Information processing device, information processing method, program product, and information processing system

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, a program product, and an information processing system which can execute automatic scoring performed by a teaching material management device without obstruction. An information processing device (100) includes a scanned image data acquisition unit (104) that acquires filled textbook image data indicating a filled textbook image (52) generated by reading filled textbook paper by an image forming device (400). An information processing device (100) includes: a scanned image data correction unit (107) that corrects filled-in textbook image data such that the orientation of a filled-in textbook image (52) becomes a normal orientation when the filled-in textbook image data is an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the filled-in textbook image (52) is not the normal orientation; and a scanned image data transmission unit (108) that transmits filled-in textbook image data in which the orientation of the filled-in textbook image (52) is a normal orientation to a textbook management device (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic scoring device that reads and scores a test material in which a learner has filled in answers in the answer column, and prints the scoring results additionally on the test material itself.

[0003] The automatic scoring device of Patent Document 1 described above may fail to automatically score when the orientation of the test material when reading is different from the expected orientation, thereby reducing convenience.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-23673 Summary of the Invention

[0005] An information processing device is provided, which is capable of communicating with a learning management device and an image forming device, and includes: a scanned image data acquisition unit, which acquires scanned image data representing a scanned image generated by the image forming device reading a printed medium; a first judgment unit, which judges whether the orientation of the scanned image is a normal orientation; a second judgment unit, which judges whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring; a scanned image data correction unit, which corrects the scanned image data in a manner that makes the orientation of the scanned image become a normal orientation when the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not a normal orientation; and a scanned image data sending unit, which sends the scanned image data with the scanned image having a normal orientation to the learning management device.

[0006] An information processing method is provided, which is an information processing method of an information processing device that can communicate with a learning management device and an image forming device, and includes: obtaining scanned image data representing a scanned image generated by the image forming device reading a printed medium; judging whether the orientation of the scanned image is a normal orientation; judging whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring; when the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not a normal orientation, correcting the scanned image data in a manner that makes the orientation of the scanned image a normal orientation; and sending the scanned image data with the normal orientation to the learning management device.

[0007] A program product is provided, which stores a program that enables an information processing device capable of communicating with a learning management device and an image forming device to function as the following components, namely: a scanned image data acquisition unit that acquires scanned image data representing a scanned image generated by the image forming device reading a printed medium; a first judgment unit that judges whether the orientation of the scanned image is a normal orientation; a second judgment unit that judges whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring; a scanned image data correction unit that corrects the scanned image data in a manner that makes the orientation of the scanned image normal when the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not a normal orientation; and a scanned image data sending unit that sends the scanned image data with the normal orientation to the learning management device.

[0008] An information processing system is provided, comprising: the information processing device described above; and the image forming device described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. (First embodiment)

[0010] Figure 2 This figure shows an example of a code-free teaching material image. (First embodiment)

[0011] Figure 3 This figure shows an example of a code-attached teaching material image. (First embodiment)

[0012] Figure 4 This figure shows an example of a completed teaching material image. (First embodiment)

[0013] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an information processing device. (First embodiment)

[0014] Figure 6 This figure shows an example of a completed teaching material image. (First embodiment)

[0015] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram of the information processing system. (First embodiment)

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. (Second embodiment) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of clarity of description, the following description and the accompanying drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. In addition, in each of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0018] First embodiment

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, information processing system 10 includes information processing apparatus 100, terminal apparatus 200, teaching material management apparatus 300, and image forming apparatus 400. Information processing apparatus 100, terminal apparatus 200, teaching material management apparatus 300, and image forming apparatus 400 are typically configured to enable bidirectional communication via WAN 500 (Wide Area Network).

[0020] Here, the terms used in this specification are defined as follows.

[0021] "No Code Textbook Images" and Figure 2 Correspondingly, it is a teaching material image that does not contain code images.

[0022] The "non-code teaching material image data" is image data representing a non-code teaching material image.

[0023] "Textbook images with code" and Figure 3 Correspondingly, it is a teaching material image containing a code image.

[0024] The "code-attached teaching material image data" is image data representing a code-attached teaching material image.

[0025] “Coded teaching material paper” is paper on which a coded teaching material image is printed.

[0026] "Filled textbook paper" refers to the paper on which the answers are filled in on the coded textbook paper.

[0027] The “filled textbook image data” is image data generated by reading a filled textbook paper.

