Information input device and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information input device capable of displaying confidential information input and an image of a host device on a single display unit.SOLUTION: An information input device 1 is connected to a host device 2 to input confidential information. An input control unit 100 draws a confidential information input screen for a user to input the confidential information. A display unit 12 displays the confidential information input screen. An instruction acquisition unit 13 acquires instruction information indicating a user's instruction to the display unit 12, encrypts the instruction information, and transmits the encrypted instruction information. A decoding unit 110 decodes the instruction information. A confidence conversion unit 120 converts the decrypted instruction information into confidential information. An encryption unit 11 encrypts the converted confidential information. An information transmission unit 130 transmits the confidential information to the host device 2 in an encrypted state. An image switching unit 14 causes the display unit 12 to display an image transmitted from the host device 2 according to an instruction from the host device 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information input device and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information input device and an information processing system capable of inputting secret information such as a PIN. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are information input devices that are used to input a PIN (Personal Identification Number) such as a personal identification number in card payments, etc. Some of these information input devices have physical buttons such as a numeric keypad, while others display a PIN input screen on a liquid crystal display and input the PIN by touching the buttons on this screen. Patent Document 1 describes such a conventional keypad with a touch sensor used for PIN input.

[0003] In such information input devices, the coordinate (position) information pressed on the liquid crystal display is encrypted so that the input PIN cannot be easily identified. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-515768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional information input devices, the screen for PIN input is generated and displayed by a built-in control unit. Therefore, in conventional information input devices, it is not possible to transmit and display a desired image from a higher-level device such as a POS terminal or ATM, and only a specific screen for PIN input can be displayed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an information input device which solves the above problems and is capable of displaying images from a higher-level device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information input device of the present invention is an information input device connected to a host device for inputting secret information, and includes an input control unit which draws a secret information input screen for a user to input the secret information, a display unit which displays the secret information input screen drawn by the input control unit, an instruction acquisition unit which acquires instruction information indicating an instruction from a user to the display unit and encrypts and transmits the instruction information, a decoding unit which decodes the instruction information acquired by the instruction acquisition unit, a secret conversion unit which converts the instruction information decoded by the decoding unit into the secret information, an encryption unit which encrypts the secret information converted by the secret conversion unit, an information transmission unit which transmits the secret information to the host device in a state encrypted by the encryption unit, and an image switching unit which causes an image transmitted from the host device to be displayed on the display unit in response to an instruction from the host device. The decoding unit transmits the instruction information to the host device in a decoded state when the image transmitted from the host device is displayed on the display unit. It is characterized by: With this configuration, it is possible to provide an information input device that can also display images from a higher-level device. Furthermore, when no secret information is being input, the device can function as an input device similar to a normal touch panel.

[0009] The information input device of the present invention is characterized in that the instruction acquisition unit is an encrypted touch panel, and the secret information is PIN information. With this configuration, security can be improved and PIN information can be obtained safely.

[0010] An information processing system of the present invention includes a host device and an information input device connected to the host device for inputting secret information, the information input device including an input control unit that draws a secret information input screen for a user to input the secret information, a display unit that displays the secret information input screen drawn by the input control unit, an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instruction information indicating an instruction from the user to the display unit and encrypts and transmits the instruction information, a decryption unit that decrypts the instruction information acquired by the instruction acquisition unit, a secret conversion unit that converts the instruction information decrypted by the decryption unit into the secret information, an encryption unit that encrypts the secret information converted by the secret conversion unit, an information transmission unit that transmits the secret information in a state encrypted by the encryption unit to the host device, and an image switching unit that causes an image transmitted from the host device to be displayed on the display unit in response to an instruction from the host device, the host device including an image transmission unit that transmits the image to the information input device, a secret acquisition unit that acquires the encrypted secret information from the information input device, and a position acquisition unit that acquires the instruction information from the information input device. The decoding unit of the information input device transmits the instruction information in a decoded state to the host device when the image transmitted from the host device is displayed on the display unit. It is characterized by: With this configuration, it is possible to provide an information processing system including an information input device that can also display images from a higher-level device. Furthermore, when no secret information is being input, the device can function as an input device similar to a normal touch panel.

