JP3001044B2 - Handy scanner - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a two-dimensional linear image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements are linearly arranged in a small housing, and the linear image sensor is moved in a scanning direction on an object to be read. The present invention relates to a small-sized handy scanner that obtains an image signal of the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a handy scanner of this kind, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-277334 proposes a handy scanner in which a pen-type housing has a built-in linear image sensor which is completely close to and parallel to each other. 8 to 11 are views for explaining this handy scanner. FIG. 8 is a perspective view, FIG.
Is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane parallel to the scanning direction, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane perpendicular to the scanning direction conceptually showing a main part,
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, this handy scanner is, for example, a pen-shaped casing 111 which also functions as a touch pen on a display surface of a portable information terminal device.
, Linear image sensor 112, linear light source 113
, An optical fiber converging member 114, a rotary encoder 115, a roller 116, and a scanner controller 120. 10 and 11, the linear image sensor 112 has an adhesive layer 112d having a thickness of about 10 μm or less and a diameter of 15 to 25 mm.
It is adhered to an optical fiber converging member 114 composed of many micron optical fibers. Optical fiber converging member 114
Has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm. Linear image sensor 1
Numeral 12 is for sequentially turning on / off a large number of linearly arranged pixels including a photodiode 112a and a thin film transistor (TFT) 112b formed on a transparent substrate 112c having a thickness of about 1 mm and a TFT 112b of each pixel. And a shift register 112f. The pixel arrangement pitch is about 50 to 125 microns. The photodiode 112a includes a transparent substrate 112c.
The side surface is shielded from light and has sensitivity only to light incident from the optical fiber converging member 114 side. Two adjacent
An opening 112 is provided between the two photodiodes 112a.
e is provided, so that light from the linear light source 113 is transmitted. The linear light source 113 is configured by arranging a large number of light emitting elements 113a in a linear shape. Further, the scanner control unit 120 controls the image sensor driving unit 1
21, the image synthesis buffer 122, and the linear light source driving unit 1
23.

Next, the operation will be described. Reading of the document D is performed while manually scanning the document D with the handy scanner. At this time, the scanner driving unit 123 supplies a current to all the light emitting elements 113a of the linear light source 113 to emit light. The light emitted from the linear light source 113 passes through the opening 112 e of the linear image sensor 112 and the adhesive layer 112.
d, and sequentially passes through the optical fiber converging member 114 to illuminate the document D. The reflected light from the document D sequentially passes through the optical fiber converging member 114 and the adhesive layer 112d, and is detected by the photodiode 112a. The image sensor driving unit 121 turns on the TFT 112b of each pixel at a predetermined time interval (referred to as an accumulation time) and accumulates a constant charge in the photodiode 112a. Thereafter, the charge decreases over time as it is partially canceled by the charge generated by the light. Therefore, when the TFT 112b is turned on next time, by measuring the charge flowing into the photodiode 112a,
It is possible to know the total amount of light received by the photodiode 112a during the accumulation time. That is, the linear image sensor 1
The output of 12 is proportional to the accumulation time and the light quantity. As described above, the brightness information of the document D in the area corresponding to the photodiode 112a can be obtained via the optical fiber converging member 114. At the same time, the moving distance of the handy scanner is detected by the roller 116 and the rotary encoder 115. The output of the linear image sensor 112 and the rotary encoder 11
5 to obtain a two-dimensional image of the document D.

