FR2494874A1 - UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO AN APPARATUS FOR AUTHENTICATION OF DOCUMENTS. IT INCLUDES A MEANS 14, 16 OFFERING A SENSITIVELY CLOSED ROUTE TO THE DOCUMENT, A WINDOW 60 PLACED ON THE ROUTE, A MEANS 20, 24, 28, 36, 42, 46 ALLOWING TO TRANSPORT A DOCUMENT FOLLOWING THE ROUTE, A LIGHT SOURCE 64, A NETWORK 70 OF PHOTOSENSITIVE ELEMENTS, A POSITION DETECTION MEANS 56, 58 AND A MEANS WHICH RESPONDS TO IT BY SOLICITING THE ELEMENTS OF THE SAID NETWORK. THERE ARE MEANS OF MEMORIZATION FOR THE MINIMUM AND THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ITEMS TO BE ACTIVATED BY AN AUTHENTIC DOCUMENT, AND A MEANS FOR COMPARING THESE NUMBERS WITH THAT RESULTING FROM THE MEASUREMENT OF A DOCUMENT TO BE AUTHENTICATED.

Description

The present invention relates to apparatus for

  identification of documents, such as notes, checks and credit cards.

  It is known, in the prior art, to nominate

  devices for authenticating documents and more

  particular, to authenticate monetary effects to

  put to make change or to establish a credit to the sale of

  goods or services. These devices of the prior art

  generally operate on the basis of one of two main

  different principles, or a combination of the two principles. First, we can direct light from a source towards the document to authenticate and capture reflected light

  or transmitted to determine an optical characteristic of the document

  examined. According to another means, and more particularly in relation

  with the United States of America,

  ticks of the ink with which the ticket was printed can be

  measured-during the authentication operation. He is also

  possible to use a combination of optical means

and magnetic.

  While the prior art means for authenticating documents operate more or less happily, they have a number of flaws. In the first place, they are not as flexible as would be desirable, in that most of them are limited to the authentication of a particular type of document, for example a dollar bill

  from the United States of America or a US $ 5 bill.

  United States of America. Second, they are not as reliable

  this would be desirable, in that most of them reject

  will be an authentic document while accepting a false document. Another defect of the prior art document authentication apparatus is that once they have

  have been set for the authentication of a document of a particular type

  to link them, we can not easily modify them to make them

  a document of a different type.

  An object of the invention is to provide a universal document authentication apparatus which overcomes the defects of the prior art document authentication apparatus. Another object of the invention is to propose a document authentication apparatus which makes it possible to authenticate

more than one type of documents.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a universal document authentication device which is more

  reliable as the authentication apparatuses of the prior art

  pool. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus. authentication of documents that can be easily modified to authenticate a document of a different type

  of the person for whom the authentication device was initiated

adjusted.

  In general terms, the invention contemplates the

  production of a universal document authentication device, in which the document is transported along a trajectory,

  between an entrance and an exit, passing a network of

  photosensitive elements arranged in a predefined

  completed the trajectory. In response to the arrival of the document at one or more predetermined positions along the path, an area or several areas are illuminated, and the

  light coming from the lighted area is sent to the lighting network.

  photosensitive A microprocessor extracts from the illuminated network images of areas in terms of the number of elements thereof that are activated at a predetermined level and, for each image, compares this number with a first stored number, corresponding to the minimum number of elements. which must be illuminated for an acceptable document, and with a second number corresponding to

  maximum number of elements to be illuminated for a document

  acceptable, so as to produce an authentication signal.

  when the number of elements activated for each image falls within the limits determined by the first and second numbers and to reject the document when the activated number of elements is out of bounds. The microprocessor of the document authentication apparatus of the invention is adapted to be set to deliver information to the first and second number memories in response to documents traversing the system, so that the authentication device learns to authenticate a different type of

  document. The universal apparatus of authenticity can easily be

  According to the invention, the document can be selectively set to authenticate several documents of different types.

  The following description, designed as an illustration

  invention aims to provide a better understanding of its features and advantages; it is based on the accompanying drawings> among which: - figire 1 is a sectional view of a form of

  the universal document authentication apparatus according to the invention.

  tion; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the various components of the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 3 is a simplified view illustrating a portion of the microprocessor circuit of the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 4 is a simplified view of another part of the microprocessor circuit of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic view of another portion of the microprocessor circuit of the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 6 is a simplified view of the photosensitive network and the circuit associated therewith of the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 7 is a simplified view of the keyboard and the selection switching system of the apparatus of the invention; Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the initial portion of the general program of the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the end of the initial part of the general program of the apparatus of the invention; FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the

  regeneration subprogram of the previous limits in the

  the invention; FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the training routine of the apparatus of the invention; and - Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the

  Authentication routine of the apparatus of the invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the universal document authentication apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing 10 having an inlet opening 12 which leads into

  the space formed between an upper guide 14 and a lower guide 16.

