Operating a digital device in test mode

Abstract

A program product comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a digital terminal (2), cause the latter to execute a method for operating a digital terminal (2) in a test mode, wherein the digital terminal (2) is connectable to the Internet via at least one network connection (4), where, after a request (100) to initiate the test mode, it is checked whether all network connections (4) of the digital terminal (2) are disconnected and the test mode is only initiated if all network connections (4) of the digital terminal (2) are disconnected, wherein in test mode a software application from which the request (100) to initiate the test mode was generated is always operated in the foreground and a switch to another software application is prevented, wherein an optical display (20) of the operation of the digital terminal (2) in test mode is provided on the digital terminal (2), wherein the software application has access to the contents of a database (8) which is stored on the digital terminal (2), where only predefinable parts of this database (8) are available in test mode, the database primarily contains legal texts, wherein the database has at least two levels and in the first level one or more legal texts are stored in particular by designation and in at least one further level user-specific data on the legal texts can be stored, in particular markings of at least parts of the provisions of the legal texts, annotations on provisions of the legal texts and / or references to other provisions of the same or at least one other legal text.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a program product for operating a digital terminal device in a test mode and a corresponding computer program product. Background of the invention

[0002] Data collections, particularly collections of legal texts, especially those comprising at least one law and / or at least one regulation, are well-known. In the past, these were regularly used in paper form, for example, as collections of laws. Amendments to laws had to be obtained as supplementary documents and laboriously incorporated into the collections. These paper collections of laws were and still are regularly used in examinations. Depending on the subject and the applicable examination regulations, there are more or less stringent requirements for these collections of laws, particularly regarding markings, annotations, and cross-references, such as so-called paragraph chains. Such markings, annotations, and cross-references are, however, of great importance for the everyday use of these collections of laws.

[0003] At the same time, the relevant legal texts are also available on the internet, but internet-enabled digital devices are often not allowed in exams due to the risk of deception. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a software product for operating a digital terminal device in such a way that it can be used in examinations with a minimized risk of cheating, and in particular, that no connection to the Internet is possible. Likewise, a corresponding software product and a corresponding data carrier signal are to be proposed.

[0005] This problem is solved by a program product having the features of claim 1 and a data carrier signal having the features of dependent claim 9. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details relating to the program product and / or the data carrier signal according to the invention apply, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0006] The task is solved by a program product comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a digital terminal, cause the terminal to execute a procedure for operating a digital terminal in a test mode, wherein the digital terminal is connectable to the Internet via at least one network connection, wherein, after a request to initiate the test mode, it is checked whether all network connections of the digital terminal are disconnected, and the test mode is only initiated if all network connections of the digital terminal are disconnected, wherein in the test mode a software application from which the request to initiate the test mode was generated is always operated in the foreground and a switch to another software application is prevented, wherein the operation of the digital terminal in test mode is visually indicated on the digital terminal.wherein the software application has access to the content of a database stored on the digital terminal, wherein only predefined parts of this database are accessible in test mode, wherein the database preferably contains legal texts, wherein the database has at least two levels and in the first level one or more legal texts are stored, in particular by designation, and in at least one further level user-specific data on the legal texts can be stored, in particular markings of at least parts of the provisions of the legal texts, annotations on provisions of the legal texts and / or references to other provisions of the same or at least one other legal text,

[0007] In the method for operating a digital terminal in a test mode, wherein the digital terminal is connectable to the Internet via at least one network connection, after a request to initiate the test mode, it is checked whether all network connections of the digital terminal are disconnected, and the test mode is only initiated if all network connections of the digital terminal are disconnected, wherein in test mode a software application from which the request to initiate the test mode was generated is always operated in the foreground and a switch to another software application is prevented, wherein the operation of the digital terminal in test mode is visually indicated on the digital terminal, wherein the software application has access to the contents of a database that is stored on the digital terminal, wherein only predefined parts of this database are retrievable in test mode.

