Information processor, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To generate a question dependent on a user's word learning situation.SOLUTION: When a user designates registration of a flag word (word), which is retrieved from a dictionary according to a user manipulation performed on a user terminal 20 (electronic dictionary 30), as a word that is an object of learning into a word book, a learning support server 10 (word dictionary 30) registers the word in a word book (12e) for each user. The learning support server 10 (electronic dictionary 30) extracts from dictionary data (12b), which includes the registered word registered in the word book (12e), an illustrative sentence contained in the dictionary data (12b) or an illustrative sentence contained in description information on the flag word retrieved from a dictionary. Thereafter, part of the extracted illustrative sentence consistent with the registered word (equivalent to a filling portion) is blanked. A filling question concerning the registered word using the illustrative sentence is generated in plural questioning forms (for example, a form of selecting any of multiple options for filling, a form of entering a spelling for filling, or a form of pronouncing a word for filling), and preserved (stored) in a questioning data memory area 12f for each user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional learning support device, when a fill-in-the-blank question is posed in which a sentence is displayed with some words left blank and the subject is asked to fill in the blank with a word, a prior art technique is known in which the input learning sentence is subjected to morphological analysis to identify multiple words to be left blank, and multiple questions are automatically generated based on the input learning sentence (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-095583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional learning support devices having the above prior art, it is possible to automatically generate multiple questions based on the input learning target sentence. However, the words to be learned in the generated questions are limited to the words contained in the input learning target sentence. The words to be learned by each of the multiple users are different depending on the learning progress, and even for an individual user, the words to be learned are different depending on the learning progress. In conventional learning support devices, when the words to be learned differ depending on the learning progress of the user, it is difficult to generate many questions corresponding to the learning of many different words.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that are capable of generating questions according to a user's word learning status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present invention comprises: Using dictionary data that stores word information that associates a word, a meaning of the word, and an example sentence that includes the word, for a plurality of words, a dictionary search process for searching the dictionary data for word information having the search target word as an entry word corresponding to the search target word, and displaying the meaning and example sentences included in the searched word information; The system is equipped with a control unit that executes a question generation process that searches the dictionary data for word information that includes the target word in an entry word or example sentence based on the specification of the target word, which is the word to be learned, and generates questions that require answers related to the target word using the example sentences included in the searched word information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to generate questions according to the user's word learning status. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a learning support system 1 according to an embodiment of an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the learning support server 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of a user terminal (communication device) 20. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a question generation process of the learning assistance server 10. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a question setting process of the learning assistance server 10. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a display operation (part 1) on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the question generation process of the learning support server 10. FIG. [Figure 7]13 is a diagram showing a display operation (part 2) on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the question generation process of the learning support server 10. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing a display operation (part 1) on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the question setting process of the learning support server 10. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing the display operation on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the question setting process of the learning support server 10 (part 2: multiple choice question screen GDa). FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing the display operation on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the question setting process of the learning support server 10 (part 3: question setting screen GDb in spelling input format). FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram showing the display operation on the user terminal 20 in accordance with the question setting process of the learning support server 10 (part 4: question setting screen GDc in pronunciation input format). FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Configuration of the embodiment) As shown in Fig. 1, a learning support system 1 according to an embodiment includes a learning support server (server device) 10 provided on a communication network N such as the Internet, a user terminal (communication device) 20, and an electronic dictionary (electronic device) 30. Note that the learning support server 10 here refers to a dedicated server that connects the user terminal 20 and the electronic dictionary 30 on which a server-use application is installed with a cloud service. The learning support server 10, the user terminal 20, and the electronic dictionary 30 can all be information processing devices according to the present invention.

[0010] The user terminal (communication device) 20 may be configured as a tablet terminal, smartphone, electronic dictionary, PC, mobile phone, e-book, portable game machine, etc., having a communication function. An application program (here, a server-using app) that uses the learning support server 10 is installed in the user terminal 20. The electronic dictionary (electronic device) 30 may be configured as a dedicated electronic dictionary 30, as well as a smartphone, tablet terminal, PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game machine, etc., having a dictionary function. The server-using app may also be installed in the electronic dictionary (electronic device) 30.

