An encrypting PIN pad is an apparatus for encrypting
In cryptography, encryption is the process of encoding information. This process converts the original representation of the information, known as plaintext, into an alternative form known as ciphertext. Ideally, only authorized parties can de ...
an identifier such as a PIN entered on a keypad. These are used in automated teller machine
An automated teller machine (ATM) or cash machine (in British English) is an electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, f ...
s to ensure that the unencrypted PIN is not stored or transmitted anywhere in the rest of the system and thus cannot be revealed accidentally or through manipulations of the system.
Apparatus
The apparatus includes a pad, an encrypting circuit that is adjacent the pad and a link coupling the pad and the encrypting circuit. The pad is for entering an identifier, and the circuit for encrypting the entered identifier. The pad may be a physicaltouch pad
A touchpad or trackpad is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position on the operating system that is made output to the screen. Touchp ...
such as an N-wire technology touch pad. Alternatively, the pad may be a virtual touch screen. The encrypting circuit may be a CPU
A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor, main processor or just processor, is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions comprising a computer program. The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, an ...
along with a memory coupled to the CPU and programmed to encrypt. The CPU and programmed memory
Memory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If past events could not be remembered ...
may be the first CPU programmable to encrypt the entered identifier
An identifier is a name that identifies (that is, labels the identity of) either a unique object or a unique ''class'' of objects, where the "object" or class may be an idea, physical countable object (or class thereof), or physical noncountable ...
, through which the identifier passes. The encrypting circuit may be a micro controller programmed to encrypt. In still another variation, the encrypting circuit may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC
An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC ) is an integrated circuit (IC) chip customized for a particular use, rather than intended for general-purpose use, such as a chip designed to run in a digital voice recorder or a high-effici ...
). The apparatus may include a housing that encloses the encrypting circuit and link. The housing would be resistant to access, tampering or tapping
Tapping is a playing technique that can be used on any stringed instrument, but which is most commonly used on guitar. The technique involves a string being fretted and set into vibration as part of a single motion. This is in contrast to stand ...
. The housing may be at least partially of chip-on-glass technology. The encrypting circuit may be embedded
Embedded or embedding (alternatively imbedded or imbedding) may refer to:
Science
* Embedding, in mathematics, one instance of some mathematical object contained within another instance
** Graph embedding
* Embedded generation, a distributed ge ...
in the housing
Housing, or more generally, living spaces, refers to the construction and housing authority, assigned usage of houses or buildings individually or collectively, for the purpose of Shelter (building), shelter. Housing ensures that members of so ...
, as may the link. A method
Method ( grc, μέθοδος, methodos) literally means a pursuit of knowledge, investigation, mode of prosecuting such inquiry, or system. In recent centuries it more often means a prescribed process for completing a task. It may refer to:
*Scien ...
for encrypting an identifier includes placing a pad for entering an identifier, a circuit for encrypting an identifier and a link communicative coupling the pad and the circuit adjacent in an access-resistant housing. An identifier is entered on the pad and communicated to the encrypting circuit
Circuit may refer to:
Science and technology
Electrical engineering
* Electrical circuit, a complete electrical network with a closed-loop giving a return path for current
** Analog circuit, uses continuous signal levels
** Balanced circu ...
. The encrypting circuit encrypts the identifier. The encrypted identifier may be forwarded for verification
Verify or verification may refer to:
General
* Verification and validation, in engineering or quality management systems, is the act of reviewing, inspecting or testing, in order to establish and document that a product, service or system meets ...
.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Encrypted Pin Pad Encryption devices