Learning device, control method, and program

Abstract

To display test questions with a high learning effect while utilizing dictionary data.SOLUTION: When one of multiple types of learning patterns ([spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part-of-speech conversion], [vocabulary selection]) in a test format is designated by a user operation, a learning device selects and reads out the type for which an answer to the type of test for which designation is detected is not specified in related information ("word name (spelling)", "phonetic symbols", "meaning", "basic variation", "collocation (compound words)", "part-of-speech conversion (part-of-speech form)", and "example sentences") corresponding to a learning target word (entry word), and displays it as a hint on a left screen d1. For example, in a spelling practice test screen G2, the "meaning" of the word is displayed on the left screen d1, the question text is displayed on a right screen d2, and a spelling input area AE is displayed on a lower screen d3. The user answers the "meaning" of the word displayed on the left screen d1 by inputting the hint and the spelling of the word.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a learning device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology in electronic dictionaries that extracts entry words to which a user has added a marker, and generates test questions for a vocabulary test in which the entry words are masked using dictionary data. In such a vocabulary test, the user answers the masked words (entry words) while referring to information about the entry words stored as dictionary data (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-018359 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the case of the above-mentioned technology, the format of the test questions is patterned, so that it is difficult to obtain a learning effect.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to utilize dictionary data and display test questions that are highly effective for learning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: storing dictionary data in a storage unit that associates an entry word with a plurality of types of related information of the entry word; When a designation of a particular type of test among a plurality of types of tests related to the entry word is detected, The device is provided with a control unit that selects a type of related information corresponding to the headword in the dictionary data stored in the memory unit that does not specify the answer to a test of the type for which the specification was detected, and controls the selection to be displayed on the display unit as a hint. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to display test questions that are highly effective for learning while utilizing dictionary data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of a learning device, a control method, and a program of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 13 is a diagram showing the display operation when a test-style learning pattern is selected in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the contents of operation modes (screen operation modes) preset for the display screens (left screen d1 / right screen d2 / lower screen d3) of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10. [Diagram 5] A figure showing vocabulary practice display control information Jm contained in the learning content ``University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice'' of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing the contents of the learning information data (22d) stored in the learning information data storage area 22d according to the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing the storage state of learning information for each word in the learning information data storage area 22d of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a word learning process based on learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 9]6 is a flowchart showing a display control process according to a preset screen operation mode (FIG. 3) for a display screen (learning screen) in a learning pattern selected based on learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the display operation when the test-style learning pattern [Collocation Practice] is selected in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing a learning information update process based on learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 12] A figure showing the display operation of the target word selection menus W1, W2, W3t, and W3f when the test-style learning patterns [Spelling Practice] T2 to [Vocabulary Selection] T6 are selected on the top screen Gt of the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 13] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing display operations according to a learning information deletion process based on the learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a learning system according to another embodiment of the learning device, control method, and program of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Configuration of the embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration and a display screen of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of a learning device, a control method, and a program of the present invention.

[0011] The electronic dictionary 10 (study device) may be configured as a dedicated electronic dictionary as described below, or may be configured as a tablet-type PDA (personal digital assistant), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game machine, or the like equipped with a dictionary function.

[0012] 1B, electronic dictionary 10 is configured with a foldable case in which main body case 11 and cover case 12 can be opened / closed via hinge section 13. On the surface of main body case 11 when the foldable case is opened, there are provided key input section (keyboard) 14 including a [Home] key 14a, function designation keys 14b, character input keys 14c, [Enter] key 14d, [Back] key 14e, cursor keys 14f, and a [Delete] key 14g, a voice output section 15, and a voice input section 16.

[0013] A touch panel display unit (display) 17 is provided on the surface of the cover case 12. The touch panel display unit 17 has a structure in which a touch position detection device that detects a position touched by a user with a touch pen P or a finger and a display device are integrated together, and is configured by overlapping a transparent touch panel on a backlit color liquid crystal display screen (first display screen).

[0014] The touch pen P is inserted into the main case 11 through an opening provided on the right side thereof, as indicated by an arrow x, and is housed therein.

[0015] The function designation keys 14b of the key input unit 14 are used to directly designate the dictionary content (e.g., [Encyclopedia], [Encyclopedia]), dictionary content category (e.g., [Chinese], [Ancient], [English-Chinese], [Chinese-English]), [Content List], and one of the tool categories, [Study Notebook], displayed on each key.

[0016] The multiple types of content displayed in a list in response to operation of the [Content List] include learning content for learning languages ​​such as English and Chinese (language learning), and in an embodiment, for example, includes learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" which belongs to the vocabulary learning category.

[0017] <About the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice"> 1A shows a state where the top screen Gt of the learning content "Vocabulary Practice for University (High School) Entrance Exams" is displayed on the touch panel display unit 17. The learning content "Vocabulary Practice for University (High School) Entrance Exams" includes dictionary data (associated with "word name (spelling)", "phonetic symbol", "meaning", "basic change", "collocation (compound word)", "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)", "example sentence", and "audio") using English words (e.g., 4,259 words) to prepare for university (high school) entrance exams as entry words, and is configured to select six learning patterns (six learning patterns: [word learning], [spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part of speech conversion], and [vocabulary selection]) to study each word (entry word).

[0018] [Word learning] is a memorization-style learning pattern in which the user learns by listening to the audio of a word and its example sentences while checking information about the word (word name (spelling), phonetic symbols, meaning, basic changes, collocations, part-of-speech conversions, example sentences, and audio). [Spelling Practice] is a learning pattern in the form of a written test (fill-in-the-blank questions) in which the user looks at the "meaning" and enters the correct spelling into the blanks (holes where words should go) in the "example sentences." [Vocabulary Meaning] is a learning pattern in the form of a multiple-choice test (multiple choice questions) in which the user learns the "meaning" of a word by looking at an "example sentence" and answering from, for example, four options. [Collocation Practice] is a learning pattern in the form of a multiple-choice test (multiple choice questions) in which the user learns the correct usage of "collocations" in "example sentences" by answering, for example, from four options. "Part of speech conversion" is a learning pattern in the form of a multiple-choice test (multiple choice questions) in which the user learns the correct "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)" of words in "example sentences" by answering, for example, from four options. [Vocabulary Selection] is a learning pattern in the form of a multiple-choice test (multiple choice questions) in which the user learns the meanings of polysemous words that appear in the “example sentences” by answering, for example, from four options. In this embodiment, the memorization-style learning pattern [word learning] is defined as the first learning mode, and the test-style learning patterns [spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part of speech conversion], and [vocabulary selection] are defined as the second learning mode.

[0019] The six learning patterns are selected by the learning pattern selection tabs [Word learning] T1 to [Vocabulary selection] T6 provided on the top screen Gt. On the top screen Gt, a target word selection menu [Learn from all words] W1, [Unlearned words] W2, and [Learned words] W3 for selecting a group of words (headwords) to be learned are provided as common menus for the learning pattern selection tabs [Word learning] T1 to [Vocabulary selection] T6.

