A method and apparatus for detecting where useful image data about a document exists within a stream of successive scans of image data coming from an imaging camera positioned at a scanning line in an imaging system. A reference member having first, second, and third marks thereon is positioned at the scanning line. Several scans of the reference member provide a reference scan which is retained in the system. When a document reaches the scanning line and is imaged by the imaging camera, a change in the pattern of pixels associated with the reference scan is used to signal the leading edge of a document. After the leading edge is detected, the first mark on the reference member is used to detect from the image data whether or not the document has a folded over portion near the leading and bottom edges of the document. The third mark is used to detect from the image data the location of the top of the document. When the pattern of pixels reverts to the reference scan, it is an indication of the trailing edge of the document. A rapid "roll-off" in a white image from the reference scan is used to detect the bottom edge of the document near a dark side of the document track. The useful image data from the mass of pixel data coming from the imaging camera is detected without using external sensors to detect the leading and trailing edges of the documents, for example.

Check processing apparatus including an offset pair of image-lift sites and an associated "Heat-Dump", with this apparatus preferably built as an add-on, plug-in module to be used in a check-sorting system.

A pattern detecting apparatus having an irradiating means for emitting light and irradiating a surface of an object whose pattern is to be detected, and a light detecting means for detecting light reflected from the surface of or transmitted through the object, wherein a pattern on the surface of the object is detected based on information from the light detecting means is disclosed. The pattern detecting apparatus further comprises a light transmitting means for transmitting light advancing in a predetermined direction. The light transmitting means is positioned between the object and the light detecting means such that the predetermined direction coincides with the direction in which the reflected or transmitted light from the object advances.

An image processing device and method for identifying an input image and a copier including such an image processing device and method. The image processing device forms a gradated image from the input image, determines whether the gradated image includes a specified pattern, extracts a portion of the input image corresponding to the specified pattern, and compares the extracted portion of the input image with a reference pattern to determine a degree of resemblance between the extracted portion of the input image and the reference pattern.

The paper examining apparatus examines the genuineness of a paper, such as a bank note, on the basis of its physical characteristics measured from the various points of the paper. The apparatus includes a carry distance detecting device, such as a rotary encoder, for detecting a carry distance of the paper; a reference value storing device for storing reference values corresponding to the nominal physical characteristics of the paper; a detection point setting device for setting a number and positions of detection points from which the detection values of the paper are detected; and a match detecting device for outputting a match signal whenever a set signal outputted by the detection point setting device matches a detection signal outputted by the carry distance detecting section. The paper examining apparatus also includes a radiating device, such as a light source, and a detection device for measuring the detection values of the paper; a compare device for comparing the detection values with that of the corresponding reference values; and an output device for deciding whether the paper is genuine on the basis of the comparison results of the compare device.