JP7379968B2 - Learning support devices, learning support methods and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a learning support device, a learning support method, and a program.

For example, a learning device such as a language learning machine has a function of reproducing audio data of a native pronunciation of a language to be learned. A user can learn listening by selecting arbitrary text from various texts such as words, phrases, sentences, etc., and listening to audio data corresponding to the text.

In conventional learning devices, the playback speed of the entire audio data (from the beginning to the end) corresponding to the selected text is changed, and the user can learn by listening to the audio data slowly or quickly.

In addition, in order to practice listening to the pronunciation of "L" and "R", which are phonemes that Japanese people generally have difficulty with, we used special audio data in which the playback speed was changed in the pronunciation section that included the phoneme. , and a learning device for the English phonemes "L" and "R" that allows listening practice (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-334164

Conventionally, in a learning device for practicing listening to the pronunciation of phonemes that are difficult to pronounce, it is necessary to use dedicated audio data that includes the phonemes that are difficult to pronounce (such as "L" and "R").

For this reason, with conventional learning devices, when a user is playing and listening to audio data of an arbitrary text, for example, it is not possible for the user to practice listening to pronunciation portions that include phonemes that the user is not good at.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and is a learning method that allows users to practice listening to pronunciation parts that include phonemes that they are naturally bad at, without interfering with the user's ability to listen to the entire text. The purpose is to provide support devices, learning support methods, and programs.

A learning support device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a determining means for determining whether or not a word to be learned includes a phoneme resulting in a predetermined pronunciation; If it is determined that the word contains a phoneme, the playback speed at which the word is played back is set such that the playback speed for the phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation is higher than the playback speed for other phonemes. and setting means for setting the speed so that the speed is also slow.
Further, in the learning support device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first word includes a phoneme that is pronounced as one of a pair of pronunciations that are associated in advance, and the phoneme that is pronounced as the other pronunciation. a selection means for selecting a second word as a learning target; and a selection means for selecting a second word as a learning target; and a selection means for selecting a second word as a learning target; setting means for setting the reproduction speed of the phoneme and the reproduction speed of the phoneme that is the other pronunciation to be slower than the reproduction speed of the other phoneme, and the selection means is configured to set the reproduction speed of the phoneme that is the other pronunciation. The first word and the second word are selected as the learning targets so that the pronunciations of the phonemes in corresponding positions match, excluding the phoneme that is pronounced as or the other phoneme. shall be.
Further, the learning support method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a learning support method executed by a learning support device, and the learning support method is a learning support method that is executed by a learning support device, and the learning support method determines whether or not a word to be learned includes a phoneme that has a predetermined pronunciation. a determination process for determining the predetermined pronunciation; and when it is determined by the determination process that the word includes a phoneme resulting in the predetermined pronunciation, the playback speed at which the word is reproduced aloud is set to the predetermined pronunciation. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a setting process for setting the reproduction speed of a phoneme such that the reproduction speed of the phoneme is slower than the reproduction speed of other phonemes.
Further, a learning support method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a learning support method executed by a learning support device, and includes a phoneme that is one of a pair of pronunciations that are associated in advance. a selection process of selecting one word and a second word that includes a phoneme that is pronounced as the other as a learning target; and a time of audio reproducing the first word and the second word selected by the selection process. a setting process for setting the playback speed of the phoneme such that the playback speed of the phoneme that is pronounced as one of the phonemes and the playback speed of the phoneme that is the other phoneme are slower than the playback speed of the other phoneme; and the selection process selects the first word as the learning target so that the pronunciations of phonemes in corresponding positions match each other, except for the phoneme that is pronounced in one direction or the phoneme that is pronounced in the other direction. and the second word.
Further, the program according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a determining means for determining whether or not a word to be learned by a computer includes a phoneme with a predetermined pronunciation; When it is determined that a phoneme that will be pronounced is included in the word, the playback speed when the word is reproduced aloud is set such that the playback speed of the phoneme that becomes the predetermined pronunciation is the same as the playback speed of other phonemes. It is characterized in that it functions as a setting means for setting so that the speed becomes slower than
Further, the program according to the second aspect of the present invention causes a computer to select a first word that includes a phoneme that is pronounced as one of a pair of pronunciations that are associated in advance, and a phoneme that includes the phoneme that is pronounced as the other pronunciation. a selection means for selecting the first word and the second word selected by the selection means as a learning target; and the reproduction speed of the phoneme which is the other pronunciation are slower than the reproduction speed of the other phoneme, and the selection means is configured to function as a setting means for setting the reproduction speed of the phoneme which is the other pronunciation and the reproduction speed of the phoneme which is the other pronunciation. The first word and the second word are selected as the learning targets so that the pronunciations of the phonemes in corresponding positions match, excluding the phoneme that is pronounced as or the other phoneme. shall be.

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a learning support device 10 according to an embodiment of an electronic device of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the learning support device 10. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the pronunciation symbols of the plurality of phonemes which a user is not good at and which are classified into three levels of language proficiency and described in the weak pronunciation table (22g). 2 is a flowchart showing audio reproduction processing (1) of the first embodiment of the learning support device 10. A flowchart showing audio selection processing (S1) included in audio reproduction processing (1). A flowchart showing weak pronunciation element identification processing (S3) included in audio reproduction processing (1). 12 is a flowchart showing the pronunciation timing specifying process (S4) included in the audio reproduction process (1). 12 is a flowchart showing a speech speed conversion section setting method specifying process (S5) included in the audio reproduction process (1). The normal playback timing of the audio data to be played according to the audio playback process (1) is compared with the playback timing in which the playback speed is changed in response to the pronunciation part of the pronunciation element that is weak, and the speaking speed is converted and played back. Figure shown. 12 is a flowchart showing the audio reproduction process (2) of the second embodiment of the learning support device 10. 12 is a flowchart showing the speech speed conversion pronunciation section identification process (A4) included in the audio reproduction process (2). The normal playback timing of the sound data of two words each containing two similar phonemes according to the sound playback process (2) and the playback speed are changed in accordance with the pronunciation part of the similar phoneme and the speech speed is converted and played back. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a comparison with playback timing.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of a learning support device 10 according to an embodiment of an electronic device of the present invention.

The electronic device is configured as a learning support device 10 (electronic dictionary in the embodiment) dedicated to learning support described below, or a tablet-type personal digital assistant (PDA) or personal computer (PC) equipped with a learning support function. , mobile phones, e-books, portable game consoles, etc.

