JP2023120888A - Electronic apparatus, digital content transmission/reception system, digital content transmission/reception method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic dictionary (electronic apparatus) that allows a user to quickly use additional contents required even when a communication module with low throughput is used.SOLUTION: An electronic dictionary 10 transmits user learning information obtained based on a search history and the like to a WES server 20 when an operation to power off is performed. The WES server 20 determines the user's academic ability level based on the learning information, determines a recommended additional dictionary (content) according to the academic ability level, and uploads it to the electronic dictionary 10 in advance without purchasing it. The electronic dictionary 10 sets the additional (recommended) dictionary downloaded in advance to a hidden setting and stores it in an additional dictionary storage area, but displays the additional dictionary as dictionary icons AD1, AD2, ... by specifying a [recommended] tab TR of a content list screen G1. When an instruction is given to purchase the additional (recommended) dictionary downloaded in advance, the hidden setting of the additional (recommended) dictionary is canceled and a beginning screen is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device using digital content, a digital content transmission/reception system, a digital content transmission/reception method, and a program.

In general, electronic dictionaries store digital contents including a plurality of types of dictionary data in advance, such as Japanese dictionaries and English dictionaries. It is possible to search and display explanatory information such as the meaning of words and example sentences using the words as headwords by designating them.

In recent years, some electronic dictionaries have a function of downloading additional content specified by a user from a server on the Web by installing Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

JP 2004-062227 A

For the Wi-Fi module installed in the electronic dictionary, a complete module with a built-in protocol stack (control program) is used for cost reasons.

A complete module does not require the development of a protocol stack, is inexpensive, and can be used easily. Therefore, there is a problem that the additional content specified by the user cannot be used promptly without waiting time.

It is conceivable to improve the throughput by changing the Wi-Fi module and developing a new protocol stack for it, but electronic dictionaries need to be general purpose, which is undesirable.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a digital content transmission/reception system, and a digital content transmission/reception that enable a user to quickly use additional content required by a communication module with low throughput. The object is to provide a method and a program.

An electronic device according to the present invention includes:
a communications department;
a storage unit that stores user learning information;
a control unit;
The control unit
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the device;
Non-display information indicating non-display of the received digital content is stored in the storage unit together with the received digital content.

According to the present invention, even if a communication module with low throughput is used, additional content required by the user can be used quickly.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital content transmission/reception system 1 according to an embodiment of an electronic device, a digital content transmission/reception system, a digital content transmission/reception method, and a program according to the present invention; 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of an electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of a WES server (server device) 20; FIG. 4 shows an example of additional dictionary data (12d) stored in the electronic dictionary 10; FIG. 4 shows an example of a user management database (22c) stored in the WES server 20; FIG. 4 shows an example of a word difficulty level database (22d) stored in the WES server 20; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended dictionary database by academic ability level (22e) stored in the WES server 20; 4 is a flowchart showing learning information transmission processing of the electronic dictionary 10 and recommended dictionary download processing of the WES server 20; 4 is a flowchart showing recommended dictionary display processing of the electronic dictionary 10; 4 is a flowchart showing additional dictionary purchase processing of the electronic dictionary 10 and additional dictionary purchase support processing of the WES server 20; 4 is a flowchart showing recommended dictionary deletion processing of the electronic dictionary 10;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<<Configuration of Embodiment>>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital content transmission/reception system 1 according to an embodiment of an electronic device, a digital content transmission/reception system, a digital content transmission/reception method, and a program according to the present invention.

The digital content transmission/reception system 1 includes an electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10 and a WES (Worldwide Education Service) server (server device) 20 provided on a communication network N such as the Internet. The WES server 20 referred to here is a dedicated server that connects an information terminal (not shown) containing the electronic dictionary 10 and an electronic dictionary application with a cloud service. It has a function of downloading to an information terminal.

The electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10 can be configured as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a PC (personal computer), a mobile phone, an electronic book, a portable game machine, etc., having a dictionary function, in addition to the dedicated electronic dictionary 10 described below. .

The digital content transmission/reception system 1 shown in FIG. 1 has at least the following functions (10a) (10b) (10c) (10d) (20a) (20b) (20c).

In the electronic dictionary 10, when the user uses the electronic dictionary 10, learning information is stored in a storage unit 12 of the electronic dictionary 10, which will be described later. A function (10a) for sending to the server 20;

In the WES server 20, a function (20a) for judging the user's academic level based on the learning information received from the electronic dictionary 10, and a dictionary recommended according to the user's academic level (a dictionary highly necessary for the user) are provided. A function of estimating (obtaining) (20b) and a function of downloading dictionary data (contents) of recommended dictionaries to the electronic dictionary 10 (20c).

