Abstract: The present invention relates to computer-based technology in assessment particularly for the licensing and certification of professionals such as architects and engineers. For assessment of architects, the system includes tools and methods for item creation, computer programs for computerized item presentation, and programs for automatically scoring test responses by computer.

Abstract: A digitizer system having a page recognition system and a method of using such digitizer system is disclosed. The page recognition system detects a page number pre-coded on a sheet of paper when the sheet of paper is mounted onto the digitizer system. When a sheet of paper which was previously mounted on the digitizer is re-mounted onto the digitizer, the digitizer recognizes the sheet of paper as having been previously digitized and re-loads the electronic file corresponding to the same sheet of paper. Thereafter, the digitizer records the annotations made by the digitizer operator to the previously digitized sheet of paper.

Abstract: A method of picture image processing, and system for carrying out same, involves generation of a composite mapping function, for transforming gray scale values to different values in order to enhance contrast. A reduced range histogram is generated, involving removing a percentage of the total histogram counts from bottom and top sub-ranges and also removing spikes. The reduced histogram is then density averaged in order to obtain a first map function. A second map function is generated for interfacing with the characteristics of the printer to be used, and a composite mapping transform is generated by combining the two generated functions. After the composite mapping function is generated, each gray value of the image data set is transformed in accordance with the composite function, for use in printing, thereby providing an enhanced contrast image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing forms and organizing data taken from the forms, including optical scanning of a sheet and obtaining image data from selected portions of the sheet, and formatting of the selected image data and storing and displaying the formatted image data for subsequent use.

Abstract: Combination automatic feed systems and sheet readers are provided by this invention which include aligning and picking mechanisms for transporting and laterally aligning a sheet of paper relative to a flow path. The system includes a microprocessor for delivering a sheet to the alignment mechanism whereby a timing of this delivery by the automatic feeding mechanism is coordinated with the timing of the reading of the sheets in the sheet reader to compensate for both regular and irregular delays in reading the sheets, for example, during the grading of test scores. Methods for automatically feeding, reading and aligning sheets for a sheet reader are also provided.

Abstract: Milling machine apparatus and method for controlling the relative movement between a working surface and a cutting edge in which said relative movement approximates a mathematically definable path and occurs in a series of line segments each intersecting said path at first and second points with the second point of each line segment being the first point of the next successive line segment. The system comprises first means for determining a maximum distance d' between each successive line segment and said path measured along a line extending from a predetermined reference and passing between said first and second points, where d'=d+.DELTA.d, a predetermined range of value. Also provided are second means responsive to the determination of d' for each successive line segment to then establish the first point of intersection of the next successive line segment, and control means responsive to the determined points of intersection to generate prime moving control signals.