DESC:DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0027] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for virtually representing optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets with securely collecting and collating responses.
[0028] In the field of education, the cornerstone of assessments has long been Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets, relied upon for evaluating multiple-choice questionnaires. These physical sheets, in use for decades, have played a pivotal role in grading and analyzing student responses. However, inherent limitations such as the necessity for physical sheets, storage demands, potential data loss, and the risk of tampering have prompted the need for an innovative solution.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the invention titled "System and Method for Virtually Representing Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Sheets with Securely Collecting and Collating Responses" addresses the challenges posed by traditional OMR sheets. This groundbreaking system introduces a forward-looking approach, utilizing cutting-edge technology to transition seamlessly from conventional paper-based OMR sheets to a secure and efficient virtual OMR system.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the disclosed invention, the invention discloses a proprietary device designed for both hand-held and table-top use. This device, equipped with a display, processor, storage, and communication capabilities, revolutionizes the collection and collation of answers to multiple-choice questionnaires. A fundamental aspect of this innovation lies in the virtual representation of OMR sheets, eliminating the dependency on physical paper.
[0031] A key feature distinguishing the invention is its robust security measures. User responses collected through the virtual OMR device undergo encryption at the device level, ensuring data security and providing a safeguard against tampering. This heightened level of security sets the foundation for the trustworthiness of the examination process.
[0032] The encrypted responses are transmitted to secondary cloud storage data centers, serving as the nerve center for the evaluation of user responses. These data centers conduct a meticulous analysis to ascertain the accuracy of answers provided by users. Furthermore, the system introduces customizable evaluation options, allowing for features like negative marking and reduced marks for hints, providing adaptability to diverse examination scenarios.
[0033] Comprising four main components—the Exam Initiating Device, Central Processing Server, Cloud Storage Data Center/Cloud Server, and the Virtual OMR device—the system orchestrates a comprehensive examination process. Examination questionnaires and user registration details are initially stored on the cloud server. Operated by the exam initiator, the Exam Initiating Device confirms user registration details and facilitates the distribution of hand-held virtual OMR devices. This crucial component serves as the gateway to the secure initiation of the examination process. Further, users authenticate their identity using the virtual OMR device, initiating the exam. This device comes in two categories—Category 1 with a built-in display, and Category 2 which receives user inputs while questions are displayed on an external screen. The latter category accommodates time limitations and allows multiple users to answer the same set of questions.
[0034] Following user responses, the system encrypts these responses and user registration details at the device level. These encrypted data are then transmitted to the cloud server for processing and secure storage, ensuring the confidentiality of examination data. The central processing server, equipped with advanced algorithms, plays a pivotal role in retrieving and evaluating the correctness of the received data. This step ensures a thorough and precise assessment of user responses, contributing to the reliability of the examination outcomes.
[0035] The evaluated results are stored back on the cloud server, forming a comprehensive repository of examination data. This stored data can be conveyed to users and other stakeholders in various formats, ranging from detailed infographics to numeric data, enhancing the accessibility and understanding of the results. By adopting this innovative methodology, the invention offers a myriad of advantages. These include the elimination of physical OMR sheets, the establishment of a secure long-term storage mechanism for answer sheets, robust data security measures, and the ability to reuse virtual OMR devices, contributing to environmental sustainability.
[0036] The disclosed invention stands at the forefront of examination technology, heralding a new era by replacing traditional OMR sheets with a secure and efficient virtual solution. This paradigm shift aligns with the evolving needs of educational assessments, ensuring a more streamlined, secure, and environmentally conscious approach. The shift from physical to virtual OMR devices aligns with contemporary environmental concerns. The reusability of virtual devices significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with the continuous production and disposal of traditional paper-based OMR sheets.
[0037] The technical inventive step of this invention lies in its comprehensive approach to address the limitations of prior-art examination systems. Unlike existing solutions, the invention seamlessly integrates virtual representation, encryption, cloud storage, and customizable evaluation options, offering a holistic solution to challenges posed by traditional OMR sheets. Given the increasing reliance on technology in education, the invention recognizes the critical necessity for secure examination processes. The encryption measures employed at the device level and during data transmission ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user responses.
[0038] Further, the introduction of customizable evaluation options provides educators and administrators with the flexibility to tailor examinations to specific requirements. Features such as negative marking and reduced marks for hints contribute to a more dynamic and adaptive assessment process. Beyond its immediate applications, the disclosed invention has far-reaching implications in the landscape of educational technology. Its integration of security, efficiency, and environmental consciousness sets a precedent for the future development of examination systems. It is worth mentioning that the disclosed invention fosters collaborative advancements in education by providing a secure, efficient, and flexible platform for assessments. Its incorporation of modern technology encourages ongoing collaboration between educators, technologists, and policymakers to further enhance the efficacy of examination methodologies.
