Information professor

Abstract

To provide an information processor that can easily and appropriately input and correct digital data and can easily reproduce a process of creating the digital data.SOLUTION: Answer information, which is a chronological record of answers based on input using an electronic pen to format information including a question to be presented to a learner, and which includes correction information regarding a correction to the answers based on input using the electronic pen, is stored in a memory unit 703. On the basis of the answer information in the memory unit 703, a control unit 702 controls a display unit 704 to display an answer process including the correction of the answers based on the answer and the correction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and system suitable for use in large-scale examinations such as entrance examinations and correspondence courses for individuals. [Background technology]

[0002] Various large-scale examinations are conducted, including entrance examinations for junior high schools, high schools, universities, and various certification and qualification examinations, with many examinees taking them. The conventional method for such large-scale examinations is to distribute question papers and answer sheets to examinees, collect the answer sheets with the examinees' answers written on them, grade them, and determine whether the examinees pass or fail based on the graded results. Furthermore, in the case of examinations with a large number of examinees, such as the National Center Test for University Admissions, multiple-choice examinations are often conducted using a multiple-choice system that allows for computerized grading in order to ensure rapid, accurate, and fair grading.

[0003] In multiple choice tests, examinees select the answer they believe to be correct from a number of pre-set options, and answer by filling in the answer box corresponding to the selected option with a pencil, etc. In other words, because examinees only write down the answer, in science subjects the calculation process leading up to the answer cannot be graded, and in humanities subjects the ability to write sentences cannot be graded.

[0004] Of course, it is possible to require test takers to write not only the answers but also the calculation process on the answer sheet, as in traditional exams, or to write sentences on the answer sheet. However, in this case, the more test takers there are, the more space and expense it takes to store the answer sheets, and there is also the possibility that the answer sheets will become dirty or damaged. Also, there may be cases where it is desirable to mix questions that require a test taker to take into account the test taker's thought process and questions that can be graded mechanically by a computer.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to use electronic devices such as personal computers, smartphones, and tablet computers equipped with a pen input panel to answer questions, as in the learning support program and learning support device of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, which will be described later. Here, the pen input panel is an electronic component that combines a display device and a so-called touch sensor, and by using an electronic pen, the examinee can write down equations and sentences by hand.

[0006] In this case, answer information entered through the pen input panel can be treated as electronic data, eliminating the problem of storing answer sheets and the risk of them getting soiled or damaged. Furthermore, because answer information can be treated as electronic data, graders can grade formulas and sentences while taking into account the examinee's thought process. Furthermore, for questions requiring multiple choice answers, mechanical grading by computer is also possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-102556 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In a system that uses an electronic device equipped with the above-mentioned pen input panel as a device for inputting answers, problems can arise when correcting answer information that has already been input. That is, answer information is input to the pen input panel using an electronic pen, and in order to rewrite the answer, the input answer information must first be erased. To erase the input answer information, an erase indicator (electronic erase pen) is required that supplies a signal to the pen input panel that is different from the signal used when the answer was input.

[0009] The erasing pen may be configured as a separate device from the answer pen, or one end of a single electronic pen may be configured as the answer pen and the other end as the erasing pen. In this case, there is a possibility that the examinee may mistakenly use the answer pen and the erasing pen. Therefore, the examinee must always be aware of the answer pen and the erasing pen and use them appropriately, which is troublesome. Furthermore, switching between the answer pen and the erasing pen may disrupt the train of thought.

[0010] Furthermore, rather than just looking at the completed answer, if there are multiple questions, it may be possible to grade more appropriately and accurately if it is possible to see, as necessary, which question the student started with, and what and how they corrected it. This applies not only to large-scale exams such as entrance exams, certification exams, and qualification exams, but also to correspondence courses offered to individuals, and if the student's answering process can be reproduced in detail, more appropriate instruction can be provided.

[0011] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to enable, when using an input device capable of inputting digital data using an electronic pen and a position detection device, to easily and appropriately input and correct digital data, and to easily reproduce the process of creating the input digital data (input process). [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: An information processing device that displays a history of inputs made by a learner using an electronic pen, a storage unit for storing answer information in which answers based on input using the electronic pen in response to format information including questions to be presented to the learner are stored in chronological order, the answer information including correction information regarding corrections to the answers based on input using the electronic pen; A display unit; a control unit that controls the display unit to display an answer process including the correction to the answer based on the answer information and the correction information; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this invention, input information can be easily and appropriately corrected by using the operation unit. Furthermore, by forming the input information as time-series data and using this time-series data, the process of inputting information can be easily reproduced. Therefore, input information can be appropriately corrected, and the process of inputting information can be appropriately reproduced. Therefore, by applying this invention to various tests, including entrance exams, the process of inputting answers can be appropriately understood, and the answers can be more appropriately evaluated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a large-scale testing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view for explaining the external appearance of a digital answering device of a large-scale testing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the internal structure of a digital answering device of the large-scale testing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a digital answer device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a position detection device mounted on a digital answer device of a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an answer input operation to the digital answer device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of answer information that is time-series data generated by the digital answer device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8]1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of answer information, which is time-series data formed by the digital answer device of the first embodiment, and the structure of answer information for transmission. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of answer information that is time-series data generated by the digital answer device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a correspondence education system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an external view for explaining the external appearance of a digital correction device in a correspondence education system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a layer structure of data processed in the correspondence education system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a digital correction device in a correspondence education system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of display information when answer information is reproduced in the digital correction device of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of correction information for transmission generated by the digital correction device of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a correction process executed in the digital correction device of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of page-specific answer information when the answer format spans multiple pages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the device and system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a first embodiment will be described as an example of application to a large-scale examination system, and a second embodiment will be described as an example of application to a correspondence education system.

[0016] [First embodiment (large-scale testing system)] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a large-scale examination system according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the large-scale examination system is constructed and utilized when a large number of examinees gather at one or more examination venues to take an examination, such as an entrance examination for a junior high school, high school, or university, or a variety of certification or qualification examinations.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the large-scale examination system of the first embodiment is composed of digital answer devices 1(1), 1(2), ..., electronic pens 2(1), 2(2), ..., access points (hereinafter abbreviated as AP) 3(1), 3(2), ..., host computer 4, and cloud system 5. Each of the digital answer devices 1(1), 1(2), ... and electronic pens 2(1), 2(2), ... is used by each examinee taking the examination, and in this first embodiment, the examination organizer lends them to the examinees and collects them after the examination is completed.

[0018] Each of the APs 3(1), 3(2), ... is placed in a classroom, lecture room, auditorium, etc. that serves as the examination venue, and enables wireless communication with the digital answering devices 1(1), 1(2), ... At least one host computer 4 is provided in each of one or more examination venues. The host computer 4 communicates with each of the digital answering devices 1(1), 1(2), ... via the APs 3(1), 3(2), ... to distribute answer formats and examination questions and collect answer information. The cloud system 5 includes a storage unit for various data and a processing unit for marking and evaluating answers.

[0019] In recent years, cloud computing, which provides users with software and hardware usage rights as a service over a network, has become widely used. The data centers and servers set up on the Internet to realize this cloud computing method are called clouds.

[0020] That is, the cloud provides users with the software and hardware they desire without making them aware of a real server. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a data storage unit 51, a scoring evaluation unit 52, and an evaluation result storage unit 53 are provided on the cloud as a cloud system 5.

[0021] The data storage unit 51 of the cloud system 5 has a storage area for provided data such as answer formats and test questions, and a storage area for answer information collected from each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), .... In response to a request from a host computer 4 installed in each test site, the cloud system 5 reads out the answer formats and test questions from the data storage unit 51 and distributes them to the host computer 4 that made the request.

[0022] The host computer 4 distributes answer formats and test questions wirelessly to each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), ... via AP3(1), 3(2), .... In the large-scale test system of the first embodiment, the host computer 4 can control the timing of the start and end of display of the answer format and test questions for each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), .... This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent answers, such as starting to answer before the start of the test time or continuing to answer after the test time has ended.

[0023] Of course, answer formats and test questions are distributed in advance to each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), ..., and upon instruction from the examiner to start, the examinee turns on the power to each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), .... This allows the answer format and test questions to be displayed on each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), ..., and the examinee can then input their answers.

[0024] Each examinee displays and reads the test questions through the digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), ... that has been loaned to them, and considers their answers. Each examinee then inputs their answers by writing their answers using their own electronic pen 2(1), 2(2), ... on the answer format displayed on their own digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), .... The answer information input in this way is stored in the memory of their own digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), ..., and is submitted to the host computer 4 by performing a submit operation after the end of the test time. The host computer 4 collects the answer information from each digital answer device 1(1), 1(2), ... and stores and retains it.

[0025] In the case of the large-scale examination system of the first embodiment, the host computer 4 transmits the collected answer information of each examinee to the cloud system 5. The cloud system 5 receives the answer information from the host computer 4 of each examination site and stores it in the answer information storage area of ​​the data storage unit 51. Thereafter, the marking and evaluation unit 52 of the cloud system 5 functions to mark and evaluate the answer information stored in the answer information storage area of ​​the data storage unit 51, form an evaluation result, and store this in the evaluation result storage unit 53.

[0026] If the evaluation results show that there are more or fewer successful candidates than the quota, the grader can recheck the answer information and adjust the successful candidates. In this case, as will be described in detail later, the answer information is formed as time-series data, so that the answer situation can be accurately reproduced. This allows for detailed evaluation, such as reproducing the answer process in detail and finding candidates who have carefully thought out their answers, or conversely, candidates who have taken a rough approach to the answer process and arrived at the correct answer by chance.

[0027] This allows a responsible person such as a grader to meticulously check the answer information, properly grasp the thought process and level of understanding, and then decide on the final successful candidates. Then, based on the data stored in the evaluation result storage unit 53, the cloud system 5 can issue and mail a certificate of passing to the successful candidates.

