JP2000137716A - Translation assistance system, and program medium and device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user who is browsing a homepage to obtain a translation of the contents of the homepage in the form of a voice or file from a translating operator. SOLUTION: This system is so constituted as to provide translation service from the computer 3 of the translating operator to the computer 1 of the user by sharing a screen. In this case, the user computer 1 is connected to a translation managing server 2 through the Internet 7, the translation managing server 2 obtains address information, etc., and the user computer 1 and the computer of the translating operator are connected through the Internet; and the screens of the computer 3 of the translating operator and the user computer 1 are shared, the voice of the operator is outputted to the user computer 1 through the Internet, and the voice of the user is outputted to the computer 3 of the operator, so that the operator gives a translation through the voice or shared screens.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a computer used in a home, workplace, or the like, which requires the translation of materials, homepages, and the like when creating materials using a word processor and browsing homepages on the Internet. And a translation service center, so that the translation operator can receive the translation service by voice or file while keeping the screen of the word processor and the screen being viewed as it is. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a program therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of the Internet technology, the latest information can be obtained anytime, anywhere and by anyone. However, the most up-to-date information is often written in local languages, and Japanese translations are not often made. So, for example, at home computer, browsing the homepage on the Internet,
When you visit a website written in English, you will either read the English text or read the text translated by automatic Japanese translation software.

[0003]

This is very inconvenient for a user who is unfamiliar with reading English texts, both in terms of time and obtaining a desired Japanese translation.

[0004] For example, when trying to download software provided only on an English site,
A considerable amount of procedures, including precautionary statements, are written in English to find those that fit your system, but you must understand them correctly. In addition, in order to quickly find software that fits your system while following links on the homepage, it is necessary to make an accurate judgment, including the language specific to English.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and the translation support system connects the user's computer to the translation operator's computer via the Internet, thereby connecting the user's computer to the computer. A screen is shared with a computer of a translation operator, and voice communication can be performed simultaneously using a line sharing the screen. As a result, the translation that the user wants to obtain can be obtained properly and quickly from the voice of the translation operator or the file input by the translation operator. The translation is not limited to a Japanese translation from English, but may be a Japanese translation from a language other than English, or a translation into another language other than the Japanese translation,
Of course, the translation may be from Japanese to another language.
Further, in order to obtain a proper translation operator required by the user, the user is connected to a service center that provides a translation service, thereby providing information on a proper translation operator required and providing an appropriate translation operator from the user computer. It allows the translation operator to connect to the computer.

Further, by connecting a server computer of a service center of a translation support system, a user's computer, and a computer of a translation operator using the Internet or the like, a user can provide accurate and prompt translation support wherever and whenever he wants. It is possible to receive services.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a translation support system in which a user computer of a user and a computer of a translation operator are connected via the Internet and the user is provided with a translation service by the translation operator. On the screen of the operator's computer, the screen of the user computer connected via the Internet is displayed and shared with the screen of the user computer, and the translation operator operates the common screen and the computer of the user, using the Internet. By outputting the voice of the translation operator to the user computer and outputting the voice of the user to the computer of the translation operator, the translation operator translates the contents of the screen of the user computer by voice and transmits the result to the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the translation support system, when the user computer receives a translation service, the translation management of a translation service center connected to the Internet, which manages translation operator information on the translation operator. The server is accessed, and the computer of the translation operator is selected to be accessible based on the translation operator information.

According to a third invention, in the translation support system according to the second invention, after the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the Internet so as to be accessible, the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are translated. Data communication is performed directly with each other based on the address information of each other party obtained from the management server.

According to a fourth invention, in the translation support system according to the second invention, after the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the Internet so as to be accessible, the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are translated. It is characterized in that mutual data communication is performed via a management server.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the translation support system according to the second aspect, the translation management server is a server computer of an Internet service provider providing a homepage browsing service on the Internet.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the translation support system according to the second aspect, wherein the translation management server is accessed from a user computer via a provider providing a homepage browsing service.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the translation support system of the invention, the computer of the translation operator prepares a file by translating the contents displayed on the screen of the user computer by the translation operator into a file, and transmits the translated file to the user computer. It is characterized by communicating.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the translation management server used in the translation support system according to the above invention, means for registering translation operator information in the translation management server and request information from a user computer and registered translation operator information are provided. Means for searching for a translation operator, and means for making the user computer and the translation management server mutually accessible via the Internet when there is a translation request from the user computer.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the user computer used in the translation support system of the present invention, a voice signal of a translation operator is received from the Internet, output as a voice to the user computer, and a voice of the user is input. A voice transmitting / receiving device for transmitting a voice signal to the Internet, image data transmitting means for transmitting data on a screen of a user computer to the Internet, and receiving an operation input from a computer of a translation operator via the Internet and operating the user computer It is characterized by comprising remote operation input means as an input, and remote operation output means for transmitting an operation input of a user computer via the Internet and operating the translation operator for the computer.