[0008] The term "digital device" refers to common digital devices such as computers, especially laptops, notebooks, and desktop computers, network-enabled mobile devices, tablets, or other network-enabled devices such as watches, especially smartwatches. A digital device has a monitor (also called a display).

[0009] The term network connection refers in particular to connections to local area networks (LAN), which can be implemented, for example, via Ethernet cabling, wireless local area networks such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), or mobile communication connections such as via a mobile network according to the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service, GPRS), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, UMTS), LTE (Long Term Evolution, LTE), or 5G (5th generation, 5G) standard.

[0010] The term "disconnecting a network connection" refers specifically to the disconnection of all existing network connections of the digital device, particularly when it is placed in airplane mode. Thus, the test mode is only initiated if no network connection exists between the digital device and the internet. Preferably, the test mode is terminated immediately upon detection of a network connection. This detection is preferably performed at least immediately before initiating the test mode and is further preferably performed continuously or at least repeatedly, particularly at predefined time intervals, while the digital device is operating in test mode.Preferably, the digital terminal is immediately operated in a locked mode in which all inputs into the digital terminal are blocked if the existence of a network connection and / or an (attempted) switch to another software application is detected.

[0011] The database primarily contains legal texts. A particularly preferred configuration is one in which the database has at least two levels. The first level stores one or more legal texts, primarily by their respective provisions, while at least one further level can store user-specific data related to the legal texts. This data could include, for example, markings of at least parts of the legal texts' provisions, annotations to provisions, and / or references to other provisions of the same or at least one other legal text. Specifically, the database is stored by provision, so that each element in the first level of the database contains a provision or part of a provision, thus allowing easy access to individual provisions of the legal text.Entries at least one further level are preferably provided with a time attribute that records a creation and / or modification time.

[0012] It is preferable to be able to specify which parts or levels of the database are accessible in exam mode, particularly to comply with specific examination regulations. The legal texts are preferably sorted by subject area. For example, the database could contain collections of laws on administrative law, tax law, patent law, criminal law, or similar areas.

[0013] Therefore, in this example, the software application from which the request to initiate the test mode was generated is the software application that grants access to the database and in which database entries can be retrieved at various levels. The fact that this application is always run in the foreground and that switching to another software application is prevented means, in particular, that common methods for switching to other software applications, such as the "Alt+Tab" key combination on a computer running Windows, the Task Manager on computers running Windows, or even swiping up from the bottom of the screen on an Apple smartphone (iPhone), are prevented by the program product according to the invention.This prevents the test taker from switching unnoticed to another software application or, for example, to the network settings while in exam mode.

[0014] If the electronic device is not operating in test mode, the software application can automatically, or upon user request, compare the database content with an internet- or cloud-based, user-specific version of the database. The application preferentially checks whether the timestamps of entries in at least the second level of the database (i.e., the at least one level containing user-specific entries) are older or newer in the internet- or cloud-based version. If so, the older version of the entries is overwritten with the newer version. This advantageously enables the use of the user-specific database from multiple devices, with the entries in at least the second level being updated.

[0015] When updating legal texts, it is simple and preferred to update them in the internet- or cloud-based version of the database and then, upon connecting the digital device to the internet- or cloud-based version, update the version of the database stored on the digital device. In this process, the data collection, for example, the collection of legal texts, is provided in a processed format on a server and transferred from there to the digital device, or the digital device retrieves it from the server.

[0016] If user-specific entries exist in the database for an updated provision, the user of the digital device will be notified and given the opportunity to adopt, update, or delete these user-specific entries. This is particularly preferred if the provision changes in such a way that it is uncertain whether a marker, annotation, and / or reference is still meaningful, especially if the provision is significantly supplemented or changed.

[0017] It is preferable to be able to maintain several versions of the legal text collections on the digital device, since legal examinations are often based on an earlier legal status and thus, although a newer version is already relevant for operation outside of examination mode, an earlier version can be used for the examination in examination mode.

