NCR Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160019510 | SPLIT ATM BOOTH AND METHOD OF PERFORMING BANKING TRANSACTIONS THEREIN - The present invention discloses a split ATM booth and method of providing instant banking transactions. The split ATM booth includes teller kiosks for receiving a transaction request, sending a pre-stage transaction authorization request to an ATM network server, printing a transaction receipt containing a unique transaction encryption code. Cash dispenser terminals are provided for scanning the unique transaction encryption code, sending a transaction authorization request to the ATM network server, receiving a transaction approval from the ATM network server upon verification of the user account details and transaction details, executing the transaction and printing a transaction receipt. A transaction network switch controls the banking transactions at the split ATM booth. | 01-21-2016 |
20150350439 | REMOTE ASSISTANCE CUSTOMER INFORMATION - A customer operating a device requests remote assistance from a remote assistance center. A remote assistance interface executing on the device interacts with a remote assistance manager to provide the customer with information relevant to receiving remote assistance in a time and manner acceptable to the customer and based on customer navigation and selection of options associated with the information. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348442 | TEXTURED FILM OVERLAY FOR TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAYS - An overlay for a touch-sensitive display. An example overlay includes a substrate defining a substantially smooth area and a textured area wherein the textured area corresponds to a displayed key entry area of the touch-sensitive display. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348376 | CASH DRAWER - A cash drawer with an ergonomic design. In an example embodiment, the cash drawer includes a housing having an operator side, and a drawer assembly moveable from a closed position in the housing to an open position. The drawer assembly includes a drawer, a first tray in the drawer for storing bank notes, and a second tray in the first tray for storing coins. The cash drawer additional stores a removable lid with a handle. The lid includes a first side for enclosing the first tray and a second side for enclosing the second tray, thus forming a suitcase for transporting the bank notes and coins. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348350 | CURRENCY VALIDATION - Currency is selectively illuminated with Ultraviolet (UV) light, Infrared (IR) light, and/or white light in front of a camera, which may be integrated into a scanner in some embodiments. The camera takes an image of the illuminated currency and the image is presented on a screen of a display for validating the currency. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348184 | AUTOMATED CHECK DEPOSIT DECISIONS - A customer attempts to deposit a check and receives an unacceptable decision. An automated decision process is initiated to evaluate the unacceptable decision based on governmental regulations, transaction details, customer profile information, and/or bank business rules. A new decision is automatically provided to the customer based on the automated decision process's decision. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348183 | DEPOSIT VISUALIZATION - A multiple banknote and/or check deposit transaction at a Self-Service Terminal (SST) permits visual customer feedback during the transaction for depicting categories and denominations associated with the transaction. Moreover, an interface rendered with the visual customer feedback permits the customer to review, edit, accept, or abort the transaction. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347157 | OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) INDEPENDENT DEVICE DRIVERS - A device driver is configured to provide access to at least one peripheral device through a normalized interface. A loader is provided with the device driver. When the loader is executed, the loader loads the device driver to an operating system (OS) within its own independent processing context. The interactions through the normalized interface are OS independent. | 12-03-2015 |
20150330913 | SCANNER AUTOMATIC DIRTY/CLEAN WINDOW DETECTION - An image from a window of a scanner is taken and analyzed to determine whether the image is relevant to dirt or debris on the window. When the image is relevant to dirt or debris, the size and amount of the dirt or debris is compared to a threshold and when the threshold is exceeded an alert is raised to have the window cleaned of the dirt or debris. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330829 | ADAPTIVE POINT-OF-SALE (POS) DEVICE - A Point-Of-Sale (POS) device detects vibrations produced from equipment in its operational environment. The vibrations are identified and one or more filters produced to remove the vibrations when the POS device is used to improve the accuracy of the POS device. | 11-19-2015 |
20150317639 | Automated Remote Transaction Assistance - A customer uses a customer device to interact with an expert using a remote device in a real-time communication session. The expert drives the interactions and can activate peripherals on the customer device to capture information, which is automatically sent from the customer device to the remote device for consumption by the expert. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317628 | Assisted Approval of Denied Self-Service Transactions - A Self-Service Terminal (SST) transaction is denied over an SST network. Transaction details for the transaction are sent over a second network to an assistant. The transaction details are evaluated to determine whether to override the transaction on the second network or whether to provide assistance to a customer associated with the transaction to successfully reprocess the transaction at the SST. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317168 | Self-Service Terminal (SST) Secure Boot - A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of a device is modified to: obtain a first value from a medium interfaced to the device, produce a second value from boot data resident on the medium, compare the first value to the second value, and boot from the boot data of the medium when the first value is equal to the second value. | 11-05-2015 |
20150310268 | MEDIA ITEM VALIDATION - The present invention provides a method of validating a media item, the method comprising receiving image data corresponding to a plurality of digital images of a media item to be validated, wherein each image is associated with a respective one of a plurality of different channels of an illumination source for illuminating the media item, selecting image data corresponding to two of the plurality of images, dividing a common parameter of the selected image data associated with corresponding locations of the two selected images to create ratio image data representing a ratio image for two different channels of the illumination source, extracting feature information associated with the ratio image, and classifying the extracted feature information with at least one classifier of a validation template to determine whether or not the media item is valid. A computer program and a Self-Service Terminal for validating a media item, such as a banknote, are also provided. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309488 | FUEL THEFT DETECTION - Various embodiments each include at least one of systems, methods, and software to detect possible fuel theft and to provide notification thereof. In a simple embodiment, data from a fuel pump is obtained, either directly or via a fuel pump controller, by a fuel station site controller and stored. The stored data includes a measure of a total amount of fuel dispensed from the fuel pump, such as may be measured by a fuel pump feedstock meter. At a time when the site controller reestablishes data communication with the fuel pump controller after a loss, the site controller receives a fuel pump data update. The updated data is then compared to the stored measure. When there is a mismatch, a possible fuel theft has occurred and an alarm process may be triggered. | 10-29-2015 |
20150279144 | MEDIA ESCAPE PREVENTION FOR SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL - A device includes a pocket having an opening to receive media. A filament assembly is coupled such that filaments protrude from a gap between the opening of the pocket and a self-service terminal (SST) in which the pocket is mountable to inhibit media from entering the gap. | 10-01-2015 |
20150279140 | MEDIA ITEM VALIDATION - A method of validating a media item, comprising: for each of a plurality of sensors that sense a media item, determining a respective validation score indicating a likelihood that the sensed media item is valid; and determining if the media item is valid responsive to the plurality of validation scores. Apparatus for validating a media item and a document processing module are also provided. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278895 | Inter-Device Self-Service Terminal (SST) Interactions - Methods and a system for inter-device Self-Service Terminal (SST) interactions are provided. A customer causes a request for assistance to be communicated from a SST during a transaction. A device in proximity to the SST accepts the request. A message is selected by a clerk of the device and relayed to the SST for presentation during the transaction. In an embodiment, the device wirelessly receives the request from a second device that is also in proximity to the SST. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278818 | Fraud Detection in Self-Service Terminal - A method includes monitoring patterns of commands provided by a self-service terminal controller, identifying potential fraud in the monitored patterns of commands, and suspending operation of a dispenser of the self-service terminal responsive to the identification of potential fraud. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278793 | Electronic Payments - A template version of check information is obtained and an image of a check produced from the template for a transaction of a payor. The image is transmitted to a payee and the payee uses the image to electronically deposit the image for payment with the payee's financial institution as if the image came from a physical check obtained from the payor. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278785 | NCR DIRECT CONNECT (NDC) FLEXIBLE STATE PARAMETER EXTENSION - Embodiments for extending functional states of a self-service terminal (SST) are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a state table having flexible parameter states for extending functions of operational states is downloaded to the SST. A state to be extended is selected. A parameter state from the downloaded state table is executed to provide additional functionality to the selected state. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278784 | SEMI-AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION OF A SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL - Embodiments for providing Semi-Automatic ATM Configuration are generally described herein. In some embodiments, obtaining configuration connection details are obtained. The configuration connection details are used to connect to a configuration server and to configure a self-service terminal (SST). | 10-01-2015 |
20150278566 | IMAGING BARCODE SCANNER WITH MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT FIELDS OF VIEW - A barcode scanner which uses different wavelengths of light to produce different fields of view. An example barcode scanner includes a plurality of light devices each having a different wavelength of light and each associated with a different field of view for illuminating an item with a barcode, a plurality of waveband mirrors each reflecting one of the different wavelengths of light from the light devices and transmitting other wavelengths of light, an imager for receiving the different wavelengths of light reflected from the waveband mirrors and for producing corresponding images, and a controller configured to sequentially activate the light devices and the imager and to decode the barcode in an at least one of the images received from the imager. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278537 | Automated Attended Self-Service Terminal (SST) Operations - A security level for an attendant at a Self-Service Terminal (SST) is automatically resolved. An operation is automatically processed on behalf of the attendant based on the resolved security level and a condition associated with the SST. | 10-01-2015 |
20150273925 | FANFOLD MEDIA DUST INHIBITOR - Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed. | 10-01-2015 |
20150273924 | FANFOLD MEDIA DUST INHIBITOR - Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed. | 10-01-2015 |
20150249667 | SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL (SST) THIN CLIENT - Self-Service Terminal (SST) thin clients and operation thereof are provided. A SST includes an operating system (OS), and authorized thin-client application, and an authorized agent. The OS is configured to restrict execution on the SST to authorized applications. The authorized thin-client application is configured to access predefined peripheral devices within the SST and an authorized server. In an embodiment, the authorized agent is configured to connect to the authorized server to: manage updates to the OS received from the authorized server and receive customizations from the authorized server to configure the authorized thin-client application. | 09-03-2015 |
20150248696 | UNIFIED CHANNEL MANAGEMENT - A transaction for a customer is detected and transaction details are evaluated to obtain a federated customer profile that may span multiple channel communications. Policy conditions are evaluated to track and interact with the customer in a vendor-defined manner during the transaction. According to an embodiment, the transaction details, the customer profile, the tracked information, and other recorded interactions with the customer are accessible to the vendor for analysis, via a vendor interface. | 09-03-2015 |
20150248674 | END-TO-END DEVICE AUTHENTICATION - End-to-end device authentication is provided. A dispenser receives an authorization token and a dispense amount from a host. The authorization token and the dispense amount are validated and when validation is successful, the dispenser dispenses the dispense amount. | 09-03-2015 |
20150248578 | Methods and Apparatus for Determining Dimensions of an Item Using 3-Dimensional Triangulation - Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the dimensions of an unknown item using multiple images captured by different cameras. The dimensions include the height, length and width of the item. The dimensions are used to reduce the universe of possible candidates that would identify the unknown item. The methods use multiple reference planes and projects elements of the item onto the one or more of the reference planes to determine the coordinates of the elements of the item. Once the coordinates are determined, the dimensions of the items are determined. | 09-03-2015 |
