Abstract: A fingerprint identification system includes a scanner, a memory for storing data representative of fingerprints received from the scanner, means for comparing newly received data to reference data, and means for determining the degree of distortion and misregistration present in the new data relative to the reference data. The new data and the reference data are stored in arrays. The arrays are compared by a method which includes dividing the reference array into sub-arrays and comparing the elements of each sub-array with the elements of a number of sub-arrays of the new data array. This technique allows the reference array to be stretched and/or compressed to account for distortion and/or misregistration in the new data array. Apparatus designed to insure nominal finger registration and to protect the optical surface of the scanner from dirt, grease and other contamination is also provided.

Abstract: A photogrammetric plotter having a photocarriage which is supported on a trolley carried by a first set of way bars which in turn are supported from the trolley element on a second set of way bars mounted on a base for viewing by binocular optical system of a pair of stereo photos on a pair of photo carriers on the photocarriage. A constraint free drive apparatus is provided for driving the photocarriage along each of the set of way bars each of constraint free drive apparatus including a drive rod supported, in a preferred embodiment on the trolley supporting the photocarriage, and at only one end of the drive rod is displaceable in a direction transverse of the longitudinal axis of the drive rod but not displaceable axially of the drive rod. A drive assembly constituted by V drive wheel and a servo motor driving the drive wheel engage the drive rod, and a clutch means constituted by a spring-solenoid controlled cam member permit the rapid engagement and disengagement of the drive rod with the drive wheel.