A new magnifying lens for card readers, from Warwick spin-off

Secure Access Solutions, a spin-off from the University of Warwick, has developed a new kind of magnifying lens to help the visually impaired type their pin codes into card readers in shops. It is seeking licensees and investors.

Researchers at Warwick University developed what they call a “PED cradle” that magnifies the chip and pin keypad. It’s designed to let those in direct sight of the screen see the keypad more easily – but block any view from the side. That prevents “shoulder surfing” as bystanders, hidden cameras or CCTV cannot see which secret pin numbers are entered.

The company claims the device would reduce the levels of anxiety some users associate with chip & pin technology, and that vendors would see improved transaction times. Chip & pin technology, while long used in most European countries, has only recently become widespread in the U.K.

Neil Radford, an enterprise fellow at the University of Warwick, established SAS to market the “PED Cradle”.  After three years in development, 35 cradles were last week piloted in city centre stores, and the company will conduct additional trials with the Royal Institute for the Blind in June and July.  SAS has also received interest from a UK bank to develop similar products for ATM cash points.  

Without revealing details, Radford said SAS would consider licensees and venture capital investment.