[0011] The learning support server 10 of the embodiment has at least the following functions (10a) to (10L). (10a) A function for storing multiple types of dictionary data in a database DB. (10b) A function of storing identification information of a user who uses the learning assistance server 10 (such as a user ID, an application ID of a server-using application, and a terminal device number of the user terminal 20) in a database DB as user management data. (10c) A function for searching (dictionary search) for an entry word (word) in dictionary data corresponding to a search character (search character that is a search key) entered from a user terminal 20 using dictionary data in a database DB as a target. (10d) A function for displaying the headwords (words) and their explanatory information (including words, pronunciation symbols, meanings, example sentences, etc.) resulting from a dictionary search on the display unit 27 of the user terminal 20 as a dictionary search screen G. (10e) A function for storing, for each user managed in the user management data, entry words (words) searched in the dictionary as search history data (data representing past search states) in a database DB. (10f) A function for adding and registering the displayed headword (word) to the vocabulary book (storing it in the database DB as vocabulary book data) in response to operation of the [Vocabulary Book Registration] button BR included in the headword explanation area GW in the dictionary search screen G displayed on the user terminal 20 for each user managed in the user management data. (10g) A function for extracting, for each user managed in the user management data, example sentences included in the explanatory information of dictionary data that has a word registered in a vocabulary book (registered word) as a headword or example sentences from dictionary data that include a word registered in the vocabulary book. (10h) A function for narrowing down the extracted example sentences in a case where there are multiple example sentences extracted for each user managed in the user management data, based on predetermined conditions such as search history data for words contained in the example sentences or the genre in which the heading words or example sentences are used. (10i) A function for generating questions requiring answers related to registered words in a predetermined plurality of question formats using extracted example sentences or narrowed-down example sentences for each user managed in the user management data, and storing the generated questions as question data in a database DB. (10j) A function of displaying questions stored as question data on the display unit 27 of the user terminal 20 for each user managed in the user management data. (10k) A function for selecting and setting in advance, in response to user operation, predetermined conditions for narrowing down example sentences for each user managed in the user management data. (10L) A function for selecting and setting in advance, in response to user operation, a predetermined question format for questions to be asked for each user managed in the user management data.

[0012] In the user terminal 20 shown in FIG. 1, a dictionary search screen G of an English-Japanese dictionary is displayed according to the function of the learning support server 10. When the search character "dictionary" is input in the search character input area AE of the dictionary search screen G in response to a user operation, the learning support server 10 displays in the headword list area LM a list of headwords that are dictionary searched for by a first match with the search character "dictionary". When any headword displayed in the headword list area LM is selected with the cursor CT, the selected headword (word) "dictionary" and its explanatory information are displayed in the headword explanation area GW. When the [Register in Vocabulary] button BR included in the headword explanation area GW is operated, the headword (word) "dictionary" that is displayed after dictionary search is registered in the vocabulary book, and a question corresponding to the registered word is generated.

[0013] The electronic dictionary 30 may have the functions (10a) (10c) to (10L), generate questions, and ask the questions that have been generated. If the electronic dictionary 30 has a communication function with a communication network N such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a server-utilizing application may be installed in the electronic dictionary 30, and the learning support server 10 may generate questions for the user of the electronic dictionary 30 based on the search history data and vocabulary book data that the electronic dictionary 30 has, and display the generated questions on the electronic dictionary 30 and ask the user the questions.

[0014] According to the learning support system 1, example sentences included in the dictionary data are selected, and using example sentences that include words (registered words) that the user has registered in his or her own vocabulary book as words to be learned, questions requiring answers related to the registered words are generated in a number of question formats, so that more questions can be easily generated according to the user's word learning status.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic circuit of the learning support server 10 includes a control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 11, which is a computer, a memory unit 12, a recording medium reading unit 14, a communication unit 15, an input unit 16, and a display unit 17.

[0016] The control unit 11 controls the operation of each circuit unit according to an input signal from the input unit 16 in response to a user operation or a signal received by the communication unit 15 from a user terminal 20 or an electronic dictionary 30 on the communication network N, in accordance with a server control program 12a stored in the storage unit 12. The server control program 12a may be pre-stored in the storage unit 12, or may be read from an external recording medium 13 such as a CD-ROM via the recording medium reading unit 14 and stored in the storage unit 12, or may be downloaded from a Web server (program server in this case) 40 on the communication network N and read and stored in the storage unit 12. The server control program 12a includes at least a program for executing the above-mentioned functions (10a) to (10L).