[0005] In the field of information processing, a fingerprint image or a signal obtained by reading the fingerprint image is sometimes used as ID information. Conventionally, as a device for reading a fingerprint image, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-190470 discloses a fingerprint sensor having a built-in linear image sensor. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fingerprint sensor. Referring to FIG. 12, this fingerprint sensor includes a linear image sensor 312, a linear light source 313, and a lens 314.
, A rotary encoder 315, a roller 316, an image synthesis buffer 322, and a finger base 330.
This fingerprint sensor detects the finger F illuminated by the linear light source 313.
Is used by moving in the scanning direction so as to slide on the finger base 330. Light reflected from the finger F is imaged on the linear image sensor 312 by the lens 314. At the same time, the movement distance of the finger F is detected by the roller 316 and the rotary encoder 315. Linear image sensor 3
12 and the output from the rotary encoder 315 are synthesized by the image synthesis buffer 322 to obtain a two-dimensional fingerprint image. This fingerprint sensor is a type of scanner that includes a linear image sensor and obtains a two-dimensional image signal.

[0006]

Here, if a fingerprint image can also be read by a handy scanner, it is reasonable because one device can read a document and a fingerprint image. However, the handy scanner shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 and the scanner shown in FIG. 12 have the following problems in reading a fingerprint image.

First, the reader of the fingerprint image must perform the operation of scanning the finger of the other hand while holding the housing of the handy scanner with one hand, which is not convenient.

Secondly, a reading width of about 2 cm is sufficient for reading a fingerprint image, while a reading width of a handy scanner or a linear image sensor of a scanner is about 10 cm or more in consideration of a general document size. There are many. For this reason, power consumption of a light source or the like consumed in a sensor area that is unnecessary for reading a fingerprint image is useless. Due to the wasteful power consumption, when a handy scanner or a scanner is used in combination with, for example, a portable information terminal device, the battery of these devices is quickly consumed.

Third, the scanner shown in FIG. 12 is not a handy type. In the structure shown in FIG.
There is no large difference between the reflected light of the ridges on the finger surface and that of the valleys, and only a fingerprint image with low contrast is obtained. Further, since the finger has a lower light reflectance than the original, the quality of the fingerprint image is inferior to that of the original when the original is read.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handy scanner capable of reading a fingerprint image and also having good workability at that time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handy scanner capable of reading a fingerprint image and not consuming power wastefully.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a handy scanner capable of reading a fingerprint image and of obtaining a fingerprint image of excellent image quality.

[0013]

According to the present invention, a linear light source for irradiating illumination light to an object to be read, a linear image sensor for detecting light reflected from the object to be read, and a plurality of optical fibers are bundled. And a reading unit including an optical fiber converging member that transmits illumination light and reflected light in contact with the reading target, and a handy scanner unit including a handy scanner unit in a small housing. A first scanning mode for obtaining a two-dimensional image signal by moving a section in a scanning direction, and the first scanning mode
Second scan for obtaining a two-dimensional image signal of only a narrower area
A handy scanner having a scan mode, comprising a main surface, with the reading unit of the handy scanner unit positioned on the main surface, and a storage unit for detachably storing the handy scanner unit. The second scanning mode.
In the method, a two-dimensional image signal of only a narrow area is obtained by moving an object to be read in the scanning direction on the reading unit of the handy scanner unit stored in the storage unit. A scanner is obtained.

According to the present invention, at least the linear light source of the linear light source and the linear image sensor operates only in an area corresponding to a narrow reading object in the second scanning mode. The above handy scanner is obtained.

According to the present invention, the linear light source further comprises:
In the second scanning mode, it is possible to obtain the handy scanner in which the light emission intensity of the area corresponding to the narrow scanning target is equal to or more than the predetermined value.

According to the present invention, the handy scanner having image sensor control means for controlling the accumulation time of the light receiving element of the linear image sensor to be equal to or longer than a predetermined value in the second scanning mode is obtained. Can be

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a handy scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIGS. 1 to 4 are views for explaining a handy scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view, and FIG. 2 is a cross section parallel to a scanning direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a main part, taken along a cross section perpendicular to the scanning direction, and FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present handy scanner comprises:
It is composed of a handy scanner unit 10, a scanner control unit 20, and a storage unit 30. Then, the handy scanner operates the handy scanner unit 1 on the object to be read.
A first scanning mode in which a two-dimensional image signal is obtained by moving a later-described reading unit in the scanning direction;
And a second scanning mode in which a two-dimensional image signal is obtained by moving the object to be read in the scanning direction on the reading unit of the handy scanner unit 10 stored in “0”.
In this example, in the second scanning mode, a fingerprint image (finger (fingerprint surface of a finger)) is to be read with a narrow width.