[0020] In each of the six learning patterns, if you want to specify the words to be learned from all words (for example, 4,259 words), select the target word selection menu [Learn from all words] W1; if you want to specify words that have not been learned, select [Unlearned words] W2; and if you want to specify words that have been learned, select [Learned words] W3.

[0021] In addition, when the test-style learning pattern ([Spelling practice] (T2) to [Vocabulary selection] (T6) is selected, the target word selection menu [Learned words] W3 is divided into [Learned correct words] W3t and [Learned incorrect words] W3f (see Figures 6 and 12).

[0022] At the right end of the target word selection menus [Learn from all words] W1 to [Learned words] W3, the number of target words Nw, which indicates the number of words that currently fall into each group, is displayed.

[0023] (B) of Figure 1 shows the state in which a word learning screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel display unit 17, targeting the word (here, "produce") that has been detected as specified in response to user operation, in accordance with the selection of the learning pattern selection tab [Word learning] T1 and the target word selection menu [Learn from all words] W1 on the top screen Gt.

[0024] In the word learning screen G1, the left screen d1 (explanation screen) on the display screen (first display screen) displays the "word name (spelling)," "phonetic symbol," "meaning," "basic conjugation (if it fits on the left screen d1)," "collocation (compound word)," and "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)" of the word that was detected to be specified, the right screen d2 (explanation support screen) displays an "example sentence" of the word that was detected to be specified, and the lower screen d3 (operation screen) displays an [Audio playback] icon Cp, an [Explanation] icon Ce, and a [Next] icon Cn.

[0025] In addition, in the word learning screen G1, if the "basic conjugation" of a word does not fit on the left screen d1, the "basic conjugation" is displayed at the bottom of the right screen d2 (auxiliary explanation screen) with the dividing line Lb as the boundary (as shown by the arrow a1, it is moved from the left screen d1 (explanation screen) to the right screen d2 (auxiliary explanation screen) and displayed), thereby ensuring a clear view of information regarding the explanation of the word.

[0026] On the lower screen d3, when the [Play audio] icon Cp is pressed, the audio of the displayed word and example sentence is played from the audio output unit 15, when the [Explanation] icon Ce is pressed, the word searched for in the built-in dictionary data (here, an English-Chinese dictionary) and its Chinese explanation are displayed expanded across the entire display screen, and when the [Next] icon Cn is pressed, the display screen for the next word (here, the word learning screen G1) is displayed.

[0027] In the case of language learning, the learning screen displays two languages: a first language corresponding to the learner's native language, and a second language that the learner is to learn. The combination of the first language and the second language may be selected arbitrarily. Figure 1(B) and Figure 2 show examples of display when the first language is Chinese and the second language is English.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the display operation when a test-style learning pattern is selected in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. In FIG. Figure 2 (A) shows a spelling practice test screen G2 that targets words randomly selected from all words (W1), unlearned words (W2), or learned words (W3) by selecting the learning pattern selection tab [Spelling Practice] T2 on the top screen Gt shown in Figure 1 and one of the target word selection menus W1 to W3.

[0029] In the spelling practice test screen G2, the left screen d1 (explanation screen) on the display screen (first display screen) displays the "meaning" of the word that was detected as specified, the right screen d2 (test screen) displays a missing (hole-filled) "example sentence" that is the question sentence for the word that was detected as specified, and the lower screen d3 (operation screen) displays the spelling input area AE, the "audio playback" icon Cp, the "explanation" icon Ce, and the "next" icon Cn. That is, on the spelling practice test screen G2, types of information (related information) related to the word, excluding those that allow the user to identify the answer to the question (here, the spelling of the word), are selected and displayed as hints. When the user operates the character input keys 14c to input the spelling of a word in the spelling input area AE on the lower screen d3 and presses the [Confirm] button Bd, the electronic dictionary 10 judges whether the input spelling is correct and displays a correct answer mark Mt if it is correct, or an incorrect answer mark Mf if it is incorrect.

[0030] Figure 2 (B) shows a vocabulary and meaning test screen G3 that targets words randomly selected from all words (W1), unlearned words (W2), or learned words (W3) by selecting the learning pattern selection tab [Vocabulary and Meaning] T3 on the top screen Gt shown in Figure 1 and one of the target word selection menus W1 to W3. In the vocabulary and meaning test screen G3, the left screen d1 (explanation screen) of the display screen (first display screen) displays the "word name (spelling)" and "phonetic symbol" of the word that was detected as specified, the right screen d2 (test screen) displays the "example sentence" of the word that was detected as specified and answer options (four options in this case), and the lower screen d3 (operation screen) displays answer selection icons (here, [A] to [D]) C1 to C4, the [audio playback] icon Cp, the [explanation] icon Ce, and the [next] icon Cn. After selecting (entering) an answer using the answer selection icons C1 to C4, the answer is also displayed on the right screen d2 (test screen). That is, on the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 (before answer input), types of information (related information) about the word are selected and displayed as hints, excluding those that would enable the user to identify the answer to the question (here, the vocabulary of the "word" in the "example sentence"). When the user presses the answer selection icons C1 to C4 on the lower screen d3 to input an answer, the electronic dictionary 10 determines whether the input answer is correct or not, and displays a correct answer mark Mt if the answer is correct, or an incorrect answer mark Mf if the answer is incorrect.

[0031] In addition, even if any of the learning pattern selection tabs [Collocation Practice] T4, [Part of Speech Conversion] T5, or [Vocabulary Selection] T6 on the top screen Gt shown in Figure 1 is selected, the electronic dictionary 10 will display a learning screen Gn (for example, collocation practice test screen G4, part of speech conversion test screen G5, or vocabulary selection test screen G6: not shown) that displays information about words and their operations (here, four options) corresponding to each corresponding learning pattern, similar to the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 in the test-style learning pattern [Vocabulary Meaning] shown in Figure 2 (B).

[0032] In the word learning screen G1 shown in Figure 1 (B), the spelling practice test screen G2 shown in Figure 2 (A), the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 shown in Figure 2 (B), the collocation practice test screen G4, the part of speech conversion test screen G5, and the vocabulary selection test screen G6, a symbol (Hs, Ht, or Hf) is displayed on the left edge of the lower screen d3 in each learning pattern screen Gn to indicate whether the corresponding word has been learned or not in that learning pattern.

[0033] On word learning screen G1, it is assumed that the corresponding word has been learned at the time that word learning screen G1 is displayed, and a [correct] symbol Ht is displayed, indicating that the word has been learned. In the spelling practice test screen G2, vocabulary meaning test screen G3, collocation practice test screen G4, part of speech conversion test screen G5, and vocabulary selection test screen G6, the word is considered to have been studied at the time the answer is entered, and before the answer is entered, the symbol "not studied" Hs is displayed, indicating that the word has not been studied, and after the answer is entered, the symbol "correct" Ht or the symbol "incorrect" Hf is displayed, indicating that the answer has been studied, including the result of whether it was correct or not.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of operation modes (screen operation modes) preset for the display screens (left screen d1 / right screen d2 / lower screen d3) of electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. In the embodiment of the electronic dictionary 10, of the left screen d1 (left side), right screen d2 (right side), and lower screen d3 (lower side), scrolling is initially set to be possible (yes) only on the right screen d2, zooming is initially set to be possible (yes) only on the left screen d1, and movement between areas is initially set to be possible with the left screen d1 as the source and the right screen d2 as the destination.

