JP7481729B2 - Grammar learning system, server device, data search method, and search program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a grammar learning system, a server device, a data search method, and a search program suitable for learning foreign language grammar.

For learners to study a foreign language, such as English, efficiently, they need to study English grammar. Traditionally, English grammar has been taught by teachers using textbooks and reference books to give lectures and explanations, which students attend, imparting grammar knowledge. Meanwhile, for learners to study English grammar on their own, in addition to the traditional method of reading textbooks and reference books, in recent years there have been opportunities to study English grammar using computers and the Internet.

There are two main methods that are effective for learners to study grammar using computers and the Internet. The first is to use a website that compiles the textbooks and reference books mentioned above. Such language learning information sites provide roughly the same content as paper reference books on their websites. The difference from paper media is that the site can hold a large amount of information due to the high operability with a mouse and keyboard and the large storage space that is unique to server devices. However, the problem with language information sites is that they do not offer a dramatic difference from paper reference books and textbooks. Next, we will explain the second method, a learning system as a web application. This method is an online learning method that provides interactive and efficient learning exercises and practice problems that are not available on the learning information sites mentioned above. Through these unique learning exercises and practice problems, users can acquire the grammar knowledge necessary for language learning. The two prior art technologies introduced below are good examples.

As a system for acquiring grammar information, Patent Document 1 describes a language learning device and a language learning method that include a user management unit that manages the registration information of multiple users, a content management unit that stores and manages multiple learning content including words and phrases classified according to the grammar and usage of the language, a language information management unit that stores and manages multiple words and phrases, each of which has attribute information such as learning level set, a learning history management unit that accumulates and manages attribute information of each word and phrase included in the learning content selected by the user's terminal as a learning history for each user, a user learning level determination unit that compiles and analyzes the attribute information set for the words and phrases included in the learning content based on the learning history to determine the learning level for each user, and a learning content recommendation unit that generates and recommends learning content suitable for each user based on the learning level for each user.

Patent document 2 also describes a method for producing digital texts for self-study that carefully select and rearrange the grammar of a language into conversation-centered items, and use digitization technology for character and audio data as well as hyperlink technology to store and play back the text on versatile media.

It is certainly possible to obtain grammatical knowledge and information from learning systems such as those in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, but the problem is that the method of obtaining information is passive for the user. Both technologies are based on a mechanism whereby grammatical information appears only after the user of the system has solved a problem or performed a learning exercise, that is, at the answer/explanation stage. These are language learning systems that do not "prescribe grammatical information," but "prescribe learning exercises." These are not systems in which the user proactively seeks out and actively obtains specific grammatical information.

Another tool for learning foreign languages is the existence of translation machines (or automatic translation). Currently, translation machines are available in a variety of devices and forms, including web applications, electronic translation machines, and applications for smartphones and tablets. In recent years, they have also undergone significant functional evolution; for example, advanced software technology and machine learning such as AI have made it possible to translate by voice. However, even if the devices and methods of use have changed somewhat, the fundamental mechanism of translation remains the same. The mechanism works as follows: the user inputs a foreign language into the input section of a search device, the device analyzes the input text, processes the meanings of words and grammar, and finally outputs the completed translation.

However, with this method, although learners can obtain the translated result (translated text), they cannot obtain grammatical information about the original foreign language text. Obviously, it is not possible to learn the grammar and grammatical information about the original text from a completed translation. Here, grammatical information refers to grammatical rules such as sentence structure, tense, parts of speech, types of construction, usage, sentence elements, voice, and idiomatic expressions, as well as explanatory text for each rule.

Furthermore, sentences are not the only subject of language learning; the words that make up sentences are also essential. Information about words can be easily obtained from electronic dictionaries, paper dictionaries, online dictionary sites, etc. However, the information available from these dictionaries is limited to word meanings, parts of speech, conjugated forms, example sentences, etc. In other words, this is only information at the word level. This makes it impossible to search for specific grammatical information about the sentence you want to look up. In conclusion, conventional dictionaries do not effectively provide advanced grammatical information related to sentence structure and syntax.

JP 2011-128365 A JP 2004-133166 A

The present invention aims to enable learners to search for foreign language texts and sentences (e.g., English texts) used in language learning, using a search device to actively search for grammatical information about the sentences, and quickly obtain the necessary information, something that could not be achieved with the above-mentioned conventional technologies.

To realize this method, the inventor came up with a method of storing a large number of English sentences (or sentences in other languages) that correspond to keywords, along with grammatical information about those English sentences, in a database, and allowing learners to input English sentences as keywords into a server device to search for grammatical information.

However, when building a search device that uses English sentences as search words to input searches, the following problems must be solved:

Issue 1: Keyword exact match problem ("search precision" problem)
The "keyword exact match search" adopted in the present invention allows for accurate searches, but the problem is that the search accuracy is low. This search method is used not only in the present invention but also in many other dictionary search devices. That is, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-063306, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-190366, Japanese Patent No. 5855202, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-141742 disclose techniques for improving search accuracy. The reason for this low search accuracy is that the search word entered by the user (learner) must match the keyword stored in the database exactly for the search to be successful.

In particular, when the English sentence itself is the search word, as in the present invention, the search is unlikely to be successful. No hit information is found even if the search is performed. This problem is more pronounced when searching using idioms or phrases that are shorter than English sentences. Even if multiple users (learners) search using the same idiom, the way they input the idiom will differ from person to person. This creates variation in input methods, which do not match the keywords stored in the database.

For example, in the case of the expression worth it, multiple input variations are possible, such as "worth it," "it's worth it," "worth noun," "worth -ing," and "be worth it." The problem here is that as the input variations increase, the "compatibility" with the search method decreases. As shown above, the search method of the present invention is an "exact keyword match search." Therefore, if there are many input variations, the number of times the search conditions match exactly decreases, and the search will not be successful. As a result, the search accuracy decreases.

Issue 2: Colloquial English is not suitable for grammar learning and learners cannot prepare good English sentences (the problem of “not being able to use the source text for searching”)
In today's world, the abundance of information on the Internet, in advertisements, products, and the media is generally a good thing, but when it comes to learning English grammar, the disorganized presence of English sentences and expressions on the Internet is a problem. The problem is that the sheer volume of English sentences available in the world means that some of them are not effective for grammar study. In particular, the inclusion of colloquial English such as slang and abbreviations is problematic. In other words, in order to study grammar effectively, it is important for learners to carefully select English sentences (or sentences in other foreign languages) that are suitable for grammar study and to prepare correct English sentences in advance before searching.