[0018] This extended functionality outside of exam mode allows the user of the digital device to use the database, and in particular a database of legal texts such as collections of laws and regulations, like a paper-based version of these collections. This has the advantage that the need to file subsequent deliveries is eliminated, and it offers the beneficial possibility of incorporating and, if necessary, adapting user-specific content such as markings, annotations and / or references to other provisions with significantly reduced effort compared to a corresponding paper version.

[0019] In exam mode, access is limited to the portion of the database permitted for use during the exam, as stipulated by the examination regulations. Furthermore, exam mode can only be activated if all network connections on the digital device are disconnected. Additionally, in exam mode, the digital device is configured to prevent the activation of any network connection, as the user cannot exit the software application from which exam mode was initiated—specifically, the application that accesses the database. This prevents the examinee from activating a network connection during exam mode. The digital device is not connected to the internet, thus preventing the examinee from conducting internet research on the device while in exam mode.If the activation of a network connection is detected, immediate action can be taken, for example by blocking the digital device for the test taker, which can only be lifted by a supervisor.

[0020] Thus, the present invention allows the secure use of a database, for example containing legal texts, in examinations without preventing the examinee from attempting to cheat using the internet or user-specific markings in legal texts. At the same time, it enables the use of digital versions of legal texts in examinations while simultaneously allowing convenient access to these legal texts with user-specific markings, annotations, and references outside of examination mode. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for paper-based collections of legal texts.

[0021] The visual indication of the digital device's operation in exam mode allows for immediate visual confirmation that the device is in exam mode. Preferably, this visual indication includes a frame in a predefined, preferably conspicuous, color, which ideally surrounds the outer edge of the screen. For example, if the frame is a strong color such as red or pink, a supervisor can easily see from a distance whether the digital device is in exam mode or not. Alternatively or additionally, the visual indication preferably includes a time display showing the elapsed time since the exam mode was initiated. This provides another way for a supervisor to easily determine whether exam mode has been activated since the beginning of the exam or only later.This also serves to detect attempts to cheat, as the supervisor can see at a glance when the exam mode was activated.

[0022] Preferably, a warning signal, particularly an audible warning such as a loud warning tone, is given when the test mode ends. This also serves to make it easier to detect attempts to cheat. Alternatively or in addition to an audible warning, a visual warning is also possible, for example, by the screen flickering at maximum brightness for a certain period of time, by the entire screen being colored in a predefined color, such as pink or red, or similar.

[0023] Preferably, when the test mode is terminated, a timer is activated that only allows the test mode to be restarted after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, it is preferred that the test mode can only be reactivated after 60 minutes. The timer is preferably designed such that an attempt to reactivate the test mode triggers an error message on the display of the digital device.

[0024] Preferably, in test mode, the status of the network connection is monitored, and the digital device is operated in a locked mode if a network connection is activated and / or an attempt is made to activate another software application. In this locked mode, the digital device is blocked from input. Input is defined as any use of a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, or similar device. The digital device is therefore placed in locked mode and operated in this mode if an attempt to cheat occurs, for example, if a network connection is activated and / or another software application is launched.An attempt to activate a different software application might involve the test subject pressing a key combination, such as "ALT + Tab" on a computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system, to switch to a different software application, opening a task manager, or similar actions.

[0025] Preferably, the status of all possible network connections of the digital device is monitored continuously or quasi-continuously. Quasi-continuous monitoring refers to monitoring the state or status of all possible network connections of the digital device, checking their status at short intervals. These intervals are preferably shorter than the typical time a human user needs to click. A time interval of 100 ms or less, particularly 50 ms or less, is preferred. Alternatively, it is also preferably possible to monitor the status of the network connections discontinuously, for example, in conjunction with a user action such as a mouse click or a click on a touchscreen.This makes it possible to check the status of all network connections of the digital network device whenever the user performs a specific action on it.

[0026] Preferably, the digital device is locked in lock mode for a predefined period to prevent input. This predefined period is chosen such that the operation in lock mode is significantly longer than the duration of the corresponding test. For example, it is preferred to choose a lock period of 30 minutes or more, particularly 60 minutes or more.