[0011] The information processing system of the present invention is characterized by further including a card reader connected to the host device or the information input device. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an information processing system that also includes a card reader. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, an information input device can be provided that can also display images from a higher-level device by drawing a secret information input screen for a user to input secret information such as a PIN, displaying this on a display unit, and switching the display unit to also display images transmitted from the higher-level device in response to instructions from the higher-level device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart of an information input process according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the information input process shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] <Embodiment Mode> [System configuration of information processing system X] The configuration of an information processing system X according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the information processing system X is a POS (Point of Service) system for refueling at a gas station, an ATM (Automated Teller Machine), a kiosk terminal, a ticket issuing system for transportation, a point card issuing system for a convenience store or the like, a member card system for a retail store, a card issuing / payment system for a gaming machine, an entrance / exit management system, or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as a "POS system, etc."). In this embodiment, the information processing system X includes an information input device 1, a higher-level device 2, and a card reader 3.

[0015] The information input device 1 is an information processing device connected to the higher-level device 2 and having the same function as a PIN pad (Personal Identification Number Pad) for inputting confidential information related to payment and the like. The information input device 1 can obtain, for example, a PIN or the like in the EMV standard, which is a unified standard for IC chip-equipped credit cards, as encrypted data and transmit it to the higher-level device 2. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the PIN or the like is confidential information.

[0016] In this embodiment, the information input device 1 is connected to a card reader 3 and also functions as a control device for the card reader 3. As a result, in this embodiment, the information input device 1 is equipped with a relatively large display, and can receive an image signal from the higher-level device 2 in response to an instruction from the higher-level device 2 and switch the image signal between the higher-level device 2 and the image output from the device itself.

[0017] In this embodiment, the higher-level device 2 is an information processing device for controlling the information input device 1 and realizing each function of a POS system, etc. Specifically, the higher-level device 2 is, for example, a main body device of a POS system, etc., and includes a control arithmetic device such as a control PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the higher-level device 2 is, for example, a terminal such as a PC built into a gas station filling station.

[0018] In this embodiment, the higher-level device 2 executes application software (hereinafter, simply referred to as "application") for implementing the functions of the information processing system X. At this time, the higher-level device 2 can display various images on the display unit 12 of the connected information input device 1.

[0019] In addition, the higher-level device 2 can be connected to a wireless card reader or the like. For example, a card reader conforming to the EMV standard or the like can be used as the wireless card reader, which is a short-distance wireless non-contact IC card reader. This non-contact card reader enables mutual communication by holding the card 4 over the antenna. For this reason, the non-contact card reader includes, for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) antenna for NFC (Near Field Communication), a control IC, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a buzzer, and the like.

[0020] The card reader 3 is a card reader / writer or the like connected to the higher-level device 2 or the information input device 1. Specifically, the card reader 3 is an example of a device that can read or write data to the card 4. In this embodiment, the card reader 3 is, for example, a magnetic card reader, an IC card reader, or the like.

[0021] The card 4 may be, for example, a card-shaped magnetic recording medium such as a rectangular vinyl chloride card having a thickness of about 0.7 to 0.8 mm, an IC card, a non-contact IC card, etc. In the case of a magnetic recording medium, a magnetic stripe for storing a magnetic signal is formed on one side of the card 4. In the case of an IC card, the card 4 may include, for example, a contact, an electromagnetic induction antenna, and an IC chip including a ROM (Read Only Memory), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The card 4 may be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card having a thickness of about 0.18 to 0.36 mm, a paper card having a predetermined thickness, or the like.

[0022] Here, the information input device 1 and the higher-level device 2 are connected by a general interface. Specifically, this general interface includes, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an RS-232C, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), an analog RGB (Red Green Blue) video interface, etc. In this case, the devices may be connected by different interfaces depending on the type of signal.

[0023] In this embodiment, for example, an example will be described in which an image signal of a moving image (video) is transmitted as an HDMI (registered trademark) or an analog RGB signal. In Fig. 1, the flow of this image signal is indicated by dotted arrows. On the other hand, the information input device 1 and the card reader 3 may be connected via a general interface such as USB or RS-232C, and data such as EMV standard may be transmitted and received.

[0024] The higher-level device 2 may be connected to a payment server that performs payment for a POS system or the like, a management server that manages information related to authentication of users of the POS system, etc., via a network such as the Internet or an intranet. These servers may be servers on the so-called "cloud," servers on an intranet, etc.

[0025] (System configuration of information input device 1) More specifically, the system configuration of the information input device 1 will be described. The information input device 1 includes a main control unit 10, an encryption unit 11, a display unit 12, an instruction acquisition unit 13, and an image switching unit .

[0026] The main control unit 10 is a control and calculation unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The main control unit 10 controls each connected unit and executes various processes for inputting secret information in the payment process. At this time, the main control unit 10 also performs processes such as controlling the card reader 3.

