The aim of Group 5 via the Thumb-Thing project was to simultaneously increase security and convenience for both entry access and credit access for organizations.  Specifically, the system replaces the use of student ID cards on the Stevens Institute of Technology campus for the following systems: meals, duckbills, dormitory/building access, photocopies, and laundry.  However, the system is abstract enough to be adapted to the needs of most businesses and college campuses.  Ideally, a commercial version of a Thumb-Thing system would consist of a unit with a character LCD screen, keypad, and fingerprint scanner.  The unit would then connect to a clerk’s/cashier’s computer and also dial out (or be permanently connected) to an appropriate database.  The database could be local or remote for a building or campus and would contain access privileges to various facilities and/or money accounts. The group’s prototype unit consists of a fingerprint scanner (provided by Cross Match Technologies, Inc.), a PDA to act as a user interface, and a laptop computer which: houses the database, runs the comparison algorithm (for which the SDK was provided by Cross Match Technologies, Inc.), and simulates the application (i.e. cashier station, secure entrance through a door or to a building, etc.).  Project accomplishments included: a functioning physical system comprised of a PDA, a fingerprint scanner, and a laptop computer; a robust SQL database that can accommodate most applications of the Thumb-Thing product; and intuitive user interfaces that replace (and mimic where appropriate) current systems found at college campuses (specifically Stevens Institute of Technology), at retailers, and at buildings that employ entry security. Thanks to Cross Match Technologies, Inc. for donating the fingerprint scanner and matching algorithm SDK.