, the control circuit 24 abstracts the values of the horizontal compensation templates -2/8"and -1 / 8"68, and so on. It can be seen that the selection process executed by the control circuit 24 to generate the sets of stored values for comparison with the set of detected values 76 can be viewed as a matter of changing left-right between the templates 68 from top to bottom within the templates 68 to produce the various sets of stored values 72 shown in the positions of the frame of Figure 12.

It should be remembered, however, that even when the values are abstracted or selected to produce the stored value sets 72, all the values selected in a set of stored values come from a single master template 70 corresponding to a single banknote denomination with a particular orientation. As a result, when the values that indicate the levels of correlation are calculated and found to the maximum, the sets of stored values that produced this maximum level of correlation will correspond only to one type of identity.

The control circuit 24 of the preferred embodiment is schematically depicted in Figure 13. The control circuit 24 includes optical detectors and an electronic component 120. The optical detectors and the electronic component include the point detection assemblies 18 which produce the first and second signals that cause the control circuit 24 to generate the reflectance and transmission values.

The control circuit further includes a scan control subassembly 122 which is in connection with the optical detectors and the electronic component 120. The scan control subassembly 122 activates the emitters in the sequence to produce the first and second synchronized signals that correspond to each type of issuer.

A multiplexer and analog to digital converter (A / D) component 124 is operative to receive the first and second signals of the point detection assemblies and to produce the raw reflectance and transmission values and direct them to generate the stored value sets for each ticket detected.

The control circuit 24 further includes a sub-assembly of auxiliary detectors 126. The sub-assembly of auxiliary detectors corresponds to the auxiliary detectors 28 previously analyzed. These auxiliary detectors are preferably of a type designed specifically for the type of document or bill that is being detected.

A modular controller 128 is operative to receive data from and to control the operation of the other components of the system. The controller 128 is in connection with an angle encoder subassembly 130. The angle encoded subassembly 130 is operative to determine the angle of inclination of a bill from the initial signals of the emitter as the bill is detected in the manner discussed above. The control circuit 24 further includes a communications sub-assembly 132 which is operative to transmit signals to and from the controller 128. The communications sub-assembly transmits information to and from a larger system of which the apparatus is a part. It also supplies signals to and from input and output devices.

The controller 128 is in communication with a variety of calculating modules 134. Each calculating module 134 includes a digital signal processor 136. Each digital signal processor 136 is in operative connection with a static random access memory 138. The memories 138 maintain the stored values that are used for Determine the level of correlation between the sets of values detected and the sets of stored values generated. Each memory 138 preferably maintains a different group of master templates 70.

Each calculating module 134 further includes a computer control 140. The calculator controllers are operative to produce the sets of stored values from the templates in the memories 138. This is done based on the data of the angle of bias provided by the controller 128. The calculator controllers are further operative to cause their associated digital signal processor to calculate the correlation values between the data values in the detected value sets and the stored value sets. The calculator controllers are further operative to control the related digital signal processor to calculate the overall correlation coefficient for each set of stored values, and to indicate the maximum correlation value for the master templates handled by the particular calculator module.

The architecture of the preferred form of the control circuit 24 allows many computations to be performed quickly which are necessary to generate the sets of stored values and to determine the correlation values for the sets of detected values and all sets of stored values. The control circuit 24 has the advantage that each of the digital signal processors operates in parallel on the master templates stored in their related memory. In addition, the processing capabilities of the control circuit 24 can be increased by adding additional calculators and modules 134 to generate and correlate sets of additional stored values. This allows you to correlate selective or additional detected values with stored data.

In the operation of the control circuit 24 the controller 128 operates the scanning control sub-assembly 122 for sequencing the emitters in the point detection assemblies, which are included in the sub-assembly of optical detectors and electronic element 120. The first and second signals corresponding to the reflectance and transmission from each transmitter are supplied to the multiplexer and A / D converter 124 that supplies the digital reflectance and transmission values corresponding to each emitter. The multiplexer and A / D converter 124 also receives signals from the sub-assembly of detectors and auxiliary electronic element 126 and supplies the appropriate signals from them to the controller 128.

