Abstract

A system and method for rapidly recording employee time and attendance information. A user identification document is provided which contains identification information in the form of a bar code. The user places the document in a three-dimensional scanning region of a reader which scans the bar-coded information. The system is also designed to record a video image of the user as the bar code is scanned. The system may additionally require the user to input additional information in the form of a password or access code. The reader temporarily stores the information and sends confirmation to the user that the information has been successfully recorded. A host computer, connected to the reader and a plurality of other readers, periodically polls the reader. Upon polling by the host computer the reader transmits all information stored in its memory to the host computer where the information is stored in a database for subsequent analysis. The host computer may additionally be connected, along with a plurality of other host computers, to a central computer capable of retrieving and analyzing information from all host computers.