Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a pc core; at least one module coupled to the pc core; a control application executing on the pc core for controlling the operation of the terminal; and a management application executing on the pc core. The management application is arranged to (i) monitor state of health of the pc core, the control application, and the at least one module, (ii) detect a fault state at any of the pc core, the control application, and the at least one module, (iii) monitor the control application to ascertain if a filter criterion is satisfied, and (iv) transmit a fault signal from the terminal only if the filter criterion is not satisfied.

Abstract: A method of generating a heartbeat signal for an application comprising one or more objects that may enter a halt state is described. The method comprises: sending a status request to a defined interface on each object; and monitoring responses to the status requests to ascertain if each object is operating normally or in a halt state. The method further comprises: generating an application valid signal in the event that each object is operating normally; transmitting the application valid signal, if generated, to a monitoring component independent of the application; and generating at the monitoring component a heartbeat valid signal in response to receipt of the application valid signal.

Abstract: A method of providing secure authentication of a service user at a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: detecting attempted access by the service user to a restricted function on the self-service terminal; ascertaining if a removable storage device is in communication with the self-service terminal; in the event that a removable storage device is not in communication with the self-service terminal, denying access to the restricted function; in the event that a removable storage device is in communication with the self-service terminal, prompting the service user to enter login credentials. The method further comprises comparing the entered login credentials with access details stored on the removable storage device; denying access to the restricted function if the entered login credentials do not comply with the access details; permitting access to the restricted function if the login credentials do comply with the access details; and storing details relating to the access.

Abstract: Techniques for self adjusting kiosk display information are provided. Presentation information is centered within a display of the kiosk. A center location for the presentation information is custom recalibrated within the display based on direction of a user.

Abstract: Techniques for assisted self checkout are provided. Customers or store personnel use scan devices that are independent of a self-checkout kiosk as they shop in a store to scan goods that are to be purchased. The transactions are independent of any particular checkout terminal. When the customer is ready to checkout, the customer approaches a checkout station and the transaction for the customer is located and recalled. The customer completes payment at the station to end the transaction and exit the store.

Abstract: Dual-sided thermal print folding techniques are presented. A dual-sided thermal printer includes a folding mechanism to custom fold a substrate. The substrate is imaged on both sides by the dual-sided thermal printer as it passes through the dual-sided thermal printer and is custom folded by the folding mechanism of the dual-sided thermal printer.

Abstract: A dual-stack document storage bin comprises a substantially U-shaped container including a first bottom wall which interconnects first and second sidewalls to provide (i) the substantially U-shape, and (ii) a first document storage chamber which is defined between the first and second sidewalls and into which documents can be stacked to form a first stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a first position. The dual-stack document storage bin further comprises a substantially L-shaped housing including a second bottom wall and a third sidewall which is disposed relative to the second bottom wall to provide (i) the substantially L-shape, and (ii) a second document storage chamber which is defined between the third side wall and the second sidewall and into which documents can be stacked to form a second stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a second position which is different from the first position.

Abstract: Various multisided thermal media image elements, and methods of manufacture thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a first media substrate is at least partially coated with thermally sensitive ink on one or more of its sides. A second media substrate is coated with the thermally sensitive ink on at least one of its sides. The second media substrate is at least partially integrated with the first media substrate to form a multisided thermal media image element, wherein at least a portion of the second media substrate is capable of being removed for independent use. The multisided first and second media substrates are adapted to be imaged via a thermal printer individually and together upon integration into the image element.

Abstract: A method of executing a transaction for a user at a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: (a) sensing a stroke gesture delineated by the user on a touch-sensitive panel; (b) recognizing the delineated stroke gesture; and (c) matching the delineated stroke gesture to one of a plurality of defined transaction strokes, each defined transaction stroke being associated with a specific transaction. The method further comprises (d) executing the specific transaction associated with the matched transaction stroke.

Abstract: A method of constructing a secure enclosure body is disclosed. The method comprises providing a molded plastic shell body incorporating a mesh reinforcement; coupling a mould to the molded plastic shell to define a cavity between the mould and the molded plastic shell; inserting concrete into the cavity; and removing the mould when the concrete has sufficiently set to provide a secure enclosure body.

