FR2459514A1 - Personal code word reading procedure - displaying symbols to user who selects those corresp. to own identity code word after insertion of card - Google Patents

Abstract

A personal code word identification procedure is for an associated automotive reader. The codeword consists of a fixed number of symbols which, together with other symbols, are shown to the user at least once. The user selects by an operating element e.g. pushbutton - those symbols which correspond to his codeword, or to parts of it. The personal identity card (1) is inserted in the reader (2) and the code word is duly read in an assigned unit (3). The result is stored in a first memory (4). Symbols corresp. to the codeword are shown to the user via a selector control (5) and display (12).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for entering a personal code word in an automatic documentary document reader or similar device.

The protection of supporting documents and other similar documents, lost or stolen, against fraudulent abuse, in particular in automatic readers of supporting documents, is today almost exclusively by entering, in the device, a word personal code. Information that is automatically readable, incorporated into the document, is compared, either directly, or after verification by an algorithm containing secrecy, or after interrogation of a central computing unit, with a personal code word introduced into the device by the maneuver a keyboard or similar device operated by the user of the document.

This process has two major drawbacks 1. For reasons of economy, most often a
keyboard with numbers from O to 9. The code word to
introduce is therefore made up of a number of several
numbers, usually hard to remember. The use of
letters, symbols or figures, easier to perceive than
dee numbersis impossible because it would require employment
of a keyboard that is too complicated and too difficult to kiss
look by the user.

2. The personal code word can be surprised by a third party
during handling.

The object of the present invention is therefore to ensure, in the
defined process cindessu8, that the code word to introduce
in an automatic supporting document reader either
easy & remember from memory so easy to pereeacir
and that its characteristics cannot be further supported by third parties when they are entered into the document reader.

This object is achieved by means of a device in which the code word consists of a determined number of symbols presented at least once, together with a plurality of other symbols, to the user who will successively select from several of the symbols offered, using an operating device, those of these symbols corresponding to all or part of its code word.

The advantages of the solution according to the invention lie in the fact that, on the one hand, the code word consisting of a composition of figures and numbers or of figures and letters is easier to perceive than a number of several figure for example, and on the other hand the operation of a single selector switch, electronic or mechanical, for the duration of the presentation is in particular more difficult to surprise than the composition of a number of several figures on a keyboard.

The invention does not only apply to automatic readers of supporting documents but also to devices such as: automatic closings of doors, compartments, lockers, safes, or other similar installations.

The invention is also remarkable for the following characteristics, considered separately or in various combinations: - all of the symbols are presented in series, - some of the symbols are presented in parallel, - all of the symbols are presented in parallel, - the all of the symbols are presented several times, - all of the symbols are presented simultaneously, - the symbols include the numbers from 0 to 9, - the symbols presented as desired are perceived by a window, - the window consists of an opening, adapted to di
symbols, provided in the front plate of the reader
of documents, under which the symbols are presented not to
not - the window is constituted by a fixed electronic grid, - the slot is constituted by a displaced electronic grid
ble on an indicator plate containing all the sym
boles, - the mobility of the electronic grid can title ordered by
the user, - the device includes an indicator for the presentation of
symbols, an operating device for the selection of symbols
envisaged, and a memory for the accumulation of information
relating to the symbols isolated by the operating member, - the device includes an emergency key for correction
data entered by mistake, the indicating device comprises at least one rotating drum
step by step, moving in front of a viewfinder, the indicating device consists of several drums
arranged side by side and can be selected separately
each other, the indicating device is constituted by a viewing device
electronic reading, the indicating device is constituted by an indicating screen
or an indicator panel containing all the symbols, the indicating device is not perceptible at each operation
that by the user, the indicating device consists of an uninterrupted strip
on which the symbols are printed, operating device is constituted by a push button
arranged so that its operation is not noticeable by
outside, - the push button is covered with a cap, - the push button is attached to the document reader by a
flexible connection frame. electric and it is conformed
so that its operation requires that it be fully covered
green by hand, - the operating device is constituted by a push button
and combined rotary knob for both com
request the speed of movement of symbols or grids that
carry out the selection, - the indication and operating devices are arranged in a
hand-held device similar to a boom microphone.

The invention is described below in detail with reference to a few nonlimiting examples of embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings in which - Figure 1 is a block diagram for the explanation
cation of the process according to the invention - Figures 2a and 2b show, respectively from the front and from
side, the conformation of an apparatus for putting the
process according to the invention - Figure 3 shows an electrical installation for setting
in practice of the process - Figure 4 shows a development of the electrical installation
as in Figure 3 - Figure 5 shows a presentation against a part
symbols; and - Figure 6 shows a representation of all the sym
bowls on a display panel.

The method according to the invention will first be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the card 1, constituting the supporting document, is introduced, as usual in processes of the same kind, in the automatic card reader 2. The user's personal code word, written on the card is read in an appropriate unit 3 and transferred to a memory (S2)) 4.

Thereupon, unlike the methods used up to now, an indicator device 12 associated with a control unit 5 presents to the user, among a plurality of symbols, those of them which are identical to the symbols contained in the code word of the user. These symbols can be letters, numbers or figures which can be represented in a variety of ways by means of display devices (see below) and title combined in multiple ways to form a code word.

Each time a symbol or combination of symbols from the general symbol stock, entering into the composition of the code word of the user, is presented by the indicating device 12, the user actuates the operating member coupled to a symbol selector circuit 17. The memory cell, belonging to the chosen symbol, of a memory (91) 7 connected to the selector circuit 17 is then loaded with logic information by means of the selector circuit coupled to the ordering of indications 5.

If necessary, the selection will be repeated for example as many times as there are terms (or symbols) in the code word. If the normal order of symbols is followed in a code word, the user must first select the first symbol of his code word by means of the indicating device 12 and the operating member 14, then the second symbol, etc
When the user has selected his code word according to the above method, a comparator 8 checks, by comparison with the data of the card stored in the memory (S2) 4, the correspondence with the data of the selection stored in memory (81) 7. If the selection of the code word has been correct, the two memories 4 and 7 present the same information in their respective corresponding cells. The controller 8 emits a corresponding signal which serves as a starting signal for the unwinding of subsequent operations.

It should be noted that, basically, depending on the need and the expenditure envisaged, the type of presentation of the symbols, the simplicity of the operation, and the multiplicity of possible code words, therefore the risk that code words will be surprised. by third parties, are decisively influenced by the composition of the code word and by the conditions of selection of the various symbols.

If, for example, we attach importance only to the-symbols composing a particular code word being correctly selected in a determined mass of symbols without taking account of any order, the number of code words possible (especially in the case of a reduced number of symbols per word) is greatly limited. But the advantage here will remain in the simplicity of the operation of the card reader, the brevity of the time for selecting the code word, and the relatively reduced complexity of the devices.

On the other hand if, in the choice of the code word, one must preserve the order of the symbols in the code word, and If this code word itself must consist of a larger number of symbols, the number of possible code words will increase considerably despite a partial limitation of the above benefits.

We will now describe by way of example, with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a simple card reader allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the front panel 9 of the card reader 2 has a slot 10 behind which there is a drum 11 set in motion by a stepping motor not shown, this drum comprising at its periphery several sectors 12 each having two symbols 12a and 12b. After inserting a card into the appropriate slot 13, the rotation of the cylinder in the direction of the arrow 16 causes the sectors 12 bearing the symbols to scroll successively in front of the window 10.

When the user spots a sector having a symbol belonging to his code word, he actuates a push button 14 housed in a cell 15 of the card reader 2. The socket 15 and the push button 14 are arranged in such a way that the user's reaction to a given symbol cannot be perceived by third parties.

As already mentioned, the operation of the push button 14 controls an electrical unit also housed in the card reader 2, which performs the comparison and verifies the concordance of the data and the mode of operation of which will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 3, the push button is connected, by a rotary switch 17 to the inputs of a first selector memory 7 (s). This rotary switch 17 is coupled with the drum 11 on which the sectors 12 carrying the symbols are located, and can take n switching positions (corresponding; to the number n of sectors). This rotary switch 17, the push button 14 and the memory 7 can be used for electro-magnetic or electronic devices.

The unit described above operates as follows
The card on which the code word is recorded is introduced into the automatic card reader by the insertion slot 13 (FIG. 2a). The information on the card is then read from a unit 3 and entered into a card memory 4 comprising n cells. Simultaneously the drum 11, starting from a starting position, begins to move step by step. The n sectors 12, each carrying two symbols, are thus presented successively to the user by the window 10. Each time that a sector appears in which one of the two symbols corresponds to the symbol contained in its code word, the utilisatev.r ac tion the push button 14 connected to an electrical voltage source 18 and thus causes the charging of the memory cell 7 (S) corresponding to this symbol or to this sector.

If the user has composed the exact code word, the electrical information of the memory 7 corresponds to the information contained in the memory 4 and the comparator 8 gives the signal for triggering the subsequent phases of the operation.

Assuming that the codeword consists of m symbols, and first of all assuming that the succession of symbols will not be taken into account and that none of the sectors 12 will have to be selected twice, the user will select for example, during the rotation of the drum, among the n sectors located on the drum, the m sectors bearing the symbols in question. We will therefore obtain in all () possible code words.

If we now suppose which drum has n = 10 sectors and that the code word must include m = 2 symbols, for
10 example a letter and a figure, we will get (2) = 45 possible code words. The number of possible code words is relatively small due to the fact that the succession of symbols in the code word is not taken into account and that only one symbol has to be selected per sector. An advantage of this selection method lies in the fact that two symbols are always presented simultaneously to the user although he only has to select one. The user can thus locate the symbol of this sector, easier to remember
The number of possible code words increases if the symbols appearing next to each sector are also used to form a code word. This can be done by means of two drums mounted separately of which, for example, one will present letters and the other of the figures, each drum being coupled with its own operating unit. It follows that each literal symbol may be combined with each other symbol-figure. We ob
m 2 will hold, in this particular case, n = 10 = 100 possible code words. The drawback of this latter method is the great complication relating to the exploitation of the results.

Another possibility for increasing the number of code words is to take into consideration the possible relative arrangements (permutations) of the symbols inside a code word, that is to say the succession of symbols. This implies beforehand that each symbol will appear only once in a code word. The number of permutations of m different symbols will, by definition, be equal to m.

A simple numerical example will make it clear that the simultaneous presentation of several symbols, taking into account that the user will observe the correct succession of symbols in his code word when he actuates the push button 14, is also advantageous for time. only for the multiplicity of possible code words.

If, starting from the aforementioned example s the drum 3 has 3 n = 10 sectors 12 each comprising m 3 2 symbols, and if each symbol is presented for one second, the process requires twenty seconds for a double rotation of the drum. In the case of a consecutive presentation of the symbols, the presentation time would be a maximum of forty seconds.

The number of possible code words increases under these conditions, that is to say by keeping the succession of symbols, from (12) = 45
2
10
2. 21 = 90
To also take into account the succession of operations of the push button in the recording in the memory 7, the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 must be slightly modified. As shown in Figure 4, the output of the push button 14 is further connected to a counter 19 itself connected to a decoder 20. The outputs of the push button 14 are connected to the horizontal lines "nw of a memory recording matrix 7 (S) while the decoder outputs "m" are connected to the vertical lines "m" of this matrix. By choosing one of the vertical lines m and one horizontal line n, each element matrix recorder can be selected.

This accessory arrangement makes it possible to interrogate the first of the vertical lines m of the matrix 7 by a first depression of the push button 14 (first symbol of the code word), the second vertical line of this matrix by a second depression of this button- push-button (second symbol of the code word), etc., which determines the succession of symbols in the code word.

it therefore appears advantageous in practice to compose a code word of a letter, a number and uoe.figure, this kind of code words being easily retained. it will be advantageous if the symbols are presented partly successively and partly parallel so that it will appear first, da> s the left half of the display slot 10 (figure 2) twenty-five letters then ten numbers, while thirty-five different, clearly addressable symbols will appear in the right half of this slot. In this arrangement we will obtain, with only three kinds of symbols and only two presentations, 25 x 10 x 35 = 8,750 different code words, a number that can be considered very satisfactory for protection against theft or loss of supporting documents. This is especially the case, if, moreover, a device is provided for the apparatus to stop working and to retain the document after three incorrect indications concerning the code word.

Two other modes of practicing the method according to the invention are described below, making it possible to shorten the waiting time for the selection of a code word, or to reduce the number of possible code words.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the totality of the symbols is represented, at all times, on a display device 21 (for example a storytelling device). The symbols move slowly on the screen. With a view to its selection, the envisaged symbol is distinguished from the set of symbols psr a fixed electronic slot 22. The advantage of this last presentation is that the counter 21 device can be used at the same time to transmit to the the user of the operating instructions and that the latter can observe the symbol belonging to his code word before he reaches the electronic window 22. The user is therefore warned of the appearance of the symbol in question so that the presentation time by symbol may title reduced. A mechanical solution of the same kind consists in using an uninterrupted strip on which all the symbols are carried.

FIG. 6 finally represents an embodiment of the invention making it possible to obtain a very large number of code words with a reduced presentation time. As shown in this figure 6, the set of symbols is presented, perceptible at a glance / the user, on a table or screen indicator 24. This set of symbols is composed for example of letters, numbers Contrary to the process described above, the user will then be able to determine for himself how quickly a mobile electronic selection slot 23 will have to scan the lines of symbols by appropriately actuating a combined push-button and rotary knob (not shown). ). When the electronic slot 23 has reached the symbol in question, the latter will be selected by pressing the push-button. After selecting a code word, the electronic window automatically returns to its neutral starting position.

This last process presupposes, because of the selection process, that the indicator board or screen carrying all the symbols, is arranged, inside the automatic card reader, so as we have seen at all times that by the user. However, this condition is easy to fulfill by means of side screens or frosted glass plates (for example Fresnel plates).

 With a code word made up of four kinds of symbols, the symbol stock represented in figure 6, for example with dOnne its four horizontal lines and its ten vertical columns 104 n 10,000 different code words. If we consider all the permutations inside the individual code words, we get 104. 4 1 = 240,000 possibilities. The number of possibilities increases considerably further if it is further admitted that the same symbol can appear more than once in the same code word. In this latter embodiment, the selection time is approximately equal to that which is necessary for the recording of an identical code word by means of the number keyboard usually used.

In the known methods for operating automatic card readers, the personal code word consists of a number of four digits which is usually recorded by means of a dis-number keyboard. This process is easy & practical in accordance with the fundamental principle of the present invention using a drum, an unbroken band, or an electronic indicator, carrying the set of symbols in question (i.e. the numbers of O to 9).

To save the code word, all of the symbols can
be presented several times to the user to give him
the possibility of selecting with a single touch the numbers that are part of its code word. The registration may be
facilitated by a marker indicating the location at all times
snapshot of the numbers.

The device will also include an emergency button allowing
so many to correct a wrong record.

If the process according to the invention is applied to a distributor
automatic cash, he can use, if necessary
where appropriate, a literal or numerical indication present and, in
in this case, a selection key and a touch of
backup instead of the usual ten-key keyboard. The protec
tion against fraudulent observation could be improved by
the presence of a screen in case it does not equip
already the device.

For indoor applications, a manual device connected by
target, similar to the rod microphone of a tape recorder also
equipped with a stretd concealment pavilion, may present
large; benefits.

Four conclude we will say that the invention offers an incommen number
surable of variants as regards the choice of the symbols,
the composition of code words and how to present the
seems of these symbols. We must therefore in each particular case
determine the optimal chain of factors. The three important points of view below will have to be interpreted according to the
each other
- the simplicity of the code word,
- as many code words as possible,
- the time to select a code word.

The methods and forms of coding described in this patent will advantageously be put into practice taking into account the points of view above.

Claims (5)

1. Method of introducing a personal code word in a automatic documentary reader or device  analogous, characterized in that the code word is constructed killed by a determined number of symbols present at least  once, along with a plurality of other symbols, to the user who will successively select from several of the symbols offered, using a  maneuver, those of these symbols correspond to all or part.' its codeword 2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in each all the symbols are presented in series. 3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a part of the symbols is present e- parallel 4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that all the symbols are presented in parallel 5. Proceda according to Claim 1, characterized in that  all the symbols are presented several times 6 Procedure according to Claim 1, characterized in; than  all the symbols are presented simultaneously 7. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that  the set of symbols includes the numbers from 0 to 9 8.A method according to any one of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the symbols presented of your choice are seen through a window  9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the window is constituted by an opening, adapted. to the symbol dimensions, located in the front panel of the document reader, under which the symbols are pre-  step by step 10. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the window consists of a fixed electronic grid. 11. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the window consists of an electronic grid  movable on an indicator plate containing all  symbols 12. process according to claim 11, characterized in that  the mobility of the electronic grid can be controlled  by the user 13. Device for implementing the method according to the  Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an appa  reil indicator for the presentation of symbols, a gold maneuver for the selection of the symbols envisaged, and a memory for the accumulation of related information  tive to symbols isolated by the operating device 14. Device for implementing the method according to the Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a  emergency key for the correction of an intro data mistakenly picks 15. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that  the indicating device has at least one drum  turning step by step and moving in front of a viewfinder 1h. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that that the indicating device consists of several  drums arranged side by side and can be selected separately from each other 17. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that  that the indicating device consists of a device  Electronic display 18. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that  that the indicating device consists of a screen in  indicator or an indicator panel containing all  symbols 19. Device according to Claim 18, characterized in that  that the indicating device is not, at each maneuver, per  ceptibleque by the user 20. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that  that indicating device consists of a strip uninterrupted on which are printed the symbols 21. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the operating member is constituted by a button  pusher arranged so that its operation is not  noticeable from Itextdrieur. 22. Device according to Claim 21, characterized in that that the push button is covered with a cap. 23 * Device according to Claim 21, earaterized in that  the push button is attached to the document reader by a flexible electrical connection cable and that  is shaped so that its operation requires that it be  entirely covered by hand 24. Device according to any one of Claims 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22, characterized in that the operating device is constituted by a push button  and rotary combined as well to control the speed of movement of symbols or grids that to make the selection 25. Device according to any one of Claims 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22, characterized in that the indication and operating devices are arranged  in a hand-held device similar to a boom microphone