[0027] Additionally, in this embodiment, the main control unit 10 includes a non-transitory recording medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores control programs such as firmware for the information input device 1 and various data including image data.

[0028] Here, the main control unit 10 executes various processes by executing a control program stored in a recording medium. Specifically, in this embodiment, the main control unit 10 draws image data on the RAM of the recording medium, outputs this as an image signal, and displays it on the display unit 12. This makes it possible to display an input screen for secret information on the display unit 12.

[0029] The encryption unit 11 is an encryption CPU or the like for executing security functions. The encryption unit 11 executes encryption of information or processes encrypted information. The encryption unit 11 has a built-in non-transitory recording medium for storing various data including a control program and encrypted data. This recording medium includes, for example, a RAM and a ROM.

[0030] In this embodiment, the encryption unit 11 is configured in compliance with the PCI (Payment Card Industry) standard and realizes a security function in the information processing system X. For this reason, the encryption unit 11 is provided with a data encryption function, a decryption function, an unauthorized modification detection function, and the like, for preventing the theft of data such as an ID or confidential information stored in the card 4. The encryption unit 11 may be provided on a security board connected to the main control unit 10.

[0031] Display unit 12 is a display for displaying information, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display, a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, electronic paper, or the like. Display unit 12 is capable of displaying digitally or analog-transmitted image signals at a predetermined frame rate. Display unit 12 may be, for example, about ten to twenty inches in size, which is larger than a normal PIN pad. In this embodiment, the display unit 12 is connected to the higher-level device 2 or the main control unit 10 via an image switching unit 14.

[0032] The instruction acquisition unit 13 includes a touch panel, a touch pad, a button, a camera, a fingerprint or vein sensor formed on glass, and various other sensors. The instruction acquisition unit 13 acquires instruction information indicating an instruction by a user.

[0033] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the instruction acquisition unit 13 is an encrypted touch panel. This encrypted touch panel is formed as a capacitive security touch panel integrally with the display unit 12. In addition, the instruction acquisition unit 13 can encrypt and transmit coordinate data (instruction information) acquired by an encryption microprocessor, ASIC, or the like.

[0034] The image switching unit 14 is a circuit or the like that switches between an image signal of an image output from the main control unit 10 and an image signal obtained from the higher-level device 2. In this embodiment, the image switching unit 14 may be, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) changeover switch that can be controlled by the main control unit 10.

[0035] (System configuration of upper device 2) More specifically, the higher-level device 2 includes components (units) such as a higher-level control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and an image transmission unit 22.

[0036] The upper level control unit 20 is a control and calculation unit including a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a DSP, an ASIC, and the like.

[0037] The storage unit 21 is a non-transitory recording medium such as a RAM, a ROM including a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0038] The image transmission unit 22 is a circuit including a digital or analog image transmission interface for connection to the information input device 1, and the like. In this embodiment, the image transmission unit 22 includes an HDMI (registered trademark) interface and the like, and is capable of outputting an image drawn by the higher-level device 2 from a GPU built into the CPU, a GPU interface, a chipset, or the like.

[0039] The higher-level device 2 also includes various I / O (Input / Output) circuits and various physical interfaces. These interfaces include general-purpose serial interfaces such as USB, parallel interfaces, etc. Furthermore, the higher-level device 2 also includes a network interface for connecting to a network.

[0040] [Functional configuration of information processing system X] Referring again to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the information processing system X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information input device 1 of the information processing system X of this embodiment includes, as functional blocks, an input control unit 100, a decryption unit 110, a secret conversion unit 120, and an information transmission unit .

[0041] The input control unit 100 draws a secret information input screen for a user to input secret information. In this embodiment, the input control unit 100 draws, as the secret information input screen, a numeric keypad screen including a button arrangement for a user to input a PIN, for example, in imitation of a PIN pad screen.

[0042] The decoding unit 110 decodes the instruction information acquired by the instruction acquisition unit 13 . When an image transmitted from the higher-level device 2 is displayed on the display unit 12, the decoding unit 110 can transmit the instruction information in a decoded state to the higher-level device 2. At this time, the decoding unit 110 transmits the decoded position information via, for example, a USB HID (Human Interface Device) interface. Note that in Fig. 1, the data flow is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0043] The secret conversion unit 120 converts the instruction information decrypted by the decryption unit 110 into secret information, which is then encrypted by the encryption unit 11. In this embodiment, the secret conversion unit 120 determines, for example, which button was pressed from a numeric keypad screen, and acquires this as a PIN. In this case, the secret conversion unit 120 converts the acquired PIN into encrypted data conforming to the EMV standard or the like by the encryption unit 11.