[0017] In addition to the storage area for the server control program 12a, the storage unit 12 also has a dictionary database storage area 12b, a user management data storage area 12c, a search history data storage area 12d, a vocabulary book data storage area 12e, a question data storage area 12f, an example sentence narrowing setting data storage area 12g, a question format setting data storage area 12h, and a working data storage area 12i. The dictionary database storage area 12b stores various dictionary data such as an English-Japanese dictionary, a German-Japanese dictionary, a French-Japanese dictionary, and a Japanese dictionary. The dictionary data includes word information that associates, for each entry word, the word as the entry word with explanatory information such as the meaning of the word, example sentences (including information on the genre of use <daily conversation / business / travel / ...>), explanations, and reading voice (including the reading voice of the example sentence).

[0018] The user management data storage area 12c stores user attributes (occupation (school), school year, etc.) in association with a user ID (user identification information: application ID in this case) for each user of the user terminal 20 or electronic dictionary 30 that has installed the server-utilizing application. The search history data storage area 12d stores, for each user ID stored and managed in the user management data storage area 12c, entry words (words) that the user has searched the dictionary for, the number of searches, etc. in association with each other. The vocabulary book data storage area 12e stores, for each user ID stored and managed in the user management data storage area 12c, entry words (words) that the user has searched the dictionary for, the number of searches, etc. that the user has specified to register in the vocabulary book, in association with each other, and explanation information thereof.

[0019] The question data storage area 12f stores questions generated using example sentences included in the explanatory information of the dictionary data (12b) that uses a word registered in a vocabulary book (registered word) as a headword or example sentences of the dictionary data (12b) that includes the registered word for each user ID stored and managed in the user management data storage area 12c. The questions using example sentences are generated in a number of predetermined question formats (fill-in-the-blank multiple choice format / fill-in-the-blank spelling input format / fill-in-the-blank pronunciation input format) as questions that require answers related to the registered word, and are stored in the question data storage area 12f in association with the registered word.

[0020] In the example sentence narrowing setting data storage area 12g, when there are a plurality of example sentences (target example sentences) including registered words extracted from the dictionary data (12b) as targets for generating questions, predetermined conditions for narrowing down the example sentences are selected and set (stored) in advance according to a user operation. The predetermined conditions for narrowing down the example sentences are selected and specified from, for example, the following (1) to (5) and stored in the example sentence narrowing setting data storage area 12g. (1) Example sentences that contain many (e.g., more than 50%) words in the search history (12d) (words that have been searched for at least once in the past). (2) Example sentences that contain frequently searched words in the search history (12d) (e.g., words that have been searched for three or more times). (3) The number of searches in the search history (12d) for each word contained in the example sentence is added up, and the example sentence has a high total number of searches (for example, an example sentence with a total search count of 6 or more). (4) Example sentences used in a specific (specified) genre (e.g., daily conversation / business / travel / ...). (5) Example sentences corresponding to the head words (words) registered in the vocabulary book (12e) (example sentences included in the explanatory information of the registered words).

[0021] In the question format setting data storage area 12h, the question format of the questions to be asked (for example, any of a fill-in-the-blank multiple choice format, a fill-in-the-blank spelling input format, and a fill-in-the-blank pronunciation input format) is selected in advance according to a user operation and set (stored). In the working data storage area 12i, various data generated or acquired according to the control of the operation of each part by the control unit 11 is temporarily stored as necessary.

[0022] In the learning support server 10 configured in this manner, the control unit 11 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the instructions written in the server control program 12a, and the software and hardware operate in cooperation to realize various functions as described in the operation explanation below.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic circuit of the user terminal 20 includes a control unit (CPU) 21, which is a computer, a storage unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 24, a communication unit (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication / mobile communication) 25, a key input unit 26, a touch panel display unit 27, and an audio input / output unit 28. The audio input / output unit 28 includes a microphone MIC for inputting audio and a speaker SP for outputting audio (see FIG. 1). The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to a communication terminal control program 22a and a server-used application program (server-used application) 22b stored in the storage unit 22. The communication terminal control program 22a may be stored in the storage unit 22 in advance, read by the recording medium reading unit 24 from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card and stored in the storage unit 22, or downloaded from a Web server (here, a program server) 40 on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22. The server usage application 22b is downloaded from a Web server (here, a program server of an application store) 40 on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0024] The communication terminal control program 22a includes a system program for controlling the entire user terminal 20, as well as a program for linking with various application programs stored in the storage unit 22 to establish a communication connection at any time with external communication devices including the learning support server 10 and the Web server 40 on the communication network N. The server usage application 22b includes a program for linking with the functions (10b) to (10L) of the learning support server 10 described above to display a screen including various information (data) on the touch panel display unit 27, a program for transmitting to the learning support server 10 various information (data) input in response to a user operation (touch operation) according to the contents of the screen displayed on the touch panel display unit 27, and a program for inputting and outputting voice by the voice input / output unit 28.

