Learning support device

Abstract

Even when learning is done using paper-based materials such as question papers and answer sheets, the system can provide automatically graded results. [Solution] The learning support device (2) includes a print control unit (219) that prints a question sheet (31) and an answer sheet (32), a data acquisition unit (211) that acquires answer image data (26a), a data conversion unit (212) that converts the answer image data into answer text data (27a), an answer determination unit (213) that determines the degree of agreement with the model answer, a symbol selection unit (214) that selects a symbol indicating the determination result, a data generation unit (215) that generates superimposed image data (28a), and a communication unit (29).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a learning support device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a learning system is known in which answers are input for problems displayed on a screen such as a tablet and the computer automatically grades them. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a learning support system including a student terminal, a teacher terminal, and a server connected via a communication network, configured to enable a student to access a predetermined digital teaching material stored in the server for learning.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the above prior art is automatically graded by a computer, it can grade more accurately than self-grading by a learner. However, in entrance examinations and mock tests, it is still often the case that answers to problems printed on paper are handwritten on answer sheets. Therefore, when learning with a digital teaching material as in the prior art, even if one gets used to inputting answers on a terminal, one becomes unskilled at writing answers with a pencil or the like on paper.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention aims to provide a learning support device that can present results automatically rounded off by a computer even when learning is performed using paper-based teaching materials such as question papers and answer sheets.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A learning support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a print control unit that prints a question sheet on which at least one question is written and an answer sheet on which an answer to the question can be written; a data acquisition unit that acquires answer image data showing an image of the answer sheet on which the answer to the question is handwritten; a data conversion unit that converts the answer image data into text data; an answer determination unit that determines the degree of agreement between the answer included in the text data and the model answer to the question corresponding to the answer; a symbol selection unit that selects a symbol indicating the determination result by the answer determination unit from among a plurality of symbols set in stages according to the degree of agreement; a data generation unit that generates superimposed image data by superimposing symbol image data showing an image of the symbol selected by the symbol selection unit onto the answer image data; and a transmission unit that transmits the superimposed image data to a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a learning support device can be provided that can present results that have been automatically graded by a computer, even when learning is conducted using paper-based teaching materials such as question papers and answer sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a learning support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a learning support device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an answer sheet. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of answer image data generated from a handwritten answer sheet. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of superimposed image data, where symbol image data is superimposed on answer image data. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed on a learner's device when symbol image data is input. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example of hints and answers displayed on the learner's device. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of historical information. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the answer judgment process performed by the control unit of the learning support device. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the answer and hint display process performed by the control unit of the learning support device. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the review question creation process executed by the control unit of the learning support device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example of using the learning support device 2 according to the present invention in a cram school will be explained. However, the learning support device 2 according to the present invention is not limited to this example and can also be used in schools, homes, etc.

[0010] First, in order to facilitate understanding of the learning support device 2 according to the present invention, a brief explanation of learning support systems using computers, etc., will be given. Conventional learning support systems using computers, etc., involve inputting answers to problems displayed on a screen such as a tablet, and having the computer automatically grade them. In almost all processes, from displaying problems to inputting answers and grading, the computer is used.

[0011] On the other hand, in entrance examinations and similar tests, test questions are still printed on paper, and answers are written by hand on answer sheets. With traditional learning systems, students may become accustomed to entering answers into a terminal, but they may become less adept at writing answers on paper with a pencil. In order to perform at one's best in entrance examinations and similar tests, it is necessary to be accustomed to paper-based materials such as question papers and answer sheets from a young age. Furthermore, just as the digitalization of textbooks and other materials has not progressed, it is generally easier for students to think while looking at paper materials and write their answers by hand in a notebook.

[0012] However, when filling out the answer sheet by hand, it was difficult for the computer to correctly read the characters, so it was difficult to perform automatic scoring by the computer. Therefore, when grading handwritten answer sheets for assignments given on paper, etc., at learning institutions, self-grading by the learners themselves was usually carried out.

[0013] However, in self-grading by learners, there were sporadic cases of inaccurate grading or deliberately marking incorrect answers as correct. Also, when having learners grade their assignments, there were cases where they copied the answers even if they didn't understand, so the assignments were completed without thinking about them while still lacking understanding. The inability to properly engage in home study is the biggest reason for the lack of improvement in grades. At learning institutions, the classes during regular attendance are important, but it is also necessary to improve the way students study at home. However, the current situation is that even with daily guidance and the cooperation of guardians, it takes effort and time to improve.

[0014] Therefore, in order to improve the learning ability of learners, automatic grading by the computer is more preferable than self-grading by the learners. Also, in the case of automatic grading by the computer, the grading results can be displayed clearly, hints and model answers can be displayed for any question, and historical data can be automatically generated for each learner. Based on the historical data, appropriate questions for the learner can be extracted to create review questions and provided to the learner.

