WO2005081195A1 - Dispositif aide-memoire - Google Patents

Dispositif aide-memoire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005081195A1
WO2005081195A1 PCT/GB2005/000208 GB2005000208W WO2005081195A1 WO 2005081195 A1 WO2005081195 A1 WO 2005081195A1 GB 2005000208 W GB2005000208 W GB 2005000208W WO 2005081195 A1 WO2005081195 A1 WO 2005081195A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
characters
user
string
memory aid
array
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/000208
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ian Thomas Flint
Original Assignee
Ian Thomas Flint
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ian Thomas Flint filed Critical Ian Thomas Flint
Publication of WO2005081195A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005081195A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09C—CIPHERING OR DECIPHERING APPARATUS FOR CRYPTOGRAPHIC OR OTHER PURPOSES INVOLVING THE NEED FOR SECRECY
    • G09C1/00—Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system
    • G09C1/02—Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system by using a ciphering code in chart form

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a memory aid device. Specifically, but not exclusively, it relates to a device for storing a personal identification number (PIN) retrievable only by the user to which the PIN is associated.
  • PIN personal identification number
  • PINs and other passwords or security codes have become commonplace due to the increasing need for information security.
  • a PIN to be remembered is encrypted within a plurality of alphanumeric symbols distributed around the periphery of one or more code rings retained on the shaft of the device.
  • the user assigns each digit of the PIN to be remembered with a letter of a user-defined code word.
  • a user simply reads-off the digits aligned with each letter of the code word. Consequently, if the device falls into the hands of a third party it will not yield the encrypted PIN unless the third party also knows the code word.
  • this conventional device only allows a user to store only a single PIN or security code.
  • a further problem is that the way in which the device functions dictates that its shape and size is such that it cannot be easily carried in a wallet or purse.
  • One solution to the problem associated with remembering a plurality of PINs is to store all the PINs to be remembered in an electronic memory device that can only be accessed with a master security code number.
  • the master security code number must also be remembered, and once this becomes known to a third party, they are able to access all the PINs stored within the electronic memory device.
  • the present invention arose from attempts to solve some or all of the aforementioned problems.
  • a memory aid device including a substrate bearing an array of characters amongst which is included at least one string of characters a user wishes to remember; wherein the memory aid device includes a user-determined cue that has a unique association with the user for indicating to the user the whereabouts and/or orientation of the at least one string to be remembered within the character array.
  • the cue is a string of characters recognisable to the user, wherein a predetermined character (e.g. the first or last character) of the cue marks the position within the array of characters from which the first or last character of the string of characters to be remembered should be read.
  • a predetermined character e.g. the first or last character
  • the memory aid device includes an indicator to which the user has ascribed a unique association with the string of characters to be remembered and the position of which indicates the line of characters within the array of characters in which the string of characters to be remembered is located.
  • the indicator is a removable element having a coloured surface.
  • the substrate includes a coloured pattern.
  • the substrate includes an array of receptacles or recesses each adapted to removably receive a character-bearing element.
  • the receptacles or recesses include rounded corners for increased strength an tactile comfort.
  • the character-bearing elements may be tiles.
  • the tiles may include a coloured surface for facilitating alignment with the coloured pattern.
  • the array of characters are printed or embossed on the substrate, and a coloured indicator and/or a coloured pattern is printed on the substrate.
  • the substrate is the size and shape of a conventional credit card.
  • the character-bearing elements may be held in place in the receptacles by a heat- sealing lamina or a self-adhering sheet.
  • the string of characters to be remembered may, for example, represent a personal identification number (PIN).
  • PIN personal identification number
  • a method of recording one or more strings of characters to be remembered comprising: recording an array of characters on a medium, the array including at least one string of characters to be remembered; and providing within the array a user- determined cue that has a unique association with the user, and which indicates to the user the whereabouts and/or orientation of the at least one string of characters to be remembered.
  • the cue is a string of characters recognisable to the user, wherein the first or last character of the cue marks the position within the array of characters from which the first or last character of the string of characters to be remembered should be read.
  • the method includes providing an indicator to which the user has ascribed a unique association with the string of characters to be remembered and the position of which indicates the line of characters within the array of characters that the string of characters to be remembered is located.
  • a display unit displaying an array of characters including at least one string of characters a user wishes to remember; wherein the memory aid device includes a user- determined cue that has a unique association with the user for indicating to the user the whereabouts and/or orientation of the at least one string to be remembered within the character array.
