Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for digitizing an analog waveform and compressing the digitized information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for verifying the identity of a person by establishing and storing a standard vector for said person based upon predetermined characteristics derived from a number of handwriting samples, and then comparing said standard with a vector derived from a corresponding sample of handwriting provided by said person at the time the identity of said person is to be verified. Derivation of the vector is accomplished by digitizing an analog waveform representing forces generated by writing, compressing the digitized information, extracting Haar coefficients and directly observable features from the compressed digital information, and deriving a vector from said Haar coefficients and said directly observable features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correction of null or zero reference offset error occurring in a measuring or transducing device by reason of temperature change, component ageing or other effects. A system including an appropriately programmed microcomputer, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter and an operational amplifier provides a closed feedback correction loop, controlled by the microcomputer, which can maintain the zero adjustment of an analog transducer and amplifier circuitry over an indefinite period of time.

Abstract: The thermal printer system is comprised of a means for generating heated air and a means for controlling the application of the heated air to a thermally sensitive recording medium. In an embodyment of the invention there is provided a means for ionizing a column of gas and a means for attracting or repelling the ionized column of gas along a desired path in response to a control signal. Interposed along the desired path is a means for heating the gas and a thermally sensitive recording medium positioned to intercept the column of heated gas such that a record is made on the recording medium which record is a function of the control signal.