A COMPUTERISED METHOD OF COMPILING REPORTS

Abstract: A method enabling the compilation of a report from stored template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing presentation means for displaying stored template information whereby all or a portion of the template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled report; establishing a report database to store reports generated by the assembly of all or portions of selected template information whereby each report may include a user defined set or sub-set of template information from the template database, and enabling the display of template information as well as one or more reports assembled from selected templates information.

Description: "A COMPUTERISED METHOD OF COMPILING REPORTS" This invention relates to a computerised method of compiling a report from user defined template information. This invention has particular application to such method whereby on-screen editing can occur during generation of the report created by the selection of stored template information. Preferably the editable report is assembled onscreen in one segment of a split window while the selected, editable and selectable template information for the report appears in another segment of a split window. Most preferably the report and the selected and selectable template information appear simultaneously at opposite sides of the screen. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Much of what people and organisations do in the workplace is intimately tied up with the use, re-use and expansion of existing knowledge, expertise, facts, strategies and other information in reports, assessments and other documents. For example schoolteachers and university academics spend many hours marking and providing feedback on large numbers of student assignments. Doctors and other health professionals produce assessments or reports about patients that they deal with. Engineers, quality managers and auditors spend large amounts of time conducting inspections, audits or assessments and writing reports about each audit. In each of these cases similar knowledge may be used to produce each report or assessment. For example, when marking student essays a teacher may want to provide feedback to students about the structure of their essays. One possible comment about the structure might be: "Your essay does not include an adequate introduction. Your introduction should at least summarise the main arguments that you are going to use in the body of your essay. " Generally a teacher will hand write this comment onto the student's paper, or may type the feedback into a report. The teacher may write or type this comment many times. This is both time consuming and error prone. Furthermore effective expressions which may have been time consuming to compile are unlikely to be saved for future use. In addition when apportioning marks it is often not possible to establish from the start a fair grading of marks. Often this can be not be done until all papers have been corrected. This may require a review of the papers which were first marked. Other grading tasks have similar difficulties. This invention aims to alleviate at least one of the above disadvantages, and in one aspect, aims to provide means for making report generation tasks more efficient. DESCRIPTION OF A COMPUTER For the purposes of this application the term computer includes a machine of the general type as outlined in Fig. 6. Typically a computer optionally includes one or more selection devices being keyboard input or pointing devices, a plurality of display devices, mass storage means, printing means, network communication means, an input/output controller, main memory and a plurality of central processors and possibly associated cache memory, connected by a communication mechanism or bus of some description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a method enabling the compilation of an report from stored template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing presentation means for displaying stored template information whereby all or a portion of the template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled repor ; establishing a report database to store reports generated by the assembly of all or portions of selected template information whereby each report may include a user defined set or sub-set of template information from the template database, and enabling the display of template information as well as one or more reports assembled from selected template information. The template information may be pre-defined information but preferably the template information is user defined information and more preferably editable user defined information. It is also preferred that the display is enabled whereby simultaneous display of template information as well as one or more reports assembled from selected template information is provided and most preferably on a single screen and suitably having the template information displayed in one side of a split-window and the compiled report of the corresponding selected template information in the other side of a split-window. In addition it is preferred that the display of template information is searchable view of template information. Preferably, the method includes :- providing editing means for editing the template information and/or assembled reports; establishing an association between the template and report databases whereby: changes made to template information automatically update the corresponding unedited template information in assembled reports stored in the report database, and/or changes made to report information in the report database do not affect the corresponding template information in the template database. By this mechanism if a user selects a template information element for inclusion in a report, a corresponding element appears as a report information element in the report. Provided this corresponding report information remains unedited in the report, subsequent editing of the template information element will be reflected in the unedited corresponding report information element. Conversely subsequent editing of the report information element does not change the template information element. A preferred method of associating template information contained within a report and stored in the report database, with the corresponding template information stored in the template database is to:- provide the template information as a structured set of information; uniquely identifying each element of the template information set stored in the template database, and storing only the corresponding template information identification in each compiled report stored in the report database. One preferred method of associating template and report information is to use conventional database "foreign" keys as outlined in Fig. 8. By using this method of association, changes made to the report database do not effect the template information, as only foreign key references are stored in the report database and not actual template information. Furthermore any changes made to the template information may automatically be reflected in the report database as the report database foreign keys refer to the template information. The method may also include: - establishing abbreviation means for abbreviating user defined template information, and providing display customisation means whereby a user may choose to display either the template information or the abbreviated template information to minimise the amount of on-screen template information displayed. This enables more selectable template information elements from the template database to be simultaneously displayed for incorporation in full in the compiled report or reports. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the method further includes : providing associating means for associating user defined operational attributes with template information such that weightings may be attached as user-defined attributes to each template information, to allow the automatic generation of assessments score or grade or the like, along with the detailed report. An efficient means for associating operational attributes to template information is to use conventional database technology to add an additional field or column of information to the template information database to store the appropriate operational attribute, as is the case with the weightings attribute in Fig 2, or by adding a BLOB (binary large object field) to store multiple operational attributes. By storing operational attributes with the template information in the template information database and using the above means of associating the template and report databases, changes made to an operational attribute, such as a weighting, will mean that all reports containing the weighted information will automatically be updated. It is also preferred that the method includes constraining means for constraining the use of template information in a report based on previously selected information elements for the report. Preferably the template information to be constrained is user defined. By providing constraining means that respond to selection characteristics of the previously used template information in a report an end-user will only be presented with and made available the relevant template information for their current report. Fig. 11 illustrates the result of constraining the available template information caused by the selection. This application of the constraints corresponds to the data in the "Constraint List" column of the Response Template Information Element Table of Fig. 2. Constraints are beneficial, for example, when conducting surveys containing gender specific template information. Only the template information relevant to the gender selected will be displayed for inclusion in a compiled report . It is further preferred that the above method includes a provision that allows an end-user to define and store the order in which template information will be presented for possible selection. This template information is illustrated by the "Scroll to ID" column in the Response Template Information Element table in Fig . 2. By allowing an end-user to define "navigation information" and store it with the template information an end-user may simply indicate the next appropriate template information element displayed upon selection of some other previous template information. This allows for the "automatic scrolling" of template information to improve the efficiency of using the template information to compile editable reports. It also means an end-user does not have to use the standard scrolling mechanism to advance to the next selectable template information element. It is further preferred that the above method of compiling reports also provides a means of exporting and communicating reports in user specified formats. For example, the template information could be a variety of media formats, including but not limited to text, print graphical, sound, animation or video. This may simply be achieved by sending the contents of the report split window or report database to one or more devices capable of producing the end- user required format . By utilising a method as defined above, a user may compile one or more reports each of which comprises a compilation of template information. Each compiled report may be displayed, played and/or edited as required. Any portion of template information in each of the reports may be changed automatically by making the desired change to the corresponding template information. An assessor using the above method may add, modify or remove particular template information in the template information database and have, if desired, all corresponding template information in previously compiled reports automatically updated without the need to individually select previously compiled reports to be updated. These additions, modifications or deletions to template information may take place before, during and after compilation of the reports. Although the template and report databases may be realised as conventional databases or flat file structures or the like, this may not necessarily be the most efficient method of implementation. Preferably the template and/or report databases is realised as databases, hereinafter referred to ALPHA databases and being of the type described in our co-pending Australian patent application No. PCT\AU 98\00162. This provides advantages over conventional databases structures in that user defined information can be more easily restructured and extended and in relation to flat file structures in that user defined information can be more easily and efficiently searched and managed, as required by this invention. In another aspect, this invention resides broadly in a method enabling the compilation of a report from stored template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing presentation means for displaying stored template information at one side of a split window whereby all or a portion of the template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled report, and providing managing means for simultaneously and selectively displaying all or portions of the stored template information at one side of a split window and the report or reports being assembled by selection of template information in the other side of said split window. Preferably according to this further aspect the method includes: - establishing a report database to store reports generated by the assembly of all or portions of selected template information whereby each report may include a user defined set or sub-set of template information from the template database; providing editing means for editing the template information and/or assembled reports; establishing an association between the template and report databases whereby: changes made to template information automatically update the corresponding unedited template information in assembled reports stored in the report database, and/or changes made to report information in the report database do not affect the corresponding template information in the template database. The preferred forms of utilising the invention defined in pages 3 to 7 above are also preferred options in this further aspects of this invention defined below. In yet another aspect this invention resides broadly in a method enabling the compilation of an editable report from stored editable template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing selection means for displaying a searchable view of stored template information whereby all or a portion of the selected template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled report, and establishing a report by the compilation of all or a portion of selected template information. DESCRIPTION OF TYPICAL EMBODIMENT In order that this invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will be made hereinafter to the accompanying drawings wherein: - FIG. 1 is an overview of a typical embodiment of this invention; FIG. 1A illustrates a further split screen illustrating the expanded display of a report from abbreviated template information; FIG. 2 is an example of a template information database; FIG. 3 is an illustration of a template information and compiled report split window; FIG. 4 is an algorithm to display the template information database in a split window; FIG. 5 illustrates a computer; FIG. 6 specifies the characteristics of a computer; FIG. 7 is an algorithm to display a compiled