WO2007129909A1

WO2007129909A1 - Pin code keypad with integrated shielding

Info

Publication number: WO2007129909A1
Application number: PCT/NO2007/000162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Torkel Håvard SOLBAKKEN
Original assignee: Solbakken Torkel Haavard
Priority date: 2006-05-08
Filing date: 2007-05-08
Publication date: 2007-11-15
Also published as: NO326947B1; NO20062056L

Abstract

A keypad with view-limiting integrated shielding. A symbol display means is arranged to effect variable display of a key symbol displayed in connection with the key for showing the meaning of the key, for example in response to a code card reading. The keypad comprises at least one elongate cylindrical or tubular and, in its longitudinal direction, transparent key (30), which at least one key has transparent top (10) and bottom ends (20), which key has a ratio between the length and the side edge of the cylinder or tube or between the length and the diameter of the cylinder or tube designed such that a view through the top end (10) of a symbol displayed at the bottom end (20) of the key (30) cylinder or tube is limited to the field of view of a single human observer.

Description

Pin code keypad with integrated shielding

The invention relates to a keypad with view shielding, and in particular a keypad with integrated shielding and variable key symbol display of the kind disclosed in the preamble of attached claim 1.

Code keypads with standardised location of characters and numbers, such as that illustrated in the attached Figure 1, are often visible from such a wide angle, backwards and to the sides, that it is easy for unauthorised persons to see the code that is being keyed in, either because they are positioned behind the card user in a queue or through unlawful camera surveillance of the payment terminal.

Screen-based or mechanical panels with buttons showing fixedly located characters and numbers are found all around us in today's world. Normally, an attempt is made to shield them using opaque plates at the front and the sides, as illustrated in the attached Figure 1. At the back, free passage is essential to enable the user to reach the panel with his hand in order to enter his code. This is a major weakness and an unknown factor when dealing with bank card fraud.

Patent document FR2819067A1 describes a code entry device in the form of a keypad comprising a touch-sensitive, transparent surface with an underlying display screen where fields representing keys with symbols are displayed in a pattern that changes each time a code is to be entered. A reader connected to the touch-sensitive surface is informed at all times of the position of the fields and the symbols that are displayed in the fields, and coordinates touch that is registered on the surface with the information to determine the symbol selected by the touch.

Patent document DE10136021A1 describes a code entry device in the form of a keypad provided with a covering film that is designed to limit the field of vision from which symbols displayed on the keys of the keypad can be viewed. This keypad also comprises a means for randomly changing the position of the symbols on the different keys.

Patent document DE10136021 Al describes a code entry device in the form of a keypad provided with an overlying shielding grid formed of grid cells without a top or bottom and having opaque grid walls, and which, with suitable ratios between the length, width and height of the grid walls, limits the viewing angle of the keypad itself. The invention seeks to limit the area from which characters on the keypad can be viewed in such manner that will only be possible for one person at a time to see what is keyed in.

The invention provides a keypad with view-limiting integrated shielding and means for variable display of a key symbol displayed in connection with a key for showing the meaning of the key, which keypad is characterised by the features set forth in attached claim 1.

Additional advantageous features of the inventive keypad are set forth in attached claims 2 to 31 inclusive.

The invention, illustrated by Figures 2 and 3, comprises a keypad with integrated shielding against unauthorised viewing when secret codes are punched in.

Other embodiments of the invention, illustrated by attached Figures 4 to 9 inclusive, and Figures 9,1 to 9,4 inclusive, also comprise a keypad with integrated shielding against unauthorised viewing when secret codes are punched in.

The invention will first be explained with reference to attached Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a keypad according to the prior art with surrounding view shielding;

Figure 2 illustrates in principle a keypad with view-limiting integrated shielding according to the present invention; and

Figure 3 illustrates in principle a keypad with view-limiting integrated shielding and an adjustable simultaneous view through the top ends of several keys of several symbols shown at the respective bottom ends of several keys according to the present invention.

