Fingerprint reader

Abstract

The present invention provides a fingerprint reader comprising: a reading part having a reading surface for reading a fingerprint from a finger placed thereon; and a holding part to be held by an operator, the holding part having a trigger part projecting from the periphery. The holding part is connected to the reading part so as to protrude from the reading part at an angle with a surface parallel to the reading surface. The trigger part is provided to the holding part so as to be operable by the operator while the operator is holding the holding part, and a fingerprint is read from a finger placed on the reading surface in response to an operation on the trigger part while the operator is holding the holding part.

Description

Fingerprint reader

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of fingerprint reading devices.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that includes a placement section on which a finger is placed, a reading surface provided on the placement section that can move between a first position where the finger placed on the placement section makes contact and a second position where the finger placed on the placement section moves away, a drive section that moves the reading surface between the first position and the second position, and a reading section that reads the fingerprint of the finger that comes into contact with the reading surface located at the first position, wherein the drive section moves the reading surface that comes into contact with the finger at the first position to the second position and then from the second position to the first position, and the reading section reads the fingerprint of the finger that comes into contact with the reading surface that has moved from the second position to the first position.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 021977

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a fingerprint reading device that aims to improve upon the techniques disclosed in prior art documents.

[0005] One aspect of a fingerprint reading device comprises a reading unit having a reading surface that reads a fingerprint from a placed finger, and a holding unit that has a trigger portion that protrudes from the surrounding area and is held by an operator, the holding unit being connected to the reading unit so as to protrude from the reading unit at an angle to a plane parallel to the reading surface, and the trigger portion being provided on the holding unit so as to be operable by the operator while holding the holding unit, and the fingerprint is read from the finger placed on the reading surface in response to operation of the trigger portion by the operator while holding the holding unit.

[0006] 1 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device according to the present disclosure. 2 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device according to the present disclosure. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device according to the present disclosure. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device according to the present disclosure. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device according to the present disclosure. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device according to the present disclosure.

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fingerprint reading device will be described with reference to the drawings. [1: First Embodiment]

[0008] A first embodiment of a fingerprint reading device will be described. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of a fingerprint reading device will be described using a fingerprint reading device 1 according to this disclosure. [1-1: Configuration of Fingerprint Reading Device 1]

[0009] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a fingerprint reading device 1 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the fingerprint reading device 1 includes a reading unit 11 and a holding unit 12. The reading unit 11 has a reading surface 111. The reading surface 111 reads a fingerprint from a placed finger. The reading surface 111 may have a placement surface parallel to the XY plane in the example shown in FIG. 1. The longitudinal direction of the reading unit 11 may be parallel to the Y axis.

[0010] The holding unit 12 is connected to the reading unit 11 so as to protrude from the reading unit 11 at an angle with a plane parallel to the placement surface of the reading surface 111. The holding unit 12 may protrude from the reading unit 11 at an angle with a plane parallel to the reading surface 111, as illustrated by arrow A in Fig. 1, for example, or may protrude from the reading unit 11 as illustrated by arrow B in Fig. 1. In other words, the holding unit 12 protrudes at an angle with the longitudinal direction of the reading unit 11 in the YZ plane in the example illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0011] The holding unit 12 has a trigger unit 121. The trigger unit 121 is held by an operator. The operator can support the fingerprint reading device 1 by holding the holding unit 12 in one hand. The trigger unit 121 is convex from its surroundings. The trigger unit 121 is provided on the holding unit 12 so that it can be operated by the operator while the operator is holding the holding unit 12.

[0012] The fingerprint reading device 1 reads a fingerprint from a finger placed on the reading surface 111 in response to an operation of the trigger unit 121 by an operator holding the holding unit 12. [1-2: Technical Effects of the Fingerprint Reading Device 1]

[0013] In the fingerprint reading device 1 according to this disclosure, the holding unit 12 is connected to the reading unit 11 so that it protrudes from the reading unit 11 at an angle thereto. This means that the reading unit 11 is less susceptible to the movement of the operator than when the holding unit is connected to the reading unit without forming an angle thereto. In the fingerprint reading device 1, the trigger unit 121 is provided so as to protrude from the surrounding area, so the operator can confirm the presence of the trigger unit 121 simply by holding the holding unit 12. In other words, the operator does not need to visually inspect or search for the trigger unit 121 to confirm its presence, and therefore the fingerprint reading device 1 is easy to operate. The fingerprint reading device 1 can be operated in a stable state and can read fingerprints stably. [2: Second Embodiment]