However, many English learners, especially beginners, are unable to determine which English sentences are suitable for grammar study. Even if they want to look up grammatical information about English sentences (English grammar information), they are unable to prepare English sentences suitable for grammar study. This is the biggest problem. Here, we will explain in detail what we mean by "English sentences suitable for grammar study." English sentences suitable for grammar study refer to "good English sentences" that do not contain colloquial English such as slang or abbreviations. Colloquial English is not suitable for grammar study as it often does not follow grammar rules. Note that good sentences include not only English sentences but also sentences in other languages.

Issue 3: Editing and revising the source text is required before searching (the “hassle of preparation work” problem)
As explained above, it is necessary to prepare good English sentences before learning grammar. A similar problem exists with automatic translation and machine translation. Traditionally, machine translation is convenient, but it is known to have low accuracy. To solve this problem, as disclosed in JP-A-05-342252 and JP-A-2014-178915, it is necessary to "prepare" the source text before running it through a translation machine. Preparing the source text here means correcting and editing the source text in advance so that an accurate translation can be expected. This method has actually improved the accuracy of translation.

However, with this method, the user needs to correct the source text every time they use the translation machine. This means that preparation work is required before using the translation machine. Similarly, in the case of the present invention, before searching for a grammar, it is necessary to avoid the colloquial English that is abundant on the Internet and prepare only good English sentences. This adds one more task before searching. As a result, the convenience of the search device is reduced due to the "inconvenience" of the preparation work.

Problems such as "organizing the source text" and "the hassle of preparation work" are major issues shared by this invention and machine translation.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a server device, a grammar learning system, a search method for a server device, and a search program that can efficiently search for grammar information and provide it to learners, allowing learners to learn grammar efficiently.

The invention described in claim 1 that solves the above problem is a server device that sends grammatical information of sentences to a learner terminal device, characterized in that it comprises: a means for accepting search words for search from a learner terminal device connected to a line; a database that stores a group of sentences including a large number of sentences and the grammatical information for each sentence in the group of sentences; a good sentence search means for searching for a sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database based on the search word input from the learner terminal device; a means for accepting input of a sentence from a learner terminal device connected to a line; and a grammatical information search means for searching the database for the grammatical information based on the sentence searched by the good sentence search means or the sentence input from a learner terminal device connected to the line.

Here, a sentence is a sentence in a natural language such as English, and there is no restriction on the type of language. A sentence includes not only a sentence, but also a group of words that does not fully constitute a sentence, short expressions, and a group of sentences such as a paragraph (hereinafter referred to as a "sentence," "sentence," and "English sentence"). Also, a good sentence is a sentence in a natural language that follows grammatical rules and is constructed and created with correct grammar, and there is no restriction on the type of language (hereinafter referred to as a "good sentence," "good sentence," and "good English sentence").

According to the present invention described in claim 1, when a learner does not know a sentence (in English) suitable for grammar learning, the learner can specify conditions from the learner's terminal and use the good sentence search means of the server device to extract the specified good sentence from a group of sentences stored in the database. The grammar information search means can then extract grammar information about the acquired good sentence (good English sentence) from the database, and present the grammar information, the good sentence, and a translation of the good sentence to the learner's terminal. This allows the present invention to provide grammar information to learners quickly and accurately.

At this time, even if the learner does not prepare the sentences themselves, the good sentence search means of the present invention provides good sentences (good English sentences) suitable for grammar learning. This allows the learner to use the good sentences as search words when using the grammar information search means, and the information obtained from the search results is solid and reliable grammatical information about the sentences. In other words, obtaining good sentences is a "guarantee" that good grammatical information can be obtained next time.

The invention described in claim 2 is the server device described in claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a search accuracy improvement means for selecting a sentence that has not yet been stored in the database as a new sentence from among the many sentences input from the learner terminal device, detecting grammatical information from the database based on this new sentence, associating the grammatical information with the new sentence, and storing the new sentence in the database.

According to the present invention of claim 2, when a learner inputs a new sentence that is not stored in the database, the search accuracy improvement means detects grammatical information about the sentence from the database, associates the grammatical information with the new sentence, and stores the new sentence in the database, thereby increasing the amount of data (total amount of sentences) of the two types of data required for good English sentence search and grammatical information search (sentences as good sentences, sentences as search keys), thereby improving search accuracy. At this time, colloquial sentences, abbreviations, slang, etc. that are not suitable for learning can be eliminated from the new sentence.

The invention described in claim 3 is the server device described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a re-search means that links the search in the good sentence search means with the search in the grammar information search means.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 3, the re-search means links the database searches by the good sentence search means and the grammar information search means according to the specified search criteria. This makes it possible to prevent duplicate searches.

The invention described in claim 4 is the server device described in claim 1, characterized in that the sentence is in English and the grammar information is English grammar information.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 4, the target language is English, and the needs of many learners can be met. Note that the target language is not limited to English, and can be other languages.

The invention described in claim 5 is the server device described in claim 1, characterized in that the sentence is one of a sentence, a paragraph, an idiom, a grammatical expression, an idiom, a phrase, a clause, and a clause, the grammatical information includes one of a sentence pattern, a tense, a part of speech, a type of syntax, a usage, a sentence element, a voice, and an idiomatic expression, and each grammatical rule is accompanied by an explanatory text.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 5, the types of sentences for which grammar information is presented can include long sentences such as sentences and paragraphs, as well as idiomatic expressions, grammatical expressions, idioms, phrases, clauses, and clauses. The server device can also search for and present grammatical rules, such as sentence patterns, tenses, parts of speech, syntax, usage, sentence elements, voice, and idiomatic expressions, which are necessary for understanding and learning grammar, as well as detailed explanations of each grammatical rule.

The invention described in claim 6 is a grammar learning system comprising a server device described in any one of claims 1 to 5 and a learner terminal device connected to the server device via a line and used by a learner.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, the server device and the learner terminal device are connected by a line such as the Internet, so that the learner can easily access the server device even from a remote location, regardless of the location of the learner terminal device, and can quickly obtain grammar information about the sentence (in English) that the learner wants to look up.

The invention described in claim 7 is a data search method of a server device that sends grammatical information of sentences to a learner terminal device, comprising the steps of: receiving a search word for search from a learner terminal device connected to a line; storing a group of sentences including a large number of sentences and the grammatical information for each sentence in the group of sentences in a database; searching for a sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database based on the search word input from the learner terminal device; receiving input of a sentence from a learner terminal device connected to a line; and searching for the grammatical information from the database based on the sentence searched by the sentence search step or the sentence input from a learner terminal device connected to the line.

