FR3124881A1 - System and method for generating signals for educational testing - Google Patents

Abstract

System (1) for generating signals intended for educational tests comprising generation means (20) for generating a signal (63) corresponding to a digital command (61) and to parameters contained in said digital command, and transmitting said signal to a measuring device (30), said digital command being generated by control means (10) remote from said generating means, in which at least one of said parameters includes a random component. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

System and method for generating signals for educational testing

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for generating signals (electrical, acoustic, optical, electromagnetic, etc.) intended for educational tests. It applies in particular to learning to use measuring devices such as oscilloscopes, electrical or optical spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, multimeters, sound level meters, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Measuring devices require a learning phase that can be quite long, depending on the learners. Indeed, if the settings of the measuring device are not correct, it will not be possible to perform a measurement on the measured signal but, without sufficient experience, the user may not have either indications on how to make the appropriate adjustment or on why its adjustment was not correct.

There is therefore a need for a system making it possible to facilitate the learning of the handling of the various measuring devices existing on the market, both for an isolated learner and for a group of learners, for example during a work session. directed in the school setting.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a method and a system making it possible to meet such a need. In particular, the invention relates to a system for generating signals intended for educational tests that, according to one implementation, a user may seek to measure correctly and compare with an expected measurement.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention can be implemented by a system for generating signals intended for educational tests comprising generation means for generating a signal corresponding to a digital command and to parameters contained in said digital command, and transmitting said signal to a measuring device, said digital command being generated by control means remote from said generating means, in which at least one of said parameters includes a random component.

• lesdits moyens de génération et lesdits moyens de commande disposent d’interfaces de communication radio pour la transmission de ladite commande numérique ;
• lesdites interfaces de communication communiquent via un protocole Bluetooth ;
• lesdits moyens de commande comportent une interface homme-machine adaptée pour fournir à un utilisateur des indications relatives à la mesure dudit signal au moyen dudit appareil de mesure et pour recevoir un résultat de mesure de la part dudit utilisateur, et lesdits moyens de contrôle sont en outre adaptés pour effectuer une comparaison entre ledit résultat de mesure et une mesure attendue associée audit signal et auxdites indications ;
• lesdits moyens de contrôle sont adaptés pour, ledit résultat de mesure ne correspond pas à ladite mesure attendu, déterminer une action parmi une demande d’effectuer une nouvelle mesure, la génération d’indications pédagogiques, le déclenchement d’un message d’alerte vers un terminal central ;
• lesdits moyens de contrôle sont adaptés pour agréger les résultats desdites comparaisons en un rapport ;
• lesdits moyens de contrôle sont mis en œuvre par un terminal de télécommunication comportant une application logicielle dédiée ;
• lequel lesdits moyens de contrôle (10) sont prévus pour recevoir des informations de réglage dudit appareil de mesure et pour comparer lesdites informations de réglage avec des réglages attendus associé audit signal.

According to preferred embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other:

• said generation means and said control means have radio communication interfaces for the transmission of said digital command;
• said communication interfaces communicate via a Bluetooth protocol;
• said control means comprise a man-machine interface adapted to provide a user with indications relating to the measurement of said signal by means of said measuring device and to receive a measurement result from said user, and said control means are in further adapted to carry out a comparison between said measurement result and an expected measurement associated with said signal and with said indications;
• said control means are suitable for, said measurement result does not correspond to said expected measurement, determining an action from among a request to perform a new measurement, the generation of pedagogical indications, the triggering of an alert message to a central terminal;
• said control means are adapted to aggregate the results of said comparisons into a report;
• said control means are implemented by a telecommunications terminal comprising a dedicated software application;
• wherein said monitoring means (10) is arranged to receive setting information from said meter and to compare said setting information with expected settings associated with said signal.

The invention can also be implemented by a method for generating signals intended for educational tests comprising the generation of a signal corresponding to a digital command and to parameters contained in said digital command, the transmission of said signal to a measuring device, and the generation of said digital command, in which at least one of said parameters includes a random component.

The invention can also be implemented by a teaching platform comprising a plurality of systems as previously defined.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:
There schematically represents an example of a system according to one embodiment of the invention.
There illustrates an example of implementation of the control means according to an embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The subject of the invention is a system for the generation of signals intended for educational tests, in particular electrical signals (analog or digital), optical, acoustic, radio frequencies, etc.

