Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20060034499?dq=5,825,242
Timestamp: 2015-02-28 13:44:43
Document Index: 385387659

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Patent US20060034499 - Information processing device - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsAn information processing device including a personal authentication function by reading a fingerprint. The device has a detection structure having an improved detection function. The information processing device (mobile telephone device 2) has a fingerprint read function and a case (4) having a window...http://www.google.com/patents/US20060034499?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20060034499 - Information processing deviceAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20060034499 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/249,470Publication dateFeb 16, 2006Filing dateOct 14, 2005Priority dateApr 15, 2003Also published asEP1617369A1, EP1617369A4, EP1617369B1, US7536039, WO2004093005A1, WO2004093008A1Publication number11249470, 249470, US 2006/0034499 A1, US 2006/034499 A1, US 20060034499 A1, US 20060034499A1, US 2006034499 A1, US 2006034499A1, US-A1-20060034499, US-A1-2006034499, US2006/0034499A1, US2006/034499A1, US20060034499 A1, US20060034499A1, US2006034499 A1, US2006034499A1InventorsTakao Shinoda, Toshio KumaiOriginal AssigneeFujitsu LimitedExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (12), Classifications (15), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetInformation processing device
US 20060034499 A1Abstract
An information processing device including a personal authentication function by reading a fingerprint. The device has a detection structure having an improved detection function. The information processing device (mobile telephone device 2) has a fingerprint read function and a case (4) having a window (20), a fingerprint sensor (22) arranged in the case and having a sensor surface (24) exposed to the window, and a frame (electrode 42) arranged inside or on the case and forming an opening (50) for exposing the sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor from the window, so that the frame is in contact with a finger through the window of the case. Images(20) Claims(15)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mobile phone device having a folding mechanism; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mobile phone device in a folded state; FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line III-III in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a fingerprint read part in the mobile phone device; and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a way the fingerprint read part is used. In this embodiment, a mobile phone device 2 is exemplified as an information processing device, and a case 4 of this mobile phone device 2 is configured to be folding by connecting a first and a second case part 6, 8 via a hinge part 10. On the outer surface of the case part 6, a key input part 14 including a plurality of keys 12 and a sound intake exit 16 are provided along with a fingerprint read part 18. The fingerprint read part 18 includes, for example, a square window 20 formed on the case part 6 and this window 20 exposes a sensor surface 24 of a fingerprint sensor 22 disposed in the case part 6. The fingerprint sensor 22 is comprised of a contact sensor, for example. Thereby, when a finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 through the window 20, the fingerprint sensor 22 comprised of a touch sensor obtains electrical continuity at a projecting portion of a fingerprint having uneven surface between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point and as a result a fingerprint is detected as an electrical signal. The fingerprint information obtained in the fingerprint sensor 22 is supplied to an unshown processing device as authentication information and used for processing authentication of a person. Further, on the case part 8 side, a first display part 26 and a sound output exit 28 are provided, and an unshown LCD display is disposed on the display part 26 and a speaker is disposed inside the sound output exit 28. The folding case parts 6, 8 can be closed by folding as shown in FIG. 2, and the window 20 in the fingerprint read part 18 disposed on the case part 6 side is closed with the case part 8, and the sensor surface 24 inside the window 20 that is a functional part of the fingerprint read part 18 is covered with the case part 8. On the outer surface of the case part 8, a second display part 32 is disposed. Further, in the fingerprint read part 18, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, the case part 6 is comprised of a front case part 6F and a rear case part 6B; and the window 20 is formed in the front case part 6F and the fingerprint sensor 22 is disposed inside the case part 6. This fingerprint sensor 22 is implemented on a print circuit board 34 that is a wiring member contained in the case part 6; and its sensor surface 24 is positioned to correspond to the window 20 in the case part 6. Each lead 36 of the fingerprint sensor 22 is connected to a