US 8,121,912 B2Granted

Automated method for reconciling asynchronous time attendance records

AssigneeExaktime Innovations, Inc.

InventorsAnthony Henryk Pappas, Eric R. Renken

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Abstract

A method for reconciling asynchronous time attendance records in a time attendance system is provided. The reconciliation method of the present invention can reconcile and synchronize time attendance records from a single time attendance recorder device, or multiple time attendance recorder devices which are independent from one another and not electronically connected to a central processor or each other. Each time attendance event includes a time attendance recorder identifying code, a user identifying code, and is processed according to whether it is determined to be a start activity or a stop activity. A series of completed time records is created for each user as all of the time attendance events from all of the recorder devices are processed.

Claims41

Dependent claims

An automated method for reconciling asynchronous time attendance records, comprising the steps of:

providing time attendance recorders which are not in real time electronic communication with each other or a common central processor;
assigning each time attendance recorder a unique identifier;
assigning a unique identifying code for each of a plurality of users of a time attendance recorder;
logging in to a plurality of the time attendance recorders using the user identifying code;
for each log in, creating a time attendance event including the time corresponding with the log in and the user identifying code and the time attendance recorder identifier;
periodically electronically transferring time attendance events from the attendance recorders to a central processor in an asynchronous manner;
and
processing by the processor each time attendance event for the time attendance recorder to create time attendance records for each user, including the steps of:
determining by the processor whether the time attendance event is a start event time or a stop event time;
for each user, creating chronological time records, each time record having a start time and a stop time;
for missing known start event times and stop event times, completing a time record by automatically assigning a start time or a stop time corresponding with another known event time;
and
replacing by the processor the automatically assigned start or stop time when receiving an accurate start event time or stop event time.

10 more elements

An automated method for reconciling asynchronous time attendance records from a plurality of time attendance recorders which are not in electronic communication with each other or a central processor, comprising the steps of:

assigning each time attendance recorder a unique identifier;
assigning a unique identifying code for each of a plurality of users of a time attendance recorder;
logging in to the time attendance recorder using the user identifying code;
for each log in, creating a time attendance event including the time corresponding with the log in, the user identifying code, and the time attendance recorder identifier;
periodically electronically transferring time attendance events from the attendance recorders to a central processor;
and
processing by the processor each time attendance event for the time attendance recorders, including the steps of:
verifying user identifying code by comparing the user identifying code with a database of known user identifying codes;
if unverified, assigning a user identifying code;
verifying the time attendance recorder by comparing the identifying code for the time attendance recorder from which the time attendance event was obtained to a database of known time attendance recorder identifying codes;
and
if unverified, assigning an identifying code to the time attendance recorder;
retrieving a maximum time span allowed for the user associated with the time attendance event;
determining by the processor whether the time attendance event is a start event time or a stop event time;
for each user, creating chronological time records, each time record having a start time and a stop time;
for missing known start event times and stop event times, completing a time record by automatically assigning a start time or a stop time corresponding with another known event time;
and
replacing by the processor the automatically assigned start or stop time when receiving an accurate start event time or stop event time.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/697,368Filed 6 Apr 2007 · us provisional application
Priority: 11 Apr 2006
Published: US 2007/0250379 A125 Oct 2007
Granted: 21 Feb 2012
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G07C 1/18
Wherein the time is indicated by marking an element, e.g. a card or tape, in a position determined by the time: with apparatus adapted for use…
G06Q 10/105
Office automation; Time management: human resources
G06Q 10/1091
Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting: recording time for administrative or management purposes
G06Q 40/12
Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes: accounting