JP4094283B2 - Dictionary system and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
On the screen of the display means, the present invention word Search for dictionary For example, it can be used for foreign language learning dictionaries such as Chinese.
[0002]
[Background]
Conventionally, electronic dictionaries using computers have been used. Searches performed in order to obtain purpose information in such electronic dictionaries include stroke count, pronunciation, bias, search by triangle sign, square sign, etc. . Note that the search based on the triangle and the square is a search method specific to Chinese (Kanji).
[0003]
In addition, a dictionary usually converts (translates) information between two languages, such as between Japanese and Chinese, and from Japanese to Chinese, or from Chinese. Like Japanese, the direction of conversion is fixed. Therefore, if you purchase a Japanese-Chinese dictionary, you can only use it for conversion from Japanese to Chinese, you cannot use it as a Chunichi dictionary, and even between different languages. It cannot be used as an application for conversion in English, for example, as an English-French dictionary or a French-English dictionary.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional electronic dictionary search method described above has a problem that the number of strokes and pronunciation must be specified as a search key, so that the specific work may be time consuming and inconvenient. For example, if you know the spelling (how to write) for a Chinese word, but you don't know how to pronounce it (reading), you can search for the word by stroke count and check the pronunciation, but to count the number of strokes in the first place. Since knowledge is required, it may take time to search. Therefore, in the case of a child with little knowledge, there is a possibility that the search cannot be performed. Such a problem is not limited to the search based on the number of strokes, but also applies to a search using pronunciation, bias, triangle sign, and square sign.
[0005]
Also, for example, when there is an object and the Chinese word indicating the object is not spelled (written) or pronounced (reading), another language (usually normal) Must be known in the native language of the person searching for it). For example, if there is an object that erases characters written on paper with a pencil, the object must be “eraser” in Japanese or “eraser” in English. It is not possible to search for “skins”, which are the Chinese characters of the same Chinese word, and their pronunciation. In other words, if you know Japanese “eraser” or English “eraser” etc., you can search using it as a key, but simply recognize the existence of the object itself, its use, attributes, etc. Because the key for searching cannot be obtained, it is impossible to reach “skin” and its pronunciation. Therefore, in the case of a child with little knowledge, there is a possibility that the conventional search system may not be useful, and the conventional search system is used for native language learning or foreign language learning performed by such a person with little knowledge. There was a problem that it was not suitable.
[0006]
Further, as described above, since one dictionary usually only converts information between two languages, a system capable of converting information between more languages is desired.
[0007]
The above problems and issues are not limited to a system having a dictionary function of drawing words, but can be applied to a system that performs a search in order to obtain information in general.
[0008]
The object of the present invention is to facilitate the display on the screen of the display means. word Can be searched dictionary The system and program are available.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is an information search system for searching for target information on a screen of a display means, a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of spaces, and a plurality of objects belonging to at least one of these spaces. Or image data storage means for storing a plurality of image data for displaying images of the component articles respectively, and the dependency relationship between the spaces, the dependency relationship between the space and the object, or the dependency relationship between the object and the component article An image of a space including hierarchical information storage means for storing hierarchical information for hierarchizing each image data according to any relationship and an image selection unit for selecting an image of a space or object belonging to the immediately lower hierarchy is displayed. Each image selection unit by the operator on the screen of the display means on which the image of the object including the image selection unit for selecting the image of the component article is displayed. The selection acceptance processing means for accepting the selection operation and the screen displayed on the display means are selected by the operator using the image data stored in the image data storage means based on the hierarchical information stored in the hierarchical information storage means. A screen switching processing unit that switches to a screen that displays an image of a space or an object or an article constituting the space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the operation, and the processing by the selection reception processing unit and the processing by the screen switching processing unit are It is characterized in that it is configured to be repeated until an image of a space or object to be acquired information or an image of its constituent article is displayed on the screen of the display means.
[0010]
Here, as the “display unit”, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, a projector and a screen, or a combination thereof can be employed.
[0011]
The “purpose information” is representative of, for example, pronunciation of a word indicating a space or an object or its component, pronunciation symbol, spelling, meaning, usage, origin, opposite word, antonym, and related phrase. In addition, for example, the name of the store, address, telephone number, facsimile number, homepage address, map, handling scale, cheapness ranking, etc., about the space (thing that forms the space) or the object or its components Price of each country and each store, bargain information, home and in-house inventory, customer, type (manufacturer, quality, performance, standards, etc.), location and habitat.
[0012]
Furthermore, a “space” means a space in an image of the space such as a home space, an urban space, a natural space, a study space, a toilet space, a dining room space, a space on a desk or in a desk. Can include an image of an object.
[0013]
The “object” includes organisms in a broad sense such as humans, animals, plants, insects, birds, microorganisms, and bacteria. In addition to solids, liquids such as water and alcohol, and gases such as air and propane gas are also included. Furthermore, for example, humans and animals having a characteristic facial expression, humans and animals having a characteristic gesture, or symbolic objects are also included in the “object”. For example, if the facial expression of an object called “human” belonging to “house space” belonging to “house space” has an expression of “delicious” or “bad”, “delicious” or “bad” Can be used as the pronunciation or spelling of a word as purpose information. Also, for example, if the gesture of the object “dog” belonging to “garden space” belonging to “house space” is a gesture of “sniffing” smell, the verb “sniff” It can be a pronunciation or spelling of a word as information. Also, for example, if the gesture of the object “human” belonging to the “toilet space” belonging to the “house space” pinches the nose and makes a gesture of “odor”, the adjective “odor” is used. It can be the pronunciation or spelling of a word as purpose information. For example, if the object “car” belonging to “space on the road” belonging to “city space” is a speeding racing car, the adjective “fast” is used to pronounce the word as target information. Or spelling. Also, for example, when the object “seawater” belonging to “sea space” belonging to “natural space” is seawater in the deep sea part, the adjective “deep” is used to pronounce or spell words as purpose information. Etc. Accordingly, the “object” in the present invention includes not only the case where the “object” itself is indicated but also the case where it is expressed by the “object”.
[0014]
When an object that can be captured as an object is registered in the system, it may be registered as a space. For example, an aircraft is registered in the system as an object that belongs to an “airport space” that belongs to an “city space”. Alternatively, it may be registered as a “space in an aircraft” including an image of a pilot or a stewardess, which is an image of a lower hierarchy. However, the aircraft image and the pilot image or the stewardess image may be registered on the system as objects belonging to the “airport space” as images of the same hierarchy.
[0015]
In addition, “belonging to at least one” in “images of a plurality of objects belonging to at least one of these spaces or their constituent articles” means that one object may belong to a plurality of different spaces. For example, an automobile may be registered on the system as an object belonging to “garage space” belonging to “house space”, or registered as an object belonging to “space on road” belonging to “city space”. Alternatively, it may be registered as an object belonging to both. When registered as an object belonging to both, there are a plurality of search paths.
[0016]
Furthermore, “or its constituent articles” in “images of a plurality of objects belonging to at least one of these spaces or their constituent articles” means that the constituent articles of the objects in the case where an object is registered on the system Is not necessarily registered. For example, whether to search “car” at the lowest level and end the search there, or to search “tires” and “bumpers” that are components of “car” as the lowest level Is optional.
[0017]
In addition, “brake pedal”, “accelerator pedal”, “steering wheel”, etc. may be registered as a component of “automobile” and may be regarded as having a subordinate relationship between the object and its component, or these May be registered as an object belonging to the “space in the car” and may be regarded as having a dependency between the space and the object.
