Patents

Pre-Selecting Questions in Computer-Adaptive Tests

Cambium Assessment invented a system and method for efficiently delivering questions on a student machine for computer-adaptive tests. The system minimizes student wait time; as the student responds to current questions, the system dynamically computes and identifies the next questions based on the test blueprint, thus ensuring the test is valid and reliable.

System and Method for Optical Mark Recognition

Although Cambium Assessment primarily delivers online tests, we also administer paper based tests which require scanning. For paper tests, we scan the test booklets after a student completes a test. We created a method to recognize optimal marks on test booklets in a reliable and accurate manner. This includes identifying at least one path of traversal across a form, detecting edge transitions along each such path, and creating page template using the detected edge transitions.

Constructed Response Scoring Mechanism

Cambium Assessment developed a system and method for scoring user responses to constructed-response test questions. Constructed responses are generally open-ended short answers or essays that demonstrate cognitive knowledge and reasoning. We developed an automated scoring engine for receiving the response and evaluating it against a scoring rubric. A scoring rubric is a machine-scorable method for a system to interpret guidelines on how to score a response. It can comprise objects, object sets, attributes of objects, and transformations of any element.

Processing and Displaying Speech Commands

Cambium Assessment continues to break ground in evaluating and measuring student responses. We invented a system that allows a test-taker to simply read what is on a computer screen that involves visual elements, with which the test-taker interacts. In doing so, the test-taker gives the appropriate commands to the speech recognition system for the task at hand. The speech recognition system includes the ability to recognize speech, build grammar, and enable speech. The construction and display of speech commands system may automatically generate a speech enabled application from generated speech grammar.