JP2008171208A - Voice output device and voice output program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correctly perform voice output of each compound word by storing voice data corresponding to each compound word. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic dictionary 1 which is a voice output device is equipped with; a voice database 83 which matches voice data to each compound word and stores it; a display part 40 which displays text; an input part 30 which specifies any of words in the text displayed in the display part 40 as a specified word based on user operation; a CPU 20 which detects a compound word which is shown in the text with a specified word at the head by the display part 40 and whose voice data is stored by the voice database 83; and a voice output part 50 which carries out voice output of the voice data corresponding to the compound word detected by the CPU 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio output device and an audio output program.

  Conventionally, in a voice output device such as an electronic dictionary capable of voice output, as a method of outputting voice, a method of synthesizing and outputting voice data based on pronunciation symbol information such as a word, or recording data such as a word in advance A method of storing and outputting sound is used (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

By the way, there is a compound word composed of a plurality of words as an object to be output by the audio output device.
JP 2006-268501 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-268496

  However, when a compound word is output as a voice by a method of synthesizing voice data, the connection between words is not accurately reproduced, and the pronunciation is uncomfortable. On the other hand, when a compound word is output as a voice by a method of storing recorded data such as words in advance, the sound cannot be output unless the recording data is stored for each compound word.

  The subject of this invention is providing the audio | voice output apparatus and audio | voice output program which can carry out the audio | voice output of each compound word correctly.

The invention according to claim 1 is an audio output device,
Voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with each compound word;
Text display means for displaying text;
A word designating unit for designating any word in the text displayed on the text display unit as a designated word based on a user operation;
Compound word detection means for detecting a compound word that is displayed in the text by the text display means with the designated word at the beginning and in which voice data is stored by the voice data storage means;
Voice output means for outputting voice data corresponding to the compound word detected by the compound word detecting means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 2 is the audio output device according to claim 1,
The compound word detecting means includes
The present invention is characterized in that it has change compound word detection means for detecting at least one constituent word converted into a change word as a compound word displayed in the text by the text display means.

The invention according to claim 3 is the audio output device according to claim 1 or 2,
Voice data generating means for generating voice data that can be output by the voice output means from text data;
When a compound word is not detected by the compound word detecting unit, the fact is displayed on the text display unit, and voice data of the designated word is generated by the voice data generating unit and output by the voice output unit. Synthesized voice output control means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 4 is the audio output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Dictionary storage means for storing dictionary information in which explanation information is associated with each headword;
A headword designating means for designating any headword in the dictionary information as a designated headword based on a user operation;
Search means for searching the dictionary information for explanation information corresponding to the designated headword;
With
The text display means includes
It has an explanation information display means for displaying the explanation information retrieved by the retrieval means as text.

The invention described in claim 5 is the audio output device according to claim 4,
The voice data storage means includes
It has a headword voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with each headword,
The headword designating means is:
A headword input means for receiving a search character string input operation for the designated headword based on a user operation;
A headword list display means for extracting a headword corresponding to the search character string from the dictionary information and displaying a headword list;
A headword selection means for selecting and designating any headword in the headword list as the designated headword based on a user operation,
The audio output means is
It is characterized by having a headword voice output means for outputting voice data corresponding to any headword in the headword list based on a user operation.

The invention according to claim 6 is an audio output program,
On the computer,
A voice data storage function for storing voice data in association with each compound word;
A text display function to display text,
A word designating function for designating any word in the text displayed by the text display function as a designated word based on a user operation;
A compound word detection function that detects a compound word that is displayed in the text by the text display function with the designated word at the beginning, and that has voice data stored by the voice data storage function;
An audio output function for outputting audio data corresponding to the compound word detected by the compound word detection function;
It is characterized by realizing.

According to the present invention, since voice data corresponding to each compound word is stored and output as a voice, each compound word can be output as a voice accurately.
Further, when any word in the displayed text is designated as a designated word, a compound word that is displayed in the text with the designated word as the head and in which voice data is stored is detected, Since voice data corresponding to the detected compound word is output as a voice, the compound word can be voiced by designating the word in the text as the designated word without knowing which compound word the voice data is stored for. Can be output. In addition, the operation can be simplified as compared with the case where the entire compound word is input, for example, as a target for voice output.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a sound output device according to the present invention is applied to an electronic dictionary will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the electronic dictionary will be described.

