AU776978B2 - Survey apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

SURVEY APPARATUS AND METHOD This invention relates to a survey apparatus and method.

This invention has particular but not exclusive application to portable apparatus for surveying company employees and other groups, and for illustrative purpose reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications, such as general questioning of candidates.

Survey by polling employees and other groups is a common way of developing data upon which management decisions may be on a wide range of issues. In polling, a set of questions the answers to which are relevant to the issue of interest are proposed.

Polling represents an important statistical tool for marketers and managers.

Traditionally, the polling has been done by way of an interview or questionnaire. This is labour intensive and thus expensive and subject to operator error, prejudice on the part of the operator and/or subject and selective returns of data whether accidentally or by fraud.

Some parliaments and like organizations utilize electronic counting of yeas and nays by means of a control apparatus connected to a plurality of voting pads, each S•capable of generating a single response signal selected from yea, nay and abstain, between global resets. Such apparatus is unsuited to polling in general since polling 20 requires the posing of questions without debate. Further, the apparatus by its nature requires installation of fixed equipment. The apparatus is accordingly not well adapted for use in management polling which requires that the consultant move between clients, often in remote areas.

This invention in one aspect resides broadly in survey apparatus including: 25 a portable cable having a plurality of input data generating means connected thereto and adapted to be disposed between individuals of a group to be polled; and an interface connected to said cable and adapted to monitor said input data generating means, receive the input data and to output responsive data to portable data storage means, said interface being selected to direct successive propositions to said individuals, said propositions each requiring that a response be entered via said input data generating means within a selected time, said interface delivering responsive data to said portable data storage means.

la In a further aspect, this invention resides broadly in a survey method including the steps of: providing an apparatus including a portable cable having a plurality of input data generating means connected thereto and adapted to be disposed between

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o C* individuals of a group to be polled; and an interface connected to said cable and adapted to monitor said input data generating means, receive the input data and output responsive data to portable data storage means; assigning each individual of said group to an input data generating means; causing said interface to direct successive propositions to said individuals, said propositions each requiring that a response be entered via said input data generating means within a selected time, said interface delivering responsive data to said portable data storage; and analyzing said responsive data.

The cable may comprise a multiple core cable wherein each data generating means is individually connected to the interface, or may comprise a multiplexed cable wherein the data generating means all provide signal on the same conductors or fibre optic trunk. The cable may comprise a single cable assembly or may alternatively be able to be daisy-chained to increase the number of data generating means supported.

The cable may comprise a ring terminated at both ends at the interface. Alternatively, the cable may comprise two or more cable assemblies terminated at the interface. The cable may have the data generating means substantially permanently connected to the cable. Alternatively, the data generating means may be selectively connectable to the e4 S° cable. Where the input data generating means are disconnectable, the connection may e, 4 be made by simple, robust connectors that are preferably resistant to electronic or other interference. For example, the connection may comprise complementary connector parts wherein the direction of engagement is substantially parallel to the lay of the cable.

This helps prevent accidentally placing the connection in shear, thus reducing the potential for connector or cable damage. In the case of two-wire connections, the connector may for example comprise an RCA type coaxial connection wherein one part S°is substantially rigidly mounted to the cable outer and having its connection part aligned .4 parallel to the cable axis.

The data generating means may take any suitable form from a simple microswitch to an electronic data generator. In the case of a microswitch being used, this is preferably of the normally-closed type wherein the data generator may be monitored for serviceability.

The interface may comprise a portable device adapted to connect to the cable and the data storage means. Alternatively, the interface may comprise a card or *g WO 00/52565 PCT/AUO/00 54 3 other internal device associated with a portable computer or other data storage device. The interface may include functions other than monitoring for the polling event. For example, the interface may include a test function for determining cable integrity or connection. The interface may continuously or intermittently test each input data generating means for functionality. The interface may test for the version of firmware, software or hardware installed in the interface. The testing functions may be innate to the interface. Alternatively, user input and response outputs may be monitored by an external device such as a personal computer.

The cable connection to the interface is preferably by means of a mechanical connector for connection security. For example, the connector is preferably a metalcase connector having screw-in security. Preferably, the cable connections to the interface are different from the connections to additional cables, which are in turn different from the interface to PC connection if any. By this means the equipment cannot be cabled incorrectly in the field.

