Patent ID: 6628814
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G06K,H05K

Abstract:
An expansion card for a portable computer with an integrated fingerprint acquisition system comprising:a housing comprising an upper substantially planar surface and a lower substantially planar surface, said upper surface substantially parallel to said lower surface; a fingerprint acquisition device inside the housing; a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended out from the housing, said retractable access portion includes at least a fingerprint receiving portion of the fingerprint acquisition device, such that when said retractable access portion is extended it is capable of receiving a fingerprint, and when said retractable access portion is retracted it is at least substantially flush with the ends of the upper and lower planar surfaces; a connector adapted to interface with a portable computer; and a locking mechanism such that when the retractable access portion is retracted, the locking mechanism prevents the retractable access portion from extending into the extended position wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring, wire and groove, such that when the retractable access portion is retracted, pressure upon the slidable carriage will release said retractable access portion to an extended position.