USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function

Abstract

This invention provides a USB adapter with fingerprint authentication functionality that allows the use of a USB port while maintaining the ability to perform fingerprint authentication, thereby avoiding a reduction in the number of available USB ports on a computer, and also enabling miniaturization and improved durability. [Solution] The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function comprises a USB plug 11 that connects to a computer's USB port, a USB port 12 for connecting external USB devices, and a fingerprint authentication unit 13 that reads the user's fingerprint information. The USB port 12 is positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the USB plug 11. The fingerprint authentication unit 13 is positioned on a different side from the USB port 12. Furthermore, the USB plug 11, USB port 12, and fingerprint authentication unit 13 are mounted on a single circuit board 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fingerprint authentication device used by connecting to a USB port of a computer, and particularly to a USB adapter with a fingerprint authentication function having a USB port for connecting a USB device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a USB-connected fingerprint authentication device used by connecting to a computer has been known. However, since such a fingerprint authentication device occupies a USB port of a computer, the number of available USB ports of the computer decreases, and there may be a problem in connecting a USB memory, a mouse, a keyboard, and other USB devices. Particularly in a device with a limited number of USB ports such as a notebook computer, there has been a problem that the use of a fingerprint authentication device causes a shortage of ports for connecting other USB devices. In addition, there are also devices having a USB hub function, but there are those with a cable connection type or a relatively large structure, and further miniaturization and improvement in portability have been demanded.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a USB adapter with a fingerprint authentication function that can provide a fingerprint authentication function while avoiding a decrease in the number of available USB ports of a computer due to the use of a fingerprint authentication device, enable the connection of USB devices, and achieve miniaturization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function of this invention comprises a USB plug that connects to a computer's USB port, a USB port for connecting an external USB device, and a fingerprint authentication unit that reads the user's fingerprint information. The USB port is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the USB plug. The fingerprint authentication unit is arranged on a different surface from the USB port. The USB port is located on the top surface of the main unit, and the fingerprint authentication unit is located on the side surface of the main unit. Furthermore, the USB plug, the USB port, and the fingerprint authentication unit are mounted on a single circuit board. The USB port is directly mounted on the circuit board. In this embodiment, the USB port is a USB-A port, but it may be a USB-C port or another USB standard port. This makes it possible to realize a compact, direct-plug type structure, enable the connection of USB devices while providing a fingerprint authentication function, and avoid a reduction in the number of available USB ports on the computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to this invention, since USB devices can be connected while utilizing the fingerprint authentication function, a reduction in the number of available USB ports on the computer can be avoided. Furthermore, by arranging the USB ports in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the USB plug, miniaturization and space saving can be achieved. In addition, by arranging the fingerprint authentication unit and the USB ports on different surfaces, interference between the insertion / removal operation of USB devices and the fingerprint authentication operation can be suppressed. Moreover, by mounting the USB plug, USB ports and fingerprint authentication unit on a single circuit board, the number of connecting members and wiring members between multiple circuit boards can be reduced, resulting in miniaturization, a reduction in the number of parts, and improved ease of assembly. Furthermore, by configuring the single circuit board to support the load generated when USB devices are attached and detached, structural strength and durability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the present invention [Figure 2] Front view of the present invention [Figure 3] Rear view of the present invention [Figure 4] Left side view of the present invention [Figure 5] Right side view of the present invention [Figure 6] Plan view of the present invention [Figure 7] Bottom view of the present invention [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the circuit board structure, showing a configuration in which a USB plug, USB port, and fingerprint authentication unit are mounted on a single circuit board. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function of the present invention comprises a USB plug 11, a USB port 12, and a fingerprint authentication unit 13. The USB plug 11 is connected to a USB port on a computer. The USB port 12 is for connecting external USB devices and is located on the top surface of the main unit. The fingerprint authentication unit 13 is for reading the user's fingerprint information and is located on the side of the main unit. As shown in Figure 8, the USB plug 11, USB port 12, and fingerprint authentication unit 13 are mounted on a single circuit board 14. The USB port 12 is directly mounted on the circuit board 14. According to the present invention, it is possible to connect USB devices while having a fingerprint authentication function, and it is possible to avoid a reduction in the number of available USB ports on a computer. [Examples]

[0008] The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function of this invention comprises a USB plug 11, a USB port 12, and a fingerprint authentication unit 13. The USB port 12 is located on the top surface of the main unit, and the fingerprint authentication unit 13 is located on the side surface of the main unit. As shown in Figure 8, the USB plug 11, USB port 12, and fingerprint authentication unit 13 are mounted on a single circuit board 14. The USB port 12 is directly mounted on the circuit board 14. [Industrial applicability]

[0009] This invention can be used as a USB adapter with a fingerprint authentication function that connects to a computer's USB port, and can be widely used in the fields of information equipment, computer peripherals, and security-related equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0010] 11 USB plugs 12 USB ports 13. Fingerprint authentication section 14 circuit boards

Claims

1. A USB adapter with a fingerprint authentication function, comprising a USB plug that connects to a computer's USB port, a USB port for connecting an external USB device, and a fingerprint authentication unit for reading the user's fingerprint information, characterized in that the USB port is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the USB plug.

2. The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function according to claim 1, characterized in that the fingerprint authentication unit is located on a side different from the USB port.

3. The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function according to claim 2, characterized in that the USB port is located on the top surface of the main unit and the fingerprint authentication unit is located on the side of the main unit.

4. The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function according to claim 3, characterized in that the USB plug, the USB port, and the fingerprint authentication unit are mounted on a single circuit board.

5. The USB adapter with fingerprint authentication function according to claim 4, characterized in that the USB port is directly mounted on the circuit board.

Images