Such a system is shown in which clearly illustrates that this system 1 includes generation means 20 and control means 10. These means are separate and distant.

According to the invention, the generating means 20 are adapted to generate a signal 63 corresponding to a digital command 61 received from the control means 10 as well as to parameters contained in this command.

The generation means 20 may comprise an interface 21 allowing the reception of the digital command, a controller 22 adapted for the interpretation of the digital command and for the control of circuits 23 for generating signals 63.

This controller can include an Arduino or Raspberry type microprocessor. The generation means can also include digital and analog electronic components such as regulators, operational amplifiers, electromagnetic sources (LED, laser, radiofrequency source, etc.) and acoustic sources... According to another embodiment, the means Control systems can be implemented based on programmable logic circuits (for example, FGPA for " Field Programmable Gate Array ") and high-speed digital-to-analog converter in order to increase bandwidth performance.

According to one embodiment, the same generation means 20 can generate signals on several outputs or channels. The digital commands 61 can then be provided to indicate on which channel the corresponding signal must be generated.

According to one embodiment, the generating means 20 comprise only one type of signal generating circuit 23, adapted to one type of signal from among an electrical signal, an optical signal, an acoustic signal, a radio signal, etc.

According to another embodiment, the generation means comprise a plurality of types of signal generation circuits 23. The digital commands 61 can then be provided to indicate which type of generation circuit must be used to generate a signal, in other words what type of signal to generate (electrical, acoustic, optical, radio, etc.).

The generated signal 63 is transmitted to a measuring device 30. This measuring device can be a measuring device such as oscilloscopes, electrical or optical spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, multimeters, sound level meter, etc. Typically, a user (learner) 40 is responsible for performing the measurement correctly to perform the requested measurement on the signal 63 with the measuring device 30.

The control means 10 are suitable for generating a digital command and transmitting them to the generating means 20.

The transmission of the digital command 61 between the control means 10 and the generation means 20 can be carried out via different telecommunication mechanisms. To do this, the control and generation means comprise compatible interfaces, respectively 11 ( ) and 21.

These telecommunication mechanisms can be wired (Ethernet™, USB, etc.) or radio (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

The control means 10 can for example be implemented by generic electronic equipment comprising a dedicated software application. This generic electronic equipment may in particular be a personal computer, fixed or portable, a telecommunications terminal such as a “smartphone” or a digital tablet, etc.

This dedicated software application can be downloaded from a software marketplace, in a manner known per se.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by the , the control means 10 comprise a telecommunications interface 211 adapted to the transmission of the digital command 61, a man-machine interface 12, and a dedicated application 13 that can be executed on the digital processing means of the control means 10 (microprocessor , memory and specialized circuits). This dedicated application 13 may include a command generation module 14 and a scenario piloting module 15.

The man-machine interface 12 may comprise an output interface to provide indications 62 intended for the learner user 40, for example a screen, on which the indications may be entered. It may also include an input interface for receiving responses from the learner user 40, for example a keyboard, or a touch screen.

The numerical control includes parameters. The set made up of the command itself and the parameters can define all or part of a signal to be generated. According to one embodiment, a succession of several unit digital commands completely defines a signal to be generated. For simplicity, the term “numerical control” refers to the unitary command(s) making it possible to define a desired signal.

According to one embodiment, a unit digital command can be of the form “command name” “parameter 1” “parameter 2”

The "parameter 1" can for example indicate the channel to which the command relates.

Examples of unit numerical controls can be:

Command W: definition of the shape of the signal to be generated

W Channel Form A: channel V1
B: channel V2
E: EXT channel S: sine
P: Triangle
A: V1 synchronization (for EXT channel)
B: V2 synchronization (for EXT channel)

Command F: definition of the frequency of the signal to be generated

F Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2 Real value expressed in Hertz

T command: Definition of the period of the signal to be generated

T Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2 Actual value expressed in seconds (rounded to the nearest 20µs, for example)

Command A: Definition of the amplitude of the signal to be generated

AT Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2 Actual peak value expressed in volts

O command: Definition of the offset (or DC component) of the signal to be generated

O Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2 Real value expressed in Volts

Command D: Definition of the duty cycle (or “duty cycle”) of the signal to be generated

D Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2 Real value between 0 and 1 inclusive

P command: Definition of the phasing of the signal to be generated in relation to the internal time base of the signal generator

P Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2 Actual value expressed in degrees between -360 and +360° excluded.

