WO2000028504A1

WO2000028504A1 - Data terminal for replies from customers

Info

Publication number: WO2000028504A1
Application number: PCT/FI1999/000912
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matti Mustapirtti
Original assignee: Oy Hi-Log Instruments Ltd
Priority date: 1998-11-09
Filing date: 1999-11-02
Publication date: 2000-05-18
Also published as: AU1163100A; FI104764B; FI990803A0; EP1147507A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a data terminal for replies, which is intended to be used independently by the respondents. For this purpose, the data terminal for replies includes a keyboard (16) connected to electronic reply data collection and storage devices arranged between the base (10) and the cover (11) of the data terminal for replies. In connection with the keyboard (16) the alternative replies (14) to the questions are arranged. Thus, replies are intended to be given by pressing the key (17) of the desired alternative reply (14). According to the invention, the cover (11), which is detachably fitted to the base (10), mainly comprises a frame (18), under which a separate form (15) containing both the questions (13) and their alternative replies (14) is arranged to be placed.

Description

DATA TERMINAL FOR REPLIES FROM CUSTOMERS

The present invention relates to a data terminal for replies from customers, which is intended to be used independently for one or more respondents, for which purpose the data terminal includes a keyboard connected to an electronic reply data collection and saving device arranged between the base and cover of the data terminal for replies, and the keys of the keyboard are connected to an arrangement of alternative replies to the questions, statements, or similar to be used in each case, so that the reply is intended to be given by pressing the key of the desired alternative reply.

Present electronic questionnaire devices for making replies are generally based on a microcomputer or similar. According to a preconstructed program, users make their replies with the aid of a separate keyboard, or certain keys. The results of the questionnaire are saved in an electronic memory for later processing. The questions or statements and the alternative replies to them are often arranged in connection with the keys or even on a display device.

It is difficult to locate the questions and their alternative replies when using a conventional computer keyboard. In that case, a display device must be used and the questions must be written into the program itself. In addition, even a laptop computer is heavy and easily broken, besides being expensive to buy and operate. It is labourious to change possibly separate questionnaires, while the layout of the questions on the form is limited. In addition, the keys and the questionnaire can easily become dog-eared in use. Users can be intimidated by the numerous keys or the structure of the keys can influence users, which can make them unwilling to use the device or may distort the results. In addition, users can affect the operation of the device by pressing the wrong keys. In simpler devices, on the other hand, the results are not obtained sufficiently quickly and the processing of the results is deficient.

The invention is intended to create a new kind of data terminal for replies from customers, in which the results of questionnaires are rapidly available for use and the questions can be easily and quickly changed between different respondents. In addition, the invention is intended to create a light and durable, but versatile, data terminal for replies, the external appearance of which does not detrimentally affect the respondent. The characteristic features of the invention appear in the accompanying Claims. In a data terminal for replies from customers according to the present invention, conventional questionnaires can be used, but only the replies are saved. This achieves an easy questionnaire and result data in electronic form. In addition, the data terminal for replies is physically small and light, but nevertheless also versatile and durable. Thus, surveys can be made easily and quickly, independently of place and user group.

The respondent can use the data terminal for replies independently, which makes it easier to give genuine feedback. Several data terminals for replies can be used simultaneously, so that a single questioner can rapidly conduct extensive research. Many different kinds of question totalities can be used in the data terminal, and can be quickly and simply brought into use. The data terminal itself can also be rapidly prepared for a questionnaire. The same data terminal can also be applied to different kinds of Gallup surveys, tests, and examinations.

The construction of a data terminal for replies according to the invention is simple and easy to use. In addition, the size of questionnaire used, and especially the layout of the questions on the questionnaire is much less restricted than previously. In addition, the data terminal for replies is well encased and the respondent can not affect its operation. Even the questionnaire is well protected and the use of the data terminal requires no special expertise from the respondent.