[0028] An important feature of the large-scale testing system of the first embodiment is the digital answering devices 1(1), 1(2), .... Each of the digital answering devices 1(1), 1(2), ... of the first embodiment uses an electronic pen 2(1), 2(2), ... to input an answer, but when an answer is incorrect, the incorrect part can be erased easily and appropriately and the input can be re-input.

[0029] Furthermore, each of the digital answering devices 1(1), 1(2), ... of the first embodiment is able to accurately reproduce the situation of the answer by forming the answer information in detail as time-series data. This allows for detailed grading, as mentioned above, by reproducing the process of the answer in detail and finding examinees who have carefully thought out their answers, or conversely, finding examinees who have roughly thought out their answers and arrived at the correct answer by chance.

[0030] The digital answer devices 1(1), 1(2), ... of the first embodiment will be described in detail below. Note that the digital answer devices 1(1), 1(2), ... each have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between them, the digital answer devices 1(1), 1(2), ... will be collectively referred to as the digital answer device 1. Furthermore, the electronic pens 2(1), 2(2), ... also have the same configuration, so hereinafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between them, the electronic pens 2(1), 2(2), ... will be collectively referred to as the electronic pen 2.

[0031] [Details of Digital Answering Device 1] 2 is an external view illustrating the appearance of the digital answering device 1 of the large-scale testing system of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital answering device 1 has the form of a so-called tablet PC (Personal Computer), and has a power button K1 on the upper right side. It is also equipped with a display unit 104 having an A4 size display screen, and a position detection sensor 105A corresponding to the entire display screen of the display unit 104 is provided below the display unit 104. This allows various information such as characters, symbols, and figures to be input by handwriting by touching and operating the electronic pen 2 on the display screen of the display unit 104.

[0032] A bezel portion constituted by the front panel 1A is provided around the display screen of the display unit 104. A submit button K2, a right page break button K3R, and a left page break button K3L are provided in the upper portion of the bezel portion. A back button (right) K4R and an eraser button (right) K5R are provided on the right side of the bezel portion, and a back button (left) K4L and an eraser button (left) K5L are provided on the left side of the bezel portion. The back button (right) K4R and the eraser button (right) K5R are controls for left-handed users, and the back button (left) K4L and the eraser button (left) K5L are controls for right-handed users.

[0033] The power button K1 is an operator for turning the power on and off, and the submit button K2 is an operator that is operated when submitting (sending) a series of answer information entered for the test questions to the host computer 4. The right page feed button K3R and the left page feed button K3L are operators for turning the page in the direction indicated by the arrow, respectively. The undo button (right) K4R and the undo button (left) K4L are operators for canceling the immediately previous input information and returning to the previous input state. The eraser button (right) K5R and the eraser button (left) K5L are operated so that while they are being pressed, operations on the position detection sensor 105A by the electronic pen 2 are processed as operations to erase the input information.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the internal structure of the digital answering device 1 having the external appearance shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the digital answering device 1 is configured such that, from bottom to top, a circuit board 1B, a position detection sensor 105A, and a display unit 104 are stacked inside a housing 1C, and these are sealed by a front panel 1A. Note that the front panel 1A has an opening in the display screen portion of the display unit 104, and the opening is provided with, for example, a protective glass to protect the display screen of the display unit 104.

[0035] 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the digital answer device 1. The transmitting / receiving antenna 101A and the wireless communication unit 101 are parts that realize a wireless communication function. The wireless communication function realized by these parts enables mutual wireless communication with the host computer 4 via APs 3(1), 3(2), ... by a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard.

[0036] The control unit 102 is a computer device unit configured by connecting a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory such as flash memory via a bus (not shown). The control unit 102 realizes the function of controlling each unit of the digital answer device 1. The memory unit 103 has an internal memory and / or an external memory, and can write / read various information such as answer format and answer information to / from these memories under the control of the control unit 102.

[0037] Examples of internal memories mounted in memory unit 103 include flash memory and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). Also, various types of external memories that are detachable from memory unit 103 can be used, such as USB memory, SD card memory, and higher-level card memory of an SD card.

[0038] If memory unit 103 is provided with both an internal memory and an external memory, different information can be recorded in each memory and used appropriately. Also, the same information can be recorded in the internal memory and the external memory, so that the data recorded in the internal memory is used by the test administrator, and the external memory can be removed and taken home for use by the test taker who has taken the test using digital answering device 1.

[0039] Display unit 104 is a part consisting of a thin display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (organic electroluminescence display), and a display processing circuit. Under the control of control unit 102, display unit 104 is capable of displaying answer formats, test questions, and even the examinee's (user's) inputted examinee number, name, answer information, etc.

[0040] The position detection sensor 105A and the position detection circuit 105B constitute the position detection device 105. In this embodiment, the position detection device 105 is of the EMR (registered trademark) type, that is, of the electromagnetic induction transfer type. Some position detection devices are of the capacitance type. However, in the case of a position detection device of the capacitance type, it is possible to input instructions using the user's finger, etc., which may increase the frequency of incorrect input. For this reason, the digital answer device 1 employs the position detection device 105 of the electromagnetic induction transfer type. An example of the configuration of the position detection device 105 of the electromagnetic induction transfer type will be described later.

[0041] As described above, the operation unit 106 includes a power button K1, a submit button K2, a right page break button K3R, a left page break button K3L, a back button (right) K4R, a back button (left) K4L, an eraser button (right) K5R, and an eraser button (left) K5L. When any of these operation buttons is operated, a signal corresponding to the operated button can be supplied to the control unit 102 and the time-series data generation unit 107.

[0042] The time-series data generating unit 107 performs a process of generating answer information as time-series data in response to input operations performed by the examinee on the position detection sensor 105A and input operations on each operation button of the operation unit 106. The clock circuit 108 provides timing for forming the answer information as time-series data, for example, every 0.5 seconds or every second. In addition, the clock circuit 108 also has a function of providing the current year, month, and date, the current day of the week, and the current time. The process of generating time-series data in the time-series data generating unit 107 will be described in detail later. The components other than the display unit 104 and the position detection sensor 105A are provided on the circuit board 1B shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the position detection device 105 of the electromagnetic induction type and the electronic pen 2 mounted on the digital answer device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0044] The electronic pen 2 is configured as a resonant circuit consisting of a coil 21 for transmitting and receiving signals, a writing pressure detection unit 22 connected to this coil 21, and a resonant capacitor Cf and the like connected in parallel to this writing pressure detection unit 22. In other words, the electronic pen 2 indicates a position on the position detection sensor 105A to the position detection device, and can also detect the writing pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 by the examinee at that time and notify the position detection device 105 of this.

[0045] On the other hand, the position detection device 105 has an X-axis direction loop coil group Xa and a Y-axis direction loop coil group Yb stacked together to form an electromagnetic induction type position (coordinate) detection sensor 105A. Each of the loop coil groups Xa and Yb is made up of, for example, 40 rectangular loop coils. The loop coils constituting each of the loop coil groups Xa and Yb are arranged at equal intervals so as to overlap one another.

[0046] The position detection device 105 also includes a selection circuit B3 to which the X-axis direction loop coil group Xa and the Y-axis direction loop coil group Yb are connected. The selection circuit B3 sequentially selects one of the two loop coil groups Xa and Yb.

[0047] Furthermore, the position detection device 105 is provided with an oscillator B1, a current driver B2, a switching connection circuit B4, a receiving amplifier B5, a detector B6, a low-pass filter B7, a sample-and-hold circuit B8, an A / D conversion circuit B9, a synchronous detector B10, a low-pass filter B11, a sample-and-hold circuit B12, an A / D conversion circuit B13, and a processing unit B14.

[0048] Oscillator B1 generates an AC signal with a frequency f0 and supplies it to current driver B2 and synchronous detector B10. Current driver B2 converts the AC signal supplied from oscillator B1 into a current and sends it to switching connection circuit B4. Under control of processing unit B14 (described later), switching connection circuit B4 switches the connection destination (transmission terminal T, reception terminal S) to which the loop coil selected by selection circuit B3 is connected. Of these connection destinations, current driver B2 is connected to transmission terminal T, and reception amplifier B5 is connected to reception terminal S.

[0049] The induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit B3 is sent to the receiving amplifier B5 via the selection circuit B3 and the switching connection circuit B4. The receiving amplifier B5 amplifies the induced voltage supplied from the loop coil and sends it to the detector B6 and the synchronous detector B10.

[0050] The detector B6 detects the induced voltage generated in the loop coil, i.e., the received signal, and sends it to a low-pass filter B7. The low-pass filter B7 has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the aforementioned frequency f0, and converts the output signal of the detector B6 into a DC signal and sends it to a sample-and-hold circuit B8. The sample-and-hold circuit B8 holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter B7 at a predetermined timing, specifically at a predetermined timing during the reception period, and sends it to an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit B9. The A / D conversion circuit B9 converts the analog output of the sample-and-hold circuit B8 into a digital signal and outputs it to a processing unit B14.

[0051] Meanwhile, the synchronous detector B10 synchronously detects the output signal of the receiving amplifier B5 with the AC signal from the oscillator B1 and sends a signal with a level corresponding to the phase difference between them to a low-pass filter B11. This low-pass filter B11 has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency f0 and converts the output signal of the synchronous detector B10 into a DC signal and sends it to a sample-and-hold circuit B12. This sample-and-hold circuit B12 holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter B11 at a predetermined timing and sends it to an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit B13. The A / D conversion circuit B13 converts the analog output of the sample-and-hold circuit B12 into a digital signal and outputs it to a processing unit B14.