[0035] In the word learning screen G1, which is a learning pattern of memorization, among the multiple related information related to the explanation of a word, at least the "word name (spelling)", "phonetic symbol", and "meaning" are displayed on the left screen d1 (left side), while the "basic changes" among the multiple related information are displayed with the dividing line Lb on the lower side of the right screen d2 by moving between areas from the left screen d1 as the movement origin to the right screen d2 as described above with reference to (B) of Figure 1. This ensures the visibility of information related to the explanation of the word, which effectively contributes to memorization of the word.

[0036] The screen operation mode settings for the display screens (left screen d1 / right screen d2 / lower screen d3) of the electronic dictionary 10 may be changed to different settings from the initial settings shown in FIG. 3, for example, in response to a user operation.

[0037] The electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment has at least the following functions (a) to (e). (a) A function for dividing the display screen into a left screen d1 (first display area), a right screen d2 (second display area), and a lower screen d3 (third display area) when, for example, information regarding learning content is to be displayed on the touch panel display unit 17. In an embodiment, the left screen d1 (first display area) may be referred to as the "explanation screen", the right screen d2 (second display area) as the "test screen" (or "explanation support screen" in the case of [word learning]), and the lower screen d3 (third display area) as the "operation screen".

[0038] (b) A function for displaying information relating to a specified word (headword) and its operation on the left screen d1, right screen d2, and lower screen d3 of the touch panel display unit 17 in accordance with vocabulary practice display control information Jm (see Figure 5) that is preset according to each of the six learning patterns ([word learning], [spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part of speech conversion], and [vocabulary selection]). (c) A function for operating the left screen d1, the right screen d2, and the lower screen d3 obtained by dividing the display screen of the touch panel display unit 17 in accordance with a preset screen operation mode (see FIG. 3).

[0039] (d) A function to store and manage, for each word (headword) to be studied in the learning content (here, "university (high school) entrance exam vocabulary practice"), learning information indicating whether learning has been completed or not in each of the six learning patterns (in the case of test-style learning patterns, information indicating completion is distinguished between information indicating correct and incorrect answers). (e) A function to narrow down words based on the learning information indicating whether learning has been conducted (correct or incorrect) in each of the six learning patterns for all words (headwords) to be studied.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. The electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 21 which is a computer. The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a dictionary control program 22a pre-stored in a memory unit (storage) 22 such as a flash ROM, or a dictionary control program 22a read from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card by a recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the memory unit 22, or a dictionary control program 22a downloaded from a Web server (here, a program server) 30 on the communication network N via a communication unit 25 and stored in the memory unit 22. The control unit 21 is connected to a memory unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 24, and a communication unit 25 via data and control buses, as well as to a key input unit 14, an audio output unit 15, an audio input unit 16, and a touch panel display unit 17.

[0041] The storage unit 22 includes a program storage area for storing a dictionary control program 22a, a dictionary data storage area 22b, a learning content storage area 22c, a learning information data storage area 22d, a working data storage area 22e, and the like.

[0042] The dictionary control program 22a includes a system program that controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary 10, a program for communicating with external electronic devices via the communication unit 25, a program for performing headword searches based on various dictionary data stored in the dictionary data memory area 22b, and programs for working in conjunction with the various dictionary data stored in the dictionary data memory area 22b and the various learning contents stored in the learning content memory area 22c to, for example, display related information including the names of the English words (headwords) to be learned, display questions, accept answers, judge the answers, store (record) and update learning information indicating whether learning has been completed or not, and narrow down words (headwords) based on the learning information.

[0043] The dictionary data storage area 22b stores various dictionary data (dictionary contents) such as, for example, a Chinese dictionary 1, a Chinese dictionary 2, an English-Chinese dictionary 1, an English-Chinese dictionary 2, and a Chinese-English dictionary.

[0044] The learning content memory area 22c includes, for example, an English learning data memory area 22c1 that stores learning content for English language learning, a vocabulary learning data memory area 22c2 that stores learning content for vocabulary learning, and a Chinese learning data memory area 22c3 that stores learning content for Chinese language learning, and each of the learning data memory areas 22c1, 22c2, and 22c3 stores multiple types of learning content.

[0045] The learning content "Vocabulary Practice for University (High School) Entrance Exam" is stored in the vocabulary learning data storage area 22c2. The learning content "Vocabulary Practice for University (High School) Entrance Exam" includes vocabulary practice display control information Jm (see FIG. 5) for distributing and displaying information on words (headwords) and their operations on the left screen d1, right screen d2, and lower screen d3 of the touch panel display unit 17.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing vocabulary practice display control information Jm included in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. For example, in the vocabulary practice display control information Jm, in the memorization-style learning pattern [Word Learning] among the six learning patterns, among the multiple types of related information, "word name (spelling)," "phonetic symbol," "meaning," "collocation (chain of words)," and "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)" are displayed on the left screen d1, "example sentences" on the right screen d2, "basic changes" are displayed on the right screen d2 by inter-area movement to the right screen d2 (second display area) if they do not fit on the left screen d1 (first display area), and the [Audio playback] icon Cp, the [Explanation] icon Ce, and the [Next] icon Cn are displayed on the lower screen d3, and no other information is displayed (see (B) of Figure 1). In other words, in Figure 5, when "left screen" is written in the part showing the combination of learning pattern and type of information, it indicates that when target information corresponding to that type of information in the learning pattern is to be displayed, the left screen d1 (first display area) is always selected as the split screen (display area) for displaying the target information, and similarly, when "right screen" is written, it indicates that the right screen d2 (second display area) is always selected as the split screen (display area) for displaying the target information, and similarly, when "move from right to left" is written, it indicates that the left screen d1 (first display area) is selected as the first priority as the split screen (display area) for displaying the target information, but the split screen (display area) selected is switched from the left screen d1 (first display area) to the right screen d2 (second display area) depending on the conditions. Here, the target information to be selected and displayed on the left screen d1 (first display area) is defined as first area selection information, the display control of the first area selection information is defined as first display control, the target information to be selected and displayed on the right screen d2 (second display area) is defined as second area selection information, the display control of the second area selection information is defined as second display control, and the display control for switching and displaying the first area selection information from the left screen d1 (first display area) to the right screen d2 (second display area) depending on the conditions is defined as third display control. Furthermore, the multiple types of information selected and displayed on the left screen d1 (first display area) or the right screen (second display area) according to the vocabulary practice display control information Jm are displayed and controlled while being specified in order for each type of information, so that the first area selection information includes the type of information already specified among the multiple types of information specified to be displayed on the left screen d1 (first display area) and the type of information that will be specified next (newly), and the second area selection information includes the type of information already specified among the multiple types of information specified to be displayed on the right screen d2 (second display area) and the type of information that will be specified next (newly). The target information is not displayed on the non-selected split screen (display area).