The controller 128 may be operated to detect a bill that comes in close with the point detection assemblies and to produce the sets of detected values unprocessed. The angle encoder sub-assembly 130 is operative to determine the angle of bias from the set of unprocessed detected values and to supply the information to the controller 128. The controller 128 is further operative to modify the set of detected values unprocessed and to supply the modified detected sets of values and the bias angle data to each of the calculator modules 134.

The controller 128 is operative to determine the length of the bill from the modified sets of detected values and compare it with the length of a normal bill based on the number of test points obtained. If the detected ticket does not have the appropriate length, a signal indicative of this is generated, and the subsequent processing of that ticket is not carried out.

Each calculator module 134 is operative to generate sets of stored values from the values stored in master templates in memories 138 based on the angle of bias. The calculator modules are also operative to calculate the values of the correlation coefficient for the set of modified detected values and each of the stored value sets generated. Each calculator module stores and communicates to the controller 128 the value of the general correlation coefficient for each of the stored value sets generated. Each calculator module provides this information together with the data identifying the master template that was used to generate the stored value sets, to the controller 128, along with other selected correlation data that the calculator modules are programmed to provide.

The controller is operative to receive the signals from each of the calculator modules and determine which master template produced the highest level of correlation with the sets of detected values. The controller module is further operative to determine whether the maximum correlation value is above a first threshold indicating that the level of correlation could be indicative of the type of ticket related to the particular master template.

The controller 128 then transmits signals to the communications sub-assembly 132 indicative of the identified ticket type or signals indicative that the identified ticket is suspect since the maximum level of correlation is not above the threshold.

In alternative embodiments, the controller 128 may perform tests to determine if the correlation value exceeds other thresholds and transmit signals indicative of the suitability of the bill for later use, or other signals related to the authenticity or suspicious character of the bill. The communications subassembly 132 transmits signals to a communication bus connected to the apparatus of the present invention and to other devices and systems that are operative to further process the ticket or provide information thereon.

Although in the preferred embodiment the control circuit 24 is adapted to perform calculation functions required to identify the types of banknotes, other configurations of the control circuit may be applied in other embodiments. Furthermore, in the preferred form of the control circuit 24 the memories 38 constitute the data store can be programmed through the apparatus. This can be done in an adjustment mode as analyzed by selectively placing sample tickets and moving them in controlled relation adjacent to the point detection assemblies to collect the necessary data that the master templates produce.

This is achieved by having the module controller 128 control the operation of the bill conveyor to move the sample tickets at a rate that allows the collection of data at all the desired places on the bill. The controller 128 may also be programmed in the adjustment mode to receive signals indicative of the type of bill, and the transverse offset positions of the bill used to provide template data in the memory 138 comprising the data store.

Alternatively, the stored data may be produced in a different apparatus and loaded into the memories 138 through the controller 128 or from another source. In this approach, the stored values can be collected through static analysis of sample tickets.

In the preferred embodiment the sub-assemblies of optical detectors and the electronic element 120 further includes a compensating circuit that facilitates the calibration of the point detection assemblies. In the preferred form of the invention the sub-assembly of optical detectors and the electronic element is calibrated using a normal quality selected from white paper which is passed through the bill conveyor adjacent to the point detection assemblies. In the calibration mode the sub-assembly of optical detectors and the electronic element 120 is operative to adjust the amount of radiation generated by each of the emitters to produce a previously established output. This guarantees that the level of radiation produced by each of the emitters is sufficient to correlate exactly the sets of stored values that are produced. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention other types of reference material may be used for calibration purposes.

Periodic calibration of the sub-assembly of optical detectors and the electronic element 120 ensures that changes in the emitters over time or changes in the optical path due to the accumulation of dust or other contaminants will not have an adverse effect on the accuracy of the device. Given the nature of the light emitting diodes (LEDs) used for the emitters and the nature of the control circuits that respond generally to relative values rather than to absolute values, in the preferred embodiment the calibration is required with little "frequency.

As can be seen from the above description, the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention has the advantage that it is capable of identifying bills that occur in any orientation.

