Abstract:
A portable apparatus having a slot for inserting a PC card which includes a card unit and a fingerprint scanner unit. The PC card has a support for supporting the scanner and reducing the force transferred to the card unit and a connector for realizing correct fingerprint identification whether the card is inserted into the left or the right of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a support pivotally joins the scan unit and the card unit together or adjust the height of the scan unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a PC card, and particularly, to a PC card having a fingerprint identifying function. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Information available in electronic forms and open communication networks of these days enable anyone who has an information terminal such as a personal computer (PC) to access the information. It is important to strictly manage confidential corporate and private information. 
     Presently, passwords are widely used to identify persons accessing information terminals. The passwords, however, are imperfect because they are easy to steal. 
     To improve safety, a technique of using biometric characteristics and, in particular, fingerprints of persons who access information terminals is drawing attention. 
     Conventional fingerprint identifying devices are large, and therefore, cannot be carried with portable equipment such as notebook PCs. 
     The notebook PCs generally have slots for PC cards that provide various functions. 
     For example, a fax card can be inserted into a slot of a notebook PC to transfer documents from the PC by facsimile. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a fingerprint identifying PC card to be inserted into a card slot of a notebook PC. 
     In order to accomplish the object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a fingerprint identifying PC card to be removably inserted into a card slot of a portable information apparatus, consisting of a card unit and a scan unit incorporating a scanner used for identifying a fingerprint. 
     The first aspect provides the scan unit on the card unit so that the PC card is easy to carry and easy to insert into a portable PC. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides, further, a supporting part for supporting the scan unit to reduce the force transferred to the card unit when a finger is set on the scan unit. 
     The supporting part of the second aspect accepts a force applied to the scan unit by a finger, thereby preventing the force from directly affecting the card unit. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a finger sensor. The finger sensor is arranged at a finger inserting part of the scan unit in front of the scanner, for detecting the presence of a finger on the scan unit. 
     The finger sensor of the third aspect determines whether or not a finger is correctly placed on the scan unit. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a connector for connecting the card unit with the scan unit so that the finger sensor always comes to the side in front of the scanner whether the card unit is inserted into the left or right side of the information apparatus. 
     The fourth aspect connects the card unit with the scan unit so that the finger sensor always comes to the front of the scanner irrespective of the position of the card slot of the information apparatus. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the PC card of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a scan unit of the PC card of FIG. 1 seen from the side of a notebook PC into which the PC card is inserted; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view showing the PC card of FIG. 1 seen from the front of the notebook PC; 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an application of the PC card of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another application of the PC card of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the PC card of FIG. 7 seen from a different direction; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the movement of an eccentric disk serving as a leg of the PC card of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view showing the PC card of FIG. 9 seen from the front of a notebook PC into which the PC card is inserted; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view showing the PC card of FIG. 12 seen from the front of a notebook PC into which the PC card is inserted; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a side view showing the PC card of FIG. 14 seen from the front of a notebook PC into which the PC card is inserted; 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 25 is view showing fingerprint images taken by a scanner; and 
     FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a correction circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a PC card according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing essential parts of a portable information apparatus such as a notebook PC and a PC card  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention inserted into a side of the PC. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the PC card  10 . 
     The PC card  10  has a card unit  13  and a scan unit  15 . 
     The card unit  13  includes a base frame  131  made of, for example, injection molded resin having an opening, a printed circuit board  132  arranged at the opening of the base frame  131 , and covers  133  and  134  made of stainless steel for covering the top and bottom of the printed circuit board  132 . A connector  135  for external connection is attached to the printed circuit board  132 . 
     The scan unit  15  has a cover  151  fixed to an end of the base frame  131 . 
     Inside the cover  151 , there are a CCD scanner  152  and a finger sensor  153 . The scanner  152  is electrically connected to the printed circuit board  132  through, for example, a flexible substrate (FPC). 
     A finger receiver  154  is formed by denting a middle part of the cover  151 . 
