JP2002237897A - Interpretation service system, method for interpretation service, and interpretation service program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interpretation service system or method for interpretation service which can provide interpretation service without any limitations on location or time and which is easy to use and can provide immediate service. SOLUTION: In a communication system, a business entity 2 which provides services including interpretation of information inputted in a first language into a specified second language or inverse interpretation, and a user 4 which desires to obtain interpretation service are so located as to be connected to each other via a communication line 5. In the interpretation service system 1 using the communication system, the user 4 has access to the business entity 2 and transmits the information that the user needs translation for, and the business entity 2 then translates the information which needs translation into a second language specified by the user 4 in a short time and transmits the translated information to a communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4 via the communication line 5. The user 4 then makes a third party 7 who understands the second language use one's own communication information terminal 3 to listen to the translated information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an interpreting service system and an interpreting service method, and more particularly, to executing an interpreting service using a mobile phone or the like used by a user via a communication line such as the Internet. The present invention relates to an interpreting service system and an interpreting service method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the prior art, for example, a Japanese person who has difficulty in English and a foreigner who has difficulty in Japanese live together, or happen to meet while traveling or in town. When Japanese and foreigners want to communicate, they often want to accurately communicate their ideas to each other.

[0003] At that time, the contents of the information to be transmitted are communicated to the other party by using a simple word and a hand gesture, or the contents of English corresponding to Japanese are determined using a dictionary or a portable translator. Check it out, measure your communication,
A common method is to measure communication by showing English text displayed on a dictionary or translator to the other party.

[0004] However, in such a method, even if the conversation can be managed as long as it is a conversation of simple words, it is impossible to reliably transmit complicated contents and delicate expressions to the other party, and mutual misunderstanding is not possible. In many cases.

[0005] For those who rarely have the opportunity to be with someone who is fluent in English at all times, this was a headache problem.

[0006] Such a problem is applicable to an English-speaking foreigner who needs immediate communication with the Japanese, and is not limited to the problem of a Japanese-speaking foreigner. Foreigners who use different languages, such as Germans and Japanese, Germans and Koreans, Americans and Russians, are always a problem. There was no tool or system to provide, and there was a demand for its development and realization.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a simple and immediate interpreting service system or an interpreting service method which is not limited in place or time. To provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention basically employs the following technical configuration. That is, as a first aspect according to the present invention, there is provided an information terminal having a communication function, in which input information in a predetermined first language has one or more outputs different from the designated first language. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs at least one second language of the second language group that is the language of In a communication system in which a user having an information terminal and having a desire to receive an interpreting service from the business entity is arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line, By accessing the business entity via the communication line, the business entity can transmit at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the first language for which translation is desired. The business entity translates the information entered by the user into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user within a short time. And distributes the translation information via the communication line to the communication information terminal owned by the user, and does the user himself / herself listen to the translation information distributed from the business entity from the communication information terminal? And an interpreting service system configured to allow a third party other than the user who understands the second language to use the communication information terminal to listen to the translation information. As a second aspect, there is provided an information terminal having a communication function, and input information in a predetermined first language is another language different from one or a plurality of outputs different from the designated first language. Of languages A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs at least one second language, or vice versa, and an information terminal that has a communication function, and In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from the body is connected to each other via an appropriate communication line, the user can communicate with the business entity through the communication line. Access to the business, the user
Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the first language for which interpretation is desired, the business entity transmits the information input by the user; Translating, within a short time, at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user, the business entity transmits the communication line to the communication information terminal owned by the user; Distributing the translation information via a PC, the user handing the communication information terminal to a third party other than the user who understands the second language, and the user understanding the second language. A third party other than the user listening to the translation information distributed from the business entity.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The interpreting service system and the interpreting service method according to the present invention basically employ the above-described technical configuration. When trying to communicate with a foreigner who speaks, you need to translate the words, sentences, or conversation contents in Japanese you want to convey to the other party using the information terminal owned by the user, such as a telephone line or the Internet. After accessing the business entity that provides the interpreting service via the communication network and transmitting the information required for translation in Japanese to the business entity, the business operator can understand that the operator, who is proficient in the mutual translation of the two languages, Instantly, instantly, or within a predetermined short time, translate from Japanese to English and translate the translated information via a telephone line or a communication network such as the Internet. Since the system is set up to deliver to the information terminal owned by the user, the Japanese user hands over the information terminal owned by the user to the foreigner in advance, and By listening to the translation information, the contents of the Japanese user that the user wants to convey to the foreigner are translated into English and transmitted to the foreigner, so that an immediate interpreter is executed.

