AN AID TO EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Abstract

A system 100 to organize and evaluate an answer sheet 210 can include a plurality of questions 204 removably configured on a question paper 202; and a plurality of stickers 206 configured distinctly and removably in a form of pair for each question 204 of the question paper 202 for an examinee to unstick a question 204-1 selected from the question paper 202 and stick on the answer sheet 210 to answer along with a first part 206-1 of the corresponding pair of sticker to stick on a left margin 214 of the answer sheet 210 aligned with the question selected and a second part 206-2 of the corresponding pair of sticker at the end of the answer 212 and facilitate a scanner module 102 to scan starting from the first part 206-1 of the sticker defining start of the question 204-1 and corresponding answer 212-1, and the second part 206-2 of the sticker defining end of the answer 212-1 for segmenting and storing the answer 212 for evaluation.

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of examinations procedure. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a visual-based on line marking system and method indicating the positions of answers for the corresponding questions, reducing confusion during evaluation process.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The examination process is one of the key areas for any educational institution or universities. After a tutorial, examinees are assessed for their grades by conducting written or viva examination. While conducting written examination, a common occurrence in the examinations is the incorrect numbering of the questions by the examinees which causes confusion during the correction of the papers and also reduces the marks that are scored by the examinee.
[0004] Generally, optical mark scanning apparatus are well known in prior art. Here, data sensing is performed to record marks using near infrared region. Another method using visual image scanning apparatus are also kwon in the prior art. However, ambiguity in reading and matching exact answer to the question is difficult when an examinee misses to write answer to the attempted question or incorrect numbering.
[0005] There is, therefore a need to have a simple, fast, and cost-effective system and method that can alleviate the abovementioned issues and allow easy identification and segregation of the question and their answer in correct place.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that allow sticking of unique shape stickers for each question and their captured images to eliminate chances of making a mistake by easy identification and segregation of the answer.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, fast, and cost efficient system for capturing images of answer sheet for segregation and validation of answers.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system with a combination of optical character recognition module for reading the answer and a computer vision model to enhance the reliability of the evaluation process.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system where the processed data is directed to a cloud server to enhance data accessibility anytime and anywhere for evaluation.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the system and method that reduces the wastage of empty spaces in the answer sheet facilitating scanner to automatically extract the answer.

SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure relates to the field of examinations procedure. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a visual-based on line marking system indicating the positions of answers for the corresponding questions, reducing confusion during evaluation process.
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure is about a system to organize and evaluate an answer sheet can include a plurality of questions removably configured on a question paper; and a plurality of stickers configured distinctly and removably in a form of pair for each question of the question paper for an examinee to unstick a question selected from the question paper and stick on the answer sheet to answer along with a first part of the corresponding pair of sticker to stick on a left margin of the answer sheet aligned with the question selected and a second part of the corresponding pair of sticker at the end of the answer and facilitate a scanner module to scan starting from the first part of the sticker defining start of the question and corresponding answer, and the second part of the sticker defining end of the answer for segmenting and storing the answer for evaluation.
[0013] In an embodiment, the system serves as online examination system using optical character recognition module to scan and read the answer sheets.
[0014] In an embodiment, the answer sheet is configured to receive the questions and the corresponding pair of distinct stickers from the question paper.
[0015] In an embodiment, the answer sheet comprises of plain sheets with a left margin to be used for placing the first part and the second part of the corresponding pair of distanced stickers and a central space to answer the question stick by the examinee taken from the question paper.
[0016] In an embodiment, the scanner module identifies the positioning of the stickers and their distinctness to identify the question and the answer and can automatically arrange the exact images in the right order.
[0017] In an embodiment, the question paper comprises a keyword below the each question to be written by the examinee that serves as a cross-reference for validation of the question along with the second part of the pair of stickers.
[0018] In an embodiment, the system reduces the wastage of empty spaces in the answer sheet as the examinee place the next question immediately after finishing the previous answer facilitating scanner module to automatically extract the answer.
[0019] In an embodiment, the system comprises a combination of scanner and optical character recognition device of the scanner module for reading the answers, YOLO V5 computer vision model for scanning, validation, and insertion algorithms to enhance the reliability of the evaluation process.
