1. A system comprising: one or more computer processors configured to: receive from an image sensing device a digital image of a human hand; receive from a range sensing device range data relating a distance from the range sensing device to a plurality of points on the human hand; use the range data to generate a range map of the human hand; normalize a pose of the image of the human hand using the range data and the image; extract one or more features of the hand from the normalized pose; and store the extracted features into a computer storage medium; wherein the one or more computer processors are configured to normalize the pose of the image of the human hand by: accounting for a tilt of the human hand with respect to a plane of the image sensing device; translating and rotating the palm and fingers of the human hand such that the palm and fingers are parallel to the plane of the image sensing device; and minimizing a bend of the fingers such that the fingers are in an extended position.