WO2001084402A1

WO2001084402A1 - Interpretation managing system, interpretation managing system, and interpretation managing program

Info

Publication number: WO2001084402A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/003023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoji Abe
Original assignee: Yoji Abe
Priority date: 2000-04-28
Filing date: 2001-04-09
Publication date: 2001-11-08
Also published as: WO2001084393A1; AU2000243158A1; AU2001244741A1

Abstract

An interpretation managing system adaptable to interpretation to multiple languages even in special fields involving technical terms without the need of any telephone operators and any interpreters standing by in specific places. The system includes an interpreter table containing interpreter designation information for designating an interpreter, language information representing languages that interpreters can interpret, interpretation time zone information representing the time zones when interpreters can work, and contact information representing the contact information about the interpreters. According to the content of the interpreter table and in response to a call from a user, business of interpretation of a specified language can be done. It is possible to call an interpreter being free and set up a call between a user and the called interpreter to enable interpretation by the interpreter. Further reservation information representing the reservation time when a user desires interpretation by an interpreter is contained in the interpreter table, and the user and interpreter are called at the reservation time.

Description

Specification

Interpretation management system, interpretation management method, and interpretation management program

The present invention relates to an interpreter management system, an interpreter management method, and an interpreter management program, and more particularly to an interpreter management system, an interpreter manager, and an interpreter management program for managing an interpreter's interpretation work. Landscape technology

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

In recent years, the exchange of people has been expanding rapidly due to the remarkable development of the economy, especially of transportation and information. However, there are many cases where colleagues working in the same workplace or living next to each other cannot communicate because they use different languages and cannot communicate. These problems cannot be solved very much by language education alone. One way to solve this problem is to communicate by translating between required languages. In this case, the interpreter (interpreter) will perform the interpreting work at the required place and time with the user or with the user.

In this case, even if there is little time to actually perform the interpreting work, it takes time for commuting and moving, so that the interpreter's restraint time becomes longer. For this reason, One user who receives the translation service generally has to pay a fee for the interpretation service in half or one day units, which is a burden. Therefore, the cost of the interpreter is so high that for personal purposes it is not actually available if needed. In addition, when traveling overseas, there is a problem that the interpreter's business schedule may not be able to respond to sudden schedule changes due to delays in transportation.

In addition, if you have a series of interviews 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 a language in several powers.Some of the interpreters, except for the major languages such as English, French, German, Russian, and Chinese, can use multiple languages. No one can translate. For this reason, there is a problem that it is necessary to walk with as many interpreters as necessary. By the way, there is no problem in large cities, for example, in Japan, the surrounding areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, where many interpreters live, but in local cities other than the metropolitan area, the number of interpreters is small. There is a problem that the interpreter must be called from a distance as needed.

In addition, when interpreting a large number of languages at a time, such as during 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 an ordinary interpreter at the site of a disaster or the work of police officers because of the danger.

Here, a method using a translator may be considered to address the above-mentioned problems. For example, a portable translator described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-265545 / Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-110389 may be used. However, these translators are limited in the types of languages that can be translated due to the limited storage capacity, etc., and it is considered difficult to translate in specialized fields. In addition, a technology in which an operator manually transfers a call to a predetermined interpreter based on a country code or the like in an international telephone service or the like is disclosed in

It is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6_22504. The problem with this technique, however, is that the operator or interpreter must be kept at a specific location for 24 hours.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and its purpose is to be capable of interpreting in any language, interpreting in a technical field such as technical terms, and furthermore, having an operator and interpreter. The purpose is to provide an interpreter management system, an interpreter management method, and an interpreter management program that do 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: interpreter identification information for identifying an interpreter; language information indicating a type of language in which an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information can translate; and the interpreter identification information. It has at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone in which the corresponding interpreter can perform interpreting work, and contact information indicating 'contact information' which is a contact address of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. An interpreter information table holding means for storing and holding an interpreter table;

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

It is characterized by including. The translator 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 user and interprets the designated language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table. A call can be made to the currently available interpreter, and a call can be made between the interpreter at the call destination and the user to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work.

Further, the interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which the user wants to perform an interpreting operation by the interpreter, and the calling unit transmits the reservation information to the reservation information when a current time matches the reservation time. In response, a call is made to the user and the interpreter. .

The interpreter table may also include fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the user may select an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table may also include rank information indicating the rank of the quality of the interpreting work, and the user may select an interpreter according to the rank information. The interpreter table may also include field information indicating a specialized field of interpretation of the interpreter, and the user may select an interpreter according to the field information. In addition, the interpreter may further include a billing unit for billing according to the time at which the interpreter has performed the interpreting work.The display unit may further include a display unit for displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, and the calling unit may be adjacently displayed. Among the language information and the telephone number input after receiving an incoming call to one of the two telephone numbers, an interpreter to perform an interpreting operation is selected according to the language information and transmitted to the interpreter. The interpreting service may be performed by calling and calling the telephone number, and performing a three-way call between the calling user, the interpreter, and the callee corresponding to the telephone number. .

The calling means selects an interpreter who should perform an interpreting operation according to the language information from among the language information and the telephone number inputted after receiving the call, calls the interpreter, and calls the interpreter. By making a call, Interpretation work may be performed by three-way communication between the user, the interpreter, and the recipient of the telephone number. In this case, the calling unit may call the telephone number after receiving an incoming call for the interpreter.

The interpreter management method according to the present invention includes: an interpreter specifying information for specifying an interpreter; language information indicating a type of a language that can be interpreted by an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information; and the interpreter specifying information. At least the interpreting time zone information indicating the time zone during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter can perform the interpreting work, and the contact information indicating the contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. Memorizing and holding the interpreter template having;

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

It is characterized by including.

Further, in the calling step, in response to an incoming call by the user, an interpreter can be performed in a designated language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, and the currently available interpreter A call is made between the interpreter at the call destination and the user to enable the interpreter to perform an interpreting operation.

Further, the interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which the user wants to perform an interpreting operation by the interpreter. In the calling step, when the current time coincides with the reservation time, the reservation is made. The user and the interpreter are called according to the information.

The interpreter table may also include fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the user may select an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting work. The first person may select an interpreter. Furthermore, the interpreter table may also include field information indicating the interpreting specialized field of the interpreter, and the user may select an interpreter according to the field information. Note that the method may further include a charging step of charging according to the time at which the interpreter has performed the interpreting work.

A display step of displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, wherein in the calling step, language information and telephone input after receiving an incoming call for a call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacent to each other. From among the numbers, an interpreter who should perform an interpreting operation is selected in accordance with the language information and a call is made to the interpreter, and by calling the telephone number, the calling user and the Interpretation work may be performed by making a three-way call between the interpreter and the receiver of the telephone number.

In the calling step, an interpreter who is to perform an interpreting operation is selected from the language information and the telephone number input after the incoming call in accordance with the language information, and a call is made to the interpreter. Interpretation may be performed by calling the telephone number to make a three-party call between the calling user, the interpreter, and the callee corresponding to the telephone number. In this case, in the calling step, a call may be made to the telephone number after an incoming call for the call to the interpreter.

The interpreting management program according to the present invention is an interpreting managing program for managing an interpreting operation using a computer, wherein interpreter specifying information for specifying an interpreter and an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information are provided. Language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted, interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information can perform interpreting work, and A series showing contact information that is the interpreter's contact information Storing and maintaining an interpreter table having at least contact information;

It is characterized by including.

