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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A questionnaire producing and aiding system, comprising:
a computer including a processor, a memory, input means for inputting
information to said computer, a display and connecting means used in
connecting a portable storage medium to said computer;
wherein said memory stores at least one file which includes
previously-produced questionnaire elements, each previously-produced
questionnaire element having one previously-produced question and a
plurality of previously-produced reply choices corresponding to said
previously-produced question;
wherein said input means inputs 1) a readout command to read out said at
least one file from said memory, 2) a selection command to select at least
one of said previously-produced questionnaire elements of said at least
one file, and 3) a new questionnaire element having one new question and a
plurality of new reply choices corresponding to said one new question to
said computer;
wherein said processor executes a questionnaire-producing program which 1)
reads out said at least one file from said memory as a previously-produced
questionnaire in response to said readout command, 2) selects said at
least one of said previously-produced questionnaire elements in response
to said selection command, 3) produces a new questionnaire by utilizing
said selected previously-produced questionnaire element and said new
questionnaire element input from said input means, 4) stores said new
questionnaire into said portable storage medium, and 5) displays said new
questionnaire; and
wherein said new questionnaire includes said new questionnaire element and
at least one of said previously-produced questionnaire elements, wherein
said new questionnaire element includes a reply limitation condition,
pursuant to which the new questionnaire skips to a specific question
depending upon a selection of said reply choices by a user.
2. A questionnaire producing and aiding system according to claim 1,
wherein said memory has a first file in which said previously-produced
questionnaire elements forming said previously-produced questionnaire are
stored by questionnaire, and a second file in which said
previously-produced questionnaire elements are stored by questionnaire
element.
3. A questionnaire producing and aiding system according to claim 2,
wherein said questionnaire-producing program stores said new questionnaire
element and said new questionnaire in said second file and said first
file, respectively.
4. A questionnaire producing and aiding system according to claim 1,
wherein said questionnaire-producing program produces a public relations
display which displays a title and a purpose for performing said new
questionnaire in response to information input from said input means, and
stores said public relations display into said portable storage medium.
5. A questionnaire producing and aiding system according to claim 1,
further comprising means for dispensing a service ticket upon successful
completion of the new questionnaire by a user.
6. A questionnaire system, comprising:
a computer including a processor, input means for inputting information to
said computer, a display, and connecting means used in connecting a
portable storage medium to said computer, wherein said computer 1) reads
out an autoloading program stored in said portable storage medium, 2)
executes said autoloading program to start a questionnaire reply-gathering
and producing program which a) reads out a questionnaire stored in said
portable storage medium, b) displays said questionnaire on said display,
c) gathers replied to questions of said questionnaire via said input
means, d) produces a new questionnaire by utilizing said selected read-out
questionnaire and a new questionnaire element input from said input means,
said new questionnaire element including a reply limitation condition
pursuant to which the new questionnaire skips to a specific question
depending upon a user reply, and e) stores said new questionnaire and said
replies into said portable storage medium.
7. A questionnaire reply gathering system according to claim 6, wherein
said computer is a portable personal computer.
8. A questionnaire reply gathering system according to claim 6, wherein
said portable storage medium is an IC card.
9. A questionnaire reply gathering system according to claim 6, further
comprising means for dispensing a service ticket upon successful
completion of the new questionnaire by a user.
