Narrow array capacitive fingerprint imager

A scanning fingerprint detection system, which comprises:

• an array of capacitive sensing elements, said array having a, first dimension about the width of a fingerprint and second dimension less than the length of a fingerprint;
• means, including a member proximate said array and physically rotated by movement of a finger concurrently over both said array and said member, for measuring the speed of finger movement over said array;
• and
• means for scanning said array at a rate determined by said speed of said movement of said finger to capture an image of a portion of a fingerprint.

A fingerprint detection system, which comprises:

• an array of capacitive sensing elements, said array having a first dimension about the width of a fingerprint and second dimension less than the length of a fingerprint;
• a scan control unit coupled to said array;
• output logic coupled to said array;
• and,
• a mouse device positioned adjacent said array in the path of finger movement over said array and including a member physically rotated by movement of a finger concurrently over both said array and said member, said mouse device being coupled to said scan control unit and said output logic.