CA1147191A - Document security system using safeguarded photographic record - Google Patents
Document security system using safeguarded photographic recordInfo
- Publication number
- CA1147191A CA1147191A CA000346963A CA346963A CA1147191A CA 1147191 A CA1147191 A CA 1147191A CA 000346963 A CA000346963 A CA 000346963A CA 346963 A CA346963 A CA 346963A CA 1147191 A CA1147191 A CA 1147191A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- camera
- enclosure
- face
- prism
- check
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Image Input (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A document security system can provide admissible photographic evidence of a document transaction.
A document security system of this invention includes an apparatus providing images of the face and fingerprints of the involved individual, the check or other document, and any identifying documents involved in the transaction. The apparatus can be provided with means to illuminate the fingerprints of the individual and the documents and to arrange the images of the fingerprints and the documents within the field of view of a camera. Thus, with operation of the camera, the system can provide a photographic record of each individual, his fingerprints, and the documents involved in the transaction. The camera film is wholly contained within a cassette which must be broken open to obtain access to the photographic record of the check-cashing transactions; and this film cassette, and its contained record, may be maintained in a secure place following the completion of its use.
A document security system can provide admissible photographic evidence of a document transaction.
A document security system of this invention includes an apparatus providing images of the face and fingerprints of the involved individual, the check or other document, and any identifying documents involved in the transaction. The apparatus can be provided with means to illuminate the fingerprints of the individual and the documents and to arrange the images of the fingerprints and the documents within the field of view of a camera. Thus, with operation of the camera, the system can provide a photographic record of each individual, his fingerprints, and the documents involved in the transaction. The camera film is wholly contained within a cassette which must be broken open to obtain access to the photographic record of the check-cashing transactions; and this film cassette, and its contained record, may be maintained in a secure place following the completion of its use.
Description
The present invention relates to a check securi~y system for protection against the cashing of worthless checks and the identification and prosecution af individuals trafficking in baa checks and false identification.
A subs-tantial volume of business is transacted through the medium of checks. Business establishments of all sorts are continually being asked to cash checks, and merchants are frequently asked to take checks in the amount of mer-chandise being purchased. ~s a result, merchants have 10. suffered substantial losses by the cashing of worthless checks.
Business has been offered systems to identify individ-uals who cash worthless checks. Photographic check security systems are among those that have been suggested for this problem. Photographic apparatus have included, for example, the apparatus disclosea in U.S. Patents Nos. 3,478,658;
3,422,446; 3,158,523; 2,868,069; and 2,817,996. Some of these apparatus have incIuded the photographic recording o~
fingerprints. Other photographic apparatus for recording 20. finyerprints include those in U.S. Patents Nos. 3,975,711;
3,906,520; 3,7~3,421; 3,529,520; 3,282,152; 3,200,701;
3,174,~14; 3,138,059; 2,730,936; 2,579,961; and 2,195,699.
In addition to photographic means, non-photographic systems have been developed for use in check security systems.
The existence of such systems has not, however, pre-vented the passing of worthless checks. Studies conducted by the U.S. Justice Department have indicated the losses due to such worthless checks are over a billion dollars.- The cost of these losses is eventually passed on to the public in the form of higher prices.
A subs-tantial volume of business is transacted through the medium of checks. Business establishments of all sorts are continually being asked to cash checks, and merchants are frequently asked to take checks in the amount of mer-chandise being purchased. ~s a result, merchants have 10. suffered substantial losses by the cashing of worthless checks.
Business has been offered systems to identify individ-uals who cash worthless checks. Photographic check security systems are among those that have been suggested for this problem. Photographic apparatus have included, for example, the apparatus disclosea in U.S. Patents Nos. 3,478,658;
3,422,446; 3,158,523; 2,868,069; and 2,817,996. Some of these apparatus have incIuded the photographic recording o~
fingerprints. Other photographic apparatus for recording 20. finyerprints include those in U.S. Patents Nos. 3,975,711;
3,906,520; 3,7~3,421; 3,529,520; 3,282,152; 3,200,701;
3,174,~14; 3,138,059; 2,730,936; 2,579,961; and 2,195,699.