10. A questionnaire system, comprising:
a first computer which constitutes a questionnaire-producing apparatus and
an analyzing apparatus, and
a second computer which constitutes a questionnaire reply-gathering
terminal apparatus;
wherein said first computer includes a first processor, a memory, first
input means for inputting information to said first computer, a first
display and first connecting means for connecting a portable storage
medium to said first computer;
wherein said memory stores at least one file which includes
previously-produced questionnaire elements, each questionnaire element
having one previously-produced question and a plurality of
previously-produced reply choices corresponding to said
previously-produced question;
wherein said first input means inputs a readout command to read out said at
least one file from said memory, a selection command to select at least
one of said previously-produced questionnaire elements of said at least
one file read out, and a new questionnaire element having one new question
and a plurality of new reply choices corresponding to said one new
question to said first computer;
wherein said first processor executes a questionnaire-producing program
which 1) reads out said at least one file from said memory as a
previously-produced questionnaire in response to said readout command,
then 2) selects said at least one of said previously-produced
questionnaire elements in response to said selection command, 3) produces
a new questionnaire by utilizing said selected previously-produced
questionnaire element and said new questionnaire element input from said
first input means, said new questionnaire element including a reply
limitation condition pursuant to which the new questionnaire skips to a
specific question depending upon a selection of said new reply choices by
a user, 4) stores said new questionnaire into said portable storage
medium, and 5) displays said new questionnaire;
wherein said first processor executes an analyzing program which reads out
reply choices from said portable storage medium connected to said first
connecting means, and then statistically analyzes said reply choices read
out;
wherein said second computer includes a second processor, second input
means for inputting information to said second computer, a second display,
and second connecting means for connecting said portable storage medium to
said second computer; and
wherein said second computer a) reads out an autoloading program stored in
said portable storage medium, b) executes said auto-loading program to
start a questionnaire reply-gathering program, c) executes said
questionnaire reply-gathering program which reads out said questionnaire
stored in said portable storage medium connected to said second connecting
means, d) displays said questionnaire on said second display, e) gathers
reply choices to questions of said questionnaire via said second input
means, and f) stores said reply choices into said portable storage medium.
11. A questionnaire system according to claim 10, wherein said memory has a
first file in which said previously-produced questionnaire elements
forming said previously-produced questionnaire are stored by
questionnaire, and a second file in which said previously-produced
questionnaire elements are stored by questionnaire element.
12. A questionnaire system according to claim 10, wherein said
questionnaire-producing program stores said new questionnaire element and
said new questionnaire in said second file and said first file,
respectively.
13. A questionnaire system according to claim 10, wherein said second
computer is a portable personal computer.
14. A questionnaire system according to claim 10, wherein said portable
storage medium is an IC card.
15. A questionnaire system according to claim 10, wherein said new
questionnaire has a question which requires a reply in the form of
selecting an identification symbol to represent a user, and wherein said
analyzing program statistically analyzes said reply by referring to said
identification symbol.
16. A questionnaire system according to claim 10, comprising means for
dispensing a service ticket upon successful completion of the new
questionnaire by a user.
17. A questionnaire system, comprising:
a computer including a first processor, a memory, first input means for
inputting information to said computer, a first display and first
connecting means used in connecting an IC card to the computer;
wherein said memory stores a first file which includes previously-produced
questionnaire elements, each questionnaire element having one
previously-produced question and a plurality of previously-produced reply
choices corresponding to said previously-produced question, and a second
file which includes previously-produced questionnaires having said
previously-produced questionnaire elements;
wherein said first input means inputs to said computer: 1) a readout
command to read out one of said first file and said second file from said
memory, 2) a selection command to select at least one of said
previously-produced questionnaire elements of the file read out from said
memory, and 3) a new questionnaire element having one new question and a
plurality of new reply choices corresponding to said one new question;
wherein said first processor executes a questionnaire-producing program
which a) reads out one of said first file and said second file from said
memory in response to said readout command, then b) selects said at least
one of said previously-produced questionnaire elements in response to said
selection command, c) produces a new questionnaire which includes said
selected previously-produced questionnaire element and said new
questionnaire element input from said first input means, said new
questionnaire element including a reply limitation condition pursuant to
which the new questionnaire skips to a specific question depending upon a
selection of said new reply choices by a user, d) stores said new
questionnaire into said IC card, and e) displays said new questionnaire;
and
wherein said first processor executes an analyzing program which reads out
reply choices stored in said IC card connected to said first connecting
means, and statistically analyzes said reply choices read out; and
a portable personal computer including a second processor, second input
means for inputting information to said portable personal computer, a
second display, and second connecting means used in connecting said IC
card to said portable personal computer;
wherein said portable personal computer i) reads out an auto-loading
program stored in said IC card, ii) executes said auto-loading program to
start a questionnaire reply-gathering program, iii) executes said
questionnaire reply-gathering program which reads out said questionnaire
stored in said IC card connected to said second connecting means, then iv)
displays said questionnaire on said second display, v) receives reply
choices from a user to questions of said questionnaire via said second
input means, vi) skips to a specific question responsive to a reply choice
input by the user for skipping to said specific question, and stores said
reply choices into said IC card.
