Computer input device, method for inputting data to a computer, computing apparatus and computer software product

摘要

A computer input device (30) for operation with a computer (26), includes an input transducer (32), which is coupled to receive an input from a user and to generate a data signal responsively to the input. An encryption processor (46) is coupled to process the data signal so as to output data to the computer. The encryption processor has a first operational mode in which the encryption processor encrypts the data signal using an encryption key not accessible to the computer so that the data are unintelligible to the computer, and a second operational mode in which the data are intelligible to the computer. A mode switch (34) is operative so as to switch between the first and second operational modes of the encryption processor. An output transducer (36) is coupled to provide to the user an indication of whether the encryption processor is in the first or the second operational mode.