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Secured Computer Based Assessment

Abstract: System and methods for secured computer based assessment are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises capturing of proctoring data (124) at a candidate assessment device (104) from a candidate at predefined time intervals during an examination. The proctoring data (124) includes biometric data, still image, and surround sound associated with the at least one candidate. The proctoring data (124) captured at the candidate assessment device (104) is then transmitted to a central assessment server (102) connected to the candidate assessment device (104). At the central assessment server (102), the proctoring data (124) is compared with registration data (122), of the candidate, stored in the central assessment server (102). Based on the comparison, malpractice by the candidate during the examination is determined when the proctoring data (124) deviates from the registration data (122).

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Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
27 December 2012
Publication Number
42/2014
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
ELECTRONICS
Status
Email
Parent Application
Patent Number
Legal Status
Grant Date
2021-07-06
Renewal Date

Applicants

TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
Nirmal Building, 9th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021,

Inventors

1. SHAH, Mr. Viral Prakash
Empire Plaza, 1st Floor, L B S Marg, Vikhroli(W), Mumbai
2. SHAIKH, Mr. Nawaz Mohammed
Empire Plaza,1st Floor, L.B.S.Marg, Vikhroli (W), Mumbai,
3. KUMAR, Mr. Rohit
Empire Plaza,1st floor, L.B.S.Marg, Vikhroli (W), Mumbai,

Specification

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. Title of the invention: SECURED COMPUTER BASED ASSESSMENT
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
TATA CONSULTANCY Indian Nirmal Building, 9th Floor,
SERVICES LIMITED Nariman Point, Mumbai,
Maharashtra 400021,
India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to computer based assessments, and
particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for conducting a secured computer based assessment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A standard procedure used for measuring a candidate's competency in almost all
the environments, such as academic and corporate environment is through assessments or examinations. Due to added cost and complexity of traditional paper based assessments, computer based assessments, typically referred to as online assessments, have emerged as a popular and convenient method for administering and processing the assessments. For example, assessments that are conducted at a large scale, such as GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, LSAT, CAT, AIEEE, and other similar assessments that require more time and efforts in administration and processing, are now conducted online.
[0003] The general acceptability of computer based assessments in academic as well as
corporate sectors is mostly due to ease of use and reduced time and effort in conduction and evaluation of the assessments. However, increasing use of online assessment has given rise to a number of issues related to security and integrity of the assessment. Maintaining integrity of the assessment becomes even more burdensome when the assessment is conducted at a large scale at several distributed examination centers.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to method(s) and
system(s) for conducting a secured computer based assessment, which is further described below in the detailed description. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] Method(s) and System(s) for conducting a secured computer based assessment by
an assessment assistance center are described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises capturing of proctoring data at a candidate assessment device from a candidate at predefined time intervals during an examination. The proctoring data includes biometric data, still image, and

surround sound associated with the at least one candidate. The proctoring data captured at the candidate assessment device is then transmitted to a central assessment server connected to the candidate assessment device. At the central assessment server, the proctoring data is compared with registration data of the candidate, stored in the central assessment server. Based on the comparison, malpractice by the candidate is during the examination is determined when the proctoring data deviates from the registration data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the
reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference
like features and components.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a secured assessment system, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a candidate assistance device, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a method for conducting a secured computer based assessment,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] In the recent years, computer based assessment has emerged as a popular and
widely adopted mode of conducting various academic and corporate assessments. Computer
based assessment is generally a mode of assessment where questions appear on the screen of a
computing system and aspirants submit their answers using an input device, such as keyboard
and/or mouse. Such type of assessment offers significant advantages over traditional paper based
assessments like flexibility, agility, efficiency, reduced time in evaluation, and cost savings in
printing, storage, and transportation of the question papers to distributed examination centers.
[0011] Conducting such computer based assessment at a large scale typically requires
test centers. Such test centers may include a plurality of computer workstations for conducting examinations of candidates. The tests centers having computer workstations are usually not readily available for conducting exams. Further, it is difficult to organize the computer

workstations to conduct exam at large scale, for example, in which 300 to 400 workstations are
required per test center. To this end, handheld computing devices are used these days as
candidate console for conducting online, secure and large scale exams. However, such handheld
computing devices facilitate candidates to rely on unfair practices during the examination by just
exchanging the handheld computing device with other candidates. Moreover, such handheld
computing devices work on wireless network, such as Wi-Fi, the security of the wireless network
and the secure configuration of all the handheld computing devices is difficult to manage.
[0012] In accordance with the present subject matter, methods and systems are provided
for conducting a secured computer based assessment, wherein the assessment can be conducted
by means of a secured handheld candidate assessment device. Such candidate assessment device
is used as a candidate console for conducting online, secure, and large scale assessments. The
candidate assessment device can be a tablet or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device with
specific user interface and network features for conducting assessments of any kind. Further, by
using a handheld candidate assessment device for conducing online assessments, considerable
financial resource are saved and dependency on specialized test centers is minimized.
[0013] In one embodiment, the present subject matter provides a method for conducting a
secured computer based assessment using a handheld candidate assessment device equipped with in-built security features, such as an in-built sensor for capturing biometric data, an in-built camera for capturing still image, and an in-built sound sensitive recorder for capturing surround sound. These in-built features enable the candidate assessment device to be used in more secure manner while conducting an examination. In said embodiment, the candidate assessment device receives registration data from a candidate before the beginning of an examination. The registration data includes, but is not limited to biometric data, retinal scans, still image, a sample surround sound associated with the candidate. The biometric data may include at least one of finger prints, thumb prints, and palm prints. The received registration data is then transmitted to and stored at a central assessment server.
[0014] Once the registration data is stored at the central assessment server, proctoring
data is captured by the candidate assessment device, at predefined time intervals, during examination. Each time the proctoring data is captured, the proctoring data is transmitted to the central assessment server. At the central assessment server, the proctoring data is compared with the already stored registration data, to determine malpractice by the candidate during

examination. This process of comparison is carried out at regular predefined time intervals, such
as at the beginning of an examination, at check-out for breaks, at check-in from breaks, at regular
time intervals during examinations, and at the end of an examination. If at any point of time, the
proctoring data deviates from the registration data, the candidate assessment device associated
with a candidate who is identified for doing malpractices during the examination.
[0015] The above method(s) and system(s) are further described in conjunction with the
following figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a secured assessment system 100 implementing a central
assessment server 102 coupled to a plurality of candidate assessment devices 104-1, 104-2, 104-
3,...,104-N, collectively referred to as candidate assessment devices 104, according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter. The central assessment server 102 is configured for
conducting a secured computer based assessment. In an implementation, the central assessment
server 102 is implemented by an assessment conducting body. The assessment conducting body
may be an educational body like schools and colleges that conducts tests for admitting students,
conducting examinations and hiring faculty, or a recruitment agency like a bank, a government
body like public sector undertakings that conduct tests for hiring employees, promoting
employees, appraisal purposes etc. In another implementation, the central assessment server 102
can also be implemented at a test center location remote from the assessment conducting center.
[0017] Further, in one implementation, the central assessment server 102 may be
implemented as a workstation, a distributed server, a network server, and the like.

[0018] In one implementation, the central assessment server 102 includes a processor(s)
106. The processor(s) 106 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor(s) is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory.
[0019] Also, the central assessment server 102 includes interface(s) 108. The interface(s)
108 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces that allow the central assessment server 102 to interact with the entities of a network. The interface(s) 108 may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, such as IoT network, including wire networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, for example, WLAN, cellular, satellite-based network, etc. The interface(s) 108 also allows communication of data from one ore more biometric sensors or the like.
[0020] The central assessment server 102 may also include a memory 110. The memory
110 may be coupled to the processor(s) 106. The memory 110 can include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or nonvolatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.
[0021] Further, the central assessment server 102 may include a module(s) 112 and a data
114. The module(s) 112 may be coupled to the processor(s) 106 and amongst other things, may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The module(s) 112 may also be implemented as, processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulates signals based on operational instructions.
[0022] The module(s) 112 includes a comparison module 116, an evaluation module 118,
and other module(s) 120. The other module(s) 120 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of central assessment server 102. It will be appreciated that such modules may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules.

[0023] In one implementation, the data 114 serves, amongst other things, as a repository
for storing data processed, received and generated by one or more of the modules 112. The data 114 includes, for example, a registration data 122, a proctoring data 124, a comparison data 126, and other data 128. In one implementation, the registration data 122, the proctoring data 124, the comparison data 126, and the other data 128 may be stored in the memory 110 in the form of data structures.
[0024] Although, Fig. 1 depicts only one data repository or data 114, in an
implementation, the central assessment server 102 may be communicatively coupled to more than one data repository. Further, the data repository or data 114 is depicted as internal repository within the central assessment server 102. It is to be understood that the data repository or data 114 may also be implemented an external repository communicatively coupled to the central assessment server 102.
[0025] Further, the central assessment server 102 is communicatively coupled, over a
network 130, to one or more master control devices 132-1, 132-2,... 132-N, collectively referred to as master control devices 132.
[0026] The network 130 may be a wireless or a wired network, or a combination thereof.
In an example, the network 130 can be implemented as a computer network, as one of the different types of networks, such as virtual private network (VPN), intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and such. The network 130 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), to communicate with each other. Further, the network 130 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices. The network devices within the network 130 may interact with the central assessment server 102 through communication links.
[0027] In one implementation, the master control devices 132 may be further connected
to the plurality of candidate assessment devices 104, over a network, for example, wireless local area network (WLAN), such as Wi-Fi.
[0028] In accordance with the present subject matter, upon arrival of the aspirants or the
candidates at a test center, the candidates are requested to provide the registration data 122

through the candidate assessment devices 104. In an implementation, the candidate assessment devices 104 are provided or implemented at a test center. The test center is a place where the plurality of aspirants or candidates gathers on a specific date and time as communicated by the various exam conducting bodies to appear for the assessment. The assessment conducting bodies, as mentioned earlier, may include educational body like schools and colleges that conducts tests for admitting students, conducting examinations and hiring faculty, or a recruitment agency like a bank, a government body like public sector undertakings that conduct tests for hiring employees, promoting employees, appraisal purposes etc.
[0029] In one implementation, before the beginning of an examination, the registration
data 122 is received by the candidate assessment device 104 from a candidate. The registration data 122, as described earlier, may include biometric data, still image, a sample sound associated with the candidates. In order to receive the registration data 122, each candidate assessment device 104 is embodied with an in-built sensor, an in-built camera, and an in-built sound sensitive recorder. The registration data 122 received by the candidate assessment devices 104 is transmitted to the central assessment server 102.
[0030] In one implementation, the comparison module 116 of the central assessment
server 102 is configured to receive registration data 122 at the beginning of an examination, in order to register the candidates or validate identity of the candidates based on the data previously stored in the central assessment server 102. The previously stored data associated with a candidate is available, in case the candidate has already been enrolled by the exam conducting bodies prior to the examination or the candidate has previously sat for an examination conducted by the same exam conducting body.
[0031] In case the candidate registration fails for a candidate, the candidate assessment
device 104 provided to that candidate gets locked and the candidate is prevented from attending the examination. The registration of the candidate may fail, in case any invalidating event occurs. An invalidating event could be, for example, the presence of two persons or candidates in a test center, or an attempt to improperly or fraudulently enter registration data 122. Typically, the types of occurrences or data which would constitute invalidating events would vary depending on the particular test and level of security required.
[0032] Further, in case there is no invalidating event and the candidate is registered or
verified as a valid registrant or candidate, then the test question data is communicated to the

candidate assessment device 104 present at the test center. A candidate may attempt the examination by entering the response to the question data displayed on a display screen of the candidate assessment device 104.
[0033] Once the candidate begins responding to the question data display on the screen
of the candidate assessment device 104, the capturing of the proctoring data 124, including biometric data, still image, and sound data, at regular predefined time intervals, begins at candidate assessment devices 104 during the examination. The captured proctoring data 124 captured by the candidate assessment devices 104 is transmitted to the central assessment server 102 via the master control devices 132.
[0034] In one embodiment, software or modules running on the central assessment server
102 controls the master control devices 132, in order to allow or block the candidate assessment
devices 104. In said embodiment, the comparison module 116 of the central assessment server
102 is configured to receive the proctoring data 124 at the predefined time intervals during the
examination. The comparison module 116 is further configured to compare the proctoring data
124 with the registration data 122, at predefined time intervals to determine malpractice by the
candidate during examination. This process of comparison is carried out at regular predefined
time intervals, such as at the beginning of an examination, at check-out for breaks, at check-in
from breaks, at regular time intervals during examinations, and at the end of an examination.
Based on the comparison, a comparison data 126 is generated and stored in the data 114.
[0035] The comparison data 126 outputted by the comparison module 116 is then
evaluated by the evaluation module 118. The evaluation module 118 is configured to evaluate the comparison data 126 at regular predefined time intervals, in order to determine the deviation of the proctoring data 124 from the registration data 122 and to identify one or more candidates performing misconduct during the examination. If at any point of time, the evaluation of the comparison data 126 for a candidate deviates above a permitted limit, then the capturing of the proctoring data 124 is stopped and/or the master control devices 132 are communicated to block or lock the candidate assessment device 104 allocated to a candidate who is identified for doing malpractices during the examination.
[0036] In case no invalidating event occurs, or the comparison data 126 is evaluated
below the permitted limit, during or at the conclusion of the examination process, all the relevant data is transmitted to the central assessment server 102. Such data may include, but not limited

to, test response data, audio/visual proctoring data, a still picture of the candidate, and
registration data. If, as described above, all the proctoring events are validated at regular
predefined time intervals during the examination, it is ensured that the same examination
candidate began the exam, present after each break, and terminate the exam.
[0037] Further, for conducting a secured computer based assessment using the secured
assessment system 100, there is one major operational challenge in handing the plurality of
candidate assessment devices 104 in a test center. As each candidate assessment device 104
needs to be connected to the central assessment server 102 over the local WLAN and the internal
protocol (IP) address of the central assessment server 102 can change in each test center, it
becomes very difficult and a time consuming activity to make the Wi-Fi or WLAN secure.
Further, extra routers or boosters need to configure to ensure that all the candidate assessment
devices 104 are getting enough bandwidth to connect to the central assessment server 102. To
avoid all these operational challenges and increase the security of the candidate assessment
devices 104, the master control devices 132 are configured to act both as a Wi-Fi router and also
as the controller for all the candidate assessment devices 104 paired with it. The master control
devices 132 are connected to the central assessment server 102 and provide a pathway for
network connectivity between the central assessment server 102 and the candidate assessment
devices 104. The candidate assessment devices 104 upon startup look for their master control
devices 132 and will not start at all in case no master control devices 132 are found.
[0038] Further, in one implementation, the central assessment server 102 has a white
listing feature that enables, only the configured master control devices 132 or the candidate assessment devices 104, to connect to Wi-Fi or WLAN connected to the central assessment server 102. Hence, in case a candidate assessment device is lost or stolen, it would be of no use to any one as the lost or stolen devices do not work and would be blocked by the master control device 132. Thus, no one would be able to hack and get access to the network of the central assessment server 102.
[0039] It is to be understood that Fig. 1 depicts only two master control devices 132 and
four candidate assessment devices 104 for the ease of explanation; however, the same should not be construed as a limitation, and multiple master control devices 132 and multiple candidate assessment devices 104 may be deployed at the test center.

[0040] Further, in one implementation, the candidate assessment devices 104 may be a
computing device, such as a hand-held device, laptops or other portable computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, PDAs, Smartphone, and the like. In another implementation, the candidate assessment devices 104 may be a standard desktop computer.
[0041] Further, as shown in Fig. 2, each candidate assessment device 104 includes a rigid
housing 200, on the panel of which on or more in-built sensors 202 are provided to capture one or more biometric data. The in-built sensors 202 can be print sensors or retinal sensors. Biometric data for such sensors may include, but is not limited to, a finger print, a thumb print, a palm print, or retinal scan. The biometric data is captured by the one or more in-built sensors 202, for identification of a candidate at the beginning of and during the examination. The biometric data is captured at regular predefined time intervals, such as, for example, at the beginning of the examination, during breaks from the examination, periodically during the examination, and at the termination of the examination. In one alternative implementation, the in-built sensors 202 randomly capture the biometric data of the candidate, while the exam is going on. The captured biometric data of the candidate can be later compared with the biometric data of the same candidate, stored as the registration data in the database of the central assessment server 102. In an alternative implementation, the in-built sensors 202 are configured to compare the captured biometric data during the examination with pre-stored biometric data of the at least one candidate captured before the examination. This ensures that the same candidate who has started the exam or register for attending the exam, is giving the exam during the entire duration of the examination.
[0042] Further, the candidate assessment device 104 also includes an in-built camera 204
in the front panel of the rigid housing 200. The in-built camera 204 is configured to capture the
candidate's image once before the beginning of the examination and storing the same image as
the registration data. Thereafter, the in-built camera 204 captures the image of the candidate at
predefined time intervals during the examination. In an implementation, the in-built camera 104
is configured to compare the captured still image during the examination with pre-stored still
image of the at least one candidate captured before the examination. This helps to have the proof
that there was no impersonation and malpractice during the period of examination.
[0043] Also, the candidate assessment device 104 includes one or more in-built sound
sensitive recorder 206-1, 206-2, collectively referred to as in-built sound sensitive recorder 206,

mounted on the rigid housing 200. The in-built sound sensitive recorder 206 is configured to
record the surround sound when the sound is more than a permitted limit. The in-built sound
sensitive recorder 206 becomes active whenever it receives any sound higher than the permitted
limit and records the sound. These sound recordings can be used in investing any issues raised by
candidates during the examination. This will also help in capturing any malpractice performed by
any candidate during the examination.
[0044] Further, the candidate assessment device 104 also includes navigation or
controlling keys 208 to control or configure the candidate assessment device 104.
[0045] Thus, the aforesaid secured computer based assessment approach, described in
accordance with present subject matter, avoids impersonation and malpractices during the
examination.
[0046] Fig. 3 illustrates a method 300 for conducting a secured computer based
assessment using the secured assessment system 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present subject matter. The method 300 may be described in the general context of computer
executable instructions. The method 300 may be a computer implementable method. Generally,
computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, procedures, modules, functions, and the like, that perform particular functions or
implement particular abstract data types. The method 300 may also be practiced in a distributed
computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, computer
executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media,
including memory storage devices.
[0047] The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a
limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to
implement the method, or an alternate method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted
from the method 300 without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described
herein. Furthermore, the method 300 can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software,
firmware, or combination thereof.
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the method 300
may be implemented in the previously described the secured assessment system 100. However, it

will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such an implementation is not limiting. The method 300 may be implemented in a variety of such similar systems.
[0049] In step 302, registration data from a candidate is received at a candidate
assessment device. In an implementation, upon arrival of the aspirants or the candidates at a test center, the candidates are requested to provide the registration data 122 through the candidate assessment devices 104. The registration data 122, as described earlier, may include biometric data, still image, a sample sound associated with the candidates. In order to receive the registration data 122, each candidate assessment device 104 is embodied with an in-built sensor 202, an in-built camera 204, and an in-built sound sensitive recorder 206. In this step 302, a candidate is asked to face the in-built camera for the taking of a still image/picture or a candidate is asked to place his hand or finger on the in-built sensor or screen.
[0050] In step 304, the registration data 122 received at the candidate assessment devices
104 is transmitted to the central assessment server 102, in order to register the candidates or validate identity of the candidates based on the registration data 122 previously stored in the central assessment server 102. In case the candidate registration fails for a candidate, the candidate assessment device 104 provided to that candidate gets locked and the candidate is prevented from attending the examination.
[0051] In step 306, proctoring data is captured at the candidate assessment device at
predefined time intervals. In case the candidate is registered or verified as a valid registrant or candidate, the capturing of proctoring data 124, including biometric data, still image, and sound data, at regular predefined time intervals, begins at candidate assessment devices 104. Further, in case there is no invalidating event, then the test question data is communicated to the candidate assessment device 104 present at the test center. A candidate may attempt the examination by entering the response to the question data displayed on a display screen of the candidate assessment device 104.
[0052] In step 308, the captured proctoring data 124 is transmitted to the central
assessment server 102. In one implementation, the proctoring data 124 is transmitted to the central assessment server 102 via the master control devices 132.
[0053] In step 310, the proctoring data 124 captured by the candidate assessment devices
104 is compared with the registration data 122 using comparison module 116 of the central assessment server 102, to determine malpractice by the candidate during examination. This

process of comparison is carried out at regular predefined time intervals, such as at the beginning of an examination, at check-out for breaks, at check-in from breaks, at regular time intervals during examinations, and at the end of an examination. The comparison data 126 outputted by the comparison module 116 is evaluated by the evaluation module 118. If at any point of time, the evaluation of the comparison data 126 for a candidate deviates above a permitted limit, then the capturing of the proctoring data 124 is stopped and/or the master control devices 132 are communicated to block or lock the candidate assessment device 104 allocated to a candidate who is identified for doing malpractices during the examination.
[0054] In addition to above method steps, in one step, a tutorial can also be provided
either before, or during the examination, to allow the candidates to become familiar with the functioning of the candidate assessment device 104.
[0055] Any of the methods described herein can be implemented by computer-executable
instructions in one or more computer-readable media (for example, computer storage media or other tangible media). Further, the methods described herein can be implemented in a plurality of programming languages.
[0056] Although embodiments for the secured computer based assessment have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments for secured computer based assessments.

