Multifunctional Writing Device with Virtual Projection and Auto-Grading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunctional writing devices lack a single, lightweight, easy-to-use solution that integrates traditional technical drawing tools with virtual projection capabilities, auto proctoring, and auto grading functions, particularly for paper-based exams, and are often bulky or require complex infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional writing device with a single tubular housing that stores a mechanical pencil, compass needle, stylus, USB flash drive, imaging system, cameras, and a self-leveled, auto-calibrated projector pen, allowing for the projection of geometry tools and enabling auto proctoring and grading through touch ID, face ID, and exam ID authentication, along with audio and video recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple traditional drawing tools (ruler, compass, protractor, set square) are integrated into a single device, then tool versatility is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a projector to create virtual copies of drawing tools (ruler, compass, protractor, set square) on the exam surface instead of physical tools. This allows multiple tool functions to be provided without the bulk of carrying separate physical tools, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The writing device is designed to perform multiple functions: writing, projecting virtual drawing tools, capturing exam images, and enabling proctoring. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If physical proctors are used for exam monitoring, then exam security is improved, but resource requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexam securityVSAvoidresource requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service proctoring through automated image capture and analysis capabilities. The writing device automatically captures exam surfaces and student work, eliminating the need for human proctors to physically monitor each student, thereby maintaining security while reducing resource requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human proctors with an automated imaging and analysis system. Cameras and image processing algorithms substitute for human monitoring, providing consistent, scalable exam security without the resource constraints of physical proctoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If manual grading is performed, then grading accuracy is improved, but time consumption and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrading accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates digital copies of student work through automated image capture. These digital copies can be instantly transmitted and processed, eliminating the time required for manual collection and physical review of papers while maintaining accurate representation of student responses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual grading with automated image recognition and analysis systems. Optical character recognition and pattern matching algorithms substitute for human grading, enabling rapid processing of large volumes of exams while maintaining consistent accuracy standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Weight of moving object

If a single tubular housing contains all components (pencil, projector, cameras, batteries), then portability is improved, but internal space constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the compass needle is stored within the tubular housing, and the projector and cameras are integrated into the same space. This nesting approach maximizes the use of internal volume, allowing all components to fit within a compact, portable form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional paper-based tools to three-dimensional virtual projections. By projecting drawing tools onto the exam surface, the device eliminates the need for bulky physical tool storage while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables secure, auto-proctored, and auto-graded exams on both paper and digital platforms, reducing the need for physical or remote proctors and providing scalable, cost-effective solutions for various professionals and educational settings.

Implementation Method 1

The multifunctional writing device projector pen and projector stick allow for projecting self-leveled and auto calibrated geometry tools like rulers, compasses, protractors, set squares

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

The projector can be used to display an image on a surface and to allow a user to edit a document by moving the stylus across the projected image. The projected images are zoomed and magnified. Unfortunately, the modular stylus does not have a digital-laser level to self-level the projected image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDigital laser level:

Implementation Method 3

It does not have the measuring tape projected image with tick marks. There are also devices, systems, and methods for proctoring and grading of a test, a quiz, or an examination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistance sensor:

Implementation Method 4

A multifunctional writing device includes a hollow body, wherein the hollow body comprises one or more cavities configured to store a mechanical pencil, a multifunctional drawing tool, a compass needle, a stylus, an eraser, a USB flash drive, an imaging system, a projector pen, a set of cameras, and attaches a projector stick

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11084318B2Multifunctional writing device for automatic exam proctoring and grading
Publication Date: 2021.08.10 KURANI HETAL B
  • US11084318B2 patent drawing
  • US11084318B2 patent drawing
  • US11084318B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multifunctional writing device includes a hollow body, wherein the hollow body comprises one or more cavities configured to store a mechanical pencil, a multifunctional drawing tool, a compass needle, a stylus, an eraser, a USB flash drive, an imaging system, a projector pen, a set of cameras, and attaches a projector stick. The first writing member comprises a mechanical pencil system being provided in a first portion of the hollow body and a touch ID sensitive barrel. A second projector member comprises a projector pen and attaches a projector stick. The first portion of the hollow body is at the opposite end of the second portion of the hollow body. The multifunctional writing device allows for projecting self-leveled and auto calibrated geometry drawing tools. A method for digitizing the written data on paper and a system for secure, auto proctored, and auto grading of examinations is provided.