Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-service cleanroom suit borrowing/returning system and a self-service borrowing/returning method thereof. The self-service cleanroom suit borrowing/returning system includes an automatic cleanroom suit management system backside servo, a borrowing/returning terminal, and a self-service borrowing/returning cleanroom suit machine. The borrowing/returning terminal is connected, via data communication network, to the automatic cleanroom suit management system backside servo, whereby a user uses the borrowing/returning terminal to enter information required for self-service borrowing/returning of cleanroom suit to the automatic cleanroom suit management system backside servo.

Abstract: A self-service device, particularly an automated cash machine, having an operating unit with an operating panel for entering alphanumeric characters and/or control data, and having a cover surface having a plurality of edges bounding a recess, whereby the operating panel is encompassed, wherein at least one first edge of the cover surface is disposed at a distance from a first edge of the operating panel, forming an intermediate space, wherein a functional strip is disposed, the functional strip being mounted on a mounting frame encompassing the operating panel, said frame being connected to the cover surface by mounting elements.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for location-based payment authorization includes receiving a payment request for an order submitted from a mobile computing device via an e-commerce vendor website. A location of the mobile computing device is determined based on location data. In one embodiment, the payment request is authorized or denied based on whether the e-commerce vendor website has been authorized for the determined location of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A kiosk may be provided that contains a number of blank cards. A graphical user interface of the kiosk may allow a user to define products that may be associated with a blank card contained within the kiosk. Aesthetic and functional features may be applied to a blank card by a kiosk and dispensed to a user of the kiosk as a fully functional card. An interrogation device of a kiosk may retrieve products associated with a current card and may associate the retrieved products with a new card to be dispensed from the kiosk. A kiosk may access a network to preauthorize any products that may be associated with a card dispensed from or programmed by the kiosk.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor card arrangement comprising a first portion and a second portion capable of being moved relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration resulting in the processor card switching between a first state and a second state, wherein when in said first state, the processor card arrangement is operable to perform at least one function and, when in said second state, the processor card arrangement it is not operable to perform said at least one function. According to some embodiments of the invention the dimensions of said processor card arrangement are substantially the same when in the first configuration and when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A terminal includes a housing, a touch screen, and an imaging assembly. The imaging assembly in one embodiment is disposed in the housing so that an imaging axis extends externally from the housing. The imaging assembly can be utilized for capture of images disposed externally to the housing. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be processed for attempting to decode a decodable indicia. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be stored.

Abstract: Techniques for protecting imaging access of electronic paper are described herein. For example, an electronic paper device with protected imaging access includes a substrate, an e-paper surface disposed on the substrate, a removable cover to prevent alteration of the e-paper surface when the cover is disposed over the e-paper surface, and a reversible locking mechanism engaging with the cover to secure the cover in place over the e-paper surface. A method for secure writing to e-paper is also provided.

Abstract: Card data read by a card reader and a personal identification number inputted via an input unit are transmitted to an information processing apparatus. A timer is made to start measuring a predetermined waiting time in accordance with a notification of completion of processing using the card data and the personal identification number from the information processing apparatus. A warning is given if a card loaded in the card reader is detected by a detection unit when the measurement of the waiting time by the timer is finished.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of field assets are disclosed. A method may include transmitting packets on a shared bus located in a field asset may be captured. The captured packets may be analyzed to determine one or more operational parameters associated with one or more peripheral devices coupled to the shared bus. The one or more operational parameters may be analyzed to determine an operational efficiency of the field asset.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for preventing fraud when exchanging prepaid gift accounts. The system identifies a first prepaid gift account associated with a first prepaid gift. The system then presents an owner of the first prepaid gift with an offer to purchase the first prepaid gift account for an offer amount. Next, the system receives from the owner an acceptance of the offer. Based on the acceptance, the system provides payment to the owner for the first prepaid gift account, generates a second prepaid gift account for a second prepaid gift, transfers at least a portion of funds from the first prepaid gift account to the second prepaid gift account, deactivates the first prepaid gift account, and offers the second prepaid gift account for resale as a new prepaid gift to a person other than the owner.

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine operates responsive to data included on user cards. A system and method for producing the automated banking machine incorporating a plurality of hardware devices in the automated banking machine responsive to order data associated with a purchase order for the automated banking machine. The hardware devices include a card reader, a cash dispenser, at least one processor, at least one hard drive, and at least one output device. The order data includes at least one hardware part number corresponding to at least one of the devices, at least one software part number corresponding to at least one software component, and at least one customization part number corresponding to at least one customization file. The system and method include installing the software component and the customization file on the at least one hard drive of the machine, through operation of the at least one server responsive to the order data.