[0047] Furthermore, when selecting the right screen d2 (second display area) to display target information, it is not necessary to display all of the target information at the same time; it is sufficient to scroll the target information within the selected split screen (display area) in response to user operation so that all of the target information can be displayed at the required timing as needed. Furthermore, when selecting the left screen d1 (first display area) to display target information, it is not necessary to display all of the target information at the same time. It is sufficient to temporarily enlarge the selected split screen (display area) in response to user operation so that all of the target information can be displayed as needed and at the required timing.

[0048] When the left screen d1 (first display area) is temporarily enlarged in response to a user operation, an enlarged screen Gd1, which is a screen (display area) different from the left screen d1 (first display area), is temporarily displayed. That is, the left screen d1 (first display area) is a split screen (display area) in which the target information is not scrolled in response to a user operation, and when the amount of target information is very large, it may not be possible to simultaneously display all of the target information even if the left screen d1 (first display area) is temporarily enlarged. However, the enlarged screen Gd1 is scrolled in response to a user operation so that all of the target information can be displayed. When scrolling of the enlarged screen is not necessary (when important information is not unable to be displayed on the enlarged screen), the right screen d2 (second display area) itself may be enlarged instead of newly displaying an enlarged screen Gd1 different from the right screen d2 (second display area).

[0049] In addition, in the test-style learning pattern [Spelling Practice], the meaning is displayed on the left screen d1, the "example sentence (question sentence)" and the answer sheet after the answer is accepted are displayed on the right screen d2, and the spelling input area AE for entering the answer, the [Play audio] icon Cp, the [Explanation] icon Ce, and the [Next] icon Cn are displayed on the lower screen d3, and other information, including the correct answer "word name (spelling)", is not displayed on the left screen d1 (see (A) of Figure 2).

[0050] In addition, in the test-style learning pattern [Vocabulary Meaning], the word names and "phonetic symbols" are displayed on the left screen d1, the "example sentence (question sentence)" and answer options and the answer sheet after the answer is accepted are displayed on the right screen d2, and answer selection icons C1 to C4, [Audio playback] icon Cp, [Explanation] icon Ce and [Next] icon Cn are displayed on the lower screen d3, and other information including the "meaning" that would enable the user to identify the correct answer is not displayed on the left screen d1 where hints are checked (see (B) of Figure 2).

[0051] Similarly, for other test-style learning patterns [Collocation Practice], [Part of Speech Conversion], and [Vocabulary Selection], according to the vocabulary practice display control information Jm, it is set whether to display or not display multiple types of related information related to words and multiple types of related information related to their operations on the left screen d1, right screen d2, or lower screen d3.

[0052] In the embodiment, among multiple types of related information related to words ("word name (spelling)", "phonetic symbols", "meaning", "basic changes", "collocations (compound words)", "part-of-speech changes (part-of-speech form)", "example sentences", and "question sentences"), information including any of "word name (spelling)", "phonetic symbols", "meaning", "collocations (compound words)", or "part-of-speech changes (part-of-speech form)" is defined as the first type of information, information including any of "example sentences" or "question sentences" is defined as the second type of information, and information including "basic changes" is defined as the third type of information. In addition, in the vocabulary practice display control information Jm, for each selected learning pattern, information specifying whether each of multiple types of related information related to words is to be displayed on the left screen d1 or the right screen d2 may be defined as the first display condition, information specifying no display (omission) on the left screen d1 or right screen d2 specified in the first display condition (in an embodiment, information specifying no display on the left screen d1 due to inter-area movement of the ``basic change'' of [Word Learning]) may be defined as the second display condition, and information specifying whether to display in the other display area instead of no display (omission) on the left screen d1 or right screen d2 specified in the second display condition (in an embodiment, information specifying display on the right screen d2 due to inter-area movement of the basic change of [Word Learning]) may be defined as the third display condition.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the learning information data (22d) stored in the learning information data storage area 22d according to the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. The learning information data memory area 22d stores learning information (not done (Z): done, correct (A): done, incorrect (B)) indicating whether learning has been done (correct or incorrect) in each of the six learning patterns for each word (headword) to be studied in the learning content (here, "university (high school) entrance exam vocabulary practice") stored in the learning content memory area 22c.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a storage state of the learning information for each word in the learning information data storage area 22d of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. The learning information for a word is composed of, for example, one word (16 bits) for each word, and the 6 bits from the 0th bit to the 5th bit are set to flags "1" for each bit to indicate whether or not the learning has been completed ([word learning]) or whether or not the correct answer has been completed ([spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part of speech conversion], [vocabulary selection]) in each of the 6 learning patterns ([word learning], [spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part of speech conversion], [vocabulary selection]). In addition, the 5 bits from the 9th bit to the 13th bit are set to flags "1" for each bit to indicate whether or not the incorrect answer has been completed in each of the test-style learning patterns ([spelling practice], [vocabulary meaning], [collocation practice], [part of speech conversion], [vocabulary selection]). In other words, when both the [Correct] and [Incorrect] flags are "0", it indicates that the word has not been learned in the corresponding learning pattern, and when the [Correct] or [Incorrect] flag is "1", it indicates that the word has been learned in the corresponding learning pattern (correct or incorrect). In the memorization-style (not test-style) learning pattern [Word Learning], there is no need to distinguish between correct and incorrect answers, so there is no bit to indicate learned or incorrect answers.

[0055] The working data memory area 22e temporarily stores (holds) various data, such as data input in response to user operations and data acquired or generated by the control unit 21, as needed, in accordance with control of the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the dictionary control program 22a by the control unit 21.

[0056] In the electronic dictionary 10 configured in this manner, the control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the instructions written in the dictionary control program 22a, and the software and hardware operate in cooperation to realize various functions including a word learning function, a display control function, a learning information update function, and a learning information deletion function, as described in the operation explanation below.

[0057] (Operation of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0058] <Vocabulary learning function> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a word learning process based on the learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that control unit 21 of electronic dictionary 10 has executed a word learning process in accordance with the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" whose designation has been detected in response to a user operation.

[0059] When a user operation detects designation of learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" belonging to the vocabulary learning category from among multiple types of learning content listed on the touch panel display unit 17 in response to operation of the function designation key 14b [Content List] of the key input unit 14, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a top screen Gt for selecting (switching) the learning pattern of the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" whose designation has been detected, using the learning pattern selection tabs [Word Learning] T1 to [Vocabulary Selection] T6 (step S1), as shown in FIG. 1(A).

