JP2009187457A - Information specifying device, information specifying method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the time required for a user to select desired information while sequentially confirming each of a plurality of information. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of sounds are sequentially output for each predetermined output period A wherein the volume changes from silence to maximum volume and from the maximum volume to silence, while preventing the periods wherein at least two or more sounds simultaneously become maximum volume from overlapping each other. Then, information corresponding to one sound, the volume of which is equal to or more than a fixed level when a selection operation is received from the user is specified as information desired by the user. In such a case, as an output cycle T for starting output of the plurality of sounds is reduced, an overlapping ratio ((A-T)/A) is increased between an output period A for the sound to be output first and an output period A for the sound to be output later. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information specifying device that specifies information desired by a user based on an operation from the user.

The information specifying device described above generally has a configuration in which any information displayed on the display is selected by the user and specified as information desired by the user.
Also, in recent years, each of a plurality of sounds is reproduced at a volume that is localized in a different auditory location, and each sound image defined by the reproduced sound is moved within a predetermined range (rotated by being arranged on a circumference). And the information associated with the sound image localized closest to the sound at the timing when the selection operation is received from the user (the sound having the maximum volume) is identified as the information desired by the user. A technique has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-236600 A

  In the above-described technology, the user waits until the sound image corresponding to the desired information among the information associated with each of the plurality of sound images can be perceived to be auditorily closest, and then performs a selection operation. Become.

  At this time, although the operation can be performed to move the sound image by one step, it can be said that it is difficult to increase the speed for moving the sound image, that is, to shorten the period for localizing each sound image.

  This is because the above-described technology is configured to reproduce while changing the volume of each sound image, and simply shortening the period of time allows the time for each sound image to be localized closest to the user. This is because it becomes extremely short and it becomes difficult to recognize that the sound as the sound image has the maximum volume.

In this case, there is a possibility that the selection operation by the user may be performed incorrectly, and as a result, it becomes impossible to appropriately specify information desired by the user.
For this reason, in the above technique, there is a possibility that the standby time may be unnecessarily prolonged when selecting desired information while sequentially confirming information associated with each of a plurality of sound images.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and the purpose of the present invention is to reduce the time required for the user to select desired information while confirming each of a plurality of pieces of information in order. It is to be able to shorten than before.

In order to solve the above problem, the information specifying device may be configured as a first configuration (claim 1) as described below.
In this configuration, a predetermined output period in which the volume of each of the sounds is changed from silence to the maximum volume and from the maximum volume to the silence, and a period in which the maximum volume is simultaneously reached for at least two or more sounds is not overlapped. Voice output means for sequentially outputting, voice selection means for accepting a selection operation for selecting the voice during output of the voice by the voice output means, and when the selection operation is accepted by the voice selection means, Selection specifying means for specifying one sound having a volume higher than a certain level at the time when the selection operation is received among the sounds related to the output by the sound output means as the sound selected by the selection operation; Among the information associated with each of a plurality of sounds, information corresponding to the sound specified by the selection specifying means is stored in the selection specifying means. User I am according to specific triggers and became selecting operation and a, and information specifying means for specifying a desired information that.

  Then, the voice output means is configured to select a voice to be output earlier of two voices to be output in succession according to a short output cycle determined as a cycle for starting output of each of a plurality of voices. The overlapping ratio in which the output period overlaps with the output period of the sound to be output later is increased.

  In the case of the information specifying apparatus configured as described above, a plurality of voices are simultaneously maximized for at least two or more voices in a predetermined output period in which the volume changes from silence to the maximum volume and from the maximum volume to the silence. Output in order so that periods of volume do not overlap. Then, the information corresponding to one sound whose volume exceeds a certain level at the timing when the selection operation is received from the user is specified as the information desired by the user.

  Here, the shorter the output period defined as the period for starting the output of each of the plurality of sounds, the shorter the output period of the sound to be output first, and the later output of the two sounds to be output continuously. The overlapping ratio with the output period in the power should be large.

  In other words, according to the output period for each of a plurality of sounds, although the overlapping ratio in the two sounds that are output in succession increases, the periods for the maximum volume at the same time do not overlap each other. It can be secured as independent.

  In this way, regardless of the output cycle, it is possible to ensure that the period during which each sound is at the maximum volume is independent, so even if the output period is shortened, only one of the sounds is at maximum volume ( Specifically, it is possible to maintain a state in which it is easy to recognize that the volume is higher than a certain level. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the selection operation by the user from being performed erroneously, and as a result, it is possible to appropriately specify information desired by the user.

