Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Facial Recognition-based Attendance System
Priyanka Manke1; Mohammed Hamza Siddiqui2; Himanshu Pednekar3; Pawan Sakat4; Qureshi Abdul Qadir5
Vasantdada Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering and V.A Dept of Information Technology, Mumbai, India
Abstract:- Facial recognition stands as one of the most
efficient applications in image processing, playing a
crucial role in the technical sphere. Identifying human
faces is a pressing concern, particularly in verifying
student attendance. Utilizing facial biostatistics, an
attendance system employing face recognition relies on
high-resolution monitoring and advanced computer
technologies. The objective of developing this system is to
digitize the traditional method of attendance-taking,
which involves verbal calls and manual record-
keeping.Current attendance procedures are laborious
and time-consuming, prone to manipulation through
manual recording. Both traditional attendance marking
and existing biometric systems are susceptible to
fraudulent proxies. This paper aims
toaddressthesechallenges. The proposed system
incorporates the Haar cascade algorithm, OpenCV, Dlib,
Pandas, and MySQL. Following facial recognition,
attendance reports are generated and saved in Excel
format. The system undergoes testing under different
conditions, such as variations in illumination, head
movements, and changes in camera-to-student distance.
Rigorous testing evaluates overall complexity and
accuracy. The proposed system proves to be an efficient
and robust solution for classroom attendance
management, eliminating manual labour and time
consumption. Additionally, the system's development is
cost-effective and requires minimal installation.
Keywords:- OpenCV, Haar Cascade Algorithm, MySQL,Python.
I. INTRODUCTION
Facial recognition, alongside voice, fingerprint, and iris
recognition, offers a robust biometric security measure by
identifying individuals in images and videos. Real-world
applications encompass assisting the visually impaired,
forensic investigations, locating missing individuals, and
enhancing smartphone security. This project centers on
developing a facial recognition-based attendance system.. It
surpasses traditional methods (location-based, RFID,
fingerprint) by reducing proxy attendance and offering
validated data. The system captures video in class,
automatically matches faces to stored photos, and updates
attendance, minimizing manual work.While traditional
methods struggle with factors like lighting and pose, the
proposed system employs feature extraction and analysis for
improved accuracy. It is tested under diverse scenarios
(lighting, expressions, partial faces, facial variations) with
recognition rate as the key metric.
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II. LITERATURE SURVEY
Our work draws inspiration from prior studies on facial
recognition, specificallyIn this system, we adopt an
approach that emphasizes facial recognition efficiency,
focusing on succinct two-dimensional facial features rather
than intricate 3D geometry[1]. Face recognition stands at the
heart of the recognition process, utilizing computer vision
technology to analyze facial features for identity
verification. Broadly speaking, it encompasses two primary
components: face detection and face recognition matching.
This technology operates by scrutinizing the facial
characteristics of individuals, processing input from face
images or video streams. [2].During the system design
phase, user requirements underwent a transformation into a
format conducive to aiding system developers in
implementation.The system design began with defining its
logical structure before moving on to how it would function
in the real world. To achieve this, we used Object-Oriented
Design (OOD) because it offers a variety of visual aids like
diagrams to model both the processes and the data
involved.Communication resources like these are highly
effective and easily understandable among stakeholders. [3].
Each student in the class must register by providing
necessary information. After registration, their images will
be taken and stored in a dataset. During each class session,
faces will be detected from the live video stream of the
classroom. These detected faces will then be compared with
images in the dataset. If a match is found, attendance will be
marked for the respective student. At the end of each
session, a list of absent students will be emailed to the
instructor. [4]. The proposed method starts with enrolling
students into the system. Then, it involves several key
stages: capturing images, preprocessing them, using the
Haar Cascade classifier for face detection, creating an image
dataset, and performing face recognition using the
LBPHalgorithm[5].The architectural depiction of the smart
attendance automation system utilizing facial recognition
comprises several vital elements working together
harmoniously. Commencing with an input layer, it acquires
facial images, which subsequently undergo processing and
readiness in a pre-processing layer. This preliminary phase
might involve activities like resizing images, refining
lighting and colors, and extracting facial attributes for
recognition objectives. Once primed, the images are
transmitted to the facial recognition layer for scrutiny. This
layer is tasked with precisely recognizing faces and
frequently integrates deep learning algorithms trained on a
face dataset to ensure dependable identification of
individuals.Fine-tuning of these models and testing for
functionality may be included in this layer. When a face is
successfully detected, the attendance management layer
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assumes control, overseeing the maintenance of attendance
records. Activities within this layer might include recording
attendance, keeping records current, and producing
reports[6]. This system employs facial recognition to
automatically manage student attendance.
Regarding the facial recognition algorithm as a black
box, the system determines attendance in the following
manner: Recording initiates at the commencement of the
class, with the database providing the start time and room
number. Every 10 minutes, a snapshot of the class is taken.
Utilizing these snapshots, the facial recognition algorithm
identifies students and records their presence within that 10-
minute interval. A student's attendance for a class is recorded
if they are detected in a minimum of 'n' snapshots, a
threshold determined by the professor. This adaptability
permits students to leave during emergencies without losing
attendance credit[7].In contrast to the typical method, which
divides facial features like eyes and mouth, our facial
recognition system examines the entire facial area as a
unified input for comprehensive analysis. This approach
enhances our understanding of facial detection in literacy
