The solution: Smith advocates an optical scan system where voters fill out a paper ballot that's subsequently scanned to create a digital vote.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Nokia has filed a patent for an optical messaging system that can generate symbols and Morse Code, as well as decipher the information on the receiving end.

ENGADGET: Nokia files patent for Morse Code-generating cellphone

Researchers at Nippon Hoso Kyokai are working with engineers at the Science and Technical Research Laboratories (STRL) to create an "optical disc recording system based on consumer Blu-ray disc technology that can spin as fast as 15, 000 RPM" without worry of a disc experiencing a complete meltdown and shattering within the drive.

ENGADGET: NHK's 15k RPM optical disc recording system utilizes Blu-ray technology

Chances, are, however, you keep a backup copy of your operating system on an optical disc in the desk drawer, just in case.

FORBES: Apple Just Killed The Optical Drive

The Z80 features a 3X optical zoom, face detection and an intelligent focusing system that locks in the correct focus, while the Z200 rocks a 4X optical zoom and wide angle lens -- down to 28mm.

ENGADGET: Casio intros a handful of new compact cams that play nice with iTunes

An optical digital cable is a nice bonus if the PS3 owner has his or her system connected to a home theater and wants to take full advantage of its HD surround sound capabilities.

CNN: What should I get for my family's PS3?

In a conventional optical system, light rays enter through a lens and converge at a point to form an image.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR

The live system of an SSD-powered Modbook Pro operates without any moving parts (aside from its base system's optical drive), dramatically decreasing the chances for data corruption or loss.

ENGADGET: Modbook Pro to launch with SSD storage, up for pre-order October 3rd

Initially she worked on an alternative the company was developing to the canceled Sergeant York system, and then became program director for electro-optical systems.

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