The interface may be interactive with a personal computer whereby operation of the apparatus by the user is via the standard input/output devices of the personal computer. The personal computer preferably forms the data storage device. The personal computer may be configured to provide the apparatus with extensive functionality. For example, the personal computer may provide for power outage or loss of cable integrity protection, such as storing results up to the point of failure to permit a restart from that point in the polling exercise. The PC may also provide a data processing means having software adapted to provide rational analysis of the output data. Altemrnatively, the PC may function as data storage connected to said interface whereby the data may be downloaded by communications link or removable media to off-site processing means for analysis. In either case the connection between the interface and the PC may be by direct bus connection in the case of a card or standard port connection such as IR, parallel, USB, SCSI or serial port connection in the case of a separate unit.

Alternatively, the interface may be provided with hardware and software permitting data acquisition and storage. The stored data may be downloadable to removable media. For example, the data storage means may take the form of a smart card or fixed storage means associated with the interface.

For example, acquisition may be by means of a CENTRONICS parallel printer WO 00/52565 PCTAU00/00154 4 port or other, preferably bi-directional, port. In a second mode of operation (PC controlled), this port is used to control the polling of the survey sensors. This port can also be used to download survey programs to the unit for stand-alone operation as well as for retrieval of the data.

Another input may be in the form of a simple keypad. This keypad may for example have three buttons, wherein the first button is a reset, which allows the operator to move onto the next question, or phase of operation. The second allows the operator to save the results to a storage device such as a smart card or disk drive. Finally, the third button allows the unit to read data from a storage device.

The buttons may be active when the unit is in stand-alone mode. Preferably, standalone mode is the default mode for the unit. A signal on the parallel port from a PC may cause the unit to exit stand-alone mode and enter slave mode.

Various outputs are envisaged for the central unit. The first of these may be via an LCD or other display. This allows the unit to prompt an operator when in stand-alone mode. A suitable sized LCD allows the display of complete questions so that the survey can be totally self contained with the unit.

Another output may be via the preferred parallel or other bi-directional port.

This allows for data transfer from the unit to a PC.

A third type of output available to this equipment is for a storage device. The storage device could take the form of a floppy disk, smart card or any other storage technology, which is now, or may in the future, become available. The purpose of this output is to allow the results of a survey to be stored on some kind of removable media when a PC is not available. This device can also be used to transfer a new survey into the unit when a PC is not available.

The apparatus including a PC may also be adapted in the method of the present invention to provide display means such as a PC projector and screen whereby the polled group may view the propositions being put as a visual display in lieu of or in addition to an audio or oral presentation. Alternatively, the display means may be individual. In the case of individual display means the display means may be formed as an assembly with the data generation means. Of course, the apparatus may be incidental to the putting of the propositions to the candidates, which may be done orally, in writing, by audio/visual means or any combination thereof.

WO 00/52565 PCT/AU00/00154 If desired, the display means may be configured to include a display of the choices with each displayed choice being physically adjacent the corresponding response button of the data generation means. The apparatus may include software-mediated control means whereby the response is made exclusive.

However, it is also envisaged that the software-mediated exclusivity may be relieved in cases where the question requires a ranked-multiple response.

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the following example and accompanying drawings.

Example 1 The apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention consists of a controller, memory, and I/O.

The controller controls the operation of the device, polls the survey sensors via demultiplexers, displays data on the LCD and monitors communications with a PC (if connected) as well as monitoring the buttons on the unit. In addition to this, it controls the storage device.

The memory Is in two forms. The first of these is ROM or Flash Memory.

This is used to hold the control program. The second form of memory available on this unit is RAM or Random Access Memory. This memory is used for the storage of temporary data such as survey programs and survey data. This memory is also used a scratch pad for the general program operation.

I/O takes several forms. Firstly, the survey sensors are polled via a demultiplexer. If one of the switches is open circuit the sense line remains high and the fact can be logged. By utilizing a number of 4 to 16 line demultiplexers, up to 256 survey sensors can be addressed using a single 8-bit port.

The next form of I/O is an LCD. This allows various pieces of information to be displayed to an operator. This information can take the form of system status, error messages, survey questions etc. The size and type of LCD used should reflect the type of information to be displayed.

Another I/O device is the parallel port. This port is used to communicate with a PC. A simple keypad is also available for use when the equipment is in stand alone mode. This keypad only requires three keys. These are a reset key, a read key and a write key. The reset key tells the system to move to the next question. A WO 00/52565 PCT/AU00/00154 6 read key is provided to allow data to be read from a non volatile storage device such as a smart card or a floppy disk drive. Finally a write key allows data to be saved to a non-volatile storage device.