[Appearance configuration]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the electronic dictionary 1.
As shown in this figure, the electronic dictionary 1 includes a main display 10, a sub display 11, a speaker 12, and a key group 2.

  The main display 10 and the sub display 11 are parts for displaying various data such as characters and codes according to the operation of the key group 2 by the user, and are configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), or the like. ing. In addition, the sub display 11 in this Embodiment is what is called a touch panel, and the input operation according to the pressing position is possible by pressing down the surface.

  The speaker 12 is a part that outputs sounds such as headwords and example sentences according to the operation of the key group 2 by the user.

  The key group 2 has various keys for the user to operate the electronic dictionary 1. Specifically, the key group 2 includes a translation / decision key 2b, a character key 2c, a dictionary selection key 2d, a cursor key 2e, a shift key 2f, a return key 2g, a voice output key 2h, and an example key. 2i, compound word key 2j, and the like.

  The translation / decision key 2b is a key used for executing a search, determining a headword, and the like. The character key 2c is a key used for inputting characters by the user, and includes “A” to “Z” keys in the present embodiment. The dictionary selection key 2d is a key used for selecting a dictionary database 84 (see FIG. 2) described later.

  The cursor key 2e is a key used for the reverse display position in the screen, that is, the movement of the cursor position. In the present embodiment, the up / down / left / right directions can be designated. The shift key 2f is a key used when a Japanese word is set as a search target. The return key 2g is a key used when returning to the previously displayed screen.

  The voice output key 2h is a key that is pressed when outputting a voice such as a selected headword or compound word. The example key 2i is a key that is pressed when displaying an example sentence including the selected headword. The compound word key 2j is a key that is pressed when displaying a phrase / compound word including the selected headword.

[Internal configuration]
Next, the internal structure of the electronic dictionary 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the electronic dictionary 1.

  As shown in this figure, the electronic dictionary 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, an input unit 30, a display unit 40, an audio output unit 50, a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 80, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 90. Each unit is configured to be connected to each other via a bus 100 so that data communication is possible.

  The display unit 40 includes the main display 10 and the sub display 11 described above, and displays various types of information on the main display 10 and the sub display 11 based on a display signal input from the CPU 20.

  The input unit 30 includes the key group 2 described above, and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressed key to the CPU 20.

  The audio output unit 50 includes the speaker 12 described above, and causes the speaker 12 to reproduce audio data based on an audio output signal input from the CPU 20.

  The CPU 20 executes processing based on a predetermined program in accordance with an input instruction, performs an instruction to each function unit, data transfer, and the like, and comprehensively controls the electronic dictionary 1. Specifically, the CPU 20 reads various programs stored in the flash ROM 80 according to an operation signal or the like input from the input unit 30, and executes processing according to the program. Then, the CPU 20 stores the processing result in the RAM 90 and causes the display unit 40 and the audio output unit 50 to output the processing result as appropriate.

  The flash ROM 80 is a memory that stores programs and data for realizing various functions of the electronic dictionary 1. In the present embodiment, the flash ROM 80 stores a voice output program 81 according to the present invention, a dictionary database group 82, a voice database 83, and the like.

  The voice output program 81 is a program for causing the CPU 20 to execute a later-described dictionary search process (see FIGS. 6 to 9).

  The dictionary database group 82 has a plurality of dictionary databases 84,... In this embodiment, the dictionary database 84a of the “G * US English-Japanese Dictionary” and the dictionary database 84b of the “Longman Contemporary English-English Dictionary” are used. Etc.

  In these dictionary databases 84,..., For example, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, for a plurality of headwords, explanation information including pronunciation symbols and meaning contents of the headwords, and example sentences of headwords An example number for identifying (example), a idiom number for identifying a idiom including a headword, a compound word number for identifying a phrase / compound word, and the like are stored in association with each other. Each dictionary database 84 includes a table in which example numbers and their translations are associated with the above example numbers, as shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B, for example, and the above compound word numbers. A table in which the phrase / compound word and the explanation information of the phrase / compound word are associated with each other, a table in which the idiom number is associated with the phrase information, and the explanation information of the phrase is stored. In the present embodiment, the description information in each dictionary database 84 is text data.

  In the voice database 83, for example, as shown in an example in FIG. 5, voice data based on native pronunciation, so-called “true voice”, is stored in association with headwords, phrases, compound words, and the like. Has been.

  The RAM 90 includes a memory area that temporarily holds various programs executed by the CPU 20 and data related to the execution of these programs. In this embodiment, the RAM 90 includes a selected dictionary storage area 91, an input character storage area 92, a selected entry word storage area 93, a word string storage area 94, and a speech output candidate storage area 95.

  Here, the selected dictionary storage area 91 stores identification information of the dictionary database 84 selected by the user as a search target of the headword, and the input character storage area 92 is input by the user. Input characters are stored. Further, the selected headword storage area 93 stores the selected headword selected by the user as the headword to be dictionaryd. In the present embodiment, the selected headword in the present embodiment is based on a list of headwords read from the dictionary database in alphabetical order or alphabetical order so as to match the input character or designated character in front. It is to be selected.

  The word string storage area 94 stores a predetermined word string starting from the cursor position in a later-described voice search process (see FIGS. 8 to 9). Each of the word strings that are candidates for speech output in a speech search process (see FIGS. 8 to 9) described later is stored in a list.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 1 will be described.
6 to 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of dictionary search processing in which the CPU 20 reads out and executes the voice output program 81.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, after the dictionary selection key 2d is pressed by the user and any dictionary database 84 is selected from the dictionary database group 82 (step S1), an instruction to start a headword search is issued. (Step S2) When a search character string is input (Step S3), the CPU 20 extracts a headword candidate corresponding to the input search character string from the selected dictionary database 84, and performs main display. 10 is displayed as a list, the head word is designated as an object to be highlighted, its explanation information is retrieved from the dictionary database 84, and is previewed on the main display 10 in a region different from the head word list (step) S4). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the dictionary database 84 in which at least one of the headword and the explanation information is written in English is selected in the process of step S1.

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the up / down key of the cursor key 2e is operated by the user (step S5), and when it is determined that the user has operated (step S5; Yes), the inversion designated entry word Is changed in the direction of the cursor in the headword list, the description information of the headword to be changed is retrieved from the dictionary database 84 and previewed on the main display 10 in a different area from the headword list (step S6), the process proceeds to step S5 described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the up / down key is not operated (step S5; No), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the audio output key 2h is operated by the user (step S7) and is operated. If it is determined (step S7; Yes), the speech database 83 is searched for speech data corresponding to the headword designated for inversion (step S8), and it is determined whether there is speech data (step S9). And when it determines with there being audio | voice data in this step S9 (step S9; Yes), after outputting the said audio | voice data to the audio | voice output part 50 (step S10), CPU20 of the above-mentioned step S5 Transition to processing. If it is determined in step S9 that there is no audio data (step S9; No), the CPU 20 displays on the main display 10 that there is no audio data as shown in FIG. Step S11), the process proceeds to the above-described step S5.

  If it is determined in step S7 that the voice output key 2h is not operated (step S7; No), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step S12). ), When it is determined that it is not operated (step S12; No), the process proceeds to another process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the translation / decision key 2b has been operated (step S12; Yes), the CPU 20 causes the main display 10 to display the explanation information of the headword designated for reversal (step S13). ). At this time, if a compound word including the displayed headword is stored in the dictionary database 84, the CPU 20 displays a compound word mark M1 (see FIG. 13) indicating that fact on the upper right portion of the main display 10. To display. In addition, when an example of a headword is stored in the dictionary database 84, the CPU 20 stores an example mark M2 (see FIG. 13) indicating that fact in the display area of the main display 10. Each meaning content is displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the audio output key 2h is operated (step S21), and when it is determined that the audio output key 2h is operated (step S21; Yes). Performs voice search processing (step S22).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, first, the CPU 20 displays a voice search mark M3 (see FIG. 11 and the like) indicating that the voice search process is being performed on the main display 10 of the display unit 40, and An audio output speed setting screen (see FIG. 1) is displayed on the sub-display 11 (step T11). When the speed setting screen is displayed, when the user presses a predetermined area of the sub-display 11, the audio output speed is changed to an arbitrary speed.