The learning support device 10 includes a foldable case in which a main body case 11 and a lid case 12 can be expanded/closed via a hinge part 13. On the surface of the main body case 11 when the foldable case is unfolded, there are a [Home] key 14a, a function designation key 14b, a character input key 14c, a [Translation/Enter] key 14d, a [Back/List] key 14e, a cursor key 14f, A key input unit (keyboard) 14 including a [shift] key 14g, a [sound] key 14S, etc., an audio output unit (including a speaker) 15, and an audio input unit (including a microphone) 16 are provided.

Further, a touch panel type display section (display) 17 is provided on the surface of the lid case 12. The touch panel display unit 17 has a structure in which a touch position detection device that detects the position touched by the user with a pen or finger, and a display device are integrated, and a transparent touch panel is stacked on a backlit color liquid crystal display screen. configured.

At the right end of the touch panel display section 17, there are keys and functions for pressing some keys on the key input section 14 and specifying some functions of the learning support device 10 by touch operations. A touch key area 17A is provided in which a notation ([home], [voice], [translation/decision], etc.) is fixedly printed.

The function designation keys 14b of the key input section 14 are used to select the dictionary content (such as [Great Dictionary]), the dictionary content category (such as [Japanese], [Old Japanese], [Kanwa], [English-Japanese], etc.) written on each key, and learning content. These keys are used to directly specify the categories ([Learning 1], [Learning 2]), [Content List], and one category of tools [Study Book].

Furthermore, when the keys of the key input unit 14 are operated continuously after the [Shift] key 14g is operated, the key functions are not written without a frame on the key top, but are written in a frame. It is designed to function as a key. For example, when the [Translation/Enter] key 14d is operated after operating the [Shift] key 14g (hereinafter referred to as [Shift] + [Enter] keys), the function registers the data specified as the registration target. This is the [registration] key to start the . The [Shift] + [Delete] key becomes the [Setting] key.

The [sound] key 14S of the key input section 14 and the [sound] touch key BS of the touch key area 17A both output sound data corresponding to the content of the text or item displayed on the touch panel display section 17. This key activates the audio playback function.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with a headword search in an English-Japanese dictionary, the headword explanation screen GE for the headword "establish" is displayed on the touch panel display section 17, and the [Voice] key 14S (or ] Activate the audio playback function by operating the touch key BS). Then, when the headword "establish" on the headword explanation screen GE is selected as a playback target and highlighted (identified) h, when the [Translation/Enter] key 14d is operated, the selected headword " audio data corresponding to "establish" (for example, native audio data that reads out the entry word "establish") is reproduced and output from the audio output unit 15.

When the learning support device 10 of this embodiment plays back audio data based on the audio playback function, the learning support device 10 uses the audio data to pronounce phonemes that the user is not good at (for example, the pronunciation corresponding to "sh" [∫] in "establish"). is included, the reproduction section of the audio data corresponding to the pronunciation part including the difficult phoneme is specified, and the reproduction speed of the audio data in the specified reproduction section is changed (for example, slowed down), It has a function to convert speech speed and play it back.

As a result, in the learning support device 10 of the present embodiment, in the process of reproducing the entire audio data selected by the user as a reproduction target, the learning support device 10 makes it easier for the user to hear the audio data of the pronunciation portion including the phoneme that the user is not good at. You can play by changing the playback speed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the learning support device 10.

The electronic circuit of the learning support device 10 includes a CPU (processor) 21 that is a computer.

The CPU 21 reads a program (including a learning support processing program 22a and an audio reproduction processing program 22b) stored in advance in a storage section 22 such as a flash ROM, or a recording medium reading section 24 from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card. Each part of the circuit is configured according to the program read by the computer and stored in the storage unit 22, or the program downloaded from the web server (program server here) 30 on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22. Control behavior.

The CPU 21 is connected to a storage section 22, a recording medium reading section 24, and a communication section 25 via a data and control bus, as well as a key input section 14, an audio output section 15, an audio input section 16, and a display section 17. Connecting.

The audio output unit 15 includes a main body speaker 15S that outputs audio based on audio data stored in the storage unit 22 or recorded.

The voice input unit 16 includes a main body microphone 16M for inputting voice of a user or the like.

The audio output section 15 and the audio input section 16 are provided with a shared external connection terminal (EX) 26, and the user connects an earphone microphone 27 to the external connection terminal 26 as necessary.

The earphone microphone 27 has an earphone and a remote control section 27R equipped with a microphone 27m.

The storage unit 22 includes a program storage unit that stores programs (including a learning support processing program 22a and an audio reproduction processing program 22b), a learning content storage unit 22c, a dictionary data storage unit 22d, another content storage unit 22e, and a language storage unit 22c. Level data storage section 22f, weak pronunciation table storage section 22g, pronunciation change idiom table storage section 22h, voice reproduction mode data storage section 22i, speech speed conversion section setting data storage section 22j, and speech speed conversion reproduction section data storage section 22k. Be prepared.

The learning support processing program 22a includes a system program that controls the overall operation of the learning support device 10, a program for communicating with external electronic equipment via the communication unit 25, and a learning content program 22b. It stores programs and the like for executing learning functions according to various content data stored in the storage unit 22c, the dictionary data storage unit 22d, and the other content storage unit 22e.

The audio reproduction processing program 22b is a program for reproducing audio data to be reproduced selected in response to a user's operation, and when reproducing the audio data to be reproduced, a pronunciation of a phoneme that the user is not good at is added to the audio data. is included, identify the playback section of the audio data corresponding to the pronunciation part that includes the difficult phoneme, change the playback speed of the audio data in the specified playback section, and convert the speaking speed. Contains programs for playing.

The learning content storage unit 22c stores learning content data such as listening lesson data 22c1 and speaking lesson data 22c2.

The listening lesson data 22c1 includes, for example, text data (phonetic symbols are added to the text data) corresponding to words and sentences serving as a model for the listening lesson, and audio data corresponding to the text data. It has a function of displaying text data of a sentence on the display unit 17 and outputting audio data from the audio output unit 15.

The speaking lesson data 22c2 includes, for example, text data serving as a model for a speaking lesson (phonetic symbols are added to the text data) and audio data corresponding to the text data, and the text data is displayed on the display unit 17. It has a function of analyzing the user's voice data inputted from the voice input unit 16 after outputting the voice data from the voice output unit 15, and outputting the determination result such as correctness or error by display or voice.

