WO1994010664A1

WO1994010664A1 - Recording medium and apparatus for language learning and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO1994010664A1
Application number: PCT/KR1993/000094
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young Min Kim
Original assignee: Kim, Young, Sun
Priority date: 1992-10-23
Filing date: 1993-10-23
Publication date: 1994-05-11
Also published as: CN1086339A; KR960012402B1; AU5377494A; KR940009910A

Abstract

In a recording medium and an apparatus for language learning, in wich a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval to make an external reproducing apparatus (121) perform a pause/still operation, or a signal-free region in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval is used as a pause/still signal region. The language learning apparatus (200) for performing a dialogical language learning includes at least one input terminal for receiving a reproduction signal supplied from the external reproducing apparatus (121) for reproducing a recorded signal from the recording medium, a detector (220) connected to the input port for detecting the pause/still signal from the reproduction signal input through the input port, an audio input unit (240) for converting an audio signal into an electrical audio signal, an output unit (300) for supplying the electrical audio signal supplied from the audio input unit (240) and the reproduction signal input through the input port to at least one output terminal to which an external signal output unit is connected, and a controller (230) for generating a control signal which controls the external reproducing apparatus (121) to perform a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls the output unit (300) to output or selectively output the electrical audio signal, in response to the pause/still signal detected from the detector (220), and controls the external reproducing apparatus (121) to release a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls the output unit (300) to output or selectively output the reproduction signal, in response to the input electrical audio signal. The language learning apparatus is compatible with video equipement, and can be incorporated in audio or video equipment, thereby performing a dialogical language learning function.

Description

RECORDING MEDIUM AND APPARATUS FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING

AND METHOD THEREOF

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a recording medium and apparatus for language learning and method thereof in an apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a recording medium, and more particularly, to a recording medium and apparatus for language learning and method thereof which are suitable for dialogical language learning.

Background Art

All people acquire a mother tongue during childhood, but most find the need for a second language later in life; whether it be for business or personal reasons. On these occasions, in order to have a good command of the chosen second language, dialogue drilling is necessary and the best way for this is to speak the language with a native speaker. However, many people practice a language by means of recording media such as cassette tapes, video tapes, compact disks, etc., which can be obtained commercially. Performance in dialogue drilling exhibits differences according to the various functions of a given reproducing apparatus for reproducing the language recorded on recording media in form of sound and/or image, for example, repetitive learning function, sentence selecting function, speed regulating function, etc. A conventional reproducing apparatus disclosed in such fields of language learning has not greatly contributed in maximizing the efficiency of language learning because, among simple reproduction and repitition by learner's manipulation, speed regulation for reproduction and dialogue function, the dialogue function by which the following step is proceeded only after the learner talks is a restrictive function only for an audio apparatus. In other words, since the conventional system for language learning is devised in listening-centered learning method, it is not possible to improve the learner's speech ability directly. Also, in the dialogue function by which the following step is proceeded only after the learner talks, the learner can repeat a short sentence depending on his or her memory but there is a limit to the repeating longer sentences. Further, since there is no video screen to be seen by the learner, efficiency in learning the language is not maximized.

Disclosure of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium for language learning suitable for a dialogical language learning. Another object of the present invention is to provide a compatible language learning apparatus and method thereof wherein an apparatus performing a dialogical function is linked with the display of video equipment by a separate adapter.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a language learning apparatus and method thereof incorporated in audio or video equipment for a dialogical language learning.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a language learning apparatus and method thereof wherein language learning is made by selecting a monochromatic screen or video screen in learner's dialogical interval at the time of the dialogical learning mode. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a language learning apparatus and method thereof wherein the speed of the learner's response can be regulated according to the learner's ability.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a language learning apparatus and method thereof wherein the caption of learner's dialogical interval is automatically on-off operated according to learner's proficiency at the time of the dialogical learning mode.

To solve the above objects, in a recording medium for language learning which records and reproduces an audio signal and a vidio signal for a dialogical learning, there is provided a recording medium for dialogical language learning according to the present invention characterized in that a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak within every dialogical interval or signal-free region at a predetermined region where a learner should speak within every dialogical interval is used as a pause/still signal.

In a language learning apparatus using a recording medium for language learning in which a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak within every dialogical interval to make an external reproducing apparatus perform a pause/still operation, or a signal-free region at a predetermined region where a learner should speak within every dialogical interval is used as a pause/still signal region, the language learning apparatus for performing a dialogical language learning comprises: at least one input terminal for receiving a reproduction signal supplied from the external reproducing apparatus for reproducing a recorded signal from the recording medium; detecting means connected to the input terminal for detecting the pause/still signal from the reproduction signal input through the input terminal; audio input means for converting an audio signal into an electrical audio signal; output means for supplying the electrical audio signal supplied from the audio input means and the reproduction signal input through the input terminal to at least one output terminal to which an external signal output apparatus is connected; and control means for generating a control signal which controls the external reproducing apparatus to perform a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls the output means to output or selectively output the electrical audio signal, in response to the pause/still signal detected from the detecting means, and controls the external reproducing apparatus to release a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls the output means to output or selectively output the reproduction signal, in response to the input electrical audio signal.

Also, a language learning apparatus for performing a dialogical language learning according to the present invention comprises: means for reproducing a signal from a recording medium for a language learning in which a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak within every dialogical region or a signal-free region at a predetermined region where a learner should speak within every dialogical interval is used as a pause/still signal; detecting means for detecting the pause/still signal reproduced from reproducing means; audio input means for converting audio information into an electrical audio signal; output means for supplying the audio signal supplied from audio input means and the reproduction signal reproduced from reproducing means to at least an output terminal to which an external signal output apparatus is connected; and control means for generating a control signal which controls the external reproducing apparatus to perform a pause/still-operation and simultaneously controls the output means to output or selectively output the electrical audio signal, in response to the pause/still detecting signal of the detecting means, and controls the external reproducing apparatus to release the pause/still-operation and simultaneously controls the output means to output or selectively output the reproduction signal, in response to the input electrical audio signal .

A dialogical language learning method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: setting a reproduction mode and a dialogical learning mode; reproducing a recording medium on which audio and video signals including a pause signal of the same frequency therewith, before or after a dialogical interval are recorded if the dialogical mode is set; pausing a reproducing operation if the pause signal is detected in the reproducing step; inputting an audio signal of a learner if the reproduction is paused; and releasing the pausing step so that the reproducing step is performed again if a predetermined set time elapses after the audio signal of the learner is input.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail a preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. l is a block diagram showing a language learning apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG.2 is a block diagram showing another language learning apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG.3 is a detailed block diagram of a language learning apparatus shown in FIG.1;

FIGs.4A to 4E are diagram showing a recording medium according to the present invention, in which a pause/still signal is recorded;

FIG.5 is a diagram showing the format of a pause/still signal which is recorded in the vertical blanking period of a video signal; FIGs.όA and 6B are detailed circuit diagrams of the language learning apparatus shown in FIG.3;

FIGs.7A to 7F are operational timing diagrams of the language learning apparatus shown in FIGs.όA and 6B;

FIG.8 is a flowchart showing a language learning method performed in the controller shown in FIG.6A;

FIGs 9A to 9D are flowcharts showing another language learning method performed in the controller shown in FIG.6A;

FIG.10 is a detailed circuit diagram showing the language learning apparatus shown in FIG.2; FIG.11 is a detailed circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the language learning apparatus shown in FIG.2;

FIG.12 is a flowchart showing sentence repeating function performed by the microcomputer described in FIG. l l ;

FIG.13 is a detailed circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the language learning apparatus shown in FIG. l;

FIG.14 is a flowchart for detecting a pause/still signal recorded in the vertical blanking period, performed by the microcomputer shown in FIG.13;

FIG.15 is a detailed circuit diagram showing still another embodiment of the language learning apparatus shown in FIG.2; FIG.16 is a detailed circuit diagram showing a signal-free detector replaced with dialogical learning controller shown in FIGs.όA and 11, respectively;

FIG.17 is a block diagram of an apparatus showing a method of mixing and recording a pause/still signal exceeding audible frequency;

FIG.18 is a block diagram of an apparatus showing a method of recording a pause/still signal by mixing with a control signal; and

FIGs. l9A and 19B are flowcharts for a language learning method in the case of a pause/ still signal being recorded on a recording medium.

Best mode for carrying out the Invention

A preferred embodiment of a language learning apparatus and method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, hereinbelow.

According to FIG.1 which is a block diagram showing a language learning apparatus according to the present invention, a reproduction system 100 consists of a video or audio equipment which can reproduce recording media such as video tapes, compact disks, laser disks, etc. Typical reproduction systems are video cassette recorders (VCRs), camcorders, laser disk players (LDPs), compact disk players (CDPs), etc.

Language learning apparatus 200 inputs video and audio signals reproduced from reproducing system 100 in video or audio line, detects a pause/ still signal from the input signal, transmits the pause/ still signal which temporarily stop reproduction system 100, to reproduction system 100 via a wire (control line) or wirelessly, and transmits the pause/still-release signal to reproduction system 100 via a wire or wirelessly if the learner's audio signal is input in the learner's dialogical interval.

Display 300 inputs video and/or audio signal reproduced from reproduction system 100. In general, the display 300 may be a television or liquid crystal display (to be referred to as "TV" hereinafter). When there is no line input terminal in the TV, video and/or audio signals are transmitted by connecting reproduction system 100 and language learning apparatus 200, and language learning apparatus 200 and display 300, respectively, using a radio frequency (RF) cable instead of audio and video lines.

Here, reproduction system 100 may be designated as a reproducing unit, language learning apparatus 200 may be designated as a control unit, and display 300 may be designated as a display unit.