[0052] The processing unit B14 controls each unit of the position detection device 105. That is, the processing unit B14 controls the selection of the loop coils in the selection circuit B3, the switching of the switching connection circuit B4, and the timing of the sample and hold circuits B8 and B12. Based on input signals from the A / D conversion circuits B9 and B13, the processing unit B14 causes the X-axis direction loop coil group Xa and the Y-axis direction loop coil group Yb to transmit radio waves for a fixed transmission duration.

[0053] In each of the loop coils of the X-axis direction loop coil group Xa and the Y-axis direction loop coil group Yb, an induced voltage is generated by the radio waves transmitted from the electronic pen 2. Processing unit B14 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction based on the voltage value level of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil. Processing unit B14 also detects the writing pressure based on the phase difference between the transmitted radio waves and the received radio waves. In this way, an input device is configured by the electronic pen 2 of this embodiment using the electromagnetic induction transfer method and the position detection device 105 of the electromagnetic induction transfer method shown in FIG.

[0054] [Answer input to digital answering device 1 and answer information generation process] Next, we will explain how to input an answer using the digital answer device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration, and the process of generating answer information in the digital answer device 1. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of inputting an answer to the digital answer device 1.

[0055] As described above, the digital answering device 1 receives the answer format and test questions sent from the host computer 4 and stores them in the non-volatile memory in the control unit 102. Then, the control unit 102 supplies the answer format and test questions stored in the non-volatile memory to the display unit 104, and displays the answer column and test questions corresponding to the answer format on the display screen of the display unit 104, as shown in Fig. 6(A).

[0056] The examinee reads the test questions displayed on the display unit 104 and uses the electronic pen 2 to input the answers in the answer fields also displayed on the display unit 104. For the sake of simplicity, the example shown in FIG. 6(A) shows a case where arithmetic test questions at the lower grades of elementary school are asked. Of course, various questions will be asked depending on the examinees of the test being conducted.

[0057] 6(B), in order to answer the test question, the examinee begins to write a calculation formula using the electronic pen 2 in the calculation formula entry field corresponding to the answer format displayed on the display unit 104. Then, as the examinee is about to write the horizontal bar above the equals sign (=), he or she realizes that the number he or she originally wrote is "8" and not "2." Here, it is assumed that the examinee is right-handed.

[0058] In this case, if the undo button (left) K4L is used, the input information will be erased in order from the back, such as the number "3" → "- (minus)" → the number "2." In this example, it is sufficient to erase only the first number "2." Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(C), the examinee uses the electronic pen 2 held in his / her right hand to trace the position on the display unit 104 where the number "2" is displayed, or to fill in the area on the display unit 104 where the number "2" is displayed, while pressing the eraser button (left) K5L with his / her left hand.

[0059] In this way, while the eraser button (left) K5L is being pressed, the control unit 102 can determine that the operation on the display screen of the display unit 104 with the electronic pen 2 is an erasing operation. Then, while the eraser button (left) K5L is being pressed, the control unit 102 determines that the information written in the traced portion or the filled-in portion is to be erased. Then, the control unit 102 controls the display unit 104 to erase the information written in the traced portion or the filled-in portion, in this example, the number "2," as shown in FIG. 6(C).

[0060] Then, if the examinee stops pressing the eraser button (left) K5L, the operation on the display unit 104 with the electronic pen 2 can be determined to be an input operation. Therefore, the examinee can easily and directly correct the input information by using the electronic pen 2 to rewrite the correct number "8" in the area where the number "2" was erased, as shown in Figure 6(D). Moreover, since there is no need to switch to an erasing electronic pen, situations in which the examinee's thinking becomes stagnant can be avoided as much as possible.

[0061] Here, the examinee is assumed to be right-handed, but a left-handed examinee can perform a similar correction process using the eraser button (right) K5R. That is, a left-handed examinee presses the eraser button (right) K5R with his / her right hand. Then, while pressing the eraser button (right) K5R, he / she uses the electronic pen 2 held in his / her left hand to trace the position on the display unit 104 where the character to be erased is displayed, or to fill in the area on the display unit 104 where the character to be erased is displayed. In this way, the character to be erased can be erased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent right-handed and left-handed people from having an advantage or disadvantage in input operations.

[0062] In this way, the examinee can input answer information into the digital answer device 1 using the electronic pen 2, and can also use the eraser button (left) K5L and the eraser button (right) K5R to erase only the desired characters and make corrections.

[0063] The digital answer device 1 then generates the answer information entered by the examinee as time-series data. In this case, the answer information as time-series data is formed including not only input operations but also deletion operations, and data corresponding to all operations performed on the digital answer device 1 from the start to the end of the test is formed.

[0064] [Example of answer information as time-series data] Fig. 7 shows an example of answer information generated when the answer input operation and the erase operation using the eraser button (left) K5L are performed as explained using Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of answer information, which is time-series data formed by the digital answer device 1, and the configuration of answer information for transmission.

[0065] In the digital answering device 1, at each predetermined timing provided by the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B of the position detection device 105 and the operation information of the operation button of the operation unit 106 are acquired, and time series data is formed from these. A collection of answer information, which is this time series data, becomes a series of answer information for the test questions.

[0066] 8(A), the smallest unit of answer information consists of a time tn, an X coordinate Xn, a Y coordinate Yn, a pen pressure Pn, and a button status Sn. The time tn is information indicating a time at a predetermined timing provided by the clock circuit 108, and in the first embodiment, it is information indicating a time at 0.5 second intervals, for example. Of course, the time tn can also be set to an interval shorter than 0.5 seconds, or a relatively long interval such as every 0.7 seconds or 1 second.

[0067] The X coordinate Xn, the Y coordinate Yn, and the writing pressure Pn are detection outputs from the position detection circuit 105B of the position detection device 105 described with reference to Fig. 5. The button status Sn is information (operation information) indicating the operated operation button from the operation unit 106. Then, the time series data generation unit 107 of the digital answer device 1 forms answer information, which is time series data, at every 0.5 second from the clock circuit 108 using the time tn, the X coordinate Xn, the Y coordinate Yn, the writing pressure Pn, and the button status Sn.

[0068] Therefore, at time tn, when no operation is being performed on the display unit 104 with the electronic pen 2, the values ​​of the X coordinate Xn, the Y coordinate Yn, and the pen pressure Pn are all "0 (zero)." Also, at time tn, when none of the operation buttons on the operation unit 106 are being operated, the value of the button status Sn is "0 (zero)."

[0069] 6, it is assumed that the number "2" is first written on the display screen of the display unit 104 using the electronic pen 2 from time t1 to time t5, as shown in the "Operation Input" column of FIG. 7. In this case, the time series data generating unit 107 forms five pieces of time series data from time t1 to time t5 from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106, as shown in the "Input Time Series Data" column of FIG.

[0070] From time t1 to time t5, no operation buttons of the operation unit 106 are operated, and therefore the values ​​of the button statuses S1 to S5 are all "0 (zero)." At other times t1 to t5, X coordinates X1 to X5, Y coordinates Y1 to Y5, and pen pressures P1 to P5, actual detected values ​​are input. Then, as shown in the "Display" column in Fig. 7, the number "2" is displayed in the operation-corresponding portion of the display screen of the display unit 104.

[0071] At the next time point t6, it is assumed that no operation is being performed, i.e., the electronic pen 2 is removed from the display screen of the display unit 104, and no operation buttons of the operation unit 106 are being pressed. In this case, time-series data is also generated. Even when the electronic pen 2 is removed from the display screen of the display unit 104, the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 on the position detection sensor 105A can sometimes be detected, and sometimes cannot be detected.

[0072] The former is a case where the pen tip of the electronic pen 2 is close to the display screen of the display unit 104, so that the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 on the position detection sensor 105A can be detected. For example, this is a case where the input of one character is completed and the input of the next character is to be moved on. In this case, the values ​​of the pen pressure and button status are set to "0 (zero)," and the respective detected values ​​are used as the values ​​of the time, X coordinate, and Y coordinate. Therefore, at time t6 in FIG. 7, the input of the number "2" is completed and the input of the symbol "- (minus)" is in the process of transition. Therefore, at time t6, time information from the clock circuit 108 is input, and the detected values ​​from the position detection circuit 105B at that time are input as the X coordinate X6 and the Y coordinate Y6, and the values ​​of the pen pressure P6 and button status S6 are set to "0 (zero)."

[0073] The latter is the case where the electronic pen 2 is more than a few centimeters away from the display screen of the display unit 104, so that the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 on the position detection sensor 105A cannot be detected, and the state is not one in which characters or the like are to be input in the first place. In this case, the values ​​of the X coordinate, Y coordinate, pen pressure, and button status other than the time point are all set to "0 (zero)." In this way, when the time series data in which the values ​​of all parameters other than the time point are "0 (zero)" continues, it can be assumed that the user (examinee) of the digital answer device 1 is thinking, and is not in a state in which an input operation is being performed.

[0074] Furthermore, when the X and Y coordinates are detected but the coordinate positions they indicate do not change, that is, when the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 does not change, the time point changes, the X and Y coordinates do not change, and there is continuous data in which at least the button status is "0 (zero)", it can be assumed that the user of the digital answer device 1 is thinking. In this way, it is possible to know whether the user of the digital answer device 1 is inputting characters etc. or thinking, based on the input time series data.

[0075] Next, as shown in the "Operation Input" column of Fig. 7, from time t7 to time t9, it is assumed that the symbol "- (minus)" is written on the display screen of the display unit 104 using the electronic pen 2. In this case, the time series data generating unit 107 forms three pieces of time series data from time t7 to time t9 from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106, as shown in the "Input Time Series Data" column of Fig. 7.

