Abstract: A wireless communication device which stores and transfers entire digital media files for later use at transfer speeds compliant with the 60 GHz wireless standard. An example wireless communication device includes a receiver for wirelessly receiving an entire digital media file and associated usage rights from a kiosk while the receiver is within a wireless reception range of the kiosk, a memory for storing the digital media file and the associated usage rights, transfer circuitry for transferring the digital media file and the associated usage rights, and a controller for operating the receiver to receive the entire digital media file and associated rights, for storing the digital media file for later playing, and for operating the transfer circuitry to transfer the digital media file and associated rights.

Abstract: A self-service terminal has a fascia 1. A transmitter 18 sends a chirped ultrasonic pulse across a region R of the fascia. The pulse interacts with the region R and the region R responds by emitting an output. A receiver 20 receives the output and produces an electrical signal corresponding to the output. A frequency analysing module 24 transforms the electrical signal into a frequency response.

Abstract: A method of operating a sensor 112 having a first transmit plate 114, a second receive plate 115 and a dielectric material between the two plates 114, 115. The method comprises the steps of: applying an alternating across the transmit and receive plates 114, 115, thereby to create an alternating electric field, which applied voltage results in a current Iz flowing through the two plates 114, 115; producing a voltage signal corresponding to the resultant current Iz; determining the average value of the product of the corresponding voltage signal and a reference voltage signal Vref3; and adjusting the phase of the reference voltage Vref3 until a null condition is achieved, at which condition the average value is approximately zero. A sensor 112 is also disclosed.

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 self-service terminal comprises a media dispenser coupled to a control board; a cryptographic memory coupled to the control board; a network connection; a contact token reader; and a user interface comprising a plurality of lights. The control board includes a processor executing firmware. The firmware is operable to (i) read a token presented to the token reader each time the token contacts the token reader, (ii) ascertain a number of times a token reader is presented as part of a single transaction, (iii) create a transaction request including (a) an identifier read from the presented token and (b) an amount of cash requested based on the number of times the token was presented, (iv) encrypt the transaction request using data read from the cryptographic memory, and (v) transmit the encrypted transaction request to a remote authorization server using the network connection.

Abstract: A method of accessing content on a secure terminal is described. The method comprises: capturing an image of a visual code presented on a display of a secure terminal. The method then involves decoding the visual code to ascertain (i) a set of connection parameters and (ii) a unique identifier. The set of connection parameters are used to establish a connection with the secure terminal. The method also comprises receiving the content from the secure terminal via the established connection in response to transmission of the unique identifier.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a media dispenser coupled to a control board; a cryptographic memory coupled to the control board; a network connection; a contact token reader; and a user interface comprising a plurality of lights. The control board includes a processor executing firmware. The firmware is operable to (i) read a token presented to the token reader each time the token contacts the token reader, (ii) ascertain a number of times a token reader is presented as part of a single transaction, (iii) create a transaction request including (a) an identifier read from the presented token and (b) an amount of cash requested based on the number of times the token was presented, (iv) encrypt the transaction request using data read from the cryptographic memory, and (v) transmit the encrypted transaction request to a remote authorization server using the network connection.

Abstract: A transaction authorization server comprising: a database storing a plurality of customer account records, a network connection operable to communicate with a remote cash dispenser and to receive transaction requests therefrom; and a processor. Each customer account record includes: a unique identifier associated with that customer, an account balance, and customer contact information. The processor is operable to: (i) receive a transaction request, (ii) ascertain from the transaction request a unique identifier and a transaction amount. The processor then (iii) accesses the database using the ascertained unique identifier to: (a) identify a customer account record having a unique identifier matching the ascertained unique identifier, (b) confirm that the transaction amount meets an acceptance criterion based on information contained within that customer account record, but without verifying a personal identification number, and (c) ascertain customer contact information from that customer account record.

Abstract: A self-service terminal has a fascia 1. A transmitter 18 sends a chirped ultrasonic pulse across a region R of the fascia. The pulse interacts with the region R and the region R responds by emitting an output. A receiver 20 receives the output and produces an electrical signal corresponding to the output. A frequency analysing module 24 transforms the electrical signal into a frequency response.