  • the display unit is an electronic display of an electronic device and the at least one string of characters to be remembered is a user's password or security code for gaining access to the device.
  • the display unit may be part of a mobile telecommunications handset or other mobile terminal and the at least one string of characters to be remembered is a user's password or security code for activating the handset for use.
  • the invention further comprises a memory aid comprising any one of more of the features described herein.
  • Figure 1 shows a memory aid substrate
  • Figure 2 shows another memory aid substrate bearing an alternative array of receptacles
  • Figure 3 shows a memory aid device
  • Figure 4 shows the memory aid device of Figure 3 with certain character-bearing tiles highlighted for clarity
  • Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a memory aid device
  • Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a memory aid device
  • Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a memory aid device
  • Figure 8 shows a computer terminal displaying a memory aid
  • Figure 9 shows a mobile telecommunications handset displaying a memory aid
  • Figure 10 shows a memory aid template in place on a numeric keypad
  • Figure 11 shows a memory aid template for use with a linear-type keypad
  • Figure 12 shows a memory aid card according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • a memory aid device 1 includes a substrate 2 on which are disposed a plurality of receptacles 3 arranged in a series of columns and rows.
  • the substrate is preferably a credit card-sized laminar fabricated from any suitable material.
  • the substrate will be made from a polycarbonate plastics material, but other materials may be used including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, or cardboard, for example.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the substrate may, however, be any other shape. It may be a key fob, for example.
  • Figure 1 shows the receptacles 3 arranged in a regular 7 x 7 grid. However, any number of rows and columns maybe used, or as depicted in Figure 2, a honeycomb-like pattern of hexagons may be employed. It is envisaged that any convenient pattern of receptacles maybe used.
  • the receptacles 3 comprise recesses in the substrate 2 that may be shallow depressions or through-holes.
  • Each receptacle 3 is adapted to mate with a character-bearing tile 4.
  • the tiles may be made from any suitable material, but are preferably made from a plastics material that can be readily embossed or printed upon.
  • a user will select appropriate tiles from a pre-supplied quantity of tiles.
  • the tiles will preferably bear either letters or numbers, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the user has recorded his name, in this case 'Peter', in row 5.
  • the letters of the name are shown in bold and underlined in Figure 4, however in practice they would appear as shown in Figure 3.
  • the user has chosen to spell his name backwards, and include an erroneous, extra letter 'W.
  • the 'P' of 'Peter' indicates, or reminds, the user that all PINs recorded in the device start in the same column as 'P', and should be read backwards.
  • the user has included tiles 10, 11 and 12 that bear the letters 'D', 'M' and 'V respectively. To the user, these have a specific, pre-determined meaning; in this case 'D' signifies to the user that the row in which 'D' is located includes his debit account number. So starting at the tile directly above the letter 'P', the user reads backwards and recalls the number 1 8 9 2 3.
  • both the 'R' of his name, and the 'D' 10 signify to the user at which point the number debit account number ends.
  • the letter 'M' 11 signifies to the user (since the association has been chosen by him) that the row containing this letter includes his four digit mobile telephone activation PIN.
  • the user reads backwards along row 7 and recalls the number 5 4 2 7.
  • the user is also able to recall his four digit credit card PIN by reading the number 3 2 4 3 backwards along row 9; here the identifying letter the user had associated with his credit card is 'V 12.
  • 'Harry' As a 'red herring', the user has also included another name, 'Harry', in row 8. This has been recorded on the device to confuse any third party that the device may fall into the hands of.
  • the memory device may be issued blank, and a predetermined array of characters could be printed or embossed directly onto the substrate.
  • the user may be provided with a set character transfers or stickers that can be affixed to the substrate in any desired pattern or array.
  • the substrate includes a plurality of differently coloured stripes 15 and a number of indicators 14 that are also coloured (each different pattern of shading represents a different colour).
  • the cue string is the users date of birth, but in practice it may be any character string. This appears backwards along the row indicated by the arrow 13. It should be noted that the arrow 13 is shown in Figure 5 to aid understanding, in practice no such arrow would appear on the memory aid device.
  • the date of birth (which in this example is only partially shown) 06.06.1961 indicates to the user, as in the embodiment discussed above, that all PINs recorded in the device commence in the column in which the first digit of the user's date of birth appears.
  • the recorded PINs are read in reverse as with the previous embodiment. However, here, there are no tiles bearing indicative letters. Instead the user has placed coloured indicators 14 against particular rows. Each colour indicator is associated with a particular account or entity that has an associated PIN. For example, the coloured indicator 14a signifies to the user that the adjacent row contains the user's debit account number which is to be read in reverse as indicated by the orientation of the user's date of birth. In a similar manner the remaining indicators signify the rows containing the user's mobile telephone PIN and credit card PIN.
