Attendance Management System

Abstract

To provide an attendance management system that allows for more rigorous and efficient verification of employee attendance within organizations such as schools and companies. [Solution] The attendance management system includes a user terminal that acquires the user's facial information by having the user take a photo of their face for facial recognition, and a server that receives the facial information from the user terminal, performs a first comparison of the facial information with the user's registered facial information which has been registered in advance, and transmits the result of the first comparison to the user terminal. If the result of the first comparison indicates a match between the person, the user terminal transmits the user's location information to the server, and the server performs a second comparison of the received location information with the registered location information which has been registered in advance, and if the result of the second comparison indicates a match between the locations, the server registers the user as present.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an attendance management system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an attendance management system including a biometric information reading device that reads a student's fingerprint or the like to create and transmit biometric information, a biometric information reading device that receives the biometric information, compares it with the biometric information in the biometric information DB, reads the corresponding student ID, and transmits it to the attendance management computer, and an attendance management computer that receives the student ID, compares it with the student ID in the attendance management DB, and sets the corresponding attendance as present. In this attendance management system, the attendance management computer obtains the student ID sent from the wireless tag via the wireless tag reader and detects the students who left the room based on this, sets the departure start time in the ID attendance management DB, and the attendance information display computer is configured to input and display the attendance information to the attendance information computer.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an attendance information collection and management system provided with an attendance management device that can be connected via a network to an instructor terminal operated by an instructor and an attendee terminal operated by an attendee, and performs an attendance confirmation of the attendee based on the information transmitted from the attendee terminal. In this attendance information collection and management system, the attendance management is performed as follows. First, when the instructor terminal and the student terminal receive the lecture selection information from the attendance management device, the student terminal transmits the first beacon. The instructor terminal that receives this first beacon transmits the second beacon to the student terminal. Next, when the student terminal receives the second beacon, it transmits the attendee information including the face image data obtained by the camera function to the attendance management device. Next, the attendance management device collates the face image data of the received attendee information with the face image data stored in advance in the database, and if it determines that it is the attendee himself / herself, it updates the attendance information in the attendance data storage area of the database.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-208995 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-003472 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] This disclosure was devised in light of the conventional circumstances described above, and aims to provide an attendance management system that enables organizations such as schools and companies to more easily and rigorously verify the attendance of their personnel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure provides an attendance management system comprising: a user terminal that acquires a user's captured facial information by having the user take a photograph of their own face for facial recognition; and a server that receives the captured facial information from the user terminal, performs a first comparison as facial recognition, which is a comparison between the captured facial information and the user's registered facial information that has been registered in advance, and transmits the result of the first comparison to the user terminal, wherein if the result of the first comparison indicates a match of the person, the user terminal transmits the user's location information to the server, the server performs a second comparison, which is a comparison between the received location information and the registered location information that has been registered in advance, and if the result of the second comparison indicates a match of the location, the server registers the user as present. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, attendance checks for personnel in organizations such as schools and companies can be carried out more rigorously and with less effort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device usable in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A table diagram showing an example of the data structure for student information in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A table diagram showing an example of the data configuration for beacon information in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A table diagram showing an example of the data structure related to class management information in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A table diagram showing an example of the data structure for course registration-related information in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] A table diagram showing an example of the data structure for attendance information in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Sequence diagram showing an overview of the attendance management process in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Sequence diagram showing attendance management processing for in-person classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] Sequence diagram showing the attendance management process for in-person classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1 (continuation of Figure 9) [Figure 11] Sequence diagram showing attendance management processing for online classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] A sequence diagram (continuation of Figure 11) showing the attendance management process using current location information (GPS) in the case of online classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] A sequence diagram (continuation of Figure 11) showing the absence management process using an identification code (QR code®) in the case of online classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates an example of the transition of the user terminal display screen in the case of face-to-face classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, and explains the user's operation. [Figure 15]In the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the administrator terminal [Figure 16] In the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the user terminal [Figure 17] In the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the user terminal when the face-to-face class fails to match [Figure 18] In the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, an example of the transition of the display screen of the user terminal in the case of an online class when using the current location information (GPS) is shown, and a diagram for explaining the operation of the user [Figure 19] In the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, an example of the transition of the display screen of the user terminal in the case of an online class when using the identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) is shown, and a diagram for explaining the operation of the user

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Background Leading to the Present Disclosure) In classes and lectures at universities and the like, the number of attendees is often one of the requirements necessary for obtaining credits, so it is necessary to strictly and accurately manage the attendance of students. On the other hand, there are not a few cases where so-called fraud called "substitute attendance" occurs, in which students who are actually absent ask their friends or others to pretend to attend. In contrast, in Patent Document 1, a fingerprint authentication device is provided in the classroom, and students are made to perform fingerprint authentication, and attendance confirmation is performed based on the information obtained thereby. Also, in Patent Document 1, the attendance confirmation of students who attended the class is performed using a wireless tag reader distributed to students in advance. However, with this method, when the number of students is large, it is highly likely that it will take time to confirm attendance, and furthermore, it is necessary to distribute wireless tag readers in advance for attendance confirmation, which is not suitable.

[0010] In Patent Document 2, as a countermeasure against substitution, a beacon signal is transmitted and received between a lecturer terminal such as a PC possessed by a lecturer at a university or the like and a student terminal such as a smartphone possessed by a student. Then, face authentication is performed using an attendance management device and the camera function of the student terminal. However, in this method, since beacon signals from students concentrate on the lecturer terminal at the start of a class, there is a high possibility that the transmission and reception of beacon signals between the lecturer terminal and the student terminal will not be accurately performed, which is not suitable.

[0011] Therefore, in the following embodiments, an attendance management system that can more strictly confirm the attendance and absence of personnel in an organization such as a school or a company without much effort will be described.

[0012] Hereinafter, each embodiment specifically disclosing the attendance management system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description may be omitted as necessary. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters and a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of an attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Note that one terminal or server shown in FIG. 1 may be provided in plurality. Furthermore, the processing entities shown below are examples, and a part of the functions of a certain terminal, server, or the like may be realized as the functions of another device, terminal, or server.