[0076] From time t7 to time t9, no operation buttons of the operation unit 106 are operated, so the values ​​of the button statuses S7 to S9 are all "0 (zero)." At other times t7 to t9, X coordinates X7 to X9, Y coordinates Y7 to Y9, and pen pressures P7 to P9 are input with actual detected values. Then, as shown in the "Display" column in FIG. 7, the symbol "- (minus)" is displayed in the portion of the display screen of the display unit 104 corresponding to the operation.

[0077] At the next time point t10, the input of the symbol "- (minus)" has finished and is in the process of transitioning to input of the number "3," with the pen tip of the electronic pen 2 being in close proximity to the display screen of the display unit 104. Therefore, just as at time point t6, at time point t10, time point information from the clock circuit 108 is input, and detection values ​​from the position detection circuit 105B are input to the X coordinate X10 and the Y coordinate Y10, respectively, and the values ​​of the pen pressure P10 and button status S10 are set to "0 (zero)."

[0078] Next, as shown in the "Operation Input" column of Fig. 7, from time t11 to time t15, it is assumed that the number "3" is written on the display screen of the display unit 104 using the electronic pen 2. In this case, the time series data generation unit 107 forms five pieces of time series data from time t11 to time t15 from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106, as shown in the "Input Time Series Data" column of Fig. 7.

[0079] From time t11 to time t15, no operation buttons of the operation unit 106 are operated, so the values ​​of the button statuses S11 to S15 are all "0 (zero)." At other times, t7 to t9, the X coordinates X7 to X9, the Y coordinates Y7 to Y9, and the pen pressures P7 to P9, are input with actual detected values. Then, as shown in the "Display" column in Fig. 7, the number "3" is displayed in the operation-corresponding portion of the display screen of the display unit 104.

[0080] At the next time point t16, the input of the number "3" has also finished, and the process of transition to the next operation is underway, with the pen tip of the electronic pen 2 being in close proximity to the display screen of the display unit 104. Therefore, just as at time point t6, at time point t16, time point information is input from the clock circuit 108, and detection values ​​from the position detection circuit 105B are input to the X coordinate X16 and the Y coordinate Y16, respectively, and the values ​​of the pen pressure P16 and the button status S16 are set to "0 (zero)."

[0081] Then, suppose that immediately after inputting the number "3," the examinee realizes that the number "2" he or she initially input (wrote) is incorrect, and erases the number "2" from time t17 to time t21, as shown in the "Operation Input" column of FIG. 7. That is, suppose that from time t17 to time t21, the examinee traces the number "2" displayed on the display unit 104 with the electronic pen 2 while pressing the eraser button (left) K5L. In this case, the time series data generation unit 107 forms five pieces of time series data from time t17 to time t21, as shown in the "Input Time Series Data" column of FIG. 7, from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106.

[0082] From time t17 to time t21, the eraser button (left) K5L of the operation unit 106 is operated, and so values ​​indicating that the eraser button (left) K5L has been operated are input into the button statuses S17 to S21. Then, from time t17 to t21, the X coordinates X17 to X21, the Y coordinates Y17 to Y21, and the pen pressures P17 to P21 are input into the actual detected values. Then, as shown in the "Display" column in Fig. 7, the initially input number "2" is erased in the operation-related portion of the display screen of the display unit 104.

[0083] In this case, as shown by the dotted line surrounding the number "2" to be erased in the operation input field marked with an eraser mark in Fig. 7, while the eraser button (left) K5L is being operated, a predetermined range near the position pointed to by the electronic pen 2 is set as the target for erasure. More specifically, as shown by small circles at the start point (time point t17) and end point (time point t21) of the number "2" to be erased, the control unit 102 sets the range of a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the position pointed to by the electronic pen 2 as the contact surface of the virtual eraser. Then, as the electronic pen 2 moves, the contact surface of the virtual eraser also moves, so the control unit 102 performs display control processing to erase the display locus present within the range of the placement surface of the virtual eraser, in this example, the number "2."

[0084] At the next time point t22, the erasure of the number "2" is complete, and the process of transition to the next operation is underway, with the pen tip of the electronic pen 2 in close proximity to the display screen of the display unit 104. Therefore, just as with time point t6, at time point t22, time point information is input from the clock circuit 108, and detection values ​​from the position detection circuit 105B are input to the X coordinate X22 and the Y coordinate Y22, respectively, and the values ​​of the pen pressure P22 and the button status S22 are set to "0 (zero)."

[0085] 7, it is assumed that the number "8", which is considered to be correct, is written with the electronic pen 2 in the portion of the display screen of the display unit 104 where the number "2" has been erased, from time t23 to time t27. In this case, the time series data generating unit 107 forms five pieces of time series data from time t23 to time t27, as shown in the "Input time series data" column of FIG. 7, from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106.

[0086] From time t23 to time t27, no operation buttons of operation unit 106 are operated, so the values ​​of button status S23 to S27 are all "0 (zero)." At other times t23 to t27, X coordinates X23 to X27, Y coordinates Y23 to Y27, and pen pressures P23 to P27, actual detected values ​​are input. Then, as shown in the "Display" column in Fig. 7, the number "8" is displayed in the operation-corresponding portion of the display screen of display unit 104.

[0087] As explained using Figure 7, answer information as time-series data is generated corresponding to all operational inputs, such as input of the number "2" → input of the symbol "- (minus)" → input of the number "3" → deletion of the number "2" → input of the number "8." In other words, not only input operations but also deletion operations are included in the answer information. This makes it possible to grasp all of the mistakes, the timing at which the mistakes were realized, the rewritten answers, and so on.

[0088] Furthermore, time-series data is formed even when no operation is performed and the position indicated on the position detection sensor 105A by the electronic pen 2 is not detected. Therefore, for example, it is possible to grasp the examinee's thinking time for each test question. In other words, the thinking time is the period during which the time-series data for which the values ​​of the X coordinate, Y coordinate, pen pressure, and button status are "0 (zero)" other than the time point continues. This thinking time can then be grasped as the time for the question that was answered using the electronic pen 2 immediately after this thinking time.

[0089] The answer information formed as time-series data in this way is recorded and stored in the non-volatile memory of the control unit 102. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(B), it is obtained as answer information to be sent and is sent to the host computer 4 when the submit button K2 is pressed.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8(B), the answer information to be submitted consists of header information including the examination location, subject, examinee number, name, etc., a collection of answer information as time-series data formed as explained using Figure 7, and an answer format and questions. The answer format and questions are added so that when examiners play back the answer information to grade, they can display the answer format and exam questions in the format shown in Figure 6(A), and further play back the status of the answers according to the answer information, allowing them to grade.

[0091] As long as identification information is assigned to the answer format or test questions, the answer format or test questions themselves do not need to be included in the answer information for transmission, as shown in Figure 8(B). The identification information assigned to the answer format or test questions can simply be added to the answer information for transmission. Separate identification information can be assigned to the answer format and test questions and managed separately, or the test questions can be made part of the answer format and managed together with a single identification information.

[0092] As mentioned above, the system is also provided with an Undo button (left) K4L and an Undo button (right) K4R, which can be used to cancel the most recent input information and return the input answer to its previous state. In this case, answer information is formed as time-series data in the same way as in the case described with reference to Figure 7.

[0093] FIG. 9 shows an example of answer information generated when an answer input operation and a deletion operation using the undo button (left) K4L are performed. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the number "8" is input from time t1 to time t5, the symbol "- (minus)" is input from time t7 to time t9, and the number "2" is input from time t11 to time t15. In this case, as also shown in FIG. 9, "8-2" is displayed on the display unit 401. Furthermore, at times t6, t10, and t16, the input of numbers and symbols is completed, and the process of moving on to the next operation is in progress. Therefore, the time series data formed from time t1 to time t16 is formed in the same manner as the time series data formed from time t1 to time t16 described using FIG. 7, even though the numbers input are different.

[0094] Then, suppose that immediately after inputting the number "2" between time points t11 and t15, the examinee realizes that he or she input the number "2" incorrectly and presses the undo button (left) K4L at time point t17, as shown in the "Operation Input" column of Fig. 9. In this case, the time series data generation unit 107 forms one piece of time series data at time point t17 from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106, as shown in the "Input Time Series Data" column of Fig. 9.

[0095] At time t17, the undo button (left) K4L of the operation unit 106 is operated, and therefore a value indicating that the undo button (left) K4L has been operated is input to the button status S17. Then, at time t17, actual detected values ​​are input to the X coordinate X17, the Y coordinate Y17, and the pen pressure P17, but in this case, there is no detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and therefore the value "0 (zero)" is input to the X coordinate X17, the Y coordinate Y17, and the pen pressure P17.

[0096] Then, the control unit 102 cancels the operations performed between time points t11 and t15, which are operations performed immediately before the operation of the undo button K4L. As a result, as shown in the "Display" column in Fig. 9, the display screen of the display unit 104 displays a state in which the number "2" input immediately before the operation of the undo button (left) K4L has been erased. Note that the input operation immediately before the operation of the undo button (left) K4L can be identified as an operation performed between time points t10 and t16, which are times when no input operation was performed.

[0097] At the next time point t18, after the undo button (left) K4L has been pressed, the process of transition to the next operation begins, and the electronic pen 2 is removed from the display screen of the display unit 104, and the operation buttons of the operation unit 106 are left unpressed. However, because the pen tip of the electronic pen 2 is close to the display screen of the display unit 104, it is possible for the electronic pen 2 to detect the indicated position on the position detection sensor 105A. Therefore, at time point t18, time point information is input from the clock circuit 108, and detection values ​​from the position detection circuit 105B are input to the X coordinate X18 and the Y coordinate Y18, and the values ​​of the pen pressure P18 and the button status S18 are set to "0 (zero)."

