Abstract: A Personal Identification Number (PIN) pad includes a secure processor and is operated in two modes: 1) a secure mode during which key data associated with depressed keys are encrypted by the secure processor and provided to a transaction manager that executes on a processor of a transaction terminal in encrypted format, and 2) a non-secure mode during which key data associated with depressed keys are not encrypted and are received by the transaction manager in a clear format. The transaction manager activates the secure mode based on transaction processing for a transaction at the terminal. When secure mode is activated, the secure processor causes one or more integrated lights/speakers of the PIN pad and/or of other integrated peripherals of the terminal to illuminate or play a sound, providing an indication to a user that key entry is secure and safe for entry on the PIN pad during the transaction.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer processing architecture including: a plurality of processors, each processor configured to: receive a set of data from one or more input channels or from another processor; execute at least one of a plurality of individualized processes on the data; and output the processed data according to an independent clock domain of the processor; a plurality of switches, wherein each switch connects a processor to an input channel of the one or more input channels or to another processor; and a micro-controller configured to: receive the processed data; control the plurality of switches by activating or deactivating each switch; generate a pipeline of processors from activating and deactivating the plurality of switches; and select one or more individualized processes of the plurality of individualized processes that each processor within the pipeline executes.

Abstract: Techniques described herein improve processor performance in situations where a large number of system service requests are being received from other devices. More specifically, upon detecting that certain operating conditions that indicate a processor slowdown are present, the processor performs one or more system service adjustment techniques. These techniques include throttling (reducing the rate of handling) of such requests, coalescing (grouping multiple requests into a single group) the requests, disabling microarchitctural structures (such as caches or branch prediction units) or updates to those structures, and prefetching data for or pre-performing these requests. Each of these adjustment techniques helps to reduce the number of and/or workload associated with servicing requests for system services.

Abstract: Embodiments for extending functional states of a self-service terminal (SST) are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a state table having flexible parameter states for extending functions of operational states is downloaded to the SST. A state to be extended is selected. A parameter state from the downloaded state table is executed to provide additional functionality to the selected state.

Abstract: A touch screen unit comprises a touch sensitive layer, a display and a processor. The processor is arranged to receive a signal indicative of a parallax error between a user's view of the touch sensitive layer and the user selectable objects displayed on the display and to correct for this parallax error.

Abstract: A method of managing code-tracing data is described. The method comprises the steps of: analyzing a log of code-tracing data to identify a module in which an error occurred; activating code-tracing at a high detail level in that module; identifying modules associated with that module; and activating code-tracing at a high detail level in those identified modules.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) and a method of operating an SST are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a default characteristic for a service offered at the SST responsive to a normal press of a user button element associated with the service, indicating a plurality of selectable characteristics responsive to a long press of the user button element and selecting a chosen characteristic for the service responsive to a press of a user button element associated with one of said selectable characteristics.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) and a method of operating an SST are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a default characteristic for a service offered at the SST responsive to a normal press of a user button element associated with the service, indicating a plurality of selectable characteristics responsive to a long press of the user button element and selecting a chosen characteristic for the service responsive to a press of a user button element associated with one of said selectable characteristics.

Abstract: A method of managing code-tracing data is described. The method comprises the steps of: analyzing a log of code-tracing data to identify a module in which an error occurred; activating code-tracing at a high detail level in that module; identifying modules associated with that module; and activating code-tracing at a high detail level in those identified modules.

Abstract: TV signal distribution filter device which includes at least one tuneable band-pass filter circuit, each tuneable filter circuit having a signal input for receiving a TV signal, a signal output for delivering a filtered TV signal, and a plurality of components connected in a predetermined configuration between the signal input and the signal output and together being provided for filtering the received TV signal to the filtered TV signal, said plurality of components including at least a first inductor and a second inductor, each accompanied by a tuneable capacitive component and connected to a voltage node which is provided for receiving a tuning voltage for tuning the tuneable capacitive component and thereby setting a filtering parameter of the tuneable filter circuit, the first and second inductors being planar inductors which are mechanically fixed and embedded in a dielectric environment and are electro-magnetically coupled with each other.

Abstract: A touch screen unit comprises a touch sensitive layer, a display and a processor. The processor is arranged to receive a signal indicative of a parallax error between a user's view of the touch sensitive layer and the user selectable objects displayed on the display and to correct for this parallax error.

Abstract: A state-driven self-service terminal is described. The terminal comprises: (i) a state information table; (ii) a screen dictionary; (iii) a monitoring component arranged to ascertain status information relating to a condition of the terminal; and (iv) a screen control component. The screen dictionary comprises (a) a unique value corresponding to a unique key parameter, and (b) a control sequence including a prompt associated with that unique key parameter. The screen control component is arranged to receive the ascertained status information, and in response thereto, (a) to populate a screen with those prompts from the screen dictionary that are consistent with the ascertained status information and (b) to enable those keys corresponding to key parameters that are consistent with the status information.