  The base 18 of the housing 10 carries a reversible motor 20, whose

  the shaft is provided with a pinion 22 intended to drive a chain 24.

  The chain 24 is engaged with a first pinion 26 intended to drive the lower roller 28 of a first pair of rollers comprising a pressure roller 30 pushed so as to come into contact with the roller 28. The chain 24 passes over a pinion 32 in a manner known in the art, vis-à-vis a pinion 34 for driving an intermediate roller 36 which is associated with another roller 38, elastically pushed so as to come into contact with the roller 36. Of the pinion 34, the chain 24 passes to a pinion 40 intended to drive a lower roller 42 associated with an upper roller 44 elastically pushed in contact with the lower roller 42. Of the pinion 42, the chain passes over a pinion 46 and returns to the pinion 22. The pinion 46 is intended for

  driving a roller 48 which is associated with an upper roller50.

  According to a form of the universal apparatus of authenticity

  tification of documents according to the invention, the front edge is inserted

  of the document to be authenticated in the opening 12, so as to interrupt the passage of light between a source 52 and a detector 54. In response to this action, the motor 20 is

  excited to the front so as to cause the roller 28 to advance

  the ticket along the passage formed by the upper guide 14

  and the lower guide 16. When the ticket arrives at a location

  predetermined transport trajectory, light

  from a source 56 is prevented from exciting a photocell

  electrical 58 to a level sufficient to start another operation by the machine. In other words, the interruption of this light beam by the front edge of the ticket itself or by the front edge of the printing causes another operation of the apparatus of the invention. The system is designed to cause this bill position detecting device to begin the authentication operation, for example when a predetermined area of the bill is above a window 60 formed in the lower guide. 16. The window 60 is normally closed by a shutter 62 designed to open for example as a result of the excitation of a solenoid 63. Preferably, the side of the shutter 62 which is exposed to light when the shutter is closed has a reflective element so

to allow calibration.

  When the window 60 opens and the authentication operation must take place, light from a source 64 is intended to illuminate the area of the document above the window 60. The light reflected by the document is focused by a lens 66 on a training pellet 68

  image having a network 70 of one hundred and twenty eight elements

  distinct sensitives, for example. The microprocessor circuit which responds to the various input signals of the device may be housed in any suitable sub-enclosure, such as for example the sub-housing 72 shown schematically in FIG. 1. As will be explained more fully below, the elements of the network 70 may be requested a number of times during the passage of documents in the authentication equipment,

  to provide as many "images" of predetermined areas of the docu-

  that it is desirable or necessary.

  As can be seen in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the apparatus of the invention comprises a power supply 74 intended to provide the appropriate potentials for the operation of the drive motor and the logical units of the system from an alternating current source on the mounting on which the apparatus of the invention is used

  More specifically, the power supply 74 provides electrical energy

  to the transport motor 20, to the document position sensor

  containing elements 52, 54, 56 and 58 at the light source

  64, to the image sensor 68, to the clock pulse generator 76, to the control logic 78 of the transport device, to the temporary data storage unit 80, to the data manipulation unit 82, data, the authentication decision unit 84, the synchronization unit 86, the unit

  image sensor control logic 88, and buffer 90.

  The delivery of electrical energy is indicated in FIG. 2 by the symbolic notation MIR. The generator 76 of clock pulses

  provides input clock pulses to the communication device 78

  command of the input motor, the temporary data storage unit 80, the data manipulation unit 82, the authentication decision unit 84, the synchronization unit 86, the logical device 88 of image sensor control and buffer 90. The delivery of synchronization pulses

  is shown in Figure 2 by the symbolic notation CLK.

