Optical Code Worksheets for Universal Auto-Grading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated grading technologies rely on specific formats and input options, limiting their ability to accurately grade assignments with varied formats and inputs, and require specialized equipment and resources, making the grading process inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables the creation of customizable worksheets with mixed question types, allowing for auto-grading using commodity image devices without special equipment, by incorporating optical codes and perspective correction to handle diverse formats and inputs, and utilizing AI for grading open-ended questions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional automated optical analysis technologies (scantron) are used to grade assignments, then multiple-choice questions can be graded automatically, but the technology relies on predictable formats and specific response formats (bubbles, blue or black ink, #2 pencil), limiting accuracy for varied formats and inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated gradingVSAvoidformat flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the grading system universal by enabling it to handle multiple question types (multiple-choice, short-answer, open-ended) and various input formats (handwritten, printed, different ink colors, different paper types) through a single AI-powered platform that uses image processing and natural language processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of optical analysis by using advanced image processing algorithms that can detect and interpret various ink colors, handwriting styles, and answer formats, rather than relying on fixed parameters like bubble sheets and specific pencil types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If scantron sheets are used with specialized scanning equipment, then automated grading is achieved, but specialized sheets and equipment consume more resources and require additional infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrading efficiencyVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, specialized scantron sheets and scanning equipment with ordinary paper worksheets that can be printed on standard printers and graded using AI-powered mobile devices or web-based systems, eliminating the need for costly specialized materials and infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes the mechanical scantron scanning system with an AI-based digital image processing system that uses computer vision and natural language processing algorithms to analyze and grade answers, replacing physical scanning equipment with software-based solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If scantrons are sent to other institutions or facilities for scanning, then grading can be performed, but resources are consumed for transportation and external processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrading capabilityVSAvoidgrading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables institutions to perform automated grading independently using AI-powered systems that can be accessed through web browsers or mobile applications, eliminating the need to send worksheets to external facilities and allowing institutions to grade assignments in-house without relying on external services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If educators manually grade physical assignments, then all question types can be reviewed, but the process is one of the most time-consuming activities for educators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrading accuracyVSAvoidgrading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an AI system as an intermediary between the student's written answers and the educator's final evaluation, where the AI performs initial automated grading of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and provides draft grades or feedback for open-ended questions, which educators can then review and adjust as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11907648B2Autograder friendly printable worksheets

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 PENCIL LEARNING TECH INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for encoding and decoding a machine-readable document. A system can include a computing device comprising a processor and a memory. To encode each entry on a document, the processor can receive an identification of an entry, identify an entry format, and generate an entry fingerprint. The processor can calculate a hash value from the identification, the entry format, and the entry fingerprint, which can then be stored at an address corresponding to the hash value. The processor can generate an optical code, and print the entry and the optical code on the document. To decode the document, the processor can extract the hash value, a first entry identifier, and a user identifier from the optical code. The processor can retrieve a second entry identifier and determine a match with the first entry identifier. The processor can retrieve entry coordinates and extract the entry.