G command: enable/disable signal generation

G Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2
E: EXT channel R: repetitive generation
S: unitary generation
E: off

Command R: Point-by-point definition of the signal to be generated by filling in each point of the signal generation table for each command (command to be reproduced 250 times to fill the 250 points of each table).

R Channel Value A: channel V1
B: channel V2

• 0 : -10,0V
• 2048 : 0,0V
• 4095 : +10,0V

Integer value between 0 and 4095 inclusive, with
E: end of table entry

• 0: -10.0V
• 2048: 0.0V
• 4095: +10.0V

S Value E: Electric
A: Acoustics
O: optical
A: Radio frequency

Thus, by correctly combining and sequencing these different commands, the control means 10 can force the generation means 20 to generate a desired signal.

For example, in order to generate, on channel 1, a stationary sinusoidal electrical signal with a frequency of 50 Hz, an amplitude of 1 V and a zero average, the control means 10 can transmit the following sequence:
SEG 1 RW 1 SF 1 50A 1 1

This sequence of unitary commands forms a digital command defining a signal to be generated.

At least one of the parameters of the unit command comprises a random component. This random component can be provided by a random number generator internal to the control means 10.

The random component may relate to a parameter whose value will be arbitrarily selected within a predefined interval, or else be an element of modulation of a parameter determined by the test. For example, a test can define that the signal amplitude is random between 0V and 12V, or that the signal amplitude is equal to 1V +/- a random element between 0 and 0.1V.

Provision may be made for several parameters to include a random component.

Provision may also be made for the parameter(s) comprising a random component to be themselves selected randomly. Thus, it can be defined that all or part of the parameters will include a random component of +/- 10% of its value.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control means 10 can generate a succession of digital commands 61 with a view to generating a succession of signals 63 thus constituting a plurality of educational tests for the learning user.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention, the control means 10 have a man-machine interface 12 comprising an output interface suitable for providing the learner user 40 with indications 62 relating to the measurement of the signal generated 63 using the measuring device 30.

These indications may include one or more characteristics, or quantities, of the signal to be measured: amplitude, period, duty cycle, DC component, etc. Typically, these characteristics, or magnitudes, correspond to the parameters of the corresponding digital control.

Thus, the control device can concomitantly transmit a digital command 61 and indications 62 relating to this command. For example, it can generate a sinusoidal signal with a non-zero average and transmit indications 62 indicating that the frequency or the offset must be measured.

The man-machine interface 12 can also comprise an input interface suitable for receiving a measurement result 65 from the learner user 40.

The control means (for example the dedicated software application 13) can then compare the measurement result 65 received and an expected measurement.

In particular, a module 14 can be provided to define a test example consisting of one or more digital commands (defining a signal to be generated), an indication 61 and an expected measurement. This expected response naturally follows from the digital command(s) / indication couple.

For example, an example test might include a digital control defining a sinusoidal electrical signal with zero mean, frequency 50 Hz and amplitude 1V, an indication to measure the amplitude, and an expected measurement of 1V.

This module 14 can also be adapted to trigger an action depending on the result of the comparison between the measurement result 65 and the expected measurement. For example, an audible and/or visual indicator can be produced in order to signal to the user 40 whether his answer is correct or not.

These actions can be controlled by a scenario management module 13, one of the purposes of which is to impose an educational program on the learner user 40. This program can include a series of tests, which are offered to the learner according to its progression, and, possibly, according to these specific difficulties.

The pedagogical program can be organized in levels, each success of a test improving a score of the learner which can allow him to access a higher level. Each level can correspond to different themes and/or increasing difficulties.

In the case where the result of the measurement 65 does not correspond to the expected measurement, the control means can determine an action among, in particular, a request to perform a new measurement, the generation of pedagogical indications, the triggering of an alert message to a central terminal, etc.