  Next, the CPU 20 designates the first word in the explanation information or the example displayed on the main display 10 in reverse (step T12), and then determines whether or not the cursor key 2e is operated by the user (step T13). ), When it is determined that it has been operated (step T13; Yes), after the inversion designated word is changed in the cursor direction (step T14), the process proceeds to step T13 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step T13 that the cursor key 2e is not operated (step T13; No), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step T15).

  If it is determined in step T15 that the translation / decision key 2b has been operated (step T15; Yes), the CPU 20 obtains a series of word strings from the word at the cursor position designated for inversion to the last word in the sentence. The extracted voice data is stored in the word string storage area 94 (step T16), and the voice data corresponding to the word string and the modified word string in which at least one constituent word in the word string is converted to the modified word is voiced. The database 83 is searched, and if searched, the voice data is added to the candidate list in the voice output candidate storage area 95 (step T17).

  In addition, for example, as a change word, in addition to a word formed by combining constituent words with hyphens, etc., a comparison is made with respect to a constituent word of the original verb, a past tense, a past participle, a case change, and a basic adjective constituent word. There are class and superlative words. Moreover, as a method of acquiring the variation word of the constituent words, a conventionally known method can be used such as referring to a table storing the variation word for each word in association with each other.

  Next, the CPU 20 deletes the last word in the word string stored in the word string storage area 94 and converts the remaining word string or at least one constituent word in the remaining word string into a change word. The voice data corresponding to the changed word string is searched in the voice database 83, and if searched, the voice data is added to the candidate list in the voice output candidate storage area 95 (step T18).

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the word string in the word string storage area 94 is only the word at the cursor position, that is, only the word that has been specified to be reversed (step T19). When it determines (step T19; No), it transfers to the process of above-mentioned step T18.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step T19 that only the word at the cursor position is present (step T19; Yes), the CPU 20 stores voice data candidates in the voice output candidate storage area 95 as shown in FIG. If it is determined whether or not it is stored (step T31; Yes), the word strings of the candidate list are displayed in a list on the main display 10 (step T32), and the user presses the cursor key. When any word string is designated by 2e and selected by the translation / decision key 2b (step T33), the voice output unit 50 causes the voice output unit 50 to output the voice data of the selected word string (step T34).

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the return key 2g is operated by the user (step T35), and when it is determined that the user does not operate (step T35; No), the process proceeds to the above-described step T33. If it is determined that it has been operated (step T35; Yes), the process proceeds to the above-described step T13 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, when it is determined in step T31 that there is no audio data candidate (step T31; No), the CPU 20 is designated as reversed. After displaying on the main display 10 whether or not to ask whether or not to output synthesized speech for a certain word (step T36), it is determined whether or not speech output is selected (step T37). When it determines (step T37; No), as shown in FIG. 8, it transfers to the process of above-mentioned step T13.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined in step T37 that the audio output has been selected (step T37; Yes), the CPU 20 determines that the word based on the phonetic symbol of the word at the cursor position that has been designated as reversed. After the synthesized voice data is generated and the synthesized voice data is output to the voice output unit 50 (step T38), the process proceeds to the above-described step T13 as shown in FIG. As a method for outputting synthesized speech data based on phonetic symbols, the speech data corresponding to each phoneme is stored in the flash ROM 80 or the like in advance, and the phonetic symbol text data is decomposed into phonemes. Conventionally known methods such as synthesizing voice data corresponding to each phoneme and continuously reproducing the data can be used. However, instead of outputting the synthesized speech based on the text data of the phonetic symbols, the synthesized speech may be output based on the text data of the word itself.

  If it is determined in step T15 that the translation / decision key 2b is not operated (step T15; No), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the return key 2g is operated by the user (step T21). If it is determined that it has not been operated (step T21; No), the process proceeds to another process. If it is determined that it has been operated (step T21; Yes), the voice search process is terminated, As shown in FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S21 described above.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the audio output key 2h is not operated (step S21; No), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the example key 2i is operated by the user (step S31). If it is determined that it has been performed (step S31; Yes), the first example mark M2 of the example marks M2,... Displayed on the main display 10 at the above-described step S13 is inverted and designated and displayed. An example with the meaning content corresponding to is displayed as a preview on the main display 10 in a different area from the explanation information of the headword (step S32).

