Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating system for an educational facility that is capable of improving classroom management by enabling automated student monitoring, attendance recording, and behaviour tracking, thereby assisting educators in organizing seating arrangements and maintaining discipline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In educational facilities, the seating arrangement and monitoring of students play a crucial role in maintaining discipline, ensuring effective learning, and optimizing supervision. Proper seating helps the supervisor keep track of students’ attendance, focus, and behavior during classes and examinations. With growing student populations and diverse needs, there is an increasing demand for seating systems that not only provide comfort but also support efficient management of students, improve engagement, and prevent misconduct or health issues within the classroom environment.

[0003] Traditionally, educational seating systems consist of simple desks and chairs arranged in rows or clusters. Attendance is often recorded manually, leading to errors and time consumption, while monitoring students’ behavior and focus is primarily done by supervisors visually. These methods are prone to inaccuracies and delays in detecting absenteeism, inattentiveness, or misconduct. Furthermore, conventional seating lacks adaptability to students’ individual requirements, such as varying heights or special needs, and offers no automated feedback to students or supervisors. In exam settings, physical barriers are minimal or absent, increasing the risk of cheating, and no automated system exists to detect such behavior effectively. Additionally, there is limited support for personalized study assistance within traditional classrooms, such as adjusting seating based on student comfort or displaying study materials tailored to individual needs.

[0004] CN112116507A discloses a an education integration management system, which comprises: the educational administration management module is used for managing information of all departments of the educational administration; the network teaching management module is used for supervising and managing network teaching processes, teaching contents, teacher teaching processes, student learning conditions and the like; the personnel management module is used for carrying out centralized management on basic information of organizations and workers, teaching and worker files, personnel contracts, personnel changes, attendance checking, examination reward and punishment, training progress and maintenance, comprehensive query and the like; the job recruitment and employment management module is used for performing job recruitment flow information management on students and job recruitment flow information management on teaching staff; the teaching material management module is used for managing the teaching material information of students and teachers; the education facility management module is used for managing the information of the education facilities; the financial information management module manages the financial information; the authority management module is used for configuring different account information and authority information according to different identities of the user; and the education management center service platform comprehensively manages the modules.

[0005] CN112330289B discloses an intelligent seat arranging method based on a conference system, which comprises the following steps: step 1: receiving an operation instruction of selecting a meeting place template by a user, thereby obtaining the meeting place template selected by the user; step 2: acquiring the number of the participants and the number of the participants, and primarily sequencing the personnel seats of the participants according to a first ranking rule; step 3: distributing an area, and arranging seats of all personnel of each participant in the corresponding distributed area according to a second ranking rule; step 4: and (3) receiving whether a user needs to carry out a seat arrangement adjustment instruction, if so, receiving seat arrangement adjustment operation of the user and responding to the seat arrangement adjustment operation, so as to obtain a final meeting place seat arrangement template, and if not, taking the seat arrangement obtained in the step (3) as the final meeting place seat arrangement template. The invention can rapidly arrange the participants on the proper seats and guide the participants to rapidly find the positions of the participants, and can recommend meeting places meeting the requirements of users.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed to manage student attendance, seating arrangements, and behavioral monitoring in educational environments. However, these existing systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to lacking accurate biometric verification, behavior tracking, adaptive learning assistance, and health monitoring capabilities and providing instant alerts for ensuring discipline and personalized assistance.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of automatically managing seating arrangements based on student-specific data, accurately recording and verifying attendance, detecting behavioral issues, and supporting real-time interaction between students and supervisors to enhance classroom engagement and administrative efficiency.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that enables supervisors to automatically plan and manage student placement based on classroom visibility and individual student characteristics.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that provides accurate, automated recording and verification of student attendance, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency in tracking student presence.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that allows real-time observation of student behavior and attention levels, helping supervisors respond quickly to misconduct, or lack of engagement during sessions.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that minimizes cheating during examinations by detects irregular behavior and changing seating for timely supervisor alerts and interventions.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that support early identification of health issues or learning difficulties by monitoring student well-being and study patterns, ensuring prompt action by educational staff.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to a seating system for an educational facility that assists in streamlining classroom supervision by simplifying keeping track of students, providing guidance, and support during regular sessions and examination, providing an enhanced educational experience.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a seating system for an educational facility is disclosed, comprising of an array of desks providing working surfaces and chairs providing seating surfaces arranged in a room to accommodate multiple students, the system includes a user interface installed with a computing unit accessible by a supervisor to input biodata of students, including their heights, which is used by a planning module to generate an ideal seating arrangement for optimal supervision, each chair is equipped with an RFID reader to read unique identifiers associated with students to mark attendance, complemented by a fingerprint biometric sensor embedded in the chair for attendance verification, and a lighting element provides visual feedback regarding recorded attendance, the system detects seat changes through different UID readings and alerts the supervisor via the user interface using a communication module connecting readers and the interface, a camera with an integrated processor is installed on each desk to continuously capture student images for focus determination and unruly behaviour detection.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of a vibration unit in the chair provides alerts to students lacking focus, while supervisors are notified if alerts are ignored, a facial analysis module analyses expressions to identify discomfort in reading study material, triggering a projection unit on the desk to display the study material, which is recorded by an articulated imaging unit and stored in a memory unit for later review, an exam module randomizes seating arrangements to reduce cheating, and an expandable barrier with a drawer arrangement provides an enclosed space during exams, where synchronized camera and microphone detect cheating and notify supervisors, a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) health sensor in the chair monitors student health parameters in synchronization with the camera to alert supervisors of any suboptimal conditions, thereby providing a comprehensive, technology-enabled classroom seating solution.