[0015] In recent years, "AI-OCR" which incorporates AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology into OCR (Optical Character Recognition) has emerged, and the accuracy of character recognition has improved dramatically. As a result, even if the handwritten characters are a bit messy or the format of the answer sheet (such as the position of the filling-in fields, grid lines, etc.) is changed, it has become possible to accurately recognize the characters.

[0016] Even when learning is carried out using paper-based teaching materials such as entrance examinations, etc., by using the "AI-OCR" technology that has rapidly developed in recent years, as described above, the inventors of the present application have conceived a mechanism that can automatically and accurately display rounded results by a computer, as well as ingenious hints, model answers, etc.

[0017] 〔Embodiment〕 <Schematic Configuration of Learning Support System 1> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a learning support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the learning support system 1 includes a learning support device 2, a printing device 3, at least one learner terminal 4 (display device), and an administrator terminal 5 (display device). The learning support device 2, the printing device 3, the learner terminal 4, and the administrator terminal 5 are communicably connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet.

[0018] The learning support device 2 is realized by, for example, a server, a personal computer, etc., and provides various learning supports to learners. Details of the learning support device 2 will be described later.

[0019] The printing device 3 prints a problem set and problem sheets (hereinafter referred to as "problem sheets, etc.") 31 used by the learning support system 1 on which at least one problem is published, and an answer sheet 32 on which answers to the problems can be written. The answer sheet 32 may be printed as a single sheet, or may be printed as an answer column included in the problem set. Also, it may be printed as a separate volume of the problem set in multiple sheets and then bound.

[0020] The printing device 3 may be, for example, a printing device provided in a learning school, a school, a home, etc., or a printing device provided in a company that issues problem sets. Also, it may include both of these printing devices. Also, the type of the printing device 3 is not particularly limited, and it is realized by, for example, a printer, a copier, a multifunction machine, a rotary press, an offset printing press, and an on-demand printing press, etc.

[0021] The learner terminal 4 is a terminal used by learners and can be implemented as, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a personal computer. The learner terminal 4 includes a display unit 41 that displays images and various information, an imaging unit 42 which is implemented as a camera capable of capturing still images and videos, and a communication control unit 43 which controls communication with other devices (see Figure 2). The display unit 41 can be implemented as, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0022] Learner terminal 4 is a terminal that can access a learning support site via a browser and use a web-based learning support app. However, it is not limited to this; it may also be a terminal with a learning support application installed. Hereafter, both the web-based learning support application accessible via a browser and the learning support application installed on the terminal will be collectively referred to as the learning support app.

[0023] The learner terminal 4 can transmit the answer image data 26a (described later) to the learning support device 2 via the learning support application, and can receive superimposed image data 28a and history information 232 transmitted from the learning support device 2.

[0024] The administrator terminal 5 is a terminal used by the administrator and can be implemented as, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a personal computer. The administrator terminal 5 includes a display unit 41 that displays images and various information, and a communication control unit 43 that controls communication with other devices (see Figure 2). The display unit 41 can be implemented as, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0025] Administrator terminal 5, like learner terminal 4, is a terminal that can access the learning support site via a browser and use the Web learning support app, which is a web application. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be a terminal on which the learning support application, which is learning support software, is installed. Administrator terminal 5 can receive superimposed image data 28a and history information 232 transmitted from the learning support device 2 via the learning support app. Details of the superimposed image data 28a and history information 232 will be described later.

[0026] Here, "learner" refers to, for example, the students of a cram school when Learning Support System 1 is used there. In this case, the administrator is the instructor, manager, or staff of the cram school. When Learning Support System 1 is used at a school, the learners are the students of that school, and the administrators are the teachers or staff of the school. Furthermore, when Learning Support System 1 is used at home, the learners are the children of that family, and the administrators are the children's guardians.

[0027] Network N is a communication network that includes, for example, the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network) established within a cram school or similar facility. The learning support device 2, the printing device 3, the student terminal 4, and the administrator terminal 5 are connected to each other via Network N, either by wired or wireless means.

[0028] <Key components of learning support device 2, etc.> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of the learning support device 2. As shown in Figure 2, the learning support device 2 includes a control unit 21 that controls all parts of the learning support device 2, a storage unit 22 that stores various data used by the control unit 21, and a communication unit 29 (transmitter) for communicating with other devices.

[0029] The control unit 21 includes a data acquisition unit 211, a data conversion unit 212, an answer determination unit 213, a symbol selection unit 214, a data generation unit 215, an additional data generation unit 217, a review question generation unit 216, a communication control unit 218, and a printing control unit 219. The communication control unit 218 controls a communication unit 29 that communicates with other devices via the network N. The printing control unit 219 controls a printing device 3 that is connected to the network N in a communicative manner.

[0030] The memory unit 22 may be a memory unit within the learning support device 2, or it may be an external storage device, etc., that is communicatively connected to the learning support device 2. The memory unit 22 includes a learner memory unit 23, a problem-related memory unit 24, a symbol memory unit 25, an answer image memory unit 26, an answer text data memory unit 27, and an overlay image memory unit 28.