[0010]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of an interpreting service system and an interpreting service method according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an interpreting service system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an information terminal 1 having a communication function is provided, and a predetermined first language is provided. The first specified the input information by
Business that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs at least one second language group of one or more second language groups different from the first language group or vice versa And a user 4 having a communication information terminal 3 having a communication function and wishing to receive an interpreting service from the business entity 2 is disposed so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line 5. In the communication system, the user 4 provides the business entity 2 with the communication line 5.
By accessing the business entity 2 with words, sentences, and the like in the first language for which translation is desired.
At least one piece of translation necessary information selected from the conversation content or the like is transmitted via the communication information terminal 3 and the
Translates the translation necessary information input from the user 4 into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user 4 within a short time, and The translation information is distributed to the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user via the communication line 5 and the user 4
Can listen to the translation information delivered from the business entity 2 from the communication information terminal 3 itself, or can use the communication information terminal 3 as a third party 7 other than the user who understands the second language.
The interpreting service system 100 is configured to be used to listen to the translation information.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes an operator;
Is a software storage unit for storing application software including software necessary to execute the interpreting service system, and 10 is an arithmetic control unit for executing the interpreting service of the business entity.

[0013] In this embodiment of the present invention,
A third party 7 other than the user is permitted to use the communication from the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4. At least one piece of translation necessary information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like according to at least one of the above is transmitted via the communication information terminal 3 and the business entity 2
Translates the translation information input from the third party 7 into the first language specified by the user 4 within a short time, and transmits the translated information to the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4. It is also a preferable specific example that the translation information is distributed via the line 5 and the user 4 is configured to listen to the translation information distributed from the business entity 2 from the communication information terminal 3 by itself. is there.

In the present invention, the business entity functions as a call center, and switches to a foreign language (second language) other than Japanese (eg, first language) for which the user wants to translate. In order to respond to the request of courage from the user, an operator who is fluent in the translation is arranged, and an operator who can translate between at least two languages is always deployed. Required.

Of course, the operator may have the ability to respond not only to a translation request from the user but also to a translation request from a foreigner who the user wants to communicate with, ie, a reverse translation request. desirable.

In the present invention, not only translation or interpretation between Japanese and English, but also English and German, French and Chinese, Korean and Japanese, Russian and Italian, etc. It is desirable to have an operator who can translate and interpret between different languages.

Further, the business entity does not need to be located in Japan, and especially when using the Internet, the business entity may be located anywhere in the world. It can solve the problem of time difference.

Further, the business entity is not limited to one place, but is installed at a plurality of places all over the world and always linked to each other, so that the operator can
It is possible to respond from any business entity.

In the present invention, as will be described later, a mode of simultaneous interpretation at a conference is also possible. In this case, mutual translation between a plurality of different languages and mutual interpretation can be performed. It is possible, and for this purpose, a plurality of operators will simultaneously contact the communication information terminal connected to the conference hosted by the user.

The communication line 5 used in the present invention
Is a wired or wireless telephone network or CAT
It is desirable to include a V network or the Internet,
In particular, when using the Internet, a worldwide interpretation service system can be constructed.

The business entity 2 according to the present invention is electrically connected to the communication line 5 through an application service provider (ASP) 1 having a server function owned or controlled by the business entity 2. Is preferred.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4 is a PHS,
It is preferable that the mobile phone is constituted by at least one selected from a mobile phone, a mobile notebook personal computer, a PDA, a desktop personal computer, a game terminal having a communication function, and the like. In particular, a PHS, a mobile phone, a mobile notebook personal computer, When using a PDA or the like, time constraints,
It is possible to easily receive the interpreting service at any place and at any time without being restricted by location.

That is, in the present invention, the business entity 2
In this case, an interpreter who can translate between different languages, that is, an operator, is always on standby at the call center, and responds to a translation request from the user 4 for 24 hours.

According to the present invention, in response to a translation request from the user or a third party to the business entity 2, translation information by voice is transmitted to the user or the third party via the communication line. At the same time, the translation information can be delivered as image image information and moving image information, and visual communication becomes possible.

That is, in this specific example, the translation information is transmitted from the business entity 2 via the communication line 5 to the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4 or to the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user or other than the user. When delivering translation information by voice to the communication information terminal 30 owned by the three parties, image information corresponding to the translation information is simultaneously delivered.

Specifically, in the case where the user uses the interpreting service system using a telephone or a mobile phone,
When the user needs an interpreter on the go, the user accesses the call center, which is the business entity, and receives a necessary interpreter service (native language-main language) in his / her native language as appropriate.

For example, when a foreigner who is a user who is staying in Japan needs an interpreter between his native language and Japanese, he contacts the call center from a telephone or a mobile phone, and sends a call to the operator of the business entity 2. The necessary interpreting information is given, and the operator sends the necessary information to the user's conversation partner by phone or mobile phone on behalf of the person. Alternatively, it is possible to send a reply from the conversation partner to the customer, or, in another case, in Japan, when a Japanese user needs to communicate with a foreigner, The call center is contacted from a mobile phone, telephone, etc., and the necessary interpreting information is transmitted to the operator of the business entity. Alternatively, the operator provides linguistic advice to convey necessary information to the user's conversation partner.

As another mode, when a Japanese who is staying in a foreign country needs interpreting between Japanese and a major foreign language, he / she contacts the call center from a mobile phone, telephone, etc. The necessary interpreting information is transmitted to the operator, and the operator transmits the necessary information to the conversation partner of the user on behalf of the operator. Alternatively, the operator provides linguistic advice to convey necessary information to the user's conversation partner.

Further, as another specific example of the present invention,
Interpretation when a two-party call is made using the communication line between a user using a first language having a mobile phone and another user also using another language also having a mobile phone Is switched to a three-way call including the business entity 2, and the call center of the business entity always intervenes in the conversation between the users and translates one user's conversation by simultaneous interpretation. It is also possible to distribute to other users.

Further, as still another specific example of the interpreting service system according to the present invention, an international user is gathered at a user's home or office or the like, and a large number of related users including foreigners gather. In the case of a conference, party, etc., when the above-mentioned interpreting service is required, similarly contact the call center and request an interpreter from the operator, so that the interpreter can be dispatched as before. No need to ask.

In particular, in the case of an international conference, the transmitting means and the receiving means in the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user are branched into a plurality of parts, and the business entity and the relevant By connecting via a communication line, if an interpreter is required, one or more translators will be invited from the call center to participate in the conference via the communication line or the Internet.
Interpretation processing can be easily and simultaneously performed even in a conference using a plurality of languages.

According to the present invention, when providing the interpreting service, the business entity 2 adopts a membership system for the user 4 so that the business entity 2 and the individual user 4
Register a user who satisfies predetermined conditions including membership fee, each individual interpreter service fee, payment conditions for the interpreter service, etc. as a member, and give the user who is a member the interpreter service It is desirable to be constituted so that it may provide.

When the business entity 2 according to the present invention executes the interpreting service, it is necessary for the business entity 2 to provide the service preferentially to a predetermined member. Has the advantage that the necessary cost for the interpreting service provided to the user can be reliably recovered through the billing system, but of course, the business entity provides the interpreting service according to the present invention to users other than members. Although it is possible to provide such a service, it is necessary to investigate beforehand whether the user satisfies the conditions of the billing system relating to a predetermined fee payment before executing the service (for example, It is difficult to provide an instant interpreting service because the bank account or credit card number specified by the user is correct).

Also, in the present invention, similarly, when both the user and the foreigner are registered as members,
Alternatively, the above problem does not occur if the communication information terminal used by the foreigner is owned by another member user.

That is, it is desirable that the third person, who is a foreigner, is a user who is a registered member.

As described above, according to the present invention, the business entity 2 charges the registered user 4 a predetermined fee when providing the interpreting service. It is desirable to have the system 11, and the interpreting service fee charged to the individual user 4 is determined as an example, for example, based on the use time of the interpreting service.

Furthermore, the interpreting service fee charged to the individual user 4 is based on the communication information terminal owned by the foreigner who is a communication information terminal owned by a foreigner and not registered as a member. When using an information terminal,
It may be configured such that a separately determined usage fee is added.

The translation service fee at that time is set higher than the fee for the user who is the member.

The interpreting service system 1 according to the present invention
A second specific example of 00 will be described below.

That is, in this specific example, as shown in FIG. 1, an information terminal 1 having a communication function is provided, and input information in a predetermined first language is different from the designated first language. Alternatively, the business is to provide an interpreting service that translates and outputs to at least one second language of a second language group that is another language of a plurality of outputs, or performs the reverse translation and outputs. And a user 40 having an information terminal 30 having a communication function and wishing to receive an interpreting service from the business entity 2 is disposed so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line 5. In the communication system 100, the user 40 accesses the business entity 2 via the communication line 5, thereby allowing the business entity 2 to access the business entity 2.
A word in the first language for which you would like to translate,
At least one piece of translation information selected from sentences, conversation contents, and the like is transmitted via the communication information terminal 5, and the business entity 2 transmits the information input from the user 40 to the user 40 in a short time. Is translated into at least one of the second languages different from the first language specified by the third party, and is connected to the communication line 5 in advance and is a third party other than the user who understands the second language 41 to the communication information terminal 31 owned or lent by the user 40,
An interpreting service system 100 configured to distribute the translated information translated into the second language via the communication line 5 and make the third party 41 listen to the translated information.
It is.

