JP7577332B2 - Automatic question generation device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to a technology for automatically creating problems for education, for example, a technology for automatically creating word problems for learning arithmetic.

Traditionally, elementary school students and other learners would purchase book workbooks to study subjects such as arithmetic and solve the problems in the workbooks. However, because workbooks are books, once an answer is written in pencil in a workbook, the problem cannot be solved repeatedly. Therefore, if the answers are written on a separate sheet of paper, the problem can be solved repeatedly. However, problems once printed cannot be changed, and no new questions can be added. In other words, the number of problems in a workbook is finite. Learners may memorize the answers to problems they have already solved. For this reason, in the past, solving the same problems repeatedly did not have much effect on learning.

According to Patent Document 1, a calculator is proposed that automatically creates simple calculation formulas that can be written in one line.

Patent No. 4463318

According to Patent Document 1, new calculation problems can be created by changing the coefficients of a formula using random numbers, so that learners can solve more calculation problems. However, the calculator in Patent Document 1 can only display one line of a formula, so it cannot display arithmetic word problems in the first place, and it is not possible to automatically create arithmetic word problems. Furthermore, while calculation problems are useful for improving a learner's basic calculation ability, they are not useful for fostering logical thinking ability, such as reading a text, logically constructing a calculation formula, and obtaining an answer. Furthermore, if a learner memorizes the answer to a word problem by rote, the learning effect of repeated learning decreases. Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the learning effect of repeated learning of problems that require logical thinking ability, such as arithmetic word problems.

The present invention relates to, for example,
A storage means for storing a plurality of templates of written questions;
a determination means for repeatedly determining an assignment element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be assigned to the template, according to a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each of the templates until the assignment element is logically consistent with the template;
a display means for displaying a text question created by substituting the substitution element determined by the determination means into the template, and a next question instruction means for instructing the creation of a next text question; and a setting means for setting whether or not repeated question setting is enabled ;
having
The determining means is
When the repeating of questions is enabled by the setting means, each time a sentence question is instructed to be created via the next question indication means, a different substitution element is determined so as to be logically consistent with the template without changing the template;
The automatic question creation device is characterized in that, when the repeated question setting is disabled by the setting means, each time a command to create a sentence question is issued via the next question indication means, the template is changed to another template and another substitution element is determined so as to be logically consistent with the other template .

The present invention relates to, for example,
A storage means for storing a plurality of templates of written questions;
a determination means for repeatedly determining an assignment element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be assigned to the template, according to a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each of the templates until the assignment element is logically consistent with the template;
a display means for displaying a sentence problem created by substituting the substitution elements determined by the determination means into the template;
A switching means for switching between a fixed question mode in which a plurality of different text problems are presented in order or randomly and a repeated question mode in which the same text problem is presented while changing the substitution element,
The determining means is
In the fixed question mode, the template is changed every time a next sentence question is requested;
In the repeat question mode, the substitution element is changed without changing the template every time a next sentence question is requested;
The determining means, in the repeat question mode, does not change the template even if the user correctly answers the immediately preceding text question, thereby making the user repeatedly study the same text question.

The present invention makes it possible to improve the learning effect of repeated study of problems that require logical thinking skills, such as arithmetic word problems.

Diagram explaining the learning system Diagram explaining the hardware Diagram explaining the top screen A diagram explaining the question screen Diagram explaining the side menu A diagram explaining the settings screen A diagram explaining the settings screen A diagram explaining the settings screen Diagram explaining the problem list A diagram explaining the question screen for repeated learning A diagram explaining how to create word problems for repeated learning A diagram explaining the question screen for repeated learning A diagram explaining the question screen for repeated learning Diagram explaining how to input fractions A diagram explaining the geometric problem screen Diagram explaining the Shapes tab Diagram explaining the Hints tab A diagram explaining the functions of a CPU Flowchart explaining the question setting process Flowchart explaining the repeated question setting process

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. In addition, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

<Learning System>
FIG. 1 shows an example of a learning system. The servers 101a and 101b are computers that provide a computer program to the smartphone 100a and the tablet terminal 100b. The servers 101a and 101b, the smartphone 100a, and the tablet terminal 100b are connected via a network 102 such as the Internet. In addition to the smartphone 100a and the tablet terminal 100b, desktop, portable, and notebook personal computers may be provided with computer programs from the servers 101a and 101b. Furthermore, game consoles (portable games, stationary game consoles), network-compatible televisions, network-compatible set-top boxes, and the like may be provided with computer programs from the servers 101a and 101b. In the following, the smartphone 100a will be described in detail as a representative of these. The servers 101a and 101b and the network 102 are not essential. The computer program may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium and installed in each computer such as the smartphone 100a from there.

<Hardware>
2 shows the hardware configuration of the smartphone 100a and the tablet terminal 100b. The CPU 201 executes computer programs stored in the memory 202 to realize various functions. The memory 202 has non-volatile memory and volatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a solid-state drive (SSD). The ROM area stores a group of programs that realize an operating system and application programs downloaded from the servers 101a and 101b.

The communication circuit 203 has a group of circuits that are connected to the network 102 by wire or wirelessly and communicate with other computers. The display device 204 is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display, etc. EL is an abbreviation for electroluminescence. The input device 205 is a keyboard or a touch-sensing input device, etc. The power source 206 includes a power circuit and a battery for supplying power to these electronic devices.

