Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having a housing, a curved-surface imaging system and a planar imaging system. The curved-surface imaging system may be capable of collecting information that may be used to produce a curved-surface image of a finger. The planar imaging system may be capable of collecting information that may be used to produce a planar image of one or more fingers at a time.

Abstract: This invention provides a fingerprint input apparatus which detects that a finger is put on a sensor element, which can reduce power consumption, which requires fewer components, and which is simple in configuration. In a fingerprint input apparatus which includes a sensor element for reading a fingerprint and a switch for detecting that a finger is put on the sensor element, which is activated by an operation of the switch the switch is a push switch, the sensor element and the switch are fixed to a housing, and the switch is arranged on an opposite surface to a surface on which the sensor element is arranged, across the housing. The switch may be a pressure sensitive switch instead of a push switch, and the apparatus may further include a unit for notifying a user whether it is appropriate to apply a depression pressure.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a first housing including a front edge portion and a rear edge portion, the front edge portion having a recess in a top surface thereof, the recess being recessed with respect to a reference surface of the top surface; a second housing including a front edge portion and a rear edge portion and; and a connecting portion connecting the rear edge portion of the first housing with the rear edge portion of the second housing such that the second housing is capable of being opened and closed with respect to a top surface of the first housing. The recess in the first housing has an exposed portion that protrudes from the front edge portion as viewed from above the top surface of the first housing when the second housing is closed on the first housing.

Abstract: A unitized smart card device with a partial fingerprint sensor, ergonomic guides and a processor is disclosed. The smart card contains secure memory, battery, and a processor to run the fingerprint sensor. The ergonomic guides help insure that the users finger properly swipes the fingerprint sensor. The smart card be used on a backwards compatible “dumb credit card” basis, or it may dock with an external smart card docking station. This docking station may act to facilitate communication between the smart card's fingerprint sensor and its onboard secure memory; and external computerized devices. The docking station itself may be configured with slots or other openings to allow users to access the smart card's fingerprint sensor while the smart card is docked with the docking station. The docking station itself may contain ergonomic guides to help ensure that the smart card's fingerprint sensor is used (swiped) in a correct manner.

Abstract: The usability of an electronic device that includes an integrated fingerprint sensor is enhanced by mounting the fingerprint sensor rotatably and pivotably. The fingerprint sensor is prevented from moving during normal use, but the fingerprint sensor may be repositioned to accommodate a user's preferences.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has a placement portion having an opening portion, a finger guide, a wrist guide, and a photographing device provided in the opening portion. When a user's left or right hand is placed on the placement portion, the second joints of a plurality of fingers are placed on the planar surface of the placement section, and the middle finger is positioned by the finger guide. The wrist guide, which is provided on the opposite side of the finger guide on the upper surface of the image pickup apparatus with respect to the opening portion, has a pair of inclined surfaces and, when the palm is placed on the placement portion, the both end sides of the wrist contact the inclined surfaces to be positioned. Further, the wrist guide moves downward so as to keep the palm parallel to the opening plane of the opening portion.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for the recording of the lines of the fingers respectively the hand. The device has a support area for the hand respectively the fingers. In the support area a line sensor is provided which extends across the overall width of the hand.

Abstract: A personal identification device and method prevent the reduction in the finger vein recognition rate which otherwise occur due to erroneous insertion of a finger by a user not accustomed to operation or insertion of a false finger at low cost. The device includes an imager picking up an image of a finger vein pattern, a light source emitting light adapted to be transmitted through the finger, an image operating unit matches the image, guides indicating the position of picking up the finger image, a detector detecting the contact between the finger and the guides, another light source radiating light reflected from the thick of the finger, a switch which is depressed by the forward end of the finger, a further light source emitting light transmitted through the forward end of the finger, and a light-sensor receiving the light from the further light source through the finger.

Abstract: A planar fingerprint pattern detecting array includes a large number of individual skin-distance sensing cells that are arranged in a row/column configuration. Each sensing cell includes an amplifier having an ungrounded input mode and an ungrounded output node. Output-to-input negative feedback that is sensitive to the fingerprint pattern is provided for each amplifier by way of (1) a first capacitor plate that is placed vertically under the upper surface of a dielectric layer and is connected to the ungrounded amplifier input node, (2) a second capacitor plate that is placed vertically under the upper surface of the dielectric layer in close horizontal spatial relation to the first capacitor plate and is connected to the ungrounded output node, and (3) an ungrounded fingertip whose fingerprint pattern is to be detected, which ungrounded fingertip is placed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer in close vertical spatial relation with the first and second capacitor plates.