[0031] The problem-related memory unit 24 includes a problem memory unit 241, a model answer memory unit 242, and a hint memory unit 243. The problem memory unit 241 stores problem data 241a and answer sheet data 241b. Problem data 241a is the data for the problem sheet etc. 31 used by the learning support system 1. Answer sheet data 241b is the data for the answer sheet 32, which is stored in association with the corresponding problem data 241a. The problem data 241a and answer sheet data 241b are transmitted to the printing device 3 via the communication control unit 218 and the printing control unit 219, and the problem sheet etc. 31 and the answer sheet 32 ​​are printed.

[0032] The model answer memory unit 242 stores model answer data 242a in association with the problem data 241a. Additionally, the hint memory unit 243 stores hint information 243a for deriving the model answer, also in association with the problem data 241a.

[0033] Details of the learner memory unit 23, symbol memory unit 25, answer image memory unit 26, answer text data memory unit 27, and superimposed image memory unit 28 will be described later.

[0034] When using the learning support system 1, learners are first distributed question papers 31 and answer sheets 32 printed by the printing device 3. The question papers 31 and answer sheets 32 can be paper-based and may be printed by a printer other than the printing device 3. Furthermore, the question papers 31 and answer sheets 32 may be printed by the administrator or the learners themselves.

[0035] (Answer Sheet 32) Figure 3 shows an example of an answer sheet 32. As shown in Figure 3, the answer sheet 32 ​​includes a name field 321, a learner code field 322, a question number field 323, an answer field 324, a judgment field 325, a score field 326, a QR code (registered trademark) field 327, and a question code field 328. Note that the arrangement of these fields is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

[0036] The name field 321 is for writing the learner's name. The learner code field 322 is for writing the learner code that identifies the learner. The learner code may consist of, for example, four digits, but is not particularly limited and may be alphanumeric, and may have more or fewer than four digits. If the learners to whom the answer sheet 32 ​​will be distributed have already been determined, the learner's name and learner code may be pre-printed in the name field 321 and the learner code field 322. Alternatively, only the name field 321 may be provided, and the learner code field 322 may be omitted.

[0037] The question number column 323 has the question number printed on the question paper 31, which corresponds to the answer sheet 32. The answer column 324 is where the learner writes their answer by hand.

[0038] The judgment field 325 is where symbol image data 25a indicating the result of the grading is displayed after the learning support device 2 automatically grades the answer. Here, "grading" means that the learning support device 2 automatically grades the answer and selects one of the symbol image data 25a symbols "○", "×", or "△" corresponding to the grade result. Note that "grading" may also include displaying the selected symbol on the learner terminal 4 and the administrator terminal 5. Details of "grading" by the learning support device 2 will be described later. When grading is complete, superimposed image data 28a, which is the answer image data 26a (an image of the answer sheet 32) with the selected symbol image data 25a superimposed on it, is sent to the learner terminal 4. The judgment field 325 of the transmitted superimposed image data 28a displays the symbol image data 25a indicating the result of the grading. Note that the displayed symbol does not have to be "○", "×", or "△", as long as it indicates the grade result.

[0039] The score column 326, like the judgment column 325, is a column where the total score (result of automatic scoring) of the answers written on the answer sheet 32 ​​is displayed after grading. However, the learning support device 2 does not have to calculate the total score (summarize the scores). In this case, the score column 326 does not need to be provided on the answer sheet 32.

[0040] For example, an answer sheet 32 ​​that requires score tabulation (for example, an answer sheet used in an exam) has a score column 326, while an answer sheet 32 ​​that does not require score tabulation (for example, an answer sheet used for homework) does not need to have a score column 326.

[0041] When using an answer sheet 32 ​​with a score column 326, the administrator may instruct the learning support device 2 whether or not to calculate the total score by inputting or transmitting information. Alternatively, the learning support device 2 may determine whether or not to calculate the total score based on the presence or absence of the score column 326.

[0042] The QR code field 327 is printed with a QR code that identifies the question paper 31 and the questions contained in the question paper 31. The question code field 328 is printed with a question code that identifies the question paper 31 and the questions contained in the question paper 31. The question code may, for example, consist of multiple alphanumeric characters, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The QR code field 327 and the question code field 328 allow for the identification of the question paper 31 corresponding to the answer sheet 32 ​​and the questions contained in the question paper 31. However, the system is not limited to these; a QR code field 327 may be provided while the question code field 328 is omitted, or a barcode field with a barcode printed on it may be provided instead of the QR code field 327.

[0044] This allows the learning support device 2 to identify the question paper etc. 31 and the questions contained in the question paper etc. 31 that correspond to the answer image data 26a transmitted from the learner terminal 4, which will be described later.

[0045] The learner writes their answers to the questions on the question paper 31 by hand in the answer spaces 324 on the answer sheet 32. Once the learner has finished writing, the answer sheet 32 ​​with the answers written on it is photographed by the imaging unit 42 of the learner terminal 4 in response to the learner's input operation. This generates answer image data 26a, which is an image of the answer sheet 32. The generated answer image data 26a is transmitted from the learner terminal 4 to the learning support device 2 by the communication control unit 43 via the learning support application.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an example of answer data image 26a. As shown in Figure 4, the answer field 324 has the learner's handwritten answer. In addition, the name field 321 and the learner code field 322 have the learner's name and learner code written by hand. As mentioned above, if the learners to whom the answer sheet 32 ​​will be distributed have already been determined, the learners' names and learner codes may be printed in advance.

[0047] <Determination by the answer determination unit 213> Let's return to Figure 2 for further explanation. The data acquisition unit 211 of the learning support device 2 acquires the answer image data 26a transmitted from the learner terminal 4 via the communication unit 29. The data acquisition unit 211 transmits the acquired answer image data 26a to the data conversion unit 212 and also stores the answer image data 26a in the answer image storage unit 26 of the storage unit 22.

[0048] The data conversion unit 212 converts the acquired answer image data 26a into text data using AI-OCR, a known algorithm, and generates answer text data 27a (text data). The data conversion unit 212 transmits the converted answer text data 27a to the answer determination unit 213 and stores the answer text data 27a in the answer text data storage unit 27 of the storage unit 22.

[0049] The answer determination unit 213 automatically grades each answer included in the acquired answer text data 27a using a known algorithm. Specifically, the answer determination unit 213 determines the answer in stages based on the degree of agreement with the model answer data 242a stored in the model answer storage unit 242 of the problem-related storage unit 24.

[0050] The answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer contained in the answer text data 27a matches the model answer data 242a, and determines that it does not match the model answer data 242a, if it determines that the answer matches the model answer data 242a. In addition, if it determines that the answer partially matches the model answer data 242a, it determines that it partially matches. Cases in which the answer is determined to be "partially matched" include, for example, cases of misspellings of kanji characters.

[0051] The symbol selection unit 214 obtains the judgment result from the answer judgment unit 213 and selects a symbol that indicates the judgment result of the answer judgment unit 213. Specifically, if the answer judgment unit 213 determines that the answers "match", the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "○", and if the answer judgment unit 213 determines that the answers "do not match", it selects the symbol "×". In addition, if the answer judgment unit 213 determines that the answers "partially match", it selects the symbol "△".

[0052] The symbol storage unit 25 of the memory unit 22 stores symbol image data 25a, which are image data of the symbols "〇", "×", and "△" that indicate the judgment result.

[0053] The data generation unit 215 acquires symbol image data 25a, which represents the image of the symbol selected by the symbol selection unit 214, from the symbol storage unit 25, and also acquires answer image data 26a stored by the data acquisition unit 211 from the answer image storage unit 26. For each answer, the data generation unit 215 superimposes the symbol image data 25a onto the answer image data 26a to generate superimposed image data 28a.

[0054] Specifically, if the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "〇" as the answer, the data generation unit 215 superimposes the symbol image data 25a of "〇" onto the corresponding answer judgment field 325 in the answer image data 26a. If the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "×" as the answer, the data generation unit 215 superimposes the symbol image data 25a of "×" onto the corresponding answer judgment field 325. Also, if the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "△" as the answer, the data generation unit 215 superimposes the symbol image data 25a of "△" onto the corresponding answer judgment field 325. The data generation unit 215 stores the generated superimposed image data 28a in the superimposed image storage unit 28 of the storage unit 22.

[0055] Figure 5 shows an example of superimposed image data 28a, in which symbol image data 25a is superimposed on answer image data 26a. As shown in Figure 5, symbol image data 25a indicating the judgment result of the answer is superimposed in each judgment column 325.

[0056] For example, the symbol "〇" is shown in judgment column 325 for question 1, the symbol "×" is shown in judgment column 325 for question 3(a), and the symbol "△" is shown in judgment column 325 for question 4.

[0057] The communication control unit 218 controls the communication unit 29 to transmit the superimposed image data 28a to the learner terminal 4. The learner terminal 4 receives the transmitted superimposed image data 28a via the learning support application and displays the superimposed image data 28a on the display unit 41.

[0058] This reduces the burden of grading by learners and enables accurate grading by computer. Furthermore, by displaying the grading results with symbols, learners can easily recognize the results for each question. As will be explained in more detail later, clicking on these symbols can provide learners with additional data.

[0059] <Display of model answer and hints> Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the learner terminal 4 when symbol image data 25a is input. The figure indicated by code 600A is an example of the selection screen S for "Answer" and "Hint," and the figure indicated by code 600B is an example of a screen displayed when both "Answer" and "Hint" are selected on the selection screen S.

[0060] As indicated by code 600A, the display unit 41 of the learner terminal 4 displays the superimposed image data 28a transmitted from the learning support device 2. When the learner touches or clicks the symbol "×" or the symbol "△" while the superimposed image data 28a is displayed, the learner terminal 4 notifies the learning support device 2 that the symbol has been touched or clicked.

[0061] Upon receiving the notification, the learning support device 2 transmits the data of the selection screen S to the learner terminal 4. The learner terminal 4 receives the data of the selection screen S via the learning support application and displays it on the display unit 41. The selection screen S may be displayed as a pop-up superimposed on the currently displayed screen, or it may be displayed by switching the currently displayed screen.

[0062] The selection screen S displays, for example, the words "Answer" and "Hint," and the learner can select at least one of them by touching or clicking.

[0063] Symbol 600A is a diagram showing the state where the learner has touched the symbol "△" displayed in the judgment column 325 of question 2(b), and the selection screen S is displayed.

[0064] If the learner touches both "Answer" and "Hint," the learner terminal 4 notifies the learning support device 2 that both "Answer" and "Hint" have been touched.

[0065] Upon receiving the notification, the additional data generation unit 217 of the learning support device 2 retrieves the model answer data 242a for question 2(b) stored in the model answer storage unit 242 and the hint information 243a for question 2(b) stored in the hint storage unit 243. The additional data generation unit 217 generates additional data from the model answer data 242a and the hint information 243a that shows the model answer and hints for question 2(b).

[0066] The communication control unit 218 controls the communication unit 29 to transmit the generated additional data to the learner terminal 4.

[0067] As indicated by the symbol 600B, the display unit 41 of the learner terminal 4 displays additional data showing the model answer and hints for question 2(b). The additional data may be displayed by superimposing another screen on the currently displayed screen or by switching the currently displayed screen.

[0068] Furthermore, learners may touch either "Answer" or "Hint" only. In this case, the learner terminal 4 notifies the learning support device 2 that either "Answer" or "Hint" has been selected. The additional data generation unit 217 generates additional data that includes either the model answer data 242a or the hint information 243a only.

[0069] Furthermore, the model answer data 242a may also include data for "answers that are close to the model answer." If an answer that is close to the model answer is entered in the answer field 324, the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer included in the answer text data 27a is "almost identical" to the model answer data 242a, and the symbol "△" is displayed in the determination field 325.

[0070] Figure 7 shows an example of the hints and answers displayed on the learner's terminal 4 when the answer is "close to the model answer". The model answer data 242a for question 4 stores the model answer "2", but the fraction "6 / 3" is also stored as an "answer close to the model answer". When the fraction "6 / 3" is written as the answer, it is judged to be "almost identical" to the model answer data 242a, and the symbol "△" is displayed in the judgment column 325.

[0071] If the learner touches the symbol "△" displayed in the judgment column 325 of question 4, and touches both "Answer" and "Hint" on the selection screen S, additional data showing the model answer and hint for question 4 will be displayed on the learner's terminal 4, as shown in Figure 7.

[0072] In this way, learners can display model answers and hints on their learner terminal 4 at any time, allowing them to learn for themselves where their answers were wrong and how to arrive at the correct answer.

[0073] <Judgment from the second time onwards> Learners can refer to the hints and answers mentioned above, then try solving the problems again, and only re-check the problems that were marked as "×" or "△" in the first attempt.

[0074] The answer determination unit 213 first checks the answer text data storage unit 27 to see if there is any previously determined answer text data 27a that includes an answer to the same question as the answer contained in the answer text data 27a that was converted this time. The answer text data storage unit 27 also stores a symbol that indicates the determination result selected by the symbol selection unit 214, which is associated with the answer text data 27a.

[0075] If the answer determination unit 213 determines that there is already determined answer text data 27a, the answer determination unit 213 extracts only the answers corresponding to the questions for which the answer was determined to "not match" the model answer in the previous determination, and the answers corresponding to the questions for which the answer was determined to "partially match," as the subjects for determining the degree of match.

[0076] Furthermore, if the history information 232 (history data) of the learner memory unit 23, described later, contains history data of judgments associated with the questions on the question paper, etc. 31, the first judgment result may be obtained from the history information 232.

[0077] As a result, the answer evaluation unit 213 can re-evaluate only the questions that were judged as "×" or "△" in the first round of grading. This allows learners to re-answer only the questions that were judged as "×" or "△" and to proceed with their learning efficiently.

[0078] <Accumulation of historical information 232> The learner memory unit 23 of the memory unit 22 stores basic information 231 and history information 232 for each learner. Basic information 231 includes, for example, the learner's name, gender, learner code, email address, password, school name, grade level, and information such as the course selected at the cram school. History information 232 is various history information accumulated for each learner and is stored in association with the learner.

