Patent ID: 8057237
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: G06Q,G09B

Abstract:
1. An evaluation system employing a computing device for evaluating the skill of a subject in the design and assembly of automated mechanisms wherein, in response to a design and assembly task having associated target design and operation characteristics that is displayed to the subject by a display means, the subject designs and assembles an actual automated mechanism having operation characteristics and the system evaluates, by actual measurement, the actual operation characteristics of the assembled automated mechanism, the system comprising: a computing portion having a processing portion for at least receiving data that includes input data from the subject and operating condition data, and further for determining a final evaluation of the subject comprising adjusting a point value associated with the performed design and operability thereof to provide a point score indicating a quality of the performed design and operability thereof relative to the target design and operability thereof in which said adjustment comprises deduction of a point value from said point value associated with said target design and operability thereof, said deducted point value comprising a point value respectively associated with selection of components used to construct said object by said subject, operability of said object constructed with said components, time of completion of said performed design, and an amount of modification of said performed design relative to said target design and operability, said amount of modification being defined by the number of times said performed design has been modified by the subject in order to achieve said target design and operability; a plurality of inputting and outputting means for at least graphical or alpha-numeric communication with the subject, via a display means that is a graphical interface cooperating with a computer mouse or a keyboard, and communication with an external measurement means, the computing portion further comprising: a design means in communication with the subject, the processing portion, and means for selecting a design and assembly task; a plurality of permanently stored databases at least one of which stores selectable design and assembly tasks and target operation characteristics therefor; a database for receiving and storing measured operation condition data, the system further comprising: an apparatus assembly portion for assembly by the subject of an actual automated mechanism which mechanism consists essentially of one or more non-uniform-conversion-type mechanisms, an actuator for each of the one or more non-uniform-conversion-type mechanisms for driving the one or more non-uniform-conversion-type mechanisms, a controller for controlling the actuator or actuators, one or more sensors for sensing the speed, position, or orientation, or a combination of these, of the non-uniform-conversion-type mechanisms, and connecting members; and an actual automated mechanism measurement portion for measuring operation characteristics of the assembled automated mechanism and comprising a means for outputting the results of the measurements to the processing portion of the computing portion, and a timing means, wherein, in operation of the system, design and assembly task having target operation characteristics and an assortment of elements useable for design and assembly of an automated mechanism capable of accomplishing the task and selected from the group consisting of non-uniform-conversion-type mechanisms, actuators, controllers, sensors, and connectors are graphically or alpha-numerically displayed to the subject via the display, whereupon the subject communicates to the designing means, via an input means, a selection and juxtaposition of elements and controller programming information, whereupon the elements selected by the subject are provided at an assembly apparatus where the actual automated mechanism is manually constructed by the subject, whereafter the operation characteristics of the actual constructed automated mechanism are measured by the actual automated mechanism measurement portion and communicated to the processing portion; and wherein at the assembly portion where the subject constructs, programs automation if a programmable controller is selected, tests the actual automated mechanism as constructed and programmed, and performs post-modifications, programming, and testing of the actual automated mechanism designed by the subject, the subject performing without assistance of another and without availability of step by step instructions designed by another, whereby the technical ability being demonstrated by the design, construction, programming, testing, and modifications, and that which is to be evaluated, is that only of the subject.