  Next, when any example mark M2 is designated by the user with the up / down key of the cursor key 2e and selected with the translation / decision key 2b (step S33), the CPU 20 makes the meaning content corresponding to the selected example mark. The example in is displayed on the main display 10 in full screen (step S34).

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice output key 2h is operated (step S35). When it is determined that the voice output key 2h is not operated (step S35; No), the CPU 20 proceeds to another process and is operated. If it is determined (step S35; Yes), after performing the voice search process similar to step S22 described above (step S36), the process proceeds to step S35 described above.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the example key 2i is not operated (step S31; No), the CPU 20 determines whether the compound word key 2j is operated by the user (step S41). If it is determined not to be operated (step S41; No), the process proceeds to another process.

  If it is determined in step S41 that the compound word key 2j has been operated (step S41; Yes), the CPU 20 displays a list of compound words including the reverse designated word on the main display 10 (step S42), and the user When one of the compound words is designated by the up / down key of the cursor key 2e and selected by the translation / decision key 2b (step S43), the explanation information of the selected compound word is displayed on the main display 10 in full screen ( Step S44).

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice output key 2h is operated by the user (step S45). When it is determined that the user does not operate (step S45; No), the CPU 20 proceeds to another process and operates. If it is determined that it has been performed (step S45; Yes), after performing the voice search process similar to step S22 described above (step S46), the process proceeds to step S45 described above.

<Operation example>
Next, the above dictionary search process will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in FIG. 11 etc. which will be described later, an overall view of the electronic dictionary 1 is simplified on the left side in the figure, and an operation procedure is shown on the right side in the figure.

(Operation example 1)
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), when the user selects the dictionary database 84a of “Gianius English-Japanese Dictionary” (step S1) and inputs “batteringram” as a search character string (step S3), Candidates “batter”, “battery”,... Corresponding to the search character string are listed in the middle of the main display 10, and the head words “[batter] to ing ram” are specified in reverse. Then, the explanation information is previewed on the lower part of the main display 10 (step S4).

  Next, when the voice output key 2h is operated by the user (step S7; Yes), the inverted word “[batter] to ing ram” is output as a voice (step S10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step S12; Yes), the explanatory information of the headword “[batter] to ing ram” designated for inversion is obtained. When the full screen is displayed (step S13) and the voice output key 2h is further operated by the user (step S21; Yes), the voice search mark M3 is displayed on the main display 10 and the voice output speed setting screen is displayed on the sub screen. It is displayed on the display 11 (step T11).

  Next, after the first word “batter” of the description information displayed on the main display 10 is specified to be reversed (step T12), when the user operates the lower key of the cursor key 2e (step T13; Yes). In the cursor direction, the word “˜ing” in the word string “˜ing ram” is reversely designated (step T14).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step T15; Yes), from the inverted word “˜ing” to the last word “ram” Is stored in the word string storage area 94 (step T16), and the voice data corresponding to the word string “battering ram” is added to the candidate list in the voice output candidate storage area 95 (step S16). T17).

  Next, after the speech data corresponding to the word string “battering” from which the last word “ram” has been deleted and the variation word “batter” of this word string are added to the candidate list in the speech output candidate storage area 95 (Step T18), the word strings “battering ram”, “battering”, “batter” in the candidate list stored in the voice output candidate storage area 95 are displayed in a list (step T32).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11D, when the user operates the down key of the cursor key 2e and operates the translation / decision key 2b (step T33), the voice data of the selected word string “battering” Is output as a sound (step T34).

(Operation example 2)
For example, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), after the user selects the dictionary database 84b of “Logman Modern English-English Dictionary” (Step S1) and inputs “baked beans” as a search character string (Step S1). S3) When the translation / decision key 2b is operated for the candidate word “baked beans” (step S12; Yes), the explanation information of the inverted word “baked beans” is displayed on the full screen (S3). Step S13).

  Next, when the voice output key 2h is operated by the user (step S21; Yes), the voice search mark M3 is displayed on the main display 10 and the speed setting screen for voice output is displayed on the sub display 11 ( Step T11).

  Next, after the first word “baked” of the description information displayed on the main display 10 is specified to be reversed (step T12), when the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step T15; Yes), As shown in FIG. 12B, a series of word strings “baked beans” from the inverted word “baked” to the last word “beans” are stored in the word string storage area 94 (step T16). The audio data corresponding to the word string “baked beans” is added to the candidate list in the audio output candidate storage area 95 (step T17).