[0044] The information transmission unit 130 transmits the secret information to the higher-level device 2 in a state in which the secret information has been encrypted by the encryption unit 11. The information transmission unit 130 transmits the secret information to the higher-level device 2 as encrypted data conforming to the EMV standard or the like, for example, by USB communication.

[0045] In this embodiment, the display unit 12 displays a confidential information input screen drawn by the input control unit 100. Specifically, the display unit 12 displays, for example, a numeric keypad screen.

[0046] In this embodiment, the instruction acquisition unit 13 acquires instruction information indicating a user's instruction to the display unit 12, encrypts the instruction information, and transmits the instruction information. Specifically, the instruction acquisition unit 13 detects, for example, a position (coordinates) where the user touches the display unit 12, encrypts the position (coordinates), and transmits the position (coordinates) via a USB or the like.

[0047] In this embodiment, the encryption unit 11 encrypts the secret information converted by the secret conversion unit 120. Specifically, the encryption unit 11 converts the acquired PIN into encrypted data or the like conforming to the EMV standard or the like by using a data encryption function.

[0048] The image switching unit 14 displays the image transmitted from the higher-level device 2 on the display unit 12 under the control of the input control unit 100 in response to an instruction from the higher-level device 2. That is, the image switching unit 14 can switch the image signal so as to display an image of the confidential information input screen and an image of the higher-level device 2 that is different from the image of the confidential information input screen.

[0049] The higher-level device 2 includes a secret acquisition unit 200 and a position acquisition unit 210 as functional blocks.

[0050] The position acquisition unit 210 acquires instruction information from the information input device 1. The position acquisition unit 210 can acquire decrypted position information by USB HID. Here, the position acquisition unit 210 does not need to acquire this position information when the information input device 1 acquires secret information. In addition, the position acquisition unit 210 also functions as an application execution unit that executes an application that interactively responds to a user and transmits various commands to the secret acquisition unit 200 .

[0051] In this embodiment, the application is an application such as a POS system that communicates with the higher-level device 2 and performs various payments, etc. In this embodiment, the position acquisition unit 210 transmits a command to the information input device 1 when the user is prompted to input secret information. In addition, this application also transmits to the information input device 1 a card read command for reading information stored in the card 4, a card write command for writing information to the card 4, and the like. In this embodiment, the position acquisition unit 210 can transmit and receive each command etc. in accordance with a standard such as the CEN / XFS standard.

[0052] The private information acquisition unit 200 acquires encrypted private information from the information input device 1. At this time, the private information acquisition unit 200 can acquire the private information as encrypted data according to the EMV standard or the like.

[0053] Here, the main control unit 10 of the information input device 1 is made to function as an input control unit 100, a decryption unit 110, a secret conversion unit 120, and an information transmission unit 130 by executing a control program stored in a recording medium. Moreover, the host control unit 20 of the host device 2 is made to function as a position acquisition unit 210 and a secret acquisition unit 200 by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 21 . Moreover, each unit of the information input device 1 and the higher-level device 2 described above is a hardware resource for executing the information input process of this embodiment. Note that a part or any combination of the above-mentioned functional components may be configured in hardware using an IC, programmable logic, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0054] [Information input processing by information processing system X] Next, the information input process of the information processing system X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. In the information input process of this embodiment, an application such as a POS system is executed in the higher-level device 2, and when a command for inputting secret information is transmitted from the higher-level device 2, a secret information input screen for the user of the information input device 1 to input secret information is drawn and displayed on the display unit 12. Then, instruction information indicating the user's instruction to the display unit 12 is acquired, and the instruction information is acquired in an encrypted state. This is decrypted and converted into secret information. The converted secret information is encrypted, and the secret information is transmitted in an encrypted state to the higher-level device 2. On the other hand, when a command other than inputting secret information is transmitted from the higher-level device 2, the image transmitted from the higher-level device 2 is displayed on the display unit 12 in response to the instruction from the higher-level device 2.