The final type of I/O available to this device is a form of removable, nonvolatile storage. This can be a floppy disk, FLASH disk, SMART card, or other form of non-volatile, computer readable media.

Example 2 In a simpler embodiment there is provided a 20-core cable having an industrial grade outer covering for robustness. One end of the cable is terminated in a D-connector adapted to engage a corresponding D-connector provided on an interface module. The other end is terminated in a different outer D-connector. A second 20-core cable of the same material is provided with a termination to receive the outer D-connector. The terminal end of the second cable is blank-ended.

One of the conductors of the first and second cables is designated as common. Sixteen of the remaining conductors are designated as data lines 1 to 16.

Of the spare conductors, on pair are designated as a diagnosis pair for testing whether or not the second cable is connected. The second cable has the pins of its D-connector to the first cable corresponding to the diagnosis pair shorted, such that a short circuit condition in the pair indicates connection of the second cable. The Dconnectors between the first and second cable are provided with complementary screw fittings to provide mechanical security between the cables.

Data conductors 1 to 8 in the first cable are each terminated at the inner conductor of an RCA connector, the shield or ground thereof being electrically connected to the common conductor. The RCA connectors are spaced along the cable. The RCA connectors are securely maintained in position by heatshrink tubing whereby the connectors are aligned parallel to the cable axis. Data conductors 9 to 16 of the second cable are similarly terminated with RCA connectors. The first cable in use provides accordingly for the polling of up to eight candidates, and the use of the second cable enables the polling of up to 16 candidates. By this means the apparatus can be deployed as needed with reduced weight and difficulty for smaller groups.

Drop leads are provided having one end terminated in a corresponding RCA connector and is thereby adapted to engage the RCA connector at a selected WO 00/52565 PCT/AU0000154 7 position along the first or second cable. The other end of the drop lead is terminated in a handle having a thumb-operated press microswitch. The microswitch is of a normally closed, momentary type wherein a thumb press opens the switch against a spring bias. In the present embodiment the handles are a contoured wooden handle adapted to be gripped by the hand and having the microswitch in one end thereof, the drop lead being led out of the other end of the handle. Wood is the material of choice since it is antistatic, which is acceptable for use in certain industrial atmospheres. Of course in general the handles may be of plastic or metal.

The Interface module comprises a substantially sealed enclosure having a Dconnector for connecting the appropriate end of the first cable, a bidirectional port for connection to the parallel port of a PC, a power jack and an indicator LED to indicate presence of power to the module. Mounted within the module is a demultiplexer, in the present case having 32 pins on the output side and 5 pins on the input side. The pin input is connected to the appropriate pins of the parallel cable connection to the PC. The 32 pins are arranged in logical pairs, corresponding to data and common for each of the 16 cable channels. The output side is wired to the appropriate pins of the cable D-connector on the module.

The PC is used to generate a multiplex digital signal essentially comprised on an identity bit from 1 to 16 and a value of 0 or 1. The demultiplexer converts this data to a pin assignment and a pulse. The demultiplexer supplies the pulse to each data line for as long as the apparatus is turned on and connected to the PC. Whilst the pulses are being returned to the multiplexer, the PC software considers that the system is in steady state and functioning. In the case where one or more of the microswitches are not in use and are disconnected from the cable, the software records this as an initial state. When the interviewer puts a proposition to the candidates, one or more of the candidates will press the microswitch. This will result in the data line corresponding to the person going open circuit that will be recorded as an event attributable to that data line, as well as recording the same or null events for the remaining data lines. The interviewer keys the time base for the proposition both at the beginning and the end, either manually or as a PC function associated with the presentation of the proposition on projector screen or the like. The software then allows a certain corresponding time for a microswitch press (or not press) to record a valid event. In the event that a button records as having been continually WO 00/52565 PCT/AU00/00154 8 pressed for an inordinate time, the software indicates a potential microswitch or other circuit fault and discounts the data. The software also distinguishes multiple presses within an event period and spurious presses between event period start and stop times.

Since the data collected has relevance to both identity and value, the apparatus may be configured initially to draw a class distinction between members of the polled group. For example, the software may assign particular data lines to one or more classes based on a selective questioning round, such a question for managers, a question for tradesmen and a question for labourers. By this means, data may be generated having additional dimensions to the raw data provided on the basis of the propositions per se.