  Even when the output cycle is shortened, it is possible to ensure that the period during which each sound is at the maximum volume is independent, so the time for sequentially checking the information associated with each of the plurality of sounds , And as a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to select desired information while confirming.

  In this configuration, if the sound output means outputs a plurality of sounds in an output period and in an order so that at least two or more sounds do not overlap at the same time with the maximum volume, the specific output The method is not particularly limited. For example, each of the plurality of sounds may be output as described above by adjusting only the volume of each of the plurality of sounds. At this time, reproduction of each sound may be started from the beginning or a predetermined position at the timing of output, or all of the sounds may be repeatedly reproduced in advance.

  In addition, the above-described selection specifying means specifies one voice that is above a certain level when a selection operation is accepted. For example, the sound having the maximum volume, the sound having a volume higher than a certain ratio (for example, 80%) based on the maximum volume (the sound having the higher volume when there are two or more sounds), etc. That is.

  Note that the “sound” output by the above-described sound output means includes sound in radio broadcast based on a broadcast signal, sound obtained by reading a predetermined text (command, etc.), and predetermined music (sound). Or not).

  In the above configuration, as in a second configuration (Claim 2) described below, a cycle designation for accepting a cycle designation operation for designating the output cycle during or prior to the output of the voice by the voice output means In this case, after the period specifying operation is received by the period specifying unit, the sound output unit outputs each of the plurality of sounds at a specified output period related to the period specifying operation. It is good to let them do.

  With this configuration, the user listens to the output cycle by performing a cycle designation operation for designating the output cycle for starting the output of each of the plurality of sounds during or before outputting the sound. It can be arbitrarily changed to an easy one.

In this configuration, the volume of each of the plurality of sounds may be changed in a constant pattern regardless of the output cycle, but the pattern may be changed according to the output cycle.
For this purpose, for example, a third configuration (Claim 3) may be used.

  In this configuration, the voice output means, after the cycle designation operation is accepted by the cycle designation stage, each of the plurality of voices is changed from silence to the maximum volume and maximum in a pattern according to the output cycle related to the cycle designation operation. Change the volume from volume to silence.

  With this configuration, for example, by changing the sound volume in a pattern that makes it easy to recognize which sound has a certain volume or more according to the output period, regardless of the output period, It is possible to prevent the selection operation by the user from being performed by mistake.

  By the way, in the above configuration, when the sound output means outputs sound based on the sound data, the sound volume reaches the maximum sound volume depending on the sound if the level of the maximum sound volume in these sound data is not uniform. Nevertheless, the volume may not be sufficient to be recognized as a volume higher than a certain level. In this situation, if the volume of the sound that is output next becomes a certain volume, the latter sound may be mistakenly recognized as a sound with a certain volume or more. is there.

In order to prevent such a situation, each of the above-described configurations may be configured as a second configuration (claim 4) as described below.
In this configuration, for each of a plurality of sound data related to the sound output by the sound output means, a sound volume normalizing means for normalizing the sound volume level of each sound indicated by the sound data is provided.

  With this configuration, the volume levels of each of the sounds indicated by the plurality of sound data are normalized, and the respective maximum volume levels are aligned. Therefore, even though the volume has reached the maximum volume, It is possible to prevent a situation in which the volume is not sufficient to be recognized as a volume exceeding a certain level.

  In each of the above configurations, the order in which each of the plurality of sounds is output may be a positive order from the first sound to the nth sound (n is a value of 2 or more; the same applies hereinafter). The negative order from the nth sound to the first sound may be used.

  Further, it is desirable that these orders can be arbitrarily changed during or prior to the output of the sound. For this purpose, as in the fifth configuration (Claim 5) in which each of the above configurations is shown below, Good.

  In this configuration, during the output of the sound by the sound output means or prior to the output, the nth sound from the first sound (n is a value equal to or greater than 2; the same applies hereinafter) as the order in which the plurality of sounds are output. Order specifying means for receiving an order specifying operation for specifying one of a positive order toward the sound and a negative order from the nth sound toward the first sound. Then, after the order specifying operation is received by the order specifying unit, the sound output unit outputs each of the plurality of sounds in the order related to the order specifying operation.