assessments, unveiling a two-step process: initially
classifying image content as either facial or non-facial, then
conducting a thorough examination for functional
interpretation and appearance analysis.
III. METHODOLOGY
The face recognition process can be segmented into
two primary phases: pre-detection processing, encompassing
facial recognition processes, and detection and recognition,
occurring subsequently, which involve activities such as
feature extraction and matching.
A. Facial Localization:
The main goal of this stage is to identify the presence
and position of human faces within a provided image. The
results of this stage include segments containing each
recognized face in the input image. This procedure seeks to
establish a facial recognition system that is both more
reliable and simpler to construct.
B. Facial Segmentation:
Following face detection, the subsequent stage
involves face segmentation (extraction), during which the
system separates and retrieves the facial area from the
remainder of the image. This procedure entails cropping the
identified faces according to the bounding boxes produced
during face detection. The extracted facial regions are
subsequently standardized to ensure uniform size,
orientation, and lighting conditions, thereby enhancing the
accuracy of subsequent processing stages.
C. Face Recognition:
Once facial images have been depicted, the
identification procedure commences. Establishing a face
database is crucial for enabling automated recognition.
Multiple photographs of each individual are employed to
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extract their features, which are subsequently stored in the
database. Subsequently, the face detection and feature
extraction processes are carried out on an input image, and
the features of each facial category are compared and stored
in the database.
IV. PROPOSED SYSTEM
Efficient Attendance management is crucial for
ensuring operational efficiency in today’s organisational
settings. Traditional Techniques often rely on manual
processes which are susceptible to errors and consume
valuable resources. This system proposes an innovative
solution, an attendance management system powered by
facial recognition technology, a form of biometric
identification that has emerged as a powerful tool for various
applications, including attendance tracking By analysing
your unique facial characteristics such as key facialpatches
and Skin textures, facial recognition systems can accurately
identify and verifyindividuals. The proposed system presents
notable benefits compared to conventional methods, such as
improved accuracy, speed, and user convenience. The
objective of the attendance management system is to
capitalize on facial recognition technology's advantages to
simplify attendance tracking in organizations and
institutions. By integrating this technology organisations can
achieve higher levels of accuracy and efficiency in keeping
track of employee or student attendance Additionally, the
contactless nature of the facial recognition eliminates the
need for physical identifiers like id cards, offering enhanced
security and user convenience. The proposed system is
developed using Haar classifiers the machine learning
approach that will be employed for facial detection within
images. Local binary pattern histograms (LBPH) will further
enhance the facial recognition by capturing local texture
patterns in facial images. FurthermorePython a versatile
programming language will be used due to simplicity,
readability and extensive libraries for machine learning and
image processing tasks. Finally, structured query
language(SQL) will be used to show facial images and the
associated data in the database, enabling efficient retrieval
and management of attendance records.
 Types of Algorithms:
This system employs various types of algorithms,
including:
A. Eigen Faces.
B. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA).
C. Local binary pattern histograms.
D. Haar Classifiers
A. Eigen Faces:
This approach utilizes statistical methods to extract
featuresinfluencingphotographs. The training database
provided is essential in the entire recognition process,
treating images from two different classes as unified entities,
rather than segregated.
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Fig 1: Eigen Faces
B. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)
Like Eigenfaces, the Linear Discriminant Analysis
(LDA) Also known as Fisher faces algorithm follows an
iterative approach, incorporating principal components
analysis as a variation of Eigenfaces. The key difference lies
in how the algorithm handles classes. Unlike Eigenfaces,
which doesn't differentiate between images from separate
classes during training, Fisher Faces employ linear
discriminant analysis to distinguish between images of
distinct classes. While each image is influenced by the
overall average, Fisher Faces enable discrimination among
images of different classes.
Fig 2: Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)
C. Local Binary Feature Histograms:
Local Binary Feature Histogramsserves as a crucial
texture descriptor employed in image analysis. Its
functionality involves a comparison of individual pixels
with their adjacent counterparts. Essentially, LBP aims to
depict the inherent local structure of an image by encoding
the interplay between the central pixel's intensity and that of
its neighbouring pixels. This encoding process commonly
entails the application of thresholding to pixel values,
thereby generatingbinarypatterns. Afterward, these binary
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patterns undergo a transformation into decimal values,
enabling the generation of a histogram representation.Within
the domain of facial recognition attendance management
systems, the importance of effective feature extraction
methods becomes paramount in ensuring accurate
identification of individuals from facial images.
Fig 3: Local Binary Feature Histograms
D. Haar Classifiers:
The Haar classifier, commonly referred to as a Haar
cascade classifier, is an object detection algorithm based on
machine learning, utilized for identifying objects or patterns
within digital images. Its most prominent use is in face
detection, although it can also be trained to recognize a
range of other objects. Haar features operate akin to
convolutional kernels and are instrumental in detecting
features within an image.These features encompass various
types, including line features, edge features, and four-
rectangle features, among others. Each feature is quantified
by a singular value derived from the contrast between the
sums of pixels beneath corresponding black and white
rectangles. Haar cascades offer several advantages. Their
reliance on simple Haar features and the cascading structure
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ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR1482