  When a ticket enters the transport system, the document position sensor 52 and 54 produce a signal that activates the document.

  device 78 for controlling the transport device via the

  a forward signal via a channel 94. When the front edge of the bill, or the leading edge of the print, reaches the detection device 56, 58, an input signal is applied via a channel 96 to the synchronization device, which, at the appropriate time, provides a timing signal to the image sensor control logic 88 via a channel 95 and to the memory 90-buffer via a channel 97. The delivery of a synchronization signal is indicated in Figure 2 by the symbolic notation SYNC. This document position signal can also be used to excite solenoid 63 to open shutter 62. When an area of the ticket or document from which the "image" is to be taken arrives at window 60 , the image sensor 68 is biased to provide output data to the buffer memory 90 via a channel 98. Each "image" includes one hundred and twenty-eight output signals, which are compared to a threshold voltage, so to produce logic output signals "1" which can be, for example, continuous pulses of 5 V, or logic output signals "0" which can be for example continuous levels of 0 V. In response to the synchronization signal sent on channel 96, the information passes from buffer memory 90 to temporary data storage unit 80 via a channel 99. In addition to the synchronization signals already identified, unit 86 provides a synchronization signal to units 80, 82 and 84, respectively, through the channels 100, 102 and 104. The respective channels 106 and 108 provide two-way communication between the units 80 and 82 and between the units 82 and 84. The channel 110 provides the communication

  in both directions between units 80 and 84.

  Once the image has been sent to the system

  in the manner indicated above, the control circuit

  Data pumping adds the number of high level bits contained in the image and stores the sum in the temporary storage register 80. The value of the image depends on the amount of light that has been reflected by the document, which is itself a function of the type and condition of paper and ink used, as well as the image printed on the document at the location where the image was taken. The addition of the bits in this way reduces the effect of an offset of

  position of the image in case the document was not recorded

accurately recorded.

  It is envisaged that as many images as we want can be taken, so that after the desired number of images has been recorded, each image is in its own image.

  temporary memory register. At this time, the operation of

  This is done by taking into consideration the distinct value of each image or by an arithmetic combination of two or more image values. The resulting values are then checked to determine whether or not they are within predetermined limits of an authentic document of the type

  examined. As will be discussed more fully below, the

  The authentication thread may contain acceptable limits for a number of different documents, in which case the image data is checked to determine whether they fall within the acceptable limits of any of the documents. If the documents are considered authentic, the control device produces an "authentic" pulse on the channel 112 and the document continues its movement in the apparatus until the exit,

  it can stack in a manner well known in the art.

  If it is determined that the note is not authentic, the circuit 84 produces a signal on the channel 114 indicating that the note does not fall within acceptable limits, so that the circuit 78 produces a signal on the channel 94 and that the transport device

  changes direction to bring the ticket back to the customer.

  In connection with FIGS. 3 to 5, is shown the simplified diagram of the calculating part of the system, together with the control circuits of the image sensor, the transport motor, etc. For the sake of clarity, the interconnections between FIGS. 3 and 4 have been designated by the reference letters a to mm in both figures. Similarly, the interconnections between FIGS. 4 and 5 have been designated by the reference letters nn to eee in both figures. In the arrangement shown in these figures, ZI is the central processing unit, which may be, for example, an "Intel 8085A" microprocessor. Z2 is an "Intel 8355" patch providing a combination of program memory (fixed memory) and sixteen input or output lines. Z3 is an "Intel 8155" patch giving a combination of working memory (direct access memory), a timer, and twenty-two input or output lines. These three pellets, in connection with Z8, serving to select the chip with which the central processing unit communicates,

  form the brain of the system. The central processing unit

  the 8 lower address bits with 8 data bits.

  Z3 is equipped with a "learning" switch SWA and switches SW1 and SW2 which determine its operating mode in a manner

known in the art.

  Z4, which may be, for example, an input-

  8-bit output "Intel 8212" keeps the address bits constant, so that Z5 and Z6 can work properly. Each of the units Z5 and Z6 can be, for example, an "Intel 5101" chip constituting a static MOS direct access memory of

  256 x 4 bits. The Z5 and Z6 units are powered

  + 5 V continuous wave when the system is turned on, and

  by a 2.4 V battery when the power supply fails.

  The Z5 and Z6 pellets contain the "learned" limits of a document, and they can be erased so that new limits are taught about a different document, if one wants it and when one wants it. It should be understood that when two or more types of documents or notes are provided, as many pairs of pellets as Z5 and Z6 should be added. These additional pairs will be wired in exactly the same way as Z5 and Z6, except that the first extra pair will be tied to pin 11 of Z8 by its pins CE1 (pin 19) and the second pair will be linked to pin 10 of Z8 by the corresponding pins. By way of example, and to avoid repetition, these additional types have been indicated by B in a circle near pin 11 of Z8 and by C in

  a circle next to pin 10 and Z8.

  If the power stops, Z5 and Z6 must be disabled. The Z7 unit has the function of detecting

  such a power shutdown and invalidate Z5 and Z6 in this way.

