JP2002232756A - Image sensor module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized and low price apparatus by carrying out inputting of different images by using the same imaging element. SOLUTION: A sliding door opening either one of two lenses and a reflecting mirror introducing an input-light to the imaging element are linked, an image through either one of the lenses is focused. The sliding door and a reflecting mirror table are moved in the opposite directions by a gear so as to move the reflecting mirror to the opened lens side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image sensor such as a fingerprint sensor, and more particularly to an image sensor module that can be used as another image sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Fingerprint sensors have recently been put to practical use as means for identifying and authenticating individuals. However, a fingerprint sensor requires a special device for recognizing and determining a fingerprint pattern. Therefore, at present, the actual confirmation is carried out by using photographs such as identification cards and driver's licenses.

Further, as input means of an image sensor,
CCD and CMOS image sensors are used, and are used for digital cameras and fingerprint sensors. However, separate imaging elements are used for each application, which increases the cost of the device.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image sensor module which can be used as both a fingerprint sensor and an input device for images such as a face.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem by processing an image passing through two kinds of lenses or a lens and a prism by a single image sensor so that two different kinds of images can be inputted. Is to solve.

That is, two lenses, only one of which is open and the other is closed by a movable shutter, a reflecting mirror movable to a position facing the two lenses, and an image of the reflecting mirror are taken. An image sensor module having an image sensor is characterized in that a moving mechanism of a shutter and a moving mechanism of a reflection mirror are linked. One of the lenses may be a prism.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views showing an example of an image sensor module according to the present invention having lenses for a fingerprint and a camera.

A fingerprint lens 11 and a camera lens 12 are provided near the surface of the housing, and one of these two lenses is closed by a sliding door (shutter) 18. That is, when used as a fingerprint sensor, the fingerprint lens 11 opens as shown in FIG.
The camera lens 12 is closed by a slide door 18.

When used as a camera, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the fingerprint lens 11 is closed and the camera lens is opened. Note that a prism can be used instead of the fingerprint lens.

The image passing through any of the lenses is reflected by a reflection mirror.
An image is formed on the image sensor 15 by 14. For this purpose, the mirror 14 can be moved by the reflection mirror 14 and the reflection mirror table 19.

In the present invention, the slide door 18 and the reflection mirror table 19 are structured to work together. That is, when the slide door 18 opens the fingerprint lens 11, the reflection mirror 14 moves toward the fingerprint lens 11 (FIG. 1). Conversely, when the camera lens 12 is opened, the reflection mirror 14 moves to the camera lens 12 side.

The above-mentioned interlock can be realized by interposing a gear 16 in the middle. Since the sliding door 18 and the reflection mirror table 19 move in the opposite directions, the teeth may be engaged with the teeth of the gear 16 at the opposite positions. Of course, the gear 16 may be rotated using a motor.

[0014]

According to the present invention, an input device corresponding to two sensor functions can be realized by one device.
As described above, since the apparatus can be shared, an image sensor module that is effective not only for downsizing of the apparatus but also for cost reduction can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11: Fingerprint lens 12: Camera lens 14: Reflective mirror 15: Image sensor 16: Gear 18: Sliding door 19: Reflective mirror table

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Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. two lenses used only one is opened and the other is closed by a movable shutter, a reflecting mirror movable to a position facing the two lenses,
An image sensor module comprising an image sensor for capturing an image of a reflecting mirror, wherein a moving mechanism of a shutter and a moving mechanism of a reflecting mirror are linked. 2. The image sensor module according to claim 1, wherein one lens is used to capture an image remote from the lens, and the other lens is used to capture an image close to the lens. 3. A prism and a lens, one of which is opened and the other is closed by a movable shutter, a reflecting mirror movable to a position opposed to the prism and the lens, and an image capturing image of the reflecting mirror. An image sensor module comprising an element, wherein a moving mechanism of a shutter and a moving mechanism of a reflection mirror are linked. 4. The image sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the lens is used to capture an image remote from the lens, and the prism is used to capture an image close to the lens. 5. The image sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the driving means is a gear.