With this configuration, the order in which each of the plurality of sounds is output can be arbitrarily changed during or before the sound is output.
Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, it is good also as an information specific method (Claim 6) as shown below.

  In this information specifying method, a plurality of voices are overlapped by a predetermined output period in which the volume changes from silence to maximum volume and from the maximum volume to silence, respectively, and at least two or more voices are simultaneously at the maximum volume. A voice output procedure that sequentially outputs the voice, a voice selection procedure that accepts a selection operation for selecting the voice during the output of the voice by the voice output procedure, and a selection operation that is accepted in the voice selection procedure. A selection specifying procedure for specifying, as a sound selected by the selecting operation, one sound having a volume higher than a certain level at the time when the selecting operation is received among the sounds related to the output by the sound outputting procedure; Of the information associated with each of the plurality of voices, information corresponding to the voice specified in the selection specification procedure is determined by the selection specification procedure. It includes information specifying the procedure user according to the selected operation that the constant of opportunity is identified as the desired information, the.

  And in the said audio | voice output procedure, in the audio | voice which should be output ahead of two audio | voices output continuously according to the shortness of the output period defined as the period which starts each output of several audio | voices The overlapping ratio in which the output period overlaps with the output period of the sound to be output later is increased.

With this information specifying method, the same operation and effect as in the first configuration can be obtained.
Further, the information specifying method may include a procedure executed by each of all the means in any of the second to fifth configurations.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, a program (Claim 7) for causing a computer system to execute various processing procedures for causing all the means in any one of the first to fifth configurations to function. Good.

This program can constitute a part of any one of the first to fifth configurations.
The above-described program is composed of an ordered sequence of instructions suitable for processing by a computer system, and is provided to an information specifying device and a user who uses the information specifying device via various recording media and communication lines. Is.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) Overall Configuration The information specifying device 1 is a device for specifying information desired by a user, and is configured to output a plurality of sounds with a predetermined output in which the volume changes from silence to maximum volume and from maximum volume to silence. The information corresponding to one voice that is output in order for each period and has a volume higher than a certain level at the timing of receiving a selection operation from the user is specified as the information desired by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information specifying device 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the entire device, a control procedure performed by the control unit 10 and a storage unit 20 that stores various types of information, and an audio output unit that outputs audio. 30 and a user interface (U / I) unit 40 for realizing a user interface.

The storage unit 20 stores a plurality of audio data prepared for reproducing different audio, in addition to a program indicating a control procedure by the control unit 10.
Note that the sound in the sound data is not limited to sound that records radio broadcasts, sound that reads a predetermined text (command, etc.), and whether or not a predetermined music (sound is included). Not).

  The user interface unit 40 includes a display unit for displaying various information, an operation unit including keys and switches for receiving various operations, and the like. As shown in FIG. A direction button 44, a reverse direction button 46, a slide bar 48, and the like are included.

  The slide bar 48 is for setting the speed at which each of a plurality of sounds is output in order, and the speed is set higher as the knob 48k is positioned on the right side. The “speed at which each of a plurality of sounds is output in order” is defined as a cycle for starting the output of each of the plurality of sounds (hereinafter referred to as “output cycle”). The speed increases. That is, the slide bar 48 sets a shorter output cycle as the knob 48k is positioned on the right side.

Hereinafter, different embodiments corresponding to the processing contents executed by the control unit 10 will be described in order for the information specifying device 1 having the above-described configuration.
(2) First Embodiment In the present embodiment, a plurality of audio data is for listening to and enjoying the performance of a predetermined audio, and each is requested to reproduce audio using the audio data. Directives are associated. In this embodiment, any one of these commands is specified as information desired by the user, and then, the reproduction of the sound according to the command is started, or the reproduction of the sound according to the command is transmitted to another device. Command.

  First, the processing procedure of the information specifying process executed by the control unit 10 according to the program stored in the storage unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. This information specifying process is started when a predetermined operation defined as an operation to start selecting a voice is performed on the operation unit of the user interface unit 40.

  When this information specifying process is activated, first, various variables are initialized (s110). Here, the value of the output period corresponding to the position of the knob 48k on the slide bar 48 of the operation unit is set as an initial value in the periodic variable for setting the output period described above. In addition, a value indicating a positive order from the first sound to the nth sound is set as an initial value in an order variable for setting the order in which a plurality of sounds are output as described later.

