METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOGNITION OF CURRENCY BY DENOMINATION

A currency note condition recognition apparatus and method uses a programmed microelectronic CPU to execute program instructions stored in a PROM to read in pixel data from an optical imaging section, including LEDs and photodiodes for generating signals which can be converted to a first image of a currency note being transported along the path of travel. The CPU receives position and skew data detected by external sensors for sensing the position and skew of the note. The CPU executes the program instructions, first to assemble a first data image of pixel data representing a two-dimensional image of substantially all of the note while averaging the pixel data in groups for further processing; second, to correct the first data image based on the skew data to eliminate skew; third, to relate the first data image to a plurality of predefined data images according to a mathematical function to determine whether the first data image can be classified as matching any one of the predefined data images corresponding to a specific currency denomination; and fourth to test the note for missing material and transmissivity in order to determine note fitness.