JP4550688B2 - Audio device, cash register, audio method, audio program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the audio program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio device, a cash register, an audio method, an audio program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the audio program, and more particularly, an audio device and a cash register used for audio output of a cash register. The present invention relates to an audio method, an audio program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the audio program is recorded.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner that reads a barcode of a product, a key for inputting a command, a sound storage device that stores sound data of the product, an image storage device that stores image data of the product, and a sound of the product. There is disclosed a POS (Point Of Sales System) register including a sound generation device to be generated, an image display device for displaying an image of merchandise and transaction information, and a control device for controlling these elements.

  According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent a mistake in inputting the price and number of products, and to improve the reliability of information confirmation.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228688 discloses an audio register that sequentially stores signals corresponding to the sound to be generated in an electronic register that performs registration processing of various types of input information and generates information based on the input information by a sound generation circuit. The sound generation circuit includes a buffer, sequentially receives the output from the sound buffer, generates sound, and further stores a first storage circuit for storing a signal indicating the storage status of the sound buffer, and sound generated by the sound generation circuit In response to signals derived from the second memory circuit that stores a signal representing the generation processing state, and the first memory circuit and the second memory circuit, when there is a large amount of audio information that should generate the operating speed of the audio generation circuit An electronic register is disclosed that includes a control circuit that is faster than when there is less audio information to be generated.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, even if there is a lot of information to be generated by voice, it can be notified completely.
JP 7-334758 A JP 58-114268 A

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that information loss is increased. This is because when the bar code is read at high speed, the next information is read out before all utterances are completed.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, there is a problem that a large amount of audio information is likely to be stored on the memory, and a problem that information being input and information being uttered do not match. The reason why the information being input does not match the information being uttered is that the speed is adjusted after the sound information has accumulated in the memory to some extent.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an audio device, a cash register, an audio method, an audio program, and an audio program capable of accurately speaking information being input. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an audio device includes an input unit, a search unit, a display unit, a synthesis unit, a measurement unit, an estimation unit, a change unit, and an output. Means. The input means inputs the first information. The search means searches the database for second information that is information corresponding to the first information. The display means displays at least a part of the second information. The synthesizing unit synthesizes audio data corresponding to the information displayed by the display unit. The measuring means measures the time interval for inputting the first information to the input means. The estimation means estimates the threshold using the interval measured by the measurement means. The changing means changes at least a part of the audio data so that the time spent for outputting the sound is equal to or less than the threshold if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds the threshold. The output means outputs the voice represented by the voice data.

  Further, it is desirable that the changing means includes means for changing at least a part of the audio data in an order independent of the importance of the information represented by the audio data.

  The changing means preferably includes means for changing a part of the audio data so as to be deleted in an order corresponding to the importance of the plurality of pieces of information represented by the audio data.

  In addition, if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds the threshold, the above-described changing unit may save a plurality of pieces of information represented by the sound data until the time spent for outputting the sound is equal to or less than the threshold or the difference in importance is resolved. If the difference between the importance and the means for changing a part of the audio data so that it is deleted in the order corresponding to the importance, and the time spent for outputting the audio exceeds the threshold, the audio is output. It is desirable to include means for changing at least part of the audio data in an order independent of the importance of the information represented by the audio data so that the time spent is at least a threshold value or less.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described voice conversion apparatus further includes a storage unit for storing an allowable value of the deletion rate of the voice data. At the same time, the changing means is independent of the importance of the information represented by the voice data so that the deletion rate is less than or equal to the allowable value if the time spent for voice output exceeds a threshold value. If the time spent for audio output exceeds the threshold even if at least part of the audio data is deleted until the deletion rate reaches an allowable value, the time spent for audio output is less than the threshold It is desirable to include means for changing a part of the audio data so as to be deleted in an order corresponding to the importance of the information represented by the audio data.

  In addition, the above-described audio conversion apparatus further includes a control unit for controlling the display unit and the output unit so that the time when the display unit displays information and the time when the output unit outputs audio are synchronized. Is desirable.

  In addition, it is preferable that the above-described measuring unit includes a unit for measuring a time interval when the same person inputs the first information to the input unit. In addition, it is desirable that the estimation means includes means for estimating a minimum value of a plurality of intervals measured by the measurement means as a threshold value.

  Alternatively, the means for estimating the minimum value as the threshold value preferably includes means for estimating the minimum value of a plurality of intervals including the last interval in the order of input as the threshold value.

  In addition, it is preferable that the above-described measuring unit includes a unit for measuring a time interval when the same person inputs the first information to the input unit. In addition, it is desirable that the estimating means includes means for estimating an average value of a plurality of intervals measured by the measuring means as a threshold value.

  Alternatively, the means for estimating the above average value as the threshold value preferably includes means for estimating the average value of a plurality of intervals including the last interval in the order of input as the threshold value.

  In addition, it is preferable that the above-described search means includes means for searching for text information representing either the product name or the product price as the second information. In addition, it is desirable that the synthesizing means includes means for synthesizing voice data based on the text information.