make them computationally efficient, enabling real-time

object detection in images and video streams. Additionally,
the algorithm can detect objects of different sizes by resizing
the search window. Furthermore, Haar cascades can be
trained to detect a wide variety of objects by using
appropriate training datasets, making them adaptable.

Fig 5: Block Diagram

Fig 4: Haar Classifiers

Fig 6: Flowchart

The training process begins by examining the directory
containing the training data. Each image in the training
dataset is initially converted to grayscale.Next, the center of
each image is pinpointed, and a comparison against its
surrounding regions is conducted using a predetermined
threshold. If the intensity of the center portion equals or
exceeds that of its neighbouring areas, it is designated as 1;
otherwise, it is labelledas0. Following that, the subsequent
steps include resizing the images and converting them into a
numpy array, which acts as the fundamental data structure of
the numpy library.

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Following this, each face within the photograph is
identified and sorted into distinct lists, each accompanied by
its corresponding ID. Subsequently, the faces are trained
alongside their respective IDs. To clarify this process,
another flowchart depicting the system's operation is
necessary.
The system functions in the following manner: upon
reading the image, it is converted into grayscale. The Haar
Cascade frontal face module is employed to detect faces
within the image. Prediction of the faces in the image is
performed using the LBPH algorithm. Once the faces are
predicted, they are outlined within a green box along with
their corresponding names.
V. SOFTWARE USED
A. Open CV
Upon being captured, the input image undergoes
processing by the phone's camera, immediately converting it
to grayscale. Utilizing the Haar Cascade frontal face
module, the system proceeds to detect faces within the
image. Subsequently, the LBPH algorithm is applied to
predict the detected faces. Once predicted, identified faces
are outlined in a green box alongside their respective
names.OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library) is
an open-source software library primarily focused on
machine learning for computer vision tasks. It provides
support for various platforms including Windows, Linux,
Android, and macOS, and offers interfaces in languages
such as C++, Python, Java, and MATLAB. Real-time vision
applications are a significant aspect of OpenCV's
capabilities, making use of SSE and MMX instructions
whenever possible. Ongoing development efforts include the
creation of fully functional CUDA and OpenCL interfaces.
With a wide array of algorithms and supporting functions,
OpenCV is predominantly implemented in C++ and features
a template interface seamlessly integrated with STL
containers.
B. Pandas
Pandas, a Python library available as open-source,
provides a wide range of tools for conducting data analysis.
Within the package, numerous data structures are available,
suitable for a broad spectrum of data manipulation tasks.
Additionally, it encompasses diverse data analysis
algorithms, enabling the resolution of data science and
machine learning tasks using Python.
C. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) stands out as a versatile
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) known for its
adaptability and effectiveness. It is created by Microsoft., it
offers a smooth experience across various platforms,
including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Utilizing
TypeScript and built on the Electron framework, VS Code
provides a reliable foundation for developers with diverse
skills and programming backgrounds.At its core, VS Code
features a highly customizable multi-window text editor
designed to enhance productivity. Equipped with support for
multiple undo actions, syntax highlighting for numerous
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programming languages, and intelligent indentation, coding
becomes a seamless and intuitive process.
D. Microsoft Excel
The Microsoft Office suite comprises Microsoft Excel,
a spreadsheet tool. Spreadsheets offer users the ability to
arrange data into tabular formats, organized in rows and
columns, facilitating mathematicalmanipulationthroughboth
fundamental and sophisticatedarithmetic operations. In
additiontoitsconventional spreadsheet functionalities,
Microsoft Excel features powerful graphing and charting
tools, supports programming through Visual Basic for