conductor pattern 38 on the print circuit board 34 with a conductive material, for example, solder 40, as a conductor portion of the wiring member. For the conductive material, a conductive adhesive may be used other than the solder 40. Further, inside the case 4, on the upper surface of the fingerprint sensor 22, an electrode 42 made of conductive materials or metallic materials possessing stiffness such as stainless is disposed as one example of a frame having either or both of the functions as a protective member for protecting the fingerprint sensor 22 or as a touch electrode; and this electrode 42 includes a frame part 44 and a leg part 46. The frame part 44 is larger than the vertical projection area of the fingerprint sensor 22 and disposed between the rear portion of the case part 6F and the upper surface of the fingerprint sensor 22 such that the upper surface of the fingerprint sensor 22 is covered with the frame part 44; and this frame part 44 includes a flat part 49 as well as an opening 50 corresponding to the window 20; and a inclined surface part 52 is formed at the inner edge of the opening 50. In this case, the heights of the flat part 49 are made to differ by bending its middle portion; and the inner wall of the front case part 6F is closely attached to the upper surface of the flat part 49. The inclined surface part 52 is disposed along the shape of the upper surface surrounding the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 with an inclination toward the sensor surface 24. Further, the leg part 46 is formed on the outer edge of the frame part 44 with a bend toward the thickness direction of the fingerprint sensor 22, and at the tip thereof, a connection part 54 is formed in parallel to the print circuit board 34, for example. This connection part 54 is grounded by being connected to a conductor pattern 56 of the print circuit board 34 with the solder 40, for example, as a conductive connection material. For the conductive connection material, a conductive adhesive other than the solder 40 may be used. In this embodiment, on the upper surface of the fingerprint sensor 22, an adhesive 58 such as double-faced tape 58 is interposed to attach and fix the frame part 44 of the electrode 42; a packing 60 made of such as rubber is disposed between the frame part 44 and the fingerprint sensor 22 as a sealing member for sealing the space between the frame part 44 and the fingerprint sensor 22 to keep the watertightness. Measures for the water resistance are taken by using both adhesive 58 and the packing 60. In addition, the space between the frame part 44 and the fingerprint sensor 22 may be sealed to be watertight by bonding the frame part 44 and the fingerprint sensor 22 with the use of a waterproof tape and so on. According to the mobile phone device 2 of this embodiment, the fingerprint read part 18 is disposed in proximity to the key input part 14 and a fingerprint of a finger can be read in the same way as input via the keys. In that case, as shown in FIG. 5, if the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the opening 50 in the electrode 42 via the window 20 in the case part 6, then the finger facing the sensor surface 24 touches the electrode 42 through the window 20 and hits the sensor surface 24 exposed from the opening 50 in the electrode 42, so that the finger touches the sensor surface 24 at the same time when it touches the electrode 42. That is, by making electrical conduction by interposing a finger skin touching the sensor surface 24 between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point; and by scanning of the fingerprint sensor 22, a fingerprint on the sensor surface 24 is detected. This detected information is used as authentication information of a person and the security of the mobile phone device 2 can be enhanced. In this case, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22, pressure from the finger is dispersed by acting on the electrode 42 side, so that the fingerprint sensor 22 and its sensor surface 24 can be protected by the electrode 42 from an excessive pressure or an impact. That is, the electrode 42 functions as a ground electrode making the finger touch when a fingerprint is detected and protects the sensor surface 24 and the fingerprint sensor 22 as well; and realizes the ground electrode function and the protection function in one single electrode 42 so that it contributes to achieve downsizing and weight reduction of the mobile phone device 2 without increasing the number of parts. Further, if the electrode 42 is comprised of stainless, for example, strength sufficient to hold the pressure from the finger can be secured through its high stiffness and a safety of users can be enhanced without inducing a metal allergy. Moreover, the electrode 42 comprised of stainless can gain a steady electrical conduction with the touch of a finger, without the need to perform rustproofing treatments; maintain the sensitivity of the sensor for the long term; and contribute to a decorative design of the mobile phone device 2. Furthermore, since the flat part 49 of the electrode 42 and the rear portion of the front case part 