In FIG.2 which is a block diagram showing another language learning apparatus according to the present invention, reproduction system 100 may be a D- VCR (digital- VCR), HD-VCR (high-density- VCR ), VCR, LDP, CDP, CDV, CD-I (compact disk-interactive), CD-G (compact disk-graphic), CD-ROM, CD-FMV (compact disk-full motion video), or camcorder, as shown in FIG.l. Reproduction system 100 includes: a reproducing apparatus 110 for reproducing a signal recorded on a recording medium and a language learning apparatus 120 for detecting pause/still signals from the signal reproduced from reproducing apparatus 110 and outputting a pause/still-release signal if the learner's audio signal is input during his or her dialogical interval.

Display 300 inputs audio and video signals which are output through language learning apparatus 120 to audio and video lines in the case of a TV having an input line or to an RF cable in the case of a TV not having input an line. According to FIG.3 which is a detailed block diagram of a language learning apparatus shown in FIG. l, reproduction system 100 has a recording medium 111 which is in form of video tape, laser disk, compact disk, camcorder tape, etc., in which audio and/or video signals for language learning are stored, and a reproducing apparatus 121 for reproducing audio and video signals from recording medium recorded for dialogue.

Language learning apparatus 200 includes: a key input unit 210 wherein keys such as dialogue mode key, screen selection key, caption selection key, etc. are mounted, a pause/still signal detector 220 for detecting the pause/ still signal from the signal reproduced from reproducing apparatus 121 in response to user data transmitted from key input unit 210, a dialogue learning controller 230 for controlling reproducing apparatus 121 to stop temporarily after recognizing the pause signal detected from pause/still signal detector 220 and to perform a pause/still-release operation when the learner's external audio signal is input, an audio input unit 240 for generating electrical audio signal from the learner's audio signal which is input through a microphone, a screen selection and caption generator 250 for outputting video signal (composite video signal recorded by overlapping character signals) reproduced from reproducing apparatus 121 or monochromatic screen by the learner's screen or caption selection or selectively generating caption, and a radio frequency converter 260 for converting reproduced video and audio signals into a radio frequency signal in order to transmit via an RF cable in response to input line-free display 300. Here, the screen selection and caption generator 250 is a necessary device for some VCRs and camcorders in which screen characters are difficult to recognize because of noise on display unit 310 due to a temporary stopping of reproducing apparatus 121 but may not be provided in the reproducing apparatus in which noise is not generated at the time of the temporary stop, thereby displaying the output of reproducing apparatus 121 directly on display unit 310.

Display 300 includes a display unit 310 for displaying a radio frequency audio or video signal which is output through radio frequency converter 260 and a speaker 320 connected to language learning apparatus 200 by means of an audio line or display unit 310 for outputting audio signal reproduced from reproducer 121. Here, speaker 320 may be a display 300, headphone speaker or a headphone integrated with audio input unit 240. Here, language learning apparatus 200 may be mounted within reproduction system 100, as shown in FIG.2.

The operation of FIG.3 will now be described in connection with FIGs.4A to 9D. First, audio and/or image information (e.g., from a native speaker) is recorded in analog or digital form in recording medium 111 and a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region which may be a signal-free region.

The recording medium shown in FIG.4A (which is a general VCR tape) has an audio track tl , a video track t2 and a control track t3, and a user repeats a dialogue block reproduced from reproducing apparatus 121. FIG.4A shows pause/still signal P which is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval by amplitude-modulating a signal of a predetermined frequency (7.5KHz to 70KHz) from audio signal S in audio track tl or is replaced by a signal-free region in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval.

Here, the pause/still signal is recorded in the band (7.5KHz) belonging to high-pass component of audio signal because the audible frequency band is 20Hz to 20KHz but in the case of a general VCR, only the signals within 8 to lOKHz are reproduced at the time of reproduction.

The recording method of the pause/still signal is comparatively simple, which utilizes an audio dubbing apparatus. The recording medium shown in FIG.4B, which is linear stereo tape, is composed of audio tracks tl and tl ' of left (L) and right (R) channels, video track t2, control track t3, block Tl wherein audio and video signals of a first dialogical interval are recorded and block T2 wherein audio and video signals of a second dialogical interval are recorded. Channel L audio signal SI which is amplitude-modulated to 70KHz to be recorded and a first pause/still signal PI which is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval wherein a 19KHz signal is amplitude-modulated to 70KHz or a signal-free region at a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval, are loaded in channel L audio track tl. Channel R sound signal S2 which is amplitude-modulated to 70KHz to be recorded and a second pause/still signal P2 which is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval wherein 19.5KHz signal is amplitude-modulated to 70KHz to be recorded or a signal-free region in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval , are loaded in channel R audio track tl'.

The recording medium described in FIG.4C, which is a hi-fi type tape for camcorders is composed of hi-fi audio track tl , channel L audio track t2 in which audio signal of channel L is frequency-modulated to 1.3MHz to be recorded, channel L track t2' in which audio signal is not recorded, channel R audio track t3 in which audio signal of channel R is frequency-modulated to 1.7MHz to be recorded, channel R track t3' in which the audio signal is not recorded, block Tl in which audio and video signals of the first dialogical interval are recorded and T2 in which audio and video signals of second dialogical interval are recorded. First pause/still signal PI which is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval by frequency-modulating a signal of a predetermined frequency (19KHz) and exists in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval as a signal-free region and second pause/still signal P2 which is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval by frequency-modulating a signal of a predetermined frequency (19.5KHz) and exists in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval as a signal-free region are loaded in blocks Tl and T2, respectively.

The recording medium shown in FIG.4D, which is an optical disk such as compact disk, laser disk, etc., describes a first pause/ still signal PI which is a 19KHz signal recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval as analog or digital signal or exists in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval as a signal-free region, and a second pause/still signal P2 which is a 19.5KHz signal recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval as analog or digital signal or exists in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval as a signal-free region, in blocks SI and S2 in which audio and/or video signals of the first and second dialogical interval are recorded, respectively.

Laser disks frequency-modulate audio and video signals and mix both signals to be recorded. The audio signal of the left channel is frequency-modulated to 2.3MHz to be recorded and the audio signal of the right channel is frequency - modulated to 2.8MHz to be recorded, after being mixed with the frequency- modulated video signal.

Here, a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval after mixing both video and audio signals. The recording medium shown in FIG.4E, which is a hi-fi type tape for

VCRs, is different from the hi-fi type tape for camcorders in that there are audio track tl " and control track t3" and the pause/ still signal is loaded in audio track tl " and control track t3" as well as in track t2".

Meanwhile, when recording signals exceeding audible frequencies (over 20KHz) on the record medium, a pause/still signal exceeding audible frequency

(23KHz or 25KHz) can be recorded in the blocks tl of FIG.4A, tl and tl ' of

FIG.4B and tl " of FIG.4E by the utilization of an audio dubbing apparatus. Assuming that two native speakers' dialogue is recorded on a recording medium in the form of questions and answers in the blocks tl of FIGs.4C and 4D and t2" of FIG.4E, the manufacturer or editor of the record medium can record first and second pause/ still signals by switching the tack switches S/Wl and S/W2, as shown in FIG.17 when a person's sound ends, which corresponds to his dialogical interval. Then, the recording mechanism is switched to the recording mode. The detailed description of this will be given with reference to FIG.17.

On the other hand, in case of a record medium having a control track which is a tape for normal VCRs shown in FIG.4A, tape for linear stereo type VCRs shown in FIG.4B, tape for hi-fi VCRs shown in FIG.4E, etc, as shown in FIG.18, among a 30Hz control signal recorded on the control track and the first or second pause/still signal, only one signal is output through select switch 883. Also, by mixing the signals by means of a single mixing unit, the pause/still signals exceeding 30Hz. Here, first pause/still signal (P' and PI) of lKHz and second pause/still signal (P' and P2') of 2KHz are recorded when dialogue ends.

Also, when the detected signal-free region of a recording medium is used as the pause/ still signal (PI and P2), a signal-free region is created when a dialogue is completed and after a predetermined time delay from the end of the dialogue.

The frequency of the pause/still signal described as above is only an embodiment example. FIG.4A and FIGs.4B to 4E are examples of recording one pause/still signal and two pause/still signals, respectively. On the contrary, first and second pause/still signals may be recorded in a general type tape shown in FIG.4A and a pause/still signal may be recorded on a record medium shown in FIGs.4B to

4E. The pause/still signal of the record medium is recorded as an audio signal but can be distinguished from the character signal of the 10th to 21st synchronizing periods of the horizontal synchronizing signal, which is a vertical blanking period of the video signal at the ending position of a question-and-answer form dialogue.

As shown in FIG.5, when the data of character 1 and character 2 are all logic 0's or logic l 's, a first and second pause/still signals are recorded, respectively.

Here, dialogue learning controller 230 described in FIG.3 performs only the on/off operation for the pause/still status of reproducing apparatus 121. For multi- functions of reproducing apparatus 121 such as FF/REW, SLOW, SEARCH, etc. , audio signal of reproducing apparatus 121 is muted and then the pause signal is not detected, so that reproducing apparatus 121 does not perform an on/off operation for pause/still status. However, the pause signal of the pause/still signal on the control track and caption signal are muted for the above multi-function operations. At this time, the microphone input signal is also muted.

The detailed circuit diagrams for the respective blocks of language learning apparatus 200 are shown in FIGs.όA and 6B.

According to FIGs.όA and 6B, language learning apparatus 200 includes a key input unit 210, a pause/still signal detector 220 having a first bandpass filter 221 for extracting only the band of first pause/still signal PI recorded on recording medium 111 and a second bandpass filter 222 for extracting only the band of second pause/still signal P2, a first pause/still signal generator 231 for generating first pause/still signal PI detected from first bandpass filter 221 as a square wave signal, a second pause/still signal generator 232 for generating second pause/still signal P2 detected from second band-pass filter 222 as a square wave signal, a noise remover 233 for removing noise loaded in audio signal input from microphone 240, an amplifier 234 for amplifying audio signal input from microphone 240 through noise remover 233, a pause/ still release signal generator 235 for generating a pause/still release signal when the input of an external audio signal generated from amplifier 234 is completed, a first low-pass filter 236 for eliminating first pause/still signal PI , a second low-pass filter 237 for eliminating second pause/ still signal P2, a controller 238 for outputting control signal of screen selection and caption on/off-operation when the pause/still signal is detected by screen selection and caption generator 250, performing pause/still operation via a wire or wirelessly by controlling reproducing apparatus 121 and generating a signal for canceling pause/still operation by reproducing apparatus 121 via a wire or wirelessly when a pause/still cancellation signal is detected, a dialogue learning controller 230 including a first audio signal output controller 239 having controlling switches wherein first and second select contact points al and a2 are connected to the output terminals of first and second low-pass filter 236 and 237 and first and second stationary contact points are connected to high-frequency converter 270 by being mixed through left and right speakers 320 and 320' and buffers 242 and 243 and a second audio signal output controller 239' wherein select contact point a3 is connected to output terminal of microphone 240 and stationary contact point is connected to input terminal of noise removing unit 233, where input terminal of buffer 241 is connected to output terminal of amplifier 234 and second stationary contact point and output terminal is connected to input terminal of buffer 243, a microphone 240, a screen selection and caption generator 250 including a synchronizing separator 251 for separating synchronizing signal from video signal reproduced from reproducer 121, a caption unit 252 for on/off operating caption information according to a control signal generated from controller 238 by storing the caption signal loaded in the vertical blanking period of reproduced video signal in RAM (not shown) or generating in a normal video screen or monochromatic screen and a switching unit 253 including a first controlling switch SW1 wherein first select contact point bl is connected to video signal output terminal of reproducer 121 linked in video line and second select contact point b2 is connected to first output terminal of caption unit 252 and a second controlling switch SW2 wherein first select contact point cl is connected to stationary output terminal of first controlling switch SW1 and second select contact point c2 is connected to second output terminal of caption unit 252, a wire or wireless transmitter 260 for performing operation of pause/still release of reproducing apparatus 121 via a wire or wirelessly in response to the output of controller 238, a radio-frequency converter 270 wherein video signal input terminal is connected to the stationary output terminal of second controlling switch SW2, ground terminal GND is grounded, power terminal B+ is connected to power supply terminal Vcc, VCR/TV mode input terminal is connected to control signal output terminal of controller 238, an audio signal input terminal receives the output of buffers bl and b2 linked to audio signal output control unit 239, an RF input terminal is connected to the RF output of reproduction system 100 via RF cable and an RF output terminal is connected to display unit 310. Here, first pause/still signal generator 231 includes a transistor Ql whose base is connected to the other terminal of resistance Rl linked to the output of first bandpass filter 221 , whose collector is connected to resistance R2 linked to power supply terminal Vcc, whose emitter is grounded. The output (collector/) of transistor Ql is connected to first control signal input terminal PI of controller 238.

Second pause/still signal generator 232 has the same composition as that of first pause/still signal generator 231, and the output (collector/) of transistor Q2 is connected to second control signal input terminal P2 of controller 238.

Next, the operation of FIGs.όA and 6B will be described by taking an example of the case of two kinds of pause/still signals among signals reproduced from reproducing apparatus 121 through left and right channel audio lines L2 and L2', as shown in FIG.4B. Here, even in the case of one kind of pause/still signal (FIG.4 A), dialogical learning controller 230 has only to check just one of the outputs from first and second bandpass filters 221 and 222.

The pass bandwidths of first and second bandpass filters 221 and 222 correspond with those within audible frequency of pause/still signal recorded on record medium 111. That is to say, for mono tape (FIG.4A), the frequency of first pause/still signal PI is 7KHz and that of second pause/still signal P2 is 7.5KHz, and in the case of linear stereo tape (FIG.4B), hi-fi stereo tape (FIGs.4C and 4E) and optical disk (FIG.4D), the frequency of first and second pause/still signal PI and P2 are 19KHz and 19.5KHz, respectively. The waveform of output signal of first or second bandpass filter 221 or 222 for detecting such first and second pause/still signals PI and P2 as shown in FIGs.όA and 6B.

The output of first or second bandpass filter 221 or 222 is shown FIG.7B and input to controller 238 through first or second transistor Ql or Q2. The output LI of pause/still signal and pause/still cancellation signal of reproducing apparatus 121 of controller 238 is transmitted via a wire in case there is a jack with which the pause/still signal can be driven in reproducing apparatus 121. If there is no jack in reproducer 121 , when current flows in diode Dl as transistor Q4 turns on, the output of relay 261 which is switched to induce a magnetic field is input to remote control circuit 262 thereby automatically replacing the manual operation of pressing remote controller. Finally, pause/still operation and release signals are sent to reproducing apparatus 121 by means of infrared diodes D2 and D3 after turning on transistor Q5.

The configuration of remote control circuit 262 is different according to the manufacturer. In some cases, reproducing apparatus 121 is placed in the pause/still status when pause/still key is pressed and pause/still status is canceled when reproduction (PLAY) key is pressed. Remote control circuit 262 outputs control data corresponding to signal formats for plural products and selected keys (here, the pause and pause release keys) to its own ROM (not shown).

The noise of the learner's electrical analog audio signal as shown in FIG.7C, which is input from microphone 240, is removed through resistance R0 and capacitor CO of noise remover 233 and the level thereof is regulated by a user by way of a volume controlling operation using first variable resistance VR1, to be amplified in amplifier 234.

The amplified audio signal is input to the base of transistor Q3 through resistance R6. The output of transistor Q3, shown in FIG.7D, is input to first monostable multivibrator M/M 1. By regulating the volume of output of first monostable multivibrator M/M 1 via second variable resistance VR2, a predetermined time T is delayed, as shown in FIG.7E.

The output of first monostable multivibrator M/M 1 is input to second monostable multivibrator M/M 2 again and the output of second monostable multivibrator M/M 2 is input to third control signal input terminal R via capacitor C2 and resistance R8 as a square wave signal during a predetermined time when the output of first M/M 1 goes "high". Once the output of second monostable multivibrator M/M 2 is input, which is the case of the reproducer being operated to cancel the pause/still status, dialogical learning controller 230 considers that the learner's dialogue has been completed and releases the pause/still status of reproducing apparatus 121 even if a learner cannot perform repeat function that a learner repeat the reproducing apparatus and cannot answer in the dialogical interval in form of question and answer and stop in the middle of repeating.

To prevent this, the volume of second variable resistance VR2 is regulated according to the learner's ability; since the output of first monostable multivibrator M/M 1 is regulated to be delayed by 0.1 to 0.5 seconds, as much time as the learner regulates is delayed even if learner stops in the middle of speaking the captioned characters. Thus, the learner can continue speaking without canceling the pause/still status of reproducing apparatus 121. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the learner's dialogical speed efficiently according to learner ability. Also, if an answering period is fixed as a specific value, second variable resistance VR2 is not necessary.

Controller 238 can perform a normal or dialogical reproduction in response to a selection mode determined by the learner through key input unit 210. The given detailed description of operation is for the case of the dialogical learning mode. In the case of normal reproduction, the signal input to microphone 240 is muted by off-controlling select contact point a3 of second audio signal output controller 239' by means of controller 238. The audio signal generated from reproducing apparatus 121 is controlled to be generated through left and right speakers 320 and 320' by shorting select contact points al and a2 of first audio signal generator 239.

At this time, if first and second pause/still signal is a high-pass band signal of audible frequency, at the time of normal reproduction or a dialogical learning mode, the pause/ still signal is output to speaker 320 through first and second low- pass filters 236 and 237 so as not to create noise. Here, the cut-off frequency of first and second low-pass filter 236 and 237 is 6.5KHz when using monotape and in the case of using hi-fi stereo tape, linear stereo tape, optical disk, etc. is 18.5KHz. The cut-off frequency of the low-pass filters may be variable according to the band in which pause/ still signal is loaded. Also, since there is a limit filter for limiting the frequency to the audible frequency (20KHz) or less in the audio processor (not shown) installed within reproducing apparatus 121 , there should be provided a pause/ still signal detector 220 in the rear portion of the audio processor in order to keep the compatibility. Also, the pause/still signal to be recorded on a recording medium should be within audible frequency. Meanwhile, in a reproducing apparatus 121 for reproducing a recording medium wherein audio and video signals in the form of dialogue are loaded, when the video signal input to video line L3 is a composite synchronizing signal wherein character information is loaded in the 21st region of horizonal synchronizing signal, it is possible to improve the efficiency in learning language by controlling caption unit 252.

Here, overlapping characters for video signal is a generally applied technology to the reproducing apparatus which most of broadcasting bureaus use currently, VCRs, LDPs, TVs, etc. The characters are loaded in the 10th to 21st regions of horizontal synchronizing signal, which is a vertical blanking period. The caption function is a technology wherein a character signal is overlapped and loaded in the 21st synchronizing signal of vertical synchronizing signal. In conventional VCRs, LDPs, camcorders, etc., the function of monochromatic screen display or use of caption character are manually on/off- controlled by users. Here, the input signal is muted and monochromatic screen is displayed when the input signal from reproducing apparatus 121 is lower than a predetermined standard level (when no signal is input). However, in the dialogical learning mode in which the dialogical contents are changed, as noise appears on pause/still screen of a part of videos and camcorders since tracking does not fit depending on tapes when reproducing apparatus 121 is pause/still-operated, thereby, resulting in difficulty in viewing the screen normally. Even if there is no noise, since the resolution of a video screen becomes lowered due to a dispersion phenomenon of the pause/still screen, the learner's view of the captions may be adversely affected. Even after the dialogical interval of reproducing apparatus 121 is finished, the video screen is reproduced until reproducing 121 is pause/still-operated, that is, the dialogist on the video screen mutters, with audio signal being muted. Therefore, according to the present invention, screen selection and caption generator 250 is controlled in response to pause/still signal so that character caption is written by controller 238 on a monochromatic screen in the dialogical interval in which a learner should speak when a dialogue block reproduced from reproducing apparatus 121 during dialogical interval is finished. In other words, according to the present invention, there is provided a screen selection and caption generator 250 by which character caption or monochromatic screen is automatically selected and displayed in response to pause/ still signal. The description thereof will now be given.