18. A questionnaire system according to claim 17, comprising means for
dispensing a service ticket upon successful completion of the new
questionnaire by a user. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a questionnaire system, and, more
particularly, to a questionnaire producing and aiding system, a
questionnaire reply-gathering terminal system and a questionnaire
totalizing and analyzing system relating to a sequential operation to be
carried out when a questionnaire is answered. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a system for handling a variety of
questionnaires that are frequently answered, such as in a survey, wherein
a large quantity of replies obtained to the questionnaires are collected,
totalized and analyzed.
2. Description of the Related Art
A questionnaire or survey that is conducted of passerbys or customers
commonly utilizes questionnaire sheets on which, for example, questions
and multiple-choice answers are provided. Replies to such questionnaires
are gathered, totalized and analyzed using a processing apparatus such as
a computer, which consumes considerable time for inputting reply data, for
example. Therefore, the questionnaires are preferably answered, collected
and the data entered into the computer roughly simultaneously, to save
time. This often results in very high labor costs.
Systems, such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-259889,
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-80718 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
62-250762, have thus been developed in which those who answer the
questionnaires directly input their replies to the computer.
By way of example, the system disclosed in JP 2-259889 provides a
questionnaire source computer connected to a questionnaire reply computer
by communication lines. According to this system, questionnaire sheets are
electronically distributed from the questionnaire source apparatus to
questionnaire reply terminals using the communication lines. Each person
replying to the questionnaire reads the contents of the questionnaire
sheet displayed at a questionnaire reply terminal, and replies to the
questionnaire by using an input device such as a keyboard. The
questionnaire source apparatus gathers the reply data from the
questionnaire reply terminals, and totalizes and analyzes the reply. Thus,
personal labor is significantly reduced.
A reply input apparatus disclosed in JP 62-80718 includes a plurality of
small-sized data terminals or personal computers, wherein the
questionnaire replies are directly input via a keyboard, for example. The
reply display portion, which displays plural answer choices, is formed to
correspond to the layout of the keyboard. The configurations of the
question display portion and the reply display portion are arranged so
that the questions and reply choices can be inspected with a
correspondency to each other. Furthermore, the plural reply choices are
disposed to correspond to plural key switches on the keyboard. Therefore,
manual operations such as distributing questionnaire sheets, gathering
replies and inputting reply data are avoided. Furthermore, the content of
the questionnaires (i.e., the questions and answers) can be changed in a
relatively simple fashion, without necessitating the production of
additional hard copies of questionnaires, since the changes can be made
on-line.
However, each of the latter two conventional systems is directed to
improving the efficiency of the reply gathering operation and the
operation of inputting data to the computer. Neither system is directed to
reducing labor for producing the questionnaire itself. Therefore,
excessive labor is still required to produce the questionnaire sheet.
Moreover, the system disclosed in JP 62-80718 requires a correspondency
between questions and replies with the keyboard. Therefore, the content of
the questionnaire is limited by the keyboard. That is, since the number of
key switches on the keyboard is finite, the number and style of the
questionnaire sheets is limited.