  This pellet also provides the necessary order for application and interruption of the power supply, this protecting the limits which must not be altered as a result of

  power supply failure.

  The unit Z9 is a division-by-sixteen counter which divides the clock pulse of the central processing unit so as to produce a clock pulse to said sensor and which also provides the input signal. 'clock

of the Z3 timer.

  The units Z10 and ZM1 constitute a digital-to-analog converter which is controlled by the input-output line Z2 in order to allow the central processing unit to continuously correct the optical reading variations by a control adjustment.

  the threshold voltage applied to the optical reading comparator.

  Units Z12 and Z16 count the number of optical read pulses that exceed the threshold, and the resulting 8-bit image representation can be applied to ZI through

8 lines of Z3.

  The Z14 unit is a seven-segment display member excited by seven Z3 lines via a Darlington Z13 network,

  which adds a current to the input signal. This visualization

  Z14 provides an indication of the status of the authentication device to the employee. The Z15 unit is a block of four operational amplifiers, which may be used to pulse on the edge of the print in response to the sensor 58. This circuit includes a switch that can be switched so that synchronization begins on the sensor. edge of the ticket rather than on the edge of the print. Preferably, a print edge signal is used, instead of the edge of the document, to minimize the effects of mismatches of the printing edge with the edge.

of the document.

  Z18 unit is an optical reading comparator whose output signal is a logic level "1" if the level of optical reading from an element of the chip exceeds

  the threshold, which is the output signal of the digital converter

  analogue formed by ZlO and Zll. The Z18 output signal is buffered through a transistor, so that it will have the necessary excitation capabilities, and is used as

  input signal for optical read counters Z12 and Z16.

  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 also show, by way of example, the conventional arrangement (resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.) of units Z1 to Z18. Numerical values and references are given only by way of example, and the man

  art can easily find others that are equi-

  valent. The references of units ZI to Z18, given as

examples are the following.

Z1: 8085A; Z10: ZN425E;

Z2: 8355/878755; Z11: ZN424;

Z3: 8155; Z13: UNL2003;

Z4: 8212; Z14: MAN71 / 72;

Z5 and Z6: 5101L3; Z15: LM324;

Z7: LM 3302; Z17: 74LS74;

Z8: 74LS138; Z18: LM710.

  Z9, Z12 and Z16: 74LS93; As shown in Figure 6, and as previously explained, the Z19 image sensor is a linear array of one hundred and twenty-eight distinct photosensitive elements. The

  Z19 sensor can be for example a reference unit RL128G.

  It will be readily understood that it is possible to use a planar network rather than a linear network. The sensor receives the potentials

  +5 V and -10 V, as well as a clock signal and a start signal.

  rage. The clock signal is produced by the unit Z9 of FIG. 3,

  this signal being the clock signal of the central processing unit

  divided by a factor of 2, 4, 8 or 16. By way of example, a clock signal divided by the factor 4 is represented. The start pulse signal is produced by the use of three counters Z20 , Z21 and Z22 (for example reference counters "74LS161"), which count the clock pulses from a preloaded number set at a charging time by means of a number which is determined by twelve connections indicated in FIG. Wl to W12 in Figure 6. These counters move forward until Z22 produces a carry, which reloads the prepositioned number, after which the process is repeated. The number positioned by the jumpers W1 to W12 then determines the time between optical readings from the chip Z19. As shown in Figure 6, a portion of the start signal is controlled from two locations. This means that this part is controlled from Z22 and from a transistor shown in FIG. 4, the two locations being wired in an OR circuit. The carry signal from Z22 is a self-circulating signal which repeats without any intervention of the central processing unit. The other signal arriving in this circuit, and designated "start" in Fig. 6, is produced by a combination of the print edge detector Z17 and the central processing unit. Its function is to recharge the counters, so that the count value is in synchronism with the position of the ticket. When a ticket has been inserted in the mechanism, it is finally transported to the location of the edge detector 58, which generates a pulse to the Z17 flip-flop and to the central processing unit. The output signal of the flip-flop is "high", which pulls down the start signal to bring the recharge of the counters Z20 to Z22, regardless of their count value at that time. The CPU comes into play and clears the flip-flop, which "frees" the start signal and the counting resumes. Thus, the network is in synchronism with the position of the document. This start signal is also shown in FIG. 4 as returning to the other Z17 flip-flop via a transistor, so as to effectively apply to the central processing unit a locked start pulse, which normally lasts a single clock period, which allows the central processing unit

  to recognize that the impulse has been produced.