What the invention seeks to achieve is achieved by replacing keys with cylindrical buttons 30 where characters and numbers are shown in small displays 20 in the bottom thereof 30. The buttons are equipped with transparent material on the outside of the panel 10, at the opposite end, so that it will be possible to read the display and at the same time depress the key. The proportions between the width or diameter and the height of the cylinders, and the mutual angles of the cylinders positioned relative to each other, make it possible to suitably define one viewing point so that only one person at a time will be able to peep down at the cylinders/keys and see the values on each individual display at the same time. The height of the cylinders 30 can be adjusted as required by placing ground lenses at the end of the cylinders instead of, for example, ordinary glass 10. Alternatively, the mutual angles of the cylinders can be adjusted in relation to each other so that they focus towards one point at a given height above the keypad adapted to the height of the user. Because the height of a human being is not a fixed size, an optimal solution should thus contain an automatic adjusting mechanism for adapting the converging mutual angle of the cylinders to the user.

The effect of these measures comes forth by varying the mutual position of numbers on the individual displays of the keypad each time the terminal is used. Furthermore, it will be possible to define a predetermined number positioning, so that also blind and vision impaired persons will be able to use the invention. The whole solution is put under the administration of the integral data processing system of the terminal/automated teller machine, initiated by the customer swiping his bank card.

The invention is described below with reference to the attached drawings, and with the use of reference numerals where like reference numerals are used in all the figures to indicate like or similar elements, features or properties.

A code keypad with integrated shielding is obtained by making the keys cylindrical 30, which will make it necessary for the user to place himself in a certain position over the keypad in order to see the characters which are placed in the bottom of each individual key, and are visible on electric/electronic displays which move the mutual position of the characters/numbers in the buttons 30. These buttons are equipped with glass or other transparent material 10 on the top.

This code keypad with integrated shielding, characterised in that the ratio between the height and the diameter/width of the keys 30, makes it possible for only one person at a time to see what character/number values the displays 20 show in the bottom of the keys 30, because the area permitting a view is defined on the basis of biometric factors, for example, the size of the person's head and/or shoulder breadth.

This code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that cylinders are supported on two plates (panels) with different spacing between the bushings 70 of the buttons peripherally, so that the viewing area can be focussed towards the user by adjusting the spacing between the plates (spacing 60, spacing 40 > spacing 50). This is done to take into account persons of different heights for optimal effect when using fixed keypads.

This code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that the glass/transparent material 10 placed on the top of the cylinders/keys 30 is ground convex in order to further limit the field of view towards the keypad, so that the height of the cylinders 30 can be reduced when there is restricted space in handheld equipment or in connection with retrofitting in automated teller machines that have already been purchased.

By randomising (English: random) the location of the mutual position of characters/numbers in extended cylindrical keys 30 in a keypad and equipping them with electric/electronic displays 20 in the bottom, it is possible to ensure that only one person at a time will manage to see the code that is keyed in. This prevents undesired viewing from the side or from above by others who should not have access to the secret/personal code. Such unauthorised viewing occurs often and is a nuisance, and has even become a social problem through increasing bank and payment card fraud. The effect can be further enhanced by adjusting the mutual position of the cylindrical keys 30 from parallel to angled towards the user, and further by equipping them with ground, convex glass 10 on the top.

The area of application of the invention is primarily bank and payment terminals, fixed and mobile.

Other embodiments of the invention will now be explained below with reference to the attached drawings which include Figures 4 to 9 inclusive, and Figures 9,1 to 9,4 inclusive, wherein:

Figure 4 illustrates a tubular element for a keypad according to the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates in principle a tubular element for a keypad according to the invention, formed by prism shaping techniques;

Figure 6 illustrates in principle a tubular element for a keypad according to the invention, provided with a convex end surface; Figure 7 illustrates in principle a tubular element for a keypad according to the invention, formed of an assembly of tubular sub-elements;

Figure 8 illustrates in principle the arrangement of a display in the bottom end of a tubular element for a keypad according to the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates in principle the arrangement of a display under the bottom end of a tubular element for a keypad according to the invention;

Figure 9,1 illustrates in principle a first further embodiment of integrated shielding through the use of a tube form formed by a cut-out or hole in an opaque element for a keypad according to the invention;

Fig. 9,2 illustrates in principle a second further embodiment of integrated shielding through the use of a tube form formed by a cut-out or hole in an opaque element for a keypad according to the invention;

Figure 9,3 illustrates in principle a third further embodiment of integrated shielding through the use of a tube form formed by a cut-out or hole in an opaque element for a keypad according to the invention; and

Fig. 9,4 illustrates in principle a fourth further embodiment of integrated shielding through the use of a tube form formed by a cut-out or hole in an opaque element for a keypad according to the invention.