Additionally, the system disclosed in JP 2-259889 requires the
questionnaire source apparatus and the questionnaire reply terminals to be
connected by dedicated communication lines. Therefore, the possible
locations for providing questionnaire reply terminals are limited, and may
prevent the questionnaire reply terminals from being placed at
particularly desirable locations, such as along streets or in storefronts.
However, the reply input apparatus of JP 62-80718 may be a portable
personal computer, which may be easily moved to such locations.
However, even this system is subject to a limitation in which, since
answers to the questionnaire are gathered on a magnetic disk, they must be
input to the questionnaire totalizing and analyzing apparatus via a
communication line or an external input apparatus. Therefore, the
questionnaire reply terminal must be relocated to a position where a
communication line is available, or to where the questionnaire source
apparatus or the questionnaire gathering and analyzing apparatus is
disposed. Particularly for a questionnaire that is distributed over a wide
area by using multiple questionnaire reply terminals, attempts to access
the questionnaire gathering and analyzing apparatus via communication
lines from remote questionnaire reply terminals prevents smooth
transmission of data to the totalizing and analyzing system.
Additionally, according to each of the conventional systems described
above, no identification information is provided to each person answering
the questionnaire. Thus, the systems do not produce data concerning
information items regarding the answerer vis-a/ -vis the question and
content of the reply.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first object of the present invention is to provide a questionnaire
producing and aiding system capable of easily producing a questionnaire
sheet.
A second object of the invention is to provide a questionnaire
reply-gathering system capable of distributing a questionnaire to an
arbitrary place so that the questionnaire may be answered and the answers
analyzed, regardless of the number of questionnaire items. The
questionnaire and reply data are also capable of easy
transmission/reception.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a questionnaire
system capable of improving the efficiency of sequential operations while
achieving the first and second objects described above.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a questionnaire
system that is capable of, in addition to the third object just described,
producing various questionnaire analysis data items, including analysis
data relating to the replier vis-a/ -vis the question and answer.
In order to achieve the first object, the questionnaire producing and
aiding system constructed according to the teachings of the present
invention includes a questionnaire producing and aiding apparatus, an
input apparatus, a display apparatus and a memory, each of which is
connected to the questionnaire producing and aiding apparatus. The memory
stores a questionnaire element which includes questions and their
respective multiple-choice answers which have been previously produced by
a questionnaire producing means of the questionnaire producing and aiding
apparatus. The questions and answers are displayed on the display
apparatus.
The system further includes editorial processing means for reading the
present questionnaire element from the memory in accordance with a command
input from the input apparatus, to display it at a predetermined position
on the display apparatus, and for performing an addition, correction or
deletion process with respect to the contents of the questionnaire
displayed on the display apparatus. Writing means are provided for storing
data concerning the questionnaire into a portable recording medium.
Thus, according to the present invention, the memory stores data concerning
the questionnaire which has been previously produced, so that the data can
be utilized when necessary to produce the questionnaire for a respondent.
As a result, the questionnaire can be produced efficiently in comparison
to the prior art, wherein the questionnaire is newly produced for each
respondent.
Preferably, the memory includes a file that stores the information by
questionnaire element, and a file that stores the questionnaire elements
by questionnaire, each questionnaire including plural questionnaire
elements. Furthermore, the editorial processing means preferably reads one
of the two files in accordance with the input command. As a result, the
efficiency of the questionnaire-producing operation can be further
improved.
The complete questionnaire should also be stored in memory to make it
available at the next questionnaire-producing request.
Additionally, the questionnaire producing and aiding apparatus preferably
has a PR frame producing means for producing a PR frame, including the
title and object of the questionnaire, and print information producing
means for producing print information, such as a service ticket, to be
given to the respondent of the questionnaire.
