OPTICAL HANDHELD DEVICE AND METHOD FOR BANKNOTES

摘要

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for discriminating between authentic and forged banknotes. The invention provides a dedicated, low-cost hand-held optical device which illuminates indicia printed with security ink and measures the spectral absorption thereof at a plurality of discrete wavelengths. The device then compares these results with results to be expected from the scanning of the same defined feature of an authentic banknote. A display or other means, informs the user whether or not the discrepancy between results and pre-stored values is within naturally occurring variations. The device being a single-purpose hand-held banknote validator comprising a housing, a broadband light source and focusing optics for emitting light of different wavelengths, or a plurality of light sources with narrow spectral outputs and focusing optics positioned proximate to an extremity of the housing; and at least one photo-detector for detecting scattered light intensity at predefined discrete wavelengths, positioned adjacent to the light source; and an electronics package inside the housing including signal processing means, a programmed microprocessor, a power source, and results indicating means; and a manual activation switch.