Abstract A plurality of means for inputting digits of a password number are adapted to be manually operated. A means is provided for displaying the mapping between each of the plurality of digit inputting means and the digit which it currently represents and inputs when actuated, and also there is provided a means for altering this mapping. The altering means alters the mapping between the digit inputting means and the digits which they represents and input when actuated, every time a password number is inputted. Thereby, if an evilly intentioned person should watch a user actuating the digit inputting means, he will not be able to discern the user's password number by observing his finger movements. Optionally, a means is provided for restricting the visibility of the means for displaying the mapping between each of the plurality of digit inputting means and the digit which is currently represents to within a relatively narrow solid angle, so as to make peeking more difficult.
A password number inputting device, comprising: (a) a plurality of means for inputting digits of a password number, adapted to be manually operated; (b) a means for displaying the mapping between each of said plurality of digit inputting means and the digit which it currently represents and inputs when actuated; and (c) a means for altering said mapping between each of said digit inputting means and the digit which it represents and inputs when actuated; (d) said altering means altering said mapping between said digit inputting means and the digits which they represents and input when actuated, every time a password number is inputted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A password number inputting device, comprising: (a) a plurality of means for inputting digits of a password number, adapted to be manually operated; (b) a means for displaying the mapping between each of said plurality of digit inputting means and the digit which it currently represents and inputs when actuated; and (c) a means for altering said mapping between each of said digit inputting means and the digit which it represents and inputs when actuated; (d) said altering means altering said mapping between said digit inputting means and the digits which they represents and input when actuated, every time a password number is inputted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A password number inputting device according to claim 1, further comprising a means for restricting the visibility of said means for displaying the mapping between each of said plurality of digit inputting means and the digit which it currently represents to within a relatively narrow solid angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A password number inputting device according to claim 1, wherein said digit inputting means are switches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A password number inputting device according to claim 3, wherein said switches are transparent, and said means for displaying the mapping between each of said plurality of switches and the digit which it currently represents is located underneath said switches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A password number inputting device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of said altering means is substantially random.
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