[0060] When one of the six learning patterns is selected (switched) using the learning pattern selection tabs [Word learning] T1 to [Vocabulary selection] T6, and a group of words to be learned is selected using the target word selection menus [Learn from all words] W1 to [Learned words] W3, and the [Confirm] key 14d is operated (step S2 (Yes)), the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a learning screen divided into three parts, a left screen d1 (first display area), a right screen d2 (second display area), and a lower screen d3 (third display area), based on the selected learning pattern (step S3), as shown in Figure 1 (B) or Figures 2 (A) and (B).

[0061] The control unit 21 extracts the words to be learned (all words / unlearned words / learned words) selected using the target word selection menus [Learn from all words] W1 to [Learned words] W3 in the selected learning pattern based on the learning information (not implemented / implemented (correct or incorrect): see Figures 6 and 7) for each learning pattern for all words (headwords) stored in the learning information data memory area 22d, and selects and specifies the word to be learned this time from the extracted words to be learned (step S4).

[0062] Here, in the case of the memorization-style learning pattern [Word learning] (T1), a word is selected and specified by the user's arbitrary operation from the list of selected words to be learned (all words / unlearned words / learned words), and in the case of the test-style learning patterns [Spelling practice] (T2) to [Vocabulary selection] (T6), a word is selected randomly from the list of selected words to be learned (all words / unlearned words / learned words).

[0063] Based on the vocabulary practice display control information Jm of the learning content "Vocabulary Practice for University (High School) Entrance Exam" shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to display, in accordance with the selected learning pattern, multiple types of related information regarding the word detected as the target of learning ("word name (spelling)", "phonetic symbol", "meaning", "basic change", "collocation (compound word)", "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)", "example sentence"), and multiple types of related information regarding its operation ("options", "answer", "select answer", "enter answer", "audio playback", "explanation", "next") (step S5).

[0064] In addition, based on the vocabulary practice display control information Jm, the control unit 21 determines in which of the three divided learning screens (left screen d1 (first display area), right screen d2 (second display area), lower screen d3 (third display area)) the multiple types of related information that have been determined to be displayed in the selected learning pattern will be displayed (step S6). In addition, based on the vocabulary practice display control information Jm, the control unit 21 determines whether or not any of the multiple types of related information that have been determined to be displayed in which of the three divided learning screens (d1, d2, d3) satisfies the movement conditions for movement between areas (see Figure 3) (step S7).

[0065] In the embodiment of the vocabulary practice display control information Jm (Figure 5), when the learning pattern [word learning] is selected, it is determined that the "basic change" of a word among multiple types of related information related to the word is information that satisfies the movement condition to be moved from the left screen d1 to the right screen d2 and displayed.

[0066] If there is information that satisfies the movement condition (step S8 (Yes)), the control unit 21 changes the display area of ​​the information that satisfies the movement condition (step S9).

[0067] That is, in the word learning screen G1 (see FIG. 1B) when the learning pattern [word learning] is selected, the "basic changes" of the word are displayed near the bottom of the right screen d2 with a dividing line Lb as a boundary (displayed by moving between areas from the left screen d1 to the right screen d2), thereby ensuring a clear view of information regarding the explanation of the word (this dividing line Lb may be displayed above the information displayed by the movement only when there is a movement between areas, or it may be displayed at a position where the type of information changes regardless of whether there is a movement between areas or not).

[0068] The control unit 21 displays a learning screen corresponding to the selected learning pattern on the touch panel display unit 17 according to the split screens (left screen d1, right screen d2, lower screen d3) that display each of the multiple types of related information determined in steps S6 to S9, and executes a learning process for the word (headword) that has been detected as being designated as a learning target (step AB). That is, when the memorization-style learning pattern [Word Learning] is selected, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a word learning screen G1, which displays, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, "word name (spelling)," "phonetic symbols," "meaning," "collocations," and "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)" on the left screen d1, "example sentences" on the right screen d2, "basic changes" on the right screen d2 as the area is moved from the left screen d1 (first display area) to the right screen d2 (second display area), and an [Audio playback] icon Cp, an [Explanation] icon Ce, and a [Next] icon Cn on the lower screen d3, and allows the user to memorize the word whose specification was detected.

[0069] Therefore, for example, on the word learning screen G1, of the multiple types of information related to words, information that is preferably always displayed in its entirety so that the user can quickly refer to it, and which has a relatively small amount of information (compared to other types of information) and little variation in the amount of information for each word (first type of information), is always selected and displayed on the non-scrollable left screen d1, while information that does not need to be quickly referred to by the user but is preferably able to be displayed in its entirety as needed (second type of information) is always selected and displayed on the scrollable right screen d2, and it is preferably always displayed in its entirety so that the user can quickly refer to it, but information that has a relatively large amount of information that varies from word to word (compared to other types of information) is displayed on the left screen d1 as a first priority, but if the information cannot be displayed in its entirety on the left screen d1, it is switched (moved) to the right screen d2 for display.

[0070] This allows the multiple types of information to be displayed to be appropriately classified and the display to be controlled according to the characteristics of each type, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to perform screen selection operations, scrolling operations, etc., and still improving the user's viewability of the information.

[0071] Furthermore, when the test-style learning pattern [Spelling Practice] is selected, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a spelling practice test screen G2, in which the meaning is displayed on the left screen d1, an "example sentence (question sentence)" and the answer after the answer is accepted on the right screen d2, and a spelling input area AE for answer input, an [Audio playback] icon Cp, an [Explanation] icon Ce, and a [Next] icon Cn on the lower screen d3, as shown in FIG. 2(A), for example, and allows the user to perform test-style learning of the word whose specification was detected.

[0072] Furthermore, when the test-style learning pattern [Vocabulary Meaning] is selected, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a vocabulary meaning test screen G3, which displays the "word name (spelling)" and "phonetic symbols" on the left screen d1, the "example sentence (question sentence)", "options", and "answer sheet after answer acceptance" on the right screen d2, and answer selection icons C1 to C4, the "audio playback" icon Cp, the "explanation" icon Ce, and the "next" icon Cn on the lower screen d3, as shown in FIG. 2(B), for example, and allows the user to perform test-style learning of the word whose specification was detected.

[0073] When the display screen (learning screen) Gn for the selected learning pattern is displayed and the specification of the next word (headword) to be learned is detected (step S10 (No)), the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the processing from step S4 onwards with the next word for which the specification was detected as the learning target each time the specification of the next word is detected.

[0074] <Display control function> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a display control process according to a preset screen operation mode (FIG. 3) for a display screen (learning screen) in a learning pattern selected based on the learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. When the display screen for the selected learning pattern (learning screen: word learning screen G1 shown in Figure 1(B), spelling practice test screen G2 shown in Figure 2(A), vocabulary meaning test screen G3 shown in Figure 2(B), etc.) is displayed and the cursor key 14f (up [↑] or down [↓]) is pressed (step A1 (up and down keys)), the control unit 21 scrolls the display on the right screen d2 (second display area) up or down depending on the pressing state of the cursor key 14f (step A2).