6F are tightly bonded, water drops or foreign substances can be prevented from entering into the case part 6; and since the space between the electrode 42 and the fingerprint sensor 22 is tightly bonded with the adhesive 58 and maintained to be watertight with the packing 60 as well, drip-proof and dustproof can be enhanced. That is, entry of water drops or foreign substances into the case 4 can be prevented as well as ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside can be obtained, which, as a result, contributes to realize and maintain a highly reliable security function. Moreover, the configuration of the fingerprint read part 18 on the upper surface of the case part 6 is simplified, and without damaging the design of the mobile phone device 2, the mobile phone device 2 with a higher convenience is configured. Moreover, on the surface of the electrode 42 exposing in the window 20, surface treatments such as embossing and staining can be applied easily in the same way as the case part 6 that is an exterior member. Moreover, the electrode 42 consisting of the frame part 44 including the opening 50 and the leg part 46 can be formed of easily by presswork with the use of metallic plates such as a stainless plate; and the inclined surface part 52 can be made into having no notch (cutting) by drawing work. With such work, safety of the fingers can be enhanced. Moreover, since the packing 60 that is an elastic member is provided in the structure, the elasticity of the packing 60 provides cushioning against the finger pressure applied to the electrode 42, and an excessive pressure applied to the fingerprint sensor 22 side can be suppressed so that the fingerprint sensor 22 can be protected by the packing 60. In addition, if the folding case parts 6, 8 are folded as shown in FIG. 2 when not used, then the window 20 of the fingerprint read part 18 disposed on the case part 6 side is closed with the case part 8, and the sensor surface 24 inside the window 20 is covered with the case part 8, protecting from entry of water drops or foreign substances. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view of a fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the flat part 49 in the frame part 44 of the electrode 42 as the frame discussed already and the front case part 6F are tightly bonded by interposing the adhesive 62 therein as a sealing member. For the adhesive 62, a waterproof tape can be used, for example. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so that the same symbols are assigned and the explanations are omitted. According to this configuration, the space between the flat part 49 in the frame part 44 of the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F can be sealed by the adhesive 62, so that the entry of water drops or foreign substances into the case part 6 can be protected as well as ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside can be attained. Further, after implementing and fixing the electrode 42 firmly on the print circuit board 34, then by sticking, for example, a waterproof double-faced tape on the flat part 49 of the electrode 42 as the adhesive 62, and by placing the front case part 6F thereon, the space between the flat part 49 in the frame part 44 of the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F of the case part 6 can be sealed, which can simplify assembly and realize the watertightness, ruggedness, and durability. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the flat part 49 in the frame part 44 of the electrode 42 as the frame discussed already is integrally fixed to inner side of the front case part 6F through resin molding of the case part 6 and the like. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so that the same symbols are assigned and the explanations are omitted. According to this configuration, the bonding of the front case part 6F and the electrode 42 are enhanced; and the case part 6, that is, the case 4 can be protected from the entry of water drops or foreign substances and ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside can be enhanced. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a conductor layer 64 is disposed by plating, vapor deposition, or coating of conductive materials both on the rear side of the front case part 6F and on the surface of the surrounding portion of the window 20 as a conductor portion for obtaining electrical conductivity; and on the outer surface of the conductor layer 64, the flat part 49 in the frame part 44 of the electrode 42 as the frame discussed already is bonded tightly with an adhesive material 65. In this case, in the space between the front case part 6F and the print circuit board 34, a screw 66 made of conductive materials is attached and via this screw 66, the conductor layer 64 and a conductor pattern 68 on the print circuit board 34 is connected to each other. The conductor pattern 68 is electrically connected to the electrode 42. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so that the same symbols are assigned and the explanations are omitted. According to this configuration, as has been described with reference to FIG. 5, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the opening 50 in the electrode 42 through the window 20 in the front case part 6F, the finger can touch the conductor layer 64 at the window 20 side, so that the finger portion touching the sensor surface 24 interposes between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point comprised of the electrode 42 and the conductor layer 64, and a fingerprint on the sensor surface 24 can be electrically detected by a scan of the fingerprint sensor 22 and thus accuracy of detection can be enhanced. On the surface of the conductor layer 64, surface treatments in order to tint or improve conductivity may be applied similar to the case part 6. Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross sectional view of the leg part 46 of the electrode 42 used for the mobile phone device of the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, processing is shown that is performed in the case where the electrode 42 as the frame discussed already is made of such as stainless and unable or difficult to be connected by soldering. That is, a metallic layer 70 is formed at least on the connection part 54 of the leg part 46 in the electrode 42 in order to enable connection by soldering. This metallic layer 70 consists of a nickel (Ni) layer 72 as a first metallic layer formed on the surface of the center layer of the electrode 42 made of stainless and a gold (Au) layer 74 as a second metallic layer formed above the nickel layer 72. A palladium (Pd) layer may be formed in place of the gold layer 74 as the second metallic layer. Forming such a metallic layer 70 enhances connectivity by soldering and also connection strength between the electrode 42 and the conductor pattern 56 on the print circuit board 34, and contributes to improve reliability of fingerprint detection. In this case, if a conductive adhesive is used as a means of connection, the processing such as metallic layer 70 is unnecessary. Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the sixth embodiment; and FIG. 11 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the sixth embodiment. In the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments, the electrode 42 as the frame discusses already is configured as a separate member of the case part 6. However, in the sixth embodiment, the electrode 42 is integrated into the front case part 6F of the case part 6. In the front case part 6F, the electrode 42 is disposed in the shape of a plate without the leg part 46; and this electrode 42 is exposed in the window 20 of the front case part 6F; and the opening 50 is formed in the electrode 42. As shown in FIG. 11, the flat part 49 side of the circular shaped electrode 42 is embedded in the front case part 6F of the case part 6 formed of synthetic resin through insert molding. The shape of this electrode 42 is that of the electrode 42 in the first embodiment from which the leg part 46 is removed, so that the same symbols are assigned to the same parts and the explanations are omitted. In this case, although not shown, the electrode 42 is grounded by being connected to the conductor pattern 56 on the print circuit board 34 (FIG. 3, etc.) with the use of such as wiring members. According to this configuration, as has been described with reference to FIG. 5, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the opening 50 in the electrode 42 through the window 20 in the front case part 6F, the finger can touch the electrode 42 at the window 20 side, so that the finger portion touching the sensor surface 24 interposes between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point comprised of the electrode 42, and a fingerprint on the sensor surface 24 can be electrically detected by a scan of the fingerprint sensor 22 and thus accuracy of detection can be enhanced. Further, since the electrode 42 is integral with the front case part 6F and not configured as a separate part of the front case part 6F, which can contribute to downsizing and weight reduction of the mobile phone device 2 since the number of parts is reduced. Furthermore, in this case, sealing processing between the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F becomes unnecessary; the case part 6, i.e., the case 4 can be protected from the entry of water drops or foreign substances; ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside can be obtained; and assembly can be simplified as well. Seventh Embodiment A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the seventh embodiment; and FIG. 13 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the case part 6 is formed of insulating materials such as synthetic resin; and the front case part 6F is configured in the shape of a funnel such that it extends to the sensor surface 24 side of the fingerprint sensor 22; and the conductor layer 76 is formed on the surrounding portion of the window 20 formed in the front case part 6F as a conductor portion for attaining electrical conductivity; and the electrode 42 as the frame discussed already is comprised of the conductor layer 76. As shown in FIG. 13, on the surface of the surrounding portion of the window 