[0025] The storage unit 22 has a program storage area for storing the communication terminal control program 22a and the server use application 22b, a terminal data storage area 22c, a work data storage area 22d, etc. secured therein. In the terminal data storage area 22c, data such as a terminal device number for communicating with external communication devices including the learning support server 10 and the Web server 40 on the communication network N, a telephone number, an email address, a user ID (user identification information: application ID in this case), and user attributes (occupation (school) / grade, etc.) are stored as terminal data unique to the user terminal 20. In the work data storage area 22d, various data generated or acquired in response to the control of the operation of each unit by the control unit 21 is temporarily stored as necessary.

[0026] In the user terminal 20 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 communication terminal control program 22a and the server usage application 22b, and the software and hardware operate in cooperation to realize various functions as described in the operation explanation below.

[0027] Next, the operation of the learning support system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. When the server usage application 22b is started in the user terminal 20, the learning support server 10 (control unit 11) displays a list of learning support menus (not shown) provided by the learning support server 10 on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20. When an item such as "Look up words" is selected from the learning support menu, the learning support server 10 displays a dictionary selection screen (not shown) on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20, which displays a list of icons of various dictionaries stored in the dictionary database storage area 12b and prompts the user to select an arbitrary dictionary (step S1 in FIG. 4).

[0028] When, for example, "English-Japanese Dictionary" is selected from the dictionary selection screen, the learning support server 10 displays a dictionary search screen G including a search character input area AE for "English-Japanese Dictionary" on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20, as shown in Fig. 6 (step S2). When the search character "dictionary" is entered in the search character input area AE of the dictionary search screen G using, for example, a soft keyboard superimposed on the dictionary search screen G, the learning support server 10 displays a list of headwords found in the dictionary that start with the search character "dictionary" in the headword list area LM (step S2).

[0029] When the desired entry word "dictionary" displayed in the entry word list area LM is selected by the cursor CT, the learning support server 10 reads the selected entry word (word) "dictionary" and its explanatory information from the English-Japanese dictionary (12b) and displays it in the entry word explanation area GW (step S3). The learning support server 10 (control unit 11) stores the dictionary-searched entry word (word) "dictionary" in the search history data storage area 12d and updates the number of searches (step S4).

[0030] Here, when the user operates the [Register in Vocabulary] button BR in the entry word explanation area GW to specify the word "dictionary" retrieved from the dictionary as a word to be studied (a word to be studied) (step S5 (Yes)), the learning support server 10 adds the word "dictionary" retrieved from the dictionary and its explanatory information to the vocabulary book data storage area 12e and stores it (i.e., registers it in the vocabulary book) (step S6). The registered words stored in the vocabulary book data storage area 12e (registered in the vocabulary book) are displayed in a list in the registered word list area LR of the dictionary search screen G, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, in response to an operation of selecting a "vocabulary book" icon (not shown) included in the dictionary selection screen (not shown) on the above-mentioned user terminal 20. When any of the registered words displayed in the registered word list area LR is selected by the cursor CT, the selected registered word "dictionary" and its explanatory information are displayed in the entry word explanation area GW.

[0031] The learning support server 10 extracts example sentences that contain words (registered words) registered in the vocabulary book from all example sentences held in the English-Japanese dictionary (which may include multiple dictionaries) that is the subject of the dictionary search (step S7). Here, the example sentences held in the dictionary data (12b) may use the same example sentence even if they are example sentences for different entry words (words), and when the same example sentence is extracted, one of them is extracted. Note that the process of extracting example sentences that contain registered words from the dictionary data may reduce the processing load and increase the processing speed by preparing a database (example sentence database) of all example sentences held in the dictionary data in advance and extracting example sentences that contain registered words from the example sentence database, or by preparing an index table in which example sentence codes of all example sentences are associated with word codes of words contained in the example sentences in advance and extracting example sentences that contain registered words by index search. In addition, the example sentences containing the registered word may be extracted by (a) extracting example sentences from all dictionary data that have the language of the registered word as a headword, (b) extracting all example sentences from all dictionary data that are the subject of a dictionary search for the registered word, or (c) extracting only example sentences included in the explanatory information of the headword that is the subject of a dictionary search for the registered word. The number of example sentences to be extracted decreases in the order of (a), (b), and (c), but the method of extraction from (a), (b), or (c) may be configured to be selectively set in advance depending on the processing power of the control unit (CPU) 11 that executes the extraction process and user operation.

