Patent Publication Number: US-7715613-B2

Title: UV counterfeit currency detector

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a desktop ultraviolet counterfeit currency detector for detecting counterfeit banknotes, paper currency, checks, passports and other counterfeit documents. More particularly, this UV counterfeit currency detector is used for verifying the authenticity of a document when it is exposed to ultraviolet (radiation) light and/or white light using LED&#39;s as the sources of light. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit currency detection devices are well-known in the prior art. The production by criminals of counterfeit currency, banknotes, bonds, stocks and the like are continually increasing throughout the world as a result of continuing improvements in printing technology, particularly in color printing equipment and the ability to obtain special currency paper by the counterfeit criminals involved. Counterfeit currency/banknotes are now being made which cannot be detected by the unaided eye, and are virtually indistinguishable from genuine banknotes and currency. Counterfeit detection devices currently exist but are generally not very reliable as they rely for their operation on the experience and judgment of the user. 
   There remains a need for a desk top/tabletop ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit detector that uses ambient backlight (diffused white light) from an LED to distinguish counterfeit watermarks from genuine watermarks on genuine currency, and also uses ultraviolet (UV) light/radiation from an LED to distinguish counterfeit currency paper from genuine currency paper. The UV detector should also include a translucent surface for diffusing visible white light and a viewing mirror for reflecting UV light in order to authenticate UV activated features on documents. Additionally, this detector should be portable, battery-operated, and lightweight. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Counterfeit currency detectors having various designs, configurations, structures and materials of construction have been generally disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,960 to HOPWOOD et al. discloses a device for the detection of counterfeit objects such as counterfeit banknotes. The detecting of counterfeit banknotes is achieved by directing ultraviolet light at a sample from a light source and measuring the level of ultraviolet light reflected from the sample using a first photocell and the amount of fluorescent light generated by the sample using a second photocell. The detected levels are compared with reference levels and only if both the reflective and fluorescent criteria are satisfied is the note declared genuine. The monetary sample, during test, is swiped over a glass window, preferably under an overlying shield. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a UV counterfeit currency detector using LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient backlight for detecting counterfeit documents as disclosed in the present invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,871 to LIANG discloses an authentication system for performing first order authentication of articles marked with indicia discernible in visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light or tagged with UV-sensitive or IR-sensitive chemicals. The first order authentication system provides reliable visual authentication by providing for juxtaposition of the article under test with a known reference standard sample specimen, while the article under test is illuminated by a suitable source of radiation in the visible, ultraviolet or infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the system facilitates comparison to differentiate a genuine article from a counterfeit article with first order accuracy but at a substantially lower cost than that of automated authentication systems. Additionally, the system can be used in both portable and desktop embodiments. This prior art does not disclose or teach a UV counterfeit currency detector using LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient backlight for detecting counterfeit documents as disclosed in the present invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,856 to BALOG et al. discloses a counterfeit detector cash register which includes a housing having an interior chamber, a keyboard on a top portion of the housing, an electrical data processor within the interior chamber, a data output device on the housing, a cash drawer, a counterfeit currency detector station within the housing, and an electrical power source. The counterfeit currency detector station includes a currency entry slot along the front of the housing, wherein paper currency is at least partially inserted into the housing. The station also includes an ultraviolet light source within the interior chamber of the housing, which emits ultraviolet light onto the paper currency while within the housing. The station further includes a viewing panel along a top portion of the housing, through which the paper currency is viewed while within the housing. This prior art does not disclose or teach a UV counterfeit currency detector using LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient backlight for detecting counterfeit documents as disclosed in the present invention. 
   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0010071 to JONES et al. discloses a system for tracking currency bills using a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system. This prior art publication does not disclose or teach a UV counterfeit currency detector using LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient backlight for detecting counterfeit documents as disclosed in the present invention. 