I/We claim:
1. A method for conducting a secured computer based assessment, the method comprising:
capturing proctoring data (124) by a candidate assessment device (104) of a candidate at predefined time intervals during an examination, wherein the proctoring data (124) comprises one or more of biometric data, still image, and surround sound associated with the candidate;
transmitting the proctoring data (124) to a central assessment server (102) communicatively coupled to the candidate assessment device (104); and
comparing the proctoring data (124) with registration data (122) of the candidate, stored at the central assessment server (102) to determine malpractice during the examination.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising blocking the candidate assessment device (104) during the examination when the proctoring data (124) deviates from the registration data (122).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capturing the proctoring data (124) comprises capturing at least one of a finger print, a thumb print, a palm print and a retinal scan of the at least one candidate.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capturing the proctoring data (124) is performed at one of beginning of the examination, at a check-out for breaks, at check-in for breaks, and the end of the examination.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmitting the proctoring data (124) to the central assessment server (102) is performed through at least one master control device (132) connecting the central assessment server (102) and the candidate assessment device (104).
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
receiving the registration data (122) by the candidate assessment device (104) of the candidate before the beginning of the examination;
comparing the registration data (122) with data previously stored in the central assessment server (102), wherein the previously stored data is the data stored by an exam conducting body in the central assessment server (102) prior to the beginning of the examination; and
registering the candidate based on the comparison of the registration data (122) and the data previously stored in the central assessment server (102).

7. The method as claimed in claim 5 further comprising blocking the candidate assessment device (104) before the beginning of the examination when the registration data (122) deviates from the data previously stored in the central assessment server (102).
8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the registering the candidate comprises:
communicating a test question data to the candidate assessment device (104); and receiving response to the test question data at the candidate assessment device (104).
9. A central assessment server (102) for conducing a secured computer based assessment, the
central assessment server (102) comprising:
a processor (106); and
a memory (110) coupled to the processor (106), the memory (110) comprising: a comparison module (116) configured to:
receive proctoring data (124) by at least one candidate assessment device (104) at predefined time intervals during an examination, wherein the proctoring data (124) comprises one or more biometric data, still image, and surround sound associated with at least one candidate; and
compare the proctoring data (124) with pre-stored registration data (122) to generate a comparison data (126); and an evaluation module (118) configured to evaluate the comparison data (126) to block the at least one candidate assessment device (104) during the examination when the proctoring data (124) deviates from the registration data (122).
10. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one candidate assessment device (104) is a handheld device and comprises an in-built sensor (202), an inbuilt camera (204), and an in-built sound sensitive recorder (206).
11. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the in-built sensor (202) is at least one of a print sensor and a retinal sensor.
12. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the biometric data comprises at least one of a finger print, a thumb print, a palm print and a retinal scan of the at least one candidate.
13. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the in-built sound
sensitive recorder (206) is configured to automatically record surround sound when the
surround sound is more than a permitted limit.

14. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one candidate assessment device (104) communicates to the central assessment server (102) through at least one master control device (132).
15. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one master control device (132) is configured to act as a wireless router and to act as a controller for the at least one candidate assessment device (104).
16. The central assessment server (102) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one master control device (132) is configured to block the at least one candidate assessment device (104) when the at least one candidate associated with the at least one candidate assessment device (104) is identified for performing misconduct during the examination.
17. A handheld candidate assessment device (104) conducting a secured computer based assessment, the candidate assessment device (104) comprising:
an in-built sensor (202) configured for capturing at least one of a finger print, a thumb print, a palm print, and a retinal scan associated with at least one candidate, at predefined time intervals during an examination;
an in-built camera (204) configured for capturing a still image of the at least one candidate at the predefined time intervals during the examination; and
an in-built sound sensitive recorder (206) configured for automatically recording surround sound associated with the at least one candidate when surround sound is more than a permitted limit.
18. The candidate assessment device (104) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the in-built sensor (202) is configured for capturing at least one or more biometric data associated with at least one candidate, at predefined time intervals during an examination.
19. The candidate assessment device (104) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the in-built camera (204) is configured to compare the captured still image during the examination with pre-stored still image of the at least one candidate captured before the examination.