  It should be noted that here, even before this information specifying process is started, an operation for the forward button 44 and the backward button 46 of the operation unit is accepted, and when the operation is accepted, the operation is performed. A value indicating the order corresponding to such a button may be set in the order variable. In this case, the initial value may not be set in the order variable in s110.

  Next, sound data corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined sounds (first to nth sounds) is read from the storage unit 20, and the volume levels of the sounds indicated by these sound data are normalized. As a result, the respective levels of the maximum volume are in a state of being aligned (s120).

Next, an output pattern for outputting each of the plurality of sounds is determined and updated (s130).
Here, first, the period variable at this point is set as the start period until the volume reaches the maximum volume from silence, the maintenance period maintained at the maximum volume, and the end period until the maximum volume becomes silence. A value corresponding to the set output period (shorter as the output period is shorter) is determined. Of these, one or more periods may be values that do not depend on the output cycle (for example, fixed values). In addition, as an overlapping ratio between the output period of the sound to be output first and the output period of the sound to be output later, of the two sounds to be output continuously, the period variable is set at this time. A value corresponding to the shortness of the output cycle (a larger value as the output cycle is shorter) is determined. Based on the parameters thus determined, an output pattern for outputting each of the plurality of sounds is determined (see FIG. 4).

  Here, in accordance with the output cycle, a predetermined parameter is determined as being easy to recognize which sound has a volume higher than a certain level, and an output pattern is determined based on the parameter thus determined. Is done.

Next, based on the output pattern determined in s130, a sound output process for outputting each of a plurality of sounds is started (s140).
In this audio output process, first, reproduction of each audio by the audio data normalized in s120 is started, and thereafter, from the reference audio, in the order indicated by the values set in the order variables at this time. The volume of each sound is changed according to the pattern determined in s130.

  This “reference voice” is determined based on the value i of the number variable (initial value “0”) in which the number of the voice that has just started output is set, and the order variable has a positive order. Is set to a value indicating the negative order in the order variable, and the i + 1th (if i + 1 <n, the first is the first) voice is the reference. If there is, the i-1th sound (the nth sound if i-1 <0) is the reference.

  If the audio output processing has already been started at the time of s140, the change in volume in each audio according to the pattern determined at s130 performed immediately before is the reference audio at this time. Thus, the process is resumed in the order indicated by the value set in the latest order variable.

  Here, when the output period T is less than 50% of the output period A of each sound (when the output period is long) as the volume change of each of the plurality of sounds output as described above, FIG. FIG. 5B shows a case where the output cycle T is 50% or more and less than 100% of the output period A in each voice (when the output cycle is short).

Next, it will be in a standby state until operation with respect to an operation part is received (s150: NO).
When an operation on the operation unit is accepted (s150: YES), it is checked whether or not the operation is a selection operation for selecting sound (s160). Here, it is determined that the selection operation has been performed when the determination button 42 of the operation unit is pressed.

  If it is determined in s160 that the operation is a selection operation (s160: YES), the sound having a volume higher than a certain level at that time is specified as the sound selected by the selection operation (s170).

  Here, if there is a sound having the maximum volume when the selection operation is accepted (see “maintenance period” in FIG. 5), the sound is specified as the sound selected by the selection operation. On the other hand, if there is no sound that has the maximum volume at the time when the selection operation is accepted (see “Start period” and “End period” in the figure), it is a certain level or more with respect to the maximum volume (for example, 80% of the maximum volume) The voice having the above volume (the voice having the higher volume when there are a plurality of voices) is specified as the voice selected by the selection operation.

Then, after the instruction to request the reproduction of the sound specified in s170 is specified as the information desired by the user (s180), the information specifying process ends.
In this way, in response to the “command for requesting audio reproduction” specified as the information desired by the user, reproduction by the audio output unit 30 based on the audio data for the audio is started, or other communication is possible. The device is instructed to play the sound.

  If the operation accepted at s150 is a cycle designating operation for designating an output cycle (s160: NO, s190: YES), the value of the above-described periodic variable is designated by the cycle designating operation. It is updated to a value indicating the output period (s200).

  In s190, it is determined that the cycle designation operation has been performed when the knob 48k of the slide bar 48 of the operation unit is displaced. In s200, the value of the output period corresponding to the position of the knob 48k on the slide bar 48 at this time is set as the periodic variable.

