Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to monitor database system resource consumption over various time periods, in conjunction with scheduled data loading, data export, and query operations. Additional activities may include generating a database system resource consumption map based on the monitoring, and adjusting database system workload throttling to accommodate predicted database system resource consumption based on the resource consumption map and current system loading, prior to the current database resource consumption reaching a predefined critical consumption level. The current system loading may be induced by data loading, data export, or query activity. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A database request can be processed at least partly based on one or more differences between multiple database systems and/or environments. The differences can, for example, include differences between one or more database capabilities respectively provided by the multiple database systems, differences between the representation of data in the multiple database systems, and differences in the interfaces for accessing the multiple database systems.

Abstract: A database request can be processed at least partly based on one or more differences between multiple database systems and/or environments. The differences can, for example, include differences between one or more database capabilities respectively provided by the multiple database systems, differences between the representation of data in the multiple database systems, and differences in the interfaces for accessing the multiple database systems.

Abstract: Techniques for providing communication mechanisms between object-based and relational database systems are disclosed. A communication mechanism (e.g., a Web service) can be effectively derived from one or more query statements (e.g., SQL statements) based on a mapping to the objects of the object-based system. The communication mechanism can be generated in a Top-Down or Contract-First approach based on definitions and/or metadata needed to effectively construct the communication mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to monitor database system resource consumption over various time periods, in conjunction with scheduled data loading, data export, and query operations. Additional activities may include generating a database system resource consumption map based on the monitoring, and adjusting database system workload throttling to accommodate predicted database system resource consumption based on the resource consumption map and current system loading, prior to the current database resource consumption reaching a predefined critical consumption level. The current system loading may be induced by data loading, data export, or query activity. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A banking, retail or other transaction network can comprise a number of terminals, for example an ATM, where each terminal comprises a plurality of peripheral devices such as a user interface, card reader, receipt printer and cash dispenser. The applications software for the peripheral devices can be held in a central server located externally of the terminal and linked to the terminal through a communications link. The link can extend to the individual peripheral devices so that they are direct clients of the server. Additionally the individual peripheral devices can be connected to each other over the link to enable them to communicate directly with each other on a peer-to-peer basis. Each peripheral can have an independent control application. In use, the independent control applications may communicate with each other so that a peripheral operates in response to a signal generated by another peripheral. A peripheral for use in such a terminal, and a network of such terminals are also described.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (20) for displaying advertisements is described. The terminal comprises a display (52) and a network connection (32). The terminal further comprises means for accessing an advertisement database (18) to retrieve an advertisement associated with the terminal (20), and means for incorporating the retrieved advertisement in a screen (130) for displaying on the display (52). The terminal (20) may be an ATM. A method of supplying an advertisement for displaying on a self-service terminal, and a system for controlling presentation of advertisements on a self-service terminal are also described.

Abstract: A communications network can comprise a plurality of network sites, to each of which a transaction terminal, a maintenance terminal, or a server may be connected. Each transaction terminal (which may be an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal) may have at least one service element, such as a card transport or currency bin, which is to be maintained in operation. Intelligent agent programs may move between terminals collecting information from or imparting information to each terminal visited. The information that is collected or imparted may be used for facilitating efficient servicing or maintenance of the transaction terminals.

Abstract: A self-service terminal system (10) is described. The system (10) has a plurality of terminals (14 or 214), each terminal comprising a user interface (30) and a terminal application (38) for controlling the user interface (30). Each terminal (14 or 214) has a link (16) to a remote server (12 or 212) storing a server application (104 or 260) for issuing to the terminal application (38) requests for using the user interface (30). A user of one of the terminals (14 or 214) is able to access the server application (104 or 260) from the terminal (14 or 214). The server application (104 or 260) is able to use one or more of the facilities (50, 56, 58) provided by the user interface (30). Each terminal is operable to select between presenting the terminal application or the server application to a user. A method of hosting a third party application on a self-service terminal is also described.

Abstract: An information system. The system provides a user interface for selecting subject matter of interest to a user as well as various components for retrieving information items, for classifying information items to identify information items relating to the selected subject matter, for rating the identified information items, and for notifying the user about identified information items meeting a predetermined criteria. The system also includes components for requesting a subject mailer expert (SME) to apply a rating to the retrieved information items. The predetermined criteria typically include the information item having a rating exceeding an interest value set by the user.

Abstract: An information system (12) is described. The system (12) comprises: a user interface (20,90) for selecting subject matter of interest to a user; retrieval means (64) for retrieving information items; classifying means (66) for classifying information items to identify information items relating to the selected subject matter; rating means (68) for rating the identified information items; and notifying means (72) for notifying the user about identified information items meeting a predetermined criteria. The system also includes feedback request means (70) for requesting a subject matter expert (SME) to apply a rating to the retrieved information items. The predetermined criteria typically includes the information item having a rating exceeding an interest value set by the user. A method of collecting selected information is also described.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (10) or a home banking system (32) is operated to provide, during the delays associated with authorizing and acting upon a user instruction, a sales presentation related to a financial product. The type of presentation is selected by matching a profile of the user, obtained from a central information store (20), with profiles of target customers for a number of financial products.

