Renaissance Learning, Inc.

Mark R Swanson

Peter William Jungwirth

John W Grosz

William C Apperson

Jason Boon

Donald K Zahrte, Sr

Gary L Friederichs

William L Moss, Jr

Dean A Goodmanson

Christina Miller

A wireless classroom response system includes multiple wireless networks, each serving a different classroom. Each network has a computer located proximate to the classroom that the wireless network serves. The computer executes a communications server and an application program, wherein the application program facilitates classroom activities. The system also includes a wireless access point located proximate to the classroom. The wireless access point is communicatively linked to the computer. The system also has a plurality of handheld units. Each handheld unit displays, to a user, a list of the networks, and receives a user input indicating which one of the wireless networks the handheld unit should connect. The handheld unit connects to the chosen wireless network, thereby becoming a node in the wireless network. It also transmits data to the application program via the wireless access point and the communications server.

Wireless classroom system allowing user to access a particular classroom by selecting corresponding network from a list of wireless networks

Wireless base station

Handheld wireless communication device

Handheld wireless communication device keypad

A device and method for reading optical marks are disclosed. The device, an optical mark reader (OMR) has an array of photo sensors with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are driven by digital-to-analog converters (DACs), which are in turn controlled by a microcontroller. When calibrating the OMR, the sensors read a white card, and the microcontroller adjust the DACs so that the outputs of all sensors are at a voltage close to the saturation points of the photo-transistors in the sensors so that the maximum useable ranges of the sensors are utilized. The sensors then read one or more patterns of known grayscales and their response voltages are recorded. The microcontroller generates an array of voltage values as a function of grayscale for each sensor and store the values in a memory device. When reading an optical marks, the sensor output voltage in response to a mark is looked up in the table of voltages values stored in the memory device to determine the grayscale of the mark. Various algorithms may be employed to calculate an apparent grayscale to allow the test taker's true intent be ascertained without requiring the test taker to make a perfect mark.

Device and method for inspecting markings

An optical mark reader includes a housing formed by a base and an upper housing assembly. A scanner is associated with the upper housing assembly for performing scanning operations on cards that are input into the housing. The base and the upper housing are detachably connected to each other by a quick connect/disconnect fastening system which permits easy access to the lens of the scanner, whereby the lens can be cleaned as needed. In addition, the housing includes a unique card path defined, in part, by a pair of guide walls on the base. The card path includes an inlet that is tapered both vertically and horizontally make insertion of cards into the housing easier. Further, a single, offset drive wheel is used to transport cards through the housing.

Optical mark reader

Optical mark reader housing

Growing community of inventors

Wisconsin Rapids, WI, United States of America

Mark R Swanson