JP2020068476A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that increases convenience for a user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises a reading unit 20, an extraction unit 101, and an allocation unit 102. The reading unit 20 reads, from a first sheet, a predetermined image including a plurality of pieces of information to be read that are arranged side by side in predetermined order. The extraction unit 101 extracts the respective plurality of pieces of information to be read from the predetermined image. The allocation unit 102 allocates identification information to each of the plurality of pieces of information to be read. The predetermined image includes at least information showing question sentences. Each of the plurality of pieces of information to be read shows a question sentence or choices for the question sentence.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Exam scoring work requires precision and a great deal of effort. BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, it has been considered to use an image forming apparatus to assist scoring work. For example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 assists the scoring work by using a collection of answers in which only the same answer columns of a plurality of answer sheets are collected. Specifically, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 assists the scoring work as follows.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 scans a plurality of answer sheets in which the answers of the examinees are described with a scanner, creates an answer collection in which only the same answer column is aggregated from the plurality of answer sheets, and creates an answer collection. Print. The grader scores the answers. The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 reads a scored answer collection with a scanner and separates the scored answer collection into answer columns. Then, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 collects the separated answer columns for each examinee to create a scored answer sheet, and prints the scored answer sheet.

JP, 2008-37832, A

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 makes the scoring work more efficient by creating the answer collection. However, even if the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is used, the grader must judge the correctness of the answer. Therefore, there is a limit to the reduction of labor by the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1. Further, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 cannot reduce the labor required for creating the answer sheet.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the labor for creating an answer sheet and improve the convenience of the user.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit, an extracting unit, and an assigning unit. The reading unit reads a predetermined image including a plurality of pieces of read target information arranged in a predetermined order from the first sheet. The extraction unit extracts each of the plurality of pieces of read target information from the predetermined image. The assigning unit assigns identification information to each of the plurality of pieces of read target information. The predetermined image includes at least information indicating a question sentence. Each of the plurality of pieces of information to be read indicates the question sentence or options for the question sentence.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, user convenience can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the description type answer sheet which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection type answer sheet which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. 9 shows a table format stored in a change storage unit according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the answer sheet filled in the answer column which concerns on this embodiment. 9 shows a table format stored in a correct answer storage unit according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 3rd screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 4th screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for explaining a method of scoring a descriptive answer sheet. It is a figure for explaining a method of scoring a selection type answer sheet. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 5th screen which concerns on this embodiment. The 6th screen concerning this embodiment is shown. (A) is an email sent to the examinee. (B) is an e-mail sent to the person in charge of the examination.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 19). In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference symbols and description thereof will not be repeated.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a color multi-function peripheral.

  The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on the paper P. The paper P is an example of a recording medium. The paper P is, for example, plain paper, copy paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, glossy paper, or OHP (Overhead Projector) paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 10, a reading unit 20, a document conveying unit 30, a communication unit 40, a paper feeding unit 50, a sheet conveying unit 60, an image forming unit 70, and a control unit 100. Prepare

  The operation unit 10 displays various screens. The operation unit 10 also receives an operation by the user. Specifically, the operation unit 10 has a touch panel 11. The touch panel 11 has a display 11a and a touch sensor 11b.

  The display 11a displays various screens. The display 11a is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display.

  The touch sensor 11b receives an operation by an operator. Specifically, the touch sensor 11b is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display 11a.

  The reading unit 20 reads the document D and generates image information. In the present embodiment, the document D is an answer sheet. The reading unit 20 includes a platen 21, a light source unit 22, an optical system 23, and an imaging device 24. The platen 21 is typically made of glass. The light source unit 22 includes a light source such as a light emitting diode and a reflection mirror. The light source unit 22 irradiates the document D placed on the platen 21 with light while moving in the sub-scanning direction X1, and the reflected light from the document D enters the optical system 23. The optical system 23 guides the reflected light to the imaging device 24, and the imaging device 24 images the reflected light to generate image information. The imager 24 includes an imager such as a charge coupled device. The reading unit 20 is, for example, a scanner.

  The document conveying section 30 conveys the document D so as to pass a predetermined document reading position R. The document feeding unit 30 includes a document placing tray 31, a document feeding device 32, and a document discharge tray 33. The original documents D placed on the original document tray 31 are conveyed one by one to the original document discharge tray 33 by the original document conveying device 32.

  Specifically, the document feeder 32 includes a plurality of guide plates and a plurality of pairs of transport rollers. The plurality of guide plates form a predetermined transport path, and the plurality of transport roller pairs are arranged along the predetermined transport path. The document D is transported by rotating the plurality of transport roller pairs. Specifically, the document D is conveyed to the document discharge tray 33 via the document reading position R.

  When the document transport unit 30 transports the document D, the light source unit 22 of the reading unit 20 is moved to a position facing the document reading position R. The light source unit 22 irradiates the document D passing through the document reading position R with light via the platen 21. As a result, the reflected light from the document D is guided to the image pickup device 24, and image information is generated.

  The communication unit 40 is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and executes communication with a database server that stores various kinds of information and with an information processing terminal such as a personal computer. The communication unit 40 transmits / receives information to / from a server device such as a database server. The communication unit 40 also sends an electronic mail to an information processing terminal such as a personal computer. The communication unit 40 is, for example, a network interface such as a LAN board.

  The sheet feeding unit 50 accommodates a plurality of sheets P and feeds the sheets P one by one to the sheet conveying unit 60. The paper feeding unit 50 has a detachable cassette 51. The cassette 51 accommodates a plurality of sheets P.

  The sheet transport unit 60 transports the paper P along a predetermined transport path. The sheet transport unit 60 has a discharge tray 61, a plurality of guide plates, and a plurality of transport roller pairs. The plurality of guide plates form a predetermined transport path, and the plurality of transport roller pairs are arranged along the predetermined transport path. The paper P is transported by the rotation of the plurality of transport roller pairs. Specifically, the paper P is conveyed to the discharge tray 61 via the image forming unit 70.

  The image forming unit 70 forms an image on the sheet P being conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 60. Specifically, the image forming unit 70 forms the image indicated by the image information on the paper P. The image information is generated by the control unit 100 or the reading unit 20.