20150248549 | UNATTENDED SECURE DEVICE AUTHORIZATION - Unattended secure device authorization techniques are provided. An operating system (OS) module, which is responsible for device validation when that device is interfaced to a host device, is enhanced. The enhanced OS module silently checks the peripheral device's identifier against a white list and if a match occurs, the enhanced OS module grants permission to the host device applications; if no match occurs, the enhanced OS module silently rejects application access to the device. In an embodiment, the enhanced OS module interacts with the device to determine whether the device is to be authorized or rejected. | 09-03-2015 |
20150248359 | SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL (SST) DEVICE DRIVER - Methods for extensible device drivers and an extensible device driver Self-Service Terminal (SST) are provided. A SST includes an operating system (OS) having a communication port and an application having low-level commands that are specific to a hardware device, which is coupled to the SST; the low-level commands directly capable of being executed by the device. The communication port is operable to relay information and commands (including the low-level commands) between the device and the application. The application directly controls the device, with the low-level commands, and the low-level commands unrecognized by the OS. | 09-03-2015 |
20150248336 | SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL (SST) BACKUPS AND ROLLBACKS - Self-Service Terminal (SST) automated backup and rollback techniques and SST are provided. An automated determination is made to back up the SST or a resource of that SST to a base image. An update is made to one or more resources of the SST. Automated tests and metrics are gathered and evaluated based on heuristics specific to the transactional environment of the SST. When the test and metrics fail to pass a threshold, the SST or a resource of the SST is automatically rolled back to the base image. | 09-03-2015 |
20150244796 | Extensible Self-Service Terminal (SST) Server - Methods and a system for an extensible Self-Service Terminal (SST) server are provided. A first Virtual Machine (VM) of a first SST cooperates with a second VM of a second SST to logically act as a local server within an establishment where the first SST and the second SST are situated. Each VM self-manages the local server as new VMs are added and other VMs are removed from participation within the local server. In an embodiment the local server includes: fault tolerance, failover processing, dynamic additions of VMs, and dynamic contraction by removal of some VMs from the local server. | 08-27-2015 |
20150242894 | CHANNEL INTEGRATION - A unique session is obtained and an anonymous session is generated that maps to the session. The anonymous session is passed to a selected advertisement service, and the selected advertisement service provides, in response thereto, an interface, which is proxied together with an existing interface of a device (associated with the unique session) during the unique session for a consumer to interact with the proxied interface on the device. | 08-27-2015 |
20150242662 | TAMPER DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tamper detection system and method which uses a reader and one or more tags to detect tampering near a card reader slot or any other device subject to tampering. An example tamper detection method includes transmitting a signal to a tag adjacent a device susceptible to tampering, and setting an alarm condition when no reply signal or an incorrect reply signal is received in response to the signal. | 08-27-2015 |
20150235303 | INTERACTIVE SELF-SERVICE (SS) DISPLAY - Interactive Self-Service (SS) display mechanisms are provided. A SST includes a first display and a second display. The first display is operable to present information relevant to a transaction at the SST. The second display is operable to simultaneously present information relevant to a status of the SST and information unrelated to the status. | 08-20-2015 |
20150222145 | POWERING A SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for powering a Self Service Terminal (SST), comprising a primary power supply, a back-up power supply, at least one renewable power supply, and a power management controller for selectively using the renewable power supply when a first power level is available from the renewable power supply, and to supplement or replace the renewable power supply with the primary power supply and/or the back-up power supply when a second power level is required by the SST that exceeds the first power level. | 08-06-2015 |
20150221155 | MEDIA ITEM RE-ORIENTATION - The present invention provides a method of re-orienting an image of a media item, comprising determining at least one linear array formed by a plurality of locations associated with an image of the media item; determining a skew angle of said linear array with respect to a reference axis; and re-orienting said image by rotating said image responsive to said skew angle. Apparatus for re-orienting an image of a media item and a document processing module are also provided. | 08-06-2015 |
20150220947 | POLLING STATEMENT FEEDBACK SYSTEM AND METHODS - Various systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for determining feedback to a polling statement. One example method may comprise generating a barcode associated with a response to a polling statement. The example method may further comprise enabling display of the barcode for receiving feedback on the polling statement via scanning of the barcode. Another example method may comprise generating a barcode associated with a response to a polling statement. The other example method may further comprise receiving feedback on the polling statement based at least in part on at least one individual scanning the barcode. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided. | 08-06-2015 |
20150220900 | Maintaining Secure Access to a Self-Service Terminal (SST) - A memory device is interfaced to a SST; an identifier and, optionally, an invalid identifier list are received from the device. The invalid identifier list is updated to the SST when the invalid identifier list is a more recent version of a SST invalid identifier list. The identifier is invalidated when the identifier is matched in the invalid identifier list or when an expiration date associated with the identifier has expired. When the identifier is invalid, access to administrative features of the SST is denied; and when the identifier is valid access to the administrative features is granted. | 08-06-2015 |
20150220381 | Out-Of-Band Monitoring and Managing of Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) - A portable memory device is interfaced to a SST and authenticated; a system application on the SST writes diagnostic data to the device. The portable memory device is subsequently interfaced to an enterprise system and the diagnostic data is pulled to the enterprise system for analysis. In an embodiment, the enterprise system pushes informational data regarding maintenance and support to the portable device when the portable device is subsequently interfaced to the SST; the informational data is pushed to the SST for presentation and viewing by a service engineer. | 08-06-2015 |
20150213326 | Methods and Apparatus for Item Identification Using Brightness Compensation - Methods and apparatus are provided for low resolution item identification using brightness compensated images. An image of an unknown item is captured in digital RGB image format and converted to HSV image format. Then the HSV formatted image is quantized which greatly reduces the resolution of the image. The quantized HSV image data of the unknown item is compared to a plurality of quantized HSV image data for known items. The comparison includes using a signal-to-noise ratio calculated using the quantized HSV image data for both the unknown and known items. A match is found when the calculated signal-to-noise ratio is above a predetermined threshold value. | 07-30-2015 |
20150180728 | PROBLEM RESOLUTION VALIDATION - A method of validating resolution of a problem at a media terminal is described. The method comprises accessing a file including a task; identifying a plurality of specific actions to be taken to perform the task; and ascertaining each event that would be triggered by the media terminal when each identified specific action is performed correctly. The method further comprises: displaying the identified specific actions to a service engineer; and transmitting a validation message to a remote management system when all ascertained events have been triggered in response to the service engineer performing the identified specific actions correctly. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178803 | Consumer Progress Monitoring - Methods and a system for consumer progress monitoring are provided. A third-party consumer application executing on a Self-Service Terminal (SST) is monitored, without modifying the third-party consumer application, for progress updates. The progress updates are sent to a server and pushed to a device of clerk for monitoring a communication session between a consumer operating the SST and a host system. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178766 | PROMOTION CONFLICT RESOLUTION - Methods and a system for promotion conflict resolution are provided. During a transaction, which may be associated with a consumer, a variety of available promotions are identified. Permissible permutations (non-conflicting promotion combinations) for the available promotions are dynamically formed, evaluated, and a set of optimal promotions for the transaction is resolved. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178750 | MOBILE PROXIMITY-BASED ANALYTICS - A geographical position of a mobile device is monitored and when the position is within a configured proximity to an establishment, customized analytics are gathered relevant to the establishment. The analytics dynamically pushed to presentations on the display of the mobile device and to interfaces of the mobile device for viewing and interacting by a user of the mobile device, as the user is at or approaches the establishment. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178731 | MOBILE DEVICE ASSISTED SERVICE - A clerk of an establishment carries a portable device when servicing a customer. The portable device is operable to: acquire loyalty details including preferences for the customer; initiate, monitor, and/or complete transactions with the customer; broadcast the loyalty and transaction details to staff of the establishment, and receive status details for the transaction from the staff. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178697 | Operating a Self Service Terminal as a Virtual Teller - Approaches are disclosed for operating a self service terminal, such as an automatic teller machine, as a virtual teller in a branch office. A virtual teller terminal is connected to a secure banking network at a bank branch office and a virtual teller account is established between the automatic teller machine and a branch server operating the branch office. The virtual teller account is used by the automatic teller machine to process customer requests received by the automatic teller machine. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178664 | EVENT NOTIFICATION - A method of providing a service operation event notification is described. The method comprises: receiving at a management application an indication of a service event at a media terminal, where the indication includes (i) a service event type and (ii) a service event time; and updating the management application to record the type of event and a time associated with that event. The service event type may be an “engineer arrived” event, an “engineer left” event, or a replenishment scheduled event. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178641 | CHECK-IN METHOD - A check-in method which streamlines the customer experience by automating many check-in steps. An example method involving passenger check-in for a flight includes wirelessly transmitting signals by a mobile communication device, receiving within a check-in area a response message from an airline system by the mobile communication device, sending check-in information to the airline system by the mobile communication device in response to the message, and receiving a mobile boarding pass from the airline system by the mobile communication device. | 06-25-2015 |
20150177170 | SENSING OF MEDIA ITEMS - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining at least one parameter associated with at least one media item, further comprising a first electrical contact element and a further electrical contact element supported in a spaced apart relationship via a contact support, wherein at least one electrical characteristic associated with a pathway between the first and further electrical contact elements is indicative of at least one parameter of at least one media item in contact with and extending between the first and further electrical contact elements. | 06-25-2015 |
20150175370 | MEDIA PRESENTER - The present invention provides apparatus for stacking media items, comprising a base member for supporting a stack of media items, at least one first registration member extending generally upwardly with respect to the base member, and at least one further registration member extending generally upwardly with respect to the base member and spaced apart from the first registration member, wherein at least a one of the first and further registration members is selectively moveable towards or away from a remainder one of the first and further registration members in an input direction of the media items. A method of stacking media items is also provided. | 06-25-2015 |
20150161915 | ADHESIVE LABEL WITH WATER-BASED RELEASE COATING - An adhesive label with a water-based release coating and methods for applying the water-based release coating to the adhesive label are provided. The water-based release coating is a non-silicon based formulation having a fluorochemical. The water-based release coating can be applied in a single-pass process or a double-pass process when manufacturing the adhesive label. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161428 | Vertical Optics for an Imaging Optical Code Scanner - An imaging optical code scanner is presented that includes improved vertical optics for capturing images of items being presented for scanning. The improvements include multiple image capture devices, multiple illumination modules and viewing of items being scanning from four different directions. This allows for high pass-by scanning of items. | 06-11-2015 |