In addition to photographic means, non-photographic systems have been developed for use in check security systems.
The existence of such systems has not, however, pre-vented the passing of worthless checks. Studies conducted by the U.S. Justice Department have indicated the losses due to such worthless checks are over a billion dollars.- The cost of these losses is eventually passed on to the public in the form of higher prices.
-2-This inven-tion provides a check security system to identify and provide admissible photographic evidence o~ the identity of those who pass bad checks and of the transaction in which the bad check was passed. By providing the means to identify and prosecute the individuals who pass bad checks, this system can deter such acts and reduce the enormous losses that have been experienced in the past.
The invention provides a system, comprising an identification security system having a front face with an 1~ unobstructed window in one portion of the front face, a camera system positioned within the apparatus so that the window is within a portion of the view of the camera, a prism mounted in the front of the enclosure with one face of the prism exposed at the front face of the apparatus, said prism being arranged and lighted so that the image of the ridges of the face of a finger pressed against the exposed face of the prism appear brightly illuminated against the dark background of the face of the prism within a portion of the field of view of the camera, said apparatus being adapted to support and illuminate a docuMent and direct the document's image into a portion of the view of said camera and permitting verification of the presence of the images of the finger, face, and document in the field of view of the camera, means enclosing photographic film within a sealed enclosuret said enclosure means having no access to the enclosed film except by destruction of its parts and being a~apted for insertion into the camera, and means to operate the lights to illuminate the prism and document and operate the camera-shutter mechanism, thereby being capable of providing a photographic record of the face and fingerprints of an individual and the document.
Tne invention also provides a method of providing photographic evidence of a transaction requi.ring identification -~ -3-~1~71~3~
comprising providing a photo~raphic film within a cassette encl~sure having no means of access to the film except destruc-tion of the cassette enclosure, placing the film casse~te enclosure within a photo-graphic identification security apparatus adapted to present~
within the field of view of a camera optical system, the images of the face and fingerprints of an individual and of a document being tendered by the individual, exposing the film within the cassette enclosure to the three images simultaneously to make a photographic record of the transaction, and storing the cassette enclosure and photographic record of the transaction.
A check security system herein disclosed includes an apparatus having an inclined front face and enclosing a camera system positioned within the enclosure and pointed directly at the inclined front ~ace. The front face o~ the enclosure includes a window and a system to provide illumination forwardly at the enclosure to permit the camera to photograph the face of an individual standing before the enclosure.
In addit.ion, a triangular prism is provided at the front of the enclosure, and the system is adapted to permit the triangular prism to be used in conjunction with the camera to photograph the fingerprints of an individual standing before the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with ano-ther window upon which checks to be cashed and documentary identification, such as a driver's license of the individual cashing the check, can be placed.
Within the enclosure means are pxovided to illuminate the fingerprints of the individual and the documents and to arxange the images of the fingerprints and the documents within -3a-the field of view of the camera without obstructing the camera's view of the face of the individual cashiny khe check.
Thus, with operation of the camera, the system can provide a photographic record of each individual cashing a -3b-~' check in a business establishment, his fingerprints, the eheck eashed, and any other doeument of identifieation used to cash the check.
In this system, the camera film is wholly contained within a cassette whieh must be broken open to obtain access to the photographie reeord of the check-cashing transactions and this film eassette, and its contained record, may be maintained in a seure place following the eompletion of its use. In event a worthless cheek has been passed, the 10- cassette record can be turned over to the law enforcement authorities with the worthless eheek to provide photographic evidence of the transaction.
Further features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a eheck security apparatus of this invention;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the eheck security apparatus of Fig. l; and 20~ Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the check security apparatus of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a view showing the arrangement of images within the field of view of the camera of this system and indicates the presentation of a photograph resulting from the system.
Fig. 1 through Fig. 3 show a cheek security apparatus of this invention. The check security system is designed to provide, as indicated in Fig. 4, a photographic record of the face and fingerprints of a person cashing a check, and of the check being cashed and any documentary identificakion -17~91 used. In a system of this invention, the .~acial image, fingerprint image and check image may be simultaneously directed to different portions of the field of view of a camera within the apparatus and operation of the apparatus as described ~elow will provide a permanent photographic record of the transaction.