The dictionary data storage unit 22d stores various dictionary content data such as an English-Japanese dictionary, a Japanese-English dictionary, an English-English dictionary, a Japanese dictionary, etc., and the dictionary content data is inputted by key input or voice input according to a user operation, for example. It has a function to search the dictionary for explanatory information corresponding to the headword based on the headword that is the target of the dictionary search, and output it by display or voice.

Note that dictionary content data includes text data such as headwords, explanatory information including the meaning and content of the headwords, example sentences including the headwords, and audio data corresponding to the text data for each of the various dictionaries. , among which, for example, text data of headwords and example sentences have phonetic symbols added to them.

Other content storage section 22e stores content data other than learning content data (22c) and dictionary content data (22d), such as books, newspapers, and magazines. Other content data includes text data of each content data and audio data corresponding to the text data.

The language level data storage unit 22f stores data on the user's language level as, for example, beginner: 1, intermediate: 2, and advanced: 3. The language level is determined by inputting and storing the user's own language level in response to a user operation, or by executing the learning function according to the learning content data (22c) or dictionary content data (22d). The user's language level determined in the learning function is automatically updated and stored.

The weak pronunciation table storage unit 22g divides the phonetic symbols of phonemes that the user is weak at and the audio data corresponding to the phonetic symbols into, for example, three language levels (beginner: 1, intermediate: 2, advanced: 3). It is stored as an associated table (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of pronunciation symbols for a plurality of phonemes that the user is not good at, which are classified into three language proficiency levels and described in the weak pronunciation table (22g).

In the weak pronunciation table (22g) shown in Figure 3, multiple sets of pronunciation symbols for two similar phonemes that the user is weak at and difficult to distinguish are described as pronunciation symbols for phonemes that the user is weak at, and the language proficiency level Users with language proficiency level 2 (intermediate) indicate that all phoneme pairs (16 pairs) described in the table are similar phonemes that are difficult to distinguish. This shows that the bottom 9 of all phoneme pairs are similar phonemes that are difficult to distinguish, and users with language proficiency level 3 (advanced) can choose the bottom 4 of all phoneme pairs described in the table. This shows that these are similar phonemes that are difficult to distinguish.

The pronunciation change idiom table storage unit 22h stores a plurality of pronunciation change idioms (phrases) whose pronunciation changes compared to the case where the words are pronounced singly, among words and phrases such as idioms and idiomatic phrases that are formed by connecting a plurality of words. For example, the data for "there is" (pronunciation changed from zea is → zeriz) is stored in a table. The data of words with pronunciation changes includes text data of the words with pronunciation changes and audio data corresponding to the text data. Phonetic symbols are added to the text data corresponding to the range of text where the pronunciation changes (for users who are not good at it). (added as phonetic symbols for phonemes).

The audio reproduction mode data storage unit 22i stores data indicating the reproduction mode of audio data (normal reproduction mode, weak pronunciation listening (practice) mode, similar phoneme discrimination (practice) mode, etc.). The audio data reproduction mode is selected, for example, in response to a user operation.

The speech speed conversion section setting data storage unit 22j sets, on a per phoneme basis, a playback section in which the playback speed is changed and the speech speed is converted and reproduced as a pronunciation portion that includes a phoneme that the user is not good at, among the audio data to be played. Data (speech speed conversion section setting data) indicating the setting method of whether to set on a per-word basis or on a per-sentence basis is stored. The speech speed conversion section setting data (phoneme unit/word unit/sentence unit) is arbitrarily specified according to the user's operation or according to the user's language level.

The speech speed conversion playback section data storage unit 22k stores the playback timing from the beginning (start time) to the end (end time) of the audio data to be played (for example, from the beginning (start time) to the end (end time) when the beginning (start time) is 0 msec). (Managed by time: see FIG. 9), data of the playback timing (for example, N msec to M msec) corresponding to the playback section of the speech speed conversion specified based on the speech speed conversion section setting data (22j) is stored. .

In the learning support device 10 configured as described above, the CPU 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to instructions written in the learning support processing program 22a and the audio reproduction processing program 22b, and the software and hardware cooperate. By operating, an audio playback function is realized as described in the operation description below.

Next, the operation of the learning support device (electronic dictionary) 10 of the embodiment will be explained.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the audio reproduction process (1) of the first embodiment of the learning support device 10.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the audio selection process (S1) included in the audio reproduction process (1).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3) included in the audio reproduction process (1).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the pronunciation timing specifying process (S4) included in the audio reproduction process (1).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the speech speed conversion section setting method specifying process (S5) included in the audio reproduction process (1).

FIG. 9 shows the normal playback timing of the audio data to be played according to the audio playback process (1), and the playback timing at which the playback speed is changed to correspond to the pronunciation part of the pronunciation element that is weak, and the speaking speed is converted and the playback is performed. FIG.

In the audio selection process (S1) for selecting audio data to be played (see FIG. 5), for example, when a dictionary is selected in response to the user's operation of the function designation key 14b (step S101 (Yes)), the CPU 21 displays on the display unit 17 a headword input screen (not shown) for inputting a headword to be searched for in accordance with the selected dictionary data (step S102).

When a headword to be searched is input in response to a user operation on the headword input screen, the CPU 21 searches the selected dictionary data for data of the input headword (step S103), and searches for the data of the input headword from the selected dictionary data. A headword explanation screen GE (see FIG. 1) in which data of headwords, their meanings, and contents are developed is displayed on the display unit 17 (step S104).

When a text is selected on the headword explanation screen GE, for example, in response to a user's touch operation on the screen GE, and the selected text is displayed in reverse (discrimination display) h (step S105 (Yes)), the CPU 21 Audio data corresponding to the selected text is set to be played (step S106).

On the other hand, when the learning content of the listening lesson data 22c1 stored in the learning content storage unit 22c is selected in response to a user operation (step S107 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects, for example, the learning content that the selected learning content has. A list of words and sentence items to be used for listening practice is displayed on the display unit 17 (step S108).

When an arbitrary item is selected from the list of displayed items in response to the user's touch operation, for example (step S109 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects audio data of the text of the word or sentence corresponding to the selected item. is set as a reproduction target (step S110).

Further, when another content stored in the other content storage section 22e is selected in response to a user operation (step S111 (Yes)), the CPU 21 displays the text data of the selected other content on the display section. 17 (step S112).

When an arbitrary text such as a word or a sentence is selected from among the displayed text data of other contents in response to the user's touch operation (step S113 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects the selected text. The corresponding audio data is set as a reproduction target (step S114).