  The image forming unit 70 forms an image on the sheet P by an electrophotographic method, and heats and presses the image to fix the image on the sheet P. Specifically, the image forming unit 70 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a charge eliminating device, and a fixing device, and the toner is applied to the paper P using toner. Form a toner image.

  The control unit 100 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 includes a processor and a control storage unit.

  The processor executes processes such as numerical calculation, information processing, and device control by executing the control program stored in the control storage unit. The processor of the control unit 100 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

  The control storage unit stores a control program and various kinds of information. The control storage unit includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  Next, the control unit 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 executes the operation of creating an answer sheet, registering the correct answer, and scoring the answer sheet. Hereinafter, the preparation of the answer sheet, the registration of the correct answer, and the marking of the answer sheet will be described.

(Preparation of answer sheet)
First, the preparation of the answer sheet by the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the answer sheet shows a plurality of question sentences. The answer sheet includes a descriptive answer sheet and a selectable answer sheet.

  First, a description type answer sheet will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a descriptive answer sheet according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the answer sheet P1 before the question sentences are rearranged. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the answer sheet P2 after the question sentences are rearranged. The control unit 100 generates an image corresponding to the answer sheet P2 based on the image corresponding to the answer sheet P1.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the answer sheet P1 has an examination section K, an examinee section N, and a question section Q.

  The test column K is a column for specifying a test. The examination column K has a subject column K1 and an examination number column K2. The subject column K1 is a column showing examination subjects. In FIG. 2A, the subject column K1 indicates that the examination subject is “grammar”. The examination number column K2 is a column showing serial numbers of examinations in the same subject. In FIG. 2A, the examination number column K2 indicates that the examination serial number of the subject “grammar” is “examination number 011”.

  The examinee column N is a column for identifying the examinee. The examinee column N has an examination number column N1 and a name column N2. The examination number column N1 and the name column N2 are underlined. The examination number column N1 is a column for entering an examination number determined for each examinee. In FIG. 2A, the examination number column N1 indicates that the examination number is blank. The name field N2 is a field in which the name of the examinee is entered. In FIG. 2A, the name column N2 indicates that the name is blank.

  The question column Q is a column showing a problem. In the present embodiment, the question column Q has a first question sentence, a second question sentence, and a third question sentence. The control unit 100 assigns identification information to each question sentence. Identification information Q1 to identification information Q3 are assigned to the first to third question sentences.

  The first question sentence indicates the content of the first question on the answer sheet P1. In FIG. 2A, the first question sentence indicates that the first question on the answer sheet P1 is a question for asking the examinee for "part of speech of a word indicating the name of a person, place, or thing".

  The second question sentence indicates the content of the second question on the answer sheet P1. In FIG. 2A, the second question sentence indicates that the second question on the answer sheet P1 is a question for asking the examinee for "part of speech of a word used in place of a noun".

  The third question sentence indicates the content of the third question on the answer sheet P1. In FIG. 2A, the third question sentence indicates that the third question on the answer sheet P1 is a question for asking the examinee about “part of speech of a word indicating a motion or state”.

  The first question sentence, the second question sentence, and the third question sentence have an answer column underlined. The underline is an example of a mark indicating the position of the answer column. The question column Q has a plurality of question sentences after the third question sentence.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the answer sheet P2 is an answer sheet in which the order of the first question sentence, the second question sentence, and the third question sentence in the question column Q of the answer sheet P1 is rearranged. . Specifically, the first question (first question sentence to which the identification information Q1 is assigned) shown in FIG. 2A is rearranged into the second question in FIG. 2B. The second question (the second question sentence to which the identification information Q2 is assigned) shown in FIG. 2A is rearranged into the third question in FIG. 2B. The third question (third question sentence to which the identification information Q3 is assigned) shown in FIG. 2A is rearranged to the first question in FIG. 2B.

  Next, the selection-type answer sheet according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a selective answer sheet according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the answer sheet P3 before rearranging the options. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the answer sheet P4 after rearranging the options. The control unit 100 generates an image corresponding to the answer sheet P4 based on the image corresponding to the answer sheet P3.

  The answer sheet P3 is different from the answer sheet P1 described with reference to FIG. 2A in the examination number column K2 and the question column Q. Hereinafter, only the difference between the answer sheet P3 and the answer sheet P1 will be described, and the description of the overlapping portion will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the examination number column K2 of the answer sheet P3 indicates that the examination serial number of the subject “grammar” is “examination number 012”. The question column Q of the answer sheet P3 has a first question sentence. The first question sentence has an answer column underlined. In addition, the first question sentence has a plurality of options. In the present embodiment, the first question sentence has a first option “noun”, a second option “adjective”, a third option “verb”, and a fourth option “pronoun”. The control unit 100 assigns identification information to each option. In the present embodiment, the identification information A1 to the identification information A4 are assigned to the first to fourth options.

  The first question sentence has a symbol indicating each option. Specifically, the first question sentence on the answer sheet P3 has the symbols “a” to “d”. In the first question sentence on the answer sheet P3, the symbol “a” is associated with the first option “noun”. In other words, the first option “noun” is arranged at the position corresponding to the symbol “a”. The symbol “b” is associated with the second option “adjective”. In other words, the second option “adjective” is arranged at the position corresponding to the symbol “b”. The symbol “c” is associated with the third option “verb”. In other words, the third option “verb” is arranged at the position corresponding to the symbol “c”. The symbol “d” is associated with the fourth option “pronoun”. In other words, the fourth option “pronoun” is arranged at the position corresponding to the symbol “d”. The test taker selects an answer to the first question sentence from four options, a first option a, a second option b, a third option c, and a fourth option d. Specifically, the examinee selects an answer to the first question sentence from the four symbols "a" to "d".

  The question column Q has a plurality of question sentences after the first question sentence. In the answer sheet P3, all question sentences are selection-type question sentences.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the answer sheet P4 is an answer sheet in which the order of the first option, the second option, the third option, and the fourth option in the first question sentence of the answer sheet P3 is rearranged. .

  Specifically, the first option “noun” shown in FIG. 3A is rearranged in the position corresponding to the symbol “d” in FIG. 3B. In other words, the option "noun" that was the first option on the answer sheet P3 becomes the fourth option on the answer sheet P4.