[0079] Figure 8 shows an example of history information 232. The figure indicated by code 800A is history information 232a shown chronologically for each learner, and the figure indicated by code 800B is history information 232b associated with each learner, shown for each problem.

[0080] As indicated by code 800A, the history information 232a includes, for example, the date the learner worked on it, the time taken, the number of pages in the workbook, and information such as the problem code that identifies the problem sheet etc. 31 and the problems contained in the problem sheet etc. 31, and the judgment result.

[0081] As indicated by code 800B, the history information 232b includes information extracted using the problem code, such as the judgment result by the answer judgment unit 213 for each problem, the number of incorrect answers, and whether or not the answer and hints were viewed.

[0082] Learners can view their own history information 232 at any time from their learner terminal 4 via the network N. Administrators can also view, for example, the history information 232 of students in the same class from their administrator terminal 5.

[0083] If the review question generation unit 216 of the learning support device 2 determines that the answer included in the answer text data 27a does not "match" or "partially matches" the corresponding model answer data 242a, it selects at least one question from a set of pre-prepared questions that corresponds to the question for which the determination result was obtained, based on predetermined conditions.

[0084] Furthermore, the review question generation unit 216 may read the questions that have been determined to be "×" and "△" from the history information 232, select at least one question based on predetermined conditions, and generate a review question.

[0085] Here, the specified conditions include the learning period, the number of pages in the workbook, the number of problems the learner is expected to be able to solve within the specified time, the problems that were not answered correctly the first time, and the learner's ability. The learner's ability is indicated, for example, as "Excellent," "Good," or "Pass," and the higher the learner's ability, the more likely the review problem generation unit 216 is to select more difficult problems.

[0086] The review question generation unit 216 generates review question data by randomly selecting questions that were judged as "×" or "△" based on at least one of the following conditions: the scope of study during April, pages 10 to 20 of the workbook, a total of 10 questions, questions that were not answered correctly the first time, and the learner's ability being "Excellent".

[0087] Furthermore, the review question generation unit 216 generates data for a question paper 31 containing review questions, and also creates data for an answer sheet 32 ​​on which answers to the review questions can be written. The data for the answer sheet 32 ​​consists of lines, characters, etc., as shown in Figure 3, and is generated by the review question generation unit 216 so that each column shown in Figure 3 fits within it.

[0088] The print control unit 219 controls the printing device 3 to print the question paper 31 and the answer sheet 32 ​​using the data for the question paper 31 and the answer sheet 32 ​​generated by the review question generation unit 216.

[0089] This allows learners to study appropriate review questions selected from those judged as "×" or "△," enabling them to efficiently review, focusing on the areas they struggle with.

[0090] <Processing flow> (Answer evaluation process) Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the answer determination process executed by the control unit 21 of the learning support device 2. As shown in Figure 9, the data acquisition unit 211 receives the answer image data 26a transmitted from the learner terminal 4 via the communication unit 29 (S1).

[0091] The data conversion unit 212 converts the answer image data 26a acquired from the data acquisition unit 211 into text data and generates answer text data 27a (S2).

[0092] The answer determination unit 213 makes a stepwise determination for each answer contained in the answer text data 27a obtained from the data conversion unit 212, based on the degree of agreement with the model answer data 242a stored in the model answer storage unit 242. The answer determination unit 213 determines whether or not the answer contained in the answer text data 27a matches the model answer data 242a (S3).

[0093] If the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer matches the model answer data 242a (YES in S3), the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer matches the model answer data 242a (S4), and the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "〇" to indicate the determination result (S5).

[0094] If the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer does not match the model answer data 242a (NO in S3), the answer determination unit 213 determines whether the answer partially matches the model answer data 242a (S6).

[0095] If the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer partially matches the model answer data 242a (YES in S6), the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer partially matches the model answer data 242a (S7), and the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "△" to indicate the determination result (S8).

[0096] If the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer does not partially match the model answer data 242a (NO in S6), the answer determination unit 213 determines that the answer does not match the model answer data 242a (S9), and the symbol selection unit 214 selects the symbol "×" to indicate the determination result (S10).

[0097] The data generation unit 215 reads symbol image data 25a, which represents the image of the symbol selected by the symbol selection unit 214, from the symbol storage unit 25, and also retrieves the answer image data 26a stored by the data acquisition unit 211 from the answer image storage unit 26. For each answer, the data generation unit 215 superimposes the symbol image data 25a onto the answer image data 26a to generate superimposed image data 28a (S11).

[0098] The communication control unit 218 controls the communication unit 29 to transmit the superimposed image data 28a to the learner terminal 4 (S12), and terminates the judgment process.

[0099] As a result, the learning support device 2 can display a symbol indicating the judgment result on the display unit 41 on the learner terminal 4, making the judgment result for each problem easily understandable to the learner.