Further, in the calling step, in response to an incoming call by the user, an interpreting operation can be performed in a designated language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, and A call is made, and a call is made between the interpreter at the call destination and the user to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work. The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which the user wants to perform an interpreting operation by the interpreter, and in the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time, the reservation information is added to the reservation information. Call the user and the interpreter accordingly.

The interpreter table may also include fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the user may select an interpreter according to the fee information. Further, the interpreter table may also include rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting work, and the user may select an interpreter according to the rank information. Furthermore, the interpreter table may also include field information indicating the interpreting specialized field of the interpreter, and the user may select an interpreter according to the field information. Note that the method may further include a charging step of charging according to the time at which the interpreter has performed the interpreting work.

A display step of displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, wherein in the calling step, language information and telephone input after receiving an incoming call for a call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacent to each other. By selecting an interpreter who should perform an interpreting operation according to the language information from among the numbers and calling the interpreter, and calling the telephone number, the calling user and the interpreter Interpretation may also be performed by making a three-party call with the callee corresponding to the telephone number.o

In the calling step, an interpreter who is to perform an interpreting operation is selected from the language information and the telephone number input after the incoming call according to the language information, and a call is made to the interpreter. Interpretation may be performed by calling the telephone number to make a three-party call between the calling user, the interpreter, and the callee corresponding to the telephone number. In this case, in the calling step, a call may be made to the telephone number after an incoming call for the call to the interpreter. 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 a contract user table in FIG. FIG. 3 (c) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a contractor table in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the translation management system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the interpreter registration process in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the user registration process in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the translation reservation process in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart 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. Figure 9 shows 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a contractor registration process in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the incoming call processing in FIG. FIG. 11 (a) is a flowchart showing another example of the incoming call processing in FIG. FIG. 11 (b) is a flowchart showing an example in which an IP telephone is used in the incoming call processing in FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange of data between the interpreter, the sending device, and the user in the interpreter registration process and the user registration process. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange of data between the sending and receiving device and the user in the interpreting reservation process. FIG. 14 is a sequence showing a process of sending and receiving data between an interpreter, a sending device, and a user in the process of making a call in response to an incoming call from a user and making a call based on translation reservation contents. FIG. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange when a translator is desired for a conversation with a telephone conversation partner. FIG. 16 (a) is a sequence diagram showing the overnight transfer in the case of FIG. 11 (a). FIG. 16 (b) is a sequence diagram showing an overnight transfer in the case of FIG. 11 (b). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the appearance of a telephone suitable for use in this system. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a message output device. 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 denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Definition of terms)

In the following explanation, “interpreter” means the person who actually performs the interpreting work. “User” means a person who receives the interpreting service provided by the interpreter. “Contract user” refers to the user A person (including a company) who has a contract with the owner of the equipment (interpreter). “General user” means a user other than the contract user. “Contractor” means a person (including a company) that has a contract with the owner of the Senyi equipment (interpreting company) described below to provide the interpreting service to the user.

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 2 such as a telephone held by a user who receives the interpreting service. Telecommunications equipment 3 such as telephones owned by the contractor who has requested an interpreting service with the owner of the device, which provides the interpreting service provided by this system, The communication device 100 is configured to include a communication device 100 that controls a call between the device 2 and the communication device 3. For the communication device 1 held by the interpreter, the communication device 100 may use a wireless device such as a transceiver in addition to a mobile phone (including a PHS) or a wired subscriber phone. Therefore, the communication device 1 and the sending device 100 are connected via a wireless or wired public line or the like.

Similarly, as 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. Therefore, the communication device 2 and the sending device 100 are also connected via a wireless or wired public line or the like.

Further, as for the communication device 3 owned by the subscriber, a wireless device such as a transceiver may be used in addition to a mobile phone (including PHS), a wired subscriber phone, and the like. Therefore, communication equipment 3 and sensor 1 Also between 0 and 0, it is connected via a wireless or wired public line or the like.

In the system shown in the figure, the management of the call between the interpreter and the user who uses the interpreter service, and the management of the call between the interpreter and the contractor are performed by the sending device. Interpretation work is performed by doing it in 100.

Here, the contents displayed on the display medium 20 in the present system are used. On the display medium 20, a telephone number 21 and a telephone number 22 are displayed adjacent to each other. The telephone number 21 is the telephone number of the provider of the interpreting service provided by this system, that is, the telephone device 100. On the other hand, the telephone number 22 is the telephone number of the person who provides the interpreting service to the user by making a contract with the provider of the interpreting service by this system, that is, the contractor 3.

The display medium 20 includes a display device for displaying a screen, in addition to a print medium such as a business card or a postcard. Therefore, it also includes the screens of televisions, monitors of personal computers, and screens of mobile devices such as mobile phones.

Here, if the person viewing the display medium 20 is a person in Japan, the telephone number 22 is considered to be called. The telephone number 22 is the telephone number of the contractor 3. Therefore, by calling the telephone number 22 you will be talking directly to the contractor 3 (without interpreting service) by telephone.

On the other hand, if you are a foreigner, you will probably call the telephone number 21 showing “ALIEN”. The telephone number 21 is the telephone number of the device 100. Therefore, by calling the telephone number 21 and specifying the language and contractor to be used, the interpreter is selected by the device 100, and the contract is made while receiving the interpreting service provided by the selected interpreter. Will have a telephone conversation with the person. Instead of displaying “ALIEN”, a specific trademark or symbol mark (such as a trademark of a company providing an interpreting service) may be displayed.

A configuration example of the transmitter 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 a translator table 1001 that converts various information such as contact information of the interpreter into a data base as described later. 1, a contract user table 1 0 1-2 for registering the contact information of the contract user who uses the interpreter service by this system, and a contractor table for registering the contractor's telephone number etc. 1 0 1—3, clock 10 that outputs data indicating the current time, memory 10 3 for temporarily storing various data, and keyboard 10 4 for inputting various data , A CPU 105 for controlling each section in the sensor device, communication circuits 106-1 and 106-2, and a line control device 107.

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

The communication circuits 106-1, 106-6 and 106-3 have a function of controlling communication with the communication devices 1 and 2 described above. Further, the line control device 107 has a function as an interface between the communication circuits 106-1, 106-2 and 106-3, and the CPU 105. A plurality of these communication circuits 106-1 and 106-2 and a line control device 107 are provided in accordance with the number of users and the number of interpreters.

Fig. 3 (a) shows the contents of the interpreter table in Fig. 2. Referring to the figure, the translator text 1 0 1—1 used in the system of the present example corresponds to the translator identification information 3 1 for identifying the translator and the translator identification information 31. Languages that interpreters can interpret Language information 3 2, interpreter time zone information 3 3 indicating the hours during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information can perform interpreting work, and the interpreter telephone number corresponding to the interpreter identification information 3 1, etc. And contact information 37 indicating contact information that is the contact information of the interpreter.

The interpreter identification information 31 is, for example, the name of the interpreter. The language 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 It shall include information indicating the start time and the end time of the time zone during which the business can be performed. If the standard time of the interpreter's address or residence does not match the standard time of the location of the device, 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 sensor device 100.

