Patent ID: 6912299

Claim:
A device for detecting a fingerprint of a fingertip placed on a contact surface that moves up and down and is part of a fingerprint input section, the device comprising: a moving element opposing downward movement of the contact surface when the contact surface is pressed downward by a fingertip whose fingerprint is to be detected; a restraint having a detent position at a depressed location of the contact surface and urging the contact surface to remain in the detent position when a first pressure is applied to the contact surface by a fingertip and permitting movement of the contact surface above the detent position when pressure on the contact surface is less than the first pressure, wherein said restraint comprises a spring member with a recess that defines the detent position, wherein the contact surface comprises a projection that fits into said recess when the contact surface is in the detent position, wherein said spring member comprises a leaf spring that is urged radially outward by said projection when said projection is not in said: recess; and a detecting unit detecting a fingerprint on the contact surface when the contact surface is in the detent position.