[0028] "Filled textbook image" and Figure 4 Corresponding to the image represented by the filled-in teaching material image data.

[0029] Sometimes "uncoded teaching material images", "coded teaching material images", and "filled teaching material images" are simply referred to as teaching material images.

[0030] Sometimes, "coded teaching material paper" or "filled teaching material paper" is simply referred to as teaching material paper. Sometimes, "uncoded teaching material image data", "coded teaching material image data" or "filled teaching material image data" is simply referred to as teaching material image data.

[0031] The teaching material paper is paper on which the teaching material is printed as a teaching material image.

[0032] Back to Figure 1 , the terminal device 200 is a device operated by the user U1, such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The user U1 is an administrator who implements management, and the management includes distributing teaching material papers to the user U2 and collecting teaching material papers from the user U2. Specifically, for example, the user U1 is a teacher who educates the user U2. The user U1 uses the terminal device 200 to specify the teaching material to be distributed and the distribution destination of the teaching material. The teaching material is output from the image forming device 400 as teaching material paper and distributed to the user U2. Therefore, the distribution destination of the teaching material is specifically the image forming device 400 where the teaching material should be printed. In this embodiment, the user U1 notifies the teaching material management device 300 of the teaching material to be distributed and the image forming device 400 where the teaching material should be printed via the terminal device 200. In addition, although in Figure 1 , one terminal device 200 and one user U1 are shown in the figure, but a plurality of users U1 may utilize the information processing system 10. Therefore, the information processing system 10 may include a plurality of terminal devices 200.

[0033] The teaching material management device 300 is a specific example of a learning management device. The teaching material management device 300 is a device that implements management related to uncoded teaching material image data and filled-in teaching material image data. In this embodiment, the teaching material management device 300 has a first database DB1 for storing uncoded teaching material image data. In addition, the teaching material management device 300 has a second database DB2 for storing filled-in teaching material image data. In this embodiment, when the teaching material to be distributed and the image forming device 400 that should print the teaching material are specified from the terminal device 200, the teaching material management device 300 sends a printing instruction for the teaching material to the information processing device 100. The printing instruction may include, for example, the uncoded teaching material image data, device identification information for identifying the image forming device 400 that should perform printing of the teaching material, and additional information.

[0034] The additional information includes teaching material identification information for identifying the teaching material to be distributed, user identification information for identifying the user U2 who received the teaching material, and automatic grading target information indicating whether the teaching material is a target for automatic grading.

[0035] The teaching material management apparatus 300 receives the completed teaching material image data from the information processing apparatus 100 and stores the data in the second database DB2.

[0036] The teaching material management device 300 also includes an automatic scoring unit 300a. The automatic scoring unit 300a obtains completed teaching material image data from the second database DB2, performs image analysis on the completed teaching material image, and determines the correctness of the answers entered on the completed teaching material sheet. The judgment result is then transmitted to the terminal device 200. The judgment result is typically a score calculated based on the correctness judgment. Alternatively, the judgment result may be scored teaching material image data generated by processing the completed teaching material image data by superimposing a correctness mark indicating correctness on the completed teaching material sheet.

[0037] Teaching material management device 300 can be implemented by a single device. However, instead of this, teaching material management device 300 can also be implemented by distributed processing performed by multiple devices as in the second embodiment described later.

[0038] Image forming device 400 includes a scanner 400a with a reading function, a printer 400b with a printing function, and a notification output unit 400c. Image forming device 400 is also called a multifunction peripheral. Instead of a multifunction peripheral in which scanner 400a and printer 400b are integrally combined, image forming device 400 can also be implemented as multiple devices. In this case, the multiple devices include a scanner and a printer.

[0039] The image forming device 400 is used by the user U2. The image forming device 400 is typically installed in the home of the user U2. Figure 1 , one image forming apparatus 400 is shown in the figure. However, when a plurality of users U2 utilize the information processing system 10 , the information processing system 10 may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 400 .

[0040] Printer 400b prints the coded teaching material image data received from information processing device 100, thereby outputting coded teaching material paper. Printer 400b includes a print engine. A print engine is a mechanical structure that prints images onto print media using color materials. For example, the print engine may include a mechanism that prints using ink using an inkjet method. Alternatively, the print engine may include a mechanism that prints using toner using an electronic photo method.

[0041] The user U2 uses the coded teaching paper output from the printer 400b. Specifically, the user U2 typically writes the answer by hand on each question printed on the coded teaching paper.

