Specific document determining apparatus, image reading apparatus, specific document determining method, and a computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method stored therein image reading apparatus having a specific document

• US 6,025,603 A
• Filed: 10/24/1997
• Issued: 02/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
• Inventors: Yamagata, Hideaki, Hasegawa, Yutaka, Ukai, Takeshi, Ohtsubo, Kazuhisa, Maeda, Mamoru
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, QUE TAN
• Application Number:
  US08/957,737
• Time in Patent Office: 844 Days
• Field of Search: 250/556, 250/557, 250/338.1, 356/71, 324/642, 324/644
• US Class Current: 250/556
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/046 by discriminating a special original, e.g. a bank note
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/10 Microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00846 based on detection of a dedicated indication, e.g. marks or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00864 Modifying the reproduction, e.g. outputting a modified copy of a scanned original details of composing or otherwise geometrically modifying originals H04N1/387
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00872 by image quality reduction, e.g. distortion or blacking out

Abstract

The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Claims

1. A specific document determining apparatus in which a document as an object to be determined is placed on a document base and is covered with a pressure plate, a microwave is irradiated to said document for scanning, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said document is a specific one such as a bill or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included in the document;

said specific document determining apparatus comprising;

a detector which irradiates a microwave to and scans a specified area of said specific document determining apparatus before said document is placed on said document base, detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, outputs a first detection signal, then irradiates a microwave to and scans said document after said document is placed on said document base and is covered with said pressure plate, detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, and outputs a second detection signal;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using said first detection signal as a reference and comparing a level of said reference signal to a level of said second detection signal; and

a second determining unit for making determination according to a result of determination by said first determining unit whether said document is said specific document or not.

2. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 1;

wherein said detector irradiates a microwave to and scan said pressure plate and detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave when irradiating a microwave to and scanning a specific area within said specific document determining apparatus and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave.

3. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 1;

wherein said detector irradiates a microwave to and scans a metallic plate provided at a position adjacent to said document base and detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave when irradiating a microwave to and scanning a specific area within said specific document determining apparatus and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave.

4. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a computing unit for subjecting said first detection signal outputted from said detector to computing processing.

5. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 4;

wherein said computing unit subjects said first detection signal to computing processing by subjecting said first detection signal to an averaging processing to obtain an average value signal when subjecting said first detection signal to computing processing.

6. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 4;

wherein said computing unit subjects said first detection signal to computing processing by subjecting said first detection signal to sampling processing to obtain a maximum value signal when subjecting said first detection signal to computing processing.

7. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 4;

wherein said computing unit subjects said first detection signal to computing processing by subjecting said first detection signal to sampling processing to obtain a minimum value signal when subjecting said first detection signal to computing processing.

8. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 3;

wherein said metallic plate placed near said document base is a white reference plate.

9. A specific document determining unit according to claim 3;

wherein a glass plate is provided near said metallic plate and said detector irradiates a microwave to and scans said metallic plate via said glass plate and also detects said reflected wave via said glass plate.

10. An image reading apparatus comprising:

a reader for optically reading an image of a document; and

a specific document determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein;

wherein said specific document determining unit comprises a specific document determining apparatus according to a specific document determining apparatus in which a document as an object to be determined is placed on a document base and is covered with a pressure plate, a microwave is irradiated to said document for scanning, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said document is a specific one such as a bill or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included in the document;

said specific document determining apparatus comprising;

a detector which irradiates a microwave to and scans a specified area of said specific document determining apparatus before said document is placed on said document base, detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, outputs a first detection signal, then irradiates a microwave to and scans said document after said document is placed on said document base and is covered with said pressure plate, detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, and outputs a second detection signal;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using said first detection signal as a reference and comparing a level of said reference signal to a level of said second detection signal; and

a second determining unit for making determination according to a result of determination by said first determining unit whether said document is said specific document or not.

11. A specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated to a document as an object to be determined for scanning, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of detecting any metallic components existing in an environment for determination to make determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not and storing positional information for said metallic components;

a second step of irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave for scanning to output a detection signal for said reflected wave;

a third step of making determination as to whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not by using the positional information of said metallic components stored in said first step when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not;

a fourth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said detection signal to a level of a specified reference signal when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is not a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components;

a fifth step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a sixth step of repeatedly executing scanning for said document, determination as to whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not, and determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is a detection signal for the reflected wave reflected by metallic components and when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a seventh step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is included in said document; and

an eight step of determining that said document is not said specific document when scanning for said document is terminated and it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document.