20 in the front case part 6F, the conductor layer 76 is comprised of plating, vapor deposition, printing or coating of conductive materials such as metal or conductive resin and constitutes the electrode 42. In this case, although not shown, the electrode 42 is grounded by being connected to the conductor pattern 56 on the print circuit board 34 (FIG. 3, etc.) with the use of such as wiring members. In this embodiment, on the underside of the front case part 6F, the fingerprint sensor 22 is bonded and sealed with the adhesive 58 such as a waterproof double-faced tape and the space between the fingerprint sensor 22 and the front case part 6F is further sealed with the packing 60 disposed on the upper side of the fingerprint sensor 22. According to this configuration, as has been described with reference to FIG. 5, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the opening 50 in the electrode 42 through the window 20 in the front case part 6F, the finger can touch the conductor layer 76 at the window 20 side, so that the finger portion touching the sensor surface 24 interposes between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point comprised of the electrode 42 (conductor layer 76), and a fingerprint on the sensor surface 24 can be electrically detected by a scan of the fingerprint sensor 22 and thus accuracy of detection can be enhanced. Further, the electrode 42 is integral with the front case part 6F so that the sealing processing between the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F becomes unnecessary, which can contribute to downsizing and weight reduction of the mobile phone device 2 since the number of parts is reduced. Furthermore, the case part 6, that is, the case 4 is protected from the entry of water drops or foreign substances; ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside are attained; and assembly can be simplified as well. Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the eighth embodiment; and FIG. 15 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the case part 6 is formed of insulating materials such as synthetic resin, and the case portion at the window 20 side formed in the front case part 6F is made of conductive metals such as stainless and thus the electrode 42 as the flame discussed already is constructed. As shown in FIG. 15, the case portion of the window 20 in the front case part 6F is the electrode 42, and in this embodiment, the window 20 in the front case part 6F becomes the opening 50 in the electrode 42 as well. In this case, the shape of the front case part 6F constituting the electrode 42 as well as the sealing of the space between the front case part 6F and the fingerprint sensor 22 is the same as those of the seventh embodiment. Further, although not shown, the electrode 42 is grounded by being connected to the conductor pattern 56 on the print circuit board 34 (FIG. 3, etc.) with the use of such as wiring members. According to this configuration, as has been described with reference to FIG. 5, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the window 20 in the front case part 6F, i.e., the electrode 42, the finger can touch the electrode 42 so that the finger portion touching the sensor surface 24 interposes between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point comprised of the electrode 42, and a fingerprint on the sensor surface 24 can be electrically detected by a scan of the fingerprint sensor 22 and thus accuracy of detection can be enhanced. Further, the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F are made of the same member so that the sealing processing between the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F becomes unnecessary; the case part 6, i.e., the case 4 is protected from the entry of water drops or foreign substances; and ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside are attained. Thus the sealing processing becomes unnecessary and assembly can be simplified. Ninth Embodiment A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the ninth embodiment; and FIG. 17 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, the case part 6 is formed of magnesium (Mg) or magnesium alloy as metallic materials, and the electrode 42 as the frame discussed already can be comprised of the case part 6. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, on the surface of the case part 6, an anticorrosive film 78 is formed as a protective film of such as resin film, and the conductor layer 79 is formed on the surrounding portion of the window 20 by plating of metal or the like as a conductor portion for obtaining electrical conductivity, and the electrode 42 is comprised of this conductor layer 79. In this embodiment, the window 20 in the front case part 6F becomes the opening 50 in the electrode 42 as well. In this case, although not shown, the electrode 42 is grounded by being connected to the conductor pattern 56 on the print circuit board 34 (FIG. 3, etc.) with the use of such as wiring members. In the ninth embodiment, the same symbols are assigned to the same parts as of those of the eighth embodiment and the explanations are omitted. According to