Abstract: A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a media transporter having a media return slot through which returned media can be received from a customer returning the media, a removable media storage bin for storing returned media which has been received through the slot, a container having a chamber in which the media storage bin is installed when the media storage bin is in use, a sliding mechanism arranged to support the container for vertical sliding movement between a top position in which the media storage bin can receive returned media received through the slot and a bottom position in which the media storage bin can be removed from the container, and a controller arranged to control the sliding mechanism to effect movement of the container between the top and bottom positions during operation of the dedicated self-service return terminal.

Abstract: A media dispenser comprises: a pick unit arranged to pick individual sheets under control of a pick unit motor; a transport section arranged to transport each picked sheet; a stacker wheel arranged to collate transported sheets under control of a stacker wheel motor; and a controller including a counter. The controller is arranged to (i) enable selectively the pick unit motor and the stacker wheel motor, (ii) provide a first step signal to both the pick unit motor and an input to the counter, and (iii) provide an output from the counter as a second step signal to the stacker wheel motor.

Abstract: A self-service retail item checkout station comprises a peripheral device for interacting with a customer while the customer is conducting a self-service retail item checkout transaction at the station. The self-service retail item checkout station further comprises a non-swiveling mounting mechanism including (i) a slidable mounting portion on which the peripheral device is mounted, and (ii) a fixed mounting portion on which the slidable mounting portion is supported for sliding movement between a retracted position in which a customer in a standing position at the station can more easily interact with the peripheral device an extended position in which a customer in a seated position at the station can more easily interact with the peripheral device.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a self-service check depositing terminal to provide an acknowledgement receipt. The method comprises identifying a depositor, receiving one or more checks from the depositor, generating a check deposit receipt associated with the transaction, obtaining an electronic mail (email) address associated with the identified depositor, attaching the check deposit transaction receipt to the email, printing an acknowledgement receipt which contains the email address, and delivering the printed acknowledgment receipt to the depositor. In another embodiment, the printed acknowledgement receipt may contain a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) associated with the check deposit receipt.

Abstract: A method of generating a heartbeat signal for an application comprising one or more objects that may enter a halt state is described. The method comprises: sending a status request to a defined interface on each object; and monitoring responses to the status requests to ascertain if each object is operating normally or in a halt state. The method further comprises: generating an application valid signal in the event that each object is operating normally; transmitting the application valid signal, if generated, to a monitoring component independent of the application; and generating at the monitoring component a heartbeat valid signal in response to receipt of the application valid signal.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal. The method comprises receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, illuminating the check with infrared radiation to improve contrast between pre-printed characters on the check and non-pre-printed check data on the check, and electronically on an imager capturing an image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation to provide a captured infrared check image with improved contrast between at least one pre-printed character on the check and non-pre-printed check data on the check so as to allow location of a check field associated with the check to be more easily located.

Abstract: A media transport comprises: a media entrance for receiving a length of media (such as a receipt); an arcuate media store for storing the length of media in a coiled configuration; a media exit (such as a receipt aperture) through which the length of media can be presented (for example, to a customer); and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable in a first direction to drive the length of media from the entrance into the arcuate media store. The drive mechanism is also operable in a second direction to drive the length of media from the entrance through the media exit for presentation to a customer.

Abstract: A secure circuit board assembly is provided. The secure circuit board assembly comprises: a control board including a cryptographic processor; a spacer portion mounted on the control board; and a lid mounted on the spacer portion. The control board, the spacer portion, and the lid collectively provide a secure enclosed chamber in which the cryptographic processor is mounted. The spacer portion provides protection against side-on attacks against the cryptographic processor.

Abstract: A method of validating a digital certificate comprises retrieving from a first data store a digital certificate, retrieving from a second data store a plurality of certificate revocation lists (CRLs), and selecting one of the plurality of CRLs to validate the digital certificate as of a date which is before the current date.

Abstract: A processing apparatus comprises a beeper system for controlling operation of a beeper in response to beeper control signals, an audio system for controlling operation of at least one speaker in response to audio data signals, and a redirection module for redirecting a beeper control signal to the audio system.