[0098] 9, from time t19 to time t23, the number "3" which is considered to be correct is written with the electronic pen 2 in the part of the display screen of the display unit 104 where the number "2" has been erased. In this case, the time series data generating unit 107 forms five pieces of time series data from time t19 to time t23 from the time information from the clock circuit 108, the detection output from the position detection circuit 105B, and the output value from the operation unit 106, as shown in the "Input time series data" column of FIG.

[0099] From time t19 to time t23, no operation buttons of the operation unit 106 are operated, so the values ​​of the button statuses S19 to S23 are all "0 (zero)." At other times t19 to t23, X coordinates X19 to X23, Y coordinates Y19 to Y23, and pen pressures P19 to P23, actual detected values ​​are input. Then, as shown in the "Display" column in Fig. 9, the number "3" is displayed in the operation-corresponding portion of the display screen of the display unit 104.

[0100] As explained with reference to Fig. 9, answer information as time-series data is formed in response to all operational inputs, such as input of the number "8" → input of the symbol "- (minus)" → input of the number "2" → input of the undo button (deleting the number "2" input immediately before) → input of the number "3". In other words, not only input operations but also deletion operations are included in the answer information. The answer information formed in this way is also compiled as the answer information for transmission shown in Fig. 8(B) and transmitted to the host computer 4.

[0101] This means that even when the undo button (left) K4L is operated, it is possible to grasp everything, such as the mistake made, the timing at which the mistake was realized, the rewritten answer, etc. Of course, when the undo button (right) K4R is operated, answer information can be generated in the same way as time-series data, and the input information can be displayed or erased according to the operation.

[0102] The host computer 4 then transmits the answer information to be sent from each digital answer device 1 to the cloud system 5, where it grades and evaluates the answers to determine who passed, and provides a list of those who passed to the test administrator. As mentioned above, the test administrator (grader) can check the answer information as necessary and appropriately identify those who passed.

[0103] In this way, the digital answer device 1 of the first embodiment can accept the input of answers from the examinee using the electronic pen 2, and can form and store answer information as time-series data in response to the input. Then, it can form answer information for transmission and submit the answer information to the cloud system via the host computer 4.

[0104] Furthermore, by using the eraser button (left) K5L and the eraser button (right) K5R, it is possible to erase incorrectly entered answer parts, quickly and appropriately enter the correct answer, and quickly arrange the answer that is considered to be correct as a whole, without having to change hands with the electronic pen 2. Moreover, because the answer information is time-series data, the grader can replay the situation at the time of answering and appropriately reevaluate the answer, if necessary.

[0105] For example, when the submit button K2 is pressed, the answer information for transmission shown in Fig. 8(B) formed in the non-volatile memory of the control unit 102 can be recorded in an external memory of the memory unit 103, which the examinee can then transfer. This allows the examinee to use a personal computer at home to play back the answer information for transmission stored in the external memory and perform self-grading.

[0106] If the answer information for transmission is recorded in an external memory of the memory unit 103, the answer information for transmission is made unrewritable so that it cannot be tampered with. For example, to make it a read-only memory, information in the header section or the like can be rewritten, and if the information is rewritten, the memory can be made unusable. In addition to this, various other methods can be used to make the information unrewritable.

[0107] In this way, if the answer information for transmission stored in the external memory of the memory unit 103 cannot be tampered with, the examinee can keep it on hand and use it as evidence in case of filing an objection if any doubts arise regarding the grading.

[0108] In addition, the control unit 102 can control such things as disabling operation of the eraser button (right) K5R when the eraser button (left) K5L is operated, and disabling operation of the eraser button (left) K5L when the eraser button (right) K5R is operated.

[0109] [Advantages of the first embodiment] In the case of the digital answering device 1 of the first embodiment, by using the eraser button (left) K5L and the eraser button (right) K5R, it is possible to erase the desired part using the electronic pen 2 used for writing, without having to prepare a separate electronic pen dedicated to erasing. Therefore, since there is no need to switch to the electronic pen dedicated to erasing, it is possible to prevent input operations from interfering with the train of thought.

[0110] In addition, answer information can be created as time-series data, which allows answers to be graded by computer, and also makes it easy to replay (reproduce) the situation of the answer and re-evaluate the answer, if necessary.

[0111] [Second embodiment (distance learning system)] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a correspondence education system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, in the second embodiment, the correspondence education system is configured by connecting a personal computer 6 and a digital answer device 1X used by a student at home, for example, and a digital correction device 7 used by a corrector (instructor) via a cloud system 5A. Through such a correspondence education system, correspondence education for various purposes can be conducted, such as subject study courses and exam preparation courses for elementary school, junior high school, and high school students, or certification exam preparation courses and qualification exam preparation courses for university students and working adults.

[0112] 10, the cloud system 5A is provided with a data storage unit 51A and a lesson providing unit 52A. The data storage unit 51A has a format storage area in which answer formats and test questions to be provided to students are stored, an answer information storage area in which answer information from students is stored, and a lesson information storage area in which video information, still image material information, and the like that make up the lessons of the course are stored.

[0113] In response to a request from a student, the lesson providing unit 52A provides the student with the lesson of the course of interest by providing materials such as moving images and still images that make up the lesson from the lesson information storage area of ​​the data storage unit 51 A. The lesson providing unit 52A also has a function of providing the student with test questions and answer formats stored in the data storage unit 51 A and conducting tests to check the student's level of understanding of the lesson.

[0114] A student, for example at home, requests the provision of a lesson from the lesson provider 52A of the cloud system 5A via his / her personal computer 6, and takes the lesson by playing video or still images of the desired course on the personal computer 6. The student also requests the lesson provider 52A of the cloud system 5A via his / her personal computer 6 to conduct an exam, receives an answer format and exam questions, and takes the exam. In this case, the exam questions are displayed on the personal computer 6 and provided to the student, and the answer format is provided from the personal computer 6 to the digital answering device 1X.

[0115] The digital answer device 1X has the same configuration as the digital answer device 1 of the first embodiment described using Figures 2 to 5. Therefore, the digital answer device 1X will also be described as having the configuration shown in Figures 2 to 5. However, the digital answer device 1X of the second embodiment has a digital interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, and is connectable to a personal computer 6 by wire. This is the only point where it differs from the digital answer device 1 of the first embodiment. When the digital answer device 1X is connected to the personal computer 6 via the digital interface, it functions as an input device for the personal computer 6.

[0116] Then, when the digital answer device 1X receives the answer format from the personal computer 6, it displays it on the display unit 104 and accepts input of an answer to this answer format through the position detection device 105. As in the first embodiment, the student inputs an answer to the digital answer device 1X using the electronic pen 2. Then, as explained using FIGS. 6 to 9, the digital answer device 1X also accepts the answer input using the electronic pen 2, generates answer information as time-series data, compiles it into answer information for transmission, and transmits it to the cloud system 5A through the personal computer 6. As a result, the answer information for transmission generated by the student's digital answer device 1X is stored in the answer information storage area of ​​the data storage unit 51A of the cloud system 5A.

[0117] Meanwhile, the corrector (instructor) accesses the cloud system 5A using the digital correction device 7, downloads the answer information for sending of the students he / she is in charge of from the answer information storage area of ​​the data storage unit 51A, and stores it in the memory unit of the digital correction device 7. Then, by reproducing the answer information for sending, the corrector uses the electronic pen 2B to grade and correct the students' answers while checking the students' levels of understanding, and enters OK, NO, explanatory text, comments, and the like. This input information is stored and held as correction information. This generated correction information is added to the answer information for sending and uploaded from the digital correction device 7 to the cloud system 5A, allowing the students to check the corrections using their own personal computers 6 and digital answer devices 1X.

[0118] Also in this second embodiment, answer information is generated as time-series data in the student's digital answering device 1X. The digital correction device 7 can grasp the answer situation by directly using the answer information as time-series data generated by the digital answering device 1, so it can grasp the student's level of understanding more accurately.

[0119] In other words, it not only shows which questions you got wrong, but also accurately identifies how you answered them and what corrections you made that led to the mistake, and conversely, whether you got the answer right. You can also see the order in which you answered and the time it took to answer, making it easy to see which questions you spent a lot of time struggling with and which questions you were able to answer quickly.

[0120] [Details of Digital Correction Device 7] FIG. 11 is an external view illustrating the appearance of a digital correction device 7 of a correspondence education system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the digital correction device 7 has the form of a so-called tablet PC (Personal Computer). This digital correction device 7 is also provided with operation buttons similar to those of the digital answering device 1 of the first embodiment. For this reason, in the digital correction device 7 shown in FIG. 11, operation buttons that achieve the same functions as those of the operation buttons provided in the digital answering device 1 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] 11, a power button K1 is provided on the upper right side of the digital correction device 7. The digital correction device 7 is also provided with a display unit 704 having an A4-sized display screen, and a position detection sensor 705A is provided below the display unit 704, corresponding to the entire surface of the display screen of the display unit 704. This allows various information such as characters, symbols, and figures to be input by handwriting by touching and operating the electronic pen 2B on the display screen of the display unit 704. The electronic pen 2B is configured in the same manner as the electronic pen 2.

[0122] A bezel formed by the front panel 7A is provided around the display screen of the display unit 704. A right page break button K3R and a left page break button K3L are provided at the upper part of this bezel. A return button (right) K4R and an eraser button (right) K5R are provided at the right side of the bezel, and a return button (left) K4L and an eraser button (left) K5L are provided at the left side of the bezel.

[0123] Also, in the case of the digital correction device 7, similarly to the case of the digital answer device 1 explained using Fig. 3, the housing → circuit board → position detection sensor 705A → display unit 704 → front panel 7A are stacked in this order from the bottom. Also, as mentioned above, similarly to the case of the digital answer device 1 of the first embodiment, the digital correction device 7 is also configured so that input operations can be performed with the electronic pen 2.

