WO2001084393A1

WO2001084393A1 - Interpretation management system, interpretation management method and recording medium in which interpretation management program is recorded

Info

Publication number: WO2001084393A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/002849
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoji Abe
Original assignee: Yoji Abe
Priority date: 2000-04-28
Filing date: 2000-04-28
Publication date: 2001-11-08
Also published as: AU2001244741A1; AU2000243158A1; WO2001084402A1

Abstract

An interpretation management system which can cope with the interpretation of all languages, can cope with the interpretation of words concerning special fields such as technical terms and, further, eliminates the necessity of making telephone operators and interpreters always wait at a particular place. An interpreter table is provided and interpreter specifying information data for specifying an interpreter, language information data indicating the type of language which can be interpreted by the interpreter, interpreter time zone information indicating a time zone in which the interpreter is available for interpretation and connection information indicating the connection destination of the interpreter are stored and held in the interpreter table. In response to a call from a customer, an interpreter who can interpreter the requested language and is available at present is called in accordance with the contents of the interpreter table and telephone communication between the called interpreter and the customer is realized to enable the interpretation by the interpreter. Further, reservation information indicating reserved times at which the customers want to have the interpreters for interpretation are also stored and held in the interpreter table and the customer and the interpreter are called when the present time coincides with the reserved time.

Description

Description ^: Interpretation management system, Interpretation management method, and recording medium recording Interpretation management program

The present invention relates to an interpreter management system, an interpreter management method, and a recording medium on which an interpreter management program is recorded, and more particularly, to an interpreter management system, an interpreter management method, and a recording medium on which an interpreter management program is managed by an interpreter. . Background art

For world peace, it is important that people of different ethnicities and regions with different environments and cultures deepen their mutual understanding. Therefore, it is necessary to actively promote international communication. However, in the case of international communication, the difference in the language used by each person is the biggest obstacle. For this reason, foreign language education is being actively conducted in each country.

In recent years, with the remarkable development of the economy, especially of transportation and information, the exchange of people has been expanding rapidly. However, there are many cases where colleagues working in the same workplace or living immediately next to each other cannot communicate because of different languages and cannot communicate. Such problems cannot be solved by language education alone.

One way to solve this problem is to conduct communication by translating between required languages. In this case, the interpreter (interpreter) will be present or accompanied by the user at the required place and time. Will perform the translator work.

In this case, even if there is only a short time to actually perform the interpreting work, it takes time to commute to work, so the interpreter's restraint time becomes longer. For this reason, the user, who is a customer, generally needs to pay a fee for the interpreting service in half-day or one-day units, which poses a heavy burden. Therefore, the cost of the interpreter is so high that for personal purposes it is not practically available if needed. In addition, when traveling overseas, there is also a problem that the interpreter's business schedule may not be able to respond to sudden schedule changes due to delays in transportation agencies.

Furthermore, if you are going to meet one after another with people who speak different languages, you will need an interpreter for each language. In this case, it is rare for a single interpreter to be able to interpret languages from several powers, and can interpret multiple languages except for major languages such as English, French, German, Russian, and Chinese. No one is equal to nothing. For this reason, there is a problem that as many interpreters as necessary have to walk together.

By the way, there is no problem in large cities, for example, in the surrounding areas such as Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, where there are many interpreters living, but in local cities other than the metropolitan area, the number of interpreters is small. Because of the small number, there is a problem that interpreters must be called in from a distance as needed.

Also, when interpreting in a large number of languages at a time, such as at an international event or wide area disaster, it is difficult to secure the required number of interpreters. There is also a problem that it is difficult to accompany a general interpreter at the scene of a disaster or the work of police officers because of the danger.

Here, a method using a translator is conceivable in order to address the above problem. For example, a portable translator described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-265454 / Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-111389 may be used. However, these translations Translators are limited in the types of languages that can be translated due to limitations in storage capacity and other factors, and translation in specialized fields is considered to be difficult.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-225504 discloses a technology in which a caller manually transfers a call to a predetermined interpreter based on a country code or a code in an international telephone service or the like. It is described in. However, there is a problem with this technique in that an operator or interpreter must be kept at a specific place for 24 hours.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and its purpose is to be able to interpret in any language, and also to interpret in a technical field such as technical terms. It is an object of the present invention to provide an interpreter management system, an interpreter management method, and a recording medium on which an interpreter management program is recorded, which does not require a person to always wait at a specific place. Disclosure of the invention

The interpreter management system according to the present invention includes: an interpreter specifying information for specifying an interpreter; language information indicating a type of language in which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information can interpret; and the interpreter specifying information. An interpreter table having at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during which the corresponding interpreter can perform interpreting work, and contact information indicating contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. Interpreter information table holding means for storing and holding

Calling means for calling the interpreter based on the contents of the interpreter table;

It is characterized by including. The interpreter information table holding means and the calling means may be provided in territories of different countries.

Further, the calling means responds to the incoming call by the customer, and interprets the designated language according to the contents of the interpreter information table holding means. A call is made to a translator who is available and is currently available, and a call is made between the translator at the call destination and the customer to enable the translator to perform the interpreting work.

Further, the interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which a customer desires an interpreting operation by the interpreter, and the calling means responds to the reservation information when a current time matches the reservation time. Place a call to the customer and the interpreter.

The interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting work, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the rank information. Further, the interpreter table may also include field information indicating a field of specialized interpretation of the interpreter, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the field information. It should be noted that the interpreter may further include a billing unit for charging according to the time at which the interpreter performs the interpreting work.

The interpreter management method according to the present invention includes: interpreter specifying information for specifying an interpreter; language information indicating a type of language in which an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information can interpret; and the interpreter specifying information. An interpreter template having at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during which the corresponding interpreter can perform interpreting work, and contact information indicating contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. Storing a bull;

A calling step for calling the interpreter based on the contents of the interpreter table;

It is characterized by including.

In addition, in the calling step, in response to an incoming call by a customer, a designated language is specified according to the contents of the interpreter information table holding means. To make a call to an interpreter who is currently available and make a call between the interpreter at the call destination and the customer to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work. To

Further, the interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which a customer desires an interpreting operation by the interpreter. In the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time, the interpreter table includes the reservation information. Call the customer and the interpreter accordingly.

The interpreter table may also include fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table may also include rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting work, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the rank information. Furthermore, the interpreter table may also include field information indicating a field of interpretation of the interpreter, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the field information. It should be noted that the method may further include a charging step of charging according to the time at which the interpreter performs the interpreting work.

A recording medium recording an interpreting management program according to the present invention is a recording medium recording an interpreting management program for managing an interpreting operation using a computer, wherein the program is an interpreter for specifying an interpreter. Specific information, language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted by the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specific information, and an interpreter indicating a time period during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specific information can perform interpreting work Storing and holding an interpreter table having at least time zone information and contact information indicating contact information that is the contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information;

It is characterized by including. In addition, in the calling step, an interpreting operation can be performed for a specified language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table holding means in response to an incoming call by a customer, and A call is made to the caller, and a call is made between the interpreter at the call destination and the customer to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work.

The interpreter table may also include fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table may also include rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting work, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the rank information. Furthermore, the interpreter table may also include field information indicating a field of interpretation of the interpreter, and the customer may select an interpreter according to the field information. Note that the method may further include a billing step of billing according to the time when the interpreter has performed the interpreting work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an interpretation management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more specific configuration example of the sensor device in FIG.

FIG. 3 (a) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the interpreter table in FIG. FIG. 3 (b) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the user table in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the interpreter management system according to the present invention. It is.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the translator registration processing in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the user registration processing in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the contents of the translation reservation processing in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the contents of processing when a call is made in response to an incoming call from a user and when a call is made based on the interpretation reservation contents. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the interpreter, the center device, and one user in the interpreter registration process and the user registration process.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange of data between the sending and receiving device and the user in the interpretation reservation process.

Fig. 11 shows the data exchange between the interpreter, the sending device, and the user in the process of making a call in response to an incoming call from the user and making a call based on the contents of the interpretation reservation. It is a sequence diagram. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the same parts as those in the other drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an interpretation management system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the interpreting management system according to the present embodiment includes a communication device 1 such as a telephone held by an interpreter and a communication device such as a telephone held by a customer (one user) who receives an interpreting service. 2 and a communication device 100 for controlling a call between the communication device 1 and the communication device 2. Sen-Yu 100 is a communication device owned by the interpreter. Alternatively, a wireless device such as a transceiver may be used in addition to a mobile phone (including PHS) and a wired subscriber phone. Therefore, the communication device 1 and the sensor device 100 are connected via a wireless or wired public line or the like. Similarly, for the communication device 2 owned by the user 1, a wireless device such as a transceiver may be used in addition to a mobile phone (including a PHS) or a wired subscriber phone. Accordingly, the communication device 2 and the sending device 100 are also connected via a wireless or wired public line or the like.

In the present system shown in the figure, the interpreting service is executed by controlling the call between the interpreter and the user who uses the interpreting service by the sending device 100. .

A configuration example of the sensor 100 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the sensor device 100 of the present example is composed of a translator table 101-1-1 which stores various information such as contact information of translators in a database, as will be described later. A user table for registering the contact information of users who use the interpreting service provided by the system, and a clock for outputting data indicating the current time. Memory for temporary storage 103, keyboard 104 for inputting various data, CPU 105 for controlling various parts of the device, communication circuits 106-1, and 106 — 2 and the line controller 107.

The clock 102 outputs data indicating the standard time of the area where the central station 100 is installed.

The communication circuits 106_1 and 106-6-2 have a function of controlling communication with the communication devices 1 and 2 described above. The line controller 107 has a function as an interface between the communication circuits 106-1 and 106-2 and the CPU 105. These communication circuits 106--1 and 106--2 In addition, a plurality of line control devices 107 are provided according to the number of users and the number of interpreters.

Fig. 3 (a) shows the contents of the interpreter template in Fig. 2. Referring to the figure, the interpreter table 1 01-1 used in the system of this example includes interpreter identification information 31 for identifying an interpreter and an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information 31. Language information that indicates the types of languages that can be interpreted, interpreter time zone information that indicates the hours during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information can perform interpreting work, and interpreter identifier information 3 The contact information 37 indicating the contact information of the interpreter, such as the telephone number of the corresponding interpreter, is stored and stored.