12. A specific document determining method according to claim 11;

wherein, in said first step, when detecting metallic components existing in said environment for determination, metallic components existing in said environment for determination are detected by using the positional information for said metallic components previously inputted therein.

13. A specific document determining method according to claim 12;

wherein, in said fourth step and said sixth step, when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said reflected wave used for detecting said metallic components in said first step to a level of said detection signal.

14. A specific document determining method according to claim 11;

wherein, in said first step, when metallic components existing in said environment for determination are detected, a microwave is irradiated to said environment for determination for scanning in a state where said document is not in the environment, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected, and said detected reflected wave is used to detect said metallic components existing in said environment for determination.

15. A specific document determining method according to claim 14;

wherein, in said fourth step and said sixth step, when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said reflected wave used for detecting said metallic components in said first step to a level of said detection signal.

16. A specific document determining method in which an infrared ray is irradiated to an object to be determined for scanning, a reflected wave of said irradiated infrared ray is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities when it is determined that metallic fiber is included in said document;

said method comprising;

a first step of detecting metallic components existing in an environment for determination to make determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not and storing positional information for said metallic components;

a second step of irradiating an infrared ray to said document for scanning, detecting a reflected wave of said irradiated infrared ray for scanning and outputting a detection signal for said reflected wave;

a third step of determining whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not by using the positional information for said metallic components stored in said first step when determining whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not;

a fourth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said detection signal to a level of a specified reference signal when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is not a detection signal for a reflected signal reflected by said metallic components;

a fifth step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a sixth step of repeatedly executing scanning for said document, determination as to whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not, and determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components and also when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a seventh step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is included in said document; and

an eighth step of determining that said document is not said specific document when scanning is terminated and it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document.

17. A specific document determining method according to claim 16;

wherein, in said first step, when detecting metallic components existing in said environment for determination, said infrared ray is irradiated into said environment for determination for scanning in a state where said document is not present, a reflected wave of said irradiated infrared ray is detected, and said metallic components existing in said environment for determination are detected by using said detected reflected wave.

18. A specific document determining method according to claim 16;

wherein, in said first step, when detecting metallic components existing in said environment for determination, metallic components existing in said environment for determination are detected by using the positional information for said metallic components previously inputted therein.

19. A specific document determining method according to claim 18;

wherein, in said fourth step and said sixth step, when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said reflected wave used for detecting said metallic components in said first step to a level of said detection signal.

20. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according to a specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated to a document as an object to be determined for scanning, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of detecting any metallic components existing in an environment for determination to make determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not and storing positional information for said metallic components;

a second step of irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave for scanning to output a detection signal for said reflected wave;

a third step of making determination as to whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not by using the positional information of said metallic components stored in said first step when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not;

a fourth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said detection signal to a level of a specified reference signal when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is not a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components;

a fifth step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a sixth step of repeatedly executing scanning for said document, determination as to whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not, and determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is a detection signal for the reflected wave reflected by metallic components and when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a seventh step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is included in said document; and

an eight step of determining that said document is not said specific document when scanning for said document is terminated and it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document.

21. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according to a specific document determining method in which an infrared ray is irradiated to an object to be determined for scanning, a reflected wave of said irradiated infrared ray is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities when it is determined that metallic fiber is included in said document;

said method comprising;

a first step of detecting metallic components existing in an environment for determination to make determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not and storing positional information for said metallic components;

a second step of irradiating an infrared ray to said document for scanning, detecting a reflected wave of said irradiated infrared ray for scanning and outputting a detection signal for said reflected wave;

a third step of determining whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not by using the positional information for said metallic components stored in said first step when determining whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not;

a fourth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing a level of said detection signal to a level of a specified reference signal when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is not a detection signal for a reflected signal reflected by said metallic components;

a fifth step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a sixth step of repeatedly executing scanning for said document, determination as to whether said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components or not, and determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not when it is determined in said third step that said detection signal is a detection signal for a reflected wave reflected by said metallic components and also when it is determined in said fourth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a seventh step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is included in said document; and

an eighth step of determining that said document is not said specific document when scanning is terminated and it is determined in said sixth step that metallic fiber is not included in said document.

22. A specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to said document in both the forward and backward directions for scanning, detecting a reflected portion thereof, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for reflected waves in both the forward and backward directions for scanning detected in said first step; and

a third step for making determination, according to a result of determination in said second step, as to whether said document is said specific document or not.

23. A specific document determining method according to claim 22;

wherein, when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, an average value signal is obtained by averaging detection signals for reflected waves detected several times and determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing said average value signal to a prespecified threshold value.