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an apparatus 10 of this invention is provided with an inclined forward face 11 before which a person cashing a check can stand and a rear 10. portion 12 from which the apparatus is operated.
In a check-cashing transaction, a person 13 cashing a check 14 stands before the apparatus 10 and places his right hand on a portion of the ront face 11 which includes one face of a triangular prism 15 (Fig. 2) to provide within -the apparatus 10 the image of the individual's finyerprints, in a manner to be described. ~ portion of the inclined front face 11 includes a transparent window 16 to permit a camera within the apparatus to be directed at the face of the individual 13 and further includes a transparent window 17 20- to permit illumination of the individual's face from a light source within the apparatus enclosure. The check being cashed 14 is placed upon another window 18 at the rear portion 12 of the apparatus. Additional identification documents, such as driver's license, social security card, credit card, and other such documents may also be placed upon the window 1~.
The apparatus may also be provided with a viewing window 19 to permit the operator to check the presence of the facial, fingerprint and documentary images prior to 30. operation of the camexa. The rear 12 of the apparatus may ~7~9~
also be provided with means, such as the push buttons 20 and 21 shown in Fig. 1, to control the sequence of operation of the apparatus 10. The rear of the apparatus 12 is also provided with an entry door 22 to permit insertion and removal of film cassettes from the camera means contained within the apparatus 10.
The camera means 30 of the system is enclosed within the apparatus 10 and located at its lower rearward portion with its optical system directed along an axis perpendicular 10. to the inclined front face 11 of the apparatus. The included field of view of its optical system is such that it can encompass the window 16 and the photographic image of finger-prints placed upon the face 15 of the triangular prism. The image of the check 14 is reflected by a mirror 31 also within the field of view of the optical system of camera 30.
Thus, the field of view of the camera 30, as shown in Fig. 4, can include the fingerprint 13a of an individual cashing a check in the upper left hand portion of the field of view of the camera, the face 13 of the person cashing a check in the 20- upper right hand portion of the field of view of the camera, and the check 14 and any other documentary identification materials 14a and 14b in the lower portion of the field of view of the camera.
In operation of this apparatus, as shown in Fig. 3, the documents 14 on the window 18 are illuminated by a source of light 32 located within the apparatus 10 on an inclinPd surface 33 of its bottom forward portion so that the light from source 32 is directed at the documents 14 through the window 18, thus, illuminating the document. A light source 30~ 34 is provided within the apparatus 10 behind window 17 so 7~
that the light from the source 3~ is directed ~hrouc~h the window and upon the face of the individual cashing the check.
As indicated above, a portion of the forward face of the apparatus comprises one face 15 of a triangular prism 35 upon which the person cashing -the check is to place, for example, his right thumb. This portion of the forward face 11 of the apparatus 10 may be inclined so that the rearward-most face 36 of the triangular prism 35 lies in a plane 10. normal to the axis of the optical system of the camera 30, as shown in Fig. 3. The prism 35 may, however, be located at another convenient location in the for~ard face 11 of the apparatus 10 and an image of its rearward most face 36 may be reflected into the field of view of the camera optical system by an appropriately located mirror. To provide a distinct image of the individual's fingerprint, the forward-most face 37 of the triangular prism 35 is darkened by a coating preventing light from entering the face 37 or being reflected from the face 37. The prism 35 is lighted at one 20. end by a light source (not shown in the drawings) so that when a finger is pressed against the upper surface 15 of the prism, the ridges of the finger are ill~uminated and reflect light in a manner that is known, for example, from U.S.
Patent 2,579,961. The image of the fingerprint thus appears brightly against a dark background at the rearward most face 36 of the prism, thereby provding a bright image of the fingerprint of the individual in a portion of the field of view of the ~amera 30.
Thus, operation of the shutter of the camera means 30 30. by an actuator 3B, such an electrical solenoid or other L'7~
powered actuating means, will permi~ exposure of film within the film cassette in the camera to the three images and will permit the simultaneous photographing of the face and finger-prints of the individual cashing the check, the check and any identifying documents tendered by the individual. The arrangement of the apparatus reduces the possibility of distortion in these images. Upon exposure of the film within the camera, the film advancement means of the camera means 30 may be operated by another solenoid 39, or other 10. such power actuated means.
