JP4747907B2 - Information output device and information output program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save time and labor for setting speed of voice output. <P>SOLUTION: In an electronic dictionary 1, when a character string "assemble" is designated as a jump object word in a reverse display by a user's operation (Fig. (d)) from a state of the content of Fi.(c) being displayed, a selection picture of dictionary data bases 82a to 82g such as "L&cir;NGMAN Dictionary of Contemporary English" is displayed on the display 10 of a display section 12 (Fig. (e)) as the dictionary data base of a jump destination. When "L&cir;NGMAN Dictionary of Contemporary English" is designated from the selection picture, its rank "4" is read, and a setting speed point is changed by only a change amount "+1 point" corresponding to the rank "4". Then, on the basis of the setting speed point after changing, a voice output speed is controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information output device and an information output program.

  Conventionally, an electronic dictionary device is known as one type of information output device. In a dictionary database (dictionary information) such as an English-Japanese dictionary incorporated in the electronic dictionary device, explanation information for explaining and explaining the headword is associated with and stored in a number of headwords.

In recent years, such an electronic dictionary device has accumulated and stored a large number of speech data of headwords and example sentences included in a dictionary database, and has output speech data at a speed set by a user. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-084789 A

  However, in the electronic dictionary device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the user's language ability is improved to increase the speed of the voice output, the speed of the voice output has to be set manually, which is troublesome. It was.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information output apparatus and an information output program that can save the effort for setting the speed of audio output.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is an information output device (for example, the electronic dictionary device 1 of FIG. 1),
Dictionary storage means (for example, the flash in FIG. 2) that stores a plurality of dictionary information (for example, the dictionary databases 82a to 82g in FIG. 2) in which explanation information is associated with each headword for the same language (for example, English). ROM8)
Voice data storage means (for example, flash ROM 8 in FIG. 2) for storing voice data in association with a predetermined character string in the explanation information;
Level storage means (for example, the dictionary level table 83 in FIG. 2) for storing each dictionary information in association with a preset level;
Dictionary information specifying means (for example, dictionary selection key 2d in FIG. 1) for specifying any of the dictionary information in the dictionary storage means as specified dictionary information based on a user operation;
A headword designating unit (for example, translation / decision key 2b in FIG. 1; step S11 in FIG. 8) for designating any headword in the designated dictionary information as a designated headword based on a user operation;
Search means (for example, the CPU 6 and the information output program 81 in FIG. 2) for searching the explanation information corresponding to the designated headword from the designated dictionary information;
Display means for displaying the explanation information searched by the search means (for example, the display unit 12 in FIG. 2; step S13 in FIG. 8);
Character string designating means (for example, translation / decision key 2b in FIG. 2; FIG. 8) for designating one of the predetermined character strings in the explanatory information displayed on the display means as a designated character string based on a user operation. Step S15),
Voice output means for outputting voice data corresponding to the designated character string (for example, the voice output unit 13 in FIG. 2; step S16 in FIG. 8);
Level detection means (for example, the CPU 6 and the information output program 81 in FIG. 2; step S35 in FIG. 10) for detecting the level of the designated dictionary information from the level storage means;
Speed control means (for example, the CPU 6 and the information output program 81 in FIG. 2; step S31 in FIG. 9) for controlling the sound output speed by the sound output means based on the level detected by the level detection means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 2 is the information output device according to claim 1 ,
Speed storage means (for example, an audio output speed storage area 86 in FIG. 2) for storing speed information (for example, speed points) about the audio output speed;
Speed information changing means for changing speed information in the speed storage means based on the level detected by the level detecting means (for example, the CPU 6 and the information output program 81 in FIG. 2; step S36 in FIG. 10);
With
The speed control means controls an audio output speed based on the speed information changed by the speed information changing means.

  Here, changing the speed information based on the level of the dictionary information means changing the speed information so that, for example, the voice output speed is increased if the level of the dictionary information is high, and the voice output speed is decreased if the level of the dictionary information is low. That is.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the information output device according to claim 1 Symbol placement (e.g., electronic dictionary device 1A of FIG. 1),
Speed storage means (for example, voice output speed storage area 86A in FIG. 12) for storing speed information (for example, speed points) about the voice output speed;
Search ratio storage means (for example, the dictionary level table 83A in FIG. 12) for storing each dictionary information in association with the search ratio by the search means;
Search level calculation means for calculating a search dictionary average level by adding the multiplication value of the level detected by the level detection means for each dictionary information and the search ratio stored by the search ratio storage means (for example, FIG. 12). CPU 6 and information output program 81A; step S46) of FIG.
Speed information changing means for changing speed information in the speed storage means based on the search dictionary average level calculated by the search level calculating means (for example, the CPU 6 and the information output program 81A in FIG. 12; step S47 in FIG. 16). When,
With
The speed control means controls an audio output speed based on the speed information changed by the speed information changing means.

Invention of Claim 4 is the information output device as described in any one of Claims 1-3 ,
History registration means (for example, history tables 84a to 84g in FIG. 28) that stores and stores the idiom as the headword searched for the description information by the search means and the predetermined character string in the description information in association with each other. )
The speed control means increases the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom stored in the history registration means.

