US Patent 7836308 Apparatus and method for multiple function authentication device

Apparatus and method for authentication is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for performing authentication using removeably coupled external authentication module comprises a module configured to receive the authentication module. The authentication module is configured to generate authentication information. The module may comprises an input unit configured to receive and couple the authentication module, and an output unit configured to receive the authentication information from the authentication module and to transmit the authentication information.