Abstract: A mouse system (100) for authenticating a user and providing access to a computer (212) includes a pointing device and card reader (106) which share a computer interface port (222) of the computer (212). User information is read off the card (104), converted to pointing device codes, and provided to the computer (212). The computer reconverts the pointing device codes to user information to deny or grant access. The card reader (106) is capable of reading commercially available smart cards, credit cards, and other media having user information electronically stored on the card (104).

Abstract: A display system (10) collects data generated by a plurality of sensors (12) and performs an image process (24) to graphically present the sensor data on a display (16). The sensor data may be characterized by gap periods (52) during which the data are unavailable. A compress process (30) evaluates raw sensor data (26) and forms a compressed table (32) from which time-lines (56) for each sensor (12) may be drawn. A draw process (34) and a decompress process (36) draw collinear line segments (54) separated by gaps (52) for selected sensors (12). A time-line window (64) may be overlaid on the graphic image data.

Abstract: Isolation amplifier circuitry for driving inductive as well as resistive ds in an interchangeable circuit design. The device comprises a differential amplifier having both A.C. and D.C. feedback paths when used in both modes of operation with a capability of programmable gain.