Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer software for automatically analysing a filled in questionnaire, are provided. The method includes automatically analysing a filled in questionnaire, the method comprising the steps of: providing a questionnaire having answer locations; scanning at least two copies of the questionnaire with the answer locations filled in differently and complementarily in a predetermined way, to produce a first scan and a second scan; automatically determining answer locations by comparing the first and second scans; providing a filled in questionnaire having certain answers; scanning the provided filled in questionnaire as a third scan; and automatically judging the certain answers with the determined answer locations.

Abstract: A hardware and software implemented, standardize testing, scoring and reporting system has a network interface, being either LAN or the Internet. A test is selected from a library, assigned to a group of examinees, and a record is made of the assignment. The test is available on-line, or downloaded, or both. Downloaded tests are saved as PDF files and printed into booklets. Examinees record answers on bubble sheets, which are scanned at the customer site or shipped to a processing plant. Individual scanned answer sheets provided data for individual scanned records. Scanning software performs an initial auto-correct and then performs an initial check for errors in scanned records. Tests are batched for later inspection. Scanned records with errors are classified as invalid and the test papers are separated. Prompts are generated for a human test paper inspection and scanned record editing.

Abstract: An educational workbook for very young children of preschool and kindergarten age, as well as children who are somewhat older but do not have developed fine motor skills, which extends the advantages of U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,522 having a hand-held booklet containing a series of problems with color-coded selectable answers and flat answer card having movable colored clips and compatible to the booklet. The answer card is typically enclosed in the booklet and can serve as a bookmark. Children record their answers by placing the selected colored clips into the corresponding positions on the answer card. Children check their own work by comparing site-by-site the colors of the clips on their answer with the colors of the child-friendly images on the corresponding answer key. No pencil is used, answer keys are easily readable, and exercises can be repeated many times since there is no trace of earlier responses.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and processing an assessment examination answer sheet are disclosed. An answer sheet is formatted by question, column or section using a layout tool and includes calibration marks, and examinee and examination identifiers. The format is stored in a computer-readable form, such as an XML file. A conventional printer prints the answer sheet prior to a test administration. Upon completion, a scanned image of the answer sheet is produced using a conventional scanner. The calibration marks are used to determine relative positions of answer sheet elements and to determine light and dark answer values. The examinee and examination identifiers identify the examinee and the proper stored format. Automatic grading ensues. A graphical user interface (“GUI”) assists grading of the answer sheet. The GUI may use confidence level indicators to denote answer choices or questions for which the grading system cannot precisely determine the intended response.

Abstract: Implementations feature scannable form techniques and systems. Some aspects feature a scannable form including at least one response column parallel to a first longitudinal edge of the scannable form, and a broken ladder having two substantially parallel lines with locations for multiple rungs corresponding to encoded information that identifies a person assigned to the scannable form. A top rung is positioned on the scannable form so that the top rung can be a first rung that is scanned by a test scoring machine for the broken ladder, and a bottom rung is positioned so that the bottom rung can be a last rung that is scanned by the test scoring machine for the broken ladder. Other aspects feature a method to determine correct scoring key data in the test scoring machine for a test, and a method of transmitting information between the test scoring machine and a portable memory device.

Abstract: A process of allowing a patient to have limited input access to their electronic medical record including the steps of forming a basic patient medical record in a computer through entry of information using a keyboard, providing the patient with a machine readable medical questionnaire concerning their history, environment, symptoms, and other pertinent information for answering by the patient, interfacing the machine readable medical questionnaire with a scanner to send the data stream to a microprocessor and converting the patient's answers to a protocol simulating the protocol from a party having authority to export data to the patient's medical record, and transferring the protocol-arranged data into the patient's medical record housed in a database through use of an interface engine.

