WO2004008304A2

WO2004008304A2 - Unpredictable keyboard

Info

Publication number: WO2004008304A2
Application number: PCT/BR2003/000095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan Gondim Leichsenring
Original assignee: Ivan Gondim Leichsenring
Priority date: 2002-07-15
Filing date: 2003-07-14
Publication date: 2004-01-22
Also published as: BR8202522U; AU2003243852A1; WO2004008304A3

Abstract

The present patent refers to an 'Unpredictable Keyboard', whose keys have their values attributed and displayed only at the exact moment that they are being used effectively, wherein the keyboard is formed by the following set of elements:- indicative device with a variable key, whose function is to identify the key, comprises a structure (1) containing, in its interior, the apparatus that reproduces an image in the viewport (3) to be displayed through a clear lamellar armor (2) positioned in the upper part of the structure (1); - the proper key, which can be the indicative device with a variable key (if it can move itself as a key), or the key (5) associated to its corresponding device, or a device whose a clear lamellar armor (2) is also sensitive to the touch of a finger.

Description

UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present patent refers to a keyboard, in which the values associated with its keys are variable and indeterminate by spatial or geometrical arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There are numerous well-known types of keyboards used to enter information into an automated system, a computerized system, etc. They generally are keyboards similar between themselves, that is, they are a set of levers called keys, which works by the pressure of the fingers. However, by extension, other electric or electronic mechanisms that serve an analogous purpose, and are able to emulate, simulate or replace the functioning of purely mechanical parts, can be also called keyboards, as well as the ones that run by sensors, keys, buttons or membranes, which are sensitive to the touch of a finger or to another object, or by the approach of a mass. Each key works in conjunction with some mechanism, or in association with a resultant signal or code that is not confounded with another produced by other keys. The conventional keyboard has a special characteristic: its keys have a spatial arrangement or shape and a pre-defined geometrical dimension, so that each key has a known purpose (sometimes more than a purpose) by using resources from another key. This quality is a typical, pragmatic and universal characteristic, and it does not depend upon the language, alphabet, numeration system or signs set that is used in association with its keys. Accordingly, the conventional keyboard is extremely practical for its common purpose, whatever it may be, since the value assigned to each key is known through common memorization resources, even without the sense of sight. The advent of light exhibits, displays, video monitors, television screens, video cassette players and other similar apparatuses also gave origin to virtual keyboards for the most diverse purposes, simulating the previously mentioned real keyboard. A quite common model of typical virtual keyboard is that used in computers, wherein an image of a calculator (supplied by a program) is displayed on a video monitor, as if it were a real calculator. The insertion of digits and arithmetical signs or the use of mathematical functions can be made with the mouse cursor, pointing and clicking the image of the desired virtual key. The use of a common calculator is then simulated, in which the action of pressing a key is replaced by the act of clicking. The main quality of conventional keyboards is their extreme functionality, since the value assigned to each key is known through ordinary memorization resources, even without the sense of sight. However, such functionality is contradicted by the fact that many of these keyboards, besides being used to provide ordinary information, can also be used to type confidential information, which makes them at least inconvenient. Hence, the use of a real or a virtual keyboard to provide secret, private or personal information is a current problem. Information on the form of passwords or electronic signatures allows: to open security gates or doors of buildings, safes or vehicles; to unlock or make elevators, telephones, television and other electric appliances available for use; to fire weapons; to turn machines on; to set cash registers, or devices and instruments in motion; in addition to the most widespread use, it allows to access automated or computing information systems or make financial transactions in electronic banks or point-of-sale terminals, etc.

In the cases of financial or sensitive operations that are today widely spread due to the disseminated use of personal identification badges, debit or credit card, it is very easy for a stranger to determine which digits had been used by the user, even if the stranger is far-away from the keyboard. Many times, without worry and disregarding the presence of others nearby, an incautious user allows strangers to take knowledge of his/her password. However, beyond the innocents, there are also inconsequent or even badly intentioned people. Moreover, even the most cautious user has difficulties in protecting himself/herself when he/she uses a vertically disposed keyboard, being visible to all, for example, at a door. As an example of a preoccupying and constraining situation faced by a cautious and conscientious user, who must protect he/her password, is when he/she is at the counter of a bank branch, a store, a gas station, etc. In front of teller's cages area, the keyboard terminals are small movable parts, which are connected by a small cable to a computer. There are two ways to operate the keyboard:

- The first is by keeping it on the counter, which is practically impossible to operate it, without at least the teller knowing the positions of the few keys that were entered, since many times the keyboard is fixed on a support, shelf, etc.

- The second is by moving it away from the counter, and bringing it close to yourself, thus enabling other persons close to you to have the same perception.

There are practically no safe options. The difficulty either is caused by the project and the place where the keyboard is located, or by the situation and agglomeration of people. Finally, if someone is not able to determine accurately what was typed before, such person can at least significantly reduce the universe of possible permutations of the digits involved in the operation, facilitating criminal actions.

In the case of a strongbox, when criminal actions can compensate certain sophistication, a panel comprising a conventional numerical keyboard that allows the entry of passwords could indicate which digits are habitually typed, through the fingerprints or due to the normal wear-and-tear of the keys.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present patent, the "Unpredictable Keyboard" was created with the intention to eliminate the deficiency of the current keyboards, although still keeping all other characteristics, which are inherent to each keyboard, and within the scope of its purpose. This model, object of the present patent, provides a new concept of application, functionality and purpose of the keyboards, called herein the "keyboard state", which outweighs the inconveniences already mentioned.

In accordance with its conception, the "Unpredictable Keyboard" requires a key indicator, that is, a label or a symbol indicating which character, letter, number, code or function is associated with the key. Thus, besides being perfectly identified by the spatial arrangement or shapes and geometrical dimension, a key can also be recognized by a symbol. With the exception of musical keyboards, each device that uses keyboard, in a wider meaning, does not need visible labels on the keys so that their functions can be identified.

The conventional keyboard is provided with fixed key indicators, such as those found in typewriters, computers, digital telephones, remote controls, etc. In general, they are symbols engraved or printed indelibly on the proper key or, in some cases, on the lateral side of the key, or on the proper keyboard body. The engraving or permanent impression is made with the proper construction material of the key, having differential colors, in low or high relief, as an indication of a character, letter, number, punctuation signs or diacritical signs, etc.

The "Unpredictable Keyboard" is different because it requires variable key indicators. As used here, the expression "variable key indicators" means the device associated with the key, comprising a mechanical structure with a viewport, adapted LEDs, luminous displays, cathode ray tube, liquid crystal displays, etc, so that it can show the value attributed to the corresponding key, resulting in a substitute of the fixed identifier.

In accordance with the present patent, the "Unpredictable Keyboard", the object of this patent application, describes a novel and original product, having a significant functional improvement. This new model, including its advantages, can substitute any model of conventional keyboard that is also used to provide confidential information and/or passwords. In accordance with the present patent, the value associated with each one of its keys can be random. Compared with a conventional model, where the value associated with each one of its keys is always fixed, this novel model eliminates the deficiency previously mentioned, but keeps the recognized qualities, which are already consecrated for its tradition and use. Nevertheless, there is nothing to prevent this set from being completed with fixed identifiers, having a control function or specific traditional functions, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In order to accomplish these objectives, this model introduces a new concept of application, functionality and purpose of the keyboards, called herein the "keyboard state":

- Normal State: from the keyboard that will be substituted, its typical and conventional characteristic is kept and available, as well as its functional particularities, accordingly to the requirements of each model in question. Consequently, a mere substitution of a common keyboard that is already in use can be made without restriction or negative impact on any of its habitual functionality, which will not have to be noticed by the user. Therefore, in the normal state, it is practically a conventional keyboard, whose symbols are displayed and placed in variable key indicators, according to the manufacturer's convenience, and in its usual way, using fixed identifiers.

- Random state: its typical characteristic is now inhibited, that is, it becomes unavailable. This improvement becomes impracticable for the main characteristic of the keyboards. It is not more possible to distinguish a key from the others by its spatial arrangement or shape and its geometrical dimension, which can inhibit impertinent or criminal actions. When the keyboard is in the random state, the identifier value of each key is conveniently changed. In this state, the keyboard will have to be used to type electronic signatures, confidential passwords or codes, to set security mechanisms, as well as to disguise confidential information. An appropriate and random exchange of the values of each key allows getting a sufficiently varied number of options for a few keys. In accordance with the present patent, and using the concept of keyboard state, the "Unpredictable Keyboard" can be clearly and concisely described as a rectangular matrix with four rows and three columns. Therefore, it is possible to display simultaneously twelve symbols in the identifiers. If necessary, other keys can be added as your needs evolve. It is assumed that only decimal numbers and two additional keys, which are represented by the respective symbols, are used. However, without loss of generality, the use of the same description enables the manufacturing of the most diverse types of keyboards, as becomes necessary to introduce the concept of keyboard state into the variable keys indicators. The expansion of concepts and improvements developed herein also includes keyboards for numbers pertaining to other numeric bases (hexadecimal, for example), or even alphabetical and alphanumeric types, or any appropriate set and amount of characters, letters, numbers, symbols or icons. It is also obvious that any other representations of numbers or alphabets used in any language or system of numeration can make use of this description.

The "Unpredictable Keyboard" requires two algorithms of computation to provide representation of numbers and other characters in the twelve-key indicators. In order to make the keyboard works in the normal state, the algorithm is trivial: in its indicator, each key displays a digit properly disposed, in accordance with the manufacturer's convenience, as usual. Since there are two additional keys, they can be used for any symbol, eventually none. It will be adopted here the following very common representation of the keyboard in the normal state, in the rectangular matrix: in the first row, that is, the superior one, the numbers 7, 8, and 9, respectively in the first, second and third columns; analogously, in the second row, the numbers 4, 5, and 6; in the third row, the numbers 1, 2, and 3; the fourth row, that is, the inferior one, is occupied by the number zero in the central column, and, in each side, a symbol, wherein one of them indicates a point (.), while the other one indicates "cancel" (D).

In order to make the keyboard works in the random state, the algorithm is different, which is described in more detail below. In short, when the keyboard works in the random state, the value of the keys indicator is randomly modified, so that when all indicators are displayed, each key has a digit that is different from the others, in a position completely indefinite. The two additional keys can be used in several ways, for example: to indicate dead keys, indicators without luminosity and their keys without function; to indicate alarm keys; to indicate repeated keys, indicators with the representation of random digits, but equal to other digits already selected by the other ten keys. The main intention of the random state is to either type access passwords or to disguise confidential information. The appropriate and random exchange of the values of the twelve keys allows obtaining 479.001.600 options (almost a half-billion) for the arrangement of keys in the "Unpredictable Keyboard" model.

About the Indicators

The "Unpredictable Keyboard" works under the hypothesis that each one of its keys must have a variable and specific indicator that can display a character, letter, number or any symbol, as already mentioned. Such indicator can be implemented using LEDs, luminous displays, cathode ray tube, liquid crystal displays, etc., or also liquid crystal sensitive membrane, or the like. In addition, it must be located under a mechanical protection, that is, a clear lamellar armor of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, plastic, or the like. The distance between the mechanical protection and the indicator is a function of each project, but it should be designed in such a way that only the immediate user could see the indicator when he/she is close to and in front of the indicator. There are three options for the implementation of this model of keyboard, by adopting keys with variable indicators that will be called, as following:

- Monoblocked Keyboard: each key has its proper variable key indicator, wherein this device can be confused with the proper key. The movement of the device's structure is similar to any conventional key, as well as its characteristic functions. The indicator must allow the representation of any character, letter, number or symbol.

Conjugate Keyboard: each key has its proper and exclusive variable key indicator. However, the device and the key are elements that have isolated functions. Each key has its conjugate indicator, so that a user can easily associate the key with its indicator. An option is to keep the key and its corresponding indicator close to each other. Another option is to coat the mechanical protection, that is, the clear lamellar armor, with a coating that can act as a key: a touch-sensitive membrane that responds to the touch of a finger or another object; capacitive relays; a proximity sensor or even a contactor situated between two films.

Collective Keyboard: one single indicator, in which it is possible to substitute a conventional keyboard with a matrix that contains the image of all keys of the project. In fact, it is a indicator similar to the previous ones; however, it has a bigger dimension, and must allow each "touched" key to be distinguished from the other ones, which is available on displays with a touch-sensitive membrane that responds to the touch of a finger or another object, such as the ones used in tablets having sensitive membranes, that is, a handheld or a palmtop. It could be, of course, considered a virtual keyboard, considering that the option is similar. In a virtual keyboard, the keys are accessible through a mouse, and, in the model in question, the keys are sensitive and can be selected by the touch of a finger. Nevertheless, there is nothing to prevent the use of a mouse, if possible and desirable.

In any of these three cases, the variable and programmable indicator, as already mentioned, would be sheltered, using a low relief, so that the value of each one of the keys can be identified only by the proximity and with front vision, or small angle, mainly if it is a vertical keyboard that is generally more vulnerable. Consequently, each key can never be determined only by its position, as usually occurs with traditional keyboards. Another reason that points out the importance of the mechanical protection, that is, a clear lamellar armor, is related to the fact that the conjugate key/indicator can be touched or pressed by a finger or a stronger object.

The "Unpredictable Keyboard" requires an algorithm to provide a random effect in the value of the keys indicators. The algorithm is very simple, practically dependent on a function that can generate pseudo-random numbers, which is trivial for all programming languages. At each appropriate moment, which is determined by the equipment that controls the keyboard, a pseudorandom operation is executed for each one of the twelve keys, before the "Unpredictable Keyboard" becomes available to the user.

A version of such algorithm!

- Initially, twelve integers are available in a table, arranged in any order: two of them are negative numbers, for example (-1); one of them is the number 0; the other nine numbers are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

- Each one of these numbers will generate the value that will be displayed in the indicators of the keys A„ (read A index n), wherein the index n ranges from 0 to 11.

- Programming of the indicator of the key Ao (the first one):

1. A pseudo-random integer k ranging from 0 to 11 is provided (including these two), and;

2. The k-th number from the table will indicate that the key indicator will assume the value corresponding to this number, that is, one of the numbers from -1 to 9. - After completed these operations for the indicator in question, the recently used k-th number is excluded from the table, and, as a result, another table is obtained, wherein its lesser index is still 0 and its greater index is now moved down one unit. With one less element, the operation to obtain a pseudo-random integer k has also to be modified in order to reduce one unit from the superior limit. Therefore, in the programming of the indicator of the first key, a pseudo-random integer k ranging from 0 to 11 is provided; in the programming of the indicator of the second key, a pseudo-random integer k ranging from 0 to 10 is provided, and so forth.

The process of programming is repeated for the second, the third, and so on, until the last key. At the end of the algorithm, the ten-key indicator will contain random values ranging from 0 to 9, wherein two additional keys will contain the random value (-1). These two values will be effectively substituted, before they are displayed in the indicator in question. The effective indicator of the key having the value (-1) should change, as following:

- To indicate a dead key; its indicator shows no luminosity, and its key does not have any function. In this situation, a particularly good function of the dead key would be obtained if they were never considered input elements by the program that controls the keyboard. Thus, these keys could be used several times, with no effect on the real number of interest to the user. An intent observer could realize, for example, that eight keys had been touched, but he/she does not know which they were. However, the observer could not know how many of them belong effectively to the data set. Since it is common that only four digits serve as a password, this function is useful because the range is limited to only 10,000 possible digits. Many times, the same terminal is used by more than one institution, either through consortiums or third-party services, by way of passwords of different lengths, and the fact of having two more dead keys can grant additional security, if it is always required, for example, that six keys are always touched.

- To indicate an alarm key; an indicator with the representation of typographically different characters, being any digit, for example, a (*) that could have some function, such as an alarm, a block of an operation, etc.

- To indicate a repeated key; an indicator with the representation of a random digit, but equal to one of the ten digits already contained in other keys. A utility of this resource is, for example, that it would have two or eventually three keys with the same value, which would better dissimulate the password of a user who has some repeated digits. Even regarding this type of keyboard herein described, an intent observer can still get some useful information, observing an user typing repeated digits. By way of evaluation, a password comprising four digits, wherein two of them are equal, the universe of attempts is reduced from 10,000 to just 1,000 in a conventional keyboard.

Depending on the foreseen number of additional keys (two additional keys, in this archetype), it is possible to have a combination of the previous functions.

With this algorithm, it is possible to generate almost a half-billion of permutations for twelve keys. Considering a keyboard operation per minute, a cycle of random permutations would be completed in 10 centuries.

Since all the keyboard indicators are available, the user will be able to use it to type the desired number, including the additional values, dead keys, repeated keys, etc. If the observer is far away from the keyboard, it is hardly possible that the pressed keys can indicate which number was typed by the user.

The project for a real keyboard, as herein described, requires that the keys (such as the ones herein described) be manufactured in a such a way that they can be subject to real-time modifications in their indicators, in accordance with the convenience of each project.

However, the same principle could be applied to virtual keyboards, which only requires the same computation and programming mechanisms already available for keyboards, it being enough that the keys should be accurately programmed, as already described.

Herein bellow, 12 tables illustrate the diverse steps to obtain the variable keys indicators of a keyboard in the random state.

Table with 3 Identifier elements As -1

Item Value

0 The pseudo¬

2 random 2 1 number was obtained k=0

By freedom of choice the

-1 was replaced by

9

Initially, the table has 12 random elements. After the first one is selected, the table will have 11 random elements, and so forth. Finally, one of the available options was adopted, by substituting the values "-1" (additional keys indicators) with values, which are also random values, and already used in other keys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The properties and characteristics of the present patent "Unpredictable Keyboard" are better illustrated by the enclosed figures. There is no special scale for such drawings, since only a possible geometric form and a possible position of the keys indicators, as well as drawings of keyboards are displayed.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing the indicative device with a variable key (henceforth called just "indicative device"), wherein it is used to construct monoblocked, conjugate, or collective keyboards.

Figure 2 is a sectional view that shows the indicative device of Figure 1, in which is underlined the depth of the viewport and the angle formed between its superior surface and the mechanical protection.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a monoblocked keyboard, wherein each key has its proper indicative device, and the said device can be confused with the proper key.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of Figure 3, wherein the superior surface of the viewports and their mechanical protectors are in parallel relation.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a conjugate keyboard, wherein each key has its proper indicative device, however, the device and the key are elements that have isolated functions, even though they are associated.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of Figure 5, which is taken from the middle of the indicative devices.

Figure 7 is also a sectional view of the same Figure 5, which is taken from the middle of the keys. Figure 8 is a plan view of a collective keyboard, comprising one single indicative device with a complete matrix including all keys. In fact, it can be an indicative device similar to the one shown in Figure 1. It illustrates a keyboard arrangement in one of the possible normal state configurations.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a collective keyboard analogous to the latter, wherein it illustrates a keyboard arrangement in one of the possible random state configurations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with what was illustrated by the figures above mentioned, the patent "Unpredictable Keyboard", the object the present patent, consists basically of a "frame", containing a real or virtual keyboard, whose basic mechanisms (mechanical, electric, and electronic mechanisms) can be traditional and widely commercially used, except what pertains to the present patent: the indicative device using the concept of keyboard state.

The indicative device is composed of a structure (1) - a closed mechanical framework that contains, in its interior, the elements that reproduce an image in the viewport (3). As a mechanical protection, the upper part of the structure (1) has a clear lamellar armor (2) that displays the viewport (3). If the indicative device is also used as a key, the structure (1) must be rigid and its outer lower part must have the same feature of a conventional key. In the present arrangement, there is an angle between the viewport (3) and the clear lamellar armor (2), as well as a distance between both oh them; such distance is variable, or eventually none, that is, the proper surface of the viewport (3) would have a clear mechanical protection if such angle was not present. The sole objective of these two options, i.e., the distance and the angle, is to increase the difficulty visualization (mainly to vertically disposed keyboard) for people who are not too close to the keyboard, with the exception of the legal user, who must be in front of it.

A monoblocked keyboard, as seen frontally in Figure 3, and in cut-view in Figure 4, is a set of indicative devices, as described in the latter paragraph, as well as seen frontally in Figure 1, and in cut-view in Figure 2. Each indicative device can be confused with the proper key, because it can move its mechanical structures (1). Any characters, letters, numbers or symbols will be displayed in the viewport (3) and they will be visible through the clear lamellar armor (2). The keys are adapted to the support (4), as conventionally; in this arrangement, there are only twelve keys. A conjugate keyboard, as seen frontally in Figure 5, and in cut- view in Figure 6 and Figure 7, is also a set of indicative devices, as previously described, as well as seen frontally in Figure 1, and in cut-view in Figure 2. It is conjugate with a set of keys (5), as the common ones, and used in telephones, calculators, and financial terminals (herein called "conventional"). The keys are also adapted to the support (4), analogously to the previous one, with the following differences: the structure (1) does not move, because it is fixed to the support (4), the reason for which the clear lamellar armor (2) that displays the viewport (3) is in the same plane as the support (4); the keys (5) do not have any engraved symbol, therefore, it is not possible to determinate the value that corresponds to each one of them. It is obvious that the indicative devices could be segregated into a matrix and the keys into another matrix, and, nevertheless, they could be easily associated with themselves, since the number of elements is small. Another option for this type of conjugate keyboard is by eliminating keys (5), but substituting them with a clear lamellar armor (2) that could be coated with a layer that can act as a key, such as a sensitive screen, a capacitive relay, a proximity sensor or even a contactor situated between two films.

A collective keyboard as seen in Figure 8, as in Figure 9, has one single indicative device with a matrix comprising the image of all arrangement keys. In fact, it can be an indicative device to the previous ones It illustrates a keyboard arrangement in one of the possible normal state configurations. However, it has a bigger dimension, and must allow each "touched" key to be distinguished from the other ones, which is possible if a surface of the mechanical protection could be provided with a touch-sensitive membrane display that responds to the touch of a finger, such as the ones used in tablets having sensitive membranes. It could be, of course, considered a virtual keyboard, considering that the option is similar. In this case, the keys are accessible through a mouse. For both the cases, each key has a surrounding reserved area, so that when the mechanism receives a touch in this area, it considers as an operated key, eventually followed by a sonorous signal indicating such fact. The keyboard shown in Figure 8 is in the normal state, the reason for which the keyboard is similar to a conventional keyboard. Figure 9 shows an uncommon keyboard arrangement, whose keys are distributed in an unusual way when the keyboard is in the random state.

The suitable materials for the manufacture of the indicative device are easily found on the market. The structure (1) - a closed mechanical framework - can be manufactured from several materials, such as glass, plastic, steel, etc. The apparatus contained within its interior that can reproduce an image in the viewport (3) varies according to the technology, resources and prices. Such apparatus are LEDs, luminous displays, cathode ray tube, liquid crystal displays, etc. The upper part of the indicative device has a clear lamellar armor (2), as a mechanical protector, that can be manufactured from several clear materials, such as glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. The present patent was described with reference to a keyboard, using the concept of keyboard, through the variable key indicator. For the purpose of disclosure, the keyboard was assumed as a rectangular matrix, with four rows and three columns, therefore, twelve symbols representing the decimal numbers and more two keys. However, without loss of generality, the use of the same description enables the manufacturing of the most diverse types of keyboards, including keyboards for numbers pertaining to other numeric bases or any appropriate set and amount of suitable characters, letters, numbers, symbols or icons. It is also obvious that any other representations of numbers or alphabets used in any language or system of numeration can make use of this description. The indicative devices can be used either as keys, or as elements associated to the keys. It is obvious that a virtual keyboard, as the already existing ones, can use either the described algorithm, or similar algorithms to provide representation of numbers and other characters, when opportune. Many changes could be made in the appearance and structure of the keys or keyboards, as well as in the shape of the spatial arrangement, or in the geometrical dimension and shape, so that, in some cases, what is called as "normal state" could be completely abolished in military or high security apparatuses, for example. None of these considerations or other innovations using the spirit of the present patent could reduce the merit of what was given here as unpublished.

Claims

1. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD idealized as a real or virtual keyboard, in which the values associated with its keys are variable, allowing that characters, letters, numbers and symbols be attributed and displayed only at the exact moment that they are being used effectively, and characterized by the fact that each one of its keys possess a indicative device with a variable key, wherein the said device comprises a structure (1) that is a closed mechanical framework containing, in its interior, the apparatus that reproduces an image in the viewport (3) to be displayed through a clear lamellar armor (2) positioned in the upper part of the structure (1).

2. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is constituted of a keyboard comprising keys that are always submitted to the condition of the keyboard state, wherein the said condition is determined by a program or, eventually, by a key having a fixed value. If and when the keyboard is under the condition of normal state, it is possible to maintain a constant arrangement of the values of indicative devices with variable keys. In the random state, values of indicative devices with variable keys are conveniently changed through an appropriate and random exchange of the values of each key.

3. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that it allows the use of the proper of indicative devices with variable keys as a key, since it can move its structure (1).

4. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized bv the fact that it allows the use of a key (5), wherein the value attributed to the said key is only known when it is conjugated to the indicative device with variable key.

5. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized bv the fact that it allows that the keys (5) be abolished, and the said keys be substituted with the clear lamellar armor (2) properly coated with a layer that acts as a key, such as a sensitive screen, a capacitive relay, a proximity sensor or even a contactor situated between two films.

6. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized bv the fact that it allows that one single the indicative device with variable key comprising a matrix with image of all keys, being possible to distinguish and "touch" each key. In this in case, the clear lamellar armor (2) must be properly coated with a layer that acts as a key, for example, a sensitive screen or contactors situated between two films, such as the ones used in tablets having sensitive membranes. If considered only as a virtual keyboard, the coating of the display with a touch-sensitive membrane should be excluded, and, in this case, the said keys are accessible through a mouse. For both the cases, each key has a surrounding reserved area, so that when the mechanism receives a touch in this area, it considers as an operated key, eventually followed by a sonorous signal indicating such fact.

7. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized bv the fact that it allows having additional keys, beyond the ones that are effectively required by the keyboard for its basic purpose. Through indicative devices with variable keys, such additional keys must make possible the following resources: dead keys, which no longer have any other function except to disguise an apparent data input, if touched; alarm keys, whose function is to operate as an alarm or a block of a keyboard operation; keys with repeated values, namely keys whose characters, letters, numbers or symbols are already available in other keys.

8. The UNPREDICTABLE KEYBOARD, in accordance with claim 1, characterized bv the fact that it allows to have algorithms to choose characters, letters, numbers or symbols to be displayed in indicative devices with variable keys, wherein one of the algorithms display the keyboard arrangement in a constant way, while the other one display it in a random way, so that two equal arrangements for the same keyboard (supposed as a 10-key keyboard) be a highly improbable event during its lifetime.