     As shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular opening  155  is formed at the bottom of the finger receiver  154 . In the opening  155 , a fingerprint detector of the scanner  152  is arranged. The finger receiver  154  has a small rectangular opening  156  in which the finger sensor  153  is arranged. 
     The finger sensor  153  is used to determine whether or not a finger is properly positioned with respect to the finger receiver  154 . Namely, it determines whether or not the finger is horizontally tightly put on the finger receiver  154 . If the finger is correctly set, the scanner  152  reads the fingerprint of the finger. This arrangement greatly improves fingerprint reading accuracy. 
     An output signal from the finger sensor  153  may be used to turn on and off a power source of the scanner  152  to reduce power consumption. 
     As shown in FIG. 4, the top of the cover  151  and the finger receiver  154  are connected by a concave face  157  to restrict the horizontal, and vertical movements of a finger set on the finger receiver  154 . 
     Two examples of the PC card according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     The example of FIG. 5 relates to network security. The PC card of the present invention is used to prevent an unauthorized person from illegally invading a computer network. A fingerprint provided by the scanner  152  is compared with registered fingerprints to determine whether or not it is one of an authorized person. If it is one of an unauthorized person, connection is cut by software to prevent the person from invading into the network. This is equivalent to providing an exclusive key for each notebook PC serving as a terminal of the network to secure the safety and normal operation of the network. 
     The example of FIG. 6 relates to computer security. The PC card of the present invention is used to prevent an unauthorized person from illegally accessing data stored in a notebook PC. A fingerprint provided by the scanner  152  is compared with registered fingerprints to determine whether or not it is one of an authorized person. If it is one of an unauthorized person, the data is protected from illegel access by software. This is equivalent to providing an exclusive key for the notebook PC to surely prevent illegal operation on the notebook PC. 
     PC cards according to the embodiments of the present invention will be explained. In each embodiment, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are represented with the same reference marks to avoid repetitive explanation. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 show a fingerprint identifying PC card  20  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the first embodiment, the PC card  20  of the second embodiment additionally has L-shaped flanges  21  along a side face of a cover  151  of a scan unit  15 . A C-shaped hook  22  made of resin or metal has an end fitted into the flanges  21  and another end hooked to a bezel of a notebook PC  11 . 
     After the PC card  20  is inserted into a card slot of the PC  11 , the hook  22  is hooked to the bezel of the PC  11  and is inserted into the flanges  21  so that the PC card  20  cannot escape from the card slot. When scanning the fingerprint of a finger, the hook  22  bears downward force applied by the finger to the scan unit  15 , thereby reducing bending force acting on the PC card  20 . 
     FIGS. 9 to  11  show a fingerprint identifying PC card  30  according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the first embodiment, the third embodiment additionally has a height adjusting mechanism. Namely, it has an adjustable leg  31  on a side face of a scan unit  15 . The height of the leg  31  is adjustable. 
     The leg  31  has a shaft  32  attached to the side face of the scan unit  15 , a thin eccentric disk  33  that is rotatable around the shaft  32 , and a click lever  34  rotating with the disk  33 . Recesses  35  are formed on the side face of the scan unit  15  along a circle around the shaft  32 , and a projection formed at a tip of the lever  34  engages with any one of the recesses  35 . 
     The disk  33  is turned around the shaft  32 , and the tip of the lever  34  resiliently engages with one of the recesses  35  so that the disk  33  may protrude by a predetermined distance from the bottom of the scan unit  15  and support the scan unit  15 . This arrangement adjusts the height of the scan unit  15 . 
     Even if downward force is applied to the scan unit  15  by a finger to be scanned, the leg  31  stably supports the scan unit  15  and prevents excessive bending force from being transferred to the PC card  30 . Since the leg  31  has a simple structure, it involves little increase in the cost of the PC card  30 . 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 show a fingerprint identifying PC card  41  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The PC card  41  consists of a card unit  13  and a scan unit  15  that are independent of each other and are connected with each other so that they may swing with respect to each other. When the PC card  41  is inserted into a card slot of a notebook PC  11 , the scan unit  15  is inclined as shown in FIG.  13 . As a result, a finger set on the scan unit  15  is oriented in a diagonal downward direction. This posture may be suitable for the finger. 
     FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fingerprint identifying PC card  50  according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a combination of the third embodiment of FIGS. 9 to  11  and the fourth embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13. Namely, the PC card  50  consists of a card unit  13  and a scan unit  15  that are separate parts and are pivotably connected with each other through a joint  51 . A height adjustable leg  31  is attached to a side face of the scan unit  15 . 
     This structure perfectly secures the stability of the scan unit  15  to prevent excessive force from being applied to the PC card  50 . 
     FIG. 16 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The PC card  60  is in a slot of a notebook PC  11 . In this situation, a scan unit  15  is in contact with a side face of the PC  11 . 
     An upper end of the scan unit  15  has a projection  61 , which has a through hole. The through hole receives a supporting rod  62  whose bottom is adjusted to a surface on which the PC  11  is placed. A screw  63  is horizontally inserted into the projection  61 , to fix the rod  62 . 
     The rod  62  transmits most of downward force applied to the PC card  60  by a finger to a desk, thereby preventing a breakage of the PC card  60 . 
     FIG. 17 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. A scan unit  15  has a projection  71  having a through hole. The through hole is threaded and a bolt  72  is screwed into the threaded hole from the bottom of the projection  71 . 
     The bolt  72  transmits most of downward force applied to the PC card by a finger to a desk, thereby preventing a breakage of the PC card. 
     FIG. 18 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The PC card is in a slot of a notebook PC  11 . A scan unit  15  of the PC card is fixed to an edge of a keyboard of the PC  11  with L-shaped fittings  81  and  82 . 
     A short segment of the first fitting  81  is fixed to the scan unit  15  with a bolt  83 , and a short segment of the second fitting  82  is hooked to the edge of the keyboard of the PC  11 . A long segment having an oblong hole of the fitting  81  and a long segment having an oblong hole of the fitting  82  are overlaid on each another and are fixed together with a bolt  84 . 
     The fittings  81  and  82  transmit most of downward force to the PC  11  to avoid a breakage of the PC card. 
     FIG. 19 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. A corner of a card unit  90  of the PC card has a support  91  provided with a horizontal rotary shaft  92 . The shaft  92  is connected with a scan unit  15  so that the scan unit  15  may turn around the shaft  92 . 
     The scan unit  15  has a top opening  155  and a small opening  156  on both of which an index finger is set. At this time, a thumb supports the bottom of the scan unit  15 . 
     Since the thumb supports the bottom of the scan unit  15  while identifying a fingerprint, the pressing force of the index finger does not break the card unit  90 . 
     FIG. 20 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. A card unit  100  of the PC card has a vertical slide plate  101 . 
     A scan unit  15  has a through hole to receive the plate  101  so that the scan unit  15  may vertically move along the plate  101  and is fixed at a proper position with a screw  102 . 
     Since the pressing force of a finger acts in a direction so that the PC card is inserted into a notebook PC, the card unit  100  will not be broken. 
     The embodiments mentioned above assume that a notebook PC has a card slot on the left side thereof. In practice, the card slot may be formed on the right side. 
     If a PC card that is designed to be inserted into the left side of a notebook PC is inserted into the right side of the PC, a relationship between the scan unit of the PC card and a finger will be reversed. 
     To solve this problem, the present invention provides fingerprint identifying PC cards that can be used without regard to insertion directions. 
     FIG. 21 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The PC card has a card unit A having two receptacles A 11  and A 12  thereon. The receptacles All and A 12  are point-symmetrical. 
     The bottom of a scan unit  15  of the card unit A has an insert A 13  that is offset from the center of the bottom. 
     When the PC card is inserted into the left side of a PC, the scan unit  15  is attached to the card unit A by engaging the insert A 13  with the receptacle All. 
     If the PC card is inserted into the right side of a PC, the scan unit  15  is turned by  180  degrees into a scan unit  15 ′, which is attached to the card unit A by engaging the insert A 13 ′ with the receptacle A 12 . 
     In this embodiment, the receptacles and the insert are replaceable. 
