Apparatus and instruments, namely, sensors for providing an image of fingerprints, palm prints, facial, iris, or other biometric characteristics in a form apt to be processed and compared with stored images, for performing biometric data acquisition, conversion and encoding to be processed by computer biometric software or biometric identification and authentication systems; Biometric checking and identification systems comprised of apparatus and instruments, namely, sensors for providing an image of fingerprints, palm prints, facial, iris or other biometric characteristics in a form apt to be processed and compared with stored images for automatic identification or recognition of persons, computers, databases, networking equipments and software for biometric data processing; Computer software for biometric systems for identification and authentication of persons; Computer software for interpreting fingerprints or palm prints or other biometric characteristics; Optical or capacitive sensors for capturing fingerprints or palm prints or other biometric characteristics; Card readers, biometric terminals, electric locks or devices for controlling access to buildings, services, apparatus or networks by checking fingerprints or palm prints or other biometric characteristics; Biometric authentication and identification information systems comprised of a sensor and a computer for image processing and matching for performing logical or physical access control for protection of accessed or transferred information and access to restricted areas