  After the value of the output variable is updated in s200, the process returns to s130, and the output pattern is determined again based on the updated value of the output variable and the like. Audio is output in the output pattern.

  If the operation accepted at s150 is an order designating operation for designating the order in which a plurality of sounds are output (s190: NO), the value of the order variable described above is designated by the order designating operation. It is updated to a value indicating the order in which it was performed (s210).

  In s190, it is determined that the order designation operation has been performed when the forward button 44 or the backward button 46 of the operation unit is pressed. In step s210, if the order designation operation is performed by pressing the forward button 44, a value indicating that the order is positive is set in the order variable, whereas the reverse button 46 is pressed. If so, a value indicating the negative order is set in the order variable.

After the value of the order variable is updated in s210, the process returns to s130, and the sound is output in the order indicated by the value of the order variable by the subsequent sound output process of s140. .
(3) Second Embodiment In the present embodiment, a plurality of audio data are prepared for reproducing audio reminiscent of each operation content when using another function provided by the information specifying device 1. The operation contents are associated with each. Then, any one of these operation contents is specified as information desired by the user, and a process to be executed with the operation contents is performed.

  The “other function” is, for example, another menu screen associated with the selected item when a selected item on the menu screen is selected while a specific menu screen is displayed on the display unit. Alternatively, an operation determination screen is displayed on the display unit, and finally, when a selection item on the operation determination screen is selected, processing corresponding to the selection item is performed (see FIG. 6). The “operation content when using another function” is an operation of selecting a selection item on each menu screen or operation determination screen described above.

Subsequently, the processing procedure of the information specifying process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The information specifying process is different from the first embodiment only in part of the processing contents. Therefore, the same process is indicated by the same step number and the description thereof is omitted. Only the point will be described in detail.

  When this information specifying process is started, a menu screen is displayed on the display unit of the user interface unit 40 (s310) after s110 and s120 are performed as in the first embodiment. When this s310 is performed for the first time after the activation of this information specifying process, the menu screen of the top menu to be displayed first is displayed on the display unit (see FIG. 6).

  Next, an output pattern for outputting each of a plurality of sounds is determined and updated (s130). Here, based on the parameters determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment, a plurality of sounds corresponding to the operation contents (that is, selectable selection items) that can be performed on the menu screen displayed in s310 are output. An output pattern for output is determined.

  Next, based on the output pattern determined in s130, a sound output process for outputting a plurality of sounds (corresponding to selection items selectable on the menu screen displayed in s310). Is activated (s140).

Next, it will be in a standby state until operation with respect to an operation part is received (s150: NO).
When an operation on the operation unit is accepted (s150: YES), it is checked whether or not the operation is a cancel operation for canceling the operation on the menu screen currently displayed on the display unit (s320). ). Here, it is determined that the cancel operation has been performed when the operation unit is operated in a specific pattern (for example, long pressing the enter button 42 or pressing the cancel dedicated button).

  If it is determined in s320 that the operation is a cancel operation (s320: YES), if the menu screen currently displayed on the display unit is not the top menu (s330: NO), the process returns to s310. Here, the transition source menu screen that has transitioned to the menu screen is displayed on the display unit.

On the other hand, if it is a top menu (s330: YES), after the display of the menu screen is erased (s340), this information specifying process is terminated.
If the operation accepted in s150 is a selection operation (s330: NO, s160: YES), the sound having a volume higher than a certain level at that time is specified as the sound selected by the selection operation. (S170).

Next, the operation content corresponding to the voice specified in s170 is specified as information desired by the user (s180).
If the information (operation content) specified in s180 indicates that the selection item on the operation determination screen has been selected (s350: YES), the processing corresponding to the operation content is performed ( s360), the process proceeds to s340. On the other hand, if the selection item on the menu screen is selected (s350: NO), the process returns to s310, and another menu screen associated with the selection item is displayed on the display unit.

  If the operation accepted in s150 is a cycle designating operation for designating an output cycle (s160: NO, s190: YES), the value of the above-described periodic variable is the output designated by the cycle designating operation. After updating to the value indicating the period (s200), the process returns to s130.

