Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting a polymorphism in a target nucleic acid sequence using isothermal nucleic acid amplification. More specifically, the present invention relates to using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) or Nicking and Extension Amplification Reaction (NEAR) to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in a target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A method of deriving a cryptographic key from a token. The method comprises ascertaining an attribute of an emission from the token; processing the attribute to generate a seed; and deriving a cryptographic key from the seed. The attribute may be luminescence intensity values of a token. The method may be implemented by a self-service terminal, such as an automated teller machine.

Abstract: A method of identifying a source of a marking fluid applied to a person or an object comprises applying a marking fluid including one or more security markers to a person or an object and illuminating the applied marking fluid to excite the security markers. Photoluminescent emission from the security markers in response to the excitation is measured and compared with one or more pre-defined photoluminescent signatures associated with the source of the marking fluid. The source of the marking fluid is identified based on a match between the detected photoluminescent emission and at least one of the pre-defined photoluminescent signatures.

Abstract: A method of allowing access to a secure area comprises illuminating an access control token incorporating one or more security markers. Emission from the security markers in response to the illumination is detected and processed to generate an access signature. Access to the secure area is allowed if the generated access signature matches one or more pre-defined access profiles.

Abstract: A method is describe of predicting the probable future condition of one or more components within an apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors arranged to monitor the operation of components of the apparatus and a control means arranged to receive said information from said plurality of sensors. The method comprises receiving said sensor information; analyzing the information to ascertain sensor patterns from said sensor information; comparing said sensor patterns with detectors, which are predefined patterns, indicative of the future condition of said one or more components within the apparatus; and classifying said sensor patterns as being indicative of future failure of a component or not based upon a comparison of sensor patterns with said detectors.

Abstract: A method of determining a component of a medium comprises illuminating the medium to excite a marker associated with the component. Detected photoluminescent emission from the marker in response to the excitation is compared with one or more emission profiles. The component is identified based on a match between the detected photoluminescent emission and at least one of the emission profiles.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of one or more functions performed by an item comprises illuminating a token including one or more luminescent markers and detecting emission from the markers in response to the illumination. A spectral signature from the detected emission is generated and compared with one or more pre-defined spectral signatures associated with authorization to perform, access, or use the functions. Operation of one or more of the functions is allowed when the generated spectral signature matches one or more of the pre-defined spectral signatures.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the cause of an error state for one or more components within an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a plurality of sensors arranged to monitor the operation of components of the apparatus and a control means arranged to receive said information from said plurality of sensors. The method comprises analysing said sensor information in the form of an error log to ascertain sensor patterns from said sensor information comparing said sensor patterns with detectors, which are predefined patterns, indicative of the condition of said one or more components within the apparatus and classifying said sensor patterns as being indicative of said error state of a component or not based upon a comparison of sensor patterns with said detectors.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining navigational information comprises illuminating a region of a surface incorporating one or more luminescent markers. Emission from the luminescent markers in response to the illumination is detected and processed to ascertain navigational information associated with the processed emission.

Abstract: A method of marking pharmaceuticals comprises providing a luminescent marker having a spectral signature associated with information associated with the pharmaceutical. Providing the luminescent marker includes incorporating the luminescent marker into the pharmaceutical, incorporating the luminescent marker into a coating on the pharmaceutical, incorporating the luminescent marker into packaging for the pharmaceutical, and the like.

Abstract: A method of indicating the condition of an item comprises illuminating the item to excite one or more photoluminescent markers incorporated within the item. Photoluminescent emission from the markers in response to the excitation is compared to one or more pre-defined photoluminescent signatures indicating different conditions of the item.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) is adapted to receive a text message from a mobile telecommunications device provided through an RF communications system. The ATM then interprets the received text message, and provides information or a service in response to the received text message.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (20) for displaying public information notices is described. The terminal comprises a display (52) and a network connection (32). The terminal accesses a notice database (18) to retrieve a notice associated with the terminal (20), and incorporates the retrieved notice in a screen (130) for displaying on the display (52). The terminal (20) may be an ATM. A method of supplying a notice for displaying on a self-service terminal, and a system for controlling presentation of notices on a self-service terminal are also described.

Abstract: A system for tagging articles. A glass is fabricated from (1) a combination of oxides and (2) one or more rare earth elements. The glass is divided into particles or fragments, which are attached to the article. When the particles are excited by specific radiation, they emit a characteristic signature, in terms of a collection of frequencies, each frequency having a characteristic amplitude and decay time. However, the particles cannot be counterfeited, or reverse-engineered, because, at present, no systematic data is available which correlates a particle's characteristic signature with the composition and processing of the particle itself. Thus, at best, a trial-and-error approach must be taken in attempts at counterfeiting, which is considered impossible.

Abstract: A system comprises an acoustic coupling product label (20) for mounting on a product to be serviced. The label (20) includes a memory (23) for storing information relating to the product to be serviced, control means (29) for controlling the flow of data from the label (20), an activation switch (22), and an acoustic transducer that emits tones corresponding to said product information. The system further includes a telephone (30) and a computerized product support system (50), which collects and interprets the information provided by the label (20). The control means (29) is arranged to control the flow of data from the label (20) to the system (50) at a rate and time required by the system (50).

Abstract: A method of providing immediate assistance to a user of a targeted messaging system is described. The method involves: identifying a message appropriate for presenting to the user (step 220); presenting the message to the user (step 222); offering to summon a human agent knowledgeable about products associated with the message (step 222); and summoning an agent to speak with the user in response to the user accepting the offer (step 224). The method may use a campaign server to supply the appropriate message. A self-service terminal, such as an ATM, may be used to present the message.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10 or 200 or 300) comprises a plurality of intercommunicating modules (114 to 126, or 214 to 226, or 314 to 326). Each module includes a transceiver for wireless communication with another module. In one embodiment, the wireless communication is directed between two modules so that only those two modules can participate in the communication. In another embodiment, the wireless communication may be implemented by a transceiver broadcasting information to all of the modules.

Abstract: A self-service terminal for reading wireless tags incorporated into media items is described. The terminal comprises a media acceptor for receiving media items, such as banknotes incorporating an RFID tag, and a wireless tag reader for reading received media items incorporating wireless tags. The terminal may also include a wireless tag reader for reading wireless tags in media items that are being transported to determine if multiple superimposed media items are present. The terminal may include a wireless tag reader for reading wireless tags in media items presented as a bunch, and subsequently retracted, to determine if any of the presented media items had been removed.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) such as a microwave oven is adapted for interaction with a communications network (75) such as the Internet by the addition of a substantially self-contained discrete communications module (12) connectable to the communications network (75), the communications module (12) including display means (20) and command entry means that optionally interact with the appliance (1). The appliance (1) is provided with mounting hardware (6) and an adaptor (7) including means for attachment to the mounting hardware (6) and means (10, 13-16) for mounting the communications module (12) to the appliance (1) via the adaptor (7). The communications module (12) is adapted for connection to broadband cable or xDSL networks. Thus equipped, the appliance (1) becomes an element of a communications system (1, 72, 73) providing multiple functionality including television and Internet browsing functions within the home.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver (BDR) (4) communicates with at least one telephone line (10). The telephone line (10) includes a voicemail service and the voice mail service is driven from said BDR (4). An audio and/or visual indication is generated via speakers or a display screen (6) forming part of or communicating with the BDR (4) to inform a user when one or more voicemail messages have been detected. The user can access the voicemail messages via the BDR (4) or via a telephone handset (14) in a conventional manner.