  The optical read information from the image sensor is applied as a voltage difference at two pins. Thus, a differential amplifier, for example Z23, can be used to create an optical read signal at the useful amplitude. The output signal of the amplifier Z23 constitutes the input signal of the illustrated microprocessor circuit

in Figures 3 to 5.

  As can be seen in FIG. 7, a support 116 carries the usual group of push buttons, indicated as a whole by the reference numeral 118 and constituting the input

  by keyboard of the microprocessor illustrated in FIGS.

  This support 116 also comprises a reading display member indicated as a whole by the reference numeral 120. There is also provided according to the invention a set of three-position switches, indicated as a whole by the reference number 122. to set the microprocessor on

  particular operations used in the application of the invention

  tion. More specifically, a "mode" switch 124 is adapted to be placed on one of three positions. The first position,

  referred to as "RES" indicates a state or mode in which the micro-

  processor will reposition previous limits. The second position

  Switch, indicated by "LRN", indicates a "learning mode"

  weaving machine ", in which a group of memory units of the micro-

  processor receives a group of limits in respect of which future documents of a particular type will have to be judged. In the third mode, indicated by "VAL", the system is set for authentication. that is, to determine whether the optical read output signal produced from a particular document falls within the previously given limits for that particular type of ticket. A second three-position switch, 126, indicates the "type" of the document, A, B or C, for which the training is adjusted.

  wise of the system. A third three-position switch, 128, is provided with "special functions, which may be, for example, the reading, indicated by" RD ", the erasure, indicated by" CLR ", or a special function according to which the current limits are changed, which position is indicated by "NLIM" on the

figure 7.

  We can better understand how the universal ticket or document authentication device works.

  of the invention with reference to the flow charts of Figures 8 to 12.

  As can be seen in FIG. 12, at the beginning of the program, the state is that the transport motor is stopped, the shutter 62

  closed, and the calibration image on the back of the obturator

  is in place (A). In a first step, the lamp 10 can be turned on and the electrical potential applied to the control device (B). The resulting image, which is focused on the network 70, is compared with a stored calibration value (C) and, if the value is correct, the program proceeds. If this is not the case, the threshold voltage is adjusted (D) and the comparison is made again until the correct value is obtained. At this point, you have to make a decision and indicate whether a function

  special is requested or not (E). If this is the case, the function

  It is detected (G) and is performed (H, I or J), and the system returns initially (K). If no special function is requested, the next decision is to say whether or not a document or ticket has been inserted in the authentication apparatus (L). If this is not the case, the program returns to the beginning (M). If so, the engine starts, solenoid 63 is energized and the shutter

62 is removed (NM.

  It is possible, if desirable, to provide the authentication apparatus with a means for performing a simple test on the back of the document in question. Since such a test, by itself, is not part of the invention, it will not be discussed in detail. If such a test has been planned, the

  back examination circuit is validated at this time.

  Next, the unit waits for the detection of the leading edge of printing in the preferred form (P). If no edge is detected (Q), within a reasonable time, the motor reverses (R) to return any object that has been inserted, then the system returns to the beginning of the program (S). If the edge has been detected (Q), the system automatically synchronizes the network with the edge, so that the appropriate air of the note is examined. This may require an optional operation of waiting for the area to reach window 60 (T) (see FIG. 9). When the area has reached the window, the network is requested and the representation - or the desired image representations are taken and stored (U). If the system has the function of creating arithmetic image data other than the simple images obtained, this is done during the next program operation (V). When this

  has been done, the function switches are requested to determine

  undermine that the operation must then be performed (W). If the system is simply set to examine the document, as in the case where one wants to know what data is in a particular location on the document, one can, after that information

  was read, evacuate the document and stack it (X), after which the

gram returns to the beginning (Y).

  If the function switch has been set to bring about a renewal of the previous limits, the program continues as shown in Figure 10, where the limits are first placed in the appropriate place (a2). Then, the pointer is positioned on the temporary boundaries (b2) and a pointer is positioned on the proper boundary area (c2) as determined by the document-relative switch. Then, the data at the temporary pointer is sent to the limit pointer (d2). It is determined whether or not all limits have been transferred (e2). If this is not the case, the two pointers are moved to the following address (f2) until all the limits have been transferred, after which the document

249,487 '

* 15

  is evacuated and stacked (g2) and the program returns to the beginning (h2).

  If, following the preliminary part of the pro-

  gram illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the system was placed on a program "learning", the program continues as shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figure 11, in the learning mde, the first operation consists in placing the limits in the appropriate location (a3). Then,

  limits are placed in the temporary storage register (b3).