[0075] On the other hand, when the cursor key 14f (left [←] or right [→]) is pressed (step A1 (left / right key)), the control unit 21 does not perform a scroll operation to the left or right on either the left screen d1 (first display area) or the right screen d2 (second display area) (step A3). Also, when the right screen d2 (second display area) is touched (step A4 (second display area)), the control unit 21 scrolls the display of the right screen d2 (second display area) up or down depending on the touch state (step A2).

[0076] The user can scroll up and down as appropriate to check the information about the words displayed on the right screen d2 according to the selected learning pattern by using the cursor keys 14f (up [↑] or down [↓]) or by touching the right screen d2. Furthermore, when the left screen d1 (first display area) is touched (step A4 (first display area)), the control unit 21 displays the left screen d1 (first display area) as an enlarged screen Gd1 (second display screen) that is enlarged to fill the entire screen of the touch panel display unit 17, for example, as shown in (A) → (B) of Figure 10, without scrolling the display of the left screen d1 (first display area) (step A5).

[0077] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display operation when the test-style learning pattern [Collocation Practice] is selected in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10. FIG. 10A shows a collocation practice test screen G4 for the selected learning pattern [Collocation Practice]. In the collocation practice test screen G4, the control unit 21 displays the "word name" and "collocation (combined words)" on the left screen d1, the "example sentence (question sentence)", "options", and "answer sheet after answer acceptance" on the right screen d2, and answer selection icons C1 to C4, an [Explanation] icon Ce, and a [Next] icon Cn on the lower screen d3 based on the vocabulary practice display control information Jm (Figure 5), and allows the user to study the words whose designation was detected in a test format (steps S1 to S9, AB).

[0078] For example, in the collocation practice test screen G4, if there are so many collocations (combined words) displayed on the left screen d1 (first display area) that it is not possible to display all of them, the user can touch the left screen d1 (first display area) to display an enlarged screen Gd1 that expands the display of the left screen d1 (first display area) to full screen, as shown in (B) of Figure 10, and check the list of collocations (combined words). Here, when the enlarged screen Gd1 (for example, (B) of Figure 10), which is an enlarged display of the left screen d1 (first display area) to full screen, is touched (step A6 (Yes)), the control unit 21 scrolls the display of the enlarged screen Gd1 (i.e., the display of the first display area) up or down depending on the state of the touch (step A7).

[0079] On the display screen (learning screen) Gn corresponding to the selected learning pattern, the user can not only check more information about words that cannot be displayed on the left screen d1 by displaying the enlarged screen Gd1 which is enlarged to full screen, but also scroll the enlarged screen Gd1 up and down in response to touch operations on the enlarged screen Gd1, thereby being able to check all the information displayed there.

[0080] <Study information update function> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a learning information update process based on the learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. As shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that control unit 21 of electronic dictionary 10 has executed a learning information update process in accordance with the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" designated in response to a user operation.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 1(A), when the memorization-style learning pattern [Word Learning] is selected by the learning pattern selection tab [Word Learning] T1 on the top screen Gt of the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" (Step B1 (1: Word Learning)), the control unit 21 displays the word learning screen G1 on the touch panel display unit 17 as shown in FIG. 1(B) (Step B2), targeting the words designated by the user operation from among the words to be learned (all words / unlearned words / learned words) selected by the target word selection menus [Learn from all words] W1 to [Learned words] W3.

[0082] In the case of the memorization-type learning pattern [Word learning], the corresponding word is deemed to have been learned at the time when the word learning screen G1 is displayed, and the control unit 21 displays the [Correct] symbol Ht on the left edge of the lower screen d3 of the word learning screen G1, indicating that the corresponding word has been learned (Step B3). As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 sets the [Correct] (implemented) flag “1” in the OK bit (here, bit 0) corresponding to the learning pattern [Word Learning] of the relevant word in the learning information data memory area 22d (step B4).

[0083] Furthermore, when any of the test-format learning patterns [Spelling Practice] to [Vocabulary Selection] is selected using the learning pattern selection tabs [Spelling Practice] T2 to [Vocabulary Selection] T6 on the top screen Gt (step B1 (2: Spelling Practice to 6: Vocabulary Selection)), the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display the spelling practice test screen G2 of the selected learning pattern [Spelling Practice], for example as shown in (A) of Figure 2, for a word randomly specified from among the words to be learned (all words / unlearned words / learned words (correct / incorrect)) selected using the target word selection menu Wn (step B5).

[0084] In the spelling practice test screen G2, when the spelling of a word is input as an answer in the spelling input area AE of the lower screen d3 (step B6 (Yes)), the control unit 21 judges whether the input answer is correct or incorrect (step B7). Here, if the input answer is determined to be correct (step B7 (Yes)), the control unit 21 displays a correct answer mark Mt in the center of the spelling practice test screen G2, and also displays a [Correct] symbol Ht on the left edge of the lower screen d3, indicating that the answer that has been entered for learning the corresponding word is correct (step B8t).

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 sets the [Correct] flag “1” in the OK bit (here, the first bit) corresponding to the learning pattern of the relevant word (here, [Spelling Practice]) in the learning information data memory area 22d (step B9t). On the other hand, if the input answer is determined to be incorrect (step B7 (No)), the control unit 21 displays an incorrect answer mark Mf in the center of the spelling practice test screen G2, and also displays an [Incorrect] symbol Hf on the left edge of the lower screen d3, indicating that the corresponding word has been learned incorrectly (step B8f).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 sets the [Incorrect] flag “1” in the NG bit (here, the 9th bit) corresponding to the learning pattern of the relevant word (here, [Spelling Practice]) in the learning information data memory area 22d (step B9f). When the test-type learning pattern [Vocabulary Meaning] is selected (Step B1 (3: Vocabulary Meaning)), the control unit 21, as described above, causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 of the selected learning pattern [Vocabulary Meaning] (Step B5), for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), for a word randomly selected from the words to be learned (all words / unlearned words / learned words (correct / incorrect)) selected by the target word selection menu Wn.

[0087] When the answer selection icons C1 to C4 on the lower screen d3 are selected and touched on the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 (step B6 (Yes)), the control unit 21 determines whether the input answer is correct or incorrect (step B7). Here, if the input answer is judged to be correct (step B7 (Yes)), the control unit 21 displays a correct answer mark Mt in the center of the vocabulary meaning test screen G3, and also displays a [correct answer] symbol Ht on the left edge of the lower screen d3, indicating that the corresponding word has been learned correctly (step B8t).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 sets the [Correct] flag “1” in the OK bit (here, the second bit) corresponding to the learning pattern (here, [Vocabulary Meaning]) of the relevant word in the learning information data memory area 22d (step B9t). On the other hand, if the input answer is judged to be incorrect (step B7 (No)), the control unit 21 displays an incorrect answer mark Mf in the center of the vocabulary meaning test screen G3, and also displays an [Incorrect] symbol Hf on the left edge of the lower screen d3, indicating that the corresponding word has been learned incorrectly (step B8f). As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 sets the [Incorrect] flag “1” in the NG bit (here, the 10th bit) corresponding to the learning pattern (here, [Vocabulary Meaning]) of the relevant word in the learning information data memory area 22d (step B9f).

