Device and method for preventing counterfeiting using a currency serial number reader
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for identifying currency that has been used in unlawful activity, comprising:
- obtaining an image of a currency document using a device coupled to a money-counting machine, wherein the device includes;
an entry stage that holds a plurality of stationary documents in a stack arrangement;
an image-capturing device having an image plane extending forwardly from the entry stage, the image-capturing device arranged such that a top or a bottom one of the plurality of stacked documents is visible in the image plane;
a rotating member coupled to the entry stage that retrieves one of the plurality of documents per rotation and guides the retrieved document into the counting machine; and
a synchronization mechanism that triggers the image-capturing device once per rotation of the rotating member, such that the image-capturing device captures an image of each document in the stack prior to the document passing into the counting machine;
capturing a serial number of the currency document from the obtained image using a microprocessor;
comparing the captured serial number against one or more lists of wanted serial number using the microprocessor; and
identifying the currency document as having been used in unlawful activity based on the comparison performed using the microprocessor.
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Abstract
A device and method for reading and authenticating currency serial numbers to prevent counterfeiting and other money-related crime is provided. The device may be retrofitted to be installed in an existing money counting machine, and may read serial numbers of currency that passes through the counting machine. The serial numbers can be captured from stationary currency prior to entering the counting machine, and the serial numbers may be authenticated by comparing the number against various databases.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for identifying currency that has been used in unlawful activity, comprising:
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obtaining an image of a currency document using a device coupled to a money-counting machine, wherein the device includes; an entry stage that holds a plurality of stationary documents in a stack arrangement; an image-capturing device having an image plane extending forwardly from the entry stage, the image-capturing device arranged such that a top or a bottom one of the plurality of stacked documents is visible in the image plane; a rotating member coupled to the entry stage that retrieves one of the plurality of documents per rotation and guides the retrieved document into the counting machine; and a synchronization mechanism that triggers the image-capturing device once per rotation of the rotating member, such that the image-capturing device captures an image of each document in the stack prior to the document passing into the counting machine; capturing a serial number of the currency document from the obtained image using a microprocessor; comparing the captured serial number against one or more lists of wanted serial number using the microprocessor; and identifying the currency document as having been used in unlawful activity based on the comparison performed using the microprocessor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for penetrating criminal networks, comprising:
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adding a serial number of a currency document to one or more lists of wanted serial numbers stored in a data repository, wherein the currency document has been designated for use in an undercover operation for catching suspected criminals; receiving data that includes the serial number and an associated tag identifying a money exchange transaction in which the currency document was used, wherein the data is received at a microprocessor from a first entity that obtained an image of the currency document using a device coupled to a money-counting machine, wherein the device includes; an entry stage that holds a plurality of stationary documents in a stack arrangement; an image-capturing device having an image plane extending forwardly from the entry stage, the image-capturing device arranged such that a top or a bottom one of the plurality of stacked documents is visible in the image plane; a rotating member coupled to the entry stage that retrieves one of the plurality of documents per rotation and guides the retrieved document into the counting machine; and a synchronization mechanism that triggers the image-capturing device once per rotation of the rotating member, such that the image-capturing device captures an image of each document in the stack prior to the document passing into the counting machine; and identifying a second entity associated with the money exchange transaction as a suspected criminal using the microprocessor. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A device for capturing an image of a stationary document prior to the document entering a money-counting machine coupled to the device, wherein the device comprises:
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an entry stage that holds a plurality of stationary documents in a stack arrangement; an image-capturing device having an image plane extending forwardly from the entry stage the image-capturing device arranged such that a top or a bottom one of the plurality of stacked documents is visible in the image plane; a rotating member coupled to the entry stage that retrieves one of the plurality of documents per rotation and guides the retrieved document into the counting machine; and a synchronization mechanism that triggers the image-capturing device once per rotation of the rotating member, such that the image-capturing device captures an image of each document in the stack prior to the document passing into the counting machine. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification