NL2002238C

NL2002238C - Device and method for entry of a personal identification number.

Info

Publication number: NL2002238C
Application number: NL2002238A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Willem Theodoor De Jong
Original assignee: Willem Theodoor De Jong
Priority date: 2008-10-28
Filing date: 2008-11-21
Publication date: 2010-04-29

Description

No. NL 2002238

Device and method for entry of a Personal Identification

Number

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a device and method for entry of a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Such 5 devices and methods are commonly used as a means of identification, to enter a personal identification code, usually via a keypad.

Such devices are well known, in particular those that use a PIN in association with a card or other means of 10 personal identification.

The UK Patent Application 2 402 649 discloses a data entry device, e.g. a keypad, for entering a PIN, which incorporates features to aid the prevention of disclosure of the PIN, to unauthorized persons, as the PIN is being 15 entered. The keypad comprises ten buttons for entering the PIN, wherein each of those keys is associated with one of the symbols from 0 to 9. The used buttons incorporated a light emitting display within their construction for displaying different numbers/symbols by every button of the 20 keypad. When the entry of a PIN is required, two options are selectable by the user. In a first option the control system will position the various numbers on the keypad according to the traditional arrangement of numbers; i.e. 1, 2 and 3 are on the top line (read left to right), 4, 5 and 6 are on the 2 next line down (read left to right), 7, 8 and 9 are on the next line down (read left to right) and 0 is on the bottom line. In a second, secured option, the control system will randomly position the various numbers on the keypad.

5 A disadvantage of this securing feature is, that a user cannot know, which button is associated with which number. The keypad must be viewed by the user during or prior to entering one or more integers of the Personal Identification Number. At that moment, unauthorized persons 10 may spy on the user, for example by looking over the shoulder of the user or spying remotely with the use of visual aids.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method which is user friendly and 15 minimizes the risk of a PIN being disclosed to, or being obtained by unauthorized persons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

20 According to a first aspect, the invention provides a data entry device for entry of a Personal

Identification Number (PIN) as described in claim 1. The device comprises: a first button which is associated with a first 25 set comprising two or more different numbers and/or symbols; and a control system comprising a counter for counting the number of times the first button is pressed, wherein the control system is arranged for selecting one number or 30 symbol of the first set in dependence of the number of times the first button is pressed as the entered number or symbol.

Usually a PIN comprises a series of integers, which integers can subsequently be entered via the data entry device of the invention by a for each integer unique 35 number of times of pressing-in the first button. Thus the entry of an integer of a PIN is associated with a number of finger movements of the user, which can be entered to the 3 touch of the finger, without the need of viewing the keypad when entering the PIN. In use, the entry device according to the invention can be screened from the view of the user and any unauthorized person. Furthermore, when the entry device 5 is screened from view, it is even possible to direct surveillance cameras to the location of the entry device, for keeping watch over the entry device, the users and/or the further eguipment associated with the entry device.

The device comprises a second button which is 10 associated with a second set comprising two or more different number and/or symbols. By providing two buttons for entering a PIN, the numbers 1, 2, ..., 9 and 0 can be divided in two series for reducing the maximum number of times the first or second button must be pressed for 15 entering an integer.

The control system comprises a counter for counting the number of times the second button is pressed, and the control system is arranged for selecting one number or symbol of the second set in dependence of the number of 20 times the second button is pressed as the entered number or symbol. The first button is used for entering an integer of the first set, and the second button is used for entering an integer of the second set.

The device comprises a confirmation button for 25 confirming the number of times the first or second button is pressed. The confirmation button can be pressed after the used has performed a series of activations of the first or second button, which series correspond with the integer to be entered. By activating the confirmation button, the user 30 can indicate the end of the series of activations. Subsequently the control system can establish the entered number or symbol.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a correction or decline button, for correcting or declining a 35 faulty entered number or symbol.

In an embodiment, the first set comprises only odd numbers and wherein the second set comprises only even 4 numbers. For example in order to enter the number 1, the first button is pressed in once, to enter the number 2, the second button is pressed once, to enter the number 3, the first button is pressed twice, to enter the number 4, the 5 second button is pressed twice, ... , to enter the number 9, the first button is pressed five times, and to enter the number 0, the second button is pressed five times.

In an embodiment, the first set comprises the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and wherein the second set 10 comprises the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 0. For example in order to enter the number 1, the first button is pressed in once, to enter the number 2, the first button is pressed twice,..., to enter the number 5, the first button is pressed five times, to enter the number 6, the second button is pressed 15 once, to enter the number 7, the second button is pressed twice, ... , and to enter the number 0, the second button is pressed five times.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a selection means for selecting one pair of a series of different first 20 and second sets for the entry of a PIN. In an embodiment, the selection means comprises a selection button operable by a user for selecting one pair of first and second sets for the entry of a PIN. On the one hand, the user may select a convenient pair of series with which the user is familiar 25 for comfortable entering a PIN. On the other hand, the choice of one pair out of a series of different first and second sets, can provide an extra level of security, in particular when an unauthorized person cannot detect which pair of series a user has chosen for entering his PIN.

30 In an embodiment, the selection means are arranged to select a first and second set wherein the first set comprises only odd numbers and wherein the second set comprises only even numbers, or 35 a first and second set wherein the first set comprises the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and wherein the second set comprises the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 0.

5

In an embodiment, the device comprises a keypad for the three or more buttons, wherein said keypad comprises only two buttons associated with a counter for entering the numbers and/or symbols of the PIN. By limiting the buttons 5 for entering the numbers and/or symbols of the PIN, the fingers of the user can stay on top of the first button, or on top of the first and second buttons during the entering of the PIN and the user does not have to feel its way to other buttons.

10 In an embodiment, the device comprises a keypad for the three or more buttons, wherein said keypad is provided with cover means for covering a hand of a user when entering a PIN. Since the PIN can be entered to the touch of the users fingers, the PIN can be entered blindfold, thus 15 without viewing the keypad. The cover means can obscure the movement of the users fingers during entering the PIN.

In an embodiment, the cover means comprises a cover which is hingeably connected to the keypad or a housing containing said keypad. The cover can move around 20 the hinge connection from a first position for covering the hand of a user, to a second position where the keypad and/or the inside of the housing can be visually inspected by the user, and vice versa. By visually inspecting the keypad and/or the inside of the housing, prior to entering a PIN, 25 for spying means or devices placed inside the housing by unauthorized persons to attempt to obtain a PIN.

In an embodiment, the keypad and/or the housing comprises means for automatic opening and/or closing the cover. For example, when not in use for entering a PIN, the 30 cover is in the open position allowing a visual inspection of the keypad and/or the inside of the housing. In use, the cover closes for obscuring the entering of a PIN from the view of unauthorized persons, camera's or other detection equipment.

35 In an embodiment, the device comprises sensing means for sensing the removal of the hand of a user and/or the opening of the cover means. In an embodiment, the 6 sensing means are connected to the control system, and the control system is arranged to reset the system and/or the delete data of a previous transaction upon receipt of a signal from the sensing means which corresponds to the 5 removal of the hand of a user and/or the opening of the cover means .

In an embodiment, the cover means are provided with shielding means for substantially confining PIN-related information to within the cover means. In an embodiment, the 10 cover means comprises a Faraday cage. In addition to obscuring the movement of the users fingers during entering the PIN, the shielded cover, in particular with a Faraday cage, can substantially prevent the detection or skimming of electrical signals, in particular electrical signals 15 originating from the entering of the PIN, on the outside of the shielded cover.

In an embodiment, the data entry device further comprises a reader for obtaining a PIN-related information from a card or other means of personal identification. In an 20 embodiment, the reader is arranged beneath the cover means. In an embodiment the reader is arranged beneath a shielded cover. The shielded cover can substantially prevent the detection or skimming of electrical signals, in particular electrical signals originating from the reading of the card 25 or other means of personal identification, in particular signals related to the PIN, at the outside of the shielded cover.

In an embodiment, the reader is arranged for holding the card or other means of personal identification 30 at least when entering the PIN. In an embodiment, the reader is arranged for holding the card or other means of personal identification beneath the cover, and thus on a secure place at least during the entering of the PIN.

In an embodiment, the data entry device further 35 comprises a fingerprint-sensor. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is arranged in or at the first and/or the second button. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is 7 arranged to read a fingerprint before or during the activation of the first button. Combining the PIN with fingerprint information of the user can provide an additional security feature.

5 In an embodiment, the control system is arranged for selecting one number or symbol of the first set in dependence of the number of times the first button is pressed as the entered number or symbol, after a short break following a series of activations of the first button is 10 detected.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in a data entry device according to any one of the embodiments described above, wherein the method 15 comprising the steps of: counting the number of times the first button is pressed, and selecting one number or symbol of the first set in dependence of the number of times the first button is 20 pressed as the entered number or symbol.

In an embodiment, the step of selecting is performed after the confirmation button has been operated.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, 25 wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.

30

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in 35 which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a data entry device according to the invention; 8

Figure 2 shows a schematic top-view of a keypad according to a first exemplary embodiment, not described in the claims;

Figure 3 shows a schematic top-view of a keypad 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a schematic top-view of a keypad according to a third exemplary embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a schematic top-view of a keypad according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; 10 Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a data entry device comprising a cover with a wrist closure;

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a data entry device comprising a wrist support;

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a data entry 15 device comprising a cover with side walls for enclosing the hand of a user;

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a data entry device comprising a reader for a card comprising a magnetic strip, which reader is placed underneath a cover; and 20 Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a data entry device comprising a reader for a card comprising a chip, which reader is placed underneath a cover.

25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an example of a data entry device 1 according to the invention. The data entry device 1 comprises a housing with a bottom wall 2, two longitudinal 30 side walls 3, 4 and a back wall 5. The front of the housing is open for providing access for the hand of a user. The housing further comprises a cover lid 6 which is connected to the housing by hinge connections 9 near the back of the housing. In a closed position, the cover lid 6 rests on the 35 side walls 3, 4 for closing off the upper side of the housing. From this closed position the lid 6 can swivel to an open position along path indicated by the arrow A. In the 9 open position the interior of the housing is visible, at least for a user.

The data entry device 1 may be provided with a reading device 7 for reading data from a card or other means 5 of personal identification. The reading device can be attached to an outside face of the side wall 4 of the housing. Alternatively the reading device can be provided at an outside face of the back wall 5.

Furthermore the data entry device 1 is provided 10 with a keypad inside the housing, which keypad comprises a series of keys 8 for entering a PIN, which keys 8 are provided at or near the bottom wall 2.

Figure 2 shows a first example of a keypad 22 of the invention. The keypad 22 comprises a first key or button 15 23 for entering a PIN. The key 23 comprises a counter or is connected to a counter for counting the number of times the key 23 is activated in by the user. When the number of activations by the user corresponds with an associated integer of the PIN, the user activates the confirm or "OK" 20 key 25 for establishing this integer of the PIN.

Subsequently the key 23 may be activated by the user for entering the subsequent integer of the PIN.

If an error occurs during the entering of a PIN, the counter can be reset by activating the correction key 25 26, and the user may subsequently activate the key 23 for a new attempt for entering the required PIN. In addition, when holding the correction key 26 for a certain period of time, for example 5 seconds, all entered integers of a PIN are reset and the user can start with entering the PIN from the 30 start.

Alternatively, if an error occurs during the entering of a PIN, the counter can be reset by activating the OK key two times with a short time period. Furthermore, the correction key 2 6 can be arranged in order to always 35 cancel all entered integers of a PIN when activated.

In addition, the keypad 22 is provided with a display 27 for providing feedback to the entering of a PIN.

10

For example the display 27 may provide information about how many integers of a PIN have already been entered and/or may indicate whether the entered PIN is correct or not.

In addition, the keypad 22 may be provided with 5 acoustic signaling means for providing different acoustic signals to confirm an inputted integer, a reset of the counter and/or the reset of all entered integers.

Figure 3 shows a second example of a keypad 32 of the invention. The keypad 32 comprises two keys, a right key 10 33 and a left key 34, for entering a PIN. Each of these keys 33, 34 is provided with a counter for counting the number of times the corresponding key 33, 34 is activated in by the user. In this example the left key 34 is associated with a first set of integers comprising the odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 15 and 9, and the right key 33 is associated with a second set of integers comprising the even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0.

The first and second set are printed 38 on the keypad 32, below the corresponding keys 33, 34, together with the number of times the corresponding key has to be activated in 20 order to select the associated integer.

Again, when the number of activations of one of the keys 33, 34 by the user corresponds with the required associated integer of the PIN, the user activates the "OK" key 35 for entering this integer of the PIN. Subsequently 25 the right 33 or left 34 key may be activated by the user for entering the subsequent integer of the PIN.

Furthermore a correction key 36 and a display 37 are provided, which have similar functions as in the first example describe above.

30 Figure 4 shows a third example of a keypad 42 of the invention. The keypad 42 comprises two keys, a right key 43 and a left key 44, for entering a PIN, and a confirmation key 45. The keys 43, 44, 45 are separated by ridges 48, which extends in vertical direction above the plane of the 35 keys 43, 44, 45 for guiding the fingers of a user to the appropriate position for activating or pressing-in said keys 43, 44, 45.

11

The left 44 and right 43 key are provided with a counter for counting the number of times the corresponding key 43, 44 is activated in by the user. In this example the left key 44 is associated with a first set of integers and 5 the right key 43 is associated with a second set of integers. In this example the user can choose which pair of first and second set he wants to use for entering his PIN, by activating the selection keys 41. When the selection key "1" is activated, the first set comprises the odd numbers 1, 10 3, 5, 7 and 9, and the second set comprises the even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 and 0. When the selection key "2" is activated, the first set comprises the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and the second set comprises the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 0.

Furthermore, a confirm key 45 is provided. To 15 confirm a series of activations of key 43 or key 44, the confirm key 45 is activated once. To reset the counters of the keys 43 and 44, the confirm key is activated twice within a short time period, say within 3 to 5 seconds.

In addition, a further OK key 451 and a correction 2 0 or cancel key 4 6 are provided. These keys are located at a different level as the input keys 43, 44, 45. In particular these keys are provided at a position spaced apart from the keys 43, 44, 45 used for entering the PIN. Thus the user can easily distinguish between the keys 43, 44, 45 for entering 25 the PIN and other function keys by the touch of the fingers of the user. The additional keys may even be provided outside the housing. The OK key 451 may be activated in order to confirm an amount to be paid. The correction key 46 may be activated in order to reset all entered integers, and 30 the user may start all over again to enter his PIN.

Figure 5 shows a fourth example of a keypad 52 of the invention. In this embodiment, the keypad 52 is provided with a tumbler switch 51 near the input keys 53, 54, 55 in order to choose between two available first and second sets 35 for entering a PIN. When the tumbler switch 51 is placed in position "1", the first set comprises the odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, and the second set comprises the even numbers 2, 12 4, 6, 8 and 0. When the tumbler switch 51 is placed in position "2", the first set comprises the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and the second set comprises the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 0 .

5 Figure 6 shows a second example of a data entry device 61 according to the invention, comprising a housing with a bottom wall 62, two longitudinal side walls 63, 64 and a back wall 65. The front of the housing is open for providing access for the hand of a user. The housing further 10 comprises a cover lid 66 which is connected to the housing by hinge connections 69 near the back of the housing. In a closed position, the cover lid 66 rests on the side walls 63, 64 for closing off the upper side of the housing.

The lid 66 is further provided with a front wall 15 661. Said front wall 661 is arranged for at least partially closing off the front side of the housing when the lid 66 is in the closed position. The front wall 661 is provided with an opening 662 for providing access for the hand of a user to the interior of the housing. The opening 662 is arranged 2 0 to enclose the wrist of the user, in order to limit a view into the housing via the front opening.

Figure 7 shows a third example of a data entry device 71 according to the invention. The data entry device 71 comprises a housing with a bottom wall 72, two 25 longitudinal side walls 73, 74 and a back wall 75. The front of the housing is open for providing access for the hand of a user. The housing further comprises a cover lid 76 which is connected to the housing by hinge connections 79 near the back of the housing. In a closed position, the cover lid 76 30 rests on the side walls 73, 74 for closing off the upper side of the housing.

In order to limit a view into the housing via the front opening, the bottom wall 72 comprises a wrist support 721 which limits the area of the front opening. Furthermore, 35 the bottom wall 72 slopes down towards the back wall 75. The keys 78 for entering the PIN are situated in a lowered part 722 of the bottom wall 72, and are hidden from view behind 13 the wrist support 721.

Figure 8 shows a fourth example of a data entry device 81 according to the invention. The data entry device 81 comprises a cover 86 with two longitudinal side walls 83, 5 84 and a back wall (not shown). The front of the cover 86 is open for providing access for the hand of a user. The cover 86 is hingeably connected to a keypad 82 by hinge connections 8 9 near a back-side of keypad 82. In a closed position, the cover 86 and its side walls 83, 84 enclose the 10 keypad 82 in order to hide the keypad 82 from view.

The keypad 82 of this embodiment comprises a wrist support 821. The surface of the keypad 82 slopes down towards the back-side of the keypad 82. The input keys 88 are arranged in this down ward slope 882, which allows the 15 placing of the hand of a user in a natural curved position wherein wrist rests of the support 821 and the fingers rest on the input keys 88. Preferably the direction of pushing in the input keys 88 is substantially orthogonal to the slope angle at the position of said keys 88, in order to 20 facilitate activation of said keys 88. The keys 88 for entering the PIN are situated substantially below the level of the wrist support 821, and are hidden from view behind said wrist support 821.

In addition, the cover 86 can be provided with a 25 reading device 87 for reading data from a card or other means of personal identification. The reading device 87 can be attached to an outside face of the side wall 84 of the cover 86.

In addition, the cover 8 6 can be provided with a 30 display 90 for displaying useful information of a transaction, such as the amount that has to be paid, and/or for providing feedback to the entering of a PIN, for example the display 27 may provide information about how many integers of a PIN have already been entered and/or may 35 indicate whether the entered PIN is correct or not.

On the one hand, the wrist support 821 of the keypad 82 may be provided with first sensing means 91, for 14 sensing the presence of the wrist or the ball of the hand of a user. The first sensing means 91 may comprise a bar which is pushed in by the wrist or the ball of the hand of a user. Alternatively the first sensing means 91 may be an optical 5 sensor, for example an Infra Red sensor, for sensing the presence of the hand of a user.

In addition or alternatively, the keypad 82 may be provided with second sensing means 92, for sensing whether or not the cover 86 is in its closed position. In particular 10 the second sensing means 92 in this example detects the presence of the side wall 84, which covers the second sensing means 92, when the cover is in the closed position.

As a further safety feature, the embodiments with first and/or second sensing means can be arranged for 15 resetting the system and/or deleting data from the previous inputted PIN. According to this embodiment, when the user removes his and after the PIN has been accepted and/or the requested transaction has been completed, the data of the PIN of the user is removed out of the system. When the data 2 0 is removed the PIN can not be obtained by unauthorized persons .

Figures 9 and 10 show further examples of a data entry device 101, 111 according to the invention. These data entry devices 101, 111 also comprises a cover 106, 116 with 25 two longitudinal side walls 103, 104, 113, 114 and a back wall (not shown) . The front of the cover 106, 116 is open for providing access for the hand of a user. The cover 10 6, 116 is hingeably connected to a keypad 102, 112 by hinge connections 109, 119 near a back-side of keypad 102, 112. In 30 a closed position, the cover 106, 116 and its side walls 103, 104, 113, 114 enclose the keypad 102, 112 in order to hide the keypad 102, 112 from view.

In the embodiments shown in figures 9 and 10, are provided with a reader 107, 117 for obtaining a PIN-related 35 information from a card or other means of personal identification. The reader, for example a reader 107 for a magnetic strip is shown in figure 9 or a reader 117 for a 15 chip as shown in figure 10, is arranged beneath the cover 106, 116 for providing a secure place for holding the card for example during entering of the PIN.

In the embodiments shown in figures 9 and 10, the 5 reader 107, 117 is arranged in the keypad 102, 112, in particular at a location of the keypad 102, 112 where in use the palm of the hand of a user may rest.

Preferably the card or other means of personal identification is substantially completely received in the 10 housing or under the cover and can stay there at least during the entering of the PIN. When the transaction or the entering of the PIN is completed, the card or other means of identification can be removed out of the housing of cover. In example the card may be ejected automatically or after 15 activating an eject button (not shown).

Alternatively when the card or other means of personal identification is read during the insertion in the reader 107, 117, the card or other means of personal identification can be removed before the PIN is entered.

2 0 Although the cover 106, 116 can be made from any opaque material, in an embodiment the cover 106, 116 is made form an electrical conducting material or is lined with an electrical conducting material, which is arranged for shielding and/or blocking electromagnetic signals which may 25 contain PIN related information. In an embodiment the cover 106, 116 thus comprises a Faraday cage for preventing that signals originating for the card or other means of personal identification can be picked-up outside the cover 106, 116.

As a further safety feature, the keypad 102, 112 30 can be provided with a fingerprint-sensor. This enables the use of a fingerprint of the owner of the card or other personal identification means, in combination with a PIN. Personal identification data related to the fingerprint of the owner and PIN related data is then stored on the card or 35 other personal identification means.

In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is arranged in or at at least one of the buttons 108, 118, such 16 that the fingerprint sensor is arranged to read a fingerprint before or during the activation of the button.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred 5 embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention.

10 For example the data entry devrce of the invention can also be used for inputting a security code for an alarm system, a burglar alarm or an entry combination lock.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BP

Claims

A data input device for inputting a personal identification number (PIN) comprising: a first button associated with a first set comprising two or more different numbers 5 and / or symbols; a second button associated with a second set comprising two or more different numbers and / or symbols; an operating system comprising a counter for counting the number of times that the first button is operated, and a counter for counting the number of times that the second button is operated, the operating system being adapted to select one number or symbol of the first set in dependence on the number of times the first button has been operated as the entered number or symbol, and wherein the control system is arranged to select one number or symbol of the second set in dependence on the number of times the second button is operated as the number or symbol entered; and a confirmation button for confirming a series of operations of the first or second button and thus recording the entered number or symbol.

2. Data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a correction or reject button for correcting or rejecting a wrongly entered number or symbol.

3. Data input device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first button, the second button and the confirmation button are arranged next to each other.

A data input device according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted to reset the counter when the confirmation key is pressed twice within a short period of time.

The data input device of claim 4, wherein a short period of time comprises a period of time between 3 and 5 seconds.

6. Data input device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first set comprises only odd numbers and wherein the second set comprises only even numbers.

7. Data input device according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the first set comprises the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and wherein the second set comprises the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 0.

8. Data input device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises a selection means for selecting one pair of a series of different first and second sets for entering a PIN.

A data input device according to claim 8, wherein the selection means is adapted to select the first and second set according to claim 6, or the first and second set according to claim 7.

A data input device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the selection means comprises a selection button operable by a user for selecting one pair of first and second sets for entering a PIN.

11. Data input device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a keypad for the three or more buttons, the keypad only having two buttons associated with a counter for inputting the numbers and / or symbols of the PIN included.

A data input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a keypad for the three or more buttons, the keypad being provided with cover means for covering a user's hand when entering a PIN.

A data input device according to claim 12, wherein the cover means comprises a cover hingedly connected to the keypad.

A data input device according to claim 12 or 13, comprising means for automatically opening and / or closing the cover.

Data entry device according to claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the device comprises recording means for registering the removal of a user's hand and / or opening the cover means.

A data input device according to claim 15, wherein the recording means are connected to the operating system, and wherein the operating system is adapted to reset the system and / or erase the data of a previous transaction upon receipt of a signal from the recording means that corresponds to removing a user's hand and / or opening the cover means.

17. Data input device as claimed in any of the claims 12-16, wherein the covering means is provided with shielding means for enclosing PIN-related information substantially within the shielding means.

The data input device of claim 17, wherein the shielding means comprises a Faraday cage.

19. A data input device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reader for obtaining PIN-related information from a card or other means of personal identification.

A data input device according to claim 19, if dependent on one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the reader is placed under the cover means.

A data input device according to claim 20, wherein the reader is arranged to hold the card or other means of personal identification, at least during the input of the PIN.

The data input device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fingerprint sensor.

The data input device according to claim 22, wherein the fingerprint sensor is placed in or at the first and / or the second button.

24. Data input device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the fingerprint sensor is adapted to read a fingerprint before or during operation of the first button.

25. A method for entering a personal identification number (PIN) in a data input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the steps of: counting the number of times the first button is pressed, and selecting one number or symbol of the first set depending on the number of times the first button is pressed as the entered number or symbol.

The method of claim 25, wherein the step of selecting is performed after the confirmation button has been operated. 25 -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-