The check security apparatus 10 may be, as indicated above, desirably provided with a window 19 to permit the operator to check the presence of the images to be photo-graphically recorded by the apparatus. Another mirror 40 may be provided within the enclosure and positioned to pexmit the operator by moving his eye with respect to the mirror 40 to observe the reflections of the documents at the window 18~ the ingerprint image at the rearwardmost surEace 36 of the prism 35, and the facial image through the window 20. 16 at the front of the apparatus. The mirror 40 may also be provided with means to vary its position to assist the operator in these visual checksO
In operation of the system, a cassette of unexposed film is placed within the camera means 30 in the apparatus 10 through the door 22 at the rear of the apparatus. Each check cashing transaction is recorded in the following manner. The individual seeking to cash a check is asked to stand before the apparatus 10 and to place, for example, his right thumb on the face 15 of ~he prism at the front of the apparatus. The check being cashed is placed by the operator ~7~L9~
on the window 18. The operator may check the presence of the three images through the window 18 by pressing button 20 to turn on the light means 32 illuminating the check, the light means to direc-t light into -the prism, and the light means 34 illuminating the Eace of the individual, if needed.
Upon being satisfied that the three images will be recorded upon the film in the camera, the operator by, for example, pressing push button 21 will actuate in sequence the three illumination means within the enclosure, if not already 10. actuated, the shutter of the camera, a~d upon completion of exposure of the film within the camera, the film advancement means of the camera. An electrical control system can be provided within the apparatus 10 to, upon actuation of push button 20, operate the three illumination means within the apparatus, and, upon actuation of the push button 21, to operate apparatus elements in the desired sequence, as set forth above. The apparatus 10 is, thus, capable of pro-viding a photographic record of a series of check-cashing transactions.
~0. In the system of this invention, the film is contained within a film cassette which is inserted into the camera.
The film cassette provides no means of access to the film and prohibits access to the exposed film without breaking the cassette. Such a cassette can be formed from molded plastic parts that are so permanently bonded or welded together upon assembly so that the cassette parts must subsequently be broken in any attempted disassembly. The system can, thus, provide photographic evidence of the transactions taking place with the system which may not be 30- tampered with without destroying the cassette.
~7~L9~
Upon completion o~ recording a series of transactions wi~hin a film cassette, the casse~te is taken from the apparatus and placea in a safe, or other such secure storage site, and maintained under such security until such time as all the checks of the transactions recorded on the film cassette have cleared the bank. When a wor~hless check has been returned from an individual believed to be guilty of a violation of law, the film cassette can be removed~ from its secure repository and delivered to the law enforcement 10. authorities. The photographic evidence provided within the cassette can provide substantial proof of the act required to prove a violation of most insufficient funds statutes and the common law crime of false pretenses.
While I have shown and described the specific embodi-ment of the system of this invention, other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the invRntion as set forth in the following claims.
The invention provides a system, comprising an identification security system having a front face with an 1~ unobstructed window in one portion of the front face, a camera system positioned within the apparatus so that the window is within a portion of the view of the camera, a prism mounted in the front of the enclosure with one face of the prism exposed at the front face of the apparatus, said prism being arranged and lighted so that the image of the ridges of the face of a finger pressed against the exposed face of the prism appear brightly illuminated against the dark background of the face of the prism within a portion of the field of view of the camera, said apparatus being adapted to support and illuminate a docuMent and direct the document's image into a portion of the view of said camera and permitting verification of the presence of the images of the finger, face, and document in the field of view of the camera, means enclosing photographic film within a sealed enclosuret said enclosure means having no access to the enclosed film except by destruction of its parts and being a~apted for insertion into the camera, and means to operate the lights to illuminate the prism and document and operate the camera-shutter mechanism, thereby being capable of providing a photographic record of the face and fingerprints of an individual and the document.