To achieve the second object, the questionnaire reply-gathering system
includes a questionnaire reply-gathering terminal, an input apparatus and
a display apparatus connected to the questionnaire reply-gathering
terminal. The questionnaire reply-gathering terminal includes a connector
for connecting a portable storage medium in which data concerning a
questionnaire are stored, reply-gathering means for reading a
questionnaire element from the storage medium to display a question and
multiple answer choices on the display apparatus in accordance with
instructions contained in the read questionnaire and for gathering reply
data to the displayed question supplied from the input apparatus, and
writing means for storing the reply data gathered by the reply-gathering
means in a portable medium.
Therefore, according to the present invention, the questionnaire
reply-gathering system produces questionnaire data which can be
transmitted/received from/by a portable recording medium, so that the
necessity of directly connecting the questionnaire reply-gathering system
to the questionnaire producing and aiding system via a communication line
or an external input apparatus can be eliminated. Accordingly, the
handling capability is improved.
Preferably, the questionnaire reply-gathering terminal includes a small
portable computer so that the questionnaire can be answered at an
arbitrary place after the computer has been transported to the arbitrary
place. Furthermore, the storage medium preferably comprises an IC card to
prevent damage of data, which might be lost if the storage medium were a
flexible disk.
In order to achieve the third object described above, the questionnaire
system according to the present invention includes a questionnaire
totalizing and analyzing system in addition to the questionnaire producing
and aiding system and the questionnaire reply-gathering system. The
questionnaire totalizing and analyzing system reads the instructed reply
data from the storage medium which stores reply data gathered by the
questionnaire reply-gathering system to perform the totalizing process and
the analyzing process.
According to the questionnaire system of the present invention, then, data
are transmitted/received between the systems using a portable recording
medium. Therefore, the necessity to directly connect the systems via a
communication line or an external input apparatus can be eliminated,
improving the handling facility of the invention.
In order to achieve the fourth object, the questionnaire system is
preferably arranged so that the questionnaire reply-gathering system
gathers the reply data while giving an identifying symbol of the replier.
Furthermore, the questionnaire totalizing and analyzing system performs
totalizing and analyzing processes by using reply data to which the
identifying symbol is given. As a result, the data accuracy can be
improved in comparison to the accuracy realized by the conventional
structure. In addition, the questionnaire result can be analyzed for a
variety of data, such as the output of the questionnaire analysis result
or the replier retrieval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an overall structural view illustrating a questionnaire system
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the process performed by
the questionnaire system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3A illustrates a format for PR frame data;
FIG. 3B illustrates a format for print information;
FIG. 3C illustrates a format for questionnaire sheet data;
FIG. 4 illustrates the storage format about questionnaire data for a memory
card;
FIG. 5 illustrates the storage format for questionnaire data in which reply
data are registered;
FIG. 6 illustrates the storage format for questionnaire analysis data;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart which schematically illustrates a process to be
performed by a questionnaire producing and aiding system;
FIG. 8 illustrates a menu frame for the questionnaire producing and aiding
system;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a questionnaire producing process;
FIG. 10 illustrates a menu frame for producing a questionnaire;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a PR frame producing process;
FIG. 12 illustrates a menu frame for producing the PR frame;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the print information processing
operation;
FIG. 14 illustrates a menu frame for producing print information;
FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a print output of print information;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a questionnaire-producing operation;
FIG. 17A illustrates a menu frame for producing a questionnaire;
FIG. 17B illustrates the contents of an example of a questionnaire to which
a limited condition is given;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a data combining
process;
FIG. 19A illustrates an initial frame at the data combining process;
FIG. 19B illustrates a frame of an example of data input at the data
combining process;
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a question master file
editorial process;
FIG. 21 illustrates a menu frame for a question master file editorial
process;
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the process of an auxiliary function;
FIG. 23 illustrates a menu frame for the auxiliary function;