[0020] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for organizing and evaluating an answer sheet comprising steps for unsticking, by an examinee a question and a first part of a pair of stickers from a question paper for sticking both on the answer sheet for writing answer thereof; unsticking, by the examinee, a second part of the pair of stickers along with a keyword from the question paper for sticking on the answer sheet while ending of the answer; uploading scanned data form the answer sheet on a cloud platform for accessing by at least one examiner; downloading the data of the answer sheet for scanning by the at least one examiner using a scanner module starting from beginning till ending recognizing the first part and the second part of the pair of sticker along with the question; and segmenting and storing the answer for evaluation using computer vision algorithm.
[0021] In an embodiment, the processed data is directed to a cloud server to enhance data accessibility, and the examiners access answer sheets and their associated questions through a hyperlink generated before access of data.
[0022] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0024] In the figures, similar components, and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an on line marking system where answers of the corresponding questions is judged, reducing confusion during evaluation process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary views of lay out of question on a question paper, and questions and answers on the answer sheet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of the on line marking system using cloud server for evaluation process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates method block diagram of the on line marking reducing confusion between questions and their answers during evaluation process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit, and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0031] Embodiment of the present disclosure relate to the field of examinations procedure. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a visual-based on line marking system indicating the positions of answers for the corresponding questions, reducing confusion during evaluation process.
[0032] In an embodiment, the present disclosure is about a system to organize and evaluate an answer sheet can include a plurality of questions removably configured on a question paper; and a plurality of stickers configured distinctly and removably in a form of pair for each question of the question paper for an examinee to unstick a question selected from the question paper and stick on the answer sheet to answer along with a first part of the corresponding pair of sticker to stick on a left margin of the answer sheet aligned with the question selected and a second part of the corresponding pair of sticker at the end of the answer and facilitate a scanner module to scan starting from the first part of the sticker defining start of the question and corresponding answer, and the second part of the sticker defining end of the answer for segmenting and storing the answer for evaluation.
[0033] In an embodiment, the system serves as online examination system using optical character recognition module to scan and read the answer sheets. The answer sheet comprises of plain sheets with a left margin to be used for placing the first part and the second part of the corresponding pair of distanced stickers and a central space to answer the question stick by the examinee taken from the question paper.
[0034] In an embodiment, the scanner module identifies the positioning of the stickers and their distinctness to identify the question and the answer and can automatically arrange the exact images in the right order.
[0035] In an embodiment, the question paper comprises a keyword below the each question to be written by the examinee that serves as a cross-reference for validation of the question along with the second part of the pair of stickers.
[0036] In an embodiment, the system comprises a combination of scanner and optical character recognition device of the scanner module for reading the answers, YOLO V5 computer vision model for scanning, validation, and insertion algorithms to enhance the reliability of the evaluation process.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 where an exemplary block diagram of the system 100 is shown. The on line marking system 100 where answers of the corresponding questions is judged, reducing confusion during evaluation process.
[0038] In an embodiment, to reduce the chances of mislabeling the answers, the proposed system 100 uses a question and a pair of sticker in distinct shapes for each question. The question would be cut into parts such that it cannot be stuck with another part of another question and the shape would be split into two halves, the first half being placed at the start of the question and the second half being placed at the end of the question.
[0039] Further, each sticker is uniquely shaped so that each question can be easily discernible. Using the questions as a sticker, the examinees can know what question they are answering while pasting the sticker in the answer sheet and the examinees can be sure that they are placing the sticker only for the question they intend to answer. The system also reduces the chances of a mistake from the examinee as there is no writing down of a number to be done. By using stickers, in case of a correction, they are easy to modify and can be placed at another place easily.
[0040] In an embodiment, the system 100 to organize and evaluate an answer sheet (refer to view 210 of FIG. 2) can include a question paper (refer to view 202 of FIG. 2), an answer sheet (refer to view 210 of FIG. 2) and a scanner module 102 within a computer vision system 106.