Tne invention also provides a method of providing photographic evidence of a transaction requi.ring identification -~ -3-~1~71~3~
comprising providing a photo~raphic film within a cassette encl~sure having no means of access to the film except destruc-tion of the cassette enclosure, placing the film casse~te enclosure within a photo-graphic identification security apparatus adapted to present~
within the field of view of a camera optical system, the images of the face and fingerprints of an individual and of a document being tendered by the individual, exposing the film within the cassette enclosure to the three images simultaneously to make a photographic record of the transaction, and storing the cassette enclosure and photographic record of the transaction.
A check security system herein disclosed includes an apparatus having an inclined front face and enclosing a camera system positioned within the enclosure and pointed directly at the inclined front ~ace. The front face o~ the enclosure includes a window and a system to provide illumination forwardly at the enclosure to permit the camera to photograph the face of an individual standing before the enclosure.
In addit.ion, a triangular prism is provided at the front of the enclosure, and the system is adapted to permit the triangular prism to be used in conjunction with the camera to photograph the fingerprints of an individual standing before the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with ano-ther window upon which checks to be cashed and documentary identification, such as a driver's license of the individual cashing the check, can be placed.
Within the enclosure means are pxovided to illuminate the fingerprints of the individual and the documents and to arxange the images of the fingerprints and the documents within -3a-the field of view of the camera without obstructing the camera's view of the face of the individual cashiny khe check.
Thus, with operation of the camera, the system can provide a photographic record of each individual cashing a -3b-~' check in a business establishment, his fingerprints, the eheck eashed, and any other doeument of identifieation used to cash the check.
In this system, the camera film is wholly contained within a cassette whieh must be broken open to obtain access to the photographie reeord of the check-cashing transactions and this film eassette, and its contained record, may be maintained in a seure place following the eompletion of its use. In event a worthless cheek has been passed, the 10- cassette record can be turned over to the law enforcement authorities with the worthless eheek to provide photographic evidence of the transaction.
Further features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a eheck security apparatus of this invention;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the eheck security apparatus of Fig. l; and 20~ Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the check security apparatus of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a view showing the arrangement of images within the field of view of the camera of this system and indicates the presentation of a photograph resulting from the system.
Fig. 1 through Fig. 3 show a cheek security apparatus of this invention. The check security system is designed to provide, as indicated in Fig. 4, a photographic record of the face and fingerprints of a person cashing a check, and of the check being cashed and any documentary identificakion -17~91 used. In a system of this invention, the .~acial image, fingerprint image and check image may be simultaneously directed to different portions of the field of view of a camera within the apparatus and operation of the apparatus as described ~elow will provide a permanent photographic record of the transaction.
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an apparatus 10 of this invention is provided with an inclined forward face 11 before which a person cashing a check can stand and a rear 10. portion 12 from which the apparatus is operated.
In a check-cashing transaction, a person 13 cashing a check 14 stands before the apparatus 10 and places his right hand on a portion of the ront face 11 which includes one face of a triangular prism 15 (Fig. 2) to provide within -the apparatus 10 the image of the individual's finyerprints, in a manner to be described. ~ portion of the inclined front face 11 includes a transparent window 16 to permit a camera within the apparatus to be directed at the face of the individual 13 and further includes a transparent window 17 20- to permit illumination of the individual's face from a light source within the apparatus enclosure. The check being cashed 14 is placed upon another window 18 at the rear portion 12 of the apparatus. Additional identification documents, such as driver's license, social security card, credit card, and other such documents may also be placed upon the window 1~.
The apparatus may also be provided with a viewing window 19 to permit the operator to check the presence of the facial, fingerprint and documentary images prior to 30. operation of the camexa. The rear 12 of the apparatus may ~7~9~
also be provided with means, such as the push buttons 20 and 21 shown in Fig. 1, to control the sequence of operation of the apparatus 10. The rear of the apparatus 12 is also provided with an entry door 22 to permit insertion and removal of film cassettes from the camera means contained within the apparatus 10.
The camera means 30 of the system is enclosed within the apparatus 10 and located at its lower rearward portion with its optical system directed along an axis perpendicular 10. to the inclined front face 11 of the apparatus. The included field of view of its optical system is such that it can encompass the window 16 and the photographic image of finger-prints placed upon the face 15 of the triangular prism. The image of the check 14 is reflected by a mirror 31 also within the field of view of the optical system of camera 30.
