Report creation support device

Abstract

To provide a report creation support device capable of making efficient creation of a report regarding a performance evaluation of an object device and unifying quality.SOLUTION: A support device 2 includes a database 5 for storing a data table including attribute information of a device and test information of an evaluation test of the device, and supports creation of a report regarding a performance evaluation of an optional object device. The support device has: an input part 3 for receiving input into items of a data table required for creating the report of the optional object device; and an output part 6 for outputting a report in a predetermined format on the basis of the inputted items of the data table. The input part 3 has: a retrieval part 3a for selecting a required evaluation test on the basis of attribute information of the optional object device, and retrieving test information corresponding to the evaluation test from the database 5; and a reflection part 3b for reflecting test information on the items of the data table when the test information corresponding to the evaluation test is retrieved by the retrieval part 3a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in creating a report on the performance evaluation of electrical equipment and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, regarding the safety of electrical equipment and the like, the Electrical Appliance Safety Act is established as a law for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of dangers and malfunctions caused by electrical appliances. In this law, business operators manufacturing etc. specific electrical appliances are obliged to undergo conformity inspections for each type classification of the electrical appliances at a registration inspection organization.

[0003] Generally, when developing or selling electrical equipment, an evaluation test for evaluating the performance of the electrical equipment is conducted. The evaluation test is carried out within the company or at an external organization (such as a testing organization). It is common for the report of the evaluation test to be created by the test personnel or test group using individual terminals. In recent years, attempts have also been made to create a database of the created report data to smoothly proceed with the creation of the report.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, by creating a database of report data, an improvement in the efficiency of creating reports is expected. Incidentally, the preparation of evaluation test reports typically follows a process that includes, for example, understanding the attributes of the equipment, selecting the necessary tests for that equipment, conducting the tests, and inputting the test results. In particular, when evaluating the performance of equipment, not only the test results but also the selection of evaluation tests is important. However, the selection of evaluation tests largely depends on the capabilities of the testers, and it is possible that the test items may vary depending on the tester. As a result, this may lead to a decline in the quality of the report.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a report creation support device that can improve the efficiency of creating reports on the performance evaluation of target equipment and ensure uniformity of quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a report creation support device (hereinafter also simply referred to as the support device) that includes a database for storing a data table containing attribute information of equipment and test information for evaluation tests of said equipment, and is a device that supports the creation of a report on the performance evaluation of any target equipment, wherein the report creation support device includes an input unit that accepts input to items in a data table necessary for creating the report on the said target equipment, and an output unit that outputs a report in a predetermined format based on the input items in the data table, wherein the input unit includes a search unit that selects the necessary evaluation tests based on the attribute information of the said target equipment and searches for test information corresponding to the said evaluation tests from the database, and a reflection unit that, when test information corresponding to the said evaluation tests is found by the search unit, reflects that test information in the items in the data table.

[0008] If the search unit does not find test information corresponding to the evaluation test, the reflection unit obtains the test information for the evaluation test from the test device and reflects the test information in the items of the data table.

[0009] The above-mentioned report creation support device has an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of the above-mentioned arbitrary target device and attaches identification marks to any part of the target device in the image data, and the input unit is characterized in that it accepts input to the items of the data table for each identification mark attached by the image acquisition unit.

[0010] The input unit described above has a display function that sequentially displays the items in the data table, and this display function is characterized in that it changes the items to be displayed afterward according to the content entered in the items in the data table.

[0011] The above-mentioned report creation support device is characterized by notifying the user if the contents entered in the items of the above-mentioned data table do not meet the prescribed requirements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The support device of the present invention has an input unit that accepts input to items in a data table necessary for creating a report for any target device, and an output unit that outputs a report in a predetermined format based on the input items in the data table. The search unit of the input unit selects the necessary evaluation tests based on the attribute information of any target device and searches for test information corresponding to the evaluation tests from the database, thereby preventing variations in test items among testers. Furthermore, when test information corresponding to an evaluation test is found, that test information is reflected in the items in the data table, thereby enabling effective use of accumulated test information. This improves the efficiency of creating reports on the performance evaluation of target devices and ensures uniformity of quality.

[0013] The input unit has a display function that sequentially displays the items in the data table. This display function changes the items to be displayed afterward according to the content entered in the data table items, thus enabling smooth data entry into the data table and suppressing the occurrence of input errors.