[0014] A second embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described using a fingerprint reading device 2 according to this disclosure. [2-1: Fingerprints of a Newborn Baby]

[0015] In this embodiment, a fingerprint may be read from a finger of a newborn baby. In this embodiment, a newborn baby may refer to a very premature baby within a few hours of birth. For example, in this embodiment, a newborn baby may refer to a baby within half a day of birth.

[0016] Fingerprints taken from newborns are biometric information that can be used to identify individuals. Furthermore, fingerprints are often stable biometric information because they rarely change with growth, etc.

[0017] To obtain fingerprints that can accurately identify an individual, it is necessary to fix a finger with an appropriate amount of pressure on the fingerprint reading surface. However, it is difficult for newborns to fix their finger with the appropriate amount of pressure on the reading surface by themselves. In addition, newborns cannot operate the device by themselves. Therefore, when reading a newborn's fingerprints, an operator, such as an adult who is capable of operating the device, must assist in fixing the newborn's finger and operating the device.

[0018] The subject of fingerprint reading by the fingerprint reading device 2 may be a newborn baby up to four weeks old. The subject of fingerprint reading by the fingerprint reading device 2 may also be an infant, a small child, or an adult. For example, the subject of fingerprint reading by the fingerprint reading device 2 may be an adult who has difficulty fixing his / her finger on the reading surface with an appropriate pressure and / or who is unable to operate the device by himself / herself. [2-2: Configuration of Fingerprint Reading Device 2]

[0019] 2 is an external view showing the configuration of the fingerprint reading device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the fingerprint reading device 2 includes a reading unit 21 and a holding unit 22.

[0020] The reading unit 21 has a first surface 212 on which the reading unit 11 is provided and a second surface 213 opposite the first surface 212. The holding unit 22 has a third surface 222 on which the trigger unit 121 is provided and a fourth surface 223 opposite the third surface 222. The distance between the third surface 222 and the fourth surface 223 is longer than the distance between the first surface 212 and the second surface 213. In other words, in the fingerprint reading device 2, the thickness of the holding unit 22 is thicker than the thickness of the reading unit 21. That is, the thickness of the holding unit 22 held by an operator, such as an adult, is thicker than the thickness of the reading unit 21 held by a newborn baby, making it easier for the operator to hold the fingerprint reading device 2 and operate the trigger unit 121. The reading unit 21 may have a thickness appropriate for the grip of a newborn baby. The reading unit 21 may have a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The holding portion 22 may have an outer shape that corresponds to the grasp of an adult operator, for example.

[0021] The holding portion 22 has a shape such that, when an operator holds the holding portion 22, the thumb of the operator's hand holding the holding portion 22 is positioned on the fourth surface 223, and the fingers other than the thumb of the operator's hand holding the holding portion 22 are positioned on the third surface 222.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2( a), the trigger unit 121 may be a lever that is pulled by the operator's finger. In this case, the position of the trigger unit 121 may change as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 2( a), depending on the operation of the operator. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2( b), the trigger unit 121′ may be a button that is pressed by the operator's finger. In this case, the position of the trigger unit 121′ may change as indicated by arrow D in FIG. 2( b), depending on the operation of the operator. The trigger unit 121 may take any form that can receive instructions from the operator through a light operation with the operator's finger.

[0023] When the subject of fingerprint reading by the fingerprint reading device 2 is a newborn, the operator holds the holder 22 with one hand and moves the fingerprint reading device 2 toward the finger of the newborn whose fingerprint is to be read. The operator may also use the other hand to touch the pad of the newborn's finger to the reading surface 111 to fix the position of the finger. In particular, when the operator uses both hands to read the fingerprint of the newborn, it is easier for the operator to operate the device if the holder 12 is shaped to protrude at an angle relative to the reading unit 11.

[0024] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fingerprint reading device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the reading unit 21 has a first housing 214, and a first space 1S is formed therein. The holding unit 22 has a second housing 224, and a second space 2S is formed therein. The first space 1S and the second space 2S are connected. The second space 2S is larger than the first space 1S.