In the interpreting service system of this embodiment, the business entity 2 is interposed between the user 40 and the foreigner 41 to form a three-way communication.

Further, as still another specific example of the interpreting service system according to the present invention, the translation information distributed from the business entity 2 to the communication information terminal 3 of the user 4 is the translation information of the user 4 The communication information terminal 3 is configured to be audible to at least a part of the plurality of third parties 42 to 46 via the plurality of audio reproducing means 12 branched from the communication information terminal 3 and at the same time, As the opposite interpreting service, the business entity 2 has the third party 42-46.
The one or more foreigners included in the user 3 or at least one of the third users may select at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in at least one of the second languages for which translation is desired. When the translation information translated into the first language specified by a part of the users 42 to 46 is distributed to the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4 via the communication line 5, The translation information is configured to be audible to other third parties including the plurality of users via a plurality of voice reproducing means 13 branched from the communication information terminal 3 of the user 4. Is what it is.

In other words, this specific example assumes that a predetermined user holds an international conference with a plurality of attendees.

That is, the configuration of the above specific example includes an information terminal having a communication function, in which input information in a predetermined first language has one or a plurality of outputs different from the designated first language. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs at least one second language of the second language group that is the language of In a communication system 100 in which a user having an information terminal and having a desire to receive an interpreting service from the business entity is connected to the user via an appropriate communication line, The communication information terminal is provided with a plurality of branched individual voice information input units 12 and translation information output units 13. When one of the attendees on the user side accesses the business entity 2 via the communication line 5, words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the first language for which the interpreter wants to interpret. Is transmitted via the communication information terminal 5, and the business entity 2 transmits the information input from the user 4 within a short time to the first information specified by the user 4.
Is translated into at least one of the second languages different from the second language, and the translated information is distributed to the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4 via the communication line 5, and a plurality of Among the user-side attendees, the attendee who understands the second language is the translation information output unit 13.
, And at least one of the attendees who understands the second language communicates with the business entity 2 via the individual voice information input means 12. On the other hand, transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the second language for which translation is desired,
The business entity 2 translates the information input by the attendee who understands the second language into the first language within a short time, and converts the information into the communication information terminal 3 owned by the user 4. The translation service system is configured such that the translation information is distributed via the communication line 5 and the attendees of the user including the user listen to the translation information using the translation information output means 13. It is.

The short time required for the translation processing related to the interpreting service in the present invention is instantaneous, comparable to simultaneous interpreting, or, for example, after the user transmits necessary translation information to the business entity, The communication information terminal 3 owned by the user is handed over to the foreigner of the other party, and the foreigner takes a receiving system, and the time is less than the time required for transmitting a receivable signal to the business entity. Things are desirable.

Next, a specific example of the configuration of the interpreting service method according to the present invention will be described below.

That is, as a first specific example of the interpreting service method according to the present invention, there is provided an information terminal having a communication function, and a first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is designated. Providing an interpreting service that translates and outputs at least one second language of a second language group that is one or more other languages different from the other language, or vice versa. A business entity for business and a user who has an information terminal having a communication function and desires to receive an interpreting service from the business entity are arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line. In a communication system, the user accesses the business entity through the communication line, and the user communicates with the business entity in words, sentences, and conversations in the first language that the user wants to interpret. Content Transmitting at least one translation necessary information selected from the communication information terminal via the communication information terminal, the business entity converts the information input by the user within a short time, the first information specified by the user Translating into at least one of a second language different from the language, the business entity distributing the translation information via the communication line to the communication information terminal owned by the user, Handing the communication information terminal to a third party other than the user who understands the second language, and a translation provided by the third party other than the user who understands the second language from the business entity; And listening to information.

Further, as an additional step after the above-mentioned interpretation service method in the present invention, a third person other than the user who understands the second language in the communication system can execute the business. At least one translation selected from words, sentences, conversations, etc. in the second language that the third party wishes to interpret for the business entity by accessing the body via the communication line. Transmitting the necessary information via the communication information terminal;
Translating the information entered by the third party into the first language specified by the third party within a short time; the business entity transmits the communication to the communication information terminal owned by the user; Delivering the translation information via a line, the third party returning a communication information terminal owned by the user used by the third party to the user,
And a step in which the user listens to the translation information distributed from the business entity.