  In addition, the search means described above includes, as the second information, text information indicating either the name of the product or the price of the product, the pitch of the sound, the accent, the volume of the sound, the phrase variation, the presence or absence of an echo, and It is desirable to include means for retrieving audio information representing any of the intonations. In addition, it is desirable that the synthesizing means includes means for synthesizing the voice data based on the text information and corresponding to the voice information.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described search means includes means for searching for information that is either the name of the product or the price of the product as the second information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the cash register includes input means, search means, display means, synthesis means, measurement means, estimation means, change means, output means, and a storage box. . The input means is used by a person to input the first information. The search means searches the database for second information that is information corresponding to the first information. The display means displays at least a part of the second information. The synthesizing unit synthesizes audio data corresponding to the information displayed by the display unit. The measuring unit measures an interval of time when the person inputs the first information to the input unit. The estimation means estimates the threshold using the interval measured by the measurement means. The changing means changes at least a part of the audio data so that the time spent for outputting the sound is equal to or less than the threshold if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds the threshold. The output means outputs the voice represented by the voice data. The storage box stores money.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the speech method includes an input step, a search step, a display step, a synthesis step, a measurement step, an estimation step, a change step, and an output step. The input step inputs the first information. The search step searches the database for second information that is information corresponding to the first information. The display step displays at least a part of the second information. The synthesis step synthesizes audio data corresponding to the information displayed in the display step. In the measurement step, the time interval for inputting the first information in the input step is measured. In the estimation step, the threshold is estimated using the interval measured in the measurement step. The changing step changes at least a part of the audio data so that if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds a threshold, the time spent for outputting the audio is equal to or less than the threshold. The output step outputs a voice represented by the voice data.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the speech program includes each step including an input step, a search step, a display step, a synthesis step, a measurement step, an estimation step, a change step, and an output step. An audio program for causing a computer to execute the program. The input step inputs the first information. The search step searches the database for second information that is information corresponding to the first information. The display step displays at least a part of the second information. The synthesis step synthesizes audio data corresponding to the information displayed in the display step. In the measurement step, the time interval for inputting the first information in the input step is measured. In the estimation step, the threshold is estimated using the interval measured in the measurement step. The changing step changes at least a part of the audio data so that if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds a threshold, the time spent for outputting the audio is equal to or less than the threshold. The output step outputs a voice represented by the voice data.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a recording medium includes a computer that includes an input step, a search step, a display step, a synthesis step, a measurement step, an estimation step, a change step, and an output step. It is a computer-readable recording medium which recorded the voice-ized program for making it run. The input step inputs the first information. The search step searches the database for second information that is information corresponding to the first information. The display step displays at least a part of the second information. The synthesis step synthesizes audio data corresponding to the information displayed in the display step. In the measurement step, the time interval for inputting the first information in the input step is measured. In the estimation step, the threshold is estimated using the interval measured in the measurement step. The changing step changes at least a part of the audio data so that if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds a threshold, the time spent for outputting the audio is equal to or less than the threshold. The output step outputs a voice represented by the voice data.

  The sounding device, the cash register, the sounding method, the sounding program, and the computer-readable recording medium that records the sounding program according to the present invention can accurately speak the information being input.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the cash register according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the cash register according to the present embodiment includes an input device 200, a search device 202, a display device 204, a measurement device 206, an interval storage device 208, an estimation device 210, and a generation device. 212, an output device 214, and a storage box 216.

  The input device 200 is a device for an operator to input information represented by a bar code or the like.

  The search device 202 searches the database in the database storage device 300. The database storage device 300 is connected to the cash register according to the present embodiment. The search device 202 includes, in addition to a device for performing a search, a device that communicates with a database storage device for the search, and a device that stores information obtained by the search.

  The display device 204 displays information such as product names and prices among the information searched by the search device 202.

  When the operator inputs information using the input device 200, the measuring device 206 measures the time interval at which the information is input.

  The interval storage device 208 stores the interval measured by the measuring device 206. The interval storage device 208 according to the present embodiment stores the time interval in association with the operator's name. The interval storage device 208 according to the present embodiment does not store the interval when the time interval is extremely long and when the time interval is extremely short. The interval storage device 208 stores the time interval when the time interval is included in the range of μ ± 3σ. μ and σ are expressed by the following equations. Incidentally, determining whether to use data based on whether it is included in the range of μ ± 3σ is generally performed in a subjective evaluation experiment or the like.

  “I” represents a parameter. “N” represents the number of samples. “Xi” represents a time interval.

  Based on the time interval stored in the interval storage device 208, the estimation device 210 estimates the time (allowable time) that can be used for audio output. In the present embodiment, the estimation device 210 estimates the average value of the intervals stored in the interval storage device 208 as the allowable time. In the case of the present embodiment, the estimation device 210 uses a predetermined period (an interval corresponding to the latest 100 samples) in calculating the average value. This is because the change in the interval depending on the physical condition of the operator and the work environment is associated with the time used for outputting the voice. Note that the estimation device 210 may use all past data regarding an operator who is going to input information in calculating the average value.

  The generation device 212 is a device that synthesizes voice data based on the information searched by the search device 202 and the interval estimated by the estimation device 210. The generation device 212 is also a device that processes voice data synthesized by itself.