According to a tenth aspect, in a computer of a translation operator used in the translation support system of the invention, a voice signal of a user is received from the Internet.
A voice transmitting / receiving device that outputs the voice of the translation operator as a voice to the computer of the translation operator and transmits the voice of the translation operator to the Internet as a voice signal, and receives data on a screen of a user computer via the Internet, and obtains own image data. Image data receiving means, and remote operation output means for transmitting the operation input of the computer of the translation operator via the Internet and for inputting the operation input to the user computer.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the translation management server used in the translation support system of the present invention, a procedure for registering translation operator information in the translation management server and searching for a translation operator based on request data from a user computer. And a step of connecting the user computer and the translation management server so as to be mutually accessible via the Internet when there is a translation request from the user computer. This is a recording medium.

According to a twelfth invention, a user computer used in the translation support system according to the invention is provided.
A procedure for transmitting an input voice from a microphone of a user computer to the Internet, receiving a voice signal from the Internet, and outputting the voice signal to a speaker of the user computer, a procedure for transmitting screen data of the user computer to the Internet, and a translation operator A user computer having a procedure of receiving a command from the computer via the Internet and setting the command to the user computer, and a procedure of transmitting the command to the user computer via the Internet and setting the command to the computer of the translation operator It is a recording medium storing a possible program.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in a computer of a translation operator used in the translation support system of the invention, a voice input from a microphone of the computer of the translation operator is transmitted to the Internet, and a voice signal from the Internet is received. A procedure of outputting to a speaker of a translation operator's computer, a procedure of receiving data of a screen of a user computer via the Internet, and displaying the data as a screen of a computer of the translation operator, and an operation input to the computer of the translation operator. And a command to be transmitted to the user computer, and a procedure for receiving an operation input to the user computer via the Internet and inputting the input to the computer of the translation operator. A recording medium storing Yuta readable program.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium of the eleventh aspect used in the translation support system of the invention, the computer address of the selected translation operator is sent to a user computer. Is transmitted to the user computer that has made the request.

A fifteenth invention is characterized in that, in the recording medium according to the twelfth invention used in the translation support system of the above invention, a procedure for accessing the translation management server via the Internet is further stored.

[0022]

According to the above configuration, the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected via the Internet, and the screen of the user computer and the screen of the computer of the translation operator can be made the same via the Internet. Furthermore, since the operation on the user computer is the operation of the translation operator's computer, and the operation of the translation operator's computer is the operation of the user computer, the user can use the mouse, cursor, As shown in the above, it becomes possible to tell the translation operator exactly where the translation is desired. Furthermore, since voice communication is also possible using the Internet, the translation operator can view the portion indicated by the user with a mouse, a cursor, or the like, or the portion indicated by voice while looking at the screen of his or her computer. The translation can be made accurately and quickly by voice.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user who intends to receive the translation service accesses the translation management server of the translation service center connected to the Internet from his / her own computer, and manages the translation management server. The translation operator can be selected from the translation operator information that is present, and the computer of the selected translation operator can be accessed. That is, an optimal translation operator can be selected based on the information of the translation management server, and the computer of the translation operator can be accessed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, after the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the Internet so that they can be accessed, the user computer and the computer of the translation operator can read the address of each destination acquired from the translation management server. Based on the information, direct data communication can be performed.
In other words, once the address of each destination is obtained from the translation management server, the connection destination can be changed from the translation management server to each destination, and the connection to the translation management server is disconnected. Will be able to do it. As a result, the line load on the translation management server itself can be reduced, and the three parties can perform the translation support work more smoothly.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, after the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the Internet so that they can be accessed, the user computer and the computer of the translation operator communicate with each other via the translation management server. It can be performed. This makes it possible to more smoothly manage information such as the use status of the translation operator's computer and the translation support system of the user computer.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the translation management server
Since it is a server computer of an Internet service provider that provides a homepage browsing service on the Internet, the user is provided with a smoother connection to the computer of the translation operator when using the translation support system.