Abstract: A method of operating a sensor 112 having a first transmit plate 114, a second receive plate 115 and a dielectric material between the two plates 114, 115. The method comprises the steps of: applying an alternating across the transmit and receive plates 114, 115, thereby to create an alternating electric field, which applied voltage results in a current Iz flowing through the two plates 114, 115; producing a voltage signal corresponding to the resultant current Iz; determining the average value of the product of the corresponding voltage signal and a reference voltage signal Vref3; and adjusting the phase of the reference voltage Vref3 until a null condition is achieved, at which condition the average value is approximately zero. A sensor 112 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless communication device which stores and transfers entire digital media files for later use at transfer speeds compliant with the 60 GHz wireless standard. An example wireless communication device includes a receiver for wirelessly receiving an entire digital media file and associated usage rights from a kiosk while the receiver is within a wireless reception range of the kiosk, a memory for storing the digital media file and the associated usage rights, transfer circuitry for transferring the digital media file and the associated usage rights, and a controller for operating the receiver to receive the entire digital media file and associated rights, for storing the digital media file for later playing, and for operating the transfer circuitry to transfer the digital media file and associated rights.

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 of accessing content on a secure terminal is described. The method comprises: capturing an image of a visual code presented on a display of a secure terminal. The method then involves decoding the visual code to ascertain (i) a set of connection parameters and (ii) a unique identifier. The set of connection parameters are used to establish a connection with the secure terminal. The method also comprises receiving the content from the secure terminal via the established connection in response to transmission of the unique identifier.

Abstract: A rail anchor and a rail anchor assembly are provided for use with a concrete railroad tie. An elastomeric plate is placed on a top surface of the railroad tie. A rigid plate is placed on top of the elastomeric plate. The rail anchor is placed adjacent the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate. The rail anchor has a first end with a receiving opening and a second end with a receiving indentation to receive edges of the flanges of the railroad rail. The rail anchor has a center portion joining the two ends. The outer portion of the rail anchor extends downwardly an amount less than the thickness of the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate to avoid contact with the concrete railroad tie.

Abstract: A line voltage track lighting system comprises a track, a power feed, and a wireless speaker fixture. The track has first and second conductors. The power feed supplies line voltage to the first and second conductors. The wireless speaker fixture is attached to said first and second conductors of said track.

Abstract: A rail anchor and a rail anchor assembly are provided for use with a concrete railroad tie. An elastomeric plate is placed on a top surface of the railroad tie. A rigid plate is placed on top of the elastomeric plate. The rail anchor is placed adjacent the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate. The rail anchor has a first end with a receiving opening and a second end with a receiving indentation to receive edges of the flanges of the railroad rail. The rail anchor has a center portion joining the two ends. The outer portion of the rail anchor extends downwardly an amount less than the thickness of the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate to avoid contact with the concrete railroad tie.

Abstract: A particular problem for self-service devices incorporating USB devices (12) and a USB host (14) is that, when communication is lost between the USB host and one or more of the devices it is difficult (in particular situations) to reset those USB devices without manual intervention. We address that problem by using self-powered USB devices and/or bus powered devices connected to USB hubs, and by creating a power control interface (18) which is itself a USB device. That power control interface takes instructions from the USB host and is able to interrupt a power supply (20) to the USB devices to provoke automatic reset of those devices. Additionally, a watchdog application within the power control interface causes reset of that interface should it malfunction. Also, a master watchdog application at the USB host communicates with a slave watchdog application at the power control interface via a USB link.

Abstract: A module (38), a terminal (12) including the module, and a system (10) including the terminal (12), are described. The module may be a printer module (38) comprising a print engine (60), a microcontroller (62), and a wireless receiver (66), such as a wireless modem, so that the module (38) is operable to receive data from a remote server (18) and to print the received data. The module (38) also includes a coupler (70 or 270) for directing data received from the wireless modem (66) to the microcontroller (62) and for directing data from the terminal (12) to the microcontroller (62). A method of printing tickets at a terminal (12) and a method of retro-fitting a self-service terminal (12) are also described.

Abstract: A module (38), a terminal (12) including the module, and a system (10) including the terminal (12), are described. The module may be a printer module (38) comprising a print engine (60), a microcontroller (62), and a wireless receiver (66), such as a wireless modem, so that the module (38) is operable to receive data from a remote server (18) and to print the received data. The module (38) also includes a coupler (70 or 270) for directing data received from the wireless modem (66) to the microcontroller (62) and for directing data from the terminal (12) to the microcontroller (62). A method of printing tickets at a terminal (12) and a method of retro-fitting a self-service terminal (12) are also described.