Abstract: A gift card account system is provided for a merchant to process gift cards. The system comprises a merchant terminal for enabling a merchant to access a gift card account to (i) associate a key number with an account number of a gift card when payment is received from a gift card purchaser for purchase of the gift card, and (ii) associate payment instrument information with the key number and the account number when the purchased gift card and the payment instrument information are received from a gift card recipient so as to allow the gift card recipient to apply the gift card towards a future purchase of goods or services from the merchant without having to present the gift card again to the merchant.

Abstract: A produce weighing scale is provided for a retail grocery store. The produce weighing scale comprises a base, a weighing platform disposed on the base, and a touchscreen arranged to enable a retail customer to enter produce data associated with a produce item and to view display screens which contains instructions to operate the produce weighing scale. An actuatable camera is positioned over the weighing platform and is provided for, when actuated, capturing at least a partial image of a produce item which has been placed on the weighing platform. Electronic control circuitry is arranged to (i) provide an actuation signal to actuate the camera in response to a retail customer placing a produce item on the weighing platform, and (ii) display a barcode chit on the touchscreen to allow a retail customer to self-scan the displayed barcode chit without having to print the barcode chit.

Abstract: An NFC enabled telecommunications communication device is mounted behind the touch point of a smart poster. The content data downloadable from the smart poster is managed remotely, monitored and usage data of the smart poster analyzed at a server via the telecommunications device.

Abstract: A device captures an image of a check having a payee and/or a payor field. Payee data and/or payor data contained in the payee field and/or the payor field is extracted from the captured image. Extracted payee data and/or extracted payor data is stored in a data warehouse to allow a user to generate business-related information based upon the extracted payee data and/or the extracted payor data.

Abstract: A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored.

Abstract: Imaging elements for dual-sided direct thermal printing are described, generally comprising a substrate and a thermally sensitive coating on each side. Calendering is provided to produce a smoothness of 75 Bekk or greater on each side of the media product. A subcoat or base coat, e.g., of calcium carbonate or clay, may be provided on paper substrates to enhance smoothness of finish and the quality of thermal printing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for media characterization in a self-service terminal are described. The media us characterized in the self-service terminal by passing it by two electrodes and measuring the impedance across those two electrodes. The media is characterized by analyzing the measured impedance. The impedance may be measured by applying a modulated reference signal to one electrode and detecting the current on the second electrode. In an embodiment, the detected current may be converted into a voltage signal and mixed with a phase shifted version of the modulated reference signal.

Abstract: A check processing module (CPM) is provided for a self-service check depositing terminal. The CPM comprises a substantially U-shaped plastic guide including (i) first and second leg portions forming the substantially U-shape, (ii) a surface which forms an opening in the first leg portion, and (ii) a releasing member which is disposed on the second leg portion. The CPM further comprises a shaft assembly including (i) a plastic shaft having opposite end portions and a central portion between the opposite end portions, (ii) a number of drive rollers disposed on the central portion, (iii) a first plastic race bearing attached to one end portion of the plastic shaft and disposed in the opening of the plastic guide, and (iv) a second plastic race bearing attached to the other end portion of the plastic shaft and secured by the releasing member to the plastic guide.

Abstract: A document deskewing module comprises a set of sensors arranged to detect when a document transported in a first direction of document travel along a document transport path is deskewed, a first set of drive rollers in the form of hard drive rollers disposed along the document transport path, a first set of idler rollers moveable towards and away from the hard drive rollers, a second set of drive rollers in the form of soft drive rollers disposed along the document transport path, a second set of idler rollers moveable towards and away from the soft drive rollers, a track bottom disposed on one side of the document transport path and movable in the first direction of document travel, and a controller arranged to control operation of the first and second sets of idler rollers and the movable track bottom.

Abstract: A device for retaining a USB connector in a USB port applies a force either to the walls of the USB port such that the walls of the USB port frictionally engage with the USB connector to retain it in position, or to a finger in a top surface of the USB port such that the finger is biased into an opening of in the USB connector to operate as a catch to prevent the unwanted removal of the USB connector from the USB port.