Further, as a second specific example of the interpreting service method according to the present invention, in the communication system described above, the first or second user is connected to the communication line. A step in which the first or second user accesses the business entity via the communication line, wherein the first or second user requests the business entity to interpret the first or second user who wants to translate; A step of transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of translation necessary information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in a language, wherein the business entity converts information input from the first or second user; Within a short time, the second language or the first language specified by the first or second user.
Translating the translated information to the individual communication information terminal connected to the communication line owned by the second user or the first user via the communication line. And delivering the translation information translated into the second language or the first language, and listening to the translation information by the one user who received the translation information. Service method.

On the other hand, as a third specific example of the interpreting service method according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned communication system, a plurality of separate voice information input to the user communication information terminal are provided. Providing a means and a translation information output means, via the individual voice information input means, one of a plurality of user-side attendees including the user, accessing the business entity via the communication line, One of the user-side attendees transmits, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, and conversation contents in the first language to be interpreted to the business entity. The business entity translates the information entered by the user into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user within a short time. Delivering the translation information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line, and setting the second language among a plurality of user-side attendees including the user. A step in which the attendee who understands listens to the translation information; at least one of the attendees who understands the second language sends an interpreter to the business entity through the individual voice information input means; Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the second language desired by the business entity,
Translating the information input by the attendee who understands the language into the first language within a short time, the business entity transmits the information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line. And a step of distributing the translated information, and a step of listening to the translated information by a user attendant including the user.

Here, in order to explain in more detail an example of the operation procedure of the interpreting service method according to the present invention, refer to FIG. 2 for an example of the operation procedure in the first specific example described above. This will be described in detail.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, after starting in the communication system 100, it is determined in step S1 whether or not there has been access from a Japanese user. Step S1 is repeated, and if YES, the process proceeds to Step S2 to determine whether or not the user 4 is a member. If YES, the process proceeds to Step S5 described later; S3
In step S4, it is determined whether the user has provided necessary information to the business entity and has paid the membership fee.
If it is O, it becomes END, and if it is YES, it proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, it is determined that the business entity starts providing an interpreting service to the user. In step S6, information necessary for translation in Japanese from the user is specified by the user. Is input to the business entity to be translated into English, for example, English. In step S7, the business entity translates the translation-required information into English.

After that, in step S8, the user hands over the communication communication terminal used by the user, eg, a mobile phone, to the foreigner who is the other party, and in step S9, the business entity transmits the mobile phone of the user. Distribute the above translation information to the phone.

Next, proceeding to step S10, the foreigner listens to the translated information in English, and in step S11, it is determined whether or not to end the interpreting service.
If YES, the process proceeds to step S12, in which the user notifies the business entity that the interpreting service has ended, and in step S13, the business entity stops providing the interpreting service. In step S14, the user is billed for a translation service fee for the user.

Next, in step S15, it is determined whether or not the charge amount has been completely debited from the user's bank account, credit card, or the like via the charging system. ,
If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S16, where the business entity prompts the user, and the process proceeds to step S17.
Then, it is determined again whether or not the user has made a payment. If YES, END is given. However, if NO, it is determined in step S18 whether or not the reminder is the predetermined number N. If the determination is NO, the process returns to step S16 to repeat the above-described process. If the determination is YES, the user is deleted from the member in step S19 and the state becomes END. On the other hand, if NO in step S11, the process proceeds to step S20, in which the foreigner transmits information necessary for translation to the business entity in English. In step S22, the mobile phone used by the foreigner is handed to the user in step S22.
In step S24, the business entity distributes the translated information translated into Japanese to the mobile phone owned by the user according to the instruction of the foreigner, and the user listens to the translated information in step S24. .

Thereafter, in step S25, it is determined whether or not the translation service is to be terminated. If NO, the process returns to step S6 to repeat the above steps. If YES, step S25 is performed. Returning to S12, the above steps are repeated.

The operation procedure in the other specific example has some changes, but is basically executed according to the above-mentioned flowchart.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information terminal having a communication function, wherein input information in a predetermined second language is converted into another language different from the designated second language. Has a business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the first language, and an information terminal that has a communication function, and wants to receive the interpreting service from the business entity. In a communication system in which a user and a user are arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line, a third party other than the user who understands the second language can connect the communication line to the business entity. The third party transmits at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the second language to be interpreted to the business entity to the communication information terminal. Send via The business entity translates the information input by the third party into the first language specified by the third party within a short time, and the business entity is owned by the user. Delivering the translation information to the communication information terminal via the communication line, the third party returning the communication information terminal owned by the user owned by the third party to the user, and And a step of allowing the user to listen to the translation information delivered from the business entity, and a program for causing the computer to execute the interpreting service method, and an information terminal having a communication function. Then, the input information in the predetermined first language is translated into at least one second language of a second language group, which is another language different from the specified first language or one or more outputs. The translation And a business entity that provides an interpreting service that outputs translation information or vice versa and outputs the translation information, and an information terminal having a communication function, and provides the interpreting service from the business entity. A first user who understands the first language and a second user who understands the second language that he / she wants to receive are arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line. In the communication system, the first or second user accesses the business entity via the communication line, and the first or second user desires an interpreter for the business entity. Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the first or second language; Translating the information input from the user into the second language or the first language designated by the first or second user within a short time, The translation information translated into the second language or the first language via the communication line is transmitted to a communication information terminal connected to the communication line owned by the second user or the first user. And a distribution step, which is a program for causing a computer to execute the interpreting service method.