[0032] When there are multiple example sentences including the registered word extracted from the dictionary data, the learning support server 10 narrows them down according to the above-mentioned predetermined condition (any of (1) to (5)) previously set (stored) in the example sentence narrowing setting data storage area 12g in response to a user operation (step S8). That is, in the case of the predetermined condition (1), the learning support server 10 narrows down the multiple example sentences extracted from the dictionary data to example sentences including many (e.g., 50% or more) words in the search history (12d) (words searched at least once in the past). In addition, in the case of the predetermined condition (2), the learning support server 10 narrows down the multiple example sentences extracted from the dictionary data to example sentences including words in the search history (12d) that have been searched many times (e.g., words that have been searched three or more times). In addition, in the case of the predetermined condition (3), the learning support server 10 sums up the number of searches in the search history (12d) for each word included in the example sentence, and narrows down the multiple example sentences to example sentences with a large total number of searches (total number of searches) (e.g., example sentences with a total number of searches six or more). In addition, in the case of the predetermined condition (4), the multiple example sentences extracted from the dictionary data are narrowed down to example sentences used in a specific genre (for example, any one of daily conversation / business / travel / ...). In addition, in the case of the predetermined condition (5), the multiple example sentences extracted from the dictionary data are narrowed down to example sentences corresponding to entry words (words) registered in the vocabulary book (12e) (example sentences included in the explanatory information of the registered words). The example sentences for which questions are generated are example sentences including registered words registered in the vocabulary book by the user as study subjects, so that questions can be generated according to the word learning status of each user. Moreover, in the case of multiple example sentences for which questions are generated, the example sentences narrowed down based on the user's search history for words included in the example sentences, or the genre specified (designated) by the user as a study subject, or the explanatory information of the entry word that is a registered word designated by the user as a study subject are used as the subject of questions, so that questions can be generated more according to the word learning status of each user.

[0033] The learning support server 10 leaves the part of the word corresponding to the registered word blank for each of the example sentences narrowed down according to a predetermined condition (any of (1) to (5)) (step S9). The learning support server 10 generates each example sentence in which the part of the word corresponding to the registered word is left blank (corresponding to the fill-in part) as a fill-in-the-blank question related to the registered word, and stores and saves the generated fill-in-the-blank question in the question data storage area 12f in association with the registered word. At this time, the learning support server 10 generates and saves the fill-in-the-blank questions in, for example, three question formats (fill-in-the-blank multiple choice format (see FIG. 9) / fill-in-the-blank spelling input format (see FIG. 10) / fill-in-the-blank pronunciation input format (see FIG. 11)) (step S10).

[0034] The fill-in-the-blank multiple choice format (see FIG. 9) is a format in which the user selects a word to be filled in the blank (corresponding to the fill-in-the-blank portion) from multiple candidates (choices ch1 to ch4) including correct and incorrect answers. The fill-in-the-blank spelling input format (see FIG. 10) is a format in which the user inputs the spelling (character string) of the word to be filled in the blank of the question, for example, from a soft keyboard. The fill-in-the-blank pronunciation input format (see FIG. 11) is a format in which the user pronounces (speaks) the pronunciation of the word to be filled in the blank of the question and inputs it from a microphone MIC. Among these, in generating questions in the fill-in-the-blank multiple choice format (see FIG. 9), the incorrect candidate words (selected candidate words) to be multiple-choice are determined by determining words with high spelling similarity to the correct word to be filled in the blank, for example, words with a close arrangement to the correct word included in the dictionary data in order of the smallest "Levenshtein distance". This makes it possible to generate challenging questions. In addition, the incorrect candidate words (selected candidate words) that are the subject of multiple choice are determined by excluding words that are close in meaning to the correct word to be filled in the blank, for example, words whose "word2vec" vectors are too close, below a certain value. This makes it possible to prevent multiple selected candidate words, including the correct answer, from all being correct.