In the electronic dictionary 10, additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded from the WES server 20 are displayed in display areas corresponding to predetermined tabs ([National] tab TN, [English] tab TE) on the touch panel display unit 17. (Dictionary icon list screen G2) A function (10b) for setting to hide and store additional dictionaries designated as download targets by the user is displayed in predetermined tabs ([National] tab TN, [English] ] tab TE), when the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) matches additional dictionary data that is set to be hidden and stored, the function (10c) to cancel the hidden setting; Additional dictionary data set to be hidden and stored in display areas (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to predetermined tabs ([National] tab TN, [English] tab TE) is stored in advance. A function (10d) for erasing according to the conditions specified. The display on the touch panel type display unit 17 of the electronic dictionary 10 will be described later.

In FIG. 1, based on the user's learning information transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10 to the WES server 20, dictionary data (contents) recommended for the user obtained by the WES server 20 is added as additional dictionary data to the electronic dictionary 10. 1 shows an example of a case where the content list screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel type display unit 17 of the electronic dictionary 10 in a state in which the content has been downloaded to .

On the content list screen G1, a list of dictionary data (contents) stored in the electronic dictionary 10 can be specified by specifying tabs by language system such as [Japanese] tab TN or [English] tab TE. When the [National] tab TN is specified, the dictionary icons of Japanese dictionaries (for example, [National 1] N1, [National 2] N2, …) is listed. Here, for example, a screen on which dictionary icons (N1, N2) of the specified language are listed with the [National] tab TN specified is referred to as a dictionary icon list screen G2.

At this time, even if the additional dictionary data for Japanese language is downloaded from the WES server 20 and stored in the electronic dictionary 10, if the additional dictionary data is set to be hidden on the dictionary icon list screen G2, The additional dictionary icon AD is not displayed.

When the [Recommended] tab TR on the content list screen G1 is specified, a dictionary icon ( For example, [English for daily life] AD1, [English for examination] AD2, [Business English] AD3, . . . ) may be displayed in a list. Here, the user's English proficiency level is "intermediate", and additional dictionary data for [examination English] AD2, which is suitable for a user with an "intermediate" level, and [business English] AD3, which is more difficult than that, are added. is downloaded to the electronic dictionary 10 as dictionary data recommended by the WES server 20. .

As a result, the user of the electronic dictionary 10 can know in advance on a predetermined screen of the electronic dictionary 10 that there is an additional dictionary recommended based on his or her academic ability level, and therefore purchases an additional dictionary by himself/herself. No need to start thinking about it.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the WES server (server device) 20. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of additional dictionary data (12d) stored in the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the user management database (22c) stored in the WES server 20. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the word difficulty level database (22d) stored in the WES server 20. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a recommendation dictionary database (22e) by academic ability level stored in the WES server 20. As shown in FIG.

<Electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10>
As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10 includes a control section (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 11 which is a computer.

The control section 11 controls the operation of each circuit section according to a dictionary control program (12a) stored in a memory section (memory) 12. FIG. The dictionary control program (12a) is pre-stored in the storage unit 12, read from an external storage medium (storage) 13 such as a memory card by the storage medium reading unit 14 and stored in the storage unit 12, or is stored on the communication network N. It may be downloaded from a Web server (here, a program server) via the communication unit (Wi-Fi) 15 and stored in the storage unit 12 .

A Wi-Fi module used for the communication unit (Wi-Fi) 15 may be a complete module containing a protocol stack.

The dictionary control program (12a) includes a system program for controlling the entire electronic dictionary 10, a program for communicating with the WES server 20 at any time, a program for searching dictionary data (12c) according to user operations, A program for generating search history data (12e), a program for executing questioning processing based on question collection data (12f) according to user operations, based on conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g) according to user operations It includes a program for executing conversation/pronunciation practice processing and a program for executing functions (10a), (10b), (10c), and (10d) in cooperation with the WES server 20 as needed.

The control unit 11 includes a storage unit 12, a recording medium reading unit 14, a communication unit (Wi-Fi) 15, and a key input unit including a character input key and a [translate/determine] key via the system and data bus. 16, and a touch panel type display 17 are connected.

The storage unit 12 includes a program storage area 12a for storing a dictionary control program (12a), an electronic dictionary ID storage area 12b for storing an electronic dictionary ID (electronic dictionary identification information) (12b), and dictionary data (12c). Dictionary data storage area 12c to store, Additional dictionary data storage area 12d to store additional dictionary data (12d), Search history data storage area 12e to store search history data (12e), Problems to store question collection data (12f) A collection data storage area 12f, a conversation/pronunciation practice data storage area 12g for storing conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g), and the like are secured.

Electronic dictionary identification information unique to the electronic dictionary 10 is stored as an electronic dictionary ID in the electronic dictionary ID storage area 12b. The electronic dictionary ID may also serve as user identification information (in this case, "electronic dictionary <user> ID").

In the dictionary data storage area 12c, various dictionary data (contents) such as Japanese dictionaries, English dictionaries, etc. by language and by field are stored as headwords and idioms, as well as meanings and example sentences corresponding to the same headwords. , is stored as dictionary data (digital content) associated with explanation information including explanations. The dictionary data (digital content) also includes icon (dictionary icon) data corresponding to the dictionary data displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 . Therefore, icons are also a kind of digital content.

