Electronic instrument, display control method and program

Abstract

To enable even unexperienced users to easily determine a punctuation position, and to enable improving convenience of the user.SOLUTION: An electronic instrument 1 responds to a manual operation of a user to input (set) a punctuation symbol in an arbitrary position relative to a foreign language text. The electronic instrument 1 is configured to: receive punctuation position information (punctuation auxiliary information) including the punctuation position of the preliminarily registered punctuation symbol from a database 4 of a server 3 via a network 2; and display a punctuation auxiliary symbol in a prescribed position of the foreign language text on the basis of the punctuation position information. The punctuation position information is selectable from a plurality of pieces of punctuation position information based on something set by other user, something set by teachers, based on a user attribute (an input history), and based on learning levels, or based on a grammar rule such as a part of speech and the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] One of the English learning methods is slash reading. Slash reading is a training to understand the meaning of a sentence while maintaining the English word order and is known to be effective. However, in many long text contents of current electronic dictionaries, although natural Japanese translations for each sentence or paragraph are provided, it is not possible to display Japanese translations for each clause, making it difficult to learn by slash reading.

[0003] On the other hand, as learning materials and devices that utilize general English movies, dramas, anime, etc., technologies for realizing learning by slash reading in conjunction with video and audio have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for specifying a Japanese translation corresponding to a designated part of an English sentence, it has not been easy for inexperienced users who do not know "where to make a break" to determine the break positions for slash reading.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve user convenience by enabling inexperienced users to easily determine break positions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electronic device according to this invention comprises a display unit for displaying text, a display control unit for displaying a delimiter at a location before or after a word in the text when the location is selected based on user operation, and an acquisition unit for acquiring delimiter assistance information that is pre-registered for the text and assists the user in selecting the location before or after a word, wherein the display control unit displays a delimiter assistance symbol in the text based on the delimiter assistance information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] The display control method according to this invention is a display control method for displaying text on a display unit, and is characterized by including the steps of: displaying a delimiter at a location before or after a word in the text when the location is selected based on user operation; acquiring delimiter assistance information that is registered in advance for the text and assists the user in selecting the location before or after the word; and displaying a delimiter assistance symbol in the text based on the acquired delimiter assistance information.

[0009] The program according to this invention is a program executed on an electronic device that displays text on a display unit, and is characterized in that it implements a display control function that displays a delimiter symbol at a location before or after a word in the text when the location before or after a word in the text is selected based on user operation, and an acquisition function that acquires delimiter assistance information that is registered in advance for the text and assists the user in selecting the location before or after the word, and the display control function displays a delimiter assistance symbol in the text based on the delimiter assistance information acquired by the acquisition function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This invention improves user convenience by allowing even inexperienced users to easily determine the division point. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration using the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the slash reading processing operation of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation of the electronic device 1 in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic operation of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the aggregation operation of delimiter position information according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the aggregation method used by Server 3 in this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter position information database for Server 3 in this implementation. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display operation of delimiters set by other users in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This block diagram shows the system configuration using the teacher's delimiter position information in this embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter position information DB of server 3 according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display operation (second operation) of the separator symbol set by the teacher in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration using user attributes (input history) in this embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information database based on user attributes (input history) of server 3 in this embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display operation of delimiters identified according to user attributes (input history) in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 16]It is a block diagram showing a system configuration using delimiter position information (learning level) by server 3 of the present embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter position information (learning level) DB of server 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing the display operation of the delimiter symbol specified according to the learning level in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a block diagram showing a system configuration using delimiter position information (grammar rule) by server 3 of the present embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter position information (grammar rule) DB of server 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram showing the display operation of the delimiter symbol in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A. Embodiment Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. In the following description, the "delimiter symbol" is defined in a foreign language text using expressions such as "input (setting)" and "display", but any expression means associating the clause position in the foreign language text with the position of the delimiter symbol (hereinafter, delimiter position). In other words, the delimiter symbol may be embedded in the foreign language text or may be separate data associating the clause position of the foreign language text with the delimiter position. In any case, it is possible to display the foreign language text in association with the clause position and the delimiter position.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration using the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. The electronic device 1 is connected to a network 2, such as the Internet. Server 3 is also connected to the same network 2. Electronic device 1 and server 3 send and receive various information via the network 2. In the illustrated example, only one electronic device 1 is connected, but in reality, at least one other electronic device with similar functionality (slash reading) owned by individual users scattered throughout the country can be connected. Details of these other electronic devices will be described later.