Invention of Claim 5 is the information output device as described in any one of Claims 1-4 .
An idiom as a headword searched for the description information by the search means and the predetermined character string in the description information are stored in association with each other based on a user operation (for example, FIG. 28 word book tables 85a-85g)
The speed control means increases the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom stored in the word book registration means.

Invention of Claim 6 is the information output device as described in any one of Claims 1-5 ,
The predetermined character string is an example sentence included in the explanation information.

The invention according to claim 7 is an information output program (for example, the information output program 81 of FIG. 2),
Dictionary storage means for storing a plurality of dictionary information in which explanation information is associated with each headword for the same language, and voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with a predetermined character string in the explanation information And a level storage means for storing a preset level in association with each dictionary information (for example, the electronic dictionary device 1 in FIG. 1) ,
A dictionary information designation function for designating any of the dictionary information stored in the dictionary storage function as designated dictionary information based on a user operation;
A headword designating function (for example, step S11 in FIG. 8) for designating any headword in the designated dictionary information as a designated headword based on a user operation;
A search function for searching from the specified dictionary information for explanation information corresponding to the specified headword;
A display function (for example, step S13 in FIG. 8) for performing control to display the explanatory information searched by the search function;
A character string designating function (for example, step S15 in FIG. 8) for designating any of the predetermined character strings in the description information displayed on the display function as a designated character string based on a user operation;
An audio output function for outputting audio data corresponding to the designated character string (for example, step S16 in FIG. 8);
A level detection function (for example, step S35 of FIG. 10) for detecting the level of the designated dictionary information from the level storage means ;
A speed control function (for example, step S31 in FIG. 9) for controlling the voice output speed by the voice output function based on the level detected by the level detection function;
It is characterized by realizing.

According to the first aspect of the invention, since the voice output speed is controlled based on the level of the designated dictionary information, the voice output speed can be set in accordance with the user's language ability.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the search dictionary average level is calculated by adding the product of the level of each dictionary information and the search ratio, and the speed information is changed based on the calculated search dictionary average level. Since the voice output speed is controlled based on the changed speed information, the voice output speed can be surely matched with the language ability of the user.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom stored in the history registration means is increased, the voice output speed can be surely matched to the user's language ability. it can.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom stored in the word book registration means is increased, the voice output speed can be surely matched to the user's language ability. Can do.

  An embodiment of an electronic dictionary device to which an information output device according to the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIGS.

<First Embodiment>
First, the configuration of the electronic dictionary device in the first embodiment will be described.
[Appearance configuration]
FIG. 1A is a perspective external view of the electronic dictionary device 1 in the present embodiment.
As shown in this figure, the electronic dictionary device 1 includes a display 10, a speaker 11, a card slot 5, and a key group 2.

The display 10 is a part that displays various data such as characters and codes according to the operation of the key group 2 by the user, and is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), or the like.
The speaker 11 is a portion that outputs a headword or an example sentence according to the operation of the key group 2 by the user.
The card slot 5 is detachably provided on an external information storage medium 5a that stores various information.

  The key group 2 has various keys for the user to operate the electronic dictionary device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, the key group 2 includes a power key 2a, a translation / decision key 2b, a character key 2c, a dictionary selection key 2d, a cursor key 2e, and a shift key 2f. A return key 2g, a word voice output key 2h, an example sentence reading key 2i, a speed setting key 2j, a word book key 2k, a history key 2m, a jump key 2n, and the like.

  The power key 2a is a key for switching the power ON / OFF. The translation / decision key 2b is a key used for executing a search, determining a headword, and the like. The character key 2c is a key used for inputting characters by the user, and includes “A” to “Z” keys in the present embodiment. The dictionary selection key 2d is a key used for selecting a dictionary database to be described later.

  The cursor key 2e is a key used for the reverse display position in the screen, that is, the movement of the cursor position. The shift key 2f is a key used when a Japanese word is set as a search target. The return key 2g is a key used when returning to the previously displayed screen.

  The word voice output key 2h is a key used when outputting a headword as a voice. The example sentence reading key 2i is a key used for sequentially outputting the voices of the words constituting the example sentence from the first word.

  The speed setting key 2j is a key used when setting an audio output speed, and is used in combination with the cursor key 2e, for example. The word book key 2k is used when registering a headword or an example sentence on which explanation information is displayed and accumulating and storing it in a word book table group 85 (see FIG. 2) described later, or accumulating and storing in the word book table group 85 This key is used to display a list of headwords and example sentences. In the present embodiment, it is used in combination with the shift key 2f when registering a word book, and when displaying registered contents as a list. Is designed to be used alone.

  The history key 2m is a key used for displaying a list of headwords and example sentences stored and stored in a history table group 84 (see FIG. 2) described later. The jump key 2n is a key used when starting the jump function. The jump function means that when the user selects a word in the description information (hereinafter referred to as a jump target word) while the description information is displayed, the headword corresponding to the jump target word is the jump destination. In other words, it is a function that is searched again in the re-search destination dictionary.

[Internal configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic dictionary device 1.
As shown in this figure, the electronic dictionary device 1 includes a display unit 12, a voice output unit 13, a recording medium reading unit 15, an input unit 14, a CPU 6, a RAM 7, and a flash ROM 8.

The display unit 12 includes the display 10 described above, and displays various information on the display 10 based on a display signal input from the CPU 6.
The audio output unit 13 includes the speaker 11 described above, and causes the speaker 11 to reproduce audio data based on an audio output signal input from the CPU 6.

