JP2005050214A - Interpreter service system, interpreter service management server, and interpreter service providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interpreter service means which is free from charge and easy to utilize for foreign users. <P>SOLUTION: An interpreter service system consists of an interpreter terminal 1, a service spot terminal 2, a card delivery terminal 3 and an interpreter service management server 4, and each of these are connected via network 5. The interpreter terminal 1 is a terminal operated by an interpreter in charge of the interpreter service. The service spot terminal 2 is a terminal operated by a foreigner utilizing the interpreter service and a Japanese in charge to have a conversation with the foreigner, and installed in a variety of places to be used. The card delivery terminal 3 is a terminal to deliver an interpreter service card to a foreigner, and installed at a service counter where foreigners drop in. The interpreter service management server 4 is a server to manage and operate the whole interpreter service, and installed in an interpreter service operation center. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an interpreting service system, an interpreting service management server, and an interpreting service providing method for providing an interpreting service between a foreigner and a facility person in charge at a predetermined facility.

With the recent progress of internationalization, many foreigners have come to Japan Japan. However, for example, according to data such as the 2002 White Paper on Tourism, there are about 16.52 million visitors from Japan to foreign countries, while there are about 5.24 million visitors from Japan to other countries. The current situation is that only one third of the departures. This number is not good for Japan, which aims to be an international exchange city or a tourism-oriented country. The reason why the number of visitors to Japan does not increase is that prices are high and that they are geographically distant, but more than that, it seems that words cannot be understood. The majority of Japanese cannot speak anything other than Japanese, and lack communication and interaction with foreigners in languages other than Japanese. There is also a situation in which display guidance in the native language for visitors other than English-speaking countries is insufficient.
In order to cope with such a situation, various systems providing an interpretation service have been proposed. Known examples include a service using voice calls via a public network and a service using a Web page on the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-223303 A (paragraphs [0043] to [0049], FIG. 1)

  However, the conventional interpreting service has a problem that the user of the interpreting service, that is, a foreigner who is a visitor to Japan is charged. In addition to high prices, if the foreigners themselves have to pay for the interpretation service fee, such an interpretation service cannot be expected to spread. In addition, some conventional interpreting services can specify the purpose and field of conversation when requesting an interpreter, and search for a suitable interpreter. There is a problem that it is troublesome to do. This is also expected to hinder the spread of interpretation services.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an interpreting service means that is easy to use for foreign users without burden of fees.

The present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems enables a foreigner and a facility person in charge to communicate with each other through an interpreter who is away from the predetermined facility in order to communicate with the person in charge at the predetermined facility. An interpreting service system, an interpreting service management server, and an interpreting service providing method. This interpreting service system provides a card-issuing terminal that provides an interpreter service card to a foreigner, and provides an interpreter service between the foreigner and the facility staff by using the interpreter service card at a given facility. A facility terminal that can be used, an interpreter terminal used by an interpreter to provide an interpretation service, and an interpreter service management server that operates and manages the interpreter service, as well as an interpreter terminal, a facility terminal, and a card The delivery terminal and the interpretation service management server are configured to be connected via a network. For example, in the interpretation service providing method using this interpretation service system, the billing and collection of the contract fee is not for foreigners who use the interpretation service, but for a predetermined facility where the interpretation service is provided. It is characterized by performing. In order to make such a charge, first, an interpreter service card for using an interpreter service is issued to a foreigner by a card issuing terminal installed at a service counter such as Narita Airport. Next, when a foreigner visits a predetermined facility in Japan and brings the interpretation service card close to the facility terminal, the facility terminal can provide the interpretation service. The foreigner sometimes pays for the services provided by the facility at the designated facility, and the manager of the facility becomes such a place by providing an interpreting service. Expect benefits. In return, the facility manager pays a contract fee for the interpretation service, which is an important point of the interpretation service provision method (interpretation service business).
The interpreting service management server is characterized in that when an interpreter terminal is assigned to a facility terminal for which an interpreting service is requested, an appropriate interpreter terminal is specified based on attribute information of the facility terminal. To do. At this time, the foreigner only brings the interpretation service card close to the facility terminal, and does not need to perform a special operation such as inputting the type of business or field of the facility. The identification information of the attribute information of the facility terminal is transmitted from the facility terminal to the interpretation service management server. Then, in the interpretation service management server, the attribute information corresponding to the received identification information can be specified from the attribute information of the facility terminal registered in advance.

  The “facility terminal” in the claims corresponds to a “service spot terminal” in an embodiment described later. In addition, the “interpreter attribute information”, “facility terminal attribute information”, and “foreigner information” in the claims are the “interpreter information”, “service spot information”, “visit to Japan” in the embodiments described later. Corresponds to “foreigner information”. Further, “foreigner information identification information”, “facility terminal attribute information identification information”, and “facility terminal contract information” in the claims are “foreigner ID”, “spot ID” in the embodiment described later. "," Contract conditions for facilities ".