<User Interface>
(1) Top Screen FIG. 3 shows an example of a top screen 300 that the CPU 201 displays on the display device 204 according to the computer program when the start of the computer program is instructed through the input device 205. The category selection button 301 is a software button that is touched by the user when selecting one problem category from a plurality of problem categories. The problem number object 302 is an object that displays the number of problems included in each category. In FIG. 3, the categories are illustrated as traveler's problem, speed, crane and turtle problem, ratio, difference-and-gather problem, number of cases, cardinality, work, money, and dice. However, this is only an example. Other categories may be included, such as area, volume, angle, number/formula, time, train, ship, square problem, age, Newton's problem, exchange, Venn diagram, divisors and multiples, and average. There is a limit to the number of categories that can be displayed on one screen. Therefore, when the CPU 201 receives a scroll instruction from the user through the input device 205, it may scroll and display other categories included in the category list.

Favorite button 303 is a shortcut button to questions designated as favorite questions by the user. Note that if the number of favorite questions is zero, CPU 201 may gray out favorite button 303 and not accept user selection. If there are many questions in each category, it may be difficult for the user to find a text question that they wish to study repeatedly. Thus, by providing favorite button 303, a text question that the user wishes to study repeatedly can be registered as a favorite, and the user can instantly access the text question that they wish to study repeatedly by pressing favorite button 303.

(2) Question screen FIG. 4 shows a question screen 400 for the crane and turtle problem. The problem name display section 402 displays a name indicating the category of the text problem (e.g., crane and turtle problem) and a problem number. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the problem number may be composed of a text number and a question number (sub-number). The text number is identification information for distinguishing the text of the problem. The question number is identification information for distinguishing multiple questions for the same text. In this way, a problem may be composed of a text and a question. The menu display button 403 is a button for instructing to display a list (pull-down menu) of other problems belonging to the same category. The favorite button 404 is a button for switching whether or not to register the problem or category displayed in the problem name display section 402 in the favorite list. The favorite button 404 may display a favorite mark (e.g., a star mark, etc.) in a color (e.g., yellow) different from the normal color (e.g., gray) to highlight that the problem or category displayed in the problem name display section 402 is selected as a favorite.

The question tab 405 includes a question display section 407, an answer button 408, an answer area 409, a repeat button 410, a numeric keypad 411, a decimal point button 412, a colon button 413, a minus button 414, a next button 421, a previous button 422, a delete button 423, a confirm button 424, a numerator button 431, and a denominator button 432.

The question display section 407 is a display area that displays the main body (text) of the sentence question. If the sentence question is very long, the entire sentence question cannot be displayed at once in the question display section 407. Therefore, when the CPU 201 detects a swipe (drag) by the user on the question display section 407, it may scroll and display the remaining sentence questions.

The answer button 408 is a button that instructs, for example, pressing and holding the button to display a model answer to the text question. The answer area 409 is a display area that displays numbers (user answers) entered by the numeric keypad 411, and model answers that are displayed when the answer button 408 is pressed and held. Note that whether model answers are displayed when the answer button 408 is pressed and held, or whether model answers are not displayed even when the answer button 408 is pressed and held, may be switched by a user setting as described later. The repeat button 410 is a button that instructs repeatedly displaying similar questions to the currently selected text question (questions in which numbers, characters (animals), places, vehicle names, or other words are replaced). The repeat button 410 can switch between enabling and disabling repeat questions. The CPU 201 may change the color of the icon of the repeat button 410 depending on whether repeat questions are enabled or disabled.

The numeric keypad 411 is a button for inputting any number from 0 to 9. The decimal point button 412 is a button for inputting a decimal point. The colon button 413 is a button for inputting a ratio as the user's answer. The minus button 414 is a button for inputting a negative sign. The CPU 201 allows the user to input the decimal point button 412 regardless of the answer. However, this is merely an example. The CPU 201 may allow the user to input the decimal point button 412 depending on the answer. For example, the decimal point button 412 may be made pressable when the answer includes a decimal point, and may be grayed out when the answer is an integer. The CPU 201 allows the user to input the colon button 413 regardless of the answer. However, this is merely an example. The CPU 201 may allow the user to input the colon button 413 depending on the answer. For example, colon button 413 may be pressed if the answer is a ratio, and may be grayed out if the answer is not a ratio. CPU 201 allows the user to input minus button 414 regardless of the answer. However, this is merely one example. CPU 201 may also allow the user to input minus button 414 depending on the answer. For example, minus button 414 may be pressed if the answer has a negative sign, and may be grayed out if the answer does not have a negative sign.

The next button 421 and the previous button 422 are buttons for switching between text problems. When the next button 421 is pressed in a case where repeated questioning has been disabled by the repeat button 410, the CPU 201 displays the text problem (e.g., crane and turtle calculation No. 53-5) that follows the currently displayed text problem (e.g., crane and turtle calculation No. 53-4) on the display device 204. When the previous button 422 is pressed, the CPU 201 displays the text problem (e.g., crane and turtle calculation No. 53-3) that precedes the currently displayed text problem (e.g., crane and turtle calculation No. 53-4). When the next button 421 is pressed in a case where repeated questioning has been disabled by the repeat button 410, the CPU 201 displays the text problem (e.g., crane and turtle calculation No. 53-1) that follows the currently displayed text problem (e.g., crane and turtle calculation No. 53-5) on the display device 204. Here, crane and turtle calculation No. It is assumed that question 53-5 is the last question in Crane and Turtle Problem No. 53. When Previous button 422 is pressed, CPU 201 displays the text problem (e.g. Crane and Turtle Problem No. 52-10) that precedes the currently displayed text problem (e.g. Crane and Turtle Problem No. 53-1). Here, when Previous button 422 is pressed, the text problem that was displayed just before the currently displayed text problem is displayed, but this is only an example. CPU 201 may store the number of the posed text problem as history in memory 202. In this case, when Previous button 422 is pressed, CPU 201 may refer to the history data stored in memory 202 and display the question that was posed just before the current question on display device 204.