Further, there is provided an information terminal having a communication function, and a first terminal in which input information in a predetermined first language is designated.
Providing an interpreting service that translates and outputs at least one second language of a second language group that is another language different from one language or a plurality of other languages or vice versa. And a user who has an information terminal having a communication function and desires to receive an interpreting service from the business entity is arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line. In the communication system, the user-side communication information terminal is provided with a plurality of branched individual voice information input means and translation information output means, and via the individual voice information input means, A process in which one of a plurality of user-side attendees, including a user, accesses the business entity via the communication line, and one of the user-side attendees requests an interpreter for the business entity. Transmitting at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in one language via the communication information terminal, the business entity transmits the information input from the user in a short time, Translating into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user, the business entity transmits the translation information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line; Delivering, the plurality of user-side attendees including the user, the attendee who understands the second language listens to the translated information, and the attendee understands the second language. At least one of the entities, via the individual voice information input means,
A step of transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the second language for which interpretation is desired, and the business entity understands the second language The information entered by the attendee is
A step of translating into the first language within a short time, a step of distributing the translation information by the business entity to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line, and a side of the user including the user And a step of allowing the attendee to listen to the translation information.

[0061]

The interpreting service system and the interpreting service method according to the present invention employ the above-mentioned technical configuration, and therefore have no limitation on place or time, and have a simple and immediate interpreting service system. Alternatively, an interpreting service system and an interpreting service method that can realize an interpreting service method economically and on a global scale can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of an interpreting service system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure in a specific example of the interpreting service method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 3, 30, 31 Communication information terminal 2 Business entity 4, 40, 41 User 5 Communication line 7 Third party, foreigner 8 Operator 9 Software storage means 10 Operation control means 11 Billing System 12: Branched voice input means 13: Branched translation information receiving means 42-46: Conference attendees