  The output device 214 is a device that outputs audio based on the audio data synthesized by the generation device 212.

The storage box 216 is a box for storing money.
The generation device 212 includes a synthesis device 2120, a calculation device 2122, and a change device 2124. The synthesizer 2120 synthesizes audio data. The calculation device 2122 makes a determination for changing the audio data. The changing device 2124 changes at least part of the audio data.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the information stored in database storage device 300 includes “product / operation name” and “price”. The “product / operation name” is information representing the name of the product or the name of the operation as text data. “Price” is information representing the price of a product as text data. [Price after discount processing] in FIG. 2 is information representing the discount amount. “Product / operation name” and “price” are text information corresponding to “code”. “Code” is information representing a number unique to a product. The database storage device 300 stores “product / operation name” and “price” in association with “code”.

  The database storage device 300 stores “accent position” and “voice control” in association with “product / operation name” and “price”, respectively. “Accent position” is information indicating the position of an accent when outputting a product name or operation name as a voice. “Voice control” is information representing the content of control performed on voice when a product name or operation name is outputted by voice.

  In the information shown in FIG. 2, “/” in “Hocidal Usan / Maitake” represents a boundary between words when outputting the information by voice. In the case of the present embodiment, the position of the accent is different before and after “/”.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of computer hardware that specifically realizes the cash register according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, each part of the cash register shown in FIG. 1 is a virtual device realized by the computer hardware shown in FIG. 3 and software executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 340 described later. .

  Referring to FIG. 3, the computer hardware that specifically realizes the cash register includes a CPU 340, a display 342, a main storage device 344, an external storage device 346, a barcode reader 348, a keyboard 350, and a touch panel. 352, a speaker 354, a communication device 356, a drawer 258, and a bus 359. The CPU 340, the display 342, the main storage device 344, the external storage device 346, the barcode reader 348, the keyboard 350, the touch panel 352, the speaker 354, the communication device 356, and the drawer 358 are connected via a bus 359. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 340 executes a program in which a processing procedure for specifically realizing the cash register according to the present embodiment is described. The CPU 340 obtains a program executed by itself from the main storage device 344 or the external storage device 346. The CPU 340 exchanges data with the display 342, the barcode reader 348, the touch panel 352, the main storage device 344, the external storage device 346, the communication device 356, the keyboard 350, and the speaker 354 through the bus 359. The CPU 340 is also a device that controls the opening / closing of the drawer 358 via the bus 359.

  The display 342 is a display medium combined with a graphic card or the like. Display 342 in the present embodiment is a liquid crystal monitor. A VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is provided on the graphic card. The data on the VRAM is converted into a display signal and then supplied to the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel displays the supplied display signal as an image.

  The main storage device 344 is usually composed of a memory device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and a flash memory. The main storage device 344 is a device that stores various data.

  The external storage device 346 is also a device that stores various data. In the present embodiment, the external storage device 346 includes a hard disk drive 360 and a PC (Personal Computer) card slot 362.

  The barcode reader 348, the keyboard 350, and the touch panel 352 are all devices for inputting information by the user. The bar code reader 348 converts the bar code into a signal by reflected light of the scanned light. The touch panel 352 detects the designation of a product from the operator. The keyboard 350 includes a plurality of buttons (keys) and generates a signal corresponding to the pressed key. The operator can input additional information such as a discount to the cash register by operating keys on the keyboard 350. Information input from the barcode reader 348, the touch panel 352, and the keyboard 350 is input to the CPU 340 via the bus 359.

  The speaker 354 is a device that interprets audio data sent via the bus 359 or the like as an audio signal and outputs it as audio. The output sound may be a simple sound with a single wavelength or may be a complex sound such as music or human speech.

  The communication device 356 is realized by a network interface card or the like. The communication device 356 is a device that exchanges data with a server 380 connected by wireless or wired communication.

  The drawer 358 is a drawer (that is, a box that can be inserted and removed) that mainly stores change.

  The cash register according to the present embodiment is realized by the computer hardware described above and software executed by the CPU 340. In the case of the present embodiment, the input device 200 is realized by any of the CPU 340, the barcode reader 348, the keyboard 350, and the touch panel 352. In the case of the present embodiment, the search device 202 is realized by the CPU 340, one of the main storage device 344 and the external storage device 346, and the communication device 356. In the case of the present embodiment, display device 204 is realized by display 342, CPU 340, main storage device 344, or external storage device 346. In the case of the present embodiment, the output device 214 is realized by the CPU 340, one of the main storage device 344 and the external storage device 346, and the speaker 354. In the case of the present embodiment, each device other than the input device 200, the search device 202, the display device 204, and the output device 214 is realized by the CPU 340 and any one of the main storage device 344 and the external storage device 346. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as the PC card 370, read from the recording medium by the PC card slot 362 of the external storage device 346, and temporarily stored in the hard disk drive 360. Further, the data is read into the DRAM of the main storage device 344 and executed by the CPU 340 described above. The computer hardware itself described above is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as a PC card 370.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the program executed by the cash register executes the following control regarding the output of information.

