Abstract: A Self Service Terminal (SST) has a fascia and a plurality of sensors, each sensor being arranged to detect a signal from a user token when said token is brought into proximity of said sensor. Each sensor is associated with a specific SST service, the SST being arranged to provide the associated service when said token in brought into the proximity of one or more of said sensors.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14 or 114 or 214) and a system (10, 100, 200) including a plurality of networked self-service terminals are described. Each terminal (14, 114, 214) has a simple user interface. In one type of terminal (114 or 214), the user interface consists of a dispense area. In another type of terminal (14), the user interface consists of a dispense area (40) and a communication port (38). In one of the systems (10) a user is able to execute a transaction using a portable communication device (24 or 26) implementing a local wireless technology. In the other systems (100 or 200) a user is able to execute a transaction using a cellular network.

Abstract: A method of validating machine components in a self-service terminal is disclosed which comprises providing at least one machine component with a machine readable identifier and reading identity data from the machine readable identifier using a processing unit. The identity data is compared with identity data stored in the memory of the processing unit to determine if the identity of a component has changed. If the identity has changed, the processing unit compares the identity data with source data to determine if the component is from a trusted source. In one embodiment, the self service terminal is an ATM and the components are an encrypting Personal Identification Number (PIN) pad, a cash dispenser unit and a card reader.

Abstract: A customer service machine, such as a self check-out terminal, includes a visual indicator and a proximity sensor associated with certain functional components or stations of the terminal, such as itemization, bagging and payment stations. The visual indicator is configured to provide a visual signal to either encourage or deter customer activity at the particular station, depending upon whether any activity is required to further a transaction being conducted at the terminal. The proximity sensor at each station determines whether the customer is about to take action at that station. A controller determines whether the action is appropriate, and if not activates the visual indicator to deter such action, or if so activates the visual indicator to encourage such action. In one embodiment, the visual indicator includes a red light that is illuminated to deter action and a green light that is activated to encourage action.

Abstract: An augmented reality shopping system in one embodiment includes a store communication network, a memory including program instructions for receiving a product location request, associating the received request with product information stored in a product database, determining the location of the product within the store, receiving shopper location information, determining a route between the determined location of the product and the shopper location based upon the shopper location information, generating route rendering data based upon the determined route, and transmitting the route rendering data through the store communication network. The system further includes a processor operably connected to the store communication network and to the memory for executing the program instructions and a mobile display device operably connected to the processor through the store communication network for rendering an overlay image using the transmitted route rendering data.

Abstract: An item checkout apparatus with integrated complimentary antennas which concentrates magnetic fields from both antennas in a volume. The item checkout apparatus includes a sensor for sensing a label on an item, a first antenna oriented in a first plane, and a second antenna oriented in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane, wherein the first and second antennas concentrate first and second magnetic fields in a volume between the first and second antennas, and wherein the sensor is coupled to at least one of the first and second antennas and senses the label as the item passes through the volume.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for using signal to noise ratio information to enhance bar code scanning accuracy. Noise information affecting bar code scanning operations is stored and a scan signal is monitored. Upon detection of a scan of a bar code, the signal strength of the scan signal is evaluated and signal to noise ratio values are computed. Signal to noise ratio information is used to favor or disfavor candidate decoding results. In addition, signal to noise ratio thresholds are set according to appropriate criteria. Decoding results are evaluated using the signal to noise ratio thresholds and accepted or rejected depending on whether the thresholds are met. In addition, thresholds for recognition of transitions based on peaks may be set based on expected noise affecting the scan signal, and allowed or excluded based on whether a rise from a negative peak, or fall from a positive peak, meets the threshold.

Abstract: A barcode scanner with a tool free tower housing assembly. The barcode scanner includes a base, a tower section coupled to the base, and a tower housing assembly over the tower section including a tower housing and a bezel that are installable and removable without hand tools.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for eliminating or compensating for noise affecting a bar code scanner. A scanner is operated in a learning mode under conditions designed to insure that a scan signal will take on predictable characteristics and noise affecting the scan signal will be easily detectable. During the learning mode, information relating to noise affecting the scan signal and the conditions under which the noise occurs is stored. During normal operation of the scanner, the stored noise information is used in controlling operation of the scanner so as to eliminate or compensate for noise under conditions in which noise has been shown to be susceptible to occur.