  According to the present invention, the billing and collection of the contract fee for the interpreting service is not made to the foreigner who uses the interpreting service, but to a predetermined facility where the interpreting service is provided. Interpretation service can be used without worrying about the burden of charges. Foreigners can also receive high-quality interpreting services suitable for the facilities they visit. Furthermore, an increase in the number of interpreters and facilities registered in the interpreting service system can provide a better interpretation service to foreign visitors to Japan, and in turn, an increase in the number of foreign visitors to Japan can be expected. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

≪Interpretation service system configuration and overview≫
First, the configuration of the interpretation service system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The interpreting service provided by the interpreting service system is called multilingual service, and it is a native language for foreigners visiting Japan to enjoy their stay in Japan without worrying about the language handicap when visiting Japan. It can be said that this is a service. In order to realize such a service, the interpreting service system is composed of an interpreter terminal 1, a service spot terminal 2, a card issuing terminal 3, and an interpreting service management server 4 as shown in FIG. Connected through.
The interpreter terminal 1 is a terminal used by an interpreter who is an interpreter and can be located anywhere in the world. During the interpretation service, a connection (connection state for data transmission / reception) with a specific service spot terminal 2 is established and maintained, and video information and audio information are transferred to / from the service spot terminal 2. The interpreter can watch the voices and voices of foreigners and Japanese personnel who are heading to the service spot terminal 2 from the display and speakers attached to the interpreter terminal 1 and use the camera and microphone attached to the interpreter terminal 1 Interpretation towards. As a result, video and audio information of the interpreter is transmitted to the service spot terminal 2. The interpreter terminal 1 is specifically realized by a PC (Personal Computer) or a mobile phone.
Service spot terminal 2 is a terminal used by foreigners who use the interpreting service and Japanese personnel who are conversation partners of the foreigner. It is installed in the facility and used. During the interpretation service, a connection with a specific interpreter terminal 1 is established and maintained, and video information and audio information are transferred to and from the interpreter terminal 1. A foreigner or a Japanese person in charge looks at the interpreter's appearance and voice from the display or speaker attached to the service spot terminal 2 to the interpreter terminal 1 and listens to the camera or microphone attached to the service spot terminal 2. Respond toward. As a result, video and audio information of a foreigner or Japanese person in charge is transmitted to the interpreter terminal 1. The service spot terminal 2 includes a card reader 21, and can automatically start an interpreting service by reading the contents of an interpreting service card 32 to be described later. Specifically, the service spot terminal 2 is realized by a large display or a PC to which a card reader 21 is connected. Further, a portable PC or the like in which a small display or the like is integrated with the main body may be used.

The card issue terminal 3 is a terminal for issuing an interpreter service card to foreigners, and is installed at a service counter in Narita Airport, which is an international airport, or Akihabara, which is becoming an international city portal (entrance). . When a foreigner applies for a predetermined item at the service counter, the interpreter service card 32 in which the predetermined item is registered by the card writer 31 of the card issuing terminal 3 and a facility (service spot) where the interpreter service card 32 can be used. And a guidebook for the facility where the terminal 2 is installed. This allows foreigners to know the facilities where the interpreter service is available. Specifically, the card issuing terminal 3 is realized by a PC or the like to which a card writer 31 is connected.
The interpreting service management server 4 is a server that performs the central function of the interpreting service system for operating and managing the entire interpreting service, and is installed in the interpreting service operating center. Information registered in each of the terminals is accumulated, or mediation between the service spot terminal 2 and the interpreter terminal 1 is performed when using the interpretation service. Specifically, the interpreting service management server 4 is realized by a computer such as a server or a PC.
The network 5 connects the respective terminals and servers and enables data transmission / reception between them. Specifically, the network 5 is realized by the Internet, a private network or the like. However, considering that the interpreter terminal 1 can be located anywhere in the world, and the interpreter terminal 1 and the service spot terminal 2 can be registered at any time as will be described later, the interpreter terminal 1 is constructed on the Internet. Realistic.
Note that the operation of each terminal and server described below is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a predetermined program. In FIG. 1, only one terminal is shown, but a plurality of terminals may be connected.

≪Overview of interpretation service system operation≫
Next, the operation of the interpretation service system according to the embodiment of the present invention (interpretation service providing method) will be described. First, an overall outline of the operation of the interpreting service system will be described with reference to FIG. 2 from the viewpoint of the parties involved in the interpreting service (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). First, as part of the construction of an interpreter service system infrastructure (service infrastructure), a person who wants to work as an interpreter registers as a interpreter terminal 1 a terminal such as a personal computer owned by the person (step S201). At this time, interpreter information as shown in FIG. 3A is registered in the interpretation service management server 4. Further, by making a contract for an interpreting service and providing it to a foreigner, a manager or the like of a facility who intends to increase the number of visits by the foreigner prepares, installs and registers the service spot terminal 2 (step S202). . At this time, service spot information as shown in FIG. 3B is registered in the interpretation service management server 4. As a result, the number of interpreters who are in charge of interpreting services increases, and the number of facilities that can use interpreting services increases, thereby improving the interpreting service system.