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 15/00 H04M 15/00 Z

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A second language having an information terminal having a communication function and having one or more output languages different from the specified first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is specified. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the at least one second language of the group or vice versa, and an information terminal having a communication function, In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from a business entity can be connected to each other via an appropriate communication line,
By accessing the business entity via the communication line, the user can provide the business entity with at least one of words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. selected in the first language for which interpretation is desired. The translation required information is transmitted through the communication information terminal, and the business entity converts the information input by the user within a short period of time into a second language different from the first language specified by the user. And translate the translated information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line,
The user listens to the translation information delivered from the business entity from the communication information terminal by himself / herself, or makes the communication information terminal used by a third party other than the user who understands the second language. An interpreting service system characterized by being configured to listen to translation information. 2. A second language in which a third party other than the user wishes to translate from the communication information terminal owned by the user to the business entity, the use being permitted by the user. Transmitting at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like by at least one of the above through the communication information terminal,
The information input by the third party is translated in a short time into the first language specified by the user, and the translated information is transmitted to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein a configuration is provided in which the user himself / herself listens to the translation information distributed from the business entity from the communication information terminal.
Interpretation service system described. 3. A second language which has an information terminal having a communication function and is one or more other languages different from the first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is specified. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs to at least one second language of the group or performs translation and vice versa, and an information terminal having a communication function, In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from the business entity is arranged so as to be connectable to each other through an appropriate communication line, the user is required to provide the communication line Via the communication information terminal, transmitting at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the first language for which interpretation is desired to the business entity. , The business entity translates the information input by the user into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user within a short time, and transmits the information to the communication line in advance. Connected to a communication information terminal owned by or lent to a third party other than the user who understands the second language other than the user and translated into the second language via the communication line An interpreting service system configured to distribute the translated information and make the third party listen to the translated information. 4. The translation information distributed from the business entity to the communication information terminal of the user through a plurality of audio reproduction units branched from the communication information terminal of the user. 2. The interpreting service system according to claim 1, wherein the interpreting service system is configured to be audible to three persons. 5. The user designates at least one piece of information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in at least one of the second languages that the third party wants to interpret in the third party. When the translation information translated into the first language is delivered to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line, the translation information is transmitted to the communication information terminal of the user. 3. The interpreting service system according to claim 2, wherein the interpreting service system is configured to be able to be heard by a plurality of third parties including the plurality of users via a plurality of voice reproducing units branched from the third party. 6. The interpreting service system according to claim 1, wherein said business entity always has an operator capable of translating between at least two types of languages. 7. The business entity may adopt a membership system for the user when providing the interpreting service.
It is characterized in that a user who satisfies predetermined conditions between the business entity and each user is registered as a member, and the interpreting service is provided to the user who is a member. The interpreting service system according to claim 1. 8. The interpreting service system according to claim 7, wherein the third party is the registered member. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said business entity has a charging system for charging said registered user a predetermined fee when providing said interpreting service. An interpreting service system according to any one of Items 1 to 8. 10. The interpreting service system according to claim 9, wherein said interpreting service fee charged to said individual user is determined based on a use time of said interpreting service. 11. The interpreting service fee charged to each individual user is added to a separately determined usage fee when the user uses a third party communication information terminal that is not registered as a member. The interpreting service system according to claim 10, wherein the interpreting service system is configured to be executed. 12. The interpreting service system according to claim 1, wherein the communication line includes a wired or wireless telephone line network, a CATV network, or the Internet. 13. The business entity according to claim 1, wherein the business entity is owned by itself or electrically connected to the communication line via an application service provider (ASP) managed by the business entity. 13. An interpreting service system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 14. The information terminal owned by the business entity may be the application service provider (A)
5. The self-publishing system according to claim 4, wherein the self-publishing system has a server function including (SP). 15. The information terminal owned by the user is characterized by comprising at least one selected from a mobile phone, a mobile notebook personal computer, a PDA, a desktop personal computer, a game terminal having a communication function, and the like. The interpreting service system according to any one of claims 1 to 14. 16. A second language having an information terminal having a communication function, wherein the second language is one or more other languages different from the first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is specified. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the at least one second language of the group or vice versa, and an information terminal having a communication function, In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from a business entity can be connected to each other via an appropriate communication line, a plurality of branch routes are provided to the user side communication information terminal. Individual voice information input means and translation information output means are provided, and one of a plurality of user-side attendees including the user is provided to the business entity via the individual voice information input means. Communication times By accessing via a line, at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the first language desired to be interpreted is transmitted to the business entity via the communication information terminal. The business entity translates the information entered by the user into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user within a short time, and The translation information is distributed to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line, and among the plurality of user attendees including the user, the attendee who understands the second language listens to the translation information. And at least one of the attendees who understands the second language understands the second language via the individual voice information input means. Transmitting at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the language through the communication information terminal, and the business entity receives information input from the attendee who understands the second language. Is translated into the first language within a short time, and the translated information is delivered to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line. An interpreting service system configured to listen to the translation information. 17. Translation of the translation information from the business entity via the communication line to the communication information terminal owned by the user or a communication information terminal owned by the user or owned by a third party other than the user. 17. The system according to claim 1, wherein when distributing the information, image information corresponding to the translation information is simultaneously distributed.
The interpreting service system according to any one of the above. 18. A second language which has an information terminal having a communication function and is another language which is different from the first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is different from the specified first language. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the at least one second language of the group, or outputs the reverse translation, and an information terminal having a communication function, In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from a business entity can be connected to each other via an appropriate communication line,
The user accesses the business entity via the communication line, and the user requests the business entity to interpret words, sentences, etc. in the first language that the user wants to interpret.
Transmitting at least one piece of information selected from the conversation content or the like via the communication information terminal, the business entity transmits the information input by the user within a short time to the first information specified by the user; Translating into at least one of a second language different from the language, the business entity distributing the translation information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line, ,