[0042] Scanner 400a reads the completed textbook paper and generates completed textbook image data. Scanner 400a uses a light source and sensor to optically read the completed textbook paper in a predetermined direction, namely, the sub-scanning direction, thereby generating completed textbook image data. Image forming device 400 transmits the completed textbook image data to information processing device 100 along with its device identification information.

[0043] The notification output unit 400c is configured using a display device such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The notification output unit 400c visually outputs notifications received from the information processing device 100 to the user U2 via the display device. Alternatively, the notification output unit 400c may be configured to aurally output notifications received from the information processing device 100.

[0044] Figure 2 A code-free teaching material image 50 is shown. Figure 3 A code-attached teaching material image 51 is shown. Figure 4 The filled teaching material image 52 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the code-free teaching material image 50 includes a plurality of questions 60 that the user U2 should answer. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the code-free teaching material image 50 is provided with a blank space 62 for attaching a code image 61 at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is the upper right end of the code-free teaching material image 50. However, instead of this, the predetermined position may be the lower right end of the code-free teaching material image 50, or the upper left end or the lower left end. In addition, the predetermined position may be the center of the upper end of the code-free teaching material image 50, or the center of the lower end of the code-free teaching material image 50. Figure 3 As shown, the code-attached teaching material image 51 is an image in which the code image 61 is superimposed on the blank space 62 of the code-free teaching material image 50. The printer 400b of the image forming apparatus 400 prints and outputs the code-attached teaching material image 51. Figure 4 As shown, the user U2 fills in the answer 63 for each question 60 in the coded teaching material image 51. The scanner 400a of the image forming apparatus 400 reads the filled-in teaching material paper and transmits the filled-in teaching material image data to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 5 The information processing device 100 will be described. Figure 5As shown, the information processing device 100 includes a processor 100a, a memory 100b, and a communication interface 100c. The memory 100b is implemented by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The information processing device 100 communicates with the teaching material management device 300 or the image forming device 400 via the communication interface 100c. The processor 100a can access the memory 100b. The processor 100a reads and executes the program stored in the memory 100b. Thus, the program causes the hardware such as the processor 100a to function as a teaching material image data acquisition unit 101, a teaching material image data processing unit 102, a printing instruction unit 103, a scanned image data acquisition unit 104, a direction determination unit 105, an automatic scoring object determination unit 106, a scanned image data correction unit 107, a scanned image data sending unit 108, and a notification unit 109.

[0046] The textbook image data acquisition unit 101 is a specific example of a printing image data acquisition unit. The textbook image data acquisition unit 101 receives a printing instruction from the textbook management device 300. As described above, the printing instruction may include uncoded textbook image data corresponding to the assigned textbook, device identification information for identifying the image forming device 400 that should print the textbook, and additional information. As described above, the additional information includes textbook identification information for identifying the assigned textbook, user identification information for identifying the user U2 who received the textbook, and automatic grading target information indicating whether the textbook is subject to automatic grading. The uncoded textbook image is a specific example of a printed image.

[0047] The teaching material image data processing unit 102 generates a code image 61 obtained by encoding the additional information described above. The code image 61 is typically a barcode or a two-dimensional code. As two-dimensional codes, stack-type two-dimensional codes or matrix-type two-dimensional codes can be listed. Matrix-type two-dimensional codes are QR codes (registered trademark) or Data Matrix. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, a QR code is used as the code image 61. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the teaching material image data processing unit 102 processes the non-code teaching material image data so as to superimpose the code image 61 on the non-code teaching material image 50, thereby generating the coded teaching material image 51. The code image 61 is a specific example of the first marker. The code image 61 is a specific example of the marker.

[0048] The print instruction unit 103 identifies the image forming device 400 as the target of the print instruction based on the device identification information included in the print instruction received from the teaching material management device 300 , and instructs the image forming device 400 to print the coded teaching material image 51 .

[0049] The scanned image data acquisition unit 104 receives and acquires the completed teaching material image data from the image forming apparatus 400 .

[0050] The orientation determination unit 105 determines whether the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is a normal orientation based on the filled-in teaching material image data.