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a process to be
performed by a questionnaire reply-gathering system;
FIGS. 25A-25B are a flowchart illustrating the detailed process of a
questionnaire reply-gathering operation;
FIG. 26 illustrates a format for reply data;
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a questionnaire
totalizing and analyzing process;
FIG. 28 illustrates a menu frame for the questionnaire totalizing and
analyzing process;
FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a totalization table;
FIG. 30A illustrates a frame of a displayed list of a file with which a
cross table can be produced;
FIG. 30B illustrates an example of a frame with which a cross item is
selected;
FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a cross table;
FIG. 32 illustrates an example of a totalization table plus a cross table;
FIG. 33 illustrates an example of a list for each individual questionnaire;
FIG. 34 is a flowchart which illustrates the contents of a condition
retrieval process of the results of a reply;
FIG. 35A illustrates a menu frame for a process of condition-retrieving the
results of the reply;
FIG. 35B illustrates an example of a data input frame in the
condition-retrieval of reply outcome; and
FIG. 36 illustrates an example of the output of the condition-retrieval
result.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of a
questionnaire system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a
flowchart illustrating the contents of a process performed by the
questionnaire system schematically shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the questionnaire system includes a questionnaire
producing and aiding system 1, the main component of a computer A3, a
questionnaire reply-gathering system 2, the main component of a computer
A8, a questionnaire totalizing and analyzing system 3, the main component
of a computer A12, and memory cards A5 and A11 for use as media for
transmitting data between the questionnaire producing and aiding system 1
and the questionnaire reply-gathering system 2, and between the
questionnaire reply-gathering system 2 and the questionnaire totalizing
and analyzing system 3. Preferably, the memory cards A5 and A11 comprise
IC cards.
The questionnaire producing and aiding system 1 includes the computer A3
which constitutes a questionnaire producing and aiding apparatus, a
display A1 connected to the computer A3, a keyboard A2, a memory A4
including a hard disk HD, and a printer A14. The computer A3 is arranged
to operate according to a program which includes a questionnaire producing
and aiding program B1. Although omitted from illustration, the computer A3
has connectors to which a flexible disk (FD) A16 and the memory card A5
are connected.
The questionnaire reply-gathering system 2 comprises the computer A8, a
display A6 connected to the computer A8, a keyboard A7 and a printer A17.
The computer A8 is arranged to operate in accordance with a program
including a questionnaire data-gathering program B2. Although omitted from
the illustration, the computer A8 includes connectors to which the memory
cards A5 and A11 are respectively connected. The questionnaire
reply-gathering system 2 preferably comprises a portable personal
computer. As a result, the questionnaire reply-gathering system 2 can be
relocated to any arbitrary place to respond to the questionnaire.
The questionnaire totalizing and analyzing system 3 comprises the computer
A12, a display A9, a keyboard A10 and a memory A12 which employs a hard
disk (HD) and a printer A15. The computer A12 is arranged to operate in
accordance with a program including a questionnaire data-analyzing program
B3. Although omitted from the illustration, the computer A12 has a
connector to which the memory card A11 is connected.
By the system as constituted above, the processes in steps 1-3 of FIG. 2
are continuously or individually performed. The basic process of each of
steps 1-3 will be described next.
Step 1
An operator for producing the questionnaire starts the questionnaire
producing and aiding program B1. The operator then inputs data for the
questionnaire and performs required editorial operations while
manipulating the keyboard A2 in a dialog manner in which the display A1
and the keyboard A2 are used. The questionnaire is, for example as shown
in FIG. 17B, composed of one or a plurality of combinations of questions
and replies (hereinafter called "questionnaire elements"). One
questionnaire element comprises at least a question and a plurality of
reply choices corresponding to the question. Furthermore, limitation
conditions are included, if necessary.
A primary feature of the present invention is to produce questionnaire
elements which are common to a variety of questionnaires in advance, and
to store them in a questionnaire master file of a memory A4 in accordance
with a predetermined format. The common questionnaire element is
exemplified by question Q1 of FIG. 17B: "What do you belong to?" Reply
choices to this question include "1. Elementary school, 2. Junior high
school . . . , 5. Full-fledged member of society." This embodiment is
further characterized in that data for producing the questionnaire which
has been previously produced is stored in the above-described
questionnaire master file similarly to the file for the questionnaire
element.