[0027] In test mode, access to software applications other than the one that initiated the test mode request is preferably blocked. Blocking access to other software applications includes the user switching to other applications and launching (i.e., restarting) such applications. The operation of the digital device is therefore restricted in test mode.

[0028] Furthermore, a data carrier signal is proposed that transmits the program product according to the present invention.

[0029] In the present invention, the term "one," "a," or "an" does not refer to a specific number of the components thereby designated, but explicitly includes the possibility that the claimed subject matter may comprise one or more additional components besides the single component. Thus, the term is also to be understood as "one or more." If, on the other hand, the number of specified components is meant to be one, this is indicated by "exactly one."

[0030] The embodiments described above can be combined by a person skilled in the art in any way possible within the framework of the teaching of the invention, even deviating from the references to the claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1: an example of a digital device connected to the Internet; Fig. 2: an example of a database; Fig. 3: a flowchart to explain how to trigger a test mode; Fig. 4: a flowchart to explain how to initiate the test mode; Fig. 5: An example of the operation of the digital terminal in test mode Fig. 6: an example of how to terminate the test mode; Fig. 7: an example of monitoring the status of the network connections of the digital terminal device; Fig. 8: a view of an example of a display of a provision of a legal text; Fig. 9: a view of an example of entering a comment and creating a reference; Fig. 10: an example of a view of a history; Fig. 11: a view of the monitor of the digital device in exam mode; and Fig. 12: A view of the monitor of the digital terminal in test mode with an error message. Detailed description of the drawings

[0031] The embodiments shown here are merely examples of the present invention and should therefore not be interpreted as limiting. Alternative embodiments considered by a person skilled in the art are likewise covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a digital device 2 that can be connected to the Internet 6 via one or more network connections 4. A digital device 2 here refers to common and widely used digital devices 2 such as computers, especially laptops, notebooks, or desktop computers, internet-enabled mobile phones, tablets, etc. A network connection 4 refers to common Internet and intranet connections that enable the digital device 2 to connect to the Internet 6. Network connections 4 include, for example, a local area network (LAN), which can be implemented via Ethernet cabling, wireless local area networks such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a mobile connection such as a fifth-generation network.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a database 8, which is located on a server on the Internet 6 and on the digital terminal 2, and which is updated in a known manner to reflect changes both on the Internet 6 and on the digital terminal 2. In this example, the database 8 comprises a first level 10, a second level 12, a third level 14, and a fourth level 16. In the present embodiment, the first level 10 of the database 8 stores a collection of legal texts in individual elements of the first level 10 of the database 8, in particular comprising at least one law and / or at least one regulation.In the second level 12, the third level 14 and the fourth level 16 of the database, content created by the user of the digital device 2 is stored, which relates to the legal text, for example in the second level 12 markings of the legal text, preferably in the form of a highlighter, in the third level 14 annotations to the legal text and in the fourth level 16 references between individual provisions of the legal text or to other legal texts stored in level 10 of the database 8.

[0034] For example, database 8 contains, among other things, the state constitution of the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, so that the first level 10 of database 8 includes, among other things, an entry for Article 1 of this state constitution: Article 1 (1) North Rhine-Westphalia is a constituent state of the Federal Republic of Germany and thus part of the European Union. The state is divided into municipalities and municipal associations. (2) The national colours and the national coat of arms shall be determined by law. [...]"

[0035] The second level, 12, contains, for example, corresponding markers of the legal text, such as a code that specifies how the second paragraph of Article 1 should be highlighted in a given color, for example, yellow. The third level, 14, stores, for example, annotations relating to the corresponding legal text. For instance, the annotation "Green-White-Red, see Law on the State Colors, the State Coat of Arms and the State Flag, in particular Section 1" is stored for paragraph (2) of Article 1, while the fourth level, 16, can store a reference or link to Section 1 of the Law on the State Colors, the State Coat of Arms and the State Flag. For the user of the digital device 2, setting a marker is preferably done in the same way as in other software applications, for example, by clicking and dragging.Ideally, the corresponding color can be freely specified, allowing the user to employ different highlighting colors. This functionality is intended to emulate a highlighter in paper-based documents.