Abstract: A biometrical feature inputting apparatus includes a 1-dimensional or quasi 1-dimensional image sensor. When a finger and the image sensor are relatively slid, a finger sliding guide keeps a finger and an effective pixel unit of the image sensor to a constant distance without any contact between them. An image processing section sequentially generates partial images by imaging emission light that is scattered inside the finger and then emitted from a skin surface of the finger by the image sensor during the relative motion of the finger and the image sensor and link the partial images to an image.

Abstract: An identification apparatus that keeps the conditions for imaging uniform among successive identifications and requires a user to perform only a series of simple maneuvers. An identification apparatus comprising a guide member, a light source, and an imaging unit. The guide member includes a pattern or a structure that inspires a user to position his/her finger thereon or to approach his/her specific finger region thereto. A contact member such as a button switch is preferably located at a position in the guide member at which a fingertip is to be positioned. An optical opening is formed at a position coincident with a position at which a portion of a finger to be imaged for identification should be placed. The light source radiates near-infrared light through the portion of the finger to be imaged. The imaging means acquires an image of the finger, and the apparatus compares the image to previously registered images.

Abstract: A security hood assembly for a holster includes a hood that is movably supported in association with a holster body so that the hood extends over a portion of a holstered handgun or other service item when the hood in a closed position, to prevent unauthorized removal of the service item. A lever may be operably coupled to the hood for driving the hood toward an open position, to allow the service item to be removed from the holster. In some embodiments, a latch mechanism releasably engages when the hood is in the closed position to prevent the hood from being opened through direct manipulation of the hood. The hood is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as injection molded plastic. Holsters including the security hood assembly may also include internal retention devices, hood biasing mechanisms, and electronic devices responsive to opening of the hood.

Abstract: A finger position sensing apparatus, typically used in a fingerprint sensing system, includes a position pickup plate disposed generally orthogonally with respect to an expected direction of movement of a finger and a plurality of position drive plates having different spacings from the position pickup plate to define plurality of position sensor gaps between respective position drive plates and the position pickup plate. The position drive plates are dimensioned and spaced from the position pickup plate to sense the bulk of a finger rather than fingerprint features.

Abstract: A finger placement detection unit 51 detects whether or not a finger is placed on a fingerprint sensor. A finger area detection unit 52 computes area of a finger placed on the fingerprint sensor based on the finger placement detection result for small divided regions of the fingerprint sensor. A finger position detection unit 53 computes a position of the finger on the fingerprint sensor based on the detection result in the finger placement detection unit for the small divided regions of the fingerprint sensor. A finger release detection unit 54 detects whether or not the finger placed on the fingerprint sensor is released and outputs the respective results to a control information generation unit 50. Based on the output results, the control information generation unit 50 generates control information such as accelerator control information, handle control information, brake control information, etc. and outputs it to a game program.

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to control electronic devices. When several of these finger motion and position sensors are aligned in different directions, finger motion over a two dimensional surface may be detected. This creates a finger controlled “mouse” computer input device. Motion of a finger along the surface of such sensors may allow a user to control the movement of an indicator on a display screen, and control a microprocessor device. Such techniques are particularly useful for small space constrained devices, such as cell phones, smart cards, music players, portable computers, personal digital accessories, and the like.

Abstract: A sensor which uses a plurality of partial fingerprint readers (imagers), and various computational algorithms, to detect changes in fingerprint images as a function of finger movement. The sensor can provide both finger motion information and fingerprint images. The sensor uses multiple partial fingerprint readers, arranged in different directions on a surface, to detect finger motion in two dimensions. The sensor can also detect the relative speed and direction of finger movement. Some sensor embodiments use deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based circuits, which can be inexpensively printed or formed on the surface of robust and flexible dielectric materials such as Kapton tape. The sensor also has textured surfaces to help guide the user. The sensor both small and robust, and is well suited for control applications for low-cost mass market microprocessor controlled devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, and other devices.

Abstract: A biometric access control and time and attendance system comprises an integrated network including one or more remote access devices in electronic communication with a computer database. Each remote access device comprises a silicon chip based system and preferably includes a biometric input device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), computer processing capabilities based on embedded system architecture with configurable system-on-chip (CSOC) technology, and an electrical output for controlling a door lock or the like. The use of CSOC architecture in lieu of conventional personal computer technology (e.g. mother boards, hard drives, video controllers and the like) allows for a more compact and cost efficient design. A plurality of remote access devices is configured for communication with a primary computer database wherein data corresponding to biometric samples for all authorized users is stored.

