Importance

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Abstract

The invention is concerned with apparatus for use in a fingerprint imaging system, of the type comprising a light source; a fingerprint testing station for producing and transmitting an image of a fingerprint reflected off a fingertip; a first lens positionable for receiving light from the fingerprint testing station and for producing an image of the fingerprint; aid a CCD camera positionable in a first optical path which includes the fingerprint testing station and the first lens and which is capable of converting the fingerprint image into an electrical signal. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus further includes a second lens capable of receiving miscellaneous images of objects viewable from the vicinity of the apparatus which are displaced from the fingerprint testing station, and mechanism for selectively providing a further optical path including the second lens and the CCD camera while interrupting the first optical path. This allows the CCD camera to be used selectively for imaging the objects as well as for imaging fingerprints.

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First Claim