24. A specific document determining method according to claims 22;

wherein a light for illumination is always lit under the same conditions upon execution of scanning and detection of a reflected wave when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, if a light for illumination is lit for reading said document.

28. A specific document determining method according to claim 22;

wherein, when determining whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, a difference signal for detection signals for reflected waves in the forward and backward directions for scanning is obtained, and determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing said difference signal to a prespecified threshold value.

25. A specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of executing said scanning and detection of a reflected wave several times and outputting detection signals for reflected waves detected several times when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using detection signals for reflected waves detected several times in said first step; and

a third step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said second step.

26. A specific document determining method according to claim 25;

wherein, when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, an average value signal is obtained by averaging detection signals for reflected waves detected several times and determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing said average value signal to a prespecified threshold value.

27. A specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document, detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, and outputting a detected signal;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for said reflected wave detected in said first step; and

a third step of determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a fourth step of executing said scanning and detection of the reflected wave several times and outputting detection signals for reflected waves detected several times when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a fifth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signals for the reflected waves detected several times in said fourth step; and

a sixth step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said fifth step.

29. A specific document determining method according to claim 27;

wherein, when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, an average value signal is obtained by averaging detection signals for reflected waves detected several times and determination is made as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing said average value signal to a prespecified threshold value.

30. A specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to said document in the forward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document, and detecting a reflection portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signal for the reflected wave detected in the forward direction for scanning detected in said first step;

a third step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a fourth step of irradiating a microwave to said document in the backward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a fifth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave in said backward direction for scanning detected in said fourth step; and

a sixth step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said fifth step.

31. A specific document determining method according to claims 30;

wherein a light for illumination is always lit under the same conditions upon execution of scanning and detection of a reflected wave when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, if a light for illumination is lit for reading said document.

32. A specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to said document in said forward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signal for the reflected wave in said forward direction for scanning detected in said first step;

a third step of determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a fourth step of irradiating a microwave for said document in said forward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a fifth step for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signal for the reflected wave in said backward direction for scanning detected in said fourth step; and

a sixth step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said fifth step.

33. A specific document determining method according to claim 32;

wherein a light for illumination is always lit under the same conditions upon execution of scanning and detection of a reflected wave when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, if a light for illumination is lit for reading said document.

34. A specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to said document in both the forward and backward directions for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using detection signals for reflected waves in both the forward and backward directions for scanning detected by said detector; and

a second determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit.

35. A specific document determining apparatus according to claims 34;

wherein said first determining unit obtains an average value signal by averaging detection signals for reflected waves detected several times and makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document by comparing said average value signal to a prespecified threshold value when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not.

39. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 34;

wherein said first determining unit obtains a difference signal for detection signals for reflected waves detected in both the forward and backward directions for scanning and makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by comparing said difference signal to a prespecified threshold value when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not.

36. A specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for executing said scanning and detection of reflected waves several times and outputting detection signals for reflected waves detected several times when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signals for reflected waves detected several times by said detector; and

a second determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit.

37. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 36;

wherein said first determining unit obtains an average value signal by averaging detection signals for reflected waves detected several times and makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document by comparing said average value signal to a prespecified threshold value when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not.

38. A specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document, detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, and outputting a detection signal;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for said reflected wave detected by said detector; and

a second determining unit for determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

wherein said detector executes said scanning and detection of reflected waves several times and outputs the detection signals for the reflected waves when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is included in said document;

said first determining unit makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signals for the reflected waves detected several times by said detector; and

said second determining unit makes determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit.

40. A specific document determining apparatus according to claim 38;

wherein said first determining unit obtains an average value signal by averaging detection signals for reflected waves detected several times and makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document by comparing said average value signal to a prespecified threshold value when making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not.

41. A specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to said document in the forward direction for scanning, detecting a reflected portion thereof, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiating microwave;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in said forward direction of scanning; and

a second detecting unit for determining that said document is said specified document when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is included in said document;

wherein said detector irradiates a microwave in the backward direction for scanning to said document, detects the reflected wave, and outputs a detection signal when it is determined by said first detecting unit that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

said first determining unit determines whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in the backward direction for scanning; and

said second determining unit makes determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit.

42. A specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to said document in the forward direction for scanning, detecting a reflected wave thereof, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a first detecting means for determining whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in the forward direction for scanning; and

a second determining unit for determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

wherein, when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is included in said document, said detector irradiates a microwave to said document in the backward direction for scanning, detects the reflected wave, and outputs a detection signal;

said first determining unit makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in the backward direction for scanning; and

said second determining unit makes determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit.