In the above problem transition example, the problems transition in the order of the problem numbers, but this is only one example. As described later, if sequential mode and random mode are provided, the question setting rules when the Next button 421 is pressed may be changed. The sequential mode is as described above. On the other hand, if the random mode is selected by the user, pressing the Next button 421 may transition from the currently displayed word problem (e.g., Crane and Turtle Calculation No. 53-4) to another word problem (e.g., Crane and Turtle Calculation No. 53-10). Note that in random mode, when the Previous button 422 is pressed, the CPU 201 may refer to the history data stored in the memory 202 and display the problem that was asked just before the current problem on the display device 204.

Even when repeated questioning is enabled, the CPU 201 basically accepts the operation of the Previous button 422. Alternatively, the CPU 201 may gray out the Previous button 422 when repeated questioning is enabled. In this case, even if the Next button 421 is pressed, the word problem (e.g., Crane and Turtle Calculation No. 52-10) remains unchanged and grayed out, and the questioning conditions of the word problem, such as numerical values, are replaced.

The erase button 423 is a button that instructs the user to erase the user's answer entered in the answer area 409, character by character. When the erase button 423 is pressed and held down, the CPU 201 erases all of the characters that make up the user's answer entered in the answer area 409 at once.

The Confirm button 424 is a button that instructs the user to confirm the user's answer entered in the answer area 409. If the user's answer entered in the answer area 409 matches the model answer, the CPU 201 may display a mark indicating a correct answer (e.g., a red circle) in the answer area 409. If the user's answer entered in the answer area 409 does not match the model answer, the CPU 201 may display a mark indicating an incorrect answer (e.g., a blue cross) in the answer area 409.

The numerator button 431 is a button that indicates that the numerator of a fraction is to be input as the user's answer. The CPU 201 recognizes the number input after the numerator button 431 as the numerator of the fraction. When the numerator button 431, the numeric keypad 411, and the denominator button 432 are pressed in order, the number input using the numeric keypad 411 is confirmed as the numerator. The denominator button 432 is a button that indicates that the denominator of a fraction is to be input as the user's answer. The CPU 201 recognizes the number input after the denominator button 432 as the denominator of the fraction. When the denominator button 432, the numeric keypad 411, and the confirm button 424 are pressed in order, the number input using the numeric keypad 411 is confirmed as the denominator. As a result, the numerator and denominator are displayed in two rows, one above the other, separated by a dividing line in the answer area 409. CPU 201 allows the user to operate numerator button 431 and denominator button 432 regardless of whether the answer is a fraction. However, CPU 201 may allow the user to operate numerator button 431 and denominator button 432 only when the answer is a fraction. For example, CPU 201 may gray out numerator button 431 and denominator button 432 when the answer is not a fraction.

The hint tab 406 is a tab that displays hints for the currently selected text problem. The auxiliary tab 440 is a tab that displays shapes that cannot be displayed in the problem display area 407 in the case of a geometric problem. In this way, the auxiliary tab 440 is used as a tab that displays auxiliary information other than the main text. The CPU 201 basically displays the hint tab 406 and the auxiliary tab 440 for all problems. This is because hints and auxiliary information are provided for all problems. However, the CPU 201 may not display or gray out the hint tab 406 for problems for which no hints are provided. Similarly, for problems for which no auxiliary information is set, the CPU 201 may not display or gray out the auxiliary tab 440.

(2) Side Menu Fig. 5 shows the side menu 500. When the CPU 201 detects a user's instruction to display the side menu 500, the CPU 201 displays the side menu 500 on the display device 204. The home button 501 is a button for instructing the user to return to the top screen 300 or the like from the side menu 500. The setting button 502 is a button for instructing the user to set the question format and the like.

Figure 6A shows a setting screen 600 that is displayed by pressing the setting button 502. The slide switch 601 is a switch for switching between a long press mode in which a model answer is displayed by pressing and holding the answer button 408, and a non-display mode in which the model answer is not displayed even if the answer button 408 is pressed and held. The long press mode makes it possible to prevent the model answer from being displayed even if the user accidentally touches the answer button 408 for a short time. The non-display mode does not display the model answer even if the user presses and holds the answer button 408, thereby preventing the user from relying on the model answer too easily.

The size button 602 is a button for selecting the font size of the question text (main text). When the size button 602 is pressed, the CPU 201 may display a size selection dialog 610 as shown in FIG. 6B. The radio button 611 is a button for selecting "very large" as the font size of the question text. The radio button 612 is a button for selecting "large" as the font size of the question text. The radio button 613 is a button for selecting "normal" as the font size of the question text. The radio button 614 is a button for selecting "small" as the font size of the question text. The radio buttons 611 to 614 are pressed alternatively.

Alternatively, the CPU 201 may be configured to change the character size cyclically in the following order each time the size button 602 is pressed: normal, large, very large, small, normal, etc.

The action setting button 603 is a button for setting the action to be taken when the next button 421 is pressed. Here, you can switch between a sequential mode in which multiple text questions in the same category are presented in order of question number, and a random mode in which multiple text questions in the same category are presented randomly.