The objects of the invention are further achieved by the remaining and further embodiments which are described below and which include replacing keys with tubular buttons 30 where characters and numbers are shown on small displays 20 in the bottom thereof 30. The buttons are equipped with transparent material on the outside of the panel 10, in the opposite end, so that it will be possible to read the display and at the same time depress the button. The proportions between the diameter or width and the height of the cylinders, and the mutual angle of the cylinders positioned relative to each other, or relative height above displays 80, as can be seen from Figs. 8 and 9, make it possible to suitably define one viewing point to allow one person at a time to peep down at the tubular keys and see the values on each individual display at the same time. The height of the tube 30 can be adjusted as required by placing ground lenses at the end of the tube instead of, for example, ordinary glass 10. Alternatively, the mutual angles of the tubes can be adjusted relative to each other so that they focus towards one point at a given height above the keypad adapted to the height of the user. Because the height of human beings is not a fixed size, an optimal solution should thus contain an automatic adjustment mechanism for adapting the converging mutual angles of the tubes to the user.

The effect of these measures comes forth through this possibility of varying the mutual position of numbers on the individual displays of the keypad each time the terminal is used, or by an activation or deactivation of this function. Thus, it is possible to define a predetermined number positioning, thereby enabling also blind and vision impaired persons to use the invention. The whole solution is put under the administration of the integral data processing system of the terminal/automated teller machine, initiated when the customer swipes his bank card.

In the following explanation of the invention reference is made to Figures 4 to 9,4 inclusive of the attached drawings, and using the same reference numerals as before, where like reference numerals are used in all figures to indicate like or similar elements, features or properties.

A code keypad with integrated shielding in the following embodiments is obtained specifically by shaping the keys as tubular keys 30 which will make it necessary for the user to position himself in a given position over the keypad in order to see characters that are placed on or under the bottom of each individual key, and are visible on electric/electronic displays which move the mutual position of the characters/numbers in the buttons 30. These are equipped with glass or other transparent material 10 on the top.

This code keypad with integrated shielding is, in these embodiments, characterised in that the ratio between the height and the diameter or width of the keys 30 makes it possible for only one person at a time to see what character or number values the displays 20 show in the bottom of the keys 30, because the area which permits viewing is defined on the basis of biometric factors, such as through the size of the person's head and/or shoulder breadth.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that tubes are supported in two plates or panels with different spacing between the bushings 70 of the buttons peripherally, so that the viewing area can be focussed towards the user by adjusting the spacing between the plates (the spacing 60, the spacing 40 > the spacing 50). This is to take into account persons of different height for optimal effect when using fixed keypads.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is further characterised in that glass/transparent material 10 placed on the top of the tubular keys 30 is shaped, for example by grinding, convex to give a convex lens effect which helps to limit the field of view towards the keypad further, so that the height of the cylinders 30 can be reduced when there is restricted space on handheld equipment or in connection with retrofitting in automated teller machines that have already been purchased.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that the glass/transparent material 10 forms a prism as can be seen from Fig. 4, which per se represents a tube in that the side face(s) of the prism defines (define) the side face(s) of the tubular key(s) .

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that the glass/transparent material 10 is defined by a complex prism, as can be seen from Fig. 5 which per se forms tube 30 in that the side face(s) of the prism on refraction of light defines (define) the side face(s) of the tube/key(s) so that the height of tubes 30 for design reasons can be reduced whilst the effect of relative size between the height and the width/diameter of the tubes as regards viewing conditions is maintained.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that the glass/transparent material 10 forms a lens, as can be seen from Figure 6, which per se represents a tube in that the side face(s) of the prism on refraction of light defines (define) the side face(s) of tube/key(s).

