PIN code terminal without keyboard

Abstract

 A PIN code terminal (15) which has a wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point orjoy stick that may be manipulated to show characters in a small window (13) which has a narrow field of view (21) enabling a user (19) to observe characters in the window (13) while preventing possible onlookers of observing the selected character from the user's hand/finger movements. The selected character is entered by the user depressing the wheel or touching/depressing/tapping the touch pad, which acts as an electric switch similar to the ENTER key on a PC keyboard, or by depressing another switch when the desired number/character is displayed in the window.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for computer terminals and, in particular, to an input device for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) code terminal.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Currently most terminals have keyboards with printed numbers, letters or symbols for entering of PIN codes. Even though there exists several more or less efficient methods for screening the keyboard, it is a large problem that intruders may see what is entered by reading hand or finger movements of the user.

[0003] An example of prior art is discussed in patent document GB 2005182794A relating to a PIN code terminal with a single key that produces a new number in a display each time the key is depressed, and one single key for choosing the number that is currently displayed in the display. This technique will not prevent intruders from figuring out which numbers that are entered, e.g. if this person beforehand knows the start number of the terminal and then counts the number of depressions on the search key. This may be discovered by direct observation of a person or by using a camera.

[0004] Norwegian patent no. 301040 describes a method for selection of numbers/letters on mobile telephones or the like, where selections are made by pushing an interaction means along a printed series of numbers/letters and acknowledging the selection by depressing the same interaction means. The choice of numbers/letters is not concealed for intruders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is novel type of PIN code terminal with or without a keyboard enabling the entering of code in payment terminals, cashpoints, door/gate openers and other devices where a PIN code is used, preventing the observation of the code by intruders.

[0006] In the present invention, a PIN code terminal is based on manipulating a small wheel, touch pad, track ball, track point or joy stick for selecting numbers/letters visible in a small window display that has a narrow field of view enabling the user to observe the numbers/letters in the window while preventing the view of others.

[0007] The scope of the invention is defined in the appended patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 

Fig. 1 shows a PIN code terminal in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] With reference to Figs. 1-3, here is shown a wheel 11 for selection of numbers/letters in the window 13 built into the terminal body 15. Only a single user 19 may see the display through window 13 because of the narrow field of view 21. When the desired numbcr/letter is shown in a display 14 seen through window 13, the wheel is depressed to position 17, which also acts as an electrical switch, similar to the ENTER key on a personal computer.

[0010] In the version shown in Fig. 2, the wheel is similar to wheels used on computer mice, which may be manipulated by the thumb and depressed for entering the selected number/letter.

[0011] Fig. 3 shows a version with the wheel mounted on the side of the terminal body. The wheel is shaped like knobs used on radios. For entering the information, the knob may be depressed in an axial direction as well.

[0012] Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention using a touch pad 12 for selecting the number/letter shown in the window. This touch pad may be similar to those used on laptop computers. The selected number/letter may be entered by depressing or tapping on the touch pad.

[0013] Entering of the number/letter which has been selected in the window by manipulating or turning the wheel or touching the touch pad may also take place with a separate switch spaced apart from wheel 11.

[0014] The size and angles of the field of view 21 may be determined by means of optics and/or by adjusting the size on the window in relation to the distance between the window opening and the location of the number/letter.

[0015] The invention may be embedded in a common terminal with a normal keyboard, enabling the user to select the method of entering the information, or it may be used as an independent terminal requiring a PIN code to be entered to gain access.

[0016] If the invention is used as a PIN code terminal where the user stands in front of the terminal, the window/display may be mounted at the user's eye level and the wheel or touch pad at the level of the user's hand.

[0017] The wheel or touch pad may also be mounted on a separate portable device which is connected to the window/display by wireless means or cable. A computer type trackball is a "wheel" within the meaning of this invention. Other options for manipulating the characters shown in the window display are track points or joy sticks (not shown).

Claims

1. A PIN code terminal, with a small window display (13, 14) displaying alphanumeric characters for privacy and security,
characterised in a wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point or joy stick which controls display of different characters selected from an alphanumeric set of characters in the window (13) when manipulated, the field of view (21) of said window (13) being so narrow that when a user (19) observes the characters in the window (13) another person may not view the displayed characters, and a switch for entering said selected characters.

2. A PIN code terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch is integral with the wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point or joy stick.

3. A PIN code terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch is separate from the wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point or joy stick.

4. A PIN code terminal as claimed in any of the claims 1-3,
wherein the wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point or joy stick is located in a location spaced apart from the window display (13, 14), the window display (13, 14) being placed at the eye level of a user (19) and the wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point or joy stick being at the level of the user's hand, controlled by the user's body posture when using the terminal.

5. A method for entering a PIN code in a terminal,
characterised in selecting an alphanumeric character using a wheel (11), touch pad (12), track ball, track point or joy stick,
viewing the selected alphanumeric character at a narrow angle that may be seen only by a single user, and
entering the selected character with a switch.

Drawing