Figure 7 shows the action setting dialog 700. Radio button 701 is a button for selecting the random mode. Radio button 702 is a button for selecting the sequential mode. Radio buttons 701 and 702 are pressed alternatively.

(3) Question List Fig. 8 shows a question list 800 that is displayed when a specific question is selected in the sequential mode. When the question name display section 402 or the menu display button 403 is touched, the CPU 201 displays the question list 800.

The question list 800 displays in list form multiple written questions that are included in the category currently selected by the user. When the CPU 201 detects an upward sliding operation on the question list 800, it displays questions with question numbers smaller than the currently displayed question number so that they can be selected. When the CPU 201 detects a downward sliding operation on the question list 800, it displays questions with question numbers larger than the currently displayed question number so that they can be selected. The CPU 201 reflects the question selected in the question list 800 on the question screen 400.

Even in random mode, when the question name display section 402 is touched or the menu display button 403 is touched, the CPU 201 creates a question list 800 and displays it on the display device 204.

(4) Repeated Questions By repeatedly studying the same text problem, the user's proficiency improves. However, if the user repeatedly studies the text problem and the answer remain the same, the user will memorize the answer by rote and will have difficulty understanding the essence of the text problem. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent rote memorization.

Figure 9 shows the state in which the repeat button 410 is pressed and held to activate the repeat question mode. When the repeat question mode is activated, the CPU 201 grays out the question name display section 402 and fixes the text question template. Furthermore, the CPU 201 may perform some kind of highlighting, such as changing the color of the mark (icon) of the repeat button 410.

Figure 10 shows a template used to create a repeating question. Template 1001 has text that is the main text of the sentence question, and string type variables (Location1, 2, Person1, 2) and numeric type variables (Value1, 2, 3, 4) that are replaced by the repeating question. Here, as an example, Location1 and 2 are string type variables that hold place names. String list 1002 has multiple place names that can be substituted for Location1 and 2. Person1 and 2 are string type variables that hold the names of characters. CPU 201 randomly determines Location1 and 2 from string list 1002. If Location1 and 2 match, CPU 201 reselects Location2 until Location1 and Location2 are different. For example, if the departure place and arrival place are the same, it is inappropriate as a sentence question. Similarly, the CPU 201 randomly selects Persons 1 and 2 from the character string list 1003. If Persons 1 and 2 match, the CPU 201 reselects Person 2 until Persons 1 and 2 are different. For example, if character A and character B have the same name, this is inappropriate for a written question.

Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 are numeric type variables, and there are cases where a numeric list 1007 exists and cases where a numeric list 1007 does not exist. When a numeric list 1007 exists, the CPU 201 randomly selects Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 from the numeric list 1007 so as to satisfy the rule defined in the rule 1004. When a numeric list 1007 does not exist, the CPU 201 randomly determines Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 using random numbers so as to satisfy the rule defined in the rule 1004. In this example rule, Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 are integers, and Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 are determined so that the answer is also an integer. Rule 1004 may also impose a constraint that the answer is an integer appropriate for elementary school students. For example, in a problem about a polygon, the answer "15267 sides" would be inappropriate for elementary school students. Similarly, in a question asking for travel time, the answer 254625 minutes would be inappropriate for an elementary school student. Therefore, rule 1004 imposes answer constraints, such as an integer of two digits or less, or the maximum possible integer for the answer. Similarly, a lower limit for the answer may be imposed as a constraint. For example, an answer of 9 seconds for a 100m sprint time is inappropriate for an elementary school student. Therefore, answer constraints are set so that the answer is appropriate and derived from the average athletic ability of elementary school students. Furthermore, for questions asking for height and weight, constraints are imposed so that the answer falls within the average height and weight ranges of elementary school students. In this way, rule 1004 includes a set of answer constraints that are predetermined with the solver in mind.

The selection rules for Locations 1 and 2 and Persons 1 and 2 may also be defined in rule 1004. In this case, the CPU 201 selects or determines Locations 1 and 2 and Persons 1 and 2 in accordance with the rules defined in rule 1004.

Image data 1005 is an image that is displayed in the geometry tab for a geometry problem. Hint data 1006 is data that includes text and images that provide hints to the answer and are displayed in the hint tab 406.

Figure 11 shows the question setting screen 400 that is displayed when the Next button 421 is pressed in the repeat question setting mode. The CPU 201 refers to the template group shown in Figure 10, selects Location 1, 2, Person 1, 2, Value 1, 2, 3, 4, and the answer, creates a new repeat question, and reflects it on the question setting screen 400. In this example, Location 1 has been changed from a university to a station. Location 2 has been changed from a high school to a housing complex. Person 1 has been changed from Iwama-san to Aono-san. Person 2 has been changed from Shibayama-kun to Satake-kun. Similarly, Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 have also been changed. Because Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been changed, the answer has also been changed.

Figure 12 shows the question setting screen 400 that is displayed when the Next button 421 is pressed in the repeat question setting mode. The CPU 201 refers to the template group shown in Figure 10, selects Location 1, 2, Person 1, 2, Value 1, 2, 3, 4, and the answer, creates a new repeat question, and reflects it on the question setting screen 400. In this example, Location 1 has been changed from a station to a bridge. Location 2 has been changed from an apartment complex to a shopping mall. Person 1 has been changed from Aono-san to Nagahama-san. Person 2 has been changed from Satake-kun to Sudo-kun. Similarly, Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 have also been changed. Because Values 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been changed, the answer has also been changed.