  The second option “adjective” shown in FIG. 3A is rearranged to the position corresponding to the symbol “a” in FIG. 3B. In other words, the option “adjective” that was the second option on the answer sheet P3 becomes the first option on the answer sheet P4.

  The third option "verb" shown in FIG. 3 (a) is rearranged to the position corresponding to the symbol "b" in FIG. 3 (b). In other words, the option “verb” that was the third option on the answer sheet P3 becomes the second option on the answer sheet P4.

  The fourth choice “pronoun” shown in FIG. 3A is rearranged to the position corresponding to the symbol “c” in FIG. 3B. In other words, the option "pronoun" that was the fourth option on the answer sheet P3 becomes the third option on the answer sheet P4.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 can send and receive information to and from the database server 3 and the information processing terminal 4 via the network 2.

  The database server 3 has a database that stores information related to the score of the answer sheet. The database stores, for example, the examinee's name, the examinee's number, the examinee's email address, and the grades to date. The information processing terminal 4 is a personal computer used by an examinee or an examiner.

  The control unit 100 includes an extracting unit 101, an assigning unit 102, a changing unit 103, a change storing unit 104, a correct answer storing unit 105, a correct answer registering unit 106, a searching unit 107, a determining unit 108, a scoring unit 109, a setting unit 110, and a totaling unit. It has a 111, a grade section 112, and an output section 113.

  Specifically, the processor of the control unit 100 executes the control program to extract the extraction unit 101, the allocation unit 102, the change unit 103, the change storage unit 104, the correct answer storage unit 105, the correct answer registration unit 106, and the search unit 107. , The judgment unit 108, the scoring unit 109, the setting unit 110, the totaling unit 111, the grade unit 112, and the output unit 113.

  Further, the extraction unit 101, the assignment unit 102, the change unit 103, the change storage unit 104, the correct answer storage unit 105, the correct answer registration unit 106, the search unit 107, the determination unit 108, the scoring unit 109, the setting unit 110, the counting unit 111, and the grade. The unit 112 and the output unit 113 work together as a test application program.

  The extraction unit 101 respectively extracts a plurality of pieces of read target information from a predetermined image. In the present embodiment, the predetermined image has been described by the reading unit 20 described with reference to FIG. 1 with reference to the answer sheet P1 described with reference to FIG. 2A or with reference to FIG. It is an image read from the answer sheet P3. The predetermined image includes a plurality of pieces of read target information arranged in a predetermined order. In the present embodiment, the read target information includes at least information indicating a question sentence. The read target information includes information indicating a question sentence. Further, the read target information includes information indicating options for the question sentence.

  Specifically, the read target information includes the information indicating the first question sentence, the information indicating the second question sentence, and the information indicating the third question sentence, which have already been described with reference to FIG. The reading target information includes the information indicating the first option, the information indicating the second option, the information indicating the third option, and the information indicating the fourth option, which have already been described with reference to FIG. The extraction unit 101 executes, for example, character recognition processing or natural language processing to extract the read target information from the predetermined image.

  The assigning unit 102 assigns identification information to each of the plurality of pieces of read target information that have been extracted. Each of the plurality of pieces of identification information is information for identifying the plurality of pieces of read target information. Specifically, the allocation unit 102 identifies from the identification information Q1 the information indicating the first question sentence, the information indicating the second question sentence, and the information indicating the third question sentence, which have already been described in FIG. 2A. Allocate information Q3. The allocating unit 102 changes the identification information from the identification information A1 to the information indicating the first option, the information indicating the second option, the information indicating the third option, and the information indicating the fourth option already described in FIG. 3A. Assign A4.

  The changing unit 103 rearranges the plurality of pieces of read target information in a different order from the predetermined order. For example, the changing unit 103 rearranges a plurality of pieces of read target information by generating a random number. The changing unit 103 assigns order information indicating the order of arrangement to each of the plurality of pieces of read target information after rearrangement. For example, the changing unit 103 assigns the order information in ascending order to each of the plurality of pieces of read target information after being rearranged.

  Specifically, the changing unit 103 rearranges the question sentences to which the identification information Q1 to Q3 shown in FIG. After the rearrangement, the changing unit 103 allocates the order information in ascending order as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the changing unit 103 rearranges the options assigned the descriptions from the first option a to the fourth option d shown in FIG. After the rearrangement, the changing unit 103 allocates the order information in ascending order as shown in FIG.

  The changing unit 103 stores the order before the rearrangement and the order after the rearrangement in the change storage unit 104 in association with each other via the identification information.

  The change storage unit 104 stores the same reading target information in association with the order before rearrangement and the order after rearrangement.

  FIG. 5 shows a table format stored in the change storage unit 104. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the change storage unit 104 stores the order before sorting and the order after sorting in a table format. FIG. 5A shows a table format stored in the change storage unit 104 when the answer sheet is a descriptive expression (FIG. 2). FIG. 5B shows a table format stored in the change storage unit 104 when the answer sheet is a selection type (FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the answer sheet is a descriptive type, the change storage unit 104 is assigned to the left column indicating the order after the change, the middle column indicating the order before the change, and the question sentence. It includes identification information.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the answer sheet is a selection type, the change storage unit 104 has a left column indicating the order after the change, a middle column indicating the order before the change, and an identification assigned to the option. Contains information and.

  The remaining configuration of the control unit 100 will be described later with reference to other drawings.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the operation of creating the answer sheet in which the order is rearranged by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation shown in FIG. 6 is started by the test staff member logging in to the image forming apparatus 1 and launching the test application program. When the test application program starts up, the control unit 100 controls the display 11a so that the first screen is displayed. The first screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, when the examiner selects “Create answer sheet” while the first screen is displayed, the control unit 100 causes the display 11a to display the second screen. , The display 11a is controlled. The second screen will be described later with reference to FIG. The operation proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the examiner inputs "file name / examination name" and "number of questions" while the second screen is displayed. The operation proceeds to step S103. The file name / test name will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S103, while the second screen is displayed, the person in charge of the test places the answer sheet before rearranging the order on the document transport unit 30. The examiner operates the operation unit 10 so that the reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet before rearranging the order. Hereinafter, the answer sheet before rearranging the order may be referred to as “first sheet”. The reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet before rearranging the order and generates information indicating a predetermined image. The operation proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the extraction unit 101 extracts, from the predetermined image, the reading target information indicating the question sentence or the option. The assigning unit 102 assigns identification information to each piece of information to be read. The changing unit 103 changes the order in which the read target information is arranged. The changing unit 103 stores the order after rearrangement and the order before rearrangement in the change storage unit 104 via the identification information.

  In step S105, the image forming unit 70 prints the question sentence or the answer sheet after the options are rearranged. Specifically, the image forming unit 70 prints the answer sheet shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B. Hereinafter, the answer sheet after the question sentences or the options are rearranged is referred to as “second sheet”. The answer sheet after the question sentences or the options are rearranged is printed on the blank sheet P described with reference to FIG. When the second sheet is printed, the operation shown in FIG. 6 is completed.

  A screen displayed on the display 11a of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 shows the first screen G1. The first screen G1 is a screen displayed when the test application program is started up. As shown in FIG. 7, the first screen G1 displays a "preparation of answer sheet" key G11, a "correct answer registration" key G12, and a "scoring" key G13. The "preparation of answer sheet" key G11, the "correct answer registration" key G12, and the "scoring" key G13 are soft keys.

  When the person in charge of examination presses the "preparation of answer sheet" key G11, the examination person starts in a mode in which answer sheets are rearranged in order. When the person in charge of the examination presses the “registration of correct answer” key G12, the test application program is activated in a mode of registering the answer sheet in which the correct answer is entered. When the examiner presses the "scoring" key G13, the test application program is activated in a mode of scoring the answer sheet in which the answers are written.

  FIG. 8 shows the second screen G2. The second screen G2 is a screen for registering answer sheets before rearranging the order. As shown in FIG. 8, the second screen G2 displays an input field G21, a "cancel" key G22, and a "order rearrangement" key G23. The "cancel" key G22 and the "order rearrangement" key G23 are soft keys.

  The input field G21 is a field for inputting the target test name and the number of questions. The input field G21 displays a "file name / test name" field G211 and a question number field G212. The “file name / test name” column G211 is a column for entering the file name or test name when registering the answer sheet before rearranging the order. The question number column G212 is displayed. In FIG. 8, the input field G21 indicates that the "file name / test name" is "grammar test number 011" and the number of questions is "50".

  When the person in charge of the examination presses the "Cancel" key G22, the reading unit 20 does not read the answer sheet before rearranging the order. On the contrary, if the tester puts the answer sheets before rearranging the order on the document placing tray 31 and presses the "rearrange order" key G23, the reading unit 20 can rearrange the order. Read the answer sheet. Then, the control unit 100 and the image forming unit 70 print the changed image after rearranging the order on the paper P (second paper). Further, the change storage unit 104 stores the order after sorting and the order before sorting in association with each other.

(Registration of correct answer)
Next, registration of the correct answer will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4 and 9 to 13. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an answer sheet in which the correct answer is entered in the answer column according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9A shows an answer sheet P5 in which the correct answer is entered in the answer column of the descriptive answer sheet P1 (see FIG. 2A).

  As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the first question, the second question, and the third question are provided with an answer column underlined, and the correct answer to the question is entered in the answer column. As shown in FIG. 9A, the correct answer to the first question is "noun". The correct answer to the second question is "pronoun", and the correct answer to the third question is "verb".

  FIG. 9B shows an answer sheet P6 in which the correct answer is entered in the answer column of the selective answer sheet P3 (see FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 9B, the first question is provided with an underlined answer field, and the correct answer is entered in the answer field. As shown in FIG. 9B, the correct answer to the first question is option “d”.

  Next, of the remaining configuration of the control unit 100, a configuration related to registration of a correct answer will be described with reference to FIG.

  The correct answer storage unit 105 stores correct answer information indicating a correct answer for a question sentence. The correct answer information includes, for example, information indicating the correct answer to the question sentence. The correct answer information is information indicating options of correct answers. The information indicating the correct answer is, for example, “noun”. The correct choices are, for example, “◯” and “x”. The correct answer storage unit 105 stores correct answer information for each subject listed in the subject column K1 and for each test number listed in the examination number column K2.

  FIG. 10 shows a table format stored in the correct answer storage unit 105. As shown in FIG. 10, the correct answer storage unit 105 stores the order before rearrangement and correct answer information in a table format. FIG. 10A shows a table format stored in the correct answer storage unit 105 when the answer sheet is a descriptive expression (FIG. 2). FIG. 10B shows a table format stored in the correct answer storage unit 105 when the answer sheet is a selection formula (FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 10A, in the case of the descriptive answer sheet, the correct answer storage unit 105 includes a left column indicating the order of the question sentences before the change and a right column indicating correct answer information for the question sentences. . The correct answer information for the question sentence is, for example, “noun”, “pronoun”, and “verb”.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, in the case of the selective answer sheet, the correct answer storage unit 105 includes a left column showing the order of the options before the change and a right column showing the correct answer information showing the correct options. There is. The correct answer information indicating the correct answer option indicates “◯” when the option is correct and indicates “x” when the option is incorrect.

  The correct answer registration unit 106 registers the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105. The correct answer registration unit 106 uses the answer sheet P5 or the answer sheet P6 to register the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105, for example.

  Specifically, the reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet P5 or the answer sheet P6 and generates image information in which the correct answer information is underlined. In the present embodiment, the correct answer registration unit 106 identifies the position of the portion in which the correct answer is written, based on the underline. The correct answer registration unit 106 extracts correct answer information from the image information of the portion in which the correct answer is described, for example, using character recognition processing and natural language processing. The correct answer registration unit 106 registers the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105.

  The correct answer registration unit 106 may use the answer sheet P1 and the answer sheet P5 to register the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105.

  Specifically, the reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet P1 and generates image information that does not include correct answer information. Then, the reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet P5 and generates image information including the correct answer information. The correct answer registration unit 106 compares the image information not including the correct answer information with the image information including the correct answer information to specify the position of the portion in which the correct answer information is described. The correct answer registration unit 106 executes, for example, character recognition processing or natural language processing, and extracts correct answer information from the image information of the portion in which the correct answer is described. The correct answer registration unit 106 registers the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105.