  Next, I will explain how to use the interpreter service from a foreigner's perspective. Foreigners who arrive in Japan first go to service counters at Narita Airport and Akihabara to apply for and register information on foreigners visiting Japan (step S203). At this time, information on foreigners visiting Japan as shown in FIG. 3C is registered in the interpretation service management server 4. Then, the interpreter service card 32 in which the registered foreign visitor information is recorded is issued by the card issuing terminal 3 (step S204). At this time, the foreigner receives the facility guide that indicates the facility where the service spot terminal 2 is installed together with the interpreter service card 32. On the other hand, the interpreter service management server 4 systematically schedules (secures) interpreters while referring to the registration status of the information on foreigners visiting Japan (step S205). This is to count the number of foreigners visiting Japan who will be staying in a certain time zone on a certain day in the future, and try to secure interpreters who can meet the number. Now, foreigners who have received the interpreter service card 32 visit various facilities according to the facility guide. At this time, the interpreting service is used by bringing the interpreting service card 32 close to the card reader 21 of the service spot terminal 2 installed in the facility as desired (step S206). At this time, interpretation service use history information as shown in FIG. 3D is recorded in the interpretation service management server 4. Thereafter, when the foreigner returns to the country or when the interpreting service becomes unnecessary, the interpreter service card 32 is returned to the service counter, discarded, or brought back in memory (step S207).

≪Operation details of interpreter service system≫
Next, each step of FIG. 2 will be described in detail. First, the interpretation terminal registration (step S201 in FIG. 2) will be described. An interpreter who wants to register the interpreter terminal 1 as a terminal such as a PC owned by the user uses the terminal to access the interpreter service management server 4 and use the format on the Web page. Apply for interpreter information. The interpreter service management server 4 checks the requested interpreter information. If there is no problem, the interpreter information is assigned with an interpreter ID and registered. At the same time, communication setting information such as the IP (Internet Protocol) address and communication speed of the interpreter terminal 1 is registered. Then, the registered interpreter information and communication setting information are transmitted to the interpreter terminal 1. The interpreter terminal 1 sets the received interpreter information and communication setting information. Thereby, registration of the interpreter terminal 1 is completed. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the interpreter information registered in the interpreter service management server 4 includes the interpreter ID, name, gender, age (date of birth), country of origin, supported language, specialty area, and specialty. There are industry, preferred working day, and time zone. According to this interpreter information, it is possible to interpret between the language of the country of origin (the native language) and the corresponding language. In the example of FIG. 3A, it is possible to interpret between Japanese and English, and between Japanese and French. Further, the specialty area indicates an area in which the interpreter is familiar, for example, a birth place, the vicinity of the current address, and a work place. The specialty industry indicates the industry that the interpreter is familiar with, for example, the major field of the university, the current job, and the hobby preference. For areas where you are good at and the type of industry you want to use, in the interpreter assignment process to be described later, you must also identify interpreters that are appropriate for the area and type of business of the facility where the service spot terminal 2 is installed from the interpreters that match the supported language. Used for As a result, a higher quality interpreting service can be provided.

  Next, registration of service spot terminals (step S202 in FIG. 2) will be described. By providing an interpreter service, managers who want to increase the number of foreign visitors and increase sales and profits install the service spot terminal 2 in the facilities they manage. To access the interpretation service management server 4 and apply for the service spot information using the format on the Web page. The interpreting service management server 4 checks the applied service spot information, and if there is no problem, the service spot information is registered with a spot ID. At the same time, communication setting information such as the IP address and communication speed of the service spot terminal 2 is registered. Then, the registered service spot information and communication setting information are transmitted to the service spot terminal 2. The service spot terminal 2 sets the received service spot information and communication setting information. Thereby, registration of the service spot terminal 2 is completed. As shown in FIG. 3B, the service spot information registered in the interpretation service management server 4 includes a spot ID, a name, a region, a business type, a contract language, and a contract time zone. The region and the business type are information used in the interpreter assignment process described later. If the contract language is all languages, the facility manager will pay the corresponding contract fee. If the contract language is one specific language, for example, English, the contract fee will be lower than for all languages, but if foreigners who speak a language other than English are visited, will they respond in English? , It becomes an alternative of refusing the response. Which one to select depends on the contract between the facility and the operation center.