[0041] In an embodiment, the plurality of questions 204 removably configured on a question paper 202; and a plurality of stickers 206 configured distinctly and removably in a form of pair for each question 204 of the question paper 202 for an examinee to unstick a question 204-1 selected from the question paper 202 and stick on the answer sheet 210 to answer along with a first part 206-1 of the corresponding pair of sticker to stick on a left margin 214 of the answer sheet 210 aligned with the question selected and a second part 206-2 of the corresponding pair of sticker at the end of the answer 212 and facilitate a scanner module 102 to scan starting from the first part 206-1 of the sticker defining start of the question 204-1 and corresponding answer 212-1, and the second part 206-2 of the sticker defining end of the answer 212-1 for segmenting and storing the answer 212 for evaluation.
[0042] In an embodiment, the system 100 serves as online examination system using optical character recognition module 102 to scan and read the answer sheets 210.
[0043] In an embodiment, the scanner module 102 identify the positioning of the stickers 206 and their distinctness to identify the question 204 and the answer 212 and can automatically arrange the exact images in the right order.
[0044] In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises a combination of scanner 104-A and optical character recognition device 104-B of the scanner module 102 for reading the answers 212, YOLO V5 computer vision model 106 for scanning, validation, and insertion algorithms to enhance the reliability of the evaluation process.
[0045] In an embodiment, the proposed online examination platform 108 integrates machine learning to facilitate the efficient evaluation of handwritten answer sheets. The scanner 104-A, which initiates the scanning process of examination answer sheets is further processed by an optical character recognition (OCR) device 104-B that accurately interprets the scanned answer sheets containing handwritten text.
[0046] In an embodiment, the computer vision system, utilizes the YOLO V5 model to recognize symbol stickers affixed to the answer sheets. YOLO V5's advantages in symbol recognition stem from its high accuracy and rapid processing capabilities, allowing it to efficiently identify various symbols that are provided in place of the question number within scanned images. The scanning algorithm employs a set of algorithm 112 to detect symbols during the scanning of answer papers. The set of algorithm 112 includes a scanning algorithm, a validation algorithm, which ensures the correlation between recognized symbols and predefined keywords stored in the database, validating their sequence. In instances of mismatch, an internal flag is raised, prompting a review of the answer and generating a notification on the online examination portal, and an insertion algorithm to links the validated answers to the corresponding questions by embedding appropriate hyperlinks 118 within the examination platform 108.
[0047] In an embodiment, all processed data from the OCR 104-B and YOLO V5 computer vision system 106 is directed to a cloud server 116. This configuration offers significant hardware advantages, including scalability, reliability, and enhanced data accessibility. By utilizing the cloud storage, the platform 108 effectively manages large data volumes and fluctuating demands during examination periods, ensuring data integrity and security. The online examination platform serves as the interface for examiners, who can access answers and their associated questions through the hyperlinks 118. The backend database 114 is essential for data retrieval and validation. It employs primary keys corresponding to each symbol in an internal table, containing keywords linked to those symbols, ensuring the accurate validation and no mismatch. Additionally, the examination platform 108 can retrieve information from the database, when necessary, further enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of the evaluation process.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary views of lay out of question 204 on a question paper 202, and questions 204 and their answers 212 on the answer sheet 210.
[0049] In an embodiment, the question paper 202 consists of plurality of questions 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, …, 204-N (collectively refer to as the questions 204, herein) and each question sticker 206 which is split into two pieces 206-1, 206-2 with the halves being placed at the start and end of the question 204 respectively.
[0050] In an embodiment, the examinee has to unstick all parts of the question 204 and paste it in the answer sheet 210 and also both the parts 206-1, 206-2 from the question paper 202 to stick in the left margin 214 of the answer sheet 210. By positioning the parts of the sticker 206-1, 206-2 at the front and end, the examinee is less likely to place the sticker for another question 204 and also increases the chances that the examinee will read the question completely.
[0051] In an embodiment, the answer sheet 210 consists of plain sheets with a left margin 214 which would be used for placing the stickers peeled from the question paper 202 and a central space which is used by the examinee to fill in their corresponding answers 212-1, 212-2, …, 212-N (collectively refer to as the answers 212, herein) and to paste the questions 204. By using different shapes stickers for each question 204, it can be ensured that no question 204 uses the same shape and reduces the chances of error by the examinee and during the scanning.
[0052] In an embodiment, a keyword 208, written below each question 204, provide an additional layer of confirmation to ensure that the answers 212 are matched to the right question 204. The YOLO V5 algorithm compares the keyword 208 of the question 204 and the scanned text of the answer 212 to confirm that they align. This eliminates errors, such as wrong numbering, by relying solely on the stickers 206 rather than manually entered question numbers 204. The sticker 206 acts as the key reference point, and ensure that answers 212 are mapped to the correct questions 204 regardless of any mistakes in numbering or positioning.
[0053] In an embodiment, the answer sheet 210 comprises a left margin 214 to be used for placing the first part 206-1 and the second part 206-2 of the corresponding pair of distanced stickers and a central space to answer the question 204 stick by the examinee taken from the question paper 202.
[0054] In an embodiment, the system 100 reduces the wastage of empty spaces in the answer sheet 210 as the examinee place the next question 204-2 immediately after finishing the previous answer 212-1 facilitating scanner module 102 to automatically extract the answer 212.
[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram 300 of the on line marking system 100 using cloud server 116 for evaluation process.
[0056] In an embodiment, the computer vision algorithm used in the disclosure includes a unique scanning, validation and insertion mechanism designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of detecting answers 212 on an examination answer sheet 210. The system 100 works as per 304, by identifying the first sticker 206 of each question 204 as a reference point, utilizing this pattern of sticker 206 to start the scanning process. The scanner 104-A further scans the space between the first sticker 206-1 and second sticker 206-2 from the answer sheet 210, capturing the text that contains the answer 212 to the corresponding question 204. To further streamline the process, examinee is required to write an existing bold or colored keyword 208 present below each question 204. This keyword 208 plays a crucial role in helping the system 100 validate whether the correct answer 212 is being provided, by serving as a cross-reference.
[0057] In an embodiment, the algorithm scans to detect the keyword 208 as per step 308 and compares it as per step 310 with the associated answer 212, ensuring an accurate match. Each question 204 is uniquely identifiable by a specific symbol, which is implemented as a sticker 206 on the answer sheet 210. This symbol 206 functions not only as a marker for the algorithm but also as an identifier that links each question 204 to its corresponding answer 212, ensuring precise detection.
[0058] In an embodiment, the system 100 as per step 312 also includes an enhanced validation mechanism through the use of keywords 208. The features to complement the detection process for symbol mapping, the system 100, and linking detected answers 212 to an internal hyperlink 118 references as per step 316 within the examination platform. Once the system 100 detects both the start 206-1 and last sticker 206-2 for a given question 204, the corresponding answer 212 is automatically mapped to a specific hyperlink 116 of that question 204 within the platform. This allows for seamless navigation between questions 204 during evaluation. By simply clicking on the sticker 206, the examiner can view the correct answer 212 associated with that question 204, making the grading process more efficient and error-free. The system 100 go ahead by utilizing the ending sticker 206-2 as the starting reference point for the subsequent question, maintaining a continuous and smooth flow through all answers 212 as per step 320 to end the evaluation process 322. This ensures that both the questions 204 and their respective answers 212 are systematically organized and accessible for evaluation.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates method block diagram 400 of the on line marking reducing confusion between questions 204 and their answers 212 during evaluation process. The method 400 for organizing and evaluating an answer sheet 210 including step 402 for unsticking, by an examinee a question 204 and a first part 206-1 of a pair of stickers from a question paper 202 for sticking both on the answer sheet 210 for writing answer 212 thereof.
[0060] In an embodiment, according to step 404, unsticking, by the examinee, a second part 206-2 of the pair of stickers along with a keyword 208 from the question paper 202 for sticking on the answer sheet 210 while ending of the answer 212. Step 406 defines uploading scanned data form the answer sheet 210 on a cloud platform 116 for accessing by at least one examiner.
[0061] In an embodiment, as per step 408, downloading the data of the answer sheet 210 for scanning by the at least one examiner using a scanner module 102 starting from beginning till ending recognising the first part 206-1 and the second part 206-2 of the pair of sticker along with the question 204. Step 410 defines segmenting and storing the answer 212 for evaluation using computer vision algorithm.
[0062] In an embodiment, the method 400 ensure that the processed data is directed to a cloud server 116 to enhance data accessibility, and the examiners access answers sheet 210 and their associated questions 204 through a hyperlink 118 generated before access of data.