[0018]
The “image data” stored in the image data storage means may be illustration data, actual photograph data, or not only still image data but also moving image data.
[0019]
The “hierarchical information” stored in the hierarchical information storage means is information for grasping what is a lower-level image of a certain image or what is an upper-level image of a certain image. . The image in the hierarchy immediately below the space image is a space image or an object image. The image of the object is the image of the lowest hierarchy, or the image of the constituent article is subordinate to the image of the object as the image of the lower hierarchy. Therefore, for example, a search path for obtaining object information by displaying an image of an object at least once through a space image, such as a search path of space → space → space → object, or space → space → space → object → There is a search route that obtains target information by displaying the image of the component article via the image of the object at least once, as in the search route of the component article, If the target information is information for the space, the search may be terminated when the image of the space is displayed on the screen of the display means, such as a search path of space → space → space, In short, it suffices if the search is performed through at least one time in the image of the space.
[0020]
Furthermore, the “selection operation” of the operator received by the selection reception processing means is, for example, a mouse click operation or a finger touch operation.
[0021]
In the screen switching processing by the screen switching processing means, the screen before switching is erased from the display means screen and a new screen is displayed, and the screen before switching is not erased from the display means screen. And a case where a new screen is displayed so as to be put on the screen.
[0022]
In the present invention, the operator of the information retrieval system performs the selection operation of the image selection unit in the immediately lower hierarchy included in the image on the screen of the display means in order to obtain the target information. Then, the screen is switched to a screen displaying images in the lower layers sequentially through the space image at least once. Such an operator's selection operation and screen switching in accordance with the operation are repeated until the target information is obtained. At this time, the operator's selection operation is accepted by the selection acceptance processing means, and the screen switching is performed by the screen switching processing means based on the hierarchy information stored in the hierarchy information storage means.
[0023]
For this reason, the operator can obtain the target information by visual action using the space as a clue by performing a search through the image of the space at least once. Therefore, it is possible to arrive at the image from which the target information is acquired by simply performing a selection operation while referring to the image in the space, so that the number of strokes, pronunciation, bias, triangle number 碼, square number 検 索, etc. Compared to the case, for example, it is not necessary to specify the number of strokes or knowledge for counting the number of strokes, so that it is possible to easily acquire the target information, and the above-described purpose is achieved.
[0024]
Further, in the information retrieval system described above, information data storage means for storing information data for a space and information data for an object or its constituent articles, and information data stored in the information data storage means are used. Information display processing means for displaying information on the space or object or its constituent articles on the same screen as the screen on which the image of the space or object or its constituent articles is displayed. Is desirable.
[0025]
Here, “on the same screen” means that the image and the information corresponding to the image need only be able to be referred to, and the image and the information are not overlapped at the same time. Or, it is most preferable to display on the same screen almost simultaneously (for example, in the case of FIGS. 5 to 8 described later), but is not limited to this. If the operator presses an information display button provided on the screen on which the image is displayed (which is different from the image selection unit for selecting a lower layer image), information corresponding to the image is displayed. The display may be configured, or the image and the information may be partially overlapped and displayed.
[0026]
“Information data” is mainly text (document) data, but may be moving image data or still image data. Further, in addition to the document display by text (document) data, the sentence may be read out by voice. In the case of a structure that reads out in this way, for example, when a mouse pointer is placed on a text display portion on the screen, a mouse is clicked, or a finger is touched, a voice is read out. I can keep it.
[0027]
When the information data storage means and the information display processing means are configured in this way, the correspondence between the space or the object or its constituent articles and the information about these becomes obvious at a glance, and it is easy to see and the information is erroneously displayed. The probability of recognition can be kept low. Moreover, it becomes possible to display the information which makes these object about all the space or an object or its component articles by setting it as such a structure. However, it is not always necessary to display information for all spaces or objects or their constituent articles.
[0028]
Further, when the information data storage unit and the information display processing unit are provided as described above, the information data storage unit stores the explanation data of the word indicating the space and the explanation data of the word indicating the object or its constituent article. The description data storage means stores the information display processing means on the same screen as the screen on which the image of the space or the object or its constituent article is displayed using the explanation data stored in the explanation data storage means. An explanation display processing means for displaying a description of a word indicating a space or an object or a component thereof, and a search for purpose information is performed as an operation of drawing a dictionary for examining a word indicating a space or an object or a component thereof Is desirable.
[0029]
Here, “word” includes words in various languages such as Chinese, French, Russian, Japanese, German, Spanish, English, etc. For dialects such as Nagoya dialect and Kansai dialect, various dialects such as American and English are also included.
[0030]
Thus, when it is set as the structure provided with the description data storage means and the description display process means, the information search system of this invention can be used as a dictionary system. For this reason, the operation of drawing a dictionary can be realized by performing a search through the image of the space at least once.
[0031]
In addition, since a search is performed by visual action using the space as a clue, for example, when a certain object exists, spelling (writing) and pronunciation (reading) of a word (for example, a Chinese word) indicating the object Even if you do not know, you can get to the word (spelling or pronunciation) that indicates the object. Therefore, it is possible to search for words even in the case of a child with little knowledge (a person whose knowledge of the native language is not perfect), etc. It can be suitably used for word learning. Even in the case of adults, knowledge of foreign languages is often lacking, so it is effective when used for foreign language learning.
[0032]
Further, when the explanation data storage means and the explanation display processing means are provided as described above, the explanation data storage means stores explanation data of words in a plurality of languages, and the explanation display processing means includes a plurality of explanation display processing means. It is desirable that the explanation of the words in the languages is displayed in parallel.
[0033]
Here, as described above, the “plural languages” include various dialects in addition to various languages (standard languages).
[0034]
Thus, when it is set as the structure which displays the description of the word of several languages in parallel, it becomes possible to investigate the word of several languages at once. If words in three or more languages are displayed in parallel, it is possible to realize information conversion between three or more languages that could not be realized with one conventional dictionary.
[0035]
In the information search system described above, a voice data storage means for storing voice data for outputting the pronunciation of a word indicating a space and voice data for outputting a pronunciation of a word indicating an object or a component thereof, and a screen Pronunciation of a word indicating a space or object corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the operator's selection operation or its constituent article using the voice data stored in the voice data storage means when the screen is switched by the switching processing means It is desirable to have a configuration including audio output processing means for outputting.
[0036]
Here, the word pronunciation includes not only pronunciation in various languages (standard words) but also pronunciation in various dialects. For example, for English, you may be able to select either American or English sounds, and for Japanese, you may be able to select standard words, Tohoku dialect, Nagoya dialect, Kansai dialect, etc.
[0037]
When the voice data storage unit and the voice output processing unit are configured as described above, the pronunciation of the word can be heard while searching for the word. Information that cannot be obtained can be obtained. For this reason, it is possible to learn pronunciation while repeating the search, so it is effective when used for foreign language learning or the like.
[0038]
Further, in the information retrieval system described above, the space includes at least a home space, a natural space, and a city space, and these three spaces belong to the same hierarchy and images of these three spaces are used. The image selection unit to be selected is preferably configured to be displayed on the same screen.
[0039]
Here, “at least home space, natural space, and urban space are included” means that a space other than these three spaces, such as outer space, belongs to the same hierarchy as these three spaces, and The configuration may be selected on the same screen.
[0040]
The “house space” may include not only the space in the house but also the space in the garden around the house or the space in the garage adjacent to the house.