  Furthermore, application for foreigner visit information, registration, and issuance of an interpretation service card (steps S203 and S204 in FIG. 2) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4 (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). First, foreigners who come to Japan go to service counters at Narita Airport and Akihabara to apply for information on foreigners visiting Japan. At this time, the card issuing terminal 3 inputs foreign visitor information (step S301), and transmits the entered foreign visitor information to the translation service management server 4 (step S302). The interpretation service management server 4 assigns a foreign ID to the received foreign visitor information (step S303), and registers the foreign visitor information including the assigned foreign ID (step S304). As shown in FIG. 3 (c), the information on foreigners visiting Japan registered in the interpretation service management server 4 includes a foreigner ID, a native language, and a planned stay period. Then, the interpretation service management server 4 transmits the assigned foreigner ID to the card issuing terminal 3 (step S305). The card issue terminal 3 registers the received foreign ID and the applied foreign visitor information together in the interpretation service card 32 (step S306). Specifically, the information is recorded in the interpretation service card 32 by the card writer 31 connected to the card issuing terminal 3. At this time, the information recorded in the interpretation service card 32 is the same as the foreign visitor information registered in the interpretation service management server 4. Then, the interpreter service card 32 in which the foreign visitor information is registered is taken out of the card writer 31 by the person in charge of the service counter and delivered to the foreigner (step S307). At this time, a facility guide showing the facilities where the interpretation service can be used is given to the foreigner.

  Next, interpreter scheduling (step S205 in FIG. 2) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This is a process that is started periodically (for example, at a fixed time every day) in the interpreting service management server 4 and secures an interpreter who performs an interpreting service at a certain time zone on a certain date in the future. First, a target date and time for interpreter scheduling is automatically designated (step S401). As the target date and time, for example, the next day or one week later is assumed, but here, it is assumed that the time zone of “8:00 to 12:00 on July 5, 2003” is reserved. Next, the number of foreigners visiting Japan who are scheduled to stay at the target date and time is tabulated by native language (step S402). Specifically, referring to the foreign visitor information shown in FIG. 3 (c) sequentially, when the time zone of the target date and time is included in the planned stay period, the counter for each native language is updated. According to the example of FIG. 3C, the time zone of the target date and time is “July 5, 2003, from 8:00 to 12:00”, and “2003/07 / 01-2003 / 07 / 10 ”, 1 is added to the counter of“ Korean ”which is the native language. An example of the results obtained in this manner is the information on the number of foreign visitors to Japan shown in FIG. 5B. Subsequently, an interpreter is scheduled and registered (step S403). Specifically, interpreters will be secured in the order of their native languages with the largest number of people planning to stay. This is a measure for securing a larger number of interpreters who use the native language as the corresponding language because the number of interpretation services required for the native language is larger. An example of the result of such scheduling is the interpreter scheduling information shown in FIG. This shows the result of the interpreter being secured in the order of the native language with the largest number of people scheduled to stay in FIG.

  Next, the operation when using the interpretation service (step S206 in FIG. 2) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6 (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). A foreigner visiting Japan visits a predetermined facility according to the facility guide acquired together with the delivery of the interpreter service card 32. Therefore, when interpreting service is desired, the interpreting service card 32 is brought close to the card reader 21 of the service spot terminal 2 installed in the facility. At this time, the service spot terminal 2 detects the interpreter service card 32 that is brought close to the card reader 21, and inputs foreign visitor information from the interpreter service card 32 (step S501). Then, the foreigner ID included in the entered foreigner visit information and the spot ID of the service spot terminal 2 are transmitted to the translation service management server 4 (step S502). This means that an interpreter assignment is requested in order to use the interpreting service. Correspondingly, the interpreter service management server 4 assigns interpreters (step S503), and transmits the communication destination information of the assigned interpreter terminal 1 to the service spot terminal 2 (step S504). Here, as the communication destination information, the communication setting information (IP address, communication speed, etc.) registered in the interpretation service management server 4 at the time of the “registrant terminal registration” is used. Details of interpreter assignment will be described later. The service spot terminal 2 receives the communication destination information of the interpreter terminal 1, and transmits interpretation service request information to the interpreter terminal 1 based on the communication destination information (step S505). In response to this, the interpreter terminal 1 returns response information (step S505). As a result, a connection is established between the service spot terminal 2 and the interpreter terminal 1, and the interpreting service can be used anytime. The service spot terminal 2 transmits the interpretation service start notification information to the interpretation service management server 4 (step S507). The interpretation service management server 4 receives the notification information of the interpretation service start, and records the start date and time among the use dates and times of the interpretation service usage history information shown in FIG. 3D (step S508). Details of the interpretation service usage will be described later.

  A foreigner who has achieved the initial purpose using the interpreting service expresses to the service spot terminal 2 that he / she wishes to terminate the interpreting service. Specifically, for example, the interpreter service end button 22 attached to the large display of the service spot terminal 2 is pressed, or the card reader 21 leaves the place where the interpreter service card 32 cannot be detected. In response, service spot terminal 2 transmits interpreter service end request information to interpreter terminal 1 (step S509). In response to this, the interpreter terminal 1 returns response information (step S510). As a result, the connection between the service spot terminal 2 and the interpreter terminal 1 is released, and the interpretation service ends. The service spot terminal 2 transmits the interpretation service end notification information to the interpretation service management server 4 (step S511). The interpretation service management server 4 receives the notification information of the interpretation service end, and records the end date / time among the use dates / times of the interpretation service use history information shown in FIG. 3D (step S512).