This allows the user to solve word problems repeatedly without having to memorize them completely, and improves the effectiveness of the user's learning. In addition, replacement candidates (selection candidates) are saved as separate data from the main text. This allows the main text to be reused repeatedly, reducing the total data size.

(5) Entering fractions Users can easily write fractions in their notebooks, but computers such as smartphones do not have dedicated key buttons for entering fractions. However, learning fractions is a very important topic for elementary school students. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to write fractions on a computer in the same way as writing them by hand.

Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining how to input a fraction. Figure 13 shows that a mixed fraction has been input. The CPU 201 accepts input of a mixed fraction according to the following procedure. First, the integer "3" of the mixed fraction is input via the numeric keypad 411. Next, when the numerator button 431 is pressed, a bracket line is displayed next to the integer. Then, "6" and "1" are input via the numeric keypad 411 and displayed above the bracket line. Next, the denominator button 432 is pressed, "61" is confirmed as the numerator, and further, input of the denominator begins. Here, "9" and "5" are input via the numeric keypad 411 and displayed below the bracket line. Finally, when the confirm button 424 is pressed, "95" is confirmed as the denominator and the mixed fraction is confirmed. Note that when the erase button 423 is pressed during the input of the numbers, the numbers are erased one by one. For example, when the erase button 423 is pressed with 95 input as the denominator, the denominator becomes 9. Furthermore, when the erase button 423 is pressed, the denominator is left blank. When the erase button 423 is pressed, the 1 is erased from the numerator 61. When the erase button 423 is pressed, the 6 is also erased from the numerator 6, and the brackets are also erased. When the erase button 423 is pressed, the integer 3 is erased. If the erase button 423 is pressed and held down, the CPU 201 erases all the mixed fractions at once. However, the brackets may be displayed at different times. For example, when the numerator button 431 is pressed, the state transitions to a state in which the input of the numerator number is accepted, and when 6" and "1" are input via the numeric keypad 411, "61" is displayed in the numerator position, and next, when the denominator button 432 is pressed, a bracket may be displayed next to the integer. Alternatively, the brackets may be displayed after both the numerator and denominator are confirmed.

Here, the integer part of the mixed fraction is input first, then the numerator, and then the denominator, but this is just one example. CPU 201 may accept input of the numerator or denominator first. In other words, either the integer part, numerator, or denominator may be input first. However, if numerator button 431 or denominator button 432 is pressed, CPU 201 will not accept input of the integer part.

In addition, when the erase button 423 is pressed after completing the mixed fraction, the CPU 201 deletes the numbers in the following order: denominator, numerator, and integer part.

(6) Geometric Problems Fig. 14 shows an area problem that belongs to the category of geometric problems. In geometric problems, it is often necessary to display a geometric figure. Therefore, a geometric figure tab 1401 is displayed as an auxiliary tab 440 on the question screen 400.

Figure 15 shows the graphics display section 1500 that is displayed when the graphics tab 1401 is pressed. The graphics display section 1500 displays the image data 1005 associated with the graphics problem template.

Figure 16 shows the hint display section 1600 that is displayed when the hint tab 406 is pressed. The hint display section 1600 displays the hint data 1006 associated with the geometric problem template.

<CPU Functions>
FIG. 17 shows functions realized by executing a computer program (application program) stored in the memory 202. The UI unit 1701 creates display information to be displayed on the display device 204, such as the question screen 400, and accepts information input from the input device 205. UI is an abbreviation for user interface. As described above, the UI unit 1701 grays out unnecessary keys for each text problem, grays out the name and question number of the text problem, grays out the figure tab 1401, and highlights the repeat button 410. The UI unit 1701 also displays the text of the determined text problem in the problem display unit 407, and displays the answer in the answer area 409 in response to the answer button 408 being pressed and held. The UI unit 1701 may also display information input by the numeric keypad 411 or the like in the answer area 409. In addition, the UI unit 1701 is responsible for switching and displaying tabs.

The setting unit 1702 accepts various settings input through the side menu 500 and the setting screen 600. As described above, the setting unit 1702 accepts and stores settings such as the long press setting for the answer button 408, the character size setting, and the action of the next button 421. The switching unit 1703 switches between enabling and disabling the repeat question each time the repeat button 410 is pressed and held.

The determination unit 1704 has a fixed question setting unit 1711 and a repeat question setting unit 1712. The repeat question setting unit 1711 has the repeat question setting disabled, and determines the text problem according to the random mode or sequential mode described with reference to FIG. 7. The fixed question setting unit 1711 may determine the text problem by reading a text problem fixed in advance for each question number from the memory 202. Alternatively, the fixed question setting unit 1711 may determine the text problem by selecting a character string fixed in advance for the template 1001 associated with the question number. Here, the character string fixed in advance may be a candidate (e.g., the first character string, a numerical value) fixed in the character string list 1002, 1003, or the numerical value list 1007. Alternatively, the fixed question setting unit 1711 may randomly select a character string and a numerical value from the character string list 1002, 1003, or the numerical value list 1007 associated with the template 1001 associated with the question number to determine the text problem. In this case, even if the questions are fixed, learning efficiency will improve because the strings of characters and numbers for places and people's names will change each time.