[0035] In the question generation process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when a dictionary searched entry word (word) is registered in the vocabulary book, fill-in-the-blank questions for the registered word are generated and saved, but questions may be generated for all registered words registered in the vocabulary book data storage area 12e (vocabulary book) or registered words specified by the user periodically, at a preset timing, or at a timing selected by the user. Also, when a user searches for a word, if the word specified as the search target is already registered in the vocabulary book, the search history of the specified word may be updated, and the above-mentioned narrowing conditions may be determined based on the updated search history, and questions may be generated based on the determined narrowing conditions. This allows questions to be generated according to the user's latest learning situation.

[0036] Here, it is assumed that when a user checks and learns words (registered words) registered (stored) in a vocabulary book (vocabulary book data storage area 12e), the learning support server 10 asks questions about the registered words to be studied. When the user touches and selects a "vocabulary book" icon (not shown) included in a dictionary selection screen (not shown) displayed on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20 by starting the server use application 22b of the user terminal 20 by the learning support server 10 (control unit 11) (step Q1 in FIG. 5), the learning support server 10 displays a list of registered words stored (registered) in the vocabulary book data storage area 12e (vocabulary book) in a registered word list area LR of a dictionary search screen G, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 (step Q2).

[0037] When a word is selected as a word to be studied from among the registered words displayed in the registered word list area LR in response to a user operation of the cursor CT (step Q3), the learning support server 10 displays the selected registered word (here, "dictionary") as the word to be studied and its explanatory information in the headword explanation area GW (step Q4). Here, to display questions related to the registered word "dictionary" as the word to be studied and to carry out the study, for example, a [Review] button BS included in the registered word list area LR is touched (T) (step Q5 (Yes)). Then, the learning support server 10 reads out a question of a predetermined question format that has been set (stored) in advance in the question format setting data memory area 12h in response to user operation from among the three question formats (fill-in-the-blank multiple choice format / fill-in-the-blank spelling input format / fill-in-the-blank pronunciation input format) that are associated with the word to be learned (registered word) and stored (saved) in the question data memory area 12f, and displays it as a multiple choice format question screen GDa on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20, for example, as shown in Figure 9 (in the case of multiple choice format) (step Q6).

[0038] In addition, when multiple questions of a predetermined question format corresponding to the word to be learned (registered word) are stored (saved) in the question data memory area 12f, the learning support server 10 may randomly read and display the multiple questions of the predetermined question format on the question screen GDa to be displayed on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20, or may read and display them in the order in which they were saved, or may display them in some other form, and this may be set in advance according to user operation. 9, the multiple-choice question screen GDa shows an example in which a multiple-choice question Da1 of a predetermined question format corresponding to a registered word (here, "dictionary") selected and specified by the user as a word to be studied from the registered word list area LR, and a multiple-choice question Da2 of a predetermined question format corresponding to the next registered word (here, "book") in the registered word list area LR (vocabulary book data storage area 12e) are displayed in order as [Question 1], [Question 2], etc. However, only the multiple-choice question Da1 corresponding to the registered word ("dictionary") selected and specified by the user may be displayed randomly or in order as [Question 1], [Question 2], etc. according to a user operation. In other words, in the learning support server 10, among the questions stored (saved) in the question data storage area 12f, the order in which the questions of a predetermined question format are read out and how they are displayed on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20 is not limited.

[0039] For a multiple-choice question Dan displayed on a multiple-choice question screen GDa, the learning support server 10 (control unit 11) determines whether the answer selected from options ch1 to ch4 in response to user operation is “correct” or “incorrect” based on whether the answer matches the correct word filled in the blank for the question, and displays the determination result on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20.

[0040] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 5, in step Q6, when the predetermined question format previously set (stored) in the question format setting data storage area 12h is the spelling input format, the learning support server 10 reads out the questions in the spelling input format stored (saved) in the question data storage area 12f in association with the word to be studied (registered word), and displays them as a question screen GDb in the spelling input format on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20, for example, as shown in Fig. 10. Here, an example is shown in which a spelling input question Db1 corresponding to the registered word ("dictionary") designated as the study target and a spelling input question Db2 corresponding to the next registered word (here, "book") in the registered word list area LR (vocabulary book data storage area 12e) are displayed in order as [Question 1] [Question 2] .... In a spelling input question Dbn displayed on a question screen GDb in spelling input format, the learning support server 10 (control unit 11) determines whether the answer is "correct" or "incorrect" based on whether the spelling (character string) of the answer word entered into the spelling input field We in response to user operation matches the spelling (character string) of the correct word entered in the blank for the question, and displays the determination result on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20.