Applications (VBA), and enables data retrieval from
external sources using Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).
Excel, tailored for the creation of electronic spreadsheets,
serves as a platform for managing, editing, and storing data
efficiently.Early electronic spreadsheet systems drew
inspiration from paper spreadsheets commonly utilized for
accounting purposes, thus retaining a similar foundational
design. Computerized spreadsheets mirror the basic
structure of paper spreadsheets, with related data organized
into tables consisting of standardized rows and columns of
small rectangular boxes or cells.
VI. FUTURE SCOPE
In the foreseeable future, the integration of AI and
machine learning into this attendance management system
presents a significant opportunity for advancement. Envision
a facial recognition system that achieves heightened levels
of accuracy and reliability. Through the incorporation of
sophisticated AI algorithms such as deep learning, the
system would adeptly identify faces even in challenging
scenarios, such as low lighting or unconventional angles.
This refinement would result in diminished errors and
heightened user confidence.Furthermore, machine learning
capabilities could enable the system to discern attendance
patterns over time. It would have the capacity to recognize
anomalies, such as consistent tardiness or unexpected
absences, thereby facilitating more effective attendance
management and ensuring operational efficiency. Moreover,
the potential for predictive analytics is substantial. Envisage
the \system's ability to forecast attendance trends based on
historical data. This predictive capability could revolutionize
scheduling and resource allocation strategies, allowing for
optimized operations and heightened productivity.
The integration of IoT devices offers another
dimension of automation. Consider the possibility of sensors
or smart locks autonomously detecting individuals' arrivals
and departures, obviating the need for manual check-ins and
streamlining attendance tracking processes. Additionally, the
system's continuous learning capabilities promise ongoing
improvement. Through iterative refinement and adaptation
to evolving attendance patterns and environmental factors,
its effectiveness would endure over time, perpetually
enhancing and fine-tuning its algorithms.
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Security enhancements are also within reach. Facial

recognition technology could extend beyond attendance
management to fortify access control measures. Imagine
restricted areas being accessible only to authorized
individuals, thereby bolstering organizational security
protocols. On the administrative front, integrating the
system with HR and payroll functions offers substantial
benefits. Automated data transfers between systems would
mitigate errors and streamline processes related to payroll,
leave management, and compliance.

In summary, the integration of AI and machine learning

into the attendance management system promises
heightened accuracy, efficiency, and security. This evolution
represents a mutually beneficial advancement, facilitating
smoother attendance tracking and streamlined operations for
all stakeholders involved. Fig 9: Attendance Management System

VII. RESULTS C. Attendance Taken

A. Main Screen

Fig 10: Attendance Management System

Fig 7: Main Screen
D. Recorded Attendance
B. Taking Attendance

Fig 10: Recorded Attendance

Fig 8: Attendance Management System

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VIII. CONCLUSION [10]. Mihir Ghanekar, Archita Sehgal, Shrishail Gouraond,

Maitray Wani, Prof. Pramila M “Facial recognition
The Attendance Management System, powered by based attendance system” International Research
facial recognition, provides students with quick and Journal of Engineering and Technology, Dept of
convenient access to their attendance data, which is Computer Engineering and IT, Mumbai,
subsequently transferred to an Excel spreadsheet.the Maharashtra, India.
proposed system offers improved facial recognition process [11]. Salim, Omar Abdul Rhman, Rashidah Funke
that is not dependent on any external devices like raspberry Olanrewaju, and Wasiu Adebayo Balogun. "Class
pi or any other module for capturing faces and recording attendance management system using face
attendance [1]. This system offers technology with improved recognition." 2018 7th International Conference on
security and user friendly interface. Computer and Communication Engineering
(ICCCE). IEEE, 2018.
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