  Furthermore, the correct answer registration unit 106 may store the correct answer information stored in the external storage device in the correct answer storage unit 105. Specifically, the correct answer registration unit 106 may cause the correct answer storage unit 105 to store correct answer information stored in, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an external HDD, or an external server device.

  The remaining configuration of the control unit 100 will be described later with reference to other drawings.

  Next, the operation of registering the correct answer information in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation shown in FIG. 11 is started by the tester logging in to the image forming apparatus 1 and starting up the test application program. When the test application program starts up, the control unit 100 controls the display 11a so that the first screen G1 is displayed.

  In step S201, when the examiner selects "registration of correct answer" while the first screen G1 is displayed, the control unit 100 controls the display 11a so that the third screen is displayed. The third screen will be described later with reference to FIG. The operation proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the test staff inputs the "file name / test name" and the "password" while the third screen is displayed. The operation proceeds to step S203.

  In step S <b> 203, the examiner places the answer sheet in which the correct answer is written on the original document transport unit 30 while the third screen is displayed. The examiner operates the operation unit 10 so that the reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet in which the correct answer is written. The reading unit 20 generates correct answer image information. The operation proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the correct answer registration unit 106 registers the file name / test name, password, and correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105. The control unit 100 controls the display 11a so that the fourth screen is displayed on the display 11a. The fourth screen will be described later with reference to FIG. The operation proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, when the person in charge of examination inputs the setting of the score or the like while the fourth screen is displayed, the setting unit 110 sets the score of the scoring unit 109. When the allocation of points is set, the operation shown in FIG. 11 is completed.

  A screen displayed on the display 11a of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows the third screen G3. The third screen G3 is a screen for registering the correct answer sheet. As shown in FIG. 12, the third screen G3 includes an input field G31, a “cancel” key G32, and a “start” key G33. The "cancel" key G32 and the "start" key G33 are soft keys.

  The input field G31 is a field for inputting the target test name and password. The input field G31 displays a "file name / test name" field G311 and a password field G312. The “file name / test name” field G311 is a field for entering the file name or test name of the file registered as the correct image. The password column G312 is a column for entering a browsing password for browsing the file. To prevent unauthorized release of correct exam answers before the exam is complete, passwords restrict file viewing. In FIG. 12, the input field G31 indicates that the "file name / test name" is "grammar test number 011" and the password is "6394".

  When the person in charge of examination presses the “Cancel” key G32, the correct answer registration unit 106 does not store the correct answer in the correct answer storage unit 105. On the contrary, if the examiner places the answer sheet on which the correct answer is entered on the document placing tray 31 and presses the "Start" key G33, the reading section 20 will display the answer sheet on which the correct answer is entered. Read and generate correct image information. The correct answer registration unit 106 extracts correct answer information from the correct answer image information and registers the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit 105.

  FIG. 13 shows the fourth screen G4. The fourth screen G4 is a screen for setting the points and the like. As shown in FIG. 13, the fourth screen G4 displays a “scan result” column G41, a score setting column G42, a summary column G43, a “cancel” key G44, and a “register” key G45. The "cancel" key G44 and the "register" key G45 are soft keys.

  The “scan result” column G41 is a column for displaying the test subject, the test number, the number of questions, and the like stored in the correct answer storage unit 105. The “scan result” column G41 includes a display column G411 and a scroll bar G412. The display column G411 is a column for displaying the test subject, the test number, the number of questions, and the like. The scroll bar G412 is a scroll bar for changing the display area of the display column G411 to display information that cannot be displayed at one time. In FIG. 13, the “scan result” column G41 indicates that the number of questions for the “grammar test number 011” is “50 questions”.

  The point setting column G42 is a column for setting a point. The score setting field G42 includes an "inclined score" box G421, a "test name" field G422, a "question number" field G423, an "all" box G424, a "score" field G425, and a "cancel" key G426. , "Register" key G427 is displayed. The “cancel” key G426 and the “register” key G427 are soft keys.

  The “inclined score” box G421 is a check box indicating whether or not the score is changed from the initial setting. The initial setting is, for example, 1 point / 1 question. A check in the “Slope point” box G421 indicates that the point is to be changed for a particular problem. On the contrary, if the "tilt score" box G421 is not checked, it means that the score is not changed from the initial setting. In FIG. 13, an "inclined score" box G421 indicates that the score is changed from the initial setting.

  The “test name” column G422 is a drop-down list for setting a test name for changing the score. In FIG. 13, the "test name" column G422 indicates that the score of "grammar test number 011" is changed from the initial setting.

  The "question number" column G423 is a text box in which the number of the question whose score is to be changed among the questions included in the test described in the "test name" column G422 is entered. In FIG. 13, the “problem number” column G423 indicates that the allocation of the thirteenth question is changed.

  The "all" box G424 is a check box indicating whether or not to change all the score points of the questions included in the test described in the "test name" column G422. If the "all" box G424 is checked, all the scores of the questions included in the test described in the "test name" column G422 are changed. On the contrary, if the "all" box G424 is not checked, a part of the score of the questions included in the test described in the "test name" column G422 is changed. In FIG. 13, the “all” box G424 indicates that the points of some questions are changed instead of changing the points of all questions.

  The "score" column G425 is a column for entering the score of the problem described in the "problem number" column G423. In FIG. 13, the "pointing" column G425 shows that the point of the 13th question is changed to 5 points.

  When the examiner presses the “Cancel” key G426, the setting unit 110 does not set the score change to the scoring unit 109. On the contrary, when the test person presses the “registration” key G427, the setting unit 110 sets the score change to the scoring unit 109.

  The summary column G43 is a column for describing a summary of the scoring method. The summary column G43 includes a "total number of questions" column G431, a "total score" column G432 column, and a "grading method" column G433.

  The “total number of questions” column G431 shows the total number of questions of a plurality of subjects stored in the correct answer storage unit 105. The “total number of questions” column G431 is described based on the storage of the correct answer storage unit 105. In FIG. 13, the “total number of questions” column G431 indicates that the total number of questions in a plurality of subjects is 500 questions.