[0124] 11, a time bar TB, a slider SL, an answer layer button LB1, a marking layer button LB2, and a stamp layer button LB3 are displayed on the display unit 704 of the digital correction device 7. These are so-called software controls that are displayed and made operable by software.

[0125] Specifically, the time bar TB and slider SL are operated when playing back the answer information, which is time-series data, in chronological order. That is, the top end of the time bar TB is the start point of the test, and the bottom end is the end point of the test. By sliding the position of the slider SL on the time bar TB, the answer status corresponding to the answer information, which is time-series data, can be played back (displayed) sequentially on the display unit 704 in accordance with the sliding movement of the slider SL.

[0126] Then, answers corresponding to the answer information from the start of the test at the top end of the time bar TB to the time the slider SL is positioned can be displayed on the display unit 704. Therefore, by positioning the slider SL at the bottom end of the time bar TB, all of the answers for that page of the answer format can be displayed. Moreover, answers corresponding to the answer information, which is time-series data, can be gradually displayed on the display unit 704 in response to the sliding movement of the slider SL on the time bar TB, so the corrector can make corrections while closely checking the status of the student's answers.

[0127] Furthermore, in the digital correction device 7, the data to be processed is structured as layers, and the data to be processed can be changed depending on the layer. For this purpose, an answer layer button LB1, a marking layer button LB2, and a stamp layer button LB3 are provided.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the layer structure of data processed in the correspondence education system of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a four-layer structure is used: answer format layer LY1, answer layer LY2, marking layer LY3, and approval seal layer LY4. The answer format layer LY1 is a layer mainly for displaying a format according to the answer format, and the answer layer LY2 is a layer for displaying an answer according to the answer information. The marking layer LY3 is a layer for marking answers and inputting correction information, and the approval seal layer LY4 is a layer for inputting approval seal information.

[0129] 11 is pressed, the answer format developed in the answer format layer LY1 and the answer corresponding to the answer information developed in the answer layer LY2 are displayed on the display unit 704. Then, by operating the right page break button K3R or the left page break button K3L, a page break is performed, allowing the answers on each page of the answer format to be checked.

[0130] Furthermore, when the marking layer button LB2 is pressed, the answer format displayed on the answer format layer LY1 and the answer corresponding to the answer information displayed on the answer layer LY2 are displayed on the display unit 704. In this case, by operating the slider SL on the time bar TB, the answer corresponding to the answer information can be played (displayed) in accordance with the slide movement. Furthermore, correction information such as ○ or ×, explanatory text, and comments can be input into the marking layer LY3.

[0131] Furthermore, when the approval layer button LB3 is pressed, the answer format displayed in the answer format layer LY1, the answer corresponding to the answer information displayed in the answer layer LY2, and the correction contents corresponding to the correction information displayed in the marking layer LY3 are displayed on the display unit 704. Furthermore, approval information can be input to the approval layer LY4.

[0132] 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the digital correction device 7. The transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701 are parts that realize wireless communication functions. The functions of the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701 enable access to the cloud system 5A, for example, via a wireless LAN conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard and the Internet, or via a mobile phone network and the Internet.

[0133] Although not shown, the control unit 702 is a computer device configured by connecting a CPU, ROM, RAM, and non-volatile video memory such as a flash memory via a bus. The control unit 102 realizes the function of controlling each unit of the digital correction device 7. The memory unit 703, like the memory unit 103 of the digital answer device 1 described above, is equipped with either or both an internal memory and an external memory. Under the control of the control unit 702, answer formats, answer information, correction information, and stamp information can be written to, erased from, and read from the internal memory and external memory of the memory unit 703.

[0134] The display unit 704 is a part consisting of a thin display element such as an LCD or an organic EL display, and a display processing circuit. Under the control of the control unit 702, the display unit 704 is capable of displaying various information such as the answer format, answer information, correction information, and stamp information.

[0135] The position detection sensor 705A and the position detection circuit 705B constitute the position detection device 705. The position detection device 705 is of the electromagnetic induction transfer type (EMR (registered trademark) type). Therefore, the position detection device 705 of the digital correction device 7 is also configured in the same manner as the position detection device 105 of the digital answer device 1 described using FIG. 5.

[0136] As described above, the operation unit 706 includes the power button K1, right page break button K3R, left page break button K3L, back button (right) K4R, back button (left) K4L, eraser button (right) K5R, and eraser button (left) K5L. When any of these operation buttons is operated, a signal corresponding to the operated button can be supplied to the control unit 702.

[0137] The time-series data replay unit 707 performs a process of replaying (displaying) answers corresponding to the answer information of the student stored in the external memory of the memory unit 703 on the display unit 704 in accordance with the sliding movement of the slider SL on the time bar TB, as explained using Fig. 11. In other words, the time-series data replay unit 707 performs a process of displaying on the display unit 704 answers corresponding to the answer information from the start of the exam to the time when the slider SL on the time bar TB is positioned.

[0138] The layer control unit 708 identifies the layer to be used and controls the information to be displayed and the information to be input depending on the operation status of the answer layer button LB1, the marking layer button LB2, and the approval layer button LB3. In other words, when correcting, the corrector downloads the answer information to be sent of the target student from the cloud system 5A and stores it in the external memory of the memory unit 703.

[0139] When the answer layer button LB1 is pressed, the layer control unit 708 performs processing to expand the answer format stored in the external memory of the memory unit 703 into the answer format layer LY1, expand the answer information into the answer layer LY2, and display these simultaneously on the display unit 704. When the marking layer button LB2 is pressed, the layer control unit 708 displays the answer format expanded into the answer format layer LY1 and the answer corresponding to the answer information expanded into the answer layer LY2 on the display unit 704. Then, in response to the sliding movement of the slider SL on the time bar TB, the time-series data playback unit 707 plays back the answer information, and the layer control unit 708 enables the input of correction information into the marking layer LY3.

[0140] Furthermore, when the approval layer button LB3 is pressed, the layer control unit 708 displays the answer format developed in the answer format layer LY1, the answer corresponding to the answer information developed in the answer layer LY2, and the correction contents corresponding to the correction information developed in the marking layer LY3 on the display unit 704. Furthermore, the layer control unit 708 enables the input of approval information to the approval layer LY4.

[0141] In this way, the layer control unit 708 displays the answer format and the answers on the display unit 704. Furthermore, when the marking layer button LB2 is pressed, it is possible to input correction information into the marking layer LY3, and when the approval layer button LB3 is pressed, it is possible to input approval information into the approval layer LY4.

[0142] [Input of corrections to digital correction device 7] Next, we will explain how to play back answers and input corrections using the digital correction device 7 having the above-mentioned configuration. Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of display information when playing back answer information in the digital correction device 7.

[0143] The corrector inputs the "student number" of the student to be graded in a predetermined position on the display unit 704 of the digital correction device 7, forms a request for providing answer information to be sent that includes this "student number," and sends this to the cloud system 5A. In response, the cloud system 5A sends answer information to be sent of the student identified by the specified "student number," which the digital correction device 7 receives via the transmitting / receiving antenna 701A and the wireless communication unit 701. The control unit 102 then stores the received answer information to be sent in the external memory of the memory unit 703, making it available for use.

[0144] Thereafter, when the corrector presses the marking layer button LB2 displayed on the display unit 704 using the electronic pen 2, the answer format is developed into the answer format layer LY1, which is then displayed on the display unit 704 as shown in Fig. 14(A). In the example of Fig. 14, the answer format has an entry field AR1 for the equation of question 1, an entry field AR2 for the answer to question 1, an entry field AR3 for the equation of question 2, and an entry field AR4 for the answer to question 2.

[0145] Furthermore, an answer corresponding to the answer information can be developed and displayed on the answer layer LY2, and the development of the answer corresponding to the answer information is performed in response to the sliding movement of the slider SL on the time bar TB, and this can be displayed on the display unit 704. The sliding movement of the slider SL can be performed by contacting the electronic pen 2 with the display position of the slider SL and moving the electronic pen 2 while keeping contact.

[0146] It is also possible to provide a capacitance touch sensor corresponding to the display screen of the display unit 704 of the digital correction device 7, and a detection circuit capable of detecting the indicated position from the output signal from this touch sensor. In other words, it is also possible to provide a hybrid position detection function combining the electromagnetic induction position detection sensor 705A and a capacitance sensor. In this way, when a capacitance touch sensor is provided, the corrector can use his or her finger to operate the slider SL, the answer layer button LB1, the marking layer button LB2, and the approval layer button LB3.

[0147] Then, suppose that the slider SL positioned at the top end of the time bar TB is gradually slid to the middle position of the time bar TB. In this case, the time-series data playback unit 707 functions to develop answers corresponding to the answer information from the start of the test to the time the slider SL is positioned in the answer layer LY2 in response to the sliding movement of the slider SL, as shown in Fig. 14(B), and these are sequentially displayed on the display unit 704. In other words, the status of the answers (entries) in the formula entry field AR1 for question 1 and the answer entry field AR2 for question 1 is played back.

[0148] In this case, the answers corresponding to the answer information are displayed sequentially on the answer layer LY2 in response to the movement of the slider SL, so if the student has corrected the answer, the correction status is also displayed. For example, if the answer is entered as explained using Figures 6 and 7, it is possible to see, for example, the situation where the first number "2" is erased and rewritten with the number "8."

[0149] Then, suppose that the slider SL, which is positioned at the middle position of the time bar TB, is gradually slid to the bottom end position of the time bar TB. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14(C), the function of the time-series data playback unit 707 develops the answer corresponding to the answer information from the time point corresponding to the middle position of the time bar TB where the slider SL is positioned to the time point corresponding to the bottom end position of the time bar TB in response to the sliding movement of the slider SL on the answer layer LY2, and these are sequentially displayed on the display unit 704. That is, the state of the answer (entry) in the entry field AR3 for the equation of question 2 and the entry field AR4 for the answer of question 2 is played back.

[0150] In this way, the status of the answer corresponding to the answer information is reproduced (displayed) on the display unit 704 in response to the sliding movement of the slider SL on the time bar TB, allowing the corrector to closely check the status of the answer. In the situation shown in Fig. 14, correction information can be input to the marking layer LY3 via the position detection device 105 by operating the electronic pen 2 on the display screen of the display unit 704. The input correction information is recorded in the external memory of the memory unit 703 under the control of the control unit 702.

[0151] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, it is possible to mark answers with O or X and enter explanatory text or comments in the marking layer LY3. In this case, by allowing the specification of the pen color, it is possible to enter O or X, explanatory text or comments in red, for example, or to enter O or X in red and explanatory text or comments in blue. In this way, corrections can be entered in a different format from the answers.

[0152] In the example shown in Fig. 14, answers are given in the order of Question 1 → Question 2. However, answers may also be given in the order of Question 2 → Question 1. In this case, the answers are displayed according to the answer information, which is time-series data, such that the answer to Question 2 is displayed first, followed by the answer to Question 1.

[0153] Then, by pressing the approval seal layer button LB3, approval seal information can be input to the approval seal layer LY4. The approval seal information is a pre-prepared seal image including the corrector's name and the date of correction, which can be added to a specified position on the answer sheet format. The corrector can also add text information such as critiques, summary comments, and future study plans to this approval seal layer.

[0154] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of correction information for transmission generated by the digital correction device 7. As shown in Fig. 15, the correction information for transmission includes header information such as "student number," "student name," and "subject," as well as answer information (information on the answer layer), answer format (information on the answer format layer), correction information (information on the grading layer), and approval seal information (information on the approval seal layer).

[0155] The header information, answer information, and answer format correspond to the answer information to be sent created by the student's digital answer device 1X. This information is never changed in the digital correction device 7. The correction information and stamp information are information entered by the corrector into the digital correction device 7. After the correction work, by pressing a correction end button (not shown) displayed in a predetermined position on the display unit 704 of the digital correction device 7, the correction information to be sent shown in FIG. 15 is created in the external memory of the memory unit 703. This correction information to be sent is uploaded to the cloud system 5A and stored in, for example, the data storage unit 51A, so that the student can download and check it using his or her own personal computer 6.

[0156] In the correspondence education system of the second embodiment, the correction information that is input and generated by the digital correction device 7 does not need to be time-series data, unlike the answer information. Therefore, the correction information can be various corresponding data, such as image information for each page of the answer format, image information for the circles and crosses, and text information for explanatory text, comments, and so on.

[0157] Furthermore, by providing the digital correction device 7 with a time series data generating section and a clock circuit similar to those in the digital answer device 1, the correction information can also be formed as time series data in the same way as the answer information.

[0158] [Summary of processing by Digital Correction Device 7] 16 and 17 are flowcharts for explaining the correction process executed in the digital correction device 7. The process shown in Fig. 16 and 17 is executed in the control unit 702 by selecting an item corresponding to "correction process" from a predetermined menu screen after the digital correction device 7 is powered on.

[0159] First, the control unit 702 displays an initial screen on the display unit 704 for accepting input such as "student number" (step S101), and allows operation input from the corrector (user) to be accepted (step S102). Thereafter, the control unit 702 determines in step S102 whether or not a predetermined end operation, such as pressing an end button displayed on the display unit 704, has been accepted (step S103). If it is determined in the judgment process of step S103 that the predetermined end operation has been accepted, the control unit 702 erases the initial input screen displayed in step S101 and executes a series of end processes to return to the state before the correction process was executed (step S104), and the process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 ends.

[0160] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S103 that the predetermined termination operation has not been accepted, it is determined whether or not a confirmation input has been accepted after the "student number" has been accepted (step S105). If it is determined in the determination process of step S105 that a confirmation input has not been accepted after the "student number" has been accepted, it means that no valid operation has been performed, and the process from step S102 is repeated.

[0161] Also, suppose that in the determination process of step S105, it is determined that confirmation input has been received after the "student number" has been received. In this case, the control unit 702 forms a request for providing answer information for transmission including the input "student number," sends this to the cloud system 5A, receives and acquires the answer information for transmission of the target student, and stores it in the external memory of the memory unit 103 (step S106).

[0162] 11, the control unit 102 displays the answer layer button LB1, the marking layer button LB2, and the approval layer button LB3, and receives layer selection input from the corrector (step S107). After that, the control unit 702 determines whether or not the marking layer button LB2 has been pressed, i.e., whether or not the marking layer has been selected (step S108).

[0163] When it is determined in the determination process of step S108 that the marking layer has not been selected, the control unit 702 executes processing according to the selected layer (step S109). For example, if the answer layer button LB1 is selected, in step S109, the layer control unit 708 functions under the control of the control unit 702 to display the answer according to the answer format and answer information on the display unit 704. Also, if the approval seal layer button LB3 is selected, in step S109, the layer control unit 708 functions under the control of the control unit 702 to display the answer and correction information according to the answer format and answer information on the display unit 704. Then, the control unit 702 enables input to the approval seal layer and accepts input of approval seal information.

[0164] Assume that it is determined in the determination process of step S108 that the marking layer has been selected. In this case, the control unit 702 controls the layer control unit to display the answer format, enable playback of answers according to the answer information, and start accepting correction information for the marking layer (step S110). Then, the control unit 702 enables chronological playback of the answer information using the time bar TB and slider SL, as described with reference to FIG. 14 (step S111).

[0165] After the processing of step S111 and after the processing of step S109, the process proceeds to the processing of step S112 in Fig. 16, and an operation input to the correction end button displayed at a predetermined position on the display unit 704 is accepted (step S112). After that, the control unit 702 determines whether or not the correction end button has been operated in step S112 (step S113).

[0166] If it is determined in the determination process of step S113 that the correction end button has not been operated, the control unit 702 repeats the process from step S112. In this case, the input of correction information started in step S110 and the chronological playback of answer information started in step S111 are continued.

[0167] Furthermore, when it is determined in the determination process of step S113 that the correction end button has been operated, the control unit 702 executes the process of forming the correction information to be sent as explained using Fig. 15 and uploading it to the cloud system 5A (step S114). After this, the control unit 702 ends the correction of the answer information of the student identified by the currently instructed "student No.", and performs the process from step S101 in Fig. 16. This makes it possible to correct the answer information of other students, or to end the correction process itself.

[0168] [Advantages of the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, in the case of the digital answering device 1X, by using the eraser button (left) K5L and the eraser button (right) K5R, it is possible to erase the desired part using the electronic pen 2 used for writing, without having to prepare a separate electronic pen for erasing. Therefore, since there is no need to switch to the electronic pen for erasing, it is possible to prevent the input operation from interfering with the train of thought.

[0169] In addition, answer information can be created as time-series data, which allows answers to be graded by computer, and also makes it easy to replay (reproduce) the situation of the answer and re-evaluate the answer, if necessary.

[0170] In particular, by using the digital correction device 7 for correction, it is possible to grade and correct the answers while replaying them in chronological order. This makes it possible to check where the student is struggling, where they made mistakes, what they are good at, and whether they are cheating or giving other improper answers. Furthermore, the formulas, diagrams, sentences, etc. included in the answer information make it possible to know the student's thought process, the state of their ideas and concepts, and so it becomes possible to determine whether the student has genius-level thinking ability.

[0171] This will allow us to check the learning progress of each student, allowing us to take appropriate measures for each student, such as providing lessons that are tailored to each student and adjusting the speed at which lessons are delivered.

[0172] Furthermore, by using answer information that is time-series data, it is possible to grade whether the stroke order of kanji characters is correct, for example.

[0173] [How to handle multiple-page answer formats] In the above-described embodiment, the digital answering device 1, 1A and the digital correcting device 7 are provided with page break buttons K3L and K3R. Therefore, when the answer format spans multiple pages, you can turn the page as needed to display the target page of the answer format, enter answers, and make corrections.

[0174] In this way, when the answer format spans multiple pages, the time-series data can be managed in association with each page of the answer format. In this case, data on the answer format consisting of multiple pages for each examinee can be managed collectively.

[0175] Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of page-specific answer information when the answer format spans multiple pages, with Figure 18(A) showing the overall configuration of the page-specific answer information, and Figures 18(B), (C), and (D) showing examples of specific answer information for each page. That is, as shown in Figure 18(A), the page-specific answer information in this example consists of so-called header information such as the examinee number, subject, and page number, time-series data for the page, and answer format data for the page.

[0176] 18(B), (C), and (D), the examinee number of the answer information for each page is "123456" and the subject is the same as "Mathematics," but the page number, time-series data, and answer format are different for each page. In other words, the time-series data for the page of answer information with the page number "1" is input into the answer format for page 1, and the answer format for that page is the answer format for page 1.

[0177] Similarly, the time series data of the page of answer information with page number "2" is input into the answer format for page 2, and the answer format for that page is the answer format for page 2. Furthermore, the time series data of the page of answer information with page number "3" is input into the answer format for page 3, and the answer format for that page is the answer format for page 3. Similarly, page-specific answer information is formed according to the page number of the answer format.

[0178] Then, the answer format of the first page is initially displayed on the display unit 104, and by operating the page break buttons K3L and K3R, the answer format of the target page is displayed and the answer can be entered. Furthermore, by forming the page-specific answer information shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to display the answer format for each page and the answers according to the time-series data. Simply put, the target page is specified by operating the page break buttons K3L and K3R. In this case, the displayed page becomes the reference page, and the page before or after the reference page can be specified.