[0014] The attendance management system according to the present disclosure is a system for confirming the attendance and absence of personnel in an organization such as a school or a company. However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Embodiment 1, the confirmation of the attendance and absence of students in a class (lecture) at an educational institution such as a university will be described as an example. Hereinafter, students may be referred to as "users", and lecturers or teachers may be referred to as "administrators".

[0015] The attendance management system 1 consists of a user terminal 100, an administrator terminal 200, a server 300, and a beacon 400. Each component of the attendance management system 1 is configured to communicate with each other primarily via a network NW.

[0016] The user terminal 100 is an information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet carried by each user. The user terminal 100 obtains the user's facial information by having the user take a photo of their face for facial recognition, and transmits the obtained facial information to the server 300 (specifically, the second server 600).

[0017] Furthermore, if facial recognition is successful, the user terminal 100 transmits the user's location information to the server 300 (specifically, the first server 500). The user's location information referred to here is the identification information of the beacon 400 that detected the radio waves (e.g., major number and minor number), or the user's current location information obtained by GPS or the like.

[0018] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 acquires identification information by reading the identification code displayed on a designated display unit by the user, and transmits the acquired identification information to the server 300 (specifically, the first server 500). The designated display unit referred to here is the display unit of a PC or tablet terminal used by the user when taking online classes. In this example, a QR code (registered trademark) is used as an example of the identification code, but it is not limited to this.

[0019] The processing performed by the user terminal 100, as described above, is carried out by an application installed on the user terminal 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "user application"). In other words, the user application is an application that allows the user to register attendance for classes, etc. This user application may be a web application or the like.

[0020] The administrator terminal 200 is an information processing device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet used by each administrator. The administrator terminal 200 manages student information, beacon information, class management information, course registration-related information, and attendance information, as well as managing the attendance of each user. Details of these various types of information will be described later. In addition, the administrator terminal 200 notifies the user terminal 100 to start facial recognition after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of class.

[0021] The management of the various types of information mentioned above, the attendance management of each user, and the processing of facial recognition notifications by the administrator terminal 200 are performed, for example, by an application installed on the administrator terminal 200 (hereinafter also referred to as the "administrator app"). In other words, the administrator app is an application (software in a broad sense) that has functions related to the attendance management of each user. This administrator app may be a web application or the like.

[0022] Server 300 is managed by the provider of the attendance management system, and when a user registers attendance for a class via the user terminal 100, it ensures the authenticity of the user's identity and, if authenticity is ensured, registers the user's attendance information.

[0023] The server 300 receives the user's captured facial information from the user terminal 100, performs facial authentication by comparing this captured facial information with the user's registered facial information that has been registered in advance, and transmits the result of this comparison to the user terminal 100.

[0024] Furthermore, if facial recognition is successful, the server 300 receives the user's location information from the user terminal 100, compares this user location information with pre-registered location information, and registers the user as present if the matching results indicate a location match. The user's location information referred to here is either the identification information of the beacon 400 detected by the user terminal 100, or the user's current location information, as described above.

[0025] Furthermore, the server 300 receives identification information from the user terminal 100, compares this identification information with registered identification information that has been previously linked to the class information, and if the comparison results match, registers the user as present.

[0026] Furthermore, the server 300 may, on behalf of the administrator terminal 200, notify the user terminal 100 to begin facial recognition after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the class. This facial recognition notification may be made by either the administrator terminal 200 or the server 300.

[0027] This server 300 is composed of a first server 500 and a second server 600. The processing of server 300 described above is performed by at least one of the first server 500 and the second server 600. For example, the first server 500 mainly performs various judgments and verifications related to user attendance registration, and the second server 600 mainly performs facial verification related to facial recognition. The detailed functions of the first server 500 and the second server 600 will be described later. In addition, server 300 may be implemented by a single server that implements the functions of both the first server 500 and the second server 600.

[0028] Beacon 400 is installed at desired locations in each classroom or other area where classes are conducted. Any known beacon can be used as Beacon 400; for example, solar beacons or WiFi® access point beacons may be used. Furthermore, Beacon 400 may be a beacon already installed in the classroom or other area.

[0029] This beacon 400 is configured to transmit radio waves only for a predetermined period of time from the start of class. Furthermore, the strength of the transmitted radio waves (in other words, the radio wave range) of the beacon 400 is set according to the size of the classroom or other space where it is installed. These various settings for the beacon 400 are performed, for example, by the administrator (instructor). The timing of radio wave transmission may also be controlled by manually turning the solar power ON / OFF, for example, using a solar beacon. Alternatively, the beacon 400 itself does not need to have any settings to control the radio wave transmission time. In this case, the beacon's radio waves are continuously transmitted, but the server 300 (or the first server 500) controls the time period during which attendance is permitted.

[0030] <Example Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device 10 usable in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Here, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 applicable to the user terminal 100, administrator terminal 200, and server 300 that constitute the attendance management system 1 is shown. In the example shown in Figure 2, the configurations of the user terminal 100, administrator terminal 200, and server 300 are assumed to be the same, but some parts may be omitted or other parts added depending on the functions to be provided. As an example, the camera 15 may be omitted for the administrator terminal 200 and server 300.

[0031] The information processing device 10 comprises a processing device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, an input device 14, a camera 15, an external interface 16, and a display device 17. Each component is configured to communicate via an internal interface 18.

[0032] The processing unit 11 may be configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processing unit 11 implements various functions described later by, for example, referring to various data tables stored in the storage device 12 or reading programs.

[0033] The storage device 12 is a storage unit for storing various data and programs, and may consist of volatile / non-volatile storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0034] The communication device 13 is an interface for communicating with external devices via the network NW. The communication standards supported by the communication device 13 are not particularly limited and can be wired or wireless. Furthermore, it may support multiple communication standards. Therefore, the network NW may be composed of a combination of networks using multiple communication standards.

[0035] The input device 14 accepts operations and instructions from the user of the device (student, instructor, or provider of attendance management system 1). The input device 14 may consist of a mouse, keyboard, touch panel display, etc.

[0036] Camera 15 is a typical camera installed in smartphones, tablet devices, etc. Camera 15 may include, for example, an in-camera installed on the display device side 17 and an out-camera installed on the opposite side from the display device 17 (for example, the back of the device).

[0037] The external interface 16 is, for example, an interface for communicating with an external system (not shown). The external system may be connected to the communication device 13 and the network NW in a communication-enabled manner.

[0038] The display device 17 displays various user interfaces to the user of the device. The display device 17 may consist of a liquid crystal display, a touch panel display, a lamp, etc.

[0039] <Example Data Structure> In the attendance management system 1, student information, beacon information, class management information, course registration-related information, and attendance information are used for attendance management. This information is managed and utilized, for example, using a data table.

[0040] [Student Information] Figure 3 is a table diagram showing an example of the data structure for student information in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 3(a) shows data table TB1 related to registered facial information, and Figure 3(b) shows data table TB2 related to registered class location information. Data table TB1 related to registered facial information and data table TB2 related to registered class location information are linked to each other. Registered facial information here refers to information about the facial photograph of each student enrolled in a university, etc., which has been taken and registered by that student. Registered class location information here refers to information about the location where the student takes online classes, which has been registered by the student.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3(a), the data table TB1 related to registered facial information includes, for each student, the following items: student ID (or student ID number, hereinafter the same), name, location where the facial photo file is stored, and facial ID. The data table TB1 related to registered facial information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB1 related to registered facial information is stored may be only the second server 600.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3(b), the data table TB2 related to registered learning location information includes, for each student, the student ID, the name of the learning location, the latitude of the learning location, and the longitude of the learning location. For example, for a student with student ID "A001", multiple learning locations may be registered, such as home and a place of visit. The data table TB2 related to registered learning location information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB2 related to registered learning location information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0043] [Beacon Information] Figure 4 is a table diagram showing an example of the data structure related to beacon information in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the data table TB3 related to beacon information. The beacon information referred to here is information about beacons registered by instructors, university staff, etc.

[0044] The data table TB3 related to beacon information includes, for each beacon 400, the major number, the minor number, and the classroom ID (also referred to as "classroom information") of the classroom where the beacon 400 is installed. The data table TB3 related to beacon information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB3 related to beacon information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0045] [Class Management Information] Figure 5 is a table diagram showing an example of the data structure related to class management information in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 5(a) shows the data table TB4 related to time period information, Figure 5(b) shows the data table TB5 related to available attendance time slot information, and Figure 5(c) shows the data table TB6 related to late arrival judgment time slot information. The data table TB4 related to time period information, the data table TB5 related to available attendance time slot information, and the data table TB6 related to late arrival judgment time slot information are each linked to class information (class ID). Time period information here refers to information about the time slots in which classes are held according to the university's timetable system, as registered with the instructor, etc. Available attendance time slot information here refers to information about the time slots that are valid for determining attendance for classes, as registered with the instructor, etc. Late arrival judgment time slot information here refers to information about the time slots from the start of class that are considered late, as registered with the instructor, etc.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5(a), the data table TB4 related to time-limited information includes the time limit, the start time of the time limit, and the end time of the time limit as attendance determination information. The data table TB4 related to time-limited information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB4 related to time-limited information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5(b), the data table TB5 related to attendance availability information includes the following items as attendance judgment information: time stamp number, time stamp start time (minutes), and time stamp end time (minutes). The time stamp number here is a number corresponding to the number of times attendance checks are performed in class, and multiple entries are registered, for example, when presence checks are required. Also, for example, the first attendance availability time for the second period class would be from 10:25 to 10:50, using Figure 5 as an example. The data table TB5 related to attendance availability information is stored, for example, in the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB5 related to attendance availability information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0048] The data table TB6 related to the late arrival judgment time zone information includes an item for the late arrival judgment time (minutes) as late arrival judgment information, as shown in Figure 5(c). For example, in the first period class, using Figure 5 as an example, attendance registration after 9:10 will be judged as late. In this example, the late arrival judgment time (minutes) is registered as a single value such as 20 minutes, but it may also be registered as a range such as 20 to 40 minutes. The data table TB6 related to the late arrival judgment time zone information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB6 related to the late arrival judgment time zone information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0049] [Course Registration Information] Figure 6 is a table diagram showing an example of the data structure for course registration-related information in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 6(a) shows the data table TB7 for class information, Figure 6(b) shows the data table TB8 for one-time QR code (registered trademark) information, and Figure 6(c) shows the data table TB9 for course registration information. Class information here refers to information about classes registered by each instructor, etc. One-time QR code (registered trademark) information here refers to information about one-time QR codes (registered trademark) displayed during classes, registered by the instructor or the provider of the attendance management system, etc. Course registration information here refers to information about each student's course registration status.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6(a), the data table TB7 for class information includes the following items as class information: class ID, day of the week the class is held, time of day the class is held, subject ID, teacher ID (instructor ID), classroom ID, and attendance method. In this example, for class ID "2025-B0001", the classroom ID is not registered because the attendance method is online (online class). The data table TB7 for class information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB7 for class information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6(b), the data table TB8 for one-time QR code (registered trademark) information includes the following items as identification information: class ID, date the class is to be held, time slot the class is to be held, and one-time QR code (registered trademark). The data table TB8 for one-time QR code (registered trademark) information is stored, for example, in the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB8 for one-time QR code (registered trademark) information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6(c), the data table TB9 for course registration information includes student ID and course ID as attendance determination information. The data table TB9 for course registration information is stored, for example, on the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 on which the data table TB9 for course registration information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0053] [Attendance Information] Figure 7 is a table diagram showing an example of the data structure for attendance information in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 7(a) shows the data table TB10 for time stamp information, and Figure 7(b) shows the data table TB11 for attendance correction information. The data table TB10 for time stamp information and the data table TB11 for attendance correction information are linked to each other. Time stamp information here refers to information about the registration procedure (time stamping) that each student performs when registering attendance. Attendance correction information here refers to information about the attendance status of each student that has been corrected and registered by the instructor, etc., via the administrator terminal 200. This attendance correction information takes precedence over time stamp information.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7(a), the data table TB10 for time clock information includes the following items as attendance or lateness determination information: student ID, date of clock-in, time of clock-in, attendance method, facial recognition result, beacon matching result, beacon identification information (major number and minor number), one-time QR code (registered trademark) matching result, and student location information (latitude and longitude). The data table TB10 for time clock information is stored in the administrator terminal 200 and the server 300. Note that the server 300 where the data table TB9 for course registration information is stored may be only the first server 500.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7(b), the data table TB11 for attendance correction information includes, as attendance determination information, student ID, target date for attendance management (the date the relevant class was held), class period, and attendance result. The data table TB11 for attendance correction information includes, for example, It is stored in administrator terminal 200.

[0056] <How the attendance management system works> [Overview] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an overview of the attendance management process in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The following operations are performed, for example, before and after the start of class. In addition, although there is only one user terminal 100 in the example shown in Figure 8, it is assumed that the following operations will actually be performed on multiple user terminals 100.

[0057] First, when the user inputs a command to open the user application on the user terminal 100, the terminal 100 confirms that the user application has been launched (step Sp101).

[0058] The user terminal 100 accepts the user's selection of an attendance menu (step Sp102). Here, we will proceed with the assumption that "Register Attendance" has been selected from the attendance menu.

[0059] When the user terminal 100 selects "Register Attendance" from the attendance menu, it requests confirmation of attendance eligibility from the first server 500 (step Sp103). This request for confirmation of attendance eligibility involves determining whether there are any classes for which attendance registration is possible, and requesting the result of that determination.

[0060] The first server 500 receives a request from the user terminal 100 and determines whether the current time is within the period when attendance is permitted, based on pre-registered class management information (step Sp301).

[0061] If it is determined that the current time is not an available time slot (NO in step Sp301), the first server 500 sends a "Notification of Inability to Attend" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "Notification of Inability to Attend" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp104). Then, it terminates this operation. This notification will be displayed, for example, before the start of class or if the user is significantly late for class. This allows the user to understand that they are unable to attend the class.

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time is an available time slot (YES in step Sp301), the first server 500 determines whether the user has registered for the class based on pre-registered course-related information (Sp302).

[0063] If the server determines that the user has not registered for the course (NO in step Sp302), the first server 500 sends a "Notification of No Registration" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "notification of no course registration" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp105). For example, it may be configured so that attendance registration is possible even without course registration during the course registration period. In this case, the user terminal 100 proceeds to step Sp107. On the other hand, it is not necessary to enable attendance registration outside of the course registration period. In this case, this operation terminates. It may also be configured so that attendance registration is possible even outside of the course registration period without course registration.

[0064] On the other hand, if the server determines that the user has registered for the class in question (YES in step Sp302), the first server 500 sends "available class information" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives "available class information" from the first server 500, it displays the class information on its display screen (step Sp106).

[0065] The user terminal 100 displays the attendance method and accepts the user's selection of the attendance method (step Sp107). The attendance method here refers to "in-person" or "online". For example, if the attendance method for the class is specified in advance, this step is omitted.

[0066] The user terminal 100 executes processing according to the attendance method selected by the user or a pre-specified attendance method (step Sp107). Then, it terminates this operation. The attendance management system 1 manages the attendance of the user (student in this example) through the above operations. The "processing according to the attendance method" is described in detail below.

[0067] [Processing based on attendance method: In person] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the attendance management process in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 for in-person classes. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the attendance management process in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1 for in-person classes, and is a continuation of Figure 9.

[0068] When the user terminal 100 selects "in person" as the attendance method, it accepts the selection (step Sp111). However, if the attendance method for the class is already specified as "in person," this step is omitted.

[0069] The user terminal 100 determines whether its GPS function and Bluetooth® function are turned on (step Sp112).

[0070] If it is determined that at least one of the GPS function and Bluetooth® function of the user terminal 100 is off (NO in step Sp112), the user terminal 100 turns on the off function (step Sp113). Note that the user may perform an operation to turn on the GPS function or the Bluetooth® function. For example, the GPS function or the Bluetooth® function may be automatically turned on by pressing a predetermined button displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 100.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that both the GPS function and the Bluetooth® function of the user terminal 100 are turned on (YES in step Sp112), the user terminal 100 accepts input from the "Attendance Registration Button" (step Sp114). Here, we will proceed with the explanation assuming that the "Attendance Registration Button" has been pressed.

[0072] When the "Attendance Registration Button" is pressed, the user terminal 100 activates its camera (for example, 15) and accepts a photograph of the user's face (step Sp115). The user can, for example, take a photograph of their face according to the instructions on the display screen.

[0073] When a user captures a photo of their face, the user terminal 100 sends the captured face image (also referred to as "captured face information") to the second server 600 and requests face authentication from the second server 600 (step Sp116).

[0074] The second server 600 receives a request from the user terminal 100 and compares the received captured face information with the registered face information (student information that has been registered in advance) (step Sp411). The method of face matching performed here is not particularly limited. As an example, here, facial features are extracted based on the received captured face information, and the student ID of a user that matches the extracted result or has a high degree of confidence in matching is obtained from the registered face information. For example, if a student ID can be obtained, that student ID is used as the matching result. On the other hand, if a student ID cannot be obtained, that is, if there is no user in the registered face information that matches the extracted result or has a high degree of confidence in matching, a "matching failure notification" is used as the matching result.

[0075] The second server 600 sends the facial recognition result to the first server 500 (step Sp412). As mentioned above, the recognition result here is, for example, the "student ID" in the case of successful recognition, and a "recognition of recognition failure" in the case of unsuccessful recognition.

[0076] When the first server 500 receives the facial recognition result from the second server 600, it determines whether or not it was able to obtain the student ID of the relevant user (step Sp311). Here, if a student ID is sent from the second server 600, it determines whether a student ID different from the student ID of the relevant user has been sent, i.e., whether it is the student ID of someone else. Note that if a "matching failure notification" is sent from the second server 600, the above determination is unnecessary. If the determination here determines that the student ID of the relevant user was obtained, it can be said that facial recognition was successful. On the other hand, if it determines that the student ID of the relevant user could not be obtained, it can be said that facial recognition was failed.

[0077] If facial recognition fails (NO in step Sp311), the first server 500 sends a "facial recognition failure notification" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "facial recognition failure notification" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp117). After this step, user terminal 100 accepts the user's choice between "retake photo" and "register attendance without facial recognition." If the user selects "retake photo," user terminal 100 returns to step Sp115. For the purposes of this explanation, we will proceed assuming that "register attendance without facial recognition" has been selected.

[0078] When "Register attendance without facial recognition" is selected on user terminal 100, it requests attendance registration without facial recognition from administrator terminal 200 (step Sp118). This step can be considered a remedy for the user.

[0079] The administrator terminal 200 receives a request from the user terminal 100 and performs attendance determination without facial recognition (step Sp211). Here, it approves or rejects the "attendance registration without facial recognition". If "attendance registration without facial recognition" is approved, an approval notification is sent to the user terminal 100, which receives it and proceeds to step Sp119. On the other hand, if "attendance registration without facial recognition" is rejected, the user is registered as absent, and this operation ends.

[0080] On the other hand, if facial recognition is successful and it is determined that the student ID does not belong to someone else (YES in step Sp311), the first server 500 sends a "facial recognition success notification" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "facial recognition success notification" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp119).

[0081] The user terminal 100 uses its Bluetooth® function to search for radio waves transmitted from the beacon 400 (step Sp120). The beacons 400 installed in each classroom are pre-configured to transmit radio waves only for a predetermined period of time from the start of class. Furthermore, these beacons 400 are pre-configured so that their radio waves cannot be detected from outside the classroom. The timing of radio wave transmission may be controlled by manually turning the solar power ON / OFF of the beacon 400, for example, using a solar beacon. Alternatively, the beacon 400 itself does not need to be configured to control the radio wave transmission time. In this case, the beacon's radio waves are continuously transmitted, but the server 300 (or the first server 500) controls the time period during which attendance is permitted.

[0082] The user terminal 100 determines whether or not it has detected the radio waves from the beacon 400 (step Sp121).

[0083] If the signal from beacon 400 cannot be detected (NO in step Sp121), the user terminal 100 displays a "Detection Failure Notification" on its screen (step Sp122). After this step, the user terminal 100 accepts the selection of "Search Again" and "Register Attendance Without Beacon". If the user selects "Search Again", the user terminal 100 returns to step Sp120. Note that this explanation will proceed assuming that "Register Attendance Without Beacon" has been selected.

[0084] When "Register attendance without beacon" is selected on user terminal 100, it requests attendance registration without a beacon from administrator terminal 200 (step Sp122). This step can also be considered a remedy for the user.

[0085] The administrator terminal 200 receives a request from the user terminal 100 and performs attendance determination without a beacon (step Sp212). Here, it approves or rejects the "attendance registration without a beacon". If "attendance registration without a beacon" is approved, the user is registered as present and the process proceeds to step Sp213. On the other hand, if "attendance registration without a beacon" is rejected, the user is registered as absent and this process ends. The same applies to "Processing according to attendance method: online" described later.

[0086] On the other hand, if the radio waves of the beacon 400 are detected (YES in step Sp121), the user terminal 100 transmits the identification information (major number and minor number) contained in the radio waves of the detected beacon to the first server 500. When the first server 500 receives beacon identification information from the user terminal 100, it determines, based on pre-registered beacon information, whether the beacon detected by the user terminal 100 is a predetermined beacon 400 installed in the classroom where the class is being held (step Sp312).

[0087] If the detected beacon 400 is determined not to be the designated beacon 400 (NO in step Sp312), the first server 500 sends a "Notification of Inability to Attend" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "Notification of Inability to Attend" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp124). Then, it terminates this operation.

[0088] On the other hand, if the detected beacon 400 is determined to be a predetermined beacon 400 (YES in step Sp312), the first server 500 registers the identification information of the beacon in the user's attendance information (step Sp313).

[0089] The first server 500 determines whether a user is present or late based on attendance management information (especially user clock-in information) (step Sp314).

[0090] The first server 500 registers the user's student ID, date of clocking in, time of clocking in, attendance method, facial recognition result, beacon matching result, beacon identification information, and attendance status (present or late) as attendance information, and transmits this attendance information to the user terminal 100 and the administrator terminal 200 (step Sp315).

[0091] When user terminal 100 receives attendance information from the first server 500, it displays the attendance results on the display screen (step Sp125).

[0092] Furthermore, when the administrator terminal 200 receives attendance information from the first server 500, it checks and updates the attendance status (step Sp213). For example, if a user forgets their terminal or if the user terminal is out of charge, and attendance management cannot be performed according to this procedure, the instructor or other person may manually enter the user's attendance or lateness into the administrator terminal 200. In this case, in this step, the attendance information is updated based on that information. When the administrator terminal 200 updates the attendance information in this way, it sends the updated attendance information to the user terminal 100.

[0093] The user terminal 100 displays the attendance history on its screen (step Sp126). Then, it terminates this operation.

[0094] In addition, the instructor or other staff of the class may conduct another attendance check to confirm the student's presence. In this case, the administrator terminal 200 or server 300 will notify the user terminal 100 to begin facial recognition after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the class, based on the class management information. After the user terminal 100 receives this notification, the aforementioned actions will be performed in the same manner.

[0095] Furthermore, the processing flow related to facial recognition (steps Sp116, Sp411, Sp412, and Sp311) is not limited to the above. For example, a facial recognition request may be sent from the user terminal 100 to the first server 500, the captured facial information may be sent from the first server 500 to the second server 600, and then the processing from step p411 onwards may be executed. Alternatively, for example, the matching result of the facial matching may be sent from the second server 600 to the user terminal 100, and if the matching is successful, the user terminal 100 may send the "student ID" to the first server 500, and then the processing from step Sp311 onwards may be executed.

[0096] [Processing based on attendance method: Online] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the attendance management process in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1 for online classes. Note that for each step of the following operation, steps that are the same as those performed in the "Processing according to attendance method: In-person" described above will be omitted from the explanation.

[0097] When the user terminal 100 selects "online" as the attendance method, it accepts the selection (step Sp131). However, if the attendance method for the class is already specified as "online," this step is omitted.

