Mathematical Digest

"Retailers test paying by fingerprint," by Lorrie Grant. USA Today, 29 July 2002.

Some stores have implemented an identification system--based on patternrecognition--in which customers volunteer to have their fingerprints scanned bya special machine that enters their unique ID into a database, which in turnlinks each person's fingerprints to his or her driver's license, store card,and credit or debit card used for purchasing merchandise. "Biometric access, asthe process is called, might have a Big Brother feeling, but it is expected tospeed customer checkout and cut identify fraud."

--- Annette Emerson