The recording medium reading unit 15 includes the card slot 5 described above, and reads information from the external information storage medium 5 a mounted in the card slot 5.
The input unit 14 includes the key group 2 described above, and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressed key to the CPU 6.

  The CPU 6 executes processing based on a predetermined program in accordance with an input instruction, performs an instruction to each function unit, data transfer, and the like, and comprehensively controls the electronic dictionary device 1. . Specifically, the CPU 6 reads out various programs stored in the flash ROM 8 according to an operation signal or the like input from the input unit 14, and executes processing according to the program. Then, the CPU 6 stores the processing result in the RAM 7 and outputs a display signal for displaying the processing result to the display unit 12 as appropriate to display the corresponding display content.

  The flash ROM 8 is a memory that stores programs and data for realizing various functions of the electronic dictionary device 1. In the present embodiment, the flash ROM 8 includes an information output program 81 according to the present invention, a dictionary database group 82, a history table group 84, a word book table group 85, a dictionary level table 83, and an audio output speed storage. An area 86, a speed control table 87, a rating-speed change amount table 88, and the like are stored.

  The information output program 81 is a program for causing the CPU 6 to execute a later-described dictionary search process (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

  The dictionary database group 82 has a plurality of types of dictionary databases built in the electronic dictionary device 1, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Dictionary database 82a of "Guman Contemporary American English Dictionary", Dictionary database 82b of "Ji * Nias English-Japanese Dictionary", Dictionary Database 82c of "Ji * Nias Japanese-English Dictionary", and Dictionary Database of "Ro * Gumanro * Ecsaurus Thesaurus" 82 d, a dictionary database 82 e of “English synonym dictionary”, a dictionary database 82 f of “Spelling dictionary with Katakana”, a dictionary database 82 g of “Li * Ders English-Japanese dictionary”, and the like.

  These dictionary databases 82a to 82g store, for example, a plurality of headwords and explanation information for explaining the headwords in detail, as shown in an example in FIG. Here, the explanation information includes an example sentence including a headword. The dictionary databases 82a to 82g store voice data corresponding to example sentences.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the history table group 84 includes history list tables 84a to 84g related to the dictionary databases 82a to 82g. These history list tables 84a to 84g show search histories of the corresponding dictionary databases 82a to 82g. When the explanation information in the dictionary databases 82a to 82g is read and displayed, Example sentences are accumulated and stored, that is, history registration is performed.

  The word book table group 85 includes word book tables 85a to 85g related to the dictionary databases 82a to 82g. These word book tables 85a to 85g read and display the explanation information in the corresponding dictionary databases 82a to 82g, and when the word book registration is instructed by the user operation, the found words and example sentences are converted into the word book. Accumulated and stored as headwords, that is, registered as a word book.

  The word book tables 85a to 85g and the history list tables 84a to 84g have an upper limit on the number of headwords and example sentences stored and stored. It has come to be.

  The dictionary level table 83 is a data table that defines the rating of each built-in dictionary of the electronic dictionary device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, for each built-in dictionary database 82 a to 82 g, the dictionary name and the difficulty of the dictionary are stored. A rating indicating a level such as degree is stored in association with each other. In FIG. 5, the rating is indicated by the number of star marks “☆”, and the number of the higher the difficulty level of the dictionary is.

  The audio output speed storage area 86 stores the set speed of audio output by the audio output unit 13 as a set speed point. Here, in the present embodiment, the set speed point takes a value of 0 to 1000.

  The speed control table 87 is a table for controlling the speed of the voice output by the voice output unit 13 based on the set speed point in the voice output speed storage area 86. In the present embodiment, the voice output speed is set to “ The control is performed in five stages of “low speed”, “slightly low speed”, “medium speed”, “slightly high speed”, and “high speed”. More specifically, the speed control table 87 stores the speed point in association with the voice output speed. As shown in FIG. 6, when the speed point is “0 to 199”, the voice output speed is set. When the speed point is “200 to 399”, the audio output speed is “slightly low”. When the speed point is “400 to 599”, the audio output speed is “medium speed”. When the point is “600 to 799”, the voice output speed is set to “slightly high speed”, and when the point is “800 to 1000”, the voice output speed is set to “high speed”.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the rating-speed change amount table 88 stores the ratings of the dictionary databases 82a to 82g and the change amounts of the set speed points corresponding to the ratings in association with each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 described above, the RAM 7 includes a memory area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU 6, data related to the execution of these programs, and the like in the present embodiment. A designated word storage area 71, a designated dictionary type storage area 72, and a jump target word storage area 73.

  The designated headword storage area 71 stores a designated headword designated by the user as a headword to be dictionaryd. In the present embodiment, the designated headword is selected from a list of headwords read from the dictionary database in alphabetical order or alphabetical order so as to match the input character or the designated character in front. ing.

In the designated dictionary type storage area 72, the types of dictionary databases 82a to 82g designated by the user are stored.
The jump target word storage area 73 stores jump target words.

