GB1061392A - Improvements in teaching apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,061,392. Educational appliances. DEUTSCHES PADAGOGISCHES ZENTRALINSTITUT. May 5, 1964, No. 18617/64. Heading G5G. An educational appliance comprises a film Sp, Fig. 2, divided into frames J, the first frame of each set of four contiguous frames having thereon a question and a number of possible answers including one correct answer, the remaining three frames of the set repeating the question &c., and having additional information relating to the question. Each answer is accompanied by a three-figure code number. Adjacent one edge of each frame are nine spaces St, three of which are transparent for sensing purposes and correspond to the code number of the correct answer. The film Sp is fed over a drum Tr, Fig. 1, and light passed therethrough is deflected by a mirror S so that the matter on the first frame J is shown on a screen MS and the spots of light passing through the transparent spaces St strike three of nine photo-cells LE1 ... LE9, each cell corresponding to a space St. The apparatus is also provided with nine keys (T1 . . . T9, Fig. 5) for operation by a student. Each key is connected in series with one of the photocells and the keys, spaces St, and photo-cells, are grouped in three sets of three (Fig. 5). The three clear spaces St, one in each group, correspond to the code number of the correct answer, and if the student selects the correct answer and depresses the three keys corresponding to that code number, circuits are completed to three relays (I, II, III). The relays close contacts (1, 2, 3) in the circuit of a bistable switch (M), which circuit is completed when a release key is operated to close a contact (a1 3 ). Closing of the circuit causes a contact (m) of the switch (M) to connect a line (p) to positive potential so as to energize a motor driving the drum (Tr). The motor also rotates cams (N1, N2, N3, Fig. 6) acting on contacts so that the motor is stopped when the film has moved a distance corresponding to four frames so as to present the next question and answer frame at the viewing and sensing position. If an incorrect combination of keys is depressed, the switch (M) is not operated and the positive potential is connected to another line (n). This controls the motor throug the camcontrolled contacts so that the flim is fed one frame length to present to the student additional infomation regarding the question. If the student now depresses an incorrect key combination, the next frame is presented and so on, until the fourth frame is reached. Another incorrect answer in this position, causes, through the cam contacts, reversal of the motor to move the film back to the first frame, whereupon the above operations are repeated. In the particular example, since there are three sets of keys T, spaces St and cells LE, twenty-seven code combinations are possible so that the first frame can contain two to twenty-seven alternative answers. The apparatus may include a paper strip running at constant speed and ten styli corresponding to the nine keys T and the release key so that a mark is made on the paper when a key is operated giving an indication of the time taken by the operator to carry out the various operations.