[0014] The report generation support device notifies the user when the content entered in the items of the data table does not meet the predetermined requirements, thus further contributing to the improvement of the quality of the report.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the report generation support system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the image data of the target device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of input to the items of the data table. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of the database where the data table is stored. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the report generation support device. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the additional test instruction. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the report.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] An example of the report generation support system of the present invention will be described using FIG. 1. The support system 1 is a system that supports the generation of a report on the evaluation test of the target device. Examples of the target device include electrical appliances subject to the Electrical Appliance Safety Act (e.g., specified electrical appliances, etc.) and electrical equipment not subject to the Electrical Appliance Safety Act.

[0017] Examples of the report include a report on the conformity inspection of the Electrical Appliance Safety Act and a CB report (CB Test Report). The CB report is a test report issued based on IECEE 02 (IECEE Scheme (CB Scheme) regulations and implementation rules regarding the certification of test results based on electrical equipment safety standards).

[0018] In FIG. 1, the support system 1 includes a support device 2, a test device 8, and a user terminal 9. The support device 2 and the test device 8 are communicably connected via a network. For example, transmission and reception of a test request (test order) and test information are performed. The network is composed of a telecommunication line such as an Internet line. Also, in FIG. 1, the support device 2 is communicably connected to the user terminal 9 as well. For example, transmission and reception of a report and input operations of a data table via the user terminal 9 are performed. The user terminal 9 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0019] The support system 1 is provided in a testing organization (for example, a registered inspection organization defined in the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act) that conducts an evaluation test of a target device, and is used for creating a report of the evaluation test. Note that the support system 1 may be used for creating a report for internal reporting.

[0020] The support device 2 is an information processing device mainly composed of a microcomputer including a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The support device 2 operates as various functional units by executing software stored in a storage unit. In FIG. 1, the support device 2 has an input unit 3, an image acquisition unit 4, a database 5, an output unit 6, and a storage unit 7. The support device 2 is a device that outputs a report in a predetermined format based on items input via the input unit 3.

[0021] The input unit 3 accepts input to items of a data table necessary for creating a report of an evaluation test of an arbitrary target device. Information input to items of the data table includes attribute information of the target device and test information of the target device. The attribute information includes information regarding the item, material, shape, dimensions, usage mode, etc. of the target device. The test information includes information regarding the test such as test conditions, test results (for example, measured values), standards, and test organizations. As will be described later, these information are input via the input unit 3 by direct input by the user, selection input from a pull-down menu, automatic input, etc.

[0022] Here, data tables for the target device are entered for each necessary part (including each component). For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, data is entered into the data table based on image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 4. The image acquisition unit 4 acquires image data of the target device from a shooting means such as a digital camera. Figure 2 shows image data of an AC adapter as an example of acquired image data. It is also preferable that the image acquisition unit 4 has a function to attach identification labels to each part of the target device in the acquired image data. In Figure 2, the AC adapter's casing is labeled with number 1, and the blade is labeled with number 2.

[0023] Then, data is entered into the data table fields for each numbered part. For example, Figure 3 shows the data table input flow for part number 1 (outer shell) in Figure 2. In Figure 3(a), the user is first asked about the material classification of the outer shell (plastic or metal). Note that in Figure 3(a), other fields are not displayed. For example, the fields may be displayed sequentially as the user answers questions or fills in blanks.

[0024] If the user answers "plastic" to the question in Figure 3(a), additional items will appear on the data table (see Figure 3(b)). For example, the material manufacturer name, material name, and material specifications will be displayed. These items can be entered by selecting them from, for example, a pull-down menu. If an item is not available in the pull-down menu, the user can enter it directly. Newly entered items can be saved and displayed in the pull-down menu on subsequent visits.

[0025] When entering data into a data table, displaying the items sequentially makes it easier to understand which items need to be filled in, allowing even inexperienced users to enter data smoothly. Alternatively, clearly outlining the data table creation flow and following the provided guide (screen) can enable users to enter the necessary data into the data table.

[0026] Furthermore, the display function of the input unit 3 may change the items to be displayed afterward depending on the content entered in the data table items. For example, in Figure 3, the contents of the pull-down menu for material names may be changed depending on the entered material manufacturer name.

