Abstract: A computer system and method determines the force and/or torque applied during the image acquisition stage of a biometric characteristic. Images with very high or very low pressure or high shear torque are rejected and user/operator is notified to re-acquire the image. Alternatively, the application of force and torque by the subject is restricted mechanically so that the images are acquired while the force and/or torque are within acceptable ranges.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical pointing device, such as those used to control devices such as televisions, VCRs, video games and computers, which have improved accuracy and lower sensitivity to detrimental effects, such as noise and user hand unsteadiness, than prior art devices. Such pointing devices emit light beams, such as infrared light, which when received by a receiver are used to position cursors or other symbolic shapes, such as sliding volume controls. An advantage of the pointing device of the invention is that light emitting diodes of conventional manufacture, known to have poor optical precision and hence variable angular emission profiles, may nevertheless be used in the pointing device of the invention.

Abstract: A system for producing a two-dimensional multiple line display by scanning a single source or a plurality of linearly arrayed sources with a first rotating or nutating reflective element to reflect the single source or the plurality of independent sources across a screen to produce a display consisting of a single line array in the case of a single source or a band of lines in the case of a plurality of sources. A second rotating or nutating reflective element is employed to reflect the display on the screen to produce a two-dimensional multiple line image of the single line display or a two-dimensional multiple band array of the band of lines.