If the operation accepted at s150 is an order designating operation for designating the order in which a plurality of sounds are output (s190: NO), the value of the order variable described above is designated by the order designating operation. After being updated to a value indicating the order in which they have been performed (s210), the process returns to s130.
(4) Operation and effect With the information specifying device 1 configured as described above, a plurality of sounds are each output for a predetermined output period in which the volume changes from silence to maximum volume and from the maximum volume to silence, and at least Two or more voices are output in order so that periods of maximum volume do not overlap simultaneously (s130 to s210 in FIGS. 3 and 7). Then, the information corresponding to one voice whose volume exceeds a certain level at the timing when the selection operation is received from the user is specified as the information desired by the user (s170 and s180 in the figure).

  Here, the shorter the output period T defined as the period for starting the output of each of the plurality of sounds, the shorter the output period A in the sound to be output first, and the later output of the two sounds to be output continuously The overlap ratio ((AT) / A) with the output period A in the sound to be performed becomes large (see FIG. 5).

  In other words, according to the output period A for each of a plurality of sounds, although the overlapping ratio in the two sounds that are output in succession increases, the period in which the maximum sound volume is not simultaneously overlapped with each other. Each can be secured as independent.

  In this way, regardless of the output cycle, it is possible to ensure that the period during which each sound is at the maximum volume is independent, so even if the output period is shortened, only one of the sounds is at maximum volume ( Specifically, it is possible to maintain a state in which it is easy to recognize that the volume is higher than a certain level. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the selection operation by the user from being performed erroneously, and as a result, it is possible to appropriately specify information desired by the user.

  Even when the output cycle is shortened, it is possible to ensure that the period during which each sound is at the maximum volume is independent, so the time for sequentially checking the information associated with each of the plurality of sounds , And as a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to select desired information while confirming.

  In the above embodiment, the output period for each of the plurality of sounds can be set by the knob 48k of the slide bar 48 of the operation unit during or before the output of the sound (s200 in FIGS. 3 and 7). ). Accordingly, the user can change the output cycle by performing a cycle designation operation for designating the output cycle during audio output or prior to output, specifically, an operation for displacing the knob 48k of the slide bar 48. It can be arbitrarily changed to something that is easy to hear.

  In the above embodiment, as an output pattern when outputting each of a plurality of sounds, an output pattern determined from a parameter corresponding to the output cycle, specifically, which sound has a sound volume higher than a certain level. An output pattern that is easy to recognize is determined (s130 in FIGS. 3 and 7). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the selection operation by the user from being erroneously performed regardless of the output cycle.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the volume levels of the sounds indicated by the sound data corresponding to the plurality of sounds to be output are normalized in advance, so that the respective maximum volume levels are aligned ( S120 in FIGS.

  For example, if the maximum volume levels in these audio data are not set, depending on the audio, the volume may not be sufficient to be recognized as a certain level or more even though the volume has reached the maximum volume. It is possible. In this situation, if the volume of the sound that is output next becomes a certain volume, the latter sound may be mistakenly recognized as a sound with a certain volume or more. is there.

  Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, if the volume level of each of the sounds indicated by the sound data corresponding to each of the plurality of sounds is normalized and the levels of the respective maximum volumes are aligned, the volume is It is possible to prevent a situation in which the sound volume is not sufficient to be recognized as a sound volume exceeding a certain level despite reaching the maximum sound volume.

In the above embodiment, while each of a plurality of sounds is being output, an order designating operation for designating one of a positive order and a negative order, specifically, a forward button on the operation unit. By performing an operation of selecting the 44 or reverse button 46, the order in which each of the plurality of sounds is output can be arbitrarily changed.
(5) Modifications Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the operation unit of the user interface unit 40 is illustrated as having a configuration including the determination button 42, the forward button 44, the backward button 46, the slide bar 48, and the like. However, the operation unit is not limited to the above-described buttons and the like as long as the selection operation, the cycle specifying operation, and the order specifying operation can be realized.

  As a specific example, it is assumed that a rotation switch such as a jog dial or shuttle ring is provided, and a rotation operation for the rotation switch is assigned as an order designation operation and a cycle designation operation, and the order is designated according to the rotation direction. The output cycle may be specified according to the rotation amount. In addition, a configuration having a button corresponding to each of a plurality of stages of output cycles, and an operation of pressing this button may be assigned as a cycle designating operation for designating a corresponding output cycle.