Apparatus in accordance with the foregoing example is simple and robust.

The interface is dust sealed and the cabling is useful in an industrial environment.

The entire arrangement weighs less than 10 kg apart from the PC that may be a laptop carried to site or a PC at the site. The data trunk is a linear setup, avoidin an octopus arrangement. The simple microswitch data generators are robust and cheap to make. A single connection from interface to cable and PC respectively provides simplicity of setup. The cabling can only be set up in the correct manner.

No controls are required on the interface per se. the particular construction admits of diagnosis of individual microswitches, RCA connectors, cable integrity between cables and cable to interface and interface to PC without additional hardware.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the method of the invention, wherein: Fig 1 is a functional diagram of apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig 2 is a diagram of the method and apparatus of FIG 1, in use; Fig 3 is a logical flowchart describing the high-level functionality of software for use in the present invention; Figs 4 and 5 are flowcharts describing operation of the apparatus in slave mode; and Fig 6 is a flowchart describing operation of the apparatus in stand-alone mode.

The equipment described provides a simple and robust portable means of WO 00/52565 PCT/AU00/00154 9 polling a survey group and obtaining quick and accurate results. Non volatile storage can be provided to allow for data exchange between the equipment and a remote place without physically transporting the equipment or connection to modem.

The equipment can be used either in conjunction with a PC or in stand-alone mode. This allows surveys to be carried out in remote areas where a PC may not be readily available.

The equipment operates by polling a number of switches to ascertain which are pressed. This is done by means of a muliplexer which is addressed by a controller. Three buttons can be provided to allow operation in stand alone mode. In addition to this a suitable display can also be provided.

The apparatus may be used in safety education and in any other areas where attitude need to be surveyed.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (13)

1. Survey apparatus including: a portable cable having a plurality of input data generating means connected thereto and adapted to be disposed between individuals of a group to be polled; and an interface connected to said cable and adapted to monitor said input data generating means, receive the input data and to output responsive data to portable data storage means, said interface being selected to direct successive propositions to said individuals, said propositions each requiring that a response be entered via said input data generating means within a selected time, said interface delivering responsive data to said portable data storage means.

2. A survey method including the steps of: providing an apparatus including a portable cable having a plurality of input data generating means connected thereto and adapted to be disposed between individuals of a group to be polled; and an interface connected to said cable and adapted to monitor said input data generating means, receive the input data and output responsive data to So• portable data storage means; assigning each individual of said group to an input data generating means; causing said interface to direct successive propositions to said individuals, said propositions each requiring that a response be entered via said input data generating means within a selected time, said interface delivering responsive data to said portable data storage; and analyzing said responsive data. *o* S3. Survey apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cable comprises a multiple core cable wherein each data generating means is individually connected to the interface.

4. Survey apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said cable is adapted to be connected at one end to said interface and at its end remote therefrom to a second cable to increase the number of data generating means supported. Survey apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the data generating means is selectively connectable to the cable.

6. Survey apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said selective connection is made by complementary connector parts wherein the direction of engagement WO 00/52565 PCT/AU00/00154 11 is substantially parallel to the lay of the cable.

7. Survey apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said data generating means includes a normally-closed microswitch.

8. Survey apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein said interface comprises a portable interface module adapted to connect to the cable and the data storage means.

9. Survey apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said interface may includes a test function for determining cable and/or connection integrity. Survey apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said interface is selected to continuously or intermittently test each input data generating means for functionality.

11. Survey apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said interface is selected to test for the version of firmware, software or hardware installed in the interface.

12. Survey apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the respective tests are innate to the interface.

13. Survey apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein user input and response outputs to said tests are monitored and/or executed by an external device such as a personal computer.

14. Survey apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein said interface is interactive with a personal computer whereby operation of the apparatus by the user is via the standard input/output devices of the personal computer. Survey apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said personal computer forms the data storage means. WO 00/52565 PCT/AUOO/00154 12

16. Survey apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said personal computer is programmed to provide a data processing means having software adapted to provide rational analysis of the output data.

17. Survey apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said personal computer functions as data storage connected to said interface whereby the data may be downloaded by communications link or removable media to off-site processing means for analysis.