[0055] Here, the processing of the information input device 1 will be mainly explained, and the corresponding processing by the higher-level device 2 will be supplementarily explained. In the information input process of this embodiment, the main control unit 10 of the information input device 1 executes a control program (not shown) stored in a recording medium by using hardware resources in cooperation with each unit. The upper control unit 20 of the upper device 2 also executes a control program (not shown) stored in a recording medium stored in the storage unit 21 by using hardware resources in cooperation with each unit. Below, the information input process of this embodiment will be explained step by step with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0056] (Step S101) First, the input control unit 100 and the image switching unit 14 perform a command input process. Here, in the higher-level device 2, the position acquisition unit 210 of the higher-level control unit 20 executes the application as an application execution unit. Then, the position acquisition unit 210 of the higher-level control unit 20 transmits a command to the information input device 1 via a USB or the like depending on the stage of the transaction or the like using the application. The input control unit 100 receives and analyzes the command sent from the higher-level device 2. According to FIG. 3(a), in this state, the image switching unit 14 switches to the image signal from the higher-level device 2 and causes the display unit 12 to display it.

[0057] (Step S102) Next, the input control unit 100 judges whether the command is for inputting secret information. The input control unit 100 judges Yes if the received command is a command for inputting secret information according to the EMV standard or the like. The input control unit 100 judges No if the received command is a command for not inputting secret information. If the answer is Yes, the input control unit 100 advances the process to step S103. If the result is No, the input control unit 100 advances the process to step S109.

[0058] (Step S103) If the command is for inputting confidential information, the input control unit 100 and the image switching unit 14 perform a process for switching the screen of the own device. The input control unit 100 controls the image switching unit 14 to switch so that an image signal from the GPU or the like of the main control unit 10 is displayed on the display unit 12 .

[0059] (Step S104) Next, the input control unit 100 performs a confidential information input screen drawing process. The input control unit 100 draws a secret information input screen. For example, the input control unit 100 draws a numeric keypad screen that imitates a PIN pad using image data stored in a ROM of a recording medium. A plurality of buttons that can be pressed by touch are drawn on the numeric keypad screen. This secret information input screen is displayed on the display unit 12 by an image signal output by the GPU. FIG. 3(b) shows an example in which a confidential information input screen drawn by the main control unit 10 of the information input device 1 is displayed.

[0060] (Step S105) Next, the instruction acquisition unit 13 and the decoding unit 110 perform an instruction information acquisition process. The instruction acquisition unit 13 acquires, as instruction information, an operation of a touch panel or a button by a user, which indicates an instruction from the user to the display unit 12. In this embodiment, for example, the position (coordinates) of the display unit 12 when the user presses the touch panel is acquired as the instruction information. The instruction acquisition unit 13 encrypts this instruction information and transmits it to the peripheral control unit. At this time, the instruction acquisition unit 13 may transmit the instruction information by, for example, USB, RS-232C, or another unique signal. Furthermore, the instruction acquisition unit 13 can perform this encryption by any method, such as symmetric key encryption.

[0061] The decryption unit 110 acquires the encrypted instruction information transmitted from the instruction acquisition unit 13, and temporarily stores it in the RAM of the recording medium.

[0062] (Step S106) Next, the decoding unit 110 performs the instruction information decoding process. The decryption unit 110 decrypts the encrypted instruction information stored in the RAM. For example, in the case of symmetric key encryption, the decryption unit 110 may perform this decryption using an encryption key stored in a recording medium. Alternatively, the decryption unit 110 may cause the encryption unit 11 to decrypt the instruction information using an encryption key stored in the encryption unit 11. Then, the decoding unit 110 acquires, for example, position (coordinate) data included in the decoded instruction information. Here, while the image signal of the main control unit 10 is displayed on the display unit 12, the instruction information including the position (coordinate) does not need to be transmitted to the higher-level device 2.

[0063] (Step S107) Next, the secret conversion unit 120 and the encryption unit 11 perform a secret information conversion process. The secret conversion unit 120 associates the position (coordinate) data included in the decrypted instruction information with a rectangular area corresponding to each button displayed on the secret information input screen, and determines which button has been pressed. Specifically, the secret conversion unit 120 identifies the pressed button on the displayed numeric keypad, for example. The secret conversion unit 120 thereby obtains a character string or a numeric string such as a PIN as secret information from the numeric values ​​or letters of the buttons.

[0064] Then, the secret conversion unit 120 converts the secret information acquired by the encryption unit 11 into encrypted data that can be transmitted as secret information according to the EMV standard or the like, using a data encryption function built into the encryption unit 11.

[0065] (Step S108) Next, the information transmitting unit 130 performs a secret information transmitting process. The information transmitting unit 130 transmits encrypted data, which is the secret information encrypted by the encryption unit 11, to the higher-level device 2. The information transmitting unit 130 transmits this encrypted data to the higher-level device 2 via USB, for example.

[0066] The secret acquisition unit 200 of the higher-level device 2 acquires encrypted data, which is the encrypted secret information transmitted from the information input device 1. According to the EMV standard and the like, the secret acquisition unit 200 does not decrypt this encrypted data, but transmits it together with the information of the card 4 to a payment server (not shown) and the like, for payment.