Abstract: A finger sensor may include a finger sensing integrated circuit (IC) having a finger sensing area, an IC carrier having a cavity receiving the finger sensing IC therein and having at least one beveled upper edge, and a frame surrounding at least a portion of an upper perimeter of the IC carrier and having at least one inclined surface corresponding to the at least one beveled upper edge of the IC carrier. The finger sensor may also include a biasing member for biasing the IC carrier into alignment within the frame. The biasing member may include at least one resilient body for biasing the IC carrier upward within the frame. In other embodiments, the finger sensor may include an IC carrier having a cavity receiving the finger sensing IC therein and having at least one laterally extending projection.

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.

Abstract: The present invention enables permanent biometric authentication without the risk of forgery or the like. The present invention enables living-tissue discrimination as well as biometric authentication. The roughness distribution pattern of deep-layer tissue of the skin covered with epidermal tissue is detected, thereby extracting a unique pattern of the living tissue. Then, biometric authentication is performed based upon the detected pattern. The roughness distribution pattern of the deep-layer tissue of the skin is optically detected using difference in optical properties between the epidermal tissue and the deep-layer tissue of the skin. In this case, long-wavelength light, e.g., near-infrared light is used as illumination light cast onto the skin tissue. A fork structure of a subcutaneous blood vessel is used as the portion which is to be detected, for example. The portion which is to be detected is determined based upon the structure of the fork structure.

Abstract: An input device with an optical scanner for use in capturing biometric images such as fingerprints. The user places the biometric image on the platen window. Movement of the platen window allows a scan head to scan the biometric image and capture a series of scan lines. The series of scan lines are combined together to form an image representative of the biometric image.

Abstract: A finger imaging system having a linear actuator, a pivot arm mounted to the linear actuator and an energy transducer mounted to the pivot arm is disclosed. The system may include an arcuate platen positioned to receive energy from the transducer. A finger may be placed on the platen, and the position of the transducer may be fixed at a first position relative to the length of the finger. The pivot arm may be moved in order to move the transducer along an arcuate path while maintaining the transducer at the first position relative to the length. As the transducer moves along the arcuate path, energy may be emitted from the transducer and reflected from the finger. The reflected energy may be detected and data corresponding to the amount of time between sending and receiving energy may be stored as data along with the linear and angular position of the transducer.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. A V-shaped groove is provided adjacent an operation panel, the V-shaped groove containing a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward. The V-shaped groove may contain a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: The organism authenticating apparatus 71 of this invention comprises a means that fixes the position of a hand or a finger of a hand, an infrared ray radiating means 97 that radiates infrared rays, an infrared ray image input means 91 that is placed at the opposite side of said hand or said finger of a hand with regard to said infrared ray radiating means, an organism recognizing means that recognizes that the organism is live, a processing means that processes data that are inputted by said infrared ray image input means so that it collates them with image data that are registered in advance and an output means that outputs the result of processing carried out by said processing means. By using this invention, it becomes possible to obtain a clear blood vessel pattern image by a compact size apparatus by using an infrared ray source and by capturing the passed-through infrared ray image of the organism, and it becomes possible by using an organism recognizing means to prevent false authentication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biometric authentication of an individual based on the unique characteristics of his hand, using a scanning unit of any size. The invention also relates to a system for use of said method.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel, a V-shaped groove is provided which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is located a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is located a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is located a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is located a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor package includes an LSI chip for reading a fingerprint, a substrate having an external connection terminal and to which the LSI chip is fixed, and a chip fixing mechanism for fixing the LSI chip in a state where the LSI chip is deformed so as to form a curved surface, provided between the LSI chip and the substrate.

