Patent Publication Number: US-2009219173-A1

Title: Pin code terminal

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to input devices for computer terminals and, in particular, to an input device for a PIN code terminal. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Currently most terminals have keyboards with printed numbers, letters or symbols for entering of PIN codes. Even though there exist 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. 
     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. 
     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 
     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. 
     In the present invention, a PIN code terminal is based on turning a small wheel 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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of 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 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , here is shown a wheel  11  for selection of numbers/letters in the window  13  built into 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 number/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. 
     Entering of the number/letter which has been selected in the window by manipulating or turning the wheel may also take place with a separate switch spaced apart from wheel  11 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 near the user&#39;s eye level and the wheel at the level of the user&#39;s hand. 
     The wheel 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.