In the following, the invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict one embodiment of the invention, in which

Figure 1 shows a data terminal for replies from customers in its entirety, seen at an angle from above,

Figures 2a and 2b show the cover and base of a data terminal for replies according to the invention separated from each other and with most of the electronic components removed, Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a data terminal for replies according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a data terminal for replies for customers according to the invention. In the following description, the data terminal for replies from customers will be referred to simply as the data terminal. The base 10 and cover 11 of the data terminal are preferably manufactured from plastic by injection moulding, so that the data terminal is light but durable. The base and cover can also be manufactured from moulded urethane, or from some completely different material, such as machined metal or wood. The necessary electronic data collecting and recording devices, which will be detailed later, are installed between the cover 11 and the base 10. The attachment of the detachable cover 11 and base 10 is ensured by means of a locking device 12, so that unauthorized persons cannot affect the operation of the data terminal. The components have been selected and placed in the data terminal to create a thin construction, with a maximum thickness of about 50 mm. The data terminal also has no detrimental protrusions. At the same time, the space available for the questionnaire had been made nearly the same size as the data terminal itself. Conventional questionnaires, containing questions and corresponding alternative replies, can thus be used in a data terminal according to the invention. The survey questions 13 and alternative replies 14 are written in the desired locations on the questionnaire 15. Writing can take place using conventional typewriters and word processors. Even handwritten questionnaires can be used. Images can be used in place along with or instead of letters, so that it is not necessary to know the language or even to be literate, in order to make replies. On the basis of the foregoing, the preferable size of the questionnaire is 210 * 297 mm, i.e. A . The questionnaires can then be easily copied and altered. In Figure 2b, questionnaire 15 is shown in part, with its outer lines shown by broken lines. The questionnaire can be quickly and easily changed in a data terminal according to the invention. Thus the author of the survey and even the user of the data terminal receives a document of what was asked. The results or correct replies to the questionnaire can also be marked on the questionnaire, after the survey.

In order to permit the use of a conventional questionnaire, according to the invention questionnaire 15 is placed inside the data terminal, under cover 11. In addition, questionnaire 15 is placed on top of keyboard 16, so that the keys 17 are in no way visible to the user and thus do not affect the respondent. For this purpose, cover 11 is mainly formed of frame 18. Thus, questionnaire 15 remains firmly in place and can be seen in almost its entirety by the user. Questionnaire 15 is placed simply on top of keyboard 16, according to Figure 2, after which cover 11 is attached to base 10. A transparent and flexible sheet 19 is preferably also fitted to frame 18. The sheet 19 protects the questionnaire 15 and the keyboard 16, but does not affect the operation of the keys. The size of sheet 19 in cover 11 essentially corresponds to the size of question- naire 15, so that the size of questionnaire 15 is utilized as fully as possible. It is also possible to arrange, in sheet 19, which is preferably made from plastic, permanent markings 20, for example, about the maker of the survey or the survey itself

(Fig. 2a) . Actual questions and alternative replies to them can also be arranged in the sheet, in which case it acts in place of or in addition to the questionnaire.

The keys in the data terminal can be located in almost any order. In practice, however, it is preferable to place the keys 17 in a regular order, according to Figure 2b, when they form a 6 * 12 key matrix. Keys 17 are preferably membrane keys or metal spring keys in construction, so that a thin key board is created. So-called feather-touch keys can also be used. When making the questionnaire, each alternative reply should be essentially arranged at a key. Therefore, it is preferable to use a questionnaire layout, in which the locations of the questions and replies are determined according to the keyboard. Each key is thus arranged to be pressed by through the questionnaire, with the keys remaining invisible. However, it is not essential to use all the keys in a survey.