  The “total score” column G432 shows the total score of points for a plurality of subjects stored in the correct answer storage unit 105. The “total point” column G432 is changed based on the point setting column G42. In FIG. 13, the “total score” column G432 indicates that the total score of a plurality of subjects is 505.

  The “grading method” column G433 is a drop-down list for setting the method of classifying the examinees. In FIG. 13, the "grading method" column G433 indicates that "grading by letter" is selected as the grading method. "Grading by letter" is, for example, grading in five stages of "AE".

  When the person in charge of examination presses the “Cancel” key G44, the setting unit 110 does not set the contents set on the fourth screen G4 in the scoring unit 109. On the contrary, when the test person presses the “registration” key G45, the setting unit 110 sets the content set on the fourth screen G4 in the scoring unit 109.

(Scoring of answer sheet, etc.)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 14 to FIG. 19, the scoring of the answer sheet in which the question sentences or the options are rearranged will be described.

  14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining a scoring method by the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of scoring a descriptive answer sheet. FIG. 14A is an answer sheet P7 in which the examinee manually writes the name, the examination number, and the answer on the answer sheet P2 in which the question sentences are rearranged. FIG. 14B is an answer sheet P5 in which the correct answers already described in FIG. 9A are entered.

  In the examinee column N of the answer sheet P7, the examinee number and name are entered. The examination number of the examinee is described in the examination number column N1. In FIG. 14A, the examination number column N1 indicates that the examination number is “10394”. In FIG. 14A, the name column N2 indicates that the name of the examinee is “Taro Yamada”.

  In the answer column of the answer sheet P7, the answer by the examinee is entered in the answer column. In FIG. 14A, the answer entered by the examinee for the first question is “verb”. The answer entered by the examinee for the second question is the "adverb". The answer entered by the examinee for the third question is "pronoun".

  FIG. 15A shows an answer sheet P8. The answer sheet P8 is an answer sheet in which the examinee manually writes the name, the examination number, and the answer on the answer sheet P3 in which the options are rearranged. FIG. 15B is the answer sheet P6 in which the correct answers already described in FIG. 9B are entered.

  The examinee number N and the name are entered in the examinee column N of the answer sheet P8. The examination number of the examinee is described in the examination number column N1. In FIG. 15A, the examination number column N1 indicates that the examination number is “10394”. In FIG. 15A, the name column N2 indicates that the name of the examinee is “Taro Yamada”.

  In the answer column of the answer sheet P8, the options selected by the examinee are entered. In FIG. 15A, the option entered by the examinee in the answer column for the first question is “c”.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, among the remaining configurations of the control unit 100, configurations related to scoring of answer sheets and the like will be described.

  The extraction unit 101 extracts the read target information and the answer information indicating the answer from the answer image. The answer image is an image read by the reading unit 20 from the answer sheet P7 or the answer sheet P8. The extraction unit 101 cuts out the image information of the answer column from the answer image based on the underline indicating the position of the answer column. The extraction unit 101 executes, for example, character recognition processing or natural language processing, and extracts answer information from the cut image information. The answer information is, for example, “noun”.

  The search unit 107 searches the change storage unit 104 for the order before the rearrangement of the read target information based on the rearranged order of the read target information. Specifically, the search unit 107 searches the change storage unit 104 for the order before the rearrangement, which is associated with the order after the rearrangement of the information to be read. When the search unit 107 searches the order before the rearrangement of the read target information, the search unit 107 acquires the correct answer information for the read target information from the correct answer storage unit 105 based on the order before the rearrangement of the read target information.

  With reference to FIG. 14, a method of acquiring the correct answer information of the answer sheet of the description type will be described. A case where the correct answer information is acquired for the first question on the answer sheet P7 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the method for acquiring the correct answer information for the second and subsequent questions on the answer sheet P7 is the same as that for the first question on the answer sheet P7, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  The search unit 107 searches the change storage unit 104 for a question on the answer sheet P5 corresponding to the first question on the answer sheet P7. As a result of the search, the search unit 107 determines that the first question on the answer sheet P7 corresponds to the third question on the answer sheet P5. The search unit 107 searches the correct answer storage unit 105 to obtain the “verb” which is the correct answer information of the third question on the answer sheet P5.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a method for acquiring the correct answer information of the selective answer sheet will be described. A case where the correct answer information is acquired for the first question on the answer sheet P8 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the method of acquiring the correct answer information for the second and subsequent questions on the answer sheet P8 is the same as that for the first question on the answer sheet P8, the description thereof will be omitted.

  The search unit 107 searches the change storage unit 104 for the option of the first question on the answer sheet P6 corresponding to the third option c of the first question on the answer sheet P8. As a result of the search, the search unit 107 determines that the third option c of the first question on the answer sheet P8 corresponds to the fourth option d of the first question on the answer sheet P6. The search unit 107 searches the correct answer storage unit 105 and acquires that the fourth option d of the first question on the answer sheet P5 is “correct answer”.

  The determination unit 108 determines whether the answer information extracted by the extraction unit 101 and the correct answer information acquired by the search unit 107 are the same.

  The scoring unit 109 generates a scoring result based on the number of pieces of read target information that the determination unit 108 has determined to be the same. The scoring result is, for example, “23/25 points” if it is indicated by “scored points / full score”.

  The scoring unit 109 may change the score according to the problem. For example, easy questions may be given a low score, and difficult questions may be given a high score. When the score is changed according to the problem, the scoring unit 109 generates a scoring result according to the score.

  The answer sheet may include questions of multiple subjects. For example, mathematics and science may be written on the same answer sheet. In this case, the scoring unit 109 calculates a total score of a plurality of subjects and calculates a score for each subject. The total points are, for example, 505 points. The score for each subject is, for example, “grammar 23/25 points, science 13/25 points, ...”.

  The setting unit 110 sets the points and the like of the questions to be scored by the scoring unit 109. Specifically, the setting unit 110 sets the scoring unit 109 so that the score is different depending on the problem. For example, the setting unit 110 sets "the score of the 13th question of grammar is 5 points", "the score of 7th question of science is 3 points", and "1 point for other questions". The score of the scoring unit 109 is set.