[0067] Thereafter, the information transmitting unit 130 advances the process to step S113. After the transmission of the secret information is completed, the input control unit 100 may control the image switching unit 14 to switch the image signal from the higher-level device 2 to be displayed on the display unit 12.

[0068] (Step S109) If the command is not a command for inputting confidential information, the input control unit 100 and the image switching unit 14 perform the higher-level device 2 image switching process. The input control unit 100 controls the image switching unit 14 to switch so that the image signal from the higher-level device 2 is displayed on the display unit 12 . Then, the image transmission unit 22 of the higher-level device 2 transmits the image to the information input device 1. As a result, in the example of a POS system related to refueling at a gas station of this embodiment, images of selection, transaction, settlement, demonstration, etc. in refueling are displayed.

[0069] In the example of FIG. 3(a), the display unit 12 displays a screen for selecting whether to pay with cash or with a card 4. In this state, the input control unit 100 can perform power control to stop the power supply to each unit of the information input device 1 and the card reader 3 depending on the state of the transaction, to enter a power saving state.

[0070] (Step S110) Next, the instruction acquisition unit 13 performs an instruction information acquisition process. The instruction acquisition unit 13 performs this process in the same manner as in step S105.

[0071] (Step S111) Next, the decoding unit 110 performs the instruction information decoding process. The decoding unit 110 performs this process in the same manner as in step S106.

[0072] (Step S112) Next, the decoding unit 110 performs an instruction information transmission process. When an image transmitted from the higher-level device 2 is displayed on the display unit 12, the decoding unit 110 transmits the instruction information in a decrypted state, i.e., in an unencrypted state, to the higher-level device 2. In this case, the decoding unit 110 can transmit position (coordinate) data on the display unit 12 as instruction information in a manner similar to that of USB HID.

[0073] The position acquisition unit 210 of the higher-level device 2 acquires this instruction information from the information input device 1 via a USB HID interface. This allows the location acquisition unit 210 of the higher-level device 2 to execute an application and execute processing according to the images of each screen transmitted by the higher-level device 2. For example, in the case of the gas station example described above, the location acquisition unit 210 of the higher-level device 2 can select the type of payment, select the type of fuel, display an advertising video, read the card 4 with the card reader 3 or wireless card reader, and execute processing other than inputting secret information for payment. In other words, the location acquisition unit 210 executes an application such as a POS system, and interacts with the user to perform transactions, payments, and the like.

[0074] On the other hand, the input control unit 100 performs processing in response to the command, including processing such as reading the card 4 by the card reader 3.

[0075] (Step S113) Here, the input control unit 100 judges whether the transaction has been completed. The input control unit 100 judges "Yes" when it has received a command such as a settlement completion command from the higher-level device 2. The input control unit 100 judges "No" in other cases. If the answer is Yes, the input control unit 100 ends the information input process. If the result is No, the input control unit 100 returns the process to step S101 and waits until a command is received from the higher-level device 2. This completes the information input process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] [Main Effects of the Present Embodiment] With the above configuration, the following effects can be obtained. In conventional PIN pads, the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display includes a PIN input screen that must be protected from security, and it is not desirable for the image data to be output outside the device or for the image data to be input from an external device. For this reason, in conventional PIN pads, images are drawn on a protected CPU inside the device and are only displayed on a display installed in the device. In other words, the PIN pad cannot obtain the image to be displayed from a higher-level device 2 such as an ATM or POS terminal, and can only display a specific PIN input screen.

[0077] In contrast, the information input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information input device 1 connected to a higher-level device 2 for inputting secret information, and is characterized by comprising an input control unit 100 that draws a secret information input screen for a user to input secret information, a display unit 12 that displays the secret information input screen drawn by the input control unit 100, an instruction acquisition unit 13 that acquires instruction information indicating a user's instruction to the display unit 12 and encrypts and transmits the instruction information, a decryption unit 110 that decrypts the instruction information acquired by the instruction acquisition unit 13, a secret conversion unit 120 that converts the instruction information decrypted by the decryption unit 110 into secret information, an encryption unit 11 that encrypts the secret information converted by the secret conversion unit 120, an information transmission unit 130 that transmits the secret information to the higher-level device 2 in a state encrypted by the encryption unit 11, and an image switching unit 14 that displays an image transmitted from the higher-level device 2 on the display unit 12 in response to an instruction from the higher-level device 2.