In addition, it operates to identify bills at high speed and without the need to have tickets aligned or placed with precision with respect to a frame of reference.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has the additional advantage that it can be easily adapted to different types of banknotes or other types of documents, and can be used to detect suspect or counterfeit banknotes. The preferred form of the present invention also easily adapts to different types of banknotes, and can be programmed to simultaneously identify banknotes from different countries having different properties and different sizes. In addition, given the available data, the preferred form of the present invention can be programmed to analyze certain detected values in great detail to indicate characteristics that may be related to notes that are too worn or falsified.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention also has the advantage that it can be quickly configured and programmed, easily calibrated and does not require frequent adjustment.

Thus, the denominator and universal bill validator apparatus of the present invention achieves the foregoing declared objectives, eliminates the difficulties encountered in the course of prior devices and systems, solves problems, and achieves the desirable results described herein.

In the above description, certain terms have been used for the sake of brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are implied therefrom since such terms are applied for descriptive purposes and are intended to be interpreted broadly. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations provided herein are given by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

In the following claims, any characteristic described as a mechanism for carrying out a function will be interpreted in the sense that it encompasses any mechanism capable of executing the indicated function and will not be considered limited to the particular mechanism shown and that executes the function indicated in the description previous, or as a mere equivalent.

Having described the characteristics, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and the advantages and useful results achieved, the new and useful elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods , processes and relationships are specified in the appended claims.

Claims (77)

1. Apparatus for providing an indication of a type of ticket related to a ticket detected by the apparatus, comprising: a radiation source on the first side of the bill, wherein the radiation source directs the radiation to a test point on the bill; a first detector on the first side of the bill, wherein, the first detector emits a first signal responsive to the reflected radiation from the test point to the first detector; a second detector on a second opposite side of the bill, wherein the second detector sends a second signal responsive to the radiation transmitted by the first test point to the second detector; a circuit in operative connection with a data store, wherein the circuit is operative to activate the radiation source and generate reflectance and transmission values sensitive to the first and second signals, respectively, wherein the circuit is operative to calculate at minus a representative value of a correlation level between the reflectance and transmission values and the values stored in the data warehouse, corresponding to the transmission and reflection properties adjacent to the test point for each of a variety of known types of notes .

2. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the radiation source comprises a second variety of radiation emitters, wherein each of the emitters generates radiation at a different wavelength, and wherein the circuit is operative to generate transmission and reflectance values corresponding to the first and second signals sensitive to the radiation produced by each emitter.

3. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the control circuit is operative to activate each emitter separately.

4. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the emitters are arranged in a generally circular relationship with respect to the first detector.

5. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the emitters emit radiation that generally covers the range of visible light.

6. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the emitters include emitters that emit visible and non-visible radiation.

7. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the emitters include a emitter generally red, a emitter generally blue, a emitter generally green and a emitter generally infrared.

8. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that a set of detected values comprises the values of reflectance and transmission, and where the stored values are arranged in sets of stored values, and where the circuit is operative for Calculate the level of correlation of the sets of values detected and the set of stored values.

9. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the radiation source comprises a variation of radiation emitters, wherein each radiation emitter generates radiation at a generally different wavelength, and wherein the circuit is operational to generate transmission values sensitive to the second signals produced sensitive to the radiation coming from each emitter, and where a transmission value corresponding to the radiation coming from an emitter is included in a first portion of a set of detected values and a sets of transmission values corresponding to another emitter are included in a second portion of a set of detected values, and wherein the sets of stored values include first and second portions, and wherein the level of correlation is calculated between the first portions of the set of values detected and stored and the second portions of the set of Lords detected and stored, respectively.

10. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the radiation source comprises radiation emitters, wherein each of the radiation emitters generates radiation at a generally different wavelength, and wherein the circuit is operative to generate reflectance values sensitive to the first signals produced sensitive to the radiation coming from each emitter, and where a reflectance value corresponding to the radiation coming from an emitter is included in a first portion of the detected sets of values and a value of Reflectance corresponding to another emitter is included in a second portion of the sets of detected values, and wherein each of the stored value sets includes a first and second portions, and wherein the circuit calculates a level of correlation between the first portions of the sets of values detected and stored and the second portions of the sets of va Lords detected and stored, respectively.

11. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the radiation source comprises a variety of radiation emitters, and wherein each emitter produces radiation at a generally different wavelength, and wherein the circuit is operative for generating a reflectance value and a transmission value sensitive to the radiation produced by each emitter, and wherein the reflectance and transmission values are included in a set of detected data.

12. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the circuit is operative to activate each transmitter separately from the others, wherein the reflectance and transmission values for each transmitter are generated simultaneously.

13. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a bill conveyor, and wherein the bill conveyor moves relatively to the bill and the first and second detectors, whereby as a result of relative movement the bills a second variety of discrete test points are included and in which the circuit generates reflectance and transmission values for each of the test points, and where the stored values correspond to the transmission and reflectance properties adjacent to each of the test points. Test points for each of the variety of known ticket types.

14. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that the radiation source comprises a third variety of types of radiation emitter, each type of radiation emitter generating at generally different wavelengths, and wherein the circuit is operative to activate each type of emitter separately and in sequence, adjacent to each of the test points of the second variety.

15. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the second variety of transmission values corresponding to a first transmitter is included in a first portion of a detected data set, and in which the data store includes a fourth variety of first sets of stored values, each having a first portion corresponding to transmission properties adjacent to each of the test points for each of the types of known bills of that variety, and wherein the circuit is operative for calculate the representative value of the level of correlation between the first portion of the detected sets of values and the first portions of each of the stored value sets of the fourth variety.

16. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the second variety of reflectance values corresponding to a first emitter are included in a first portion of a set of detected values, and wherein the data store includes a fourth variety of first sets of stored values, each having a first portion corresponding to the reflectance properties adjacent to each of the test points- for each of the types of known notes of that variety, wherein the circuit is operative to calculate the value representative of the level of correlation between the first portion of the sets of detected values and the first portions of each of the stored value sets of the fourth variety.

17. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the bill conveyor shows the bill in one direction, and wherein the first and second detectors and the third variety of emitters comprise a dot detection junction, and wherein the apparatus comprises a fifth variety of point detection assemblies, generally spaced apart transversely to the direction of the bill, and wherein the first portion of the set of detected values includes the transmit value corresponding to the first emitter in one of the junctions of detection of points of the fifth variety, corresponding to the values of transmission to the radiation transmitted by the banknote in each one of the test points adjacent to one of the junctions of detection of points of the fifth variety, during the relative movement of the ticket produced by the carrier thereof.

18. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the bill conveyor shows the bill in one direction, and wherein the first and second detectors and the third variety of emitters comprise a point detection junction, and in wherein the apparatus comprises a fifth variety of point detecting assemblies, generally spaced apart transversely to the direction of the bill, and wherein the first portion of the set of detected values includes the reflectance value corresponding to the first emitter at one of the junctions of detection of points of the fifth variety, corresponding to the reflectance values to the radiation reflected by the bill at each of the test points adjacent to one of the point detection assemblies of the fifth variety, during the relative movement of the ticket produced by the carrier thereof.

19. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate sets of stored values, wherein the sets of stored values comprise data values from the data source, wherein the sets of values The data comprise transmission values for each of the types of known notes of the variety from the emitters adjacent to each of the test points of the second variety.

20. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate sets of stored values, wherein the sets of stored values comprise data values from the data source, wherein the sets of values of data comprise reflectance values for each of the types of known notes of the variety from the emitters adjacent to each of the test points of the second variety.

21. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the second variety of test points are generally equally spaced from each other, and wherein the data store includes data values corresponding to the values of transmission of each of the known ticket types of the second variety separated in the middle of each of the test points of the ticket, whereby it is not necessary to determine the location of one end of the bill to identify the type thereof.

22. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the second variety of test points are generally equally spaced from each other, and wherein the data store includes data values corresponding to the values of reflectance of each of the known types of banknote of the second variety separated in the middle of each of the test points of the banknote, whereby it is not necessary to determine the location of one end of the banknote to identify the type thereof.

23. The device, as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the bill conveyor moves the bill in relation to the detectors in one direction, and where the data store includes data values corresponding to the transmission values for each of them. the variety of type of known bills, displaced from the bill at least in an increment in a direction transverse to the direction of the bill, whereby the bill does not have to be aligned transversely on the conveyor to identify the bill type.

24. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the bill conveyor moves the bill in relation to the detectors in one direction, and wherein the data store includes data values corresponding to the reflectance values for each one of the known type of banknote varieties, displaced from the banknote at least one increment in a direction transverse to the direction of the banknote, whereby the banknote does not have to be aligned transversely on the carrier to identify the type of banknote.

25. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the bill conveyor moves the bill in relation to the detectors in one direction, and wherein the data store includes data values corresponding to the transmission values for each known type of bill of the variety, displaced from the bill at least in an increment in a direction transverse to the direction of the bill, whereby the bills do not have to be aligned on the conveyor for their type to be identified.

26. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the bill conveyor moves the bill in relation to the detectors in one direction, and wherein the data store includes data values corresponding to the reflectance values for each known type of bill of the variety, displaced from the bill at least in an increment in a direction transverse to the direction of the bill, whereby the bills do not have to be aligned on the conveyor for their type to be identified.

27. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the first detector, the second detector, and the second variety of radiation emitters comprise a point detection junction, and wherein the apparatus comprises a bill conveyor, and wherein the bill conveyor moves the bill in relation to the point detection junction in one direction, and wherein the apparatus comprises a fifth variety of point detection assemblies, and wherein the dot detection assemblies are separated transversally in relation to the direction of the ticket.

28. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that the circuit activates each of the emitters in each of the point detection assemblies a sixth variety of times as the note moves relatively in relation adjacent to the junctions Point detection.

29. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that the circuit activates the emitters according to a timed sequence.

30. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the circuit activates the emitters to cause the generation of transmission and reflectance values for the radiation emitted by each emitter in each of the points detecting assemblies in a grid of test points on the ticket.

31. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the emitters of a type generate radiation at generally the same wavelength and where the transmission or reflectance values corresponding to the radiation of one type of emitter in each of the test points in a portion of the grid comprise a first portion of a set of detected data, and wherein the data store includes stored values where the circuit generates a set of stored values having a first portion corresponding to the transmission or reflectance values at the test points of the grid, corresponding to a type of emitter for each of the variety of types of known bills.

32. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that the first portion of the set of detected values comprises denominated values (x) and wherein the first portion of the stored value sets comprises stored values named (y), and wherein the circuit is operative to calculate the representative value of the correlation level of the first portion of the detected sets of values and the first portion of the second sets of values according to the following formula: c? frf-μJfr.-l where: Cx "is the correlation coefficient. Xi is the detected value of the data of the set of detected values. yi is the corresponding value in the set of stored values. μx is the average of the values in the portion of the set of detected values that is being correlated. μ? is the average of the values in the corresponding portion of the set of stored values that is being correlated. sx is the standard deviation of the values detected in the portion of the set of detected values that is being correlated. sy is the standard deviation in the corresponding portion of the set of stored values.

33. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate a set of detected values that has a first portion that includes reflectance values generated sensitive to the radiation of each of the emitter types, and to calculate a representative value of a level of correlation with the first portion of each of the stored value sets of a seventh variety corresponding to the reflectance values of each of the types of issuers.

34. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate a set of detected values that has a first portion that includes transmission values generated sensitive to the radiation of each of the emitter types, and to calculate a representative value of a level of correlation with the first portion of each of the stored value sets of a seventh variety corresponding to the reflectance values of each of the types of issuers.

35. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the stored value sets include values of reflectance or transmission corresponding to the variety of the types of known bills moved in the direction of the bill therefrom.

36. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the sets of stored values include transmission or reflectance values corresponding to the variety of the types of known bills moved in the direction of the bill therefrom.

37. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the source of radiation comprises a second variation of radiation emitters, the emitters including a third variety of emitter types, wherein each type of emitter generates radiation at a length of wave different from the other types, and wherein all the emitters direct the radiation to a test point on the banknote, and wherein at least one of the first and second detectors is placed adjacent to the test point.

38. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate a set of detected values that includes a first portion corresponding to either transmission or reflectance values for each of the emitter types, and wherein the circuit is operative to generate sets of stored values that include stored values, and wherein the sets of stored values include a corresponding first portion wherein each corresponding first portion of a set of stored values corresponds to the transmission values or reflectance of a type of emitter and a known type of ticket, and wherein the circuit is operative to calculate the representative value of the level of correlation between the first portion of the detected value sets and the corresponding first portion of each set of stored values.

39. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 38, characterized in that the circuit is operative to produce a set of detected values that includes a fourth variety of portionseach portion corresponding to reflectance or transmission values for each of the types of emitters of the third variety, and wherein the circuit is operative to generate sets of stored values that include each set of stored values the fourth variety of corresponding portions that correspond to the values of transmission or reflectance for each of the types of issuers and a known type of ticket, and wherein the circuit calculates the representative value of the level of correlation between the first portion of the detected sets of values and the corresponding portion of each set of stored values.

40. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 39, characterized in that the control circuit is operative to calculate the representative value of the correlation level between. sets of detected values and each set of stored values, combining the representative values of the level of correlation between the corresponding portions of the sets of detected values and each set of stored values.

41. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 39, characterized in that the circuit is operative to calculate a value representative of the general level of correlation between the set of detected values and the set of stored values by multiplying the values representative of a level of correlation of reflectance values in corresponding portions of the sets of detected values and the sets of stored values to obtain a reflectance product corresponding to a general level of correlation for the reflectance between the sets of detected values and the sets of stored values, wherein the circuit is further operative to multiply values representative of the level of correlation of the transmission values in the corresponding portions of the sets of detected values and the set of stored values, in order to obtain a transmission product corresponding to a general level of correlation for the tra nsmission between the set of detected values and the set of stored values, and where the control circuit is also operative to produce the representative value of the general level of correlation between the set of detected values and the set of stored values by multiplying the product of transmission and the reflectance product.

42. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the bill has a position and wherein the stored values include data representative of stored value templates corresponding to reflectance and transmission values for each variety of known bill types in the position of the ticket and in positions arranged from the position of the ticket.

43. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 42, characterized in that the bill extends generally in a plane and where the templates correspond to the types of known bills moved from that position of the bill in a first direction in the plane.

44. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 43, characterized in that the templates correspond to the known types of bills moved from the position of the bill in a transverse direction of the first direction.

45. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 40, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate a signal corresponding to a set of stored values that provide the representative value of the maximum level of correlation with the detected sets of values, by means of which the signal is indicative of a particular type of ticket.

46. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 45, characterized in that the circuit is operative to compare the representative value of the maximum level of correlation with a stored threshold value, and wherein the circuit is operative to provide a second signal where the representative value of the maximum correlation level does not exceed the stored threshold value.

47. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the stored values correspond to the variety of banknote types in a second variety of angular positions.

48. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 44, characterized in that the sets of stored values correspond to each of the types of known bills moved from the position of the bill in a second variety of angular directions.

49. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises mechanisms for detecting an angle of bias of the bill, and wherein the circuit is operative to select the stored values used to calculate the value representative of the level of correlation from the data store sensitive to the detected angle of bias.

50. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that the control circuit is operative to determine an angle of bias of the bill sensitive to the point detection assemblies, first detecting a property of transmission or reflectance of the bill at moments different, and. wherein the circuit sensitive to the angle of bias selects the stored values used to calculate the representative value of a level of correlation.

51. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 50, characterized in that the angle of bias is calculated by the control circuit responsive to a transmission or reflectance value coming from a first type of emitter in a first point detection junction reaching a threshold value, and the transmission or reflectance value for the first type of emitter in a second point detection junction transversely spaced from the first point detection junction reaching the threshold value at a later time.

52. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 51, characterized in that the control circuit calculates the angle of skew as a function of time, a distance separating the first and second point detection assemblies, or a speed at which the transporter moves the ticket.

53. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 47, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate sets of stored values, wherein the representative value of a level of correlation is calculated between the values of reflectance and transmission and the sets of values stored, and where the circuit is operative to selectively include stored values from the data store in the stored value sets sensitive to the angle of bias.

54. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 53, characterized in that the data store includes data representative of at least one template corresponding to the variety of the types of known bills, and wherein the template includes values corresponding to the transmission and reflectance values for the type of ticket corresponding to a bias angle of generally zero, and wherein the circuit generates the sets of values stored from the template sensitive to the angle of bias.

55. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 54, characterized in that the data store includes at least one template for each variety of known note types, wherein the template includes stored values corresponding to the reflection and transmission values for the type of ticket and a third variety of transverse positions.

56. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 55, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a conveyor for relatively moving the bill in a direction relative to the radiation source of the detectors, and wherein the relative motion of the bill includes a fourth a variety of test points, and wherein each of the test points is separated from the adjacent test point in the billing direction by a point separation distance, and wherein each template includes stored values corresponding to the values of reflectance and transmission of each of the types of known bills in uniform increments less than the distance of separation between the points.

57. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 56, characterized in that the increments are usually one quarter of the distance of the separation between the points.

58. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 56, characterized in that the data store includes for each property of note types a master template, and wherein each master template comprises a fifth variety of sub-templates corresponding to a type of ticket , and wherein each master template corresponds to the type of banknote at a zero skew angle, and wherein each sub-template in a master template corresponds to transmission and reflectance values for a type of banknote disposed in an adjacent sub-template in a transverse direction of the address of the ticket, and wherein the circuit is operative to include values in the stored value sets for the ticket type from the sub-templates of a master template sensitive to the angle of bias.

59. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the circuit comprises a digital signal processor, and wherein the data store includes data representative of at least one template corresponding to a type of ticket and where the values stored there correspond to the type of ticket of a second variety of ticket positions, and wherein the stored values comprising the template are accessed by the digital processor of the circuit.

60. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 59, characterized in that the circuit includes a third variety of digital signal processors, and wherein each digital signal processor accesses the values stored in the templates related to a particular digital signal processor .

61. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 60, characterized in that the circuit is operative to calculate a correlation value corresponding to a maximum level of correlation between the reflectance and transmission values for the bill and the values stored in each of the templates.

62. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 61, characterized in that the circuit is further operative to generate a signal representative of the maximum correlation value between the templates where the signal is indicative that the detected ticket has a maximum level of correlation with the stored values for a particular type of ticket.

63. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 61, characterized in that the correlation value is a function of a transmission correlation value and a reflectance correlation value, wherein the circuit calculates the function, and wherein the circuit calculates the transmission correlation value and is indicative of a level of correlation between the detected transmission values and the values stored in the template corresponding to the transmission values, and wherein the circuit calculates the reflectance correlation value and is indicative of a level of correlation between the detected reflectance values and the values stored in the template corresponding to the reflectance values.

64. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 63, characterized in that the radiation source comprises a fourth variety of emitter types, wherein each type of emitter emits radiation at a wavelength generally different from the other emitter types, and wherein the circuit is operative to calculate the transmission correlation value as a combination of the correlator values of the sender type representative of the correlation levels of the transmission values from the ticket for each of the emitter types, and the values stored in the templates correspond to each type of issuer.

65. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 63, characterized in that the source of radiation comprises a fourth variety of emitter types and wherein the circuit is operative to calculate the correlation value of reflectance sensitive to a level of correlation between the reflectance values from the banknote for each of the issuer types, and the values stored in the templates that correspond to each of the issuer types.

66. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 64, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate reflectance and transmission values for a fifth variety of test points aligned generally linearly, where the test points extend into a line of the ticket, and where the circuit calculates the values of reflectance correlation and transmission of the ticket for all the test points on the line for each of the types of emitter calculating a representative value of a level of correlation with the stored values in each of the templates that correspond to the type of line and issuer.

67. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 66, characterized in that the circuit is operative to generate reflectance and transmission values corresponding to a sixth variety of lines of test points, and wherein the circuit calculates the correlation values of transmission and reflectance from values stored in each template that correspond to each line of test points and type of emitter.

68. A method for determining a type related to a ticket, comprising the steps of: illuminate a test point on the bill with a radiation source; detecting with a first detector the reflected radiation from the test point and generating a first signal sensitive to the detected reflected radiation; detecting with a second detector the radiation transmitted through the test point and generating a second signal sensitive to the detected transmitted radiation; calculating with a circuit a value representative of a level of correlation between first and second signals and values stored in a data store corresponding to the transmission and reflectance properties adjacent to the test point for a variety of known note types.

69. The method, as claimed in clause 68, characterized in that the stored values are arranged in sets of stored values, each set of stored values corresponding to one of the types of known bills, and further comprising the step of providing a signal indicative of the type of ticket known with the maximum value representative of the level of correlation with the first and second signals.