report constructed by selected template information; FIG. 8 is an example of a report database; FIG. 9 is an example template information "on selection" algorithm; FIG. 10 is an example algorithm to "constrain" template information on selection; FIG. 11 illustrates the result of constraining template information; FIG. 12 is an example template information "on un- selection" algorithm; FIG. 13 is an example algorithm to "de-constrain" template information after un-selection; FIG. 14 is an example algorithm to calculate a report score; FIG. 15 illustrates an interface to modify template information properties ( a ) ; FIG. 16 illustrates an interface to modify template information properties (b); FIG. 17 illustrates an interface to modify template information properties (c), and FIG. 18 illustrates an application user interface as an embodiment this invention. According to the embodiment in Fig. 1 template information #1.1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is stored in a template information database #1.2 and Fig. 2 and is retrieved and displayed according to the algorithm in Fig. 4 in a template window #1.3 and Fig. 3 for selection #3.1 by an end-user using a computer and selection device Figs. 5 and 6 to be included in a compiled report #3.2, Fig. 1A displayed according to the algorithm in Fig. 7 in a report window #1.4 and Fig. 3 and stored in a report database #1.5 and Fig. 8 as report records #1.6 and Figs. 8. It should be noted that the database schema illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 8 follow the structure of an ALPHA database as described in our co-pending Australian patent application No. PCT\AU 98\00162. Preferably when an end-user selects template information #3.1 using a computer and selection device Figs. 5 and 6, the selection algorithm in Fig. 9 is performed along with the constraining algorithm in Fig. 10, Fig. 11 detailing the result of the constraint algorithm. The autoscroll algorithm is also performed when a user selects a template information element. This algorithm uses the value in the "Scroll to ID" column of the Response Template Information Element Table in Fig. 2 to determine the next template information element to display and then uses this new template information element as the "first" value when applying the algorithm in Fig. 4. Correspondingly, when an end-user un-selects template information #3.1 using a computer and selection device Figs . 5 and 6 the un-selection algorithm in Fig. 12 is performed along with the de-constraining algorithm in Fig. 13. Furthermore whenever the compiled report is displayed through the use of the algorithm in Fig. 7, the report score should also be calculated, using the algorithm in Fig. 14, and displayed accordingly as in #3.3. A template information score #15.1, along with any other template information properties may be entered using the windows detailed in Figs. 15, 16 and 17 and stored as in Fig. 2. In particular, Abbreviated Template Information, Default Template Information Selection, Detailed Template Information and Template Information Constraints may be maintained by the end-user as in #15.2, #15.3, #16.1 and Fig. 17 respectively and stored in the template information database as in Fig 2. Fig. 17.1 details the currently constrained Template Information and Fig. 17.2 details the template information that may be constrained. Fig. 18 outlines an application using a typical embodiment of this invention, detailing a structure of related template information elements #18.1, the tools to create new template information #18.2 and an assessment window #18.3, containing the selectable template information window and the compile report window. The example below highlights the use of this invention for the purpose of academic assessment. Note however that the utility of this invention is not restricted to domain of academic assessment, rather this invention may be used in any field whereby information is gathered, collected, stored, analysed, reported or acted upon in some manner. Example Scenario: Assume an assessor is required to assess, score, grade and give feedback for a number of student assessments. During the assessment process, the assessor often recognises that many students make either similar mistakes or require similar feedback comments on their assignments. Rather than having to write the same or similar comments multiple times, the assessor may: i ) . Define the common comments and feedback as template information Figs. 15, 16, 17 organised in a structure according to #18.1 in the template information split window #1.3, #3.1 and #18.3, and then ii ) . during assessment simply select the required template information #3.1 in the template information split window #1.3 and #18.3 to have the system place the selected template information in the report split window #1.4, #3.2, and #18.3 where it may be edited and/or specialised #3.4 for the student as necessary. By entering and selecting relevant template information in template information split window #3.1 for a student's assessment, a report is built up in the report split window 1.2 which may be later printed, faxed or emailed to the student as feedback on their assignment. BENEFITS OF THIS INVENTION This invention provides particular benefit in simplifying the process of creating reports where the content of the reports can be specified as template information as the content of the report is simply selected from template information, rather than being newly created for each report. This invention makes template information visible and directly accessible to the user so that selection of the appropriate template information for each report is an efficient process. This invention provides a mechanism for standardization of the content of reports that are created by many different individuals. For example, where a large number of student assignments have to be marked, and these assignments are distributed among several teachers, this invention provides standardization of the criteria used to assess the students by making the same template information available to all assessors. This invention can be used to make specialist expert knowledge available to people who would not ordinarily possess this knowledge. For example, a professor may make detailed assessment criteria available as template information, and this template information may then be used by less knowledgeable staff in the assessment of student assignments . A system implementing this invention allows the user of the system to see the report being constructed and to edit this report, as the user is working. In many other systems display and editing of compiled reports does not occur simultaneously with the construction of the report. Because this invention allows additions, modifications and deletions to template information to be automatically applied to report information, this invention allows the template information to be improved over time without the need to regenerate existing reports. As a result this invention is particularly useful in industries where the content and structure of information to be collected, stored, compiled, processed and reported upon is not completely known or fixed when established. For example, an industry that performs assessments, surveys, makes extensive use of notes, requires judgments to be made, or provides quotations, estimates and alike, could make use of systems implementing this invention. Similarly any field where the structure and content of information is volatile can also make extensive use of systems implementing this invention It will of course be realised that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such 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 the invention as is defined in the appended claims.