In this way, when the audio data to be played is selected according to the audio selection process (S1), the CPU 21 selects the weak pronunciation listening mode or the normal It is determined whether the mode is playback mode (step S2).

Here, if it is determined that the mode is normal playback mode (step S2 (No)), the CPU 21 plays back the audio data to be played back from the beginning to the end at the normal playback speed according to the normal playback speed timing (step S11). .

On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is in the weak pronunciation listening mode (step S2 (Yes)), the CPU 21 performs weak pronunciation element identification processing (S2) to identify pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is weak in (see FIG. 6). to move to.

When the process moves to identify pronunciation elements that the user is weak in, the CPU 21 determines whether the user can arbitrarily identify the pronunciation elements that the user is weak in, or whether they can be automatically identified according to the user's language level, or whether the pronunciation changes have changed. An item selection screen is displayed on the display unit 17 to allow the user to select one of the items to be automatically specified based on the idiom table (22h).

On the item selection screen, when the user selects an item in which the user arbitrarily specifies an element of pronunciation that the user is not good at (step S31 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects, for example, a list of phonetic symbols read from English dictionary data. is displayed on the display unit 17 (step S32).

In the list of phonetic symbols, when the phonetic symbol of one or more phonemes that the user is not good at is selected according to the user's operation (step S33 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects the phonetic element of the selected phonetic symbol. is identified as a weak pronunciation element (step S34).

On the other hand, when an item is selected on the item selection screen that automatically identifies elements of pronunciation that the user is not good at according to the user's language level (step S35 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects The data of the user's language level (beginner: 1, intermediate: 2, or advanced: 3) is obtained from (step S36), and the language level of the user is selected from the weak pronunciation table (22g: see Figure 3). The pronunciation elements of the corresponding plurality of phonetic symbols are identified as weak pronunciation elements (step S37).

Further, on the item selection screen, when an item for automatically identifying pronunciation elements that the user is not good at based on the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) is selected (step S35 (No)), the CPU 21 selects the pronunciation change idiom table The pronunciation elements of the pronunciation symbol corresponding to the range of the text whose pronunciation changes, which are respectively associated with the text data of the plural pronunciation-changing words in (22h), are identified as weak pronunciation elements (step S38).

In this way, when the pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is not good at are identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), the CPU 21 selects the audio data to be played that is selected according to the audio selection process (S1). The process moves to a pronunciation timing specifying process (S4) (see FIG. 7) for specifying the pronunciation timing corresponding to the weak pronunciation element specified according to the weak pronunciation element specifying process (S3).

When proceeding to the pronunciation timing specifying process, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a phonetic symbol is added to the text data corresponding to the audio data to be reproduced (step S41).

When the audio data to be played selected according to the audio selection process (S1) is, for example, audio data selected from dictionary data (22d) or learning content data (22c), text data corresponding to the audio data is When it is determined that a phonetic symbol has been added (step S41 (Yes)), the CPU 21 stores the pronunciation elements that the user is not good at, which are identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), in the pronunciation change idiom table (22h). It is determined whether it is specified using (step S42).

The pronunciation elements that the user is not good at, identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), are not those identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h), that is, the pronunciation elements that the user is not good at are identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h). If it is determined that the pronunciation element is a pronunciation element or a pronunciation element of a pronunciation symbol specified from the weak pronunciation table (22g) according to the user's language level (step S42 (No)), the CPU 21 selects the sound to be played. Among the data, the pronunciation timing corresponding to the phonetic symbol of the pronunciation element that the user is not good at is specified based on the position of the phonetic symbol added to the text data corresponding to the audio data (step S44).

Further, if it is determined that the pronunciation element that the user is not good at, which was identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), was identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) (step S42 (Yes)). ), the CPU 21 determines whether the text data corresponding to the audio data to be played back has a portion that matches the text data of the pronunciation change idiom (pronunciation change word phrase) in the pronunciation change idiom table (22h). It is determined whether the audio data includes a portion where the pronunciation changes like the pronunciation-changed phrase (step S43).

When it is determined that the text data corresponding to the audio data to be played back has a portion that matches the text data of the pronunciation-changing idiom (pronunciation-changing word phrase) (step S43 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects the audio data to be played back. Among them, the pronunciation timing corresponding to the phonetic symbol of the pronunciation element that the user is not good at, which was identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h), is set to the position of the phonetic symbol added to the text data corresponding to the audio data. It is specified based on the information (step S44).

On the other hand, if the audio data to be played selected according to the audio selection process (S1) is audio data selected from other content data (22e), for example, the text data corresponding to the audio data does not include phonetic symbols. If it is determined that the audio data is not added (step S41 (No)), the CPU 21 performs speech recognition on the audio data to be played, and includes the audio data from the beginning (start time) to the end (end time). It is decomposed into phoneme sections for each of a plurality of phonemes (step S45).

Then, the CPU 21 determines whether the pronunciation element that the user is not good at, which has been identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), is one that has been identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) (step S46). .

The pronunciation elements that the user is not good at, identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), are not those identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h), that is, the pronunciation elements that the user is not good at are identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h). If it is determined that the pronunciation element is a pronunciation element or a pronunciation element of a pronunciation symbol specified from the weak pronunciation table (22g) according to the user's language level (step S46 (No)), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S45. It is determined whether or not there is a phoneme section in the audio data to be reproduced that has been decomposed into phoneme sections that matches the audio data of the weak pronunciation element specified from the arbitrary or weak pronunciation table (22g) (step S49).

If it is determined that there is a phoneme section in the audio data to be played that matches the audio data of the weak pronunciation element specified from the arbitrary or weak pronunciation table (22g) (step S49 (Yes)), the CPU 21 , the pronunciation timing of the phoneme section that matches the audio data of the weak pronunciation element specified from the arbitrary or weak pronunciation table (22g) in the audio data to be reproduced is specified (step S48).

In addition, if it is determined that the pronunciation element that the user is not good at, which was identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), was identified using the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) (step S46 (Yes)). ), the CPU 21 determines whether there is a phoneme section that matches the speech data of the weak pronunciation element identified from the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) in the speech data to be played that has been decomposed into phoneme sections in step S45. is determined (step S47).

When it is determined that there is a phoneme section in the audio data to be played that matches the audio data of the weak pronunciation element identified from the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) (step S47 (Yes)), the CPU 21 The pronunciation timing of the phoneme section that matches the audio data of the weak pronunciation element identified from the pronunciation change idiom table (22h) in the audio data to be reproduced is specified (step S48).