  The tallying unit 111 tallies the scoring results for each examinee and generates a tallying result. The tabulation result is a table in which the scoring results of a plurality of examinees are rearranged based on an order such as a name order and a score order. The aggregated results are used, for example, to compare the results of a plurality of examinees and to identify reexaminers.

  The grade section 112 grades the examinees according to the scoring result. The classification is, for example, to divide the examinee into five stages of “A to E” and “5-1” or four stages of “excellent, good, good, and bad”. The scoring result will be described in the tabulation result.

  The output unit 113 outputs the scoring result and / or the counting result to the outside. Specifically, the scoring result and / or the counting result is output to the outside by electronic mail and / or printing. Various information such as an e-mail address is obtained from the database server 3 via the network 2. The output e-mail is transmitted to the examinees and the information processing terminal 4 of the examiner via the network 2. The output by printing is executed by the image forming unit 70 printing on the paper P.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 16 to FIG. 19, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 scoring and tabulating the answer sheet in which the answer of the examinee is entered and outputting the answer sheet will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation shown in FIG. 11 is started by the tester logging in to the image forming apparatus 1 and starting up the test application program. When the test application program starts up, the control unit 100 controls the display 11a so that the first screen G1 is displayed.

  In step S301, while the first screen G1 described with reference to FIG. 7 is displayed, when the examiner presses the “scoring” key G13 and selects “scoring”, the control unit 100 displays the fifth screen. So that the display 11a is controlled. The fifth screen will be described later with reference to FIG. The operation proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the test staff selects the test to be graded while the fifth screen is displayed. When the person in charge of examination selects the examination to be scored, the control unit 100 controls the display 11a so that the sixth screen is displayed. The sixth screen will be described later with reference to FIG. The operation proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the examiner selects the scoring result output method while the sixth screen is displayed. The operation proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, the examiner places the answer sheet in which the answer is written on the original document transport section 30 while the sixth screen is displayed. The examiner operates the operation unit 10 so that the reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet in which the answer is written. The reading unit 20 reads the answer sheet in which the answer is written and generates an answer image. The operation proceeds to step S305.

  In step S <b> 305, the search unit 107 searches the change storage unit 104 for the order before the rearrangement of the read target information based on the rearranged order of the read target information. The search unit 107 acquires correct answer information for the read target information based on the order before the rearrangement of the read target information. The extraction unit 101 extracts answer information from the answer image. The determination unit 108 determines whether the acquired correct answer information and the extracted answer information are the same. The scoring unit 109 generates a scoring result based on the number of questions or the number of options for which the determination unit 108 has determined that the acquired correct answer information is the same as the extracted answer information. If the points are different due to the problem, a scoring result is generated based on the points. The operation proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the tallying unit 111 tallies the scoring results for each examinee and generates a tallying result. The grade section 112 grades the examinees according to the scoring result described in the counting result. The operation proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the output unit 113 outputs the scoring result and / or the counting result to the outside. For example, the output unit 113 sends the scoring result and / or the counting result to the external device by electronic mail. The output unit 113 sends a scoring result and / or a counting result to an external device by e-mail based on various information (e-mail address and fixed text of e-mail) obtained from the database server 3.

  Specifically, the output unit 113 sends the scoring result to each examinee by e-mail. The email sent to the examinee will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the output unit 113 sends the totalized result to the person in charge of the test by e-mail. The e-mail sent to the test staff will be described later with reference to FIG. When the e-mail is sent, the operation shown in FIG. 16 is completed, the examinee receives the scoring result, and the examiner receives the scoring result of the examination.

  Screens displayed on the display 11a of the image forming apparatus 1, the information processing terminal 4 of the examinee, and the information processing terminal 4 of the examiner will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 17 shows a fifth screen G5 for selecting a test to be scored. The fifth screen G5 is displayed on the display 11a of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the fifth screen G5 displays a display field G51, a scroll bar G52, a “cancel” key G53, and an “OK” key G54. The "cancel" key G53 and the "OK" key G54 are soft keys.

  The display field G51 is a list box for selecting a test to be scored. The tester can select one or more tests as tests to be scored. In FIG. 17, a display column G51 indicates that “grammar test number 011” has been selected as the scoring target. The scroll bar G52 is a scroll bar for changing the display area of the display column G51 to display information that cannot be displayed at one time.

  When the examiner presses the “Cancel” key G53, the selection in the display field G51 becomes invalid and it is necessary to set the scoring target again. On the contrary, when the person in charge of the examination presses the "OK" key G54, the scoring unit 109 marks the scoring target as the test selected in the display field G51.

  FIG. 18 shows the sixth screen G6 for selecting the output method. The sixth screen G6 is displayed on the display 11a of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the sixth screen G6 displays an arrangement method column G61, an output method column G62, a “cancel” key G63, and an “OK” key G64. The “cancel” key G63 and the “OK” key G64 are soft keys.

  The ordering column G61 sets in which order among the “result order”, “name order”, and “examination number order” the plurality of examinees are to be arranged in the counting result. In FIG. 18, the arrangement column G61 is a radio button. The person in charge of the examination selects one from "order of grade", "order of name", and "order of examination number". The tallying unit 111 generates a tallying result in which the examinees are rearranged in the selected order. In FIG. 18, the arrangement method column G61 indicates that the examinees are selected to be arranged in score order. Therefore, the tallying unit 111 generates a tallying result in which the examinees are arranged in the order of scores.

  The output method column G62 sets which of “sending and printing”, “sending only”, and “printing only” is used for output. In FIG. 18, the output method column G62 is a radio button. The tester selects one from "send and print", "send only", and "print only". The output unit 113 outputs the scoring result and / or the counting result to the outside by the selected method. In FIG. 18, the output method column G62 indicates that the output of “transmission only” is selected. Therefore, the output unit 113 outputs the scoring result and / or the counting result by e-mail.

  FIG. 19A shows the text of the email M1 sent to the examinee. The text of the email M1 is displayed on the display device of the information processing terminal 4 of the examinee, for example.