In addition, the interpreter table 1 0 1—1 contains the reservation information 39 indicating the reservation contents such as the reservation time at which the contract user desires the interpreter to perform the interpreting work, and whether the interpreter has already made a reservation. Reservation presence information 3 8, interpreter fee information 3 4 indicating the fee for the interpreter's interpretation service, rank information 3 5 indicating the quality of the interpreter's interpretation service, and a field indicating the interpreter's specialized field of interpretation Information 36 is comprised. If the standard time of the contracted user's address or residence does not match the standard time of the location of the device 100, for example, if the contracted user is overseas, the reservation information 39 The reserved time 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 the table, This is convenient when the user knows in advance the time at which he wants to work for an interpreter. The reservation presence / absence information 38 indicates that no reservation has been made, as described later.

This is the information needed to search for a (vacant) interpreter from the table. If the interpreter who has already been booked cannot perform interpreting work due to any sudden accident, refer to this reservation presence / absence information and interpreter who can interpret in the same language and at the same time. If you search from one pull, 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 the contract user selects an interpreter. Rank information ₃ 5, rank information for past performance against interpreting services to each interpreters are those that are set, become a measure of when the contract user selects the interpreters. This rank information is determined by referring to the results of a questionnaire by a user who has used the interpreting service and the results of a periodic test for each interpreter, and is input from the keyboard 104.

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

If there are times when only a few interpreters are registered, check this. It may be issued to warn the operator overnight. By issuing this warning, the operator can contact the interpreter and take countermeasures 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 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 a warning is issued when it is detected that the number of registered interpreters is smaller. Good.

FIG. 2B shows the contents of the contract user table shown in FIG. Referring to the figure, the contract user table 101-2 used in the Sysdem of this example includes user identification information 41 for identifying a contract user who uses the system, and a contract user Contact information such as the telephone number of the customer and the ID number assigned to the contract user

4 and pass path 4 4. The identity of a contracted user can usually be confirmed by telephone number. That is, since the telephone number of the calling telephone is notified to the called party (here, the sending device 100), the telephone number registered with the contracted user table 101-2 is used. If a match is detected, the contract user can be confirmed. However, when the contract user uses another person's telephone while on the go, the telephone number will not match. In this case, the ID number 43 and the password 44 will be used for confirmation.

Figure (c) shows the contents of the contractor template in Figure 2. Referring to the figure, the contractor table 101_3 used in the system of this example includes contractor identification information 51, contact information such as the telephone number of the contractor 52, and contract language information. 5 3 and other information 5 4. Other information 54 includes, for example, contract period, This is information related to the bank account.

The tables shown in FIGS. 3 (a), (b) and (c) are to be stored in a magnetic disk medium (so-called hard disk). However, various storage means such as a magneto-optical disk medium and a semiconductor memory can be used according to the recording capacity and access speed required for the present system. Further, the two tables shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and (c) may be combined into one. When two tables are combined into one, one (for example, the table in Fig. 3 (b)) is used as the main table, and the other (for example, the table in Fig. 3 (c)) is used as an optional sub-table. It is good.

The operation of the interpreting management system having the above configuration will be described below. In the following operation, various kinds of data from the interpreter or user to the sending device and various kinds of data from the sending device to the interpreter or user are transmitted to the push dial button on the telephone. It shall be exchanged by pressing. That is, when each of the numbers 0 to 9 or the “#” button is pressed according to voice guidance or the like, 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 registering data in each table, the data is converted into character data and the like by a well-known voice recognition process, and then registered. When outputting the character data or the like registered in each table, the character data or the like is converted into a voice data and output by a well-known voice synthesis technique. However, the contents of the interpreter table may be displayed in characters on the display unit of a portable device such as a mobile phone without conversion to the voice synthesis data. In this case, the user selects an interpreter while watching the displayed contents. Register the interpreter service menu by this system in the mobile device in advance. This is convenient because users can use this system simply by selecting a menu while viewing the displayed contents. It is more convenient to register this menu before shipping the portable device from the manufacturer, since the user does not need to register himself.

The portable device may be configured such that an icon such as a specific trademark or a symbol mark is displayed on a screen and a call is automatically made to the sending / receiving device by selecting the displayed icon. This is convenient because the user can use the interpreting service provided by this system simply by selecting the displayed icon.

A button dedicated to the interpreting service may be provided, and the mobile device may be configured so that when the button is pressed, a call is automatically sent to the transmitter. This is convenient because the user can use the interpreting service provided by this system simply by pressing a button.

For print media, the icon may be displayed (printed) in the same manner, and the user may select one.

In some cases, such as specific information on interpreters and users, reservations for interpreting services, etc., the operator may also respond by phone and register at the table using the keyboard 104 etc. good. By registering a part of the registration by Operet, even translators 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 user registration (step S401). S 4 0 3) If there is a registration, perform user registration processing (step S 4 04), and check whether there is an interpreter reservation. (Step S405), if there is a reservation, perform an interpreter reservation process (step S406), and determine whether there is an incoming call from the user (step S405). If there is, the incoming call is processed (step S408), and it is determined whether or not there is a contractor registration (step S409). If there is registration, the contractor registration processing is performed (step S408). 4 10), the above processes are repeatedly performed. Note that the order of each processing in the figure is not limited to the contents shown in the figure, and the processing order may be changed or other processing may be added as necessary.

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 above-described interpreter table 101-1 (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 above-described interpreter table 101-1 (step S502). In this case, the interpreter will enter two languages that the interpreter can interpret and register them.

In addition, the interpreter is prompted to enter a time zone during which the interpreter can perform the interpreting work, and the entered time zone is registered as time zone information 3 3. in the interpreter template 101-1 described above (step S 5 0 3). ). In this case, the interpreter enters the work start time and the work end time at which the interpreter can perform the interpreting work, and registers these.

Furthermore, the user is prompted to enter contact information such as the telephone number of the interpreter, and the entered telephone number is registered as contact information 37 in the interpreter table 101-1-1 described above (step S504). Similarly, it prompts the user to input information such as specialized fields, and interpreter tapes that describe the input information. Is registered in the file 101-1 (step S505). Finally, the contents of the above registration are confirmed (step S506). In this case, the registered contents are notified to the interpreter, and the registration process is completed when the interpreter confirms.

It should be noted that the above interpreter registration process can be performed even if the interpreter inputs various data using a personal computer and transmits this data to the sender device 100 via the internet. good. The transmission may be performed using the Internet 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 as follows. First, the user is asked to enter the contact information such as the telephone number of the user who wants to use the interpreting service by this system, the name or name of the user and the address or residence, and other information for identifying the user. The user is registered in the contract user table 101-2 described above (step S601). Next, the registered contents are notified to the user, and when the confirmation is performed 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). This completes the user registration process, and the registered user becomes the “contract user”.

The above-mentioned user registration process is performed by the user inputting various data using a personal computer and transmitting the data to the device 100 via the Internet. May be. Transmission may be performed using the in-net network function of a mobile device such as a mobile phone. FIG. 7 shows the contents of the translation reservation processing in step S406 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the interpreter reservation process is as follows. Done in First, the user designates a time zone, a language, and the like in which the user wants to use the interpreting 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 translator is referred to the above-mentioned interpreter template 101-1 based on the designated contents (step S702), and it is confirmed whether or not a reservation has already been made. (Step S703).

If there is no reservation and you can respond to the user's request, register the contents of the reservation in the translator table 101-1-1 (step S703-> S704) o And this registration The contents are notified to the user 1, and when the confirmation is made by the user 1, the registration processing is completed (step S705). At the time of registration, the ID number or passcode given to the user may be confirmed.