As shown in FIG. 4, the additional dictionary data storage area 12d stores dictionary data (contents) downloaded from the WES server 20 as additional dictionary data (contents) for the dictionary data (12c) stored in the dictionary data storage area 12c. additional dictionary data). The additional dictionary data (12d) contains a non-display flag (1: non-display, 0: display) for setting the contents to non-display, the download date downloaded from the WES server 20, and the latest browse date. , are associated and stored.

In the search history data storage area 12e, for each type of dictionary data (12c) and additional dictionary data (12d), entries (words, idioms, etc.) for which the user searched dictionary data (12c) and additional dictionary data (12d) are stored. phrase) and its search date and time are stored in association with each other.

The problem collection data storage area 12f stores, for example, a plurality of types of problem data (contents) for performing English text learning. In the process of learning, for example, result data including the correctness or wrongness of the answer is added to the learned question data and stored.

The conversation/pronunciation practice data storage area 12g stores, for example, a plurality of types of practice data (contents) for practicing English conversation/pronunciation. By executing the practice data, the user can practice conversation/pronunciation. In the process of proceeding, for example, result data including the evaluation score is added to practice data practiced and stored.

Here, search history data (12e), question collection data (12f), and conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g), including dictionary searches, problem answers, and conversation/pronunciation practice by the user, are used as learning information for the user. It is transmitted to the WES server 20 and analyzed periodically (for example, every time the electronic dictionary 10 is used and the power is turned off).

Needless to say, the contents for obtaining the user's learning information are not limited to the search history data (12e), the problem collection data (12f), and the conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g).

In the electronic dictionary 10 configured as described above, the control unit 11 controls the operation of each circuit unit according to the instructions described in the dictionary control program (12a), and the software and hardware cooperate to operate. , realizes various functions as will be described later in the explanation of the operation.

<WES server (server device) 20>
As shown in FIG. 3, the WES server (server device) 20 includes a control unit (CPU) 21, which is a computer.

The control unit 21 controls the operation of each circuit unit according to the server control program (22a) stored in the storage unit 22. FIG.

The server control program (22a) is pre-stored in the storage unit 22, read from an external recording medium 23 such as a CD-ROM by a recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 22, or is stored in the storage unit 22. It may be downloaded from a server (here, a program server) via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22 .

The server control program (22a) is a system program for controlling the WES server 20 as a whole, a program for communicating with external communication devices including the electronic dictionary 10 at any time, and the electronic dictionary 10 at any time. It contains programs for performing functions (20a) (20b) (20c).

The control unit 21 is connected to a storage unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 24, a communication unit 25, an input unit 26 including a pointing device and a keyboard, a display unit 27, and the like via a system and data bus.

The storage unit 22 includes a program storage area 22a for storing a server control program (22a), a dictionary database storage area 22b, a user management database storage area 22c, a word difficulty database storage area 22d, and a recommended dictionary database for each academic ability level. A storage area 22e, a work data storage area 22f, and the like are secured.

The dictionary database storage area 22b stores a large number of dictionary data (contents) of different types such as various languages, fields, and difficulty levels. It is stored as dictionary data in which explanation information including corresponding word meanings, example sentences, and explanations are associated with each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the user management database storage area 22c, the electronic dictionary <user> ID of the electronic dictionary 10 and occupation (for example, school and grade in the case of a student) of the user using the WES server 20 are stored. class, workplace and department in the case of working adults), learning information received from the electronic dictionary 10, academic ability levels for each subject determined by analyzing the learning information, and the electronic dictionary 10 A stored dictionary, which is identification information (for example, a dictionary name) of already stored dictionary data, is associated with and stored.

In addition, in the stored dictionaries in the user management database storage area 22c, each dictionary data (content) is purchased/unpurchased in the electronic dictionary 10 of the corresponding electronic dictionary ID. An unpurchased flag is associated and stored.

The electronic dictionary <user> ID and user attributes in the user management database storage area 22c may be input from the electronic dictionary 10 and stored, for example, along with initial settings when using the WES server 20 with the electronic dictionary 10 .

Further, in the dictionary stored in the user management database storage area 22c, pre-stored dictionary data obtained based on the specifications of the electronic dictionary 10 in accordance with the initial settings when the WES server 20 is used by the electronic dictionary 10, for example. is stored in association with a purchased (already completed) flag, and thereafter, the identification information of dictionary data downloaded as a dictionary recommended for the electronic dictionary 10 is stored in association with an unpurchased flag.

In the word difficulty level database storage area 22d, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, entries (words) included in all dictionary data in the dictionary database (22b) are associated with the word difficulty level (e.g. , 1: lowest difficulty to 5: highest difficulty) are stored.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the recommended dictionary database storage area 22e for each academic ability level, dictionary data recommended for users of the electronic dictionary 10 for each academic ability level (for example, low/middle/high) for each subject is stored. Identification information (eg, dictionary name) is stored.

In the work data storage area 22f, various data generated or acquired according to the control of the operation of each unit by the control unit 21 are temporarily stored as necessary.

In the WES server 20 configured in this way, the control unit 21 controls the operation of each circuit according to the instructions written in the server control program (22a), and the software and hardware cooperate to operate. , realizes various functions as will be described later in the explanation of the operation.

<<Operation of Embodiment>>
Next, the operation of the digital content transmission/reception system 1 of the embodiment will be described.

<Process of Preliminarily Uploading Dictionary Data Recommended for User of Electronic Dictionary 10>
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing learning information transmission processing of the electronic dictionary 10 and recommended dictionary upload processing of the WES server 20 .

The learning information transmission process of the electronic dictionary 10 is periodically executed, for example, every time the electronic dictionary 10 is used and the power is turned off, that is, when the user does not use the electronic dictionary 10 . Note that the timing at which the user does not use the electronic dictionary 10 is not limited to this, and may be determined by learning, for example, the time period when the power is off.

When the electronic dictionary 10 is turned off (step D1 (Yes)), the control unit 11 detects the electronic dictionary ID (12b) of the electronic dictionary 10, search history data (12e), question collection data ( 12f) and the user's study information obtained from the conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g) are transmitted to the WES server 20 (step D2).

When the WES server 20 receives the electronic dictionary ID (12b) transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10 and the learning information of the user (step S1 (Yes)), the control unit 21 determines the learning level of the user based on the received learning information. is determined (step S2).

The processing for determining the academic ability level is performed, for example, by any one of the following (1) to (3) or a combination thereof.
(1) The degree of difficulty of each word/phrase to be learned contained in the learning information or the word/phrase to be learned and answered correctly is extracted from the word difficulty level database (22d) (see FIG. 6), and the extracted difficulty level is Judge the academic ability level from the average value.
(2) The academic ability level is determined from the percentage of correct answers in the question collection data (12f) included in the learning information.
(3) The academic ability level is determined from the average evaluation score of the conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g) included in the learning information.

Based on the user's determined academic ability level, the control unit 21 obtains identification information (for example, dictionary name ) is extracted (step S3).

The control unit 21 determines whether or not the extracted recommended dictionary data is already stored in the user's electronic dictionary 10, which is stored in the user management database (22c) (see FIG. 5). A determination is made based on the stored dictionary associated with the electronic dictionary ID (step S4).

Here, if it is determined that the dictionary data recommended for the user is not the dictionary data already stored in the user's electronic dictionary 10 (step S4 (No)), the control section 21 Data is read from the dictionary database (22b) and uploaded to the electronic dictionary 10, which is the source of the electronic dictionary ID received in step S1 (step S5).

The control unit 21 sets the unpurchased flag and stores the identification information of the uploaded dictionary data as a stored dictionary associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c) (see FIG. 5). (step S6).

In the electronic dictionary 10, when the recommended dictionary data transmitted from the WES server 20 is downloaded (step D3 (Yes)), the control unit 11 adds the downloaded recommended dictionary data to the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4). ), the non-display flag is set to "1" and stored (step D4).

The control unit 11 turns off the power to stop the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 (step D5).

Thus, the dictionary data recommended for the user of the electronic dictionary 10 can be automatically downloaded without purchasing the electronic dictionary 10 when the electronic dictionary 10 is not in use. At this time, even if it takes a considerable amount of time to download the dictionary data, there is no problem because it is executed when the electronic dictionary 10 is not used.

Note that in the recommended dictionary upload process by the WES server 20 described with reference to FIG. Based on the user attributes (school, grade, class) stored in the user management database (22c) (see FIG. 5) and stored dictionaries, the ratio common to the electronic dictionaries 10 of users in the same class as the user in question A stored dictionary with a high value may be determined, and dictionary data not included in the stored dictionary of the user's electronic dictionary 10 may be determined as recommended dictionary data. Alternatively, the additional dictionary data (12d) of each user's electronic dictionary 10 (FIG. 4) can be obtained by communication connection (such as short-range wireless communication via the communication unit 15) automatically performed between the electronic dictionaries 10 of users in the same class. reference), and additional dictionary data with a high common ratio may be determined as recommended dictionary data.

Alternatively, based on the user attributes stored in the user management database (22c) (see FIG. 5), the user's timing requirements such as entrance exams, regular exams, qualification exams, etc. are determined, and Reference dictionary data (content) may be determined as recommended dictionary data. It should be noted that test dates for entrance examinations, regular examinations, qualifying examinations, etc. may be acquired by communicating with the WES server 20 or another server (not shown). As for the timing of this acquisition, after the electronic dictionary 10 completes the processing of step D4 in the flowchart of FIG.

<Processing to display recommended dictionary data downloaded in advance>
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing recommended dictionary display processing of the electronic dictionary 10 .