In this way, when the pronunciation timing corresponding to the pronunciation element (phoneme) that the user is not good at in the audio data to be played is specified according to the pronunciation timing specifying process (S4), the CPU 21 Among them, whether to set the playback section in which the playback speed is changed and the speaking speed is changed and played back as a pronunciation part that includes the pronunciation timing of the pronunciation element (phoneme) that the user is not good at, in units of phonemes or in units of words. The process moves to a speech speed conversion section setting method specifying process (S5) (see FIG. 8) for specifying a setting method for setting each sentence.

When the process moves to the speech speed conversion section setting method specifying process, the CPU 21 determines whether the speech speed conversion section setting method is arbitrarily specified by the user or automatically specified according to the user's language level. A setting method specific item selection screen is displayed on the display unit 17 to allow the user to select the setting method specific item.

When the user arbitrarily selects an item for specifying a setting method on the setting method specific item selection screen (step S51 (Yes)), the CPU 21 sets a reproduction section in which speech speed is converted and played back in units of phonemes. The display section 17 displays a list of setting methods, such as setting on a per-word basis, or setting on a per-sentence basis (step S52).

In the list of setting methods, when a setting method of phoneme units, word units, or sentence units is selected according to the user's operation (step S53 (Yes)), the CPU 21 talks about the selected setting method. The method for setting the speed conversion section is specified and stored in the speech speed conversion section setting data storage section 22j (step S54).

On the other hand, when an item to be automatically specified according to the user's language level is selected on the setting method specific item selection screen (step S51 (No)), the CPU 21 selects the user's language level ( Beginner: 1, intermediate: 2, or advanced: 3) data is acquired (step S56).

Then, the setting method of the speech speed conversion section is specified as <sentence unit> if the user's language level is (beginner level: 1) (step S56 → S57a), and if the user's language level is (intermediate level: 2), It is specified as a <word unit> (step S56 → S57b), and if it is (advanced: 3), it is specified as a <phoneme unit> (step S56 → S57c), and is stored in the speech speed conversion section setting data storage unit 22j. let

The CPU 21 performs playback including pronunciation timings of pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is not good at in the audio data to be played back, based on the speech speed conversion section setting method specified according to the speech speed conversion section setting method identification process (S5). The section is specified (step S6).

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the audio data to be played selected in the audio selection process (S1) is an English word "" selected from the learning content data (22c) or the dictionary data (22d). The pronunciation element that the user is not good at, which was identified according to the weak pronunciation element identification process (S3), is the pronunciation of the phonetic symbol [θ] corresponding to “th” in the English word “think”. element (phoneme), the pronunciation timing specified according to the pronunciation timing specifying process (S4) is the pronunciation timing of 0 to 100 msec of the audio data "think", and according to the speech speed conversion section setting method specifying process (S5) When the method for setting the specified speaking speed conversion section is <phoneme unit>, the CPU 21 sets the playback section that includes the pronunciation element (phoneme) [θ] that the user is not good at in the audio data "think" to be played back to the corresponding speech speed conversion section. It is specified as <phoneme unit> from 0 to 100 msec, and is stored in the speech speed conversion reproduction section data storage section 22k (step S6).

The CPU 21 starts normal reproduction of the audio data "think" to be reproduced from the audio output unit 15 (step S7), and also stores the reproduction section of the audio data "think" in the speech speed conversion reproduction section data storage section 22k. It is determined whether or not the stored reproduction section to be subjected to speech speed conversion is from 0 to 100 msec (step S8).

Then, in a state in which it is determined that the reproduction section of the audio data "think" is a reproduction section of 0 to 100 msec that is subject to speech speed conversion (step S8 (Yes)), the CPU 21 performs the processing as shown in (A) in FIG. As shown in B), for the pronunciation part corresponding to "th" of the audio data "think", the playback speed is changed to a slower speed (in this case, 2.7 times slower) and the speech speed is changed and played back ( Step S9a).

Further, in a state in which the reproduction section of the audio data "think" is determined to be a reproduction section of 100 to 400 msec, which is not the reproduction section of 0 to 100 msec that is subject to speech speed conversion (step S8 (No)), the CPU 21 As shown in (A) and (B), the playback speed is switched to the normal playback speed and the pronunciation portion corresponding to "ink" in the audio data "think" is played back without speech speed conversion (step S9b). .

Then, when it is determined that the reproduction of all the audio data "think" (0 to 400 msec) to be reproduced has been completed (step S10 (Yes)), the CPU 21 ends the series of audio reproduction processing (1).

As a result, the playback speed of the audio data "think" to be played back is switched to a slower speed in the playback section of the pronunciation part that includes the pronunciation element (phoneme) corresponding to the phonetic symbol [θ] of "th", which the user is not good at. Since it is played back after speed conversion, it is possible for the user to practice listening to pronunciation parts that include phonemes that are naturally difficult for the user, without interfering with the user's ability to hear the entire audio data "think" to be played. Become.

Here, an example has been described in which the audio data to be reproduced is a word, and the setting method of the speech speed conversion section specified by the speech speed conversion section setting method identification process (S5) is <phoneme unit>. However, the audio data to be played back is a sentence consisting of multiple words (for example, the example sentence "Where do you think she lives?" that includes the English word "think"), and the setting method for the speech speed conversion section is <word by word>. , the playback section of “think”, which is the pronunciation part of each word that includes the pronunciation element (phoneme) [θ] that the user is not good at, in the audio data to be played “Where do you think she lives?” is identified (see (A) in Figure 9), and the playback speed is slow (for example, 2.7 times slower) and the speech speed is changed and played back, and the playback sections of other words are played back at the normal playback speed without changing the speech speed (steps S8, S9a, S10).

According to this, the audio data of the English word "think" that includes the pronunciation element (phoneme) [θ] that the user is not good at is played back, compared to the case where the setting method of the speech speed conversion interval is <phoneme unit>. The words can be reproduced in a way that is easier for the user to hear than other words included in the target sentence.

In addition, the audio data to be played selected in the audio selection process (S1) is, for example, audio data of a sentence consisting of a plurality of sentences selected from other content (22e), and the speech speed conversion section is set. If the method is specified as <sentence unit>, it is a pronunciation part of the sentence unit that has a word that includes a pronunciation element (phoneme) [θ] that the user is not good at in the audio data to be played (in this case, a sentence). The reproduction section of the sentence is specified. Then, the playback speed is slow (for example, 2.7 times slower) in the playback section of a sentence that includes a word that includes a weak pronunciation element (phoneme) [θ] in the entire sentence that is the audio data to be played back. The reproduction section of the other sentences is reproduced at the normal reproduction speed without converting the speech speed (steps S8, S9a, S10).