   None of the aforementioned prior art references teach or disclose a tabletop/desktop ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit currency detector that uses LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient backlight, and a viewing mirror for the detection of counterfeit currency, banknotes, passports, stocks, bonds, cashier checks, postal money orders, and other counterfeit documents by the differentiation of watermarks and by detecting the composition of the paper used in the document. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable, desktop ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit detector that uses LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient (white light) backlight, and also uses a viewing mirror for the detection of counterfeit documents by the differentiation of watermarks and by detecting the composition of the paper used in the document. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a compact and smaller UV counterfeit detector that uses a viewing mirror to increase the area illuminated by the 365 nm UV light source by increasing the distance the light travels from the light source to the viewing area and thereby allowing the placement of the currency only 3½ inches from the UV LED light source in order reduce the overall length of the detector. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that uses a dark interior compartment when viewing the currency in order to eliminate substantially all outside ambient light, and provides for a dual purpose viewing mirror 1) to increase the illumination area on the currency from the UV LED light source having a wavelength of 365 nm, and 2) to allow viewing by the user into the dark interior compartment without significantly increasing the entry of ambient light into the dark interior compartment. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that uses an LED as the source of visible white light to illuminate embedded watermarks on the back of the currency being examined. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector device that uses a translucent plastic window that diffuses the source of visible white light in order to prevent the user from looking directly into the white light through the viewing window which provides for easier identification of hidden watermarks in the currency. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a counterfeit detector that has a printed circuit board (PCB) that mounts a single visible white light LED thereon. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that has a PCB having a plurality of resistors for reducing the battery voltage to the UV LED&#39;s from 4.5V to approximately 3.6V in order to use a plurality of AAA or AA batteries to power the detector. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that includes a three (3) position toggle switch or rocker switch having three (3) operating positions, wherein a first operating position is for producing a source of diffused visible white light for identification of watermarks on currency; a second operating position is for producing a source of UV light directed on the front of currency in order to illuminate UV holographic images and UV activated inks on the currency; and a third operating position is for providing an off-mode position to save battery life. 
   Another object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that is lightweight, portable, compact, durable, long-lasting, easy to clean and easy to operate by a user. 
   A further object of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that can be mass-produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an ultraviolet (UV) detector for detecting and verifying the authenticity of documents placed therein and exposed to ultraviolet light and ambient (white light) backlighting. The UV detector includes a detector housing, and a viewing chamber having a viewing mirror mounted therein for viewing documents. The detector housing also includes a document insertion slot for inserting documents into the viewing chamber adjacent to the viewing mirror. The detector housing further includes an LED holder for holding one or more LED&#39;s therein to provide a source of UV light in the viewing chamber which is transmitted to the viewing mirror and to the documents for identifying UV activated features on the documents, including UV holographic images and/or UV activated inks on the documents that are illuminated. The user looks into the viewing chamber for viewing the UV activated features on the viewing mirror. Additionally, the detector housing includes a translucent member disposed therein for diffusing visible white light. The UV detector includes a printed circuit board (PCB) for holding at least one LED to provide a source of visible white light in the detector housing which is transmitted to the translucent member for diffusing the visible white light for identifying watermarks on the documents that are illuminated. The user looks into the viewing chamber at the viewing mirror which reflects the identified watermarks to the user. Also, the placement of the viewing mirror increases the distance the 365 nm UV light source travels without increasing the size of the detector housing thereby increasing the illumination area on the currency. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a detector housing having a top covering case detachably connected to a base chassis; 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing a currency insertion slot and a viewing chamber within an interior compartment; 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing a plurality of mounting boss members, a mirror receiving well and an L-shaped channel bar; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing the top covering case having a rocker switch therein and the base chassis having a battery compartment with a battery cover thereon; 
       FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing the major component parts in an assembled mode on the base chassis; 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing a plurality of AAA batteries within the battery compartment of the base chassis and also in an assembled mode; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing all of the major component parts of the detector; 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of resistor members, electrical wires connected to the UV LED&#39;s, and a single white light LED thereon; 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing a translucent display window; 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged top perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing an LED holder member having a plurality of LED openings for receiving UV LED&#39;s therein for producing UV light; 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing the LED holder member being mounted to each of the mounting bosses; 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded partial rear perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing the battery compartment, the battery cover with a tab member and hinge inserts thereon, and the plurality of AAA batteries therein; 
       FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing the detector in an operational mode for verifying a monetary bill, a credit card or a money order; and 
       FIG. 14  is a top sectional perspective view of the UV counterfeit currency detector of the present invention showing the detector in an operational mode for verifying a monetary bill. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
   Preferred Embodiment 10 
   The desktop ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit currency detector  10  and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by  FIGS. 1 through 14  of the patent drawings. The UV counterfeit currency detector  10  is used for detecting counterfeit banknotes, government paper currency, checks, passports, bonds, stocks, bank cashier checks, postal money orders, credit cards, and other counterfeit documents  12 , such that the UV detector  10  is able to verify the authenticity of a document received therein when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation/light and visible white light. 