[Dictionary search processing]
Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1 will be described. 8 to 10 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the dictionary search process in which the CPU 6 reads the information output program 81 from the flash ROM 8 and executes it.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, when the CPU 6 is instructed to execute a dictionary search process in response to a user operation, the CPU 6 reads a set speed point for voice output from the voice output speed storage area 86 (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 6 determines whether or not the dictionary databases 82a to 82g are designated by operating the dictionary selection key 2d (step S2).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the dictionary databases 82a to 82g are not designated (step S2; No), the CPU 6 performs text, i.e., finding, in the RAM 7 or the flash ROM 8 by operating the history key 2m, for example. It is determined whether or not a word or example sentence is specified (step S3). If it is determined that a word or example sentence is not specified (step S3; No), the process proceeds to another process.

  If it is determined in step S3 that text is designated (step S3; Yes), the CPU 6 reads the designated text and displays it on the display unit 12 (step S4), and then the word voice output key 2h. And whether or not the example sentence reading key 2i is operated (step S5). If it is determined that the example sentence reading key 2i is not operated (step S5; No), the process proceeds to another process.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the word voice output key 2h or the example sentence reading key 2i has been operated (step S5; Yes), the CPU 6 specifies a reading range in the text based on the user operation (step S6). ), A voice reading process is performed (step S7).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the CPU 6 reads out the audio output set speed point from the audio output speed storage area 86 (step S <b> 30). Next, the CPU 6 converts the read set speed point into a voice output speed by the speed control table 87, and then outputs the text in the specified range by voice at this voice output speed (step S31), thereby performing voice reading processing. finish.

  Then, when the speech reading process is completed, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 6 proceeds to the process of step S5 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the dictionary databases 82a to 82g are designated (step S2; Yes), the CPU 6 selects from the dictionary database group 82 in response to the depression of the dictionary selection key 2d. After designating any one dictionary database as the designated dictionary database, the type of the designated dictionary database is stored in the designated dictionary type storage area 72, and a character input screen corresponding to the type of the designated dictionary database is displayed on the display unit 12. (Step S8).

  For example, when the dictionary database 82c of “Ji * Nias Japanese-English Dictionary” is designated by the user operation (step S2; Yes), the character input as shown in FIG. A screen is displayed (step S8).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when the search word, that is, the search word is input by the operation of the character key 2 c (step S <b> 9), the CPU 6 selects the search word that matches the search word in front. The head words are read out in the order stored in the designated dictionary database at the top, and are displayed as a list on the display unit 12 (step S10).

  For example, when the search word “Atsumaru” is input by a user operation from the state where the content of FIG. 11A is displayed (step S9), the search word corresponds to the search word as shown in FIG. 11B. A list of headwords is displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12 (step S10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when any headword is designated as a designated headword by operating the cursor key 2e, the translation / decision key 2b, or the like (step S11), the CPU 6 The spoken word is stored in the designated headword storage area 71, and the voice output setting speed changing process is performed (step S12).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 6 reads the ratings of the designated dictionary databases 82a to 82g from the dictionary level table 83 based on the information in the designated dictionary type storage area 72 (step S35), and then ratings. -Based on the speed change amount table 88, the set speed point in the audio output speed storage area 86 is changed and updated by the change amount corresponding to the rating (step S36), and the set speed changing process is terminated.

  For example, when the headword “Atsumaru [Gather]” is designated as the designated headword by the user operation in reverse display from the state in which the content of FIG. 11B is displayed (step S11), the dictionary level table 83. (See FIG. 5), the rating “3” in the dictionary database 82c of “Ji * Nias Japanese-English Dictionary” is read (step S35), and the rating is based on the rating-speed variation table 88 (see FIG. 7). The set speed point in the audio output speed storage area 86 (see FIG. 6) is changed and updated by the change amount “no change” corresponding to “3” (step S36).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 6 retrieves the description information of the designated headword from the designated dictionary databases 82 a to 82 g based on the information in the designated headword storage area 71 and displays it on the display unit 12. (Step S13).

  For example, when the headword “Atsumaru [Gather]” is designated as the designated headword by the user's operation in reverse display from the state where the content of FIG. 11B is displayed (step S11), FIG. ), The explanation information of the designated headword is displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 6 determines whether or not the word voice output key 2h or the example sentence reading key 2i is operated (step S14). When it is determined in step S14 that the word voice output key 2h or the example sentence reading key 2i has been operated (step S14; Yes), the CPU 6 designates a reading range based on the user operation (step S15), and After performing the speech reading process in steps S30 to S31 (see FIG. 9) (step S16), the process proceeds to step S14.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the word voice output key 2h and the example sentence reading key 2i are not operated (step S14; No), the CPU 6 determines whether the jump key 2n is operated (step S17). ), When it is determined that it is not operated (step S17; NO), the process proceeds to another process.

  If it is determined in step S17 that the jump key 2n has been operated (step S17; Yes), the CPU 6 designates a character string in the description information as a jump target word based on a user operation, and the jump The target word is stored in the jump target word storage area 73 (step S18). Further, the CPU 6 designates the jump destination dictionary databases 82a to 82g as designated dictionary databases 82a to 82g, and stores the designated dictionary databases 82a to 82g in the designated dictionary type storage area 72 (step S19).

  Next, the CPU 6 performs the setting speed changing process in steps S35 to S36 (see FIG. 10) described above (step S20), and specifies the explanation information of the headword corresponding to the jump target word specified in step S18. After searching from the dictionary databases 82a to 82g and displaying on the display unit 12 (step S21), the process proceeds to the above-described step S14.