[0025] The reading unit 21 and the holding unit 22 may be separable. In this case, the reading unit 21 may have a first connection opening 215 that connects the first space 1S and the second space 2S. The holding unit 22 may have a second connection opening 225 that connects the second space 2S and the first space 1S.

[0026] Compared to the distance between the inner surface corresponding to the first surface 212 and the inner surface corresponding to the second surface 213 in the first housing 214, the distance between the inner surface corresponding to the third surface 222 and the inner surface corresponding to the fourth surface 223 in the second housing 224 is longer.

[0027] The reading surface 111 includes a two-dimensional image sensor. For example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) may be used as the reading surface 111. Alternatively, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used as the reading surface 111. The pixel density and number of pixels of the reading surface 111 are not particularly limited, but when taking into account the case of capturing an image of the fingerprints of a newborn baby or the like, a relatively high pixel density and a relatively large number of pixels are preferable.

[0028] The reading surface 111 is recessed compared to its surroundings. That is, there is a difference in height between the reading surface 111 and the outer periphery of the reading surface 111. This makes it possible to prevent a finger placed on the reading surface 111 from moving to a location other than the reading surface 111. In addition, a light source 216 may be provided around the reading surface 111 so as to irradiate the finger placed on the reading surface 111 with light.

[0029] 4, the fingerprint reading device 2 includes a calculation device 23, a storage device 24, a communication device 25, and an input device 26. The fingerprint reading device 2 may also include an output device 27. The calculation device 23, the storage device 24, the communication device 25, the input device 26, and the output device 27 may be connected via a data bus.

[0030] The arithmetic device 23 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The arithmetic device 23 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 23 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 24. For example, the arithmetic device 23 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium using a storage medium reading device (e.g., the input device 26 described below) (not shown) included in the fingerprint reading device 2. The arithmetic device 23 may obtain (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the fingerprint reading device 2 via the communication device 25 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device 23 executes the read computer program. As a result, a logical function block for executing the operation to be performed by the fingerprint reading device 2 is realized within the arithmetic unit 23. In other words, the arithmetic unit 23 can function as a controller for realizing the logical function block for executing the operation (in other words, processing) to be performed by the fingerprint reading device 2. The arithmetic unit 23 may output information to a device (not shown), such as another computer or cloud server, provided outside the fingerprint reading device 2, via the communication device 25 (or other communication device). The arithmetic unit 23 may instruct the reading surface 111 to read a fingerprint from a finger placed on it in response to an operation on the trigger unit 121 by an operator.

[0031] The storage device 24 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 24 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 23. The storage device 24 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 23 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 23 is executing a computer program. The storage device 24 may store data that the fingerprint reading device 2 stores long-term. The storage device 24 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 24 may include a non-transitory recording medium. The fingerprint information read by the fingerprint reading device 2 may be stored in the storage device 24.

[0032] The communication device 25 can communicate with devices external to the fingerprint reading device 2 via a communication network (not shown). The communication device 25 may be a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication device 25 may transmit the read fingerprint information to an external device. The communication device 25 may also be capable of communicating with a monitor that allows the read fingerprint to be viewed in real time.

[0033] The arithmetic unit 23 , the storage unit 24 , and the communication unit 25 may be housed in a second housing 224 .

[0034] The input device 26 is a device that accepts information input to the fingerprint reading device 2 from outside the fingerprint reading device 2. For example, the input device 26 may include an operation device (e.g., at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the fingerprint reading device 2. For example, the input device 26 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the fingerprint reading device 2. In this embodiment, the fingerprint reading device 2 has the above-mentioned trigger unit 121 as the input device 26.

[0035] The output device 27 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the fingerprint reading device 2. In this embodiment, the fingerprint reading device 2 may have, as the output device 27, an indicator that notifies the status of the fingerprint reading device 2. Furthermore, for example, the output device 27 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 27 may include a display device (a so-called display) that can display an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device 27 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 27 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) that can output sound. For example, the output device 27 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 27 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) that can print desired information on paper.