[0039] FIG.1 illustrates a system diagram which provides a high-level overview of the interaction between the key components, showcasing the flow of data and the secure, efficient process of collecting and collating responses in the virtual OMR system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram outlines the main components of the system, including the Cloud Storage Data Centers/Cloud Server, Central Processing Server, Exam Initiating Device, and Virtual OMR Device. The flow of information starts with the storage of examination questionnaires and user registration details on the Cloud Server. The Exam Initiating Device, operated by the exam initiator, facilitates the distribution of Virtual OMR Devices to users.
[0040] Users authenticate their identity using the Virtual OMR Device and initiate the exam. The system supports two categories of devices: Category 1, which includes a built-in display for displaying questions and collecting answers, and Category 2, where questions are displayed on an external screen, and users provide answers through the device.
[0041] After users provide their answers, the responses along with user registration details are encrypted at the device level and transmitted to the Cloud Server for processing and storage. The Central Processing Server retrieves and evaluates the correctness of the received data, and the evaluated results are stored back on the Cloud Server. The Cloud Storage Data Centers play a crucial role in the secure storage and further processing of encrypted user responses.
[0042] FIG.2 illustrates a method diagram illustrating system and method for virtually representing optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets with securely collecting and collating responses, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart provides a step-by-step representation of the examination process, starting from the initiation of the examination on the Exam Initiating Device to the evaluation of user responses and the conveyance of results. Users may interact with the system through hand-held Virtual OMR Devices, and the entire process is facilitated by secure data transmission, encryption, and central processing.
[0043] In conclusion, the "System and Method for Virtually Representing Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Sheets with Securely Collecting and Collating Responses" emerges as a transformative invention in the realm of examination technology. With its innovative features, robust security measures, and environmental sustainability considerations, the invention not only overcomes the drawbacks of existing prior-art but also sets the stage for the evolution of future educational assessment methodologies.
,CLAIMS:Claims:
1. A system for virtually representing Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets, characterized by:
a proprietary device equipped with a display, processor, storage, and communication capabilities for collecting and collating responses to multiple-choice questionnaires;
a method for encrypting user responses at the device level to ensure data security;
a process for transmitting encrypted responses to a local hub and the local hub further transmits the encrypted responses to a central processing server via cloud storage data centres for analysis and result determination;
a feature for customizable evaluation of responses, including options for negative marking and reduced marks for hints.
2. The system of claim 1, further characterized by the proprietary device's dual functionality for both hand-held and table-top use, facilitating user interaction and response entry.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the encrypted responses are transmitted to secondary cloud storage data centers, characterized by a rigorous analysis process to determine the accuracy of user-provided answers.
4. The system of claim 1, further characterized by incorporating customizable evaluation options within the central processing server, allowing for adaptation to various examination scenarios.
5. The system of claim 1, further characterized by four main components: the Exam Initiating Device, the Central Processing Server, the local hub or the Cloud Storage Data Center/Cloud Server, and the Virtual OMR Device, each playing a critical role in the comprehensive examination process.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the Exam Initiating Device is characterized by its role in confirming user registration details and facilitating the secure distribution of virtual OMR devices to users.
7. The system of claim 5, further characterized by the Virtual OMR Device's capability to support user identity verification, thereby initiating the examination process securely.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the encrypted responses and user registration details are characterized by their transmission to the cloud server for secure processing and long-term storage.
9. The system of claim 5, further characterized by the Central Processing Server's use of advanced algorithms for retrieving and evaluating the correctness of received data, ensuring a precise assessment of user responses.
10. The system of claim 1, further characterized by the environmental sustainability achieved through the elimination of physical OMR sheets and the reuse of virtual OMR devices, contributing to a reduced environmental impact.
11. The system of claim 1, further characterized by the provision of two categories of virtual OMR devices, one with a built-in display and another interfacing with an external screen, to accommodate diverse examination settings and requirements.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device incorporates long-range wireless communication protocols, including LoRa, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, allowing data transmission without requiring a SIM card, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device is designed to operate using wireless signals capable of penetrating walls and obstructions, enabling uninterrupted functionality in remote or enclosed locations without reliance on Wi-Fi or SIM-based connectivity which aids in long range capabilities.
14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device is equipped with a solar-powered energy module, requiring no conventional power sources, thereby supporting sustainable and uninterrupted operation even in areas with limited electrical infrastructure.
15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device includes communication modules enabling seamless data transmission through satellite networks, ensuring reliable operation in geographically isolated or network-deprived areas.
16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device integrates biometric authentication features, including fingerprint scanning, IRIS and facial recognition, to verify user identity securely and prevent unauthorized access during examinations.
17. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device incorporates advanced proctoring capabilities by tracking user facial expressions, eye movements, and external noises to detect and prevent potential malpractice during examinations.
18. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device includes features designed for individuals with special abilities, such as:
a. a Braille interface for visually impaired users.
b. an audio jack and text-to-speech modules enabling audio-based question delivery and answer confirmation.
19. The system as claimed in claim 1, further characterized by the ability to customize accessibility features based on individual user requirements, ensuring inclusive usability for users with various disabilities.
20. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proprietary device incorporates multi-modal communication modules, supporting simultaneous use of long-range wireless protocols, satellite connectivity, and biometric proctoring to maintain robust examination integrity and accessibility under diverse conditions.