In the electronic dictionary 10, as shown in FIG. 1, when the [recommendation] tab TR is specified while the content list screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 (step D11 (Yes)), the control unit 11 is the dictionary icon AD1 of the additional dictionary data for which the non-display flag is set to "1" among the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4), that is, the recommended dictionary data that has not been purchased and has been downloaded in advance. , AD2, . . . are displayed in a list (step D12).

Here, when an arbitrary dictionary icon ADn (n is a natural number) is specified (selected) by the user (step D13 (Yes)), the control unit 11 selects an additional (recommended) icon corresponding to the specified dictionary icon ADn. Of the contents of the dictionary data, only a preset part of the contents is displayed as a trial reading on the touch panel display unit 17, and the user is urged to purchase the additional (recommended) dictionary data, and the reading date is updated ( Step D14).

It should be noted that the display of part of the content as a trial reading of the additional (recommended) dictionary data corresponds only to a predetermined number (such as 10) of recently searched words and phrases acquired from the search history data (12e), for example. Display of headwords and their explanation information, preset important words and phrases for learning (for example, essential words and phrases to remember in the first year of junior high school, essential words and phrases when taking entrance exams for high school and university, and when taking qualification exams essential phrases, etc.) and their explanatory information are displayed.

In this case, the range (amount of information) of the explanation information corresponding to the headword is not to display all of the explanation information, but to display only the major meanings among multiple meanings, for example. Alternatively, the range that can be displayed as a privilege according to the correct answer rate of question data included in the user's learning information or the evaluation or score of practice data may be increased or decreased. Specifically, if the correct answer rate, evaluation, or score for questions or conversation/pronunciation practice included in the user's learning information is higher than a predetermined threshold or rank, the amount of explanatory information corresponding to the headword is increased, If it is low, reduce the amount of information.

Next, when the [return] key of the key input unit 16 is operated (step D15 (Yes)), the control unit 11 starts list display processing of dictionary icons AD1, AD2, . . . of additional (recommended) dictionary data. Return (step D12).

When a key other than [contents list] and [return] is operated (step D15 (No)), the control section 11 executes a process corresponding to the operated key (step D16).

As a result, the electronic dictionary 10 stores the recommended dictionary data that has not been purchased and that has been downloaded in advance, the dictionary data that has been installed in advance, or the dictionary icon corresponding to the dictionary data that has been purchased. On the tab TN and the [English] tab TE, icons corresponding to recommended dictionary data that have not been purchased and that have been downloaded in advance are set to be hidden on the touch panel display unit 17 so that they cannot be used by the user. is registered in the [Recommendation] tab TR, only a part of the recommended dictionary data (content) is displayed as a trial reading, and the user can be prompted to purchase it.

<Process of purchasing recommended dictionary data downloaded in advance>
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the additional dictionary purchase processing of the electronic dictionary 10 and the additional dictionary purchase support processing of the WES server 20 .

In the electronic dictionary 10, for example, while an additional dictionary purchase screen (not shown) for accepting purchase of additional dictionary data (content) is displayed, identification information (dictionary name) of additional dictionary data to be purchased is displayed. is designated (step D21 (Yes)), the control unit 11 sets the identification information (dictionary name) of the designated dictionary data to the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4) with the non-display flag "1". matches the identification information (dictionary name) of additional dictionary data set and stored, that is, whether or not it matches additional (recommended) dictionary data that has not been purchased and downloaded in advance. (step D22).

Here, if it is determined that the additional dictionary data designated as the purchase target matches the additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded in advance with the non-display flag set to "1" (step D22 (Yes )), the control unit 11 transmits the electronic dictionary ID (12b) and a purchase request for the specified additional (recommended) dictionary data to the WES server 20 (step D23).

The control unit 11 cancels the non-display setting "1" (sets to 0) of the additional (recommended) dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4) requested for purchase (step D24), and the additional (recommended) is displayed, and a process corresponding to the user's operation is executed (step D25).

As a result, the user of the electronic dictionary 10 can quickly use the additional dictionary data recommended to the user without waiting for the download time.

When the WES server 20 receives the electronic dictionary ID transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10 and the purchase request for the specified additional (recommended) dictionary data (step S11 (Yes)), the control unit 21 receives the received additional (recommended) dictionary data. ) includes a download request (step S12).

Here, it is determined that the received additional (recommended) dictionary data purchase request is a pre-downloaded additional (recommended) dictionary data purchase request and does not include a download request. (Step S12 (No)).

The control unit 21 sets the purchase/non-purchase flag of the requested additional (recommended) dictionary data among the stored dictionaries associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c). is set to purchased (completed) and updated (step S14).

Based on the user information of the electronic dictionary 10 acquired based on the received electronic dictionary ID, the control unit 21 executes settlement processing for the requested additional (recommended) dictionary data (step S15).

On the other hand, if the electronic dictionary 10 determines that the additional dictionary data designated as the purchase target is new additional dictionary data that is not stored as the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4) (step D22). (No)), the control unit 11 transmits the electronic dictionary ID (12b) and a download and purchase request for the specified additional dictionary data to the WES server 20 (step D26).