The handy scanner does not need to hold the handy scanner unit 10 when reading a fingerprint image, so that the finger can be scanned stably. Also, if the handy scanner unit 10 is taken out of the storage unit 30, a normal document or the like can be read as a reading target.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the handy scanner unit 1
Reference numeral 0 denotes a pen-shaped housing 11 which also functions as a touch pen on a display surface of a portable information terminal device, for example, as in the conventional handy scanner shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, and a linear type which detects reflected light from a reading target. Image sensor 12 and linear light source 1 for irradiating illumination light to a reading target
3, a reading unit including a plurality of optical fibers bundled and including an optical fiber converging member 14 that contacts an object to be read and transmits illumination light and reflected light, and a rotary encoder 15
And a roller 16. The pen-shaped housing 11 has a cross section of about 1 cm square.

The optical fiber converging member 14 is provided with a ridge of a fingerprint.
In addition to enhancing the contrast of the valley line, it exerts mechanical strength when a finger is pressed.

The storage unit 30 has a main surface, and the reading unit of the handy scanner unit 10 is located on the main surface.
A housing 31 for detachably storing the handy scanner unit 10 and a handy scanner unit 10 stored in the housing 31
In the vicinity of the reading unit, a finger to be read having a narrow width is regulated so as to be located at a predetermined position in the width direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, and a finger guide unit 32 for guiding the finger in the scanning direction is provided. And a cover 33 that can be opened and closed to cover at least an area of the handy scanner unit 10 stored in the housing 31 except an area necessary for reading a finger. The storage unit 30 is an independent unit in this example, but may be attached to a housing of an information processing device such as a notebook computer or a keyboard, or may be integrated with the housing of the information processing device. The thickness of the housing 31 of the storage unit 30 for storing the pen-shaped housing 11 having a cross section of about 1 cm square is 1.5 c.
m or less. The finger guide portion 32 is provided near the bearing of the roller 16.

In this handy scanner, since the roller 16 and the optical fiber converging member 14 protrude, the finger can be stably scanned. Further, the finger guide unit 32 can detect a fingerprint in a predetermined area of the linear image sensor. In addition, since the pen-shaped casing 11 may have a cross section of about 1 cm square and the thickness of the storage unit 30 of about 1.5 cm, the pen-shaped casing 11 can be integrated with the casing of a notebook computer or a keyboard without any incongruity. Furthermore, the main surface of the housing 31 of the storage unit 30 is made substantially flat by being covered with the cover 33, and the storage unit 30 also functions as a place for placing a wrist. Help. In addition, since the finger guide portion 32 is disposed near the bearing portion of the roller 16, the roller 16 rotates stably.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the linear image sensor 12 has a thickness of about 10 in the same manner as the conventional linear image sensor 112 shown in FIGS.
An optical fiber converging member 14 composed of a large number of optical fibers having a diameter of 15 to 25 microns
Adhered to. The thickness of the optical fiber converging member 14 is
1 to 2 mm. The linear image sensor 12 includes a photodiode 12a and a thin film transistor (TFT) 12 formed on a transparent substrate 12c having a thickness of about 1 mm.
b, and a large number of pixels arranged in a line
And a shift register 12f for sequentially turning on / off T12b. The pixel pitch is
It is about 50 to 125 microns. Photodiode 1
2a, the surface on the transparent substrate 12c side is shielded from light, and has sensitivity only to light incident from the optical fiber converging member 14 side. An opening 12e is provided between two adjacent photodiodes 12a, so that light from the linear light source 13 is transmitted.