  For example, from the state in which the content of FIG. 11C is displayed, as shown in FIG. 11D, when the character string “assemble” is designated as a jump target word by the reverse operation by the user operation (step S18). 11 (e), a selection screen of dictionary databases 82a to 82g such as “Logman Modern American English Dictionary” is displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12 as a dictionary database of a jump destination. Next, when the dictionary database 82a of “Logman Modern American English Dictionary” is designated from this selection screen (step S19), the rating “4” of the dictionary database 82a is determined from the dictionary level table 83 (see FIG. 5). Based on the rating-speed change amount table 88 (see FIG. 7), the audio output speed storage area 86 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the change amount “+1 point” corresponding to the rating “4” is read out. The set speed point is changed and updated (step S36). Then, as shown in FIG. 11F, the explanation information of the headword corresponding to the jump target word “assemble” is retrieved from the dictionary database 82a and displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12 (step S21).

  According to the electronic dictionary device 1 described above, as shown in steps S35 to S36 of FIG. 10, the set speed point is updated based on the ratings of the dictionary databases 82a to 82g, and the voice output speed is controlled. Unlike the prior art, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the audio output speed. Further, since the voice output speed is controlled based on the ratings of the dictionary databases 82a to 82g used for the search, the voice output speed can be set in accordance with the user's language ability.

<Modification of First Embodiment>
Subsequently, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic dictionary device 1A in the present modification includes a flash ROM 8A. The flash ROM 8A includes an information output program 81A according to the present invention, a dictionary level table 83A, and an audio output speed storage area 86A. And a speed control table 87A.

  The information output program 81A is a program for causing the CPU 6 to execute a dictionary search process (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 16) described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the dictionary level table 83A includes a dictionary name, a rating indicating the level of difficulty of the dictionary, the number of times used and a usage ratio for each of the built-in dictionary databases 82a to 82g. Are stored in association with each other. Here, FIG. 13 shows the dictionary level table 83A in the default state, and FIG. 14 shows the dictionary level table 83A after the electronic dictionary device 1A is used by the user.

  In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the rating is indicated by the number of star marks “☆”, and the number of the higher the difficulty level of the dictionary is. In these figures, a part of the dictionary is not shown. Further, the dictionary level table 83A has an upper limit on the total number of times of use, and when this number is exceeded, each number of times of use is divided by a predetermined constant.

  The voice output speed storage area 86A stores the set speed of voice output by the voice output unit 13 as a set speed point. In the present embodiment, the set speed point is 0.00 to 5.00. It is supposed to take a value.

  The speed control table 87A is a table for controlling the speed of voice output by the voice output unit 13 based on the set speed point in the voice output speed storage area 86A. In the present embodiment, the voice output speed is set to “ The control is performed in five stages of “low speed”, “slightly low speed”, “medium speed”, “slightly high speed”, and “high speed”. More specifically, the speed control table 87A stores the speed point in association with the audio output speed, and when the speed point is “0.00 to 0.99” as shown in FIG. When the audio output speed is “low”, the speed point is “1.00 to 1.99”, the audio output speed is “slightly low”, and the speed point is “2.00 to 2.99”. When the voice output speed is “medium speed”, the speed point is “3.00 to 3.99”, the voice output speed is “slightly high”, and the speed point is “4.00 to 5.00” In this case, the voice output speed is set to “high speed”.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1A will be described. FIGS. 8, 9, and 16 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the dictionary search process in which the CPU 6 reads and executes the information output program 81A from the flash ROM 8A. The operation of the electronic dictionary device 1A is different from the above-described operation of the electronic dictionary device 1 only in the setting speed changing process (see FIGS. 8 and 10) in steps S12 and S20. A description of the processing is omitted.

  In the setting speed changing process of the present modification, first, the CPU 6 reads the ratings of the dictionary databases 82a to 82g designated in step S2 or step S19 (see FIG. 8) from the dictionary level table 83 as shown in FIG. After that (step S45), the number of searches for the level in the number-by-level table 88A is increased by “1” (step S46), and the usage ratios of the dictionary databases 82a to 82g are changed based on this change.

  Next, the CPU 6 calculates a value obtained by adding the values of (search ratio) × (rating) of the dictionary databases 82a to 82g in the dictionary level table 83A as a search dictionary average level (step S46).

  Next, the CPU 6 updates the set speed point in the audio output speed storage area 86 based on the calculated search dictionary average level (step S47), and ends the set speed changing process. Here, in the present embodiment, the CPU 6 updates the calculated search dictionary average level value as a set speed point.

  For example, when the dictionary level table 83A is in the state of FIG. 13 described above, the value of the search dictionary average level is “2.6” (= 4 × 0.2 + 3 × 0.2 + 2 × 0.2 + 4 × 0.2 + 1). × 0.2), and when the dictionary level table 83A is in the state shown in FIG. 14, the value of the search dictionary average level is “3.5” (= 4 × 0.5 + 3 × 0.15 + 2 × 0. 1 + 4 × 0.2 + 1 × 0.05). Then, in the result of updating this value as the set speed point (step S47) and the voice reading process in step S7 and step S16 (see FIG. 8), “middle” is based on the speed control table 87A (see FIG. 15). Sound is output at "Fast" or "Slightly high speed".

