Abstract: Provided is a learning support device that supports a user to solve a problem for which an explanation is not stored by referring to an explanation stored for another problem. A student terminal includes a storage unit in which example problems each including a problem and an explanation and exercises are stored; an input unit which designates any one of the exercises as a designated exercise based on a user's operation; a CPU which detects, from the example problems stored in the storage unit, an example problem having a problem similar to the designated exercise as a reference example problem; and a display unit which displays an explanation for the reference example problem and displays a portion in the explanation that corresponds to a difference portion between the problem of the reference example problem and the designated exercise in a discriminative manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for electronic tracking and control of secure test documents. One aspect of the present subject matter is a method for management of a plurality of test documents. In one embodiment, precode data for a test-taker population is associated with secure document data for the plurality of test documents. The plurality of test documents is distributed to a test-taking center for administration to a plurality of test-takers. The plurality of test documents is received from the test-taking center after administration to the plurality of test-takers. The received plurality of test documents is verified against the distributed plurality of test documents and the precode data to account for the distributed plurality of test documents. The received plurality of test documents is processed to determine test results. The test results are reported. Other aspects are provided herein.

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: Response bubbles on a scannable form are provided that allow a user to mark the bubbles in a manner that signifies that the user wishes to have a response disregarded.

Abstract: An information gathering apparatus for gathering information from a scannable document including a plurality of information regions includes a plurality of gathering circuits corresponding to the plurality of information regions. Each gathering circuit emits light to the corresponding information region and receives light reflected from the corresponding information to generate electrical signals based on an intensity of reflected light.

Abstract: A response form security device is provided for use with a generally planar response form having an answer area bearing answer blanks upon which a respondent makes marks to indicate a plurality of responses. The security device includes a sleeve adapted and constructed to slidably receive and cover the response form. An access window is formed in the sleeve, and permits visual access by the respondent to a number of fewer than all of the answer areas of the response form. The length of the sleeve and the configuration of the answer window are chosen so as to prevent anyone other than the user from seeing a number of marks on the answer area sufficient to observe a repeatable pattern of marks.

Abstract: One or more response bubbles are used on a scannable form to be read by a scanning system. An unambiguous symbology of marks is defined to fill into each response bubble, thereby allowing at least one of a plurality of different non-empty intended responses having different output values to be entered into each response bubble. One or more response bubbles are provided on the scannable form to be filled in according to the defined symbology of unambiguous marks. A filled in form is scanned with the scanning system and an image of the scanned form is processed by identifying pixels associated with each response bubble, interpreting the pixels associated with each response bubble to define a raw score according to the defined unambiguous symbology of marks used to mark each response bubble, translating the raw score for each response bubble into one of the plurality of different intended non-empty responses, and outputting the value of the non-empty response for each response bubble.

Abstract: A system for connecting a plurality of computing systems to a single network for providing instructor services in distributed computing environment. The system includes a plurality of client workstations; a control unit for configuring the operation of the plurality of client workstations; and a communications network for transmission of data and commands between the control unit and the plurality of client workstations, the communications network being a TCP/IP based communications network. The control unit presents test questions to users on one, any, or all of the plurality of client workstations. Each of the plurality of client workstations accepts responses from users to the questions presented. Each of the plurality of client workstations provides status of the responses received from the users to the test questions and the control unit maintains a real-time display of the status of users taking a test consisting of the test question present.

Abstract: This invention is for a ventilation outlet (1) which is self-adjusting with multiple flow rates presenting a passageway for the ventilation air and equipped with an adjustable flap (6) and comprising a control flap (7) with one face (10) meant to channel air entering and presenting, on the one hand, a connecting edge (11) equipped with an attachment means (12) making it possible to attach the control flap around an axis for a given position and, on the other hand, an opposite edge constituting a trailing edge (14) which features, from the connecting edge to the trailing edge, gradual successive flat layers making up the control flap (16 to 19) given the latter flap a clearly convex shape.

Abstract: A scannable form with a numeric value block, a plurality of response control marks, response receiving rows, and a zone for a bar code, optical character recognition (OCR) spaces and/or intelligence character recognition (ICR) spaces. The scannable form may be scanned by two different devices.