Here, details of interpreter assignment (step S503 in FIG. 6) in the interpretation service management server will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7 (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). The interpretation service management server 4 first checks whether or not the foreigner ID received from the service spot terminal 2 has been registered (step S601). This means that it is confirmed whether or not the interpretation service card 32 issued formally by the card issue terminal 3 is going to use the interpretation service. Specifically, the information on foreigners visiting Japan shown in FIG. 3C is searched to check whether or not there is a foreigner ID. If the foreigner ID has been registered (Yes in step S601), it is confirmed whether or not the spot ID received from the service spot terminal 2 has been registered (step S602). This means that it is confirmed whether or not the service spot terminal 2 is officially registered. Specifically, the service spot information in FIG. 3B is searched to check whether or not there is the spot ID. If the spot ID has already been registered (Yes in step S602), it is confirmed whether or not the current date and time is within the contract time (step S603). Specifically, the contract time zone is referred to in the service spot information of the spot ID searched in step S602, and it is checked whether or not the current date and time is within the contract time zone.
If the current date and time is within the contract time (Yes in step S603), interpreters scheduled on the current date and time are extracted (step S604). This searches for the interpreter scheduling information shown in FIG. 5C and extracts an interpreter ID whose current date is within the working date range. Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is an interpreter who is not currently in service among the interpreters having the extracted interpreter ID (step S605). Although not shown in FIG. 3A, the interpreter information of the interpreter service management server 4 includes information indicating the current interpreter service status (not in service, in service) for each interpreter ID. Is held and the interpretation service status is confirmed. If there is an interpreter who is not currently in service (Yes in step S605), whether or not there is an interpreter who uses the native language of the foreigner visiting Japan with the foreign ID as a corresponding language. Is confirmed (step S606). This is done by searching for interpreter information (see FIG. 3A) of interpreters who are not in service, and information on foreigners visiting Japan with the foreign ID in the corresponding language of the interpreter information (see FIG. 3C). To check if there is a native language.

  If there is an interpreter whose native language is the corresponding language (Yes in step S606), an optimal interpreter is assigned based on the area and the business type of the service spot information shown in FIG. 3B (step S607). . This is to compare the service spot information area and industry with the interpreter information specialty area and industry, and assign the interpreter that seems to be the best match, and try to provide a higher quality interpreter service. To do. Further, referring to interpreter assignment history information described later, an interpreter who has previously provided an interpreter service to the foreigner may be assigned with priority. Alternatively, a foreign interpreter who is born in the same native language country as the foreigner and who speaks Japanese can be assigned. Then, the interpreter service state of the interpreter information is set to “in service” (step S608). Further, information on interpreter assignment at that time is added to the interpreter assignment history information shown in FIG. 8 (step S609). This is to accumulate interpreter assignment history, but it is conceivable to use it effectively for interpreter assignment. For example, it can be used to assign the same interpreter to a specific foreigner as described above, or to adjust the balance of the assignment. Note that the date and time when the interpreter service management server 4 receives the foreigner ID and the spot ID from the service spot terminal 2 in step S502 of FIG.

  By the way, the interpretation service management server 4 determines that the received foreigner ID is not registered (No in step S601), the received spot ID is not registered (No in step S602), or the current date and time is the contract time. If it is not within (No in step S603), the interpreter service cannot be provided, so a message to reject the interpreter assignment is transmitted to the service spot terminal 2 (step S611). In addition, when there is no interpreter who is not currently in service, that is, when there is no interpreter who can start the service now (No in step S605), or when there is no interpreter whose native language is a foreign visitor to Japan. (No in step S606), a message for requesting a retry after a while is transmitted to the service spot terminal 2 (step S610).

  Further, a method for using the interpretation service will be described. Technology that enables people to talk while looking at each other's faces by sending and receiving video and audio information between terminals via a network is realized by videophones and videoconferencing systems, and is well known. Since it is possible, the detailed explanation is omitted. Here, a method of using an interpreting service based on the technology will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example of an interpretation service according to the embodiment of the present invention. In front of the service spot terminal 2 at a predetermined facility, there is a person in charge of the facility and a foreigner visiting Japan, and has a conversation with the interpreter displayed on the display. The person in charge of the facility speaks in Japanese, and foreigners visiting Japan speak in their native language. The service spot terminal 2 transmits the video information and audio information to the interpreter terminal 1. The interpreter terminal 1 receives the information, separates the person in charge of the facility and the foreigner visiting Japan, displays the video information on the display, and reproduces the voice information through the speaker. The interpreter translates and speaks the words of the person currently speaking while looking at the interpreter terminal 1. In other words, if the person in charge at the facility speaks, it translates Japanese into its native language, and if a foreign visitor speaks, translates its native language into Japanese. The interpreter terminal 1 transmits the video information and audio information of the interpreter to the service spot terminal 2. As a result, the video and audio of the interpreter who translates and speaks are reproduced, and the person in charge of the facility and the foreigner visiting Japan can hear the language spoken by the partner in their native language. Such an interpreting service is a normal usage method and can be used as if there is an interpreter nearby.