  The pointer is positioned on the first data image (c3), then a pointer is positioned on the first boundary of the appropriate type (d3). This first limit will be the lower limit of the particular type. A comparison is made between the image data and the positioned limit (e3). If the data is below the set limit, the data is sent to the lower limit register (f3) and the program continues. If the data is greater than or equal to the limit set, the program

  continues without passing the data into the lower limit register.

  pool. In the continuation of the program, a pointer is positioned

  on the next or higher limit of the image (g3), and uoecompa-

  Because of the data with the limit is performed (h3). If the data is greater than the upper limit set, it is placed in the upper limit register (i3) and the program continues. If the data is less than or equal to the upper limit,

  it must be decided whether or not all the images have been examined (j, 3).

  If this is the case, the document is evacuated and stacked (13) and the

  gram goes back to the beginning (m3). If this is not the case, the pointer

  is positioned on the next image data for a comparison

  reason with the lower limit (k3) and the program continues.

  This continues until sufficient information has been

  provided to the system to provide an authentication basis.

  Leaving aside, in a spirit of simplicity, arithmetical image data that could involve negative numbers, it is clear that the smallest possible lowest bound is 0 for which all network elements are dark and the highest possible upper limit would be equal

  to the number of elements of the network, where all the elements are illuminated.

  Before a learning process begins, the function

  "deletion of limits" is carried out, this program posi-

  all lower limits to the highest values

  possible and the upper limits to the smallest possible value.

  After the data has been extracted from the document to be "studied", the process begins. In the program, type switches are requested if more than one type of document is to be manipulated by the system, so that the new limits can be placed in the appropriate storage area. First, the data of the first image is compared with the first limit,

  or lower limit of the limit memory and, if it is irreversible

  below this limit, the data is placed in the limit location. Then, the data image nO 1 is compared with the next limit, or upper limit, and, if it is larger than this limit, then the data is placed in the boundary location. This is done until all image data has been studied. More specifically, assuming that the boundary erase function has been implemented and there are one hundred elements in the network, the first and the second

  limit storage register contain 100 respectively.

  and 0. It is assumed that the first image of an inserted document has a value equal to 55. The training program sees that 55 is less than 100 and that 55 is greater than 0, so that, as a result, the first and the second limit storage register are set to 55 and 55. If the first image of the following document produces the number 50, the registers will be set to 50 and 55. If the

  next number is 57, the registers will be set to 50, 57.

  If a document with a value of 52 then passes into the

  the limits will remain unchanged.

  The following is a particular example of

  a "B" type document, using the "output limits" program to produce the output signal. In this example, a four-image system is used for each document, with a maximum value of 127 for an image. The first output signal is set after the function "deletion of limits" has been executed. The second output signal follows the

249,487 '

  passage of the first "document studied", which produces images having values of 49, 53, 56 and 60. As can be seen, the second document produces "studied data" which are inferior to all locations, while the third document is superior to the two previous documents for the sites examined. Of

  again, when a representative number of documents of the type

  has been studied, the device is set to authenticate docu-

ments of this type.

TYPE B LEARNING

  READING AFTER "DELETING LIMITS"

  LOO1 = 127: 000 L002 = 127: 000 L003 = 127: 000 L004 = 127: 000

  00 OF THIS TYPE OF TICKET WAS STUDIED

READING AFTER FIRST DOCUMENT

  LOO1 = 049: 049 L002 = 053: 053 L003 = 056: 056 LO04 = 060: 060

  01 OF THIS TYPE OF TICKET HAS BEEN STUDIED

READING AFTER SECOND DOCUMENT

  LOO1 = 022: 049 L002 = 023: 053 L003 = 028: 056 L004 = 027: 060

  02 OF THIS TYPE OF TICKET WERE STUDIED

READING AFTER THIRD DOCUMENT

  LOO1 = 022: 056 L002 = 023: 059 L003 = 028: 061 L004 = 027: 062

  03 OF THIS TYPE OF TICKET WERE STUDIED

  When the apparatus of the invention is to carry out an authentication function, it follows the program presented in FIG. 12. First, the limit pointer is positioned on the first limit, or lower limit, of this first type (FIG. a4). The data pointer is positioned on the first image (b4), and a comparison is made between the data and the limit (c4). If the data is below the limit, decide whether or not there is

  rejection of the last type of document to be examined by the

  Authentication thread (d4). If this is not the case, the limit pointer is set to the first limit, or lower limit, of the next type (e4), and a comparison is made between the data and this limit. If the decision is that of rejecting the last 2494u74 -18 type of document to be examined by the machine, the engine changes direction (f4), the document is returned to the client, and the program returns to the beginning (g4). If the data is greater than or equal to the lower limit, the limit pointer is set to the next or upper limit (h4) and the data is compared to this limit (i4). If the data is greater than this limit, it must again be decided whether or not

  the last type of document to be examined by the authentication device

  tion (d4). The results of this decision are the same as in the case where the comparison with the lower limit indicated that the data was smaller than the lower limit. If the comparison between the data and the upper limit indicates that the data is equal to or less than the upper limit, then

  decide whether or not this is the last image to examine (j4).