[0100] (Displaying answers and hints) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the answer and hint display process executed by the control unit 21 of the learning support device 2. As shown in Figure 10, the additional data generation unit 217 determines whether or not it has received notification of acquisition of input operations for the symbols "×" and "△" displayed in the judgment column 325 while the learner terminal 4 is displaying the superimposed image data 28a (S21).

[0101] If the additional data generation unit 217 determines that it has not received notification of the acquisition of an input operation for a symbol (NO in S21), the additional data generation unit 217 remains in standby mode.

[0102] If the additional data generation unit 217 determines that it has received notification of acquisition of input operation for a symbol (YES in S21), the additional data generation unit 217 transmits the data of the "answer" and "hint" selection screen S to the learner terminal 4 via the communication control unit 218 (S22).

[0103] The additional data generation unit 217 determines whether or not it has received notification of the acquisition of input operations for the "answer" and "hint" (S23).

[0104] If the additional data generation unit 217 determines that it has not received notification of input operations for the "answer" and "hint" (NO in S23), the additional data generation unit 217 remains in standby mode.

[0105] If the additional data generation unit 217 determines that it has received notification of input operations for the "answer" and "hint" (YES in S23), the additional data generation unit 217 generates additional data and transmits the additional data to the learner terminal 4 via the communication control unit 218 (S24), and terminates the display process of the answer and hint.

[0106] In this way, model answers and hints are displayed on the learner's terminal 4 at the learner's discretion, allowing the learner to learn for themselves where their answers were wrong and how to arrive at the correct answer.

[0107] (Review question generation process) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the review question creation process executed by the control unit 21 of the learning support device 2. As shown in Figure 11, the review question generation unit 216 acquires questions that have been judged as "×" and "△" from the history information 232 (S31).

[0108] The review question generation unit 216 extracts at least one question from the acquired questions based on predetermined conditions and selects it as a review question (S32).

[0109] The review question generation unit 216 generates data for a question paper or the like 31 containing review questions, and also creates data for an answer sheet 32 ​​on which answers to the review questions can be written (S33).

[0110] The print control unit 219 controls the printing device 3 to print the question paper 31 and answer sheet 32 ​​from the data of the question paper 31 and answer sheet 32 ​​generated by the review question generation unit 216 (S34), and then terminates the review question generation process.

[0111] This allows learners to study appropriate review questions selected from those judged as "×" or "△," enabling them to efficiently review areas they struggle with.

[0112] In the case of problems that are difficult to grade by computer, such as long passage extraction problems, a combination of grading by the learner and grading by the administrator may be used. When grading by the learner, the answer may be displayed on the learner terminal 4 and the result may be entered. When grading by the administrator, the learner may send the answer image data 26a to the administrator terminal 5, and the administrator may enter the result.

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0114] 〔summary〕 A learning support device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises: a print control unit that prints a question sheet on which at least one question is written and an answer sheet on which an answer to the question can be written; a data acquisition unit that acquires answer image data showing an image of the answer sheet on which the answer to the question is handwritten; a data conversion unit that converts the answer image data into text data; an answer determination unit that determines the degree of agreement between the answer included in the text data and the model answer to the question corresponding to the answer; a symbol selection unit that selects a symbol indicating the determination result by the answer determination unit from among a plurality of symbols set in stages according to the degree of agreement; a data generation unit that generates superimposed image data by superimposing symbol image data showing an image of the symbol selected by the symbol selection unit onto the answer image data; and a transmission unit that transmits the superimposed image data to a display device.

[0115] According to the above configuration, the burden of grading by learners is reduced, and even when learning is conducted using paper-based materials such as question papers and answer sheets, the computer-graded results can be displayed.

[0116] In the learning support device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, in embodiment 1, if the answer determination unit determines that the answer included in the text data does not match the model answer, the symbol selection unit may superimpose symbol image data indicating "×" onto the answer image data, and if the answer determination unit determines that the answer included in the text data partially matches the model answer, the symbol selection unit may superimpose symbol image data indicating "△" onto the answer image data.

[0117] According to the above configuration, by indicating the judgment results with symbols, learners can easily recognize the judgment results for each problem.

[0118] In the learning support device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 2, if the display device receives notification from the display device of an input operation for symbol image data indicating "×" or "△" while the display device is displaying the superimposed image data, the transmission unit may transmit additional data indicating the model answer and hints for deriving the model answer to the display device.

[0119] With the above configuration, learners can display model answers and hints on their learner terminal 4 at any time, allowing them to learn for themselves where their answers were wrong and how to arrive at the correct answer.

[0120] In the learning support device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2 above, the answer determination unit includes answers to the same questions as the answers included in the text data converted this time, and if the degree of matching has already been determined for text data converted before the text data in question, then for the text data converted this time, only the answers to the questions corresponding to the answers that were determined in the previous determination not to match the model answer, and the answers to the questions that were determined to partially match the model answer, may be extracted as targets for the degree of matching determination.