[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a seating system for an educational facility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0023] The present invention relates to a seating system for an educational facility that is developed for enhancing learning environments by offering a structured approach for managing students’ placement and interaction within classrooms without manual intervention.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a seating system for an educational facility is illustrated, comprises of a desk 101 mounted on the floor surface forming a fixed workstation structure, a chair 102 positioned in front of the desk, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 103 embedded into each chair’s structure, a fingerprint sensor 104 integrated within the seat, a camera 105 attached to the upper section of the desk, a microphone 106 positioned on the desktop surface, a projection unit 107 mounted onto or within the desk 101 body, an expandable barrier 108 attached mechanically to the front and sides of the desk 101 body, a drawer arrangement 109 installed within the expandable barrier 108 structure, and an imaging unit 110 installed in an articulated mount on the desk.

[0025] The present invention includes a system that comprises desks and chairs arranged in an array within a classroom. Each desk 101 provides a working surface, and each chair 102 offers a seating surface for students. The system is connected to a user interface, that is accessible via a computing unit, allows a supervisor to input student biodata, including heights.

[0026] The user interface is inbuilt in the supervisor’s computing unit is wirelessly connected to the system and enable the user to provide input commands for controlling the system’s functions. The supervisor interacts with the interface through a touch screen, keyboard, or other input methods available on the computing unit. The computing unit transmits the supervisor’s commands to an inbuilt microcontroller through a communication module such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0027] The communication module facilitates data exchange between computing unit and microcontroller by encoding and sending information over various channels, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, or cellular networks. The communication module, such as a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) module connects to the microcontroller to wirelessly transfer data to the computing unit, like a smartphone or server, over a Wi-Fi network. The microcontroller sends the data via the Wi-Fi module to a remote server using standard communication protocols (such as HTTP or MQTT). The computing unit then processes the data and sends an alert to the supervisor regarding real-time conditions.

[0028] A planning module utilizes this data to generate an ideal seating arrangement in accordance with the heights of the students for optimizing the supervisor's view and accommodating individual student needs. The module calculates the optimal arrangement by applying a sorting function to the height data and mapping students to available desk 101 and chair 102 coordinates in the classroom layout. Once the plan is finalized, it is displayed on the supervisor’s computing unit through the user interface, enabling visualization and adjustment if necessary.

[0029] A reader 103 installed with each of the chairs, to read an UID (unique identifier) associated with each of the students The reader 103 is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 103 to detect a student's UID and mark attendance accordingly. The RFID reader 103 operates based on Radio Frequency Identification, which uses radio waves to identify and track tags attached to objects. Each student carries an RFID tag embedded in an ID card, which contains a unique identifier linked to their profile in a cloud database.

[0030] When the student sits on the chair, the RFID tag comes within the detection range of the reader. The reader 103 emits a low-power radio frequency signal that activates the tag. Once activated, the tag transmits its stored UID back to the reader 103 using modulated radio waves. The reader 103 then captures this UID and sends it to the microcontroller through the communication module. The system cross-verifies the UID with stored records and automatically marks the student as present. If the same UID is detected in another seat during the day, the system identifies it as a seat change, triggering an alert via the user interface to notify the supervisor.

[0031] Additionally, a biometric sensor embedded in the chair 102 verifies attendance by capturing biometric data. The biometric sensor used herein is a fingerprint sensor 104. When a student sits on the chair, they are prompted to place their finger on the fingerprint sensor 104, which uses optical means to capture the fingerprint image. The sensor scans the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint and converts the physical pattern into a digital biometric template. This captured fingerprint data is then sent to the microcontroller, where it is compared with pre-stored biometric templates associated with each student. If the fingerprint matches the stored data for the UID already detected by the RFID reader, the system confirms the student's identity and marks the attendance as verified.

[0032] A lighting element installed with the provides visual feedback to the student regarding recorded attendance. The lighting element is an LED (light emitting diode) embedded in a visible location on the chair.