   The UV counterfeit currency detector  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 , includes a detector housing  20  having a top covering case  22  and a base chassis  24  for forming the detector housing  20 . The detector housing  20  is used for holding the major component parts of the detector  10 , which as shown in  FIG. 7 , includes a rocker switch  54  having three (3) operating positions P 1 , P 2  and P 3 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  76  having a single LED  80  mounted thereon as a source of white light, a translucent display window  88  for diffusing the white light, an LED holder  110  for holding a plurality of LED&#39;s  136  and  140  thereon which are a source of UV light, a viewing mirror  40  for reflecting the UV light, and a battery compartment  64  for receiving batteries  72  therein. 
   The top covering case  22  includes a top wall  30 , a first end wall  31 , a second end wall  32 , a first side wall  33 , and a second side wall  34  for forming an interior compartment  36  for receiving therein the base chassis  24 . The housing  20  includes a viewing chamber  38  having a viewing mirror  40  mounted therein being adjacent to the first end wall  31 . The housing  20  also includes an opening  42  having a cylindrical compartment  44  for receiving a counterfeit detection pen  46  therein with opening  42  being adjacent to the second end wall  32 . The top wall  30  and side walls  33  and  34  of housing  20  also include a currency insertion viewing slot  50  for receiving therein paper currency  12 , a credit card  13   c , a financial document  13   d , or any document to be authenticated. 
   The second end wall  32  includes a switch opening  52  for receiving a rocker switch or toggle switch  54  therein. The toggle switch or rocker switch  54  includes three (3) operating positions, wherein a first operating position P 1  is used for producing a source of diffused visible white light L w  from a single LED  80  mounted in the PCB member  76  for identification of watermarks on currency  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  of the drawings. A second operating position P 2  is used for producing a UV light source L UV  from a plurality of LED&#39;s that is directed to the front  12   f  of currency bills  12  in order to illuminate UV holographic images  18   h  thereon, as well as activate UV inks  18   i  on the currency  12 . A third operating position P 3  is used for providing an off-mode position to save the battery life of batteries  72 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 12  of the drawings. 
   The interior compartment  36  of the detector housing  20  includes a plurality of spaced-apart cylindrical mounting boss members  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c  and  56   d  for holding the base chassis  24  to the covering case  22 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  7  and  13  of the drawings. The interior compartment  36  also includes a pair of mounting boss members  58   a  and  58   b  for supporting the LED holder  110  thereon. 
   The base chassis  24  of detector housing  20  includes an interior wall surface  60  and an exterior wall surface  62 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  6 . The exterior wall surface  62  includes a battery compartment  64  having a top wall  66  and having a detachable battery cover  68  with hinge inserts  69  and with a tab release member  70  attached thereto. Battery compartment  64  receives three (3) AAA batteries  72  therein. The battery compartment  64  also includes a chamber/compartment  78  for receiving the tab release member  70  of battery cover  68 , as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 12 . 
   Housing  20  includes a vertically positioned printed circuit board (PCB)  76  being supported by a pair of holding brackets  78   a  and  78   b , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8  of the drawings. PCB  76  includes a plurality of resistors  79  using electrical wires  79   w  for reducing the battery voltage to the UV LED members  136  and  140  from 4.5V to 3.6V in order to use the plurality of AAA batteries  72  for powering of detector  10 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The PCB  76  also includes board mounting openings  77   a  and  77   b  for detachably connecting PCB  76  to holding bracket members  78   a  and  78   b , respectively, via mounting screw members  82 . Additionally, PCB  76  includes a single LED  80  being centrally mounted thereon to provide a source of visible white light. 
   Housing  20  also includes a pair of mounting boss members  81   a  and  81   b  for connection with mounting boss members  52   a  and  52   b  for holding the covering case  22  to the base chassis  24 , respectively, using mounting screw members  82  therethrough. The top wall  66  of battery compartment  64  includes a plurality of matching battery terminals (positive and negative terminals)  84   p ,  84   n ;  85   p ,  85   n ; and  86   p  and  86   n , respectively. Each of the battery terminals are electrically connected by electrical wires  88  to the printed circuit board (PCB)  76 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   Housing  20  further includes a holding slot  84  for receiving therein a window tab member  86  of a plastic translucent window  88 . The plastic translucent window  88  has a translucent surface S T  which is used to diffuse the visible white light L w  from the LED  80  mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB) member  76  (see  FIG. 5 ). The diffused visible white light L w  is used to identify the embedded watermarks  16  on currency  12  to verify its genuine authenticity. The identified watermark  16  is reflected to the viewing mirror  40  of viewing chamber  38  for viewing by the user. The interior wall surface  60  includes an L-shaped channel bar  90  for connecting LED cables  92  thereto, as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 5  of the patent drawings. The interior wall surface  60  also includes a mirror receiving well  94  for receiving the viewing mirror  40  therein, and viewing mirror  40  is positioned at an angle alpha (α), where angle alpha (α) is in the range of 27° to 33° with respect to the base chassis  24 . 
