Abstract: A client object for use in a self-service terminal, such as an automated teller machine (ATM), is described. Also described is a system comprising a self service terminal and a service provider server (24), such as a CRM system, operable to communicate or provide services in a format that is incompatible with the client terminal. Between the client terminal (10) and the CRM server (24) is an intermediate processor (22), such as a web server, having an adapter or interface (20) that allows communication between the terminal (10) and the CRM server (24). The interface (20) is configured to pass to the terminal (10) a limited amount of information in a specific protocol. In particular, the interface (20) passes text, such as a word-based advertisement, to the terminal (10), which then assumes sole responsibility for the presentation of that text on a client terminal screen.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) for use in conducting multiple financial transactions between a user of the SST and a financial institution includes one or more user-interface devices and a processing module. The user interface devices are configured to receive information from and provide information to the user. The processing module is configured to: (1) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a first one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the first one of the transactions; (2) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a second one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the second one of the transactions; and (3) thereafter initiate execution of the first one of the transactions and the second one of the transactions over a financial-transaction network.

Abstract: A method of operating a self service terminal (SST) (12) is described, in which the SST (12) detects characteristics of a mobile computing device held by a user (16), and configures the user interface dependent on the detected characteristics. The characteristics may include features of the mobile device, such as communication facilities, or may include user identification information. Where the user is identified, a user profile may be retrieved from a remote SST operator (14). Certain embodiments of the invention may detect devices held by a second or subsequent user (18), and retrieve the relevant user profile prior to the second user (18) interacting with the SST (12).

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14 or 114 or 214) and a system (10, 100, 200) including a plurality of networked self-service terminals are described. Each terminal (14, 114, 214) has a simple user interface. In one type of terminal (114 or 214), the user interface consists of a dispense area. In another type of terminal (14), the user interface consists of a dispense area (40) and a communication port (38). In one of the systems (10) a user is able to execute a transaction using a portable communication device (24 or 26) implementing a local wireless technology. In the other systems (100 or 200) a user is able to execute a transaction using a cellular network.

Abstract: A system for use in assisting a self-service transaction at a service facility includes an assisted self-service terminal configured for use by a customer in conducting a business transaction with the service facility and a notification mechanism configured to transmit a message indicating that a human representative of the service facility must take action before the business transaction can continue. The system also includes an interface component that allows the human representative to take action in connection with the transaction.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) comprising a plurality of components associated with a valuable media, such as a card reader (28) or cash dispenser (30). Each component includes or is associated with one or more sensors for detecting potentially fraudulent activity and a component agent (34) for generating a warning signal in the event that such activity is detected. Also provided is a higher level agent (38) that is operable to receive warning signals from the component agents (34), and use the received signals to identify potentially fraudulent activity. By providing a hierarchy of fraud detection agents (34,38), the likelihood of a fraud being successfully detected is improved.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) is configured for operation under control of an application in a manner that allows updates to the application at the SST without redistribution of executable files and without a shutdown or restart of the SST. One technique for accomplishing this involves storing computer-executable objects that, when executed, serve as components of the self-service application; and storing one or more structural files that together define relationships among the computer-executable objects such that, when the computer-executable objects are executed, the relationships defined by the structural files govern operational flow of the self-service application.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) for use in conducting multiple financial transactions between a user of the SST and a financial institution includes one or more user-interface devices and a processing module. The user interface devices are configured to receive information from and provide information to the user. The processing module is configured to: (1) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a first one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the first one of the transactions; (2) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a second one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the second one of the transactions; and (3) thereafter initiate execution of the first one of the transactions and the second one of the transactions over a financial-transaction network.

Abstract: A self-service terminal, such as an ATM (10), comprises a speech generator (31) and loudspeaker (30) for producing natural language operating instructions for a user, and a user interface (12) permitting the user to interact with the terminal (10) in response to the spoken instructions. The user interface may include a microphone (32) and a speech recognition module (33).

Abstract: A self-service terminal system (10) is described. The system (10) includes a self-service terminal (14) and a host (12) interconnected by a network (16). The host (12) is operable to transfer software (90, 92) to the terminals (14) for subsequent transfer by a terminal (14) to a portable device (24) presented by a user (96). Each terminal (14) includes a communications port (78), so that the terminal (14) is operable to transfer software (90, 92) from the terminal (14) to a portable device (24) using the communications port (78). A method of operating a self-service terminal system is also described.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14) having a port (78) for transferring data is described. The terminal (14) includes a program (94) for informing a user about one or more electronic collectables (100) that a user can request, and for transferring a requested electronic collectable (100) to the user. The electronic collectables (100) typically comprise an image (104), an associated description (106) of the image, and file format information (102). A portable device (24) for accessing such a terminal (14) is also described. The device (24) comprises a program (50) for receiving a transferred electronic collectable (100) and for presenting at least part of the transferred electronic collectable so that a user of the device (24) can view an image and text portion of an electronic collectable (100) downloaded from the terminal (14).

Abstract: A client object for use in a self-service terminal, such as an automated teller machine (ATM), is described. Also described is a system comprising a self service terminal and a service provider server (24), such as a CRM system, operable to communicate or provide services in a format that is incompatible with the client terminal. Between the client terminal (10) and the CRM server (24) is an intermediate processor (22), such as a web server, having an adapter or interface (20) that allows communication between the terminal (10) and the CRM server (24). The interface (20) is configured to pass to the terminal (10) a limited amount of information in a specific protocol. In particular, the interface (20) passes text, such as a word-based advertisement, to the terminal (10), which then assumes sole responsibility for the presentation of that text on a client terminal screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart card and to a method of operating the smart card in which the smart card has input/output means enabling the smart card to receive and transmit data regarding individual financial transactions. The smart card has a microprocessor which incorporates a read only memory, a random access memory and input/output ports. The smart card is able to communicate through the ports when suitably positioned within a smart card reader. The internal operations of the smart card are controlled by the microprocessor as determined by program microinstructions that are stored in the read only memory. The microinstructions include a number of application programs enabling the smart card to conduct financial transactions, other related applications and transaction logging operations. The smart card has a secure area and an unsecured area within the random access memory.

Abstract: A method of operating a self service terminal (SST) (12) is described, in which the SST (12) detects characteristics of a mobile computing device held by a user (16), and configures the user interface dependent on the detected characteristics. The characteristics may include features of the mobile device, such as communication facilities, or may include user identification information. Where the user is identified, a user profile may be retrieved from a remote SST operator (14). Certain embodiments of the invention may detect devices held by a second or subsequent user (18), and retrieve the relevant user profile prior to the second user (18) interacting with the SST (12).

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14) having a port (78) for transferring data is described. The terminal (14) includes a program (94) for informing a user about one or more electronic collectables (100) that a user can request, and for transferring a requested electronic collectable (100) to the user. The electronic collectables (100) typically comprise an image (104), an associated description (106) of the image, and file format information (102). A portable device (24) for accessing such a terminal (14) is also described. The device (24) comprises a program (50) for receiving a transferred electronic collectable (100) and for presenting at least part of the transferred electronic collectable so that a user of the device (24) can view an image and text portion of an electronic collectable (100) downloaded from the terminal (14).

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14 or 114 or 214) and a system (10, 100, 200) including a plurality of networked self-service terminals are described. Each terminal (14, 114, 214) has a simple user interface. In one type of terminal (114 or 214), the user interface consists of a dispense area. In another type of terminal (14), the user interface consists of a dispense area (40) and a communication port (38). In one of the systems (10) a user is able to execute a transaction using a portable communication device (24 or 26) implementing a local wireless technology. In the other systems (100 or 200) a user is able to execute a transaction using a cellular network.