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: A wireless security module (20) adapted to authenticate a mobile device (16), such as a mobile telephone, thereby to allow communication between the mobile device and a terminal (12), such as a self-service terminal. The wireless security module (20) is paired with the mobile device (16) and is adapted to send an authentication signal to the mobile device (16) or the terminal (12) using a wireless communication path, such as a telecommunications network or an IR link or a Bluetooth connection.

Abstract: Methods of storing and decrypting biometrics templates on a terminal network are described. A biometrics template 14 is encrypted 18 using a key 16, and the key 16 is then divided into a number of key shares 20. The encrypted template 18, a key share 20, and a user identifier 22 are then combined to give an identification string 24. A number of strings 24 are then stored on separate terminals 26 of a terminal network 28. To decrypt the template 14, a user offers their identifier 22 to a terminal 26. The required number of identification strings 24 having that identifier 22 are retrieved from their respective terminals 26 on the network 28, and the key shares 20 combined to generate a key 16 which is then used to decrypt the template 14. The decrypted template 14 may then be used to verify the identity of the user. Using the present method, neither the unencrypted template nor the complete decryption key are transferred across the network, so improving security.

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 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 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 (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 wireless security module (20) adapted to authenticate a mobile device (16), such as a mobile telephone, thereby to allow communication between the mobile device and a terminal (12), such as a self-service terminal. The wireless security module (20) is paired with the mobile device (16) and is adapted to send an authentication signal to the mobile device (16) or the terminal (12) using a wireless communication path, such as a telecommunications network or an IR link or a Bluetooth connection.

Abstract: A financial agent (70) resident on a secure network terminal, such as an ATM (10), is described. The financial agent (70) is capable of operating as a financial instrument having a predetermined spending limit. The agent (70) is also operable to create one or more sub-agents not being capable of operating as a financial instrument but being able to negotiate, whereby the financial agent (70) is able to create a sub-agent to negotiate with other entities, without providing the sub-agent with any authority for executing a transaction or any knowledge of the spending limit available. A financial agent system (2), and a method of conducting transactions using a financial agent (70), are also described.

Abstract: Methods of storing and decrypting biometrics templates on a terminal network are described. A biometrics template 14 is encrypted 18 using a key 16, and the key 16 is then divided into a number of key shares 20. The encrypted template 18, a key share 20, and a user identifier 22 are then combined to give an identification string 24. A number of strings 24 are then stored on separate terminals 26 of a terminal network 28. To decrypt the template 14, a user offers their identifier 22 to a terminal 26. The required number of identification strings 24 having that identifier 22 are retrieved from their respective terminals 26 on the network 28, and the key shares 20 combined to generate a key 16 which is then used to decrypt the template 14. The decrypted template 14 may then be used to verify the identity of the user. Using the present method, neither the unencrypted template nor the complete decryption key are transferred across the network, so improving security.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) (10) is provided which includes a plurality of media dispense and deposit modules (16), a media port (14), and a media transport (22) movable between the modules (16) and the port (14), the transport (22) including a media entrance and a media exit. The transport (22) may be movable vertically, horizontally, or both. Embodiments of the invention include SSTs with a number of separate media module assemblies and a number of movable transports, and SSTs with two communicating transports which may pass media between them.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) (10) is provided which includes a plurality of media dispense and deposit modules (16), a media port (14), and a media transport (22) movable between the modules (16) and the port (14), the transport (22) including a media entrance and a media exit. The transport (22) may be movable vertically, horizontally, or both. Embodiments of the invention include SSTs with a number of separate media module assemblies and a number of movable transports, and SSTs with two communicating transports which may pass media between them.

Abstract: A transaction terminal (2) which incorporates a control unit (4) for controlling the operation of the terminal. Terminal operation is monitored by a plurality of sensors (110-116) in communication with the control unit (4). The control unit (4) can access data characteristic of predetermined acceptable terminal operation and the outputs of the sensors (110-116) are compared with said data. The control means (4) is adapted to alter terminal operation in dependence on the output of the sensors (110-116) so as to compensate for any variation from the acceptable terminal operation. The sensors (110-116) also include additional sensors (118,120) arranged to monitor ambient environmental conditions, and the control unit (4) is arranged to alter terminal operation dependent on changes in the ambient environmental conditions as detected by the additional sensors (118,120).