   The interior wall surface  60  also includes a second pair of mounting boss members  96   a  and  96   b  for connection with mounting boss members  52   c  and  52   d  for holding covering case  22  to the base chassis  24 , respectively, using mounting screw member  82  therethrough. Additionally, the interior wall surface  60  further includes a plurality of spaced-apart framing brackets  98   a ,  98   b ,  98   c ,  98   d ,  98   e  and  98   f  for positioning and placement of the covering case  22  with respect to the base chassis  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5  of the drawings. The exterior wall surface  62  further includes a plurality of spaced-apart mounting hole openings  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  and  100   d  each for receiving rubber feet  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c  and  102   d  therein, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  6  and  7  of the drawings. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  6 ,  10  and  11 , the LED holder  110  is supported by the pair of mounting boss members  58   a  and  58   b  connected to the top wall  30  of the top covering case  22  and within the interior compartment  36  (see  FIG. 2 ). The LED holder  110  includes a housing  111  having a top wall  112 , side walls  114 ,  116  and  118  and base perimeter walls  120 ,  122  and  124  for forming an interior compartment  126 . The top wall  112  includes a channel  128  having a pair of angled LED mounting openings  130   a  and  130   b  therethrough, and a holder tab  132  having a single angled LED mounting opening  134  therethrough. The LED mounting openings  130   a ,  130   b , and  134  are positioned along a first axis line  135  of the top wall  112 . LED mounting openings  130   a ,  130   b  and  134  are for receiving at least three (3) LED&#39;s  136  therein, respectively. The three (3) LED&#39;s  136  are a source of UV light and each has a wavelength of 365 nm with a viewing angle of 10° to 40°. Each of the aforementioned LED&#39;s  136  are angled to direct UV light L UV  towards the viewing mirror  40  within viewing chamber  38  which is then reflected towards a center location C T  of the translucent display window  88 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 14  of the patent drawings. By reflecting the UV light source L UV  from the viewing mirror  40 , the viewing area V within the viewing chamber  38  is illuminated by the UV LED&#39;s  136 . This allows the viewing mirror  40  to increase the area illuminated by the UV LED light by four (4) times without increasing the viewing distance of viewing mirror  40 , thus reducing the overall size of detector  10 . 
   The side wall  116  of housing  111  includes a plurality of spaced-apart, angled LED mounting openings  138   a ,  138   b ,  138   c  and  138   d  being centrally positioned along side wall  116 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The LED mounting openings  138   a  to  138   d  are for receiving four (4) UV LED&#39;s  140  therein, respectively, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The LED mounting openings  138   a  to  138   d  are positioned along a second axis line  139  of the side wall  116 . The first and second axis lines  135  and  139  are perpendicular to each other, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  of the drawings. Each of the aforementioned LED&#39;s  140  are angled to direct the UV light sources L UV  towards the center location C T  of the translucent display window  88 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 14 , of the patent drawings. The four (4) UV LED&#39;s  140  each have a wavelength of approximately 390 nm with a viewing angle from 30 to 60 degrees. Top wall  112  also includes a plurality of spaced-apart grooves  144  for the lead wires  92  of the UV LED&#39;s  136  and  140 . Base perimeter wall  120  includes a vertical holding bracket  144  for keeping the LED wires  92  out of the way of the mounting bosses  58   a  and  58   b , accordingly. 
   The UV LED&#39;s  136  and  140  are used to illuminate the UV activated features in currency  12 , such as a UV holographic image  18   h  and/or a UV activated ink  18   i . The UV light from the LED&#39;s  140  is reflected back towards the center location Ct of display window  88  by viewing mirror  40  to viewing chamber  38  in order to allow the user to look into the viewing chamber  38  to verify the authenticity of currency  12 , credit card  13   c , bank check  13   d , or other document. LED&#39;s  136  are angled directly towards the center location Ct of display window  88  to illuminate authenticity features of currency  12 , credit card  13   c , bank check  13   d , or other document. 
   Operation of the Present Invention 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  13  and  14  of the patent drawings, the UV counterfeit currency detector  10 , operates in the following manner to verify the authenticity of inserted currency  12 : The user initiates the verification process by inserting currency  12  into the insertion viewing slot  50  such that the front of the currency bill  12   f  is positioned in viewing chamber  38  where viewing mirror  40  is located, as shown in  FIG. 14 . As the user is looking into the viewing chamber  38 , the user then activates rocker switch/toggle switch  54  to operating position P 1  for producing a source of diffused visible white light L w  from LED  80 . Thereafter, the user switches to the second operating position P 2  for producing a UV light source L UV  from the UV LED members  136  and  140  held in the LED holder  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 11 . 
