IMPROVED SECURITY DATA ENTRY ALPHANUMERIC KEYPAD

CLAVIER ALPHANUMERIQUE DE SAISIE DE DONNEES SECURITAIRE AMELIORE

Description

CA 02214190 1997-10-15



CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE
Date: October 15, 1997
TITLE: IMPROVED SECURITY DATA ENTRY ALPHANUMERIC KEYPAD
To: Commissioner of Patents
(~n~la Intellectual Property Office
50 Vistoria Street
Ottawa, Hull
Canada
KlA 0C9

Background
The following is an idea that I believe is a unique solution to a problem
that many people will find valuable. I have drafted a description of the
problem, my idea for a solution and one example of how the idea could be
implemented. There are many different ways that the idea could be
implemented.
The idea has been disclosed in confidence to only one other person, TomBoyd (a registered patent agent). I met with Tom Boyd (CBSC) on October 1,
and he did a preliminary search of prior art and did not find my idea. To
date we have check abst/keypad, and ccl/235/379 and have not found my
idea.

1.0 Subject
1.1 Alphanumeric keypads have become a critical source for delivering
secret security information to computers around the world. Whether
it is a phone calling card ID, the PIN number for your banking
machine or debit card, or a building security code, the success of each
system depends on the maintaining the secrecy of the security code
number. These keypad secured systems are protecting many millions
of dollars worth of assets around the world.


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CA 02214190 1997-10-15


1.2 It has been my experience that because all of these security systems
share a common, and well-known key positioning on the keypad, it is
possible to ascertain the PIN or security code by observing someone
enter their code without actually seeing the keys. Therefore, there is
an opportunity to improve the security code entry device.

2.0 The Invention
2.1 An alphanumeric keypad that reorganizes the position of the letters
and/or numbers after every use. For visually impaired users there
could be a selectable standard key position option. Depending on the
key design and packaging (with or without a polarized lens, with or
without concave keys), it would be virtually impossible to determine
the security code based on the positions selected on the keypad even
when observed from very close proximity.

3.0 Preferred Practice
3.1 This keypad would be a niche product targeted to satisfy the need
for enh?~nced security at the security code entry device. The obvious
customers for the product being Bank ATM and debit system
manufacturers and security system manufacturers.

4.0 Distinguishing Features

4.1 The main distinguishing feature is ~at the location that is pressed on
the keypad has no relationship to the actual letter and/or number
that the user is selecting. A polarized lens or concave faceplate or
key design over LED~keys ~would restrict the field of visibility to
very narrow band(~mmedia~in front of the user.




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CA 02214190 1997-10-15


5.0 Possible Implementations
5.1 Implem,entation #l (Figure #l attached~

Component#l: Ten electronic single digit displays with the ten
displays arranged into a rectangular array like a conventional
keypad. This could also be a small touch sensitive display or a new
technology.
Component#2: A touch sensitive/transparent/polarized membrane
that lays over the ten electronic displays (all packaged in a suitable
case). The membrane would permit the user to see the keypad
numbers and make the correct selection by pressing the membrane.
By using a polarized material, the numbers would only be visible
within a very narrow window in front of the display. The same result
could be achieved by using an arrangement of transparent concave
keys.
Component#3: A microchip controller that can generate the
random key (letter and/or number) positions and drive the ten
single digit display units, determine which number corresponds to
the membrane (key~ touch position and relay the security code to the
system computer.




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CA 02214190 1997-10-15


5.2 Implementation #2 (Figure #2 attached)
Component#l: A single display unit that can display the complete set
of key positions and alphanumeric assi~nments.
Component#2: A touch sensitive/transparent/polarized membrane
that lays over the single unit display. By using a polarized material,
the numbers would only be visible within a very narrow window in
front of the display. The touch sensitive surface and the polarized
membrane may be separate components or an integral part of the
display unit.
Component#3: A microchip controller that can generate the
random key (letter and/or number) positions and drive the single
display unit, determine which number corresponds to the
membrane (key) touch position and relay the security code to the
system computer.
5.3 Note that both implementations #1 and #2 could be part of a larger
assembly and need not be stand alone data entry devices. For
example if the invention was part of an ATM, the keypad could be
part of the ATM s~ructural assembly and therefore would not require
the keypad case. Also~ the single display touch sensitive display unit
capability (Impl #Z~ could be added to an existing computer display
unit at an ATM possibly without the use of additional hardware.




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