  In step 400 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S), the estimation device 210 estimates the allowable time. This process is performed in the following procedure. The first procedure is a process in which the barcode reader 348 that is the input device 200 converts the barcode into a signal (that is, a process in which a person inputs information represented by the barcode). In the second process, the search device 202 uses the information converted from the database stored in the database storage device 300 to a signal by the barcode reader 348 as a search key, using the “product name / operation name”, “price”, In addition, a search is performed for information associated with “product name / operation name” and “price”. As a result, the search device 202 searches for text information indicating either the name of the product or the price of the product as information corresponding to the information signaled by the barcode reader 348. The third process is a process in which the search device 202 stores information obtained by the search. The fourth process is a process in which the measurement device 206 measures a time interval. The “time interval” in the fourth process is a time interval at which a person inputs information represented by a barcode to the barcode reader 348 that is the input device 200. In the case of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the measuring device 206 can identify a “person” who inputs information. Thereby, the measuring apparatus 206 becomes an apparatus which measures the time interval when the same person inputs information. The fifth process is a process in which the interval storage device 208 stores a time interval. The sixth process is a process in which the estimation device 210 estimates an allowable time (that is, a threshold value) using the interval measured by the measurement device 206. As described above, the estimation device 210 calculates the average value of the intervals of the latest 100 samples (a plurality of intervals in the same person including the last interval) in the same person, measured by the measurement device 206. Estimated as an allowable time. In estimating the allowable time, the interval data for obtaining the average value may not be the latest 100, but in this embodiment, the average value of the intervals of the latest 100 samples is estimated as the allowable time.

  In S402, synthesis device 2120 displays audio data corresponding to information displayed on display device 204 (that is, “product / operation name” and “price” in information corresponding to information signaled by barcode reader 348). Is synthesized. In the case of the present embodiment, the synthesizing device 2120 synthesizes audio data based on “product / operation name” and “price” (that is, text information).

  In S404, calculation device 2122 calculates the time required to utter the voice represented by the data synthesized by itself.

  In S406, estimating apparatus 210 determines whether or not an allowable time is estimated. In the case of the present embodiment, the estimation device 210 determines whether or not the allowable time has been estimated based on whether or not the device itself stores the allowable time. If the allowable time is estimated (YES in S406), the process proceeds to S408. If not (NO in S406), the process proceeds to S412.

  In step S408, the changing device 2124 determines whether or not the utterance time exceeds the allowable time by comparing the allowable time stored by the estimation device 210 and the utterance time calculated by the calculation device 2122. If the utterance time exceeds the allowable time (YES in S408), the process proceeds to S410. If not (NO in S408), the process proceeds to S412.

  In S410, changing device 2124 changes the speed of utterance by changing data representing the duration of time when the voice is generated. In S412, the output device 214 outputs a voice based on the voice data synthesized by the synthesis device 2120. In addition, the display device 204 displays “product / operation name” and “price” among the information searched by the search device 202.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the cash register based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  The bar code reader 348 converts the bar code into a signal. As a result, information represented by a barcode (in this case, information of a code “0010”) is input. When the bar code is converted into a signal, the search device 202 searches the database stored in the database storage device 300 for information corresponding to the information signaled by the bar code reader 348. In this case, it is assumed that “nagay / nameno / showhin” is read out as “product / operation name” as a result of the search. It is assumed that “100” is read out as “price”. Description of the information read out as “accent position” or “voice control” is omitted. When the information is retrieved, the estimation device 210 estimates the allowable time based on the information stored in the interval storage device 208 (S400). In this example, the allowable time is assumed to be 3 seconds.

  When the allowable time is estimated, the synthesizer 2120 displays the information displayed on the display device 204 (that is, “product / operation name” and “price” in the information corresponding to the information signaled by the barcode reader 348). Based on this, the voice data is synthesized (S402). When synthesizing the voice data, the synthesizer 2120 synthesizes the voice data so as to correspond to “accent position” and “voice control”. Thus, the synthesis device 2120 synthesizes voice data based on text information such as “product / operation name” and “price” and so as to correspond to voice information such as “accent position” and “voice control”. Become.

  When the voice data is synthesized, the calculation device 2122 calculates the utterance time (S404). In the case of the present embodiment, the calculation device 2122 calculates the utterance time by generating the duration of each phoneme based on the probability model. In this case, it is assumed that the utterance time for uttering “Nagaina Enoshohin” and uttering “Hyaken” after one beat is calculated as 4 seconds.

  When the utterance time is calculated, the estimation device 210 determines whether or not the allowable time is estimated (S406). In this case, since the allowable time is estimated (YES in S406), changing device 2124 determines whether or not the utterance time (time spent for outputting voice) exceeds the allowable time (threshold) (S408). . In this case, since the utterance time exceeds the allowable time (YES in S408), the changing device 2124 uses the voice so that the duration of each phoneme of the voice data synthesized by the synthesizer 2120 is three quarters. The data representing the continuation time when generating is changed (S410). Thereby, the change device 2124 changes at least a part of the audio data generated by the synthesis device 2120 so that the time spent for audio output is less than or equal to the threshold if the time spent for audio output exceeds the threshold. It will be. Since the duration of each phoneme is changed to be three quarters, the changing device 2124 changes at least part of the voice data in an order independent of the importance of the information represented by the voice data. It becomes. As is apparent from FIG. 5, the utterance time is shortened from 4 seconds to 3 seconds. When the utterance time is shortened, the output device 214 outputs a voice based on the voice data synthesized by the synthesis device 2120. As a result, the output device 214 outputs the voice represented by the voice data. In addition, the display device 204 displays “product / operation name” and “price” among the information searched by the search device 202 (that is, information corresponding to the information signaled by the barcode reader 348) ( S412).