Abstract: We provide a system and method for temporarily coupling a beverage purchase with an RFID tag or other media, then recovering the RFID tag or other media for reuse after the beverage has been dispensed. Media may be, for example, but are not limited to cards (including plastic, cardboard, or paper cards), keychains, or key fobs.

Abstract: A fuel management system for use by operators of temporary and/or permanent inventories of vehicles such as vehicle dealerships. Fuel vouchers are issued by authorized issuing personnel to authorized recipients if a validation procedure is passed using a database incorporating employee and vehicle inventory information. At the time of delivery, the fueling station will verify the vehicle and individual presenting the voucher. If verification occurs, the authorized quantity of fuel is dispensed. The voucher and sales receipt are returned to the dealership for future auditing and report generation. The system stores information to enable reports to be generated concerning fuel voucher issuance, actual fuel usage and to detect fraud or misuse, allowing more effective fuel expense management. In the event a report generates a fraud alert, appropriate management personnel are immediately notified by email, text messaging or other means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control terminal (20) for determining whether a fare has been paid comprising: a reader (22) for reading a fare card identification number from a fare card; a processing module (25) adapted to implement a one-way function to generate a control number from a fare card identification number; and a comparison unit (27) for comparing the control number to a reference list.

Abstract: Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM).

Abstract: A method and processes for a secure real-time processing of purchase validation award requests is described. The method includes processes to submit purchase information on a real-time basis and to check on the status of the processing of the submitted purchase validation award system request also on a real-time basis. The method uses a computer information network to perform the required processes.

Abstract: The invention refers to automatic parking station for cycles or bicycles, comprising at least one interactive workstation (2) and a plurality of parking posts (3). Each parking post includes a first lock portion (4) aimed at securing a cycle or bicycle thereto through a removable second lock portion (7) of the cycle or bicycle (6). The parking posts (3) are connected to the interactive workstation (2) through a local communication network (5) to allow exchange of commands between the interactive workstation (2) and the parking posts (3). Each parking post (3) comprises code reading means for reading a cycle/bicycle code univocally identifying a cycle or bicycle and stored in a memory medium, so that the cycle/bicycle can be identified by the interactive workstation (2).

Abstract: A machine having a card processing assembly. The card processing assembly has a card drive and a heating device. The heating device is operable to cause a human-readable symbol to be viewable on a data card.

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.

Abstract: A method and a system for dispensing samples and a computer readable recording medium are disclosed herein, the system can establish a feedback mechanism and recommend one or more suitable samples for a user on the basis of identification information that is inputted by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for responding to a problem associated with a self-service machine. For example, some embodiments provide a method that includes: (a) determining that a problem associated with a self-service machine occurred during a transaction involving the self-service machine and a user of the self-service machine; (b) prompting, via a user interface associated with the self-service machine, the user to submit a request, where the request is to receive, at a mobile device accessible to the user, a communication regarding the problem; (c) receive the request via the user interface; and/or (d) send the communication regarding the problem to the mobile device accessible to the user.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor tag device capable of detecting event data by a sensor tag all the time even when no radio wave is received, saving power supply for a microprocessor, and enlarging the radio communication distance. The sensor tag device includes generation means 6 and 7 using one or more environmental changes, power supply voltage rise control means 8, and power supply synthesis means 9, and power is supplied to a microprocessor 12 and event data is stored in the microprocessor 12 when an event, i.e., an environmental change has occurred. A power receiving circuit having a transmission/reception antenna, a built-in power receiving circuit, and the microprocessor and capable of bi-directional communication by radio waves is combined with a stab resonance RF boost circuit and a ladder boost rectification circuit.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a selected blend of perfumes in response to the deposit of a pre-selected sum of money includes a plurality of containers and a plurality of distinctive scents with one of the scents disposed in each of the containers. A mechanism for selecting one or more of the scents and an amount of one or more of the scents is provided. Further, the vending machine includes a mechanism for blending the selected scents in the selected percentages and providing a sample to a perspective customer. Further, the mechanism includes a slot receiving payment for a quantity of the selected blend together with a delivery process for providing a bottle of the selected perfume to the customer.

Abstract: A fascia for a public access terminal is described. The fascia comprises: at least one user interface element on a front portion thereof (such as a customer display or a dispense slot), and a metal plate mounted on a rear portion thereof. The metal plate is dimensioned to close a metal body of the public access terminal so that the combination of the metal plate and the metal body provide a flame retardant public access terminal.