[0041] Furthermore, in step Q6, when the predetermined question format previously set (stored) in the question format setting data storage area 12h is the pronunciation input format, the learning support server 10 reads out the questions in the pronunciation input format stored (saved) in the question data storage area 12f in association with the word to be studied (registered word), and displays them as a question screen GDc in the pronunciation input format on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20, as shown in Fig. 11. Here, an example is shown in which a pronunciation input question Dc1 corresponding to the registered word ("dictionary") designated as the study target and a pronunciation input question Dc2 corresponding to the next registered word (here, "book") in the registered word list area LR (vocabulary book data storage area 12e) are displayed in order as [Question 1] [Question 2] .... In a pronunciation input question Dcn displayed on a question screen GDc in pronunciation input format, the learning support server 10 (control unit 11), for example, performs voice recognition on the voice of the answer word input into the microphone MIC in accordance with the user's pronunciation, displays the characters corresponding to the voice-recognized pronunciation in the pronunciation word field Se, and determines whether the answer is "correct" or "incorrect" based on whether the characters corresponding to the pronunciation match the correct word entered in the blank space in the question, and displays the determination result on the touch panel display unit 27 of the user terminal 20.

[0042] According to the learning support system 1 of the embodiment, the learning support server 10 (electronic dictionary 30) adds and registers an entry word (word) searched for in the dictionary in response to a user operation of the user terminal 20 (electronic dictionary 30) in the vocabulary book (12e) for each user by specifying registration in the vocabulary book as a word to be studied by the user. Then, the learning support server 10 (electronic dictionary 30) searches and extracts example sentences (target example sentences) in the dictionary data (12b) or in the explanatory information of the entry word searched for in the dictionary, including the registered word registered in the vocabulary book (12e), from the dictionary data (12b). Then, the part of the extracted example sentence that corresponds to the registered word is left blank (corresponding to the fill-in part), and fill-in questions about the registered word using the example sentence are generated in a plurality of question formats (for example, a fill-in multiple choice format / fill-in spelling input format / fill-in pronunciation input format), and are saved (stored) in the question data storage area 12f for each user. Therefore, the learning support server 10 (electronic dictionary 30) can easily generate more questions according to the user's word learning situation.

[0043] Furthermore, when there are multiple example sentences containing registered words that are the words to be studied extracted from dictionary data, the learning support server 10 (electronic dictionary 30) narrows down the multiple example sentences according to predetermined conditions for narrowing down the example sentences, including conditions related to the user's past word search history (search state) and conditions of the genre in which the user specifies the entry word or example sentence, which are selectively set in advance in response to user operations, and generates multiple fill-in-the-blank questions in the form of questions using the narrowed down example sentences. This makes it possible to easily generate questions that are more suited to the learning status of each user's words.

[0044] The methods of each process by the learning support system 1 described in each of the above embodiments, i.e., the problem generation process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 and the problem setting process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5, 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 information processing 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.

[0045] 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 an information processing device (electronic device) from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N) and stored in a storage device, thereby realizing the various functions described above.

[0046] 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]

[0047] 1... learning support system, 10... learning support server (information processing device), 11... control unit (CPU), 12b... dictionary database storage area, 12c... user management data storage area, 12d... search history data storage area (for each user), 12e... vocabulary book data storage area (for each user), 12f... question data storage area (for each user), 12g... example sentence narrowing down setting data storage area (for each user), 12h... question format setting data storage area (for each user), 20... user terminal (information processing device), 21... control unit (CPU), 30... electronic dictionary (information processing device), LM... headword list area, GW... headword explanation area, BR... [Vocabulary book registration] button, LR... registered word list area, BS... [Review] button, GDa... question screen (multiple choice format), GDb... question screen (spelling input format), GDc... question screen (pronunciation input format).