In the invention according to claim 6, the translation management server comprises:
It becomes possible to access from a user computer through a provider providing a homepage browsing service. Therefore, when browsing the homepage on the Internet and trying to use the translation support system, the user can change the address of the homepage without disconnecting from the provider that provides the homepage browsing service. By changing it, you can connect to the translation management server of the translation support system.

According to the invention of claim 7, the translation operator is:
The translation of the content displayed on the screen of the user computer can be written into a file and transmitted to the user computer. In other words, if it can be displayed on the screen of the user computer even if it is created by a user's general word processor, the translation operator can translate, create a file, and convey it. The user can obtain the translation in the form of a desired file in addition to the audio. For example, since the translation is provided in characters, it is possible to check the correct spelling in an English translation or the like. Furthermore, it is possible to save the file and check it later, or to use the file for another file.

When a translation management server used in the translation service system according to the invention of claim 8 and a recording medium storing a program capable of executing the procedure according to claim 11 are loaded on the translation management server and used, translation is performed. Register the translation operator information in the management server, connect to the user computer via the Internet at the request of the user computer, search for the translation operator according to the user's request, and connect to the computer of the optimal translation operator via the Internet. , The user computer and the translation operator's computer can be connected via the Internet.

When a user computer used in the translation service system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention and a recording medium storing a program capable of executing the procedure according to the twelfth aspect are loaded on the user computer and used,
The user can connect to the translation management server of the translation service center. The information provided by the translation management server enables mutual access to the computer of the optimal translation operator, enables sharing of screens and operations with the computer of the translation operator, and voice communication via the connected Internet. Therefore, the screen of the computer can be indicated by, for example, a mouse pointer and a voice to inform the user that the translation is desired, and the translation operator's voice can be obtained quickly and accurately. In addition, if necessary,
Necessary parts can be obtained by a file transmitted from the computer of the translation operator.

A computer of a translation operator used in the translation service system according to the invention of claim 10 and a recording medium storing a program capable of executing the procedure of claim 13 are loaded on the computer of the translation operator and used. The computer of the translation operator can be connected to the user computer via the Internet. The translation operator can share the screen with the user computer and his / her own computer, and can use the operation and input to his / her computer as the operation and input of the user computer. Can be used as an operation input to a computer. Further, mutual communication by voice can be performed via the connected Internet. Therefore, by the user,
It is indicated by a mouse or the like on the screen, and a voice can be appropriately and promptly translated by a voice. Further, since the user is connected via the Internet, for example, he can engage in translation work even at home.

When the program according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is loaded into the translation management server and used, the address of the selected translation operator's computer is sent to the user computer, and the address of the translation operator's computer is requested by the user. It can be sent to a computer. Therefore, the user can connect to the computer of the translation operator on the user computer by switching the address of the home page.

Further, when the program according to the present invention is loaded on a user computer and used, the user can access the translation management server via the Internet even when browsing a homepage on the Internet. become.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on specific embodiments. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection relationship. The user's computer 1 is provided, for example, at home or work. The user computer 1 is connected to a homepage providing server 6 via a public line 8 and an Internet service provider 4, and displays a homepage on a screen. At the same time, the user computer 1 is connected to the translation management server 2 via the public line 8 and the Internet 7, and further connected to the translation operator's computer 3 by the translation management server 2. Information about the translation operator's computer 3 is registered in advance from the management terminal 5 or from the translation operator's computer 3 via the Internet. In the user computer 1,
A microphone 101 and a speaker 102 are connected. The translation operator's computer 3 has a microphone 3
01, the speaker 302 is connected.

The program of the user computer of the translation service system according to the present invention is loaded on the user computer 1 and the program of the computer of the translation operator is loaded on the computer 3 of the translation operator for use. These programs are activated under a general-purpose OS such as Windows 98, for example, but not limited thereto.

Next, the operation of the present system and apparatus will be described. The following description of the operation is based on the Windows 98 OS.
Is assumed.

The user uses the user computer 1 to
The user connects to the Internet service provider 4, connects to the homepage providing server 6 via the Internet service provider 4, and browses the homepage in step 110. Here, the homepage where the user tried to obtain the information was described in English and needed to be translated. Therefore, the user can use the user computer 1
By clicking the icon of the translation service system on the screen of (1), an initial screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and a translation service is requested.