[0041]
In this way, when the house space, natural space, and city space are arranged in the same hierarchy and selected on the same screen, most of the objects required in normal life are in these spaces or these. The number of choices is also an appropriate number that can be easily selected by the operator.
[0042]
Further, in the case where the explanation data storage means and the explanation display processing means are provided as described above, the explanation data is obtained by downloading from a data providing server connected via a network and stored in the explanation data storage means. It is good also as a structure provided with the description data acquisition means.
[0043]
Further, in the case of the configuration including the voice data storage means and the voice output processing means as described above, the voice data is acquired by downloading from the data providing server connected via the network and stored in the voice data storage means. It is good also as a structure provided with the audio | voice data acquisition means.
[0044]
Here, the “network” includes, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or a combination thereof. Regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, or even a mixed type of wired and wireless, in short, between multiple points (regardless of the length of the distance). Any device capable of transmitting information at a certain speed may be used.
[0045]
When the explanation data acquisition unit or the voice data acquisition unit is configured as described above, the explanation data or the voice data can be acquired later. For this reason, from the viewpoint of the user of the information search system, for example, it is possible to selectively acquire only the language necessary for the user as explanation data or voice data. From the standpoint of the seller, the specification of the basic software can be disclosed and explanation data or audio data can be prepared and prepared by other companies such as publishers.
[0046]
Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as an information search system for searching for target information on a screen of a display means, and a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of spaces, and these Image data storage means for storing a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of objects belonging to at least one of the spaces or components thereof, and a dependency relationship between the spaces, a dependency relationship between the space and the object, Or a hierarchy information storage means for storing hierarchy information for hierarchizing each image data in accordance with any of the subordinate relations between the object and its constituent articles, and for selecting an image of a space or object belonging to the hierarchy immediately below The image of the space including the image selection unit of the object is displayed or the image of the object including the image selection unit for selecting the image of the component is displayed. Based on the hierarchy information stored in the hierarchy information storage means, the selection acceptance processing means for accepting the selection operation of each image selection unit by the operator on the displayed display means screen, and the screen displayed on the display means. Screen switching processing means for switching to a screen that displays an image of a space or an object or its constituent articles corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the operator's selection operation using the image data stored in the image data storage means The processing by the selection reception processing means and the processing by the screen switching processing means are configured to be repeated until an image of the space or object or its constituent article from which the target information is acquired is displayed on the screen of the display means. The information search system is characterized by having a computer function.
[0047]
Note that the above-described program or a part thereof is, for example, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a read-only memory (CD-ROM) using a compact disk (CD), a CD recordable (CD-R), a CD rewritable. (CD-RW), read-only memory (DVD-ROM) using digital versatile disk (DVD), random access memory (DVD-RAM) using DVD, flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, Recording, storage, distribution, etc. on a recording medium such as a hard disk, read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), etc. For example, LAN, MAN, WAN, Internet, intranet, extranet wired network or a wireless communication network, and further is capable of transmitting using a transmission medium such as a combination thereof, also can be delivered by placing the carrier. Furthermore, the program described above may be a part of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program.
[0048]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a dictionary system 10 that is an information search system of the present embodiment. The dictionary system 10 is a computer configured system for learning foreign languages such as Chinese.
[0049]
In FIG. 1, a dictionary system 10 includes a processing unit 20 that performs various processes relating to word search, a display unit 30 that displays images and information, an input unit 40 that performs input operations, and various dictionary data. And a dictionary database 50 for storing.
[0050]
The dictionary system 10 is connected to a data providing server 60 that provides a part of the dictionary data via the network 1. The data providing server 60 is connected to the dictionary data created by the publishers A, B, and C. Is connected to a dictionary data providing database 70. The network 1 is, for example, the Internet.
[0051]
The processing means 20 includes a selection reception processing means 21, a screen switching processing means 22, an explanation display processing means 23 that is an information display processing means, an audio output processing means 24, an explanation data acquisition means 25, and an audio data acquisition means. 26.
[0052]
The selection reception processing unit 21 displays an image of a space including an image selection unit for selecting an image of a space or an object belonging to the immediately lower hierarchy, or an image selection unit for selecting an image of a constituent article. The selection operation of each image selection unit by the operator is received on the screen of the display unit 30 on which the image of the object including the image is displayed.
[0053]
The screen switching processing unit 22 uses the image data stored in the image data storage unit 51 based on the hierarchical information stored in the hierarchical information storage unit 54 to display the screen displayed on the display unit 30. The screen is switched to a screen that displays an image of a space or an object corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the selection operation or its constituent articles.
[0054]
The explanation display processing means 23 uses the explanation data stored in the explanation data storage means 52 on the same screen as the screen on which the image of the space or the object or its constituent article is displayed, and the space or the object or its The explanation of the word indicating the constituent article is displayed. In this embodiment, the explanation of a word is displayed on the explanation display part 122 of the search window 120 (refer FIGS. 5-8).
[0055]
The explanation display processing means 23, when an operator who conducts foreign language learning (a person who performs a search) downloads explanation data of words in a plurality of languages by the explanation data acquisition means 25, the words in a plurality of languages. The explanation of is displayed in parallel. In addition, since the display in the description display part 122 of the search window 120 can be scrolled, even if it is the description of the length which does not fit in the description display part 122, it can refer.
[0056]
The audio output processing unit 24 uses the audio data stored in the audio data storage unit 53 at the time of screen switching by the screen switching processing unit 22, and uses the space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the operator's selection operation or The pronunciation of the word which points to an object or its component goods is output.
[0057]
The voice output processing means 24 is the first language selected when the operator who performs foreign language learning (the person who searches) downloads voice data of words in a plurality of languages by the voice data acquisition means 26. The pronunciation of is to be output. However, the language in which the pronunciation is output can be changed by changing the display order of each language by the explanation display processing means 23.
[0058]
The explanation data acquisition means 25 downloads one of the explanation data created by each publisher A, B, C stored in the dictionary data provision database 70 from the data provision server 60 connected via the network 1. And this is stored in the explanation data storage means 52. Further, the explanation data acquisition means 25 can download explanation data of words in a plurality of languages in response to a request from an operator who performs foreign language learning (a person who performs a search).
[0059]
The voice data acquisition unit 26 downloads one of the voice data created by the publishers A, B, and C stored in the dictionary data providing database 70 from the data providing server 60 connected via the network 1. Are obtained and stored in the audio data storage means 53.
[0060]
Each means 21 to 26 constituting the processing means 20 is a central processing unit provided inside a computer main body (not only a personal computer but also a higher-order model thereof) constituting the dictionary system 10. (CPU) and one or a plurality of programs that define the operation procedure of the CPU.
[0061]
As the display means 30, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, a projector and a screen, or a combination thereof can be employed.
[0062]
As the input means 40, various devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a light pen, a trackpad, a trackpoint, a tablet and a stylus, a joystick, a voice recognition device, or a combination thereof can be employed. Here, it is assumed that there is at least a mouse and a keyboard.
[0063]
The dictionary database 50 includes image data storage means 51, explanation data storage means 52 that is information data storage means, audio data storage means 53, hierarchical information storage means 54, and image coordinate information storage means 55. .
[0064]
The image data storage means 51 stores image data for displaying an image of a space as an image file for each space, and displays an image of an object belonging to at least one of these spaces or its constituent articles. Image data for each object or each constituent article is stored as an image file. These image data include, for example, not only illustration data but also live-action data, and not only still image data but also moving image data.
