Abstract: A self-service check cashing system and method which performs preliminary tests on a check to reduce queue length at attendant check cashing stations. An example method includes obtaining an amount of a check from a customer by the self-service terminal, obtaining information from an image of a check by the self-service terminal, performing a plurality of tests by the self-service terminal, including tests using the information from the image to determine whether the check was properly completed; and displaying instructions to the customer by the self-service terminal to go to an attendant terminal to complete a second phase of the check cashing transaction when the self-service terminal determines that the test results were positive.

Abstract: A self-service check cashing system and method which performs preliminary tests on a check to reduce queue length at attendant check cashing stations. An example method includes obtaining an amount of a check from a customer by the self-service terminal, obtaining information from an image of a check by the self-service terminal, performing a plurality of tests by the self-service terminal, including tests using the information from the image to determine whether the check was properly completed; and displaying instructions to the customer by the self-service terminal to go to an attendant terminal to complete a second phase of the check cashing transaction when the self-service terminal determines that the test results were positive.

Abstract: A self-service check cashing system and method which performs preliminary tests on a check to reduce queue length at attendant check cashing stations. An example method includes obtaining an amount of a check from a customer by the self-service terminal, obtaining information from an image of a check by the self-service terminal, performing a plurality of tests by the self-service terminal, including tests using the information from the image to determine whether the check was properly completed; and displaying instructions to the customer by the self-service terminal to go to an attendant terminal to complete a second phase of the check cashing transaction when the self-service terminal determines that the test results were positive.

Abstract: A self-service check cashing system and method which performs preliminary tests on a check to reduce queue length at attendant check cashing stations. An example method includes obtaining an amount of a check from a customer by the self-service terminal, obtaining information from an image of a check by the self-service terminal, performing a plurality of tests by the self-service terminal, including tests using the information from the image to determine whether the check was properly completed; and displaying instructions to the customer by the self-service terminal to go to an attendant terminal to complete a second phase of the check cashing transaction when the self-service terminal determines that the test results were positive.

Abstract: A system and method of managing data for electronic price label overlays which automates printing of new and changed overlays. The method determines electronic price label information and price look-up file descriptions that have been added or changed for particular electronic price labels. Additions and changes in overlay data are marked and identified by the marks to create a print data file. Alternatively, additions and changes are identified by a comparison of a first file with a second file containing the additions and changes. The system includes a number of storage media for storing the PLU file and the EPL data file, and a computer which determines a change in the PLU file or the EPL data file and which creates the print file for printing an overlay for the change in the PLU file and EPL data file.

Abstract: In an amplified wavelength division multiplexes (WDM) fiber optic communication system, each channel experiences a different optical gain, dispersion and noise. Also, the evolution of WDM fiber optic systems to higher density channel spacing has further aggravated multi-channel non-linear distortions such as four-wave mixing (FWM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM). The standard method for controlling these nonlinearities is the peak power control method. The performance of the channels can be equalized by adjusting the transmission powers of the optical transmitters. However, just equalization of a performance indication factor (PIF) such as BER or Q is not the optimum approach when peak power control mode of operation dominates. This invention is directed towards improving the margins of performance of WDM fiber optic channels.

Abstract: A system and method of deploying self-service travel terminals which makes more effectively use of the self-service travel terminals. The system includes a computer for collecting travel information from the self-service travel terminals and from assisted-service travel terminals, for analyzing the travel information to determine optimal numbers and locations of the self-service travel terminals, and for generating a report containing optimal numbers and locations of the self-service travel terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for processing passenger requests which encourage certain passengers to use a self-service travel terminal. The system includes an assisted-service travel terminal for collecting information about passengers and for providing a first passenger from the information who has used the assisted-service travel terminal to process previous travel requests, and a self-service travel terminal for processing future requests of the first passenger.

Abstract: A system and method of scheduling assisted-service travel terminal representatives which optimizes staffing of assisted-service travel terminals. The system includes a computer for analyzing the first travel information from a plurality of self-service travel terminals and second travel information from a plurality of assisted-service travel terminals to obtain a schedule of operation for the assisted-service travel terminals including optimal numbers of the travel terminal representatives, and for generating a report containing the schedule.