[0014] Electronic device 1 is configured as a portable device dedicated to the electronic dictionary described below, or as a PDA (personal digital assistant), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game console, etc., equipped with dictionary functions. Electronic device 1 is capable of setting (displaying) delimiters at arbitrary positions in foreign language (e.g., English) text according to the user's manual operation, while also receiving pre-registered delimiter position information (hereinafter referred to as delimiter position information; delimiter auxiliary information) from server 3 via network 2, and setting (displaying) delimiter auxiliary symbols at predetermined positions in the foreign language text based on said delimiter position information. Electronic device 1 translates each segment of the foreign language text according to the delimiters set in the foreign language text according to a predetermined operation (translation execution), and displays the translation result (e.g., Japanese). Server 3 collects delimiter position information set for each foreign language text by other electronic devices (not shown), including electronic device 1, via network 2, and registers it in database 4 according to predetermined rules. Server 3 provides the delimiter position information stored in database 4 in response to a request from electronic device 1.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device (electronic dictionary) 1 of this embodiment. The electronic device 1 includes a CPU 11, a storage unit 12, a key input unit 13, a touch panel display unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0016] The CPU 11 is a CPU that controls various operations of the electronic device 1. The CPU 11 may be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc. Also, the CPU 11 may be composed of two or more CPUs. The CPU 11 operates as a determination unit that determines input of a specific operation key among the key input unit 13 or input of a touch operation to the touch panel 14b. The CPU 11 also operates as a control unit that changes the processing to be executed in response to the operation of a specific operation key or touch operation.

[0017] The memory unit 12 stores a system program (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the electronic device 1, a communication program (not shown) for data communication with the server 3 on the network 2 via the communication unit 15, a translation program 12a for translating foreign language text, a delimiter control program 12b for inputting, displaying, and setting delimiters for foreign language text, various dictionary data 12c for translation, and foreign language text data (multiple) 12d. The key input unit 13 consists of various keys for the user to operate the electronic device 1. When an operation using the key input unit 13 is received, an input signal corresponding to that operation is transmitted to the CPU 11.

[0018] The touch panel display unit 14 has a structure in which a touch position detection device and a display device are integrated to detect the position touched by the user with a pen or finger, and is configured by stacking the touch panel 14b on top of the display unit 14a. The display unit 14a is an m x n dot display such as a liquid crystal display, and displays foreign language text, menu buttons, separators, and translation results. The communication unit 15 communicates data with the server 3 via the network 2 under the control of the CPU 11.

[0019] Since this embodiment primarily involves inputting, displaying, and setting delimiters for slash reading of foreign language texts, the translation operation of foreign language texts and other related processes will not be explained.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the slash reading processing operation of this embodiment. As shown in the upper part of Figure 3, in the electronic device 1, when slash reading is performed, the foreign language text 20 is displayed on the display unit 14a, and a group of function buttons 21 for instructing various functions in response to touch operations such as using a finger or pen are displayed on the far right. In addition, a read-aloud button 22 is displayed on the far left of the foreign language text 20 to read the foreign language text 20 aloud in sentence units.

[0021] Among the function button group 21, the input button 21a is an icon for transitioning to an editing operation to input a delimiter at the desired position. The Wi-Fi (registered trademark) button 21b is an icon for setting whether or not to perform data communication with the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15. The share button 21c is an icon for setting whether or not to share delimiter position information with the server 3 once data communication has been established. The guide button 21d is an icon for selecting the desired operation (delimiter setting method) from several options for inputting delimiter auxiliary symbols into foreign language text.

[0022] In particular, when the guide button 21d is selected, submenu 25 is displayed. In submenu 25, the user can select their desired setting method from several options for setting separators for foreign language text, including "other users," "teachers," "user attributes (input history)," "learning level," and "grammatical rules such as parts of speech."

[0023] "Other Users" is the first action, which displays separator symbols in the foreign language text based on the separator positions set by other users, and also displays the number of users who set separator symbols at those positions in a way that can be identified by the line type or color of the separator symbols. "Teachers" is the second action, which displays separator symbols in the foreign language text based on the separator positions that have been pre-set by a desired teacher from among several teachers.

[0024] "User Attributes (Input History)" is the third operation (auditory) that displays separator symbols in the foreign language text based on the user's attributes (input history), i.e., the separator symbol input tendency (separator symbol input position) that the user has already entered in the foreign language text, and based on the separator symbol positions set by other users that have the closest setting tendency. "Learning Level" is the fourth operation (auditory) that displays separator symbols in the foreign language text based on the learning level (beginner-intermediate-advanced) selected by the user using electronic device 1. And "Grammar Rules such as Parts of Speech" is the fifth operation (auditory) that displays separator symbols in the foreign language text based on the grammar rules selected by the user using electronic device 1.

[0025] The lower part of Figure 3 shows an example of the display screen during translation using slash reading. During translation, the foreign language text 20 is displayed in the upper part of the display unit 14a, and the translated text 23 by the translation program 12a is displayed in the lower part. In addition, the translation results (for example, Japanese) for each phrase separated by delimiters are displayed in a pop-up window 24. The translation of each phrase can be selected (copy and paste) from the translated text 23 by the user, or entered directly by the user. This allows the user to understand the meaning of even long texts in accordance with the word order of the foreign language, enabling efficient foreign language learning.