Abstract: A method of managing code-tracing data is described. The method comprises the steps of: receiving code-tracing data from an executing software component; adding the received code-tracing data to a log stored in temporary storage; detecting a property of the received code-tracing data; copying the log to non-volatile storage when the property matches a defined trigger property; and deleting contents of the log according to a caching policy when the property does not match a defined trigger property.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for linking electronic shelf labels to and unlinking electronic shelf labels from a system. When a printed overlay for an electronic shelf label is prepared, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag is affixed as part of the overlay. The RFID tag provides an identifier associated with a product. When an ESL to which the overlay is affixed is to be linked, the RFID tag is read at substantially the same time the ESL is interrogated, and the product associated with the RFID tag identifier is associated with the ESL. When an ESL is to be unlinked, a communication including an identifier for the ESL is provided to a central data processor, with the communication having characteristics indicating that the ESL is to be unlinked. When a communication is received from an ESL, the characteristics of the communication are evaluated to determine if the ESL is designated for unlinking.

Abstract: A privacy-enabled keypad comprising: a keypad; an opaque shield upstanding around the keypad for restricting viewing of the keypad to a user of the keypad; and at least one illumination source disposed on a portion of the shield facing the keypad, and oriented to illuminate the keypad. A public access terminal incorporating the privacy-enabled keypad is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for multiple laser and multiple detector bar code scanning. multiple laser sources generate multiple laser beams directed to a rotating spinner and along optical paths to emerge from a scanner as multiple scan beams. The scan beams trace out a scan pattern within a scan volume. As the multiple scan beams strike an object within the scan volume, reflected light rays are produced representing reflections of the multiple scan beams. As the reflected light rays enter the scanner, they are directed to a collector and focused onto a plurality of detectors so that reflected light rays representing reflections of each scan beam are focused onto a detector associated with the laser source from which the scan beam originates.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an image element having a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof is provided. The image element may further include an adhesive for attaching to an object such as a pharmaceutical container. Information about the object may be thermally printed on the image element.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured for slitting a mill roll in a slitting machine. The cartridge includes a first shaft mounted in bearings in a pair of endplates, with one end of the shaft having a driven yoke for rotation thereof. The first shaft includes a row of first circular blades spaced longitudinally by corresponding first spacers. A second shaft is pivotally mounted in the endplates, and is spaced parallel with the first shaft. A dovetail bar is fixedly joined to the second shaft parallel therewith. And, a row of blade holders are mounted along the dovetail bar, with each holder including a second circular blade aligned with a corresponding one of the first blades for cutting in shear a web unwound from the mill roll. The cartridge may be quickly replaced in the slitting machine for each production run thereof for alignment with cores on a corresponding arbor.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a fascia defining an aperture through which a receipt or other type of media items is dispensible to a customer. The fascia comprises a protrusion located immediately beneath the aperture in a generally central location. The protrusion comprises a lower surface against which a customer's finger may rest and an upper surface for guiding an exiting receipt or other type of media item. The protrusion extends outwardly from the fascia to ensure that even if the customer places a finger on the protrusion, opposing edges of the receipt or other media item exit a sufficient distance from the aperture to allow the receipt or other media item to be visible to and removed by the customer.

Abstract: An image scanner apparatus, method and system to scan a bar code or other optical code using an image capture device where the blurring associated with the movement of the bar code pass the image scanner is reduced or eliminated by using differential panning of the bar code. An image of the bar code is panned or moved across the image capture device in a direction that negates at least some of the apparent movement of the bar code past the image scanner. The apparent motion of the bar code to the image capture device is reduced thus reducing the blurring of the bar code in the captured image.

Abstract: A item checkout device and weigh plate with improved electromagnetic field performance. The item checkout device includes a housing, an electromagnetic field generator in the housing, a barcode reader in the housing, a scale assembly in the housing, and the weigh plate. The weigh plate is supported by the scale assembly and includes a non-metallic planar section located over the electromagnetic field generator and having a top surface resistant to damage and substantially transparent to an electromagnetic field from the electromagnetic field generator, and a window coplanar with the non-metallic planar section and located over the barcode reader.