  As described above, when information on a product or price is input, the cash register according to the present embodiment displays the information and outputs the information by voice. The output sound is uninterrupted.

  In the current retail sales, one store handles a large amount of products (the handling of a large amount of products is realized by increasing the size of stores, etc.). Due to the large volume of merchandise handled, customers have come to purchase a wide variety of merchandise (eg daily necessities and groceries) at a single store.

  In the current retail sales, discount sales corresponding to the passage of time, discounts at the time of purchasing a plurality, and points corresponding to the purchase amount have been given.

  In accordance with the fact that various products are purchased and points are given, the details of the purchased products are displayed on the cash register and the display unit of the POS terminal. With the purchase of a wide variety of products and the granting of points, the value of points etc. has been written on receipts.

  In recent years when high-speed information input using a barcode scanner is used, it is difficult to simultaneously confirm the product itself actually read into the barcode scanner and the display unit. Since it is difficult to confirm the product itself and the display unit at the same time, some customers use the receipt to confirm the price of the purchased product after purchase.

  In the case of the cash register according to the present embodiment, information display and audio output are performed simultaneously, and the audio is not interrupted, so that information on products and prices is provided in a form that is easy for the customer to understand. In addition, when a person who is not good at operating a cash register operates the cash register, the interval between operations such as discounts and simultaneous purchase of a plurality of products tends to be longer. In this case, since the time that can be used for speech production is relatively long, it is possible to output speech that sounds relatively slowly. On the other hand, when a person who is good at operating the cash register operates the cash register, the operation interval tends to be shortened. In this case, if you synthesize voice at the same speed as a person who is not good at cash register operations, the next input will be entered while the voice is being output. The output stops. The cash register according to the present embodiment outputs sound in accordance with information input intervals. As a result, the output of sound is not delayed or the output of sound is not stopped. As a result, the information obtained by the search is stored, and the voice data according to the stored information is synthesized, so that effective information can be presented using the voice.

  Further, the cash register according to the present embodiment obtains an average value of information input intervals, and synthesizes voice so that voice output is completed during the average value. As a result, the reproducible time is appropriately estimated, so that information can be output using a voice with little loss of information and a slow speed.

  In addition, since the cash register according to the present embodiment synthesizes voice data from text information, it does not require a large memory for storing the voice data and can output voice without cost. In addition, since it is easy to change the synthesized voice, it is possible to easily obtain a voice having various characteristics regarding speed, volume, intonation, and the like. For example, when a special operation is performed, it is possible to synthesize a voice that attracts customer attention. “Voice that attracts customers' attention” includes audio that is characterized by pitch (pitch) and audio that is loud.

  Further, the cash register according to the present embodiment reduces the utterance time when the utterance time is equal to or longer than the allowable time. Since new voice data is generated to shorten the utterance time, normal voice can be output in a short time without distortion.

  The cash register according to the present embodiment may be used as a handy terminal for introducing products at a store or a terminal for inventory management in a warehouse.

  The information searched by the search device 202 from the database storage device 300 includes basic frequency information (information affecting the pitch of the sound), the presence / absence of echoes, accent strength, phrase fluctuation, sound volume, and intonation. It may include any information that can be controlled when outputting audio, such as content. As a result, the search device 202 provides text information indicating either the name of the product or the price of the product, the pitch, the accent, and the volume of the sound as information corresponding to the information signaled by the barcode reader 348. And voice information representing any of phrase fluctuation, presence / absence of echo, and intonation.

  Further, the information used for synthesizing the voice data may be a control tag attached to “product / operation name” or “price”.

  Further, another symbol may be used instead of “/” shown in FIG. The information structure shown in FIG. 2 is not particularly limited. The information searched and stored by the search device 202 may include the audio data itself. The information searched and stored by the search device 202 may include a pointer indicating the storage location of the audio data.

  In addition, the estimation device 210 may estimate the minimum value of a plurality of intervals (intervals for the input of the same person) measured by the measurement device 206 as the allowable time. In this case, since the shortest interval is set as the allowable time, it is very unlikely that the voice is interrupted on the way. At this time, in setting the shortest interval as the allowable time, the estimation device 210 may use all the past data stored for one operator, or the shortest time among the intervals of the latest 100 samples. May be allowed time. By using the interval for the most recent 100 samples, it is possible to adapt to fluctuations due to the physical condition of the operator and the working environment. When the shortest time among the intervals of the last 100 samples is set as the allowable time, the estimation apparatus 210 estimates the minimum value of a plurality of intervals including the last interval in the input order as the allowable time.