[0179] Once the specified page is identified, the page-specific answer information corresponding to that page is read out, and the answer format data for that page in the read-out page-specific answer information is used to display the answer format on display unit 104. After this, the answer corresponding to the time-series data for that page in the read-out page-specific answer information can be displayed superimposed on the answer format displayed on display unit 104. In this way, the examinee can display the answer format for the target page and the answers they have already entered as needed, and easily perform processes such as corrections and changes.

[0180] In this way, even if the answer format spans multiple pages, the answer format and time-series data can be associated and managed for each page, and these can be managed collectively as information related to the answer format consisting of multiple pages. Note that, as explained using Fig. 18, instead of associating the time-series data for each page with the answer format data for each page, the time-series data for each page may be associated and managed with the identification ID of the answer format data for each page.

[0181] In addition, in the second embodiment, if the answer information, answer format, correction information, and inspection stamp information of the correction information for sending shown in Figure 15 are stored and associated with each page of the answer format, processing during correction can easily be performed on a page-by-page basis of the answer format.

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, writing pressure information is added to the time-series data formed by the digital answering device 1, 1A, but this is not limiting. For example, if the electronic pen is capable of detecting its own tilt, information indicating the tilt of the electronic pen may be added as information about the electronic pen in addition to writing pressure. Furthermore, if the electronic pen is provided with a so-called side switch, information indicating the state of the side switch may be added.

[0183] The side switch provided on the electronic pen can be given the function of, for example, the eraser button provided on the digital answering device 1, 1A. That is, for example, the frequency of the signal sent from the electronic pen is changed depending on whether the side switch is pressed or not. This allows the input device, such as the digital answering device, to determine that writing is being performed with the electronic pen when the side switch is not pressed, and that erasing is being performed with the electronic pen when the side switch is pressed, and to perform processing accordingly.

[0184] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the answer information is generated at predetermined timings during the test, but this is not limiting. For example, answer information in which the X coordinate Xn, Y coordinate Yn, pen pressure Pn, and button status Sn are all "0 (zero)" may not be included in the answer information to be sent.

[0185] Furthermore, instead of generating answer information at predetermined timings, answer information may be generated when an operation input is made with the electronic pen 2 or an operation is made on an operation button. That is, when the position detection circuit 105B outputs the indicated position or the writing pressure, and when the operation unit 106 outputs information indicating the operated button, the time-series data generation unit 107 may obtain time point information from the clock circuit 108 and generate answer information.

[0186] In the above-described embodiment, necessary information such as answer formats and test questions is provided from the cloud system 5, 5A, but this is not limiting. For example, answer formats and test questions may be recorded and distributed in an external memory that can be inserted into the memory slot of the memory unit 103, and this may be displayed and used on the digital answering device 1, 1A. Furthermore, answer information may also be recorded in the distributed external memory, and this may be collected for grading and correction.

[0187] In the above-described embodiment, the position detection devices 105 and 705 are of the electromagnetic induction transfer type, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a position detection device of the capacitance type that allows information to be input using an electronic pen may be used. Furthermore, a position detection device of a type other than the electromagnetic induction transfer type or the capacitance type may be used.

[0188] The questions may be printed on paper and distributed to examinees or students, or may be projected onto a large screen in the examination hall and provided to all examinees.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned digital answer device 1, the current time provided by the clock circuit 108 may be displayed on the display unit 104. This is because the end time of the test is important information for the examinee. When the test ends, input may be automatically restricted and time-series data as answer information may be automatically transferred.

[0190] Furthermore, an important feature of the digital correction device 7 of the second embodiment is that it can replay and display the history of answers in response to the movement of the slider SL on the time bar TB. Therefore, instead of using a digital correction device 7 dedicated to correction work, it is also possible to realize a digital correction device by installing the functions of the digital correction device 7 in a general-purpose personal computer.

[0191] In this case, a time bar TB and a slider SL are displayed on the display screen of the personal computer, and the slider SL on the time bar can be moved by operating the keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. If the time series data, which is the history of answers, is reproduced and displayed in accordance with the movement of the slider SL, a function corresponding to the digital correction device 7 can be realized using a general-purpose personal computer.

[0192] When using a general-purpose personal computer as a digital correction device, correction information can be input using an external digitizer that can be connected to the personal computer. In this case, the digitizer is a device that consists of, for example, an electromagnetically coupled position detection sensor and a position detection circuit that can detect the indicated position based on the output signal from this position detection sensor, and has the configuration shown in Figure 5.

[0193] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the slider SL may be provided as a hardware operator at any location on the digital correction device 7. Alternatively, the slider SL may be provided as a standalone operation device separate from the digital correction device 7, and may be connected to and used via a digital interface conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

[0194] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments have been described with reference to examples in which the present invention is applied to an examination system or a correspondence course system, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a medical record management system used in a hospital. That is, medical record format data is created, and this medical record format is displayed on the display unit of a medical record input device having a configuration similar to that of the digital answering device described above, and information is entered for each patient using an electronic pen. Then, by associating and managing the medical record format with the time-series data for each patient, a medical record management system can be constructed.

[0195] This invention can also be applied to production information management systems used in factories. That is, format data for a production process chart is created, and this format is displayed on the display unit of a process information input device having a configuration similar to that of the digital answering device described above. Information such as the work status of each process for each product is then entered using an electronic pen. Then, by associating and managing the format of the production process chart with time-series data for each product and process, a production information management system can be constructed.

[0196] The input devices used in the medical record management system and production information management system are ideally portable terminals (so-called tablets) with a display device for electronic pen input, as they are expected to be carried around by nurses and those in charge of schedule management.Form formats are wirelessly transmitted to the portable terminal (tablet) for each hospital room and each factory process, and can be filled in with an electronic pen and sent back.

[0197] In this way, this invention can be applied to various systems that create various format formats, not just answer sheet formats, display these format formats on the display screen of an input device, allow information to be entered using an electronic pen, and enable the format formats to be associated with and managed in relation to time-series data.

[0198] [others] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiment, the claims and the embodiments correspond to each other as follows: The function of the first sensor unit of the digital input device of the claims (hereinafter simply referred to as the digital input device) is realized by a position detection device 105 consisting of a position detection sensor 105A and a position detection circuit 105B of the digital answer device 1 of the embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the digital answer device 1). The function of the first display unit of the digital input device is realized by a display unit 104 of the digital answer device 1, and the function of the first display processing means of the digital input device is realized mainly by the control unit 102 of the digital answer device 1 in cooperation with the display unit 104. The function of the first operation unit of the digital input device is realized by an operation unit 106 of the digital answer device 1, and the function of the time point information providing unit of the digital input device is realized by a clock circuit 108 of the digital answer device 1.

[0199] The function of the time series data generating unit of the digital input device is realized by the time series data generating unit 107 of the digital answering device 1. The function of the first storage unit of the digital input device is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile memory provided in the control unit 102 or an internal memory or external memory of the memory unit 103.

[0200] Furthermore, the function of the second sensor unit of the claimed digital correction device (hereinafter simply referred to as the digital correction device) is realized by a position detection device 705 consisting of a position detection sensor 705A and a position detection circuit 705B of the digital correction device 7 of the embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the digital correction device 7). Furthermore, the function of the second display unit of the digital correction device is realized by the display unit 704 of the digital correction device 7, and the function of the second display processing means of the digital correction device is realized by the display unit 704 of the digital correction device 7.

[0201] Furthermore, the function of the correction information forming means of the digital correction device is realized mainly by the control unit 702 of the digital correction device 7, and the function of the third display processing means of the digital correction device is realized by the control unit 702 of the digital correction device 7. Furthermore, the function of the second storage unit of the digital correction device is realized by the internal memory and external memory of the memory unit of the digital correction device 7, and the function of the playback indicator of the digital correction device is realized by the time bar TB and slider SL of the digital correction device 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1, 1A...digital answer device, 101A...transmitting and receiving antenna, 101...wireless communication unit, 102...control unit, 103...memory unit, 104...display unit, 105A...position detection sensor unit, 105B...position detection circuit, 105...position detection device, 106...operation unit, 107...time series data generation unit, 108...clock circuit, 2...electronic pen, 3(1), 3(2)...access point, 4...host computer, 5...cloud system, 51...data storage unit, 52... Grading evaluation unit, 53...evaluation result storage unit, 5A...cloud system, 51A...data storage unit, 52A...lesson providing unit, 6...personal computer, 7...digital correction device, 701A...transmitting and receiving antenna, 701...wireless communication unit, 702...control unit, 703...memory unit, 704...display unit, 705A...position detection sensor unit, 705B...position detection circuit, 705...position detection device, 706...operation unit, 707...time series data playback unit, 708...layer control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device that displays a history of inputs made by a learner using an electronic pen, a storage unit for storing answer information in which answers based on input using the electronic pen in response to format information including questions to be presented to the learner are stored in chronological order, the answer information including correction information regarding corrections to the answers based on input using the electronic pen; A display unit; a control unit that controls the display unit to display an answer process including the correction to the answer based on the answer information and the correction information; An information processing device comprising:

2. further comprising an operation unit for instructing playback of the answer information; The control unit controls the display unit to display the answer process in chronological order in response to an operation of the operation unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit forming correction information based on correction input for the answer displayed on the display unit; Correlating the format information, the answer information, and the correction information; The information processing device according to claim 1

4. The control unit Controlling the display unit so that the correction information is displayed in a manner different from the answer The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit The correction information is formed as information belonging to a layer different from the answer. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit Creating correction information using handwritten input The information processing device according to claim 3 .

7. The control unit Controlling the display unit so that the correction information is displayed in chronological order in synchronization with the answers The information processing device according to claim 3 .

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