The repeat question section 1712 determines a text question when the repeat button 410 is pressed and the repeat question setting is enabled. The repeat question section 1712 randomly determines an assignment element (character string or numerical value) for the template 1001 linked to the same question number to determine a text question. The repeat question section 1712 determines a character string to be assigned to a character string variable in the template 1001 and a numerical value to be assigned to a numerical value variable in the template 1001 according to a random number generated by the random number generation section 1713 in accordance with the determination logic 1720 prepared for each template 1001. The consistency determination section 1714 determines whether the determined character string or numerical value satisfies the rule 1004 for each template 1001 in accordance with the rule 1004 in the determination logic 1720. For example, the rule 1004 may stipulate that the answer is an integer. In this case, the repeated question setting unit 1712 repeatedly causes the random number generating unit 1713 to generate random numbers until the answer becomes an integer, and determines a numerical value that conforms to the rule 1004. For example, there are several methods for determining the numerical value: a method (simple random method) in which the answer and the numerical value in the question are determined by simple random numbers, and it is expected that they will coincidentally conform to the rule 1004; a method (improved random method) in which the possible range of the answer and the numerical value in the question is narrowed down so that an appropriate combination of the answer and the numerical value in the question can be found early, and the combination of the answer and the numerical value is determined by random numbers within that range; and a method (hybrid method) that combines these. The hybrid method refers to a method in which some of the numerical values to be determined are determined by the simple random method, and the remaining numerical values are determined by the improved random method.

Here, whether or not rule 1004 is satisfied is determined with respect to numerical values, but whether or not rule 1004 is satisfied may also be determined with respect to character strings. For example, rule 1004 may stipulate that the main text does not exceed the maximum number of characters that can be displayed in question display section 407 without scrolling. In this case, repeat question section 1712 repeatedly changes the combination of character strings obtained from character string lists 1002 and 1003 until rule 1004 is satisfied. Also, the length of the main text may be free without imposing such a limit on the maximum number of characters.

In FIG. 17, character string lists 1002, 1003 and numeric value lists 1007 are prepared for each question (template 1001), but this is merely an example. Common character string lists 1002, 1003 and numeric value lists 1007 may be used between multiple templates 1001. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data stored in memory 202.

The correctness determination unit 1705 determines whether the user's answer is correct or incorrect based on whether the user's answer entered in the answer area 409 matches the answer to the written question. If the user's answer is correct, the UI unit 1701 displays a mark indicating the correct answer in the answer area 409. If the user's answer is incorrect, the UI unit 1701 displays a mark indicating the incorrect answer in the answer area 409.

<Flowchart>
18 shows the process of setting a written question among the processes related to the computer program according to this embodiment. As described above, when a category is selected on the top screen 300, the CPU 201 executes the following process.

In step 1801, the CPU 201 (fixed question setting unit 1711) operates in fixed question setting mode. The CPU 201 (fixed question setting unit 1711) displays a fixed text problem on the display device 204, accepts an answer, and performs a correct/incorrect judgment. When the Next button 421 is pressed, the CPU 201 (fixed question setting unit 1711) updates the question number by one, displays the text problem of the next question number on the display device 204, accepts the user's answer, and performs a correct/incorrect judgment. As described above, in the random mode, question numbers belonging to the same category are randomly selected. In the sequential mode, question numbers are incremented by one within the same category.

In step 1802, the CPU 201 determines whether the repeat button 421 has been pressed. If the repeat button 421 has not been pressed, the CPU 201 continues operation in the fixed question mode. If the repeat button 421 has been pressed, the CPU 201 proceeds to step 1803.

In step 1803, the CPU 201 (repeated question setting unit 1712) operates in the repeated question setting mode. Details of this operation will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

In step 1804, the CPU 201 determines whether the repeat button 421 has been pressed. If the repeat button 421 has not been pressed, the CPU 201 continues operation in the repeat question setting mode. If the repeat button 421 has been pressed, the CPU 201 cancels the repeat question setting mode, transitions to the fixed question setting mode, and proceeds to step 1801.

Figure 19 shows the details of the repeat question mode.

In step 1901, the CPU 201 obtains the current question number. This makes it possible to obtain the template 1001, the string lists 1002 and 1003, the numeric list 1007, the decision logic 1720, the image data 1005, the hint data 1006, and the like that are associated with the current question number.

In step 1902, the CPU 201 grays out the question name display section 402. This will make it easier for the user to recognize that the question setting mode has changed from the fixed question setting mode to the repeat question setting mode.

In step 1903, the CPU 201 obtains the decision logic 1720 and template 1001 that correspond to (are associated with) the current question number.

In step 1904, the CPU 201 determines the assignment elements according to the acquired decision logic 1720 and template 1001. The assignment elements are, for example, Location 1, 2, Person 1, 2, Value 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., which differ for each template 1001. The assignment elements are basically determined randomly based on random numbers.

In step 1905, the CPU 201 (consistency determination unit 1714) determines whether the determined substitution element is consistent with the rule 1004. The substitution element may be selected so that the current problem does not match the next problem. This would be sufficient if at least the answer to the current problem does not match the answer to the next problem. This is because rote memorization occurs by memorizing an answer. Therefore, the rule 1004 may be that at least the answer to the current problem does not match the answer to the next problem. Furthermore, the rule 1004 may include a constraint that at least one of Location1, 2, Person1, 2, Value1, 2, 3, and 4 is different between the current problem and the next problem. If the substitution element does not match the rule 1004, the CPU 201 returns to step 1904 and determines the substitution element again. When the substitution element finally matches the rule 1004, the CPU 201 proceeds to step 1906.

In step 1906, the CPU 201 creates a text question by substituting the substitution elements of the template 1001. If an answer has not been created in step 1905, the CPU 201 creates an answer (model answer) to the text question.

In step 1907, the CPU 201 displays the completed word problem on the display device 204.