Thus, the field of view of the camera 30, as shown in Fig. 4, can include the fingerprint 13a of an individual cashing a check in the upper left hand portion of the field of view of the camera, the face 13 of the person cashing a check in the 20- upper right hand portion of the field of view of the camera, and the check 14 and any other documentary identification materials 14a and 14b in the lower portion of the field of view of the camera.
In operation of this apparatus, as shown in Fig. 3, the documents 14 on the window 18 are illuminated by a source of light 32 located within the apparatus 10 on an inclinPd surface 33 of its bottom forward portion so that the light from source 32 is directed at the documents 14 through the window 18, thus, illuminating the document. A light source 30~ 34 is provided within the apparatus 10 behind window 17 so 7~
that the light from the source 3~ is directed ~hrouc~h the window and upon the face of the individual cashing the check.
As indicated above, a portion of the forward face of the apparatus comprises one face 15 of a triangular prism 35 upon which the person cashing -the check is to place, for example, his right thumb. This portion of the forward face 11 of the apparatus 10 may be inclined so that the rearward-most face 36 of the triangular prism 35 lies in a plane 10. normal to the axis of the optical system of the camera 30, as shown in Fig. 3. The prism 35 may, however, be located at another convenient location in the for~ard face 11 of the apparatus 10 and an image of its rearward most face 36 may be reflected into the field of view of the camera optical system by an appropriately located mirror. To provide a distinct image of the individual's fingerprint, the forward-most face 37 of the triangular prism 35 is darkened by a coating preventing light from entering the face 37 or being reflected from the face 37. The prism 35 is lighted at one 20. end by a light source (not shown in the drawings) so that when a finger is pressed against the upper surface 15 of the prism, the ridges of the finger are ill~uminated and reflect light in a manner that is known, for example, from U.S.
Patent 2,579,961. The image of the fingerprint thus appears brightly against a dark background at the rearward most face 36 of the prism, thereby provding a bright image of the fingerprint of the individual in a portion of the field of view of the ~amera 30.
Thus, operation of the shutter of the camera means 30 30. by an actuator 3B, such an electrical solenoid or other L'7~
powered actuating means, will permi~ exposure of film within the film cassette in the camera to the three images and will permit the simultaneous photographing of the face and finger-prints of the individual cashing the check, the check and any identifying documents tendered by the individual. The arrangement of the apparatus reduces the possibility of distortion in these images. Upon exposure of the film within the camera, the film advancement means of the camera means 30 may be operated by another solenoid 39, or other 10. such power actuated means.
The check security apparatus 10 may be, as indicated above, desirably provided with a window 19 to permit the operator to check the presence of the images to be photo-graphically recorded by the apparatus. Another mirror 40 may be provided within the enclosure and positioned to pexmit the operator by moving his eye with respect to the mirror 40 to observe the reflections of the documents at the window 18~ the ingerprint image at the rearwardmost surEace 36 of the prism 35, and the facial image through the window 20. 16 at the front of the apparatus. The mirror 40 may also be provided with means to vary its position to assist the operator in these visual checksO
In operation of the system, a cassette of unexposed film is placed within the camera means 30 in the apparatus 10 through the door 22 at the rear of the apparatus. Each check cashing transaction is recorded in the following manner. The individual seeking to cash a check is asked to stand before the apparatus 10 and to place, for example, his right thumb on the face 15 of ~he prism at the front of the apparatus. The check being cashed is placed by the operator ~7~L9~
on the window 18. The operator may check the presence of the three images through the window 18 by pressing button 20 to turn on the light means 32 illuminating the check, the light means to direc-t light into -the prism, and the light means 34 illuminating the Eace of the individual, if needed.
Upon being satisfied that the three images will be recorded upon the film in the camera, the operator by, for example, pressing push button 21 will actuate in sequence the three illumination means within the enclosure, if not already 10. actuated, the shutter of the camera, a~d upon completion of exposure of the film within the camera, the film advancement means of the camera. An electrical control system can be provided within the apparatus 10 to, upon actuation of push button 20, operate the three illumination means within the apparatus, and, upon actuation of the push button 21, to operate apparatus elements in the desired sequence, as set forth above. The apparatus 10 is, thus, capable of pro-viding a photographic record of a series of check-cashing transactions.