The interpreter identification information 31 is, for example, the name of the interpreter. The linguistic information 32 is information indicating a language in which the interpreter can perform interpreting work. Not only the language shown in the figure, but also languages used in all countries and regions around the world can be registered as this language information.

Interpretation time zone information 33 shall include information indicating the start time and end time of the time zone in which the interpreter can perform the interpreting work. If the standard time of the interpreter's address or residence does not match the standard time of the location of the device 100, for example, if the interpreter lives outside the country, the interpreting time zone information 3 3 It shall be stored in a format converted to the standard time of the installation location of the device.

In addition, the interpreter table 1 0 1—1 shows reservation information 39 indicating the reservation contents such as the reservation time at which the user wants the interpreter to perform the interpreting work, and indicates whether the interpreter has already made a reservation. Reservation presence information 38, interpreter fee information 34 indicating the fee for the interpreter's interpreting service, rank information 35 indicating the quality of the interpreter's interpreting service, and field information indicating the interpreter's specialized field of interpreting 3 and 6 are included. If the standard time of the user's address or residence does not match the standard time of the location of the device 100, for example, if the user is staying abroad, the reservation time in the reservation information 39 Is stored in a format converted to the standard time of the installation location of the device 100.

In this system, reservation information 39 can be registered in a table, which is convenient when the user knows in advance the time at which he wants to perform an interpreting job. The reservation presence / absence information 38, as described later, is information that is required when searching for a translator who has not been reserved (vacant) from the table. If the interpreter who has already been booked cannot perform interpreting work due to any sudden accident, refer to the information on whether or not there is a reservation, and interpreters who can perform interpreting work for the same language at the same time. If you search from the table, you can immediately work on behalf of another interpreter.

In the interpreter fee information 34, the amount is set for each interpreter, and serves as a guide when one user selects an interpreter. In the rank information 35, rank information is set for each interpreter with respect to the past performance of the interpreting work, and serves as a guide when a user selects an interpreter. This rank information is determined by referring to the results of questionnaires by users who have used the interpreter service and the results of periodic tests for each translator, and the like.

0 Input from 4.

In the field information 36, information indicating the field of specialization is set for each interpreter. The field information 36 serves as a guide for the user to select an interpreter for the field or the like for which he wants to translate.

The contents of the memory of the interpreter table 101-1 may be displayed on a screen of a monitor (not shown) connected to the transmitter as required. This display is convenient for the person who manages the sending device 100 because he / she can always grasp the interpreter's registration status and reservation status. When doing this display It may be displayed in different colors according to the registration status of the interpreter. For example, a display method in which a time zone in which the number of registered interpreters is large is displayed in dark color, and a time period in which the number of registered interpreters is small is displayed in light color may be considered.

If there is a time slot where the number of registered interpreters is small, this may be detected and a warning may be issued overnight. By issuing this warning, the operator can contact the interpreter and take measures such as registering at that time. Therefore, many interpreters can be kept on standby at all times, and stable interpreting services can be provided. This warning can be given by voice or by blinking a part of the display screen. It should be noted that the number of interpreters registered is always compared with a preset value (the value can be changed freely), and when it is detected that the number of registered interpreters is smaller, a warning is issued. good.

FIG. 2B shows the contents of the user table in FIG. Referring to the figure, the user table 101-2 used in the system of the present example includes user identification information 41 for identifying a user who uses the system and contact information such as a telephone number of the user. The information includes information 42, an ID number 43 assigned to the user, and a password 44. You can usually identify yourself by phone number. That is, the telephone number of the calling telephone is notified to the called party (here, the sending device 100), so that the telephone number registered in the user table 101-2 is used. If a match is found, the user can be identified. However, when the user uses another person's telephone while on the go, the telephone numbers do not match. In this case, the ID number 43 and the password 44 will be used for confirmation. These Figures 3 (a) and 3 (b) The table shown in () shall be stored and held on a magnetic disk medium (so-called hard disk). Furthermore, according to the recording capacity and access speed required for this system, Various storage means such as a magneto-optical disk medium and a semiconductor memory can be used.

The operation of the interpreting management system having the above configuration will be described below. In the following operations, various types of data transmission from the interpreter or user to the interpreter device, and various types of data transmission from the interpreter device to the interpreter or user, are caused by pressing the push dial button on the telephone. And shall be given and received. That is, when each of the numbers 0 to 9 or the button of “#” is pressed according to voice guidance or the like, the data corresponding to the pressed button is registered in each table. Further, the above various data may be transmitted and received as audio data. In this case, when the data is registered in each table, the data is converted into a character data and the like by a well-known voice recognition process and then registered.

When outputting character data and the like registered in each table, character data and the like are converted into voice data by a well-known voice synthesis technique and output. Furthermore, the contents of the interpreter table may be displayed in characters on the display of a portable device such as a mobile phone without converting the data into speech synthesis data. In this case, the user selects an interpreter while looking at the contents of the display.

It is convenient to pre-register the menu of the interpreter service provided by this system in the mobile device, so that users can use this system simply by selecting the menu while viewing the displayed contents. Registering this menu before shipping the portable device from the manufacturer eliminates the need for the user to register it, which is more convenient.

For some data, such as the specific information of the interpreter or the user and the reservation of the interpreting work, the operator may also respond by telephone and register it in the table using the keyboard 104 or the like. By having the operator handle some registrations, interpreters and users who are not good at operating equipment can use the interpreting service provided by this system with confidence. Fig. 4 shows the basic operation processing of this system. Referring to the figure, the basic operation of this system is as follows. That is, it is determined whether or not there is an interpreter registration (step S401), and if there is a registration, an interpreter registration process is performed (step S402), and it is determined whether or not there is a user registration. (Step S 403) If there is a registration, a user registration process is performed (Step S 404), and it is determined whether or not there is an interpreter reservation (Step S 405). Reservation processing is performed (step S406), and it is determined whether there is an incoming call from the user (step S407). If there is an incoming call, incoming processing is performed (step S408), and The above processes are repeated. The order of each processing in the figure is not limited to the contents shown in the figure, and the order of the processing may be changed or other processing may be added as needed.

FIG. 5 shows the contents of the interpreter registration process in step S402 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the interpreter registration process is performed as follows. First, the user is prompted to input information for specifying an interpreter, and the input information is registered as the interpreter specifying information 31 in the interpreter table 101-1 described above (step S501).

Next, the interpreter is prompted to input a language that can be interpreted, and the input language is registered as language information 32 in the interpreter table 101-1 described above (step S520). In this case, the interpreter will enter two languages that the interpreter can interpret and register them.

Further, the interpreter is prompted to input a time zone during which the interpreter can perform the interpreting work, and the input time zone is registered as time zone information 33 in the above-described interpreter table 101-1 (step S503). In this case, the interpreter must enter the work start time and the work end time at which the interpreter can perform the interpreting work, and register these. In addition, it prompts for contact information such as the interpreter's telephone number, The input telephone number and the like are registered as contact information 37 in the translator table 101-1-1 described above (step S504). Similarly, the user is prompted to input information such as a specialty field, and the input information is registered in the interpreter table 101-1 (described above) (step S505). Finally, the above registered contents are confirmed (step S506). In this case, the registered contents are notified to the interpreter, and when the interpreter confirms the registration, the registration process is completed.

It should be noted that the above-described interpreter registration process may be such that the interpreter uses a personal computer to input various data and transmits the data to the sending device 100 via the Internet. good. The transmission may be performed using the in-network function of a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

FIG. 6 shows the contents of the user registration process in step S404 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the user registration process is performed 0 as follows. First, the user is prompted to enter contact information such as the telephone number of the user who wants to use the interpreting service provided by this system, the user's name or name and address or residence, and other information for identifying the user. It is registered in the above-mentioned user table 101-2 (step S601). Next, the registered contents are notified to the user, and when confirmation is made by the user, the registration processing is completed (step S602). After the completion of the registration process, an ID number and a password unique to the user are output and notified to the user (step S603).

Note that the above-mentioned user registration process is performed by a user inputting various data using a personal computer and transmitting the data to the device 100 via the Internet. Is also good. The transmission may be performed using the Internet function of a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of the translation reservation process in step S406 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the interpretation reservation process is performed as follows. You. First, the user specifies the time zone, language, etc. where he / she wants to use the interpreter service.

(Step S701). At this time, if there is an interpreter desired by the user, the name of the interpreter may be specified. When such a designation is made, the interpreter table 101-1 is referred to based on the designated contents (step S702), and it is confirmed whether or not a reservation has already been made (step S702). Step S703) o

If no reservation has been made and the user's request can be met, the contents of the reservation are registered in the translator table 101-1-1 (step S703 → 704). Then, the registered contents are notified to the user, and when the user confirms, the registration processing is completed (step S705). During registration, the ID number or password assigned to the user may be checked. On the other hand, if the reservation has already been made and the user's request cannot be met, a notification that the reservation cannot be made is given (step S706). After that, if the user designates another time zone and language, the processing such as referring to the above table is continued (steps S707 → S702 → S703). If there is no designation of another time zone by the user or the like, the process ends as it is (step S707).

It should be noted that the above-described interpretation reservation processing may be such that the user inputs various data using a personal computer and transmits the data to the sensor device 100 via the Internet. good. The transmission may be performed using the in-network function of a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

FIG. 8 shows the contents of the incoming call processing in step S408 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the incoming call processing is performed as follows. First, in response to the incoming call from the user, the interpreter table 101-1 mentioned above is referred to (step S810). As a result of this reference, if there is an interpreter for whom no reservation has been made at that time, call processing is performed for that interpreter (step 3 8 0 2 → 3 8 0 3). In this calling process, it is common to check the telephone number of the user notified at the time of the incoming call, the ID number assigned to the user, and the password. After the calling process, the user talks with the interpreter, and the billing process is performed while the interpreter performs the interpreting work (step S804). This billing process is continued until the end of the call (step S805). After the call is over, a bill corresponding to the billing content may be automatically issued to the user, and a statement of the amount to be paid to the interpreter may be automatically issued to the interpreter. .

On the other hand, if there is no interpreter who has no reservation at that time and the interpreter service cannot be provided, the user is notified to that effect (step S806) o

In addition, it is always monitored whether or not a reservation is made by the user (step S807), and if a reservation is made, it is determined whether or not the start time of the reservation time zone and the current time match. (Step S808). If the start time of the reservation time zone and the current time match, the above-described calling process is performed (step S805), and the same billing process is performed thereafter (step S804 → S). 805). In this calling process, the ID number or password assigned to the telephone number user of the user may be confirmed.

