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: 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 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 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: An advertising terminal (12) and a network of advertising terminals are described. The advertising terminal may be an ATM (12b). The ATM (12b) comprises a transceiver (80) for wireless communication with portable devices (26,28) in the vicinity of the ATM (12b). The ATM (12b) is operable to create a profile of persons in the vicinity of the ATM (12b) by detecting portable devices such as PDAs (26) and cellphones (28) that have a wireless communications facility (26a,28a) and identifying the owners of the portable devices. The ATM is also operable to display an advertisement appropriate for the created profile of persons.

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 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 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 that is adapted to: receive a text message, in particular an SMS message, from a mobile telecommunications device; interpret the received text message, and provide information or a service in response to the received text message. Preferably, the information is printed out and the print out is provided to the customer.

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 cassette (10) for storing media in sheet form is described. The cassette (10) has urging means (26) for urging a stack of media items (34) to one end (24) of the cassette (10), such as a media pick area (22). The cassette (10) also has sensing means (52) for determining the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining in the cassette (10). The cassette (10) includes display means (50) for displaying to an external viewer, such as a replenisher, an indication of the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining within the cassette (10).

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) that is adapted to: receive a text message, in particular an SMS message, from a mobile telecommunications device (36); interpret the received text message, and provide information or a service in response to the received text message. Preferably, the information is printed out and the print out is provided to the customer.

Abstract: A cassette (10) for storing media in sheet form is described. The cassette (10) has urging means (26) for urging a stack of media items (34) to one end (24) of the cassette (10), such as a media pick area (22). The cassette (10) also has sensing means (52) for determining the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining in the cassette (10). The cassette (10) includes display means (50) for displaying to an external viewer, such as a replenisher, an indication of the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining within the cassette (10).

Abstract: An advertising terminal (12) and a network of advertising terminals are described. The advertising terminal may be an ATM (12b). The ATM (12b) comprises a transceiver (80) for wireless communication with portable devices (26,28) in the vicinity of the ATM (12b). The ATM (12b) is operable to create a profile of persons in the vicinity of the ATM (12b) by detecting portable devices such as PDAs (26) and cellphones (28) that have a wireless communications facility (26a,28a) and identifying the owners of the portable devices. The ATM is also operable to display an advertisement appropriate for the created profile of persons.

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 method is provided of authorizing third parties to conduct financial transactions via an ATM (12). A user (16) firstly encrypts details of a transaction to be performed on a personal digital assistant (PDA) or similar device, and then transfers the encrypted data to a third party device (18). The third party lacks the decryption key, and is unable to access the transaction details or details of the user's account. The third party then accesses an ATM (12) and transfers the encrypted data to the ATM. The ATM operator (14) is able to decrypt the data, and performs the transaction. The transaction may include data limiting its performance to specific time periods, location, or repetitions.