In FIG. 7, a button 11 is a button for setting an environment in which the translation service system is used for the user computer 1. For example, it is a button for setting a connection address to the translation management server 2, a password, and the like. The button 12 is the user computer 1
Is a button for instructing the translation operator's computer 3 to request translation. Button 13
This button is used to instruct the startup application to be shared. The button 14 is a button for instructing the translation operator to share the chat function with the computer 3. With the chat function, if you are a user who is used to typing,
Mutual input with the translation operator also enables more accurate information exchange. The button 16 is a button for instructing the computer 3 of the translation operator to share the whiteboard function. With the whiteboard function, drawing data can be shared. It is used as a character information exchange tool when illustrated and described or when a user is unfamiliar with typing input. As an input tool,
Generally, a mouse, tablet, pen, or the like is used, but is not limited thereto. The button 16 is a button for instructing to transfer a file of the user computer 1. The button 17 is a button for instructing the translation management server 2 to end use of the translation service.

The screen of the translation operator's computer 3 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the button 20 is
This is a request permission button that enables a translation service to the user computer 1. The button 21 is a permission button for enabling connection with the user computer 1 via the Internet. The button 22 is a button for instructing that the connection between the translation management server 2 and the translation operator's computer 3 be refused via the Internet. Button 2
1 and the button 22 allow the translation operator's computer 3 to set whether or not to connect to the translation management server 2. The button 23 is a button for instructing termination of the translation service system. Button 24 is an environment for connecting to this translation service system,
A button for setting information as a registered translation operator. For example, a button for setting a connection address to the translation management server 2, a password, translation language information, and the like. The same numbers as those in FIG. 7 have the same functions.

Here, a case where the user computer 1 and the computer 3 of the translation operator are connected via the Internet via the translation management server 2 will be described as an example.

The user computer 1 and the computer 3 of the translation operator are loaded with the program of the present translation service system in advance, and information on connection to the translation management server 2 is also set in advance. Therefore, the user computer 1 is set to automatically start the translation service system when the icon of the translation service system is clicked and to connect to the translation management server 2 via the Internet 7. When the power of the translation operator is turned on, the translation operator's computer 3 automatically activates the translation service system.
Is displayed, and the system enters a state of waiting for a connection from the translation management server 2 via the Internet 7. At this time, the translation operator's computer 3 is not connected to a line during standby, and the translation management server 2 receives a request from the user computer 1 and connects via a dial-up connection to the Internet. However, if the condition of the line permits, the request from the user may be waited while the line is connected to the translation management server 2.

In the user computer 1, step 11
In step 112, it is determined that the translation service has been requested, and in step 112, the translation service is connected to the translation management server 2 in which the connection procedure is set in advance. Translation management server 2
Then, if it is determined in step 210 that the request from the user computer 1 is ON, then in step 211 and step 420 shown in FIG.
Connection processing with the user computer 1 is performed. In this case, a PPP connection or the like is performed after a dial-up adapter is activated by a normal dial-up and a telephone line is connected. Next, the user computer 1 executes step 113, and the translation management server 2 executes step 421.
Thus, transmission and reception of data other than the audio data detailed in FIG. 5 are performed. Here, transmission and reception of data other than voice means image data in step 410, command data in step 411, and transmission / reception processing of operation data in step 412. By transmitting and receiving these data, information on the translation operator required by the user is provided to the translation management server 2. If it is determined in step 212 that this is the first translation request, in step 213, an optimal operator is searched for based on the obtained information and information such as the registered language and working hours. Step 21
4 calls the operator. This call is generally for connecting the telephone line to the computer 3 of the translation operator by automatic line connection and calling the operator. In step 215, it is determined whether or not the connection with the called operator has been established. If the call cannot be made, step 21 is performed until the call can be made.
3. Step 214 is repeated. There are several calling methods. Here, all or some of the computers 3 of the translation operator corresponding to the conditions are simultaneously called, and the computer 3 of the translation operator corresponding to the earliest is read.
This is how to connect. However, other weighting methods may be used, such as connecting the operator who was connected last time preferentially. If it can be determined in step 215 that there is a translation operator computer 3 in response to the call of the translation management server 2, step 21
6, the connection processing is performed with the computer 3 of the translation operator.

In the computer 3 of the translation operator, when a call from the translation management server 2 is determined in step 311, a connection process with the translation management server 2 is performed in step 312. Next, in steps 217 and 313, data other than audio data is transmitted and received. With these processes, the user computer 1
And the screen of the translation operator's computer 3 are the same, and the operation is also shared.