Claims

1. Using dictionary data that stores word information that associates a word, a meaning of the word, and an example sentence that includes the word, for a plurality of words, a dictionary search process for searching the dictionary data for word information having the search target word as an entry word corresponding to the search target word, and displaying the meaning and example sentences included in the searched word information; a question generation process for searching the dictionary data for word information that includes the target word in an entry or example sentence based on a designation of the target word, and generating questions that require answers related to the target word using the example sentences included in the searched word information; An information processing device comprising a control unit that executes the above.

2. the question generation process displays a target example sentence, which is an example sentence included in the searched word information, with the target word left blank, and generates a question for the user to answer with the target word. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. In the question generation process, the word information searched in response to the designation of the learning target word includes word information that does not use the learning target word as an entry word but includes the learning target word in an example sentence. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. In the question generation process, the word information searched in response to the designation of the learning target word includes a plurality of pieces of word information corresponding to a plurality of heading words including heading words other than the learning target word. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the question generation process narrows down example sentences to be used for generating the questions from among a plurality of example sentences included in a plurality of pieces of word information searched in response to the designation of the learning target word, in accordance with a predetermined condition, and generates questions requiring answers related to the learning target word using the narrowed down example sentences; The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. In the question generation process, the predetermined condition for narrowing down the plurality of example sentences is: A condition according to a past search state by the dictionary search process; A condition based on the number of words that have been searched for in the dictionary search process in the example sentence; A condition based on the number of times a word contained in the example sentence has been searched for in the dictionary search process in the past; The condition is based on the total number of searches, calculated by adding up the number of searches for each word in the example sentence. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising at least one of the following conditions:

7. The word information includes information on a genre in which an entry word or an example sentence is used, the predetermined condition for narrowing down the plurality of example sentences is a condition used in a specified genre; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

8. A wordbook data storing a plurality of words to be learned, The control unit is adding and storing the search target word in the wordbook data in response to an operation on a screen displaying word information of the search target word searched by the dictionary search process; In the question generation process, a list of the plurality of words stored in the vocabulary book data is displayed on a display unit, and a question is generated by using a word selected from the displayed list of the plurality of words as the learning target word. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit is when an operation of adding the search target word to the vocabulary book data is performed, a question is generated using the search target word as the learning target word, and the generated question is added to and stored in the vocabulary book data together with the search target word. The information processing device according to claim 8.

10. The control unit is execute the question generation process at a predetermined timing after the dictionary search process has searched for the plurality of search target words, and generate questions requiring answers related to the target words to be learned using example sentences narrowed down according to past search states by the dictionary search process; The information processing device according to claim 5 .

11. The control unit is When a question generated by the question generation process is to be posed, the target example sentence is displayed on a display unit as a question with the target word to be learned left blank in the target example sentence, and a plurality of options including correct and incorrect words related to the word corresponding to the blank are displayed on the display unit in a form that allows selection operation. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

12. The control unit is When a question generated by the question generation process is to be posed, the target example sentence is displayed as a question on a display unit with the target word to be learned left blank in the target example sentence, and an input field for inputting a character string of the word corresponding to the blank is displayed on the display unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

13. The control unit is When a question generated by the question generation process is to be posed, the target example sentence is displayed as a question on a display unit with the target word to be learned left blank in the target example sentence; a voice recognition unit that recognizes a voice spoken by a user and inputs the voice into a voice input unit corresponding to the blank space, and judges whether the answer of the user is correct or incorrect based on whether a character corresponding to the voice-recognized pronunciation of the user matches the learning target word that is left in the blank space; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

14. A control unit of an information processing device uses dictionary data that stores word information for a plurality of entry words, the word being associated with the meaning of the entry word and an example sentence including the entry word, a dictionary search process for searching the dictionary data for word information having the search target word as an entry word corresponding to the search target word, and displaying the meaning and example sentences included in the searched word information; a question generation process for searching the dictionary data for word information that includes the target word in an entry or example sentence based on a designation of the target word, and generating questions that require answers related to the target word using the example sentences included in the searched word information; An information processing method for executing the above.

15. A control unit of an information processing device that uses dictionary data that stores word information for a plurality of entry words, the word being associated with the meaning of the entry word and an example sentence including the entry word, a dictionary search process for searching the dictionary data for word information having the search target word as an entry word corresponding to the search target word, and displaying the meaning and example sentences included in the searched word information; a question generation process for searching the dictionary data for word information that includes the target word in an entry or example sentence based on a designation of the target word, and generating questions that require answers related to the target word using the example sentences included in the searched word information; A program that functions to execute.

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