[0036] The fingerprint reading device 2 has a mechanism for receiving power via a wired or wireless connection. The fingerprint reading device 2 may be operated by power supplied from a built-in battery. In this case, the second housing 224 may be provided with a charging port. The fingerprint reading device 2 may also be operated by power supplied via a communication cable. In this case, the second housing 224 may be provided with a connector to which the communication cable is connected. [2-3: Modifications]

[0037] FIG. 5 is an external view showing the configuration of the fingerprint reading device 2'. As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 214' of the reading unit 21' included in the fingerprint reading device 2' may be formed in a shape that becomes thinner toward the tip. The tip of the reading unit 21' is the end of the reading unit 21' opposite the side where the reading unit 21' and the holding unit 22 are connected. By forming the reading unit 21' in a shape that becomes thinner toward the tip, it becomes easier to insert the reading unit 21' into the small hand of a newborn baby. [2-4: Technical Effects of the Fingerprint Reading Device 2]

[0038] When reading fingerprints from a newborn baby's finger, it is more difficult to position the finger in a position suitable for reading than, for example, an adult's. The fingerprint reading device 2 according to this disclosure can achieve stable operation and stable fingerprint reading, so it can read fingerprints suitable for authentication, even from a newborn baby's finger. Because the second housing 224 has a thickness suitable for an operator's holding, the operator can easily hold the fingerprint reading device 2 and operate the trigger unit 121 while holding it. Furthermore, because the reading surface 111 is recessed compared to its surroundings, it is possible to prevent the placed finger from slipping out of the reading unit 21. This allows the operator to operate the fingerprint reading device 2 with the finger placed on the reading surface 111 in a stable position.

[0039] The fingerprint reading device 2 can perform calculations, storage, and other operations within the second housing 224, allowing the fingerprint reading device 2 to operate as a standalone device. This allows the fingerprint reading device 2 to be used even in areas with poor communication and electrical infrastructure. Furthermore, the fingerprint reading device 2 has a separable reading unit 21 and holding unit 22, allowing the reading unit 21 connected to the holding unit 22 to be replaced to suit the operating environment, the person whose fingerprint is to be read, and other factors. [3: Third Embodiment]

[0040] A third embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described below. Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described using a fingerprint reading device 3 according to this disclosure. [3-1: Configuration of the fingerprint reading device 3]

[0041] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fingerprint reading device 3. Like the fingerprint reading device 1 and the fingerprint reading device 2, the fingerprint reading device 3 includes a reading unit 31 and a holding unit 32.

[0042] The reading unit 31 has a heat conducting member 316 in the first housing 214. The heat conducting member 316 may be made of a metal material. For example, the heat conducting member 316 may be realized by a copper film. The heat conducting member 316 may be provided on the side of the reading surface 111 where a finger is not placed.

[0043] The holder 32 has a heat dissipation member 326 in the second housing 224. The heat conduction member 316 and the heat dissipation member 326 are connected. The heat dissipation member 326 may be provided on the side where the trigger portion 121 is not provided. The heat dissipation member 326 may be a cooling mechanism. The heat dissipation member 326 may be realized by, for example, a Peltier element.

[0044] The holding portion 32 has a ventilation opening 327 that allows gas to pass in and out between the second space 2S and the outside. The ventilation opening 327 may be provided on the opposite side of the holding portion 32 from the second connection opening 225 in the longitudinal direction. While Fig. 6 illustrates a case in which the ventilation opening 327 is provided over the entire side of the holding portion 32 opposite the second connection opening 225 in the longitudinal direction, the ventilation opening 327 may be formed in a portion of the side opposite the second connection opening 225, or may be provided on the third surface 222 or the fourth surface 223.

[0045] The holder 32 may include a ventilation mechanism 328 in the second housing 224. The ventilation mechanism 328 may be, for example, a fan. The ventilation mechanism 328 may be provided in a position close to the heat dissipation member 326. The ventilation mechanism 328 is provided so that gas can efficiently flow in and out between the second space 2S and the outside at the ventilation opening 327. [3-2: Technical Effects of the Fingerprint Reading Device 3]