[0065]
The explanation data storage means 52 stores explanation data (herein, text data) of words indicating spaces for each space, and explanation data (here, words) indicating words or objects constituting the object. Text data) is stored for each object or each component. These explanatory data include, for example, Japanese notation and reading for each word, foreign language (eg Chinese, etc.) notation (Chinese for Chinese) and reading (for Chinese) , Pinyin which is a phonetic symbol), usage, and the like.
[0066]
Further, in the explanation data storage means 52, when an operator who conducts foreign language learning (a person who performs a search) downloads explanation data of words in a plurality of languages by the explanation data acquisition means 25, the explanation data storage means 52 has a plurality of languages. Word explanation data is stored.
[0067]
The voice data storage means 53 stores voice data for outputting a pronunciation of a word indicating a space as a voice file for each space, and a voice for outputting a pronunciation of a word indicating an object or a component thereof. Data is stored as an audio file for each object or each component. In the voice data storage unit 53, when an operator who performs foreign language learning (a person who performs a search) downloads voice data of words in a plurality of languages by the voice data acquisition unit 26, words in a plurality of languages are stored. Voice data is stored. However, the voice data used is, in principle, voice data for outputting the pronunciation of the language selected first.
[0068]
The hierarchical information storage means 54 has hierarchical information for hierarchizing each image data in accordance with any one of a dependency relationship between spaces, a dependency relationship between a space and an object, or a dependency relationship between an object and its constituent articles. It is remembered. This hierarchical information is information for grasping what is an image in a lower hierarchy of a certain image or what is an image in an upper hierarchy of a certain image. For example, it defines a dependency as shown by the tree in FIG.
[0069]
The image coordinate information storage means 55 stores X and Y coordinates for designating an area of an image selection unit for image selection in a lower hierarchy included in the image. The area specified by the X and Y coordinates becomes an image selection unit, and when the mouse pointer is clicked on the area, the screen is switched to a screen displaying an image of a lower hierarchy corresponding to the picture drawn in the area. It has become. The shape of the area of the image selection unit is, for example, a rectangle or a square, and is determined by designating the X and Y coordinates of the upper left position and the X and Y coordinates of the lower right position.
[0070]
Accordingly, the dictionary database 50 includes, for each word in each hierarchy (level), an image file containing image data, explanation data as information data, an audio file containing audio data, and hierarchy information ( Level) and image coordinate information are prepared and stored.
[0071]
The storage means 51 to 55 constituting the dictionary database 50 are preferably realized by, for example, a hard disk or the like. However, as long as there is no problem in storage capacity, access speed, etc., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory RAM, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, FD, magnetic tape, or a combination thereof may be employed.
[0072]
The data providing server 60 is constituted by a computer, receives request signals from the explanation data acquisition means 25 and the voice data acquisition means 26, and in response to this request, explanation data and voice data stored in the dictionary data provision database 70. Is transmitted to the dictionary system 10 via the network 1.
[0073]
The dictionary data providing database 70 is created by the publisher A explanation data storage means 71 for storing the explanation data (here, text data) of the words in each language created by the publisher A and the publisher B. Publisher B explanation data storage means 72 that stores explanation data (here, text data) of words in each language, and explanation data (here, text data) of words in each language created by publisher C Publishing company C explanation data storage means 73 for storing, and publishing company A voice data storage means 74 for storing voice data for outputting the pronunciation of words of each language created by publisher A as an audio file; Publisher B voice data storage means 75 that stores voice data for outputting the pronunciation of words in each language created by publisher B as a voice file; Voice data for outputting the sound of a word of the language and a publisher C audio data storage unit 76 for storing the sound file.
[0074]
The storage means 71 to 76 constituting the dictionary data providing database 70 are preferably realized by, for example, a hard disk or the like. However, as long as there is no problem in storage capacity, access speed, etc., ROM, EEPROM, A flash memory, RAM, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, FD, magnetic tape, or a combination thereof may be employed.
[0075]
In this embodiment, a foreign language learner learns a foreign language while searching for a foreign language word using the dictionary system 10 as follows. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of work to be performed by the foreign language learner at this time, and FIGS. 3 to 9 show examples of screen transitions of the dictionary system 10 associated with the search.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 2, first, when the learner has an intention to start learning a foreign language using the dictionary system 10 (step S1), the learner causes the computer used by the learner to execute the dictionary system 10. It is determined whether or not the program is installed (step S2).
[0077]
If it is determined that the program is not installed, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM storing the program of the dictionary system 10 and image data is purchased at a retail store (step S3). Thereafter, the program and the image data are installed in the computer used by the user using the purchased recording medium such as a CD-ROM (step S4), and then the program is started (step S5). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the program is already installed in the computer used by itself, the operations in steps S3 and S4 are omitted, and the program in step S5 is started.
[0078]
When the program is started, a setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the screen of the display means 30. In FIG. 3, the setting screen 100 includes ten language selection units 101 for selecting a language to be used, and a publisher selection unit 102 for selecting which publishers use description data and audio data. In addition, a “download” button 103 is provided for downloading the explanation data and the audio data in accordance with the selection by each language selection unit 101 and publisher selection unit 102.
[0079]
Since ten language selection units 101 are provided in this embodiment, it is possible to select up to 10 languages and display the explanation of words on the screen. Each language selection unit 101 can select all the languages and dialects of each country in the world. In addition, descriptions of the words in the language selected by each language selection unit 101 are displayed on the screen in the same order as the language selection order in each language selection unit 101. In other words, in the illustrated example, Chinese is selected by the uppermost language selection unit 101 and German is selected by the second language selection unit 101 from the top, so that the explanation of the word is also Chinese. Displayed on the top, German is displayed second from the top. Furthermore, the pronunciation of the language (Chinese in the illustrated example) selected by the language selection unit 101 provided on the uppermost side among the language selection units 101 is output when the screen is switched during the search. It is like that.
[0080]
In this embodiment, the publisher selection unit 102 selects one publisher from among publishers A, B, and C. The publisher may be changed for each language, or the explanation data publisher and the voice data publisher may be changed.
[0081]
The setting screen 100 also includes an “add language” button 104 for adding a language to be used, a “delete language” button 105 for deleting a language that has already been selected, and a language display order ( That is, a “change language display order” button 106 for changing the language selection order in each language selection unit 101 and a “start search” button 107 for starting a search are provided. .
[0082]
When the “Language Display Order” button 106 is clicked and the language display order is changed, if the uppermost language is changed, the language in which the pronunciation of the word is output is also accompanied. Be changed.
[0083]
Next, returning to FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not it is the first use (step S6 in FIG. 2), and when it is determined that it is the first use, it is used in each language selection unit 101 in FIG. After selecting the language and selecting the publisher by the publisher selection unit 102 in FIG. 3 (step S7 in FIG. 2), the “download” button 103 in FIG. 3 is pressed to download the explanation data and audio data. (Step S8 in FIG. 2). The explanation data is downloaded by the explanation data acquisition means 25. For example, in the case of the illustrated example, the Chinese and German languages created by the publisher A stored in the publisher A explanation data storage means 71 are downloaded. Word explanation data is transmitted from the data providing server 60 to the dictionary system 10. The audio data is downloaded by the audio data acquisition means 26. For example, in the case of the illustrated example, Chinese and German created by the publisher A stored in the publisher A audio data storage means 74 are stored. The voice data of the pronunciation of the word is transmitted from the data providing server 60 to the dictionary system 10.
[0084]
Subsequently, when the download is completed, the “search start” button 107 in FIG. 3 is clicked to start a word search (step S9 in FIG. 2).