[0089] Even if any of the other test-format learning patterns [Collocation Practice] (T4) to [Vocabulary Selection] (T6) is selected, the control unit 21 displays a learning screen Gn corresponding to each corresponding learning pattern (step B5), similar to the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 for the learning pattern [Vocabulary Meaning] shown in Figure 2 (B), and executes the learning information update process described above (steps B6 to B9t or steps B6 to B9f).

[0090] In this way, through the learning information update process, the electronic dictionary 10 stores and manages learning information indicating whether learning has been carried out (correct or incorrect) in each of the six learning patterns for each word (headword) to be studied in the learning content (here, "university (high school) entrance exam vocabulary practice"). As a result, when the memorization-style learning pattern [Word learning] (T1) is selected, as shown in FIG. 1(A), the electronic dictionary 10 can easily narrow down the words to be learned to either all words (here, 4,259 words), words that have not been learned, or words that have been learned, in accordance with the selection from the target word selection menu [Learn from all words] W1, [Unlearned words] W2, and [Learned words] W3, and perform the word learning process.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, when a test-style learning pattern from [Spelling Practice] (T2) to [Vocabulary Selection] (T6) is selected, the electronic dictionary 10 can easily narrow down the words to be learned to either all words (here, 4,259 words), or words that have not been learned, or words that have been learned and were correct, or words that have been learned and were incorrect, in accordance with the selection from the target word selection menu [Learn from all words] W1, [Unlearned words] W2, [Learned correct words] W3t, and [Learned incorrect words] W3f, and perform the word learning process. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the display operation of target word selection menus W1, W2, W3t, and W3f when test-style learning patterns [Spelling Practice] T2 to [Vocabulary Selection] T6 are selected on the top screen Gt of the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0092] <Learning information deletion function> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display operation according to a learning information deletion process based on the learning content (22c) of the electronic dictionary 10. In FIG. Here, it is assumed that control unit 21 of electronic dictionary 10 executes the learning information deletion process based on the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" designated in response to a user operation.

[0093] When an arbitrary learning pattern (here, [Word learning] T1) is selected on the top screen Gt (see FIG. 1A) of the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice," the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a learning word unit list screen GLu, which lists the words to be learned, for example, by textbook unit, as shown in FIG. 13A. When the cursor key 14f [↓] is operated on the learned vocabulary unit list screen GLu, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel display unit 17 to display a learned vocabulary list screen GLw, which lists the words included in the unit (Welcom UNIT in this case) selected on the learned vocabulary unit list screen GLu, as shown in FIG. 13(B).

[0094] When the [Trash] icon Cd is touched or the [Delete] key 14g is pressed on the learned vocabulary unit list screen GLu, the control unit 21 displays a learned information deletion screen (unit-by-unit) GDu, which has learned information deletion menus (unit-by-unit) iu1 to iu3, as shown in FIG. 13(C). On the learning information deletion screen (unit-by-unit) GDu, when “Delete all selected progress information (one item)” iu1 in the learning information deletion menu (unit-by-unit) is selected and the [Confirm] key 14d is pressed, the control unit 21 resets and deletes the learning information (the [Correct] or [Incorrect] flag “1” shown in FIG. 7) stored in the learning information data memory area 22d for all words included in one unit (one item) selected on the learned word unit list screen GLu shown in FIG. 13(A).

[0095] In addition, when “Delete all displayed progress information” iu2 in the learning information deletion menu (unit-by-unit basis) is selected and the [Confirm] key 14d is pressed, the control unit 21 resets and deletes the learning information stored in the learning information data memory area 22d for all words included in all units listed on the learned word unit list screen GLu shown in Figure 13 (A). In addition, when "Delete all progress information" iu3 in the learning information deletion menu (unit-by-unit) is selected and the [Confirm] key 14d is pressed, the control unit 21 resets and deletes the learning information stored in the learning information data memory area 22d for all words to be learned that are included in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice."

[0096] When the [Trash] icon Cd is touched or the [Delete] key 14g is pressed on the learned word list screen GLw shown in FIG. 13(B), the control unit 21 displays a learned information deletion screen (by word) GDw, which has learned information deletion menus (by word) iw1 to iw3, as shown in FIG. 13(D). On the learning information deletion screen (by word) GDw, when “Delete selected progress information (one item)” iw1 in the learning information deletion menu (by word) is selected and the [Confirm] key 14d is pressed, the control unit 21 resets and deletes the learning information stored in the learning information data memory area 22d for one word (headword) selected on the learned word list screen GLw shown in Figure 13 (B).

[0097] In addition, when “Delete all displayed progress information” iw2 in the learning information deletion menu (word by word) is selected and the [Confirm] key 14d is pressed, the control unit 21 resets and deletes the learning information stored in the learning information data memory area 22d for all words listed on the learned word list screen GLw shown in Figure 13 (B). In addition, when "Delete all progress information" iw3 in the learning information deletion menu (word by word) is selected and the [Confirm] key 14d is pressed, the control unit 21 resets and deletes the learning information stored in the learning information data memory area 22d for all words to be learned that are included in the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice."

[0098] In this way, the electronic dictionary 10 can easily delete the learning information indicating the correct or incorrect answers to the learning that has been performed for each word (headword) to be learned, stored in the learning information data memory area 22d, for any unit or any word. This allows, for example, a user to easily reset the words included in any unit or individual words to an unlearned state and study them again, or a new user to start studying words using the same electronic dictionary 10. In addition, when a user instructs to study a word for which "unlearned" (Z) or "tried incorrectly" (B) is stored in the flag of the six learning patterns in the learning information data storage area 22d, a type other than one that allows the user to identify the answer to the question may be selected and displayed as a hint, whereas when a user instructs to study a word for which "tried correctly" (A) is stored, such a hint may not be displayed. In other words, for a word that has been once correctly answered, the content of the study also serves as a repetitive practice, so that the display of a hint is not necessary.

[0099] (Summary of the embodiment) According to the electronic dictionary 10 (learning device) of the embodiment, when one of multiple types of test-format learning patterns ([Spelling practice], [Vocabulary meaning], [Collocation practice], [Part of speech conversion], [Vocabulary selection]) is selected and specified using the learning pattern selection tabs T2 to T6, the control unit 21 selects related information from multiple types of related information (word name, phonetic symbols, meaning, basic changes, collocations (compound words), part of speech conversion, example sentences, audio) corresponding to the word (headword) to be learned, excluding related information that is not included in the questions of the specified learning pattern, and displays it on the left screen d1 (explanation screen) where the user can check hints.

[0100] For example, in the spelling practice test screen G2 when the learning pattern [Spelling practice] is selected, the left screen d1 (explanation screen) displays the "meaning" included in the related information types, excluding the example sentence displayed as the question, out of "phonetic symbols (spelling), "meaning," "basic changes," "collocations (compound words)," "part of speech conversion (part of speech form)," "example sentence," and "audio," on the left screen d1 (explanation screen), the missing "example sentence" that is the question is displayed on the right screen d2 (test screen), and the spelling input area AE is displayed on the lower screen d3 (operation screen). The user answers by inputting the spelling in the spelling input area AE while checking the "meaning" displayed on the left screen d1 as a hint.