On the other hand, if the reservation has already been made and the user's request cannot be met, a notice is given that the reservation is not possible (step S706). After that, if another time zone and language are specified by the user, the processing of referring to the above table and the like is continued (steps S707 → S702 → S700). 3). 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 interpretation reservation processing can be performed even if the user inputs various data using a personal computer and transmits the data to the device 100 via the Internet. good. The transmission may be performed by using the Internet function provided by a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

In this system, a user who wants to translate for a conversation with a person he / she faces directly receives the interpretation service by this system using a telephone. If you use a subscriber telephone when you receive this interpreting service, the user talks to the handset and then connects the handset. Give it to the other person. Then, the interpreter who is the line connection partner interprets and speaks to the conversation partner. After the conversation partner speaks the response to the receiver, the receiver is handed over to the user. Then, the interpreter interprets and speaks to the user. By repeating the above, it is possible to receive an interpreting service using a telephone for a conversation with a directly facing partner.

Some subscriber telephones have a hands-free function using speakers and microphones. If such a subscriber phone is used, using the hands-free function eliminates the need to hand over the handset.

When using a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone instead of a subscriber telephone, the user talks to the mobile terminal and then hands the mobile terminal to the other party. Then, the interpreter, who is the line connection partner, translates and speaks to the other party. The conversation partner speaks the response to the mobile terminal, and then hands the mobile terminal to the user. The interpreter then translates and speaks to the user. By repeating the above, you can receive an interpreter service using a mobile terminal for a conversation with a person you face directly. By using the mobile terminal to receive the interpreting service, it is possible to receive the interpreting service even when the subscriber's telephone is not nearby, such as outdoors.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an incoming call process in a case where an interpreter using a telephone is used for a conversation with a directly facing partner. This receiving process corresponds to step S408 in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 8, the incoming call processing is performed as follows. First, in response to the incoming call from the user, the above-mentioned interpreter table 101-1 is referred to (step S810). As a result of this reference, reserved at that time If there is an interpreter who does not have a, the call processing is performed for that interpreter (step S802 → S803). In this call processing, it is common to check the ID number and password assigned to the telephone number user of the user notified at the time of the call arrival. 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 end of the call, an invoice according to the billing content may be automatically issued to the user, and a statement of the payment amount may be automatically issued to the interpreter to the interpreter. .

On the other hand, if there is no interpreter who does not have a reservation at that time and the interpreting service cannot be provided, the user is informed of that (step S806).

Also, it is always monitored whether or not a reservation has been made by the user (step S807), and if a reservation has been 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 reserved time zone and the current time match, the above-mentioned calling process is performed (step S805), and the billing process is performed in the same manner (step S804). 0 5). In this calling process, the telephone number of the user, the ID number or the passcode assigned to the user may be confirmed.

In short, in this system, a call is made to the interpreter when there is a call from the user requesting that an interpreter be performed immediately, and when the current time matches the start time of the reserved time zone, the interpreter And a call to the user. If the current time becomes the reserved time, and if a call is made to the interpreter or the user, neither or either of them will not arrive May be considered. 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 device 100 or by the operator.

If there is no incoming call even if the user calls again (including three or more calls), the reservation may be automatically canceled. In the case of this cancellation, a cancellation fee may be collected from the user.

FIG. 9 shows the content of the contractor registration process in step S410 of FIG. Referring to the figure, the contractor registration process is performed as follows. First, the user is prompted to enter the contact information such as the telephone number of the contractor who wants to provide the interpreter service to the user using this system, the name and name of the contractor and the address or residence, and other information for identifying the contractor. The entered information is registered in the contractor table 101-3 described above (step S611). Next, the user is prompted to input the language for which he / she wants to translate, and the input language is registered in the contractor table 101-3 (described above) (step S612). Finally, the registered contents are notified to the contractor, and when the contractor confirms the registration, the registration process is completed (step S613). The above-described contractor registration process may be performed by a contractor inputting various data using a personal computer and transmitting the data to the sensor device 100 via the Internet. . The transmission may be performed by using the in-net function of a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

Here, another example of the incoming call processing in step S408 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This example is a case where a translator is desired for a conversation between a telephone conversation partner and a foreign user who is a general user who calls a domestic company which is a contractor.

In FIG. 10, the general user who saw the display contents of the display medium Call the telephone number 21 of the telephone set (step S101). Then, the sending device outputs a message prompting the input of the telephone number 22 of the other party (contractor), so that the general user inputs the telephone number of the other party with the push button (step S10). 2). Then, the sending device determines whether the entered telephone number has been contracted (whether it is a contractor) (step S103). If the contract has not been made, a message to call again is output (N in step S103).

On the other hand, if the entered telephone number has been subscribed, a message prompting the user to enter the language to be used is output from the device, and the general user selects the language (step S103 S10) Four ). The transmitter selects an interpreter based on the input language (step S105).

Then, the sending device calls the selected interpreter (step S106). If there is no response from the interpreter, a message to call again is output (N in step S107). If the interpreter responds, call the other party (contractor) this time (steps S107-S108). If there is no response from the other party, a message for calling again is output (N in step S109). If the other party also responds, a message to that effect is output and sent to general users and contractors (step S110).

With the above processing, a three-way call is started, and an interpreting operation is started (step S111). The billing process is performed during this call (step S112), and the billing process is continued until the end of the call (step S113 → S11 In the incoming call process described above, the general user enters a specific telephone number. 2 Call 1 and then enter your language. Since the user's language must be entered in addition to the telephone number of the other party, 2 operations are required. To do this in one step, you can prepare a dedicated phone number for each language. A special telephone number may be prepared only for a language that is used frequently.

Another example of the receiving process in step S408 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This example is a case in which an interpreter is desired for a conversation with a telephone conversation partner. For example, this is an incoming call processing example when a domestic contract user calls a foreigner or a foreign company. In this example, there is no “contractor” as defined above, because the contracting user who receives the interpreting service bears the cost.

In FIG. 11 (a), a contract user who wants an interpreter for a conversation with a telephone conversation partner first calls the sensing device (step S122). Then, the sending device outputs a message prompting the user to input the language to be used and the telephone number of the other party (foreign company), and the contract user enters these (step S122). .

Next, the center device determines whether there is a free interpreter based on the input language (step S123). If there is no room for the interpreter, a message to call again is output (N in step S123).

If there is an available interpreter, call the interpreter and call the other party's phone number (step S123 → S124).

With the above processing, a three-way call is started, and an interpreting operation is started (step S125). The billing process is performed during the call of the user (step S 1 26), and the billing process is continued until the end of the call (step S 1 2 T → S 1 26-) ₀ In the example of Fig. 11 (a) described above, the contracted user is in a three-way call state at the same time as the interpreter and the foreign company that is the partner. However, from the contract user's point of view, it is common to want to check with the interpreter what they want to convey to the other party before starting interpretation work with the other party. is there. In order to respond to such a request from the contract user, the two-party call state in which the contract user and the interpreter make a call first, and then the three-party call state in which the other party is added, is changed. Good. In order to perform such call control, a well-known Internet connection telephone (hereinafter, referred to as an IP telephone) using the Internet Protocol (Internet Protocol) may be used.

Fig. 11 (b) shows an example of incoming call processing when an IP phone is used. If an IP phone is used, steps S121 to S123 are the same as those in FIG. 11 (b), and then the following is performed. In step S123, if there is a free interpreter, call the interpreter (steps S123 S124a). This results in a two-way call. In order to shift from the two-party call state to the three-party call state, when the conversation between the contract user and the interpreter is completed, the user operates a push button or the like. Then, in response to this operation, the sending device calls the other company (step S124b).

With the above processing, a three-way call is started, and an interpreting operation is started (step S125). The billing process is performed during this call (step S126), and the billing process is continued until the call ends (steps S127 S126-).

As described above, if you use an IP phone, you can talk to the interpreter first, so the contracted user can make in advance what they want to convey to the other party. The advantage is that you can explain to the interpreter. Furthermore, since the time for a three-party call is shorter than in the case of FIG. 11 (a), there is the advantage that the call charge is lower. During the two-way call between the contracted user and the interpreter, the partner company does not participate in the conversation, so the time during which the partner company is restrained can be minimized. Can ο

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

First, FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between an interpreter, a sensor device, a user, and a contractor in an interpreter registration process and a user registration process.

(Registration by interpreter)

In the figure, when the registration instruction data 901 is transmitted from an arbitrary interpreter 1 to the sending device 100, the sending device 100 prompts input of specific information for identifying the interpreter. The message, such as a message, is sent to the interpreter 1 In response to this, when the interpreter 1 transmits the data 903 indicating the specific information, the transmitter 100 registers the specific information in the above-mentioned 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 which is a message or the like for prompting the user to input a language that the interpreter 1 can interpret. In response to this, when the interpreter 1 sends data 900 indicating the languages (two kinds of languages) that can be interpreted, the transmitter 100 registers the language in the translator template described above. I do. The above language information input and registration process This is processing corresponding to step S502 of FIG. 5 described above.

In addition, the sending device 100 transmits to the interpreter 1 a message 906, which is a message or the like for prompting the input of a time zone during 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 service can be performed, the sending device 100 sets the time zone as described above. Register in the interpreter table. 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 the interpreter 908, which is a message or the like prompting the input of the contact information such as the telephone number of the interpreter 1, to the interpreter 1. In response to this, when data 909 indicating the contact information such as a telephone number is transmitted from the interpreter 1, the sending device 100 registers the telephone number and the like in the above-described interpreter table. The above input and registration processing of contact information is processing corresponding to step S504 in FIG. 5 described above.

Similarly, data 9 10, which is a message prompting input of other data required for registration, is transmitted to 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 are repeatedly performed. These data input and registration processing correspond to the above-described step S505 in FIG.

Finally, the sending device 100 sends the message 912, which is a message confirming the registered contents, to the interpreter 1, and in response, the interpreter 1 sends the authentication data 913. When the registration is completed, the registration process is completed. This registration content confirmation process is a process corresponding to step S506 in FIG. 5 described above.

(Registration by one user) In the figure, when an arbitrary user 2 sends a registration instruction 921 to the sending device 100, a message prompting the user to input information required for registration 9 2 is sent to user 1. In response to this, when the corresponding data 923 is transmitted from the user 2, the transmitting device 1.00 registers the content in the user table described above. Such a data input and registration process is repeatedly performed. The input and registration processing of the user information described above is processing corresponding to step S601 in FIG. 6 described above.

Then, the sending device 100 sends a message 924 that is a message or the like for confirming the registered contents to the user 12, and in response to the authentication data from the user 12, When 9 25 is transmitted, the registration process is completed. As a result, User 1 becomes a “contract user”. Note that this registration content confirmation process is a process corresponding to step S602 in FIG. 6 described above.

Following the completion of the registration process, the sending device 100 outputs the ID number and the password 926 to the user 12 to the user 12, and the user 12 confirms the request. The user registration process is completed when the data 927 is transmitted. This processing corresponds to the above-described step S603 in FIG.

(Registration by contractor)

In the figure, when an arbitrary contractor 3 sends a registration instruction 931 to the sending device 100, a message prompting the user to input necessary information for registration is received. Send 2 to Contractor 3. When the corresponding data 933 is transmitted from the contractor 3 in response to this, the sending device 100 registers the content in the contractor table described above. Such data input and registration processing are repeatedly performed. Enter the above user information and The registration process is a process corresponding to step S601 in FIG. 6 described above.

Then, the sending device 100 sends a message 934 that is a message or the like for confirming the registered contents to the contractor 3, and in response to this, the certificate 3 If sent, the registration process is complete. This registration content confirmation process is a process corresponding to step S602 in FIG. 6 described above.

Next, FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing data transfer between the sending and receiving apparatus and one contract user in the translation reservation processing. In the same figure, when a reservation instruction data 1 1 1 is transmitted from the registered user 1 2 to the sending device 1 00, the sending device 1 0 0 sends an ID number and Along with the password and password, data 1 1 and 2 such as a message prompting the user to input information such as the time zone and language desired for interpretation are transmitted to the user 2. In response to this, when the data 113 indicating the information is transmitted from the user 12, the transmitting 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.

It should be noted that a message prompting the user to individually input information such as an ID number, a password, a time slot for which translation is desired, and a language may be sequentially sent to the user 2. 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 desired by the user 12 and it is vacant, the sending device 100 registers the contents of the reservation in the interpreter table. . Then, a message 114, which is a message for confirming the registered contents, is transmitted to the user 12, and in response to the authentication data 115 transmitted from the user 2, the registration process is performed. Is complete Is completed. The registration and the confirmation processing of the registered contents correspond to the 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 will send data 1 16 indicating that reservation cannot be made to User 2 Send to This process is a process corresponding to step S706 of FIG. 7 described above. When the user 12 sends a message 117 indicating another time zone, language designation, etc. in response to the impossibility of the reservation, the sending device 100 reads the interpreter table described above. Is referred to again. This process is a process corresponding to steps S707 and S702 of FIG. 7 described above. If a reservation is not possible, the operator may respond by telephone if desired by User 2 and refer to the interpreter table displayed on the monitor for the operation. In this case, a message asking the user whether or not he / she wants a response from the operator may be sent as data 1 16 to the user-2, and then the user may wait for a response before responding.

As a result of referring to the interpreter table, if the reservation is not made at the time zone desired by the user 2 and it is vacant, the center device 100 registers the contents of the reservation in the interpreter table. Then, the data 1 18, which is a message for confirming the registered contents, is transmitted to the user 2, and when the authentication data 1 19 is transmitted from the user 2 to the user 1 2 Then, the registration process is completed. The registration and the confirmation processing of the registered contents correspond to the steps S704 and S705 in FIG. 7 described above.

In addition, in response to the sending device 1 00 sending data 1 16 indicating that the reservation cannot be made to the user 2, the data indicating the designation of another time zone, language, etc. from the user 12. If is not sent, the process ends. Fig. 14 shows the transfer of data 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 interpreted reservation. It is a sequence diagram. In the figure, when there is a call 121 from the registered user 12 to the sending device 100 to receive the interpreting service, the sending device 100 reads the interpreter table described above. Refers to the interpreter who can perform the interpreting work for the specified language and has no reservation (vacant) at the current time. The process of referring to this table is a process corresponding to step S801 of FIG. 8 described above.