[0085]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 in FIG. 2 that the use is not the first time, the download has already been completed, so the operations in steps S7 and S8 in FIG. 2 are omitted, and the “start search” in FIG. Clicking the button 107 starts a word search (step S9 in FIG. 2). If it is necessary to change the contents downloaded and set at the first use, the settings can be changed by clicking the buttons 104 to 106 in FIG.
[0086]
When a “search start” button 107 in FIG. 3 is clicked, a search window 120 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the screen of the display means 30. In this search window 120, an image display unit 121 that displays an image of a space or an object or its constituent article, and a description of a word indicating the space or object or its constituent article whose image is displayed on the image display unit 121 are displayed. An explanation display unit 122, a “data set” button 123 for performing a data set, a pointer position display unit 124 for displaying the current position of the mouse pointer in X and Y coordinates, and “return” for returning to the previous screen. A button 125 and an “end” button 126 for ending the program are provided.
[0087]
In the image display unit 121 of the search window 120 in FIG. 4, an “total space” image 130 is displayed. In the image 130 of the “comprehensive space”, an image selection unit 131 indicated by a picture of a city for selecting an image of the “city space” that is the lower hierarchy, and the “house space” that is the lower hierarchy. An image selection unit 132 shown with a house picture for selecting an image of the image and an image selection unit 133 shown with a natural picture for selecting an image of the “natural space” that is the lower hierarchy are provided. ing. In this embodiment, the screen on which the “total space” image 130 is displayed is the screen of the highest hierarchy (step S10 in FIG. 2). Note that the “total space” is not displayed on the explanation display unit 122 as shown in FIG.
[0088]
In the following description, it is assumed that the purpose information to be searched is, for example, the spelling (Chinese characters), pronunciation, and usage of a Chinese word for the object “eraser”.
[0089]
First, the learner refers to the screen on which the “total space” image 130 in FIG. 4 is displayed, and determines whether or not the objective information has been obtained (step S11 in FIG. 2). Here, when it is determined that the objective information cannot be obtained, the image selection unit that is likely to reach the object “eraser” is selected with reference to the image 130 of “overall space” (step S12 in FIG. 2). . The selection acceptance processing unit 21 accepts the selection operation of the image selection unit. Here, it is assumed that the image selection unit 132 indicated by a house picture for selecting an image of “house space” is clicked.
[0090]
Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the image display unit 121 of the search window 120 displays an image 140 of “house space” that is a lower layer of the image 130 of “comprehensive space” in FIG. With the switching, the pronunciation of the Chinese word corresponding to the house is output (step S13 in FIG. 2). This screen switching is performed by the screen switching processing unit 22 based on the hierarchical information stored in the hierarchical information storage unit 54, and the sound output is performed by the audio output processing unit 24.
[0091]
The “house space” image 140 is expressed in the form of a floor plan of the house. In this “house space” image 140, an image of the “study space” which is a lower hierarchy is selected. The image selection unit 141 shown with the design of the study (for example, a desk and a personal computer) and the design of the living room (for example, a table and a sofa) for selecting an image of the “space of the living room” which is a lower hierarchy The image selection unit 142, the image selection unit 143 shown by the image of the entrance (for example, shoes) for selecting the image of the “entrance space” which is the lower hierarchy, and the “toilet space” which is the lower hierarchy An image selection unit 144 shown with a toilet pattern (for example, a toilet) for selecting an image of the bathroom, and a bathroom pattern (for example, a bathtub) for selecting an image of the “bathroom space” which is a lower hierarchy ) And the lower layer “food” The image selection unit 146 shown with a picture of a cafeteria (for example, a table and a chair) for selecting an image of “the space of the kitchen” and a picture of the kitchen for selecting an image of the “kitchen space” that is the lower hierarchy ( For example, an image selection unit 147 indicated by a sink is provided.
[0092]
The search window 120 of FIG. 5 is additionally provided with a “return to TOP screen” button 127 for returning to the screen (the top layer screen) on which the “total space” image 130 of FIG. 4 is displayed. It has been.
[0093]
Furthermore, the explanation display part 122 of the search window 120 of FIG. 5 displays the explanation 148 of Chinese words corresponding to the house. Although not shown, explanations of words in a language other than Chinese corresponding to the house (for example, German) are also displayed in parallel below the explanation 148 of the Chinese words. These words are explained by the explanation display processing means 23.
[0094]
Then, the learner refers to the screen on which the “house space” image 140 in FIG. 5 is displayed, and determines again whether or not the objective information has been obtained (step S11 in FIG. 2). If it is determined that the objective information has been obtained, the “end” button 126 is clicked to end the program (step S14 in FIG. 2). On the other hand, if it is determined that the objective information cannot be obtained, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are repeated.
[0095]
That is, with reference to the image 140 of “house space”, an image selection unit that is likely to reach the object “eraser” is selected (step S12 in FIG. 2). The selection acceptance processing unit 21 accepts the selection operation of the image selection unit. Here, it is assumed that the image selection unit 141 indicated by the design of the study for selecting the image of “study space” is clicked.
[0096]
Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the image display unit 121 of the search window 120 displays an image 150 of “study space”, which is a lower layer of the image 140 of “house space” in FIG. As the screen is switched, the pronunciation of a Chinese word corresponding to the study is output (step S13 in FIG. 2). This screen switching is performed by the screen switching processing unit 22 based on the hierarchical information stored in the hierarchical information storage unit 54, and the sound output is performed by the audio output processing unit 24.
[0097]
In the image 150 of “study space”, an image selection unit 151 indicated by a picture of a desk for selecting an image of “space on the desk” which is a lower hierarchy, and a “chair” which is a lower hierarchy And an image selection unit 153 shown with a picture of a personal computer for selecting an image of the object “PC” as a lower hierarchy. And an image selection unit 154 indicated by a picture on the bookshelf for selecting an image of the “space above the bookshelf” which is a lower hierarchy.
[0098]
Further, the explanation display section 122 of the search window 120 in FIG. 6 displays a description 155 of Chinese words corresponding to the study. Although not shown, explanations of words in languages other than Chinese (for example, German) corresponding to the study are also displayed in parallel below the Chinese word explanation 155. These words are explained by the explanation display processing means 23.
[0099]
Then, the learner refers to the screen on which the “study space” image 150 in FIG. 6 is displayed, and determines again whether or not the objective information has been obtained (step S11 in FIG. 2). If it is determined that the objective information has been obtained, the “end” button 126 is clicked to end the program (step S14 in FIG. 2). On the other hand, if it is determined that the objective information cannot be obtained, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are repeated.
[0100]
That is, with reference to the image 150 of “study space”, an image selection unit that is likely to reach the object “eraser” is selected (step S12 in FIG. 2). The selection acceptance processing unit 21 accepts the selection operation of the image selection unit. Here, it is assumed that the image selection unit 151 indicated by the design of the desk for selecting an image of “space on the desk” is clicked.
[0101]
Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the image display unit 121 of the search window 120 displays an image 160 of “space on the desk” that is a lower layer of the image 150 of “space of study” in FIG. With this screen switching, the pronunciation of the Chinese word corresponding to the desk is output (step S13 in FIG. 2). This screen switching is performed by the screen switching processing unit 22 based on the hierarchical information stored in the hierarchical information storage unit 54, and the sound output is performed by the audio output processing unit 24.