Documents

Orders

Section Controller Decision Date

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 3711-MUM-2012-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [26-09-2023(online)].pdf 2023-09-26
1 FORM 5.pdf 2018-08-11
2 3711-MUM-2012-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-21-06-2021).pdf 2021-10-03
2 FORM 3.pdf 2018-08-11
3 Drawings-PD008200IN-SC-FINAL.pdf 2018-08-11
3 3711-MUM-2012-IntimationOfGrant06-07-2021.pdf 2021-07-06
4 CS-PD008200IN-SC-Secured Computer Based Assessment-FINAL.pdf 2018-08-11
4 3711-MUM-2012-PatentCertificate06-07-2021.pdf 2021-07-06
5 ABSTRACT1.jpg 2018-08-11
5 3711-MUM-2012-Written submissions and relevant documents [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
6 3711-MUM-2012-FORM 3(22-4-2014).pdf 2018-08-11
6 3711-MUM-2012-Correspondence to notify the Controller [14-06-2021(online)].pdf 2021-06-14
7 3711-MUM-2012-FORM 26(1-2-2013).pdf 2018-08-11
7 3711-MUM-2012-CLAIMS [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
8 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE(22-4-2014).pdf 2018-08-11
8 3711-MUM-2012-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
9 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
9 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE(14-2-2013).pdf 2018-08-11
10 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE(1-2-2013).pdf 2018-08-11
10 3711-MUM-2012-DRAWING [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
11 3711-MUM-2012-FER.pdf 2018-10-04
11 3711-MUM-2012-FER_SER_REPLY [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
12 3711-MUM-2012-Information under section 8(2) (MANDATORY) [01-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-01
12 3711-MUM-2012-OTHERS [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
13 3711-MUM-2012-FORM 3 [01-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-01
14 3711-MUM-2012-Information under section 8(2) (MANDATORY) [01-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-01
14 3711-MUM-2012-OTHERS [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
15 3711-MUM-2012-FER.pdf 2018-10-04
15 3711-MUM-2012-FER_SER_REPLY [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
16 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE(1-2-2013).pdf 2018-08-11
16 3711-MUM-2012-DRAWING [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
17 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE(14-2-2013).pdf 2018-08-11
17 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
18 3711-MUM-2012-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
18 3711-MUM-2012-CORRESPONDENCE(22-4-2014).pdf 2018-08-11
19 3711-MUM-2012-FORM 26(1-2-2013).pdf 2018-08-11
19 3711-MUM-2012-CLAIMS [02-04-2019(online)].pdf 2019-04-02
20 3711-MUM-2012-FORM 3(22-4-2014).pdf 2018-08-11
20 3711-MUM-2012-Correspondence to notify the Controller [14-06-2021(online)].pdf 2021-06-14
21 ABSTRACT1.jpg 2018-08-11
21 3711-MUM-2012-Written submissions and relevant documents [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
22 CS-PD008200IN-SC-Secured Computer Based Assessment-FINAL.pdf 2018-08-11
22 3711-MUM-2012-PatentCertificate06-07-2021.pdf 2021-07-06
23 Drawings-PD008200IN-SC-FINAL.pdf 2018-08-11
23 3711-MUM-2012-IntimationOfGrant06-07-2021.pdf 2021-07-06
24 FORM 3.pdf 2018-08-11
24 3711-MUM-2012-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-21-06-2021).pdf 2021-10-03
25 3711-MUM-2012-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [26-09-2023(online)].pdf 2023-09-26
25 FORM 5.pdf 2018-08-11

Search Strategy

1 SEARCH_STRATEGY_3711MUM2012_03-10-2018.pdf

ERegister / Renewals

3rd: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2014 - To 27/12/2015

4th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2015 - To 27/12/2016

5th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2016 - To 27/12/2017

6th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2017 - To 27/12/2018

7th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2018 - To 27/12/2019

8th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2019 - To 27/12/2020

9th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2020 - To 27/12/2021

10th: 07 Jul 2021

From 27/12/2021 - To 27/12/2022

11th: 14 Dec 2022

From 27/12/2022 - To 27/12/2023

12th: 15 Dec 2023

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13th: 24 Dec 2024

From 27/12/2024 - To 27/12/2025