Abstract: A banking, retail or other transaction network can comprise a number of terminals, for example an ATM, where each terminal comprises a plurality of peripheral devices such as a user interface, card reader, receipt printer and cash dispenser. The applications software for the peripheral devices can be held in a central server located externally of the terminal and linked to the terminal through a communications link. The link can extend to the individual peripheral devices so that they are direct clients of the server. Additionally the individual peripheral devices can be connected to each other over the link to enable them to communicate directly with each other on a peer-to-peer basis. Each peripheral can have an independent control application. In use, the independent control applications may communicate with each other so that a peripheral operates in response to a signal generated by another peripheral. A peripheral for use in such a terminal, and a network of such terminals are also described.

Abstract: A data brokerage system (12) is described. The system comprises: a database (18) for storing a plurality of data accounts; a data update interface (24); and a data sales interface (26) for allowing a third party to query preselected data accounts. Each data account includes data associated with an individual and access rights selected by the individual. The data update interface (24) allows an individual to add data to their data account. The system (12) is able to charge a third party a fee for accessing data accounts meeting an acceptance criteria. A method of selling access to data in a database is also described. The method comprises the steps of: storing data associated with an individual (100); allowing the individual to determine access rights to the data (124); and selling access to the data to a third party (106).

Abstract: A banking, retail or other transaction network can comprise a number of terminals, for example an ATM, where each terminal comprises a plurality of peripheral devices such as a user interface, card reader, receipt printer and cash dispenser. The applications software for the peripheral devices can be held in a central server located externally of the terminal and linked to the terminal through a communications link. The link can extend to the individual peripheral devices so that they are direct clients of the server. Additionally the individual peripheral devices can be connected to each other over the link to enable them to communicate directly with each other on a peer-to-peer basis. Each peripheral can have an independent control application. In use, the independent control applications may communicate with each other so that a peripheral operates in response to a signal generated by another peripheral. A peripheral for use in such a terminal, and a network of such terminals are also described.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (20) for displaying advertisements is described. The terminal comprises a display (52) and a network connection (32). The terminal further comprises means for accessing an advertisement database (18) to retrieve an advertisement associated with the terminal (20), and means for incorporating the retrieved advertisement in a screen (130) for displaying on the display (52). The terminal (20) may be an ATM. A method of supplying an advertisement for displaying on a self-service terminal, and a system for controlling presentation of advertisements on a self-service terminal are also described.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (10) or a home banking system (32) is operated to provide, during the delays associated with authorizing and acting upon a user instruction, a sales presentation related to a financial product. The type of presentation is selected by matching a profile of the user, obtained from a central information store (20), with profiles of target customers for a number of financial products.

Abstract: A home banking system comprises a video games entertainment console 10 having a processor 12, a display driver 14, connection means 16 for connection to a television set 17, and an input/output device 20. Such a conventional console 10 is converted to a home banking terminal by an encrypting modem 24 connected into the cartridge slot 26 of the console 10, the encrypting modem having a cartridge slot 30 into which an application cartridge 32 carrying a home banking program can be loaded.

Abstract: A self-service device in the form of a terminal (10) has a display screen (12) on which a sprite (70) such as a human character is caused to appear. In response to operation by a user of a joystick or joypad (30), the sprite moves in an animated manner, for example, appears to walk, across the display screen (12). The user can cause the sprite (70) to investigate a location. Also the sprite (70) can, in response to operation of a control key (40), effect a selected self-service operation, such as dispensing cash in an automated teller machine, for example. The use of an animated sprite (70), movable and operable under the control of a user, provides a more user-friendly interface than known arrangements such as key-controlled menu-driven displays. In another embodiment the self-service device includes a home entertainment console (402) provided with an application cartridge (432) containing software for a self-service transaction controllable by an animated sprite (70).

Abstract: A business system including at least one transaction terminal such as an automated teller machine ATM (10) and an interface device (12) for use by an operator in carrying out maintenance of the ATM (10) or replenishing consumable items used during its operation. The interface device (12) is separate from the ATM (10) and two-way communication between the interface device (12) and the ATM (10) is arranged to take place in a contactless manner. Preferably communication is enabled by the use of a radio frequency technique. The interface device (12) provides the operator with a sequence of instructions and is arranged to await the receipt of a confirmation signal from the ATM (10) prior to displaying the next instruction in the sequence. The ATM (10) provides the confirmation signal only when a sensor (22-44) within the ATM (10) detects that the previously displayed instruction has been carried out by the operator.