According to this, compared to the case where the setting method of the speech speed conversion interval is <phoneme unit> or <word unit>, it is possible to reduce the number of words that include a pronunciation element (phoneme) [θ] that the user is not good at. It is possible to reproduce audio data of a sentence that is easier for the user to hear than other sentences included in the sentence to be reproduced.
Furthermore, when a phrase is formed by connecting a plurality of words and the sound changes in the part where the plurality of words are continuous, it is possible to make it easier to hear the pronunciation of the plurality of words.

Note that in the pronunciation timing specifying process (S4) described with reference to FIG. No) / S47 (No) / S49 (No)), since the playback section that is subject to speech speed conversion is not specified in the audio data, the same audio data is played back at the normal playback speed in the entire playback section. (Steps S5 to S8 (No), S9b, S10, End).

According to the audio reproduction process (1) of the first embodiment of the learning support device 10 configured as described above, for example, English When playing audio data corresponding to text data, if the audio playback mode (22i) is set to the weak pronunciation listening mode, the user may select the phonetic symbol arbitrarily from a list of pronunciation symbols, or The pronunciation elements of the pronunciation symbols that the user is not good at, which are registered in the pronunciation table (22g) and the pronunciation change idiom table (22h), are identified.

Then, the pronunciation timing corresponding to the difficult pronunciation element in the audio data to be played is identified based on the position of the phonetic symbol added to the text data corresponding to the audio data, or the audio data is recognized by voice recognition. The audio data of the pronunciation part that includes the pronunciation timing of the identified pronunciation element that is identified by dividing the same voice data into the phoneme sections that make up the phoneme section and determining the phoneme section that matches the audio data of the pronunciation element that is weak. The playback section is specified.

Then, the normal playback of the audio data to be played is started, and in the playback section of the pronunciation part that includes the pronunciation timing of the pronunciation element that is weak in the audio data, the playback speed is switched to a slower speed and the speech speed is converted and played back. .

This allows the user to practice listening to pronunciation portions that include phonemes that are naturally difficult for the user, without interfering with the user's ability to listen to the entire text selected by the user.

Further, according to the audio reproduction process (1) of the first embodiment of the learning support device 10, the reproduction section of the pronunciation portion including the pronunciation timing of the pronunciation element that is weak in the audio data to be reproduced can be arbitrarily selected by the user. It is specified according to the setting method of the speech speed conversion section (<phoneme unit>, <word unit>, or <sentence unit>), which is specified according to the user's language level (22f).

For this reason, for example, if the user is an advanced language expert, of the audio data to be played, only the pronunciation portion of the phoneme that includes the pronunciation element (phoneme) that the user is not good at is specified as the playback section that is subject to speech speed conversion. In addition, for example, if the user is an intermediate or beginner language learner, the entire word or sentence may be recorded at the speaking speed as a pronunciation portion of the audio data to be played that includes pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is not good at. Since it is specified as a playback section to be converted, depending on the user's language level, the pronunciation part of the audio data that includes pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is weak at can be easily heard by the user and effective for learning. You can play within a specific range.

As described above, in the audio reproduction process (1) of the first embodiment, when reproducing the audio data to be reproduced, the reproduction section of the pronunciation part that includes the pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is not good at is identified in the audio data. , an embodiment has been described in which the playback speed of a specified playback section is switched (changed) to a slower speed for playback.

Hereinafter, in the audio reproduction process (2) of the second embodiment, the audio data of two words (which may be idioms, idiomatic phrases, etc.) each containing two similar pronunciation elements (phonemes) are reproduced, and the user When practicing distinguishing between the two words, identify the playback section of the pronunciation part that includes two similar pronunciation elements (phonemes) in the audio data of each of the two words, and change the playback speed of the specified playback section to a slower speed. An example of speed conversion and playback will be described.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the audio reproduction process (2) of the second embodiment of the learning support device 10.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the speech speed conversion pronunciation section identification process (A4) included in the audio reproduction process (2).

Figure 12 shows the normal playback timing of audio data of two words each containing two similar phonemes according to the audio playback process (2), and speech speed conversion by changing the playback speed corresponding to the pronunciation part of the similar phoneme. FIG.

When the audio reproduction process (2) is started in response to a user operation, the CPU 21 determines that the reproduction mode is a similar phoneme discrimination mode based on the reproduction mode data stored in the audio reproduction mode data storage unit 22i. (Step A1).

When it is determined that the mode is the similar phoneme discrimination mode (step A1 (Yes)), the CPU 21 selects, for example, the 2 words which the user is not good at and which are difficult to distinguish, which are described in the weak pronunciation table (22g: see FIG. 3). A list of 16 sets of pronunciation symbols for 5 similar phonemes is displayed on the display unit 17, and the user is asked to select a set of pronunciation symbols for 2 similar phonemes to be distinguished (step A2).

Here, as a set of pronunciation symbols for two similar phonemes to be distinguished, we use a set of pronunciation symbols ([∫]:[θ]) classified into language level 1 (beginner) in the weak pronunciation table (22g). Suppose that is selected.

The CPU 21 selects audio data each including two similar phonemes to be selected for aural discrimination (step A3).

Here, each phoneme is included from the dictionary data (22d) or the learning content data (22c) based on the pronunciation symbols ([∫]:[θ]) of the two similar phonemes selected in step A2. Assume that audio data corresponding to two words (“sink” and “think”) are selected.

Then, the CPU 21 moves to speech rate conversion pronunciation interval identification processing (A4: see Figure 11), and targets the audio data corresponding to the two selected words ("sink" and "think"), The pronunciation timing corresponding to similar pronunciation elements ([∫]:[θ]) in the data is identified, and the speech data of the part corresponding to the identified pronunciation timing is processed by slowing down the playback speed and converting the speaking speed. .

That is, when the process moves to the speech speed conversion pronunciation section identification process (A4), the CPU 21 first determines whether or not the two audio data selected as the target for listening are similar sounds, for example, by checking the corresponding sound data for each audio data. The judgment is made based on the degree of matching of the phonetic symbols added to the text (step A41).