   When the viewer  14  is using the first operating position P 1  (white light source L w ), and the viewer  14  is looking into the viewing chamber  38 , the viewer moves currency  12  back and forth and looks for embedded watermarks  16  within currency  12  to verify its authenticity. 
   When the viewer  14  is using the second operating position P 2  (UV light source L UV ), and the viewer  14  is looking into the viewing chamber  38 , the viewer moves currency  12  back and forth and looks for UV activated features, such as UV holographic images  18   h  or UV activated inks  18   i  being illuminated by the UV light source L UV . The reflected UV light and direct UV light illuminates authenticity features on the currency  12  which are viewed through the viewing chamber  38  by looking at the viewing mirror  40 . 
   After using the first and/or second operating positions P 1  and/or P 2  to verify currency  12  of its authenticity, the user  14  now switches/flips the rocker switch/toggle switch  54  to the third position P 3  which is an off-mode position in order to save the battery life of the three (3) AAA batteries  72  within battery compartment  64 . 
   When using the UV detector device  10  for authentication of credit cards  13   c  or other financial documents  13   d , the viewer/user  14  operates detector  10  in the following manner: The viewer  14  looks into the viewing chamber  38  and flips the rocker switch/toggle switch  54  to the second operating position P 2  which is the UV light source L UV . The viewer  14  is able to know if the UV light source L UV  is functioning by seeing a light blue glow of light within the viewing chamber  38 . The light blue glow appears within viewing chamber  38  because the 390 nm LED&#39;s create a small amount of visible light that is light blue in color. While the viewer is still looking into viewing chamber  38 , the viewer  14  slides credit card  13   c  or document  13   d  into the insertion viewing slot  50  with the front of the credit card  13   c  or document  13   d  positioned facing the viewing mirror  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  of the drawings. As the user is looking into the viewing chamber  38  (the UV light source L UV  is operational), the user  14  slides the credit card  13   c  or document  13   d  back and forth within the insertion viewing slot  50  while looking for UV activated features, such as a UV holographic image  18   h  or a UV activated ink  18   i  which are illuminated by the UV light source L UV . The UV light is reflected to the viewing mirror  40  which the user is viewing to verify the credit card  13   c  or financial document  13   d  of its authenticity. 
   After the aforementioned step is completed, the user  14  is now able to switch the rocker switch/toggle switch  54  to the third operating position P 3  which is the off-mode position in order to save the battery life of the three (3) AAA batteries  72  within battery compartment  64  of the detector  10 . 
   Advantages of the Present Invention 
   Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a portable, desktop ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit detector that uses LED&#39;s to provide UV light and ambient (white light) backlight, and also uses a viewing mirror for the detection of counterfeit documents by the differentiation of watermarks and by detecting the composition of the paper used in the document. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a compact and smaller UV counterfeit detector that uses a viewing mirror to increase the illumination area created by the 365 nm UV LED light source by doubling the distance between the LED and viewing area without increasing the size of the housing. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that uses a dark interior compartment when viewing the currency in order to reduce substantially outside ambient light, and provides for a dual purpose viewing mirror 1) to increase the illumination area of the UV LED light source having a wavelength of 365 nm, and 2) to allow viewing by the user into the dark interior compartment without significantly increasing the entry of ambient light into the dark interior compartment. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that uses an LED as the source of visible white light to illuminate embedded watermarks on the back of the currency being examined. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector device that uses a translucent plastic window that diffuses the source of visible white light in order to prevent the user from looking directly into the white light through the viewing window which provides for easier identification of hidden watermarks in the currency. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a counterfeit detector that has a printed circuit board (PCB) that mounts a single visible white light LED thereon. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that has a PCB having a plurality of resistors for reducing the battery voltage to the UV LED&#39;s from 4.5V to approximately 3.6V in order to use a plurality of AAA or AA batteries to power the detector. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that includes a three (3) position toggle switch or rocker switch having three (3) operating positions, wherein a first operating position is for producing a source of diffused visible white light for identification of watermarks on currency; a second operating position is for producing a source of UV light directed on the front of currency in order to illuminate UV holographic images and UV activated inks on the currency; and a third operating position is for providing an off-mode position to save battery life. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that is lightweight, portable, compact, durable, long-lasting, easy to clean and easy to operate by a user. 
   A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a UV counterfeit detector that can be mass-produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the user. 
   A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.