[0046] When reading fingerprints at high resolution and high speed, a lot of heat is generated. Heat treatment is an important issue from the perspective of the safety of not only newborns but also the person whose fingerprint is being read. The fingerprint reading device 3 according to this disclosure can dissipate heat inside the reading unit 31 to the inside of the holding unit 32. This makes it possible to prevent the reading surface 111 in particular from becoming hot, and to perform the fingerprint reading operation safely. Furthermore, by preventing the reading surface 111 from becoming hot, discomfort to newborns can be reduced, and the fingerprint reading operation of newborns can be performed smoothly. [4: Fourth Embodiment]

[0047] A fourth embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described below. The fourth embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described below using a fingerprint reading device 4 according to this disclosure. [4-1: Configuration of the fingerprint reading device 4]

[0048] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fingerprint reading device 4. Like the fingerprint reading devices 1 to 3, the fingerprint reading device 4 includes a reading unit 41 and a holding unit .

[0049] The fingerprint reading device 4 includes a seal member 410 that covers at least a portion of the boundary between the first housing 214 and a member other than the first housing 214 on the outside of the first housing 214. The member other than the first housing 214 includes the reading surface 111. The fingerprint reading device 4 includes a seal member 420 that covers at least a portion of the boundary between the second housing 224 and a member other than the second housing 224 on the outside of the second housing 224. The member other than the second housing 224 includes the trigger portion 121. The seal member 410 and the seal member 420 are made of a material that prevents at least liquids and solids, including dust, from entering or leaving. The seal member 410 and the seal member 420 may be made of a material such as sponge or rubber.

[0050] The first housing 214 and the second housing 224 may or may not be integrally molded. If the first housing 214 and the second housing 224 are not integrally molded and are separable, at least one of the seal member 410 and the seal member 420 seals the boundary between the first housing 214 and the second housing 224.

[0051] Note that Figure 7 illustrates an example in which the sealing member 410 covers the boundary between the first housing 214 and the reading surface 111, and the sealing member 420 covers the boundary between the second housing 224 and the trigger portion 121, but the sealing member 410 and the sealing member 420 may cover the entire fingerprint reading device 4.

[0052] The holder 42 has a filter 429 that covers the ventilation opening 327. The filter 429 allows gas to pass through the ventilation opening 327, but prevents liquids and solids, including dust, from passing through. [4-2: Technical Effects of the Fingerprint Reading Device 4]

[0053] The fingerprint reading device 4 according to this disclosure can prevent liquid, dust, etc. from entering the device even when used in an environment where the device is likely to come into contact with liquid, dust, etc. [5: Fifth Embodiment]

[0054] A fifth embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described. Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the fingerprint reading device will be described using a fingerprint reading device 5 according to this disclosure. [5-1: Configuration of the fingerprint reading device 5]

[0055] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fingerprint reading device 5. Like the fingerprint reading devices 1 to 4, the fingerprint reading device 5 includes a reading unit 51 and a holding unit 52. In the fifth embodiment, a first operating unit 530 and a second operating unit 531 are provided on the third surface 222 of the holding unit 52. The trigger unit 121, the first operating unit 530, and the second operating unit 531 are each provided at a position that allows easy operation by each of the operator's fingers other than the thumb.

[0056] The first operation unit 530 is provided on the third surface 222 so as to be operable by the operator while holding the holding unit 52. The fingerprint reading device 5 controls the operation of the ventilation mechanism 328 in response to an operation of the first operation unit 530 by the operator. The first operation unit 530 may be, for example, a switch that switches between operating and stopping the operation of the ventilation mechanism 328. For example, the operator may stop the operation of the ventilation mechanism 328 before operating the trigger unit 121, i.e., before reading a fingerprint. This may suppress vibration of the fingerprint reading device 5 when reading a fingerprint.

[0057] The second operation unit 531 is provided on the third surface 222 so as to be operable by the operator while the operator is holding the holding unit 52. The fingerprint reading device 5 controls the operation of the light source 216 in response to the operator's operation on the second operation unit 531. That is, the fingerprint reading device 5 controls the irradiation of light onto the finger placed on the reading surface 111 in response to the operator's operation on the second operation unit 531. The second operation unit 531 may be, for example, a switch that switches between irradiating and stopping light irradiation onto the finger placed on the reading surface 111.