[0098] User terminal 100 accepts input from the "Attendance Registration Button" (Step Sp132). This explanation will proceed assuming the "Attendance Registration Button" has been pressed.

[0099] When the "Attendance Registration Button" is pressed, the user terminal 100 activates its camera (for example, 15) and accepts a photograph of the user's face (step Sp133).

[0100] When the user terminal 100 captures a photo of the user's face, it sends the captured facial information to the second server 600 and requests facial authentication from the second server 600 (step Sp134).

[0101] The second server 600 receives a request from the user terminal 100 and compares the received captured facial information with the registered facial information (student information that has been registered in advance) (step Sp431).

[0102] The second server 600 transmits the facial recognition result to the first server 500 (step Sp432).

[0103] When the first server 500 receives the facial recognition result from the second server 600, it determines whether or not it was able to obtain the student ID of the corresponding user (step Sp331).

[0104] If facial recognition fails (NO in step Sp331), the first server 500 sends a "facial recognition failure notification" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "facial recognition failure notification" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp135). After this step, user terminal 100 accepts the user's choice between "retake photo" and "register attendance without facial recognition". If the user selects "retake photo", user terminal 100 returns to step Sp133. Note that this explanation will proceed assuming that "register attendance without facial recognition" has been selected.

[0105] When "Register attendance without facial recognition" is selected on the user terminal 100, it requests attendance registration without facial recognition from the administrator terminal 200 (step Sp136).

[0106] The administrator terminal 200 receives a request from the user terminal 100 and performs attendance determination without facial recognition (step Sp231). Here, it approves or rejects the "attendance registration without facial recognition". If "attendance registration without facial recognition" is approved, an approval notification is sent to the user terminal 100, which receives it and proceeds to step Sp137A or 137B. On the other hand, if "attendance registration without facial recognition" is rejected, the user is registered as absent, and this operation ends.

[0107] On the other hand, if facial recognition is successful (YES in step Sp311), the first server 500 sends a "facial recognition success notification" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "notification of successful facial recognition" from the first server 500, its processing proceeds to step Sp137A or 137B.

[0108] Here, the aforementioned statement that "the process proceeds to step Sp137A or 137B" means that, as the second verification method, if current location information (GPS) is used, the process of the user terminal 100 proceeds to step Sp137A, and if an identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) is used, the process of the user terminal 100 proceeds to step Sp137B.

[0109] • When using current location information (GPS) Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the absence management process using current location information (GPS) in the case of online classes in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and is a continuation of Figure 11.

[0110] When user terminal 100 receives a "facial recognition success notification" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp137A).

[0111] The user terminal 100 uses its GPS function to obtain the user's (user terminal 100's) current location information (step Sp138A). Here, once the user terminal 100 obtains the user's current location information, it transmits this current location information to the first server 500.

[0112] When the first server 500 receives the user's current location information from the user terminal 100, it determines whether the user's current location is a predetermined location (place) based on the pre-registered training location information and the user's current location information (step Sp332A).

[0113] If the server determines that the user's current location is not the designated location (NO in step Sp332A), the first server 500 sends a "Notification of Inability to Attend" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "Notification of Inability to Attend" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp139A). Then, it terminates this operation.

[0114] On the other hand, if the system determines that the user's current location is a predetermined location (YES in step Sp332A), the first server 500 determines whether the user is present or late based on attendance management information (especially the user's time stamp information) (step Sp333A).

[0115] The first server 500 registers the user's student ID, date of clocking in, time of clocking in, attendance method, facial recognition result, user's current location information (latitude and longitude), and attendance status (present or late) as attendance information, and transmits this attendance information to the user terminal 100 and the administrator terminal 200 (step Sp334A).

[0116] When user terminal 100 receives attendance information from the first server 500, it displays the attendance results on the display screen (step Sp140A).

[0117] Furthermore, when the administrator terminal 200 receives attendance information from the first server 500, it checks and updates the attendance status (step Sp232A). If the administrator terminal 200 updates the attendance information, it sends the updated attendance information to the user terminal 100.

[0118] The user terminal 100 displays the attendance history on its screen (step Sp141A). Then, it terminates this operation.

[0119] Furthermore, if the instructor or other staff of the class conducts another attendance check to confirm the student's presence, the process is the same as described in "Processing according to attendance method: In person," so the explanation will be omitted. The same process also applies to "When using an identification code (QR code (registered trademark))," which will be described later.

[0120] • When using an identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the absence management process using an identification code (QR code®) in the case of online classes in the attendance management system according to Embodiment 1, and is a continuation of Figure 11.

[0121] When user terminal 100 receives a "facial recognition success notification" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp137B).

[0122] Furthermore, the administrator terminal 200 displays a one-time QR code (registered trademark) on the display screen shared during online classes at a predetermined time, such as during the time slot when attendance is permitted (Step Sp232B).

[0123] The user terminal 100 activates its camera (e.g., 15) to receive a reading of a one-time QR code (registered trademark) displayed on a PC or tablet device used by the user when taking online classes (step Sp138B). The user here can read the one-time QR code (registered trademark) according to the information displayed on the screen, for example. When the user terminal 100 reads the one-time QR code (registered trademark), it transmits the identification information of the read one-time QR code (registered trademark) to the first server 500 and requests authentication from the first server 500.

[0124] When the first server 500 receives identification information from the user terminal 100, it determines whether the identification information read by the user terminal 100 matches the registered identification information based on pre-registered course-related information (especially the one-time QR code (registered trademark) information) (step Sp333B).

[0125] If the identification information read by the user terminal 100 does not match the registered identification information (NO in step Sp333B), the first server 500 sends a "matching failure notification" to the user terminal 100. When user terminal 100 receives a "matching failure notification" from the first server 500, it displays the notification on its screen (step Sp139B). After that, for example, user terminal 100 returns to step Sp138B.

[0126] On the other hand, if the identification information read by the user terminal 100 matches the registered identification information (YES in step Sp333B), the first server 500 determines whether the user is present or late based on the attendance management information (especially the user's time stamp information) (step Sp333B).