When the WES server 20 receives the download and purchase request for the additional dictionary data designated by the electronic dictionary ID transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10 (step S11 (Yes)), the control unit 21 receives the received additional dictionary data. is included in the purchase request (step S12 (Yes)), and the requested additional dictionary data is read from the dictionary database (22b) and uploaded to the electronic dictionary 10 (step S13).

The control unit 21 stores the identification information of the newly uploaded additional dictionary data as a stored dictionary stored in association with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c), and purchases (completed). ) flag is set (step S14).

Based on the information of the user of the electronic dictionary 10 acquired based on the received electronic dictionary ID, the control unit 21 executes settlement processing for the additional dictionary data that has been uploaded in response to the purchase request (step S15).

When the electronic dictionary 10 downloads the additional dictionary data transmitted from the WES server 20 in response to the purchase request at step D26 (step D27 (Yes)), the control unit 11 reads the additional dictionary data uploaded from the WES server 20. is stored as additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4) with the non-display flag set to "0" (step D28).

The control unit 11 displays the top (starting) screen of the additional dictionary data newly stored as the additional dictionary data (12d), and executes processing according to the user's operation (step D25).

<Processing to delete recommended dictionary data downloaded in advance>
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing recommended dictionary deletion processing of the electronic dictionary 10 .

As with the learning information transmission process described above, this recommended dictionary deletion process is executed periodically, for example, every time the electronic dictionary 10 is used and the power is turned off, that is, when the user does not use the electronic dictionary 10. can be executed.

In the electronic dictionary 10, of the additional dictionary data stored as the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4), the additional dictionary data for which the non-display flag is set to "1", that is, the additional dictionary data that has not been purchased and is If it is determined that there is downloaded additional (recommended) dictionary data (step D31 (Yes)), the control unit 11 selects the browsing date stored in association with the additional (recommended) dictionary data. Based on the presence/absence, it is determined whether or not it has been browsed (step D32).

Here, if it is determined that the unpurchased additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded in advance with the non-display flag set to "1" has not been viewed (there is no viewing date information) (step D32 (No)), the control unit 11 determines whether a certain period of time (for example, 30 days) has passed since the download date based on the download date stored in association with the additional (recommended) dictionary data. (step D33).

Then, if it is determined that a certain period of time has passed since the download date without being browsed (step D33 (Yes)), the control unit 11 stores the corresponding additional (recommended) dictionary data as additional dictionary data (12d) (Fig. 4 reference) (step D34), and the erased information is transmitted to the WES server 20 together with the electronic dictionary ID (step D35).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded in advance and not purchased for which the non-display flag is set to "1" has been viewed (step D32 (Yes)), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a certain period of time (for example, 30 days) has passed since the browsing date stored in association with the additional (recommended) dictionary data (step D36).

Then, when it is determined that a certain period of time has passed since the browsing date (step D36 (Yes)), the control unit 11 deletes the corresponding additional (recommended) dictionary data from the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4). (step D34), and the erasure information is transmitted to the WES server 20 together with the electronic dictionary ID (step D35).

Based on the deletion information transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 of the WES server 20 retrieves from the stored dictionary associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c) (see FIG. 5): The identification information (with the unpurchased flag) of the additional (recommended) dictionary data deleted from the electronic dictionary 10 is deleted.

As a result, the electronic dictionary 10 presumes that the additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded from the WES server 20 in advance without being purchased is unlikely to be purchased based on the browsing situation of the user, and does not leave it unattended. By erasing it, the effective free space of the additional dictionary data storage area 12d can be secured without waste.

<<Summary of Embodiments>>
According to the digital content transmission/reception system 1 of the embodiment, the electronic dictionary 10 receives the search history data (12e), the exercise collection data (12f), and the conversation/pronunciation practice data (12g) every time the user turns off the power. to the WES server 20. The WES server 20 determines the academic level of the user based on the learning information of the user, determines additional dictionary data (contents) recommended according to the determined academic level, and provides the additional (recommended) dictionary data to the user. to the electronic dictionary 10 in advance in an unpurchased state.

The electronic dictionary 10 allows users to download additional (recommended) dictionary data that has not been purchased in advance using predetermined tabs ([National] tab TN, [English] tab TE) on the touch panel display unit 17. is set to be hidden in the corresponding display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) and stored in the additional dictionary data storage area 12d (see FIG. 4). Further, when the [recommended] tab TR on the content list screen G1 is specified, the electronic dictionary 10 displays a list of dictionary icons AD1, AD2, . . . corresponding to the additional (recommended) dictionary data. Then, when the purchase of the additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded in advance is instructed by the user's operation, the electronic dictionary 10 cancels the setting of the non-display flag of the additional (recommended) dictionary data for which the purchase is instructed. (the non-display flag is changed from 1 to 0), the leading (starting) screen of the added (recommended) dictionary data is displayed, and processing according to the user's operation is executed. At this time, the WES server 20 executes the settlement process without uploading the additional (recommended) dictionary data uploaded in advance.