[0051] For example, the orientation judgment unit 105 detects the code image 61 contained in the filled-in teaching material image 52, and can judge whether the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is a normal orientation based on the position of the detected code image 61 in the filled-in teaching material image 52. As mentioned above, the teaching material image data processing unit 102 overlaps the code image 61 at the upper right end of the code-free teaching material image 50. Therefore, in the case where the code image 61 is at the upper right end in the filled-in teaching material image 52, the orientation judgment unit 105 judges that the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is a normal orientation. In contrast, for example, Figure 6 As shown, when the code image 61 is not at the upper right end in the filled-in textbook image 52, that is, typically when the code image 61 is at the lower left end in the filled-in textbook image 52, the orientation judgment unit 105 judges that the orientation of the filled-in textbook image 52 is not a normal orientation.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, the orientation determination unit 105 compares the completed teaching material image 52 with the coded teaching material image 51 and can determine whether the orientation of the completed teaching material image is normal based on a difference image representing the difference between the two. If the number of pixels representing the difference among the multiple pixels constituting the difference image is less than a predetermined number, the orientation determination unit 105 determines that the orientation of the completed teaching material image 52 is normal. In contrast, if the number of pixels representing the difference among the multiple pixels constituting the difference image is greater than a predetermined number, the orientation determination unit 105 determines that the orientation of the completed teaching material image 52 is not normal.

[0053] The automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines whether the filled-in teaching material image data is a target for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300. In other words, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines whether the teaching material corresponding to the filled-in teaching material image data is a target for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300.

[0054] For example, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 detects the code image 61 contained in the completed teaching material image 52 and decodes the detected code image 61 to obtain additional information. As previously described, the additional information includes automatic scoring target information indicating whether the corresponding teaching material is eligible for automatic scoring. In other words, the additional information can also be said to include automatic scoring target information indicating whether the completed teaching material image data is eligible for automatic scoring. Therefore, based on the automatic scoring target information obtained by decoding the code image 61, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 can determine whether the completed teaching material image data is eligible for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 can determine whether the filled-in textbook image 52 includes a multiple-choice question by performing image analysis on the filled-in textbook image 52, as shown in the filled-in textbook image data. Based on this determination, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 can determine whether the filled-in textbook image data is eligible for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the textbook management device 300. Here, multiple-choice questions typically refer to questions answered using a checklist, questions answered using a single letter or number, or questions answered without accompanying text descriptions. If the filled-in textbook image 52 includes a multiple-choice question, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines that the filled-in textbook image data is eligible for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the textbook management device 300. In contrast, if the filled-in textbook image 52 does not include a multiple-choice question, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines that the filled-in textbook image data is not eligible for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the textbook management device 300.

[0056] When the filled-in teaching material image data is subject to automatic scoring and the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image is not normal, the scanned image data correction unit 107 corrects the filled-in teaching material image data so that the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 becomes normal.

[0057] Specifically, if the code image 61 is located at the lower left end of the completed textbook image 52, the scanned image data correction unit 107 corrects the completed textbook image data by moving the code image 61 to the upper right end of the completed textbook image 52, that is, by rotating the completed textbook image 52 180 degrees. By adjusting the orientation of the completed textbook image 52 to the normal orientation in this manner, automatic grading by the automatic grading unit 300a of the textbook management device 300 can be smoothly performed.

[0058] Furthermore, the scanned image data correction unit 107 does not correct the filled-in teaching material image data when the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is normal. This is because, if the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is already normal, there is no need to change the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52.

[0059] Furthermore, even if the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is not normal, the scanned image data correction unit 107 does not correct the filled-in teaching material image data if the filled-in teaching material image data is not subject to automatic grading. This is because the corrections performed by the scanned image data correction unit 107 are only performed to ensure smooth automatic grading by the automatic grading unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300.

[0060] The scanned image data transmission unit 108 transmits the filled-in textbook image data, in which the filled-in textbook image 52 is oriented in the normal direction, to the textbook management device 300. Here, "filled-in textbook image data in which the filled-in textbook image 52 is oriented in the normal direction" includes filled-in textbook image data that has been corrected by the scanned image data correction unit 107, and filled-in textbook image data that has not been corrected by the scanned image data correction unit 107 because the filled-in textbook image 52 has been oriented in the normal direction from the beginning.

[0061] When the orientation of the filled-in textbook image is not a normal orientation and the filled-in textbook image data is not an object of automatic scoring, the notification unit 109 notifies the user U2 via the image forming device 400 that the orientation of the filled-in textbook paper is not a normal orientation when the image forming device 400 reads the filled-in textbook paper.