[0036] The corresponding database 8 can replace the familiar collection of laws containing the relevant legal texts in everyday use. The user can make markings in the legal text by saving them in level 12 and have these displayed on the screen of the digital device 2. Likewise, any annotations that can be saved in level 14 and references to other provisions in the same or a different legal text that can be saved in level 16 can also be displayed. Simultaneously, corresponding markings, annotations, and / or references can be created or edited and stored in the corresponding levels 12, 14, and 16 of database 8. This corresponds to the everyday use of a paper collection of laws.

[0037] In particular, storing the database 8 on the digital device 2 allows the legal texts to be used independently of an existing connection to the internet 6 or the corresponding server on the internet 6. This is especially advantageous when no internet or mobile connection is available, for example, due to a lack of mobile network coverage and the absence of a LAN. At the same time, changes to the legal texts can be easily made available on the internet 6 and then, when a network connection 4 is available, transferred to or retrieved from the digital device 2. This saves resources and eliminates the need for paper copies of the legal texts in everyday use; in particular, it avoids the time-consuming filing of supplementary deliveries containing legislative amendments, a task familiar to many users.

[0038] However, the situation is different when it comes to using legal texts in examinations, for example, for administrative assistants or state examinations for lawyers. Here, examination regulations restrict how legal texts can be used in the examination. At the same time, these regulations are strict regarding the use of legal texts in the examinations. Often, no annotations or references to other provisions (so-called chains of paragraphs) are permitted. Highlighting or marking within the legal text, similar to using a highlighter, may or may not be allowed; this depends on the examination regulations, which can even vary between different German federal states. Therefore, the everyday situation described above regarding database 8 cannot be used in the examination.Furthermore, in such examination situations there is regularly a need not to allow the examinee to freely search the internet.

[0039] Therefore, for digital legal text collections, an examination mode has proven necessary in which the examinee only has access to levels 10, 12, 14, 16 of database 8 permitted according to the examination regulations, and at the same time attempts to cheat by searching the Internet can be reliably prevented.