As a result, the user of the electronic dictionary 10 can know in advance on a predetermined screen of the electronic dictionary 10 that there is an additional dictionary recommended based on his or her academic ability level, and therefore purchases an additional dictionary by himself/herself. No need to start thinking about it. Moreover, when the recommended additional dictionary is purchased, the purchased dictionary can be used immediately without waiting for the download time.

Therefore, even if a low-throughput communication module is used for the electronic dictionary 10, it is possible for the user to quickly use the additional content required.

In the above embodiment, the WES server 20 performs the process of determining the user's academic level based on the user's learning information and the process of determining additional dictionary data recommended according to the determined academic level. However, these processes are performed by the electronic dictionary 10 itself, and the WES server 20 sets the recommended additional dictionary data determined by the electronic dictionary 10 to unpurchased. 10 in advance.

Further, at step D24 in the flowchart of FIG. 10 of the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the electronic dictionary 10 stores the identification information (dictionary name) of the requested dictionary data and the additional dictionary data (12d) (see FIG. 4). ), if there is data matching the dictionary name of the additional dictionary among the data whose non-display flag is set to "1", the non-display flag is set from 1 to 0, and a purchase request is made in step D25. Although the dictionary data screen is displayed, the present invention is not limited to this. After the process of step D24, a process of displaying the dictionary icon corresponding to the dictionary data specified in step D24 in the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to the corresponding tab may be added. Specifically, when the specified dictionary data is Japanese, the dictionary icon N2 of Japanese 2 is displayed in the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to the [Japanese] tab TN in the electronic dictionary 10 of FIG. (in the dotted line frame AD), the dictionary icon corresponding to the specified dictionary data is displayed. Further, after the process of step D24, the dictionary icon corresponding to the dictionary data specified as described above may be displayed on the screen, and the process of the electronic dictionary may be terminated. In other words, the dictionary icon corresponding to the requested dictionary data is displayed on the screen, but the leading (starting) screen of the dictionary data is not displayed.

The method of each process by the digital content transmission/reception system 1 described in the above embodiment, that is, the learning information transmission process in the electronic dictionary 10 and the recommended dictionary upload process in the WES server 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, and the flowchart of FIG. recommended dictionary display processing in the electronic dictionary 10 shown in FIG. 10; additional dictionary purchase processing in the electronic dictionary 10 and additional dictionary purchase support processing in the WES server 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10; Each technique, such as the recommended dictionary deletion process, can be executed by a computer using memory cards (ROM cards, RAM cards, etc.), magnetic disks (floppy (registered trademark) disks, hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD -ROM, DVD, etc.), semiconductor memory, or other external recording device media for distribution. Then, the control unit (CPU) of the information processing device (electronic device) reads the program recorded on the medium of the external recording device into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the read program, so that in the embodiment Various functions described can be implemented and similar processing can be performed in the manner described above.

In addition, program data for realizing each method can be transmitted in the form of program code over the communication network (N), and from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N), The data of the program can also be loaded into an information processing device (electronic device) and stored in a storage device to implement the various functions described above.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be variously modified in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the present invention. Further, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate, in which case the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, various inventions are included in the embodiments, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, if the problem can be solved and effects can be obtained, the configuration with the constituent elements deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended below.

[Appendix 1]
a communications department;
a storage unit that stores user learning information;
a control unit;
The control unit
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the device;
storing non-display information indicating non-display of the received digital content in the storage unit together with the received digital content;
Electronics.

[Appendix 2]
Equipped with a display,
The control unit
When the non-display information corresponding to the digital content stored in the storage unit exists, the digital content is not displayed in the first display area of the display unit, and is different from the first display area. displaying the digital content in a second display area;
The electronic device according to Appendix 1.

[Appendix 3]
The control unit
When an operation related to selection by the user is detected with respect to the digital content displayed in the second display area on the display unit, a preset partial content of the digital content is displayed on the display unit. to display
The electronic device according to appendix 2.

[Appendix 4]
The control unit
causing the display unit to display information corresponding to a predetermined phrase in a search history included in the learning information as the content of the part;
The electronic device according to appendix 3.

[Appendix 5]
The control unit
Based on the evaluation of the user's learning included in the learning information, increasing or decreasing the information amount of the partial content and displaying it on the display unit;
The electronic device according to appendix 3 or appendix 4.

[Appendix 6]
The control unit
erasing the digital content displayed in the second display area when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the part of the content was displayed on the display unit;
The electronic device according to any one of appendices 3 to 5.

[Appendix 7]
The control unit
erasing the digital content displayed in the second display area when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the digital content was received from the server device;
The electronic device according to any one of appendices 2 to 6.

