JP2001202355A - Data totalization system and totalization sheet preparing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify labor or facility on a side to send data in a system for collecting and totalizing a large number of data. SOLUTION: A totalization sheet 1 is prepared by a totalization sheet preparing machine 2 and data entered on the totalization sheet are totalized by a totalizing machine 3. The totalization sheet preparing machine 2 displays a question sentence on a display 25, processes data inputted from a data input part 21 for sheet and outputs the totalization sheet 1 from a sheet output part 22. The sheet output part 22 outputs the totalization sheet 1 while keeping a posting enable state like a postal card. The input part of the totalizing machine 3 reads the totalization sheet by an image scanner 32 and an arithmetic processing part inside a main body 31 of computer of the totalizing machine 3 processes image data sent from the image scanner 32 and decodes the data entered on the totalization sheet 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for collecting and totaling a large number of data and a tally sheet making machine used in the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Data aggregation using a computer is actively performed in various industrial fields. For example, a computer is effective in counting data from an unspecified number of people, such as counting questionnaires on products. Also,
Recently, we sometimes collect data via the Internet.

[0003]

However, in summing up data via the Internet, an information terminal such as a personal computer is necessary for the data sending side, and the data sending side accesses the server to check the necessary items. The troublesome work of inputting is required. The invention of the present application has been made to solve such a problem, and has a technical significance in a system for collecting and totalizing a large number of data, in which the labor and facilities on the data sending side are simplified.

[0004]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data tabulation system for tabulating data using a tabulation sheet, wherein the tabulation sheet creates a tabulation sheet. It consists of a creator and a tallying machine that tallies the data entered in the tallying sheet. The tallying machine processes the data input from the inputting section to input the data entered in the tallying sheet and tallies up the data. And an arithmetic processing unit for obtaining the result, wherein the tabulation sheet creating machine outputs the tabulation sheet in a state where it can be mailed as it is,
It has a configuration including a paper data input unit for inputting data to be written on a tally sheet, and a paper output unit for outputting data input from the paper data input unit to a tally sheet. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the paper output unit of the tallying sheet creator converts the data input from the paper data input unit into an official postcard. And prints out the data, or outputs the data input from the paper data input unit together with the printing of the postal delivery mail. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first or second aspect, the paper output unit of the tallying sheet producing machine outputs the data together with a code number specifying the tallying sheet. It has a configuration that does. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the input unit of the counting device includes a reader that optically reads data printed on the counting sheet. It has a configuration that it is. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the totaling sheet creator includes a display for displaying an image, and a question sentence on the display. A storage unit storing a program for processing data input from the paper data input unit in accordance with the displayed and displayed question text and outputting the processed data to a tabulation sheet; and an arithmetic processing unit for executing the program. There is a configuration that there is. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 6 is based on the configuration of claim 5, wherein the display, the computer main body including the storage unit and the arithmetic processing unit, and the paper output unit are included. The display has a housing housed inside, and the display is in a state where a screen is exposed from an opening provided in the housing, and the paper output unit discharges the aggregation paper to a paper takeout opening provided in the housing. It has a configuration that does. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, in the configuration of the sixth aspect, the housing includes a coin insertion slot, and detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot to detect the coin. It has a configuration in which a coin detection unit that sends a signal to the computer body is provided. In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 8 is a tally sheet creating machine that outputs a tally sheet in a state in which data tallyed by a computer is printed, and the tally sheet can be mailed as it is. And a paper data input section for inputting data to be written on a tabulation sheet, and a paper output section for outputting data input from the sheet data input section to a tabulation sheet. Having. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the ninth aspect, the paper output unit prints data input from the paper data input unit on a government-made postcard and outputs the data. Or output the data input from the paper data input unit together with the printing of the display of the postal delivery mail. Further, in order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a display for displaying an image,
A storage unit for displaying a question sentence on a display, processing the data input from the paper data input unit in accordance with the displayed question sentence, and storing a program for outputting the data to a tabulation sheet; and an arithmetic process for executing the program And a unit. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the tenth aspect, the display, the computer main body including the storage unit and the arithmetic processing unit, and the paper output unit are provided. The display has a housing housed inside, and the display is in a state where a screen is exposed from an opening provided in the housing, and the paper output unit discharges the aggregation paper to a paper takeout opening provided in the housing. It has a configuration that does. In order to solve the above problem, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the housing includes a coin insertion slot, and detects the coin inserted from the coin insertion slot to detect the coin. It has a configuration in which a coin detection unit that sends a signal to the computer body is provided.