  • the differently coloured stripes 15 have no function in this embodiment and are there as another 'red herring' for unsuspecting third parties.
  • the coloured indicator adjacent to the row containing the user's date of birth is redundant also. However, the user may have given some significance to this particular colour if so desired.
  • the memory device 1 includes a set of coloured stripes 16 arranged so that each receptacle 3 overlaps at least two coloured stripes.
  • the character-bearing tiles 4 present an upper coloured surface.
  • one character string has been recorded on tiles that are mono-coloured (debit account number 18925), and another character string has been recorded on tiles that are multi-coloured (credit card PIN 3423).
  • the Figure shows a memory aid device displaying only two numbers to be remembered, h practice, as with the aforementioned embodiments, the entire array will include numbers.
  • the user has chosen the colour presented on the tiles as that which he will associate with the account to which the PIN is related. Again, the coloured stripes 16 exist merely as something to confuse third parties.
  • Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the present memory aid device where the coloured background pattern displayed on the substrate is not provided as a mere 'red herring'.
  • the grid of receptacles overlaps a multi-coloured background pattern.
  • the character-bearing tiles present a coloured upper surface: tiles 17 are mono-coloured, whereas tiles 18 have a coloured quadrant pattern.
  • the user has chosen tiles of a particular solid colour to bear the PIN 3243 of his credit card, whereas the mobile telephone activation PIN has been recorded on tiles with the multicoloured quadrant pattern.
  • Figure 8 shows a computer VDU screen displaying a memory aid grid (19) which functions in the same manner as any of the aforementioned embodiments.
  • the first screen of information that will be presented to him is an array of characters. He will be prompted to input his PIN or password in the conventional way. However, if the user has forgotten his password, it can be recalled from the array of characters as previously described.
  • the memory aid device could take the form of a user- specific 'matrix'.
  • the matrix or character array is transmitted to an account holder, either by mail, electronically or other such method, from a bank or other organisation.
  • the matrix of characters will be computer-generated by computer software specific to that organisation.
  • the account holder Once the account holder is in receipt of the matrix, he or she contacts the bank, most likely by telephone, and will either inform the bank of their choice of character string from the matrix that is to be used as a password, or they will be informed by the bank which character string is to be used. In either case, only the column and/or row 'co-ordinates', i.e. the positional information of the character string within the array, might be exchanged between account holder and bank. Thus, the account holder might indicate that his or her number starts at row (X), column (Y), and ends at row (XI), column (Yl), for example.
  • the PIN is 'hidden' in the matrix, and the bank informs the account holder (after suitable security checks to ensure they are indeed talking to the account holder) which row and/or column the PIN is to be found; the computer software generates account holder-specific instructions for a bank operative to read, so not even the operative in question could know the actual PIN, since they would not have a copy of the matrix previously sent to the account holder.
  • the memory aid device could take the form of a card, for example a postcard or the like, as shown in Figure 12.
  • Each postcard would include an array of characters and a unique identification number 20, making each postcard uniquely identifiable to a secure, remote computer.
  • the postcards would be freely available from any branch of the account holder's bank, or other institution.
  • the identification number may be concealed by a removable (e.g. scratch-off) area of foil, membrane or other such material, for extra security.
  • the account holder would obtain a postcard from his or her bank, and in a similar manner as described above in connection with the matrix, would contact the bank informing them of the unique identification number displayed on the card. Once the bank operative has input this number into the bank's computer, the computer will then associate the particular array of characters that have been ascribed to that number with the account holder. As above, only the 'co-ordinates' of the PIN or password would then need to be verbally exchanged.
  • a template bearing coloured sections and characters is overlaid on a keypad so as to remind the user of the correct sequence of numbers that must be input to gain access or entry via the keypad.
  • the template works in an identical manner to the memory aid devices as shown in Figures 1 to 9.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Educational Technology (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif aide-mémoire (1), qui comprend un substrat (2) portant une matrice de caractères, dans laquelle se trouve au moins une chaîne de caractères dont un utilisateur souhaite se souvenir. Ledit dispositif aide-mémoire fait appel à un signal déterminé par l'utilisateur, qui est associé de manière exclusive à ce dernier et lui indique la position et/ou l'orientation de ladite chaîne de caractères dont il souhaite se souvenir dans la matrice de caractères.
PCT/GB2005/000208 2004-02-17 2005-01-20 Dispositif aide-memoire WO2005081195A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0403441.9 2004-02-17
GB0403441A GB2411286B (en) 2004-02-17 2004-02-17 A memory aid device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005081195A1 true WO2005081195A1 (fr) 2005-09-01