A printer, paper roll, battery, and the necessary connector

(not shown) are installed in tray 21 formed in the base of the data terminal. On account of the battery the data terminal need not be connected to mains electricity. Thus, the data terminal can be moved easily and can be used quite as well outdoors. The actual data collection and recording electronics are assembled on circuit board 22, which is permanently installed on base 10. In addition to circuit board 22, an intermediate cover can be used as an extension of it to attach circuit board 22 and to support keyboard 16. Keyboard 16, which is also supported on base 11, is set on top. Thus, except for cover 11 and the questionnaire 15, the data terminal is a permanent totality. By means of various connectors (not shown) the device can be connected to peripheral equipment, such as a disk drive or other data recording device. It is also possible to connect the data terminal directly to a computer or data network. After questionnaire 15 has been set in place, cover 11 is attached to base 10 and secured with locking device 12. A realm selector switch is also fitted to locking device 12. The switch in question is arranged in such a way that, when the lock and real selector switch are in the closed position, the data terminal is set to only the response data entering state. This state corresponds to making a reply. In this state, the pressing of the keys is recorded in the memory and the user cannot influence the programming of the device or its operation in any other way. When the realm selector switch is in the open position, the data terminal is set in the data terminal programming and operating state. Thus, the significance of the keyboard changes according to the position of the switch. Naturally, the person making the survey has the key to the lock.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the data terminal. The data terminal is an independent, unified system with its own microcontroller. The flash-memory contains permanent software, from which the desired program can be selected with the program switch. Such programs are, for example, analysis and reporting programs. This the data terminal can be used to analyse and printout results immediately after a survey. Data is transferred from the scratch pad memory of the data terminal to some other storage memory for later analysis. In addition to the components referred to above, the data terminal also includes a power switch, a battery charger with a connection, and a real-time clock. Indicator LEDs and buzzers are used to monitor the operation of the data terminal and to transmit various signals.

The data terminal according to the invention is primarily used to give replies on the basis of set questions. On the other hand, the data terminal can be used to give test replies. Great advantages are gained in rapid surveys, in which the ease of use of the data terminal and the large total number of recorded replies permit the smooth progress of the survey. By means of suitable software, a computer can be used to print the analysed results of the survey next to the questions on the questionnaire. Thus, separate papers for the questions and the results are not needed.

Claims

1. A data terminal for replies, which is intended to be used independently by one or more respondents, for which purpose the data terminal for replies includes a keyboard (16) connected to electronic reply data collection and storage devices arranged between the base (10) and the cover (11) of the data terminal for replies, and the keys (17) of the keyboard (16) are connected to an arrangement of alternative replies (14) to the questions, statements, or similar to be used in each case and so that replies are intended to be given by pressing the key (17) of the desired alternative reply (14), characterized in that the cover (11), which is detachably fitted to the base (10), mainly comprises a frame (18), under which a separate form (15) containing both the questions (13) and their alternative replies (14) is arranged to be placed between the cover (11) and the keyboard (16) that is set on the base (10) .

2. A data terminal for replies, according to Claim 1, charac- terized in that a transparent and flexible sheet (19) is arranged in frame (18) to protect the questionnaire (15) and the keyboard (16) .

3. A data terminal for replies, according to Claim 2, charac- terized in that the sheet (19) in the cover (11) corresponds essentially to the size of the questionnaire (15), which is preferably 210 mm * 297 mm.

4. A data terminal for replies, according to Claim 3, charac- terized in that unalterable markings (20) are arranged on the sheet (19) , which is preferably plastic.

5. A data terminal for replies, according to one of Claims 1 - 4, characterized in that each alternative reply (14) of the questionnaire (15) is arranged essentially on top of the corresponding key (17), in which case each key (17) is arranged to be pressed through questionnaire (15), with the keys (17) remaining invisible.

5 6. A data terminal for replies, according to one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the keys (17) are preferably membrane keys or metal spring keys .

7. A data terminal for replies, according to one of Claims 1 - 10 6, characterized in that there is a locking device (12) , in which a realm selector switch is also arranged, in the data terminal for replies to secure the cover (11) and the base (10) to each other.

15 8. A data terminal for replies, according to Claim 7, characterized in that, when the locking device (12) and the realm selector switch are in the closed position, the data terminal for replies is set in only the state for entering reply data.

20 9. A data terminal for replies, according to Claim 7, characterized in that, when the realm selector switch is in the open position, the data terminal for replies is set in the state for programming and operating the data terminal for replies.

25 10. A data terminal for replies, according to one of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that, in addition to the keyboard (16) and electronics, the collection and storage devices include a battery and printer and suitable connections for connecting peripheral devices to the data terminal for replies.

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