[0102]
In the image 160 of “space on the desk”, an image selection unit 161 indicated by a pencil pattern for selecting an image of an object “pencil” which is a lower hierarchy, and an “eraser” which is a lower hierarchy. An image selection unit 162 indicated by an eraser pattern for selecting an image of an object “” and an image selection unit 163 indicated by a phone pattern for selecting an image of an object “phone” which is a lower hierarchy. And an image selection unit 164 shown with a calculator image for selecting an object image called “calculator” which is a lower hierarchy, and a picture of a dictionary for selecting an object image called “dictionary” which is a lower hierarchy. The image selection unit 165 shown by the above, the image selection unit 166 shown by the image of the note for selecting the image of the object “note” which is the lower layer, and the object “photo frame” which is the lower layer Select an image And an image selection unit 167 indicated by a reference book pattern for selecting an image of an object called “reference book”, which is a lower layer, is provided. Yes.
[0103]
Further, the explanation display section 122 of the search window 120 in FIG. 7 displays a description 169 of Chinese words corresponding to a desk. Although not shown, explanations of words in a language other than Chinese (eg, German) corresponding to the desk are also displayed in parallel below the Chinese word explanation 169. These words are explained by the explanation display processing means 23.
[0104]
Then, the learner refers to the screen on which the “space on the desk” image 160 in FIG. 7 is displayed, and determines again whether or not the objective information has been obtained (step S11 in FIG. 2). If it is determined that the objective information has been obtained, the “end” button 126 is clicked to end the program (step S14 in FIG. 2). On the other hand, if it is determined that the objective information cannot be obtained, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are repeated.
[0105]
That is, referring to the image 160 of “space on the desk”, the image selecting unit 162 indicated by the eraser pattern for selecting the image of the object “eraser” is selected by clicking (step of FIG. 2). S12). The selection acceptance processing unit 21 accepts the selection operation of the image selection unit.
[0106]
Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the image display unit 121 of the search window 120 displays an image 180 of the object “eraser” which is a lower layer of the image 160 of “space on the desk” in FIG. As the screen is switched, the pronunciation of the Chinese word corresponding to the eraser is output (step S13 in FIG. 2). This screen switching is performed by the screen switching processing unit 22 based on the hierarchical information stored in the hierarchical information storage unit 54, and the sound output is performed by the audio output processing unit 24.
[0107]
In the image 180 of the object “eraser”, an image selection unit for selecting an image in a lower hierarchy is not provided. Therefore, the screen on which the image 180 of the object “eraser” is displayed is the screen of the lowest layer in this search path.
[0108]
Further, in the explanation display section 122 of the search window 120 in FIG. 8, explanation 181 of Chinese words corresponding to the eraser is displayed. Although not shown, explanations of words in languages other than Chinese (for example, German) corresponding to the eraser are also displayed in parallel below the Chinese word explanation 181. These words are explained by the explanation display processing means 23.
[0109]
The learner then refers to the screen on which the object image 180 “eraser” in FIG. 8 is displayed, and determines again whether or not the objective information has been obtained (step S11 in FIG. 2). If it is determined that the objective information has been obtained, the “end” button 126 is clicked to end the program (step S14 in FIG. 2). On the other hand, if it is determined that the target information cannot be obtained, the currently referred screen is the screen at the lowest level of this search route. Therefore, in order to perform a search using another search route, the “TOP screen” is displayed. After the “Return to” button 127 is clicked, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are repeated. Here, since the explanation of the Chinese word of the object “eraser” as the object information is obtained, the “end” button 126 is clicked to end the program.
[0110]
FIG. 9 shows a setting change screen 200 for performing addition, deletion, overwrite editing, and the like of a search target word. This setting change screen 200 is displayed when a “data set” button 123 (see FIGS. 4 to 8) in the search window 120 is clicked. For example, setting according to each learner's preference, such as adding dictionary data other than dictionary data downloaded from the data providing server 60, that is, data not set when installing a program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. It is a screen used when performing.
[0111]
The setting change screen 200 includes a name input unit 201 for inputting a word name, an image file name input unit 202 for inputting a word image file name, and an audio file name input unit 203 for inputting a word audio file name. The upper left X coordinate input unit 204 for inputting the X coordinate of the upper left position of the image selection unit, the upper left Y coordinate input unit 205 for input of the Y coordinate of the upper left position of the image selection unit, and the X of the lower right position of the image selection unit A lower right X coordinate input unit 206 for inputting coordinates and a lower right Y coordinate input unit 207 for inputting Y coordinates of the lower right position of the image selection unit are provided.
[0112]
The setting change screen 200 also displays a current hierarchy position display unit 208 that displays the current hierarchy position, and a hierarchy display that displays the hierarchy of each image in the form of a tree based on the hierarchy information stored in the hierarchy information storage unit 54. A section 209 and an explanation data input section 210 for inputting a word explanation as text are provided.
[0113]
Further, the setting change screen 200 includes a “clear text” button 211 for clearing text data input to the name input unit 201 and an image file when inputting an image file name to the image file name input unit 202. The input support “reference” button 212 for searching the storage location of the image file and calling the image file name, and when inputting the audio file name to the audio file name input unit 203, the storage location of the audio file is searched. "Reference" button 213 for input support for calling a file name, "Add word" button 214 for adding a word, "Delete word" button 215 for deleting a word, Word There are provided an “edit word” button 216 for overwriting editing and an “end” button 217 for ending the program.
[0114]
When adding a word, the learner first selects a higher-level image to which the image of the space or the object or its constituent article indicated by the word to be added belongs. For example, in the case of additionally registering a word indicating the object “globe”, the image 150 of “study space” containing the image of the globe is set as an image of the upper layer (see FIG. 6). Then, the mouse pointer is moved on the screen on which the image 150 of this “study space” is displayed, and an image (the image for selecting an image of an object called “terrestrial globe” which is a lower hierarchy) is displayed on the screen where the image of the globe is drawn. The mouse pointer is stopped at the upper left position and the lower right position of the area to be selected. At this time, the pointer position display unit 124 of the search window 120 is referred to, and the X and Y coordinate values of each stop position are confirmed.
[0115]
Subsequently, the learner clicks the “data set” button 123 in the search window 120 to display the setting change screen 200 of FIG. 9 on the screen of the display means 30. Then, on the setting change screen 200, a word hierarchy (level) is selected in the tree view displayed on the hierarchy display unit 209. Further, after clicking the “clear text” button 211 to make the name input unit 201 blank, the name of a word to be newly registered (for example, “terrestrial globe”) is input.
[0116]
In addition, the image file name input unit 202 and the audio file name input unit 203 use an image file (a file containing image data of an object called “terrestrial globe”) and an audio file (words in each language corresponding to “terrestrial globe”). Enter the name of the file that contains the sound data of the pronunciation. Further, as described above, the coordinates of the upper left position and the lower right position of the area on which the globe pattern is drawn, which has been confirmed in advance on the screen on which the image 150 of “study space” in FIG. 6 is displayed, It inputs into each coordinate input part 204-207. Further, after inputting a word description as text in the explanation data input unit 210, the user clicks an “add word” button 214. As a result, an image selection unit 156 for selecting an image of an object “globe” which is a lower hierarchy in the image 150 of “study space” in FIG. 6 is newly set. An additional word is registered.
[0117]
When deleting a word, the learner selects a word to be deleted in the tree view displayed on the hierarchy display unit 209 on the setting change screen 200. Then, after confirming the contents (contents to be deleted) displayed in each of the input sections 201 to 207 and 210, the “delete word” button 215 is clicked. In addition, it is preferable to delete a word from the lowest hierarchy (level).