[0026] However, for inexperienced users, such as beginners, who "don't know where to break up the text," it was not easy to input (set) the separators for slash reading. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to easily input (set) separators for slash reading by displaying the positions of separators already set by other users or teachers, or the positions of separators pre-set according to the user's learning level and selected grammatical rules, thereby enabling efficient foreign language learning.

[0027] B. Operation of the Embodiment Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation (delimiter editing operation) of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. First, the CPU 11 determines whether sharing is set or not (step S10). If sharing is not set (NO in step S10), it updates the display on the display unit 14a (step S16) and determines whether there has been input from a key operation on the key input unit 13 or a touch operation on the touch panel 14b (step S18). If there has been a key operation or touch operation (YES in step S18), the CPU 11 updates the input information (step S20) and updates the display on the display unit 14a so that a delimiter is displayed at the position corresponding to the key operation or touch operation (step S16).

[0028] On the other hand, if no delimiter is entered (NO in step S18), the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been a setting change (changes to sharing, Wi-Fi: registered trademark, guide, etc.) (step S22). If there has been no setting change (NO in step S22), it determines whether or not the input of the delimiter has been completed (step S24). If the input has not been completed (NO in step S24), it returns to step S18 and continues the input of the delimiter.

[0029] On the other hand, if the input of the delimiter has been completed (YES in step S24), the CPU 11 determines whether or not sharing is set (step S26), and if sharing is not set (NO in step S26), the process is terminated.

[0030] On the other hand, if sharing is enabled (YES in step S10), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the guide button 21d has been pressed (step S12). If the guide button 21d has not been pressed (NO in step S12), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S16 and beyond as described above. In other words, the system inputs (sets) delimiters into the foreign language text according to the user's actions.

[0031] Then, once the input of delimiters is complete (YES in step S24), since sharing is set in this case (YES in step S26), the CPU 11 transmits delimiter position information, which indicates the delimiter positions of the delimiters entered (set) for the foreign language text, to the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (step S28). The server 3 stores the delimiter position information, which indicates the delimiter positions of the delimiters entered (set) for the foreign language text, in the database 4 according to a predetermined management method. The management method of delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) in the server 3 will be described later.

[0032] On the other hand, if the guide button 21d is pressed (YES in step S12), the CPU 11, according to the operation selected by the user from among several operations (delimiter setting methods) for displaying delimiters in foreign language text, obtains pre-configured delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (step S14). The multiple operations (delimiter setting methods) will be described later.

[0033] Next, the CPU 11 proceeds to steps S16 and beyond described above. That is, based on the pre-set delimiter information (delimiter information) obtained from the server 3, it updates the foreign language text to display delimiter symbols at predetermined phrase positions (step S16). In this case, the user can refer to the delimiter symbols displayed based on the pre-set delimiter information to confirm the delimiter symbols, enter new delimiters, or delete delimiters or delimiter symbols that seem unnecessary (steps S18, S20).

[0034] Then, once the input (editing) of delimiters or auxiliary delimiters is complete (YES in step S24), the CPU 11 transmits delimiter position information (auxiliary delimiter information) indicating the delimiter position set for the foreign language text to the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (step S28).

[0035] Furthermore, regardless of whether sharing is enabled or disabled, if any setting change (changes to sharing, WiFi, guide, etc.) occurs while the delimiter is being entered (edited) (YES in step S22), CPU 10 returns to step S10 and repeats steps S10 to S28 described above.

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic operation (delimiter editing operation) of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5(a), when delimiter position information with pre-set delimiter positions is obtained from the server 3, a delimiter (thin solid line) is displayed at a predetermined phrase position in the foreign language text 20 based on the pre-set delimiter position. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 5(a), as shown in Figure 5(b), if a phrase position in the foreign language text 20 where a delimiter is not displayed is selected (clicked or touched with a pen), a new delimiter (thick solid line) can be entered at that phrase position.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(c), by selecting (clicking) a delimiter (thin solid line) based on pre-set delimiter position information, that delimiter can be confirmed (set) in the foreign language text 20 (thick solid line). Also, as shown in Figure 5(d), by double-clicking, double-touching, or using the eraser function to select a delimiter (thin solid line) based on pre-set delimiter position information, that delimiter can be deleted in the foreign language text 20 (dotted line). In addition, although not shown in the figures, it is also possible to set (confirm) or delete pre-set delimiters displayed on the foreign language text 20 all at once based on delimiter position information obtained from the server 3 through a predetermined operation. Finally, as shown in Figure 5(e), delimiters can be entered (set) in the foreign language text 20 at the desired phrase positions.

[0038] B1. Other users (first action) Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the aggregation operation of delimiter position information in this embodiment. Electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c are electronic devices used by other users and have the same functions as electronic device 1 described above. Electronic devices 1a to 1c communicate data with server 3 via network 2. In electronic devices 1a to 1c, the user themselves inputs (sets) delimiters in the foreign language texts 20a to 20c.