Abstract: A heat-activated linerless label comprises a heat-activated adhesive coating. Portions of the heat-activated adhesive coating are selectively activated by a thermal printer.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for scanner scale implementation and operation using a plurality of load cells mounted in a planar arrangement. A plurality of load cells is mounted to a scanner base. The load cells are secured within a mounting chassis in such a way that the load bearing elements of the load cells extend through the protective cover. The mounting chassis and load cells may be mounted to the scanner base. A scanner top plate may be secured to the load cells such that the weight of the scanner top plate and any object placed on the scanner top plate is borne by the load bearing elements of the load cells, part of the weight being borne by the load bearing element of each load cell. Upon presentation of an object for weighing, weight signals generated by the load cells are processed to produce a weight reading for the object.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a scanner housing including a scan window, a laser light source, reflected light detector and a mirrored polygon spinner. The spinner is arranged both to spin around an axis of rotation and to move so as to displace said axis of rotation.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for image capture and management in a retail environment. One or more retail cameras are directed so as to capture digital images. Each camera is configured so as to provide image information that can be used in a retroactive focusing process. Captured images are retroactively focused to provide sharp images of objects of interest, and the objects of interest are used in appropriate retail applications, such as site security, transaction security, and inventory control.

Abstract: A feedback device 1 including an interface 2 for receiving a first signal 3 from a point of sale console 4. A processor 5 is responsive to signal 3 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of an inaudible ultrasonic transmission 6. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 7, is responsive to processor 5 for propagating transmission 6 to provide only in a predetermined spatially defined transmission zone 8 an audible signal 9 indicative of signal 3. Signal 9 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 8.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for prevention of double scans of bar codes by identifying the possibility of ambiguities in position information estimated upon detection of a bar code. A bar code scanner estimates position information for a bar code upon detection of the bar code. Timing information for each detection and the accompanying position estimate is maintained, and lapses of time between detections and accompanying position estimates are noted. When successive scans of identical bar code information occur, the lapses of time are evaluated in light of predetermined criteria to determine whether or not an ambiguity exists that prevents reliable identification the scans as a double scan of the same bar code or successive scans of separate but identical bar codes.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated partial order delivery. After a customer has entered a self service order and presented payment, the customer is able to present a receipt at an automated dispensing station. An automated dispensing mechanism retrieves order information associated with the receipt and allows dispensing of products, such as drink cups at a fast food restaurant, whose purchase is reflected in the order. Upon release of all the authorized products, authorization for dispensing of products is revoked. If a predetermined time passes after the last release, authorization is temporarily revoked, renewable upon subsequent presentation of the receipt, if products that have not yet been dispensed are reflected in the order.

Abstract: A travel kiosk which focuses operator attention to a work area. The travel kiosk includes a first portion containing a touch screen, and a second portion adjacent the first portion including a work area. The work area includes a printer, a barcode reader, a passport imager, and a radio frequency reader. The work area further includes a shelf for aligning a passport, a passport tunnel at an end of the shelf for guiding the passport into a position in the second portion for reading by the passport imager and the radio frequency reader, a printer exit shoot above the passport tunnel for delivering a printed travel document from the printer, and an overhang above the printer exit shoot containing the barcode reader.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting and decoding bar code data and transferring the data to a host system. A bar code scanner detects and decodes a bar code and passes the bar code information, including bar code format information, to host system. The bar code scanner detects indicia that may appear in a bar code and responds as indicated by the indicia. One of the available responses is to transfer bar code data to a host system in a form consistent with a format indicated by indicia appearing in the bar code, but different from the format in which the bar code actually appears.

Abstract: A system that secures a Base Derivation Key (BDK) in a facility for injecting Derived Unique Key Per Transaction (DUKPT) devices uses software for securing the BDK rather than a Tamper Resistant Security Module (TRSM). The system comprises a symmetrical key generator, a symmetric encryption device, a concatenating device, an asymmetrical key pair generator, and an asymmetrical encryption device. The symmetrical key generator randomly generates an encryption key for a symmetrical encryption method. The symmetrical key is provided to the symmetric encryption device for encrypting a segment of a BDK with a symmetrical key. The asymmetrical encryption device uses the public key of a randomly generated private/public key pair generated by the asymmetrical key pair generator to asymmetrically encrypt the symmetrically encrypted BDK segment and the symmetrical key. The public key is then destroyed and the private key is stored on the computer.

Abstract: There is provided a system 1 for mounting a handheld barcode scanner 2. System 1 includes a cradle 3 for releasably mounting scanner 2 such that scanner 2 provides a first scanning beam 4 in a predetermined first scanning path 5. System 1 also includes an optical assembly 6 mountable to a bi-optic scanner 7. Assembly 6 is provided in path 5 for receiving beam 4. In response to receiving beam 4, assembly 6 provides a second scanning beam 9 in a second scanning path 10. Beam 9 supplements a third scanning beam, in the form of array 11, provided by bi-optic scanner 7.