Next, when it is determined in step 218 that the user computer 1 is being connected, in step 219, a process of transmitting and receiving voice data is performed between the user computer 1 and the translation operator's computer 3. If it is determined in step 114 that the user computer 1 is being connected to the translation operator's computer 3, the user computer 1 performs transmission / reception processing of voice data. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 314 that the translation operator's computer 3 is connected to the user computer 1, the translation operator's computer 3 performs voice data transmission / reception processing in step 315. As a result, the audio signal input from the microphone 101 of the user computer 1 is sampled, transmitted to the translation management server 2, further transmitted to the translation operator's computer 3, and transmitted to the translation operator's computer 3.
Is output as audio. Similarly, the voice signal input by the microphone 301 of the translation operator's computer 3 is sampled and transmitted in the same manner and transmitted to the user computer 1.
Is output as a voice to the speaker 102. Microphone 10
1. The speaker 102 is a part of the voice transmitting / receiving device.
In this state, voice communication becomes possible. With this half-duplex method, audio data can be transmitted together with other data. Note that when sampling and transmitting audio data, even if it is continuous audio, there is a large amount of idle time, so other data can be transmitted and received using the idle time. Since such a transmission / reception system is already well known, description thereof will be omitted.

First, the translation operator hears a request for translation from the user by voice. For example, the user asks for a translation by voice, a translation by file, a translation by whiteboard or chat, and, if there is a desired application, a request to the extent possible.
Thereby, the corresponding application sharing button 1
3, chat button 14, whiteboard button 15,
Click one of the file transfer buttons 16 to prepare the corresponding function and application. Step 3
13, the image data, the command data, and the operation data are transmitted to and received from the translation management server 2.

On the other hand, in the user computer 1, the image data (step 410), the command data (step 411), and the operation data (step 413) are transmitted to the translation management server 2 at step 113, similarly to the computer 3 of the translation operator. Sent and received between Thus, the user computer 1 receives the command data from the translation operator's computer 3 (step 414), transmits the data of its own screen to the translation operator's computer 3 (step 412), and Receives the screen data (step 410),
The same screen as the screen of the user computer 1 is displayed on the own computer 3.

Next, if there is a key input on the screen or a mouse operation (hereinafter referred to as an operation input) in the computer 3 of the translation operator, the operation data is transmitted to the user computer 1 (step 413). ). In the user computer 1, remote operation input means (step 4)
At 13), the operation data is received, the own screen is controlled, and the image data is transmitted (step 414).

It is also possible to control the screen of the user's own computer 1 by inputting an operation on the user computer 1 (step 116).

During this time, the user can update the home page data displayed on his / her own screen as needed (step 110). At this time, it is determined in step 111 that the translation service request has been temporarily suspended. Step 120 performs processing that is not related to other translation services. Here, the translation management server 2 determines in step 218 that the user has interrupted the connection, and performs a standby process in step 224 for the translation operator. At this time, the translation service is suspended until the translation request button 12 is clicked again by the user. However, until the end button 17 is clicked by the user, the translation operator continues to perform step 31.
According to 4, the connection with the user is determined to be interrupted, and a state of waiting for a translation request from the user is entered. The translation management server 2 and the translation operator's computer 3 wait for a request from the user computer 1, and transmit and receive data other than voice in steps 313 and 217 between the translation operator's computer 3 and the translation management server 2. The user clicks the request button 12 when the series of homepage data is updated and the user wants to translate again. At step 111, a request for a translation service is determined, and the translation management server 2
Then, in step 210, the translation request is determined to be ON, and the user computer 1 and the translation management server 2
Are connected by steps 112 and 211. Since it is determined in step 212 that the translation is ongoing, it is possible to connect to the computer 3 of the same translation operator as before the interruption. On the other hand, in the computer 3 of the translation operator, the user computer 1
Is determined to be connected, and transmission / reception of data including transmission / reception of voice data is resumed.

The above steps 110 to 118
Are repeatedly executed at minute time intervals until it is determined in step 117 that the end button is turned on. Similarly, the translation operator's computer 3 repeatedly executes the processing procedure from step 310 to step 318 every minute time. Similarly, the translation management server 2 repeatedly executes the processing procedure from step 210 to step 220 every minute time until the end signal is determined to be on in step 221.