  In S404, calculation device 2122 stores in advance the amount of variation due to phoneme connections, accents, and the like as rules, and determines the duration of each phoneme according to those rules, thereby determining the utterance time. It may be calculated.

  The database of the database storage device 300 may be a database stored in the cash register interval storage device 208. In this case, the search device is a device that searches the database stored in the interval storage device 208.

<Second Embodiment>
The hardware configuration of the cash register according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the data stored in database storage device 300 further includes “importance”. “Importance” is information obtained by quantifying the importance of “product name / operation name” and “price” for a customer. “Importance” is associated with “product / operation name” and “price”.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the program executed by the cash register executes the following control regarding the output of information. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is given the same step number. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S420, changing device 2124 deletes part of the audio data synthesized by synthesizing device 2120. The changing device 2124 deletes the audio data so that the utterance time after the data deletion is less than the allowable time. The changing device 2124 preferentially deletes data with low “importance” from the audio data.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the cash register based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  The information obtained by the search is “Nagaya / Namaeno / Showhin”, “Waribiki”, and “10”. The estimation device 210 estimates the allowable time (S400). In this case, the allowable time is 3 seconds. When the allowable time is estimated, the calculation device 2122 calculates the utterance time through the process of S402 (S404). In this case, the utterance time of “Nagai / Namaeno / Showhin” is 3 seconds. The utterance time of “Waribiki” is 1.5 seconds. It is assumed that the utterance time of “Juyen” (voice corresponding to “10”) is 1.5 seconds. Through the process of S406, the changing device 2124 determines whether or not the utterance time exceeds the allowable time (S408). In this case, since utterance time is 6 seconds and allowable time is 3 seconds (YES in S408), changing device 2124 deletes the sound data (S420). In this case, it is assumed that the value of “importance” of “nagay / nameno / showhin” is “5”. It is assumed that the “importance” of “Waribiki” is “10”. It is assumed that the “importance” of “10” is “6”. In this case, if the voice data of “Nagai / Namaeno / Showhin” having the smallest “importance” value is deleted, the utterance time of the remaining voice data becomes 3 seconds, so the output device 214 outputs the voice. By deleting the audio data having the smallest “importance” value, the changing device 2124 changes a part of the audio data so as to delete in the order corresponding to the importance of the plurality of pieces of information represented by the audio data. It will be. In addition, the display device 204 displays the information searched by the search device 202 (S412).

  As described above, the cash register according to the present embodiment deletes audio data with low importance. As a result, the voice can be output at a slow speed that is easy for the customer to hear without losing important information to be output as the voice. For example, if you have to utter “Product Name: 〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇 ： Price: XXX yen” in a short time, if you utter all of them, there is a possibility that the voice will be very fast. is there. If the cash register according to the present embodiment is more important to say the price than to say the name of the product, the cash register may say “Xxxen” It is possible to output a voice that is sufficiently slow compared with the case of saying “xxx en” and that is easy for the customer to understand.

  Note that the changing device 2124 may reduce the audio data “Waribiki” to audio data such as “Hiki”, or may reduce the audio data “Juyen” to audio data such as “Ju”. That is, there is no particular limitation on how the audio data is deleted as long as the utterance time can be shortened while retaining the contents of the information.

<Third Embodiment>
The hardware configuration of the cash register according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed by the cash register executes the following control with respect to the output of information. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the process shown in FIG. 4 is given the same step number. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S430, changing device 2124 changes the speed of utterance and deletes audio data corresponding to a part of the searched information.

  With reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the cash register based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  The information searched by the search device 202 is “Nagaya / Namaeno / Showhin”, “Waribiki”, and “10”. As a result of the processing of S400 to S408, the allowable time is 1 second and the utterance time is 6 seconds. In this case, the changing device 2124 deletes the audio data. In this case, the utterance time of “Nagai / Namaeno / Showhin” is 3 seconds. The utterance time of “Waribiki” is assumed to be 1.5 seconds. The utterance time of “Juyen” is 1.5 seconds. The importance of “Nagai / Namaeno / Showhin” is “5”. The “importance” of “Waribiki” is “10”. The “importance” of “Juyen” is “8”. In this case, the changing device 2124 deletes the voice data of “Nagai / Namaeno / Showhin” having the lowest “importance”. Even if the voice data of “Nagai / Namaeno / Showhin” is deleted, the utterance time exceeds the allowable time. Since the utterance time exceeds the allowable time, the changing device 2124 deletes the audio data of “Juyen” having the next lowest “importance”. As is clear from deleting the voice data of “Nagai / Namaeno / Shohin” and deleting the voice data of “Juyen”, the changing device 2124 will change the voice data if the time spent for outputting the voice exceeds the threshold. Until the time spent for output falls below the threshold or the difference in importance is resolved, a part of the audio data is changed so as to be deleted in the order corresponding to the importance of the plurality of pieces of information represented by the audio data. If the difference in importance is resolved, the audio data is not deleted in the order corresponding to the importance. In this embodiment, when the audio data is deleted in the order corresponding to the importance, the difference in importance is resolved. This is because the order of deleting audio data cannot be determined. When the difference in importance is resolved and the time spent for audio output exceeds the threshold, the changing device 2124 uses at least a part of the audio data as audio so that the time spent for audio output is at least the threshold or less. The order of change is independent of the importance of the information represented by the data. In this case, the remaining audio data is “Waribiki”. For this reason, the deletion device 2124 shortens the utterance time of “Waribiki” to 1 second (S412).