[0005]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a data tabulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a tabulation sheet making machine used in the system. The system shown in FIG. 1 is a data totaling system that totals data entered on a totaling sheet 1 and totals the results. This system includes a tabulation sheet creating machine 2 for preparing a tabulation sheet 1 and a tabulation machine 3 for tabulating data entered in the tabulation sheet 1.

In the system shown in FIG. 1, the tallying machine 2 uses one computer, and the tallying machine 3 uses another computer. One of the features of the system shown in FIG. 1 is that the transmission of information between the two computers is performed not by online communication such as the Internet but by mail.

[0007] First, the tabulation sheet making machine 2 will be described. The tally sheet creating machine 2 outputs the tally sheet 1 in a state where it can be mailed as it is. This tabulation paper making machine 2
Is assumed to be placed in a game center or a convenience store, on a street where people gather, and the like.

More specifically, the tabulation sheet making machine 2 includes a sheet data input section 21 for inputting data to be entered into the tabulation sheet 1 and a data input section 21 for inputting data to be input to the tabulation sheet 1. And a paper output unit 22 for outputting the data to the printer. The paper data input unit 21 includes a plurality of input keys 211 including a ten key, a return key, and the like. The tabulation sheet making machine 2 includes a housing 23 as shown in FIG. The input key 211 is provided so as to be exposed from an opening provided in the housing 23.

The tabulation sheet making machine 2 has a sheet making computer main body 24 including an arithmetic processing section for processing data input from the sheet data input section 21.
The paper making computer main body 24 is 10 to 500 MHz.
A personal computer having a CPU with a clock frequency of about z, a memory device (SRAM or DRAM) of about 64 megabits, a hard disk of about 4 to 5 gigabits, and a CD-ROM of about 20 times speed.

A display 25 of about 17 inches for displaying information sent from the paper making computer main body 24 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the display 25 is provided so that its screen is exposed from an opening provided in the housing 23. In addition, in addition to the input by the input keys 211, a touch key method of inputting by touching a predetermined portion of the display 25 with a hand may be adopted.

The housing 23 is provided with a coin slot 26 as shown in FIG. And a coin detector 2 for detecting a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 26.
7 are provided. The coin detection unit 27 includes a signal output unit (not shown) that sends an operation signal to the paper making computer main body 24 according to the detection result.

The paper output section 22 is provided in a paper storage section in which a number of government-manufactured postcards are stacked and stored, a printer main body for printing data sent from the paper making computer main body 24 on paper, and a housing 23. It mainly consists of a paper discharge guide connected to the paper take-out port.

On the other hand, the tallying machine 3 comprises a computer different from the tallying sheet making machine 2. This computer includes, for example, a CPU as an arithmetic processing unit having a clock frequency of about 100 to 800 MHz, a memory device of about 32 to 128 Mbit, a hard disk computer of about 2 to 9 Gigabit, and a totaling computer main body 31.
It is mainly composed of an input unit for inputting data entered in the tabulation sheet 1. The input unit includes an image scanner 32 as a reader that optically reads data printed on the tabulation sheet 1.

Next, an example of an application of the data totaling system will be described while describing details of a computer program constituting the data totaling system. In the above data tabulation system, a sheet preparation program is stored in a hard disk serving as a storage unit in the sheet preparation computer main body 24 of the tabulation sheet preparation machine 2, and a storage unit of the tabulation computer main body 31 of the tabulation machine 3 The tallying program is stored in the hard disk. In the following description, an example will be described in which an unspecified number of people are expected to predict what will happen in the future, the predicted data is aggregated, and a contest of predictive ability is performed. It is assumed that the tally sheet making machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a game center.

