Abstract: A self-service checkout system which continues operation when cash transaction options are not available. The self-service checkout system includes a cash dispenser, a display for displaying payment options, an input device for recording selection of payment options, including cash and non-cash transaction options, and a processor for disabling the cash transaction options when an amount of cash in the cash dispenser falls below a predetermined limit, but for otherwise continuing operation by allowing the non-cash transaction options.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a cash register machine, comprising: an expected currency calculator; and an actual currency calculator, employing one or more sensors for the operation thereof. The sensor(s) may detect whether a banknote is placed into a compartment of the machine, whether a banknote is removed from a compartment of the machine, and so on. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensors comprise: a first sensor for detecting an operation of placing or removing an object from a compartment of the machine, and a second sensor for determining whether the operation is placing or removing. The machine may further comprise image processing means. The image processing means may be employed for decoding the content of a check, credit card voucher, banknote, and so on.

Abstract: A method and system for securing card payment transactions using a mobile communication device provides improved security in card payment transactions such as credit and debit card transactions. Upon receipt of a transaction at the card issuer or other service provider, a message is sent to a mobile communication device that has been uniquely associated with the card. The message may be an interactive message requiring response by the card owner for authorization, or may communicate a one-time-use personal identification number (PIN) with required PIN return via the point-of-sales system or the mobile communications device. In each transaction, the card issuer or service provider confirms that the communication was received and the transaction authorized by the card owner, further ensuring the authorized use of the card. The PIN and/or interactive message response period may be voided after a short time, further improving security of the transaction.

Abstract: A cash register including a cash drawer having currency compartments, each currency compartment including a currency signaling device for signaling to the cash register a quantity of currency in the respective currency compartment; and at least one display for indicating a quantity of currency to be dispensed from each currency compartment.

Abstract: An alert notification system for customers and sales personnel in a shopping area and a method of use is disclosed. In a first aspect, a system for alerting customers and sales personnel that merchandise has been left in a shopping area is disclosed. The system comprises a merchandise detector for detecting merchandise purchased by a customer and a customer detector for detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise. The system further includes a notification system responsive to the customer and merchandise detectors for alerting the customer when the customer has left the purchased merchandise. In a second aspect, the method comprises detecting the presence of merchandise associated with a customer via a second detector and detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise via a second detector. The method further includes alerting the customer, responsive to the first and second detectors, via a notification mechanism if the customer has left the merchandise.

Abstract: A protocol appropriate for use with smartcard purchase applications such as those that might be completed between a terminal or ATM and a users personal card. The protocol provides a signature scheme which allows the card to authenticate the terminal without unnecessary signature verification which is an computationally intense operation for the smart card. The only signature verification required is that of the terminal identification (as signed by the certifying authority, or CA, which is essential to any such protocol). In the preferred embodiment, the protocol provides the card and terminal from fraudulent attacks from impostor devices, either a card or terminal.

Abstract: A security switch system including a power supply; a first electrical contact switch; a second electrical contact switch; an electrical flash unit having a flash circuit including a flash emitting device that emits a flash of light of sufficient intensity to temporarily impair the vision of a viewer; and a switching relay having first and second alternating current switching contacts installable in series within the main alternating current power input to a building. Actuation of either or both the first and second electrical contact switch causes the flash unit to emit a blinding flash of light while the switching relay simultaneously disconnects all power to the building including the ambient lights. The robber is thus exposed to a high intensity flash of light while being simultaneously plunged into a dark environment.

Abstract: A sales-registration-data processing apparatus includes a display unit being independent of a control unit housing and having a display portion on an outer surface thereof, and a tilt-angle adjustment and maintaining mechanism rotatably connecting the display unit to the housing, capable of tilting the display unit with respect to the housing and maintaining a desired tilt angle of the display unit.