[0027] In this invention, when creating a report, test information stored in a database can be effectively utilized. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the input unit 3 has a search unit 3a and a reflection unit 3b, which effectively utilize the test information. The search unit 3a selects (picks up) the necessary evaluation tests based on the attribute information of the target equipment and searches for the corresponding test information from the database 5. Specifically, the search unit 3a first selects the necessary evaluation tests based on the attribute information entered into the data table. For example, it selects the ball pressure test for the part that holds the blade of the AC adapter. The selection of evaluation tests is made, for example, based on the correspondence between the attribute information of the target equipment (including by part) and the test items, which is stored in advance in the support device 2. This correspondence may be updated by the correspondence between the attribute information of the target equipment and the test items that is stored in the database.

[0028] Next, the search unit 3a searches the database 5 for test information corresponding to the selected evaluation test. Specifically, it searches for test information for equipment that has the same or similar attribute information as the target equipment for the selected test.

[0029] The reflection unit 3b reflects the test information corresponding to the evaluation test into the data table items when the search unit 3a retrieves that test information. For example, in Figure 3(c), test information is entered by reflecting past test information for various temperatures in the performance items. This allows for the effective use of accumulated test information, eliminates the need to repeat similar tests and saves time, and improves the efficiency of report creation.

[0030] On the other hand, if the search unit 3a does not find test information corresponding to the evaluation test, the evaluation test is actually performed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, a test request notification is sent from the support device 2 to the test device 8, and the test operator performs the evaluation test based on that notification. The test device 8 may be any information processing device used during the test, and may be a measuring device that performs measurements during the evaluation test, a management device that manages the test, or a terminal for the test operator. It is preferable that the raw data obtained from the test be permanently stored in the test device 8. The test information obtained from the test is transmitted to the support device 2 automatically or by operation by the test operator. At this time, for example, the reflection unit 3b acquires the test information from the test device 8 and reflects that test information in the items of the data table. Even if test information is retrieved by the search unit 3a, additional tests may be conducted depending on the more detailed test results. In this case as well, a notification of the request for additional tests is sent from the support device 2 to the test device 8, and the test person carries out the additional tests based on that notification.

[0031] The output unit 6 outputs a report in a predetermined format based on the items in the input data table. Multiple report formats may be stored, for example, depending on the type of report or the recipient. For example, the format may be selectable as needed when outputting the report.

[0032] The storage unit 7 stores the data table used by the output unit 6 in the database 5. Alternatively, the report data of the report output by the output unit 6 may be linked to the data table and stored in the database 5.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, all the information necessary for creating the report is stored in database 5 as data tables. A data table is created for each target device, and further includes information such as attribute information and test information for each part. Attribute information and test information are obtained from sources such as customer information, catalogs, usage patterns, installation environment, and evaluation tests. For example, data tables can be created that vary for each component depending on the specifications of the target device.

[0034] For example, the report creation support device of the present invention may have a notification function that informs the user if the contents entered in the data table items do not meet predetermined requirements. For example, if the device compares the standard value with the measured value obtained by the test and the measured value does not meet the standard value, it may display an error on the display screen to indicate the consistency of the test results.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the report creation support device of the present invention. First, image data of the target equipment is acquired, and the necessary parts are numbered as shown in Figure 2 (steps S11, 12). Next, in step S13, a new data table for the target equipment is created. In step S14, attribute information of the target equipment is entered. The attribute information is entered sequentially in a flow such as shown in Figure 3. For example, the material manufacturer name and material name for the numbered parts of the target equipment are entered.

[0036] Then, based on the entered attribute information, the system selects the required evaluation test and searches the database for corresponding test information (Step S15). If the searched test information is found (Step S15: Yes), that test information is entered into the data table (Step S16).

[0037] On the other hand, if no test information is found (Step S15: No), a test instruction is issued. Specifically, a test order sheet containing the test items is sent to the test equipment. Subsequently, the test is performed by the test personnel, and the support device acquires the test information (Step S18), and that test information is entered into the data table (Step S19). In this case, the system may automatically update the data in response to the acquisition of test information from the test equipment.

[0038] In Figure 5, a step 20 may be provided for issuing additional test instructions. This step involves issuing instructions for additional tests based on more detailed test results obtained from test information already registered in the database or from the execution of tests. Figure 6 shows the specific processing flow for this step.

[0039] Figure 6 assumes that the BP temperature is registered in the database as 75°C, and determines whether additional testing is required based on the temperature rise value of the relevant part in the temperature test. For example, in step S22, it is determined whether the temperature rise value of the relevant part in the existing temperature test is less than 35K. If the temperature rise value is less than 35K (step S22: Yes), additional testing is not required, and the process returns to Figure 5. On the other hand, if the temperature rise is 35K or higher (Step S22: No), an instruction for additional testing is given (Step S24). Specifically, a test order sheet listing the additional test items is sent to the test equipment. Subsequently, the test personnel perform the additional testing, the support equipment acquires the test information, and this test information is entered into the data table (Step S25), and the process returns to Figure 5.