[0058] Furthermore, the fingerprint reading device 5 may continuously adjust the amount of light irradiated onto the finger placed on the reading surface 111 in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operating unit 531 by the operator. The second operating unit 531 may be formed of, for example, a pressure-sensitive member that detects pressure. In this case, the fingerprint reading device 5 may continuously adjust the amount of light in accordance with the operating pressure of the second operating unit 531 by the operator. Note that the operating unit for switching between irradiating and stopping light irradiation and the operating unit for adjusting the amount of light may be provided separately. [5-2: Technical Effects of the Fingerprint Reading Device 5]

[0059] The fingerprint reading device 5 according to this disclosure can stop vibration of the fingerprint reading device 5 by stopping the operation of the ventilation mechanism 328 before reading, thereby realizing precise fingerprint reading. The fingerprint reading device 5 can suppress heat generation by emitting light in synchronization with reading. Furthermore, the fingerprint reading device 5 can emit light with an amount of light appropriate for the situation. [6: Supplementary Note]

[0060] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed in relation to the above-described embodiments. [Supplementary Note 1] A fingerprint reading device comprising: a reading unit having a reading surface that reads a fingerprint from a placed finger; and a holding unit that has a trigger portion that protrudes from its periphery and is held by an operator, the holding unit being connected to the reading unit so as to protrude from the reading unit at an angle with respect to a plane parallel to the reading surface, the trigger portion being provided on the holding unit so as to be operable by the operator while holding the holding unit, and the fingerprint reading device reads a fingerprint from the finger placed on the reading surface in response to an operation of the trigger portion by the operator while holding the holding unit. [Supplementary Note 2] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 1, which reads a fingerprint from a finger of a newborn baby placed on the reading surface in response to an operation of the trigger portion by the operator. [Supplementary Note 3] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the third surface on which the trigger unit is provided and the fourth surface opposite the third surface is longer than the distance between the first surface on which the reading surface is provided and the second surface opposite the first surface. [Supplementary Note 4] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the reading unit has a first housing and a first space is formed therein, and the holding unit has a second housing and a second space is formed therein, and the first space and the second space are connected. [Supplementary Note 5] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the second space is larger than the first space. [Supplementary Note 6] The holding unit has a shape such that, when the operator holds the holding unit, the thumb of the operator holding the holding unit is positioned on the fourth surface, and the fingers of the operator other than the thumb holding the holding unit are positioned on the third surface. [Supplementary Note 7] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the reading surface is recessed compared to its surroundings. [Supplementary Note 8] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the reading unit has a heat-conducting member in the first space. [Supplementary Note 9] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the holding unit has a heat-dissipating member in the second space, and the heat-conducting member and the heat-dissipating member are connected. [Supplementary Note 10] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the holding unit has a ventilation hole for allowing gas to pass in and out between the second space and the outside.[Supplementary Note 11] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the heat dissipation member is provided on the side where the trigger portion is not provided. [Supplementary Note 12] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the holding portion includes a ventilation mechanism in the second space. [Supplementary Note 13] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the fingerprint reading device is provided with a sealing member that covers at least a part of a boundary portion on the outside of the first housing between the first housing and a member other than the first housing, including the reading surface, and a boundary portion on the outside of the second housing between the second housing and a member other than the second housing, including the trigger portion. [Supplementary Note 14] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the holding portion has a filter portion that covers the ventilation opening, allowing gas to pass in and out but preventing solids, including liquids and dust, from passing in and out. [Supplementary Note 15] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the fingerprint reading device includes a first operating portion provided on the third surface so as to be operable by the operator while the operator holds the holding portion, and controls operation of the ventilation mechanism included in the holding portion in response to operation of the first operating portion by the operator. [Supplementary Note 16] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 3, which has a second operation unit provided on the third surface so as to be operable by the operator while the operator is holding the holding unit, and which controls the irradiation of light onto a finger placed on the reading surface in accordance with the operation of the second operation unit by the operator. [Supplementary Note 17] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 16, which adjusts the amount of light irradiated onto a finger placed on the reading surface in a stepless manner in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operation unit by the operator. [Supplementary Note 18] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, in which the reading unit and the holding unit are separable. [Supplementary Note 19] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, in which the reading unit and the holding unit are separable, the reading unit has a first connection opening connecting the first space and the second space, and the holding unit has a second connection opening connecting the second space and the first space. [Supplementary Note 20] The fingerprint reading device described in Supplementary Note 4, wherein the distance between the inner surface corresponding to the third surface and the inner surface corresponding to the fourth surface in the second housing is longer than the distance between the inner surface corresponding to the first surface and the inner surface corresponding to the second surface in the first housing.[Supplementary Note 21] The fingerprint reading device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first housing is formed in a shape that becomes thinner toward an end of the reading unit opposite to the side where the reading unit and the holding unit are connected.