Handing the communication information terminal to a third party other than the user who understands the second language, and a translation provided by the third party other than the user who understands the second language from the business entity; An interpreting service method comprising: a step of listening to information. 19. An information terminal having a communication function, wherein input information in a predetermined second language is translated into a first language which is another language different from the specified second language and output. Or a business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the translation, and an information terminal that has a communication function, and wants to receive the interpreting service from the business entity In a communication system in which a user and a user are arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line, a third party other than the user who understands the second language can connect the communication line to the business entity. The third party transmits at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the second language to be interpreted to the business entity to the communication information terminal. To send via The business entity translates the information input by the third party into the first language specified by the third party within a short time, and the business entity is owned by the user. A step of delivering the translation information to the communication information terminal via the communication line; and a step of returning the communication information terminal owned by the user used by the third party to the user. And a step in which the user listens to the translation information distributed from the business entity. 20. A second language having an information terminal having a communication function, wherein the input information in a predetermined first language is another language different from the specified first language in one or more outputs. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates into at least one second language of a group and outputs the translated information or vice versa and outputs the translated information; and a communication function. A first user who understands the first language and a second user who understands the second language, who have an information terminal having In a communication system arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line, the first or second user accesses the business entity via the communication line; Two users Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the first or second language for which translation is desired to the business entity; Translating information input from the first or second user into the second language or the first language specified by the first or second user within a short time; The body transmits the translation information to the individual communication information terminal connected to the communication line owned by the second user or the first user via the communication line in the second language or the second language. An interpreting service comprising: a step of delivering translation information translated into one language; and a step of receiving the translation information by the one user who has received the delivery of the translation information. Scan method. 21. A second language having an information terminal having a communication function, wherein the second language is one or more other languages different from the first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is specified. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the at least one second language of the group or vice versa, and an information terminal having a communication function, In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from a business entity can be connected to each other via an appropriate communication line, a plurality of branch routes are provided to the user side communication information terminal. Providing individual voice information input means and translation information output means, wherein one of a plurality of user-side attendees including the user is connected to the business entity via the individual voice information input means. To Accessing one of the user-side attendees to the business entity by communicating at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the first language for which interpretation is desired with the business entity. Transmitting the information via the information terminal, the business entity converts the information input by the user into at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user within a short time. Translating, the business entity distributes the translation information via the communication line to the communication information terminal owned by the user, and the second entity among a plurality of user-side attendees including the user A step in which the attendee who understands the language listens to the translation information; at least one of the attendees who understands the second language communicates with the business entity through the individual voice information input means; Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the second language for which translation is desired; Translating the information entered by the attendee to the first language in a short time, the business entity transmits the information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line. An interpreting service method, comprising: a step of distributing translation information; and a step in which attendees of a user including the user listen to the translation information. 22. An information terminal having a communication function, wherein input information in a predetermined second language is translated into a first language, which is another language different from the specified second language, and is output. Business entities that provide interpreting services
In a communication system in which an information terminal having a communication function and a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from the business entity are connected to each other via an appropriate communication line, A step in which a third party other than the user who understands the second language accesses the business entity through the communication line; and the third party requests the business entity to interpret the second language. Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the language of the language, the business entity transmits the information input from the third party in a short time Translating into the first language specified by the third party, the business entity distributing the translation information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line,
The third party returning the communication information terminal owned by the user owned by the third party to the user;
And a step for the user to listen to the translation information distributed from the business entity. 23. A second language having an information terminal having a communication function, wherein the input information in a predetermined first language is another language of one or more different from the specified first language. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates into at least one second language of a group and outputs the translated information or vice versa and outputs the translated information; and a communication function. A first user who understands the first language and a second user who understands the second language, who have an information terminal having In a communication system arranged so as to be connectable to each other via an appropriate communication line, the first or second user accesses the business entity via the communication line; Two users Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the first or second language for which translation is desired to the business entity; Translating information input from the first or second user into the second language or the first language specified by the first or second user within a short time; The body transmits the translation information to a communication information terminal connected to the communication line owned by the second user or the first user via the communication line in the second language or the first language. Distributing translation information translated into a language; and a program for causing a computer to execute an interpreting service method. 24. A second language having an information terminal having a communication function, wherein the second language is one or more other languages different from the first language in which input information in a predetermined first language is specified. A business entity that provides an interpreting service that translates and outputs the at least one second language of the group or vice versa, and an information terminal having a communication function, In a communication system in which a user who wants to receive an interpreting service from a business entity can be connected to each other via an appropriate communication line, a plurality of branch routes are provided to the user side communication information terminal. Providing individual voice information input means and translation information output means, wherein one of a plurality of user-side attendees including the user is connected to the business entity via the individual voice information input means. To Accessing one of the user-side attendees to the business entity by communicating at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, etc. in the first language for which interpretation is desired with the business entity. Transmitting the information via the information terminal, the business entity converts the information input by the user to at least one of a second language different from the first language specified by the user within a short time. Translating, the business entity distributes the translation information via the communication line to the communication information terminal owned by the user, and the second entity among a plurality of user-side attendees including the user A step in which the attendee who understands the language listens to the translation information; at least one of the attendees who understands the second language communicates with the business entity through the individual voice information input means; Transmitting, via the communication information terminal, at least one information selected from words, sentences, conversation contents, and the like in the second language for which translation is desired; Translating the information entered by the attendee to the first language in a short time, the business entity transmits the information to the communication information terminal owned by the user via the communication line. A program for causing a computer to execute an interpreting service method including a step of distributing translation information and a step of listening to the translation information by a user-side attendant including the user.