The questionnaire producing and aiding program B1 enables a required
questionnaire element or the file of the questionnaire to be read from the
question file and to be copied in response to a demand from the operator
for producing the questionnaire. As a result, the operator can easily
produce a novel questionnaire by an editorial operation such as utilizing
the copied questionnaire items or the entire questionnaire, and by
partially changing it. A plurality of the above questionnaires can be
produced according to the present invention.
In response to an instruction issued from the operator, the questionnaire
producing and aiding program B1 causes data (hereinafter called
"questionnaire data" or "questionnaire sheet data"), which constitutes the
produced questionnaire, to be stored in the memory A4 in accordance with a
format shown in FIG. 3C.
The questionnaire producing and aiding system 1 enables, in addition to
questionnaire, frame data for a PR frame, print information data for
printing out a service ticket and the like to be produced as described
later. Similarly to the questionnaire data, the above-described PR frame
data and print information data are stored in the memory A4 in accordance
with data formats shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B.
In response to the command issued from the operator, the questionnaire
producing and aiding system 1, as needed, combines one of a plurality of
questionnaire data items stored in the memory A4 and the PR frame data,
print data, and the like to produce questionnaire data before the produced
questionnaire data are stored in the memory card A5 in accordance with a
format shown in FIG. 4.
The produced questionnaire can be printed out by the printer A14. The
printed questionnaire can be used in the questionnaire-gathering operation
in a conventional case in which a questionnaire is filled out by hand
while eliminating the need to use the questionnaire reply-gathering system
2.
Step 2
The questionnaire reply-gathering program B2 will start when the person
replying to the questionnaire connects the memory card A5 to a
predetermined connector (slot) of the computer A8 and turns on the power.
That is, an automatic starting OS (Operating System) is included in the
memory card A5 to enable a person who is unfamiliar with the operation of
the computer to use it easily. Therefore, by simply turning on the power,
the questionnaire reply-gathering program B2 can be started.
As a result, the questionnaire reply-gathering program B2 reads the
questionnaire data from the memory card A5 to display the questionnaire on
the display A6. The respondent to the questionnaire responds in a dialog
in which the display A6 and the keyboard A7 are used to operate the
reply-gathering program B2. Thus, replies to the questions are input.
The questionnaire reply-gathering program B2 gathers the reply data. Then,
the gathered reply data are stored in the memory card A11 as a reply data
file, in accordance with a format as shown in FIG. 5. The difference
between the format shown in FIG. 4 and that shown in FIG. 5 lies in that
reply data collected from n persons are stored in the area of the
questionnaire reply data.
Step 3
The questionnaire totalizing and analyzing program B3 is activated by
operating the keyboard A10. The operator inserts the memory card A11 into
a predetermined connector before the operator operates the keyboard A10
according to a dialog in which the display A9 and the keyboard A10 are
used so that the reply data file is read out from the memory card A11.
Then, the display A9 and the keyboard A10 become input/output devices, and
the questionnaire totalizing and analyzing program B3 can be operated. As
a result, reply data required to analyze the replies to the questionnaire
are totalized or required operations or the like are performed in the
dialog method so that the replies are analyzed. Data gathered from the
replies and analyzed are stored as an analysis data file in the memory A13
in accordance with a format shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, the structure is
arranged so that required data can be printed out by the printer A15.
In particular, demographic data about the respondent (for example, name,
identification symbol, age, name of company, etc.) are preferably entered
in the questionnaire or the reply. Thus, the questionnaire reply,gathering
system 2 enables individual personal data to be gathered. Therefore, a
versatile questionnaire analysis can be performed by utilizing the
questionnaire totalizing and analyzing system 3 while establishing
specific personal data of the respondent as retrieval terms. For example,
a questionnaire analysis can be performed based on data such as "replier",
"question replied" and "contents of the reply".