Abstract: An identification apparatus that keeps the conditions for imaging uniform among successive identifications and requires a user to perform only a series of simple maneuvers. An identification apparatus comprising a guide member, a light source, and an imaging unit. The guide member includes a pattern or a structure that inspires a user to position his/her finger thereon or to approach his/her specific finger region thereto. A contact member such as a button switch is preferably located at a position in the guide member at which a fingertip is to be positioned. An optical opening is formed at a position coincident with a position at which a portion of a finger to be imaged for identification should be placed. The light source radiates near-infrared light through the portion of the finger to be imaged. The imaging means acquires an image of the finger, and the apparatus compares the image to previously registered images.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a biometric image such as a ten-print fingerprint impression is provided. The system and method can include a ten-print scanner having a platen and a finger guide coupled to the platen. The finger guide can be used to guide positioning a finger slap of four fingers at a time onto the platen. The ten-print scanner can also include at least four indicators that indicate an acceptable scan condition of each finger of a finger slap in response to a detected finger slap image.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A portable telephone and electronic device are provided. The portable telephone includes a casing having a first surface: a finger guide section that is provided in the first surface and guides a finger of a user to allow the finger to be placed so that a side portion of the finger faces the first surface; an illuminating section provided in the first surface so as to be adjacent to the finger guide section, the illuminating section being capable of radiating light of a predetermined wavelength that transmits through the placed finger; an imaging section provided in the casing so as to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the first surface with respect to a perpendicular direction, the imaging section being capable of imaging the light that has transmitted through the finger; and a control section that performs authentication of the user on the basis of an image obtained by the imaging.

Abstract: An optical module using a linear sensor for identifying images includes a circuit board, a linear sensor installed on the circuit board, a light source set installed on the circuit board, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first plane, a second plane paralleling the first plane, wherein a distance between the second plane and the circuit board is shorter than a distance between the first plane and the circuit board, a first total reflection plane between the first plane and the second plane, for totally reflecting light provided by the light source set, and a second total reflection plane between the first plane and the second plane, for totally reflecting reflected light of the first total reflection plane to the linear sensor.

Abstract: A card type device is mounted on a card slot of an electronic appliance. A transparent cylindrical-shaped roller is provided at an edge portion of a housing such that an outer peripheral plane of the roller is projected from the edge portion. A one-dimensional image sensor is provided inside the roller, which acquires one-dimensional fingerprint data of a finger of a user, and this fingerabuts against the outer peripheral plane of the roller. Since the finger abutting against the outer peripheral plane of the roller is moved, the roller is rotated, so that one-dimensional fingerprint data which are continuously acquired by the one-dimensional image sensor are synthesized with each other to produce fingerprint data as a two-dimensional image. The synthesized fingerprint data is transmitted to the electronic appliance which carries out fingerprint identification.

Abstract: For use in verifying the identity of a user, an identity verifier comprising an optical fingerprint sensor coupled to an ID (identification) card reader. In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fingerprint sensor includes a light source on a PCB assembly, a diffuser that receives light from the light source, a right angle prism that receives light from the diffuser, a collimating lens that receives light from the prism, a first mirror that receives light from the collimating lens, a second mirror that receives light from the first mirror, a third mirror that receives light from the second mirror, an imaging lens that receives light from the third mirror, and an image sensor on the same PCB assembly as the light source that receives light from the imaging lens.

Abstract: In a capacitive biometric sensor, in particular, a fingerprint sensor, to determine the maximum contrast that can actually be achieved in that application in the gray scale values, in particular, of a fingerprint (dynamic resolution of the sensor), at least one measurement point composed of a dielectric material is integrated above each of the sensor electrodes on a sensor array.

Abstract: A system including a mobile or portable fingerprint scanner and one or more docking stations adapted to operatively receive the scanner. The scanner can be hand carried to various locations for obtaining fingerprint images and other information such as images from bar code scanning. The scanner is battery operated and has the capacity of storing a number of such images. The docking station is in the form of a receptacle into which the scanner is inserted after obtaining one or more images. While the scanner is operatively received in the docking station, the image(s) stored in the scanner are downloaded via a connection to a personal computer or the like, the scanner battery is recharged and the docking station performs various diagnostic operations on the scanner before it is withdrawn from the docking station for further use.

Abstract: The software according to the invention incorporates a glossary management tool that makes it easy for each client to customize terminology to the needs of a particular business. With this tool, termed a glossary manager, a company can customize a number of feature names in the system to provide a more familiar context for their users. A system administrator can also customize the manner in which “thumbnail” or “preview” images are presented. The system performs clustering on search queries, and searches media records multi-modally, using two or more approaches such as image searching and text searching. An administrator can tune search parameters. Two or more streams of metadata may be aligned and correlated with a media file, facilitating later searching. The system evaluates itself. It folds popularity information into rankings of search results.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product is provided that controls platen movement during a live scan. The platen moves in response to finger movement. The present invention then applies a counter force that counters the platen movement. In one embodiment, the counter force has a magnitude which is a function of the speed of the platen movement. The platen can move in a lateral direction (right or left) in response to the finger. The direction in which the counter force is applied is a direction that counters the platen movement in a determined direction. In one example, the force is applied through a motor that drives the platen in a direction opposite the direction of movement caused by the finger or fingers during the live scan. In this way, the counter force which is applied helps prevent a user from moving a finger too rapidly during the live scan. As a result, a high-quality fingerprint image can be obtained with less training and experience in live scan fingerprinting.