[0078] With this configuration, it is possible to provide an information input device 1 that can also display an image from a higher-level device 2. That is, on one display unit 12, it is possible to switch between displaying an image for inputting secret information and an image transmitted from a different higher-level device 2. By making it possible to switch images (videos) in this way, two displays are not required in a POS system or the like, and one display unit 12 can be used as both the display for the information input device 1 and the display for the host device 2, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, since images are exclusively displayed by the host device 2 and the information input device 1, for example, when inputting confidential information, the user does not need to shift his or her gaze to another display, thereby improving security.

[0079] In addition, in recent years, POS systems and the like related to fueling at gas stations are equipped with large touch panel displays of about 10 to 12 inches, and there is often no free space for a separate PIN pad. For this reason, by configuring the display unit 12 and the instruction acquisition unit 13 to also function as this touch panel display, it is possible to improve space saving. This can eliminate the need to redesign the POS system and improve usability for users. As a result, costs can also be reduced.

[0080] In the information input device 1 relating to the embodiment of the present invention, the decoding unit 110 is characterized in that when an image transmitted from the higher-level device 2 is displayed on the display unit 12, it transmits instruction information in a decoded state to the higher-level device 2. By configuring the information input device 1 in this way, when no secret information is being input, the information input device 1 can function as an input device similar to a normal touch panel, etc. This allows the information input device 1 to function both as a display for inputting secret information and as a touch panel display for a POS system, etc. This eliminates the need to separately prepare separate display units 12 for the higher-level device 2 and the information input device 1, resulting in space saving, improved usability, cost reduction, etc.

[0081] In the information input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the instruction acquisition unit 13 is an encrypted touch panel, and the secret information is PIN information. With this configuration, the encrypted touch panel can enhance security and safely obtain PIN information in the same way as in the past. On the other hand, since the decryption unit 110 functions as a USB HID device or the like as described above for purposes other than PIN input, convenience is not compromised. In addition, security can be further improved by preventing location (coordinate) data from being transmitted when entering PIN information, etc.

[0082] The information processing system X according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a card reader 3 connected to the higher-level device 2 or the information input device 1. With this configuration, the control of the card reader 3 can also be executed by the information input device 1. In addition, it is no longer necessary to provide the display unit 12 in the card reader 3, which provides the effects of space saving, improved usability, cost reduction, etc. Furthermore, the structure of the card reader 3 can be simplified, which is expected to reduce the failure rate.

[0083] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, an example in which the card reader 3 is connected to the information input device 1 and the wireless card reader is connected to the higher level device 2 has been described. However, the card reader 3 and the wireless card reader may be connected to either the higher-level device 2 or the information input device 1. Furthermore, various peripheral devices such as a biometric authentication sensor, a camera, a printer, and a card issuing and collecting box may be connected to these devices. Furthermore, either the higher-level device 2 or the information input device 1 may include an accelerator such as a Neural Network (NN) for authentication. By configuring in this way, it is possible to accommodate a variety of configurations.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example in which the display unit 12 and the position acquisition unit 210 are components of the information input device 1 has been described. However, the display unit 12 may be configured to be connected separately to the information input device 1 as an external display via an HDMI (registered trademark) cable or the like. Furthermore, the position acquisition unit 210 may also be configured to be connected separately to the information input device 1 via a USB cable or the like. In these cases, the HDMI (registered trademark) cable, the USB cable, or the like may be physically protected with a wire mesh or the like to prevent disassembly, cracking, or the like. Furthermore, the position information may be transmitted and received through a signal line in the HDMI (registered trademark) terminal. Furthermore, an image signal may be output using encryption other than that of HDMI (registered trademark).

[0085] With this configuration, it becomes possible to input secret information using a secure touch panel display already provided in a POS system or the like as the display unit 12 and the position acquisition unit 210. This makes it possible to reduce costs.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the image signal is switched by receiving a command from the higher-level device 2. However, when an image signal is input from the higher-level device 2, the image signal may be switched to be displayed on the display unit 12. At this time, the input control unit 100 may be configured not to switch if confidential information is being input.

[0087] Alternatively, the input control unit 100 may switch the image signal at the image switching unit 14 in response to an instruction from the card reader 3 . Such a configuration allows flexible switching depending on the application configuration, making it possible to apply the present invention to various information processing systems. The image switching unit 14 may switch the image signal of the card reader 3 having an image signal output function and display the image on the display unit 12.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the host device 2 and the information input device 1 output image signals, respectively, and the image switching unit 14 directly switches between these image signals. However, the configuration may be such that image data such as still images or video streaming data is acquired from the higher-level device 2 via an interface such as a USB or a network, rather than the image signal itself, and displayed on the display unit 12. In this case, the image switching unit 14 may execute a control program of the main control unit 10 to draw the image data or switch the output.