[0039] On electronic device 1a, the separator is entered (set) as "I say to you / today, / my friends. / And so even though / we face / the difficulties / of today and tomorrow. / I still have / a dream. / ". On electronic device 1b, the separator is entered (set) as "I say to you today, / my friends. / And so even though / we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow. / I still have a dream. / ". And on electronic device 1c, the separator is entered (set) as "I say to you today, / my friends. / And so even though / we face the difficulties / of today and tomorrow. / I still have a dream. / ".

[0040] Each user of electronic devices 1a to 1c inputs (sets) punctuation marks at unique phrase positions according to their own learning level and ease of learning. Therefore, the punctuation marks may be set at different phrase positions or at the same phrase position depending on the user. Electronic devices 1a to 1c each transmit (upload) punctuation position information (punctuation auxiliary information) 30a to 30c, which indicates the position of the punctuation marks they have input (set), to server 3 via network 2 (see steps S26 and S28 in Figure 4). Server 3 aggregates the punctuation position information 30a to 30c uploaded from electronic devices 1a to 1c and stores it in the punctuation position information DB 4a.

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the aggregation method by Server 3 in this embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB by Server 3 in this embodiment. Server 3 aggregates the delimiter position information 30a to 30c uploaded from electronic devices 1a to 1c. Specifically, it identifies the set delimiter positions and aggregates the number of users who have set delimiter symbols at those positions. The aggregated delimiter positions are as shown by reference numeral 31 in Figure 7, and are in the format: "I say to you [P1]today, [P2]my friends.[P3] And so even though [P4]we face [P5]the difficulties [P6]of today and tomorrow.[P7] I still have [P8]a dream.[P9]" (the parts in brackets indicate the delimiter positions).

[0042] The aggregated results show 1 person at delimiter [P1], 3 people at delimiter [P2], [P3], and [P4], 1 person at delimiter [P5], 2 people at delimiter [P6], 3 people at delimiter [P7], 1 person at delimiter [P8], 3 people at delimiter [P9], and so on. Server 3 stores the aggregated results of the delimiter position information 30a to 30b uploaded from electronic devices 1a to 1c in the delimiter position information DB 4a, as shown in Figure 8, by associating the number of users with the delimiter positions P1 to P9... for the foreign language text "TEXT_A".

[0043] Furthermore, instead of pre-calculating and saving the aggregation results to the delimiter position information DB4a, server 3 may save the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 30a to 30c set by each user to the delimiter position information DB4a, and perform the aggregation work when a request is made from electronic device 1.

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation (first operation) of the electronic device 1 in this embodiment to display a delimiter set by another user. When the electronic device 1 is set to share, and the user instructs the user to press the guide button 21d, and then "other user" is selected from the submenu 25, the communication unit 15 requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 (see step S14).

[0045] Server 3 transmits delimiter information 33, which links delimiter locations to the number of users, as shown in the delimiter location information DB4a, in response to a request from electronic device 1. Note that the delimiter location information 33 shown in Figure 9 is a conceptual schematic diagram; in reality, it is transmitted as data that links delimiter locations to the number of users at those locations. In the illustrated example, the position of [] indicates the delimiter location in the foreign language text, and the number inside [] is the number of users. In electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays delimiter auxiliary symbols in the foreign language text 20 based on the acquired delimiter location information (delimiter auxiliary information) 33, with thick lines for locations with a relatively large number of users, thin lines for locations with a moderately large number of users, and dotted lines for locations with a relatively small number of users. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the display color of the delimiter auxiliary symbols may be changed according to the number of users. Users refer to the delimiter auxiliary symbols set by other users, which are displayed in different display forms (line type, color, etc.) according to the number of users, to confirm the delimiter auxiliary symbols, input new delimiter symbols, or delete them.

[0046] Thus, in the first step, it is possible to find out where other users have set separator marks, and whether many or few users have set separator marks at that phrase position. By referring to this information, users can easily input (set) separator marks, thereby improving user convenience.

[0047] B2. Teacher (2nd movement) Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the system configuration using the delimiter position information provided by the teachers in this embodiment. Teachers A, B, and C each set delimiter symbols in the foreign language text using equipment equivalent to electronic device 1 and send (upload) them to server 3 in advance via network 2 (see steps S26 and S28 in Figure 4). Server 3 aggregates the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 31a to 31c uploaded from the equipment of teachers A, B, and C and stores it in the delimiter position information DB 4b.

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter position information DB of Server 3 in this embodiment. Server 3 stores the delimiter position information 31a to 31c uploaded from teachers A, B, and C (on their electronic devices) in the delimiter position information DB 4b, as shown in Figure 10, by associating the teacher with the delimiter position information for each foreign language text. In the illustrated example, the text "TEXT_A" has the delimiter position information Pa1 set by teacher A, the delimiter position information Pb1 set by teacher B, and the delimiter position information Pc1 set by teacher C registered, the text "TEXT_B" has the delimiter position information Pa2 set by teacher A, the delimiter position information Pb2 set by teacher B, and the delimiter position information Pc2 set by teacher C registered, and the text "TEXT_B" has the delimiter position information Pa3 set by teacher A, the delimiter position information Pb3 set by teacher B, and the delimiter position information Pc3 set by teacher C registered.