[Appendix 8]
The control unit
canceling the setting of the hidden information when an operation related to acquisition by the user is detected for the digital content for which the hidden information is set;
displaying the released digital content on the display unit;
The electronic device according to any one of appendices 2 to 7.

[Appendix 9]
The control unit
displaying an icon corresponding to the unlocked digital content in the first display area of the display unit;
The electronic device according to appendix 8.

[Appendix 10]
the digital content is dictionary data;
The learning information of the user includes at least a search history of dictionary data other than the dictionary data in which the non-display information is set,
The electronic device according to any one of appendices 1 to 9.

[Appendix 11]
The predetermined operation is an operation of turning off the electronic device,
11. The electronic device according to any one of appendices 1 to 10.

[Appendix 12]
A digital content transmission/reception system comprising a server device having a digital content database and an electronic device,
The electronic device
a communications department;
a storage unit that stores user learning information;
a control unit;
The control unit
transmitting learning information of the user to the server device via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the electronic device;
storing in the storage unit together with the digital content non-display information indicating non-display of the digital content transmitted from the server device via the communication unit in response to the transmission of the learning information;
The server device
determining digital content to be recommended to the user based on the learning information transmitted from the electronic device, and transmitting the determined digital content to the electronic device;
Digital content transmission/reception system.

[Appendix 13]
A method for transmitting and receiving digital content in an electronic device,
The electronic device includes a communication unit, a storage unit that stores user learning information, and a control unit,
By the control unit,
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the electronic device;
storing non-display information indicating non-display for the received digital content in the storage unit together with the received digital content;
A digital content transmission/reception method that

[Appendix 14]
The electronic device includes a communication unit, a storage unit that stores user learning information, and a control unit,
the control unit,
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the electronic device;
storing non-display information indicating non-display for the received digital content in the storage unit together with the received digital content;
A program to make it work like

1 ... Digital content transmission/reception system 10 ... Electronic dictionary (electronic device)
11 ... control unit (CPU)
20 ... WES server (server device)
21 ... control unit (CPU)
G1 ... Content list screen G2 ... Dictionary icon list screen TN ... [Japanese] tab TE ... [English] tab TR ... [Recommended] tab N1, N2, ... dictionary icon for Japanese dictionary AD1, AD2, ... addition (recommended) ) dictionary icon N …Communication network (Internet)

Claims (14)

a communications department;
a storage unit that stores user learning information;
a control unit;
The control unit
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the device;
storing non-display information indicating non-display of the received digital content in the storage unit together with the received digital content;
Electronics. Equipped with a display,
The control unit
When the non-display information corresponding to the digital content stored in the storage unit exists, the digital content is not displayed in the first display area of the display unit, and is different from the first display area. displaying the digital content in a second display area;
The electronic device according to claim 1. The control unit
When an operation related to selection by the user is detected with respect to the digital content displayed in the second display area on the display unit, a preset partial content of the digital content is displayed on the display unit. to display
The electronic device according to claim 2. The control unit
causing the display unit to display information corresponding to a predetermined phrase in a search history included in the learning information as the content of the part;
The electronic device according to claim 3. The control unit
based on the evaluation of the user's learning included in the learning information, increasing or decreasing the information amount of the partial content and displaying it on the display unit;
The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4. The control unit
erasing the digital content displayed in the second display area when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the part of the content was displayed on the display unit;
The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The control unit
erasing the digital content displayed in the second display area when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the digital content was received from the server device;
The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The control unit
canceling the setting of the hidden information when an operation related to acquisition by the user is detected for the digital content for which the hidden information is set;
displaying the released digital content on the display unit;
The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 7. The control unit
displaying an icon corresponding to the unlocked digital content in the first display area of the display unit;
The electronic device according to claim 8. the digital content is dictionary data;
The learning information of the user includes at least a search history of dictionary data other than the dictionary data in which the non-display information is set,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The predetermined operation is an operation of turning off the electronic device,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A digital content transmission/reception system comprising a server device having a digital content database and an electronic device,
The electronic device
a communications department;
a storage unit that stores user learning information;
a control unit;
The control unit
transmitting learning information of the user to the server device via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the electronic device;
storing in the storage unit together with the digital content, non-display information indicating non-display of the digital content transmitted from the server device via the communication unit in response to the transmission of the learning information;
The server device
determining digital content to be recommended to the user based on the learning information transmitted from the electronic device, and transmitting the determined digital content to the electronic device;
Digital content transmission/reception system. A method for transmitting and receiving digital content in an electronic device,
The electronic device includes a communication unit, a storage unit that stores user learning information, and a control unit,
By the control unit,
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the electronic device;
storing non-display information indicating non-display for the received digital content in the storage unit together with the received digital content;
A digital content transmission/reception method that The electronic device includes a communication unit, a storage unit that stores user learning information, and a control unit,
the control unit,
receiving, from a server device, digital content determined based on the learning information via the communication unit when the user performs a predetermined operation on the electronic device;
storing non-display information indicating non-display for the received digital content in the storage unit together with the received digital content;
A program to make it work like