[0089] Such a configuration eliminates the need for circuits for inputting and switching image signals such as HDMI (registered trademark) and analog RGB in the information input device 1, thereby reducing costs. In addition, it is possible to convert image data transmitted from the higher-level device 2 in accordance with the characteristics of the display unit 12, or to combine the image data with the image data of the information input device 1. Furthermore, even if the display unit 12 is a special display such as electronic paper, it can be easily adapted. In addition, the information input device 1 may be provided with a voice output section, and the output may be switched between the information input device 1 (its own device) and the higher-level device 2.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the position (coordinates) of a touch is acquired as instruction information. However, the information input device 1 may also be capable of acquiring a user's gesture, signature, etc., as the instruction information. Furthermore, a configuration is also possible in which biometric information, such as an image of a display-embedded fingerprint sensor, a vein sensor, an iris sensor, a face camera, or an infrared depth camera, is acquired as the instruction information. That is, gestures, signatures, biometric information, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as "gestures, etc.") can also be used as secret information. In such a configuration, when the instruction information is data of a gesture, etc., the decoding unit 110 may convert it into feature data. Such a configuration makes it possible to handle the input of various instruction information and secret information.

[0091] Moreover, a password or the like other than the PIN may also be obtained as secret information. Such a configuration makes it possible to accommodate input of secret information other than a PIN, and thus allows for a flexible configuration.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display is used as the display unit 12, and the instruction acquisition unit 13 detects a touch. However, instead of a normal display, it is also possible to use an aerial imaging type hologram display using optical elements, a projector, etc. In this case, the instruction acquisition unit 13 may be capable of detecting touches and gestures using an infrared sensor, a camera, etc.

[0093] It goes without saying that the configurations and operations of the above-described embodiments are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Information input device 2. Upper device 3 Card Reader 4. Cards 10 Main control unit 11 Encryption section 12 Display section 13 Instruction acquisition part 14 Image switching section 20 Upper control section 21 Memory section 22 Image transmission unit 100 Input control section 110 Decoding section 120 Secret Conversion Section 130 Information Transmission Unit 200 Secret Acquisition Department 210 Position acquisition part X Information Processing System

Claims

1. An information input device that is connected to a higher-level device and inputs secret information, an input control unit that displays a secret information input screen for a user to input the secret information; a display unit that displays the secret information input screen drawn by the input control unit; an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instruction information indicating an instruction from a user to the display unit, and encrypts and transmits the instruction information; a decoding unit that decodes the instruction information acquired by the instruction acquisition unit; a secret conversion unit that converts the instruction information decrypted by the decryption unit into secret information; an encryption unit that encrypts the secret information converted by the secret conversion unit; an information transmission unit that transmits the secret information to the higher-level device in a state where the secret information is encrypted by the encryption unit; an image switching unit that displays an image transmitted from the host device on the display unit in response to an instruction from the host device; The decoding unit transmits the instruction information in a decoded state to the host device when the image transmitted from the host device is displayed on the display unit.

1. An information input device comprising:

2. the instruction acquisition unit is an encrypted touch panel, The secret information is a PIN.

2. The information input device according to claim 1,

3. An information processing system including a host device and an information input device connected to the host device for inputting secret information, The information input device includes: an input control unit that displays a secret information input screen for a user to input the secret information; a display unit that displays the secret information input screen drawn by the input control unit; an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instruction information indicating an instruction from a user to the display unit, and encrypts and transmits the instruction information; a decoding unit that decodes the instruction information acquired by the instruction acquisition unit; a secret conversion unit that converts the instruction information decrypted by the decryption unit into secret information; an encryption unit that encrypts the secret information converted by the secret conversion unit; an information transmission unit that transmits the secret information to the higher-level device in a state where the secret information is encrypted by the encryption unit; an image switching unit that displays an image transmitted from the host device on the display unit in response to an instruction from the host device; The higher-level device is an image transmission unit for transmitting the image to the information input device; a secret acquisition unit that acquires the encrypted secret information from the information input device; a position acquisition unit that acquires the instruction information from the information input device, The decoding unit of the information input device transmits the instruction information in a decoded state to the host device when the image transmitted from the host device is displayed on the display unit. An information processing system comprising:

4. The information input device further includes a card reader connected to the higher-level device or the information input device.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3.

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