[0033] Once the student’s UID is successfully read by the RFID reader 103 and biometric verification is complete, the microcontroller sends a signal to activate the lighting element. If the attendance is recorded successfully, the light glows in a specific color, such as green, to indicate confirmation. In case of an error, such as a mismatch in biometric data or an unrecognized UID, the light may glow red or blink, prompting the student to try again or alerting the supervisor to intervene. The system detects any change in UID during the day, indicating a seat change, and alerts the supervisor via the user interface.

[0034] A camera 105, integrated with a processor and installed on each desk, continuously captures images of students to assess focus levels. The camera 105 integrated with the processor works by continuously capturing real-time images or video streams of the student seated at the desk. These visual inputs are transmitted to the processor, which uses image analysis protocols to assess indicators of attention and focus. The microcontroller analyzes factors such as eye direction, head orientation, blinking rate, and body posture. For example, if the student frequently looks away from the desk, slouches, or closes their eyes for extended periods, the processor interprets these patterns as signs of reduced focus.

[0035] If a lack of focus is detected, a vibration unit integrated into the chair 102 provides a subtle alert to the student. The vibration unit integrated into the chair 102 works by using a small electric motor equipped with an off-center weight, known as an eccentric rotating mass (ERM). Upon receiving this signal, the motor is powered, causing the off-center weight to rotate or oscillate rapidly.

[0036] This motion creates a low-level vibration that is transmitted through the chair 102 for reminding them to refocus without distracting others nearby. Even if the student ignores the alert, the supervisor is notified through the user interface. The camera 105 also identifies instances of unruly behavior, prompting an immediate alert to the supervisor.

[0037] A facial analysis module configured with the processor analyzes students' facial expressions to detect discomfort while reading study material. The captured facial data is processed by the module, which uses image processing and pattern recognition protocols to analyse key facial features such as eye movement, eyebrow position, mouth shape, and overall facial muscle tension. By comparing these features to known expressions associated with discomfort such as frowning, squinting, or grimacing, the module can accurately detect when a student is experiencing difficulty or discomfort while reading. This real-time analysis allows the system to identify students who may need additional support or alternative presentation of study materials.

[0038] If discomfort is identified, a projection unit 107 mounted on the desk 101 displays the study material directly onto the desk, facilitating comfortable reading. The projection unit 107 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. The projection unit 107 consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a holographic screen or projection surface. The projection unit 107 projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives. In an educational setting, this allows the students to view complex experimental setups, models, or simulations in three dimensions. By interacting with the holographic projections, students are able to better understand spatial relationships, experiment processes, and visualize scientific concepts that are otherwise difficult to demonstrate physically.

[0039] An imaging unit 110 is installed on the desk 101 in an articulated manner to record the study material provided by the supervisor, and the capture the content to store in a memory unit for student review. The imaging unit 110 includes a camera 105 mounted on an adjustable arm, allowing it to be positioned easily for optimal capture of study material. This imaging unit 110 captures high-resolution images of the study material that the supervisor provides, such as notes, diagrams, or presentations displayed on or near the desk.

[0040] The articulated mount enables the camera 105 to move or tilt to focus precisely on different parts of the material. Once captured, the imaging unit 110 sends the recorded content to an internal memory unit or storage system, where it is saved for later access by the student. This allows students to review the study material at their own pace, enhancing their understanding and retention. The imaging unit 110 works in synchronization with the projection unit 107 for enabling real-time display of the captured content on the student’s desk 101 for immediate reference.

[0041] In examination mode, the system randomizes seating arrangements to minimize cheating. An expandable barrier 108 installed along the front and lateral edges of each desk 101 provides an enclosed space for the student. The barrier 108 includes a drawer arrangement 109 for storing personal items.

[0042] The expandable barrier 108 is designed with movable panels or sections along the front and sides of the desk 101 that can slide or fold outwards to create an enclosed space around the student. This drawer arrangement 109 works using sliding tracks for allowing the barrier 108 to extend when needed and retract back when not in use. When the exam mode is activated by the microcontroller, it triggers the barrier 108 to expand smoothly, enclosing the front and lateral edges of the desk 101 to limit the student's view and interaction with neighbours, thereby reducing the chance of cheating. The drawer arrangement 109 is integrated within the barrier 108 structure, allowing the student to store personal items securely within the enclosed area.

[0043] The camera 105, in synchronization with a microphone 106 mounted on the desk, detects instances of cheating and alerts the supervisor via the user interface. A microphone 106 embedded in the table listens for any subtle sounds or whispers that may indicate students are sharing answers or engaging in other cheating behaviours during an exam.