     Alternatively, the card unit A may have one receptacle or insert, and the scan unit  15  may have two inserts or receptacles. 
     FIG. 22 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. A side end of a card unit B of the PC card has an insert B 11  to be engaged with a scan unit  15 . 
     Both side faces of the scan unit  15  have receptacles B 12  and B 12 ′, respectively, to receive the insert B 11 . 
     The insert B 11  is engaged with the receptacle B 12  when the PC card is inserted into the left side of a notebook PC. 
     The insert B 11  is engaged with the receptacle B 12 ′ when the PC card is inserted into the right side of a notebook PC. 
     FIG. 23 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The PC card has a card unit C having a shaft C 1 , and a scan unit  15  rotatably attached to the shaft C 1 . 
     It is preferable to provide a mechanism to restrict the rotating range of the scan unit  15  within 180 degrees to prevent a breakage of a cable that connects the card unit C to the scan unit  15 . 
     The scan unit  15  is turned by 180 degrees on the card unit C so that the PC card may be inserted into either of the left and right sides of a notebook PC. 
     FIG. 24 shows a fingerprint identifying PC card according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. A scan unit  15  of the PC card has a rectangular center opening  155  and small openings  156  and  156 ′ that are symmetrical with respect to the center opening  155 . A finger cover C 1  is used to cover one of the small openings  156  and  156 ′. 
     When the PC card is inserted into the left side of a notebook PC, the cover C 1  covers the small opening  156 ′, and when the PC card is inserted into the right side of a PC, the cover C 1  covers the small opening  156 . 
     According to the fourteenth embodiment, a relationship between a finger and a scanner (not shown) arranged under the center opening  155  is reversed when the PC card is inserted into the opposite side of a PC. In this case, normal and reverse fingerprint patterns must be stored in the PC card. This requires the large amount of a memory of the PC card and elongates a fingerprint scanning time. 
     FIG. 25 shows fingerprint images provided by the scanner. The image (A) is acquired when the PC card is inserted into the left side of a PC, and the image (B) is acquired when the PC card is inserted into the right side thereof. 
     When these images are scanned from the upper left corner toward the lower right corner, the scanned data stored in a memory of the PC represents the images (A) and (B) that are upside-down and left-right reversed. 
     FIG. 26 shows a correction circuit according to the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem. An address generator  251  provides an address to the scanner  152  under the center opening  155 , a first AND gate group  254 , and a second AND gate group  255 . 
     The address is directly supplied to an input terminal of the AND gate group  254 . At the same time, the address is inverted and supplied to an input terminal of the AND gate group  255 . The number of gates in each gate group corresponds to the number of bits of the address. 
     The other input terminal of the AND gate group  254  is connected to a finger sensor  153  under the small opening  156 , and the other input terminal of the AND gate group  255  is connected to a finger sensor  153 ′ under the small opening  156 ′. 
     The outputs of the AND gate groups  254  and  255  are connected to an address terminal of a memory  253  through an OR gate group  256 . 
     If the finger sensor  153  detects a finger, i.e., if the PC card is inserted into the left side of a PC, the output of the scanner  152  is stored as it is in the memory  253 . If the finger sensor  153 ! detects a finger, i.e., if the PC card is inserted into the right side of a PC, the output of the scanner  152  is inverted and stored in the memory  253 . 
     This correction circuit eliminates inverted reference fingerprint patterns being stored in the memory  253 , thereby reducing the amount of the memory required and shortening a fingerprint identifying time. 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, and a PC card E and a scanner  15  are connected with a cable E 1 . 
     Therefore, the scanner  15  can be arranged at either side of the PC regardless of the side where the PC card E is inserted. 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, and a PC card F provides a wireless receiver and a scanner provide a wireless transmitter. 
     Therefore, the scanner  15  can be arranged at either side of the PC regardless of the side where the PC card F is inserted, because the data detected by the scanner is transmitted to the PC card F by wireless. 
     Note, in the fifteenth and sixteenth embodiments, the PC card and the scanner may be connected to each other by any relevant connecting part.