The structure of the system shown in FIG. 2 may be arranged so that
elements constituting the questionnaire producing and aiding system 1 and
the questionnaire totalizing and analyzing system 3, such as the computers
A3 and A12, the displays A1 and A9, the keyboards A2 and A10, and the
memories A4 and A13, respectively, are replaced by common devices.
Although the memory card A5 and the memory A11 have been described as being
individually provided, one card may commonly be used for both.
In addition, if a plurality of the questionnaire reply-gathering systems 2
are used, the questionnaire can simultaneously be conducted at a plurality
of places. In this case, a plurality of memory cards A5 and memory cards
A11 are prepared to correspond to the number of sets of the questionnaire
reply-gathering system 2.
Next, the function of each of the questionnaire producing and aiding system
1, the questionnaire reply-gathering system 2 and the questionnaire
totalizing and analyzing system 3 will be described.
I. Questionnaire Producing and Aiding System 1
The function of the questionnaire producing and aiding system 1 will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 7-24. FIG. 7 is a flowchart which
schematically illustrates the function of the questionnaire producing and
aiding system 1.
Step 11
When the questionnaire producing and aiding system 1 is started, a menu
frame shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display A1.
Step 12
The operator selects a menu item in the menu frame and inputs the number of
a menu discriminator by manipulating the keyboard A2 so that the menu
receipt is executed.
Step 13
The menu item supplied from the keyboard A2 is discriminated.
Step 14
If the menu discriminator is "1", the flow proceeds to a
questionnaire-producing menu, a PR frame-producing menu, a print
information-producing menu and the like shown in FIGS. 9-19 so that the
production of the questionnaire or the like is aided by operations which
will be described later.
Step 15
If the menu discriminator is "2", the questionnaire produced in Step 14 is
printed out as a questionnaire sheet.
Step 16
If the menu discriminator is "3", the questionnaire data produced in Step
14 are stored (downloaded) in the memory card A5.
Step 17
If the menu discriminator is "4", the question master file stored in the
memory A4 is controlled as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.
Step 18
If the menu discriminator is "5", auxiliary functions such as copying and
deleting of the questionnaire data produced in Step 14 and question master
file produced in Step 17 will be started.
If the menu discriminator is "99", the process performed by the
questionnaire producing and aiding system 1 is completed.
Next, each step performed by the questionnaire producing and aiding system
shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9-23.
(1) Producing of Questionnaire
When the questionnaire-producing process shown in Step 14 of FIG. 7 is
selected, the process is performed in accordance with a flow chart shown
in FIG. 9.
First, the questionnaire-producing menu frame shown in FIG. 10 is displayed
on the display A1 in Step 141.
Then, when the number of the menu discriminator of the menu frame shown in
FIG. 10 is selected and input from the keyboard A2, the menu receipt is
performed in Step 142.
In Step 143, a menu item input from the keyboard A2 is discriminated.
If the menu discriminator is "1", a process for producing the PR frame, to
be displayed on the display A6 of the questionnaire reply-gathering
terminal system 2 at the time of conducting the questionnaire, is aided.
The "PR frame" is a frame which is initially displayed on the display A6
of the questionnaire reply-gathering terminal system 2 at the time of
conducting the questionnaire. The PR frame includes the title and the
object of the questionnaire. Since a variety of facts can be publicized,
the term PR frame is used.
(i) Producing of PR Frame
FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart for a process of producing the PR frame.
FIG. 12 illustrates a menu of the PR frame-producing process.
First, a menu frame for the PR frame-producing process is displayed on the
display A1 in Step 1441.
Then, in Step 1442, when the number of a menu discriminator of the menu
frame shown in FIG. 12 is input from the keyboard A2 in accordance with a
selection made by the operator, the menu receipt is executed.
In Step 1443, the | | |