  FIG. 10 shows another example of the interpretation service according to the embodiment of the present invention (modified example of FIG. 9). The difference from FIG. 9 is that the service spot terminal 2 is divided into a facility person in charge (2a) and a foreigner visiting Japan (2b), and the video displayed accordingly is different. The service spot terminal 2a for the person in charge of the facility reproduces the voice of the interpreter and the video of the foreigner visiting Japan. On the other hand, the interpreter's voice and the facility staff's video are reproduced on the service spot terminal 2b for foreigners visiting Japan. This is a method of use that assumes simultaneous interpretation. For example, at the service spot terminal 2a, an image of a foreign visitor in front of the service spot terminal 2b is displayed and the interpreter's voice from the interpreter terminal 1 is displayed. Is reproduced. As a result, the facility staff can have a conversation as if a foreigner visiting Japan spoke Japanese. On the contrary, at the service spot terminal 2b, the video of the person in charge of the facility in front of the service spot terminal 2a is displayed and the voice of the interpreter from the interpreter terminal 1 is reproduced. This allows foreigners visiting Japan to have a conversation as if the person in charge of the facility speaks their native language. Note that the video and audio reproduced on the interpreter terminal 1 are the same as in the example of FIG.

  The return of the interpretation service card (step S207 in FIG. 2) will be described (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). A foreigner who does not need the interpreting service after returning to Japan, for example, returns the interpreting service card 32 to a service counter at Narita Airport or the like, discards it, or takes it home as a memorial. At the time of return, the person in charge of the service counter performs an operation of deleting the corresponding foreign visitor information using the card issuing terminal 3. Correspondingly, the interpreting service management server 4 deletes the corresponding foreign visitor information. In the present invention, in the registration of information on foreigners visiting Japan when issuing an interpreter service card, the processing period and the arrangement efficiency at the time of scheduling and assignment of interpreters are improved by registering together with the planned stay period. However, the processing efficiency and arrangement efficiency can be further improved by deleting the information on foreigners visiting Japan when the interpreter service card is returned. In addition, if foreigners take their interpretation service cards home, it will lead to advertisements by word of mouth after returning home, and an increase in the number of foreign visitors to Japan can be expected.

≪Interpretation service business≫
Now, an interpreting service business using the interpreting service system described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an interpretation service business model according to the embodiment of the present invention. This business model is composed of an interpreter A, a foreign visitor B, a facility (also called a service spot) C, an operation center D, an equipment vendor E, and a communication infrastructure company F. First, the operation center D needs to procure terminals and servers as a starting point for operating the interpreting service business and connect them via a network to construct a minimum interpreting service system. Therefore, the operation center D receives equipment such as terminals and servers from the equipment vendor E, and pays equipment procurement costs to the equipment vendor E. Further, the communication infrastructure company F is provided with the communication infrastructure, and the infrastructure fee is paid to the communication infrastructure company F. Next, in order to start the communication service business, the operation center D recruits and contracts interpreters A and facilities C related to this business. The contract conditions for interpreter A are as shown in FIG. 12 (a), and the charge category (reward) varies depending on the area of specialty, industry of service, service time zone, and supported language. The operation center D procures equipment and pays the interpreter A according to this contract. The contract conditions for the facility C are as shown in FIG. 12B, and the charge category (contract charge) varies depending on the region, type of business, service usage time zone, and supported language. For example, for regions, there are five levels of charge classification depending on the tourist location conditions. The management center D procures equipment for the facility C according to this contract, and receives a contract fee and equipment procurement cost from the facility C. The feature of this interpreting service business is that the contract fee is received from the facility C in this way. Up to this point, a minimum infrastructure has been established for the interpretation service business. In addition, recruitment and contracts for interpreters A and facilities C are made at any time, and the interpretation service will be continuously enhanced.

A foreign visitor B receives an interpreter service card at a service counter operated by the operation center D at Narita Airport or Akihabara, and obtains a facility guide indicating the facilities where the interpreter service card can be used. According to the facility guide, the user visits the facility C and receives an interpreter service using an interpreter service card. At this time, the operation center D performs an intermediary service between the facility C and the interpreter A via the network. As a result, the interpreter A interpreter service is implemented at the facility C. At this time, it can be said that the interpreter A provides the interpreter service to the foreigner B visiting Japan and the person in charge of the facility C. As far as this interpreting service business is concerned, the foreigners visiting Japan B and the staff in charge of the facility C are merely conversational parties and do not have a direct interest. However, the charge for this interpreting service is collected as a contract fee for the facility C. In return, the facility C can provide an interpreting service, so that more foreign visitors to Japan B can visit. We expect that sales and profits from the original business of Facility C will improve. Therefore, it can be said that the person in charge of the facility C is a party involved in the indirect economic effect of the interpreting service business.
The billing of the contract fee from the operation center D to the facility C is performed based on the contract conditions as shown in FIG. As a specific billing method, it is conceivable that the interpretation service management server 4 shown in FIG. 1 transmits bill information to the service spot terminal 2. In addition, a document containing invoice information may be mailed to the manager of the facility C, or it may be automatically withdrawn from an account of a financial institution established by the facility C. .