[0101] In addition, in the vocabulary meaning test screen G3 when the learning pattern [vocabulary meaning] is specified, the left screen d1 (explanation screen) displays other related information excluding "meaning" among the multiple types of related information, specifically, the "word name (spelling)" and "phonetic symbol" of the word, the right screen d2 (test screen) displays the "example sentence" which is the question sentence, and the "answer" options, and the lower screen d3 (operation screen) displays answer selection icons C1 to C4. The user uses the "word name (spelling)" and "phonetic symbol" displayed on the left screen d1 as a hint to answer by selecting the answer selection icons C1 to C4.

[0102] This allows the user to efficiently and effectively study different related information corresponding to the word (headword) to be studied according to a plurality of study patterns from among the plurality of types of related information, in order to use the different related information as answers to the test.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 (learning device) of the embodiment, for each word (headword) to be learned, a performance history indicating whether learning has been completed or not in each of the six learning patterns (in the case of a test-type learning pattern, information indicating completion is distinguished into information indicating correct and incorrect answers) is managed as learning information (22d).

[0104] This allows the user to easily narrow down the words to be learned to either all words (4,259 words in this case), words that have not been learned, words that have been learned and were correct, or words that have been learned and were incorrect, by selecting the target word selection menu [Learn from all words] W1, [Unlearned words] W2, [Learned correct words] W3t, or [Learned incorrect words] W3f in each of the test-style learning patterns, thereby enabling efficient and effective learning.

[0105] Therefore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 (learning device) of the embodiment, it is possible to generate test questions that are highly effective for learning while using dictionary data, and provide them to the user.

[0106] (Other embodiments) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a learning system according to another embodiment of the learning device, the control method, and the program of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, dictionary data (22b) and learning content (22c) are stored in the electronic dictionary 10 or an electronic device (learning device) such as a tablet-type PDA, PC, mobile phone, e-book, or portable game machine equipped with a dictionary function, and the electronic device (10) alone is configured to realize various functions including a word learning function, a display control function, a learning information updating function, and a learning information deleting function. Without being limited to this, for example, as shown in the learning system of Figure 14, the above-mentioned dictionary data (22b) and learning content (22c) may be stored in a database DB of a learning server 40 (learning device) provided on a communication network N, and a communication terminal (user terminal) such as a tablet terminal 50 or PC 60 that can be connected to the communication network N may be communicatively connected to the learning server 40 to realize various functions similar to those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case has been described where "words" are the learning subject, but for example, "idioms," "mathematical formulas," "historical information," etc. may also be the learning subject.

[0108] The methods of each process by the electronic dictionary 10 (learning device) described in each of the above embodiments, i.e., the word learning process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8, the display control process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9, the learning information update process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11, the learning information deletion process shown in the display operation of Fig. 13, etc., can be stored in a medium of an external recording device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory and distributed as a program that can be executed by a computer. Then, the control unit (CPU) of the learning device (electronic device) reads the program recorded in the medium of the external recording device into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the read program, thereby realizing the various functions described in each of the embodiments and executing similar processes by the above-mentioned methods.

[0109] In addition, the program data for realizing each technique can be transmitted over a communication network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be imported into a learning device (electronic device) from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N) and stored in a memory device, thereby realizing the various functions described above.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10...Electronic dictionary (learning device) 14 …Key input section 17 …Touch panel display 21...Control unit (CPU) 22...Storage section 22a...Dictionary control program 22b…Dictionary data storage area 22c…Learning content storage area 22d…Learning information data storage area 25 … Communications Department 30 ... Web server N … communication network Jm … Vocabulary practice display control information Gt …Top page of the learning content "University (High School) Entrance Exam Vocabulary Practice" T1~T6…Learning pattern selection tab W1~W3(W3t,W3f)…Target word selection menu d1...Left screen (first display area) d2...Right screen (second display area) d3…Lower screen (third display area) Lb...Dividing line G1 … Vocabulary learning screen G2 …Spelling practice test screen G3 … Vocabulary and meaning test screen Grade 4 … Collocation practice test screen AE: Spelling area C1~C4…Answer selection icon Mt...Correct answer mark Mf...Incorrect mark Hs …[Not learned] (not studied) symbol Ht …[Correct answer] (learning) symbol Hf …[Incorrect] (Study) symbol Gd1…Enlarged screen GLu…Learning vocabulary unit list screen GLw…Learning vocabulary list screen GDu… Learning information deletion screen (unit unit) GDw… Learning information deletion screen (word by word) 40 ...Learning server (learning device) 50 ... Tablet device (user device) 60 ... PC (user terminal)

Claims

1. storing dictionary data in a storage unit that associates an entry word with a plurality of types of related information of the entry word; When a designation of a particular type of test among a plurality of types of tests related to the entry word is detected, selecting a type of related information corresponding to the entry word in the dictionary data stored in the storage unit that does not specify an answer to a test of the type for which the designation was detected, and displaying the selected type on a display unit as a hint; The learning device is characterized by comprising a control unit that controls the learning device to:

2. The control unit further includes: displaying the specified type of test questions on the display unit; 2. The learning device according to claim 1, wherein the learning device is controlled as follows.

3. The control unit further includes: managing information indicating whether the test has been conducted or not by storing the information in the storage unit in association with the entry word; 2. The learning device according to claim 1, wherein the learning device is controlled as follows.

4. The control unit further includes: managing information indicating whether the test is correct or incorrect by storing it in the storage unit in association with the entry word and the type of the test; 3. The learning device according to claim 1, wherein the learning device is controlled as follows.

5. The plurality of types of tests include multiple-choice questions. The learning device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plurality of types of tests include essay-type questions. The learning device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The plurality of types of related information include the word name, meaning, collocation, and part of speech of the headword. The learning device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the plurality of types of related information include audio data of the entry words stored in the storage unit; The control unit is When a type of test in which the spelling of the entry word or the meaning of the entry word is answered is specified from among the plurality of types of tests, the voice data of the entry word is controlled to be read from the storage unit. The learning device according to claim 7.

9. A method for controlling a learning device, comprising: detecting a designation of a particular test type among a plurality of test types associated with the entry; a step of selecting and reading out from a storage unit, which stores dictionary data in which an entry word is associated with a plurality of types of related information of the entry word, a type of related information corresponding to the entry word that does not specify an answer to a test of the type for which the designation was detected, and displaying the selected type on a display unit as a hint; A control method comprising:

10. The computer equipped in the learning device is a detection means for detecting a designation of a particular type of test among a plurality of types of tests associated with the entry; a display control means for selecting and reading out from a storage unit, which stores dictionary data in which an entry word is previously associated with a plurality of types of related information for the entry word, a type of related information corresponding to the entry word that does not specify an answer to a test type for which the designation has been detected, and displaying the selected type on a display unit as a hint; A program to function as a

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