Abstract: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a user at a remote terminal (12) is described. The method comprises the steps of: receiving from the remote terminal (12) status information relating to an irregularity in the remote terminal; determining from the status information what action may be required to resolve the irregularity; identifying an agent capable of performing the action; transmitting the status information to a portable device (50) associated with the agent to inform the agent of the irregularity; and allowing the portable device (50) to access a repository containing operational information for presentation to the agent.

Abstract: To enable the payment of charges, for example those for mobile telephones, with cash there is provided an automated terminal for receiving payments including an input for currency notes, an acceptor for such currency notes and an input for information on an account for charges to which payment is required together with a control arrangement to record said account information and the value of acceptable currency notes fed in, to relate said information to said value as payment to said account and to hold said related information and value and acceptable currency notes available for retrieval. In this way a user need not have a bank account to make a payment to an account with a service provider.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST), such as an ATM includes apparatus for producing images containing instructions for users of the terminal, and an arrangement for projecting the images onto a screen forming part of a terminal user interface.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a user at a remote terminal (12) is described. The method comprises the steps of: receiving from the remote terminal (12) status information relating to an irregularity in the remote terminal; determining from the status information what action may be required to resolve the irregularity; identifying an agent capable of performing the action; transmitting the status information to a portable device (50) associated with the agent to inform the agent of the irregularity; and allowing the portable device (50) to access a repository containing operational information for presentation to the agent.

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 method of providing information to a user at a remote terminal (12) is described. The method comprises the steps of: receiving from the remote terminal (12) status information relating to an irregularity in the remote terminal; determining from the status information what action may be required to resolve the irregularity; identifying an agent capable of performing the action; transmitting the status information to a portable device (50) associated with the agent to inform the agent of the irregularity; and allowing the portable device (50) to access a repository containing operational information for presentation to the agent.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) is provided, which includes a plurality of media dispense modules (20, 22) and media pick mechanisms (30, 48). At least one module (20) is associated with a vacuum pick mechanism (30), while at least one other module (22) is associated with a friction pick mechanism (48). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the friction pick module (22) includes a plurality of media storage locations (42), each of which is associated with a friction pick mechanism (48). The modules may also be removable and interchangeable. Also provided is an SST with at least one friction pick media module including a plurality of media storage locations and friction pick mechanisms; and a friction pick media module per se.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (12) for presenting personalized information to a user is described. The terminal comprises presentation means (32) for presenting a user with transaction information, user input means (34,36) for allowing a user to input transaction details, and user identification means (44) for identifying a user. The terminal (12) further comprises a non-transaction display (42), and processing means (50) for controlling the non-transaction display, where the processing means (50) is in communication with the user identification means (44) and with a personalization database (26), whereby, during a transaction, the terminal presents personalized information to a user via the non-transaction display (42) independently of the transaction.

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 system of ATMs wherein a customer can execute a complex transaction in stages, at different times, and perhaps at different ATMs. Considering a loan application as an example, a customer can supply part of the information required by the loan application at one ATM, and can supply other information at a later time, at the same, or another, ATM. While the customer is present at any ATM, or afterward, the invention undertakes processing required by the loan application, such as ordering credit reports.

Abstract: The invention concerns remote sampling of video clips stored in a repository, such as a computer. The video clips, in principle, resemble video tapes, and contain both audio and video information. However, the video clips are stored in digital format.In sampling, a single video frame and a segment of audio information is transmitted to a remote computer. The single frame is displayed while the audio is played. The invention allows a user to retrieve an entire video clip after the sampling.

Abstract: The invention concerns Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) which are equipped with video conferencing capability. The ATM allows a customer to undertake numerous different types of transactions, such as withdrawing cash, checking a balance, applying for a loan, obtaining interest rate quotations, and so on. If a customer needs assistance with a transaction, the invention (a) identifies the transaction, without intervention of the customer, (b) selects a consultant who is expert in the type of transaction identified, and (c) establishes a video conference with the selected consultant.

Abstract: The invention concerns using Automated Teller Machines as video conferencing stations. In a video conference, two parties can both see, and speak with, each other. The invention allows a user of an ATM to hold a video conference not only with the financial institution which operates the ATM, but with any other suitable facility, such as a personal computer, properly equipped.