Caption unit 252 stores a character signal loaded in horizontal synchronizing signal corresponding to the vertical blanking period of synchronizing signal separated from synchronizing separator 251 in RAM (not shown). Also, caption unit 252 outputs a signal which can be displayed on a monochromatic screen according to screen selection and caption on/off control signal output from controller 238 which recognizes screen selection and caption on/off keys input through key input unit 210 to second select contact point b2 of first controlling switch SW1 and outputs character signal read from RAM incorporated in caption unit 252 to second select contact point c2 of second controlling switch SW2.

First controlling switch SW1 is switched to first select contact point bl to select the normal video screen signal and switched to second select contact point b2 to select the monochromatic screen signal. Second controlling switch SW2 is switched to second select contact point c2 in a screen region for a caption to be inserted therein, if it is desired that caption be inserted to signal output through first controlling switch S WI . Otherwise, second controlling switch SW2 is switched to first select contact point cl to output the output of first controlling switch SW1. Meanwhile, second controlling switch S W2 outputs a video signal to display unit 310 via a video line without modulating the output signal to RF signal, as described in FIG. l . The audio signal can also be output to left and right speakers 320 and 320' without being modulated to RF signal.

The output to left and right speakers 320 and 320' may be a speaker of display unit 310 or a headphone speaker.

However, in the case of display 300 not having an input/output line, video and audio signals of first or second audio signal output controllers 239 or 239' from radio-frequency converter 270 are input and output as an RF signal output to display unit 310 by modulating the video and audio signals. The video signal of video line L3 is a video signal where the contents of audio signal of first and dialogical intervals Tl and T2 are recorded as characters or a character signal of audio signal contents of blocks Tl and T2 are recorded in the 10th to 21st synchronizing signal of horizontal synchronizing signal of video signal.

Here, only the monochromatic screen is controlled but the caption of dialogical contents is not controlled in response to pause/still signal, on a video screen on which a character signal is recorded together with a video signal.

At this time, assuming that a user does not use the language learning apparatus 200, the applied reproduction system 100 is a VCR and display 300 is a TV, if the VCR/TV selection mode key of key input unit 210 is set for the TV mode, the output of reproducing apparatus 121 is input to the RF input terminal of radio-frequency converter 260 and then output to display 300 connected via RF cable through the RF output terminal. Therefore, to operate the present invention, the VCR/TV selection mode is converted from the TV mode to VCR mode when power is on.

Also, the video signal input through the line L3 is output directly to display unit 310 (not through screen selection and caption generator 250) or output to display unit 310 after being modulated to an RF signal in radio-frequency converter 260 to which the video signal is input.

FIG.8 the operation of which is performed by controller 238 described in FIGs.όA and 6B is a flowchart for a language learning method in case a pause/still signal is recorded on a recording medium.

According to FIG.8, video signal input through the line L3 which is not through screen selection and caption generator 250, applies power to system. The initialization of memory, which is necessary for starting a program, is also included in the power-up process. Also, a learner should insert a recording medium in reproducer 121 for his language learning (step SI).

Controller 238 of dialogical learning controller 230 checks whether, among a learner's commands, a reproduction key is input from key input unit 210 (step S2).

Here, key input unit 210 is a user's selection mode input means having ten keys, function keys, character keys and special keys and may be installed in a set of language learning apparatus 200 or an infrared type remote controller.

When the reproduction key is applied, the reproducer is placed in a reproduction status and again determines whether a dialogical learning mode key (to be referred as dialogue mode key hereinafter) is input (step S3). This step can be skipped for non-dialogical-learning-mode cases.

At this time, dialogical learning controller 230 performs general reproduction operation continuously and stops if a selection mode key for dialogue is still not input after the reproduction key is input. In this case, the pause/still signal does not reach the learner's ear because of first and second low-pass filter

236 and 237 (steps S4 and S5).

Therefore, a learner can perform the steps following step S5 after hearing the dialogical contents of a recording medium 11 1 at least once.

It is then determined if pause/still signal P recorded on recording medium 111 is detected in the middle of reproduction (step S6).

If pause/ still signal P is detected, reproducing apparatus 121 is pause/ still- operated, and at the same time, first and second select contact points al and a2 become a cut-off state and third select contact point a3 is switched (steps S7 and S8). If reproducing apparatus 121 is pause/ still -operated, the audio signal is automatically muted.

Next, it is determined if the learner's audio signal is input from microphone 240. If the learner's audio signal is input, his or her audio signal is output to the speaker (steps S9 and S10).

Thereafter, it is determined whether a time T being fixed by variable resistance VR2 has passed. If the fixed time T has passed, pause/still status of reproducing apparatus 121 is canceled and, at the same time, first and second select contact points al and a2 of first audio signal output control unit 239 is made a shorted state and third select contact point a3 of second audio signal output control unit 239' is cut-off so that the output of microphone signal becomes off (steps SI 1 to SI 3). In case variable resistance VR2 is fixed as a specific value, when the input of external audio signal is completed without delay, pause/still status of reproducing apparatus 121 is canceled, thereby, skipping step SI 1. FIGs.9A to 9D the operation of which is performed by controller 238 described in FIG.6 are flowcharts of a language learning method in case first and second pause/still signal is loaded on a recording medium. According to FIGs.9A to 9D, power of system is applied, memory is initialized and the learner inserts recording medium 111 of reproducing apparatus 121 for his language learning (step S101).

Then, it is determined if dialogical mode key is input or not (step S102), and if no dialogical mode key is input, step S102 can be skipped.

If a dialogical mode key is input, it is determined if the input is a first selection mode and whether the caption display is on or off (steps S103 and S104). Here, the first selection mode is a mode where the learner selects second dialogical interval T2 in order to speak, as shown in FIGs.4B to 4D. If the first selection mode and caption display are selected, dialogical learning control unit 230 checks if a reproduction key among user's commands from key input unit 210 is input (step S105). If a reproduction key is applied, reproducing apparatus 121 is placed in the reproduction state. At this time, in dialogical learning controller 230, first dialogist's dialogical contents are output as a caption on a video screen and simultaneously audio signal is output to left and right speakers 320 and 320' when first dialogical interval Tl is going on. Here, third select contact point of second audio signal output control unit 239' is a cut-off state.

If first dialogical interval Tl is finished and first pause/still signal PI is detected, screen selection and caption generator 250 is controlled, by which monochromatic screen is turned on, caption display is turned on, and first to third select contact points al , a2 and a3 of first and second audio signal output control unit 239 and 239' are cut-off. Then, audio signal is muted and microphone signal input is cut-off. Finally second dialogical interval T2 is reproduced (steps SI 06 to S109).

If second dialogical interval T2 is finished and second pause/still signal P2 is detected, third select contact point a3 is cut-off so that the microphone signal input is turned on and reproducing apparatus 121 is operated to be pause/still status. If the learner's audio signal is input, the signal is output to speaker 320. If a fixed time T passes, reproducing apparatus 121 is controlled to operate pause/still cancellation (reproduction operation), monochromatic screen is turned on, caption display is turned on, and first and second select contact points al and a2 of second audio signal output control unit 239' are cut-off. Then, audio signal is mute- released and the input signal from the mike is turned off (steps SI 13 to SI 17).

If first or second pause/still signal PI or P2 is not detected, normal reproduction is performed and finally completed (step SI 18). In case the learner intends to learn the dialogue of second dialogical interval

T2 without caption, i.e., caption display is "off mode, if first pause/still signal PI is detected in the middle of reproduction, monochromatic screen is turned on, caption display is turned off, audio signal is muted and the mike signal input is turned off. Then, finally, second dialogical interval T2 is reproduced (steps SI 19 to S121).

If second pause/still signal P2 is detected, the input signal from the microphone is turned on and a pause/still-operation of reproducing apparatus 121 is performed. Thereafter, if an external audio signal is input and a predetermined time passes, pause/still-operation of reproducing apparatus 121 is released and monochromatic screen is turned off, audio signal is muted, the input signal from the microphone is turned off and caption display is turned on. If first or second pause/ still signal PI or P2 is not still detected, normal reproduction is performed and finally stops (Steps SI 22 to SI 29).

Meanwhile, if the second selection mode is selected in step SI 03, it is determined whether caption display is on or off. Here, second selection mode is selected, when the learner selects first dialogical interval Tl as his dialogue block, as shown in FIGs.4B to 4D.

If second selection mode is fixed and caption display is turned on, it is determined whether reproduction key is input. If a reproduction key is input, reproduction is performed (steps SI 30 to SI 33).

Then, it is determined if first pause/still signal PI is detected in the middle of reproducing video and audio signal on recording medium 111 (step S134).

If first pause/still signal PI is detected, pause/still operation of reproducing apparatus 121 is performed and input of microphone signal is turned on (steps S135 and S I 36).

Thereafter, if an external audio signal is input, the audio signal is output to a speaker. If a fixed time T passes, pause/still of reproducing apparatus 121 is canceled, monochromatic screen is turned off, audio signal is mute-released and the input signal from the mike is turned off. Then, first dialogical interval Tl is reproduced (steps S142 and S143). If first or second pause/ still signal PI or P2 is not detected, normal reproduction is performed (step 118). Meanwhile, when second selection mode is fixed and caption display is turned off, if first pause/still signal PI is detected in the middle of reproduction, pause/still operation of reproducing apparatus 121 is performed and the input signal from the microphone is turned on (steps S145 and S146).

Thereafter, if an external audio signal is input, the signal is output to speaker. If a fixed time T passes, pause/still of reproducing apparatus 121 is canceled, monochromatic screen is turned off, audio signal is mute-released and the input signal from the microphone is turned off and caption display is turned on (steps S147 and S151). If second pause/still signal P2 is detected, monochromatic screen is turned on, caption display is turned off, audio signal is muted, the input signal from the microphone is turned off and then first dialogical interval Tl is reproduced (steps SI 52 to S154). If first and second pause/still signal PI and P2 are not detected, normal reproduction is performed (step 117). Here, dialogical intervals Tl and T2 are interchanged according to the designation of first and second selection modes at step S104. In first selection mode where reproducing apparatus 121 is operated in first dialogical interval Tl and the learner speaks in second dialogical interval T2, muttering is resulted on video screen of second dialogical interval with the sound being muted in second dialogical interval T2, which may be overcome by changing the screen of second dialogical interval into monochromatic screen and by means of screen select and caption on/off selection by which caption of dialogical contents is displayed. In case dialogical intervals are not interchanged, caption is displayed on video screen of first dialogical interval at the time of recording on a recording medium itself and the mode to be done by the learner is recorded so that caption is displayed on monochromatic screen. Therefore, the aforementioned problem may be overcome even if there is no screen selection function. '

In other words, when reproducing apparatus 121 is performing pause/ still operation, since caption cannot be recognized or learner's view may be poor, which are due to noise produced on the screen, monochromatic screen is displayed to pause/still in some VCRs and camcorders.

Also, caption display can be selectively performed in step 106 according to the learner's ability. For example, if the learner can answer without viewing the caption, caption can be selectively displayed.

FIG.10 is a detailed circuit diagram showing a language learning apparatus described in FIG.2, particularly for language learning for which pause/still signal is loaded on the control track.

According to FIG.10, reproducing apparatus 110 includes a video signal processor 111 for modulating and outputting video signal reproduced from video head of reproduction mechanism unit 117, a low-pass filter 112 for detecting control signal of 30Hz reproduced from control head of reproduction mechanism unit 117, an audio signal processor 113 for modulating and outputting audio signal reproducing from audio head of reproduction mechanism unit 117, a key input unit 14, a timer microcomputer 114 for inputting key data through key input unit 14, where microcomputer stands for a microprocessor computer, a microcomputer 115 for wholly controlling overall system including an video signal processor 111, audio signal processor 113, servo unit 116, timer microcomputer 114, etc., a reproduction mechanism unit 117 having capstan controller and drum controller, a servo unit 116 for controlling reproduction mechanism unit 117, a pause/still signal detector 121 having a first bandpass filter for detecting a first pause/still signal of lKHz recorded on control track by means of control head of reproduction mechanism unit 117 and a second bandpass filter for detecting a second pause/ still signal of 2KHz, a first pause/still signal generator 122 for generating first pause/ still signal PI detected from the first band-pass filter as a square wave signal, a second pause/still signal generator 123 for generating a second pause/ still signal P2 detected from the second bandpass filter as a square wave signal, a microphone 124, a noise remover 126 for removing noise loaded in audio signal input from microphone 124, an amplifier 127 for amplifying audio signal input from microphone 124 through noise remover 126, a pause/still release signal generator 128 for generating pause/still signal release signal when input of external audio signal output from amplifier 127 is completed, first and second controlling switches SW21 and SW22 for switching to generate output signal of first and second pause/still signal detectors 122 and 123 to microcomputer 115 only at the time of dialogical learning mode, a first audio signal output controller 125 having a controlling switch wherein first and second select contact points al and a2 are connected to output terminal of audio signal processor 113, first stationary contact point is connected to output terminal of amplifier 127 through buffer 118 and second stationary contact point is connected not through buffer 118, and a second audio signal output controller 125' having a controlling switch wherein third select contact point a3 is connected to output terminal of microphone 124 and third stationary contact point is connected to input terminal of amplifier 127.

The operation of FIG.10 will be described briefly, with the same parts as those of FIGs.όA and 6B being omitted.

Language learning apparatus described in FIG.10 cannot be used for camcorders or LDPs not having a control track but can be used in normal VCRs, linear stereo VCRs, and hi-fi VCRs having control tracks. Since the language learning apparatus 120 cannot be equipped separately with reproduction system 100 as shown in FIG. l, it should be incorporated therein as shown in FIG.2.

First and second pause/still signal loaded in control track of a recording medium which are signals lKHz and 2KHz respectively, exceeding 30Hz, are recorded at the position where dialogist's response is finished, as shown in FIG.18.

A series of operations for the dialogical language learning shown in FIGs.όA and 6B are performed by detecting the first and second pause/still signals.

Meanwhile, at the time of multi-function such as FF, REW, SEARCH, etc., first and second controlling switches SW21 and SW22 are cut-off according to control signal output from microcomputer 115 to mute first and second pause/ still signals.

Software for the language learning method shown in FIGs.8 to 9D may be operated by incorporation in microcomputer 115.

Also, the same effect can be obtained by controlling microcomputer 115 with screen selection and caption generator 250 shown in FIGs.όA and 6B added to the output terminal of video signal processor 111.

FIG.1 1 is a detailed circuit diagram of language learning apparatus for language learning by recording pause/still signal exceeding audible frequency (20KHz) in audio signal recording region of a recording medium shown in FIGs.4A to 4E and in a dialogical language learning apparatus shown in FIG.2.

According to FIG.11, the dialogical language learning apparatus includes a reproduction mechanism unit 500 having capstan controller and drum controller or optical pickup means, video signal processor 501 for modulating and generating video signal reproduced from video head and/or optical pickup means of reproduction mechanism unit 500, audio signal processor 502 for modulating and generating audio signal reproduced from audio head and/or optical pickup means, key input unit 503, timer microcomputer 504 for inputting key data through key input unit 503, microcomputer 505 for wholly controlling overall system including video signal processor 501 , audio signal processor 502, servo unit 526, timer microcomputer 504, etc., servo unit 506 for controlling and driving reproduction mechanism unit 500, pause/still signal detector 510 having first bandpass filter 511 for detecting first pause/still signal PI of 22KHz recorded in audio signal and second bandpass filter 512 for detecting second pause/still signal P2 of 25KHz, first pause/still signal generator 521 for generating first pause/still signal PI detected from first bandpass filter 511 as a square wave signal, second pause/still signal generator 522 for generating second pause/still signal P2 detected from second bandpass filter 512 as a square wave signal, noise remover 532 for removing noise loaded in audio signal input from microphone 530, amplifier 533 for amplifying audio signal input from microphone 530 through noise remover 532, pause/ still release signal generator 540 for generating pause/still release signal when input of external audio signal output from amplifier 533 is completed, first audio signal output controller 531 having controlling switch wherein first and second select contact points al and a2 are connected to output terminal of audio signal processor 502, first stationary contact point is connected not through buffer 550 and second stationary contact point is connected to the output of amplifier 533 through buffer 550, second audio signal output controller 531 ' having controlling switch wherein third select contact point a3 is connected to the output of microphone 530 and third stationary contact point is connected to the input of amplifier 533 (here, first and second audio signal output controllers 531 and 531 ' can be integrally from with the body), and counters 560 and 561 connected to the respective output terminals of first and second pause/still signal generator 521 and 522 in parallel for inputting the outputs therefrom to microcomputer 505.

Next, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG.11 will be described in brief as follows, with the same parts as those of FIGs.όA, 6B and 10 being omitted.

The language learning apparatus described in FIG.11 which is applicable to next-generation video equipment such as D-VCR, HD-VCR, camcorder, linear stereo VCR, hi-fi VCR, LDP, CD-V, CD-I, CD-G, CD-D, CD-FMV, etc., cannot be installed separately from reproduction system 100 and is incorporated therein as shown in FIG.2. This is because a filter is incorporated for limitedly outputting signals processed in audio signal processor 502 to the audible frequency (20KHz) or less.

Therefore, pause/still signal detector 510 should be installed in the front portion of audio signal processor 502.

In the case of normal VCRs, since only the audio signal component of below 8 to 10 KHz is output to the audio signal processor, for the pause/still signal exceeding 8 to lOKHz, language learning apparatus should be incorporated in a reproduction system, as shown in FIG.2, in the front portion of audio signal processor 502.

If the pause/still signal is within the frequency range of the audio signal processor, a pause/ still signal detector may be installed in the rear portion of audio signal processor, as shown in FIG.6A. If pause/ still signal is within audible frequency (20KHz), limit filter in audio signal processor may be extended to the filter exceeding audible frequency to install pause/still signal detector in the rear portion of audio signal processor.

The method of recording pause/still signal exceeding audible frequency on a recording medium is to record in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval, as described in FIG.18. Counters 560 and 561 perform a repetitive learning function that reproduces a fixed pause/still signal by rewinding once the signal is counted according as the learner input the number of time to repeat in dialogical learning mode through key input unit 503.

The same function can be obtained in FIGs.όA, 6B and 10 as well by connecting counters to the output of the pause/still signal generator in parallel, thereby outputting pause/still signal to microcomputer. The detailed operational description of the repeating function will be given in connection with a flowchart of FIG.12.

The system is initialized. (Step S201)

Input of reproduction key from key input unit 503 is checked. If reproduction key is applied, reproducing apparatus 110 becomes reproduction status. (Steps S202 and S203)

The learner sets and determines the number of detection time of repeating first pause/still signal PI recorded at the position where first dialogical interval Tl is completed according to the learning mode in case he intends to do repetitive learning of first dialogical interval Tl. (Step S204) If the number of detection time of repeating first pause/still signal PI is fixed, first pause/still signal PI is detected at the point of present time and counted by counter 560. (Step S205)

If first pause/still signal PI coincides with the set number, rewind search operation is performed. (Steps S206 and S207) If first pause/still signal becomes zero by counter-counting while rewind search operation is being performed, rewinding is finished and repetition is reproduced. (Steps 208 to 210)

In case repetitive learning of second dialogical interval T2 is intended, the number of detection time of repeating second pause/still signal P2 recorded in ending region of second dialogical interval T2 is set and determined. (Step 211)

If the number of detection time of repeating second pause/still signal P2 is set, second pause/still signal P2 is detected at the point of present time and counted by counter 561. (Step S212)

If second pause/still signal PI coincides with the set number, rewind search operation is performed. (Step S213)

If second pause/still signal becomes "0" by counter-counting while rewind search operation is being performed, rewinding is finished and repetition is reproduced. (Steps 215 to 217)

If the number of detection time of repeating first or second pause/still signal is not set, normal reproduction is performed, thereafter, stopping. (Step S218)

Meanwhile, at the time of multi-function such as FF, REW, SEARCH mode, etc., first and second pause/still signal are muted in microcomputer 505.

If screen selection and caption generator 250 is added to output terminal of video signal processor 501 , software for language learning method described in FIGs.8 to 9D is incorporated, thereby being operated in microcomputer 505.

FIG.13 is a detailed circuit diagram of language learning apparatus applicable inside of a set does not have screen selection and caption generator and the operation is performed by detecting pause/still signal recorded in 13th to 21st horizontal synchronizing signal of which pause/still signal is vertical blanking period.

Compared with the configuration of FIGs.όA and 6B, the configuration of FIG.13 is different from that of FIGs.όA and 6B only in that it does not have first and second bandpass filters 221 and 222 for extracting only the bands of first and second pause/still signals PI and P2 described in FIGs.όA and 6B, first and second pause/still signal generators 231 and 232 for outputting the outputs of first and second bandpass filters 221 and 222 as square wave signals and first and second low-pass filters 236 and 237 for eliminating first and second pause/still signals PI and P2 but caption processor 610 operated by detecting pause/ still signal recorded in 13th to 21st horizontal synchronizing signal which is vertical blanking period, as described in FIG.5, is additionally installed instead of screen selection and caption generator 250. The flowchart for detecting the pause/still signal from microcomputer 640 is described in FIG.14.

According to FIG.14, the system is initialized. (Step S301)

The presence of caption signal output from caption processor 610 is determined. (Step 302) If 16 bit caption signal is "0" as determined, the caption signal is output as first pause/still signal and if 16 bit caption signal is " 1 " as determined, the caption signal is output as second pause/still signal. (Steps S303 and S304) Also, the operation of microcomputer is performed as software for language learning apparatus described in FIGs.8 and 9D is incorporated therein.

FIG.15 is a detailed circuit diagram of language learning apparatus applicable as an adapter as described in FIG. l , differently from the language learning apparatus shown in FIG.13 which is incorporated inside of set.

Compared with the configuration of FIG.10, the configuration of FIG.15 is different from that of FIG.10 only in that it does not have pause/still signal detector

121, first and second pause/still signal generators 122 and 123 and first and second controlling switches SW21 and SW22 but caption processor 154 is added to output terminal of video signal processor 111.

Here, in the language learning apparatus described in FIGs.10, 11, 13 and 15 not having screen selection and caption generator, language learning method described in FIGs.8 to 9D is performed in microcomputer (or controller) but there is no on/off steps of caption display described in FIGs.9A and 9C (steps S104 and S131) and the on/off operations of monochromatic screen and caption display are removed in the steps S108, SI 17, S 141 and S143. Accordingly, FIGs.9B and 9D are removed.

FIG.16 having multivibrator instead of dialogical learning controller 230 shown in FIG.6A is a partial circuit diagram of language learning apparatus for language learning by detecting signal-free region in case signal-free region placed at the position where dialogist's response is finished is used as pause/still signal as in FIGs.4A to 4E.

According to the configuration described in FIG.16, first signal-free detector 227 includes transistor Q4 connected to the other terminal of resistance R51 linked to output terminal of reproducing apparatus 121 shown in FIGs.όA and 6B, wherein collector is connected to resistance R53 linked to power supply terminal Vcc and emitter is grounded, monostable multivibrator M/M 223 wherein input terminal A is connected to collector of transistor Q4 and delay control terminals Tl and T2 are connected to resistance VR3 and condenser C51 , respectively and monostable multivibrator M/M 224 wherein input terminal A is connected to inversion output terminal /Q of monostable multivibrator M/M 223, delay control terminals Tl and T2 are connected to resistance R55 and condenser C52, respectively and output terminal is first control signal input terminal PI of microcomputer.

Second signal-free detector 228 has the same configuration with first signal- free detector 227 and output terminal of first M/M 226 is connected to second control signal input terminal P2 of controller. Next, the operation of FIG.16 is described. If audio signal is input, as described in FIG.7C, first or second transistor Q4 or Q5 is conducted, such square wave signal as described in FIG.7D is output in monostable multivibrators M/Ms 223 and 225 through inversion output terminal and the waveform of the output signal is delayed by means of resistance values VR3 and VR4 and volume values of condensers C51 and C52 to output as "low" level square wave signal as described in FIG.7E.

When the output waveform of M/Ms 223 and 225 is converted from "low" level to "high" level, "high" level signal is input to controller 238 through output terminal Q, as described in FIG.7F. The output of monostable multivibrators M/Ms 224 and 226 is determined by resistance values R55 and R56 and volume values of condensers C52 and C54 during period of "high" level.

Also, if pause/ still signal detector 510 and first and second pause/still signal generators 521 and 522 described in FIG.11 are replaced with signal-free detector shown in FIG.16, signal-free region is detected as pause/still signal.

The case of temporary stop in the middle of dialogue can be differentiated from that of a stop happened after dialogue is finished by regulating variable resistance VR.

Compared with the case of recording pause/still signal, where reproducing apparatus is pause/still-operated only if pause/still signal is detected. However, in case signal-free region is detected as pause/ still signal, the speed of learner's response is slow since time for stop in the middle of dialogue should be given.

FIG.17 is a block diagram of an apparatus for recording pause/ still signal exceeding audible frequency of limited band of audio signal in audio signal of a recording medium described in FIGs.4A to 4E.

According to FIG.17, key input unit 710, timer microcomputer 720 for inputting key data through key input unit 710, video signal processor 750 for processing input video signal, audio signal processor 760 for processing input audio signal, microcomputer for wholly controlling overall system including video signal processor 750, audio signal processor 760, servo unit 740, timer microcomputer 720, etc., first pause/still signal oscillator 771 for oscillating frequency corresponding to first pause/still signal, second pause/still signal oscillator 772 for oscillating frequency corresponding to second pause/still signal, first tack switch for on/off-operating the output of first pause/still signal oscillator 771, second tack switch for on/off-operating the output of second pause/still signal oscillator 772, first mixer 781 for mixing the signal of either of left and right channels output from audio signal processor 760 and the output of first pause/still signal oscillator 771, second mixer 782 for mixing the signal of either of left and right channels output from audio signal processor 760 and the output of second pause/still signal oscillator 772 and record mechanism unit 790 for record-controlling output of mixer 780 on a recording medium. Assuming that two native speakers' dialogue is recorded in form of question and answer, manufacturer or editor of the recording medium can insert the output of first and second pause/still signal oscillators 771 and 772, i.e., pause/still signal within or exceeding audible frequency while on/off-operating first and second tack switches when one person's sound corresponding to his dialogical interval comes to an end.

In this case, record mechanism unit 790 is converted to recording mode. FIG.18 is a block diagram of an apparatus for recording pause/still signal mixed with control signal in case of recording media described in FIGs.4A, 4B and 4E. Compared with the configuration of FIG.17, FIG.18 is different from

FIG.17 only in that it has a selector 883 for selecting output of first and second pause/still signal oscillators 871 and 872 and a single mixer 880 for mixing the output of selector 873 with control signal output from microcomputer 860.

The operation of FIGs. l9A and 19B which is performed in controller 238 shown in FIGs.όA and 6B and the microcomputer shown in FIGs. lO, 1 1 , 13 and 15 are flowcharts showing a language learning method in case that a pause/still signal is recorded on a recording medium,. Referring to FIGs.19A and 19B, after the power is applied to the system, the memory is initialized necessary for starting the program in the initialization step. Also, a recording medium should be inserted into the reproducing apparatus so that the learner performs language learning (S20). Then, the controller and the microcomputer for controlling the dialogical learning check whether the reproduction key is input among the user's command supplied from the key input unit (S21). Here, the key input unit comprises a user's selection mode input means having ten keys, function keys, special keys, etc. An infrared type remote controller can be used as the key input unit. If the reproduction key is input, the reproducing apparatus becomes to be in the reproduction state. The microcomputer judges if the dialogical learning mode key (hereinafter, called dialogical mode key) is input (S22). Step 22 can be omitted when it is not the dialogical learning mode. Here, if the dialogical learning mode key is not selected, that is, if the dialogical mode key is not input after the reproduction key is input, the general reproduction operation is continuously performed and completed.

Then, if the dialogical mode key is input, it is judged if the response number which can release the pause/still state of the reproducing apparatus is set according to the response number while the learner watches the caption displayed on the display screen at the pause/ still state of the reproducing apparatus (S23).

If there is no step for setting the response number, the step as the flowchart shown in FIG.8 is performed (S35 through S42).

If the response number is set, the audio signal, video signal, pause/still signal which are recorded on the recording medium are reproduced (S24). During the reproduction stage, it is judged if the pause/still signal recorded on the recording medium is detected (S25), for example.

If the pause/still signal is detected, the reproduction system performs the pause/still function. At the same time, the external audio signal is ready to be input

(S26 and S27). If the external audio signal is ready to be input, it is judged if the external audio signal has been input (S28). Here, if the external audio signal is input, the input audio signal is output through a speaker (S29).

Then, after it is judged if the set time is passed by means of a variable resistor, if the set time is passed, a release signal for releasing the pause/still state of the reproducing apparatus is output. At the same time, the release signal of the pause still state is counted (S31). After the pause/still release signal is counted, it is judged if the counted number of the pause/still release signal match the set response number (S32). When the set response number matches the counted number of the pause/still signal, the pause/still is released in the reproducing apparatus. At the same time, the external audio signal is not ready to be input (S32 through S34).

As described above, if the learner sets the response number so that the reproducing apparatus responds only once while the learner watches the caption displayed on the display at the pause/still state, the reproducing apparatus releases the pause/still state to proceed to a next step. Accordingly, the learner cannot repeat the same response at the pause/still state. To heighten the language learning effect, the present invention repetitively performs the same response by the set number set by the learner. Then, the present invention compares the set response number with the pause/still release signal. As a result of the comparison, if the set response number matches the pause/still release signal, the pause/still state is released to proceed to a next step.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, in the apparatus and method for language learning according to the present invention, the dialogical function is not limited in only audio equipment, and can be applied to video equipment. The apparatus and method according to the present invention can be incorporated into the audio or video equipment, to thereby enable the user to perform language learning.

An apparatus performing a dialogical function according to the present invention can be connected to a video cassette recorder with a separate adapter, together with being connected to a television, and the apparatus performing the dialogical function is incorporated in the video cassette recorder, thereby effectively enabling the language learning.

In the present invention, the pause/still signal is recorded at a particular position of the recording medium on which a signal appropriate to the dialogical learning is recorded, that is, in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval, or the signal-free region in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval is used as a pause/still signal region. Accordingly, since the conversation is advanced between the apparatus and the learner while the dialogical contents are changed, and the dialogical contents are directly viewed, to optimize the language learning efficiency.

Also, since the present invention can selectively represent the dialogical caption and the monochromatic screen on the video screen, and can adjust the speed according to the learning capability, the language learning efficiency can be further enhanced.

Also, the present invention counts the pause/still signal and repetitively reproduces a predetermined interval, to further enhance the language learning efficiency.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

35 / 1 -

DESIGNATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS WITH RESPECT TO THE IMPORTANT COMPONENTS SHOWN IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. l

100 REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

200 LANGUAGE LEARNING APPARATUS

300 DISPLAY

FIG.2

100 REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

110 REPRODUCING APPARATUS

120 LANGUAGE LEARNING APPARATUS 300 DISPLAY

FIG .3

100 REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

111 RECORDING MEDIUM

121 REPRODUCING APPARATUS

200 LANGUAGE LEARNING APPARATUS

210 KEY INPUT UNIT

220 PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTOR

230 DIALOGICAL LEARNING CONTROLLER

240 AUDIO INPUT UNIT

250 SCREEN SELECTION AND CAPTION GENERATOR

260 RADIO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER

300 DISPLAY

310 DISPLAY UNIT

320 SPEAKER

FIGS.6A AND 6B

121 REPRODUCING APPARATUS 35 / 2 -;

LANGUAGE LEARNING APPARATUS KEY INPUT UNIT PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTOR FIRST BANDPASS FILTER SECOND BANDPASS FILTER DIALOGICAL LEARNING CONTROLLER FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL GENERATOR SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL GENERATOR NOISE REMOVER AMPLIFIER PAUSE/STILL RELEASE SIGNAL GENERATOR FIRST LOW-PASS FILTER SECOND LOW-PASS FILTER CONTROLLER FIRST AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER ' SECOND AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER MICROPHONE -243 BUFFER SCREEN SELECTION AND CAPTION GENERATOR SYNCHRONIZING SEPARATOR CAPTION UNIT SWITCHING UNIT WIRE OR WIRELESS TRANSMITTER RELAY REMOTE CONTROL CIRCUIT RADIO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER DISPLAY UNIT LEFT SPEAKER ' RIGHT SPEAKER

.8 START →

SI : INITIALIZATION

S2: IS REPRODUCTION KEY INPUT?

S3: IS DIALOGICAL MODE KEY INPUT?

S4: NORMAL REPRODUCTION → STOP

S5: REPRODUCTION

S6: IS PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S7: PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

S8: EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT "ON"

S9: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT?

S 10: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER

S11:HAS A FIXED TIME (T) PASSED?

S12:PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCING APPARATUS

S13:EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT "OFF"

FIG.9A

START →

S101 : INITIALIZATION

S102: IS DIALOGICAL MODE KEY INPUT?

SI 03: IS THE MODE FIRST SECTION MODE?

S104: IS CAPTION DISPLAY ON/OFF?

S105: IS REPRODUCTION KEY INPUT?

S 106: REPRODUCTION

S107: IS FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S108: MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "ON"

CAPTION DISPLAY "ON"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" S I 09: REPRODUCTION

SI 10: IS SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED? Si l l : PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCING APPARATUS

SI 12: MICROPHONE SINGAL INPUT "ON"

SI 13: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT?

SI 14: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER

SI 15: HAS A FIXTED TIME (T) PASSED?

SI 16: PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCING

APPARATUS

SI 17: MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "OFF" CAPTION DISPLAY "ON- AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE-RELEASED" MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF"

SI 18: NORMAL REPRODUCTION → STOP

FIG.9B

SI 19: IS FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S120: MONOCHROME SCREEN "ON"

CAPTION DISPLAY "OFF"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" S121: REPRODUCTION

S122: IS SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED? S123: PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCING APPARATUS S124: MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "ON" S125: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT? S126: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER S127: HAS A FIXTED TIME (T) PASSED?

S128: PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCING APPARATUS S129: MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "OFF"

CAPTION DISPLAY "ON"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE-RELEASED"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" 35 / 5 -

FIG.9C

S130: IS THE MODE SECOND SELECTION MODE?

S 131: IS CHARACTER CAPTION ON/OFF?

S132: IS REPRODUCTION KEY INPUT?

SI 33: REPRODUCTION

S134: IS FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S135: PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCING APPARATUS

S136: MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "ON"

S137: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT?

S138: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER

S139: HAS A FIXTED TIME (T) PASSED?

S140: PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCING

APPARATUS

S141 : MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "OFF"

CAPTION DISPLAY "ON"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE-RELEASED"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" S142: IS SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED? S143: MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "OFF"

CAPTION DISPLAY "ON"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" S143': REPRODUCTION

FIG.9D

S144: IS FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S145: PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCING APPARATUS

S146: MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "ON"

S147: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT?

S148: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER

S149: HAS A FIXTED TIME (T) PASSED? 35 / 6 -

S 150: PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCING

APPAPATUS

S151: MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "OFF"

CAPTION DISPLAY "ON"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE-RELEASED"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" S152: IS SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED? S153: MONOCHROMATIC SCREEN "ON"

CAPTION DISPLAY "OFF"

AUDIO SIGNAL "MUTE"

MICROPHONE SIGNAL INPUT "OFF" S154: REPRODUCTION

FIG.10

111 VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

112 LOW-PASS FILTER

113 AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

114 TIMER MICROCOMPUTER

115 MICROCOMPUTER

116 SERVO UNIT

117 REPRODUCTION MECHANISM UNIT

118 BUFFER

122 FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL GENERATOR

123 SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL GENERATOR

124 MICROPHONE

125 FIRST AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER 125' SECOND AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER

126 NOISE REMOVER

127 AMPLIFIER

128 PAUSE/STILL RELEASE SIGNAL GENERATOR 35 / 7 -¹

FIG.1 1

230 DIALOGICAL LEARNING CONTROLLER

500 REPRODUCTION MECHANISM UNIT

501 VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

502 AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

503 KEY INPUT UNIT

504 TIMER MICROCOMPUTER

505 MICROCOMPUTER

506 SERVO UNIT

510 PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTOR

51 1 FIRST BANDPASS FILTER

512 SECOND BANDPASS FILTER

521 FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL GENERATOR

522 SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL GENERATOR

530 MICROPHONE

531 FIRST AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER 531' SECOND AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER

532 NOISE REMOVER

533 AMPLIFIER

540 PAUSE/STILL RELEASE SIGNAL GENERATOR 550 BUFFER 560/561 COUNTER

FIG. 12

START →

S201 : INITIALIZATION

S202: IS REPRODUCTION KEY INPUT?

S203: REPRODUCTION

S204: IS THE NUMBER OF FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL SET?

S205: FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL IS DETECTED AND COUNTED

S206: SET NUMBER OF FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL = COUNTED 35 /8 -

NUMBER?

S207: STOP

S208: REVERSELY COUNTED FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL = 0?

S209: STOP

S210: REPRODUCTION

S211: IS THE NUMBER OF SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL SET?

S212: SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL IS DETECTED AND COUNTED

S213: SET NUMBER OF SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL = COUNTED

NUMBER? S214: REWIND SEARCH

S215: REVERSELY COUNTED SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL = 0? S216: STOP

S217: REPRODUCTION S218: NORMAL REPRODUCTION → STOP

FIG.13

600 REPRODUCING APPARATUS

605 KEY INPUT UNIT

653 NOISE REMOVER

654 AMPLIFIER

660 PAUSE/STILL RELEASE SIGNAL GENERATOR 652 FIRST AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER 652' SECOND AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER 640 MICROCOMPUTER 691 - 693 BUFFER 610 CAPTION UNIT

670 WIRE OR WIRELESS TRANSMITTER

671 RELAY

672 REMOTE CONTROL CIRCUIT

620 RADIO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER 630 DISPLAY UNIT 35 / - <

680 LEFT SPEAKER 680' RIGHT SPEAKER

FIG.14

START →

INITIALIZATION →

S301: IS THERE CAPTION SIGNAL OR NOT?

S302: IS 16 BIT CAPTION SIGNAL "0"?

S303: OUTPUT OF FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL

S304: IS 16 BIT CAPTION SIGNAL " 1 "?

S305: OUTPUT OF SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL

FIG.15

151 REPRODUCTION MECHANISM UNIT

152 SERVO UNIT

153 VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

154 CAPTION PROCESSOR

155 AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

156 MICROCOMPUTER

157 TIMER MICROCOMPUTER

158 KEY INPUT UNIT

159 BUFFER

160 MICROPHONE

161 FIRST AUDIO SIGNAL OUTPUT CONTROLLER

162 NOISE REMOVER

163 AMPLIFIER

164 PAUSE/STILL RELEASE SIGNAL GENERATOR

FIG.16

223 - 226 MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR

227 FIRST SIGNAL-FREE DETECTOR So / 1 0

228 SECOND SIGNAL-FREE DETECTOR

231 FIRST CONTROL SIGNAL INPUT TERMINAL

232 SECOND CONTROL SIGNAL INPUT TERMINAL

FIG. 17

710 KEY INPUT UNIT

720 TIMER MICROCOMPUTER

730 MICROCOMPUTER

740 SERVO UNIT

750 VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

760 AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

771 FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL OSCILLATOR

772 SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL OSCILLATOR

781 FIRST MIXER

782 SECOND MIXER

790 RECORD MECHANISM UNIT

FIG.18

810 KEY INPUT UNIT

820 TIMER MICROCOMPUTER

830 MICROCOMPUTER

840 SERVO UNIT

850 VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

860 AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSOR

871 FIRST PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL OSCILLATOR

872 SECOND PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL OSCILLATOR 880 MIXER

883 SELECTOR

890 RECORD MECHANISM UNIT 35 / 1 1

FIGS.19A AND 19B

START →

S20: INITIALIZATION

S21 : IS REPRODUCTION KEY INPUT?

S22: IS DIALOGICAL MODE KEY INPUT?

S23: IS RESPONSE NUMBER SET?

S24: REPRODUCTION

S25: IS PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S26: PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

S27: EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT "ON"

S28: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT?

S29: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER

S30: HAS A FIXED TIME (T) PASSED?

S31 : PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE SINGAL IS COUNTED

S32: SET RESPONSE NUMBER = COUNTED NUMBER?

S33: PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

S34: EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT "OFF"

S35: REPRODUCTION

S36: IS PAUSE/STILL SIGNAL DETECTED?

S37: PAUSE/STILL OPERATION OF REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

S38: EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT "ON"

S39: IS EXTERNAL AUDIO SIGNAL INPUT?

S40: OUTPUT TO SPEAKER

S41 : HAS A FIXED TIME (T) PASSED?

S42: PAUSE/STILL-RELEASE OPERATION OF REPRODUCTION SYSTEM

S43: NORMAL REPRODUCTION →

STOP

Claims

36What is claimed is:

1. A recording medium for language learning on or from which an audio signal, a video signal and a control signal for dialogical learning are recorded and reproduced, characterized in that a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval for performing a pause/still operation of a reproducing apparatus.

2. A recording medium for language learning on or from which an audio signal, a video signal and a control signal for dialogical learning are recorded and reproduced, characterized in that a signal-free region is provided in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval so that said signal-free region is used as a pause/still signal region.

3. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1, wherein said pause/still signal is recorded in an audio signal recording region of said recording medium.

4. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1 , wherein said pause/still signal is recorded in a control signal recording region of said recording medium.

5. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1 , wherein said pause/still signal is recorded in a video signal recording region of said recording medium.

6. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1 , wherein said pause/still signal is recorded together with a modulated signal after mixing said audio, video and control signals.

7. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1 , 37 wherein said pause/still signal is recorded together with said audio signal before mixing said audio, video and control signals.

8. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1 , wherein said pause/still signal is recorded together with said video signal before mixing said audio, video and control signals.

9. A recording medium for language learning according to claim 1, wherein said pause/still signal is recorded together with said control signal before mixing said audio, video and control signals.

10. A language learning apparatus using a recording medium for language learning in which a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval to make an external reproducing apparatus perform a pause/still operation, or a signal-free region in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval is used as a pause/still signal region, said language learning apparatus for performing a dialogical language learning comprising: at least one input terminal for receiving a reproduction signal supplied from said external reproducing apparatus (121) for reproducing a recorded signal from said recording medium (111); detecting means (220) connected to said input terminal for detecting said pause/ still signal from the reproduction signal input through said input terminal; audio input means (240) for converting an audio signal into an electrical audio signal; output means (300) for supplying said electrical audio signal supplied from said audio input means (240) and said reproduction signal input through said input terminal to at least one output terminal to which an external signal output apparatus (300) is connected; and control means (230) for generating a control signal which controls said external reproducing apparatus (121) to perform a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls said output means (300) to output or selectively output said 38 electrical audio signal, in response to the pause/still signal detected from said detecting means (220), and controls said external reproducing apparatus to release a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls said output means (300) to output or selectively output the reproduction signal, in response to said input electrical audio signal.

11. A language learning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said control signal is generated through a wire of a control signal port of said external reproduction apparatus (121), or said control signal is modulated into an infrared signal to be output wirelessly, with a result that said external reproducing apparatus (121) performs or releases said pause/still operation.

12. A language learning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said at least one input terminal and output terminal are video input terminals and video output terminals, respectively, in which said output means (300) supplies the video signal or a monochromatic signal input through said video input terminals to said video output terminals in response to the control signal of said control means (230).

13. A language learning apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising caption display means for displaying a caption signal corresponding to the dialogical contents in said reproduction video signal or the monochromatic screen signal.

14. A language learning apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising speed regulating means for regulating the performance speed and the release speed of the pause/still operation of said external reproducing apparatus (121), by delaying the output of said audio input means (240) according to the skill of said learner.

15. A language learning apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising repetition control means for generating a control signal and supplying said control signal to said control means (230), said repetition control means 39 counting said pause/still signal of said detection means (220), so that said external reproducing apparatus (121) performs a rewind and search operation if the counted number matches the set repetition dialogical interval, and at the same time the detection number of said pause/still signal is reversely counted to repetitively be reproduced at the initially set position.

16. A language learning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said output means (300) comprises high-frequency conversion means for converting said reproduction video signal and said monochromatic screen signal on both which said caption signal is loaded, respectively, or said reproduction video signal or said monochromatic screen signal into a high-frequency signal.

17. A language learning apparatus for performing a dialogical language learning comprising: means (121) for reproducing a signal from a language learning recording medium in which a pause/still signal is recorded in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval to make said reproduction means (121) perform a pause/still operation, or a signal-free region in a predetermined region where a learner should speak every dialogical interval is used as a pause/ still signal region; detection means (220) for detecting said pause/still signal which is reproduced from said reproducing means (121); audio input means (240) for converting an audio signal into an electrical audio signal; output means (300) for supplying said electrical audio signal supplied from said audio input means (240) and said reproduction signal input through said input port to at least one output terminal to which an external signal output apparatus (121) is connected; and control means (230) for generating a control signal which controls said external reproducing apparatus (121) to perform a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls said output means to output or selectively output said electrical audio signal, in response to the pause/still signal detected from said 40 detecting means (220), and controls said external reproducing apparatus (121) to release a pause/still operation and simultaneously controls said output means (300) to output or selectively output the reproduction signal, in response to said input electrical audio signal.

18. A language learning apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said at least one output terminal is a video output terminal, in which said output means (300) supplies the reproduction video signal or a monochromatic screen signal input through said reproducing means (121) to said video output terminals in response to the control signal of said control means (230).

19. A language learning apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising caption display means for displaying a caption signal corresponding to the dialogical contents in said reproduction video signal or said monochromatic screen signal.

20. A language learning apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising speed regulating means for adjusting the performance speed and the release speed of the pause/still operation of said external reproducing means (121), by delaying the output of said audio input means (240) according to the skill of said learner.

21. A language learning apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising repetition control means for generating a control signal and supplying said control signal to said control means (230), said repetition control means counting said pause/still signal of said detection means (220), so that said external reproducing apparatus (121) performs a rewind and search operation if the counted number matches the set repetition dialogical interval, and at the same time the detection number of said pause/still signal is reversely counted to repetitively be reproduced at the initially set position.

22. A dialogical language learning method comprising the steps of: 41 setting a reproduction mode and a dialogical learning mode; reproducing a recording medium on which audio and video signals including a pause signal of the same frequency therewith, before or after a dialogical interval are recorded if said dialogical mode is set; pausing a reproducing operation if said pause signal is detected in said reproducing step; inputting an audio signal of a learner if said reproduction is paused; and releasing said pausing step so that said reproducing step is performed again if a predetermined set time elapses after said audio signal of said learner is input.

23. A dialogical language learning method comprising the steps of: setting a reproduction mode and a dialogical learning mode; selecting a dialogical interval where a learner repetitively speaks if said dialogical learning mode is set; reproducing a recording medium on which audio and video signals including a pause signal of a different frequency therefrom, before or after a dialogical interval are recorded; firstly muting said audio signal if said pause signal which is loaded before said dialogical interval selected by said learner is detected in said dialogical interval selecting step; pausing a reproducing operation if said pause signal which is loaded after said dialogical interval selected by said learner is detected from said reproduction signal in said reproducing step; inputting an external audio signal of a learner if said reproduction is paused; and releasing said pausing step so that said reproducing step is performed again if a predetermined set time elapses after said audio signal of said learner is input to then return to an original picture screen and releasing said audio signal muting step.

24. A dialogical language learning method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of determining if a caption is generated in the dialogical 42 interval of said learner after the dialogical interval is selected in said selecting step.

25. A dialogical language learning method according to claim 24, wherein if the caption of the learner's dialogical interval during the caption selection, is turned off, said muting step is controlled not to generate said caption, while said muting release step is controlled to generate said caption.

26. A dialogical language learning method according to claim 24, wherein if the caption of the learner's dialogical interval during the caption selection, is turned on, said muting step and said muting release step are controlled to generate said caption.

27. A dialogical language learning method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of releasing the pause/still state of said reproduction means if the set response number matches the counted number of said pause/still release signals.