Proposal : Attendance tracking using Face Recognition
and Near Field Communication (NFC)
Prepared for
15th of September 2024 Associate Professor Mohd Azam Osman
Introduction
The traditional methods of taking attendance, such as roll calls, manual sign-in sheets or scanning QR codes, are flawed and
inefficient, leading to issues such as time wastage, proxies, and inaccuracies. This project proposes a modern solution using
face recognition and NFC (Near Field Communication) technologies to track attendance seamlessly and efficiently. This system
will allow students to mark their attendance using either face recognition via the mobile application or by tapping their device
on an NFC-enabled device at a station within the classroom.
Contents
01 Problem Statement
05 Challenges
02 Proposed Solution
06 Benefits
03 System Architecture
07 Conclusion
04 Core Features
01 Problem Statement
Traditional attendance tracking systems are time-consuming, exploitable, and
inefficient:
i. Time-consuming: Manually calling out names or passing attendance sheets is slow and
disrupts classroom flow.
ii. Exploitable: Traditional methods cannot prevent students from marking attendance for
their absent peers.
iii. Inefficient: Paper-based records are labor-intensive and susceptible to human error,
loss, and damage.
These challenges can negatively impact productivity, accountability, and
resource allocation.
02
Proposed Solution: Attendance tracking using Face Recognition and
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Our proposed solution is a mobile application that combines location-based tracking and biometric
verification to provide a highly accurate and secure attendance system.
This solution offers two innovative methods for marking attendance:
i. Face Recognition: The mobile app will use face recognition technology to verify student identity
and mark their attendance. Device location will be used to verify students physical attendance in the
class.
ii. NFC Station: An NFC-enabled station will be placed in classrooms, where students can tap their
mobile devices to mark attendance. This contactless method is ideal for quick attendance marking
and supports privacy concerns related to face recognition.
03 System Architecture
The system will consist of three main components:
i. Mobile Application: Mobile application will be used by students to mark attendance through
face recognition or tapping NFC station.
ii. Fixed Station: Near Field Communication (NFC) reader device will be installed in classrooms,
which students can tap to mark their attendance.
iii. Admin Dashboard: Web application admin panel for teachers to monitor attendance, view
reports, and send alerts if attendance is low.
03 System Architecture
The system will consist of three key technologies:
i. Face Recognition
The app will use the device’s camera to scan the student's face, matching it against
face data stored in the student’s account.
ii. Near Field Communication (NFC) Integration
Students can tap their phones at the NFC station in the classroom, which will
instantly mark them present.
ii. Geofencing
Teachers can set up virtual boundaries based on the coordinate of the classroom.
This will prevent students from being marked present without physically being in the
classroom
04 Core Features
i. Attendance via Face Recognition
Process:
1. Student Registration
Students upload their face data during account registration, which
are stored in their account as face verification data.
2. Attendance Taking
Upon entering the classroom, students open the app and proceed to
take their attendance, which scans their face using the front camera.
3. Error Handling
In case of a failed match, the system prompts the student to retry or
use an alternative method (NFC) for attendance.
ii. Attendance via NFC Station
Process:
1. NFC Station Setup
NFC stations are placed near classroom entrances. These NFC
stations each contain the classroom data.
2. Attendance Taking
Students open the app and tap their NFC-enabled device on the
station as they enter for attendance verification.
3. Error Handling
If the NFC reader fails to detect a device, students are prompted to
retry or use face recognition as a backup method.
iii. Class Scheduling
Process:
1. Class Schedule Creation
Instructors set up class schedules (date, time, location, etc.) into the
system through the admin panel web application.
2. Student Notification
Any changes to the schedule (e.g., cancellations, room changes) are
instantly updated and sent to students in real time.
3. Attendance Linkage
The system links the attendance process to the scheduled class,
ensuring that students can only take attendance during scheduled
times and at the classroom location via geofencing.
05 Challenges
i. Face Recognition Accuracy ii. NFC Station Setup
Ensuring consistent accuracy in different classroom Setting up reliable NFC stations in classrooms could be
lighting conditions and handling appearance changes challenging in terms of cost and scalability.
(e.g., masks or glasses).
iii. Privacy Concerns
Data protection is critical. The face recognition data will be
stored securely, and students will have the option to use
NFC if they prefer not to use face recognition.
06 Benefits
i. For Students
The app offers students a modern and flexible method of marking attendance, which is easy to
use and saves time.
ii. For Teachers
Teachers will no longer need to manually track attendance, leading to more classroom time for
teaching. The admin dashboard will provide them with real-time access to attendance data.
iii. For Institutions
Schools and universities can significantly reduce inaccurate attendance records, ensure
accountability, and use the data to gain insights on student attendance trends.
07 Conclusion
This attendance tracking mobile application using Face Recognition and Near Field Communication
(NFC) offers a unique, innovative and highly practical solution to modernizing attendance systems in
classrooms. By addressing common issues such as attendance fraud and efficiency, this solution would
significantly enhance the way attendance would be managed for educational institutions and beyond.
Thank You
Have a nice day !
Prepared by
Muhammad Saffuan Bin Mohammad Saffery 15th of September 2024