As a result of searching the interpreter template, if there is a corresponding interpreter, call the interpreter. If the interpreter 1 responds to this call, the sending device 100 connects the user 1 and the interpreter 1 via a line. The above-mentioned calling process is a process corresponding to step S803 in FIG. 8 described above.

With this line connection, a call 123 is made between the user 1 and the interpreter 1. During this call, the sending device 100 performs a billing process 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, notification of the fee 1 24 may be performed from the sending device 100 to the user 1 2. This ends the processing. The invoice corresponding to the billing content is automatically issued to the user, and the statement of the amount paid to the interpreter (reward for the interpreting service) is automatically issued to the interpreter. Good o

—If a search for an interpreter table for the call 1 25 from the user 12 does not find a corresponding interpreter, the interpreter service can be provided. No message 1 26 sent to translator. This process is a process corresponding to step S806 in FIG. 8 described above. As a result, the process ends.

When the current time coincides with the start time of the already reserved time zone, center device 100 makes a call 127 to the interpreter, and at the same time makes a call to user 12 1 Do 2 8 If both of these calls 127 and 128 respond, the sending device 100 connects user 2 and interpreter 1 via a line. The above outgoing call process is a process 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 a billing process 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 130 from the device 100 to the user 2. This ends the processing. A bill corresponding to the billing content may be automatically issued to one user, and a statement on the amount of payment to the interpreter may be automatically issued to the interpreter.

By the way, when implementing this system, there is no restriction on the installation location of the sensor device 100 and the like. That is, it is only necessary to be able to register an interpreter and a user and make a reservation for an interpreting operation, so that 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, the contract user table, and the contractor table, and the device that has the function of making a call may be provided at different locations. In Japan, they may be located in different places, one may be located in Japan and the other may be located abroad, or both may be located abroad In this way, by installing a device that stores and retains each table and a device that has the function of making a call on territories of different countries, it is possible to reduce the call charge by using the difference between domestic and foreign prices, Office rental costs can be kept low. This means that by properly selecting the installation site, users can be provided with the interpreting service provided by this system at a lower fee.

In addition, this system can be used to receive translation services using a telephone for conversations with a person with whom he / she faces directly, and also to receive translation services for conversations with a person who speaks by telephone.

(Interpretation for conversation with the other party)

Fig. 15 shows a case where an interpreter is desired for a conversation with a telephone conversation partner.For example, a sequence chart in an incoming call processing example when a foreign user, a general user, calls a domestic company, a contractor, It is. This sequence chart corresponds to FIG.

When the user calls the device, the data 15 1 is sent to the device. In response, the device sends a message 152 prompting the user to enter a telephone number. In response to this, when the user inputs the telephone number, the data 153 is sent to the sending device, and the sending device determines whether the number is a contracted number. If you haven't already signed up, print out message 153a to have you call again.

If a contract has been made, the sending device sends a message 154 prompting the user to enter the language used.

When the user inputs a date indicating the language to be used, the sending device determines whether there is an available interpreter. No free interpreters If you want to call again, output message 1555a. If there is an available interpreter, the interpreter is selected, the caller is called, and the data 156-1 is sent to the interpreter. At the same time, a call is also made to the contractor, and the entire day is sent to the interpreter. If the interpreter responds, the data will be output at 157-1, and if the contractor responds, the data will be output at 157-1. When both data are output, the message 158a and 158b are sent to the user and the subscriber. As a result, a three-way call is established, and interpreting work is performed in the same manner as described above.

Fig. 16 (a) shows a case where an interpreter is desired for a conversation with a telephone conversation partner. For example, in a case where a contract user calls a foreigner or a foreign company, an incoming call is processed. It is a sequence chart. This chart corresponds to FIG. 11 (a).

When the contract user calls the sending device, the data is sent to the sending device. In response to this, the sending device sends message data 162 prompting the user to input the language and telephone number. In response to this, when the user inputs a language and a telephone number, the data is sent to the sending device, and the sending device selects an interpreter based on the used language. Then, the device sends a call to the interpreter and the day is sent to the interpreter. At the same time, the device sends a call to a foreigner or foreign company, and the data 164-2 is sent to the foreigner or foreign company. As a result, a three-way call 168 is established, and interpreting work is performed in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 16 (b) shows a case where an interpreter is desired for a conversation with a telephone conversation partner, and is a sequence chart in an example of an incoming call process using an IP telephone. This sequence chart is shown in Fig. 11 ( b).

When the user calls the transmitter, the data 161 is sent to the transmitter. In response, the sending device sends a message to the user prompting the user to input the language and telephone number. In response to this, when the user inputs a language and a telephone number, the data is sent to the device, and the device selects an interpreter based on the language used. Then, the sending device first calls the interpreter, and the day is sent to the interpreter. As a result, the state of the two-way call 165 is established, and a call is made with the interpreter.

Then, when the user gives an instruction 166, the sending device calls the foreigner or foreign company, and the device 167 is sent to the foreigner or foreign company. As a result, a three-way call 168 is established, and interpreting work is performed in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a subscriber telephone used in the present system. In this telephone, when the button 17 1 is pressed, a message prompting the sending device to restart the call flows from the speaker 17 2. In this message, the telephone number of the sending device shall be provided. You can record this message in advance.

This button 17 1 tells you that the other party (the person you are calling) speaks a foreign language when you ring the phone pel and try to pick up the handset 170 and start talking. At the stage where it was pressed. By pressing the button, a message prompting the sending device to make a call again flows from the speaker 17 2. Therefore, the other party who hears this message will call back to the telephone number provided by the message.

Also, instead of encouraging you to make a call again, You may connect. In this case, a function may be provided in the telephone so that pressing the button 17 1 automatically makes a call to the transmitter. Then, when the telephone bell rings and the handset 170 is lifted to start talking, press it when it is determined that the other party (the person who called the phone) speaks a foreign language. . By pressing this button, a call is automatically sent to the sending device, and then the interpreter is selected by the operation of the other party (the person who made the call). By going through such a procedure, a three-way call including the selected interpreter is made, and the interpreting operation is started. If necessary, a message such as “Please wait” may be sent in response to the pressing of the button 17 1. In this way, the other party (the person who made the call) does not feel uncomfortable.

Further, a message output device for outputting the same message as described above may be prepared and used without providing the above function in the subscriber telephone set itself. This device is installed adjacent to a telephone and is configured to place a handset 170 thereon, as shown in FIG. Then, when the handset 170 is placed, the weight of the handset causes the hook 174 to go down and switch on, and a message prompting the telephone set to be called again is sent from the speaker 172 in the same manner as described above. Let it flow. In this message, it is assumed that the telephone number of the device is provided. This message should be recorded in advance. Further, a telephone number or the like in a message flowing from the speaker 172 may be set by the dial key button 173 in the figure.

If this message output device is distributed free of charge, an increase in the number of users of the interpreter service provided by this system can be expected. (Interpretation management method and interpretation management program)

By the way, in this system, the following—interpretation management method is realized. That is, interpreter identification information for identifying an interpreter, language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted by the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information, and an interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information An interpreter table having at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during 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 to

Interpretation management method including this is implemented in this system. Then, in the calling step, in response to the incoming call by the user, interpreting work can be performed for the designated language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, and the user is currently available. A call is made to the interpreter who is present, and a call is made between the interpreter at the call destination and the user, thereby enabling the interpreter to perform the interpreting work.