The pedagogical indications can be provided to direct the learner towards the solution, by providing him with information on the appropriate settings to be made on the measuring device 30. This information can be more or less precise and directive depending on the situation, and, for example, to follow a growth in accuracy over the attempts missed by the learner.

The central terminal can be associated with a teacher who, once alerted, can intervene with the learner to guide him.

The control means can also be adapted to aggregate the results of the comparisons of the expected measurements with the results of the measurements in order to form a report. This report can be produced to learner users so that they can track their progress. It can also be transmitted to a server 50.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this server can be incorporated into the central terminal associated with the teacher.

According to another embodiment, this server is accessible via an Internet-type telecommunications network. It can be accessed from the central terminal associated with the teacher, who can thus, via a suitable interface, have access to the various learner reports and have an overview of his class. Learners can also have, by means of another adapted interface, access to their own reports and thus follow their progress within an educational program.

This server can be implemented by one or more physical machines (of the computer type) typically interconnected in a server farm or abstracted in the form of a computing cloud (or “cloud” according to the usual English language terminology).

Thus, in the case of a set of learner users, each using a distinct system 1, the various reports can be transmitted to the same central terminal, associated with a teacher or with the server 50, which can thus have a time view actual group learning.

He can see the progress of the whole and the possible difficulties of some, in particular by determining those who are behind compared to the progress of the group. This determination can be based on the levels reached by each learner, for example.

Furthermore, the control means 10 can be provided to receive setting information from the measuring device 30 and to compare it with the expected settings associated with the test. To do this, the measuring device must have an interface allowing the export of its setting information. By having this information, the means of control can provide the learner with more precise indications as to the procedure to be undertaken to carry out a good measurement. Also, incorrect settings can be aggregated in the report that can be transmitted to the central terminal. The teacher will then be able to have a more complete overview of the learners' difficulties.

Thus, as we have seen, the system according to the invention is based on specific generation means but on control means which can be generic, the only specific part being software. Such an architecture makes it possible to reduce costs, while allowing easy evolution since it may suffice to download an update of the dedicated software application.

In addition, learners can have quick feedback on the quality of their measurement and thus quickly improve an intuitive approach to handling the measuring device.

The fact that at least one parameter of the signal has a random component allows a less routine feeling in the case where a learner performs the same tests several times. In addition, in the context of a set of learners, this allows that for the same test (which they may have to perform at the same time) that each has a variant, so that it is not possible to cheat by imitating the settings of the measuring device of a neighboring learner.

Another advantage of the system is that it is based on real physical signals and real measuring devices, and not on simulators. The experience is therefore more complete and real, allows to acquire real practical skills without the simplification inherent in any simulation.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and to the embodiment described and represented, but is defined by the claims. It is in particular capable of many variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

System (1) for generating signals intended for educational tests comprising generation means (20) for generating a signal (63) corresponding to a digital command (61) and to parameters contained in said digital command, and transmitting said signal to a measuring device (30), said digital command being generated by control means (10) remote from said generating means, in which at least one of said parameters includes a random component. System according to the preceding claim, in which said generating means and said command means have radio communication interfaces (21, 11) for the transmission of said digital command. System according to the preceding claim, in which said communication interfaces communicate via a Bluetooth protocol. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said control means comprise a man-machine interface (12) adapted to provide a user with indications relating to the measurement of the said signal by means of the said measuring device and to receive a result of measurement by said user, and said control means are further adapted to perform a comparison between said measurement result and an expected measurement associated with said signal and with said indications. System according to the preceding claim, in which said control means (10) are suitable for, said measurement result does not correspond to said expected measurement, determining an action among a request to perform a new measurement, the generation of pedagogical indications , triggering an alert message to a central terminal (50). System according to one of Claims 4 or 5, in which the said control means are adapted to aggregate the results of the said comparisons into a report. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said control means (10) are implemented by a telecommunications terminal comprising a dedicated software application. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said control means (10) are provided for receiving adjustment information from said measuring device and for comparing said adjustment information with expected adjustments associated with said signal. Method for generating signals intended for educational tests comprising the generation of a signal (63) corresponding to a digital command (61) and to parameters contained in said digital command, the transmission of said signal to a measuring device (30 ), and generating said digital command, wherein at least one of said parameters includes a random component. Teaching platform comprising a plurality of systems according to one of Claims 1 to 8.