A method for detecting staining on a media item, the method comprising: capturing (22) a digital image of the media item, the digital image comprising a plurality of pixels representing colour information of the media item; comparing (30) the captured digital image to a reference image, wherein comparing the captured digital image to the reference image comprises: generating a histogram for each of a plurality of kernel patches of the captured digital image, wherein each of the plurality of kernel patches of the captured digital image covers an area of the captured digital image, such that the entire captured digital image is covered by the plurality of kernel patches; comparing (40) the histogram for each of the plurality of kernel patches of the captured digital image to a histogram of a corresponding kernel patch of the reference image to generate a distance metric; and based on the generated distance metrics, determining if staining is present on the media item.

Baseline values for metal detection readings associated with an item inserted into an infeed mouth of a depository are obtained before the item is pinched on a pathway of the depository. The baseline values are adjusted by additional readings obtained when the item is pinched on the pathway for transport. The adjusted baseline values are processed with calculated values from ongoing and fluctuating current readings to determine at least one final value. A determination is made as to whether the item includes at least some metal based on comparison of the at least one final value and a predefined value.

Baseline values for metal detection readings associated with an item inserted into an infeed mouth of a depository are obtained before the item is pinched on a pathway of the depository. The baseline values are adjusted by additional readings obtained when the item is pinched on the pathway for transport. The adjusted baseline values are processed with calculated values from ongoing and fluctuating current readings to determine at least one final value. A determination is made as to whether the item includes at least some metal based on comparison of the at least one final value and a predefined value.

An automated teller machine can use an array of pressure sensors, such as piezo-resistive sensors, to detect the presence of foreign objects, such as staples, paper clips, or rubber bands, in a stack of banknotes. A user can insert a stack of banknotes into an automated teller machine. A pair of opposing clamping surfaces can apply pressure to the stack of banknotes. An array of pressure sensors can sense non-uniformities in pressure over the area of the array. If circuitry coupled to the pressures sensors senses a presence of a high pressure area in the surface area of the banknotes, then the circuitry can generate a signal indicating that one or more foreign objects has been detected. The automated teller machine can then prompt the user to remove the stack of banknotes and remove the foreign object from the stack of banknotes.

An automated teller machine can use an array of pressure sensors, such as piezo-resistive sensors, to detect the presence of foreign objects, such as staples, paper clips, or rubber bands, in a stack of banknotes. A user can insert a stack of banknotes into an automated teller machine. A pair of opposing clamping surfaces can apply pressure to the stack of banknotes. An array of pressure sensors can sense non-uniformities in pressure over the area of the array. If circuitry coupled to the pressures sensors senses a presence of a high pressure area in the surface area of the banknotes, then the circuitry can generate a signal indicating that one or more foreign objects has been detected. The automated teller machine can then prompt the user to remove the stack of banknotes and remove the foreign object from the stack of banknotes.

A device for detecting a foreign object attached on a surface of a sheet-like medium, comprising a static electricity providing part (A) for providing static electrical charges, a medium transporting part (B) for transporting a medium under detection, and a static electricity sensor and identifier part (C). The medium transporting part comprises a static electricity receiving unit and a static electricity absorbing unit sequentially connected. The static electricity receiving unit is connected to the static electricity providing part (A), and the static electricity absorbing unit is connected to the static electricity sensor and identifier part (C). The static electricity receiving unit is configured to transfer the static electrical charges obtained from the static electricity providing part (A) to the medium under detection. The static electricity absorbing unit is configured to absorb the static electrical charges of the medium under detection.

A device for detecting a foreign object attached on a surface of a sheet-like medium, comprising a static electricity providing part (A) for providing static electrical charges, a medium transporting part (B) for transporting a medium under detection, and a static electricity sensor and identifier part (C). The medium transporting part comprises a static electricity receiving unit and a static electricity absorbing unit sequentially connected. The static electricity receiving unit is connected to the static electricity providing part (A), and the static electricity absorbing unit is connected to the static electricity sensor and identifier part (C). The static electricity receiving unit is configured to transfer the static electrical charges obtained from the static electricity providing part (A) to the medium under detection. The static electricity absorbing unit is configured to absorb the static electrical charges of the medium under detection.

Ultraviolet (UV) light illuminates a valuable media item along a pathway of a valuable media depository and UV signal readings are captured in response to the illuminated valuable media item. The signal readings are adjusted to account for any integrated metallic material and for any contamination present on the media item or any contamination that is a result of the media item having been washed. The adjusted signal readings are processed to determine whether the media item is genuine and/or fit for being further processed within the depository.

An apparatus, a corresponding method, and value-document processing system for checking value documents that has at least two radiation sources for giving off electromagnetic radiation with which a value document is irradiated, at least one sensor for capturing the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the value document, and generating corresponding sensor signals. The apparatus has an evaluation device configured to derive from the sensor signals corrected sensor signals taking into account at least one spectral property of the electromagnetic radiation of the at least two radiation sources. The sensor signals corrected in this way reproduce the actual reflection or transmission behavior of the value document substantially more precisely than the uncorrected sensor signals. Disturbing remission or transmission artifacts may be attributed to so-called auxiliary emissions of the radiation sources are eliminated or at least reduced.

An apparatus, a corresponding method, and value-document processing system for checking value documents that has at least two radiation sources for giving off electromagnetic radiation with which a value document is irradiated, at least one sensor for capturing the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the value document, and generating corresponding sensor signals. The apparatus has an evaluation device configured to derive from the sensor signals corrected sensor signals taking into account at least one spectral property of the electromagnetic radiation of the at least two radiation sources. The sensor signals corrected in this way reproduce the actual reflection or transmission behavior of the value document substantially more precisely than the uncorrected sensor signals. Disturbing remission or transmission artifacts may be attributed to so-called auxiliary emissions of the radiation sources are eliminated or at least reduced.