Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating data showing a signal environment experienced by a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication device. A transceiver within the communication device sweeps through a frequency range of interest in order to receive signals within the frequency range. Depending on the nature of the signals of interest, the signals detected may be reflected signals generated in response to a carrier signal produced by the communication device, or active signals produced by active sources. Baseband analysis is performed in order to detect and identify reflective signals, and spectrum analysis is performed in order to detect and identify active signal sources.

Abstract: An item level security system is provided that uses dynamic security settings to optimize the competing requirements for high security and transaction throughput. Customer metrics such as customer traffic volume and the number and type of items purchased change over the course of a day and are further influenced by the day of the week and by holidays and certain vacation schedules for local schools and employers. The invention provides dynamic security settings for the item level security system that address the changing customer metrics.

Abstract: A secure USB flash drive employing digital rights management to implement secure digital media storage such as that provided by encrypted storage utilizing content protection for recordable media (CPRM) or the like. Unlike a secure digital card which provides such protection, it does not need an SD card port which is CPRM enabled, or alternatively a reader adapted for use therewith. The form factor can be that of a standard USB flash drive and a standard USB connector is employed making the device and its use familiar and comfortable to the average consumer.

Abstract: A kiosk for sale or rental of secure USB flash drives employing digital rights management to implement secure digital media storage such as that provided by encrypted storage utilizing content protection for recordable media (CPRM) or the like. Preferably, the form factor of the secure USB flash drives is that of a standard USB flash drive, and a standard USB connector is employed therein making the devices and their use familiar and comfortable to the average consumer. Further, the kiosk may employ an array of USB ports and support writing of content from one drive to another to advantageously adjust inventory to respond to demand. Light, simple kiosks may be designed.

Abstract: A method is provided to that allows for the broadcast the status of a self-service dispensing device that a user is likely or scheduled to visit. A diagnostic program may be installed on a self-service dispensing device and/or a central server. The diagnostic program monitors the health and status of the self-service dispensing device. If a problem is detected by the diagnostic program, the self-service dispensing device or the central server proactively contacts likely visitors to the device as well as creates a service call to support personnel in order to have the problem repaired.

Abstract: A method of validating a digital certificate comprises retrieving from a first data store a digital certificate, retrieving from a second data store a plurality of certificate revocation lists (CRLs), and selecting one of the plurality of CRLs to validate the digital certificate as of a date which is before the current date.

Abstract: An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST), such as an ATM, comprises a processor, and two functionally similar devices, for example cash dispense units, and an input/output (IO) port. The processor receives status data from each of the similar devices and determines which set of status data to communicate to a remote host via the IO port dependent upon device status and health parameters contained within the status data.

Abstract: An optical code recognition station comprises a fixed optical code scanning station and an optical code imager, the optical code imager being operable in both a hand held and a fixed configuration. In the fixed configuration the optical code imager is mounted on the fixed optical code scanning station. Communication between the fixed optical code scanning station and the optical code image is wireless and the optical code imager operates without a wired connection to the fixed optical code scanning station when in the hand held configuration.

Abstract: A wireless hybrid imaging optical code reader is operable in both handheld and fixed configurations, the fixed configuration corresponding to the imaging optical code reader being mounted upon a fixed laser optical code scanner. The imaging optical code reader comprises first and second imaging windows and an optical element which allows light from only one of the imaging windows to be incident upon an imaging device of the imaging optical code reader dependent upon whether the imaging optical code reader is being used in the hand held or fixed configuration.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) for use in conducting multiple financial transactions between a user of the SST and a financial institution includes one or more user-interface devices and a processing module. The user interface devices are configured to receive information from and provide information to the user. The processing module is configured to: (1) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a first one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the first one of the transactions; (2) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a second one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the second one of the transactions; and (3) thereafter initiate execution of the first one of the transactions and the second one of the transactions over a financial-transaction network.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprising a plurality of devices is described. The devices comprise: a racking handle for moving that device from an operational position to a maintenance position; a primary visual identifier (such as a bright color) associated with the racking handle, where the primary visual identifier is common for all of the racking handles and is not used for any part of the device except a racking handle; and a secondary visual identifier associated with any other parts of the device that may be safely touched, where the secondary visual identifier is visually distinct (for example, by using a different color) from the primary visual identifier.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The tag reader includes a power detection circuit operable to detect power from a plurality of different power sources, and a controller for operating the radio frequency identification tag reader at a power consumption level commensurate with a detected power source.

Abstract: A media cassette comprises a housing defining a closeable pick window; an urging plate biased towards the pick window for urging a stack of media items towards the pick window; a detent located distal from the pick window for limiting movement of the urging plate when the pick window is closed; and a detent moving mechanism operable to move the detent when the pick window is opened. The media cassette allows the urging plate to exert less force on the stack of media items by expanding the space available for media items located within the cassette by activating the detent moving mechanism.

Abstract: An item identification device antenna which provides better field coverage for reading item identification tags. The item identification device antenna includes a first portion coupled to a tag reader for reading a tag on an item, wherein the first portion is for radiating an electromagnetic field at a predetermined frequency, and a second portion in the electromagnetic field for resonating at the predetermined frequency to radiate another electromagnetic field for reading the tag. The tags may include radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Abstract: A method of using exception information for binary code. The method comprises: receiving exception information relating to an exception occurring during execution of binary code, the exception information including a code reference identifying a function executing while the exception occurred, and a line number for that function. The method also comprises: accessing intermediate code using the code reference and the line number to obtain intermediate code fragments; converting the intermediate code fragments to a source code approximation; and providing the source code approximation and function name to a log for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An optical scanner comprising a weigh scale is presented with a self-centering top plate. The design of the top plate creates a horizontal gravitation vector on objects placed on and away from the center of the top plate. The force vector is directed toward the center of the top plate and diminishes to zero as the object approaches the center of the top plate.

Abstract: A media transaction kiosk with an antenna which provides better field coverage around a return slot. The media transaction kiosk includes a return portion including a wall containing an aperture for receiving a storage device containing media, and an antenna. The antenna includes a first antenna portion in a first position relative to the aperture, wherein the first antenna portion is coupled to a tag reader, wherein the first antenna portion is for radiating an electromagnetic field at a tag reading frequency for reading a tag on the storage device. The antenna further includes a second antenna portion in a second position relative to the aperture, wherein the second antenna portion is located within the electromagnetic field from the first antenna portion, and wherein the second antenna portion is for resonating at the tag reading frequency and for radiating another electromagnetic field for reading the tag.

Abstract: An adaptable and extensible interface is described for connecting one or more point of sale (POS) applications to one or more at a wide variety of retail application is described. The interface may be embodied as a programmable state machine employing XML tiles to customize its operation reusable retail applications may be utilized as part of the interface approach.

Abstract: A processing apparatus comprises a beeper system for controlling operation of a beeper in response to beeper control signals, an audio system for controlling operation of at least one speaker in response to audio data signals, and a redirection module for redirecting a beeper control signal to the audio system.