20150149412 | TECHNIQUES FOR COMPUTER SYSTEM RECOVERY - Techniques for computer system recovery which remotely restore a default partition to a recent state even when an operating system is functioning abnormally. In an example embodiment, a service center computer establishes a first network connection to a monitored computer system. The service center computer configures the monitored computer system to boot from a bootable image file in the monitored computer system and reboots the monitored computer system into an alternate operating system environment of the bootable image file. The service center computer establishes a second network connection to the monitored computer system to restore a recent backup image of the default partition from a diagnostic partition to a default partition. The service center computer establishes a third network connection to the monitored computer system and reboots the monitored computer system to the default partition. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149345 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGEMENT OF CUSTOMER SELF-SERVICE TERMINALS - A system for managing customer self-service terminals that includes a plurality of customer self-service terminals, and one or more mobile management devices each containing at least one processor, and configured to communicate with each of the plurality of customer self-service terminals and display an indication that assistance is needed at a particular customer terminal of the plurality of customer self-service terminals. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149311 | COMPACT POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEM - Various systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for facilitating a customer transaction via a point-of-sale terminal. One example system may comprise a point-of-sale terminal for facilitating a customer transaction. The system may further comprise a receipt printer for printing a receipt associated with the customer transaction. The printer may be built into the point-of-sale terminal. The point-of-sale terminal may be configured to be positioned on a substantially horizontal surface elevated above the ground. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided. | 05-28-2015 |
20150144693 | Optical Code Scanner Optimized for Reading 2D Optical Codes - An optical code scanner is presented that includes image capture technology to read optical codes. The optical code scanner captures an image of an optical code and then generates multiple reduced resolution versions of the image. Multiple techniques are applied to the different images to identify a region of interest, enhance the contrast of the image, perform a non-linear local geometrical distortion correction and minimize the spatial resolution required to read the optical code. The techniques reduce the raw processing power and time required to identify and read an optical code. | 05-28-2015 |
20150144455 | MEDIA DEPOSITORY - A media depository is described. The media depository comprises: a media item validation module; a diverter for routing a received media item via either a storage path or a return path; an escrow for temporarily holding received media items; and a printer located between the diverter and the escrow so that the printer can print on any media items transported via the return path. | 05-28-2015 |
20150136847 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING A PROCESSING TIME FOR A BANK TRANSACTION - A system for reducing a processing time for a bank transaction is provided. The system includes a kiosk ( | 05-21-2015 |
20150120878 | MOBILE DEVICE CONDUIT FOR A TRANSACTION DEVICE - Methods and a system for a mobile device conduit of a transaction device are provided. A connection from a mobile device to a transaction device is made. Information is gathered from the transaction device and/or supplied to the transaction device from and/or to the mobile device. In an embodiment, the transaction device is used to remote a display of the mobile device to the transaction device. | 04-30-2015 |
20150120542 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OVERRIDING RULE DRIVEN AUTOMATED DECISIONS - A system and method for overriding rule-driven automated decisions that result from the use of an automated consumer device associated with rule-driven automated systems. In an aspect, the automated rules-driven override system comprises an automated consumer device, an interactive server, core decision systems, and an override device. In an aspect, the automated consumer device, the interactive server and the override device are configured to work in concert with one another to override certain decisions performed by the core decision systems. | 04-30-2015 |
20150117746 | DEFECT CATEGORIZATION - A method of categorizing defects in a media item is described. The method comprises the steps of: receiving an ultrasonic image of the media item, where the ultrasonic image comprises a plurality of points, each point having a thickness value corresponding to a normal value, a thin value, or a thick value; identifying one or more blobs comprising contiguous points each having a thickness value corresponding to a thin value; for each identified blob, comparing a size of the blob with a damage criterion; ignoring the blob if the blob size does not meet the damage criterion; and for each identified blob having a size meeting the damage criterion, categorizing the identified blob using the thickness values and locations. | 04-30-2015 |
20150115033 | Optical Code Scanner With a High Dispersion Optical Lens - An optical code scanner is presented that includes image capture technology to scan optical codes. The image capture technology uses a fixed aperture, a fixed standard optical lens, a fixed high dispersion optical lens and at least one illumination device that generates different colors of light. Together, these elements increase the effective depth of field of the optical code scanner by capturing images of an item presented to the optical code scanner using different colors of light. | 04-30-2015 |
20150114795 | CLAMPING OF MEDIA ITEMS - The present invention provides apparatus and a method for transporting at least one media item along a transport path, comprising locating a bunch of media items between at least one support surface and at least one clamp surface, and selectively moving said clamp surface towards or away from said support surface to apply a predetermined clamp force to the bunch of media items, wherein a predetermined angle of said clamp surface relative to said support surface is substantially constant when said clamp surface is moved towards or away from said support surface. | 04-30-2015 |
20150095171 | AUTOMATED EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES - Techniques for automated employee management are provided. A clock action for an employee is acquired and analyzed based on rules. Next, a decision is made whether to automatically accept the clock action, automatically deny the clock action, or interactively request approval from a supervisor for the clock action. The decision is based on analysis of the rules. | 04-02-2015 |
20150095120 | OBJECTIVE METRICS MEASURING VALUE OF EMPLOYEES - Objective metrics measuring value of employees are provided. Enterprise metrics are gathered for when specific employees are present and an enterprise. Correlations between performance values of the enterprise based at least in part on the enterprise metrics are made. | 04-02-2015 |
20150088677 | TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088652 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING LOCATION-RELEVANT COMMUNICATION - Various methods are described for tracking the location of a customer possessing a mobile device and facilitating location-relevant communication between the mobile device and an establishment device. One example method may comprise detecting the presence of the customer within a first distance of an establishment. The method may further comprise receiving establishment information from the establishment entity for displaying to the customer to entice a visit to the establishment. Additionally, the method may comprise detecting the presence of the customer within a second distance of a location point within the establishment. Another example method may further comprise determining location information relevant to the location point; and providing for display of the location information to the customer. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088619 | TECHNIQUES FOR PROCESSING CUSTOMERS AFFECTED BY INVOLUNARY DENIAL OF BOARDING - Techniques for processing customers affected by involuntary denial of boarding which facilitate electronic storage of completed forms. An example method includes displaying terms of a compensation award to a customer affected by involuntary denial of boarding by a computer, recording an electronic signature of the customer by the computer, and storing the terms and the electronic signature in a data store by the computer. The method may further include issuing the compensation award in accordance with the terms. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086732 | COMBINED RECEIPT AND LABEL ROLL HAVING OPTIMAL ADHESIVE PATCH PATTERNS AND A METHOD OF MANUAFACTURING THEREOF - A combined receipt and label roll comprises a core, and a web having a longitudinally-extending axis and wound on the core along the axis. The web includes (i) a substrate having a front side and a back side opposite the front side, (ii) a thermally-sensitive coating disposed on the front side of the substrate, and (iii) a water-based microsphere adhesive disposed on the back side of the substrate along the web axis. The water-based microsphere adhesive comprises at least four separate adhesive patches. The at least four adhesive patches are both sized relative to each other and positioned relative to each other on the back side of the substrate such that additional tack desired can be obtained by increasing volume of the adhesive patches without having to increase coat weight of the adhesive patches. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083806 | Method and Apparatus for Assessing the Health of an Image Capture Device in an Optical Code Scanner - An image based optical code scanner is presented that determines the health of each of a plurality of image capture devices located within the optical code scanner. The optical code scanner first determines a baseline performance for each of the image capture devices by capturing statistics for each of the image capture devices during item scanning operations. The optical code scanner then periodically determines the current performance of each of the image capture devices and compares it with the baseline performance. An alert message is generated if the current performance of any image capture device falls below its baseline performance. | 03-26-2015 |
20150082857 | Method and Apparatus for Zeroing a Weigh Scale - An optical code scanner is presented that includes a weigh scale and a least one image capture device. The image capture device captures images that are used to read optical codes presented to the optical code scanner for reading. The image capture device further captures images of the top surface of a weigh plate on the weigh scale. The optical code scanner analyzes the images of the weigh plate before performing a zero function on the weigh scale to determine if an object has been placed on or is touching the weigh plate. The zero function is only performed when no object is placed on or is touching the weigh plate. | 03-26-2015 |
20150066564 | MANAGING MEDIA REPLENISHMENT - A method of managing media replenishment for a media terminal is described. The method comprises: calculating an amount of media required for the media terminal; receiving from the media terminal an indication of media items deposited at that media terminal that have a condition fulfilling a condition criterion; and adjusting the calculated amount of media required based on the indication of media items that fulfill the condition criterion. | 03-05-2015 |
20150060552 | User Interface For an Optical Code Scanner - An optical code scanner is presented that includes an improved user interface and an improved external computer interface. The user interface includes illumination devices that illuminate an air gap between the edges of a weigh plate and the top surface of the optical code scanner. The illumination devices provide guidance to the operator that allows the operator to optimize scanning performance. The external computer interface exposes controls that allow an external computer to determine what information is displayed to an operator. | 03-05-2015 |
20150054959 | Produce and Non-produce Verification Using Hybrid Scanner - Approaches to produce verification are addressed which may be suitably employed in conjunction with a low resolution image scanner. Features, such as lines, corners, text, texture, edges and the like are extracted and compared with features for an identified item or evaluated to determine if the features collectively are indicative of a produce item or a non-produce item. | 02-26-2015 |
20150046933 | EVENT HANDLING - A method of handling events is described. The method comprises: receiving an event; transmitting the event to a remote management application; receiving a new event; ascertaining if the new event fulfils an event storm criterion; suppressing the new event if the new event fulfils the event storm criterion; and transmitting the new event to the remote management application if the new event does not fulfil the event storm criterion. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046325 | VIRTUALIZED ATM - A method and apparatus are disclosed for operating an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The method includes the steps of receiving access to a virtualized operating system and ATM application at an ATM and performing a customer transaction at the ATM using the access to the virtualized operating system and ATM application. A recovery program may be provided to control the ATM if a communication link fails between the ATM and a server providing the access. | 02-12-2015 |
20150046322 | TRANSACTION PERFORMANCE - A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing a transaction at a hand held device. The method comprises the steps of accessing a virtualized operating system and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) application at a hand held device and performing a customer transaction at the hand held device using the virtualized operating system and ATM application. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041283 | MEDIA ITEM TRANSPORTER - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting items of media along a transport path. The apparatus comprises a first transport member and a further transport member located opposite the first transport member to transport a bunch of media items located between said transport members along a transport path, a drive mechanism to move a one of the first and further transport members towards or away from a remainder one of the first and further transport members to selectively locate the first and further transport members in a selectable spaced apart relationship, and at least one sensor to determine a position of the one transport member with respect to the remainder one transport member. | 02-12-2015 |
20150039456 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting Misidentification of Items Sold by Weight - A point of sale terminal that performs purchase transactions is presented. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner and weigh scale device. The optical code scanner portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device continuously scans for an optical code while the weigh scale portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device weighs an item placed on the scale. When the point of sale terminal receives data for an optical code that is read during the time an item is being weighed, the point of sale terminal compares information from the optical code data to the identification data entered by an operator for the item being weighed. If the item information does not match, the point of sale terminal halts the current purchase transaction until a supervisor intervenes. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039454 | TECHNIQUES FOR SECURE MOBILE PAYMENT - Techniques for secure mobile payment are provided. A credit or gift card is registered for additional security, such that a secure identifier or personal identification number (PIN) is required for use of the credit or gift card. Registration is not required or even known by the third-party payment service associated with the card. Subsequently, when a consumer attempts to use the card and before payment instructions are sent to the corresponding third-party payment service, the secure identifier or PIN is requested and verified. If properly verified, the payment instructions are forwarded for processing by the third-party payment service. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039392 | TECHNIQUES FOR RETAIL LOCATION-AWARE SERVICES - Techniques for retail location-aware services are provided. A consumer defines parameters in which it is acceptable to the consumer to receive an offer for a good or service. When the parameters are achievable for an enterprise and when the consumer is in a configured proximity to the desired good or service, the mobile device of the consumer is notified of the offer. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039354 | SELF-SERVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TAGGING BAGGAGE - A self-service system and method of tagging baggage which reduces passenger wait time. An example method includes establishing an on-line session to facilitate check-in of a passenger, providing passenger identifying information during the on-line session, providing passenger baggage information during the on-line session, receiving, during the on-line session, an image of a baggage tag, and printing the image of the baggage tag for attachment by the passenger to baggage of the passenger. | 02-05-2015 |
20150036892 | TRAVEL CHECK-IN METHOD - A travel check-in method with improved travel document information capture and handling. An example method includes connecting to a travel check-in website by the computer, operating an image capture device by the computer to capture an image of an identification document of a passenger checking in, obtaining machine readable information from the image by the computer, and sending the machine readable information and the image to the travel check-in website by the computer. The method may be in lieu of the passenger providing the identification document to an agent at an airport or other departure point. | 02-05-2015 |
20150035222 | MEDIA ITEM SEPARATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a media item from a bunch of media items. The apparatus comprises at least one first roller located on a first side of a transport path along which a media item is transported and at least two further rollers located on a further side of the transport path opposite the first side, said at least two further rollers being spaced apart to receive a portion of said at least one first roller therebetween, wherein in an advance mode of operation said first and further rollers rotate in the same direction and in a reject mode of operation said first and further rollers rotate in opposite directions. | 02-05-2015 |
20150035219 | MEDIA ITEM TRANSPORTATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting media items along a transport path. The apparatus comprises a first transport member and a further transport member that selectively apply an urging force to at least one media item to urge said media item along a transport path, wherein in a first mode of operation, the urging force is applied to said media item to transport said media item at least partially along the transport path and, in a further mode of operation, the urging force on said media item is released to allow at least one end region of the media item to move freely along the transport path. | 02-05-2015 |
20150034457 | CLAMPING OF MEDIA ITEMS - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting items of media along a transport path. The apparatus comprises at least one clamp member to apply a clamp force to a bunch of media items located between a support surface and said clamp member, wherein said clamp member is selectively moveable towards or away from said support surface to apply a predetermined clamp force to the bunch of media items. | 02-05-2015 |
20150034452 | MEDIA ITEM TRANSPORTATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting items of media along a transport path. The apparatus comprises a first transport member having a first end region and a further transport member having a further end region, wherein the first end region is spaced apart from the further end region, and a bridge member extending between the first end region and the further end region, wherein a length of the bridge member is adjustable responsive to a one of the first and further end regions being moved with respect to a remainder one of the first and further end regions. | 02-05-2015 |
20150029339 | Whole Store Scanner - Video monitoring and tracking techniques are addressed to allow consumers to purchase items in a store with no need to checkout at a traditional checkout lane. A large number of cart check and shelf check cameras monitor additions to carts and removals from shelves along with knowledge of location and what is on a particular shelf are employed to analyze which products are selected for purchase. Customer analytic data, as well as, store inventory data are preferably also developed from the camera image data. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027790 | Dual Capacitor Load Cell - A dual capacitor load cell is presented that includes two coupled capacitors with a common plate between them where the common plate is responsive to a force applied to the load cell. The capacitance of the two capacitors varies inversely and changes in response to the applied force. The combined capacitance of each capacitor is used to determine the magnitude of the force being applied to the load cell. | 01-29-2015 |
20140374486 | Method and Apparatus for Assembling an Image of a Document - An optical code scanner is presented for assembling an image of a document from multiple images captured by the optical code scanner. A document is presented to the optical code scanner which captures multiple images where each image includes only a portion of the document. Once every part of the document has been captured in at least one image, the optical code scanner processes the images to generate a single image of the entire document. | 12-25-2014 |
20140354579 | Device and Method for Active Reduction of Radio Frequency Noise - A radio frequency noise reduction device and methods of operation are presented. The radio frequency noise reduction device identifies radio frequency noise on an isolated power plane of an electronic apparatus and generates an electrical signal that is injected into the isolated power plane and cancels the identified radio frequency noise. The generated electrical signal matches the frequency spectrum and amplitude of the identified radio frequency noise but the phase of the generated electrical signal is shifted by 180 degrees from the identified radio frequency noise. | 12-04-2014 |
20140353382 | SECURITY METHOD USING AN IMAGING BARCODE READER - A security method using an imaging barcode reader which captures image data for security purposes. An example method includes receiving an unauthorized activity signal by the barcode reader, and capturing image data by a camera in the barcode reader in response to the unauthorized activity signal. | 12-04-2014 |
20140351959 | ENCRYPTING PIN PAD - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for protecting an Encrypting PIN Pad (EPP) against tampering. The apparatus provides an EPP comprising a first layer comprising at least two spaced apart electrode elements, and a second layer comprising at least one bridge element for electrically bridging a space between the at least two electrode elements when the first layer and the second layer are urged together. | 11-27-2014 |
20140339301 | Media Management - A method of managing transfer of cash, or other valuable media, is described. The method comprises: providing, to a first location, details of cash (or other media) to be loaded into a machine-readable cash container; associating the cash details with a unique identifier associated with the cash container; and storing the associated unique identifier and cash details. The method includes, at a subsequent time, receiving, from a second location to which the cash container has been transported, a request including the unique identifier read from the cash container; accessing the stored cash details using the unique identifier; and providing the stored cash details to the second location. | 11-20-2014 |
20140338987 | Checkout Methods and Apparatus - Checkout techniques are described to address fraud reduction and prevention. As an example, a bypass fraud detection process determines when a customer may have attempted to bypass self-checkout security. | 11-20-2014 |
20140324613 | High-Velocity Scanned Item Distribution Method and Apparatus - A high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus and method are presented. The high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus permits bagging operations for multiple purchase transactions to occur in parallel. Overlapping the bagging operation of multiple purchase transactions allows the scanning and payment operations of the purchase transactions to continue at higher speeds. In addition, point of sale terminals with high-velocity item scanners are allowed to function at higher speeds. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324610 | Techniques for Kiosk Transactions - Techniques for transacting with a kiosk are provided. A user activates a remoting feature of a kiosk. A kiosk agent on the kiosk directly or indirectly causes a link to be sent to a mobile device of the user. The link when activated on the mobile device providing an interface for transacting with the kiosk from the mobile device. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324606 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING CLOSING OF A CHECK - Various methods are described for facilitating closing and payment of a check. One example method may comprise performing an action with a mobile device proximate a physical location associated with the check. The method may further comprise receiving in response a location identifier associated with the physical location. Additionally, the method may comprise determining the check to be closed based at least in part on the location identifier. Another example method may comprise performing an action with a mobile device proximate a folio device. The method may further comprise receiving in response a folio device identifier associated with the folio device. Additionally, the method may comprise providing for transmission of the check information to the folio device based at least in part on the folio device identifier. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320583 | SELF-CLEANING THERMAL MEDIA AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF - Thermal media comprises a substrate having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The thermal media also comprises a thermally-sensitive coating disposed on the front side of the substrate. The thermal media further comprises a cleaner material disposed on a portion of the thermally-sensitive coating. The cleaner material is integrated into the thermally-sensitive coating to perform cleaning of a thermal print head when the cleaner coating moves past the thermal print head. | 10-30-2014 |
20140319210 | TRANSACTION DISPUTE RESOLUTION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing transaction information to a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The method comprises aborting a user initiated transaction at an SST subsequent to an error occurring during the transaction; and displaying an optical device-readable code in a display of a user interface of the SST for identifying at least one parameter associated with the aborted transaction. | 10-30-2014 |
20140318425 | AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM) HAVING A SIDECAR AND METHODS OF SUPPORTING AN ATM HAVING A SIDECAR - An automated teller machine (ATM) comprises a safe enclosure in which ATM modules which require a relatively higher security level are housed. The ATM further comprises a first standard enclosure housing attached to a first side of the ATM, and in which ATM modules which require a relatively lower security level are housed. The ATM also comprises a support plate secured to bottom of the safe enclosure and to bottom of the first standard enclosure housing to structurally support both the safe enclosure and the first standard enclosure housing as a unit when the ATM is lifted and thereby to allow the ATM to be lifted without applying force to the first standard enclosure housing and thereby to prevent damage to the first standard enclosure housing. | 10-30-2014 |
20140316588 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING FUEL PUMP DATA - Various methods are described for evaluating fuel pump data and determining a fuel pump flow rate. One example method may comprise receiving fuel pump information associated with a fuel pump. The method may further comprise updating previous fuel pump information associated with the fuel pump based on the received fuel pump information. Additionally, the method may comprise detecting an alarm condition associated with the fuel pump based at least in part on the updated fuel pump information. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 10-23-2014 |
20140304169 | TECHNIQUES FOR MOBILE TRANSACTION PROCESSING - Techniques for automated mobile transaction processing are provided. A consumer traverses to a web portal or other type of enterprise terminal device of an enterprise and proceeds to shop. During checkout, the portal contacts a transaction service and is delivered back an identifying barcode or Quick Response (QR) code. The consumer uses a mobile device to scan the code and send it to the transaction service. Previously registered payment details of the consumer are located and payment is received from the consumer. The portal is notified that payment is completed by the transaction service. | 10-09-2014 |
20140297436 | Flexible Financial Services Terminal and Methods of Operation - A flexible financial services terminal and methods of operation is presented. The flexible financial services terminal provides a list of financial services to a customer. The customer selects a financial service and provides requested information related to the selected financial service. After the customer information is entered, a cashier trained in money transfers is called to the terminal to review the information and approve the financial service. Each financial service approved by the cashier is processed by the terminal and a fee is charged to the customer. The terminal further performs a purchase transaction that includes the fee for the financial service and receives payment from the customer for the purchase. | 10-02-2014 |
20140291396 | Headheld Scanner and POS Display with Mobile Phone - Headheld scanners are described for use by cashiers in connection with customer checkout at grocery, retail or other stores, as well as, headheld scanners for use by customers to augment the shopping experience. Such headheld scanners will typically include a camera, display and mobile phone, including a microphone and speaker to recognize voice commands and provide audible responses, as well as, calling others. A projector may be employed to project virtual peripherals at checkout, such as a virtual keyboard or scale display. | 10-02-2014 |
20140281527 | Detecting Fraud Using Operational Parameters for a Peripheral - A secure provisioning manifest used to authenticate and securely communicate with peripherals attached to a computer is provided with techniques to withdraw the authentication and terminate the secure communications with any peripheral when operating parameters for the peripheral indicate that there is a security threat associated with the peripheral. A secure I/O module, that is separate from an operating system and transaction software executed by a processor of the computer, uses the secure provisioning manifest to establish a secure encrypted session for communicating with each peripheral attached to the computer when a peripheral is authenticated and able to establish a secure encrypted session. The secure I/O module uses current and known operating parameters for each peripheral to periodically determine if a peripheral has been compromised by a security threat. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278605 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COMPLETING AN ACTIVITY VIA AN AGENT - A system and method of completing an activity via an agent. The agent is embodied as agent software, which facilitates and/or performs activities on behalf of a user. The agent software may have a characteristic persona that it presents to the user in the form of an avatar on a display. The agent software may be part of a computer program stored in a memory and executed by a processor of a smartphone or other computer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273692 | HIGH TACK REPOSITIONABLE ADHESIVES AND SUBSTRATES AND METHODS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE - High tack repositionable adhesive obtained by combining an acrylic copolymer permanent pressure sensitive adhesive with a hydrophobically modified ethoxylate urethane (HEUR) thickener. The adhesive provides repositionable substrates, such as thermal paper, with high tack. Methods for preparing the high tack repositionable adhesive are provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266645 | USER INERFACE FOR AN SST - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assisting a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The apparatus provides a user interface for an SST, comprising a media slot for dispensing and/or depositing a media item to a user, a pair of spaced apart edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface and converging in the vicinity of a transaction activation region to provide a tactile path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region, and an illuminated guide to provide a visual path to further assist the user in locating the transaction activation region. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263631 | METHODS OF MOBILE SELF-CHECKOUT SHOPPING FOR PRODUCE ITEMS IN A RETAIL GROCERY STORE - A method is provided of operating a produce weighing scale having a weighing platform. The method comprises prompting a customer to scan a barcode containing barcode data which identifies the produce weighing scale, receiving the barcode data which identifies the produce weighing scale, and after the barcode data has been received, prompting the customer to place produce items one-by-one onto the weighing platform of the produce weighing scale. Another method is provided of operating a mobile device of a customer shopping for produce items in aisles of a produce section of a retail grocery store. Still another method is provided of operating a self-checkout station to enable a customer in a retail grocery store to check out grocery items including produce items. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261110 | SECURE ENCLOSURE - A secure enclosure comprises: a body defining an access opening closed by a door, and a body media slot. A secure chamber is mounted outside the body and surrounds the body media slot, the secure chamber defining a chamber media slot. The secure enclosure may further comprise a media transport operable to convey media between the body media slot and the chamber media slot. The secure chamber body may also define a purge slot located on an underside of the chamber body so that media items that are not removed by a customer may be dropped through the purge slot. | 09-18-2014 |
20140258317 | Methods and Apparatus For Fast Item Identification - Methods and apparatus are provided for fast item identification. A plurality of sensors capture data for an unknown item that is moved past the sensors. The data is processed to produce a plurality of physical attributes related to the unknown item. The physical attributes are used to search a database of physical attributes for a large number of known items where the unknown item is one of the known items. A small set of known items are selected where the physical attributes of the known items match the physical attributes of the unknown item. Further processing of the selected set of known items identifies the unknown item as one of the set of known items. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253750 | Methods and Apparatus For Low Resolution Item Identification - Methods and apparatus are provided for low resolution item identification. An image of an unknown item is captured and quantized to greatly lower the resolution of the image. The quantized image data of the unknown item is compared to a plurality of the quantized image data for known items. The comparison includes using a signal-to-noise ratio calculated using the quantized image data for both the unknown and known items. A match is found when the calculated signal-to-noise ratio is above a predetermined threshold value. | 09-11-2014 |
20140250013 | TECHNIQUES FOR MOBILE TRANSACTION PROCESSING - Techniques for automated mobile transaction processing are provided. A consumer traverses to a web portal or other type of enterprise terminal device of an enterprise and proceeds to shop. During checkout, the portal contacts a transaction service and is delivered back an identifying barcode or Quick Response (QR) code. The consumer uses a mobile device to scan the code and send it to the transaction service. Previously registered payment details of the consumer are located and payment is received from the consumer. The portal is notified that payment is completed by the transaction service. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249939 | TECHNIQUES FOR MOBILE TRANSACTION PROCESSING - Techniques for automated mobile transaction processing are provided. A consumer traverses to a web portal or other type of enterprise terminal device of an enterprise and proceeds to shop. During checkout, the portal contacts a transaction service and is delivered back an identifying barcode or Quick Response (QR) code. The consumer uses a mobile device to scan the code and send it to the transaction service. Previously registered payment details of the consumer are located and payment is received from the consumer. The portal is notified that payment is completed by the transaction service. | 09-04-2014 |
20140244526 | METHODS OF PRINTING FOOD LABELS FOR RESTAURANT FOOD ITEMS - A method is provided of operating a back office facility of a restaurant to provide a food safety label for labeling of at least one raw food item received for the restaurant. The method comprises receiving delivery of raw food items from a vendor, converting a purchase order associated with the received raw food items from the vendor to an invoice, and printing a food safety label based upon quantity of raw food items indicated in the invoice. Another method is provided of operating a back office facility of a restaurant to provide a food safety label for labeling of at least one prep food item by the restaurant using raw food items. Still another method is provided of operating a back office facility of a restaurant to provide a nutrition facts label for labeling of at least one prep food item by the restaurant using raw food items. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244519 | VEHICLE RENTAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle rental transaction system and method which provide a vehicle lot owner with a choice of options for vehicle security and customer convenience. The vehicle rental transaction system includes a computer for identifying a customer as part of a rental transaction involving a vehicle, and for sending a wireless message to the vehicle containing instructions for preparing the vehicle for the customer. Example instructions include, but are not limited to, unlocking doors and a trunk of the vehicle, adjusting power seats and power mirrors in accordance with customer preferences, adjusting climate control settings in accordance with the customer preferences, adjusting radio station settings in accordance with the customer preferences, and adjusting GPS settings in accordance with the customer preferences. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244437 | Methods and Apparatus for Providing Customer Assistance - Techniques for providing customer assistance with real-time feedback are presented herein. A request for customer assistance is generated by a customer using an application executing on a handheld mobile smart device. The request is transmitted to an employee using another handheld mobile smart device. The request is accepted by the employee and a response is transmitted back to the customer. The response includes the employee's expected arrival time at the customer's location and a floor plan map that depicts the progress of the employee as the employee travels to the customer's location. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244374 | TECHNIQUES FOR VOUCHER OR REBATE REDEMPTION - Techniques for voucher or rebate redemption are provided. An enterprise system electronically distributes an encoded voucher or rebate to a device of a consumer. In an embodiment, the consumer electronically presents the encoded rebate or voucher at a kiosk, via the device, and receives a card preloaded with a value for the voucher or the rebate. In another case, the consumer electronically presents the encoded rebate or voucher at a retailer, via the device, during a transaction and a value for the voucher or the rebate is debited based on the transaction. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241523 | Installable Secret Functions for a Peripheral - There is provided a pluggable secure device identity module (SDIM) attached to a peripheral where the SDIM includes one or more secret functions provided by a third party that are used by the peripheral to provide additional security features or functions that can only be authenticated by the third party. The peripheral is attached to a computer and a secure provisioning manifest is used to authenticate and communicate with the peripheral. The computer includes a processor that executes an operating system and transaction software. A secure I/O module, that has a processor and software that is separate and isolated from the processing environment of the computer, uses the secure provisioning manifest to authenticate the peripheral and then to establish a secure encrypted session for communicating with the peripheral. | 08-28-2014 |
20140239007 | MEDIA HANDLER PROTECTION - The present invention provides a method of preventing unauthorised access into a media item dispenser module. The present invention also provides a media item dispenser module comprising a dispensing slot for presenting at least one media item to a user, and a moveable member moveable between a distal position and a proximal position respectively distal and proximal to the dispensing slot, wherein the moveable member prevents unauthorised access into the media item dispenser module via the dispensing slot when in the proximal position. | 08-28-2014 |
20140236709 | TECHNIQUES FOR ADVERTISING - Techniques for advertising are provided. A mobile device is synchronized with a media feed playing on a separate device and metadata for products and services related to the media feed are presented on the mobile device. A user makes comments on selective products and services and actions are performed on the mobile device to assist the user in one or more of: acquiring additional information for the selected products and services, scheduling a time to try out the selected products and services, and purchasing and/or picking up the selected products and services. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236344 | MEDIA ALIGNMENT - A media alignment device is described. The device comprises: a media drive turret including a drive member; and a controller. The controller is operable to: receive information about a lateral position of a media item as the media item is transported longitudinally along a transport path, rotate the media drive turret to an angular position required to drive the media item to an aligned position, and activate the drive member to move the media item in a direction transverse to the transport path. | 08-21-2014 |
20140214569 | TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSACTION QUANTITY CONTROL - Techniques for transaction quantity control are provided. A transaction having multiple purchases for a same item type and having an adjustment in price is identified. An analysis on an adjustment condition results in dynamic splitting a line entry for the item into multiple sets, each set reflect a different aspect of the adjustment condition and a quantity identifier; and the sets together completely representing the adjustment condition. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214561 | COMBINED LABEL FOR FOOD PREPARERS AND FOOD SERVERS IN TABLE SERVICE RESTAURANTS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A method is provided of processing a food order in a table service restaurant. The method comprises receiving a food order including a table identifier, and electronically by a computer terminal, printing a food order label including the table identifier and providing the printed food order label. The method also comprises by a food preparer, preparing a food dish based upon the printed food order label, and by the food preparer, placing the prepared food dish in a position in vicinity of the printed food order label. The method further comprises by the food preparer or a food server, picking up the prepared food dish and attaching the printed food order label to the food dish with the table identifier being visible, and by a food server, delivering the prepared food dish to the table indicated by the visible table identifier on the printed food order label and thereby delivering the prepared food dish to a customer in the table service restaurant. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214400 | AUTOMATIC LANGUAGE RECOGNITION - Techniques for automatic language recognition are provided. A device having an interfaced microphone detects conversations occurring in proximity to the device. The conversations are resolved to a specific spoken language. Information communicated from or on the device is then updated to be consistent with the spoken language. This language transition for the device is achieved automatically and without any affirmative action on the part of a user or administrator associated with the device. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210623 | BAGGAGE DELIVERY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A baggage delivery notification system and method which alerts passengers when their baggage arrives. An example method includes obtaining a baggage identifier on a bag at a baggage claim carousel from a reader, determining a passenger associated with the baggage identifier, and alerting the passenger that the bag is at the baggage claim carousel. The method may further include determining a time of arrival of the bag at the baggage claim carousel and alerting the passenger to the time of arrival. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209675 | CHECKOUT SYSTEM INCLUDING ROTATING BARCODE READER - A checkout system including a rotating barcode reader. In an example embodiment, the checkout system includes a base, a platform rotatable with respect to the base, a substantially circular top plate mounted to the platform including a window; and a barcode reader on the platform adjacent the window. The substantially circular top plate and the barcode reader are rotatable with the platform. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209674 | ACCESS LEVEL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES - Access level management techniques which require less manual intervention. In one example, a registration system registers an individual for an access level and receives a mobile device identifier from the individual. The registration system generates an electronic pass, which may include a mobile barcode, granting the individual access at the requested access level, and provides the electronic pass to a mobile communication device of the individual using the mobile device identifier. In one application, an individual with a mobile barcode associated with priority access level privileges may be allowed to bypass a queue by using a priority lane. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209435 | BUNCH PRESENTATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting at least one item of media to a user from a media recycler module. The media recycler module may be included in a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The media recycler module comprises a pocket interface for presenting media items to a user, and a moveable member operable to move media items located within the pocket interface towards an opening of the pocket interface, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the media items within the pocket interface. | 07-31-2014 |
20140203498 | ITEM LOCATION - A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading at least one media item into a media item container. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member comprising an outer surface including a plurality of apertures connected to at least one chamber where a negative pressure is selectively provided. The apparatus also includes a guide that guides each incoming item of media transported to the rotatable member. The rotatable member is rotatable when negative pressure is provided at the chamber region to locate a media item secured to the rotatable member by suction from the guide into the media item container. | 07-24-2014 |
20140199477 | Linerless Labels - Linerless labels are presented. A label includes a specific pattern or set of patterns of adhesive applied to one side of the label. The adhesive pattern(s) reduces contact between a cutter blade of a printer and the adhesive on the one side of the label. Moreover, the adhesive patterns reduce buildup of adhesive on the cutter blade and reduce buildup at specific locations on the cutter blade. That is, the adhesive patterns more evenly distribute adhesive buildup across the cutter blade. Consequently, the cutter blade can be used for a longer period of time before the cutter blade needs to be cleaned of the adhesive. | 07-17-2014 |
20140188732 | SECURE PROVISIONING MANIFEST FOR CONTROLLING PERIPHERALS ATTACHED TO A COMPUTER - There is provided a secure provisioning manifest used to authenticate and communicate with peripherals attached to a computer. A secure I/O module, that is separate from an operating system and transaction software executed by a processor of the computer, uses the secure provisioning manifest to establish a secure encrypted session for communicating with each peripheral attached to the computer when a peripheral is authenticated and able to establish a secure encrypted session. | 07-03-2014 |
20140180906 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING CREDIT CARD APPLICATION TRANSACTIONS - Various methods are described for facilitating credit card application transactions. One example method may comprise requesting credit card application information from a user. The method may further comprise providing the credit card application information to a credit authorization server for credit approval. Additionally, the method may comprise receiving an indication of credit approval for the user from the credit authorization server. The indication may comprise a graphical representation of credit information. The method may further comprise displaying the graphical representation for use in completing a payment transaction. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 06-26-2014 |
20140175164 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING IN-AISLE SCANNING - Various methods are described for facilitating in-aisle scanning of one or more items to be purchased at a store. One example method may comprise scanning a barcode associated with an item. The method may further comprise adding the item to a list of items to be purchased. Additionally, the method may comprise receiving an indication that the item needs to be weighed. The method may further comprise flagging the item in the list to be weighed during checkout. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 06-26-2014 |
20140172703 | CUSTOMER VERIFICATION - A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a user. The method includes the steps of determining at least one biometric parameter associated with a user at a terminal, determining a plurality of active users associated with the terminal and comparing the determined biometric parameter with corresponding biometric parameters of the active users. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166684 | SELECTIVE BUNCH PRESENTATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting a bunch of items of media to a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The method comprises individually removing at least one item of media from at least two respective media item containers in a predetermined sequence responsive to at least one common predetermined characteristic of each item of media, providing the removed items of media as a bunch of items of media, and presenting the bunch of items of media to a user. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165885 | MODULE MOUNTING - A method and apparatus are disclosed for mounting to the side of a safe enclosure housing of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The apparatus comprising a plurality of sheet portions arranged to define an outer housing, and a plurality of elongate reinforcement portions connected together to form at least one closed reinforcement assembly provided inside the outer housing for supporting the outer housing. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165473 | SELF-ALIGNING COVER FOR AN SST - A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning a cover with an opening in a housing. The apparatus includes at least one hinge member securable to a housing and moveable between open and closed positions about a hinge axis, at least one attachment member for mounting a cover member to the moveable hinge member, and at least one alignment member for guiding the cover member into an aligned position when the cover member is moved with the hinge member towards the closed position, wherein the attachment member is adapted to allow the cover member to move in a perpendicular direction relative to the hinge axis. | 06-19-2014 |
20140158496 | COUNTERFEIT MEDIA DETECTION - A media handler for detecting counterfeit media is described. The media handler comprises: a plurality of discrete sensors distributed along a transport path operable to transport a media item, and a controller operable to receive signals from the plurality of discrete sensors. The controller is also operable to make a decision on validity of the transported media item based on the received signals. | 06-12-2014 |
20140156431 | CUSTOMER INTERACTION MANAGER ON A POINT OF SALE COMPUTER - An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156430 | Customer Interaction Manager - An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156426 | Customer Interaction Manager on a Mobile Smart Device - An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156359 | CUSTOMER INTERACTION MANAGER ON A RESTAURANT COMPUTER - An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available. | 06-05-2014 |
20140151272 | MEDIA ITEM CHARACTERIZATION - A deposit module is described. The deposit module comprises: a port for receiving a bunch of media items; a bunch characterization device operable to characterize the bunch prior to individual media items being removed from the bunch of media items; and a media separator for removing individual media items from the bunch and for transporting the removed individual media items to a media item validator subsequent to characterization of the bunch of media items. | 06-05-2014 |
20140149286 | Transaction Execution - A method and apparatus are disclosed for storing data. The method includes the steps of, when a transaction executing terminal is in a non-communicative state with respect to a primary authorizing node, storing data associated with at least one transaction carried out at the terminal, and authorized by a further authorizing node, under fault tolerant conditions. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149191 | TECHNIQUE FOR NEGOTIATING WITH A CONSUMER WITHIN A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT - Techniques for negotiating with a consumer within a retail establishment are provided. A retail Point-Of-Sale (POS) system becomes aware of a consumer looking for a product and having a price comparison for other retailers for that product; the consumer is in a store of the retailer. The retailer generates one or more customized offers to compete with the other retailers and dynamically delivers those customized offers to the consumer while the consumer remains in the store in an attempt to entice the consumer to buy the product at the store. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144976 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CURRENCY TRACKING - A currency container, method of managing a currency container and a cash management system are disclosed. The currency container includes a container body such as a rigid cassette or flexible bag for storing currency notes. The container includes at least one near field communication (NFC) tag for indicating information associated with the container such as an ID of the container and/or a value of currency stored in the container. | 05-29-2014 |
20140122241 | Method and Apparatus for Injecting Advertisements into Mobile Documents - Techniques for injecting advertisements into mobile documents delivered to mobile devices are presented. Mobile documents are generated that are dynamically sized to the display of the mobile devices and relevant advertisements are also dynamically sized for use in the mobile documents. The mobile documents include an optical code that is encoded with information about a purchase by a customer and allow the customer access to the purchase, for example, an airline boarding pass, event pass or the like. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122229 | TECHNIQUES FOR RECOMMENDING A RETAILER, RETAIL PRODUCT, OR RETAIL SERVICES - Techniques for recommending a retailer, retail products, or retail services are provided. Retail preferences and preferences for specific products and services of a specific retail type are aggregated for a consumer. These preferences are analyzed and clustered with other consumers so that retailer, retail product, and retail service recommendations can be automatically and dynamically made to the consumer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122215 | TECHNIQUES TO MAXIMIZE RETAIL TRAFFIC - Techniques for maximizing retail traffic are provided. A retailer defines or provides a service to automatically define a promotion to increase retail traffic and business. The promotion is dynamically delivered to specific consumers based on defined criteria for selecting the specific consumers. The promotion is automatically turned off when a desired level of traffic is reached at the retailer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122174 | TECHNIQUES FOR FORECASTING RETAIL ACTIVITY - Techniques for forecasting retail activity are provided. External events to a retailer are evaluated in view of attributes and associations of the retailer and in view of operational metrics associated with the retailer. Based on the evaluation, recommendations for forecasting resources are dynamically presented to the retailer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122097 | Transaction Connection Mediator Method and Apparatus - An approach is provided for logically connecting customer endpoint devices to transaction services. The customer endpoint devices perform a customer purchase transaction and require access to transaction services to process payments and benefits that may be available for certain items. The customer endpoint devices use a transaction connection mediator to isolate communications with the transaction services. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118266 | DISPLAY POSITION OFFSET - A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining a user option selected at a touchscreen. The method includes the steps of determining an observation position of a user of a touchscreen, determining an offset responsive to a difference between the observation position and an expected observation position and determining a user option selected at the touchscreen responsive to the offset. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117614 | DEPOSIT MODULE - A Self-Service Terminal (SST) or deposit module for an SST and a method of use are disclosed for transporting an item of media along a transport path. The SST includes a guide surface comprising a first region in which an item of media is transported in a first orientation with respect to a respective direction of transport, and a further region in which an item of media is transported in a further orientation with respect to a respective direction of transport. The SST also includes a re-orientation module that transports an item of media between the first and further regions and rotates an item of media received at a one of the first and further regions into an orientation associated with a remainder one of the first and further regions. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117100 | OPTICAL CODE - A method of presenting an optical code on a display is described. The method comprises: presenting the optical code in a first format at a first time period so that the optical code can be captured and decoded by a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The method also comprises presenting the optical code in a second format at a second time period. The second format is visually different to the first format to a human but when captured and decoded by a mobile device, the second format produces the same decoded results as the first format. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117091 | FRAUD PREVENTION - A method of preventing fraud, and a fraud prevention terminal, are described. The method comprises: detecting an unauthorized reader in the vicinity of a dip card reader, and closing a pin to prevent a card being inserted into the dip card reader. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117086 | TECHNIQUES FOR CHECKING INTO A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT - Techniques for checking into a retail establishment are provided. A retailer provides a substrate having a magnetic-field encoded tag. A consumer waves the consumer's device over the tag to electronically capture the magnetic-field encoded tag. The consumer's device is used to communicate the tag to a retailer to validate that the consumer is physically present and now checked into the retail establishment of the retailer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140112570 | MEDIA IDENTIFICATION - A method and apparatus for identifying a media item. The apparatus includes a module for receiving media items and capturing an image of a received media item. The method involves ascertaining external dimensions of the media item from the captured image; creating a monochromatic image based on high contrast boundaries within the captured image; matching the monochromatic image to one of a plurality of templates of media items of approximately the same external dimensions as the media item; and providing details of the matched template, including type and orientation of the media item corresponding to the matched template. | 04-24-2014 |
20140093156 | METHODS OF PROCESSING DATA FROM MULTIPLE IMAGE SOURCES TO PROVIDE NORMALIZED CONFIDENCE LEVELS FOR USE IN IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF A RECOGNITION PROCESSOR - A method comprises receiving from a first data source first recognition results which are associated with the first data source, and receiving from a second data source second recognition results which are associated with the second data source. The method further comprises electronically by a processor, processing a first set of confidence levels associated with the first recognition results to provide a first set of normalized confidence levels associated with the first data source, and electronically by a processor, processing a second set of confidence levels associated with the second recognition results to provide a second set of normalized confidence levels associated with the second data source. The method also comprises storing the first set of normalized confidence levels associated with the first data source in a first table of normalized confidence levels and the second set of normalized confidence levels associated with the second data source in a second table of normalized confidence levels. | 04-03-2014 |
20140089527 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONNECTING A COMPUTER TO A PERIPHERAL OF ANOTHER COMPUTER - A system and method of connecting a computer to a peripheral of another computer. An example system includes a processor connected to a network and to the one and the other computers through the network. The processor executes web service software which establishes a discovery service for receiving a peripheral connection request from application software of the one computer and peripheral management software which receives information from the other computer through the web service software about the peripherals of the other computer. In addition, the peripheral management software logically associates the peripherals and the other computer with a peripheral station, receives the peripheral connection request from the application software, maps the one computer to a requested peripheral of the peripheral station, and sends information to the application software through the web service software to facilitate connection by the application software to the requested peripheral of the peripheral station through the other computer. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089404 | SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL - A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining a status of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) in a financial network. The method includes the steps of, from an SST comprising a node of a financial network, providing an instant message identifying a status of the terminal to a help desk terminal comprising a further node of the financial network. | 03-27-2014 |
20140081677 | Self-Service System and Method for Lodging Establishment Convenience Shops - A self-service system and method for lodging establishment convenience shops to allow a guest to pay for convenience shop items and avoid waiting in line at a front desk. An example method includes obtaining item identification information associated with items selected for purchase by a customer at a convenience shop of the lodging establishment by a self-service terminal, obtaining prices of the items by the self-service terminal, recording customer selection of a charge to room payment option by the self-service terminal, determining whether the customer has registered as a guest of the lodging establishment by the self-service terminal, and charging a total cost of the items to a reservation record by the self-service terminal when the customer has registered. | 03-20-2014 |
20140068248 | Learning a New Peripheral Using a Security Provisioning Manifest - A secure provisioning manifest used to authenticate and securely communicate with peripherals attached to a computer is provided with techniques to learn about a new peripheral not authorized to be attached to the computer and possibly gain authorization for the peripheral. A secure I/O module, that is separate from an operating system and transaction software executed by a processor of the computer, uses the secure provisioning manifest to authenticate and establish a secure encrypted session for communicating with each peripheral authorized to be attached to the computer. When an unauthorized peripheral is found, identifying information for the peripheral is transmitted to an enterprise provisioning server with a request to authorize the peripheral. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067689 | SECURITY MODULE AND METHOD OF SECURING PAYMENT INFORMATION - A security module of a computer which is invisible to an operating system executed by a processor of the computer and which establishes an encrypted session for receiving payment data from a payment peripheral. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067567 | TECHNIQUES TO CUSTOM DEFINE TRANSACTION SESSIONS - Techniques to custom define transaction sessions are provided. A plugin-based architecture is provided having tasks as units of atomic work that are bound to orchestrators. The orchestrators form plug-in transaction sessions. Specific instances of plugin transaction sessions are deployed and processed from network-based machines, such as but not limited to kiosks. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067529 | TECHNIQUES FOR CHANNEL-INDEPENDENT OFFER MANAGEMENT - Techniques for channel-independent offer management are provided. An offer management server can be deployed in a variety of architectural arrangements within an enterprise. The offer management server provides cross-platform and channel-independent evaluation of offers and offer management for the enterprise. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067495 | TECHNIQUES FOR DEPLOYMENT OF UNIVERSAL PROMOTION CONDITIONS FOR OFFER EVALUATIONS - Techniques for universal promotion conditions for offer evaluations are provided. Promotions are comprised of promotion conditions. The conditions are defined as a key value, description, and data type. Defined operators for the data types are enumerated and the key values can be mixed and matched in custom defined conditional statements to expand promotional engines with universal promotion conditions. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063262 | TECHNIQUES FOR CHECKOUT SECURITY USING VIDEO SURVEILLANCE - Techniques for checkout security using video surveillance are provided. A customer is video tracked while in a store, the pauses made in aisles and the arm movements are recorded. Expected purchased items, based on movements and pauses by the customer within the store, are then compared to actual purchased items and a determination is made whether a checkout audit is needed for the customer. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061222 | SECURE TERMINAL - A Self-Service Terminal (SST) and a method of selectively dispensing or depositing items of media are disclosed. The SST includes a fascia panel comprising a panel portion having a circular arc-shaped cross-section and at least one panel aperture. The SST also includes at least one media transfer device comprising an outer body portion having a circular arc-shaped cross-section, proximate to and spaced apart from the panel portion, and at least one body aperture. The body portion is rotatable with respect to the curved panel portion to selectively reveal the body aperture through the panel aperture. | 03-06-2014 |
20140058943 | TRANSACTION FLOW - A method of encoding a transaction flow is described. The method comprises: receiving information from a user about a transaction type to be executed; creating a transaction flow comprising a sequence of states, where at least some states include text to be displayed and inputs to be enabled for that state; and encoding the transaction flow into a machine-readable code. | 02-27-2014 |
20140046831 | TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to select items for purchase. A server maintains a record of the purchases. When the customer has finished shopping, the server sends a code associated with the record to the mobile device and directs the customer to either a full-service or a self-service checkout station for cash payment, or to a quick checkout station for credit or electronic payment. A computer at the checkout station may read the code to obtain the record for an attendant comparison. Alternatively, the server may authorized the customer to leave without stopping at the checkout station when the risk of theft is low and the customer elects to pay using electronic payment. Regardless, the server may send an electronic receipt of the transaction to a customer provided email or other address. | 02-13-2014 |
20140043389 | PRINTER OPERATION - A method and apparatus are provided for determining a state of operation of a printer element. The method includes the steps of determining at least one optical value for an item of media as it is transported to a printer element, determining at least one optical value for the item of media as it is transported from the printer element, comparing the input and output optical values and responsive to the comparison determining a state of operation of the printer element. | 02-13-2014 |
20140040085 | CURRENCY TRACKING - A method and apparatus are disclosed for tracking currency notes within a financial institution. The method includes the steps of receiving currency notes from a first authorized person, ascertaining a value and at least one further parameter associated with each received currency note, receiving a request from a second authorized person to receive currency notes for transferring within the financial institution, dispensing the requested currency notes to the second authorized person, associating at least one parameter of each dispensed currency note with the second authorized person and receiving a notification from a device within the financial institution that the dispensed currency notes have been received at the device. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040057 | NON-LINEAR CHECKOUT STAND - A non-linear checkout stand which offers retailers additional options for configuring a store. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first end and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items in a plurality of different directions along a non-linear path connecting the first end to the second end, and an item identifier within the housing on the non-linear path for automatically identifying the items. | 02-06-2014 |
20140037421 | CASSETTE REPLENISHMENT - A Currency Cassette Replenishment Terminal (CCRT) and its method of use are disclosed. The CCRT includes a currency cassette support for locating a currency cassette in a loading position, a currency note support comprising at least one loading orifice located in said loading position, and a plunger located on a first side of the loading orifice and movable from a retracted position, through the loading orifice, to an extended position within the currency cassette. | 02-06-2014 |
20140036630 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING RECOGNITION TIMES IN AN IMAGE-BASED PRODUCT RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A product recognition system comprises a product image data collector arranged to capture image data which is representative of an image of a product item. The product recognition system also comprises an acoustic energy source arranged to emit acoustic energy towards the product item. The product recognition further comprises a product acoustic data collector arranged to (i) capture acoustic energy deflected from the product item, (ii) process the captured acoustic data which has been deflected from the product item to provide product acoustic data which is representative of one or more characteristics of the product item, and (iii) compare the product acoustic data with a store of reference acoustic data to provide one or more subsets of items against which the captured image data can be compared to identify the product item. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034735 | Method, Apparatus and System for Scanning Optical Codes - A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving an optical code scanner used in an assisted service point of sale terminal by automatically detecting the placement of an item for scanning on the customer side of the optical code scanner and configuring the scanner to scan the item. Once the item is scanned, the optical code scanner reconfigures to scan items presented on the cashier side of the scanner. When the scanner automatically detects, configures and scans an item presented on the customer side of the scanner, it reduces the checkout time and reduces the number of operations a cashier must perform. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034445 | ITEM RECYCLING - A method and apparatus are disclosed for recycling items of media. The apparatus includes at least a pair of co-operable feed belt members that receive a depositable item of media at a first location and locate the depositable item at a stack position in a storage container. The apparatus also includes at least a pair of co-operable dispense belt members that selectively pivot between an operational and non-operational position. In the operational position, at least one of the dispense belt members is disposed to remove an item from the stack position and provide the removed item to the feed belt members. The feed belt members are arranged to locate an item of media received from the dispense belt members at said first location. | 02-06-2014 |
20140031011 | LOCATION AWARE AUTHENTICATION TECHNIQUES - Location aware authentication techniques are provided. A user pre-registers a mobile device and a geographical location with a location-based authentication service. When the user attempts to access a target resource from the mobile device, a current location for the mobile device is resolved and communicated to the location-based authentication service. If the mobile device is within a geographical range of the pre-registered geographical location, then the mobile device is automatically authenticated for access to the target resource via the location-based authentication service. | 01-30-2014 |
20140027513 | Low Profile Tri-Aperture Optical Code Scanner - A low profile tri-aperture optical code scanner and operating method are presented. The scanner includes three scanning apertures and a front and a rear low profile housing component. Each housing component includes a scanning aperture tilted toward a point about the center of the scanner. A third scanning aperture is located in a horizontal top surface of the scanner. The low profile housing elements allow an operator to scan items by standing either on the front side or the rear side of the scanner. When used in a convertible point of sale terminal, a cashier operates the scanner from the front side of the scanner when the terminal is in the assisted mode and a customer operates the scanner from the rear side of the scanner when the terminal is in the self-service mode. | 01-30-2014 |
20140021015 | JAM REDUCTION - A method and apparatus are disclosed for transporting at least one item of media. The apparatus includes at least one guide member providing a first guide surface that guides at least one item of media as the item is transported, at least one elongate slit in the guide surface and at least one belt member each extending along a respective slit and comprising a first belt portion that extends outwardly from the slit beyond the guide surface and a further belt portion that undercuts a region of the guide surface. | 01-23-2014 |
20140019353 | TRANSACTION AUTHORIZATION - A transaction authorization server comprising: a database storing a plurality of customer account records, a network connection operable to communicate with a remote cash dispenser and to receive transaction requests therefrom; and a processor. Each customer account record includes: a unique identifier associated with that customer, an account balance, and customer contact information. The processor is operable to: (i) receive a transaction request, (ii) ascertain from the transaction request a unique identifier and a transaction amount. The processor then (iii) accesses the database using the ascertained unique identifier to: (a) identify a customer account record having a unique identifier matching the ascertained unique identifier, (b) confirm that the transaction amount meets an acceptance criterion based on information contained within that customer account record, but without verifying a personal identification number, and (c) ascertain customer contact information from that customer account record. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019274 | MOBILE POINT-OF-SALE (POS) TECHNIQUES - Mobile POS techniques are presented. A POS interface is configured and distributed to a mobile device over a network connection. The POS interface is a self-contained retail transaction system for a retailer. The mobile device is configured to execute the retail transaction system providing remote network or cloud-based services for data retrieval, and data storage to the retail transaction system on the mobile device. One or more retail transactions are processed on the mobile device via the POS interface. | 01-16-2014 |
20140016818 | PRODUCE COLOR DATA CORRECTION METHOD AND AN APPARATUS THEREFOR - A produce recognition system comprises an image capture device arranged to (i) capture a first color image which is representative of a color image of a produce item, and (ii) capture a second color image which is representative of a color image of at least one target color swatch. The produce recognition system further comprises control circuitry arranged to (i) calculate one or more color correction factors based upon differences between the captured second color image and a store of reference color images, and (ii) apply the calculated one or more color correction factors to the captured first color image to correct for color variations in the color image of the produce item due to a combination of variations in natural lighting and variations in interior lighting. | 01-16-2014 |
20140014718 | MEDIA DISPENSING SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL - A self-service terminal comprises a media dispenser coupled to a control board; a cryptographic memory coupled to the control board; a network connection; a contact token reader; and a user interface comprising a plurality of lights. The control board includes a processor executing firmware. The firmware is operable to (i) read a token presented to the token reader each time the token contacts the token reader, (ii) ascertain a number of times a token reader is presented as part of a single transaction, (iii) create a transaction request including (a) an identifier read from the presented token and (b) an amount of cash requested based on the number of times the token was presented, (iv) encrypt the transaction request using data read from the cryptographic memory, and (v) transmit the encrypted transaction request to a remote authorization server using the network connection. | 01-16-2014 |
20140007110 | NORMALIZED INTERFACE FOR TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEMS | 01-02-2014 |
20140001266 | Method, Apparatus and System for Scanning an Optical Code | 01-02-2014 |
20130336086 | ITEM VALIDATION - A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining if an item of media is invalid. The method includes providing an ultrasound image of an item of media, determining a plurality of regions of the image that satisfy a pre-determined condition and determining that an item of media is invalid if the location of said regions satisfies a pre-determined condition. | 12-19-2013 |
20130325661 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER TO COMPLETE PAYMENT FOR GOODS AND SERVICES - A system and method of using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to complete payment for goods and services. An example method of operating a transaction terminal includes identifying items selected by a customer for purchase, determining a required payment amount for the items, obtaining identification information from the customer, obtaining contact information and payment information, including bank account information and bank routing number information, from a customer profile associated with the identification information, creating a check image, sending a request for payment message providing access to the check image and the payment information to a mobile communication device of the customer using the contact information in the customer profile, and receiving a reply message from the mobile communication device authorizing payment for the items via electronic funds transfer and including a 2D barcode containing the check image and the payment information. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325580 | TECHNIQUES FOR CONTROLLING REDEMPTION OF OFFERS - Techniques for controlling redemption of offers are provided. A checkout process is detected having multiple offers associated with an item or items being purchased. Each offer is evaluated based on custom rules and some, all, or portions of the offers are selectively applied to a retail price for the item to arrive at a final price for the item during the checkout process. | 12-05-2013 |
20130322732 | SELF-SERVICE CHECK CASHING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A self-service check cashing system and method which performs preliminary tests on a check to reduce queue length at attendant check cashing stations. An example method includes obtaining an amount of a check from a customer by the self-service terminal, obtaining information from an image of a check by the self-service terminal, performing a plurality of tests by the self-service terminal, including tests using the information from the image to determine whether the check was properly completed; and displaying instructions to the customer by the self-service terminal to go to an attendant terminal to complete a second phase of the check cashing transaction when the self-service terminal determines that the test results were positive. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320661 | LINERLESS COMBINED MAILING LABEL AND RETURN LABEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A combined primary label and secondary label comprises a first piece of paper, a first release coating disposed on a portion of the first piece of paper, a second piece of paper, a second release coating different from the first release coating and disposed on a portion of the second piece of paper. The combined primary and secondary label further comprises an adhesive layer disposed between the first and second pieces of paper such that (i) a primary label can be peeled away with at least some adhesive of the adhesive layer from the second release coating disposed on the portion of the second piece of paper, and (ii) a secondary label can be peeled away with at least some adhesive of the same adhesive layer from the first release coating disposed on the portion of the first piece of paper. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320171 | DISPLAY LOCATION - A method and apparatus are disclosed for locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) at a desired viewing angle. The apparatus comprises a display support that supports a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) and that is pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to the terminal; a variable length member that connects a further region of the display support to the terminal; and a motor that selectively varies the length of the member, the edge region and further region being spaced apart to tilt the display at a viewing angle responsive to the length of the variable length member. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320091 | Methods and Apparatus for Positioning an Optical Code for Imaging Scanning - An apparatus and methods are presented for improving image scanning. A point of sale terminal apparatus, including an imaging scanner, provides information to an operator indicating the optimal scanning position for an optical code for efficient first pass scanning by the imaging scanner. The information includes real-time video from an image capture device of the imaging scanner displayed on an operator's display device. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320084 | CHECKOUT DEVICE WITH MULTI-TOUCH INPUT DEVICE - A checkout device including a multi-touch surface display which can also weigh items. An example checkout device includes a surface element for displaying transaction screens and for receiving touch inputs during a transaction, and a load cell below the surface element for producing a weight signal corresponding to a weight of an item of the transaction on the surface element. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320083 | CHECKOUT STAND WITH A BARCODE READER ON A BAGGING END - A checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end which reduces transaction times over conventional checkout stand designs. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station. | 12-05-2013 |