  Next, after the speech data corresponding to the variation word “bake” of the word string “baked” from which the last word “beans” has been deleted is added to the candidate list in the speech output candidate storage area 95 (step T18), A list of word strings “baked beans” and “bake” in the candidate list stored in the audio output candidate storage area 95 is displayed (step T32).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12C, when the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step T33), the audio data of the selected word string “baked beans” is output as audio (step T34). .

(Operation example 3)
For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), after the user selects the dictionary database 84a of “Gianius English-Japanese Dictionary” (step S1) and inputs “bread” as a search character string (step S3), When the translation / decision key 2b is operated for the headword candidate “bread” (step S12; Yes), the explanatory information of the headword “baked beans” specified for inversion is displayed in full screen (step S13).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, the user operates the example key 2i (step S31; Yes), and operates the translation / decision key 2b for the example with the meaning content “bread” (step S33). ), An example of the headword “bread” in the meaning content “bread” is displayed on the full screen (step S34).

  Next, when the voice output key 2h is operated by the user (step S35; Yes), the voice search mark M3 is displayed on the main display 10 and the speed setting screen for voice output is displayed on the sub display 11 ( Step T11).

  Next, after the first word “bread” of the description information displayed on the main display 10 is designated in reverse (step T12), when the user operates the cursor key 2e down key or right key multiple times (step T12). Step T13; Yes) In the cursor direction, the word “bread” in the example “I have a glass of milk, hot cereal, and bread and butter for breakfast.” Is designated in reverse (step T14).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the translation / decision key 2b is operated by the user (step T15; Yes), the word “bread” from the reverse designation to the last word “breakfast” is displayed. A series of word strings “bread and butter for breakfast” is stored in the word string storage area 94 (step T16). At this time, audio data corresponding to the word string “bread and butter for breakfast” is not detected (step T17).

  Next, the word string “bread and butter for” from which the last word “breakfast” has been deleted is stored in the word string storage area 94. At this time, audio data corresponding to the word string “bread and butter for breakfast” is not detected (step T18).

  Next, the word string “bread and butter” from which the last word “for” has been deleted is stored in the word string storage area 94, and the word string “bread and butter” and the variation word string “bread-and-butter” are stored. Is added to the candidate list in the voice output candidate storage area 95 (step T18).

  Next, the word string “bread and” from which the last word “butter” has been deleted is stored in the word string storage area 94. At this time, voice data corresponding to the word string “bread and” is not detected (step T18).

  Next, after the speech data corresponding to the word string “bread” from which the last word “and” has been deleted is added to the candidate list in the speech output candidate storage area 95 (step T18), it is stored in the speech output candidate storage area 95. The word strings “bread-and-butter”, “bread and butter”, and “batter” in the stored candidate list are displayed in a list (step T32).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13D, when the user operates the down key of the cursor key 2e and operates the translation / decision key 2b (step T33), the selected word string “bread and butter” Audio data is output as audio (step T34).

  According to the electronic dictionary 1 described above, since the speech data corresponding to each compound word is stored and output as speech as shown in step T34 of FIG. 9 and FIGS. Audio output. Also, when any word in the displayed text is reversely designated, a compound word that is displayed in the text with the word as the head and whose speech data is stored in the speech database 83 is detected. Since the voice data corresponding to the detected compound word is output as voice, the compound word can be voiced by inversion of the word in the text without knowing which compound word the voice data is stored in. Can be output. In addition, the operation can be simplified as compared with the case where the entire compound word is input, for example, as a target for voice output.

  Further, as shown in step T18 of FIG. 8 and FIGS. 11 to 13, since a compound word displayed in the text is detected as a compound word converted into a change word. Even if the compound word in the text is a variation of the compound word stored in association with the voice data, the compound word can be output as a voice.

  Further, as shown in step T38 of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10B, when a compound word is not detected, a message to that effect is displayed and voice data is generated from the text data of the reverse designated word. Therefore, even if the compound word sound data is not stored, the inversion designated word can be output as a sound. In addition, when a compound word is not detected, a message to that effect is displayed, so it is determined whether the stored voice data is output as voice or the voice data generated from text data is output as voice. can do.