Abstract: A test form comprises a substrate, a chromogenic material applied to at least a top surface portion of the substrate, a removable opaque layer overlaying a portion of the chromogenic material, the chromogenic material being adapted to irreversibly generate a visible change in color to form a desired indicia, upon exposure of the area to an activating agent such as heat to predetermined areas on a bottom portion of the substrate, all without disturbing the opaque layer covering the indicia so produced. The present invention is further directed to a method and system for customizing a test form having a removable opaque layer, by permitting printing under the opaque layer to be concealed until the corresponding opaque layer covering the indicia is removed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and method for enabling examinations. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms which support interaction with a computer system or network. Each form is printed on sheet material such as paper and includes coded data which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system via a sensing device operated by a user.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing inhaler training device for determining whether a user is properly operating an aerosol dispensing device. The training device includes an aerosol dispensing device having a container with a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and movable between a closed position and an open position. The container dispenses a portion of the contents within the container when the valve stem is moved to the open position.

Abstract: A method of grading an essay using an automated essay scoring system is provided. The method comprises the automated steps of (a) parsing the essay to produce parsed text, wherein the parsed text is a syntactic representation of the essay, (b) using the parsed text to create a vector of syntactic features derived from the essay, (c) using the parsed text to create a vector of rhetorical features derived from the essay, (d) creating a first score feature derived from the essay, (e) creating a second score feature derived from the essay, and (f) processing the vector of syntactic features, the vector of rhetorical features, the first score feature, and the second score feature to generate a score for the essay.

Abstract: A method of grading an essay using an automated essay scoring system is provided. The method comprises the automated steps of (a) parsing the essay to produce parsed text, wherein the parsed text is a syntactic representation of the essay, (b) using the parsed text to create a vector of syntactic features derived from the essay, (c) using the parsed text to create a vector of rhetorical features derived from the essay, (d) creating a first score feature derived from the essay, (e) creating a second score feature derived from the essay, and (f) processing the vector of syntactic features, the vector of rhetorical features, the first score feature, and the second score feature to generate a score for the essay.

Abstract: An imaging system includes two sets of cameras: a first set for capturing optical mark or optical character recognition data and a second set for capturing visual images. Full visual images of pages containing answers to open-ended questions are retained and are retrievable by a reader such that an area of interest wherein the answer is expected is displayed, but the remaining area is also available for viewing. The system permits the alignment of a page based upon edge detection if the page contains only an open-ended answer, obviating the need for timing tracks. Hardware and software elements cooperate to store the image temporarily in a server having a response time commensurate with the scanner. The image is then processed with the use of high-performance index imaging for optical storage and retrieval, and then routed to a long-term storage device.

Abstract: A word game for entertaining players and improving their vocabularies. The method of playing the word game comprises the steps of providing a plurality of tiles each with a front and a back. The front and back of each of the tiles has a unique letter of the alphabet imprinted thereon. A timer is provided. The timer expires after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. A card is provided for each player, each having a plurality of columns and a series of rows. All players simultaneously participate. One player shakes all the tiles in a tumbler and lets one tile fall out. The front and the back of the tile are viewed and the timer is started. Players write two series of words on the card they are holding. Each of the series is written in a unique row of the card. Words in the first series begin with one of the letters of the tile. Words in the second series begin with the other of the letters of the tile. Each of the words written in the first of the columns is of one syllable.

Abstract: A test booklet and method of administering a test used to receive instant continuing education credit. The test booklet includes a number of multiple choice questions where each question includes a plurality of answer selections. The question designations and answer selections are reproduced on an answer sheet that is attached to the booklet by a perforation. Each answer selection is covered by an opaque scratch-off material such that the applicant selects his or her answer by scratching off the appropriate material covering a particular answer selection. To receive the continuing education credit, the applicant tears the answer sheet from the booklet and mails in the answer sheet to an accreditation agency to be graded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveying and reporting listener opinion of a list of songs such as the songs comprising a radio station music library. A group of music listeners is selected from whom individual listener opinions are recorded. A home music preference test kit is fielded to the select listeners for use in each listener's residence. Data from each music preference test kit is then collected, compiled and tabulated to reflect a mean or average listener opinion for each song in the list.The home music preference test kit includes instructions for completing the test and returning the survey form, a music medium having a preselected number of song hooks representing each song in the library of the radio station. The kit also includes a survey form for recording the listener's opinion of each song based on the song hooks and an honorarium for agreeing to properly complete a survey form.