[0040] According to the present invention, the operation of the digital terminal device 2 in a test mode is proposed here. How Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the examination mode is initiated by the examinee, i.e., the person who has to take an examination, by triggering a request 100 for an examination mode, for example by selecting a corresponding command in a software application that is installed on the digital terminal 2 (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) expires and provides the content of database 8 on digital terminal 2 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) After receiving request 100 for an exam mode, a check 102 is performed to determine whether the network connections of the digital device 2 are deactivated, i.e., in the example of a mobile device, whether it is switched to airplane mode. Check 102 is followed by a decision step 104: If the network connections 4 of the digital device 2 are not disconnected, an error message 106 is sent to the test subject, who is then immediately given the opportunity to initiate another request 100 for the exam mode. If the network connections 4 of the digital device 2 are disconnected, an initiation 108 of the exam mode takes place, which is described below as an example with reference to Fig. 4 is described.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows, using a flowchart, the initiation 108 of the examination mode according to a preferred embodiment. This includes blocking 110 the levels 12, 14, and 16 of database 8 that are not permitted by the examination regulations, for example, the third level 14 and the fourth level 16, as well as blocking 112 access to other software applications, thus preventing the examinee from starting and / or using other software applications, such as an internet browser. Simultaneously, the prevention 114 of access to other software applications is initiated, so that, for example, a task manager cannot be used or accessed, and switching to other software applications is not possible, for example, on a computer running Windows as the operating system, by the key combination "Alt+Tab" or by clicking on the taskbar.Furthermore, an optical display 116 is started on the display of the digital device 2, which includes, for example, a frame in a contrasting color surrounding the display of the digital device 2, in which an optional time indication is shown, indicating the time elapsed since the initiation of the test mode (cf. . Fig. 11) The time is updated at regular intervals, for example, every second. Afterwards, the operation 118 of the digital terminal 2 in test mode commences, which is described in an exemplary embodiment with reference to Fig. 5 is explained in more detail. Although steps 110, 112, 114, 116 of the initiation 108 of the test mode in Fig. The fact that steps 110, 112, 114, and 116 are shown sequentially in a specific order is not to be understood as restrictive. These steps can also occur sequentially in a different order and / or at least partially in parallel.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the operation of the digital terminal 2 in test mode. This initially includes the inputs 120 of the test subject in the corresponding software application, which can access the database 8. In a decision step 122, it is checked whether the input is a command to terminate the test mode. If this is not the case, processing takes place in a processing step 124 in the software application, i.e., displaying the levels 10, 12, 14, 16 of the database 8 that are permissible according to the blocking 110, navigating to other elements of the database 8, etc. If the input represents the command to terminate the test mode, the termination 126 of the test mode takes place, which is described below with reference to Fig. Section 6 is described using an example. Optionally, the status of all network connections of the digital terminal 2 is monitored in parallel or sequentially, as described below with reference to... Fig. 7 will be explained in more detail.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the termination 126 of the test mode. First, the optical display of the test mode is terminated 130, and switching to other software applications is enabled 132. Simultaneously, a block 133 against restarting the test mode is initiated. Then, a timer 134 is activated, in which, in this example, a maximum elapsed, predefined time interval is specified, for example, 60 minutes. At the same time, a time variable 136 is initialized, specifically set to the value zero. Then, the time variable is incremented 138, and a comparison 140 is made to determine whether the time variable has reached the maximum time interval. If not, the process returns to increment 138. If the time variable has reached or exceeded the maximum time interval, restarting the test mode is enabled 142.By setting a relatively large, predefined time interval or a predefined time that must elapse before the exam mode can be re-initiated, it can be prevented that the test-taker briefly leaves the exam mode, for example, to start an internet search, and then immediately re-initiates the exam mode. While Timer 134 is active, it is preferable for a proctor to be able to end Timer 134 with a security code should the test-taker accidentally leave the exam mode.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of monitoring 128 of the status of the network connections 4 of the digital terminal 2, in which, after the initiation 108 of the test mode, a predefinable waiting time 1 is allowed to elapse. This is followed by a check 146 of the status of all network connections of the digital terminal 2 and a possible switch to other software applications. In a query 148, a lock mode 150 is called if at least one network connection 4 is not disconnected. This lock mode 150 includes, for example, the output of an error message, in particular visual and / or audible, and a lock on input for a certain period. Input is to be understood in the broadest possible sense; in particular, input via a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, and / or touchscreen is ignored. Afterwards, a check 152 is performed to determine whether a termination condition exists.A termination condition is, for example, a command to end the audit mode. If the termination condition is not present, the system returns to the end of a waiting period (144). If the termination condition is present, monitoring (128) is terminated. If the digital terminal 2 is operating in lock mode (150), it is also possible to exit lock mode (150) if a supervisor enters a corresponding code.

[0045] Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of a view of a provision of a legal text from the first level 10 of database 8. Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of an input option for a comment and a reference for storage in the third level 14 and the fourth level 16 of database 8. Furthermore, the software application allows the storage and display of a history, as described below. Fig. 10 shows an example and is preferably deactivated in test mode or deleted when test mode is initiated.

[0046] Fig. Figure 11 shows an example of a view of a monitor 18 of the digital terminal 2, where, as a visual indicator 20 of operation in test mode, a frame 22 enclosing the entire monitor 18 is rendered in a bright color such as pink or red, which also displays a time stamp 24 indicating when the test mode was activated. This allows a supervisor to easily recognize that the test mode is activated and that it has been activated throughout the entire test so far.