[0062] Specifically, when the orientation of the filled-in textbook image 52 is not normal and the filled-in textbook image data is not subject to automatic scoring, the notification unit 109 sends a notification instruction to the image forming device 400, instructing the user U2 to be notified that the orientation of the filled-in textbook paper when the image forming device 400 read it was not normal. Upon receiving the notification instruction from the information processing device 100, the image forming device 400, in accordance with the notification instruction, notifies the user U2 via the notification output unit 400c that the orientation of the filled-in textbook paper when the image forming device 400 read it was not normal.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 7 Next, the workflow of the information processing system 10 will be described. Figure 7 It is a sequence diagram of the information processing system 10.

[0064] First, when the textbook to be distributed and the image forming device 400 to print the textbook are specified from the terminal device 200, the textbook management device 300 sends a print instruction to the information processing device 100 (S100). The textbook image data acquisition unit 101 of the information processing device 100 acquires the code-free textbook image data included in the print instruction received from the textbook management device 300 (S100).

[0065] Next, if Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the teaching material image data processing unit 102 processes the non-code teaching material image data so that the code image 61 is superimposed on the non-code teaching material image 50 (S110), thereby generating the coded teaching material image 51. Next, the print instruction unit 103 instructs the image forming device 400 to print the coded teaching material image (S120). Next, the printer 400b of the image forming device 400 prints the coded teaching material image (S130).

[0066] Next, user U2 receives the coded textbook paper printed out by printer 400b of image forming device 400 (S140) and fills in the answers on the coded textbook paper (S150). User U2 places the filled-in textbook paper on scanner 400a of image forming device 400 (S160). Scanner 400a of image forming device 400 then reads the filled-in textbook paper (S170), generating filled-in textbook image data.

[0067] Next, the image forming apparatus 400 transmits the filled-in teaching material image data to the information processing apparatus 100 ( S180 ). The scanned image data acquisition unit 104 of the information processing apparatus 100 receives and acquires the filled-in teaching material image data from the image forming apparatus 400 ( S180 ).

[0068] Next, the orientation determination unit 105 determines whether the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image is normal based on the filled-in teaching material image data (S190). If the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image is normal (S190: Yes), the orientation determination unit 105 proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, if the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image is not normal (S190: No), the orientation determination unit 105 proceeds to step S200.

[0069] Next, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines whether the filled-in teaching material image data is subject to automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300 (S200). If the filled-in teaching material image data is determined to be subject to automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300 (S200: Yes), the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 advances the process to step S230. On the other hand, if the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines that the filled-in teaching material image data is not subject to automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300 (S200: No), the notification unit 109 transmits a notification instruction to the image forming device 400, instructing the user U2 to notify the user U2 that the orientation of the filled-in teaching material sheet when the image forming device 400 read the filled-in teaching material sheet was not the normal orientation (S210). When the image forming device 400 receives the notification instruction from the information processing device 100 (S210), it notifies the user U2 via the notification output unit 400c in accordance with the notification instruction that the orientation of the filled-in textbook paper when the image forming device 400 read it was not normal (S220). This notification prompts the user U2 to pay attention to the orientation of the filled-in textbook paper and to re-place the filled-in textbook paper on the scanner 400a of the image forming device 400 (S160).

[0070] In step S230, the scanned image data correction unit 107 corrects the completed textbook image data so that the completed textbook image 52 is oriented in the correct direction (S230). The scanned image data transmission unit 108 then transmits the completed textbook image data, with the completed textbook image 52 oriented in the correct direction, to the textbook management device 300 (S250). The textbook management device 300 stores the completed textbook image data received from the information processing device 100 in the second database DB2 (S250), performs image analysis on the completed textbook image represented by the completed textbook image data, and determines whether the answers entered on the completed textbook paper are correct (S260). The judgment result is then transmitted to the terminal device 200.

[0071] Although the first embodiment has been described above, the above embodiment has the following features.

[0072] The information processing device 100 is capable of communicating with the teaching material management device 300 (learning management device) and the image forming device 400. The information processing device 100 includes a scanned image data acquisition unit 104 that acquires completed teaching material image data (scanned image data) representing a completed teaching material image 52 (scanned image) generated by the image forming device 400 by reading the completed teaching material paper (printed medium). The information processing device 100 includes an orientation determination unit 105 (first determination unit) that determines whether the orientation of the completed teaching material image 52 is normal, and an automatic scoring target determination unit 106 (second determination unit) that determines whether the completed teaching material image data is eligible for automatic scoring by the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300. The information processing device 100 includes a scanned image data correction unit 107 and a scanned image data transmission unit 108. When the filled-in teaching material image data is subject to automatic grading and the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is not normal, the scanned image data correction unit 107 corrects the filled-in teaching material image data so that the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 becomes normal. The scanned image data transmission unit 108 transmits the filled-in teaching material image data with the normal orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 to the teaching material management device 300. With the above configuration, automatic grading by the automatic grading unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300 can be performed smoothly, thereby improving convenience.