With this processing, mutual voice communication and transmission of screen data from the user computer 1 to the translation operator's computer 3 between the user computer 1 and the translation operator's computer 3 and the translation operator's computer 3 Transmission of the operation input data to the computer 1 is executed in real time. This allows
The user computer 1 and the translation operator's computer 3 can share voices and screens, and enable mutual operation input. If the operation inputs conflict, the mouse click gives priority to the operation input performed.

However, while the user is receiving one of the translation services from the translation operator, the user usually does not give an operation input to the user computer 1. Similarly, when the user inputs an operation for inverting or clicking a part to be translated, the translation operator does not input an operation to the computer 3 of the translation operator. In this way, the user and the translation operator can provide the same operation screen to the user computer 1 with the screen of the user computer 1 and the screen of the translation operator's computer 3, and reflect the translation input as a reflection of the translation. The screen of the operator's computer 3 can be controlled in the same manner as the screen of the user computer 1.

In the above embodiment, the line connecting the user computer 1 and the translation management server 2 and the line connecting the user computer 1 and the Internet service provider 4 connecting the homepage providing server are alternately formed by one line. Although the method of repeatedly interrupting the connection has been described as an example, the two lines may be both connected, and the same operation is performed by the user operating the user computer 1.
If two lines are connected, the translation management server 2
The step 218 of determining whether the user computer 1 is connected between the user computers 1 is always connected. The translation service is further smoothed because the voice communication is always possible with the operator.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the translation management server 2 is an Internet service provider 4 that provides an Internet connection service. After connecting, you can receive the translation service without switching the connection.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the user computer 1 connects to the Internet service provider 4 and connects to the homepage providing server 6 to browse the homepage. At the same time, when receiving the translation service, the user clicks the translation service icon to connect to the translation management server via the provider 4 that provides the homepage browsing service. User computer 1 by Internet service provider 4
And the translation management server 2 are connected. At this time, the Internet service provider 4 changes the connection to the translation management server 2 and the homepage providing server 6 in the same manner as changing the address of the homepage according to the address requested from the user computer 1.

In the other embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the connection method and the points different from the above embodiment will be mainly described. In the drawings and flowcharts used in the following description, the processes at the steps having the same symbols and the same numbers correspond to or have the same contents or processes in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. In the above embodiment, the case where the user computer 1 and the computer 3 of the translation operator are connected via the Internet via the translation management server 2 is taken as an example. After the user computer 1 and the translation operator's computer 3 are connected via the Internet, the user computer 1 and the translation operator's computer 3 are directly connected via the Internet networks 7a and 7b to establish a connection with the translation management server 2. Exchange information remotely and provide translation services.

Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14. The user computer 1 connects to the Internet service provider 4 and browses the homepage (step 110) by connecting to the homepage providing server 6 via the Internet network 7a. When receiving the translation service, the user automatically activates the translation service system by clicking the translation service icon on the screen and connects to the translation management server 2 via the Internet 7a. If it is determined in step 111 that the translation service has been requested,
It is determined in step 121 whether the request is a request for communicating with an operator who has received a translation service or is the first request. If it is determined that the request is the first request, in step 126, the translation management server 2 is connected to the provider 4a via the Internet 7a. In the translation management server 2, when it is determined in step 210 that the request from the user computer 1 is ON, a connection process with the user computer 1 is performed in step 236. In this embodiment, since the user computer 1 is already connected to the Internet network 7a for browsing the home page, the user computer 1 performs the translation by the same procedure as changing the address of the home page. Connect to the management server 2. Further, in the translation management server 2,
In step 236, a connection procedure with the user computer 1 is taken. However, when the user computer 1 is not connected to the Internet network 7a, the dial-up adapter is activated by a dial-up or the like, and after the telephone line is connected, the PPP connection or the like is performed and the provider 4a and the Internet network 7a are connected. Connected via.

In step 236, the translation management server 2 which has performed the connection procedure with the user computer 1 confirms the user's request for translation, etc., and searches for a translation operator by the processing shown in steps 213 to 216. To computer 3 of provider 4
b, connected via the Internet 7b. In step 230, information such as the address of the user computer 1 is transmitted to the computer 3 of the translation operator, and in step 231 the information of the computer 3 of the translation operator is transmitted to the user computer 1. In the computer 3 of the translation operator, when it is determined in step 311 that there is a call from the translation management server 2, connection processing is performed in step 312. Next, step 3
At 20, the information of the user computer 1 transmitted at step 230 from the translation management server 2 is received. In the user computer 1, step 122
, The information of the translation operator's computer 3 transmitted from the translation management server 2 is received, and the process of changing the connection to the translation operator's computer 3 is performed in step 123. The process of step 123 is the same procedure as changing the address of the homepage.
Thereafter, if necessary, the connection of the translation operator to the computer 3 is changed from the homepage browsing process. In step 321, the translation operator computer 3 performs a connection change process from the translation management server 2 to the user computer 1. On the other hand, the translation management server 2 disconnects the connection between the user computer 1 and the translation operator's computer 3 in step 232.