Abstract: A system for assessing a student's knowledge of a subject is disclosed wh includes an assessment sheet or booklet which has a story portion setting forth a plurality of related facts or observations therein and an activity portion setting forth a plurality of questions and directions therein to the student requiring a written response by the student, an answer area for the student to place written responses therein and a machine readable teacher scoring area on the sheet. The scoring area has machine readable spaces therein for recording numbers or marks characteristic of predetermined categories of the teacher's evaluation of the student's responses to the questions and directions in accordance with a predetermined set of assessment criteria. In other embodiments, the answer sheet may be separable from a reusable assessment booklet.

Abstract: An electronic learning system that utilizes a plurality of coded cards on which sensory-information representations are provided to present pictorial-symbol information and/or language-symbol information, in conjunction with a housing that contains card slots in combination with a visually and functionally distinctive button associated with each individual card slot and a button associated in an equal manner to all card slots, wherein a card may be inserted in each of the card slots. The operator can cause the system to generate unique audible information associated with the sensory-information representation provided on any selected card by pressing the visually and functionally distinctive button associated with the card slot in which the card is inserted.

Abstract: A test booklet is disclosed which is made from a plurality of overlaid sheets, each having a width less than an underlying sheet. The sheets are bifolded together along a central fold to form pairs of equal width question pages nested together with the outer page having the greatest width and each sequential inner page overlapping an underlying page by an equal width edge portion. Each pair of pages has a plurality of questions arranged on their outer sides and a unique icon on the edge portion thereof.An answer sheet is provided which is positionable between the innermost pair of pages. This answer sheet has a plurality of vertical columns of answer areas equal to the number of pairs of question pages arranged so as to extend generally along the edge portions of the question pages. Each column on the answer sheet corresponds in position to the edge of only one question page and has a matching icon which corresponds to and is adjacent to the unique icon on the corresponding question page.

Abstract: A method of entering a hand-marked response into a system by altering a predetermined modified bar code symbol in a manner so that the bar code is rendered readable. In this manner, bar code reading devices can be utilized to detect the hand marked response. In an alternative embodiment, one of several potential responses may be marked and rendered non-decodable. A bar code reading device determines which of the several responses has been hand-marked by ascertaining which is non-decodable. Marking the response sheets may be aided by using an opaque template sheet or using a pressure sensitive overlay sheet.

Abstract: A method of entering a hand-marked response into a system by altering a predetermined modified bar code symbol in a manner so that the bar code is rendered readable. In this manner, bar code reading devices can be utilized to detect the hand-marked response. In an alternative embodiment, one of several potential responses may be marked and rendered non-decodable. A bar code reading device determines which of the several responses has been hand-marked by ascertaining which is non-decodable. Marking the response sheets may be aided by using an opaque template sheet or using a pressure sensitive overlay sheet.

Abstract: An electronically scannable form and method for its use, the form comprising at least one marking zone defined by a plurality of mark positions, each mark position defined by a mark position row and mark position column, the form being printed with reflective ink and marked by a respondent with a non-reflective material such that any mark at least partially obliterating at least one mark position in a marking zone will be electronically scanned and identified as correspoding to the choice defined by the marking zone.

Abstract: A scannable form for use in an optical mark reading system has a timing track that is pre-encoded with data information known or determined prior to a respondent completing the scannable form. The data information is pre-encoded in the control mark column on the scannable form by utilizing that portion of the control mark column that is not essential for conveying the scan control information associated with the scan control marks. The data information is encoded using data marks that represent the data information in a binary or other similar coding technique. The data marks are column-aligned with the scan control marks in the control mark column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system whereby a consumer, and in particular a patient, may make a request that information with respect to a drug be transmitted to him or her. In accordance with the present invention, a doctor may provide a patient with an information request post card. The information request post card may, in one aspect, for example, have a first information correlation component and a second postal destination component. The first component may comprise a plurality or correlation groups, each correlation group comprising a said identification symbol and an associated check-off section for being marked so as to designate the said identification symbol, and a consumer identification section for the insertion of postal information of a consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus for obstructing a standardized test form from view of all but the test taker. The apparatus permits a test taker to see the necessary portions of the answer sheet but obstructs and obscures the view of answer marks from shallow angles or from a distance.

Abstract: A method of evaluating designated responses to a series of questions includes the steps of forming on a surface of a markable sheet a number of response mark guides, whereby responses to the questions can be designated by placing marks on or within selected ones of the response mark guides. The response mark guides are arranged at certain positions on the sheet to define arrays of a certain reference form, e.g., a clock face, and each of the response mark guides of each array is associated with a different possible response such as a number from 0 to 9, according to the reference form. Responses are evaluated by interpreting the marks in accordance with their positions as placed on or within the response mark guides of the arrays and according to a selected response key.

Abstract: A scannable form and system, the form containing a plurality of response control marks including response control marks for controlling the input of numeric values, and other mode selection indicia. A specific teaching of the invention is the use of numeric value blocks to input a numeric value, such as the result of a related test, which is then mathematically combined with the tallied result of a set of multiple response inputs, such as a multiple choice test, to obtain a total. The numeric value can also be used to weight different responses.

Abstract: A response form processing system (22) is provided which allows for the processing of response forms (10) which comprise a group code (20), questions (12) and (14), response prompts (16) and response blocks (18). The system (22) comprises a group code reader (24) and a response scanner (28) which are coupled to a processor (26). The processor (26) receives information from the group code reader (24) which identifies which questions are present on a particular response form (10). The processor (26) then receives the scanned responses from the response scanner (28). The processor (26) organizes and tabulates the responses and is capable of producing reports comprising the information received from the response forms (10).

Abstract: An answer recording and score sheet device includes a markable sheet arrangement with at least one surface that has answer mark guide indicia. The guide indicia define sets of first positions at which marks can be selectively made by a respondent in response to corresponding questions. The sheet arrangement also has a surface on which a number of discriminable flag indicia are formed in a determined relation with respect to the first positions. The flag indicia serve to convey correct responses in accordance with a given test form or answer key, and are of such form as to enable rapid manual or electronic grading of the chosen responses.

Abstract: A printed sheet of paper that is useful as a self-evaluated mathematics test is disclosed. The sheet has inscribed thereon an arrangement of the numerals that represent first and second cardinal numbers. The numerals are so positioned as to indicate a mathematics problem calling for the first and second numbers to be either added together, subtracted one from the other, multiplied one by the other, or divided one by the other. The correct answer to the problem is a third number having at least two digits, but that number does not appear in the arrangement. Instead, there is the inscription of a fourth number (a "check answer"), which reprsents the sum of all of the digits of the correct answer. The student can check the correctness of his or her answer before handing in the completed test, by adding together the digits in his or her answer and seeing if the sum matches the check answer. If the two do not match, the student knows to rework the problem, but still does not know what the correct answer is.

Abstract: A system for psychologically testing visually impaired or reading impaired persons has a series of questions presented in a prerecorded audible form. An answer sheet having regions in which responses to each question may be recorded has associated with each of the regions a marker which may be removed, moved, or physically modified to record a desired response to each question. The regions for the recording of responses are associated with a tactilely locatable portion on each answer sheet which enables the regions to be easily located by touch, with each marker preferably being a tactilely locatable element which is similarly easily located by touch.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the disposition, traits or characteristics of human test subjects. Several sets of statements are formulated, each set being related to at least one trait. The statements in a set are divided into two groups which contain several pairs of complementary statements, each pair probing the same point from different perspectives. A test subject provides responses from a multiple choice menu. The responses are considered on a group basis and a weight factor is assigned to each response. Templates are used in which the assigned weighting factors for each response are marked. A score is added up for each group of statements. The sum of points for a given trait, for example, communicative attitudes which are addressed by one statement group, are plotted on an indexed polar coordinate system. Similarly, points derived for the complementary group which deals with the same trait but from a different perspective, i.e.

Abstract: For translation between a plurality of languages at least two carriers for at least two languages are provided with at least one question and at least one answer at the same locations, and the carriers are aligned with one another so that the questions and the answers are also aligned with one another so as to allow easy identification of the questions and the answer in the respective language.