First, the paper creation program will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a paper creation program stored in the hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24. FIGS. 3 to 9 are displayed by the paper creation program stored in the hard disk in the tabulation computer main body 24. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen displayed.

The administrator of the game center turns on the main power switch of the tallying sheet making machine 2 installed in the game center and turns on the power.
Start. Then, the sheet creation program stored in the hard disk is read, and an initial screen as shown in FIG. This state is a standby state.

A person who comes to the game center is interested in this application and tries to participate in this predictive ability contest.
To insert a predetermined coin (this person is referred to as a “participant” in the following description). In addition, the housing 2 of the tabulation paper making machine 2
In FIG. 3, guidance texts and illustrations of the predictive ability contest are drawn. The coin may be a coin or a dedicated coin used in a game center.

When the coin detecting section 27 determines that the inserted coins and the number thereof are appropriate, a signal is output from the signal output section. This signal is input to the paper making computer main body 24, and in accordance with this input, an input screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (screen display 1). While the input screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed, the participant selects an arbitrary answer, inputs the answer using the input keys 211, and presses the return key. Thus, the input is determined, and the input data is temporarily stored in a built-in memory of the CPU or a memory device (hereinafter simply referred to as a memory).

Next, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed (screen display 2) and the apparatus is in a state of waiting for input. The participant selects an arbitrary answer, presses the input key 211, and presses the return key. Then, similarly, the data is temporarily stored in the memory. Further, images as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 are sequentially displayed (screen displays 3 to 6), and the participant selects and inputs an arbitrary answer each time. Each data is stored in the memory.

When the data input and storage after the image display shown in FIG. 9 is completed, the input of all data is completed. Next, the CPU calls the print program stored in the hard disk. Then, the data stored in the memory is read out and sent to the paper output unit 22 for printing.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the tabulation sheet 1 output from the sheet output section 22 of the tabulation sheet making machine 2 shown in FIG. The tabulation sheet 1 is obtained by printing the above-described data on an official postcard. In addition, (1) of FIG. 10 has shown the front surface of the totaling paper 1, and (2) has shown the back surface. FIG.
As shown in (1), the destination of the tabulation sheet 1 is printed on the front side of the tabulation sheet 1. This destination is the place where the counting machine 3 is located. Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, a code number is printed on the back surface of the tabulation sheet 1 together with each data. The code number is a number for specifying the tally sheet 1 and has a configuration in which the ID number of the creator that created the voting sheet and the continuation number are combined.

When the output of the tabulation sheet 1 is completed in this way, the output of the tabulation sheet 1 to one participant is completed. Then, the sheet creation program returns to the standby state, and the initial screen of FIG. When the tabulation sheet 1 is output in this way, the participant enters necessary items such as an address and a name on the tabulation sheet 1 and posts it. The posted tally paper 1 is mailed to the place where the tallying machine 3 is located. Then, the data is totaled by the totaling machine 3.

Next, the counting program will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a tallying program stored in the hard disk in the tallying computer main body 31 shown in FIG. When a considerable number of the tabulation sheets 1 as described above are mailed and collected, they are collectively set on the image scanner 32. Image scanner 32
Is equipped with an automatic document feeder, which feeds the totaling sheet 1 one by one and reads data.

On the other hand, the tallying program is read from the hard disk in the tallying computer main body 31 and is started. The image data sent from the image scanner 32 is temporarily stored in the memory device of the counting device 3. A predetermined capacity is set for the buffer in the memory device (the set area is referred to as a buffer memory), and image data of the totaling sheet 1 that can be stored within the capacity of the buffer memory is stored. Is done.