[0047] Fig.Figure 12 shows an example of the view of monitor 18 of the digital device where, during the examination mode, a network connection was activated and / or an attempt was made to activate another software application, for example, by pressing "ALT+Tab" on a Windows computer as the digital device. Monitor 18 is then completely filled with a bright color, such as pink or red, except for an error message 26 and a timer, to indicate to a supervisor that there is a potential attempt to cheat. The digital device 2 is locked for a certain period of time, in this example one minute, and is thus operated in or placed in lock mode 150. Longer locks are preferable, for example, 60 minutes or more.

[0048] Operating a digital device 2 in exam mode enables the exam-compliant use of a database 8 during an exam. For this purpose, the digital device is only operated in exam mode when all network connections 4 of the digital device 2 are deactivated. In exam mode, it is prevented that any software applications other than the one running in exam mode can be accessed. At the same time, it is possible to make only parts of the database 8 accessible in exam mode. The preferred application is the exam-compliant provision of legal text collections on digital devices 2. List of reference symbols 2 digital terminal 4 network connections 6 Internet 8 Database 10 first level 12 second level 14 third level 16 fourth level 18" Monitor 20 optical display 22 frames 24 Time indication 26 Error message 100 requirements for the examination mode 102 Checking if network connections have been disabled 104 Decision step 106 Error message 108 Initiating the test mode 110 Blocking of the impermissible levels of the database 112 Blocking access to other software applications 114 Preventing access to other software applications 116 Optical display of the test mode on the digital terminal 118 Operation of the digital terminal in test mode 120 entries from the examinee 122 Decision step 124 Processing of inputs 126 End of the examination mode 128 Monitoring the status of all network connections 130 End of the optical display of the test mode 132 Enabling the switch to other software applications 133 Blocking the restart of the exam mode 134 Timer 136 Initialization 138 Increment 140 Comparison 142 Enabling the restart of the test mode 144 Expiration of a waiting period 146 Checking the status of all network connections and a possible switch to another software application 148 queries 150 Lock mode 152 Checking whether a termination condition exists

Claims

[1] A program product comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a digital terminal (2), cause the latter to execute a method for operating a digital terminal (2) in a test mode, wherein the digital terminal (2) is connectable to the Internet via at least one network connection (4), where, after a request (100) to initiate the test mode, it is checked whether all network connections (4) of the digital terminal (2) are disconnected and the test mode is only initiated if all network connections (4) of the digital terminal (2) are disconnected, wherein in test mode a software application from which the request (100) to initiate the test mode was generated is always operated in the foreground and a switch to another software application is prevented, wherein an optical display (20) of the operation of the digital terminal (2) in test mode is provided on the digital terminal (2), wherein the software application has access to the contents of a database (8) which is stored on the digital terminal (2), where only predefinable parts of this database (8) are available in test mode, the database primarily contains legal texts, wherein the database has at least two levels and in the first level one or more legal texts are stored in particular by designation and in at least one further level user-specific data on the legal texts can be stored, in particular markings of at least parts of the provisions of the legal texts, annotations on provisions of the legal texts and / or references to other provisions of the same or at least one other legal text. [2] The program product according to claim 1, characterized by , that a warning, in particular a visual warning, is given when the test mode is terminated. [3] The program product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when the test mode is terminated, a timer (134) is activated, which allows the test mode to be restarted only after a specified time has elapsed. [4] The program product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the optical display (20) of the test mode includes a frame (22) which is in a predefinable color. [5] The program product according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the optical display (20) includes a time indication (24) which indicates the time that has elapsed since the initiation of the test mode. [6] The program product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in test mode the state of the network connection (4) is monitored and the digital terminal (2) is operated in a lock mode when a network connection (4) is activated and / or when an attempt is made to activate another software application, in which the digital terminal (2) is locked to allow input. [7] The program product according to claim 6, characterized by, that the digital terminal (2) is locked in lock mode for a predefinable lock period to prevent input. [8] The program product according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in audit mode, access to software applications other than the software application from which the request (100) to initiate audit mode was generated is blocked. [9] A data carrier signal that transmits the program product according to any of the present claims.

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