  As described above, the cash register according to this embodiment can output sound within an allowable time. This makes it possible to provide information that can be easily understood by the customer and by the customer.

<Fourth embodiment>
Referring to FIG. 11, the cash register according to the present embodiment includes an input device 200, a search device 202, a display device 204, a measurement device 206, an interval storage device 208, an estimation device 210, and a generation device. 212, an output device 214, a storage box 216, a designation device 230, and a shortening device 232. The designation device 230 stores and designates the allowable value of the audio data deletion rate. The shortening device 232 controls the change of the audio data by the changing device 2124 of the generating device 212. Other hardware configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the program executed in the cash register executes the following control regarding the output of information. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is given the same step number. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S 440, designation device 230 outputs the allowable value of the deformation rate stored by itself to shortening device 232.

  In S442, shortening device 232 outputs the allowable value of the deformation rate to changing device 2124. The changing device 2124 determines whether or not at least one of the following conditions is satisfied. The first condition is that the audio data can be deformed within the allowable deformation amount range. The second condition is that the voice data is data for one word. If at least one condition is satisfied (YES in S442), the process proceeds to S444. If not (NO in S442), the process proceeds to S446.

  In S444, the changing device 2124 transforms the voice data so as to change the utterance speed (actually, the voice generating device generates new voice data, but controls the synthesizing device 2120 to synthesize new voice data). May be)

  In S446, changing device 2124 deletes all of the audio data synthesized by synthesizing device 2120 and corresponding to the information with the smallest “importance” (the audio data with the smallest “importance”). To do.

  In S448, changing device 2124 determines whether or not the voice data with the smallest “importance” can be uttered within the allowable time if the voice data is deleted. If it is determined that speech can be made (YES in S448), the process proceeds to S412. Otherwise (NO at S448), the process proceeds to S442.

  The operation of the cash register based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  Through the processes of S400 to S408, the designation device 230 outputs the maximum deformation amount to the shortening device 232 (S440). When the maximum value is output, the changing device 2124 determines whether or not at least one of the predetermined conditions is satisfied (S442). If none of the conditions are initially satisfied (NO in S442), the changing device 2124 deletes the audio data having the smallest “importance” (S446). That is, even if at least a part of the audio data is deleted until the deletion rate reaches the allowable value, if the time spent for outputting the sound exceeds the threshold, the changing device 2124 sets the time spent for outputting the audio to at least the threshold or less. Until that time, a part of the voice data is changed so as to be deleted in the order corresponding to the importance of the information represented by the voice data. When the audio data is deleted, the changing device 2124 determines whether the audio can be output within the allowable time if the audio data having the smallest “importance” is deleted (S448). In this case, if the voice cannot be output (NO in S448), the processes of S442 to S448 are repeated. Thereafter, when the sound data can be deformed within the allowable deformation amount range (YES in S442), changing device 2124 deforms the sound data (S444). As a result, the changing device 2124 changes at least part of the audio data in an order independent of the importance of the information represented by the audio data so that the deletion rate is equal to or less than the allowable value.

  As described above, the cash register according to the present embodiment can perform optimal control for audio output in accordance with the length of input information. For example, when the time reserved for utterance is slightly shorter than the synthesized voice, changing the utterance speed can provide a voice output that is easy to understand for the customer without missing information. In such a case, if the information to be generated is reduced depending on the importance, a large amount of information may be reduced unnecessarily. In addition, if the time reserved for utterance is relatively short with respect to the synthesized voice, changing the utterance speed may be too fast. In this case, by generating only important information, it is possible to obtain a voice that is easy to understand for the customer, not quick. In addition, when the time reserved for utterance is extremely short with respect to the synthesized voice, by changing the utterance speed and deleting the uttered information, a voice that is easy for the customer to understand can be obtained. As a result, a relatively large amount of information can be presented at a relatively slow utterance speed.

  The allowable amount may be specified based on the size of information searched by the search device 202 in S400.

<Fifth embodiment>
Referring to FIG. 13, the cash register according to the present embodiment includes an input device 200, a search device 202, a display device 204, a measurement device 206, an interval storage device 208, an estimation device 210, and a generation device. 212, an output device 214, a storage box 216, and a synchronization device 240. The synchronization device 240 synchronizes the timing at which the display device 204 displays information and the timing at which the output device 214 outputs sound. Other hardware configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the cash register according to the present embodiment performs the following control regarding the output of information. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes shown in FIG. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S450, synchronization device 240 detects that changing device 2124 has changed the speed of utterance. When it is detected that the utterance speed has been changed, the synchronization device 240 outputs a signal to the effect that information is simultaneously output to the display device 204 and the output device 214. The display device 204 and the output device 214 output information as soon as a signal is received from the synchronization device 240.

