Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) having a simplified user interface (20). The user interface (20) contains a plurality of indicators (28) for entering data, where each indicator (28) has a unique attribute, such as size, shape, color, surface texture, or the like. Each indicator is associated with a pre-defined transaction, so that a user may execute a desired transaction by selecting a single indicator (28). A method of executing a transaction is also described.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) comprising a user interface (14) including a display (30) is described. The display has a display area (80) for presenting financial information to a user (12). The terminal (10), which may be an ATM, comprises: a sensor (16) for sensing people in the vicinity of the terminal (10), and means (74) for confining transaction information to a sub-portion (84) of the display area in response to the sensor (16) sensing people in the vicinity of the terminal (10). A method of improving privacy on a self-service terminal is also described.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for calling attention to loss of communication with an electronic shelf label. One or more of a plurality of labels deployed in a location may be programmed with a message to be displayed or an action to be taken if communication is lost. The labels may be programmed with a scheduled action that will cause a label to take the programmed action or display the programmed message if communication with the label does not occur by a specified time. Communication with the label causes the action or event to be rescheduled.

Abstract: A method of downloading web content which downloads and stores web content at scheduled times. The method includes the steps of determining a number of web content addresses and corresponding download times, and downloading and storing web content at the web content addresses at the download times by the kiosk, before the kiosk displays any of the web content.

Abstract: A currency system (10) is described. The system (10) comprises a currency network (12) for handling and distributing currency, an information router (40) for receiving currency information from the currency network (12), a currency analyzer (48) for locating the position of all the currency in the network (12) and for determining how the currency should be located in the network (12) to fulfil a predetermined criterion, and a currency transfer reporter (44) for receiving currency transfer requests from the analyzer (48), for issuing currency transfer instructions to a cash mover (18), for receiving currency transfer confirmations from the cash mover (18), and for automatically reconciling currency transfer instructions with currency transfer confirmations. A method of managing a currency network is also described.

Abstract: A module (10) for validating deposited media items is described. The module comprises: illuminating means (24) for illuminating a deposited media item (20); directing means (34) for directing illuminations from the illuminating means (24) to an examination area (22); optical detecting means (26) for detecting emissions from the deposited media item (20) at the examination area (22), where the emissions are caused by the illuminations; and processing means (32) for processing the detected emissions. The processing means (32) is operable in either a first mode, in which the deposited media type is known, or in a second mode, in which the deposited media type is not known. The illuminating means (24) includes ultra-violet radiation, infra-red radiation, and discrete primary colors.

Abstract: Implementations of a partitioned database system and a method of using a database system are disclosed. One system implementation includes storage facilities. Each storage facility includes data from database table rows. The database table rows in each storage facility that correspond to a specific database table are logically ordered according to a row identifier (row ID). The row ID includes a first value that is based on one or more columns of the table. The row ID also includes a second value that is based on one or more columns of the table, which may be different from or the same as those on which the first value is based. The first value of the row ID is predominate in determining the order of the rows in the storage facilities. The second value determines the order of those rows with identical first values.

Abstract: A database system carries out a technique for use in delivering data of a user-defined type to a requesting system. The system first receives a request from the requesting system for data of the user-defined type. The system then identifies a storage location for the requested data, as well as a storage location for program code designed to allow manipulation of the requested data on the requesting system. The system then retrieves both the requested data and the program code from their respective storage locations and delivers both the requested data and the program code to the requesting system.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail system which includes a plurality of self-service checkout terminals, a first remote supervisor terminal, and a second remote supervisor terminal includes the step of operating the first remote supervisor terminal such that the first remote supervisor terminal monitors operation of each of the plurality of self-service checkout terminals during a first period of time. The method also includes the step of maintaining the second remote supervisor terminal in an idle mode of operation such that the second remote supervisor terminal does not monitor operation of any of the plurality of self-service checkout terminals during the first period of time. Yet further, the method includes the step of operating the first remote supervisor terminal such that the first remote supervisor terminal monitors operation of a first group of the plurality of self-service checkout terminals during a second period of time.

Abstract: A document is cupped at a first time to stiffen and straighten the document before the document is stacked in the interior chamber of a document stacker. The cupped document is cupped at a second time which is different from the first time to maintain the document stiff and straight as the document is being stacked in the interior chamber of the document stacker so as to reduce the chance of a stacking defect from occurring when a succeeding document is subsequently stacked on top of the document. A trailing edge of the document is engaged to urge the trailing edge of the document in a direction away from direction of movement of the document into the interior chamber of the document stacker so as to prevent a succeeding document which is to be subsequently stack on top of the document from stacking out of sequence relative to the document.

Abstract: A portable device used for online retailing comprises a screen that is divided into numerous section for displaying different information. The bottom section of the screen includes navigation buttons. The top section includes promotions. The central section displays online catalog information. The device is also provided with wireless capability to connect to the Internet. All sections on the screen are activated through a touch screen. The device incorporates shopping, authentication, security and payment capabilities so that the user may have a seamless shopping experience.

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: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for identifying the presence of a jamming signal impairing the operation of an RFID reader. An RFID reader includes a signal strength detector that detects and measures the signal strength of signals within a prescribed frequency range typical of that used by RFID devices. If a signal within the frequency range and exceeding a predetermined maximum strength is detected, the reader identifies the presence of a jamming signal impairing the proper operation of the reader. The reader takes appropriate action upon identification of a jamming signal, for example issuing a local alert or alarm, or sending a message to a central security station, which may then take appropriate action in response to the message, such as alerting appropriate personnel, sounding alarms or securing exits.

Abstract: A database management system returns data from a database table in response to a database query. It does so by accessing an ordered list that indicates an order of retrieval for one or more rows in the database table and returning data from a row that is first in the order of retrieval before returning data from other rows. In some embodiments, after successfully returning the data, the row is deleted.

Abstract: An optical media detector, for use in a media transport mechanism, the detector comprising a light source and an optical sensor, is described. The light source and sensor are optically coupled via two distinct optical paths which are formed in part by a pair of optical light guides, each of which is formed into part of a pinch roller adapted to contact or being close to contacting media being transported.

Abstract: A self-service terminal, such as an ATM (10), comprises a speech generator (31) and loudspeaker (30) for producing natural language operating instructions for a user, and a user interface (12) permitting the user to interact with the terminal (10) in response to the spoken instructions. The user interface may include a microphone (32) and a speech recognition module (33).

Abstract: An automated teller machine (10) comprises a fascia (12) having a check entry/exit slot (56), and a check processing module (60) for processing checks entered via the slot (56). The terminal (10) includes a control means (86), biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a check transport mechanism (70) for transporting checks between the slot (56) and the printer (74). The control means is arranged to cause the printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric characteristic of a user onto a check during an attempt to deposit the check in the terminal (10).

Abstract: A method of managing time-sensitive items which relies on identification information of RFID labels associated with the items. The method includes the steps of identifying the time-sensitive item, and obtaining the expiration information from a web site of a seller of the time-sensitive item. In another form concerned with products, the method includes the steps of identifying an EPL associated with the product, causing the EPL to interrogate an RFID label on the product, receiving identification information from the RFID label, and obtaining the expiration information about the product using the identification information from the RFID label. The method additionally compares the expiration information with current date information and either causes the EPL to display a lower price or assists with removal of expired instances of a product through a report.

Abstract: A system and method provide access to a consumer's financial account without requiring a payment service token. The system supports transactions billed to an account associated with a cellular telephone with a merchant terminal for generating and sending merchant transaction data, a consumer data receiver for receiving consumer transaction data from a cellular telephone at the transaction site, and a transaction processor for processing the merchant transaction data and the consumer transaction data to access a financial account. This system is used to verify authorization to access the financial account for payment of a transaction. This system takes advantage of the almost ubiquitous presence of cellular telephones among the consuming public. The merchant terminal operates in a known manner to record data regarding items being purchased by a consumer and generates a total amount for the transaction.