Subsequently, an operation example of the above dictionary search processing will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), after the dictionary database 82c of “JiNias Japanese-English Dictionary” is designated by the user operation (step S2; Yes (see FIG. 8)), it is shown in FIG. 17 (b). In this way, when the search word “Atsumaru” is input (step S9 (see FIG. 8)), the headwords corresponding to the search word are displayed in a list on the display 10 of the display unit 12 (step S10 (FIG. 8). reference)).

  Next, when the headword “Atsumaru [gathering]” is designated as the designated headword by the reverse display (step S11 (see FIG. 8)), the use count of the designated dictionary database 82c is increased by “1” (step S11). S45 (see FIG. 16)). Then, after the search dictionary average level is calculated (step S46 (see FIG. 16)) and the set speed point is updated (step S47 (see FIG. 16)), as shown in FIG. The explanation information of the spoken word is displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12 (step S13 (see FIG. 8)).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), when the character string “assemble” is designated as a jump target word in reverse video display by a user operation (step S18 (see FIG. 8)), it is shown in FIG. 18 (b). Thus, a selection screen of dictionary databases 82 a to 82 g such as “Logman Modern American English Dictionary” is displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12 as the dictionary database of the jump destination.

  Next, when the dictionary database 82a of “Logman Modern American English Dictionary” is designated from this selection screen (step S19 (see FIG. 8)), the use count of the designated dictionary database 82a is increased by “1” (step S19). S45 (see FIG. 16)). Then, after the search dictionary average level is calculated (step S46 (see FIG. 16)) and the set speed point is updated (step S47 (see FIG. 16)), as shown in FIG. The explanation information of the spoken word is displayed on the display 10 of the display unit 12 (step S13 (see FIG. 8)).

  Next, the example sentence reading key 2i is operated (step S14; Yes (see FIG. 8)), and as shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, the example sentence “2” is displayed in the highlighted range by the user operation. (Step S15 (see FIG. 8)), the audio output set speed point is read from the audio output speed storage area 86 (step S30 (see FIG. 9)) and converted into the audio output speed. After that, the example sentence “2” is output by voice at this voice output speed (step S31 (see FIG. 9)).

  According to the electronic dictionary device 1A described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and as shown in steps S46 to S47 of FIG. 16, the dictionary databases 82a to 82g are used. The search dictionary average level is calculated by adding the multiplication value of the rating and the search ratio, the speed information is updated based on the calculated search dictionary average level, and the voice output speed is calculated based on the changed speed information. Since it is controlled, the voice output speed can be surely matched to the user's language ability.

  In the first embodiment and its modification, it has been described that the dictionary database group 82 and the dictionary level table 83 are stored only in the flash ROMs 8 and 8A. However, for example, as shown in FIG. The dictionary database group 500 and the dictionary level table 505 may also be stored in the storage medium 5a.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the dictionary database group 500 includes an English-related dictionary database 500a, an A-Tibeta dictionary database 500b, and an English conversation group. The dictionary level table 505 has a dictionary name and a rating indicating the level of difficulty of the dictionary for each of the dictionary databases 500a to 500c, as shown in FIG. Are stored in association with each other.

  Further, when such an external information storage medium 5a is connected to the card slot 5, the CPU 6 reads out the set speed points in the audio output speed storage areas 86 and 86A in step S1 of the dictionary search process (see FIG. 8). After that, the value obtained by multiplying the number “7” of the built-in dictionary databases 82a to 82g stored in the flash ROM 8 by the set speed point, and the ratings of the dictionary databases 500a to 500c stored in the external information storage medium 5a It is good also as setting again as a speed point the value which added together and divided by the total number of dictionary databases.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the current set speed point is “2”, “6” dictionary databases are built in the flash ROM 8, and a dictionary database with a rating as shown in FIG. When the information storage medium 5a is built in, the set speed point is reset to “2.66” (= (6 × 2 + 5 + 4 + 3) / 9).

  Also in this case, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the voice output speed in accordance with the user's language ability and setting the voice output speed. However, when the external information storage medium 5a is removed from the card slot 5, the CPU 6 preferably performs normal dictionary search processing.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the electronic dictionary device to which the information output device according to the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to said 1st Embodiment and a modification, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the electronic dictionary device 1B according to the present embodiment includes a flash ROM 8B. The flash ROM 8B includes an information output program 81B according to the present invention, an entry word level table 83B, and an audio output speed. A storage area 86B, a speed control table 87B, and a number-by-level table 88B are stored.

  The information output program 81B is a program for causing the CPU 6 to execute a later-described dictionary search process (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 27).

  The headword level table 83B is a data table in which the difficulty level of the headword in the built-in dictionary in the electronic dictionary device 1 is defined. As shown in FIG. 24, the headword level corresponds to the difficulty level. It is attached and stored. In the present embodiment, the difficulty level is three levels of “1 (easy)”, “2 (normal)”, and “3 (difficult)”.

  The audio output speed storage area 86B is an area for storing the set speed of audio output by the audio output unit 13 as a set speed point. Here, in the present embodiment, the set speed point takes a value of 0.00 to 4.00.