When the two audio data selected for listening are audio data corresponding to two words (“sink” and “think”), similar audio data are identified based on the degree of matching of the phonetic symbols corresponding to each audio data. If it is determined that it is a voice (step A41 (Yes)), the CPU 21 performs voice recognition on each of the two voice data, and performs voice recognition on each of the two voice data, starting from a start time of 0 msec and ending as shown in (A1) and (B1) in FIG. 12, for example. It is decomposed into pronunciation timings (0-100-170-270-400 msec) of each phoneme interval constituting a time up to 400 msec (step A42).

Then, by comparing the two audio data, the pronunciation timing ( 0-100msec), and for example, as shown in (A2) and (B2) in FIG. ) to perform speech speed conversion processing (step A43).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the two audio data selected as the target for listening are not similar sounds (step A41 (No)), the CPU 21 determines the pronunciation symbol of the selected similar phoneme in each of the two audio data. The pronunciation timing corresponding to ([∫]:[θ]) is specified, and the voice data of the portion corresponding to the specified pronunciation timing is subjected to speech speed conversion processing by slowing down the reproduction speed (step A44).

According to the speech speed conversion pronunciation section identification process (A4), the CPU 21 selects one of the two voice data ("sink" and "think") that have been subjected to the speech speed conversion process, as shown in (A2) and (B2) of FIG. , one audio data "sink" and the other audio data "think" are played back in order (steps A5, A6).

Here, the CPU 21 may perform processing such that one audio data "sink" and the other audio data "think" are played back each time they are specified in order by the user, or may be processed so that they are automatically played back sequentially. It's okay.

According to the audio reproduction process (2) of the second embodiment of the learning support device 10 configured as described above, two words (which may be idioms, idiomatic phrases, etc.) each containing two similar pronunciation elements (phonemes) are reproduced. When the audio data is selected as the audio data to be distinguished, the reproduction section of the pronunciation part containing two similar pronunciation elements (phonemes) is identified in the audio data of each of the two words, and the identified reproduction section is The playback speed is changed to slow and the speech speed is converted and played back.

As a result, when playing audio data such as two English words each containing two similar pronunciation elements (phonemes) that are difficult for the user to hear, the user can easily hear the part of the similar pronunciation elements (phonemes). This allows you to practice listening effectively.

In addition, in the audio reproduction processing of the first and second embodiments by the learning support device 10, when reproducing the audio data to be reproduced, the pronunciation portion containing the pronunciation element (phoneme) that the user is not good at or that the user needs to distinguish. The playback section is identified, and the playback speed of the identified playback section is changed in stages at the timing of switching to a slower playback speed and at the timing of switching back to the original normal playback speed, giving the user a sense of discomfort when listening. You may take measures to ensure that there is no such thing.

In addition, in the audio playback processing of the first and second embodiments, the playback speed is switched to a slower speed (change By doing so, the pronunciation part containing the pronunciation element (phoneme) that the user is not good at or that the user needs to distinguish is played back in an easy-to-understand manner for the user, so that the user can practice effectively.

On the contrary, by switching (changing) the playback speed of a specific playback section of the audio data to be played faster, the user can easily hear the pronunciation part that includes pronunciation elements (phonemes) that the user is not good at or needs to distinguish. The content may be reproduced in such a way that it is difficult to hear, so that users with a high level of language proficiency can practice effectively.

Furthermore, instead of changing the playback speed of a specific playback section of the audio data to be played back, the playback volume of the specific playback section can be changed to be louder or quieter to emphasize the playback. It may also be configured to practice listening to pronunciation portions that include pronunciation elements (phonemes) to be distinguished.

The method of each process by the electronic device (learning support device 10) described in each of the above embodiments, that is, the audio reproduction process (1) of the first embodiment shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 8, and the sound reproduction process (1) of FIGS. Each method such as the audio playback process (2) of the second embodiment shown in the flowchart is performed using a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), magnetic disk (floppy disk (registered trademark), etc.) as a program that can be executed by a computer. ) discs, hard disks, etc.), optical discs (CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.), semiconductor memories, and other external recording device media for distribution. Then, the computer (CPU) of the electronic device reads the program recorded on the medium of this external recording device into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the read program, thereby playing back the audio described in each of the above embodiments. It is possible to implement the functions and perform similar processing using the techniques described above.

Furthermore, the program data for realizing each of the above methods can be transmitted in the form of a program code over a communication network (N), and can be transmitted from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N). It is also possible to import the data of the program into an electronic device and store it in a storage device to realize the audio playback function described above.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention at the implementation stage. Further, each of the embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the plurality of disclosed constituent features. For example, even if some constituent features are deleted from all the constituent features shown in each embodiment or some constituent features are combined in a different form, the problem stated in the column of problems to be solved by the invention If the problem can be solved and the effect described in the column of effects of the invention can be obtained, a structure in which this constituent feature is deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

Below, the invention described in the original claims of the present application will be added.

[Additional note 1]
Equipped with a processor,
The processor includes:
Identify the pronunciation elements to be studied,
Identifying a part of the playback section including the identified pronunciation element in the audio data to be played back as a target section,
changing the playback state of the identified target section during playback of the audio data with respect to the playback state of other playback sections;
Electronic equipment configured as follows.

[Additional note 2]
The processor includes:
Plays the audio data corresponding to the text arbitrarily specified by the user as the playback target,
If the learning mode is set, the playback state of the specified target section is changed relative to the playback state of other playback sections, and if the learning mode is not set, the playback state of the audio data is changed. Play the whole thing in the same playback state,
The electronic device according to supplementary note 1, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 3]
The processor includes:
During the playback of the audio data, the sound played in the specified target section is emphasized more than the sound played in other playback sections, or the playback speed in the specified target section is set to be higher than that played in other playback sections. Make the playback speed slower than the section,
The electronic device according to appendix 1 or 2, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 4]
The processor includes:
changing the playback speed in the identified target section by speech speed conversion that changes the playback speed without changing the pitch;
The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 5]
The processor includes:
When the text to be played includes a word, a first process of identifying a pronunciation portion of some pronunciation elements included in the word as the target section;
when the text to be played includes a sentence, a second process of identifying pronunciation portions of some words included in the sentence as the target section;
when the text to be played back is a sentence, a third process of identifying a pronunciation part of some sentences included in the sentence as the target section;
performing at least one process of;
The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 6]
The processor includes:
Allowing the user to select one of the first process, the second process, and the third process;
Electronic equipment described in Appendix 5.