70. The method, as claimed in clause 68, characterized in that the illumination step comprises illuminating the test point in sequence with a second variety of types of radiation emitters, each type of emitter emitting radiation at a wavelength generally different from the other types of issuer.

71. The method, as claimed in clause 70, characterized in that in the first detection step the second variety of first signals are generated corresponding to one type of emitter, and wherein the step of calculating a first correlation value is calculated as representative of a level of correlation between the first signals for the banknote and the first stored values corresponding to the reflectance coming from the type of issuer for the variety of known banknote types.

72. The method, as claimed in clause 71, characterized in that in the second detection step the second variety of second signals are generated corresponding to a type of emitter, and wherein the step of calculating a first correlation value is calculated as representative of a correlation level between the second signals for the banknote and first stored values corresponding to the reflectance coming from the type of issuer for the variety of known banknote types.

73. The method, as claimed in clause 72, characterized in that the calculation step comprises calculating the first and second correlation values for the banknote and the variety of known banknote types, calculating the representative value of the banknote. Correlation level as a function of the first and second correlation values.

74. The method, as claimed in clause 72, characterized in that it further comprises the step of conducting the first and second detection steps adjacent to a third plurality of test points of the bill, the test points being arranged in a grid, and wherein the first and second stored values are representative of the transmission and reflectance properties adjacent to each of the test points in the grid for each type of known notes, and the values are stored as representative data of a template in the data store and wherein the calculation step comprises generating with the circuit a set of stored values that includes values of each template, and calculating the representative value of a correlation level as a function of the values corresponding to the first and second signals of each test point in the ticket and the first and second values of each of the sets of values to lmacenados.

75. The method, as claimed in clause 68, characterized in that the illumination step comprises illuminating a second variety of test points in a bill grid, each test point being illuminated in sequence by a third variety of emitter types. radiation, each type of radiation emitter producing radiation at a wavelength generally different from the other types of emitters, and wherein the first and second detection steps comprise first and second signals at each of the test points of each one of the emitters of the third variety, and wherein the calculation step comprises generating with the circuit values of reflectance and transmission sensitive to each of the first and second signals, respectively, and wherein the values of reflectance and transmission are placed in a set of detected values, and where the calculation step also comprises generating with the circuit sets of stored values items that comprise stored values from the data warehouse, and where the stored value sets correspond to the reflectance and transmission values of the variety of known note types, and where the representative value of a correlation level is calculated for the sets of values detected and each of the sets of stored values.

76. The method, as claimed in clause 75, characterized in that before the illumination step further comprises the step of storing in the data warehouse the stored values corresponding to the reflectance and transmission values for each type of adjacent emitter to the test point of each of the types of known bills arranged in a fourth variety of spatial positions.

77. The method, as claimed in clause 68, characterized in that before the calculation step further comprises the step of determining an angle of bias of the bill from the first and second signals, and wherein in the step of calculation- the stored values are selected in the data store sensitive to the angle of bias, and where the representative value of the correlation level is calculated by the circuit using selected values. SUMMARY An apparatus and method for providing an indication of a type of bill passing through the apparatus includes a bill conveyor (12) that moves the bill transversely through separate spot detection assemblies (18). Each point detection junction includes four emitters (32). Each of the emitters produces radiation at a different wavelength. Point detection assemblies include a reflectance detector (20) and a transmission detector (22) which are disposed on opposite sides of the banknote passage. The emitters direct the radiation to the test points (34) of the passing ticket. The emitters of each junction are activated individually and repeatedly in a sequence. The radiation reflected by each type of emitter to the reflectance detector of each test point causes ur. control circuit (24) generates reflectance values. The radiation transmitted from each emitter through the test point to the transmission detector causes the control circuit to generate transmission values. The control circuit produces a set of detected values that includes the reflectance and transmission values from each of the emitters in each of the point detection junctions. The control circuit also determines a skew angle of the passing bill. The control circuit is in connection with ur. data store that includes memories (138). Each of the memories includes data representative of templates of values corresponding to the transmission and reflectance values of the types of bills known in various positions of the banknote.The control circuit generates sets of values stored from the billets and angles. The control circuit also calculates a value representative of a level of correlation between the sets of values detected and each set of stored values.The control circuit determines the maximum level of correlation between all sets of stored values. which is indicative of the type of ticket.