News

U.K. security company patents concealed keypad

November 28, 2005

LEEDS, England - Visual Security Solutions Ltd., a new United Kingdom-based security company, has developed and patented a new-concept ATM with a concealed keypad that can be used by sighted and blind customers.

According to a news release, the keypad is hidden in a slanting well that shields PIN-entry, thus satisfying Visa and MasterCard requirements. Customers may enter their PINs using numbered or Braille keys. When in use, the ATM is alerted, through the debit or credit card, about the customer's sight - allowing a sighted person to use the viewing screen while disabling the screen for a blind user. Access to the ATM also is locked for additional security. To access the ATM, customers use a secondary concealed keypad.