In short, in this system, a call is made to the interpreter when a call is received from the user requesting an immediate translation, and the interpreter is called when the current time matches the start time of the reserved time zone. And a call to the user. The current time becomes the reserved time, and it is possible that both or one of them does not receive a call even if a call is made to the interpreter and the user. In this case, the call may be made again after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 5 minutes). This call may be made again by the sending device 100 or by the operating device. If there is no incoming call even if the user calls again (including three or more calls), the reservation can be canceled automatically. In the case of this cancellation, the cancellation fee may be collected from the user.

The operation of the interpreting management system that performs the above processing will be further described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. Each of these figures is a sequence diagram showing transmission and reception of data by the sensor device, the user, and the interpreter in this system.

First, FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the interpreter, the sending device, and the user in the interpreter registration process and the user registration process. In the figure, when registration instruction data 901 is transmitted from a given interpreter 1 to the center device 100, the sending device 100 0 prompts input of specific information for specifying the interpreter. To the interpreter 1. In response to this, when the interpreter 1 transmits the data 903 indicating the specific information, the sensor device 100 registers the specific information in the above-described interpreter table. The above-described input and registration processing of the interpreter identification information is processing corresponding to step S501 of FIG. 5 described above.

Next, the sending device 100 transmits to the interpreter 1 data 904 that is a message or the like for prompting input of a language that the interpreter 1 can interpret. In response to this, when data 9 05 indicating the languages (two kinds of languages) that can be interpreted is transmitted from the interpreter 1, the sending device 100 registers the language in the interpreter table described above. . The input and registration processing of the linguistic information described above is processing corresponding to step S502 in FIG. 5 described above.

In addition, the sending device 100 transmits to the interpreter 1 data 906 which is a message or the like for prompting input of a time zone in which the interpreter 1 can perform the interpreting work. In response to this, when the interpreter 1 sends a message 907 indicating the time zone (start time and end time) during which the interpreting work can be performed, the sending device 100 changes the time zone. Register in the interpreter table described above. The above-described time zone information input and registration processing is processing corresponding to step S503 in FIG. 5 described above.

Further, the sending device 100 transmits to the interpreter 1 the data 908 which is a message for prompting the input of contact information such as the telephone number of the interpreter 1. In response to this, when the interpreter 1 sends a data message 909 indicating the contact information such as a telephone number, the sending device 100 registers the telephone number etc. in the interpreter table described above. Record. The above-described contact information input and registration processing is processing corresponding to step S504 in FIG. 5 described above.

Similarly, it transmits a message, such as a message prompting the user to input another data necessary for registration, to the translator 1. In response to this, when the corresponding data 911 is transmitted from the interpreter 1, the sending device 100 registers the content in the above-mentioned interpreter table. Such data input and registration processing is repeatedly performed. The data input and registration processing is processing corresponding to step S505 in FIG. 5 described above.

Lastly, the sender device 100 sends the data 9 12, which is a message confirming the registered contents, to the interpreter 1, and when the interpreter 1 sends the authentication data 9 13 Then, the registration process is completed. This registration content confirmation process is a process corresponding to step S506 in FIG. 5 described above. On the other hand, in the figure, when the registration instruction data 921 is transmitted from the arbitrary user 2 to the sensing device 100, the data 922 which is a message for prompting the user to input information necessary for registration is shown. To user 2. In response to this, when the corresponding data 923 is transmitted from the user 2, the sending device 100 registers the content in the user table described above. Such data input and registration processing is repeatedly performed. The above-described user information input and registration processing is processing corresponding to step S601 in FIG. 6 described above.

The sending device 100 is a message or the like for confirming the registered contents. The registration process is completed when the authentication data is transmitted to the user 2 and the authentication data is transmitted from the user 2 to the user 2. This registration content confirmation process is a process corresponding to step S602 in FIG. 6 described above. Following the completion of this registration process, the center device 100 outputs data 926 such as an ID number and a password to the user 12, and the user 12 confirms the data. The user registration process is completed when data 927 indicating this is transmitted. This process is a process corresponding to step S603 in FIG. 6 described above.

Next, FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing exchange of data between the center device and the user in the translation reservation processing. In the figure, when a reservation instruction data 1 1 1 is transmitted from a registered user 1 2 to a center device 1 0 0, a sending device 1 0 0 sends an ID number and password to a user 2. In addition to the above, data 1 12 which is a message for prompting the user to input information such as the time zone and language for which the interpreter is desired is transmitted to the user 2. In response to this, when the data 113 indicating the information is transmitted from the user 2, the sending device 100 refers to the contents of the interpreter table described above. The above processing is processing corresponding to steps S701 and S702 in FIG. 7 described above.

Note that a message may be sequentially sent to the user 2 to individually input information such as an ID number, a password, a time slot for which translation is desired, and a language. In this case, the sending device 100 sequentially receives those data sequentially transmitted from the user 2 in response to this.

As a result of referring to the interpreter table, if the reservation is not made at the time zone desired by the user 12 and it is vacant, the sending device 10◦ registers the contents of the reservation in the translator table. Then, a message 114, which is a message for confirming the registered contents, is transmitted to the user 12, and when the authentication data 115 is transmitted from the user 2, the registration process is performed. Is completed. This registration and The process of confirming the registered contents is a process corresponding to steps S704 and S705 in FIG. 7 described above.

On the other hand, as a result of referring to the interpreter table, if a reservation has already been made at the time slot desired by user 2 and it is not vacant, the sending device 100 0 sends data 1 16 indicating that reservation is not possible to the user 1. Send to 2. This process is a process corresponding to step S706 of FIG. 7 described above.

When the user 2 sends data 1 17 indicating another time zone, language designation, etc. in response to the reservation impossibility, the sending device 100 re-reads the contents of the above interpreter table. refer. This processing corresponds to the above-described steps S707 and S702 in FIG. If reservation is not possible, the operator may respond by telephone if desired by the user 12 and the operator may refer to the interpreter table displayed on the monitor. In this case, a message asking the user whether or not he / she wants a response from the operator may be transmitted as data 1 16 to the user 12 and then waited for a response from the user to respond.

As a result of referring to the interpreter table, if the reservation is not made at the time requested by the user 12 and it is vacant, the sending device 100 registers the contents of the reservation in the interpreter table. Then, data 118, which is a message or the like for confirming the registered contents, is transmitted to user 2, and when authentication data 1 19 is transmitted from user 2, registration processing is completed. This registration and the confirmation processing of the registered contents are processing corresponding to steps S704 and S705 in FIG. 7 described above.

In addition, in response to the sending device 1 0 0 sending a message 1 16 indicating that the reservation cannot be made to the user 2, a message indicating the designation of another time zone, a language, etc. is received from the user 2. If not, the process ends.

Fig. 11 shows a case where a call is made in response to an incoming call from the user and the FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange of data between an interpreter, a sending device, and a user in a process for making a call based on the content. In the same figure, when a registered user 2 sends a call 1 2 1 to the sending device 100 to request an interpreting service, the sending device 100 refers to the above-mentioned interpreter table, Interpretation is performed for the specified language, and an unreserved (vacant) interpreter is searched for at the current time. The process of referring to this table is a process corresponding to step S801 in FIG. 8 described above. If the interpreter table is found as a result of searching the interpreter table, a call is made to the interpreter. If interpreter 1 responds to this call, sensing device 100 connects user 2 and interpreter 1 via a line. The above outgoing call process is a process corresponding to step S803 in FIG. 8 described above.

With this line connection, a call 123 is made between user 2 and interpreter 1. During this call, the sending device 100 performs billing according to the call time. This billing process is a process corresponding to step S804 in FIG. 8 described above. Then, when the call ends, the billing process ends. After the charging process is completed, if necessary, the user 1 may be notified of the fee 1 24 from the sending device 100. This ends the processing. It is also possible to automatically issue a bill corresponding to the billing content to the user and automatically issue a statement on the amount of payment to the interpreter to the interpreter.

On the other hand, as a result of searching the interpreter table for the call 1 25 from user 1 2, if the corresponding interpreter does not exist, a message indicating that the interpreter service cannot be provided is sent to the interpreter. . This process is a process corresponding to step S806 in FIG. 8 described above. As a result, the process ends.

If the current time matches the start time of the reserved time zone, The evening device 100 makes a call 127 to the interpreter and simultaneously makes a call 128 to the user 2. If both of these calls 127 and 128 respond, the sending device 100 connects the user 1 and the interpreter 1 via a line. The above outgoing call processing is processing corresponding to steps S808 and S803 in FIG. 8 described above.

With this line connection, a call 1 29 is made between the user 1 and the interpreter 1. During this call, the sending device 100 performs billing according to the call time. This billing process is a process corresponding to step S804 in FIG. 8 described above. Then, when the call ends, the billing process ends. After the billing process is completed, if necessary, a charge notice 130 may be sent from the sending device 100 to the user 1. This ends the processing. It is also possible to automatically issue a bill according to the billing content to the user and automatically issue a statement on the amount of payment to the interpreter to the interpreter.

By the way, when implementing this system, there is no limitation on the installation location of the sensor device 100 and the like. That is, since it is only necessary to be able to register the interpreter and the user and make a reservation for the interpreting work, the sensor device 100 can be installed in a general office building or business office. In this case, the device that stores and stores the interpreter table and the user table and the device that has the function of making a call may be provided at different locations. In Japan, they may be located at different locations, or one may be located in Japan and the other located abroad, or both may be located abroad.

In this way, by installing a device that stores and retains both tables and a device that has the function of making a call on territories of different countries, it is possible to use the price difference between the inside and outside countries to reduce call charges, Office rent expenses can be kept low. This can be achieved by properly selecting the installation location. This means that the system can provide interpreting services at a lower fee.

By the way, in this system, interpreter identification information for identifying the interpreter, language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted by the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information, and interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information The interpreter table stores at least the interpreter time zone information indicating the time zone during which the interpreter can perform the interpreting work, and the contact information indicating the contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information. This means that an interpreting management method including steps and a calling step for calling the interpreter based on the contents of the interpreter table is realized. Then, in the calling step, in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table holding means in response to the incoming call from the customer, interpreting work can be performed for the specified language, and the call is sent to the currently available interpreter. A call is made between the interpreter at the call destination and the customer to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work.

Further, the interpreter table may further include reservation information indicating a reservation time at which the customer desires the interpreter to perform an interpreting operation. In this case, in the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time, a call is made to the customer and the interpreter according to the reservation information.

By the way, the interpreter table may also include fee information indicating the fee for the interpreting service. In this case, the customer selects an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table may also include rank information indicating the quality rank of the interpreter. In this case, the customer selects an interpreter according to the rank information. The interpreter table may also include field information indicating the interpreter's specialization. In this case, the customer will select an interpreter according to the field information.

In this system, billing is performed according to the time when the interpreter performs the interpreting work. Thus, an interpreting management method further including a charging step is realized. By the way, if a recording medium storing a program for realizing the operations shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 described above is prepared and each part in FIG. 1 is controlled using the recording medium, the same as described above can be obtained. It is clear that translator management operations can be performed. As the recording medium, various recording media other than the semiconductor memory shown in FIG. 1, a magnetic disk, an optical disk and the like not shown in FIG. 1 can be used.

It is obvious that the interpretation management operation can be performed in the same manner as described above by controlling the computer by the program recorded on the recording medium. As the recording medium, various recording media other than the semiconductor memory shown in FIG. 1, a magnetic disk and an optical disk not shown in FIG. 1, and the like can be used.

The above description relates to a specific embodiment of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can consider various modifications of the present invention. Included in the technical scope. Industrial applicability

1. By adopting this system, users can use the interpreting service at any time and only when necessary. In this case, there is no need for translators to pay for transportation, etc., and the costs are reduced. Users can freely switch between interpreters according to their purposes. It can be more efficient and effective when used with an accompanying interpreter.

Also, the interpreter may be waiting anywhere in his or her home, as long as it is suitable for telephone interpretation. Therefore, the interpreter does not need to have time for commuting and traveling, and can perform multiple tasks a day for short-time work that does not overlap. Although there is a trade-off with the demand for interpreting services, the interpreter You can work at any time you like.

Even if the interpreter who has already been booked cannot perform interpreting work due to a sudden accident, another interpreter can immediately work on behalf of the interpreter. In this case, as described above, for the same language, an interpreter who can perform interpreting work at the same time may be searched from the interpreter table.

Interpreters do not have to worry about their appearance, clothes, age, etc. as long as the interpreter is capable of doing so. Therefore, even elderly people who are physically unable to go out to work and are physically disabled, or housewives who do not have the time to work together, can demonstrate their abilities as home interpreters.

According to this system, an interpreter can be used easily at low cost, creating a new market that has never existed before. In other words, the cost required for interpreting is low, so that ordinary individuals can easily use the interpreter on a daily basis, and even those who do not speak a foreign language will have more opportunities for communication with foreigners. Can be If the spread of communication interpreters by this system is promoted, the cost can be significantly reduced, and if the fee is reduced, the spread will be further expanded. At present, those who are studying foreign languages (primarily English) solely for the purpose of communication tools are spending a great deal of money and time. Some people are not good at learning a foreign language, and others have more options than they need to spend time learning a foreign language. The need for everyone to learn the same foreign language as in the present has diminished, and in the future, even if it is a minor language, you will have to spend time studying the language you are most interested in, or other things. It can be assigned.

2. The following application examples can be considered as the form of the interpreter service provider.

(1) By installing a table that stores information about multiple interpreters on the Sensu device, it is possible to simultaneously interpret large numbers of languages. , And always (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

(2) Organize a translator who works at home to handle a large number of languages.

(3) By installing transmitters in each region and each country and exchanging data between the transmitters and receivers via dedicated lines, it is possible to support even more languages and various types of languages.

3. Furthermore, various applications of this system are conceivable depending on the purpose of use of the user. In other words, by building an interpreter system that matches the user's purpose of use or by combining related services, it is possible to further stimulate demand and create the following new businesses.

(1) General business related

(1) If this system is applied, when a business person from another country conducts business in one country, it can provide information, research, and perform various business services in addition to interpreting work.

(2) If this system is applied, when a company or businessman in one country conducts business for a company or government agency in another country that has a business office in the country, information provision, research, Various agency services can be performed easily.

(3) If this system is applied, companies and businessmen in one country can perform information provision, research, and various agency services in addition to interpreting services when doing business in another country.

(2) Travel related

(1) If this system is applied, foreign travelers can rent a mobile communication terminal (mobile phone, etc.) with the interpretation service provided by this system and support them for 24 hours. (2) If this system is applied, it is possible to rent a mobile communication terminal (mobile phone, etc.) with an interpreter service provided by the system to travelers traveling abroad to support their actions for 24 hours. it can.

(3) If this system is applied, it is possible to support travel agents who are the only foreign tourists visiting the country from all over the world.

システム If this system is applied, interpreters can be provided to both foreigners visiting museums, museums, theaters and other facilities, and to the facilities.

(3) International conferences and parties

(1) If this system is applied, at events such as the Olympic Games and other international sports competitions, international exhibitions, and international conferences, where all the participants need to interpret services in all languages required in dozens of languages. Offers can be received at any time and anywhere.

(2) If this system is applied, organizers of international events · Employees of local governments · All participating residents will be provided with interpreting services in all necessary languages at any time and anywhere Can be.

(3) If this system is applied, people who speak a minor language will be able to participate in the event comfortably without hesitation without feeling inequity due to language.

(4) Hospitals · Police and other government agencies

① If this system is applied, hospitals in each country will be able to respond to foreign patients in their native language at any time so that they will not interfere with medical interviews with foreign patients o

② If this system is applied, police officers in each country will be able to communicate with all foreigners living in that country in all necessary languages.

(3) If this system is applied, governments that require contact with foreigners living throughout the country You can get interpreter services in all the languages you need, at any time, anywhere, wherever you work.

応用 If this system is applied, it will be possible to provide interpreting support to government agencies and volunteers involved in disasters, disaster-stricken foreigners, their rescue, and evacuation guidance.

(5) Education

① If this system is applied, students at local schools where it is difficult to obtain a native sbeaker's instructor can receive the instruction anytime.

(2) If this system is applied, ordinary individuals learning a foreign language can easily receive native speaker guidance at any time at home.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to deal with interpreters in all languages, interpreters related to specialized fields such as technical terms, and furthermore, it is necessary to have an operator or interpreter always waiting at a specific place. There is an effect that it is possible to realize an interpreter management system that does not have any.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. The interpreter identification information for identifying the interpreter, language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted by the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information, and the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information An interpreter table having at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone in which interpreting work can be performed and contact information indicating contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information is stored and held. Means for holding an interpreter information table;

An interpreter management system comprising:

2. The interpreting management system according to claim 1, wherein said interpreter information table holding means and said calling means are provided in territories of different countries.

3. In accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table holding means in response to the incoming call by the customer, the calling means can perform the interpreting work for the designated language, and the interpreter which is currently available A call is made between the interpreter of the call destination and the customer, thereby realizing a call between the interpreter and the interpreter so that the interpreter can perform the interpreting work. Interpretation management system.

4. The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which a customer desires an interpreting operation by the interpreter, and the calling means responds to the reservation information when a current time matches the reservation time. 2. The translation management system according to claim 1, wherein a call is made to said customer and said interpreter.

5. The interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the fee information. Interpretation management system described in Stem.

6. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting service, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the rank information. Interpretation management system according to any of paragraphs 4 to 4.

7. The interpreter table according to claim 1, wherein the interpreter table also includes field information indicating a field of interpretation of the interpreter, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the field information. Interpretation management system according to any one of clauses 1 to 4.

8. The interpreting management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a billing means for billing according to a time at which the interpreter performs an interpreting operation.

9. The interpreter identification information for identifying the interpreter, the language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted by the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information, and the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information An interpreter table having at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone in which interpreting work can be performed and contact information indicating contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information is stored and held. Steps and

An interpreter management method comprising:

10. In the calling step, in response to an incoming call by the customer, interpreting work can be performed for the specified language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table holding means, and the call is currently vacant. 9. The system according to claim 9, wherein a call is made to an interpreter, and a call is made between the interpreter of the call destination and the customer to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work. Interpretation management described in section Law.

11. The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which a customer desires an interpreting operation by the interpreter. In the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time, the reservation information is displayed. 10. The interpreting management method according to claim 9, wherein a call is made to the customer and the interpreter in accordance with the following.

12. The interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the fee information. Interpretation management method described in any of paragraphs 1 to 11.

13. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting service, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the rank information. Interpretation management method described in any of paragraphs 1 to 11.

14. The interpreter table also includes field information indicating a field of specialization of the interpreter, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the field information. Interpretation management method according to any of paragraphs 9 to 11.

15. The interpreting management method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a charging step of charging according to a time at which the interpreter has performed the interpreting work.

16. A recording medium storing an interpreter management program for managing an interpreter's work using a convenience store, the program comprising: interpreter identification information for identifying an interpreter; Language information indicating a type of language in which an interpreter corresponding to the information can interpret, interpreter time zone information indicating a time zone in which an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information can perform an interpreting operation, and the interpreter specifying information Storing and storing an interpreter table having at least contact information indicating contact information that is the contact information of the interpreter corresponding to

A recording medium comprising:

17. In the calling step, in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table holding means in response to the incoming call from the customer, interpreting work can be performed for the specified language, and the call is currently vacant. Claim 1 wherein a call is made to an interpreter, and a call is made between the interpreter of the call destination and the customer to enable the interpreter to perform an interpreting operation. Recording medium described in item 6

18. The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which a customer desires an interpreting operation by the interpreter. In the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time, the reservation information is displayed. 17. The recording medium according to claim 16, wherein a call is made to said customer and said interpreter in response to a request.

19. The interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the customer selects an interpreter in accordance with the fee information. 19. The recording medium according to any one of paragraphs 6 to 18.

20. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting work, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the rank information. 19. The recording medium according to any one of paragraphs 16 to 18.

21. The interpreter table also includes field information indicating the interpreting specialty of the interpreter, and the customer selects an interpreter according to the field information. 19. The recording medium according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein:

22. The recording medium according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a billing step for billing according to the time at which the interpreter has performed the interpreting work.