  The following people may apply for the interpreter A, who is responsible for the interpretation service business described above. For example, you may be a language teacher or a language proficient person who expects a side income from a side job, or a foreigner residing in Japan. Foreigners are important human resources for providing easy-to-use interpreting services because they are native speakers of the same native language for foreigners visiting Japan. In addition, if you use the Internet, foreigners and Japanese in foreign countries can also become interpreters. In particular, it is an effective means for providing an interpretation service in the midnight time zone in Japan time. On the other hand, examples of the facility C using the interpreting service business and the purpose of use thereof are as follows. For example, in information centers, airports, stations, and sightseeing spots, it is used for traffic guidance and sightseeing guidance. In culture, entertainment, sports and other facilities, amusement parks, and amusement parks, it is used to guide the facilities and venues. It is also used for various procedures at government offices, hospitals, and accommodation facilities. Considering the situation where seeds (supply) and needs (demand) are abundant in this way, the interpreting service business according to the embodiment of the present invention increases the number of foreigners visiting Japan and aims to become a tourism-oriented country. It can be said that this is a very effective business model.

<< Other embodiments >>
An example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The following embodiments can be considered (see FIGS. 1 and 11 as appropriate).
(1) In the above embodiment, the service spot terminal 2 is described as being used exclusively for the interpretation service. However, an embodiment in which a large display attached to the service spot terminal 2 is effectively used is conceivable. For example, usually, a Japanese advertisement is displayed, and a screen switching button (not shown) can be switched to a screen showing a facility guide map in Japanese or a screen having multiple functions. . Here, when the foreign visitor B brings the interpreter service card 32 closer to the card reader 21 of the service spot terminal 2, the display language mode of the large display is changed from the Japanese mode to the native language mode of the foreign visitor B. At this time, the advertisement in Japanese is changed to the advertisement in the native language. In addition, the facility guide map in Japanese changes to a facility guide map in native language, and the multi-function screen in Japanese changes to a multi-function screen in the native language. Once the display language mode is set to the native language mode, it is possible to switch to the native language advertisement, the facility guide map, the multi-function screen, and the interpretation service screen by pressing the screen switching button. Furthermore, when the foreigner B visiting Japan carrying the interpreter service card 32 moves away from the service spot terminal 2 and the card reader 21 can no longer detect the interpreter service card 32, the display language mode of the large display is set to the foreign country visiting Japan. Person B's native language mode is changed to Japanese mode. Alternatively, the interpreter service end button 22 may be pressed to change to the Japanese language mode.
As described above, regarding the display contents on the large display of the service spot terminal 2, it is possible to switch the screen in the same display language mode by the screen switching button and to change the display language mode by the interpreter service card 32 or the like. .

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the native language and the planned stay period are described as information on foreigners visiting Japan registered in the interpreter service card 32 and the interpreter service management server 4. However, destination plans in Japan may be added. . This makes it possible to secure a more appropriate interpreter A when the interpreter A is scheduled. In addition, the probability of visiting the original destination plan is obtained and accumulated based on the original destination plan and the facility C where the foreigner visiting Japan actually visited can be found from the interpreter assignment history information in FIG. Thus, it is possible to adjust the degree of reflecting the destination schedule in the scheduling of the interpreter A.

(3) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the foreign visitor B visits the predetermined facility C according to the facility guide, but the mark of the same design as the interpreter service card 32 is clearly indicated at the facility C or in the vicinity thereof. You may make it do. This makes it easier for the foreigner B visiting Japan to actually find the predetermined facility C. Also, even if there is no facility you want to go to, if you see the mark when walking in an urban area, it is easy for the facility C where the mark is clearly specified to use the interpretation service. Recognize.

(4) A card insertion type may be used as the card reader 21 of the service spot terminal 2. According to this, the foreigner may insert the interpreting service card 32 when using the interpreting service, and remove the interpreting service card 32 when ending the interpreting service. This card insertion type card reader 21 can also be applied to the change of the display language mode of (1).