[0127] The first server 500 registers the user's student ID, date of clocking in, time of clocking in, attendance method, facial recognition result, one-time QR code (registered trademark) authentication result, and attendance status (present or late) as attendance information, and transmits this attendance information to the user terminal 100 and the administrator terminal 200 (step Sp334B).

[0128] When user terminal 100 receives attendance information from the first server 500, it displays the attendance results on the display screen (step Sp140B).

[0129] Furthermore, when the administrator terminal 200 receives attendance information from the first server 500, it checks and updates the attendance status (step Sp233B). If the administrator terminal 200 updates the attendance information, it sends the updated attendance information to the user terminal 100.

[0130] The user terminal 100 displays the attendance history on its screen (step Sp141B). Then, it terminates this operation.

[0131] Here, the operation using current location information (GPS) and the operation using an identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) may be combined. For example, the operation using an identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) can be combined after the operation using current location information (GPS). In this case, the matching of the identification information read by the user terminal 100 with the registered identification information (step Sp333B) is treated as a third matching.

[0132] <User operation> [Attendance method: In person] Figure 14 shows an example of the transition of the display screen UI1 of the user terminal 100 in the case of face-to-face classes in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, and is a diagram for explaining user operation. Figure 15 shows an example of the display screen UI2 of the administrator terminal 200 in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 16 shows an example of the display screen UI1 of the user terminal 100 in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 17 shows an example of the display screen UI1 of the user terminal 100 when verification fails in the case of face-to-face classes in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0133] First, the user launches the user app at predetermined times, such as before or after the start of class. Then, as shown in Figure 14(a), the home screen of the user app is displayed.

[0134] Next, the user taps the "Register Attendance" button on the UI1 display screen shown in Figure 14(a). Then, the UI1 display screen transitions to Figure 14(b).

[0135] Next, the user selects "In-person" in the attendance method section of the UI1 display screen shown in Figure 14(b), and then taps the "Register Attendance" button. The UI1 display screen then transitions to Figure 14(c).

[0136] Next, the user takes a picture of their face according to the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 14(c). Here, we will proceed with the explanation using the case where face recognition is successful as an example. If face recognition is successful, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 14(d).

[0137] As shown in Figure 14(d), once facial recognition is successful, the matching process for beacon 400 begins. The user simply needs to wait until the matching result is available. Here, we will explain using the case where the matching for beacon 400 is successful as an example. Once the matching for beacon 400 is successful, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 14(e).

[0138] As shown in Figure 14(e), if the matching of beacon 400 is successful, the attendance registration result is displayed. This allows the user to check their attendance status for the class.

[0139] Subsequently, when the user taps the "Attendance History" button on the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 14(e), the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 14(f). This allows the user to check their attendance history for the day the class was held.

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, instructors and other administrators can check the attendance information of each student in the class. In addition, instructors and other administrators can manually input the attendance status of students, such as attendance, tardiness, early departure, and absence, by operating the display screen UI2.

[0141] By the way, if a user taps the "Register Attendance" button on the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 14(a) outside of the available attendance time slot, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 16(a). In other words, the user can see that they are currently unable to attend, as shown in Figure 16(a). This is also the case when the attendance method is "online".

[0142] Furthermore, for example, if a user tries to register attendance for a class they have not registered for during the course registration period, and taps the "Register Attendance" button on the UI1 display screen shown in Figure 14(a), the UI1 display screen will transition to Figure 16(b). In this way, users can register attendance even for classes they have not registered for. This is also true when the attendance method is "online".

[0143] Furthermore, if the GPS or Bluetooth® function of the user terminal 100 is turned off, a message such as "NG" will be displayed in the GPS or Bluetooth® item, as shown in Figure 16(c). In this case, the user should tap the "Reacquire" button on the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 16(c). This is also the case when the attendance method is "Online".

[0144] Furthermore, if facial recognition fails, for example, a message such as "NG" will be displayed in the facial matching section, as shown in Figure 17(a). In this case, the user can select and tap either the "Retake Photo" or "Register Without Facial Recognition" button on the UI1 display screen shown in Figure 17(a). This also applies when the attendance method is "Online".

[0145] Furthermore, if, for example, the matching of beacon 400 fails, a message such as "NG" will be displayed in the beacon field, as shown in Figure 17(b). In this case, the user can simply select and tap the "Re-search" or "Register without beacon" button on the display screen UI shown in Figure 17(b). This also applies when the attendance method is "online".

[0146] [Attendance method: Online] • When using current location information (GPS) Figure 18 shows an example of the transition of the display screen UI1 of the user terminal 100 in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, when online classes are held and current location information (GPS) is used, and is a diagram for explaining user operation.

[0147] First, the user launches the user app at predetermined times, such as before or after the start of class. Then, as shown in Figure 18(a), the home screen of the user app is displayed.

[0148] Next, the user taps the "Register Attendance" button on the UI1 display screen shown in Figure 18(a). Then, the UI1 display screen transitions to Figure 18(b).

[0149] Next, the user selects "Online" in the attendance method section of the UI1 display screen shown in Figure 18(b), and then taps the "Register Attendance" button. The UI1 display screen then transitions to Figure 18(c).

[0150] Next, the user takes a picture of their face according to the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 18(c). Here, we will proceed with the explanation using the case where face recognition is successful as an example. If face recognition is successful, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 18(d).

[0151] As shown in Figure 18(d), once facial recognition is successful, the verification process regarding the learning location begins. The user simply needs to wait until the verification results are available. Here, we will explain using the case where the verification of the learning location is successful as an example. Once the verification of the learning location is successful, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 18(e).

[0152] As shown in Figure 18(e), once the verification of the class location is successful, the attendance registration result is displayed. This allows the user to check their attendance status for the class. Note that tapping the "Attendance History" button on the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 18(e) will transition to the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 14(f).

[0153] • When using an identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) Figure 19 shows an example of the transition of the display screen UI1 of the user terminal 100 in the attendance management system 1 according to Embodiment 1, when an identification code (QR code (registered trademark)) is used for online classes, and is a diagram for explaining user operation. In the example shown in Figure 19, UI3 is an example of the display screen of a PC or tablet terminal used by the user when taking online classes. The process up to verification of the class location is the same as the process when using current location information (GPS), so the explanation is omitted.

[0154] If facial recognition is successful, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 19(a). The user reads the one-time QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display screen UI3 of the PC or tablet device used for online classes, following the instructions on the display screen shown in Figure 19(a). Here, we will proceed with the explanation using the case where the verification of identification information is successful as an example. If the verification of identification information is successful, the display screen UI1 transitions to Figure 19(b).

[0155] As shown in Figure 19(b), if the matching of identification information is successful, the attendance registration result is displayed. This allows the user to check their attendance status for the class. Note that tapping the "Attendance History" button on the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 19(b) will transition to the display screen UI1 shown in Figure 14(f).

[0156] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, attendance checks for personnel in organizations such as schools and companies can be carried out more rigorously and with less effort.

[0157] (Other variations) For example, the functions of the server 300 in Embodiment 1 may be implemented in a user application. In this case, the attendance management system 1 may consist of a user terminal 100 on which the user application is installed, an administrator terminal 200, and a beacon 400. In other words, the attendance management system 1 can be configured without including the server 300.

[0158] Furthermore, this disclosure also applies to programs and storage media that supply programs that realize the functions of the apparatus of the above-described embodiment to the apparatus via a network or various storage media, and which are read and executed by the computer within the apparatus.

[0159] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to these examples. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can occur within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0160] (Note) The following technologies are disclosed based on the above description of embodiments.

[0161] <Technology 1> A user terminal 100 that acquires the user's facial information by having the user take a photo of their own face for facial recognition, A server 300 receives the captured facial information from the user terminal 100, performs a first comparison as facial authentication, which is a comparison between the captured facial information and the registered facial information of a user that has been registered in advance, and transmits the result of the first comparison to the user terminal 100. An attendance management system 1 equipped with, The user terminal 100 is If the first matching result indicates a match between individuals, the user's location information is transmitted to the server 300. The server 300 is, A second verification is performed, which involves comparing the received location information with pre-registered registered location information. If the result of the second verification indicates a match in location, the user is registered as present. Attendance management system 1.

[0162] This configuration ensures authenticity through the first verification and prevents fraudulent attendance registration through the second verification. Furthermore, this configuration enables two-factor authentication with both the first and second verifications without requiring any special configuration, allowing for stricter attendance verification with less effort than before.

[0163] <Technology 2> It also includes an administrator terminal with attendance management functionality. The attendance management system described in Technology 1.

[0164] This configuration allows administrators to manage attendance status in real time.

[0165] <Technology 3> The server or administrator terminal After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the class, the user terminal is notified that the facial recognition has begun. The attendance management system described in Technology 2.

[0166] This configuration allows for multiple attendance checks to confirm presence.

[0167] <Technology 4> In addition to beacons installed in the classrooms, The aforementioned user terminal is If the first matching result indicates a match between individuals, the system searches for radio waves emitted from the beacon, and if the radio waves are detected, it transmits the detected beacon information to the server. The aforementioned server, As a second verification, the received beacon information is compared with the registered beacon information that has been previously linked to classroom information related to the classroom as registered location information, and if the result of the second verification indicates a match in location, the user is registered as present. An attendance management system described in any one of the three technologies (Technology 1 to Technology 3).

[0168] This configuration allows for more stringent attendance checks.

[0169] <Technology 5> The aforementioned beacon, The aforementioned radio waves will only be transmitted for a specified period of time from the start of the class. The attendance management system described in Technology 4.

[0170] This configuration allows for flexible attendance checks depending on the situation.

[0171] <Technology 6> The aforementioned user terminal is If the first matching result indicates a match between individuals, the current location information of the user is obtained and transmitted to the server. The aforementioned server, As a second verification, the current location information is compared with the registered training location information that has been pre-registered as the registered location information. If the result of the second verification indicates a match in location, the user is registered as attending. An attendance management system described in any one of the following technologies: Technology 1 through Technology 5.

[0172] This configuration helps to suppress fraudulent attendance registration in online classes and other similar settings.

[0173] <Technology 7> The aforementioned user terminal is If the second matching result indicates a location match, the user reads the identification code displayed on a predetermined display unit using the user terminal to obtain identification information, and transmits the obtained identification information to the server. The aforementioned server, A third verification is performed, which involves comparing the received identification information with the registered identification information that has been pre-linked to the class information. If the result of the third verification shows a match, the user is registered as present. The attendance management system described in Technical 6.

[0174] This configuration allows for a more effective suppression of fraudulent attendance registration in online classes and other similar settings. [Industrial applicability]

[0175] This disclosure is useful as an attendance management system that allows for more rigorous and efficient verification of personnel attendance in organizations such as schools and companies. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1. Attendance Management System 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Processing Unit 12 Storage device 13. Communication equipment 14 Input devices 15 Cameras 16 External Interfaces 17 Display device 18 Internal Interface 100 user terminals 200 Administrator terminals 300 servers 400 beacons 500 First Server 600 Second Server

Claims

1. A user terminal that acquires the user's facial information by having the user take a photo of their own face for facial recognition, A server that receives the captured facial information from the user terminal, performs a first comparison as facial authentication, which is a comparison between the captured facial information and the registered facial information of a user that has been registered in advance, and transmits the result of the first comparison to the user terminal. An attendance management system equipped with, In addition to the beacons installed in the classrooms, The aforementioned user terminal is After receiving the first matching result indicating a match between individuals, if radio waves emitted from the beacon are detected, the beacon information of the detected beacon is transmitted to the server. The aforementioned server, A second matching is performed, which involves comparing the received beacon information with registered beacon information linked to classroom information for the classroom that has been pre-registered as registered location information. If the result of the second matching indicates a match in location, the user is registered as present. Attendance management system.

2. It also includes an administrator terminal with attendance management functionality. The attendance management system according to claim 1.

3. The server or administrator terminal is After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the class, the user terminal is notified that the facial recognition has begun. The attendance management system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned beacon, The aforementioned radio waves will only be transmitted for a specified period of time from the start of the class. The attendance management system according to claim 1.

5. The beacon is a transmitting beacon that emits radio waves, The attendance management system according to claim 1.

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