[Additional note 7]
display and
Equipped with storage and
The processor includes:
A pronunciation element to be learned is specified by having the user select it from among a plurality of phonetic symbols displayed on the display, or is specified based on data of pronunciation elements that are difficult for the user and stored in advance in the storage. do,
The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 8]
The storage stores text data associated with audio data,
The processor includes:
configured to display the text of the text data stored in the storage on the display,
The audio data to be played is audio data corresponding to text arbitrarily selected by the user from among the texts displayed on the display.
Electronic equipment described in Appendix 7.

[Additional note 9]
The processor includes:
identifying a playback section of the audio data that includes the identified weak pronunciation element as a playback section of a phoneme unit, a word unit, or a sentence unit that includes the phoneme as the weak pronunciation element;
The electronic device according to appendix 7 or 8, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 10]
The processor includes:
specifying a playback section of a phoneme unit, word unit, or sentence unit that includes the phoneme as the weak pronunciation element by having the user select a selection item of the phoneme unit, word unit, or sentence unit displayed on a display; or specified according to the user's language level data stored in the storage,
Electronic equipment described in Appendix 9.

[Additional note 11]
The data of difficult pronunciation elements stored in advance in the storage includes words and phrases with pronunciation changes that change the pronunciation compared to when the word is pronounced singly, among words that are formed by connecting multiple words. Data of the pronunciation element of the part where the pronunciation changes,
Electronic equipment described in Appendix 7 or Appendix 8.

[Additional note 12]
The processor includes:
changing the playback speed of the audio data in the specified playback section to be slower than the playback speed outside the specified playback section;
The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 11, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 13]
The processor includes:
Identify the two pronunciation elements that are the target of listening practice,
When reproducing audio data of two words each including the identified two pronunciation elements, specifying a playback section including the two pronunciation elements of each of the two audio data,
changing the playback speed in each of the specified playback sections of the two audio data;
The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, which is configured as follows.

[Additional note 14]
Due to the processor of electronic equipment,
Identify the pronunciation elements to be studied,
Identifying a part of the playback section including the identified pronunciation element in the audio data to be played back as a target section,
changing the playback state of the identified target section during playback of the audio data with respect to the playback state of other playback sections;
Audio playback method.

[Additional note 15]
electronic device processors,
Identify the pronunciation elements to be studied,
Identifying a part of the playback section including the identified pronunciation element in the audio data to be played back as a target section,
changing the playback state of the identified target section during playback of the audio data with respect to the playback state of other playback sections;
A program to make it work like this.

10...Learning support device (electronic device)
14...Key input section (keyboard)
14S...[Audio] key BS...[Audio] touch key 15...Audio output unit 15S...Main speaker 17...Touch panel display unit (display)
21...CPU (processor)
22...Storage unit
22a...Learning support processing program 22b...Audio reproduction processing program 22c...Learning content storage section 22d...Dictionary data storage section 22e...Other content storage section 22f...Language level data storage section 22g...Weak pronunciation table storage section 22h...Pronunciation change idiom Table storage section 22i...Audio playback mode data storage section 22j...Speech speed conversion section setting data storage section 22k...Speech speed conversion playback section data storage section 23...External recording medium 24...Recording medium reading section 25...Communication section 27...Earphone microphone 30...Web server (program server)
N...Communication network (Internet)

Claims (7)

determining means for determining whether or not a word to be learned includes a phoneme that is pronounced as a predetermined pronunciation;
When the determining means determines that the word includes a phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation, the playback speed at which the word is audibly reproduced is set to a reproduction speed of the phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation. a setting means for setting the playback speed to be slower than the playback speed of other phonemes;
A learning support device comprising: selection means for selecting, as learning targets, a first word that includes a phoneme that is one of a pair of pre-correlated pronunciations and a second word that includes a phoneme that is the other pronunciation;
The playback speed at which the first word and the second word selected by the selection means are reproduced aloud is determined by determining the playback speed for the phoneme that is the one pronunciation and the playback speed for the phoneme that is the other pronunciation. a setting means for setting the playback speed of the phoneme so that the playback speed of the phoneme is slower than the playback speed of other phonemes;
Equipped with
The selection means selects the first word and the first word as the learning targets so that the pronunciations of phonemes in corresponding positions match each other, except for the phoneme that is pronounced in the one direction or the phoneme in the other direction. Select 2 words,
A learning support device characterized by: comprising a reproduction means for audibly reproducing the word at a reproduction speed set by the setting means,
The playback means changes the playback speed by speech speed conversion that changes the playback speed without changing the pitch.
The learning support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A learning support method executed by a learning support device, comprising:
a determination process for determining whether or not the word to be learned includes a phoneme that produces a predetermined pronunciation;
If it is determined by the determination process that the word includes a phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation, the playback speed at which the word is reproduced aloud is set to a reproduction speed of the phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation. Setting process to set the playback speed to be slower than other phonemes,
A learning support method characterized by comprising: A learning support method executed by a learning support device, comprising:
a selection process of selecting a first word that includes a phoneme that is one of a pair of pre-correlated pronunciations and a second word that includes a phoneme that is the other pronunciation as learning targets;
The playback speed at which the first word and the second word selected by the selection process are reproduced as audio is determined by determining the playback speed for the phoneme that is pronounced as one of the words and the playback speed for the phoneme that is pronounced as the other word. A setting process to set the playback speed of the phoneme to be slower than the playback speed of other phonemes,
including;
The selection process includes selecting the first word and the first word as the learning targets so that the pronunciations of phonemes in corresponding positions match each other, except for the phoneme that is pronounced in one direction or the phoneme in the other direction. Select 2 words,
A learning support method characterized by: computer
determining means for determining whether or not a word to be learned includes a phoneme that produces a predetermined pronunciation;
When the determining means determines that the word includes a phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation, the playback speed at which the word is audibly reproduced is set to a reproduction speed of the phoneme that produces the predetermined pronunciation. a setting means for setting the playback speed to be slower than the playback speed for other phonemes;
A program characterized by functioning as computer,
Selection means for selecting, as learning targets, a first word that includes a phoneme that is one of a pair of pre-correlated pronunciations and a second word that includes a phoneme that is the other pronunciation;
The playback speed at which the first word and the second word selected by the selection means are reproduced aloud is determined by determining the playback speed for the phoneme that is the one pronunciation and the playback speed for the phoneme that is the other pronunciation. a setting means for setting the playback speed of the phoneme to be slower than the playback speed of other phonemes;
function as
The selection means selects the first word and the first word as the learning targets so that the pronunciations of phonemes in corresponding positions match each other, except for the phoneme that is pronounced in the one direction or the phoneme in the other direction. Select 2 words,
A program characterized by: