Development of a face and fingerprint recognition software for the student roster

Abstract

In learning institutions, tracking the attendance of the students is a very crucial matter. In Makerere University, the predominant attendance tracking method is by manual attendance taking. This is done by use of roll call sheets, signature appended attendance sheets and other means such as ID checks. Manual attendance tracking is time consuming and keeping records is difficult. For a large student population, a lot of productive time is wasted in verifying the attendance of the students. The large number of attendance sheets produced per lecture makes it difficult to quantify the attendance scores of students. The current system is also subject to impersonation through “buddy punching” where a student registers attendance for an absentee student. Consequently, a more efficient attendance management system is proposed to solve the problem of manual attendance. The system records attendance electronically with the help of the face and fingerprint recognition system, and the records are stored in a database for future reference. The proposed system will improve student attendance, reduce time spent on attendance taking and reduce impersonation as the identification features are unique to the individual. The system will allow for quick retrieval of the student attendance records when needed.