43. An image reading apparatus comprising:

a reader for optically reading an image of a document; and

a specific document determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein or not;

wherein said specific document determining unit comprises the specific document determining apparatus according to a specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to said document in both the forward and backward directions for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using detection signals for reflected waves in both the forward and backward directions for scanning detected by said detector; and

a second determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit; and

an illumination light for said reader is always turned ON or OFF in all scanning and detection of reflected waves, when said detector in said specific document determining apparatus irradiates a microwave to and scans said document and detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave.

44. An image reading apparatus comprising:

a reader for optically reading an image of a document; and

a specific document determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein or not;

wherein said specific document determining unit comprises the specific document determining apparatus according to a specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to said document in the forward direction for scanning, detecting a reflected portion thereof, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiating microwave;

a first determining unit for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in said forward direction of scanning; and

a second determining unit for determining that said document is said specified document when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is included in said document;

wherein said detector irradiates a microwave in the backward direction for scanning to said document, detects the reflected wave, and outputs a detection signal when it is determined by said first detecting unit that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

said first determining unit determines whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in the backward direction for scanning; and

said second determining unit makes determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit; and

an illumination light for said reader is always turned ON or OFF in all scanning and detection of reflected waves, when said detector in said specific document determining apparatus irradiates a microwave to and scans said document and detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave.

45. An image reading apparatus comprising:

a reader for optically reading an image of a document; and

a specific document determining unit for making determination as to whether said document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein or not;

wherein said specific document determining unit comprises the specific document determining apparatus according to a specific document determining apparatus in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said apparatus comprising;

a detector for irradiating a microwave to said document in the forward direction for scanning, detecting a reflected wave thereof, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a first determining means for determining whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in the forward direction for scanning; and

a second determining unit for determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

wherein, when it is determined by said first determining unit that metallic fiber is included in said document, said detector irradiates a microwave to said document in the backward direction for scanning, detects the reflected wave, and outputs a detection signal;

said first determining unit makes determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document by using a detection signal for the reflected wave detected by said detector in the backward direction for scanning; and

said second determining unit makes determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination by said first determining unit; and

an illumination light for said reader is always turned ON or OFF in all scanning and detection of reflected waves, when said detector in said specific document determining apparatus irradiates a microwave to and scans said document and detects a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave.

46. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according a specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to said document in both the forward and backward directions for scanning, detecting a reflected portion thereof, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for reflected waves in both the forward and backward directions for scanning detected in said first step; and

a third step for making determination, according to a result of determination in said second step, as to whether said document is said specific document or not, stored therein.

47. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according to a specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of executing said scanning and detection of a reflected wave several times and outputting detection signals for reflected waves detected several times when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using detection signals for reflected waves detected several times in said first step; and

a third step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said second step, stored therein.

48. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according to a specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document, detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave, and outputting a detected signal;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for said reflected wave detected in said first step; and

a third step of determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a fourth step of executing said scanning and detection of the reflected wave several times and outputting detection signals for reflected waves detected several times when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a fifth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signals for the reflected waves detected several times in said fourth step; and

a sixth step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said fifth step, stored therein.

49. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according to a specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to said document in the forward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document, and detecting a reflection portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signal for the reflected wave detected in the forward direction for scanning detected in said first step;

a third step of determining that said document is said specific document when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a fourth step of irradiating a microwave to said document in the backward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a fifth step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using a detection signal for the reflected wave in said backward direction for scanning detected in said fourth step; and

a sixth step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said fifth step, stored therein.

50. A computer-readable recording medium with a program for execution of the method according to a specific document determining method in which a microwave is irradiated for scanning to a document as an object to be determined, a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave is detected to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not, and it is determined that said specific document is a specific document such as bills or marketable securities with metallic fiber included therein when it is determined that metallic fiber is included therein;

said method comprising;

a first step of irradiating a microwave to said document in said forward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when irradiating a microwave to and scanning said document and detecting a reflected portion of said irradiated microwave;

a second step of making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signal for the reflected wave in said forward direction for scanning detected in said first step;

a third step of determining that said document is not said specific document when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is not included in said document;

a fourth step of irradiating a microwave for said document in said forward direction for scanning, detecting the reflected wave, and outputting a detection signal when it is determined in said second step that metallic fiber is included in said document;

a fifth step for making determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in said document or not by using the detection signal for the reflected wave in said backward direction for scanning detected in said fourth step; and

a sixth step of making determination as to whether said document is said specific document or not according to a result of determination in said fifth step, stored therein.