The linear light source 13 has a large number of light emitting elements 13a arranged in a line. Further, the scanner control unit 20 includes an image sensor driving unit 21 that drives the linear image sensor 12, an image combining buffer 22, and a linear light source driving unit 23.

Further, the linear light source 13 is configured by linearly arranging a plurality of light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes. The linear light source 13 is, for example, several mm from the linear image sensor 12 in order to maintain uniformity of the illuminance on the surface of the finger F.
Are set apart from each other.

The linear light source 13 includes a first light emitting element group 13a corresponding to the reading width of the document and a second light emitting element group 13b corresponding to the finger width (FIG. 4). . However, the second light emitting element group 13b includes a part of the light emitting elements of the first light emitting element group 13a for dual use. The second light emitting element group 13b includes the first light emitting element group 13
It has an emission intensity about 5 times that of a. In the present example, the first and second light emitting element groups 13a and 13b are constituted by light emitting elements having the same output. However, since the arrangement density of each light emitting element is changed, the second light emitting element group 1
3b exhibits about five times the emission intensity of the first light emitting element group 13a. The light emission intensity of the second light emitting element group 13b is
It is not only necessary that the light emitting element group 13a is relatively strong, but it is necessary to have a predetermined light emitting intensity. The predetermined light emission intensity is determined so as to compensate for the fact that the reflectance or contrast of light on the fingerprint surface of the finger to be read is lower than that of a document or the like, as described later. As means for realizing the second light emitting element group 13b to have a predetermined light emission intensity,
The output of the light emitting element itself may be used.

As will be described later, the linear light source 13
In the second scanning mode, only the second light emitting element group 13b corresponding to the finger operates. That is, in the second scanning mode, unnecessary light-emitting elements are not caused to emit light in this mode, so that the handy scanner does not wastefully consume power. Further, only the region corresponding to the finger F is illuminated by the second light emitting element group 13b, so that a fingerprint image with good image quality can be obtained.

As the power saving means in the second scanning mode, the linear image sensor 12 may operate only in the area corresponding to the finger in the second scanning mode. However, the power saving effect is lower than the means using the light emitting element.

Next, the operation of the handy scanner will be described with reference to FIGS.

(First Scan Mode) In the first scan mode, the handy scanner unit 10 is taken out of the storage unit 30 and the reading unit of the handy scanner unit 10 is moved in the scanning direction on, for example, a document to be read. By moving, a two-dimensional image signal is obtained. At this time, the linear light source driving unit 23 (FIG. 4) supplies current only to the first light emitting element group 13a of the linear light source 13, and causes these elements to emit light. The first scanning mode is almost the same as the operation of the conventional handy scanner shown in FIGS. That is, if the handy scanner unit 10 is taken out of the storage unit 30, it functions as a normal handy scanner for reading an original.

(Second Scanning Mode) In the second scanning mode, the fingerprint surface of the finger to be read is moved in the scanning direction on the reading section of the handy scanner section 10 stored in the storage section 30. Obtains a two-dimensional image signal.
Specifically, from the state where the finger F is in contact with the finger guide portion 32, the finger F is applied to both the optical fiber converging member 14 and the roller 16.
Move while contacting. At this time, the linear light source control unit 23 (FIG. 4)
Only 3b is turned on. The light emitted from the second light emitting element group 13b is, as shown in FIG.
Through the opening 12e and the optical fiber converging member 14 to illuminate the finger F.

In FIG. 3, in the region where the finger F is not in the vicinity of the optical fiber converging member 14, there is no reflected light from the finger. In a region where the finger F is in the vicinity of the optical fiber converging member 14 but is not in contact therewith, the reflected light from the finger F passes through the optical fiber converging member 14 and passes through the photodiode 1
2a. The finger F is the optical fiber converging member 14
If you take a closer look at the area where the finger is in contact, it will be divided into an area with a gap in the air layer (corresponding to the valley of the finger) and a area where the finger F is in close contact with the gap (corresponding to the ridge of the finger). I understand. In the valley line, the reflected light is detected by the photodiode 12a in the same manner as in the region. But at the ridge,
Light is absorbed and scattered, and a small amount of components reach the photodiode 12a. As a result, one-dimensional light / dark information of a fingerprint having a high contrast between a ridge and a valley can be obtained.