Claims: THE CLAIMS DEFINING THIS INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS :- 1. A method enabling the compilation of an report from stored template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing presentation means for displaying stored template information whereby all or a portion of the template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled report; establishing a report database to store reports generated by the assembly of all or portions of selected template information whereby each report may include a user defined set or sub-set of template information from the template database, and enabling the display of template information as well as one or more reports assembled from selected template information. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, including enabling simultaneous display of template information as well as one or more reports assembled from selected template information. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, including providing editing means for editing the template information and/or assembled reports; establishing an association between the template and report databases whereby: changes made to template information automatically update the corresponding unedited template information in assembled reports stored in the report database, and/or changes made to report information in the report database do not affect the corresponding template information in the template database. 4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including: providing the template information as a structured set of information; uniquely identifying each element of the template information set stored in the template database, and storing only the corresponding template information identification in each compiled report stored in the report database. 5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including: establishing abbreviation means for abbreviating user defined template information, and providing display customisation means whereby a user may choose to display either the template information or the abbreviated template information to minimise the amount of on-screen template information displayed. 6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including providing affiliation means for affiliating user defined operational attributes with template information. 7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including: providing constraining means for constraining the use of template information to relevant template information based on previously selected template information for the report. 8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the presentation means provides a searchable view of stored template information and the report being assembled on one screen. 9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including: providing editable navigation information as template information, and providing navigation means utilising the provided navigation information to determine the next information element for display upon the selection of some other template information element by the user. 10. A method enabling the compilation of a report from stored template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing presentation means for displaying stored template information at one side of a split window whereby all or a portion of the template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled report, and providing managing means for simultaneously and selectively displaying all or portions of the stored template information at one side of a split window and the report or reports being assembled by selection of template information in the other side of said split window. 11. A method as claimed in claim 10, including: establishing a report database to store reports generated by the assembly of all or portions of selected template information whereby each report may include a user defined set or sub-set of template information from the template database; providing editing means for editing the template information and/or assembled reports; establishing an association between the template and report databases whereby: changes made to template information automatically update the corresponding unedited template information in assembled reports stored in the report database, and/or changes made to report information in the report database do not affect the corresponding template information in the template database. 12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, including: providing the template information as a structured set of information; uniquely identifying each element of the template information set stored in the template database, and storing only the corresponding template information identification in each compiled report stored in the report database. 13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, including: establishing abbreviation means for abbreviating user defined template information, and providing display customisation means whereby a user may choose to display either the template information or the abbreviated template information to minimise the amount of on-screen template information displayed. 14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, including providing affiliation means for affiliating user defined operational attributes with template information. 15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, including: providing constraining means for constraining the use of template information to relevant template information based on previously selected template information for the report. 16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the presentation means provides a searchable view of stored template information and the report being assembled on one screen. 17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, including: - providing editable navigation information as template information, and providing navigation means utilising the provided navigation information to determine the next information element for display upon the selection of some other template information element by the user. 18. A method enabling the compilation of an editable report from stored editable template information, the method including: establishing a template database for storing user defined template information; providing selection means for displaying a searchable view of stored template information whereby all or a portion of the selected template information may be selected for inclusion in a compiled report, and establishing a report by the compilation of all or a portion of selected template information. 19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2, 10 or 18 including: providing editable weightings as template information, and providing arithmetic means utilising the provided weightings for calculating a weighted assessment score or grade or the like with the assembled report. 20. A method as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, including: storing the template and/or report information in respective ALPHA databases.

Inventors: OLIVER BRIAN KEITH, OLIVER, BRIAN, KEITH
Applicants: CLEVERWORX INC, OLIVER BRIAN KEITH, CLEVERWORX INC., OLIVER, BRIAN, KEITH
Application year: 1998
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: G06F17