Memory aiding device for credit card pin numbers

• US 5,742,035 A
• Filed: 04/19/1996
• Issued: 04/21/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Kohut
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Kohut
• Inventors: Kohut, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hajec, Donald T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Le, Thien Minh
• Application Number:
  US08/634,142
• Time in Patent Office: 732 Days
• Field of Search: 434/108, 434/109, 434/222, 434/223, 434/236, 235/380, 235/492, 235/494, 235/487, 340/825.31, 283/74, 283/98, 283/114
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/00 Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof printing processes to produce identification or security features B41M3/14
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/22 for use in combination with accessories specially adapted for information-bearing cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/347 Passive cards
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/10 together with a coded signal , e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1058 PIN is checked locally
• CPC Class Codes: G09C 1/00 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 cryptographic typewriters G09C3/00

Abstract

A thin label consisting of a geometric matrix (1) which is applied, embedded, programmed or printed on to the surface of a bank or credit card (2) for the purpose of recalling the specific Personal identification Number (PIN). A sequential pattern is chosen within the matrix. The PIN is installed into the sequential pattern in a predetermined order. The remaining empty spaces within the matrix are filled-in with other numbers or characters to render the PIN encoded. The authorized user of the credit card need only recognize the sequential pattern within the matrix to recall the specific PIN. Other credit card PINs can be recalled by utilizing the same sequential matrix pattern to encode the different PINs. By recognizing a single sequential pattern within the matrix, the user can recall a multitude of PINs without jeopardizing the intended security associated with PIN use.

Claims

1. A method for recalling a specific set of characters in a geometric matrix positioned on or in a device, comprising:

choosing a pattern with a specific progression, which creates a sequential pattern within said geometric matrix, so that said specific set of characters will exactly fill all positions in said chosen sequential pattern;

placing the specific set of characters within the geometric matrix, in the sequential pattern, in predetermined order;

positioning a random set of characters in selected non-sequential pattern vacant positions within said geometric matrix, so that the sequential pattern positions of the specific set of characters in the geometric matrix and said random set of characters in said non-sequential pattern positions within the geometric matrix fill all positions within the geometric matrix; and

Recognizing the sequential pattern within the geometric matrix, allows a determination of the specific set of characters in correct order.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric matrix is printed on the surface of said device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric matrix is embedded in said device.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said geometric matrix is printed on a label and attached to said surface of said device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric matrix is programmed and stored within said device for electronic display.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said specific set of characters are numbers.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said specific set of characters are letters.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said random set of characters are numbers.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said random set of characters are letters.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said device is a credit card.

11. A method for recalling a credit card Personal Identification Number (PIN) from a geometric matrix positioned on or in said credit card comprising:

choosing a pattern with a specific progression, which creates a sequential pattern within said geometric matrix, so that said PIN will exactly fill all positions in said chosen sequential pattern;

placing said PIN within the geometric matrix in said sequential pattern in a predetermined order; and

positioning a random set of characters in selected non-sequential pattern vacant positions within said geometric matrix, so that the sequential pattern positions of said PIN in the geometric matrix and said random set of characters in said non-sequential pattern positions within the geometric matrix fill all positions within the geometric matrix; and

Recognizing the sequential pattern within the geometric matrix, allows a determination of the PIN in correct order.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said geometric matrix is printed on the surface of said credit card.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said geometric matrix is embedded in said credit card.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said geometric matrix is printed on a label which is attached to the surface of said credit card.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said geometric matrix is programmed and stored within said credit card for electronic display.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein said specific set of characters are numbers.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein said specific set of characters are letters.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein said random set of characters are numbers.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein said random set of characters are letters.