Abstract: A process for correcting bank checks which are in transit to destination banks in a check clearing process. Specific patterns of errors in the MICR lines on the checks are sought and, if they are found, a technician is prompted to correct the MICR line. In addition, a display is generated which (1) is convenient for technicians to view for extended periods of time and (2) provides assistance to the technicians in making the corrections.

Abstract: Triggers are developed for indicating the presence of non-recoverable and/or recoverable loss of communication situations between a device and device driver software using universal serial bus (USB) protocol. We modify the firmware at the device in order to monitor for the triggers and control the device in specified ways once a trigger is indicated. In a particularly preferred embodiment the device is a motorized card reader in a self-service terminal and the device is arranged to return a smart card when a trigger is detected. In one embodiment the trigger is associated with the presence of a single ended zero condition on the USB. In another embodiment the trigger is associated with attempts to re-enumerate the device over the USB.

Abstract: Housings are typically used to protect sub-assemblies in self-service equipment such as key-pad assemblies in automated teller machines (ATMs), self-service kiosks, pay-as-you-go photocopiers and the like. There is a need to secure those housings to prevent access to and tampering of the equipment within. In addition, when replacement sub-assemblies are used, for example, for maintenance or upgrade, then it is necessary to authenticate those sub-assemblies. By providing markers fixed in sub-assembly housings and sensors in the housings or self-service equipment, it is possible to overcome these problems. The markers and sensors are brought into alignment when the sub-assembly housing is fully assembled. The markers and sensors are arranged to detect when a particular physical relationship between the markers and sensors is lost or altered. For example, the markers provide spectral signatures and comprise rare earth metals such as lanthanides.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for assuring proper presentation of a bar code for imaging scanning in a hybrid laser and imaging bar code scanner A scanner includes elements for laser bar code scanning and imaging bar code scanning, and includes indicia for assuring proper presentation by a user of a bar code suited to imaging scanning. Indicia may include targeting features on a scan window, designed so as to minimize interference with bar code scanning, or may alternatively include features alongside a scan window. Alternative indicia may include removable holders for securing an object bearing a bar code in an appropriate position, and further alternative indicia may include visible targeting beams so that a user can be assured that imaging scanning may be satisfactorily performed on bar code placed in a visible targeting beam.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for monitoring checkout transactions using video supplied by a camera integrated into a scanner used at a checkout station. The provides a view of an area of interest, and video is supplied to one or more remote locations, such as a security station or a product identification assistance station. An employee at a security station monitors a video stream transmitted to the station. When a product is entered into a transaction, a still frame of the video stream may be transmitted, suitably integrated with retrieved product information associated with the product. The employee may issue an alert on detecting an anomaly. An employee at an assistance station may be signaled by a user as needed, and may view video supplied to the assistance station to identify a product. The product identification may be supplied to the user, who may then make a transaction entry.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated checkout verification. Product identification information is received and used as an index to retrieve a set of images associated with the identified product. The images may provide multiple views of the product. As the product is presented for purchase, an image of the product is captured and compared with the set of retrieved images. If it is determined that the captured image does not match the set of retrieved images, a security alert is issued.

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: The invention relates to assessing the level of visual contrast between foreground and background in visually presented information, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for determining whether a given set of foreground and background colors creates sufficient visual contrast to ensure legibility for the general population, as well as for individuals with visual disabilities, including color blindness/deficiency.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (22) that includes an optical system (28) for detecting a terminal overlay or artifact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing custom structured tags at a self-service terminal are disclosed. Custom structured tags received by a self-service terminal can include information to identify one or more devices attached to the terminal and identify one or more types of data to be obtained from a user by use of the attached devices. In some embodiments, a browser can natively interpret the custom structured tags. The self-service terminal can also be configured to receive and decode structured tags identifying or more actions to be performed by the device, such as printing a transaction record or dispensing currency.

Abstract: A particular problem for self-service devices incorporating USB devices (12) and a USB host (14) is that, when communication is lost between the USB host and one or more of the devices it is difficult (in particular situations) to reset those USB devices without manual intervention. We address that problem by using self-powered USB devices and/or bus powered devices connected to USB hubs, and by creating a power control interface (18) which is itself a USB device. That power control interface takes instructions from the USB host and is able to interrupt a power supply (20) to the USB devices to provoke automatic reset of those devices. Additionally, a watchdog application within the power control interface causes reset of that interface should it malfunction. Also, a master watchdog application at the USB host communicates with a slave watchdog application at the power control interface via a USB link.

Abstract: A self-checkout system 1 includes a console 2 for interacting with a user, in the form of consumer 3. This consumer 3 is located within a spatially defined control zone 4 during such interaction. An interface 5 is responsive to console 2 for receiving a first signal 6 indicative of an audible representation 7. A processor 8 is responsive to the signal 6 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of ultrasonic transmission 9. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 10, is responsive to processor 8 for propagating transmission 9 to provide only in the control zone 4 audible representation 7. Representation 7 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 4.

Abstract: A system for use in assisting a self-service transaction at a service facility includes one or more self-service terminals, each configured to gather transaction information associated with a customer who is engaged in a business transaction with the service facility through the self-service terminal. A data-management system is configured to store the transaction information gathered from each customer according to a database schema created for the service facility. The system also includes a teller terminal configured to receive at least some of the transaction information from the database system and display it for viewing by a human representative of the service facility while the customer is still engaged in the business transaction.

Abstract: A reader for a secure tag. The reader comprises a first excitation source (such as one or more LEDs) that stimulates at least one transition in the secure tag. The reader also comprises a second excitation source that stimulates more transitions than were stimulated by the first excitation source. The reader has a detector for detecting luminescence from the secure tag in response to excitation from the first excitation source and in response to excitation from the second excitation source to ensure that luminescence is detected at a pre-determined wavelength in response to the second excitation source but not the first excitation source.

Abstract: A card reader comprises an entry slot to allow access for a card into the interior of the card reader along a predetermined passage. The card reader further comprises a controller and an image capture device arranged so as to monitor the interior of the card reader.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system which sends messages to electronic shelf labels based upon priority. The system includes an electronic shelf label, and a computer for assigning a priority to an unsent message to the electronic shelf label, for comparing the priority to other priorities of other messages which are unsent, and for sending the message if the priority is higher than the other priorities. The computer may also determine message priorities of types of messages.

Abstract: A method of processing a document comprises the steps of (a) scanning a document to capture image data associated with the document, (b) processing at least a portion of the captured image data to calculate a first count of pixels associated with a corner of the document, (c) processing at least a portion of the captured image data to calculate a second count of pixels associated with the corner of the document, and (d) determining if the corner of the document is missing or has a fold based upon the first count of pixels associated with the corner of the document and the second count of pixels associated with the corner of the document. The usability of the captured image data associated with the document is determined based upon the amount of information found missing from the image of the document due to, for examples, a torn or folded corner. If the torn or folded corner is determined to be large enough, then the corresponding image of the document is determined to be unusable.

Abstract: User interface systems comprising a touch screen actuator and a tactile key, in which the tactile key is placed adjacent to the touch screen actuator so that manipulation of the tactile key can be detected by the touch screen actuator. Tactile key modules that can be so placed adjacent to a touch screen actuator, and methods of producing such user interface systems, as well as, repositioning such tactile key modules, are also described.

Abstract: A system for displaying an information package which achieves improved accuracy in the delivery of an advertising campaign. The system includes a remotely readable identification tag for holding an identifier, an interrogator for selectively remotely interrogating the tag to read the identifier, a processor responsive to the identifier read from the tag for obtaining, from a database, segment information that is associated with the identifier, and also responsive to the obtained segment information for designating the information package, and an information display unit for displaying the information package is also provided.

Abstract: A portable credit card reader. A portable terminal reads a credit card, and accepts a keyed-in monetary amount. The terminal communicates with a credit card verification service, which accepts or rejects the monetary amount. The communication is done in a wireless manner. The terminal is self-teaching, allowing persons unfamiliar with its operation to successfully execute a credit card transaction without previous training.