[0049] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operation (second operation) of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment to display the separator symbols set by the teacher. When the electronic device 1 is set to share, and the user instructs the user to press the guide button 21d, then when "Teacher's Separation Positions" is selected from the submenu 25 shown in the upper part of Figure 12, a pop-up screen 26 for selecting a teacher is displayed, as shown in the middle part of Figure 12. The pop-up screen 26 clearly states the characteristics of how each teacher sets separator symbols. For example, for Teacher A, it may say, "Separates before prepositions, etc. Recommended for beginner to intermediate levels," for Teacher B, "Separates before relative pronouns, etc. Recommended for advanced level long texts," and for Teacher C, "Separates before conjunctions, commas, colons, etc. Supported by a wide range of users." The user selects the desired teacher from the characteristics of each teacher displayed on the pop-up screen 26.

[0050] When a teacher is selected by the user, the electronic device 1 requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (see step S14). In response to the request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 sends the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) registered for the selected teacher from the delimiter position information DB 4b. For example, if teacher A is selected, the server sends the delimiter position information Pa1 set by teacher A. In the electronic device 1, as shown in the lower part of Figure 12, the CPU 11 displays delimiter auxiliary symbols for the foreign language text on the display unit 14a based on the acquired delimiter position information Pa1. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the display color may be set differently for each teacher. The user can confirm the delimiter auxiliary symbols set by the selected teacher, input new delimiter symbols, or delete them, using the delimiter auxiliary symbols set by the selected teacher as a reference.

[0051] In this way, the second operation allows users to refer to the pre-set delimiter positions provided by the teacher, making it easy for even inexperienced users to input (set) delimiters and improving user convenience.

[0052] B3. User Attributes (Input History) (Third Action) Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the system configuration using user attributes (input history) in this embodiment. Electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c are electronic devices used by other users, and they communicate data with the server 3 via the network 2. In electronic devices 1a to 1c, the user themselves inputs (sets) separators into the foreign language texts 20a to 20c. Each user of electronic devices 1a to 1c inputs (sets) separators in a unique position according to their learning level and ease of acquisition. Therefore, the separators are input (set) in different positions or the same position depending on the user.

[0053] Electronic devices 1a to 1c each transmit (upload) delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 32a to 32c, which indicates the position of the delimiter set on each device, to the server 3 via the network 2 (see steps S26 and S28 in Figure 4). The server 3 stores the delimiter position information 32a to 32c uploaded from electronic devices 1a to 1c in the delimiter position information DB 4c for each foreign language text.

[0054] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB based on user attributes (input history) of server 3 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, server 3 stores the delimiter position information 32a to 32c uploaded from electronic devices 1a to 1c in the delimiter position information DB 4c.

[0055] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the operation (third operation) of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment, which displays delimiter symbols identified according to user attributes (input history). When the user has entered delimiter symbols in several places in the foreign language text 20 in the electronic device 1, the guide button 21d is pressed, and then "User Attributes (History)" is selected from the submenu 25. At this time, the electronic device 1 requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (see step S14). At this time, the electronic device 1 transmits delimiter position information 33, which includes the delimiter positions of the delimiter symbols set up to date.

[0056] In response to a request from the electronic device 1, Server 3 identifies the closest delimiter information from the delimiter information DB4c, based on the position of the delimiter partially entered by the electronic device 1 (delimiter information 33), and transmits it to the electronic device 1. For example, as shown in Figure 15, if the pattern of the delimiter auxiliary symbol set by the electronic device 1c is determined to be the closest to the delimiter information 33 in the foreign language text 20 where the delimiter is partially set, then the delimiter information 31c (Pc1) set by the electronic device 1c is transmitted to the electronic device 1. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays a delimiter auxiliary symbol (e.g., a thick solid line) at the position where it is predicted that the next delimiter will be set, based on the acquired delimiter information (delimiter auxiliary information) 31c, in the foreign language text 20 where the delimiter is partially set, so that it can be distinguished from the delimiter entered by the user. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the delimiter auxiliary symbol set at the position where it is predicted that the next delimiter will be set may be displayed in a different color from the delimiter entered by the user. The user can then confirm, add, or delete delimiter symbols based on delimiter position information set by other users that is closest to the placement of the delimiter symbols the user has partially entered.

[0057] Thus, in the third operation, the system identifies the delimiter position information set by another user that is closest to the placement of the delimiter symbols partially entered by the user (input history), and displays a delimiter auxiliary symbol at the predicted position of the next phrase to be entered. This allows even inexperienced users to easily input (set) delimiters, thereby improving user convenience.