With the above processing, the user computer 1
And the translation operator's computer 3 are connected via respective Internet service providers 4a, 4b and Internet networks 7a, 7b. Here, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, the Internet service provider 4
a and 4b, and the Internet networks 7a and 7b are separately provided and described. Of course, the same Internet service provider may be used.
It is an Internet network and is not distinguished.

According to steps 124 and 323,
A process of transmitting and receiving data other than voice is performed between the user computer 1 and the computer 3 of the translation operator. If it is determined in steps 125 and 324 that voice communication is possible, voice transmission / reception processing is performed (steps 115 and 315). In the user computer 1, the processing of the above steps 110 to 118 is repeatedly executed at minute time intervals until it is determined in step 117 that the end button is turned on. Similarly, the translation operator's computer 3 performs step 31
The processing procedure from 0 to step 325 is repeatedly executed at every minute time. Similarly, the translation management server 2 changes the processing procedure from step 210 to step 235 to step 233.
Is repeatedly executed every minute time until the end signal is determined to be ON. Here, if it is determined in step 117 that the end signal is ON in the user computer 1, a series of processing of the translation service is ended in step 119. In the computer 3 of the translation operator,
If it is determined in step 325 that the end signal is on, a translation service end process is performed, a connection is changed to the translation management server 2, and a process of reporting the connection time and the like is performed. In response to this, the translation management server 2 executes step 2
If it is determined that there is a report from the computer 3 of the translation operator by 33, a report of the connection time and the like is received in step 234, and a translation service termination process is performed to terminate the translation service for the user.

In the above embodiment, the case where the homepage is browsed by connecting to the Internet has been described as an example. However, if the application sharing function and the file transfer function can be displayed on the user computer 1, the translation can be performed. Since the data can be shared with the computer 3 of the operator, the data may not be homepage data, but may be a file created by a general word processor or image data such as a photograph.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the translation service system is activated by clicking the icon on the screen has been described. However, the translation service system may be provided as one function of a browser which is homepage browsing software. In this case, by providing a translation request button on the screen of the browser, the translation request button can be activated from the browser.

In the above embodiment, the translation terminal can be registered with the translation management server 2 from the management terminal 5 such as the address of the translation operator, the translation language, and the field of specialization. And the management information can be registered in the translation management server from the remote management terminal 5. Translation operators may be scattered not only in Japan but also around the world. By translating translation operators around the world and using the time difference,
4 hours of translation service is possible. In other words, there is an area that is a normal working time zone in any of the time zones for receiving the translation service. Therefore, by selecting a translation operator in that area, it is possible to always receive the translation service.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an entire system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user computer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a server computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a computer of a translation operator.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for transmitting and receiving data other than voice.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of connection processing with a user computer.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation screen displayed on a user's computer.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation screen displayed on a computer of a translation operator.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an entire system according to a specific embodiment of another invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an entire system according to a specific embodiment of another invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an entire system according to a specific embodiment of another invention.

12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user computer of the system according to another specific embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a server computer of the system according to another specific embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11;

14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a computer of a translation operator of the system according to another specific embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User's computer 2 ... Translation management server computer 3 ... Translation operator's computer 4 ... Internet service provider 5 ... Management terminal 6 ... Homepage providing server 7 ... Internet network 8 ... Public line 101 ... Microphone connected to user's computer 102: a speaker connected to the computer of the user 301: a microphone connected to the computer of the translation operator 302: a speaker connected to the computer of the translation operator

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B089 GA19 GB03 GB04 GB09 HA10 JA22 JB03 JB05 JB06 KA01 LB13 5B091 AA06 CB01 CB21 CB24 CB32 CD03 DA03 5K051 AA08 CC00 EE01 EE02 HH18 HH27 JJ13