[0073] Furthermore, the coded textbook paper is a medium with a code image 61 (first mark) printed at the upper right end (first position). If the code image 61 is not located at the upper right end of the completed textbook image 52, the orientation determination unit 105 determines that the completed textbook image 52 is not oriented correctly. With the above configuration, simply by detecting the code image 61 within the completed textbook image 52, it is possible to determine whether the completed textbook image 52 is oriented correctly without requiring complex calculations.

[0074] Furthermore, the scanned image data correction unit 107 corrects the filled-in teaching material image data so that the code image 61 is positioned at the upper right end of the filled-in teaching material image 52. With the above configuration, the automatic scoring unit 300a of the teaching material management device 300 can smoothly execute automatic scoring.

[0075] Furthermore, the filled-in textbook paper is a medium printed with a code image 61. The code image 61 is an identifier that can be used to decode automatic grading target information indicating whether the filled-in textbook paper is eligible for automatic grading. The automatic grading target determination unit 106 decodes the code image 61 contained in the filled-in textbook image 52 to determine whether the filled-in textbook image data is eligible for automatic grading. With the above configuration, the automatic grading target determination unit 106 can accurately determine whether the filled-in textbook image data is eligible for automatic grading based on the code image 61.

[0076] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 further includes a notification unit 109 that, when the filled-in textbook image data is not subject to automatic scoring and the filled-in textbook image 52 is not oriented in the normal direction, notifies the user U2 via the image forming device 400 that the filled-in textbook paper is not oriented in the normal direction when the filled-in textbook paper is read. With the above configuration, the notification is sent to the user U2, allowing the scanner 400a to read the filled-in textbook image 52 in the normal direction.

[0077] The information processing device 100 also includes a teaching material image data acquisition unit 101 (printing image data acquisition unit), a teaching material image data processing unit 102 (printing image data processing unit), and a print instruction unit 103. The teaching material image data acquisition unit 101 acquires non-code teaching material image data (printing image data) representing a non-code teaching material image 50 (printing image) from the teaching material management device 300. The teaching material image data processing unit 102 processes the non-code teaching material image data so that a code image 61 (logo) is superimposed on the non-code teaching material image 50. The print instruction unit 103 instructs the image forming device 400 to print the coded teaching material image data generated by the processing by the teaching material image data processing unit 102. With the above configuration, the image forming device 400 can print the coded teaching material image 51, which is an image in which the code image 61 is superimposed on the non-code teaching material image 50.

[0078] The above-mentioned identifier is an identifier that can decode information indicating whether the non-coded teaching material image data is a target for automatic grading. According to the above structure, whether the teaching material image data is a target for automatic grading can be determined based on the identifier.

[0079] Furthermore, the scanned image data correction unit 107 does not correct the filled-in teaching material image data when the orientation of the filled-in teaching material image 52 is normal.

[0080] Furthermore, if the filled-in teaching material image 52 includes a selection question, the automatic scoring target determination unit 106 determines that the filled-in teaching material image data is a target for automatic scoring. With the above configuration, even if the code image 61 is not superimposed on the filled-in teaching material image 52, or if the code image 61 fails to be read, or if the code image 61 fails to be decoded, it is still possible to determine whether the filled-in teaching material image data is a target for automatic scoring.

[0081] Second embodiment

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 8 Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the teaching material management device 300 includes the automatic scoring unit 300 a . In contrast, in the present embodiment, the teaching material management device 300 does not include the automatic scoring unit 300 a . Furthermore, the information processing system 10 further includes an automatic scoring device 600 .

[0084] The teaching material management device 300 transmits the completed teaching material image data received from the information processing device 100 to the automatic grading device 600 providing the automatic grading service. The automatic grading device 600 performs image analysis on the completed teaching material image represented by the completed teaching material image data received from the teaching material management device 300, thereby determining whether the answers entered on the completed teaching material sheet are correct or incorrect, and transmits the determination result to the teaching material management device 300. The teaching material management device 300 transfers the determination result received from the automatic grading device 600 to the terminal device 200.