The tallying program is executed by the image scanner 32
Is processed to identify the data (answer) in each answer column. Specifically, since the position of each answer column on the back of the tabulation sheet 1 is fixed as described above, the position of this answer column is specified and the characters in the answer column are decoded. The code number is similarly decoded. The data decrypted in this way (data and code numbers in each answer column) are temporarily stored in the memory. When the specification of the data is completed, the data stored in the memory is output as one record to the database file.

Next, the image data and the data of the code number decoded from the image data are output to the storage file. Thus, the reading of data from one tabulation sheet 1 is completed. The storage file is a file for managing the image data of each tabulation sheet 1 by a code number. Then, the image data of the next tabulation sheet 1 is read out from the buffer memory, and similarly output to the database file as another record. In the buffer memory, when one image data is read, the storage of the image data in that area is deleted. Then, since the capacity becomes free, the next image data is transferred from the image scanner 32 in parallel.

In this way, while transferring the image data from the image scanner 32 to the buffer memory, the image data is read from the buffer memory and the record is output to the database file.
Then, when the processing of all the image data read by the image scanner 32 is completed, one aggregation program ends. Then, a considerable number of tabulation sheets 1 are set again in the automatic document feeder of the image scanner 32, and data input is performed in the same manner.

As described above, a large number of tabulation sheets 1 are read, and data is input to the database file. The reception of the tabulation sheet 1 is closed in a certain period. In the present embodiment, the deadline period is, of course, before a time period (hereinafter, referred to as a determination time period) at which it is determined whether or not the predicted item becomes actual. When all the tally sheets 1 arriving before the deadline are read and data is input to the database file, the data in the database file is read and tally is performed. That is, the cumulative number of each expected number in each expected item is calculated. It is published on a homepage configured by a computer different from (or the same as) the counting machine 3.

After the lapse of the discrimination time, the prediction ability is evaluated. The evaluation of the prediction ability is also performed using a computer, but it is not directly related to the configuration of the present embodiment, and thus will be briefly described. First, after the discrimination time has elapsed, the correct answer is specified according to the fact that actually occurred. Then, data is called one by one from the database file described above, and the correct answer rate of six questions is calculated. Then, the code number of the tabulation sheet 1 that has obtained the highest accuracy rate is specified, and the image data is called from the storage file. Then, the participant who sent the tally sheet 1 is specified from the image data.
Since the code number with the highest accuracy rate is not always one,
Multiple questions and answers with different contents are counted. And
Identify the participant with the highest rate of correct answers and make it the winner of the predictive ability contest.

As described above, according to the data tallying system of the present embodiment, the tallying sheet creation machine 2 installed at a store or the like is operated to create the tallying sheet 1 and post it to the post. Since the data can be sent to the third data, a large number of data can be easily counted. Therefore, the system is very suitable for collecting data from an unspecified number of persons and obtaining some result.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the data aggregation for the planning of the predictive ability contest has been described as an example. However, the system of the present embodiment can be applied to various other applications. For example, as a part of marketing, it can be used for a product questionnaire for predicting the sales of a new product in advance. In this case, after explaining the outline of the product, set and answer questions such as whether to purchase the product, what price should be purchased, and what functions will be added when purchasing? Have them get it. Also in this case, since a large number of data can be easily aggregated, the accuracy of sales prediction can be improved.

In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the configuration for outputting the tally sheet 1 in a state where it can be mailed as it is,
Although the example of printing and outputting on a postcard made by an official government has been described, the display of postal delivery mail may be printed at the same time. Alternatively, a device for automatically attaching a stamp may be provided, and the tabulation sheet 1 may be output with the stamp attached.

Further, a bar code reader other than the image scanner 32 described above may be used as a reader included in the input unit of the counting device 3. In this case, it is a matter of course that the tabulation sheet 1 is configured to enter data in the form of a barcode. In addition to the optical reading configuration, a magnetic recording and reading may be performed.

The term “total” in the present specification means
It does not necessarily involve calculating the sum. This means that a large amount of data is processed to obtain some result.