[0058] B4. Learning Level (Fourth Action) Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the system configuration using the delimiter position information (learning level) by Server 3 in this embodiment. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter position information DB of Server 3 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, Server 3 associates the learning level and delimiter position information for each foreign language text and stores them in the delimiter position information (learning level) DB4d. As shown in Figure 17, the delimiter position information DB4d has pre-registered delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) Pl1, Pl2, ... Pl7 for each foreign language text, corresponding to the seven learning levels set from beginner to elementary to intermediate to advanced. Note that the delimiter position information Pl1, Pl2, ... Pl7 for each learning level are not fixed and may be modified (updated) periodically or irregularly.

[0059] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the operation (fourth operation) of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment, which displays a separator symbol identified according to the learning level. When the user instructs the user to press the guide button 21d on the electronic device 1, and then selects "Learning Level" from the submenu 25, the electronic device 1 displays a slider bar 50 for specifying the learning level at the bottom of the touch panel display unit 14. The slider bar 50 is set from left to right as follows: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. The user selects the desired learning level by sliding the slider bar 50 left or right.

[0060] When the operator of the slide bar 50 is slid, the electronic device 1 transmits position information (learning level information) indicating the position of the operator to the server 3 via the network 2 in real time using the communication unit 15, and requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) corresponding to the learning level. In response to the request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 transmits to the electronic device 1 the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from among the delimiter position information Pl1 to Pl7 registered in the delimiter position information DB 4d that corresponds to the position of the operator of the slide bar 50 (learning level). For example, as shown in the middle of Figure 18, when the operator of the slide bar 50 is located between "beginner" and "elementary," the delimiter position information Pl2 shown in Figure 17 is transmitted to the electronic device 1. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays a delimiter symbol (thick solid line) on the foreign language text displayed on the touch panel display unit 14 based on the acquired delimiter position information Pl2.

[0061] Furthermore, in the electronic device 1, when the operator of the slide bar 50 is slid and the operator of the slide bar 50 is positioned between intermediate and advanced as shown in the lower part of Figure 18, the server 3 transmits the delimiter position information Pl6 shown in Figure 17 to the electronic device 1. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays a delimiter auxiliary symbol (thick solid line) for the foreign language text displayed on the touch panel display unit 14 based on the acquired delimiter position information Pl6.

[0062] In the electronic device 1, by sliding the operator on the slider bar 50 left or right, the device receives in real time from the server 3 the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) corresponding to the position of the operator (learning level), and displays delimiter auxiliary symbols on the foreign language text displayed on the touch panel display unit 14 based on the received delimiter position information. As shown in the middle of Figure 18, when the user is between beginner and elementary level, the delimiter auxiliary symbols (thick solid lines) are displayed relatively close together on the foreign language text, and as shown in the lower part of Figure 18, when the user is between intermediate and advanced level, the delimiter auxiliary symbols (thick solid lines) are displayed relatively wide apart on the foreign language text. The user can refer to the delimiter auxiliary symbols displayed according to the learning level specified by the user to confirm the delimiter auxiliary symbols, enter new delimiter symbols, or delete them.

[0063] Furthermore, since sending and receiving divider position information in real time may cause delays in displaying the divider position, it may be possible to receive divider position information for all learning levels as soon as "Learning Level" is selected from submenu 25, so that switching can be done instantly without repeated sending and receiving. Alternatively, the user's learning level may be automatically determined based on the content contained in the electronic device (electronic dictionary) 1 (textbook or reference book levels, English test results, etc.), and the initial position of the slider bar 50's controls may be determined according to that learning level.

[0064] Thus, in the fourth operation, punctuation marks are displayed in the foreign language text based on the punctuation position information corresponding to the learning level specified by the user. This improves user convenience by making it easier for even unfamiliar users to determine the punctuation positions.

[0065] B5. Grammatical rules regarding parts of speech, etc. (5th action) Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the system configuration using delimiter information (grammatical rules) by Server 3 in this embodiment. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the delimiter information (grammatical rules) DB of Server 3 in this embodiment. Server 3 associates grammatical rules such as parts of speech with delimiter information (delimiter auxiliary information) for each foreign language text and stores them in the delimiter information (grammatical rules) DB4e. Specifically, in the delimiter information (grammatical rules) DB4e, for each foreign language text, the following items are set as grammatical rules: "before a preposition," "before a relative pronoun," "before a present participle / past participle," "before a conjunction," "before or after a comma, colon, etc.," "after a long subject," and "before a long object." Delimiter information Pg1, Pg2, ... Pg7, for each of these items, are registered, with the delimiter position set in advance. For example, punctuation information Pg1 places a punctuation mark before a preposition, punctuation information Pg2 places a punctuation mark before a relative pronoun, ..., punctuation information Pg7 places a punctuation mark before a long object. However, punctuation information Pg1~Pg7 for grammatical rules is not fixed and may be modified (updated) periodically or irregularly.