[0040] Returning to Figure 5, once the data has been entered into the data table using the steps described above, the report is output in the specified format (step S21). In this case, if necessary, the storage unit links the output report data to the data table and stores it in the database.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example of a report, specifically a compliance inspection report under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act. This report consists of multiple pages. Below, as an example, we list the items described on each page.

[0042] Information on page 1 • Report number, issue date, test site and address, applicant and address, evaluation standard, name of electrical product, model name, rating, result (compliant / non-compliant), signature of tester, etc.

[0043] Information on pages 2-3 [Product Usage, Structure, and Specifications] [Product overview] • Operating environment / location / method of use of electrical products, power connection, grounding structure, weight of equipment, dimensions, etc. [Applicability of electrical product names] • Please describe the basis for selecting the applicable electrical appliance names. [Basis for applying the evaluation standards] • Describe the rationale for selecting the applicable standards. [Type classification] • A table of type classifications is provided.

[0044] Information on pages 4-7 [Evaluation criteria] • Test item name, item number (all items including noise), test location [Exam Overview] • Detailed information regarding the installation environment, normal operating conditions, test product specifications, and disclaimers during evaluation is provided. [Exam Period] • Date the test sample was received, start date of the test, end date [Judgment details] Definitions of conforming, non-conforming, and not applicable.

[0045] Information on page 8 [Insulation Block Diagram] • Illustration of the product's insulation specifications (basic, additional, reinforced)

[0046] Information on page 9 [List of attached documents] • Photographs, block diagrams, circuit diagrams, pattern diagrams, silkscreen drawings, structural specification drawings (transformers, inductors, heaters, motors, thermostats, etc.), instruction manuals, installation manuals.

[0047] Information on page 10 and onwards • Record evaluation results in order of item number. • The rating label should be affixed to the requirements page, and any caution / warning labels should also be included in that section. • The list of important parts is on the last page. Attach the supporting documents on the following pages.

[0048] The report creation support device of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0049] Generally, when creating a report on evaluation tests, it is necessary to input a wide range of items, including information obtained from customers, know-how based on the experience of test personnel, requirements from the standards used for evaluation, additional items required from materials such as equipment components, additional requirements necessary from risk analysis, test results from evaluation tests, and new evaluation requirements after the evaluation tests that were deemed necessary. With the report creation support device of the present invention described above, all the information necessary for creating a report is stored as a data table, and by accumulating this data, it is possible to create a report in a way that ensures complete traceability, so that the same results can be obtained no matter when or by whom the test is performed again. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] The report creation support device of the present invention can improve the efficiency of creating reports on the performance evaluation of target equipment and ensure uniformity of quality, making it a useful tool for report creation in testing institutions and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Support System 2. Support device (report creation support device) 3. Input section 3a Search section 3b Reflection part 4 Image acquisition unit 5 Databases 6 Output section 7 Storage section 8 Test equipment 9. User terminals

Claims

1. A report creation support device that includes a database for storing data tables containing attribute information of equipment and test information of evaluation tests of said equipment, and assists in creating reports on the performance evaluation of any target equipment, The report creation support device includes an input unit that accepts input for each part (including each component) into the items of a data table necessary for creating the report of the arbitrary target device, an output unit that outputs a report in a predetermined format based on the input items of the data table, and an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of the arbitrary target device. The input unit includes a search unit that selects the necessary evaluation tests based on the attribute information of the arbitrary target device and searches for test information corresponding to the evaluation tests from the database, and a reflection unit that, when the search unit finds test information corresponding to the evaluation tests, reflects that test information in the items of the data table. The report creation support device is characterized in that, if the search unit does not find test information corresponding to the evaluation test, the reflection unit obtains test information for the evaluation test from the test device and reflects the test information in the items of the data table.

2. The report preparation support device according to Claim 1, wherein the report preparation support device is provided at a registered inspection body as defined in the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, and the arbitrary target equipment is an electrical appliance subject to the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act.

3. The report creation support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input unit has a display function that sequentially displays the items of the data table, and the display function changes the items to be displayed thereafter according to the content entered in the items of the data table.

4. The report creation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it notifies the user if the contents entered in the items of the data table do not meet predetermined requirements.

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