The output of the rotary encoder 15 when the finger F is moved while being in contact with the roller 16,
The two-dimensional fingerprint image is obtained by synthesizing the one-dimensional light / dark information of the fingerprint obtained sequentially with the image synthesizing buffer 22.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a fingerprint image obtained by the handy scanner. The background is black and the periphery of the finger is white. The ridges are black and the valleys are white where the finger touches.

FIG. 6 is a profile showing pixel values near the center of FIG. This pixel value is blank on the reading unit,
The values when the black paper is brought into close contact are standardized as 255 and 0, respectively. The pixel values of the areas corresponding to the ridges and valleys in FIG. 5 are about 1 to 5, and about 40 to 60, respectively. That is, the contrast ratio between the ridge line and the valley line is at least about 1:10. Also, the reflected light from the finger is
The intensity is about １ ／ of the intensity of the reflected light from the white paper. That is, the second light emitting element group 13b and the first light emitting element group 13a
The ratio of the amount of light emitted by the light source is set to 5: 1 based on this result.

[Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of the present invention
Is a means for compensating that the light reflectance and contrast of the fingerprint surface of the finger to be read are lower than those of a document or the like, and is an example different from the first embodiment.

In the handy scanner according to the second embodiment, the image sensor driving unit that drives the linear image sensor of the handy scanner unit sets the above-described accumulation time of the light receiving element of the linear image sensor in the second scanning mode. Control is performed so as to be equal to or more than a predetermined value. The linear light source may be the same as the conventional linear light source 113 shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the image sensor driver increases the output of the image sensor by setting the accumulation time to about five times that at the time of reading a fingerprint image compared to that at the time of reading a document, and by accumulating the optical signal for a longer time. To improve.

Third Embodiment A third embodiment according to the present invention is a modification of the linear light source of the handy scanner unit.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the handy scanner according to the third embodiment, taken along a cutting plane parallel to the scanning direction. Note that, in FIG. 7, the same or similar portions as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. In the handy scanner according to the third embodiment, an organic EL light source 13 ′ using electroluminescence (EL) of an organic thin film is used as the linear light source 13. The organic EL light source 13 ′
For example, a transparent electrode, an organic thin film, and an opaque electrode are laminated in this order on a glass plate having a thickness of about 1 mm. Since the organic EL light source 13 'emits light uniformly, as shown in FIG.
2 and can be arranged closely. In this case, a handy scanner unit having a thickness of about 5 mm can be realized. In addition, the organic EL light source 1
3 ', like the linear light source 13 according to the first embodiment, only the area corresponding to the finger width may be operated in the second scanning mode, or the second scanning mode may be used. In this case, the light emission intensity of the area corresponding to the finger width may be equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0042]

The handy scanner according to the present invention comprises a linear light source for illuminating the object to be read with illumination light, a linear image sensor for detecting light reflected from the object to be read, and a plurality of optical fibers bundled together. And a reading unit including an optical fiber converging member that transmits illumination light and reflected light by contacting the scanning unit with a handy scanner unit, and scans the reading unit of the handy scanner unit on a reading target. A first scanning mode for obtaining a two-dimensional image signal by moving the first scanning mode ;
Second method for obtaining a two-dimensional image signal only in an area narrower than the
A handy scanner having a scanning mode, comprising a main surface, with the reading unit of the handy scanner unit positioned on the main surface, and a storage unit for detachably storing the handy scanner unit. The second scanning mode
In the reading mode, a two-dimensional image signal of only a narrow area is obtained by moving a reading target in the scanning direction on the reading unit of the handy scanner unit stored in the storage unit. It is possible to read, of course, the work at that time is good, without wasting power,
Excellent quality fingerprint images can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a handy scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the handy scanner shown in FIG. 1 cut along a cutting plane parallel to a scanning direction.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a main part of the handy scanner shown in FIG. 1 along a cutting plane perpendicular to a scanning direction.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of the handy scanner shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a fingerprint image obtained by the handy scanner shown in FIG.