In step 1908, the CPU 201 executes answer processing. The answer processing includes accepting a user answer entered by the user and determining whether the user answer is correct by comparing it with a model answer.

<Summary>
[Point 1]
The smartphone 100a and the tablet terminal 100b are examples of an automatic problem creation device. The memory 202 is an example of a storage means that stores a plurality of text problem templates. The CPU 201 (determination unit 1704) is an example of a determination means that repeatedly determines an assignment element according to a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each template until the assignment element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be assigned to the template, is logically consistent with the template. The display device 204 is an example of a display means that displays a text problem created by assigning the assignment element determined by the determination means to the template. According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the learning effect of repeated learning of problems that require logical thinking ability, such as arithmetic text problems.

[Point 2]
The next button 421 is an example of an instruction means for instructing the creation of a text problem. The CPU 201 (determination unit 1704) may determine a different substitution element that is logically consistent with the template each time the creation of a text problem is instructed via the instruction means. The display device 204 displays the updated text problem by substituting the substitution element determined by the determination means into the template. In this way, it becomes possible for the user to repeatedly solve text problems with different question conditions with a simple operation.

[Point 3]
The fixed question setting mode is an example of a first question setting mode in which a plurality of different text problems are set in order or randomly. As described above, the substitution elements such as character strings and numerical values that appear in a text problem set in the fixed question setting mode may be selected randomly or may be fixed. The repeated question setting mode is an example of a second question setting mode in which the same text problem is set while changing the substitution element. The repeat button 410 is an example of a switching means for switching the question setting mode. In the first question setting mode, the CPU 201 (fixed question setting unit 1711) changes the template every time the next text problem is requested, and determines the substitution element that matches the template. In the second question setting mode, the CPU 201 (repeated question setting unit 1712) changes the substitution element every time the next text problem is requested without changing the template. In this way, the user can switch between a plurality of question setting modes with a simple operation.

[Point 4]
The user interface displayed by the display device 204 may have an identification information display area (question name display section 402) that displays identification information of a text problem. In the first question setting mode, the identification information display area updates and displays the identification information every time the text problem is changed. As shown in Figs. 9, 11 and 12 as examples, and in the second question setting mode, the identification information is not updated even if the text problem is changed. This makes it easier for the user to recognize that they are repeatedly studying the same text problem.

[Point 5]
The random number generating unit 1713 is an example of a random number generating means for generating random numbers. The consistency determining unit 1714 is an example of a determining means for determining whether or not a substitution element corresponding to a random number is logically consistent with a template. This determination may be performed based on whether or not the substitution element is consistent with the rule 1004. The CPU 201 may repeatedly execute the generation of random numbers by the random number generating means until the substitution element corresponding to the random number is logically consistent with the template. This will allow high-quality word problems that provide high learning effects to be repeatedly created. As described above, further constraints may be imposed to determine the substitution element. In a word problem targeted at elementary school students, a substitution element based on elementary school students is selected. For example, in a word problem that asks questions such as a child's walking speed and height, a random number is determined so that a numerical value within a range based on a general elementary school student's walking speed and height becomes the substitution element and the answer. Similarly, in a word problem such as "How many minutes after the answer?", a constraint is imposed that the answer must be an integer. In this case, decimals, fractions, and negative values are excluded in advance from the answer candidates. Additionally, for questions aimed at elementary school students, numbers that are outside of common sense (e.g. 154,482 minutes) are excluded from the possible answers.

[Point 6]
As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 17, the storage unit may store a plurality of candidates for the assignment element. The CPU 201 may determine the assignment element from the plurality of candidates based on a random number. By preparing the candidates in advance, the processing time required to determine the assignment element is shortened, and the waiting time of the user is reduced.

[Point 7]
The substitution element may be a numerical value in an arithmetic word problem. The CPU 201 determines the numerical value in the arithmetic word problem so as to satisfy a constraint imposed on the answer to the arithmetic word problem. For example, if an integer is specified as the answer, the numerical value in the word problem is determined so that the answer is an integer.

[Point 8]
When the assignment element is a numerical value in an arithmetic word problem, the CPU 201 may determine the numerical value in the arithmetic word problem so as to satisfy a constraint imposed on the numerical value in the arithmetic word problem. In this way, a constraint may be imposed on the numerical value in the arithmetic word problem itself.

[Point 9]
The template 1001 may include the text of a text question, a string variable to be inserted into the text and being one of the assignment elements, and a numeric variable to be inserted into the text and being one of the assignment elements. The CPU 201 may determine the string to be assigned to the string variable and the numeric value to be assigned to the numeric variable according to a predetermined decision logic.

[Point 10]
The character string variables include at least one of a variable in which the name of a person appearing in the text problem is stored and a variable in which the name of a place appearing in the text problem is stored. By changing the names of people and places in this way, the user will not get bored of repeated learning. Note that these are only examples, and the character string variables may be anything, such as the names of fruits, vegetables, drinks, animals, plants, vehicles, places that children can go around (e.g., parks, schoolyards), etc.

[Point 11]
The word problem may be an arithmetic word problem whose answer is a fraction. As described with reference to FIG. 13, the numeric keypad 411 is an example of a number key for inputting numbers. The numerator button 431 is an example of a numerator button for instructing that the numerator is to be input. The denominator button 432 is an example of a denominator button for instructing that the denominator is to be input. The display device 204 and the UI unit 1701 may display a bracket. The display device 204 and the UI unit 1701 display the number inputted after the numerator button is pressed as the numerator at a position above the bracket, and display the number inputted after the denominator button is pressed as the denominator at a position below the bracket. This allows the user to answer and input fractions with a feeling similar to handwriting, and the user's learning effect on fractions will be improved. The bracket may be displayed at any timing among before the numerator is inputted, after the numerator is inputted, before the denominator is inputted, and after the denominator is inputted.

