A growing problem with university classrooms is the inability to effectively and efficiently record classroom attendance. The solution to this problem is a simple, reliable, stand-alone microcontroller-based system to efficiently record and process student attendance. A device that can uniquely identify and recognize many students will ensure that each student is present for the entire class period. This project will revolutionize attendance taking which, in many teachers’ eyes, is a long standing problem in many classrooms around the nation.

Abstract

Kevin Broulette - CPREWade Feickert  - CPRE

Dec03-01Team Members Faculty Advisors - Client

Dr. John LamontProf. Ralph Paterson III

Josh Hobart – CPREJohn Seeman - CPRE

Introduction

End Product

Resources

Project Requirements

Approach and Considerations

Summary

• Download data to Microsoft Excel• Student registration

• Stand-alone – not be used with a PC

• Testing• Product documentation

Signature Recognition

Facial Recognition

Magnetic Stripe Reader

Fingerprint Recognition

Proximity Card

Proposed Approach• Research and select a suitable technology to capture a student’s identification• Design software to interface the device with a PC• Begin product testing

Financial Resource Requirement($660)

Device Accessories,

$100

Poster,$60

Identification Software,

$150

Identification Device,$350

A long-standing problem with university classrooms is the inability to effectively and efficiently record classroom attendance. The solution to this problem involves selecting a suitable technology, designing software to interface the device with the PC, and testing the system. Ultimately, this problem can be solved with a simple, reliable, stand-alone microprocessor based system to efficiently record and process student attendance.

Cost Security Process Device Storage Temp. Time Size Capability Change

1= Least efficient 5 = Most efficient

Testing Considerations• Device is able to store and record student information• Attendance information is properly formatted to be opened in Excel• Full system testing by use of a simulated classroom

Technology Considerations• Different technologies are available for student identification:

3 4 3 4 4 3

2 5 4 2 4 4

5 1 3 4 4 5

3 5 4 4 4 3

4 1 4 3 4 4

General Problem• Take attendance accurately and efficiently in a large classroom• Attendance information needs to be easily accessed by the professor

Proposed Solution• A portable, stand-alone microcontroller-based attendance taking system• Ability to download data to a computer for use with Microsoft Excel

Operating Environment• Device may be dropped or knocked around• Device must withstand change from room temperature to external temperature• Device may become dirty after multiple uses

Intended Users and Uses• Professors who teach in large scale classrooms and their students• Used to ensure students don’t falsify their attendance

Assumptions • Students will be registered into system• Computer that the data will be loaded onto has Microsoft Excel• Internal power supply in case power outlet is not available• Displays whether or not identification was successful

Limitations• Size of class will be limited by amount of memory available in device• Weight of less than 10 pounds and volume of less than 1 cubic foot

DeviceA simple, reliable, stand-alone microcontroller-based system that will record a student’s attendance at the beginning and end of class. This information will then be easily downloaded to a professor’s computer using Microsoft Excel.

SoftwareSoftware will create a simple download process for the professor. This software, which will be on the professor’s PC, will format the data from the device and display this correctly formatted data in Microsoft Excel.

Design Objectives• Must be portable and stand-alone• Ability to store attendance of 2-3 large classes (300 students/class)• Attendance data easily downloaded and opened in Microsoft Excel

Functional Requirements• Identification of a student• Time stamping of identification• Storage of students identified

Constraints• Unit must be small and lightweight• Internally powered

Milestones• Selection of identification technology• Design• Implementation

Personnel Effort Requirement(Hours)

Josh Hobart, 95

Kevin Broulette,

95

Wade Feickert,

100

John Seeman,

110