Abstract: A method of registering biometric data is disclosed wherein a registration profile is formed of those templates that have a likelihood of registering with the biometric data that is within predetermined limits. The profile is then compared against one or more other profiles to determine an individual most likely to have said profile. That individual is then identified. Optionally, the profile comparison is used in conjunction with a individual registration values formed by comparison between the biometric data and stored templates.

Abstract: A method of enhancing network security is provided for a communication session initiated between a first computer and a second other computer. From the first computer to the second computer in communications therewith a process for securing communications therebetween is transmitted. One such process is a biometric characterisation process for characterising fingerprints. The process is for execution on the second computer and is selected to be compatible therewith. Communications from the second computer to the first computer are secured using the transmitted process on the second computer and using, on the first computer, a compatible process to the transmitted process. The host computer can modify or replace the process or data particular to the process before each session, during a session, or at intervals.

Abstract: A method of providing secure user access for doorways and network computer systems is disclosed. An overall system security level is provided. A user provides biometric information that is compared against stored biometric information of each of a plurality of users to identify the individual. When the likelihood of a match is above the likelihood necessary for identification, the threshold for that user is increased. Optionally, a threshold for another user is lowered in order to maintain a same system security level. When biometric information provided to the system is consistent, the stored template is automatically updated.

Abstract: An optical imaging device such as a fingerprint imager has a prism or another light transmitting element, a light source for illuminating a finger placed on the prism, and a CCD image sensor for receiving a light beam reflected from the finger-contacted surface. A modified optical lens is used to focus and redirect the reflected light beam. The lens has a relatively small reflective coating in the middle of its back surface, the reflective coating constituting an optical iris. The modified lens is effective to partly correct for peripheral aberration, perspective distortion and depth-of-field image distortion of the device and gives rise to a compact design of the device.

Abstract: An optical imaging device such as a fingerprint imager is disclosed that has an optical modification to reduce perspective distortion in a read image. The optical modification is a contoured lens, a contoured platen recess, a contoured output port, or a contoured reflective surface that compensates for perspective distortion. The optical modification is provided by a complex optical surface and is distinct for a uniformly planar, spherical or cylindrical lens. In addition, a method for determining a perspective distortion correction is disclosed.