[Point 12]
The CPU 201 may determine the substitution element according to a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each template until the substitution element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be substituted into the template, and the answer are logically consistent with the template. The CPU 201 compares the determined answer to the question (model answer) with the answer input by the user (user answer) to determine whether the answer is correct or incorrect.

[Point 13]
The smartphone 100a and the tablet terminal 100b are examples of computers. The memory 202 stores a computer program that causes the smartphone 100a, the tablet terminal 100b, etc. to function as an automatic question generation device.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

A storage means for storing a plurality of templates of written questions;
a determination means for repeatedly determining an assignment element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be assigned to the template, according to a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each of the templates until the assignment element is logically consistent with the template;
a display means for displaying a text question created by substituting the substitution element determined by the determination means into the template, and a next question instruction means for instructing the creation of a next text question; and a setting means for setting whether or not repeated question setting is enabled ;
having
The determining means is
When the repeating of questions is enabled by the setting means, each time a sentence question is instructed to be created via the next question indication means, a different substitution element is determined so as to be logically consistent with the template without changing the template;
When the setting means has disabled the repeated question setting, the device changes the template to another template each time a command to create a sentence question is issued via the next question indication means, and another substitution element is determined so as to be logically consistent with the other template . the setting means is a repeat question instruction means displayed on the display means for switching between enabling and disabling the repeat question setting;
The automatic question creation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display state of the repeat question instruction means when the repeat question setting is enabled is different from the display state of the repeat question setting instruction means when the repeat question setting is disabled, thereby emphasizing that the same text question is being repeatedly studied. the display means has an identification information display area for displaying identification information of the text problem;
The automatic question creation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the repeated questioning is disabled, the identification information display area updates and displays the identification information each time the text problem is changed, and when the repeated questioning is enabled, the identification information is not updated even if the text problem is changed, thereby emphasizing that the same text problem is being repeatedly studied. A storage means for storing a plurality of templates of written questions;
a determination means for repeatedly determining an assignment element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be assigned to the template, according to a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each of the templates until the assignment element is logically consistent with the template;
a display means for displaying a sentence problem created by substituting the substitution elements determined by the determination means into the template;
A switching means displayed on the display means switches between a fixed question mode in which a plurality of different word problems are presented in order or randomly and a repeated question mode in which the same word problem is presented while changing the substitution element,
The determining means is
In the fixed question mode, the template is changed every time a next sentence question is requested;
In the repeat question mode, the substitution element is changed without changing the template every time a next sentence question is requested;
The automatic question creation device is characterized in that, in the repeated question mode, the determination means does not change the template even if the user correctly answers the immediately preceding sentence question, thereby allowing the user to repeatedly study the same sentence question . the display means has an identification information display area for displaying identification information of the text problem;
The automatic question creation device according to claim 4, characterized in that in the fixed question mode, the identification information display area updates and displays the identification information each time the sentence problem is changed, and in the repeated question mode, the identification information is not updated even if the sentence problem is changed. A random number generating means for generating random numbers;
and determining whether the substitution element corresponding to the random number is logically consistent with the template;
6. The automatic question creation device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination means causes the random number generation means to repeatedly generate random numbers until the assignment element corresponding to the random number is logically consistent with the template. the storage means stores a plurality of candidates for the assignment element;
7. The automatic question generating device according to claim 6 , wherein said determining means determines said assignment element from said plurality of candidates based on said random number. the substitution element is a numerical value in an arithmetic word problem;
8. The automatic problem generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the determining means determines a numerical value in the arithmetic word problem so as to satisfy a constraint imposed on an answer to the arithmetic word problem. the substitution element is a numerical value in an arithmetic word problem;
9. The automatic problem generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the determining means determines the numerical values in the arithmetic word problem so as to satisfy a constraint imposed on the numerical values in the arithmetic word problem. The template may include:
The text of the essay question and
A string variable to be inserted into the text, the string variable being one of the assignment elements;
a numeric variable to be inserted into the text, the numeric variable being one of the assignment elements;
10. The automatic question generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the determining means determines the character string to be substituted into the character string variable and the numerical value to be substituted into the numerical value variable in accordance with the predetermined determination logic. 11. The automatic question generation device according to claim 10 , wherein the character string type variables include at least one of a variable in which a person's name appearing in the text question is stored and a variable in which a place name appearing in the text question is stored. the word problem is an arithmetic word problem with a fraction answer,
The automatic question generation device further comprises:
Numeric keys for entering numbers;
A molecule button to indicate that a molecule is to be input;
A denominator button for indicating that a denominator is to be input;
The display means is
The number entered after the molecule button is pressed is displayed as the molecule at a position above the dividing line,
The number entered after the denominator button is pressed is displayed as the denominator below the dividing line,
When the numerator button is not pressed and the denominator button is not pressed, the input number is displayed as the integer part of a mixed fraction.
12. The automatic question generation device according to claim 1, 13. The automatic question creation device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines an assignment element, which is a numerical value or a character string to be assigned to the template, in accordance with a predetermined determination logic prepared in advance for each template until the assignment element and the answer are logically consistent with the template. A computer program that causes a computer to function as the automatic question generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 .

Images