Abstract: A carrier for a sweep-type fingerprint sensor and a method of operation are disclosed. The carrier has a recess for receiving and mounting the fingerprint sensor and one or more tactile elements for assisting the user in positioning a finger, and in correctly moving the finger across the sensor being read. In one embodiment the tactile element consists of an oval ridge, or a portion thereof, defining a major axis which is lies in the sweep direction. The tip of the finger is initially positioned in the arcuate portion of the oval ridge and is moved across the sensor, generally along the axis of the oval. The side walls of the ridge assist the user in correctly moving the finger across the sensor.

Abstract: A data terminal is composed a main body provided with a fingerprint-reading apparatus and a main cover provided with a display. The main cover shields the fingerprint-reading apparatus when the data terminal is not used, and opens to expose the display bringing a side thereof into contact with the main body when the data terminal is used. The fingerprint-reading apparatus is composed of a fingerprint-reading portion on which a finger print is read in a state that a finger is put thereon, a cover for closing the fingerprint-reading portion and a plate on which a user puts his finger to open the cover. The plate is formed of conductive material, and connected with the ground. When the user opens the cover, he puts his finger on the plate, and static electricity stored on his finger is conducted to the ground.

Abstract: A fingerprint verification device includes a fingerprint sensor including an imaging surface. The fingerprint sensor is configured to capture images of a user's finger when the finger is swiped against the imaging surface. A memory stores fingerprint data. A controller compares minutiae in the captured images with the stored fingerprint data to verify the user's identity. The controller is configured to determine whether the finger is a real human finger based on the spacing of minutiae in the captured images.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device and recognition system includes a capacitive array of sense elements. A plurality of images is combined to form a composite image having an area that is greater than the area of a single captured image. The sensing device also features a spacer or spacers to allow for a reproducible sensing of the same fingerprint. Optionally, the spacer or spacers include a roller or rollers, which further optionally in conjunction with a monitoring device for determining motion of a surface being imaged device. Also optionally, th sensing devices includes a guiding channel as to allow for a well defined motion of the biological surface to be imaged. A method for sensing a biological surface using the fingerprint sensing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data reader constrains a human body region of an examinee in a readout position upon inflation of balloon members. The data reader can safely and reliably constrains the human body region, which is not uniform in outer profile, with a simple structure, and read biological data from the constrained human body region. The data reader is capable of reading biological data from the constrained human body region even when the examinee is not cooperative.

Abstract: A system and method for sending a packet with a position address and line scan data from a first device over a 1394 interface to a second device. The present invention loads a camera, an illuminator, and a microprocessor with set-up instructions and a start pulse. The camera captures a line-by-line image of an object placed on the surface of a sliding prism. Position data, corresponding to the captured line-by-line image, is logged as the position address. The position address is combined with the line-by-line image to form a packet. The packet is sent to the second device for processing and viewing the image.

Abstract: A guide can provide proper registration of an object such as a hand above a scanner device for imaging. The guide can include windows or slits so that the scanner device can produce an image such as a finger or palm in a natural state rather than being pressed against, for example, a flat surface such as glass. Thus, registration of a palm and/or a finger in the guide can be used to produce non-distorted high quality images of biometric patterns in their natural 3-dimensional state.

Abstract: The enclosure assembly comprises a stationary member including at least two substantially parallel sidewalls, the sidewalls, the sidewalls partially defining a cavity in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed. An access piece, configured to move relative to the stationary member, has a surface area larger than the surface area of the fingerprint sensor and further includes a conductive portion electrically coupled to ground. A movement apparatus is preferably mechanically coupled to the stationary member and the moveable access piece. The movement apparatus is configured to maintain the moveable access piece in a position covering the fingerprint sensor and yet to allow motion of the moveable access piece relative to the stationary member so as to expose the fingerprint sensor. According to another embodiment, a method for enrolling a composite image of an object using a fingerprint sensor is provided.