[0063] Thus, the proposed system 100 with integration of the scanner module 102 within a computer vision system 106 minimizes human error, particularly in high-stakes exam environment. Unlike existing OCR systems, the disclosed system 100 leveraged sticking of distinct stickers 206 and keywords 208 for accurate evaluation of right question 204 and corresponding answers 212 using machine learning algorithm.
[0064] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0065] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are comprised to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0066] The present disclosure provides a system and method that allow sticking of unique shape stickers for each question and their captured images to eliminate chances of making a mistake by easy identification and segregation of the answer.
[0067] The present disclosure provides a simple, fast, and cost efficient system for capturing images of answer sheet for segregation and validation of answers.
[0068] The present disclosure provides the system with a combination of optical character recognition module for reading the answer and a computer vision model to enhance the reliability of the evaluation process.
[0069] The present disclosure provides the system where the processed data is directed to a cloud server to enhance data accessibility anytime and anywhere for evaluation.
[0070] The present disclosure provides the system and method that reduces the wastage of empty spaces in the answer sheet facilitating scanner to automatically extract the answer.
, Claims:1. A system (100) to organize and evaluate an answer sheet (210), the system (100) comprising:
a plurality of questions (204) removably configured on a question paper (202); and
a plurality of stickers (206) configured distinctly and removably in a form of pair for each question (204) of the question paper (202):
wherein an examinee unstick a question (204-1) selected from the question paper (202) and stick on the answer sheet (210) to answer along with a first part (206-1) of the corresponding pair of sticker to stick on a left margin (214) of the answer sheet (210) aligned with the question selected and a second part (206-2) of the corresponding pair of sticker at the end of the answer (212) and facilitate a scanner module (102) to scan starting from the first part (206-1) of the sticker defining start of the question (204-1) and corresponding answer (212-1), and the second part (206-2) of the sticker defining end of the answer (212-1) for segmenting and storing the answer (212) for evaluation.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) serves as online examination system using optical character recognition module (102) to scan and read the answer sheets (210).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the answer sheet (210) is configured to receive the questions (204) and the corresponding pair of distinct stickers (206) from the question paper (202).
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the answer sheet (210) comprises of plain sheets with a left margin (214) to be used for placing the first part (206-1) and the second part (206-2) of the corresponding pair of distanced stickers and a central space to answer the question (204) stick by the examinee taken from the question paper (202).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanner module (102) identify the positioning of the stickers (206) and their distinctness to identify the question (204) and the answer (212) and can automatically arrange the exact images in the right order.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the question paper (202) comprises a keyword (208) below the each question (204) to be written by the examinee that serves as a cross-reference for validation of the question (204) along with the second part (206) of the pair of stickers.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) reduces the wastage of empty spaces in the answer sheet (210) as the examinee place the next question (204-2) immediately after finishing the previous answer (212-1) facilitating scanner module (102) to automatically extract the answer (212).
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a combination of scanner (104-A) and optical character recognition device (104-B) of the scanner module (102) for reading the answers (212), YOLO V5 computer vision model (106) for scanning, validation, and insertion algorithms to enhance the reliability of the evaluation process.
9. A method (400) for organizing and evaluating an answer sheet (210), the method (400) comprising steps for:
unsticking, by an examinee a question (204) and a first part (206-1) of a pair of stickers from a question paper (202) for sticking both on the answer sheet (210) for writing answer (212) thereof;
unsticking, by the examinee, a second part (206-2) of the pair of stickers along with a keyword (208) from the question paper (202) for sticking on the answer sheet (210) while ending of the answer (212);
uploading scanned data form the answer sheet (210) on a cloud platform (116) for accessing by at least one examiner;
downloading the data of the answer sheet (210) for scanning by the at least one examiner using a scanner module (102) starting from beginning till ending recognising the first part (206-1) and the second part (206-2) of the pair of sticker along with the question (204); and
segmenting and storing the answer (212) for evaluation using computer vision algorithm.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processed data is directed to a cloud server (116) to enhance data accessibility, wherein the examiners access answers sheets (210) and their associated questions (204) through a hyperlink (118) generated before access of data.

Documents