  Further, as shown in steps S3 to S4 and S13 of FIG. 6, FIG. 11A, etc., when any headword in the dictionary database 84 is designated based on a user operation, the headword Is retrieved from the dictionary database 84, and the retrieved explanation information is displayed as text. By designating one of the words in the explanation information in reverse, the compound word in the explanation information is voiced. Can be output.

  In addition, as shown in steps S3 to S4 and S10 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11A, when a search character string input operation for a headword is received based on a user operation, the search character string is displayed. Each corresponding headword is extracted from the dictionary information, a headword list is displayed, and voice data corresponding to any headword in the headword list is output as voice. Audio output is possible. Further, by displaying a compound word in the headword list, the compound word can be output as a voice.

  The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, the voice output device according to the present invention has been described as the electronic dictionary 1, but those to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to such products, and can be applied to electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal computers. . Further, the audio output program 81 according to the present invention may be stored in a memory card, CD, or the like that can be attached to and detached from the electronic dictionary 1.

It is a top view which shows the electronic dictionary to which the audio | voice output apparatus which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic dictionary to which the audio | voice output apparatus which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structure of a dictionary database. It is a figure which shows the structure of a dictionary database. It is a figure which shows the structure of an audio | voice database. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dictionary search process. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dictionary search process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of a voice search process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of a voice search process. It is a figure which shows an example of the message displayed in a dictionary search process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display content etc. in an audio | voice search process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display content etc. in an audio | voice search process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display content etc. in an audio | voice search process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic dictionary (voice output device)
20 CPU (compound word detection means, variation compound word detection means, voice data generation means,
Synthetic voice output control means, search means)
30 input unit (word specifying means, headword specifying means, headword input means, headword selecting means)
40 display section (text display means, explanation information display means, headword list display means)
50 Voice output unit (voice output means, headword voice output means)
81 voice output program 82 dictionary database (dictionary storage means)
83 Voice database (voice data storage means, headword voice data storage means)

Claims (6)

Voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with each compound word;
Text display means for displaying text;
A word designating unit for designating any word in the text displayed on the text display unit as a designated word based on a user operation;
Compound word detection means for detecting a compound word that is displayed in the text by the text display means with the designated word at the beginning and in which voice data is stored by the voice data storage means;
Voice output means for outputting voice data corresponding to the compound word detected by the compound word detecting means;
An audio output device comprising: The audio output device according to claim 1,
The compound word detecting means includes
An audio output device comprising: a change compound word detection means for detecting at least one constituent word converted into a change word as a compound word displayed in the text by the text display means. The audio output device according to claim 1 or 2,
Voice data generating means for generating voice data that can be output by the voice output means from text data;
When a compound word is not detected by the compound word detecting unit, the fact is displayed on the text display unit, and voice data of the designated word is generated by the voice data generating unit and output by the voice output unit. Synthesized voice output control means;
An audio output device comprising: In the audio output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Dictionary storage means for storing dictionary information in which explanation information is associated with each headword;
A headword designating means for designating any headword in the dictionary information as a designated headword based on a user operation;
Search means for searching the dictionary information for explanation information corresponding to the designated headword;
With
The text display means includes
An audio output device comprising: explanation information display means for displaying the explanation information retrieved by the retrieval means as text. The audio output device according to claim 4, wherein
The voice data storage means includes
It has a headword voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with each headword,
The headword designating means is:
A headword input means for receiving a search character string input operation for the designated headword based on a user operation;
A headword list display means for extracting a headword corresponding to the search character string from the dictionary information and displaying a headword list;
A headword selection means for selecting and designating any headword in the headword list as the designated headword based on a user operation,
The audio output means is
An audio output device comprising: a headword voice output means for outputting voice data corresponding to any one of the headwords in the headword list based on a user operation. On the computer,
A voice data storage function for storing voice data in association with each compound word;
A text display function to display text,
A word designating function for designating any word in the text displayed by the text display function as a designated word based on a user operation;
A compound word detection function that detects a compound word that is displayed in the text by the text display function with the designated word at the beginning, and that has voice data stored by the voice data storage function;
An audio output function for outputting audio data corresponding to the compound word detected by the compound word detection function;
An audio output program characterized by realizing the above.

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