Abstract: An RFID-based book return apparatus has dual touch screen and operation interface that conforms to a standard for barrier-free design. It has the following features: automatically detecting RFID tags attached on the identification cards of borrowers and attached to books to be returned, and enabling a panel covering a book-return gate to open; adopting a high-density optical sensor array to prevent the borrower's hand from being clamped accidentally by the cover panel of the book-return gate; enabling an access panel of the book return apparatus to open/close automatically according to the RFID tag detection book return apparatus, facilitating the maintenance and repair of the book return apparatus; preventing any components, papers and books in the book return apparatus from wet damage due to rainfall or moisture by installing a waterproof device on the RFID-based book return apparatus.

Abstract: A method for crediting a customer account maintained by a vendor of services in response to payment received from a customer is disclosed herein. The method includes issuing, to the customer, a membership account number associated with at least the customer account. A membership account number and a payment corresponding to a requested amount of a service offered by the vendor are received from the customer at a point-of-sale. The method further includes generating, at the point-of-sale, an authorization message including at least the membership account number and embedded transaction information identifying the service offered by the vendor and the requested amount. The embedded transaction information is then communicated from the point-of-sale to a database server. The customer account is credited, in response to the embedded transaction information, based upon an amount of the payment.

Abstract: A banking system is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes a card reader that operates to read identifying data from user cards, and can authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The machine can generate and present a check to the machine user in response to user inputs. The machine presents an interface for the user to sign the check. The user's banking account is charged an amount corresponding to the check value. In exchange for the same machine receiving the generated check, the user is provided with cash dispensed from the machine. The machine also allows the user to select having a canceled check image displayed at the machine and/or sent to the user's network address.

Abstract: A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to carry out financial transactions. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards that corresponds to financial accounts. The machine also includes a display, at least one manual input device, a cash dispenser, and a machine computer that operates to cause financial transactions to be carried out on financial accounts that correspond to data read from cards. The machine computer is also operative to cause digital information to be sent from the machine to a machine user's remote system address.

Abstract: A pre-encoded financial card is disclosed along with a system and method allowing a user to attach it to pre-existing accounts and activate it instantly.

Abstract: A client selects several merchants with whom the card may be redeemed, the amount redeemable, and a design for the card, which is personalized for the card recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location (360), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record (362). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location (368), receiving a money transfer request (370) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer (372) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers.

Abstract: A storage cabinet for at least one of refrigerated and frozen goods for sale through that the cabinet door opens via entering of a door opening code in a payment terminal with scanning equipment for reading of codes which identify said goods. The goods which are purchased by lifting them out of the cabinet are scanned with the scanning equipment and are debited to a purchasing account associated with the door opening code. The cabinet is locked when the cabinet door closes. Further the cabinet rests on a weighing device. If a predetermined difference between the scanned goods' weight and the cabinet's weight occurs, the weight difference is registered in a transaction data file associated with the door opening code, wherein loss of goods is registered on a known purchasing account.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real time account control method and system that allows only eligible and authorized items to be purchased using the account. The present invention relates particularly to healthcare spending accounts such as flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements. The method can comprise the steps of: establishing at least one account, each account having an account holder; identifying at least one item eligible for purchase using one of the accounts; identifying at least one item authorized for purchase using one of the accounts; and, upon request to purchase an item using one of the accounts, authorizing the purchase for an amount not to exceed an available balance in that account only if the item is both an item identified as eligible for purchase and an item authorized for purchase.

Abstract: Identification technology, in which a request related to generating conveyable information for a particular vendor is received based on user input provided by a particular user and mappings stored in a database are searched using an identifier associated with the particular vendor. At least one rule useful in generating conveyable information for the particular vendor is determined based on results of the searching and identification information for a type of conveyable information requested by the particular user is determined. Conveyable information is generated by applying the determined at least one rule to the determined identification information. A mobile device outputs the generated conveyable information to enable identification of the type of conveyable information requested by the particular user to a system of the particular vendor through the output of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automating jury attendance verification and service payment are provided. A juror may report to for jury duty at the date/time identified on his/her jury summons and may be asked to provide the jury summons to check in for jury duty. The juror may present his/her summons to a juror-interaction machine that may read a personal identifier included on the summons. The machine may validate the personal identifier and confirm that the juror has checked in for jury service. At the conclusion of jury service, the machine may read the juror's summons containing a personal identifier and confirm that the juror has completed jury service. The machine may then dispense a cash payment to the juror. The machine also may capture a video clip or still image of the juror using the machine for verification and/or security.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method of facilitating the marketing, redemption, and reimbursement of prepaid vehicle services in a vehicle service network. A network administrator screens vehicle service stations, and accepted participant service stations pay fees, which may be used to advertise the network to consumers. The network administrator enrolls consumers in the network as members, and receives prepaid vehicle service fees from the members to credit member accounts in exchange for vehicle services to be rendered by the participant service stations. The administrator issues voucher data to the members and associates the voucher data with member accounts. Members redeem the voucher data at participant service stations, wherein the voucher data is used to verify membership, authorize vehicle services at the participant service stations, and debit the member accounts.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus is provided that can reduce the frequency of occurrences of removal of a paper medium (dispensed bill) being forgotten. Processing a medium handover port where a paper medium is handed over, and a medium handover port mechanism provided at the medium handover port and successively raising and lowering the paper medium, fed out from inside the machine (the automated teller machine), inside the medium handover port. The medium handover port mechanism notifies a user of the position of the paper medium with a visible action by successively raising and lowering the paper medium inside the medium handover port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for responding to a problem associated with a self-service machine. For example, some embodiments provide a method that includes: (a) determining that a problem associated with a self-service machine occurred during a transaction involving the self-service machine and a user of the self-service machine; (b) presenting, to the user via a user interface associated with the self-service machine, a code based at least partially on the determining that the problem occurred; (c) receiving the code from the user; and/or (d) initiating a claim for the user based at least partially on the receiving the code from the user, where the claim relates to the problem.

Abstract: A group proving method includes the following steps. First, a query command is broadcasted to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, each of which responds the query command with tag identification data. Next, a first round parameter is generated and broadcasted according to the tag identification data, and each RFID tag responds the first round parameter with a first response parameter. Then, a second round parameter is generated and broadcasted according to the first response parameter, and each RFID tag determines whether the second round parameter is received in a predetermined period after the first round parameter was received and whether the first and second round parameters correspond to each other. If so, each RFID tag updates its tag key according to a random number parameter and outputs a second response parameter. Thereafter, group proving data are generated according to the above-mentioned data.

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.

Abstract: A portable consumer device having a substrate layer, a protective layer and a diamond-based brittle material layer having an intentionally created unique fissure or cracked patterns or crystal zone boundaries and systems and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The diamond-based brittle material layer includes a diamond material. The unique random fissure or cracked pattern and crystal zone boundaries, or the electromagnetic signature based thereon, of the brittle material layer are detected and used to authenticate the portable consumer device.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a card reader that can read a unique magnetic characteristic of a magnetic stripe on a card. The machine can then send data reflective of the read characteristic to a remote card validator. The card validator can compare the received data to referenced magnetic characteristic data corresponding to cards authorized for use with the machine. The machine can also communicate with a transaction host computer to carry out a financial transaction. As a result of the magnetic data comparison, an invalid card can be discovered and a fraudulent transaction prevented. Communication between the card validator and machine is independent from communication between the transaction host and machine.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information about recorded media content having a beginning and end time. A progress bar including a first portion is displayed on a display device. The first portion graphically represents the duration of the recorded media content and has a first color. The progress bar also includes a second portion having a second color. The second portion graphically represents a section of the recorded media content that is viewed during a viewing session. The second color is distinct from the first color.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.

Abstract: A system for improving transaction security based on location information. The system includes a transaction processing center in communication with a first transaction device and a second transaction device. The transaction processing center includes a receiver that receives respective identification and location from at least one of the first and second transaction devices. The transaction processing center also includes a transaction processor that validates the identifications, validates the locations, and executes a transaction between the first and second transaction devices when the identifications and locations are validated.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The machine includes a printer for printing paper records of transactions conducted at the machine. The printer receives paper from a shared paper path. The shared paper path can be supplied by a first paper supply and a second paper supply. A controller is operative to switch between the paper supplies in providing paper to the printer. Based on signals received from paper sensors in the machine, the controller can determine whether the first paper supply has reached a predetermined low level. In response to a low level determination, the controller acts to cause a paper drive to begin moving paper from the second paper supply to the shared paper path and then to the printer.

Abstract: An automated retail kiosk or vending machine that can vend working cellular handsets and that uses changeable presentation formats. The kiosk is generally an automated retail kiosk that can deliver primarily prepaid wireless products and services such as prepaid cellular handsets, prepaid cellular and long distance calling plans and E-pins, accessories like ear buds, phone holsters, SIM backup devices, cables and the like. In addition the kiosk or vending device can optionally provide a complete array of banking services including check cashing, prepaid debit cards, transfer of funds from debit card to debit card and many other services. An advertisement screen can play continuous or targeted advertising. The kiosk or vending device can change how it looks by accepting changeable front plates or housings, and it can communicate wirelessly over a network and be managed from a central location.

Abstract: In one example, a portable device having a camera downloads checkout software. The camera is then used to capture images of indicia associated with products in a store, such as bar codes. The portable device incrementally transmits messages to a remote server over a packet data connection of the portable device as the portable device moves through the store based on the captured images. The portable device then transmits a message requesting checkout to the remote server, and in response to receiving a reply to the message requesting checkout, causes a checkout price associated with purchasing the products to be displayed on a display of the portable device.