[0061] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of this disclosure within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0062] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Fingerprint reading device 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Reading unit 111 Reading surface 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Holding unit 121 Trigger unit 212 First surface 213 Second surface 222 Third surface 223 Fourth surface 214 First housing 224 Second housing 1S First space 2S Second space 215 First connection opening 225 Second connection opening 216 Light source 316 Heat conduction member 326 Heat dissipation member 327 Ventilation opening 328 Ventilation mechanism 410, 420 Sealing member 429 Filter unit 530 First operation unit 531 Second operation unit

Claims

1. A fingerprint reading device comprising: a reading unit having a reading surface for reading a fingerprint from a placed finger; and a holding unit having a trigger portion protruding from the surrounding, which is held by an operator, wherein the holding unit is connected to the reading unit so as to protrude from the reading unit at an angle with a plane parallel to the reading surface, the trigger portion is provided on the holding unit so as to be operable by the operator while the operator holds the holding unit, and the fingerprint is read from the finger placed on the reading surface in response to an operation of the trigger portion by the operator while the operator holds the holding unit.

2. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 1, wherein a fingerprint is read from a finger of a newborn placed on the reading surface in response to an operation of the trigger portion by the operator.

3. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the third surface provided with the trigger portion and the fourth surface opposite to the third surface is longer than the distance between the first surface provided with the reading surface and the second surface opposite to the first surface.

4. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 3, wherein the reading unit has a first housing, and a first space is formed inside; the holding unit has a second housing, and a second space is formed inside; and the first space and the second space are connected.

5. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 4, wherein the second space is larger than the first space.

6. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 3, wherein when the operator holds the holding unit, the thumb on the side where the operator holds the holding unit is located on the fourth surface, and the fingers other than the thumb on the side where the operator holds the holding unit are located on the third surface.

7. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reading surface is recessed compared to the surroundings.

8. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 4, wherein the reading unit has a heat conduction member in the first space.

9. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 8, wherein the holding unit has a heat dissipation member in the second space, and the heat conduction member and the heat dissipation member are connected.

10. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 4, wherein the holding unit has a ventilation port for allowing gas to enter and exit between the second space and the outside.

11. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 9, wherein the heat dissipation member is provided on the side where the trigger portion is not provided.

12. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 4, wherein the holding unit includes a ventilation mechanism in the second space.

13. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 4, further comprising a seal member that covers at least a part of a boundary portion between the first housing and a member other than the first housing including the reading surface on the outside of the first housing, and a boundary portion between the second housing and a member other than the second housing including the trigger portion on the outside of the second housing.

14. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 10, wherein the holding portion has a filter portion that allows gas to enter and exit, and does not allow liquid and solids including dust to enter and exit, and covers the ventilation port.

15. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 3, further comprising a first operation portion provided on the third surface so as to be operable by the operator while the operator holds the holding portion, and controls an operation of a ventilation mechanism included in the holding portion in response to an operation by the operator on the first operation portion.

16. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 3, further comprising a second operation portion provided on the third surface so as to be operable by the operator while the operator holds the holding portion, and controls irradiation of light to a finger placed on the reading surface in response to an operation by the operator on the second operation portion.

17. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 16, wherein the amount of light irradiated to a finger placed on the reading surface is steplessly adjusted according to an operation amount by the operator on the second operation portion.

18. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reading portion and the holding portion are separable.

19. The fingerprint reading device according to claim 4, wherein the reading portion and the holding portion are separable, the reading portion has a first connection opening connecting the first space and the second space, and the holding portion has a second connection opening connecting the second space and the first space.

20. The distance between the inner surface corresponding to the third surface and the inner surface corresponding to the fourth surface in the second housing is longer than the distance between the inner surface corresponding to the first surface and the inner surface corresponding to the second surface in the first housing in the fingerprint reading device according to claim 4.

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