[0085] In this way, teaching material management apparatus 300 itself can also provide an automatic grading service, and automatic grading apparatus 600 , which is a separate apparatus from teaching material management apparatus 300 , can also provide an automatic grading service.

[0086] In the above examples, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and provided to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible recording media (tangible storage medium). Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (such as magneto-optical disks). Examples of non-transitory computer readable media also include CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (such as mask ROM). Examples of non-transitory computer readable media also include PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory). In addition, the program can also be provided to the computer via various types of transitory computer readable media (transitory computer readable medium). Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can provide the program to a computer via a wired communication channel such as electric wires and optical fibers, or a wireless communication channel.

[0087] While the above embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified appropriately without departing from the main purpose. For example, while the above embodiments describe documents to be printed and read as textbooks, documents other than textbooks can also be designated as printed and read.

[0088] Explanation of symbols

[0089] 10…Information processing system; 50…Uncoded textbook image; 51…Coded textbook image; 52…Filled textbook image; 60…Question; 61…Coded image; 62…Blank; 63…Answer; 100…Information processing device; 100a…Processor; 100b…Memory; 100c…Communication interface; 101…Textbook image data acquisition unit; 102…Textbook image data processing unit; 103…Print instruction unit; 104…Scanned image data acquisition unit; 105…Towards To the judgment unit; 106…automatic scoring object judgment unit; 107…scanned image data correction unit; 108…scanned image data sending unit; 109…notification unit; 200…terminal device; 300…teaching material management device; 300a…automatic scoring unit; 400…image forming device; 400a…scanner; 400b…printer; 400c…notification output unit; U1…user; U2…user; DB1…first database; DB2…second database; 500…WAN.

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with a learning management device and an image forming device, comprising: a scanned image data acquisition unit that acquires scanned image data representing a scanned image generated by the image forming device reading a print medium; a first judging unit configured to judge whether the orientation of the scanned image is normal; a second judging unit, configured to judge whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring; a scanned image data correction unit configured to correct the scanned image data so that the orientation of the scanned image becomes normal when the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not normal; The scan image data transmitting unit transmits the scan image data in which the orientation of the scan image is a normal orientation to the learning management device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The printed medium is a medium on which a first mark is printed at a first position. The first determination unit determines that the orientation of the scanned image is not a normal orientation when the first marker is not present at the first position in the scanned image.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The scanned image data correction unit corrects the scanned image data so that the first marker is positioned at the first position in the scanned image.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The printed medium is a medium printed with a first mark, The first identifier is an identifier capable of decoding information indicating whether the printed medium is an object of automatic scoring. The second determination unit determines whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring by decoding the first identifier included in the scanned image.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a notification unit that notifies, via the image forming device, that the orientation of the print medium when reading the print medium is not a normal orientation when the scanned image data is not an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not a normal orientation.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a print image data acquisition unit that acquires print image data representing a print image from the learning management device; a print image data processing unit that processes the print image data so as to superimpose a logo on the print image; A print instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to print the print image data processed by the print image data processing unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The flag is a flag capable of decoding information indicating whether the print image data is a target for automatic scoring.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The scanned image data correction unit does not correct the scanned image data when the orientation of the scanned image is a normal orientation.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The second determination unit determines that the scanned image data is a target for automatic scoring when a selection question is included in the scanned image.

10. An information processing method, comprising: acquiring scanned image data representing a scanned image generated by the image forming device reading a print medium; determining whether the orientation of the scanned image is normal; Determining whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring; When the scanned image data is a target of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not a normal orientation, the scanned image data is corrected so that the orientation of the scanned image becomes a normal orientation; The scanned image data having the normal orientation of the scanned image is transmitted to the learning management device.

11. A program product comprising a program for causing an information processing device capable of communicating with a learning management device and an image forming device to function as: a scanned image data acquisition unit that acquires scanned image data representing a scanned image generated by the image forming device reading a print medium; a first judging unit configured to judge whether the orientation of the scanned image is normal; a second judging unit, configured to judge whether the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring; a scanned image data correction unit configured to correct the scanned image data so that the orientation of the scanned image becomes normal when the scanned image data is an object of automatic scoring and the orientation of the scanned image is not normal; The scan image data transmitting unit transmits the scan image data in which the orientation of the scan image is a normal orientation to the learning management device.

12. An information processing system comprising: The information processing device according to claim 1; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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