[0066] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment, which displays punctuation marks identified according to grammatical rules such as parts of speech. When the user instructs the electronic device 1 to press the guide button 21d, and then selects "grammatical rules such as parts of speech" from the submenu 25, the CPU 11 displays a pop-up screen 27 for selecting grammatical rules, as shown in the middle of Figure 21. The pop-up screen 27 displays checkboxes that allow the user to select at least one of the following grammatical rule items: "before a preposition," "before a relative pronoun," "before a present participle or past participle," "before a conjunction," "before or after a comma, colon, etc.," "after a long subject," and "before a long object." The user checks the checkbox to select the grammatical rule item for which they want to input (set) a punctuation mark. At this time, it is possible to select not just one item, but multiple items as shown in the figure. For example, in the illustrated example, "before a preposition," "before a conjunction," "before or after a comma, colon, etc.," and "after a long subject" are selected.

[0067] When a grammar rule item is selected by the user, the CPU 11 requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (see step S14). In response to the request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 transmits the delimiter position information registered in the delimiter position information DB 4e for the selected grammar rule item. In the illustrated example, delimiter position information Pg1 corresponding to "before a preposition", delimiter position information Pg4 corresponding to "before a conjunction", delimiter position information Pg5 corresponding to "before or after a comma, colon, etc.", and delimiter position information Pg6 corresponding to "after a long subject" are transmitted. The electronic device 1 displays delimiter auxiliary symbols on the foreign language text 20 displayed on the touch panel display unit 14 so that all of the delimiter position information Pa1, Pg4, Pg5, and Pg6 obtained by the CPU 11 are reflected. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the display color of the delimiter auxiliary symbols may be made different for each grammar rule item. The user can refer to the delimiter symbols displayed according to the grammar rule items they have selected, and then confirm, enter, or delete those delimiter symbols.

[0068] Thus, in the fifth operation, delimiter symbols are displayed in the foreign language text based on delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) corresponding to the grammar rule items specified by the user. This makes it easy for even unfamiliar users to determine delimiter positions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, the delimiter position information is obtained from the server 3 each time. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the information may be downloaded to the electronic device 1 as needed, so that delimiters can be entered (set) into the foreign language text at the desired phrase positions even when the device is not connected to the network 2 (offline).

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the user downloaded the delimiter position information that had been uploaded to the server 3 in advance. However, it is also possible to enable the first user to send the delimiter position information to the second user.

[0071] According to this embodiment, based on delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) including pre-set delimiter positions obtained from the database 4 of the server 3 via the network 2, delimiter auxiliary symbols are displayed at predetermined phrase positions in the foreign language text. As a result, even inexperienced users can refer to these delimiter auxiliary symbols to confirm them, input new delimiter symbols, or delete them, making it easy for even inexperienced users to determine delimiter positions and improving user convenience.

[0072] According to the embodiment described above, the display format of the separator symbols is made different depending on the number of users who have set the separator symbols. Therefore, even inexperienced users can easily determine the separator position, thereby improving user convenience.

[0073] According to the embodiment described above, the system acquires delimiter position information (delimiter information) that includes the delimiter positions of delimiter symbols that each of multiple users (teachers) has set in advance, and displays delimiter symbols in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter positions included in the delimiter position information. This allows users to refer to the delimiter positions set in advance by a specific user (teacher), making it easy for even unfamiliar users to determine the delimiter positions and improving user convenience.

[0074] According to the embodiment described above, the system identifies the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) set by another user that is likely to be closest to the placement of delimiters partially entered by the user (input history), and displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol at the position of the phrase that is predicted to be entered next. As a result, even inexperienced users can easily determine the delimiter position, improving user convenience.

[0075] According to the embodiment described above, since separator symbols are displayed in the foreign language text based on separator position information corresponding to the learning level specified by the user, even inexperienced users can easily determine the separator positions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0076] According to the embodiment described above, since separator symbols are displayed in the foreign language text based on separator position information corresponding to the grammatical rule items specified by the user, even inexperienced users can easily determine the separator positions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0077] Although several embodiments of this invention have been described above, this invention is not limited to these, but includes the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. The invention described in the claims of this application is listed below.

[0078] (Note 1) The invention described in Appendix 1 is an electronic device comprising: a display unit for displaying text; a display control unit for displaying a delimiter symbol at a location before or after a word in the text when the location is selected based on user operation; and an acquisition unit for acquiring delimiter assistance information that is pre-registered for the text and assists the user in selecting the location before or after a word, wherein the display control unit displays a delimiter assistance symbol in the text based on the delimiter assistance information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0079] (Note 2) The invention described in Appendix 2 is an electronic device as described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the display control unit makes the display form of the separator symbol different according to the number of users who have set the separator symbol.

[0080] (Note 3) The invention described in Appendix 3 is an electronic device as described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the delimiter information includes delimiter positions of delimiter symbols set in advance by each of a plurality of users, the acquisition unit acquires delimiter information registered by a specific user from among the plurality of delimiter information, and the display control unit displays the delimiter symbols in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter positions included in the delimiter information registered by the specific user.

[0081] (Note 4) The invention described in Appendix 4 is an electronic device as described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the delimiter auxiliary information pre-registered by another user, which has the arrangement closest to the arrangement of the delimiter displayed at the location selected based on the user operation, and the display control unit displays the delimiter auxiliary in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter auxiliary information pre-registered by the other user, in addition to the delimiter displayed based on the user operation.

[0082] (Note 5) The invention described in Appendix 5 is an electronic device as described in Appendix 1, further comprising a learning level designation unit for designating a learning level, wherein the acquisition unit acquires delimiter information including the delimiter position of a pre-set delimiter symbol corresponding to the learning level designated by the learning level designation unit, and the display control unit displays the delimiter symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter information set according to the learning level.

[0083] (Note 6) The invention described in Appendix 6 is an electronic device as described in Appendix 1, further comprising a grammar rule designation unit for designating grammar rules, wherein the acquisition unit acquires delimiter information including the delimiter position of a pre-set delimiter symbol corresponding to the grammar rule designated by the grammar rule designation unit, and the display control unit displays the delimiter symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter information set in accordance with the grammar rule.

[0084] (Note 7) The invention described in Appendix 7 is a display control method for displaying text on a display unit, characterized in that it includes the steps of: displaying a delimiter at a location before or after a word in the text when the location is selected based on user operation; acquiring delimiter assistance information that is registered in advance for the text and assists the user in selecting the location before or after the word; and displaying a delimiter assistance symbol in the text based on the acquired delimiter assistance information.

[0085] (Note 8) The invention described in Appendix 8 is a program executed on an electronic device that displays text on a display unit, and is characterized in that it implements a display control function that displays a delimiter symbol at a location before or after a word in the text when the location is selected based on user operation, and an acquisition function that acquires delimiter assistance information that is registered in advance for the text and assists the user in selecting the location before or after the word, and the display control function displays a delimiter assistance symbol in the text based on the delimiter assistance information acquired by the acquisition function. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1...Electronic device, 2...Network, 3...Server, 4...Database (DB), 11...CPU, 12...Storage unit, 12a...Translation program, 12b...Delimiter control program, 12c...Dictionary data, 12d...Text data, 13...Key input unit, 14...Touch panel display unit, 14a...Display unit, 14b...Touch panel, 15...Communication unit, 20, 20a~20e...Foreign language text, 21...Function button group, 22...Read-aloud button, 23...Translated text, 24...Popup window, 25...Submenu, 26, 27...Popup screen, 4a~4e...Delimiter position information DB, 30a~30c, 31a~31c, 32a~32c, 33...Delimiter position information, 50...Slide bar

Claims

1. A display control unit that, when a position before or after a word included in a sentence displayed on a display unit is selected by a user operation, displays a delimiter at the selected position; an acquisition unit that acquires division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and assists the user in selecting a portion before or after the word; Equipped with The display control unit displays a division auxiliary symbol in the text based on the division auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition unit.

1. An electronic device comprising:

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit changes a display form of the separator auxiliary symbol depending on the number of users who have set the separator auxiliary symbol.

3. the division auxiliary information includes division positions of division auxiliary symbols preset by each of a plurality of users; The acquiring unit acquires division auxiliary information registered by a specific user from among a plurality of division auxiliary information; The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the separator position included in the separator auxiliary information registered by the specific user.

4. the acquiring unit acquires the delimiter auxiliary information registered in advance by another user, the delimiter auxiliary information having an arrangement closest to an arrangement of the delimiter symbols displayed at the location selected based on the user operation; The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the delimiter symbol displayed based on the user operation, the display control unit displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol in the sentence displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter auxiliary information pre-registered by the other user.

5. A learning level designation unit for designating a learning level is further provided, the acquiring unit acquires division auxiliary information including division positions of division auxiliary symbols preset in accordance with the learning level designated by the learning level designating unit, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the separator auxiliary information set corresponding to the learning level.

6. A grammar rule specification unit that specifies grammar rules is further provided, the acquiring unit acquires delimiter auxiliary information including a delimiter position of a delimiter auxiliary symbol preset in accordance with the grammar rule specified by the grammar rule specifying unit; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence displayed on the display unit based on the separator auxiliary information set corresponding to the grammar rule.

7. A display control method for displaying a text on a display unit, comprising: When a portion before or after a word included in the sentence is selected based on a user operation, a delimiter is displayed at the selected portion; acquiring division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a portion before or after the word; displaying a division auxiliary symbol in the text based on the acquired division auxiliary information; A display control method comprising:

8. A program executed by an electronic device that displays text on a display unit, a display control function for displaying a delimiter at a portion before or after a word included in the sentence when the portion is selected based on a user operation; an acquisition function for acquiring division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and assists the user in selecting a portion before or after the word; Realize this, The display control function displays a separator auxiliary symbol in the text based on the separator auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition function. A program characterized by:

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