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A translation support system in which a user computer of a user and a computer of a translation operator are connected via the Internet and the user is provided with a translation service from the translation operator. The screen of the user computer connected via the PC is displayed and shared with the screen of the user computer. The translation operator operates the shared screen and the computer of the user, and the voice of the translation operator using the Internet. And outputting the user's voice to the translation operator's computer, whereby the translation operator translates the contents of the screen of the user computer by voice and transmits the translation to the user. . 2. When the user computer receives a translation service, the user computer accesses a translation management server of a translation service center connected to the Internet, which manages translation operator information relating to a translation operator. 2. The translation support system according to claim 1, wherein a computer of the translation operator is selected to be accessible based on the translation. 3. After the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the Internet in an accessible manner, the computer of the user and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the respective destinations acquired from the translation management server. Based on the address information,
The translation support system according to claim 2, wherein data communication is performed directly with each other. 4. After the user computer and the computer of the translation operator are connected to the Internet so as to be accessible, the user computer and the computer of the translation operator mutually exchange data via the translation management server. The translation support system according to claim 2, wherein communication is performed. 5. The translation support system according to claim 2, wherein said translation management server is a server computer of an Internet service provider providing a homepage browsing service on the Internet. 6. The translation support system according to claim 2, wherein said translation management server is accessed from said user computer via a provider providing a homepage browsing service. 7. The computer of the translation operator, wherein the translation of the content displayed on the screen of the user computer by the translation operator is converted into a sentence, created in a file, and transmitted to the user computer. The translation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The translation management server used in the translation support system according to claim 2, wherein said translation operator information is registered in said translation management server; and said user computer Means for searching for the translation operator based on the request information and the translation operator information registered. When a translation request is received from the user computer, the user computer and the translation management server are connected via the Internet. The translation management server, comprising: means for allowing mutual access. 9. The user computer used in the translation support system according to claim 2, wherein a voice signal of the translation operator is received from the Internet and transmitted to the user computer. A voice transmitting / receiving device that outputs as voice and inputs a user's voice and transmits the voice as a voice signal to the Internet; an image data transmitting unit that transmits data on a screen of the user computer to the Internet; Remote operation input means for receiving an operation input of a computer via the Internet and operating the user computer, and transmitting an operation input of the user computer via the Internet, and an operation input of the translation operator to the computer Remote control output means And a user computer comprising: 10. The computer of the translation operator used in the translation support system according to claim 2, wherein a voice signal of a user is received from the Internet,
A voice transmitting / receiving device that outputs as a voice to the computer of the translation operator, inputs the voice of the translation operator, and transmits the voice as a voice signal to the Internet, and receives data on a screen of the user computer via the Internet, Image data receiving means as its own image data, and remote operation output means for transmitting an operation input of the computer of the translation operator via the Internet and as an operation input to the user computer. Translation operator computer. 11. The translation management server used in the translation support system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: a step of registering the translation operator information in the translation management server; Searching for the translation operator based on the request data from the user computer; and when there is a translation request from the user computer, connecting the user computer and the translation management server so as to be mutually accessible via the Internet. And a recording medium storing the program readable by the translation management server. 12. The user computer used in the translation support system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein an input voice from a microphone of the user computer is transmitted to the Internet, and transmitted from the Internet. Receiving the voice signal of the user computer and outputting it to the speaker of the user computer; transmitting the screen data of the user computer to the Internet; and receiving a command from the computer of the translation operator via the Internet. The user computer readable program, comprising: a procedure for giving a command to the user computer; and a procedure for transmitting a command to the user computer via the Internet and making the command to the computer of the translation operator. The recording medium. 13. The translation operator's computer used in the translation support system according to claim 2, wherein an input voice from a microphone of the translation operator's computer is transmitted to the Internet, and A step of receiving an audio signal and outputting it to a speaker of the computer of the translation operator; a step of receiving data of a screen of the user computer via the Internet and displaying the data as a screen data of a computer of the translation operator. Transmitting the operation input to the computer of the translation operator to the Internet and setting it as a command to the user computer; receiving the operation input to the user computer via the Internet; A storage medium storing a computer-readable program of the translation operator having a procedure for inputting data to the translation operator. 14. The recording medium according to claim 11, further comprising: transmitting an address of a computer of the selected translation operator to the user computer, and transmitting an address of the computer of the translation operator to the user computer that has requested. A recording medium having a sending procedure. 15. The recording medium according to claim 12, further comprising a procedure for accessing said translation management server via said Internet.