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ID=32039835

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/000208 WO2005081195A1 (fr) 2004-02-17 2005-01-20 Dispositif aide-memoire

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2411286B (fr)
WO (1) WO2005081195A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009038620A1 (fr) * 2007-09-22 2009-03-26 Passwarden Llc Système et procédé de création et d'enregistrement de mot de passe

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1037289C2 (en) * 2009-09-16 2011-10-11 Pieter Klaas Vries System for managing personal passwords, a kit-of-parts, a process, a computer program, a computer program product, and a computer system.
FR2960985A1 (fr) * 2010-06-07 2011-12-09 Alain Chazerand Dispositif pour memoriser le code d'une carte bancaire

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4184148A (en) * 1975-05-22 1980-01-15 Id Code Industries, Inc. Identification devices and systems
US5124541A (en) * 1988-08-25 1992-06-23 Maksutekniikka Oy Form and procedure for selecting a code to be kept secret
US5192150A (en) * 1991-09-10 1993-03-09 Rueggeberg Karl A Computer keyboard template selector
US5259649A (en) * 1990-06-22 1993-11-09 Gur Shomron Credit card
US5265162A (en) * 1990-01-16 1993-11-23 George Bush Portable pin card
WO1997018698A2 (fr) * 1995-11-08 1997-05-29 Peter Geoffrey Mcdermott Aide-memoire
US5742035A (en) * 1996-04-19 1998-04-21 Kohut; Michael L. Memory aiding device for credit card pin numbers
WO1999063492A1 (fr) * 1998-05-30 1999-12-09 Visage Developments Limited Systeme visuel servant a memoriser un code et a le communiquer
WO2003055138A1 (fr) * 2000-06-15 2003-07-03 George Mentrup Dispositifs et procedes d'extraction, de chiffrement, de stockage avec des procedes commerciaux resultants

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9123797D0 (en) * 1991-11-08 1992-01-02 Megaprint Group The Limited Information-encrypting device and method
NO974037L (no) * 1997-09-02 1999-03-03 Propella Anordning for kodelagring

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4184148A (en) * 1975-05-22 1980-01-15 Id Code Industries, Inc. Identification devices and systems
US5124541A (en) * 1988-08-25 1992-06-23 Maksutekniikka Oy Form and procedure for selecting a code to be kept secret
US5265162A (en) * 1990-01-16 1993-11-23 George Bush Portable pin card
US5259649A (en) * 1990-06-22 1993-11-09 Gur Shomron Credit card
US5192150A (en) * 1991-09-10 1993-03-09 Rueggeberg Karl A Computer keyboard template selector
WO1997018698A2 (fr) * 1995-11-08 1997-05-29 Peter Geoffrey Mcdermott Aide-memoire
US5742035A (en) * 1996-04-19 1998-04-21 Kohut; Michael L. Memory aiding device for credit card pin numbers
WO1999063492A1 (fr) * 1998-05-30 1999-12-09 Visage Developments Limited Systeme visuel servant a memoriser un code et a le communiquer
WO2003055138A1 (fr) * 2000-06-15 2003-07-03 George Mentrup Dispositifs et procedes d'extraction, de chiffrement, de stockage avec des procedes commerciaux resultants

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009038620A1 (fr) * 2007-09-22 2009-03-26 Passwarden Llc Système et procédé de création et d'enregistrement de mot de passe

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2411286A (en) 2005-08-24
GB0403441D0 (en) 2004-03-24
GB2411286B (en) 2007-05-02

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