Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described in which data, which is required by system software in a self-service terminal, is stored across a number of persistent storage elements. The persistent storage elements are located in peripheral devices within the self-service terminal. When the data is lost from volatile memory in the core computing device in the self-service terminal, the data is read back from one or more of the persistent storage elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling access to a processing device using an access token with a machine readable identity. The method comprises reading the identity of the access token at the location of the processing device and querying a database comprising valid identities of access tokens, wherein each identity is associated with an access permission level. If the identity is a valid identity, the method further comprises determining the associated level of access and allowing a level of access to the processing device according to the associated access permission level. In some embodiments, the processing device is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Abstract: A hardware encryption device comprises: a touch panel controller; and a cryptographic engine in communication with the touch panel controller. The touch panel controller receives co-ordinates from the cryptographic engine corresponding to an area on a touch panel selected by a user. The cryptographic engine is operable to discriminate between a selection in a secure area on a screen and a selection in a non-secure area on a screen, and to action the selection differently depending on whether the selection is in a secure area or a non-secure area.

Abstract: A hardware encryption device comprises: a touch panel controller; and a cryptographic engine in communication with the touch panel controller. The touch panel controller receives co-ordinates from the cryptographic engine corresponding to an area on a touch panel selected by a user. The cryptographic engine is operable to discriminate between a selection in a secure area on a screen and a selection in a non-secure area on a screen, and to action the selection differently depending on whether the selection is in a secure area or a non-secure area.

Abstract: A hardware encryption device comprises: a touch panel controller; and a cryptographic engine in communication with the touch panel controller. The touch panel controller receives co-ordinates from the cryptographic engine corresponding to an area on a touch panel selected by a user. The cryptographic engine is operable to discriminate between a selection in a secure area on a screen and a selection in a non-secure area on a screen, and to action the selection differently depending on whether the selection is in a secure area or a non-secure area.

Abstract: Authorizing access to one or more restricted functions provided by a processing device is described. A method for authorizing such access comprises: reading at least one time from a clock associated with the processing device; storing the read time as a reference time; after the read time is stored, reading another time (a current time) from the clock. The method also includes comparing the reference time with the current time; reading a trend status associated with the reference time; and authorizing access to the restricted functions provided by the processing device if an acceptance criterion is satisfied. The acceptance criterion may require (i) the read current time to be chronologically earlier than the reference time and the trend status to be trusted backward mode, or (ii) the read current time to be chronologically later than the reference time.

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.

Abstract: A hardware encryption device comprises: a touch panel controller; and a cryptographic engine in communication with the touch panel controller. The touch panel controller receives co-ordinates from the cryptographic engine corresponding to an area on a touch panel selected by a user. The cryptographic engine is operable to discriminate between a selection in a secure area on a screen and a selection in a non-secure area on a screen, and to action the selection differently depending on whether the selection is in a secure area or a non-secure area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling access to a processing device using an access token with a machine readable identity. The method comprises reading the identity of the access token at the location of the processing device and querying a database comprising valid identities of access tokens, wherein each identity is associated with an access permission level. If the identity is a valid identity, the method further comprises determining the associated level of access and allowing a level of access to the processing device according to the associated access permission level. In some embodiments, the processing device is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Abstract: Authorizing access to one or more restricted functions provided by a processing device is described. A method for authorizing such access comprises: reading at least one time from a clock associated with the processing device; storing the read time as a reference time; after the read time is stored, reading another time (a current time) from the clock. The method also includes comparing the reference time with the current time; reading a trend status associated with the reference time; and authorizing access to the restricted functions provided by the processing device if an acceptance criterion is satisfied. The acceptance criterion may require (i) the read current time to be chronologically earlier than the reference time and the trend status to be trusted backward mode, or (ii) the read current time to be chronologically later than the reference time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described in which data, which is required by system software in a self-service terminal, is stored across a number of persistent storage elements. The persistent storage elements are located in peripheral devices within the self-service terminal. When the data is lost from volatile memory in the core computing device in the self-service terminal, the data is read back from one or more of the persistent storage elements.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a watchdog timer coupled to a clock; and a reset driver for resetting the watchdog timer. The reset driver is operable to monitor a count reached by the watchdog timer, and to instigate a diagnostic action, such as writing information to a system event log, in the event that the count reaches a first predefined number.

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.