Abstract: A self-service terminal is described. The terminal includes first and second touch sensitive units. Each of these touch sensitive units includes a display and a touch sensitive panel overlying the display. The second customer display is configured differently to the first customer display. The terminal also includes a processor operable to present (i) a screen comprising a plurality of different selectable options to a customer on the first customer display, and (ii) a screen associated with a selected selectable option on the second customer display, so that the customer can use the second touch sensitive unit to enter transaction details in a more private manner than by using the first touch sensitive unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a customer at a self-service terminal are described. The method comprises: receiving a stroke delineated by the customer; matching the delineated stroke to a defined shape; and providing feedback to the customer to indicate that the delineated stroke has been matched to a defined shape. These steps are repeated until a complete sequence of defined shapes has been entered. The method further comprises converting the defined shape sequence to a sequence of characters; encrypting the sequence of characters; and transmitting the encrypted sequence of characters to a host for authentication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a customer at a self-service terminal are described. The method comprises: receiving a stroke delineated by the customer; matching the delineated stroke to a defined shape; and providing feedback to the customer to indicate that the delineated stroke has been matched to a defined shape. These steps are repeated until a complete sequence of defined shapes has been entered. The method further comprises converting the defined shape sequence to a sequence of characters; encrypting the sequence of characters; and transmitting the encrypted sequence of characters to a host for authentication.

Abstract: A self-service terminal is described. The terminal includes first and second touch sensitive units. Each of these touch sensitive units includes a display and a touch sensitive panel overlying the display. The second customer display is configured differently to the first customer display. The terminal also includes a processor operable to present (i) a screen comprising a plurality of different selectable options to a customer on the first customer display, and (ii) a screen associated with a selected selectable option on the second customer display, so that the customer can use the second touch sensitive unit to enter transaction details in a more private manner than by using the first touch sensitive unit.

Abstract: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (10) comprises a fascia (12) having a check entry/exit slot (56), and a check processing module (60) for processing checks entered via the slot (56). The terminal (10) includes a control means (86), biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a check transport mechanism (70) for transporting checks between the slot (56) and the printer (74). The control means is arranged to cause the printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric characteristic of a user onto a check during an attempt to deposit the check in the terminal (10).

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST), such as an ATM includes apparatus for producing images containing instructions for users of the terminal, and an arrangement for projecting the images onto a screen forming part of a terminal user interface.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) is provided, which includes a plurality of media dispense modules (20, 22) and media pick mechanisms (30, 48). At least one module (20) is associated with a vacuum pick mechanism (30), while at least one other module (22) is associated with a friction pick mechanism (48). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the friction pick module (22) includes a plurality of media storage locations (42), each of which is associated with a friction pick mechanism (48). The modules may also be removable and interchangeable. Also provided is an SST with at least one friction pick media module including a plurality of media storage locations and friction pick mechanisms; and a friction pick media module per se.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) includes a non-contact interface (18, 20) for enabling a user to interact with the terminal without requiring physical contact with the terminal, a biometric sensor (14) for establishing the identity of the user by sensing a physical trait or characteristic of the user, and a processor (30) for controlling the terminal. The interface (18, 20) may utilize speech recognition and generation.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) having an improved user interface (16) is described. The user interface (16) comprises a plurality of user interface elements (18,20,22,24,26,28,29). At least one of the user interface elements has means (60) for detecting a user's hand in the vicinity of that element, and means (42,29) for informing the user about that element. The detecting means (60) may comprise a proximity sensor. The informing means (42,29) may comprise a controller (42) executing a control program (52) that detects which user interface element the user's hand (32b) is in the vicinity of, selects an audio file associated with that element, and plays the audio file to the user (32) via a loudspeaker (29) in the user interface (16).

Abstract: An in-car device (30) is provided, for user interaction with a transaction terminal (32). The device (30) communicates with the terminal (32) via local transceivers (26, 34). Data or instructions may be entered to the device (30) by means of data entry devices (16), such as a keypad, and transmitted to the terminal (32) to be executed. Results of the instructions may be transmitted back, and displayed to the user on a display screen (12) provided on the device (30). The device (30) may be used to conduct financial transactions, such as charging a smart card with electronic cash, or may be used to purchase goods and/or services from a third party, via a network transceiver (40) provided in the terminal (32).

Abstract: A self service terminal (10) is described. The SST 10 has a front portion (16) including a user interface (24) located within a fascia (18). The fascia (18) has a concave inner surface (61) which defines a privacy area (20) and which reduces reflection of sound. The inner surface (61) is bounded by one or more extremities (54,56) which project out from the terminal (10). The fascia (18) has a canopy (21) which extends beyond the projecting extremities. In use, the user places his head within or in proximity to the privacy area (20) for increased privacy when using the terminal (10).

Abstract: A self-service checkout terminal includes a base having a bagwell defined therein. The terminal also includes a first counter supported on the base. The first counter has a first surface which is positioned at a first height. The terminal further includes a scanner secured at a first end of the first counter. The terminal yet further includes an automated teller machine secured at a second end of the first counter. Moreover, the terminal includes an arcuate shaped second counter secured to the first counter, the second counter having a second surface which is positioned at a second height. The first counter has a bagwell opening defined therein at a location interposed between the scanner and the automated teller machine. The bagwell opening is aligned with the bagwell. The first height is less than the second height.

Abstract: A system of ATMs wherein a customer can execute a complex transaction in stages, at different times, and perhaps at different ATMs. Considering a loan application as an example, a customer can supply part of the information required by the loan application at one ATM, and can supply other information at a later time, at the same, or another, ATM. While the customer is present at any ATM, or afterward, the invention undertakes processing required by the loan application, such as ordering credit reports.

Abstract: The invention concerns remote sampling of video clips stored in a repository, such as a computer. The video clips, in principle, resemble video tapes, and contain both audio and video information. However, the video clips are stored in digital format.In sampling, a single video frame and a segment of audio information is transmitted to a remote computer. The single frame is displayed while the audio is played. The invention allows a user to retrieve an entire video clip after the sampling.

Abstract: The invention concerns Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) which are equipped with video conferencing capability. The ATM allows a customer to undertake numerous different types of transactions, such as withdrawing cash, checking a balance, applying for a loan, obtaining interest rate quotations, and so on. If a customer needs assistance with a transaction, the invention (a) identifies the transaction, without intervention of the customer, (b) selects a consultant who is expert in the type of transaction identified, and (c) establishes a video conference with the selected consultant.

Abstract: The invention concerns using Automated Teller Machines as video conferencing stations. In a video conference, two parties can both see, and speak with, each other. The invention allows a user of an ATM to hold a video conference not only with the financial institution which operates the ATM, but with any other suitable facility, such as a personal computer, properly equipped.