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that tubes 30 are constructed of a formation that is an assembly of several smaller tubes which together represent a key, as can be seen from Fig. 7, so that the height of the tube 30 for design reasons can be reduced whilst the effect of relative size between the height and the width/diameter of the tube with regard to viewing conditions is maintained.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that tubes 30 are defined by cut-outs or holes in an opaque sheet or film 90 placed at a variable or fixed distance from displays 20, as can be seen from Fig. 9,1. This represents a production-technical variant where the same principles or principally structural elements are put together.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that tubes 30 which are defined by cut-outs or holes in an opaque sheet or film 90 placed at a variable or fixed distance from displays 20, as can be seen from Fig. 9,1, are moulded or laminated of transparent material 100. Here, reference is made to Figure 9,2. This represents a production-technical variant where the same principles or principally structural elements are put together.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that tubes 30 which are defined by cut-outs or holes in an opaque sheet or film 90 placed at a variable or fixed distance from displays 20, see the illustration in Fig. 9,1, are moulded or laminated with transparent material 100 on the surface. Here, reference is made to Fig. 9,3. This represents a production-technical variant where the same principles or principally structural elements are put together.

This embodiment of the code keypad with integrated shielding is characterised in that tubes 30 which are defined by cut-outs or holes in an opaque sheet or film 90 placed at a variable or fixed distance from displays 20, see the illustration in Fig. 9,1, are moulded or laminated with transparent material 100 on the underside. Here, reference is made to Fig. 9,4. This represents a production-technical variant where the same principles or principally structural elements are put together.

By randomising (from the English term "random"), that is to say selecting at random, the position of displayed characters or numbers in extended tubular keys 30 in a keypad and equipping them in or under the bottom with electric/electronic displays 20, it is ensured that only person at a time will be able to see the code that is entered. This prevents unwanted viewing from the side or above by others who should not have access to the secret/personal code. Such unauthorised viewing occurs often and is a nuisance, and has even become a social problem through increasing bank and payment card fraud. The effect can be further enhanced by adjusting the mutual position of the tubular keys 30 from parallel to angled towards the user, and further by equipping them with convex, optionally ground, glass 10 on the top to form a convex lens which can provide a greater degree of diffraction of light from displayed characters or number towards the longitudinal axis of the tubular key.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1.

A keypad with view-limiting integrated shielding and variable key symbol display, which keypad comprises at least one key and a symbol display device designed to effect variable display of a key symbol displayed in connection with the key for showing the meaning of the key, characterised in that the at least one key is formed as an elongate, cylindrical and, in its longitudinal direction, transparent key (30), which at least one key has transparent top (10) and bottom ends (20), which key has a ratio between key length and key side edge or between key length and key diameter designed such that a view through the top end (10) of a symbol displayed at the bottom end (20) of the key (30) is limited to the field of view of a single human observer.

2. A keypad according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises a plurality of elongate, cylindrical and, in their longitudinal direction, transparent keys, wherein the keys have transparent top and bottom ends, and wherein the ratio between the key length and the key side edge of each individual key or between the key length and the key diameter of each individual key is designed such that it determines an observation point or an observation area, from which observation point or observation area only one single human observer obtains a simultaneous view through the top end of all the keys of several symbols shown at respective bottom ends of each individual key.

3. A keypad according to claim 2, characterised in that the plurality of elongate, cylindrical and, in their longitudinal direction, transparent keys at an upper end and at a lower end are supported in respective bushings (70) in an upper plate and a lower plate respectively, wherein the upper plate is arranged at an adjustable spacing (60) from the lower plate, and wherein the bushings of the keys in the upper plate have a first spacing (50) which is different from a second spacing (40) between the bushings of the keys in the lower plate, so that the keys are inclined relative to each other and the simultaneous view of several symbols displayed at the respective bottom ends of the keys can be focussed towards the viewer by varying the adjustable spacing in order to take into account people who observe the keypad from different heights.

4.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the top end is provided with a convex-ground lens, whereby the view-limiting effect of the elongate, cylindrical and, in its longitudinal direction, transparent key is maintained with a reduced key length.

5.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the top end is provided with glass or other transparent material on the upper side.