[0118]
The word overwrite editing is substantially the same as the word addition work procedure. In the setting change screen 200, the word to be overwritten (the word to be deleted after editing) in the tree view displayed on the hierarchy display unit 209. Is selected and overwritten with necessary contents in each of the input units 201 to 207 and 210, and then the “edit word” button 216 is clicked.
[0119]
According to this embodiment, there are the following effects. That is, in order to obtain the target information, the dictionary system 10 operator performs a selection operation on the image selection unit in the immediately lower hierarchy included in the image on the screen of the display unit 30 to display at least one image in the space. By performing a search that passes through, it is possible to obtain the target information by visual action using the space as a clue.
[0120]
Therefore, it is possible to arrive at the image from which the target information is acquired by simply performing a selection operation while referring to the image in the space, so that the number of strokes, pronunciation, bias, triangle number 碼, square number 検 索, etc. Compared to the case, for example, the trouble of specifying the number of strokes and the knowledge for counting the number of strokes can be eliminated, so that the target information can be easily acquired.
[0121]
Further, the dictionary system 10 includes the explanation data storage means 52 and the explanation display processing means 23, so that the explanation of the words can be displayed together with the image. For this reason, the work of drawing a dictionary can be realized by performing a search that goes through a space image at least once.
[0122]
Furthermore, since the search is performed by visual action using the space as a clue, for example, when a certain object exists, both spelling (writing) and pronunciation (reading) of a word (for example, a Chinese word) indicating the object Even if you don't know, you can get to the word (spelling or pronunciation) that describes the object. Therefore, even in the case of children with little knowledge (those who do not even have complete knowledge of their native language), etc., it is possible to search for words, so native language learning or foreign language learning performed by such a person with little knowledge Also, it can be suitably used. Even in the case of adults, knowledge of foreign languages is often lacking, so it is effective even when used for adult foreign language learning.
[0123]
The explanation display processing means 23 displays the explanation of the word on the same screen as the image (see FIGS. 5 to 8), that is, the image display unit 121 and the explanation display unit 122 are included in one search window 120. Because it is provided inside, the correspondence between the space or the object or its component and the explanation of the word that points to it becomes clear at a glance, so it is easy to see and reduces the possibility of acquiring wrong knowledge about the word be able to.
[0124]
Further, since the explanation display processing means 23 displays the explanation of the word on the same screen as the image, the explanation display processing means 23 displays the explanation of the word not only for the image in the lowest hierarchy but for all the spaces or objects or their constituent articles. Is also possible. However, it is not always necessary to display word explanations for all spaces or objects or constituents thereof (see FIG. 4).
[0125]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of languages can be selected, and the explanation display processing means 23 can display explanations of the words in the plurality of languages in parallel, so that the words in the plurality of languages can be examined at a time. Can do. If words in three or more languages are displayed in parallel, it is possible to realize information conversion between three or more languages that could not be realized with one conventional dictionary.
[0126]
And since the dictionary system 10 is provided with the audio | voice data storage means 53 and the audio | voice output process means 24, it can output the pronunciation of a word at the time of a screen switch. For this reason, since the pronunciation of the word can be heard while searching for the word, information that cannot be obtained by the display by the phonetic symbol can be obtained by an auditory action. Moreover, since the pronunciation can be learned while the search is repeated, it can be effectively used for foreign language learning and the like.
[0127]
Furthermore, the pronunciation to be output is, for example, dialects of Tohoku dialect, Nagoya dialect, Kansai dialect, etc., if it is Japanese, and if it is English, it is possible to select either American sound or English sound, You can learn not only standard words but also various dialects.
[0128]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, each image selection for selecting images of “urban space”, “house space”, and “natural space”, which are lower layers, in the image 130 of “comprehensive space” Since the parts 131, 132, and 133 are provided, most of the objects required in normal life can belong to these spaces or spaces below these spaces, and the number of options is also possible. It is possible to make the number easy to select for the operator.
[0129]
Further, since the dictionary system 10 includes the explanation data acquisition means 25 and the voice data acquisition means 26, it is possible to download and obtain explanation data and voice data from the data providing server 60 connected via the network 1. .
[0130]
Therefore, separately from the purchase of a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, explanation data or audio data can be acquired after the program is installed. For this reason, from the viewpoint of the user of the dictionary system 10, for example, only the language necessary for the user can be selectively acquired as the explanation data or the voice data. From the standpoint of the manufacturer and seller of the dictionary system 10, it is possible to publish the specifications of the basic software and to prepare explanation data or audio data by other companies such as publishers. As a result, development costs can be reduced and data can be diversified.
[0131]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and the like within a scope where the object of the present invention can be achieved are included in the present invention.
[0132]
That is, in the embodiment, the publishers that create the explanation data and the voice data are the publishers A, B, and C. However, the publisher is not limited to this, and any number of publishers may be used. In addition, explanation data and audio data are not obtained by downloading from the data providing server 60, but are stored in advance on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM together with basic software and image data, and purchased together with the basic software and image data. You may make it do.
[0133]
In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a maximum of ten languages can be selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of languages that can be selected may be arbitrary. However, from the viewpoint of improving the function of the dictionary system 10, the number of languages that can be selected is preferably plural, and more preferably three or more languages.
[0134]
Further, in the embodiment, the dictionary system 10 is configured by a single computer. For example, a dictionary database 50 corresponding to the dictionary database 50 is provided in the server, and the display unit 30 and the input unit 40 are equivalent. May be provided in the terminal device so that the search can be performed while performing communication using a network such as the Internet. Here, the terminal device provided with the display means 30 and the input means 40 is mainly realized by a computer, but is not limited to this. For example, a mobile phone (personal handyphone system (PHS) ), Personal digital assistance (PDA), electronic notebook, game machine, wristwatch, digital TV, etc., the performance of the central processing unit (CPU), screen resolution, storage capacity Can be employed as long as they are suitable for the present invention.
[0135]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the information search system in this invention was set as the dictionary system 10, it is not limited to this, For example, about space (thing which forms space) or an object, or its component articles. As the purpose information of the store, the name, address, phone number, facsimile number, homepage address, map, handling scale, cheap ranking of each store, the price of each country and each store, bargain information, home and own inventory, suppliers, It may be a system that displays the type (manufacturer, quality, performance, standard, etc.), location / habitat, etc. or outputs the sound. For example, when purchasing an object called “toilet paper”, if you search for the route “image of“ house space ”→“ toilet space ”→“ toilet paper ”, the store that sells toilet paper Information such as price, bargain information, home and in-house inventory, type (manufacturer, soft paper, hard paper, double roll, etc.) may be obtained.
[0136]
In the above embodiment, the dictionary system 10 is a system that searches for a noun indicating a specific object that is mainly visible, but the information search system according to the present invention is an adjective, adverb, verb, or abstract. It is also possible to use a system that can also search for words that indicate different concepts.
[0137]
Further, in the above embodiment, the dictionary system 10 is a system that performs a search using space. However, the dictionary system 10 may also perform a search using the number of strokes, pronunciation, bias, triangle number 碼, square number て い る, etc. that have been performed conventionally. It is good also as a system which can do. For example, when the system is started up, it may be a system that can select whether to search using space or to search using the number of strokes that has been performed in the past. Any system that includes a search is included in the present invention.