~0. In the system of this invention, the film is contained within a film cassette which is inserted into the camera.
The film cassette provides no means of access to the film and prohibits access to the exposed film without breaking the cassette. Such a cassette can be formed from molded plastic parts that are so permanently bonded or welded together upon assembly so that the cassette parts must subsequently be broken in any attempted disassembly. The system can, thus, provide photographic evidence of the transactions taking place with the system which may not be 30- tampered with without destroying the cassette.
~7~L9~
Upon completion o~ recording a series of transactions wi~hin a film cassette, the casse~te is taken from the apparatus and placea in a safe, or other such secure storage site, and maintained under such security until such time as all the checks of the transactions recorded on the film cassette have cleared the bank. When a wor~hless check has been returned from an individual believed to be guilty of a violation of law, the film cassette can be removed~ from its secure repository and delivered to the law enforcement 10. authorities. The photographic evidence provided within the cassette can provide substantial proof of the act required to prove a violation of most insufficient funds statutes and the common law crime of false pretenses.
While I have shown and described the specific embodi-ment of the system of this invention, other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the invRntion as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A check security apparatus comprising an enclosure housing a camera to receive three separate images and a cassette carrying a strip of photographic film and having no means of access except destruction of the cassette enclosure, said enclosure having a rear surface to support a check and to permit a light to illuminate the surface of the check, and an optical system to direct the image of the check into a portion of the field of view of said camera, said enclosure having a forward face with a window in the field of view of the camera, said camera being mounted to provide a line of sight for the optical system of the camera thereby permitting a facial image on a portion of the field of view of said camera, said enclosure further having its front surface formed from one face of a prism with a prism face that lies within the enclosure being darkened by a light absorbent coating and a rearward prism face that lies within the enclosure being unobstructed and within a portion of the field of view of said camera, said prism being lighted at one face so that the image of the ridges of a finger pressed against the face of the prism at the surface of the enclosure appears brightly illuminated against a darkened background at the rearward face of the prism within the field of view of the camera, said enclosure having a rear facing surface having an unobstructed verification window and enclosing a mirror to reflect images within the field of view of the camera to the verification window, first control means in a rear surface of the enclosure to actuate the illuminating means for the prism and the document to permit an operator to verify the presence of images of a fingerprint and document and second control means to actuate in sequence the camera shutter and the film advance mechanism of the shutter.
2. A check security system comprising an enclosure having an inclined front face and a camera system positioned within the enclosure with the axis of its optical system normal to the plane of the inclined front face, an unobstructed window in one portion of the inclined front face within a portion of the field of view of the camera, a triangular prism mounted in the front of the enclosure with one face of the prism exposed at the surface of the enclosure, the forwardmost other prism face being darkened and the rearwardmost other prism face being unobstructed and within a portion of the field of view of the camera, said prism being lighted at one end so that the image of the ridges of a finger pressed against the exposed face of the prism appear brightly illuminated against a dark background at the rearwardmost face of the prism, a separate, generally horizontal surface to support a document and to permit a light within the enclosure to illuminate the document and a mirror below the optical axis of the camera system within the enclosure to reflect the image of the document into a portion of the field of view of said camera, the rear portion of the enclosure permitting the continuous verification of the presence of the images of face and fingerprints of the individual and permitting the insertion of a film cassette having no means of access to the film except destruction of the cassette enclosure and location of the film in the optical system of the camera to record the images in the sealed cassette, control means for the system to operate the lights to illuminate the prism and the document and to operate the camera shutter mechanism, thereby being capable of providing a photographic record of the face and fingerprints of an individual and of the document.
3. A method of providing a permanent photographic record of a check-cashing transaction comprising providing a photographic film within a cassette enclosure having no means of access to the film except destruction of the cassette enclosure, placing the film cassette enclosure within a photo-graphic check security apparatus adapted to present, within the field of view of a camera optical system, the images of the face and fingerprints of an individual cashing a check and of a check being cashed, and exposing the film within the cassette enclosure to the three images simultaneously to make a photographic record of the check-cashing transaction.
4. The method of claim 3 including the step of storing the cassette enclosure and photographic record of the check-cashing transaction until funds for the check-cashing trans-action have been received.
5. A system, comprising an identification security system having a front face with an unobstructed window in one portion of the front face, a camera system positioned within the apparatus so that the window is within a portion of the view of the camera, a prism mounted in the front of the enclosure with one face of the prism exposed at the front face of the apparatus, said prism being arranged and lighted so that the image of the ridges of the face of a finger pressed against the exposed face of the prism appear brightly illuminated against the dark background of the face of the prism within a portion of the field of view of the camera, said apparatus being adapted to support and illuminate a document and direct the document's image into a portion of the view of said camera and permitting verification of the presence of the images of the finger, face, and document in the field of view of the camera, means enclosing photographic film within a sealed enclosure, said enclosure means having no access to the enclosed film except by destruction of its parts and being adapted for insertion into the camera, and means to operate the lights to illuminate the prism and document and operate the camera-shutter mechanism, thereby being capable of providing a photo-graphic record of the face and fingerprints of an individual and the document.
6. A method of providing photographic evidence of a transaction requiring identification comprising providing a photographic film within a cassette enclosure having no means of access to the film except destruc-tion of the cassette enclosure, placing the film cassette enclosure within a photo-graphic identification security apparatus adapted to present, within the field of view of a camera optical system, the images of the face and fingerprints of an individual and of a document being tendered by the individual, exposing the film within the cassette enclosure to the three images simultaneously to make a photographic record of the transaction, and storing the cassette enclosure and photographic record of the transaction.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1748079A | 1979-03-05 | 1979-03-05 | |
| US017,480 | 1979-03-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1147191A true CA1147191A (en) | 1983-05-31 |
Family
ID=21782818
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000346963A Expired CA1147191A (en) | 1979-03-05 | 1980-03-04 | Document security system using safeguarded photographic record |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1147191A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1998008184A1 (en) * | 1996-08-16 | 1998-02-26 | Dew Engineering And Development Limited | Fingerprint imaging apparatus with auxiliary lens |
-
1980
- 1980-03-04 CA CA000346963A patent/CA1147191A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1998008184A1 (en) * | 1996-08-16 | 1998-02-26 | Dew Engineering And Development Limited | Fingerprint imaging apparatus with auxiliary lens |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4933536A (en) | Check processing device | |
| US3640009A (en) | Identification cards | |
| US3617120A (en) | Fingerprint comparison apparatus | |
| US3781109A (en) | Data encoding and decoding apparatus and method | |
| US4222662A (en) | Access control system | |
| US3455577A (en) | Banking system | |
| US4641017A (en) | Fraud resistant credit card system | |
| US4175775A (en) | Access control system | |
| JPWO2003021545A1 (en) | Banknote unit with built-in automatic money transaction device and camera | |
| TWI392338B (en) | Photography device and monitoring system | |
| US3477156A (en) | Identification system | |
| US3676000A (en) | Data encoding and decoding apparatus and method | |
| US5661284A (en) | Commercial transaction system | |
| EP1387565A2 (en) | Imaging apparatus having automatic media identification and method therefor | |
| CA1147191A (en) | Document security system using safeguarded photographic record | |
| US2909107A (en) | Vending machine combined with camera means | |
| GB2173933A (en) | Optical data storage card | |
| EP0081433A2 (en) | Apparatus for recording identifying data concerning the use of a credit card, cheque or the like | |
| EP0138144A2 (en) | A photographic identification camera | |
| US3422446A (en) | Combined fingerprint viewing and photographic apparatus | |
| US5389771A (en) | Barcoding | |
| EP0138145B1 (en) | Identification card camera system and method | |
| US3683764A (en) | Camera system for recording plurality of images on a photographic sheet | |
| US2930296A (en) | Apparatus for collecting an article for deposit | |
| US5181059A (en) | Camera adaptor kit |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |