Abstract: A method of identifying a source of a marking fluid applied to a person or an object comprises applying a marking fluid including one or more security markers to a person or an object and illuminating the applied marking fluid to excite the security markers. Photoluminescent emission from the security markers in response to the excitation is measured and compared with one or more pre-defined photoluminescent signatures associated with the source of the marking fluid. The source of the marking fluid is identified based on a match between the detected photoluminescent emission and at least one of the pre-defined photoluminescent signatures.
Abstract: A method of indicating the condition of an item comprises illuminating the item to excite one or more photoluminescent markers incorporated within the item. Photoluminescent emission from the markers in response to the excitation is compared to one or more pre-defined photoluminescent signatures indicating different conditions of the item.
Abstract: A method of determining a component of a medium comprises illuminating the medium to excite a marker associated with the component. Detected photoluminescent emission from the marker in response to the excitation is compared with one or more emission profiles. The component is identified based on a match between the detected photoluminescent emission and at least one of the emission profiles.
Abstract: A model of consumer behavior in a transaction environment such as customers moving around a bank branch, is generated from an artificial life algorithm to create a number of agents. In each agent, a genetically encoded drive, equivalent for example to hunger, is defined so as to correspond to a transaction need such as the need for cash. Interaction rules, such as navigation rules, are set for interaction between the agents and a first representation of an environment, and the program is run and the agents observed, then compared with real human behavior. The best matched agents are selected and the program run again, the steps being repeated until a required level of comparison with real behavior is reached. The model can then be used with different transaction environments to study customer behavior and to select the best branch layout or the like.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable communication device. The communication device comprises a housing which accommodates a number of components enabling the user to effect two-way communications including data transfer and personal communications. The components include a selectively operable smart card sensor, a display device, a mobile electronic data communications facility to receive and transmit data communications, and a data transaction processing means in data communication with the smart card sensor, the display device and the data communications facility.
Abstract: Abstract of EP 0991039 (A2)
A communications system for conveying visit information such as purchasing information to an actual or potential visitor such as a customer (20) comprises transmitter means (16) for transmitting to that visitor (20) information appropriate to the visitor's position within or with respect to premises being visited, such as retail premises (10, MM). In a retail scenario, portable communications apparatus (24) that moves with the customer (20), such as an electronic wallet or a trolley-mounted terminal, receives the transmitted information and conveys purchasing information to the customer (20). The transmitted information is preferably tailored to the customer (20) but should any transmitted information be deemed inappropriate to the customer (20), the communications apparatus (24) can filter that information to convey only purchasing information of relevance
Abstract: Abstract of EP 0987660 (A1)
A portable electronic apparatus (100) such as an electronic wallet comprises a plurality of connectors (118, 120, 202) to which a plurality of tokens are removably attachable, each token (118, 124, 216) having memory means (132, 230) containing data for use by the apparatus (100) in performing a respective function represented by that token (118, 124, 216). At least one of the connectors (118, 120, 202) is adapted for data communication with a token (118, 124, 216) attached thereto. The connectors (118, 120, 202) are arranged to display an array of attached tokens (118, 124, 216) for selection by a user. Pressure exerted by the user upon a token (118, 124, 216) selected from the array causes communication of data between the token (118, 124, 216) and the apparatus (100) to perform the function represented by that selected token (118, 124, 216). Applied to an electronic wallet, for example, the invention aids public acceptance by allowing efficient, intuitive and familiar interaction with a user.
Abstract: Abstract of EP 0902383 (A2)
In an open communications network such as the Internet, an interface server site (40) provides advertising for consumer products. The interface server site (40) has virtual character profiles of a central character and connected characters and additionally has a virtual environment within which the central character and the connected characters interact. The central character is based on the consumer affinity characteristics of a target segment of consumers to whom it is desired to advertise the consumer products. The virtual central character has a portrayed lifestyle in which that character is depicted with the consumer products in an environment which the target segment of consumers will identify as relevant to them. Electronic transaction facilities are provided to enable a consumer to purchase products depicted in the virtual environment and selected by the consumer.; Electronic mail facilities are provided to the virtual characters at the interface server site (40).
Abstract: Abstract of EP 0718813 (A2)
An automated teller machine (ATM) (10) incorporating a control means (12) and a user interface (14) having a touch screen display means (16). The ATM (10) is arranged to present a display (30) on the display means (16) presenting two or more service options to a user. Decisions regarding the available service options are input by touching areas (32-44) of the display (30). The requests for decisions are presented in the form of a grammatical sentence which guides the user through the transaction. Also, amendments can be made simply by returning to the service option concerned and re-entering the amended decision.
Abstract: Abstract of EP 0720131 (A1)
A self-service transaction terminal (2) has a user interface (6), the surface of a portion (18) of which is textured. Variation in the texture of the surface of said portion (18) forms a guide to guide a user towards an element (8) of the interface (6). The interface also includes additional elements (10,14,16) which the user may require in order to operate the ATM (2). Portions of the surface of the user interface (6) adjacent each of the additional elements (10,14,16) are also textured so as to form guide means to guide a user to each of the additional elements (10,14,16). The user interface (6) also incorporates an audio means (20) arranged to inform the user when he should move from one of the elements of the user interface to another. Thus the difficulty faced by visually impaired or blind people attempting to operate the self-service transaction terminal (2) is alleviated
