Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a biometric classroom management and attendance marking system that is designed to streamline and improve management of student attendance in a classroom using advanced artificial intelligence techniques, automatically marking students' attendance and further detects proxy attendance attempts and notify the teacher for appropriate action.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Monitoring student attendance is a critical component of effective classroom management. Consistent attendance is directly linked to student success, as it ensures that students are present to absorb the lessons, participate in discussions, and complete essential coursework. In many educational settings, tracking attendance is also a requirement for meeting institutional regulations and educational standards. Without accurate attendance records, teachers may struggle to identify students who are frequently absent or disengaged, making it difficult to provide timely interventions. Moreover, absenteeism can negatively affect a student's academic performance and overall development, leading to gaps in learning and a lack of engagement with the curriculum. Modern classroom environments, especially those incorporating technology, increasingly rely on automated systems to streamline attendance tracking, reducing the manual effort involved and increasing accuracy. With advanced systems, such as AI-based recognition modules, attendance can be marked automatically, saving time and minimizing human error. These systems can also detect patterns of absenteeism and send alerts to teachers or parents, helping to address attendance issues before they impact a student's academic performance. Additionally, monitoring student engagement during lessons ensures that students remain focused and actively participate, enhancing their learning experience and fostering a productive classroom environment.

[0003] Monitoring attendance in classroom management has become more efficient with various technological tools, but each has its drawbacks. One common piece of equipment is the biometric system, which uses fingerprint or facial recognition to mark attendance. This system offers high accuracy and prevents proxy attendance but can be expensive to implement and may raise privacy concerns among students, especially regarding the storage of biometric data. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are another popular tool. Students wear cards with RFID chips that automatically register their presence when passing by a scanner. It is cost-effective and reduces human error. However, RFID systems can be bypassed if students forget their cards or deliberately fail to scan them, leading to inaccurate data. Smartphone apps for attendance tracking are also commonly used. These apps can track attendance through geolocation or QR codes, making it convenient and accessible for students. However, they rely on students having smartphones, and technical issues like battery life or connectivity problems can affect the system’s reliability. Additionally, it could raise concerns about digital distractions and student privacy. In all cases, while the equipment streamlines attendance management, privacy, security, and technical issues remain significant drawbacks that need to be addressed for effective implementation.

[0004] CA2442895A1 discloses a system for monitoring attendance comprising: recording means to record that a user has attended a predetermined location; transmitting means to transmit a signal that the user has attended the location; receiving means to receive the signal; a timer to set a predetermined time limit for the user to record attendance at the location; an alert means to provide an alert; wherein the alert means is activated if the user has not attended the location within the time limit.

[0005] US2003167193A1 discloses an invention relates to an attendance monitoring system. More particularly, the invention is directed to a system that provides to an employer an instant visual representation of an employee's daily attendance (including that for the present day), attendance history (which is an indicator of reliability), available paid time off, current vacation schedule, assignment status, training status, and the like.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed to manage classroom attendance, however the systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to identify proxy attendance attempts, alerting the teacher for necessary intervention.

[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 enhancing classroom attendance management by utilizing artificial intelligence to automatically mark attendance, while detecting and alerting teachers to any proxy attempts. Additionally, the developed system needs to monitor student attendance and sends reports to parents when attendance falls below required levels and further tracks student focus and activities, notifying teachers when students require further guidance or intervention.

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 is capable of managing and enhancing student attendance record of a classroom through advanced artificial intelligence technique enabling automatic marking of student’s attendance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting proxy attempt for attendance and accordingly alerts teacher for appropriate actions.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of determining attendance record of student and accordingly makes report to alert respective parent of respective student(s) in relation to shortage of attendance.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of monitoring attentiveness and activities of student(s) and accordingly notifies the teacher for appropriate required guidance to the student(s).

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to a biometric classroom management and attendance marking system that is capable of maintaining student attendance in the classroom, ensuring accurate records in an automatic manner and further identifies proxy attendance attempts, alerting the teacher for necessary intervention.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a biometric classroom management and attendance marking system, comprises of a cuboidal body developed to be attached with a door pre-installed with entrance of a classroom, plurality of suction cups are provided with rear portion of the body, actuated by an inbuilt processing unit to affix the body with the door, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, a biometric recognition module is integrated with the imaging unit, configured to compare the captured images with a database of enrolled students, and the processing unit automatically marks attendance based on the detected match of students, the biometric recognition module is capable of identifying a student attempts to mark attendance for another student.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a holographic projection unit installed on the body via a motorized ball-and-socket joint, enabling the teacher to visually identify student attempting proxy attendance, a touch interactive display panel mounted on the cuboidal body that is accessed by the teacher to input seating plan or seating rotation into the system, a display unit is attached to each student's desk pre-installed inside the classroom, and is configured to display respective student’s name on display unit according to the seating plan, ensuring that each student is seated in correct position as per assigned seating arrangement, a facial recognition module is integrated with the processing unit to detect whether a student is focused in class, by analyzing facial expressions, posture, and body language, if the processing unit detects that a student is not focused, the processing unit automatically alert the student by activating a LED (Light Emitting Diode) light integrated with each of the desk that blinks to draw their attention back to class.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 biometric classroom management and attendance marking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a biometric classroom management and attendance marking system that leverages artificial intelligence to efficiently manage and improve student attendance, automatically marking the attendance of each student and identifying proxy attendance attempts and alerts the teacher accordingly, further generates attendance reports, notifying parents if any student is falling short in attendance. Additionally, the proposed system monitors students’ attentiveness and activities, providing notifications to the teacher when a student requires additional support or guidance.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a biometric classroom management and attendance marking system is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal body 101 attached with a door pre-installed with entrance of a classroom, the body 101 is attached with plurality of suction cups 102 provided with rear portion of the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body, a holographic projection unit 104 installed on the body 101 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 105, a touch interactive display panel 106 mounted on the body, a display unit 107 attached to each student's desk 108 pre-installed inside the classroom, and a LED 109 (Light Emitting Diode) light integrated with each of the desk 108.

[0024] The proposed invention includes a body 101 preferably in cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be attached with a door pre-installed with entrance of a classroom. The bottom portion of the body 101 is configured with multiple suction cups 102 to affix the body 101 with the door. The suction cups 102, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the surface for creating a vacuum inside the cups 102. The cups 102 further stick over the surface of the door, thus, helping the body 101 to affix on the surface of the door. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or plastic that ensures rigidity of the attached with a door pre-installed with entrance of a classroom for longevity of the system.

[0025] A concerned official is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the body 101 to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The switch button when pressed by the official, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated processing unit of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0026] The processing unit generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images of the surroundings for verifying presence of any student for attendance purpose. The imaging unit 103 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 103 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the processing unit.

[0027] The imaging unit 103 is linked with a biometric recognition module in order to compare the captured images with the associated database of enrolled students. In case the processing unit detects matching of the stored biometrics with the biometrics of the detected student, the processing unit marks the attendance of the student.

[0028] In case any student trying to attempt proxy for another person, the biometric recognition module detects the proxy attempt by the equipped capability of identifying a student attempts to mark attendance for another student. The body 101 is arranged with a holographic projection unit 104 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 105. In case the processing unit evaluates a proxy attempt, the processing unit alerts a teacher by actuating the holographic projection unit 104.

[0029] The holographic projection unit 104 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a holographic screen or projection surface. The projection unit 104 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 alerts the teacher to notice respected student(s) making proxy attempt, by projecting light onto student's desk 108.

[0030] Simultaneously, the processing unit articulates the projection of the projection unit 104 by actuating the ball-and-socket joint 105. The ball and socket joint 105 provide a 360-degree rotation to the projection unit 104 for aiding the projection unit 104 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 105 are a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint 105, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the projection unit 104. The ball and socket joint 105 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the processing unit thus providing multidirectional movement to the projection unit 104, enabling the teacher to visually identify student attempting proxy attendance.

[0031] The teacher accesses a touch interactive display panel 106 installed over the body 101 for providing input regarding a seating plan or seating rotation into the system. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 106 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 106 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The processing unit processes the received signal from the display panel 106 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0032] The desk 108 of each student inside the classroom, is attached with a display unit 107. The processing unit is linked with each of the display unit 107 s via a communication module associated with the system. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The working of the display unit 107 is similar to the working of the display panel 106 for displaying the students name as mentioned above.

[0033] The processing unit send configured seating plan as per teacher’s input to display unit 107 of each of the desk 108 such that display respective student’s name on the display unit 107 according to the seating plan. The displayed name as per the seating plan ensures each student is seated in correct position as per allocation by the teacher.

[0034] The processing unit is integrated with a facial recognition module which works in sync with the imaging unit 103. The facial recognition module detects whether a student is focused in class, by analyzing different parameters such as facial expressions, posture, and body 101 language. The processing unit evaluates the parameters in order to detect concentration of the student.

[0035] Each of the desk 108 is arranged with a LED 109 (Light Emitting Diode) light. In accordance to alert the student(s) to engage back in the class, the processing unit actuates the LED 109 light. The LED 109 (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The illumination of light is corresponding to the energy of the photons and is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor thereby illuminates lights in blinking pattern to draw respected student(s) attention back to class.

[0036] In case the processing unit via the imaging unit 103 detects a student to be sleeping during class, the processing unit activates a vibrating unit integrated with the desk 108, to alert the student to wake up. Each of the vibrating unit capable of subjecting the desk 108 to the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly leading to controlled and reproducible mechanical vibration, such that providing a physical alert to student(s) to wake them up and regain their attention.

[0037] In case the imaging unit 103 via the biometric recognition module detects presence of a new student or a student mistakenly entering wrong classroom, the processing unit actuates the holographic projection unit 104 to guide the student to correct classroom by projecting light towards correct direction.

[0038] While ensuring attendance of all the students, the processing unit scrutinizes the student’s database. In accordance to the student’s regularity, the processing unit makes a report for each of the student. Computing unit of each of the student’s parent is linked with the processing unit via the communication module. The processing unit communicates the evaluated report of the respective student to respective parent in view of notifying their child's attendance pattern to take appropriate action, if needed.

[0039] During group activities of students, the processing unit via the imaging unit 103 monitors students' movement patterns and engagement in the respective activities. The processing unit accordingly evaluates level of interaction and contribution of each student within group. In case the level of interaction of any student recedes a preset threshold level, the processing unit alerts a computing unit of the teacher regarding respected student(s) consistently isolating themselves or failing to contribute meaningfully during group activities.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal body as disclosed in the invention is developed to be attached to the classroom door using suction cups 102 houses multiple features. the imaging unit 103 captures and processes images of the surroundings, using the biometric recognition module to automatically mark attendance by matching students’ faces with the database. If the proxy attendance attempt is detected, the system alerts the teacher by projecting light onto the student's desk 108 using the motorized holographic projection unit 104. The touch interactive display panel 106 allows the teacher to input and manage the seating plan, ensuring that students are seated correctly, with each desk 108 displaying the student’s name. Additionally, the facial recognition module monitors student focus, alerting distracted students with the LED 109 light on their desk 108. The system also detects new or misdirected students and guides them to the correct classroom. The system continuously tracks attendance and sends reports to parents, activates alerts when students are not engaged (such as sleeping), and monitors student behavior during group activities, notifying the teacher of any disengaged students.

[0042] 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 biometric classroom management and attendance marking system, comprising:
i) a cuboidal body 101 developed to be attached with a door pre-installed with entrance of a classroom, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are provided with rear portion of said body, actuated by an inbuilt processing unit to affix said body 101 with said door;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, wherein a biometric recognition module is integrated with said imaging unit 103, configured to compare said captured images with a database of enrolled students, and said processing unit automatically marks attendance based on said detected match of students;
iii) said biometric recognition module is capable of identifying a student attempting to mark attendance for another student, wherein upon detecting a proxy attempt, said processing unit is configured to alert a teacher by projecting light onto student's desk 108 using a holographic projection unit 104 installed on the body 101 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 105, enabling said teacher to visually identify student attempting proxy attendance;
iv) a touch interactive display panel 106 mounted on said cuboidal body 101 that is accessed by said teacher to input seating plan or seating rotation into said system, wherein a display unit 107 is attached to each student's desk 108 pre-installed inside said classroom, and is configured to display respective student’s name on display unit 107 according to said seating plan, ensuring that each student is seated in correct position as per assigned seating arrangement; and
v) a facial recognition module is integrated with said processing unit to detect whether a student is focused in class, by analyzing facial expressions, posture, and body 101 language, wherein if said processing unit detects that a student is not focused, said processing unit automatically alert said student by activating a LED 109 (Light Emitting Diode) light integrated with each of said desk 108 that blinks to draw their attention back to class.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said biometric recognition module is capable of detecting a new student or a student mistakenly entering wrong classroom, and guide said student to correct classroom by projecting light towards correct direction, using said holographic projection unit 104.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said processing unit continuously monitors each student’s attendance, ensuring that they attend all their classes, and sends a report to parent’s synchronized computing unit, notifying them of child's attendance pattern.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said imaging unit 103 detects a student to be sleeping during class, said processing unit activates a vibrating unit attached with said desk 108, providing a physical alert to student to wake them up and regain their attention.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 103 is configured to monitor students' movement patterns and engagement during group activities, to assess level of interaction and contribution of each student within group based on monitored data, and said processing unit sends an alert on computing unit accessed by said teacher, upon detection of a student consistently isolating themselves or failing to contribute meaningfully during group activities.