Abstract: An electronic price label locator which uses signal strength and noise level information associated with signals from the electronic price label. The locator includes an input device which records identification information distinguishing the electronic price label from other electronic price labels. A receiver receives signals from the electronic price label. Signal strength and noise level determining circuitry measures signal strengths and noise levels associated with the signals. Processing circuitry determines a direction to the electronic price label. Finally, a display displays the direction. The locator may also be portable and include a hand-held housing.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying promotional information by providing an electronic sign (ES) which displays promotional information, display slogans, bundled pricing, bulk pricing, and other types of information. The ES can be used by retailers to increase sales, provide an alternate technique for advertising and reduce costs. According to one aspect, an EPL computer reads an EPL/ES data file to determine if an entry is associated with an EPL or an ES. The EPL computer then reads a promotional message from a promotional data file. An index in the EPL/ES data file may be used to determine the correct promotional message. The EPL computer transmits a message to the ES which includes a command for the ES to display the promotional message. The ES then displays the promotional message, providing valuable information to customers who are in the process of making purchasing decisions. In one aspect, an ES displays promotional information associated with an offer and is not associated with any particular single item.

Abstract: An item processing system and method which track label usage for purposes including cost savings. The item processing system includes a barcode reader, a radio frequency label interrogator, and a computer which obtains first identification information from the barcode reader and second identification information from the radio frequency label interrogator, which associates receipt of the first identification information with an item if the item includes a barcode label, and which associates receipt of the second identification information with the item if the item includes a radio frequency label.

Abstract: An item processing device which process both barcode and radio frequency identification (RFID) labels. The item processing device includes a barcode reader and a radio frequency product label interrogator coupled to the barcode reader.

Abstract: A system and method of managing expired products which uses an electronic price label system to convey expiration information. The system includes a product label affixed to the time-sensitive product, an electronic price label system including an electronic price label and a product label interrogator controlled by the electronic price label which obtains the expiration information from the product label, and a computer which identifies the electronic price label as being associated with the product, causes the electronic price label to activate the product label interrogator to interrogate the product label, and receives the expiration information from the electronic price label. The computer may additionally compare the expiration information to current date information and cause the electronic price label to display a message indicating that the product has expired if the current date information is after expiration information.

Abstract: A system and method of displaying information about an item which uses a radio frequency signal to change displayed information. The system includes a display, a memory including a first memory location containing first display information and a second memory location containing second display information, and control circuitry which receives the radio frequency signal from a portable transmitter and displays the second information from the second memory location in response to the radio frequency signal. The control circuitry additionally senses a loss of the radio frequency signal and displays the first information from the first memory location in response to the loss of the radio frequency signal. One illustrative example envisions an electronic price label.

Abstract: A system and method of managing product returns which interrogates radio frequency product labels affixed to a product. The system includes a radio frequency product label affixed to the product, a product label interrogator which obtains identification information from the radio frequency product label, and a computer which controls the product label interrogator, identifies the product, records operator authorization to add the product to inventory, and adjusts inventory records to reflect addition of the product to inventory.

Abstract: A self-service checkout system which weighs products with RFID labels for security. The system includes an RFID label affixed to a product, a scale for determining actual weight information for the product, and a computer which records a customer indication that the product is on the scale, transmits a signal to the RFID label while the product is on the scale, records a response from the RFID label, obtains identification information for the product using the response from the RFID label, obtains price and reference weight information for the product using the identification information, compares the actual weight information with the reference weight information, and initiates acceptance of payment if a difference amount between the actual weight information and the reference weight information is with a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An inventory management system and method which wirelessly interrogate product labels to determine inventory.

Abstract: A method of printing information by a network kiosk which prints web page information, designed for printing on standard width paper, on narrower receipt paper. The method includes the steps of receiving a command to print information in a displayed web page, obtaining an address of the displayed web page, determining a format for printing the information on receipt paper using the address, creating a script to print the information in the format, and executing the script to print the information on the receipt paper.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a network kiosk which sends errors to a reporting computer to facilitate quicker repairs. The method includes the steps of determining kiosk components to monitor by the kiosk, determining operating errors for a number of the kiosk components by the kiosk, storing the operating errors in a log, sending the log to a reporting computer by the kiosk, and generating an error report for service personnel from the log by the reporting computer.