  If this is not the case, the pointer is positioned

  on the next or lower limit, and on the next image (k4).

  If the last image was examined and, in the case where a back sensor is used, it must be decided whether the back sensor has

* produces or not a correct indication (14). If this is not the case

  the engine reverses (f4) to return the document to the client and the program returns to the beginning (g4). If the back sensor produces

  a correct test result, it is filled with an authentication signal

  document for that particular type (m4), the document being

  evacuated and stacked (n4) and the program returning to the beginning (p4).

  We see that the aims of the invention are achieved.

  There is a universal document authentication device

  which is more accurate and reliable than authentication devices

  of the prior art. The apparatus of the invention can authenticate more than one type of documents. It can easily be

  set to change the type of document types to authenticate.

  Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to

  giner, from the device whose description has just been given

  illustrative and in no way limiting, various variants and

  modifications not departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

  1. Apparatus for identifying documents,   characterized in that it comprises in combination means (14, 16) providing a substantially closed path to the document, a window (60) disposed along said path, means (20, 24, 28, 36, 42, 46) enabling to transport a document to be authenticated according to said path and   in front of said window, a light source (64) for illuminating   said window, a network (60) of photosensitive elements disposed in the vicinity of said path to receive light from an area of said document at said window in response to illumination of said window by said source, a position detecting means (56, 58) for detecting the position of a document moving along said path; means (68) responsive to said position detecting means for biasing the elements of said network to produce a number corresponding to the number of said elements that are activated at a predetermined level in response   received from said area of the document, means (80)   both of storing a first number corresponding to the minimum number of said items to be activated at said predetermined level in response to an authentic document, means (80) for storing a second number corresponding to the maximum number of said items;   elements that must be activated at that level, a means (82)   both comparing the number of elements of said activated network to said degree in response of light from said area to said first and second numbers, and means (84) responsive to said comparing means for producing an indication of authenticity or the inauthenticity of said document.   2. Device for authenticating documents, characterized in that it comprises in combination means (14, 16) forming a document transport path having an input (12) and an output, a network (70) of several photosensitive elements placed in the vicinity of said path, means (20, 24, 28, 36, 42, 46) for moving a document along said path in a direction from said entrance towards said output, a light source (64) means (60) for directing light from said source to a predetermined region of a document disposed at a predetermined location of said path and in the direction of   said region to said network, means (68) that responds to   said light grating from said region by producing an image representation of the region as the number of said activated elements at a predetermined level at the time of illumination,   a first (60) for storing a first number corresponding to   the minimum number of said elements which must be activated at said level for a document to be accepted, a second means (80) for storing a second number corresponding to the maximum number of said elements to be activated audin   degree for an acceptable document, means (82) for   parry the number of activated elements with said first and second   stored numbers, and means (84) responsive to said means of c) n   parison by producing an indication of the authenticity of the document.   Device for authenticating documents, characterized in that it comprises in combination means (14, la) forming a document transport path having an input (12: and   an output, a network (70) of several elements sensitive to rul-   placed in the vicinity of said path, means (20, 24, 28, 3r, 42, 46) for moving a document according to said irajet in the   direction from said input to said output, a source of radiation   a means (60) for directing the source source radiation to a predetermined region of a document disposed at a predetermined location of said path and in the direction of   said region to said network, a means (68) that responds to   said network by the radiation from said region by producing an image representation of the region as the number of said activated elements at a predetermined level, a   first means (80) for storing a first correct number   corresponding to the minimum number of said elements that must be activated at that level for a document to be accepted, a   second means (80) for storing a second correct number   corresponding to the maximum number of those elements which must be   activated for the audit degree for an acceptable document, a means (82)   comparing the number of activated elements with said first   first and second stored numbers, and means (84) responsive to said comparing means for providing an indication of authenticity. of the document.   4. Apparatus belonging to a device for authenticating documents, the apparatus being characterized in that   it includes means (56, 58) for positioning a document   an array (70) of a plurality of radiation-sensitive elements, a radiation source (64), means (60) for directing radiation from said source to a predetermined region of a document locating and in the direction from said region to said array, means (68) responsive to illumination of said array by radiation from said region by producing an image representation of the region as the number of activated elements up to a predetermined level, a first means (80) for storing a first number representing the minimum number of said elements to be activated at said level for a document to be acceptable, a second means (80) for storing a second number corresponding to the maximum number of said elements to be activated at said degree for an acceptable document, means (82) for comparing the number of activated elements with the said s first and second stored numbers, and means (84) responsive to said comparing means for generating a   indication of the authenticity or inauthenticity of the document.   5. Apparatus belonging to a device allowing   to identify documents of two different types, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means (56, 58) for positioning a document to be authenticated, a network (70) of a plurality of radiation-sensitive elements, a source of radiation (64), means (60) for directing radiation from said source to a predetermined area of an established document and in the   sense of said area to said network, means (68) that responds to   radiation from said source by producing an imaged representation of the area as the number of activated elements at a predetermined level, a first means (80) for storing a first number representing the minimum number of said elements. which must be activated at that level for a document of a first type to be acceptable, a second means (80) for storing a second number representing the minimum number of said elements to be activated at said level for a document of a second type can be accepted, a third means (80) for storing a third number representing the maximum number of said elements to be activated at said degree by an acceptable document of the first type, a fourth means (80) for storing a fourth number representing the maximum number of said elements to be activated at that degree by a an acceptable form of the second type, means (82) for comparing the number of activated elements with said first and second and third and fourth stored numbers, and means (84) responsive to said comparing means for producing a signal indicative of if the document is an authentic document of the first type or an authentic document of the second type or an inauthentic document.   6. Apparatus belonging to a device allowing   to identify documents, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means (12, 14, 16, 56, 58) for receiving and positioning a series of authentic documents of the type to be authenticated by said device, a network ( 70) of several sensitive elements   radiation, a source of radiation (64), a means (60)   directing radiation from said source to a predetermined area of a document in place and in the sense of said area to said network, means (68) responsive to illumination of said network by said source by generating information of image representation signal of the area in the form of the number of said   activated elements at said predetermined level, a first means of memorizing   (80) for storing a first number in response to receiving said signal information, a second storing means (80) for storing a second number in response   upon receipt of said signal information, means (90)   putting delivery of the image representation signal information   produced by successive documents received by said means of posi-   said first and second memory means, means for controlling said first storage means so as to record the lowest number of said activated elements.   upon receipt of successive documents by said means of posi-   tion, and means for controlling said second storage means to record the highest number of said activated elements upon receipt of successive documents 249487d by said positioning means.   Apparatus for authenticating documents, characterized in that it comprises in combination means (14, 16) forming a document transport path, means (20, 24, 28, 36, 42, 46) enabling to carry a document to authenticate next   said path, a radiation source (68), a means (60)   both to illuminate an area of said path by means of the radiation of said source, a network (70) of a plurality of radiation-sensitive elements placed in the vicinity of said path so as to receive radiation from the portion of a document passing over said area means (56, 58, 68) for periodically biasing the elements of said array during movement of said document along said path to produce multiple image representations of respective areas of said document as the number of activated elements beyond a means (80) for storing respective respective maximum and minimum number limits for areas of the document corresponding to said imaged representations, a means (82) for comparing said predetermined level during each solicitation operation of said elements; image information with   said limits, and means (84) responsive to said comparator means   by producing an indication of the authenticity or inauthenti- quoted from said document.   8. Apparatus belonging to a device allowing   document identification, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises means (56, 58) for positioning a document to be authenticated, a network (70) of several elements sensitive to   radiation, a source of radiation (64), a means (60)   to direct the radiation of said source over a region   determined from a document set up and in the sense of said region to said network, a means (68) which responds to the illumination of said   network by the radiation of said region by producing a repre-   image of the region as the number of activated elements   at a predetermined level, a first means (80) for memorizing   a first number representing the minimum number of said ele-   which must be activated at that level for a document to be accepted, a second means (80) for storing -24 a second number corresponding to the maximum number of said elements which must be activated at that level for an acceptable document, a means Method (82) for comparing the number of activated elements with said first and second stored numbers, means for positioning said device to operate in an authentication mode comprising means responsive to said comparing means for generating an indication of the authenticity of a document to be examined, and means for positioning said device in a learning mode comprising a means which responds to said comparison means by updating said means for   memorization as authentic documents suc- cessives are examined.