A coin handling system performs a one or two-part coin handling and recognition process. In the first part of the two-part process, the system images bulk coins, determines the coin types or other attributes, and returns at least some of the coins to the bulk coin receptacle; in the second part, the system re-images the coins and uses the coin types or attributes determined in the first part to efficiently and economically perform machine recognition of attributes of the coins. The output is used to handle the coins and to determine a price to pay for the coins. The images are bright field images suitable for use by people.

A method for authenticating a high-value item, wherein an optically identifiable code is generated and applied to the item by being integrated into a surface region of the item that is provided with graphics or a surface structure, wherein the code is in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of code elements and the outline of the two-dimensional arrangement is adapted to the outline of the surface region or of part of a surface region, and wherein the code is linked to an information source that provides information, able to be displayed on a display, in relation to the item, and wherein a reader, such as for example a smartphone, is provided with programming for detecting and reading the code and, when the code is read, the link to the information source is activated and the information is displayed on the display of the reader.

A coin handling system performs a one or two-part coin handling and recognition process. In the first part of the two-part process, the system images bulk coins, determines the coin types or other attributes, and returns at least some of the coins to the bulk coin receptacle; in the second part, the system re-images the coins and uses the coin types or attributes determined in the first part to efficiently and economically perform machine recognition of attributes of the coins. The output is used to handle the coins and to determine a price to pay for the coins. The images are bright field images suitable for use by people.

The present invention provides a coin recognition unit having high recognition capacity. The coin recognition unit comprises magnetic sensors each configured to collect magnetic characteristics of a transported coin; at least one optical sensor disposed with a space from the magnetic sensors and configured to collect optical characteristics of a surface of the coin; a glass plate constituting a transport surface on which the coin is transported and having a larger size than the coin; and a controller configured to control the magnetic sensors and the at least one optical sensor and perform a recognition process, the glass plate covering at least part of each magnetic sensor and at least part of each optical sensor.

The invention relates to a testing device 10, that can be a component of a feeding device to feed coin blanks 11 to a coining press or a minting station 12. The testing device 10 has a contactless measuring first sensor device 30 and/or a second sensor device 40. Every sensor device 30, 40 that is present controls an associated removal device 32 or 41. Each sensor device 30, 40 detects a certain property of the coin blank and compares it with a corresponding standard specification. If an unacceptable deviation from the specification is detected, the sensor device 30, 40 in question controls the respective associated removal device 32, 41 to discharge the coin blank from a main conveyor device 13 which transports the coin blanks from a feeding end 14 to an exit end 15.

Disk image acquiring device includes a guide for guiding a peripheral surface of a disk moving in a predetermined direction along a predetermined guide line, an imaging window defining an image-taking region on the one surface of the disk, a timing sensor to take images having a detection axis traversing a moving direction of the disk and outputting a timing signal as arrival of the disk at a predetermined position on the imaging window when the peripheral surface of the disk has been detected on the detection axis, and an imager which takes an image of the one surface of the disk via the imaging window based upon the timing signal, wherein a bisector of an angle between the guide line and the detection axis is utilized as a base line, and the imaging window is extended along the base line.

A method of producing an authenticatable article. An overt feature is produced in the article using a fabricating technique which is selected based on a material of the article so as to produce the overt feature having predetermined, reproducible macroscopic characteristics as well as random, non-reproducible microscopic characteristics rendering the article physically unique. The overt feature including the microscopic characteristics are imageable using a predetermined imaging technology to produce an overt feature image. An authentication signature is generated based on the overt feature image and stored in a central database. The overt feature may alternatively be produced in an apparatus or means used to manufacture authenticatable articles such that the overt feature including the random, microscopic characteristics is reproduced in the articles. The overt feature and generated authentication code therefore corresponds to articles manufactured using that apparatus or means.

Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, and methods of imaging coins are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with an input area for receiving coins and receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles. The coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to coins, and a sorting head adjacent the rotatable disk with shaped regions for guiding moving coins to exit channels through which the coins are discharged to the coin receptacles. A sensor arrangement mounted adjacent the rotatable disk includes one light emitting device for emitting light onto a coin surface at near-normal incidence. A photodetector senses light reflected off the coin surface and outputs a coin-image signal for processing the coin.

A feature image generation apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry generates, on the basis of a processing target image in which an object appears, a first image showing the object, and generates, as a feature image showing a feature of the object, at least a part of a rotational composite image obtained by composition of a plurality of rotated images obtained by rotating the first image.

Embodiments relate to a non-fungible physical (NFP) item. The non-fungible physical (NFP) item comprises an identifier. The identifier is embedded and layered within the non-fungible physical item in an unplanned pattern. The identifier in the unplanned pattern is configured to provide high security against counterfeiting of the non-fungible physical (NFP) item. The identifier comprises at least one of a random marker and a unique marker. The unplanned pattern comprises at least one of a random pattern and a unique pattern. Further the non-fungible physical (NFP) item is registered as a non-fungible token on a blockchain. The NFP item is then paired with the non-fungible token for enabling two-way mutual authentication and enhanced authenticity. The pairing of the NFP item with the non-fungible token enables tracking condition, provenance, and grading of the NFP item.