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: An electronic toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of sides, the object adapted for lateral movement and rotational manipulation by a child on a substantially horizontal surface so that the child can laterally move the object on the substantially horizontal surface and select different sides of the object to face upwardly.

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: 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: An answer form for use in answering multiple-choice questions is configured to provide immediate feedback to an examinee as to whether a correct response has been made for each question, and if not, permits the examinee to proceed to determine the correct response. The multiple-choice test answer form provides for recording fill or partial credit for any response on the answer form, and is capable of being scored either manually or automatically by apparatus for form scoring. The answer form includes a substrate such as a paper surface upon which is printed a varying number of rows and columns of answer alternatives. The rows correspond to the questions to be answered, and the columns correspond to the number of answer alternatives for each question. Each alternative is covered by an opaque coating that can be rubbed off to reveal whether a particular alternative conceals an indication that the alternative is correct or not. A blank space beneath the opaque coating indicates an incorrect alternative.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interactive computer assisted teaching. The system is premised on and extends the ubiquitous nature of paper in classroom environments to be an interaction medium with a computer based system. By utilizing intelligent form and embedded data processing, highly interactive and customized teaching applications can be created. A student and other members of the educational community interacts with the system by making marks on an educational material and then scanning that educational material back into the system. Intelligent forms processing techniques are used to identify the marks made and pass them on to a teaching application. The teaching application will then determine an appropriate course of interaction, which may include having a responsive educational material printed out for the student. The system provides for having a single computer in a classroom, wherein students can use a familiar medium, paper, to interact with the computer.

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 study support system comprises computer means and a text in which the subject for study, a problem and a bar code representing the problem are printed; the computer means including a bar code reader, output means, processing means, and storage means in which the answer to the problem, an explanation thereof, and a similar exercise are stored, whereby, when the bar code is read by the bar code reader, the processing means reads out from the storage means the data such as the answer, explanation and the like relating to the data read by the bar code reader, and the data are output by the output means as sight information displayed on a screen and/or printed on paper and/or as aural information.

Abstract: To determine a read level threshold for discriminating those response bubbles on a scannable answer sheet intended to be marked from those response bubbles not intended to be marked, an adjustable read level threshold is dynamically determined based on the read levels of a designated pool of response bubbles. Response bubble marks having a darkness read level at or above a threshold level are interpreted to be intended response marks, and different response bubbles in which response marks may be found are assigned different predetermined scoring values.

Abstract: A system for making various kinds of examination papers and marking answers written in the papers is disclosed. The system has a data base at which data representing a number of questions are registered, and a paper making apparatus for producing an examination paper by using the question data of the data base. When a desired number of questions is entered on a number designating device, a question making device randomly selects, among the questions registered at the data base, the desired number of questions and writes them in a question storage to thereby make questions. A paper outputting device forms an image representing the questions on a sheet to thereby produce an examination paper. In addition, the system is capable of automatically marking such examination papers.

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 combined optical mark reading ("OMR") and image processing utilizes a response sheet having a grid of response positions suitable for marking and for processing by OMR and at least one response area for a response of an alphanumeric or pictorial nature, the response area encompassing at least one of the positions suitable for processing by OMR. The response sheet is scanned to detect the presence of data signifying marks at positions in the grid and the grid is sensed for marks capable of detection and reading by OMR. In response to the sensing step, an image in the response area of a response of an alphanumeric or pictorial nature is selectively captured and stored simultaneously with OMR.

Abstract: To determine a read level threshold for discriminating those response bubbles on a scannable answer sheet intended to be marked from those response bubbles not intended to be marked, an adjustable read level threshold is dynamically determined based on the read levels of a designated pool of response bubbles. In an optical scanner the darkness (read level) of each response mark entered for a particular question is determined to make a profile. From this profile showing the various read levels present for the response marks, the system determines read level "gaps," i.e., read levels in the profile for which there are no marks present, and adjusts the threshold for discriminating intended marks based on the read level(s) comprising the gaps.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically detecting data on paper or reusable plastic sheets, delivering the data directly to a computer including reflective photoelectric sensors to detect marks on the sheets. The software employed may use a multitude of methods to extract information from the data. The parallel I/O interface card between the apparatus and a computer permits data sampling of many sensors simultaneously. Many different thicknesses and reflectiveness of sheets may be used, thus permitting use of inexpensive photo copied forms. The apparatus is simplified by taking advantage of circuitry and the power source in the computer. The apparatus may be used to grade papers, tabulate votes, collect survey information, match people best suited for a job, date matching, or any other purpose in which data from marks on sheets can be used by a general or special purpose computer.