Abstract: A puzzle packet which includes a greeting card containing a "hidden message. " The message appears only on a see-through sheet which is detachably fastened to overlie a panel of the card in registry with a panel-imprinted crossword puzzle-type lattice. The lattice has filled and open squares, and spaced numbers each keyed to either an "across" or a "down" heading. A purchaser of the greeting card, having noted the message, detaches the message-imprinted sheet and encloses it in a small envelope attached to the card. Should the one to whom the purchaser then sends the packet be unable to solve the puzzle to learn the message, he may resort to the preprinted answer in the small envelope.

Abstract: Each examination question is individually typed on a standard sized card having uniformly spaced holes along the left-hand margin. The cards are stored in a pool or bank or file from which the questions for the examination are selected by any desired procedure. The selected cards are attached to a card aligner having upstanding pins of the same uniform spacing as the holes in the cards. The cards are arranged on the aligner shingle fashion with the question on each card exposed and with the remainder of each card covered by the card containing the following question.When assembled, the assembly of cards may be photocopied and reproduced by conventional means.

Abstract: An information gathering system particularly useful for obtaining medical information from a patient, including patients which communicate in a language different from that of the doctor. The system has one or more question sheets bearing a set of questions. These questions may be medical questions written in the language of the patient. A separate answer sheet on which answers to questions on the question sheets can be indicated is provided. The answer sheet has information concerning each possible answer adjacent the location on the sheet for the answer. It is possible for this information to be in a language different from that used on the question sheet or sheets. A mechanism is preferably provided for positioning and holding the answer sheet in a predetermined position relative to the question sheets.

Abstract: A survey data collecting system includes a booklet having front and back covers and a plurality of intermediate pages. The back cover is perforated to form a negotiable check, the face of which is on the outer surface of the back cover. The inner surface of the check has several columns of spaces thereon for indicating answers to questions which are written on the intermediate leaves and on the remaining portion of the back cover. The intermediate leaves decrease in width so that each succeeding leaf covers one less column of spaces than the preceding one.

Abstract: An honesty testing and scoring evaluator comprising a questionaire, an answer and score sheet set, and a tally sheet. The questionaire has numbered interrogatories with optional answers alongside each. The answer and score sheet set includes an answer sheet overlying a score sheet. A coating on the back of the answer sheet transfers a mark, placed on it, to the score sheet. The answer sheet has numbered areas corresponding to the numbered interrogatories on the questionnaire, and each of these areas has circled marking spaces corresponding to the optional answers alongside the respective interrogatories. The score sheet has numbered areas which register with like-numbered areas on the answer sheet. The score sheet has a variety of different-shaped symbols, at least one of which is in exact registration with at least one of the marking circles on the answer sheet. In the example shown, these symbols are provided with five different shapes. One shape is for honest attitude answers.

Abstract: An identification structure and method for temporary or short term identification of a portion of a surface or substrate. The structure and method include the use of viscous material which is displaced by pressure applied thereto and which retains its displaced condition until smoothed out by any suitable means. Preferably, the viscous material is enclosed in a substantially flat bag which has opposed transparent portions. The viscous material is visible but also has a high degree of transparency. Identification of a portion of a surface or substrate is made as the bag is positioned immediately above or adjacent thereto or in engagement with the surface or substrate. All portions of the surface or substrate are normally visible through the bag and through the viscous material. Pressure is applied to the bag immediately above the portion of the surface to be identified.

Abstract: A light scanned, opaquely marked test scoring card and its scoring means. Machine programming is not required for scoring this card or any intermix of its test card forms. Large card numbers and test score digits are readable at fifteen feet. Two hundred test cards can be machine scored and displayed within two minutes. To prevent cheating, each student could use a different test card form. The scoring machine for these cards is smaller and less expensive than a typewriter.One other test scoring card, Test Scoring Answer Sheet and Method of Employing Same, U.S. Pat. No. 3,579,868, 5/19/71, by Thaddeus LeRoy Scott, does not require machine programming when scored; however, that earlier card, which is hole punch marked, has not been marketed because of manufacturing problems. A recent Segmented Printout Device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,401, 5/19/78, by Thaddeus LeRoy Scott, is an ideal electronic printout for this new card because this device is especially suitable for hard printing large alphanumerics.