[0035]

As described above, according to the invention as set forth in the claims of the present application, a tally sheet creating machine that creates tally sheets that can be tallyed by a tallying machine outputs the tally sheet in a state where it can be mailed as it is. Therefore, it is easy to obtain data by collecting data from an unspecified number of persons.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data tabulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a tabulation sheet making machine 2 used in the system.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet creation program stored in a hard disk in a sheet creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in a paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG.

9 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by a paper creation program stored in a hard disk in the paper creation computer main body 24 shown in FIG.

10 is a sheet output unit 2 of the tabulation sheet making machine 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a tabulation sheet 1 output from No. 2;

11 is a flowchart illustrating a tallying program stored in a hard disk in a tallying computer main body 31 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 tabulation sheet 2 tabulation sheet making machine 21 sheet data input section 22 sheet output section 23 housing 24 sheet creation computer body 3 tabulation machine 31 tabulation computer body 32 image scanner

Continued on the front page F-term (reference)

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A data tabulation system for tabulating data using a tabulation sheet, comprising a tabulation sheet preparation machine for preparing a tabulation sheet, and a tabulation machine for tabulating data entered on the tabulation sheet. The machine is composed of an input unit for inputting data written on a tally sheet, and an arithmetic processing unit for processing data input from the input unit to obtain a tally result. A paper data input section for outputting data to be entered in the tally sheet, and a paper output section for outputting data input from the paper data input section to the tally sheet, in which the tally sheet is output in a mailable state. A data aggregation system, comprising: 2. A paper output section of the tabulation paper making machine, which prints and outputs data input from the paper data input section on an official postcard, or outputs the data from the paper data input section. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the input data is output together with the printing of the postal mail.
Data aggregation system described. 3. The data tabulation system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet output section of the tabulation sheet producing machine outputs the data together with a code number for specifying the tabulation sheet. 4. The data tabulation system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit of the tabulation machine includes a reader for optically reading data printed on the tabulation sheet. 5. The tabulation sheet creator displays a display for displaying an image, displays a question message on the display, and processes data input from the sheet data input unit in accordance with the displayed question message to generate a tabulation sheet. 2. A storage unit storing a program to be output to a computer, and an arithmetic processing unit executing the program.
5. The data totaling system according to any one of claims 4 to 4. 6. The tabulation sheet making machine has a housing in which the display, a computer main body including the storage unit and the arithmetic processing unit, and the sheet output unit are housed. 6. The sheet output part is configured to discharge the totaling sheet to a sheet take-out port provided in the housing in a state where a screen is exposed from an opening provided in the housing. Data aggregation system. 7. The housing has a coin slot,
7. The data totaling system according to claim 6, further comprising a coin detecting unit that detects a coin inserted from a coin insertion slot and sends a signal to the computer main body. 8. A tally sheet making machine which outputs tally sheets in a state where data tallyed by a computer is printed, and outputs tally sheets in a state where they can be mailed as they are, and fills out the tally sheets. A tabulation sheet making machine, comprising: a sheet data input section for inputting data; and a sheet output section for outputting data input from the sheet data input section to a tabulation sheet. 9. The paper output unit prints and outputs data input from the paper data input unit on an official postcard, or outputs data input from the paper data input unit. 9. The totaling sheet creator according to claim 8, wherein the output is performed together with the printing of the display of the postage by postage. 10. A display for displaying an image, and a program for displaying a question sentence on the display, processing the data input from the paper data input unit in accordance with the displayed question sentence, and outputting the processed data to a tally sheet. 10. The totaling sheet creator according to claim 8, further comprising: a storage unit configured to execute the program. 11. A housing which houses the display, a computer main body containing the storage unit and the arithmetic processing unit, and the paper output unit, wherein the display has an opening provided in the housing. The tally sheet creating machine according to claim 10, wherein the screen is exposed from the torch, and the paper output unit discharges the tally sheet to a paper take-out port provided in a housing. 12. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a coin insertion slot, and a coin detection section for detecting a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot and transmitting a signal to the computer main body is provided. Item 12. A counting paper making machine according to Item 11.