  The email M1 displays the address M11, the fixed form M12, and the scoring result M13. The address M11 indicates the name of the examinee who is the destination of the email M1. In FIG. 19A, the address M11 indicates that the destination of the electronic mail M1 is “Taro Yamada”. The fixed text M12 is a fixed text of the email M1 sent to the examinee. In FIG. 19A, the fixed phrase M12 indicates the fixed phrase "I will inform you of the scoring result of the intermediate test." The scoring result M13 indicates the scoring result for each examinee. In FIG. 19A, the scoring result M13 indicates the scoring result that the score of "grammar test number 011" is "23/25 points".

  FIG. 19B shows the text of the electronic mail M2 transmitted to the tester, which is displayed on the display device of the information processing terminal of the tester.

  The electronic mail M2 displays the address M21, the fixed phrase M22, and the totalized result M23. The address M21 indicates the destination of the electronic mail M2. In FIG. 19B, the address M21 indicates that the destination of the email M2 is the person in charge of testing. The fixed phrase M22 indicates the fixed phrase of the email M2 sent to the person in charge of the examination. In FIG. 19 (b), the fixed phrase M22 indicates the fixed phrase "I'll let you know the result of the intermediate test." The tabulation result M23 indicates the result of arranging the tabulation results by grade. In FIG. 19B, in the total result M23, the name of the examinee with the fifth grade is “Taro Yamada”, the examinee number is “10394”, the scoring result is “80/100”, and the grade is “A”. Indicates that.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 19, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can automatically create an answer sheet in which the order of the question sentences is changed once the test question is registered. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment marks the answer sheet in which the answer is written without using human hands. Therefore, the convenience of the person in charge of testing who is the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can be improved.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be carried out in various aspects within the scope of the invention (for example, (1) to (6) shown below). For easy understanding, the drawings mainly show the respective constituent elements, and the number of the constituent elements shown in the drawings may be different from the actual one for the convenience of creating the drawings. Further, the shapes and the like of the respective constituent elements shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the constitution of the present invention.

(1) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color multifunction peripheral, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be a monochrome multifunction machine, a color copier or a monochrome copier.

(2) In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic multifunction machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 1 may be, for example, an inkjet recording type multifunction machine.

(3) In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 rearranges either the question sentence or the options for the question sentence, but the present invention is not limited to this. Both the question sentence and the options for the question sentence may be rearranged. Moreover, you may create the answer sheet that includes both the description formula and the selection formula.

(4) In the present embodiment, the correct answer information is stored in the correct answer storage unit 105, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the database server 3 may store the correct answer information, and the correct answer information may be transmitted from the database server 3 each time it is determined whether or not the answer is correct.

(5) In the present embodiment, the setting of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed by the operation unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, registration of a correct answer, registration of a score, and the like may be set from the information processing terminal 4 of the person in charge of the examination.

(6) In the present embodiment, the scoring result and the counting result are output by email, but the present invention is not limited to this. The scoring result and the counting result may be printed on the paper P by the image forming unit 70.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus.

1 Image Forming Apparatus 20 Reading Unit 100 Control Unit 101 Extraction Unit 102 Allocation Unit

Claims (16)

A reading unit, an extracting unit, and an assigning unit,
The reading unit reads a predetermined image including a plurality of pieces of information to be read arranged in a predetermined order from the first sheet,
The extraction unit extracts each of the plurality of pieces of read target information from the predetermined image,
The assigning unit assigns identification information to each of the plurality of pieces of information to be read,
The predetermined image includes at least information indicating a question sentence,
The image forming apparatus, wherein each of the plurality of pieces of information to be read indicates the question sentence or options for the question sentence. A change unit for rearranging the plurality of pieces of information to be read so as to be in an order different from the predetermined order,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit assigns, to each of the plurality of pieces of read target information after rearrangement, order information indicating an arrangement order in ascending order. An image forming unit configured to print the changed image including the plurality of pieces of read target information after being rearranged on a second sheet,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the changed image indicates an image in which the plurality of pieces of read target information are rearranged with respect to the predetermined image. A change storage unit is further provided,
The change storage unit stores the same reading target information in association with the order before rearrangement and the order after rearrangement,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the changing unit stores the order before the rearrangement and the order after the rearrangement in the change storage unit in association with each other through the identification information. A search unit and a determination unit are further provided,
The question sentence has an answer column for entering an answer to the question sentence,
The reading unit reads the second sheet in which the answer to the question sentence is written in the answer column to generate an answer image,
The extraction unit extracts the reading target information and answer information indicating the answer from the answer image,
The search unit is
On the basis of the rearranged order of the read target information, the order before the rearrangement of the read target information is searched from the change storage unit,
Based on the order before the rearrangement of the read target information, to obtain correct answer information indicating the correct answer to the read target information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether the correct answer information and the answer information are the same. A correct answer storage unit and a correct answer registration unit are further provided,
The correct answer storage unit stores an order before the rearrangement of the reading target information and the correct answer information for the reading target information,
The correct answer registration unit registers the correct answer information in the correct answer storage unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the search unit searches the correct answer storage unit for the correct answer information. The predetermined image further includes a mark indicating the position of the answer column, and the correct answer information entered in the answer column,
The correct answer registration unit,
Based on the mark, extract the correct answer information from the predetermined image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the correct answer information is registered in the correct answer storage unit. The correct answer registration unit,
The predetermined image in which the answer column is blank and the predetermined image in which the correct answer is entered in the answer column is compared to extract the correct answer information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the correct answer information is registered in the correct answer storage unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the correct answer registration unit registers the correct answer information stored in an external storage device in the correct answer storage unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a scoring unit that generates a scoring result based on the number of pieces of the read target information determined by the determination unit to be the same. The predetermined image includes the reading target information of a plurality of subjects,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the scoring unit calculates a total score of a plurality of subjects. The predetermined image includes the reading target information of a plurality of subjects,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the scoring unit calculates a score for each subject.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a setting unit that sets a score for each piece of the read target information.   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a tallying unit that tallies the scoring results of a plurality of examinees and generates a tallying result. Further comprising a grade section for classifying the examinees according to the scoring result,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the totalized result includes a result of classification. Further comprising a communication unit for communicating with an external information processing terminal,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the scoring result and the counting result is transmitted to the information processing terminal by electronic mail.

Images