[0044] The microphone 106 uses a small diaphragm that vibrates when sound waves hit it, creating corresponding electrical variations. These electrical signals are then processed by the system’s audio processing unit, which analyses the sounds to detect patterns or frequencies associated with cheating, such as whispered conversations or unusual noises during an exam. In synchronization with the camera 105, the microphone 106 helps monitor the exam environment more effectively by capturing audio evidence of potential misconduct. When suspicious sounds are detected, the system alerts the supervisor via the user interface, enabling timely intervention to maintain exam integrity.

[0045] A health sensor, installed in each chair 102 to monitor students' health parameters. The health sensor used herein is preferably a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor. The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor works by using a special type of optical fiber that has a periodic variation in its refractive index, called a grating, inscribed along its length. When light is sent through the fiber, a specific wavelength of light is reflected back by this grating, while other wavelengths pass through.

[0046] The reflected wavelength depends on the spacing of the grating, which changes in response to physical effects such as strain, temperature, or pressure. As the student’s body moves or pulses, the strain or pressure on the fiber changes, altering the reflected wavelength. These changes are measured and analysed to monitor the health status of the student in real-time, providing accurate, non-invasive sensing suitable for continuous health monitoring within the seating system. In synchronization with the camera 105, the sensor detects suboptimal health conditions and alerts the supervisor through the user interface, ensuring timely intervention.

[0047] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0048] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the desk 101 and the chair 102 as disclosed in the invention is provided for each student, and an array of the desks and chairs is organized to accommodate multiple students. The user interface, installed with the computing unit accessed by the supervisor, allows input of student biodata, including height, which the planning module uses to generate an optimal seating arrangement for supervision. Each chair 102 includes the RFID reader 103 to read the student’s UID for attendance and the fingerprint sensor 104 to verify identity. The lighting element provides visual confirmation of recorded attendance. If a different UID is detected during the day, an alert is sent via the user interface. The communication module enables data exchange between the chairs and the user interface. The desk 101 includes the camera 105 linked to the processor to monitor focus. If the student is inattentive, the vibration unit provides feedback. If ignored, the supervisor is alerted. The camera 105 also detects unruly behavior and notifies the supervisor. The facial analysis module identifies discomfort, prompting the projection unit 107 to display study material captured by the articulated imaging unit 110, which is saved in the memory unit. In exam mode, the seating is randomized by the exam module, and the expandable barrier 108 with a drawer arrangement 109 is deployed. The camera 105 and microphone 106 work together to detect cheating. The FBG health sensor in the chair 102 monitors student health and alerts the supervisor if any abnormality is detected.

[0049] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A seating system for an educational facility, comprising:

i) a desk 101 to provide a working surface to a student, with an array of the desks arranged in a room of an education facility for accommodating a plurality of students;
ii) a chair 102 to provide a seating surface to the student, with an array of the chairs arranged in the room of the education facility for accommodating the plurality of students;
iii) a user interface to enable a supervisor to input biodata of the students, to cause a planning module configured with the user interface to output an ideal seating arrangement of the students for an optimal view of the supervisor;
iv) a reader 103 installed with each of the chairs, to read an UID (unique identifier) associated with each of the students and accordingly mark an attendance of the student;
v) a biometric sensor embedded in each of the chairs, to receive a biometric data of the student to verify the attendance of the student;
vi) a camera 105 configured with a processor, is installed with the desk 101 to continuously capture images of the student to determine lack of focus;
vii) a vibration unit integrated with the chair 102 to provide vibrational alert to the student detected by the camera 105 to be lacking focus;
viii) a facial analysis module configured with the processor, analyses facial expressions of the student to determine the student displaying discomfort in reading study material;
ix) a projection unit 107 mounted on the desk 101 is actuated to display study material provided by the supervisor onto the desk 101 of student displaying said discomfort, for a convenient studying;
x) an exam module configured with the user interface randomises the seating arrangement to reduce cheating during examination in an exam mode;
xi) an expandable barrier 108 installed along front and lateral edges of the desk 101 to provide an enclosed space to the student in the exam mode; and
xii) a health sensor installed with the chair, in synchronisation with the camera 105, detects health parameters of the student to alert the supervisor via the user interface if suboptimal health parameters are detected.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit accessed by the supervisor.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reader 103 is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to read an RFID based UID tag of the student.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor is a fingerprint sensor 104.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lighting element is installed with the chair, actuated to provide visual feedback to the student regarding a recorded attendance.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reader 103 detects a different UID during the course of the day to determine the student changing their seat, to push an alert via the user interface regarding the seat change of the student.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a communication module is provided to establish communication between the readers and the user interface.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera 105 detects the student displaying unruly behaviour to alert the supervisor via the user interface regarding the detected unruly behaviour.
9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an imaging unit 110 is installed on the desk 101 in an articulated manner, records the study material provided by the supervisor for displaying via the projection unit 107.

10) The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the camera 105 in synchronisation with a microphone 106 mounted on the desk, detects for instances of cheating in the exam mode to accordingly alert the supervisor via the user interface.