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

By the way, the interpreter table may also include fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service. In this case, the user will select an interpreter according to the fee information. The interpreter table may also include rank information indicating the rank of the quality of the interpreting work. In this case, the user selects an interpreter according to the rank information. The interpreter table is The information may also include field information indicating a field of interpretation of the interpreter. In this case, the user will select an interpreter according to the field information. Note that this system implements an interpreting management method that further includes a billing step that charges a fee according to the time the interpreter has performed the interpreting work.

The method may further include a display step of displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other. In this case, in the calling step, of the language information and the telephone number input after the incoming call for the call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacently, an interpreting operation is performed according to the language information. And selecting the interpreter to perform the call and calling the interpreter, and calling the telephone number, allows the caller, the interpreter, and the recipient of the telephone number to communicate with the interpreter. By making a telephone call, an interpreter will be involved.

Further, in the calling step, an interpreter who is to perform an interpreting operation is selected from the language information and the telephone number input after the incoming call according to the language information, and a call is made to the interpreter. By making a call to the telephone number, a three-party call will be made between the calling user and the translator and the called party to the telephone number to perform the interpreting work. In this case, in the calling step, a call may be made to the telephone number after an incoming call for the call to the interpreter.

By the way, if 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 program, the same interpretation management operation as described above is performed. It is clear that we can do that. As a recording medium for recording this program, 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. The above program It is clear that if the computer is controlled by the system, the interpreting management operation can be performed in the same manner as described above.

Note that 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 scope. Industrial applicability

(1) By adopting this system, users can use the interpreting service at any time and whenever necessary. In this case, there is no need to pay for translators, so the cost can be reduced. Users can freely switch between interpreters according to their purpose. It can be more efficient and effective when used with an accompanying interpreter.

(2) The interpreter may be waiting at his / her home or anywhere that is suitable for translating by telephone. Therefore, translators do not need to travel for work, and can perform multiple tasks per day for short-time work that does not overlap. Also, although there is a trade-off with the demand for interpreting work, interpreters can work at their choice of time.

If a translator already in charge is unable to perform an interpreting job due to a sudden accident, another interpreter can immediately take over the job. In this case, as described above, for the same language, an interpreter who can perform an interpreting job at the same time may be searched from the interpreter table.

(3) The interpreter does not have to worry about his appearance, dress and age, as long as the interpreter has a good ability to interpret. Therefore, even elderly people who are physically unable to go out to work and are hard to work, and even housewives who cannot afford a lot of time can exercise their skills as home interpreters. によ 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 cannot speak a foreign language will have more opportunities to communicate with foreigners. If the use of this system promotes the spread of telecommunications interpreters, the cost can be significantly reduced, and if the fees are reduced, the spread will be further expanded. At present, people who are learning foreign languages (mainly English) just for the purpose of communication are spending a lot of money and time. Some people are not good at learning a foreign language, and others have more ways to do it than to spend time learning a foreign language. The need for everyone to learn the same foreign language as in the present has decreased, and in the future we will spend less time learning the language that is most interesting to you, even in minor languages, and more. Will be able to do it.

2. The following application examples can be considered as the form of the interpreting service supply side.

(1) By installing a table in which information about multiple interpreters is stored and stored in the receiver, it is possible to simultaneously and constantly (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) interpreters for a large number of languages. be able to.

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

(3) By setting up a satellite device in each region and each country, and exchanging data between the satellite devices via a dedicated line, it is possible to cope with a larger number of languages.

3. Furthermore, there are various applications of this system depending on the purpose of use of the user. In other words, Establishing an interpreter system that is tailored or combined with related services can further stimulate demand and create new businesses such as:

(1) General business related

(1) If this system is applied, when a business man from another country conducts business in a certain country, information provision and research can be performed on behalf of various 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 an office in the country, information provision, research, various Business agency can be performed easily.

(3) If this system is applied, companies and businessmen in one country will be able to provide information, research, and perform various business 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 to support their activities for 24 hours.

(2) If this system is applied, it will be possible to rent a mobile communication terminal (mobile phone, etc.) with an interpreter service provided by this system to travelers traveling in a foreign country to support their activities 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.

④ If this system is applied, it will be possible to provide interpreting services to both foreign visitors to museums, museums, theaters and other amusement facilities, and to those facilities. (3) International conferences, parties and events

(1) If this system is applied, all participants will be required to provide interpreting services in all languages required at events such as the Olympic Games, international sports competitions, international exhibitions, international conferences, etc., where dozens of languages fly. You can receive a service at any time and anywhere.

(2) If this system is applied, the organizer who conducts international events · Employees of the local administration · 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 not feel unfair about the language, and will be able to participate in the event comfortably without hesitation.

(4) Hospitals · Police and other government agencies

(1) If this system is applied, hospitals in various countries will be able to respond to foreign patients in their native language at any time so that they will not have any problems in consulting foreign patients.

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

(3) If this system is applied, people who work at administrative branch offices that require contact with foreigners residing throughout the country can receive interpreting services in all necessary languages at any time and anywhere.

応用 If this system is applied, it will be possible to provide assistance for interpreters to government agencies and volunteers who are involved in disasters, for rescued foreigners, for their rescue, and for evacuation guidance.

(5) Education

① If this system is applied, students at local schools where it is difficult to obtain the leader of native speakers can receive the guidance at any time. O

② If this system is applied, ordinary individuals learning a foreign language can easily receive the guidance of native speakers at any time at home.

(6) Interpretation for conversation with telephone partner

With this system, you can also receive interpreting services for conversations with people who talk on the phone.

(1) For example, when a foreigner who is a user calls a domestic company that is a contractor, a telephone can be used to make a call to a domestic company through an interpreter if he or she calls the Seny 夕 device. In particular, if the phone number of the Sendai device is displayed adjacent to the phone number of the domestic company and the phone number of the domestic company is entered after dialing the phone number, the interpreter service will be more smoothly performed. Can receive.

② Also, for example, if the contracted user calls a foreigner or foreign company, if he / she calls the Senyi device before calling the foreigner or foreign company, he / she will get an interpreter service with an interpreter. Can be. In particular, if you use an IP phone to talk to an interpreter first and then call a foreigner or foreign company, you can discuss what you want to convey in advance, so that the interpreter service can be more smoothly provided. Can receive.

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 always have an exchange interpreter waiting at a specific place. This has the effect of realizing an interpreter management system that does not require any translation.

Regarding the description of the claims, the present invention can further take the following aspects.

(1) A recording medium for recording an interpreter management program for managing an interpreter operation using a computer, the interpreter specifying information for specifying an interpreter, and the interpreter specifying information corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. Interpreters can translate Language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted, interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information can perform interpreting work, and contact information for the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identifying information A step of storing and storing an interpreter table having at least contact information indicating contact information, and a calling step for calling the interpreter based on the contents of the interpreter table.

A recording medium comprising:

(2) In the calling step, in response to the incoming call by the user, the interpreter can perform the interpreting work in the specified language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, and the interpreter who is currently available (1) making a call between the interpreter of the call destination and the user to enable interpreting work by the interpreter. Medium.

(3) The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which the user wants to perform an interpreting operation by the interpreter, and in the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time, The recording medium according to (1), wherein a call is made to the user and the interpreter according to the reservation information.

(4) The interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the user selects an interpreter according to the fee information. (1) A recording medium according to any one of (1) to (3).

(5) The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting service, and the user selects an interpreter according to the rank information. 1) to (4) Recording medium.

(6) The interpreter table also includes field information indicating the specialized field of interpretation of the interpreter, and the user selects an interpreter according to the field information. The recording medium according to any one of (1) to (4).

(7) The recording medium according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a billing step for billing according to the time at which the interpreter performed the interpreting work.

(8) The method further includes a display step of displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, and in the calling step, the input is made after an incoming call for a call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacently. Out of the language information and the telephone number, select an interpreter who should perform the interpreting operation according to the language information, call the interpreter, and call the telephone number to make a call. (3) a three-party call is made between the user, the interpreter, and the callee for the telephone number, thereby performing an interpreting operation. recoding media.

(9) In the calling step, of the language information and the telephone number input after the incoming call, select an interpreter who should perform an interpreting operation according to the language information and call the interpreter; and By making a call to the telephone number, a three-party call is made between the calling user, the interpreter, and the receiver of the telephone number to perform an interpreting operation. The recording medium according to any one of (1) to (7).

(10) The recording medium according to (9), wherein, in the calling step, a call is made to the telephone number after receiving an incoming call for the call to the interpreter.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. 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 during which interpreting work can be performed and contact information indicating contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information is stored. An interpreter information table holding means for holding;

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

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 response to an incoming call by the user, the calling means can perform an interpreting operation for a specified language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, and make a call to a currently available interpreter. 2. The interpreter according to claim 1, wherein a call is made between the interpreter at the call destination and the user to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work. Management system.

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

5. The interpreter table is a charge indicating the charge for the interpreter service The interpreting management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising information, wherein the user selects an interpreter in accordance with the fee information.

6. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting service, and a user selects an interpreter according to the rank information. Interpretation management system according to any of paragraphs 1 to 4.

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

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

9. The display device further includes display means for displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, wherein the calling means includes language information input after receiving an incoming call for a call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacently. By selecting an interpreter who should perform an interpreting operation according to the language information from among the telephone numbers and calling the interpreter, and calling the telephone number, the calling user and the The interpreter according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8 of the claim, characterized in that the interpreter performs the interpreting work by making a three-party call between the interpreter and the recipient of the telephone number. Management system.

10. The calling means selects an interpreter who should perform an interpreting operation according to the language information from among language information and a telephone number inputted after receiving an incoming call, calls the interpreter, and calls the interpreter. By making a call to the telephone number, the caller and the translator and the recipient of the telephone number 9. The interpreting management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an interpreting operation is performed by making a three-party call between them.

11. The interpreting management system according to claim 10, wherein said calling means calls said telephone number after receiving an incoming call to said interpreter.

1 2. Interpreter identification information for identifying an interpreter, language information indicating the type of language that can be interpreted by the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter identification information, and an interpreter corresponding to the aforementioned interpreter identification information An interpreter table having at least interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during which the interpreter can perform an interpreting operation and contact information indicating contact information of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. A step of storing and storing

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

An interpreter management method comprising:

13. In the calling step, in response to the incoming call by the user, interpreting work can be performed in the designated language in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, and the user is currently available. A call is made to the interpreter who is present, and a call is made between the interpreter of the call destination and the user to enable the interpreter to perform the interpreting work. 1 Interpretation management method described in 2.

14. The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which the user wants to perform an interpreting operation by the interpreter. In the calling step, when the current time matches the reservation time. The interpreting management method according to claim 12, wherein a call is made to the user and the interpreter according to the reservation information.

15. The interpreter table according to claim 12, wherein the interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the user selects an interpreter according to the fee information. Interpretation management method described in any of paragraphs 1 to 14.

16. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting service, and the user selects an interpreter according to the rank information. Interpretation management method described in any of paragraphs 12 to 14.

17. The interpreter table also includes field information indicating a field of interpretation of the interpreter, and the user selects an interpreter according to the field information. Interpretation management method according to any one of paragraphs 12 to 14.

18. The interpreting management method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a billing step for billing according to the time at which the interpreter has performed interpreting work. .

19. The method further comprises the step of displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, and in the calling step, the input is made after an incoming call for a call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacently. Out of the language information and the telephone number, select an interpreter who should perform the interpreting operation according to the language information, call the interpreter, and call the telephone number to make a call. Any one of claims 12 to 18 characterized by performing a translator service by making a three-party call between the user, the translator, and the recipient of the telephone number. Interpretation management method described in Crab.

20. In the calling step, among the language information and the telephone number input after the call is received, an interpreter to perform an interpreting operation according to the language information A caller to the interpreter and calling the telephone number, thereby making a three-way call between the calling user, the interpreter, and the receiver of the telephone number. The interpreting method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the interpreting operation is performed by performing an interpreting operation.

21. The interpreting management method according to claim 20, wherein in said calling step, a call is made to said telephone number after receiving an incoming call to said interpreter.

2 2. An interpreter management program for managing an interpreter's work using a computer, the interpreter specifying information for specifying the interpreter, and the language in which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information can interpret. Language information indicating the type of the interpreter, interpreting time zone information indicating a time zone during which the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information can perform interpreting work, and a contact being a contact of the interpreter corresponding to the interpreter specifying information. Storing and storing an interpreter table having at least contact information indicating contact information;

An interpreter management program characterized by including:

23. In the calling step, in accordance with the contents of the interpreter information table, an interpreting operation can be performed in the designated language in response to the incoming call by the user, and the call is currently available. A call is made to an interpreter, and a call is made between the interpreter of the call destination and the user to enable interpreting work by the interpreter. Interpretation management program described in Paragraph 22.

24. The interpreter table further includes reservation information indicating a reservation time at which a user wants to perform an interpreting operation by the interpreter. 22. The interpreting management program according to claim 22, wherein when the current time coincides with the reservation time, a call is made to the user and the interpreter in accordance with the reservation information.

25. The interpreter table also includes fee information indicating a fee for the interpreting service, and the user selects an interpreter according to the fee information. Interpretation management program according to any one of paragraphs 22 to 24.

26. The interpreter table also includes rank information indicating a rank of the quality of the interpreting service, and the user selects an interpreter according to the rank information. Interpretation management program according to any of Paragraphs 22 to 24.

27. The interpreter table also includes field information indicating a field of specialized interpretation of the interpreter, and the user selects an interpreter according to the field information. Interpretation management program according to any of paragraphs 22 to 24.

28. The interpreting management program according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising a charging step for charging according to the time at which the interpreter has performed the interpreting work. .

29. The method further includes a display step of displaying at least two telephone numbers adjacent to each other, wherein in the calling step, the input is made after an incoming call for a call to one of the two telephone numbers displayed adjacent to each other. Out of the language information and the telephone number, select an interpreter who should perform the interpreting operation according to the language information, call the interpreter, and call the telephone number to make a call. Claims 22 to 28, characterized in that the interpreter service is performed by making a three-party call between the user, the interpreter, and the recipient of the telephone number. Described in crab Interpretation management program.

30. In the calling step, among the language information and the telephone number input after the call is received, an interpreter who is to perform an interpreting operation is selected according to the language information, and a call is made to the interpreter, and By making a call to the telephone number, a three-party call is made between the calling user, the interpreter, and the called party to the telephone number to perform an interpreting operation. Interpretation management program according to any one of claims 22-28.

31. The interpreting management program according to claim 30, wherein in the calling step, a call is made to the telephone number after receiving an incoming call for a call to the interpreter.