In the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of sounds is repeatedly reproduced in advance, and the output of each of the plurality of sounds in a predetermined pattern is realized by adjusting only the sound volume. However, at the time of this output, each of the plurality of sounds may not be repeatedly reproduced in advance, but the reproduction may be started from the beginning or a predetermined position (for example, a rust portion of the sound) at the output timing.
(6) Correspondence with the Present Invention In the embodiment described above, s130 and s140 of the information specifying process are the voice output means and voice output procedure in the present invention, and s150 and s160 are the voice selection means and voice in the present invention. S170 is the selection specifying means and selection specifying procedure in the present invention, s180 is the information specifying means and information specifying procedure in the present invention, and s150 and s190 are the cycle specifying means and order in the present invention. S120 is a volume normalizing means and a volume normalizing procedure in the present invention.

Block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information identification device The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the button etc. which an operation part has Flowchart of information specifying process in the first embodiment The figure which shows the output pattern at the time of outputting each of a plurality of voices The figure which shows the volume change of each of plural voices The figure which shows the transition state of the menu screen displayed on a display part Flowchart of information specifying process in the second embodiment

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information identification apparatus, 10 ... Control part, 20 ... Memory | storage part, 30 ... Audio | voice output part, 40 ... User interface part, 42 ... Decision button, 44 ... Forward direction button, 46 ... Reverse direction button, 48 ... Slide bar, 48k ... knob.

Claims (7)

Multiple voices are output sequentially in a predetermined output period in which the volume changes from silence to maximum volume and from maximum volume to silence, and at least two or more voices are simultaneously output so that the maximum volume periods do not overlap at the same time Audio output means;
A voice selection means for receiving a selection operation for selecting the voice during the voice output by the voice output means;
When a selection operation is accepted by the voice selection means, one of the sounds related to the output by the voice output means is selected at the time when the selection operation is accepted. A selection specifying means for specifying the voice selected by the operation;
Of the information associated with each of the plurality of voices, information corresponding to the voice specified by the selection specifying means is information desired by the user related to the selection operation triggered by the selection specifying means. Information identifying means for identifying,
The audio output means outputs an output period in the audio to be output first of the two audios to be output in succession according to the shortness of the output cycle determined as the cycle for starting the output of each of the plurality of audios And an overlapping ratio in which the output period in the sound to be output later overlaps is increased. A period designating unit for accepting a cycle designating operation for designating the output cycle during or prior to the output of audio by the audio output unit,
2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the voice output unit outputs each of the plurality of voices at a designated output cycle related to the cycle designation operation after the cycle designation operation is received by the cycle designation unit. Specific device. The sound output means, after the period specifying operation is accepted by the period specifying stage, each of the plurality of sounds is changed from silence to maximum volume and from maximum volume to silence in a pattern according to the output period related to the period specifying operation. The information specifying device according to claim 2, wherein the volume is changed. 2. Volume normalization means for normalizing the volume level of each of the voices indicated by the voice data for each of a plurality of voice data related to voice output by the voice output means. 4. The information specifying device according to any one of 3. During the output of the sound by the sound output means or prior to the output, the positive order from the first sound to the nth sound (n is a value of 2 or more; the same applies below) as the order in which the plurality of sounds are output. Order specifying means for receiving an order specifying operation for specifying any one of the order and the negative order from the nth sound toward the first sound,
The sound output means outputs each of the plurality of sounds in the order related to the order specifying operation after the order specifying operation is received by the order specifying means. The information identification device described. Multiple voices are output sequentially in a predetermined output period in which the volume changes from silence to maximum volume and from maximum volume to silence, and at least two or more voices are simultaneously output so that the maximum volume periods do not overlap at the same time Audio output procedure,
A voice selection procedure for accepting a selection operation for selecting the voice during the voice output by the voice output procedure;
When a selection operation is accepted in the voice selection procedure, one voice whose volume is equal to or higher than a certain level at the time when the selection operation is accepted among the sounds related to the output by the voice output procedure is selected. A selection and identification procedure for identifying the voice selected by
Of the information associated with each of the plurality of voices, information corresponding to the voice specified in the selection specification procedure is information desired by the user related to the selection operation triggered by the selection specification procedure. An information identification procedure to identify,
In the audio output procedure, the output period of the audio to be output first in accordance with the shortness of the output cycle determined as the cycle for starting the output of each of the plurality of audios And an overlapping ratio in which the output period of the sound to be output later is increased.   A program for causing a computer system to execute various processing procedures for causing all of the means according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to function.

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