It is a figure which shows the structure of the interpreting service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the interpreting service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information accumulate | stored in the interpretation service management server which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the application of a foreigner visitor information which concerns on embodiment of this invention, registration, and issue of an interpreter service card. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the scheduling of the interpreter based on embodiment of this invention, and the information handled at that time. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of utilization of the interpretation service which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the assignment of the interpreter based on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the allocation history information of the interpreter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the interpretation service which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example (modified example of FIG. 9) of the interpretation service which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the interpretation service business model which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the contract conditions and charge classification in the interpretation service business model which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Interpreter Terminal 2 Service Spot Terminal 3 Card Delivery Terminal 4 Interpretation Service Management Server 5 Network 21 Card Reader 22 Interpretation Service End Button 31 Card Writer 32 Interpretation Service Card

Claims (10)

Enables foreigners and facility staff to communicate with each other through a interpreter who is away from the designated facility in order to communicate with the person in charge at the designated facility contracted with the operation center of the interpretation service. An interpreting service system,
A card issuing terminal for issuing an interpretation service card to the foreigner;
A facility terminal capable of providing an interpretation service between the foreigner and the person in charge of the facility by using the interpretation service card by the foreigner at the predetermined facility;
An interpreter terminal used by the interpreter to provide the interpreting service;
An interpreter service management server that is installed in the operation center, manages and interprets the interpreting service, and performs processing for charging a contract fee of the interpreting service to the predetermined facility;
With
An interpreter service system comprising the interpreter terminal, the facility terminal, the card issuing terminal, and the interpreter service management server connected via a network. It is connected to the interpreter terminal used by the interpreter, the facility terminal used by the foreigner and the person in charge of the facility, and the card issuing terminal that issues the interpreter service card to the foreigner via the network. An interpreter service management server
Means for storing attribute information of an interpreter who uses the interpreter terminal when registering the interpreter terminal in the interpreter service management server;
Means for storing attribute information of the facility terminal when registering the facility terminal in the interpretation service management server;
Means for storing foreigner information stored in the interpreting service card when the card issuing terminal issues the interpreting service card;
Means for receiving the foreigner information identification information input from the interpretation service card by the facility terminal;
Means for identifying alien information by the alien information identification information;
When allocating the interpreter terminal to the facility terminal, the attribute information of the stored interpreter is searched based on at least the specified foreigner information, and a suitable interpreter terminal is specified;
An interpreter service management server comprising: The interpreting service management server
Means for receiving identification information of attribute information of the facility terminal from the facility terminal;
Means for identifying attribute information of the facility terminal by the identification information;
When allocating the interpreter terminal to the facility terminal, the attribute information of the stored interpreter is searched based on at least the identified attribute information of the facility terminal, and means for identifying an appropriate interpreter terminal;
The interpreting service management server according to claim 2, further comprising: An interpreter service management server for operating and managing an interpreter service, connected to at least an interpreter terminal used by an interpreter and a facility terminal used by a foreigner and a facility person, via a network;
Means for storing contract information of the facility terminal when the facility terminal is registered in the interpretation service management server;
Means for performing processing for charging the fee calculated based on the stored contract information of the facility terminal to the facility where the facility terminal is installed;
An interpreter service management server comprising: Interpreter terminals used by interpreters, facility terminals used by foreigners and facility managers, card issue terminals that issue interpreter service cards, and interpreter service management servers that operate and manage interpreter services are connected via the network. An interpretation service providing method using an interpreted interpretation service system,
The interpreting service management server
Storing the attribute information of an interpreter who uses the interpreter terminal when registering the interpreter terminal in the interpreter service management server;
Storing the facility terminal attribute information when registering the facility terminal in the interpretation service management server;
Storing the foreigner information stored in the interpreting service card when the card issuing terminal issues the interpreting service card;
Receiving the foreigner information identification information input from the interpretation service card by the facility terminal;
Identifying the alien information by the alien information identification information;
When assigning the interpreter terminal to the facility terminal, searching the attribute information of the stored interpreter based on at least the specified foreigner information, and specifying an appropriate interpreter terminal;
An interpreting service providing method comprising: The interpreting service management server
Receiving identification information of attribute information of the facility terminal from the facility terminal;
Identifying the facility terminal attribute information by the identification information;
When assigning the interpreter terminal to the facility terminal, searching the attribute information of the stored interpreter based on at least the attribute information of the identified facility terminal, and specifying an appropriate interpreter terminal;
The interpretation service providing method according to claim 5, wherein the interpretation service is provided.   The interpretation service providing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the foreigner information includes a native language and a planned stay period.   The interpretation service providing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of regional information and business type information. At least an interpreter terminal used by an interpreter, a facility terminal used by a foreigner and a facility staff, and an interpreter service management server for operating and managing the interpreter service are connected via a network. Providing an interpretation service using
The interpreting service management server
Storing the facility terminal contract information when registering the facility terminal in the interpretation service management server;
Performing a process for charging the fee calculated based on the stored contract information of the facility terminal to the facility where the facility terminal is installed;
An interpreting service providing method comprising:   10. The interpretation service providing method according to claim 9, wherein the contract information includes at least one of area information, industry information, interpretation service usage time zone information, and corresponding language information.

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