ISHANI KAUR, a young engineering student from the Power Hub, has brought laurels to Korba district and State by securing a patent from the Government of India for an innovative technological solution in the field of education. The patent has been granted for a period of 20 years. Ishani Kaur, along with her teammates Alin Masih, Lata Tekam and Anshika Kumari, has developed an Infrared Laser-based Facial Recognition Attendance System and Method. The patent application was filed on June 17, 2025, and was officially granted on January 5, 2026, under the provisions of the Indian Patents Act, 1970. A third semester Computer Science Engineering student at Shankaraacharya Institute of Professional Management and Technology, Raipur, Ishani is a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Colony, SECL, Korba. The patented system offers a modern, contactless and automated solution to long-standing attendance-related challenges in educational institutions.

 

The system operates using infrared laser dot projection, an infrared camera and artificial intelligence-based facial recognition technology. It is capable of accurately recording attendance even in low-light conditions, thereby saving valuable classroom time and improving administrative efficiency. The students stated that the idea originated during physics classes while studying laser and fibre optics, where they attempted to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. The entire research and patent process was completed under the guidance of senior faculty member Dr D S Kshatri, who mentored the team from conceptualisation to patent approval. The management of SIPMT highlighted that students are introduced to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) awareness. programmes from the first year itself, encouraging innovation and patent filing at an early stage.

 

Addressing the media, institute representatives Atul Chakravarti and Dr Dhirendra Singh described the achievement as a matter of pride and an inspiration for other students. Ishani Kaur is the daughter of senior journalist Dolly Singh and Pinky Kaur. Her achievement has been widely appreciated by academic circles, the press fraternity and local residents.