[0138]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by performing a search that goes through the image of the space at least once, it is possible to obtain a visual effect using the space as a clue. word Can be searched easily on the screen of the display means Word explanation There is an effect that can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a dictionary system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of work to be performed by an operator of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sixth screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a seventh screen example of the dictionary system of the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Dictionary system that is an information retrieval system
21 Selection acceptance processing means
22 Screen switching processing means
23 Explanation display processing means which is information display processing means
24 Voice output processing means
25 Explanation data acquisition means
26 Voice data acquisition means
30 Display means
51 Image data storage means
52 Explanation data storage means which is information data storage means
53 Voice data storage means
54 Hierarchical information storage means
131-133, 141-147, 151-154, 156, 161-168 Image selection unit

Claims (7)

A dictionary system for searching for words on a screen of a display means,
Image data storage for storing a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of spaces, and a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of objects belonging to at least one of these spaces or components thereof, respectively. Means,
For one or more languages selected by the operator on the setting screen displayed on the screen of the display means, word explanation data indicating the space and word explanation data indicating the object or its constituent articles are stored. Explanation data storage means to
In accordance with any one of the dependency relationship between the spaces, the dependency relationship between the space and the object, or the dependency relationship between the object and the component, the space from the highest level to the lowest level Hierarchical information storage means for storing hierarchical information for hierarchizing each image data in a state of passing through the image at least once;
An image of a space including an image selection unit for selecting an image of a space or an object belonging to the immediately lower hierarchy is displayed, or an image of an object including an image selection unit for selecting an image of a component is displayed. Selection acceptance processing means for accepting a selection operation of each image selection unit by the operator on the screen of the display means;
A screen displayed on the display means is selected by the operator's selection operation using the image data stored in the image data storage means based on the hierarchy information stored in the hierarchy information storage means. Screen switching processing means for switching to a screen for displaying an image of the space or the object or its component corresponding to the image selection unit;
The space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the operator's selection operation using the explanation data stored in the explanation data storage means along with the screen switching process by the screen switching processing means. Or the space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the selection operation of the operator or the object or its constituent article on the same screen as the screen after switching on which the image of the object or its constituent article is displayed a description display processing means for displaying a description of the word refers to,
Pointer position display processing means for displaying the current position of a mouse pointer that moves in the image including the image selection unit on the same screen as the screen on which the image including the image selection unit is displayed;
Image coordinate information storage means for storing X and Y coordinates for designating an area of the image selection unit included in the image;
When adding a word, a picture of the space, object, or its component pointed to by the word to be added was drawn in the higher-level image to which the image of the space, object, or its component item that the word to be added should belong. When the mouse pointer is placed on the area, the X and Y coordinates displayed by the pointer position display processing means are input as the X and Y coordinates for designating the area of the image selection section to be newly added, and A setting change screen for inputting explanation data of a word to be added is displayed on the screen of the display means, and the input X and Y coordinates of the newly added image selection unit are displayed in the image coordinate information storage means. And a means for storing the explanation data of the input word to be added and stored in the explanation data storage means ,
The explanation display processing means, when explanation data of the words in the plurality of languages selected by the operator on the setting screen is stored in the explanation data storage means, the words in the plurality of languages. The explanation of
The processing by the selection reception processing means, the processing by the screen switching processing means, and the processing by the explanation display processing means are stored in the hierarchical information storage means by the selection operation of the image selection unit by the operator being repeated. The screen of the display means displays an explanation of the image of the space or the object or its constituent article from the upper hierarchy to the lower hierarchy, and the word indicating the space or the object or the constituent article according to the hierarchical information A dictionary system that is repeated as it is displayed above. A dictionary system for searching for words on a screen of a display means,
Image data storage for storing a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of spaces, and a plurality of image data for displaying images of a plurality of objects belonging to at least one of these spaces or components thereof, respectively. Means,
Explanation data storage means for storing explanation data of words indicating the space and explanation data of words indicating the object or its constituent articles for a plurality of languages;
In accordance with any one of the dependency relationship between the spaces, the dependency relationship between the space and the object, or the dependency relationship between the object and the component, the space from the highest level to the lowest level Hierarchical information storage means for storing hierarchical information for hierarchizing each image data in a state of passing through the image at least once;
An image of a space including an image selection unit for selecting an image of a space or an object belonging to the immediately lower hierarchy is displayed, or an image of an object including an image selection unit for selecting an image of a component is displayed. Selection acceptance processing means for accepting a selection operation of each image selection unit by an operator on the screen of the display means;
A screen displayed on the display means is selected by the operator's selection operation using the image data stored in the image data storage means based on the hierarchy information stored in the hierarchy information storage means. Screen switching processing means for switching to a screen for displaying an image of the space or the object or its component corresponding to the image selection unit;
The space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the operator's selection operation using the explanation data stored in the explanation data storage means along with the screen switching process by the screen switching processing means. Or the space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the selection operation of the operator or the object or its constituent article on the same screen as the screen after switching on which the image of the object or its constituent article is displayed a description display processing means for displaying a description of the word refers to,
Pointer position display processing means for displaying the current position of a mouse pointer that moves in the image including the image selection unit on the same screen as the screen on which the image including the image selection unit is displayed;
Image coordinate information storage means for storing X and Y coordinates for designating an area of the image selection unit included in the image;
When adding a word, a picture of the space, object, or its component pointed to by the word to be added was drawn in the higher-level image to which the image of the space, object, or its component item that the word to be added should belong. When the mouse pointer is placed on the area, the X and Y coordinates displayed by the pointer position display processing means are input as the X and Y coordinates for designating the area of the image selection section to be newly added, and A setting change screen for inputting explanation data of a word to be added is displayed on the screen of the display means, and the input X and Y coordinates of the newly added image selection unit are displayed in the image coordinate information storage means. And a means for storing the explanation data of the input word to be added and stored in the explanation data storage means ,
The explanation display processing means is configured to display explanations of the words in the plurality of languages in parallel,
The processing by the selection reception processing means, the processing by the screen switching processing means, and the processing by the explanation display processing means are stored in the hierarchical information storage means by the selection operation of the image selection unit by the operator being repeated. The screen of the display means displays an explanation of the image of the space or the object or its constituent article from the upper hierarchy to the lower hierarchy, and the word indicating the space or the object or the constituent article according to the hierarchical information A dictionary system that is repeated as it is displayed above. The dictionary system according to claim 1 or 2,
Voice data storage means for storing voice data for outputting a pronunciation of a word indicating the space and voice data for outputting a pronunciation of a word indicating the object or a component thereof;
The space corresponding to the image selection unit selected by the selection operation of the operator using the audio data stored in the audio data storage unit in accordance with the screen switching process by the screen switching processing unit. Or a voice output processing means for outputting a pronunciation of a word indicating the object or a component thereof,
The voice output processing means is configured to output the pronunciation of the word in the first displayed language when the explanation of the words in the plurality of languages is displayed in parallel by the explanation display processing means. A dictionary system characterized by that. The dictionary system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The plurality of spaces include at least a home space, a natural space, and a city space, and these three spaces belong to the same hierarchy, and an image selection unit that selects images of these three spaces is provided. A dictionary system characterized by being displayed on the same screen. In the dictionary system in any one of Claims 1-4,
A dictionary system comprising: explanation data acquisition means for acquiring the explanation data by downloading it from a data providing server connected via a network and storing it in the explanation data storage means. The dictionary system according to claim 3,
A dictionary system comprising voice data acquisition means for acquiring voice data from a data providing server connected via a network and storing the voice data in the voice data storage means. The program for functioning a computer as a dictionary system in any one of Claims 1-6 .

Images