WO2016141163A1

WO2016141163A1 - Reading predefined textual data from a sheet

Info

Publication number: WO2016141163A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/020650
Authority: WO
Inventors: H. Thomas Graef
Original assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
Priority date: 2015-03-03
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2016-09-09
Also published as: EP3266005A1; CN107615302A; EP3266005A4; BR112017018862A2

Abstract

In an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an apparatus comprising first and second light sources, a sensor, and an image processor. The sensor obtains image data from the first and second light sources, wherein the image data from the first light source is a composite image of light passing through the sheet and the near side image data from the second light source is a reflected, near side image. The image processor subtracts the near side image data from the composite image data to obtain far side image data, and can determine textual data on the sheet form either the near side image data, the far side image data, or a combination of the near side image data and the far side image data.

Description

Reading Predefined Textual Data from a Sheet

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/127,588 filed March 3, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to reading optical data, for example textual data, such as serial numbers, off of sheets, such as banknotes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] An automated banking machine can be configured to either receive or dispense currency. Recording of banknote serial numbers during a transaction allow for associating a note with a specific customer, which may be required in certain countries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate the example embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a scanning apparatus.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a logical block diagram illustrating an example of a image processing system.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system upon which an example embodiment can be implemented.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a methodology for reading a serial number from a banknote. OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the example embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein an apparatus comprising first and second light sources, a sensor, and control logic coupled with the first and second light sources. The control logic strobes the first and second light sources. The sensor obtains image data from the first and second light sources, wherein the image data from the first light source is a composite image of light passing through the sheet and the image data from the second light source is a reflected, near side image. The control logic subtracts the near field image data from the composite image data and determines textual data on the sheet from either the composite image data after subtracting the near field image data, the near field image data, or a combination of the near field image data and the composite image data after subtracting the near field image data. Other embodiments include a computer readable medium of instructions operable to read data from the sheet and a method of reading data from the sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] This description provides examples not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. The figures generally indicate the features of the examples, where it is understood and appreciated that like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an example embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment described herein and does not imply that the feature, structure, or characteristic is present in all embodiments described herein.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a scanning apparatus 10. A sheet 12 being examined by the apparatus 10 travels on a sheet path 14. The sheet 12 may be moving in either direction. As those skilled in the art can readily appreciate, the view illustrated if FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of the sheet path and there may be other belts, platens, and other hardware associated with the sheet path 14. Platens 16, 18 and 20 form part of the sheet path along with belt 22. Belt 22 is mounted on roller 24. Roller 26 is operable to maintain contact between the sheet 12 and the belt 22 while the sheet 12 is transitioning from platen 18 to platen 20. A first light source 28 emits light towards the sheet 12 that is reflected and detected by sensor 32. The image data obtained by the sensor 32 from light from light source 28 that is reflected from the sheet 12 is referred to herein as "near side image data." A second light source 30 is operable to transmit light that passes through the sheet 12 that is detected by sensor 32. The image data obtained by the sensor 32 from the second light source 30 that passes through the sheet 12 is referred to herein as "composite image data."

[0013] In an example embodiment, the first and second light sources 28, 30 are strobed in an interlaced manner. As will be described in more detail herein infra, the near side image data is subtracted from the composite image data to obtain a far image of the sheet 12. Thus, scanning of both sides of the sheet can be accomplished by one image sensor (e.g., sensor 32).

[0014] In an example embodiment, the second light source 30 is positioned to reduce or eliminate shadows from belt 22, or any other belt that may be employed to aid in urging the sheet 12 along sheet path 14. Other hardware, such as one or more lenses 34 and one or more reflectors (not shown) may be employed to narrow the light beam emitted from the second light source 30 to avoid shadows being detected by sensor 32. [0015] FIG. 2 is a logical block diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system 40. The system comprises a first light source 42, a second light source 44, and a sensor 46 that receives light from the first and second light sources 42, 44. In an example embodiment, light sources 42, 44 correspond to light sources 28, 30 (FIG. 1 ) respectively and sensor 46 corresponds to sensor 32 (FIG. 1 ). However, those skilled in the art can readily appreciate the positioning of the first and second light sources 42, 44 and the sensor 46 may different than what is illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0016] The sensor 46 is coupled with an analog to digital converter (ADC) 48. Signals from the sensor 46 are converted by the ADC 48 to a digital form. The logic controller 50 provides the digital data from the ADC 48 to image processor 52. "Logic", as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another component. For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable/programmed logic device, memory device containing instructions, or the like, or combinational logic embodied in hardware. Logic may also be fully embodied as software on a computer readable medium that performs the desired functionality when executed by a processor. Logic controller 50 is further operable to control the light sources 42, 44. In an example embodiment, the logic controller 50 strobes the light sources 42, 44. In particular embodiments, the light sources are strobed in an interlaced manner.

[0017] The image data is processed by image processor 52. Although image processor 52 is illustrated as a separate component from logic controller 50, those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that this is a functional diagram, and that the functionality of logic controller 50 and image processor 52 may be performed by the same hardware (e.g., the same processor or same group of processors).

[0018] In an example embodiment, light from the first light source 42 passes through a sheet being examined (e.g., sheet 12 in FIG. 1 ) and light from the second light source 44 is reflected from the sheet being examined. The sensor 46 obtains a composite image data from light detected the first light source 42 and a near side image data from light detected from the second light source 44. The image processor 52 is operable to subtract the near side image data from the composite image data to produce a far side image (or far side image data).

[0019] In an example embodiment, the image processor 52 is operable to detect or educe optical data from either the near side image, far side image, the composite image, or any combination of the near side image, far side image, and composite image. Examples of optical data include, but are not limited to textual data (e.g., a serial number or other text), watermark, barcode, security mark or other tracking features. In an example embodiment, the image processor 52 is operable to detect embedded data, e.g., data in an inner layer of a multilayer sheet.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the image processor 52 may suitably comprise an optical character recognition module ("OCR") 54 for recognizing textual data from a scanned image. The OCR module 54 of image processor 52 is operable to detect textual data such as a serial number, from optical data on either the near side image data, the far side image data, or both the near side image data and the far side image data. In an example embodiment, the predetermined textual data is a serial number from a currency note. In other embodiments, the predetermined textual data can be any type of data such as an amount of a check, or an amount and account number of a negotiable instrument.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the image processor 52 is operable to subtract a consistent feature, such as a security stripe, belt shadow, or watermark, from the composite image. In particular embodiments, the image processor 52 may be operable to subtract consistent features, such as a security stripe or watermark from the near side image.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the image processor 52 employs an encryption module 56 to encrypt the image data. The image data may be encrypted before being stored in memory 58 or transmitted to a remote location via communications interface 60. [0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system 70 upon which an example embodiment can be implemented. Computer system 70 is capable of performing the functionality of logic controller 50, image processor 52, OCR module 54, encryption module 56, or any combination thereof.

[0024] Computer system 70 includes a bus 72 or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor 74 coupled with bus 72 for processing information. Computer system 70 also includes a main memory 76, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device coupled to bus 72 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 74. Main memory 76 also may be used for storing a temporary variable or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 74. Computer system 70 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 78 or other static storage device coupled to bus 72 for storing static information and instructions for processor 74. A storage device 80, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 72 for storing information and instructions.

[0025] Computer system 70 may be coupled via bus 72 to first light source 82, a second light source 84, and a sensor 86. The processor is operable to control the operation of the first and second light sources 82, 84 and to receive image (optical) data from the sensor 86.

[0026] An aspect of the example embodiment is related to the use of computer system 70 for reading predefined textual data from a sheet. According to an example embodiment, reading predefined textual data from a sheet is provided by computer system 70 in response to processor 74 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 76. Such instructions may be read into main memory 76 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 80. Execution of the sequence of instructions contained in main memory 76 causes processor 74 to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 76. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement an example embodiment. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0027] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 74 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media. Non-volatile media include for example optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 80. Common forms of computer-readable media include for example an optical drive, floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASHPROM, CD, DVD or any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0028] Computer system 70 also includes a communication interface 88 coupled to bus 72. Communication interface 88 provides a two-way data communication coupling computer system 70 to a network link 90. This can allow processor 74 to send image data, including the predefined textual data to a remote computer (not shown).

[0029] In view of the foregoing structural and functional features described above, a methodology 100 in accordance with an example embodiment will be better appreciated with reference to FIG.4. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodology of FIG. 4 is shown and described as executing serially, it is to be understood and appreciated that the example embodiment is not limited by the illustrated order, as some aspects could occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other aspects from that shown and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated features may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with an aspect of an example embodiment. The methodology 400 described herein is suitably adapted to be implemented in hardware, software when executed by a processor, or a combination thereof. For example methodology 400 may be implemented by either or both of logic controller 50 and Image Processor 52 (FIG. 2) and processor 74 of FIG. 3).

[0030] At 102, light sources are strobed. In an example embodiment, the light sources may be strobed in an interlaced manner. The light sources may suitably comprise a first light source that is sensed after passing through a currency note (composite image) and a second light source where light is sensed after being reflected (near image).

[0031] At 104, near and composite images are obtained. The near image is obtained by a sensor from light that originated from the second light source that was reflected from the currency note. The near image is obtained from light sensed by the sensor from the first light source that passes through the currency note.

[0032] At 106, the near side image is subtracted from the composite image, producing a far side image. The far side is the side facing the first light source, or opposite the near side.

[0033] At 108, predefined features may be subtracted from the near side image, the far side image, or both the near side image and the far side image. For example, consistent features such as watermarks, security stripes, and shadows (e.g., belt shadows from belts near one or more of the light sources).

[0034] At 1 10, the serial number for the currency note is determined. In an example embodiment, an OCR scan of the near side image and/or far side image is employed. The serial number may be located on the near side image or far side image. In particular embodiments, the serial number is located on both the near side image and the far side image. In an example embodiment, data representative of the serial number is stored in a memory associated with an image processor performing methodology 100. In another example embodiment, data representative of the serial number data is sent to a remote processor. In yet another example embodiment, data representative of the serial number is stored and transmitted to a remote processor.

[0035] Described above are example embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the example embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the example embodiments are possible. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of any claims filed in applications claiming priority hereto interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1 . An apparatus, comprising: first and second light sources; a sensor operable to receive light from the first and second light sources; control logic coupled with the sensor and the first and second light sources; an image processor coupled with the control logic; wherein the control logic is operable to strobe the first and second light sources; wherein light from the first light source passes through a sheet being examined and light from the second light source is reflected from the sheet; wherein the sensor obtains a composite image data of the sheet being examined from light detected from the first light source; wherein the sensor obtains a near side image data of the sheet being examined from light detected from the second light source; wherein the image processor is operable to obtain the composite image data and the near side image data from the sensor; wherein the image processor is operable to subtract the near side image data from the composite image data to produce a far side image data; and wherein the image processor is operable to detect optical data from one of a group consisting of the near side image data, the far side image data, and both the near side image data and the far side image data.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the optical data is a serial number.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2, wherein the sheet is a currency note.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the image processor is operable to subtract a consistent feature from the composite image.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4, wherein the consistent features is a security stripe.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 4, wherein the consistent feature is a belt shadow.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 4, wherein the consistent feature is a watermark.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the first light source positioned to eliminate shadows from a belt.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the control logic strobes the first and second light sources in an interlaced manner.

10. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium of execution having instructions encoded thereon for execution by a processor and when executed operable to: strobe first and second light sources, wherein light from the first light source passes through a sheet being examined and light from the second light source is reflected from the sheet being examined; obtain a composite image data from a sensor from the light received from the first light source; obtain a near side image data from the sensor from light received from second light source; subtract the near side image data from the composite image data to produce a far side image data; and detect textual data from image data from one of a group consisting the near side image data, the far side image data, and both the near side image data and the far side image data.

1 1 . The computer readable medium set forth in claim 10, wherein the textual data is a serial number.

12. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 1 1 , wherein the sheet is a currency note.

13. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 10, the instructions are further operable to subtract a consistent feature from the composite image.

14. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 13, wherein the consistent features is a security stripe.

15. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 13, wherein the consistent feature is a belt shadow.

16. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 13, wherein the consistent feature is a watermark.

17. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 10, the instructions are further operable to strobe the first and second light sources in an interlaced manner.

18. A method, comprising: strobing first and second light sources, wherein light from the first light source passes through a sheet and light from the second being reflected from the sheet; obtaining a composite image data from a sensor from the light received from the first light source; obtaining a near side image data from the sensor from light received from second light source; subtracting the near side image data from the composite image data to produce a far side image data; and deducing textual data from image data from one of a group consisting of the near side image data, the far side image data, and both the near side image data and the far side image data.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the sheet is a currency note and the textual data is a serial number.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising subtracting consistent features of the sheet from the composite image data prior to determining the textual data.