Patent ID: 6839128
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. An optoelectronic document reader for automated reading of first indicia in a machine readable zone of a document, said first indicia being invisible when illuminated with visible light and visible when illuminated with invisible light, said reader comprising: (a) a reading surface for placement of a document comprising said machine readable zone to be read by said reader; (b) a plurality of UV LED first light sources spaced apart from said reading surface and configured for illuminating said machine readable zone of a document on said reading surface with invisible light of a predetermined ultraviolet frequency range when said first light sources are activated so as to cause said first indicia to become visible, said first indicia comprising UV fluorescent matter configured for emitting visible light when illuminated by said invisible light of said predetermined ultraviolet frequency range; (c) an image sensor configured for capturing an image defined by light focussed thereon and producing electronic data representative of said captured image; (d) an optical path extending between said reading surface and said image sensor and comprising a lens configured for focussing light defining an image onto said sensor; (e) an optical filter positioned within said optical path between said lens and image sensor, said optical filter configured for removing reflected light of said first light sources; and, (f) a document controller configured for identifying said indicia from said captured image and outputting said identified indicia for display and/or processing; wherein a document image comprising said first indicia defined by light emitted and/or reflected by said machine readable zone of said document on said reading surface when said first light sources are activated, is transported to said sensor via said optical path and captured by said sensor.