  The operation of the cash register based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  Through the processing up to S410, the output device 214 prepares to output sound. The display device 204 prepares to display information. When the utterance speed is changed, the synchronization device 240 outputs a signal indicating that information should be output simultaneously to the display device 204 and the output device 214. When the signal is output, the display device 204 and the output device 214 immediately output information. Thus, the synchronization device 240 controls the display device 204 and the output device 214 so that the time when the display device 204 displays information and the time when the output device 214 outputs sound are synchronized (S450). ).

  As described above, the cash register according to the present embodiment eliminates the time difference between the audio output and the display, thereby eliminating the customer's uncomfortable feeling due to the mismatch between the display and the audio.

  Note that, without using the synchronization device 240, the audio output and the information display can be synchronized by providing a minute waiting time between the search of the information by the search device 202 and the deformation of the information by the change device 2124. It is possible.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a control block diagram of the cash register according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the content of the information which the database storage device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention memorize | stores. It is a control block diagram of hardware which implement | achieves the cash register which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the output process of the information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the procedure of the audio | voice data change which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the content of the information which the database storage device concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention memorize | stores. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the output process of the information which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the procedure of the audio | voice data change which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the output process of the information which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the procedure of the audio | voice data change which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the cash register concerning the 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the output process of the information which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a cash register according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the output process of the information which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  200 input device 202 search device 204 display device 206 measurement device 208 interval storage device 210 estimation device 212 generation device 214 output device 216 storage box 230 designation device 232 shortening device 240 synchronization device 300 Database storage device, 340 CPU, 342 display, 344 main storage device, 346 external storage device, 348 barcode reader, 350 keyboard, 352 touch panel, 354 speaker, 356 communication device, 358 drawer, 359 bus, 360 hard disk drive, 362 PC Card slot, 370 PC card, 380 server, 2120 combining device, 2122 determining device, 2124 changing device.

Claims (14)

A database for storing each of a plurality of text strings in association with a code is provided.
The database stores at least one text in association with importance for each text string,
Input means for inputting the code ;
By referring to the database, and searching means for searching said text string corresponding to the input the code,
Generating means for generating voice data corresponding to the searched text string ;
Measuring means for measuring a time interval at which the code is input to the input means;
Calculation means for calculating a threshold based on the measured time interval;
When the time required for outputting the voice based on the voice data exceeds the threshold, the voice data is changed until there is no difference in the importance of the text included in the text string for generating the voice data. A changing means for deleting the text included in the text string to be generated in order of decreasing importance ;
And output means for outputting audio based on the audio data, the audio apparatus. The voice calculation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the threshold value for each user. The voice generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit uses the minimum value of the plurality of time intervals measured by the measurement unit as the threshold value. The sounding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculating unit uses an average value of a plurality of time intervals measured by the measuring unit as the threshold value. The voice input device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit reads the barcode as the code. The voice conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the text string includes a name of a product as the text. The voice conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the text string includes a price of a product as the text. The voice device according to claim 1, wherein the text string includes a production area of a product as the text. The voice conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the text string includes service content as the text. The speech apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the searched text string. An audio device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A cash register comprising storage means for storing cash. A speech method in a speech device comprising a database and a processor that stores each of a plurality of text strings in association with a code,
The database stores at least one text in association with importance for each text string,
The processor accepting a code;
The processor refers to the database to retrieve the text string corresponding to the entered code;
The processor generating speech data corresponding to the retrieved text string;
The processor measuring a time interval during which the code is input;
The processor calculating a threshold based on the measured time interval;
When the time required for the processor to output speech based on the speech data exceeds the threshold, until there is no difference in the importance of the text included in the text string for generating the speech data, Deleting the text included in the text string for generating the voice data in order of decreasing importance;
And outputting the voice based on the voice data. An audio program for outputting sound to a computer including a database and a processor that stores each of a plurality of text strings in association with a code,
The database stores at least one text in association with importance for each text string,
The voice program is stored in the processor.
Accepting the code,
Searching the text string corresponding to the entered code with reference to the database;
Generating speech data corresponding to the retrieved text string;
Measuring a time interval during which the code is input;
Calculating a threshold based on the measured time interval;
When the time required for outputting the voice based on the voice data exceeds the threshold, the voice data is changed until there is no difference in the importance of the text included in the text string for generating the voice data. Deleting the text included in the text string to be generated in order of increasing importance;
Outputting a voice based on the voice data. A computer-readable recording medium that records a voice program for outputting a voice to a computer including a database and a processor that stores each of a plurality of text strings in association with a code,
The database stores at least one text in association with importance for each text string,
The voice program is stored in the processor.
Accepting the code,
Searching the text string corresponding to the entered code with reference to the database;
Generating speech data corresponding to the retrieved text string;
Measuring a time interval during which the code is input;
Calculating a threshold based on the measured time interval;
When the time required for outputting the voice based on the voice data exceeds the threshold, the voice data is changed until there is no difference in the importance of the text included in the text string for generating the voice data. Deleting the text included in the text string to be generated in order of increasing importance;
Outputting a sound based on the sound data.

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