[0121] With the above configuration, the answer evaluation unit 213 can re-evaluate only the questions that were judged as "×" or "△" in the first evaluation. Therefore, learners can re-answer only the questions that were judged as "×" or "△" and proceed with their learning efficiently.

[0122] A learning support device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 4 above, if the history data of judgment results by the answer judgment unit accumulated for each learner includes a judgment result that the answer contained in the text data does not match the model answer, or a judgment result that it partially matches, then, based on predetermined conditions, the device includes a review question generation unit that selects at least one problem from a plurality of pre-prepared problems that corresponds to the problem for which the judgment result was obtained, and generates a question paper data on which the problem is posted and an answer paper data on which the answer to the problem can be written, and the print control unit may print the question paper and the answer paper based on the question paper data and the answer paper data.

[0123] According to the above structure, learners can study appropriate review problems selected from those judged as "×" or "△," enabling them to efficiently review, focusing on the problems they struggle with.

[0124] In the learning support device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, in embodiment 5 above, the history data may include, in addition to the judgment result, information on at least one of the following: the date the problem was solved, the time taken to solve the problem, the number of pages of the problem solved, the number of times each problem was answered incorrectly, and whether or not the answer and hints were viewed.

[0125] In the learning support device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention, in embodiment 5 or 6 above, the predetermined conditions may be at least one of the following: the learning period of the learner, the range of the problem set in which the problems are listed, the number of problems that the learner is expected to be able to solve within a predetermined time, the problems that were not answered correctly on the first attempt, and the learner's ability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 2. Learning support device 211 Data Acquisition Unit 212 Data Conversion Unit 213 Answer Judgment Department 214 Symbol Selection Section 215 Data Generation Unit 216 Review Question Generation Unit 219 Printing Control Unit 232 History Information (History Data) 241a Problem Data 241b Answer sheet data 242a Model Answer Data 243a Hint Information 25a Symbol image data 26a Answer Image Data 27a Answer Text Data (Text Data) 28a Superimposed image data 29. Communications Department (Transmitting Department) 31 Question papers, etc. (Question papers, etc.) 32 Answer sheet 4. Learner terminal (display device) 5. Administrator terminal (display device)

Claims

1. A print control unit that prints a question paper containing at least one question and an answer sheet on which answers to the question can be written, A data acquisition unit acquires answer image data showing an image of the answer sheet on which the answers to the questions on the aforementioned question paper have been handwritten. A data conversion unit that converts the aforementioned answer image data into text data, An answer determination unit that determines the degree of agreement between the answer contained in the text data and the model answer to the corresponding question, A symbol selection unit selects a symbol from among a plurality of symbols set in stages according to the degree of matching, which represents the judgment result by the answer judgment unit. A data generation unit generates superimposed image data by superimposing symbol image data, which represents the image of the symbol selected by the symbol selection unit, onto the answer image data. A learning support device comprising a transmission unit that transmits the superimposed image data to a display device.

2. If the answer determination unit determines that the answer contained in the text data does not match the model answer, the symbol selection unit superimposes the symbol image data indicating "×" selected onto the answer image data. The learning support device according to claim 1, wherein if the answer determination unit determines that the answer contained in the text data partially matches the model answer, the symbol selection unit superimposes symbol image data indicating "△" selected onto the answer image data.

3. The learning support device according to claim 2, wherein when the display device is displaying the superimposed image data, the transmission unit receives notification from the display device of an input operation for symbol image data indicating "×" or "△", and transmits additional data indicating the model answer and hints for deriving the model answer to the display device.

4. The learning support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the answer determination unit includes answers to the same questions as the questions corresponding to the answers included in the text data converted this time, and if the degree of matching has already been determined for text data converted before the text data in question, the learning support device according to claim 1 or 2 extracts only the answers to the questions corresponding to the answers that were determined in the previous determination not to match the model answer, and the answers that were determined to partially match the model answer, from the text data converted this time, as targets for the degree of matching determination.

5. If the history data of judgment results accumulated by the answer judgment unit for each learner includes a judgment result that the answer contained in the text data does not match the model answer, or a judgment result that it partially matches, the system includes a review question generation unit that, based on predetermined conditions, selects at least one question from a plurality of pre-prepared questions that corresponds to the question for which the judgment result was obtained, and generates question paper data on which the question was placed and answer paper data on which the answer to the question can be written. The learning support device according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit prints the question paper and the answer paper based on the question paper data and the answer paper data.

6. The learning support device according to claim 5, wherein the history data includes, in addition to the judgment result, information on at least one of the following: the date the problem was solved, the time taken to solve the problem, the number of pages of the problem solved, the number of incorrect answers for each problem, and whether or not the answer and hints were viewed.

7. The learning support device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the predetermined conditions are at least one of the following: the learner's learning period, the range of the problem set in which the problems are listed, the number of problems the learner is expected to be able to solve within a predetermined time, the number of problems the learner was unable to solve correctly on the first attempt, and the learner's ability.

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