Apparatus and method for the electronic recording and processing of written answers for tests and examinations

摘要

An apparatus for reading and processing information comprises of a digital pen 7 for physically marking an answer script for an examination or test paper and for recording this information electronically and means for processing this information and giving an electronic indication of the answer applied to the script. The pen 7 may include a sensor for measuring the load at the tip and there may also be optical scanning B9/B means to determine the position of the tip on the paper which may have pre-printed distinctive patterns thereon. There may also be data transfer means B11/B to transmit the information from the pen B7/B to a processing means such as a computer. This data transfer means may be wireless and encrypts the data prior to transfer. There is also a method disclosed for use of the apparatus and a calibration method as well as a method of comparing the data recorded with a set of correct answers in order to grade the script.