6.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ratio between key length and key side edge or between key length and key diameter is determined by biometric factors defined through the size of a person's head or shoulder breadth.

7.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the keypad is adapted for retrofitting of the keypad in an automated teller machine.

8.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the symbol display device is arranged to change the displayed symbol in response to a code card reading.

9.

A keypad according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that it is designed to position the displayed symbols in accordance with a predetermined symbol location.

10.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the displayed symbol is a number.

11. A keypad with view-limiting integrated shielding, characterised in that it comprises at least one tubular and, in the longitudinal direction of the tube, transparent key (30), which key has transparent top (10) and bottom ends (20), which key has a ratio between key length and key side edge or between key length and key diameter designed such that a view from the top end (10) to a symbol displayed at the bottom end (20) of the key (30) is limited to the field of view of a single human observer; and a symbol display device arranged to change the displayed symbol.

12.

A keypad according to claim 11, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of tubular, and, in the longitudinal direction of the tube, transparent keys, the keys having transparent top and bottom ends, and wherein the ratio between the key length and the key side edge of the keys or between the key length and the key diameter of the keys is designed such that it determines an observation point from which observation point only a single human observer can obtain a simultaneous view from the top end of all the keys of several symbols displayed at, in or under respective bottom ends of each key.

13.

A keypad according to claim 12, characterised in that the plurality of tubular and, in the longitudinal direction of the tube, transparent keys at an upper end and at a lower end are supported in respective bushings (70) in a upper plate and a lower plate respectively, and where the upper plate is arranged at an adjustable spacing (60) from the lower plate, and where the key bushings in the upper plate are arranged with a first spacing (50) which is different from a second spacing (40) between the key bushings in the bottom plate, so that the keys are inclined relative to each other and the simultaneous view of several symbols can be focussed towards the user by varying the adjustable spacing in order to take into account people who observe the keypad from different heights.

14.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-13, characterised in that the top end is provided with a convex ground lens, whereby the view-limiting effect of the tubular and, in the longitudinal length of the tube, transparent key is maintained with a reduced height.

15.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-14, characterised in that the top end of the tube is provided with glass or other transparent material on the upper side.

16.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-15, characterised in that the ratio between the height and the side edge of the tubular key or between the height and the diameter of the tubular key is determined by biometric factors defined by the size of a person's head or shoulder breadth.

17.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-16, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by side faces of a prism illustrated in Figure 4.

18.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-17, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by side faces of a composite prism illustrated in Figure 5.

19.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-18, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by side faces of a lens illustrated in Figure 6.

20.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-19, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by an assembly of several smaller tubes illustrated in Figure 7.

21.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-20, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) not directly connected to displays (20) in the lower end of the key, but are nevertheless located at a spacing (80) above the viewing fields which represents the direction of extension of the side face(s) illustrated in Figure 9.

22. A keypad according to any one of claims 11-21, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by an opening or openings in an opaque sheet or film (90) illustrated in Figure 9,1.

23.

5 A keypad according to any one of claims 11-22, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by an opening or openings in an opaque sheet or film (90), moulded and/or laminated of transparent material (100) on the top side and underside illustrated in Figure 9,2. 0

24.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-23, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) represented by an opening or openings in an opaque sheet or film (90), moulded and/or s laminated of transparent material (100) on the top side illustrated in Figure 9,3.

25.

A keypad according to any one of claims 11-24, characterised in that the side face(s) of the tubular and, in its (their) longitudinal or vertical direction, transparent key(s) is (are) 0 represented by an opening or openings in an opaque sheet or film (90), moulded and/or laminated of transparent material (100) on the underside illustrated in Figure 9,4.

26.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the keypad ₅ is adapted for retrofitting thereof in an automated teller machine.

27.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the symbol display device is arranged to change the displayed symbol in response to a code card o reading.

28.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a predetermined symbol location is arranged. ₅

29.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is designed to place the displayed symbols in conformity with one of the keypad keys activating a randomisation of symbol location.

30.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is designed to place the displayed symbols in conformity with one of the keypad keys deactivating a randomisation of the symbol location.

31.

A keypad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the displayed symbols are numbers.