The invention described in claim 8 is a search program that causes a computer constituting a server device that sends grammatical information of sentences to a learner terminal device to execute the following steps: receiving a search word for search from a learner terminal device connected to a line; storing a group of sentences including a large number of sentences and the grammatical information for each sentence in the group of sentences in a database; searching for a sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database based on the search word input from the learner terminal device; receiving input of a sentence from a learner terminal device connected to a line; and searching for the grammatical information from the database based on the sentence searched by the sentence search step or the sentence input from a learner terminal device connected to the line.

According to the present invention as set forth in claims 7 and 8, when a learner does not know a sentence (in English) suitable for grammar learning, the learner can specify conditions on the learner's terminal to search for and extract a specified good sentence (good English sentence) from a group of sentences stored in a database. Then, grammatical information about the good sentence can be extracted from the database, and the grammatical information and the good sentence can be presented on the learner's terminal together with a translation.

This makes it possible to provide learners with grammar information quickly and accurately. At this time, even if the learner does not have prepared sentences (in English), they can search for texts themselves to obtain good sentences (good sentences written with correct grammar) and use them for their studies. This makes it possible to eliminate sentences that are not suitable for grammar learning, such as colloquial sentences, slang, and abbreviations.

The grammar learning system, server device, data search method, and search program of the present invention allow learners to actively acquire grammar information and learn grammar efficiently.

In other words, according to the present invention, the grammar information that a learner wants to find can be searched directly from a "sentence" such as an English sentence, dramatically improving the efficiency of grammar learning.

In addition, students and other learners will no longer need to use thick, old-fashioned grammar books, and the hassle of using books, i.e., the time and effort required to find where in a book the desired grammar information is written, will be eliminated, allowing students to maintain their concentration. As a result, this invention will lead to improved results in qualifications and tests for foreign languages such as English. Furthermore, it will eliminate the hassle of carrying and storing books.

It can also provide an opportunity for casual language learners and travelers who have never been interested in English grammar to become interested in grammar. Furthermore, in addition to being able to easily look up grammar information, it will also be possible to search for example sentences in foreign languages that are necessary for grammar study using Japanese keywords.

In addition, when reading English texts, students will no longer understand them by translating them directly into Japanese, but will instead focus on the structure of the English text itself rather than on the Japanese translation, which will enable them to acquire the habit of understanding English texts without relying on unnatural literal translations.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, you will no longer read English sentences in the Japanese word order, but will be able to use your knowledge of grammar to read sentences in the original word order of English. Therefore, according to the present invention, it will have a significant impact on listening and speaking in conversation. In other words, using the system according to the present invention will not only improve your ability to read English sentences, but will also ultimately lead to improved practical conversational ability. In contrast, this effect cannot be obtained by continually looking up the meanings of words in an electronic dictionary.

These learning benefits are attributable to the "rapid acquisition of grammatical information," a feature of the present invention. In other words, when a learner uses the grammatical information search means of the present invention to quickly acquire grammatical information, it becomes possible to analyze English sentences quickly, leading to the various effects and benefits described above. Here, we will explain again the mechanism of the grammatical information search means that enables the rapid acquisition of grammatical information, assuming that the sentence (English sentence) to be looked up has been prepared.

According to the server device described in claim 1, when a learner has a sentence he or she wants to look up, the learner directly accesses the grammar information search device of the server device from the learner's terminal and inputs the sentence, and then the grammar information search device extracts grammar information about the input sentence (English sentence) from a database and presents it on the learner's terminal. This is a very simple search process. Therefore, the learner can quickly obtain grammar information and learn grammar efficiently.

Furthermore, when using the grammar information search means, if the learner does not have a sentence (in English) or does not know a sentence suitable for grammar learning, the good sentence search means of the present invention provides a "good sentence (good English sentence)" suitable for understanding grammar. According to the server device described in claim 1, if the learner does not know a sentence or expression in a foreign language suitable for grammar learning, the learner can specify conditions from the learner's terminal and extract the specified good sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database.

Next, grammar information about the acquired good sentences is extracted from the database, and the grammar information, the good sentence, and a translation of the good sentence are all simultaneously presented on the learner's terminal. This makes it possible to eliminate from the learning subject "sentences that are not suitable for grammar learning (colloquial writing, slang, etc.)" that are detrimental to learning. Sentences that are not suitable for learning do not follow grammar rules, and are therefore disadvantageous to learners, particularly in the world of business English, English for entrance exams, and English for qualifications.

Another advantage of the good sentence search means is that learners can search in Japanese. For learners, especially beginners, being able to input in Japanese is extremely beneficial in terms of learning efficiency. According to the data search method of the server device described in claim 7 and the search program described in claim 8, if a learner does not know a sentence (English sentence) suitable for grammar learning, the learner can specify conditions from the learner's terminal and extract the specified good sentence (good English sentence) from the group of sentences stored in the database.

When specifying conditions from a learner's device, the learner can search for good sentences using Japanese search terms, making it easy to obtain the sentence they are looking for. In this case, the search terms are entered as short Japanese expressions such as words, rather than sentences. Search terms can be in Japanese or other languages.

According to the server device described in claim 3, the re-search means links the database searches by the good sentence search means and the grammar information search means based on the specified search criteria. This makes it possible to prevent duplicate searches and to speed up the grammar information search process.

In addition, according to the server device described in claim 4, the target language to be studied is English, and the needs of many learners can be met. The target language to be studied is not limited to English, and other languages such as German, French, and Chinese can be used. Furthermore, it is also possible to set Japanese as the target language to be studied.

In addition to the good sentence search means, the search accuracy improvement means of the present invention also greatly contributes to the aforementioned "elimination of sentences that do not follow grammatical rules." Here, we will explain the search accuracy improvement means described in claim 2 once again. According to the present invention related to claim 2, when a learner inputs a new sentence (in English) that is not stored in the database, grammatical information about that sentence is detected from the database, that grammatical information is associated with the new sentence, and the new sentence is stored in the database.

This increases the amount of data (total amount of sentences) of the two types of data required for good sentence searches and grammatical information searches (sentences as good sentences, sentences as search keys), thereby improving search accuracy. In other words, the benefit of increasing the total amount of stored sentences is that it reduces the risk that learners will mistakenly use "sentences/English sentences that are not suitable for learning." Learners can eliminate English sentences with incorrect grammar from their learning targets, use only good English sentences, and study with peace of mind.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is characterized by the wide variety of sentences that can be used as input for grammar information searches. According to the server device described in claim 5, the types of sentences that can be used as input for searches include not only normal sentences and paragraphs, but also short sentences such as idioms, fragmentary grammatical expressions, idioms, clauses, and phrases. This allows learners to study without placing restrictions on the types of sentences they look up. The only restriction placed by the present invention on the types of sentences is whether they are good sentences (good sentences, or good English sentences). As long as the sentences used for study are good sentences that follow grammatical rules, the length of the sentences does not matter.

Another major feature of the present invention is that the server device can be easily accessed from a remote location. This means that regardless of where the learner's terminal device is located (the location of the terminal), the learner can access the server device and perform a good sentence search and grammar information search. According to the present invention of claim 6, the server device and the learner's terminal device are connected via a line such as the Internet, so that the server device can be accessed from a learner's terminal device in a remote location, and grammar information can be provided to the learner quickly and accurately.

In addition to the aforementioned "quick acquisition of grammatical information," another unique effect that the present invention can provide as a language learning system is "proactive and proactive acquisition of information." This means that by using the good sentence search means and grammatical information search means of the present invention, the learner proactively finds the information he or she is looking for and actively acquires the information he or she needs. Here, the invention according to claim 1 will be explained once again. According to the invention according to claim 1, the present invention is a server device characterized by comprising: good sentence search means for searching a group of sentences stored in a database based on data input from a learner's terminal for good sentences suitable for providing grammatical information; and grammatical information search means for searching the database for grammatical information about the input sentence. This mechanism allows the learner to proactively search for good sentences on his or her own and actively acquire grammatical information.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a grammar learning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a good English sentence search device and a grammatical information search device of the server device shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a database of the server device shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a search accuracy improvement device of the server device shown in FIG. 1 . 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the grammatical information search device of the server device according to the embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a combined operation of a good English sentence search device and a grammar information search device of the server device according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the search accuracy improvement device of the server device according to the embodiment. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the grammar learning system shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display screen of a learner's terminal device when the good English sentence search device is being used. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a learner's terminal device when the grammar information retrieval device is being used. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen display of a learner's terminal device showing the search results of the grammar information search device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen of a learner's terminal device showing the search results of the good English sentence search device. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing examples of colloquial English and good English sentences. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing other examples of colloquial English and good English sentences.

This article describes a server device, a grammar learning system, a data processing method for the server device, and a program relating to embodiments of the present invention.

The following describes the grammar learning system according to the present invention. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a grammar learning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The English grammar learning system 10 solves the problems of the learner's (user's) search needs, in this case, whether the learner has a sentence (English sentence) that he/she wants to search, and whether the learner can find a good sentence (good English sentence) on his/her own, by closely interacting with four components that make up the server device 40: the good English sentence search device 50, the grammar information search device 60, the database 70, and the search accuracy improvement device 80. And, as the learner's search needs change, the type of terminal device used by the learner also changes. In fact, when using the English grammar learning system 10 according to the present invention, the type of terminal device and the learner's preparation status regarding search are divided into two. One is the learner terminal device 30A accessed by a learner who has not prepared a sentence to search, and the other is the learner terminal device 30B accessed by a learner who has prepared the sentence in advance. When there is no distinction between the learner terminal device 30A and the learner terminal device 30B, they are referred to as the learner terminal device 30.

In Figures 1, 2 and 8, a learner terminal device 30A used by a learner who has not prepared the sentence to be looked up (the sentence for which grammar information (English grammar information) is to be obtained) is referred to as learner terminal device (no English sentence) 30A, and a learner terminal device 30B used by a learner who has prepared the same sentence is referred to as learner terminal device (with English sentence) 30B.

The learner terminal device 30 is a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, or other mobile terminal. The learner terminal device 30 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as main storage devices, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive) as auxiliary storage devices, input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output means such as a display and a printer.

By executing a web browser, the learner terminal device 30 is connected to the server device 40 via the Internet 20, and can input sentences (in English), search for good sentences (good English sentences), search for grammar information (grammar rules and their explanations), and display various search results based on data from the server device 40.

The server device 40 is configured as a personal computer or a workstation. The server device 40 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as main storage devices, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive) as auxiliary storage devices, input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output means such as a display and a printer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server device 40 comprises a good English sentence search device 50 which is a good sentence search means, a grammatical information search device 60 which is a grammatical information search means, a database 70, a search accuracy improvement device 80 which is a search accuracy improvement means, and a re-search means 90. Each device and means is realized by the server device 40 executing a program on the CPU. The search accuracy improvement device 80 is intended mainly to improve the search accuracy of the grammatical information search device 60. The search method of the grammatical information search device 60 is exact keyword match search, and there is a problem with the search accuracy. There is no problem with the search accuracy of the good English sentence search device 50, whose search method is full-text search.

The good English sentence search device 50 searches for good sentences suitable for providing grammar information from among the sentences stored in the database 70 based on data input from the learner's terminal device 30A. In other words, if the learner has not prepared good sentences (good English sentences) suitable for grammar learning, the server device 40 performs a full-text search of the database 70 using Japanese keywords input from the learner's terminal device 30A and outputs good sentences.

The English grammar learning system 10 according to the present invention is equipped with a highly specialized search function that is specialized for the purpose of searching for grammar information for English grammar learning. In order to meet the high level of specialization required for English grammar learning, the system is equipped with the four components mentioned above, namely, the good English sentence search device 50, the grammar information search device 60, the database 70, and the search accuracy improvement device 80.

The grammar information search device 60 that searches for grammar information is the most important element of the English grammar learning system 10 of the present invention, but if any one of the other excellent English sentence search device 50, database 70, or search accuracy improvement device 80 is missing, the objective of specializing in grammar search cannot be achieved. This is because each component has processes and functions that technically solve the problems specific to grammar learning described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the server device 40 according to this embodiment, the good English sentence search device 50, grammar information search device 60, and search accuracy improvement device 80 are linked to each other via a re-search means 90, and at the same time, each device queries the database 70 for data, and performs search processing through a series of operations. As shown in FIG. 1, the core of the configuration that enables the server device 40 to specialize in grammar search lies in the combination of each element. In other words, because of this combination and the existence of these elements, the English grammar learning system 10 according to the present invention can maintain a "high level of specialization" as a search program.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the good English sentence search device and grammar information search device of the server device shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the good English sentence search device 50 comprises a receiving unit 51, an input unit 52, and a search output unit 53. When a learner uses the device, if the learner does not have a sentence (English sentence) to search, the device first searches for good sentences (good English sentences). In other words, the good English sentence search device 50 receives search words (Japanese words or short expressions) entered into the input unit 52 by a learner who has not prepared a search sentence at the receiving unit 51, and sends them to the search output unit 53.

Next, the search output unit 53 searches the content storage unit 73 of the database 70 based on this search word and extracts good sentences (good English sentences). Note that multiple good sentences can be extracted at the same time.

At this time, the search output unit 53 causes the grammar information retrieval device 60 to execute a grammar search and obtain grammar information for the extracted English sentence. That is, the grammar information retrieval device 60 performs a re-search via the re-search means 90 using the search result value (good English sentence) of the process using the good English sentence retrieval device as a search key. The re-search means 90 is a series of processes. This allows the learner (user) to quickly obtain grammar information without having to perform two separate searches.

The grammar information search device 60 searches the content storage section 75 of the database 70 for grammar information about sentences (English sentences) input from the learner terminal device 30B and good sentences (good English sentences) output from the good English sentence search device 50.

As shown in FIG. 2, the grammar information search device 60 includes a receiving unit 61, an input unit 62, and a search result output unit 63. The receiving unit 61 receives good sentences (good English sentences) output from the search output unit 53 via the re-search means 90, and the input unit 62 receives sentences directly input by the learner from the learner terminal device 30B, and both sentences are then sent to the search result output unit 63.

Here, the function of the re-search means 90 will be explained. As explained above, the reason for providing two search devices in the first place is to meet the learner's search needs (whether or not the learner has a sentence to look up) and to eliminate sentences and English sentences that are not suitable for grammar learning. The above problem is solved by using two search devices, the good English sentence search device 50 and the grammar information search device 60, in combination. However, a new problem is the inefficiency that arises from searching twice. For the learner to search for English sentences that he or she has looked up using the good English sentence search device 50 again using the grammar information search device 60 is a double effort, and the operating procedure is not practical.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the good English sentence search device 50 and the grammar information search device 60 are not simply used in combination, but are linked by a re-search means 90. As shown in FIG. 2, the re-search means 90 performs the same operation to search for English sentences and to search for grammar information, thereby preventing duplicate searches and realizing a series of operations. In other words, the re-search means 90 links multiple search processes through re-searches. This eliminates the inefficiencies that arise when using the aforementioned search devices in combination.

The database 70 stores sentence groups containing many sentences, each sentence in the sentence group, its translation, and grammatical information about the sentences. Here, the sentence groups are good sentences (good English sentences) suitable for grammar learning, and the sentence types include sentences of various lengths, such as sentences, paragraphs, idioms, grammatical expressions, clauses, clauses, idioms, and phrases. Each sentence is paired with its translation and stored in association with grammatical information. Grammar information refers to grammatical rules such as sentence pattern, tense, part of speech, type of syntax, usage, sentence elements, voice, idiomatic expressions, and explanations of each rule.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the database of the server device shown in Figure 1. The database 70 comprises a first storage unit 71 and a second storage unit 72. The first storage unit 71 is used for data queries when the good English sentence search device 50 extracts good sentences. The second storage unit 72 is used for data queries when the grammatical information search device 60 extracts grammatical information.

The first storage unit 71 includes a content storage unit 73 and a keyword storage unit 74. The content storage unit 73 stores a large number of good sentences and their translations, tagged (associated) with keywords stored in the keyword storage unit 74. These data are stored in advance to be displayed as search results for the good English sentence search.

The keyword storage unit 74 also stores Japanese keywords related to good sentences (good English sentences) already stored in the content storage unit 73. All stored keywords are words or short expressions. For example, many short Japanese keywords such as "cheap,""children,""recommended,""long,""howmuch,""restaurant,""insurance,""rare," and "safe" are stored, for example, tens of thousands of them. Note that specific names of the above-mentioned grammatical rules (sentence patterns, tenses, syntax, parts of speech, etc.) may be used as keywords, or keywords in languages other than Japanese may be stored.

The second storage unit 72 includes a content storage unit 75 and a keyword storage unit 76. The content storage unit 75 stores grammatical information about sentences (English sentences) that have already been stored in the keyword storage unit 76. The stored grammatical information includes grammatical rules and their explanations. The explanations of the grammatical rules are Japanese text information of the kind found in general grammar books.

The keyword storage unit 76 stores a large number of sentences (English sentences). The keyword storage unit 76 has two main types of stored sentences. The first type is a good sentence used in good English sentence search. A good sentence is characterized by serving two purposes. That is, the same sentence stored as a "keyword" in the keyword storage unit 76 of the second storage unit 72 (data storage unit of the grammar information search device 60) is stored as a "content" in the content storage unit 73 of the first storage unit 71 (data storage unit of the good English sentence search device 50). The sentences themselves are exactly the same text (string-type character strings), but have different purposes and functions. This "two roles per person" mechanism is a necessary technique for making the re-search means 90 described in Figures 1 and 2 function.

The second sentence in the group of sentences stored in the keyword storage unit 76 is a sentence that the learner inputs himself. This sentence differs from the good sentence mentioned above in that each time the learner inputs a sentence into the grammar information retrieval device 60, the sentence (new sentence) is automatically stored in the keyword storage unit 76. The reason for accumulating new sentences is to improve the search accuracy of the grammar information retrieval device 60. By collecting sentences entered by the learner in a database, the amount of data increases, and the contents stored in the keyword storage unit 76 are constantly revised and updated, improving search accuracy. Depending on the type of sentence accumulated, sentences are also added to the content storage unit 73 and the stored contents are updated.

Next, the configuration of the search accuracy improvement device 80 will be described. The search accuracy improvement device 80 comprises a keyword receiving unit 81, a keyword identification unit 82, and a keyword transmitting unit 83. Of these, the keyword receiving unit 81 receives a sentence (English text) to be the subject of data accumulation. In this case, there are two routes (procedures) for transferring the sentence. The first is the route of the search accuracy improvement means that begins with the use of the good English sentence search device 50. The second is the route of the search accuracy improvement means that begins with the use of the grammar information search device 60. The route that the accumulated sentence takes is determined by whether or not the learner has a sentence to look up.

In other words, if the learner has not prepared a sentence (in English), the keyword receiving unit 81 of the search accuracy improvement device 80 receives the sentence from the good English sentence search device 50 and sends it to the keyword identification unit 82. Conversely, if the learner has prepared a sentence in advance, the keyword receiving unit 81 receives the sentence from the grammar information search device 60 and sends it to the keyword identification unit 82. In this way, the route taken by the input sentence differs depending on the device selected by the learner and the learner's state of preparation.

Next, the procedure after the sentence (English sentence) arrives at the keyword identification unit 82 will be described. The procedure from this point on is a common process regardless of the incoming route. That is, the keyword identification unit 82 that receives the sentence checks whether the sentence is duplicated, detects grammatical information of a new sentence that is not duplicated from the content storage unit 75 of the database 70, associates the grammatical information with the new sentence, and executes a process of determining the quality of the sentence (whether correct grammar is used or not). Finally, the keyword transmission unit 83 writes the new sentence as metadata in the keyword storage unit 76 of the second storage unit 72. If the quality of the previous new sentence is confirmed by the above-mentioned keyword identification unit 82, the previous new sentence is also written in the content storage unit 73 of the first storage unit 71.

In addition, in the search accuracy improvement means, the processing performed by the keyword receiving unit 81, keyword identifying unit 82, and keyword sending unit 83 of the search accuracy improvement device 80, as well as all of its processes, can be automated by control using programming including artificial intelligence (AI).

Next, the operation of the English grammar learning system 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the grammar information search device of the server device according to the embodiment, and Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the combined operation of the good English sentence search device and the grammar information search device of the server device according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the search accuracy improvement device shown in Figure 4, and Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the English grammar learning system shown in Figure 1 (operation of all system elements).

One of the features of the English grammar learning system 10 according to this embodiment is that the procedure pattern is changed depending on the conditions of the learner. Figures 5 and 6 explain two procedures that differ depending on the conditions of the learner. The conditions of the learner are whether or not the learner can prepare good sentences (good English sentences) suitable for grammar learning. Figure 5 shows the procedure when the learner can prepare good English sentences, and Figure 6 shows the procedure when the learner cannot prepare good English sentences.

The re-search means 90 links the good English search by the good English search device 50 and the grammatical information search by the grammatical information search device 60 through a "re-search." A re-search is a programmatic control, and means that a request using a query parameter (or query string) is executed "twice." In this case, the sentence (English sentence) resulting from the first search (search by the good English search device 50) is added as string-type data to the query parameter used in the second request (processing by the grammatical information search device 60).

To add it, use the binding assignment operators (dot and dot equals) to concatenate the sentence to the query parameter (string). Then, echo the updated query parameter to automatically set up a retry procedure. A link is then displayed, and the user can click on it to execute the retry.

Here, we will explain the interfaces (display screens) of the good English sentence search device 50 and the grammatical information search device 60. All of the designs explained below are merely examples of interface designs. First, Figure 9 shows the interface "good English sentence search input screen 110" of the good English sentence search device 50, and Figure 10 shows the interface "grammatical information search input screen 120" of the grammatical information search device 60. Both figures are input screen interfaces. Meanwhile, Figures 11 and 12 both show interfaces that display search results. Figure 11 shows the interface "grammatical information search result screen 130" of the grammatical information search device, and Figure 12 shows the interface "good English sentence search result screen 140" of the good English sentence search device.

Next, the procedure for using the grammar information retrieval device 60 described in Fig. 5 will be described. The procedure begins with the preparation of a sentence (English). Before searching for grammar information, the learner needs a "sentence (English or another language sentence)" in which the grammar information to be obtained is used. That is, the first step is to prepare a search word to be input to the device (step ST1). Then, if the learner actually finds a sentence (English), or if a sentence has already been prepared, the device is ready for retrieval (step ST2). Next, the learner inputs the prepared sentence into the grammar information retrieval input field 121 (Fig. 10) of the grammar information retrieval input screen 120 of the learner terminal device 30B (step ST3).

This causes the grammar information search device 60 to start searching for grammar information. When grammar information about the input sentence (English sentence) is found, the search results are output, and the grammar information of the English sentence is displayed on the learner terminal device 30B (step ST4).

Next, the procedure for using the good English sentence search device 50 when a learner does not have a sentence (English sentence) will be explained. First, the learner begins to search for sentences that can be used as search words before searching for grammar information, as in the procedure of the grammar information search device 60 described above (step ST11). However, the procedure of the good English sentence search device 50 does not allow the learner to prepare a sentence. In particular, it is not possible to find a good sentence (good English sentence) suitable for grammar learning. Thus, when a sentence (English sentence) is not available (step ST12), the learner uses the good English sentence search device 50 to search and prepare a good sentence. Figure 6 shows the procedure for using and processing the good English sentence search device 50.

The search procedure begins with inputting a search word into the learner terminal device 30A of the good English sentence search device 50. The specific input location is the keyword input field 112 on the good English sentence search input screen 110 shown in Figure 9, where a short Japanese keyword (English and other languages can also be used) is input (step ST13). In the example interface shown in Figure 9, the good English sentence search input screen 110 is equipped with a filter 111, and by using the filter to narrow down categories, good sentences (good English sentences) can be searched for more specifically.

Next, data processing will be explained. The search words entered by the learner into the good English sentence search device 50 are requested as a query string (or URL parameter), and a data query is made to the first storage unit 71 of the database 70, and a full-text search is performed. Next, the device extracts good sentences (good English sentences) that are found to be matches with the beginning or end of the sentence from the vast group of sentences (English sentences) stored in the content storage unit 73.

The interface on which the extracted good sentences are displayed as search results is the good English sentence search result screen 140 shown in FIG. 12. A number of good sentences (good English sentences) and their translations 141 to 143 are displayed on the screen (step ST14). At the same time as the good sentences are displayed, a request is made using a query parameter (or query string), and the obtained good sentence is transferred to the receiving unit 61 of the grammar information search device 60 as a search key.

Next, the grammar information search device 60 communicates with the keyword storage unit 76 (FIG. 3) of the second storage unit 72 of the database and attempts to match the keywords using an exact match method. If the conditions are met, the hit content (grammar information) is sent as a search result to the search result output unit 63 and is displayed on the learner terminal device 30A.

The good English sentence search results screen 140, which is an interface showing the search results, displays good sentences (good English sentences) and their translations 141-143, and each sentence displays hyperlinks 144-146 to grammatical information and its explanatory text. Clicking on each link takes you to a page where the grammatical information can be obtained. A page where the grammatical information can be obtained is a page that displays grammatical information search results such as the grammatical information search results screen 130 (Figure 11). The grammatical information search results screen 130 displays hyperlinks 131-133 to grammatical information and its explanatory text.

Next, the operation of the search accuracy improvement device 80 will be explained together with the role of the learner terminal device 30B. Among the problems specific to search devices targeted at language learning as mentioned above is the problem of search accuracy, and in order to technically solve this problem, the English grammar learning system 10 is equipped with a search accuracy improvement device 80. Then, by executing data accumulation by the search accuracy improvement device 80, the search accuracy (search accuracy of the grammar information search device) is improved.

However, this improvement in search accuracy cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the learner. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the search accuracy improvement device 80 and the learner terminal device 30B interact with each other to achieve the goal. For the search accuracy improvement device 80 to function, active participation from the learner terminal device 30B via the Internet 20 is an essential element.

Specifically, active participation by learners means that learners actively use the functions of the English grammar learning system 10, thereby changing and influencing the system they use. In particular, the task of inputting search words when using the grammar information search device 60 has an adverse effect on the device used, exceeding the original purpose of searching for grammar information. A good example of this is the means of improving search accuracy and the series of processes that begin with the use of the grammar information search device 60. This is a unique mechanism in which the input task performed by the learner for their own purpose (searching for grammar information) ultimately improves the search accuracy of the present invention. In other words, the English grammar learning system 10 and the learner (user) have a mutually complementary relationship.

Next, the procedure for accumulating sentence (English) data will be explained in detail. First, a feature of the data accumulation performed by the search accuracy improvement device 80 is that sentences are "selectively" accumulated as data. In other words, rather than simply storing the search words entered by the learner in the database 70, the sentence (English) is strictly identified in light of various conditions, a "new sentence" is established, and accumulated in the database 70. One of the various conditions is to determine whether the entered sentence is of good quality or not. Since this identification process requires a "sentence," the search word entered by the learner must be a sentence, an English sentence (sentences in other foreign languages are also acceptable), or a semantic block of words, rather than a single word.

In fact, as shown in Figure 4, sentence accumulation (English sentence accumulation) is realized by the search accuracy improvement device 80 adding and storing, as "metadata", a sentence (English sentence) input from the learner terminal device 30B to the grammar information search device 60 in the database 70. A more detailed explanation will be given based on Figure 7. First, when a learner inputs a sentence (English sentence) as a search word into the input section of the grammar information search device 60 via the learner terminal device 30B (step ST21), the input sentence is processed as a query string and is taken into the keyword receiving section 81 of the search accuracy improvement device 80 (step ST22).

The imported sentence (in English) is temporarily stored there as a cache. The sentence is then sent to the keyword identification unit 82, where a process is performed to check for key duplication. The object to be checked for duplication is the search key (or key) stored in the keyword storage unit 76 of the second storage unit 72 (step ST23). This search key is used in the exact keyword match process that is performed later.

The sentences (English sentences) that have been confirmed to have no overlaps are then sorted by the keyword identification unit 82. Sort means that grammatical information identical to the grammar used in the sentences that had no overlaps is detected from the content storage unit 75 of the database 70, the grammatical information is associated with the sentence, the quality of the sentence (whether or not correct grammar is used), and sentences that pass the check, i.e., good sentences (good English sentences), are stored in the database 70 based on the type of grammatical rule (step ST24).

The sorting process can be controlled by an administrator or by programming including AI machine learning. Finally, the sorted sentences (English sentences) are written from the keyword sending unit 83 to a metadata-only table in the keyword storage unit 76 of the database 70 (step ST25). This completes a series of processes for sentence accumulation (English sentence accumulation).

Next, we will explain how the sentence accumulation (English sentence accumulation) process actually improves the search accuracy of the grammatical information search device 60, and the effects of doing so. Once a new sentence (English sentence) has been accumulated, that sentence is registered in the database as a "search key," so the next time the same sentence or the same search word is entered, a perfect match of the key is guaranteed. This ensures that search results (hits) are output. Furthermore, by continuing and repeating this process, the search accuracy of the grammatical information search device 60 is improved gradually and permanently.

The aforementioned effect of "gradual and permanent improvement" can only be achieved because the learner's terminal device 30 is connected to the server device 40 via the Internet 20. In other words, because the Internet 20 is an environment in which data communication takes place in both directions (Figs. 1 and 3), the English grammar learning system 10 provides the learner with a means of searching for grammar information, and in return the learner contributes to improving the search accuracy of the present invention by helping to accumulate new search words (new sentences). And at that very moment, a mechanism of "mutual complementarity" between the server device and the user of the present invention is established.

This is a unique feature of Internet technology, which operates in both directions. Due to this feature, the function of the components of the present invention, and the constant, gradual accumulation of new sentences (English sentences), the search capabilities of the present invention will, in theory, improve semi-permanently.

Next, we will explain the series of operations of the English grammar learning system 10. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the grammar learning system shown in Figure 1.

First, for example, if a learner who wants to learn grammar does not have a good sentence (good English sentence) prepared, the learner first uses the good English sentence search device 50 of the server device 40 to obtain a good sentence suitable for grammar learning, and then starts searching for grammar information about the sentence. Explaining this with the flowchart of Figure 8, the first step is that the learner (without an English sentence to search) needs a good sentence search (English sentence search) (step SA1), and the learner accesses the good English sentence search device 50 from the learner's terminal device 30A to start searching for a good sentence (step SA2). At this time, the learner inputs a short Japanese expression as a search word into the input section of the good English sentence search device 50 (step SA3). The input search word is transferred to the good English sentence search device 50, which starts data processing and executes a request using a query parameter (query parameter, or query string) (step SC1).

Next, the extracted good sentence (good English sentence) is sent to the grammatical information search device 60 via the re-search means 90, and a grammatical information search is started for the purpose of obtaining grammatical information about the sentence (step SA5).

The grammar information search device 60 then starts data processing for the grammar information search and executes a request using query parameters (step SD1). The grammar information search device 60 queries the keyword storage unit 76 of the database 70 for data, determines whether the conditions match or not, and performs a key exact match search process (step SD2), calculates the search results, and displays the grammar information on the learner terminal device 30A (step SD3). The learner terminal device 30A displays the grammar information as a successful grammar search (step SA6) (step SA6).

Next, if the learner has a good sentence (good English sentence) or has prepared in advance the sentence (English sentence) that he or she wants to look up, there is no need for the learner to search for a sentence (good sentence search) (step SB1). In this case, the learner (who has an English sentence to look up) directly accesses the grammar information search device 60 from the learner terminal device 30B and inputs his or her own English sentence, which starts the grammar information search for that English sentence (step SB2).

The grammar information search is started, and the grammar information search device 60 starts data processing and executes a request using a query parameter (or query string) (step SD1). The grammar information search device 60 queries the keyword storage unit 76 of the database 70 for data, determines whether the conditions match or not, and performs a key exact match search process (step SD2), calculates the search results, and causes the grammar information search device 60 to display them (step SD3). At the same time, the learner terminal device 30B also displays the grammar information as a successful grammar search (step SB3).

Next, the search accuracy improvement device 80 will be described. It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the search accuracy improvement device 80 is connected in series to the grammar information search device 60 and the learner terminal device 30B. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, a new sentence (in English) is input to the learner terminal device 30B, a request using query parameters is executed in the grammar information search device 60 (step SD1), and the sentence is sent to the search accuracy improvement device 80. Next, the search accuracy improvement device 80, which has received the sentence that has become the query string, starts the data accumulation (search word accumulation) process (step SE1).

The first step of the process is to check for duplicate sentences (in English). This method involves querying the second storage section of the database 70 and comparing the sentences already stored as metadata in the keyword storage section 76 with the search word (in English) newly entered by the learner to identify whether there is any duplication (step SE2). If there is no duplication, the sentence is determined to be a "new sentence" and grammatical information about the new sentence is detected from the content storage section 75. Next, the grammatical information is associated with the new sentence, and the quality of the sentence is checked. Only new sentences that have been confirmed to be good are sorted based on grammatical rules (step SE3).

Finally, the search accuracy improvement device 80 sets the new sentence as a "key" in the metadata table in the keyword storage unit 76 of the second storage unit 72 (step SE4). At this time, any new sentence that is determined to be a good sentence (good English sentence) in the above-mentioned sentence quality check is also stored in the content storage unit 73 of the first storage unit 71. If it is not determined to be a good sentence, it is stored only in the keyword storage unit 76 of the second storage unit 72.

Here, we will explain again what is not good English, that is, English that is not suitable for grammar learning. English that is not suitable for grammar learning is "colloquial English." Typical examples of colloquial English are the colloquial, casual English and sentences found in the lyrics of Western music, lines from TV dramas and movies, comment sections on social media sites, blog articles, etc. Examples are shown in Figures 13 and 14. As shown in the figures, the problem with colloquial English is that it uses a lot of slang and abbreviations and has inaccurate grammar.

Harumi Yahiro and Denise Woolbright of Seinan Jogakuin University (Yahiro & Woolbright, 2013) point out the problems with using colloquial English as a learning material, stating, "Colloquial English contains grammatical errors and slang, and the syntax and vocabulary used there naturally have limitations as a learning material."

It is no exaggeration to say that this is fatal in learning grammar. Linguist Tim Murphy (Murphy, 1992) also questions the grammar of colloquial English, citing English lyrics as an example, saying that many English lyrics are slang words and do not follow grammatical rules when trying to learn English through songs. In other words, it is dangerous to easily incorporate colloquial English into English learning, especially grammar learning.

However, the biggest problem is that this colloquial English is all over the Internet, and that students, especially beginners, who are trying to learn grammar often mistakenly use colloquial English as learning material.

It is difficult for learners to judge the correct teaching materials. As a countermeasure, this invention selects an approach that avoids colloquial English when performing a grammar search. In other words, a search device is provided that can search only for good English sentences (sentences that follow grammatical rules). This invention employs a "two-stage" search method that searches for good English sentences and then performs a grammar search again.

In this way, learners can avoid the inefficient learning of colloquial English, which is particularly detrimental to learners in the worlds of travel English, business English, exam English, and English for qualifications. Harumi Yahiro and Dennis Woolbright (Yahiro & Woolbright, 2013) also state that "it is not difficult to imagine that those who write entrance exam questions consider not only the level of the English in the questions but also the merits of the content. Naturally, there is little room for colloquial English in high-level English texts."

Learning colloquial English is a good thing for the English language in general, but when considering grammar study for exams or qualifications, it is still not suitable as a learning material for learning grammar. And as this invention is based on grammar study, we believe that in order to make the study of English grammar more effective and meaningful, a learning system that allows grammar study to be avoided by colloquial English is needed.

The present invention provides a server device, a grammar learning system, a grammar information acquisition method, a search method, a search program, and a server device data processing method that can efficiently search for grammar information, allowing learners to actively acquire grammar information and learn grammar efficiently, and therefore has industrial applicability.

10: English grammar learning system 20: Internet 30: Learner terminal device 30A: Learner terminal device 30B: Learner terminal device 40: Server device 50: Good English sentence search device 51: Receiving unit 52: Input unit 53: Search output unit 60: Grammar information search device 61: Receiving unit 62: Input unit 63: Search result output unit 70: Database 71: First storage unit 72: Second storage unit 73: Content storage unit 74: Keyword storage unit 75: Content storage unit 76: Key Word storage unit 80: Search accuracy improvement device 81: Keyword receiving unit 82: Keyword identification unit 83: Keyword transmitting unit 90: Re-search means 110: Good English sentence search input screen 111: Filter 112: Keyword input field 120: Grammar information search input screen 121: Grammar information search input field 130: Grammar information search result screen 131-133: Grammar information 140: Good English sentence search result screen 141-143: Good English sentences and translations 144-146: Hyperlinks

Claims (8)

A server device that transmits grammar information of sentences to a learner terminal device,
A means for receiving a search word for a search from a learner terminal device connected to the line;
a database storing a group of sentences including a large number of sentences and the grammar information for each sentence in the group of sentences;
a good sentence search means for searching for a sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database based on the search word input from the learner terminal device;
A means for receiving an input of a sentence from a learner terminal device connected to a line;
grammar information retrieval means for retrieving the grammar information from the database based on the sentence retrieved by the good sentence retrieval means or a sentence input from a learner's terminal device connected to a line ;
A server device comprising: The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a search accuracy improvement means for selecting a sentence not yet stored in the database as a new sentence from among a large number of sentences input from the learner terminal device, detecting grammatical information from the database based on this new sentence, associating the grammatical information with the new sentence, and storing the new sentence in the database. The server device according to claim 1, further comprising a re-search means for linking the search in the good sentence search means with the search in the grammar information search means. The server device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sentence is in English and the grammar information is English grammar information. The server device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sentence is one of a sentence, a paragraph, an idiom, a grammatical expression, an idiom, a phrase, a clause, and a clause, the grammatical information includes one of a sentence pattern, a tense, a part of speech, a type of syntax, a usage, a sentence element, a voice, and an idiomatic expression, and each grammatical rule is accompanied by an explanatory text. A grammar learning system comprising a server device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a learner terminal device connected to the server device via a line and used by a learner. A data search method for a server device that transmits grammar information of a sentence to a learner terminal device, comprising the steps of:
receiving a search word for a search from a learner terminal device connected to the line;
storing a sentence set including a number of sentences and said grammar information for each sentence in said sentence set in a database;
A step of searching for a sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database based on the search word input from the learner terminal device;
receiving an input of a sentence from a learner terminal device connected to the line;
a step of searching the database for the grammar information based on the sentence searched for in the step of searching for the sentence or the sentence input from a learner terminal device connected to a line ;
A data search method comprising: A computer constituting a server device that transmits grammar information of sentences to a learner's terminal device,
receiving a search word for a search from a learner terminal device connected to the line;
storing a sentence set including a number of sentences and said grammar information for each sentence in said sentence set in a database;
A step of searching for a sentence from the group of sentences stored in the database based on the search word input from the learner terminal device;
receiving an input of a sentence from a learner terminal device connected to the line;
a step of searching the database for the grammar information based on the sentence searched for in the step of searching for the sentence or the sentence input from a learner terminal device connected to a line ;
A search program characterized by executing the above.