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 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 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: An expert data collection, analysis, and response system and method for providing user specific recommendations in a predetermined topic, including reading a data collection form which contains responses to questions in the predetermined topic and based on the responses, selecting user specific recommendations which are subsequently printed for the user.

Abstract: A test scoring machine apparatus is used for grading and scoring test papers and printing the scores directly on each test paper. The printer includes a printer driver and a print head for printing on single sheets of paper passing through the computer printer. A cut sheet feeder is attached to the computer printer for feeding single sheets of paper from a stack of paper to the printer. A light source is attached to the printer in a position for directing light onto the surface of one test sheet being fed from the sheet feeder into the computer printer. An optical reader is attached to the computer printer adjacent to the light source for reading the reflected light being reflected off the test sheet so that marks on each test sheet being fed into the printer are read by the optical reader.

Abstract: This invention provides automatic testing systems and methods for testing for figural responses to a test inquiry. The testing system includes a test sheet of predetermined dimensions having a grid with a plurality of marking areas arranged in predetermined position and a figural arrangement having a first optical reflectivity arranged within the grid corresponding to one or more of the marking areas. The system includes indicia of a second optical reflectivity overmarking a selected number of the marking areas associated with the figural arrangement and optical scanning means having different optical sensitivities to the first and second optical reflectivities for scanning the sheet to determine the positions of the overmarked areas.

Abstract: A method and system for grading free response tests including the use of highly accurate machine-readable data codes to uniquely associate test-taker, test and reader/grader, and a portable sensing device which stores codes read by the device for subsequent entry into a host computer. The method permits multiple readers/graders to evaluate the same test without one reader/grader influencing another, while reducing paper handling and key entry of data inherent in large volume paper and pencil testing techniques.

Abstract: A Cloze-Elide automated testing system and method, utilizing a display surface such as a printed sheet or video terminal. A text of words being presented on the display have distractor words inserted therein to be elided by the examinee, the distractor words being positioned at predetermined surface positions. Means are presented to the examinee for deleting, or eliding the distractor words, and automatic scoring apparatus is provided for determining the positions or identity of the word selected to be elided from the text and for automatically computing an indication of the test score.

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.

Abstract: Described is a method for utilizing a unique hand-held probe or the like, in conjunction with a responsive apparatus, as the means to establish cooperative response evaluation between an intelligent being and an evaluatory system. The method involves the emplacement of a translucent document, such as ordinary bond paper, over a field of individual light sources laid out in some predefined pattern which effects correspondence between the sources and indicia which is usually included on the document obverse surface. The copulative probe is positioned, usually by the being's hand, so as to receive some part of the light rays which permeate the paper and to convert the energy into a pattern of electrical signals which tell-tale which particular light element in the field of sources has been selected. The light rays which diffuse through the document also act to provide visible energy which can be perceived by the being to help guide the probe placement for strongest signal response.

Abstract: In a line scan camera system employed to extract information from marks or characters on a document, a memory circuit is used to store the average white and black video output from the camera so that a given white-to-black transition can be compared to adaptive white and black references to compensate for variations in document background light intensity and vignetting associated with the lens of the line scan camera system.

Abstract: Novel bicyclic ketones having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, either straight-chain or branched, and saturated analogs have been prepared. These compounds exhibit floral and woody odors and/or desirable flavor properties, and are useful as fragrance and/or flavor materials. The compounds are conveniently prepared from alkylidene cyclopentanones by Michael addition with alkyl metalloacetoacetates and subsequent decarboxylative cyclization of the adducts. The saturated analogs may then be prepared by hydrogenation.