this configuration, as has been described with reference to FIG. 5, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the window 20 in the front case part 6F, i.e., the electrode 42 (conductor layer 79), the finger can touch the electrode 42, so that the finger portion touching the sensor surface 24 interposes between the sensor surface 24 and the ground point comprised of the electrode 42, and a fingerprint on the sensor surface 24 can be electrically detected by a scan of the fingerprint sensor 22 and thus accuracy of detection can be enhanced similar to the previous embodiment. Further, since the electrode 42 is formed in the front case part 6F, the sealing processing between the electrode 42 and the front case part 6F becomes unnecessary; ruggedness and durability capable of resisting impacts from outside are attained; the sealing processing becomes unnecessary; and assembly can be simplified. In this case, the front case part 6F may be formed of metallic materials while the rear case part 6B may be formed of synthetic resin. Tenth Embodiment A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the fingerprint read part 18 in the mobile phone device of the tenth embodiment. In the electrode 42 of the first embodiment, the frame part 44 is supported with the leg part 46 of two legs at left and right. However, the electrode 42 of this embodiment has a leg part 80 each formed at each four corner of the square shaped frame part 44 having the opening 50 in its center, and the leg part 80 is connected to the conductor pattern 82 formed at the corner side of the fingerprint sensor 22 implemented on the print circuit board 34, and the frame part 44 is supported with four of the leg part 80. According to this configuration, as has been described with reference to FIG. 5, when the finger is brought into contact with the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 from the window 20 in the case part 6, i.e., the electrode 42, pressure from the finger can be dispersed from the frame part 44 on each of the leg part 80, so that the fingerprint sensor 22 and its sensor surface 24 can be protected by the electrode 42 from an excessive pressure or an impact. Eleventh Embodiment An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a mobile phone device of the eleventh embodiment. In the first embodiment, the folding structure of the case part 6 and the case part 8 of the mobile phone device 2 is used to provide a protective structure for the fingerprint read part 18; however, in this embodiment, the fingerprint read part 18 is disposed in the case 4 with a protective cover 84 in the shape of a plate as a protective member that opens or closes the window 20. This protective cover 84 is attached to the case 4 via a supporting axis 86 such that it can move in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and a depression 88 corresponding to a plane shape of the protective cover 84 is formed in the case 4. In this depression 88, the window 20 of the fingerprint read part 18 is formed, and the window 20 can be opened/closed by the rotation of the protective cover 84. When the window 20 is closed, the protective cover 84 fits into the depression 88 and is housed under the surface of the case 4. By closing the window 20 with the protective cover 84, the sensor surface 24 of the fingerprint sensor 22 that is a functional portion of the fingerprint read part 18 can be protected. In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the frame has been described as the electrode 42 of a ground electrode, the frame may be configured as a reinforcing frame member that doesn't have a function as the ground electrode. Moreover, in the embodiments from the first to the fifth, the connection part 54 of the leg part 46 in the electrode 42 is connected and fixed to the conductor pattern 56 on the print circuit board 34 by the soldering 40; and in the tenth embodiment, the leg part 80 in the electrode 42 is connected and fixed to the conductor pattern 82 on the print circuit board 34; however, in addition to conductive adhesive, as a means of electrical connection and attachment, mechanical measures such as hanging, swaging, screwing may be used for the wiring member. Moreover, in the embodiments from the first to the eleventh, the mobile phone device 2 has been exemplified as the information processing device, and the explanations have been made for the configuration of the fingerprint sensor 22 mounted in the mobile phone device 2 and the electrode 42 as the frame. However, configurations of the information processing device of the present invention or configurations of various types of electrode 42 mounted in the mobile phone device 2 as its embodiments constitute the invention of the frame and the electrode; the configuration of the fingerprint sensor 22 using various types of electrode 42 constitutes the invention of the fingerprint sensor; and the configuration comprised of the electrode 42 and the fingerprint sensor 22 constitutes the invention of the fingerprint sensor, so that these are interpreted as independent inventions, therefore the scope of the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone device 2 or the information processing device described in the embodiments. Moreover, although in the above-described embodiments, explanations have been made for the mobile phone device as an example of the information processing device; the present invention relates to an information processing device including a function for authenticating a person by reading the person's fingerprints such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System), a PC (Personal Computer), a handheld PC and other portable information terminals; and can be applied to various types of information processing devices requiring a fingerprint detection structure in the fingerprint read part, and it is not without saying that fingerprint read devices capturing fingerprint information by being connected to information processing devices is also included in the information processing devices of the present invention, and thus the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone device in the embodiments. A most preferred embodiment and the like of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description; it goes without saying that various modifications and alterations may be made by a person skilled in the art on the basis of the gist of the invention that is described in the claims and disclosed in the detailed description of the invention, and that such modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention relates to an information processing device including a function for authenticating a person by reading the person's fingerprints, and is useful since a detection structure with an enhanced detection function can be realized. Further, the present invention can improve ruggedness and durability of the information processing device by sustaining a finger pressure at the frame side; realize enhancement of a ground electrode function and a protective function of the fingerprint sensor, and contribute to weight reduction and downsizing of the information processing device and the like by realizing these functions with the frame and by integrating the case and the frame in one unit. Further, since the present invention covers the sensor surface of the fingerprint sensor with a protective cover or the case part, which can enhance protection of the fingerprint sensor; improve tolerance of the sensor part to external factors such as shock, finger mark, sweat, moisture; prevent reduction in the sensitivity of detecting fingerprints; maintain the level of detection sensitivity; and enhance reliability of fingerprint detection as well. Further, since in the present invention the frame is configured of stainless, allergy to metals can be suppressed, which can enhance users' safety; and since the frame is constructed such that the frame having an opening is disposed in the window of the case and the sensor surface is either exposed from the opening or concealed behind the protective cover, design of the device such as the information processing device in which the device is mounted is not damaged, and thus useful. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7424136 *Oct 18, 2006Sep 9, 2008Authentec, Inc.Finger sensing with enhanced mounting and associated methodsUS7599532 *Sep 8, 2008Oct 6, 2009Authentec, Inc.Finger sensing with enhanced mounting and associated methodsUS7738916 *May 19, 2004Jun 15, 2010Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationPortable terminal device with built-in fingerprint sensorUS7774070 *Jan 10, 2008Aug 10, 2010Hill Laboratories CompanyMedical electrode assembly for electrotherapy and phototherapy treatmentUS7835553 *Aug 22, 2005Nov 16, 2010Seiko Epson CorporationIdentity authentication device and fingerprint sensorUS8294670 *Feb 5, 2008Oct 23, 2012Research In Motion LimitedOptically based input mechanism for a handheld electronic communication deviceUS8736001Jun 17, 2011May 27, 2014Authentec, Inc.Finger sensor including encapsulating layer over sensing area and related methodsUS8947863Apr 16, 2014Feb 3, 2015Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaElectronic deviceUS20070200830 *Nov 28, 2006Aug 30, 2007Nintendo Co., Ltd.Input device using touch panelUS20120229686 *May 16, 2012Sep 13, 2012Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaElectronic deviceUS20120326961 *Jun 21, 2011Dec 27, 2012Empire Technology Development LlcGesture based user interface for augmented realityUS20130119488 *Jan 10, 2013May 16, 2013Authentec, Inc.Thinned finger sensor and associated methods* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification382/124International ClassificationG06K9/00, H04M1/725, H04M1/66, H04M1/67Cooperative ClassificationH04M1/72519, G06K9/00013, H04M2250/12, G06K9/00053, H04M1/66, H04M1/67European ClassificationG06K9/00A1, H04M1/67, G06K9/00A1P, H04M1/66Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionSep 28, 2012FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Oct 14, 2005ASAssignmentOwner name: FUJITSU LIMITED, JAPANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHINODA, TAKAO;KUMAI, TOSHIO;REEL/FRAME:017095/0759Effective date: 20051004RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services