Patents by Inventor Leonard C. Swanson

Leonard C. Swanson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5827070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for computer based testing. The system of the present invention comprises a test development system for producing a computerized test, a test delivery system for delivering the computerized test to an examinee, and a workstation on which the computerized test is delivered to the examinee. The method of the present invention comprises producing a computerized test, delivering the computerized test to an examinee and recording examinee responses to questions presented to the examinee during the delivery of the computerized test. A method of producing a computerized test is also provided. This method comprises preparing a test document of items, computerizing each item, preparing scripts and other test components and packaging the items, scripts and other test components together to form the computerized test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Roger C. Kershaw, Frank J. Romano, Leonard C. Swanson, William C. Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5657256
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for incorporating into the construction of adaptive tests expert test development practices. The method is an application of a weighted deviations model and an heuristic for automated item selection. Taken into account are the number and complexity of constraints on item selection found in expert test development practice. The method of the present invention incorporates content, overlap, and set constraints on the sequential selection of items as desired properties of the resultant adaptive tests, rather than as strict requirements. Aggregate failures are minimized in the same fashion as in the construction of conventional tests. The extent to which restrictions on item selection are not satisfied is then the result of deficiencies in the item pool, as it is with conventional tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Leonard C. Swanson, Martha L. Stocking
  • Patent number: 5565316
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for computer based testing. The system of the present invention comprises a test development system for producing a computerized test, a test delivery system for delivering the computerized test to an examinee, and a workstation on which the computerized test is delivered to the examinee. The method of the present invention comprises producing a computerized test, delivering the computerized test to an examinee and recording examinee responses to questions presented to the examinee during the delivery of the computerized test. A method of producing a computerized test is also provided. This method comprises preparing a test document of items, computerizing each item, preparing scripts and other test components and packaging the items, scripts and other test components together to form the computerized test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Roger C. Kershaw, Frank J. Romano, Leonard C. Swanson, William C. Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5059127
    Abstract: A computerized mastery testing system providing for the computerized implementation of sequential testing in order to reduce test length without sacrificing mastery classification accuracy. The mastery testing system is based on Item Response Theory and Bayesian Decision Theory which are used to qualify collections of test items, administered as a unit, and determine the decision rules regarding examinee's responses thereto. The test item units are randomly and sequentially presented to the examinee by a computer test administrator. The administrator periodically determines, based on previous responses, whether the examinee may be classified as a nonmaster or master or whether more responses are necessary. If more responses are necessary it will present as many additional test item units as required for classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Educational Testing Service
    Inventors: Charles Lewis, Kathleen M. Sheehan, Richard N. DeVore, Leonard C. Swanson