6 is a diagram showing pixel values along a vertical line of the fingerprint image shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the handy scanner according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is cut along a cutting plane parallel to a scanning direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a conventional handy scanner.

9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the handy scanner shown in FIG. 8 cut along a cutting plane parallel to a scanning direction.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a main part of the handy scanner shown in FIG. 8, taken along a cutting plane perpendicular to the scanning direction.

11 is a circuit configuration diagram of the handy scanner shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a main part of a scanner as a fingerprint sensor according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10 'Handy scanner unit 11, 111 Pen-shaped housing 12, 112, 312 Linear image sensor 12a, 112a Photodiode 12b, 112b Thin film transistor (TFT) 12c, 112c Transparent substrate 12d, 112d Adhesive layer 12e, 112e Opening 12f , 112f Shift register 13, 113, 313 Linear light source 13 'Organic EL light source 13a First light emitting element group 13b Second light emitting element group 14, 114 Optical fiber converging member 15, 115, 315 Rotary encoder 16, 116, 316 Roller 20, 120 Scanner controller 21, 121 Image sensor driver 22, 122, 322 Image synthesis buffer 23, 123 Linear light source driver 30 Storage unit 31 Housing 32 Finger guide unit 33 Cover 113a Light emitting element 314 Lens 330 finger bed

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-7-311838 (JP, A) JP-A-2-85973 (JP, A) JP-A-54-84916 (JP, A) JP-A-7-298049 (JP) , A) Hira 4-102362 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 1/00 H04N 1/107

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A linear light source for irradiating illumination light to an object to be read, a linear image sensor for detecting light reflected from the object to be read, and a plurality of optical fibers are bundled. A hand-scanner section including a reading section including an optical fiber converging member for transmitting reflected light in a small housing, and moving the reading section of the hand-held scanner section in a scanning direction on an object to be read. A first scanning mode for obtaining a two-dimensional image signal, and a width wider than that of the first scanning mode.
Second scanning mode for obtaining a two-dimensional image signal of only a narrow area
A handy scanner with bets, including main surface, in the state was positioned the reading portion of the handy scanner portion on the major surface, and detachably having a storing unit for storing the handy scanner unit In the second scanning mode, the object to be read is moved in the scanning direction on the reading section of the handy scanner section stored in the storage section, so that only the narrow area is moved.
A handy scanner characterized by obtaining a two-dimensional image signal. 2. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is configured to store a narrow-width read target at a predetermined position in a width direction perpendicular to a scanning direction near the reading unit of the handy scanner unit stored in the storage unit. 2. The handy scanner according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion that regulates and guides the movement in the scanning direction. 3. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes a cover that covers an area excluding an area necessary for reading at least a narrow target to be read among the handy scanner units stored in the storage unit. 3. The handy scanner according to 2. 4. The linear light source and at least the linear light source among the linear image sensors operate only in a region corresponding to a narrow-width read target in the second scanning mode. 3. The handy scanner according to any one of 3. 5. The handy device according to claim 1, wherein the linear light source has a light emission intensity of a predetermined value or more in a region corresponding to a narrow scanning target in the second scanning mode. Scanner. 6. The image sensor control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an image sensor control unit that controls the accumulation time of the light receiving element of the linear image sensor to be equal to or longer than a predetermined value in the second scanning mode. Handy scanner. 7. The handy scanner according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is integrated with a housing of the information processing device.