Abstract: A surgical device for retracting tissue of a subject while offering lighting and suction means integrated into the same device. This device is useful in many different surgical procedures, including those requiring precise tissue retraction in small openings of a subject, such as facial orbital fracture repair.

Abstract: A user is authenticated for a session with a server, the server generates a unique session token valid during an active session with the server. Valid outstanding transactions for the active session are presented to the user. A selected outstanding transaction is provided to a Self-Service Terminal (SST) with the unique session token. The SST validates the unique session token and the selected outstanding transaction with the server. Upon confirmation from the server, the SST completes the selected outstanding transaction at the SST.

Abstract: A method of creating a visual access token is described. The method comprises: receiving an input referencing private information without revealing the private information; retrieving the referenced private information using the referencing input; encoding the retrieved private information as part of a visual image for use as a visual access token; and presenting the visual access token on a display of a portable communication device for machine reading.

Abstract: A surgical device for retracting tissue of a subject while offering lighting and suction means integrated into the same device. This device is useful in many different surgical procedures, including those requiring precise tissue retraction in small openings of a subject, such as facial orbital fracture repair.

Abstract: An interactive display for presenting an optical pattern spatially encoding an electronic voucher is described. The interactive display comprises: a display arranged to present an optical pattern; and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is arranged to (i) generate a unique code; (ii) combine the generated unique code with an electronic offer to create a new optical pattern spatially encoding an electronic voucher; and (iii) present the new optical pattern on the display in response to a renewal criterion being satisfied.

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 user is authenticated for a session with a server, the server generates a unique session token valid during an active session with the server. Valid outstanding transactions for the active session are presented to the user. A selected outstanding transaction is provided to a Self-Service Terminal (SST) with the unique session token. The SST validates the unique session token and the selected outstanding transaction with the server. Upon confirmation from the server, the SST completes the selected outstanding transaction at the SST.

Abstract: A terminal, such as an automated teller machine, comprises: a customer identification device; a sensor for detecting presence of a customer at the terminal; and a controller coupled to the customer identification device and the sensor. The controller is programmed to (i) track the customer's location, (ii) create a session on identification of a customer, and (iii) close the created session when a customer absence criterion is fulfilled. The functions of the customer identification device and the sensor may be performed by a single unit. The customer absence criterion may comprise a time period during which the customer is not detected at the terminal.

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 of presenting an optical code on a display is described. The method comprises: presenting the optical code in a first format at a first time period so that the optical code can be captured and decoded by a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The method also comprises presenting the optical code in a second format at a second time period. The second format is visually different to the first format to a human but when captured and decoded by a mobile device, the second format produces the same decoded results as the first format.

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 computing device including a multi-touch surface, and a method of operation thereof are described. The method comprises: detecting a customer's hand placed palm downwards on the multi-touch surface and detecting the customer's hand pivoting upwards from the detected palm downwards position so that an edge of the hand is placed on the multi-touch surface. The method also comprises displaying a private interaction window located adjacent to, and on the palm side of, the customer's hand; and communicating private data on the private interaction window. The private interaction window is dimensioned to be shielded by the customer's hand.

Abstract: A method of presenting an optical code on a display is described. The method comprises: presenting the optical code in a first format at a first time period so that the optical code can be captured and decoded by a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The method also comprises presenting the optical code in a second format at a second time period. The second format is visually different to the first format to a human but when captured and decoded by a mobile device, the second format produces the same decoded results as the first format.

Abstract: Method and systems for testing services are described which use a virtual world. Observational data is extracted from the virtual world and input to the service. The output of the service is observed and/or may be fed back into the virtual world and its effects observed in the virtual world.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a computing device including a multi-touch surface. The method comprises: presenting a customer with an application form; transferring data from a customer's portable device (such as a cellphone) placed on or near the multi-touch surface to the application form; communicating with an authorization portable device (such as a staff identification badge) placed on or near the multi-touch surface by an authorized user; and transferring data from the authorization portable device to the application form to complete the application form.

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 creating a visual access token is described. The method comprises: receiving an input referencing private information without revealing the private information; retrieving the referenced private information using the referencing input; encoding the retrieved private information as part of a visual image for use as a visual access token; and presenting the visual access token on a display of a portable communication device for machine reading.

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 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.