  In the present embodiment, the speed control table 87B controls the audio output speed in three stages of “low speed”, “medium speed”, and “high speed”. More specifically, in the speed control table 87B, as shown in FIG. 25, when the speed point is “0.00 to 1.66”, the voice output speed is set to “low speed”, and the speed point is set to “1.67”. In the case of ˜2.33, the voice output speed is set to “medium speed”, and in the case where the speed point is “2.34 to 4.00”, the voice output speed is set to “high speed”.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, the number-of-levels table 88B stores the entry difficulty level and the number of search times for each level in association with each other. In the present embodiment, the number of searches for difficulty level “1 (easy)” is “x” times, the number of searches for difficulty level “2 (normal)” is “y” times, and the difficulty level is “3”. (Difficult) ”is searched“ z ”times.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1B will be described. FIGS. 8, 9, and 27 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the dictionary search process in which the CPU 6 reads and executes the information output program 81B from the flash ROM 8B. Note that the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1B differs from the above-described operation of the electronic dictionary device 1 only in the setting speed changing process (see FIGS. 8 and 10) in steps S12 and S20. A description of the processing is omitted.

  In the set speed changing process of the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 6 determines the difficulty level of the headword designated or selected in step S11 or step S18 (see FIG. 8). After reading from the level table 83B (step S55), the number of searches for the level in the number-by-level table 88B is increased by “1” (step S56).

  Next, the CPU 6 calculates the search headword average level by weighting and averaging the level of the headword in the number-of-levels table 88B by the number of times of sound output of the headword at that level (step). S57). More specifically, the CPU 6 adds the values of (level value) × (number of searches) of each level and searches for a value (= (1 × x + 2 × y + 3 × z) / (w + y + z)) divided by the total number of searches. Use the headword average level.

  Next, the CPU 6 updates the set speed point in the audio output speed storage area 86B based on the calculated search word average level (step S58), and ends the set speed changing process. Here, in the present embodiment, the CPU 6 updates the calculated search entry average level value as a set speed point.

  According to the electronic dictionary device 1B described above, as shown in steps S45 to S48 in FIG. 27, the set speed point is updated based on the level of the headword designated as the search target, and the designated headword. Since the voice output speed of the character string corresponding to the word is controlled, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the voice output speed unlike the conventional technique.

  In addition, as shown in step S46 of FIG. 27, the search word average level is calculated by weighting and averaging the word level by the number of searches of each word at that level. Since the speed point is changed based on the retrieved average level of search terms and the voice output speed is controlled based on the changed speed information, the voice output speed can be set according to the language ability of the user. .

  In the second embodiment, the number-of-levels table 88B has been described as storing the number of searches in association with the difficulty level of the headword, but as shown in FIG. In addition, the number of voice output times of the example sentence corresponding to the headword may be stored in association with each other. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

<Modification of the first and second embodiments>
Next, modified examples of the first and second embodiments will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to said 1st, 2nd embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 12, or FIG. 23 described above, the electronic dictionary device 1C according to this modification includes a flash ROM 8C, and the flash ROM 8C stores an information output program 81C according to the present invention. .

  The information output program 81C is a program for causing the CPU 6 to execute a later-described dictionary search process (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 29).

  Further, in the history list tables 84a to 84g and the word book tables 85a to 85g in the present modification, as shown in FIG. 28, headwords such as idioms searched for explanation information and example sentences in the explanation information Are stored in association with each other.

  Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary device 1C will be described. FIGS. 8, 9, and 29 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the dictionary search process in which the CPU 6 reads and executes the information output program 81C from the flash ROM 8C. The operation of the electronic dictionary device 1C is different from the above-described operation of the electronic dictionary devices 1, 1A, 1B only in the speech reading process (see FIGS. 8 and 10) in steps S7 and S16. Description of other processes is omitted.

  In the voice reading process of the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 6 reads the voice output set speed point from the voice output speed storage area 86 (step S60), and then in step S6 or step S15. It is determined whether or not the text in the designated reading range includes idioms registered in history registration and word book (step S61).

  If it is determined in step S61 that the registered idiom is not included (step S61; No), the CPU 6 converts the set speed point read in step S60 into an audio output speed by the speed control table 87. After that, the text in the designated range is output by voice at this voice output speed (step S62), thereby completing the voice reading process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that the registered idiom is included (step S61; Yes), the CPU 6 converts the set speed point read in step S60 to the audio output speed by the speed control table 87. After conversion, the voice output speed is increased by one level to output the text in the specified range as voice (step S63), thereby completing the voice reading process.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 28, an idiom “not only but also” and an example sentence including this idiom are registered in history, and as shown in FIG. 30A, the example sentence is displayed by operating the history key 2m. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the idiom “not only but also” registered in the history is the text “The report has not only attracted much attention but also some sharp criticism.” As a result of the determination that the text is included in the voice output speed (step S61; Yes), this text is output as a voice at a speed one step higher than the voice output speed corresponding to the set speed point in the voice output speed storage area 86. (Step S63).

  According to the above electronic dictionary device 1C, as shown in steps S61 to S63 in FIG. 29, the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom registered in the history registration or word book is increased. The voice output speed can be surely matched to the user's language ability.

The embodiment to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, although the information output device according to the present invention has been described as the electronic dictionary devices 1 and 1A to 1C, other electronic devices such as a personal computer and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) may be used.
In the modification of the first and second embodiments, the dictionary databases 500a to 500c are described as being added from the card slot 5, but may be added via a communication line such as the Internet.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the electronic dictionary apparatus to which the information output device which concerns on this invention is applied, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a partial top view. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic dictionary apparatus to which the information output device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows a dictionary database group. It is a figure which shows the structure of a dictionary database. It is a figure which shows a dictionary level table. It is a figure which shows the table for speed control. It is a figure which shows a rating-speed change amount table. It is a flowchart which shows a dictionary search process. It is a flowchart which shows a voice reading process. It is a flowchart which shows a setting speed change process. It is a figure which shows the display content of a display in case a dictionary search process is performed. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic dictionary apparatus to which the information output device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows a dictionary level table. It is a figure which shows a dictionary level table. It is a figure which shows the table for speed control. It is a flowchart which shows a setting speed change process. It is a figure which shows the display content of a display in case a dictionary search process is performed. It is a figure which shows the display content of a display in case a dictionary search process is performed. It is a figure which shows an external information storage medium. It is a figure which shows a dictionary database group. It is a figure which shows a dictionary level table. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of a setting speed change process. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic dictionary apparatus to which the information output device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows a headword level table. It is a figure which shows the table for speed control. It is a figure which shows the frequency table according to level. It is a flowchart which shows a setting speed change process. It is a figure which shows a history list table or a word book table. It is a flowchart which shows a voice reading process. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of an audio reading process.

Explanation of symbols

1,1A-1C Electronic dictionary device (information output device)
2d dictionary selection key (dictionary information designation means)
2b Translation / decision key (word entry designation means, character string designation means)
6 CPU (level detection means, search means, speed control means,
Speed information changing means, search level calculating means,
Search level calculation means, output level calculation means)
8,8A-8C Flash ROM (Dictionary storage means, voice data storage means)
12 Display section (display means)
13 Voice output unit (voice output means)
81, 81A-81C Information output programs 82a-82g Dictionary database (dictionary information)
83 Dictionary level table (level storage means)
83A Dictionary level table (search rate storage means)
83B Headword level table 83 (level storage means)
84a-84g History table (history registration means)
85a-85g Word book table (word book registration means)
86, 86A, 86B Voice output speed storage area 86 (speed storage means)
88B Number-of-times table by level (level-by-level search number storage means
Output count storage means by level)

Claims (7)

Dictionary storage means for storing a plurality of dictionary information in which explanation information is associated with each headword for the same language;
Voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with a predetermined character string in the explanation information;
Level storage means for storing a preset level in association with each dictionary information;
Dictionary information designation means for designating any of the dictionary information in the dictionary storage means as designated dictionary information based on a user operation;
A headword designating means for designating any headword in the designated dictionary information as a designated headword based on a user operation;
Search means for searching for explanation information corresponding to the specified headword from the specified dictionary information;
Display means for displaying the explanation information searched by the search means;
A character string designating unit that designates, as a designated character string, any of the predetermined character strings in the description information displayed on the display unit based on a user operation;
Voice output means for outputting voice data corresponding to the designated character string;
Level detection means for detecting the level of the designated dictionary information from the level storage means;
Speed control means for controlling the voice output speed by the voice output means based on the level detected by the level detection means;
An information output device comprising: The information output device according to claim 1 ,
Speed storage means for storing speed information about the audio output speed;
Speed information changing means for changing speed information in the speed storage means based on the level detected by the level detecting means;
With
The speed control means controls the voice output speed based on the speed information changed by the speed information change means. The information output apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol placement,
Speed storage means for storing speed information about the audio output speed;
Search ratio storage means for storing the search ratio by the search means in association with each dictionary information;
A search level calculating means for calculating a search dictionary average level by adding together a multiplication value of a level detected by the level detecting means for each dictionary information and a search ratio stored by the search ratio storage means;
Speed information changing means for changing speed information in the speed storage means based on the search dictionary average level calculated by the search level calculating means;
With
The speed control means controls the voice output speed based on the speed information changed by the speed information change means. In the information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
An idiom as a headword searched for explanation information by the search means and a history registration means for storing and storing the idiom in association with the predetermined character string in the explanation information;
The information output apparatus characterized in that the speed control means increases the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom stored in the history registration means. In the information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An idiom as a headword searched for explanation information by the search means and a word book registration means for storing and storing the predetermined character string in the explanation information in association with each other based on a user operation;
The speed control means increases the voice output speed of each predetermined character string including the idiom stored in the word book registration means. In the information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The information output device, wherein the predetermined character string is an example sentence included in the explanation information. Dictionary storage means for storing a plurality of dictionary information in which explanation information is associated with each headword for the same language, and voice data storage means for storing voice data in association with a predetermined character string in the explanation information In a computer comprising level storage means for storing a preset level in association with each dictionary information ,
A dictionary information designation function for designating any of the dictionary information stored in the dictionary storage means as designated dictionary information based on a user operation;
A headword designating function for designating any headword in the designated dictionary information as a designated headword based on a user operation;
A search function for searching from the specified dictionary information for explanation information corresponding to the specified headword;
A display function for performing control to display the explanation information searched by the search function;
A character string designating function for designating any of the predetermined character strings in the description information displayed by the control of the display function based on a user operation as a designated character string;
An audio output function for outputting audio data corresponding to the designated character string;
A level detection function for detecting the level of the designated dictionary information from the level storage means ;
A speed control function for controlling a voice output speed by the voice output function based on a level detected by the level detection function;
An information output program characterized by realizing the above.

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