Manual display system, manual display method, and manual display program

Abstract

To provide an electronic manual display system capable of displaying appropriate contents according to the degree of understanding of a user.SOLUTION: A manual display system 1 includes a display device 10 for displaying an electronic manual related to a work procedure, a storage device 20 for storing a program P and a plurality of explanation contents C for respectively explaining a plurality of work processes included in the work procedure, and an arithmetic device 30 for executing an arithmetic operation according to an instruction included in the program P. The explanation content C includes a user interface element to be operated in accordance with the user's degree of understanding of the work process, the user interface element is associated with one of the plurality of explanation contents C as a link destination, and the arithmetic device 30 is configured to read the explanation content C associated with the user interface element operated by the user from the storage device 20 and cause the display device 10 to display the explanation content C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a manual display system, a manual display method, and a manual display program for displaying an electronic manual relating to a work procedure. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electronic manuals have been used to display instructions for operating various devices on electronic devices used by users (for example, personal computers (PCs) and tablet electronic devices).In organizations such as companies, electronic manuals are used to explain work procedures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-171587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] These electronic manuals can contain a huge amount of information, and if a user has a certain level of understanding, the content of the electronic manuals is redundant. Therefore, there is a demand for electronic manuals that allow users to view only the information they need, depending on their level of understanding. In particular, if a user has an intellectual disability, it is difficult for them to select and view the information they need from the electronic manuals according to their own level of understanding.

[0005] The present invention provides an electronic manual display system, a manual display method, and a manual display program that can display appropriate content according to the user's level of understanding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a manual display system for displaying an electronic manual regarding a work procedure is provided, comprising: a display device for displaying the electronic manual; a memory device storing a program and a plurality of explanatory contents that explain each of a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure; and a calculation device that performs calculations in accordance with instructions included in the program, wherein each of the plurality of explanatory contents includes a user interface element that is operated according to the user's level of understanding of the work step, and the user interface element is associated with one of the plurality of explanatory contents as a link destination, and the calculation device is configured to read out the explanatory content associated with the user interface element operated by the user from the memory device and display it on the display device. In one aspect, the user interface element is associated with content identification information that identifies explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and understanding level information that indicates the user's understanding level, and the computing device is configured to store understanding level history information in the storage device, the understanding level information including the content identification information and the understanding level information associated with the user interface element operated by the user. In one aspect, the computing device is configured to store the comprehension history information, including a date and time when the user interface element was operated, in the storage device. In one aspect, the arithmetic unit is configured to read the understanding level history information from the storage device and display it on the display device based on a history information display command input from outside.

[0007] In one aspect, the comprehension information includes a high comprehension index indicating that the user has a high level of comprehension and a low comprehension index indicating that the user has a low level of comprehension, and the user interface element associated with the high comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that describes the next work step of the work step described by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and the user interface element associated with the low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that provides a detailed description of the work step described by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included. In one embodiment, the user interface element includes a plurality of selection elements, and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanatory contents as the link destination, and the computing device is configured to read out from the storage device the explanatory content associated with the combination of selection elements operated by the user and display it on the display device.

[0008] In one aspect, a manual display method for displaying an electronic manual regarding a work procedure is provided, which includes storing a plurality of explanatory contents in a storage device, each of which explains a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure, each of which includes a user interface element that is operated according to the user's level of understanding of the work step, displaying one of the plurality of explanatory contents on a display device, and when the user operates a user interface element included in the explanatory content displayed on the display device, reading out from the storage device explanatory content associated as a link destination with the user interface element operated by the user and displaying it on the display device. In one aspect, the user interface element is associated with content identification information that identifies explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and understanding level information that indicates the user's understanding level, and the manual display method further includes storing understanding level history information in the storage device, the understanding level information including the content identification information and the understanding level information associated with the user interface element operated by the user. In one aspect, storing the understanding history information in the storage device includes storing the understanding history information including a date and time when the user interface element was operated in the storage device. In one aspect, the manual display method further includes reading the understanding history information from the storage device and displaying it on the display device based on a history information display command input from outside.

[0009] In one aspect, the comprehension information includes a high comprehension index indicating that the user has a high level of comprehension and a low comprehension index indicating that the user has a low level of comprehension, and the user interface element associated with the high comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that describes the next work step of the work step described by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and the user interface element associated with the low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that provides a detailed description of the work step described by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included. In one aspect, the user interface element includes a plurality of selection elements, and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanatory contents as the link destination, and reading the explanatory content associated with the user interface element operated by the user from the storage device and displaying it on the display device means reading the explanatory content associated with the combination of selection elements operated by the user from the storage device and displaying it on the display device.

[0010] In one aspect, a manual display program for displaying an electronic manual regarding a work procedure is provided, which causes a computer to execute the steps of: displaying on a display device one of a plurality of explanatory contents that explain each of a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure; and, when a user operates a user interface element included in the explanatory content displayed on the display device, which is operated according to the user's level of understanding of the work step, reading from a storage device explanatory content associated as a link destination with the user interface element operated by the user, and displaying the explanatory content on the display device. In one aspect, the user interface element is associated with content identification information that identifies explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and comprehension information that indicates the user's level of understanding, and the program is configured to further cause the computer to perform a step of storing comprehension history information in the storage device, the comprehension history information including the content identification information and the comprehension information associated with the user interface element operated by the user. In one aspect, the step of storing the understanding history information in the storage device is a step of storing the understanding history information including a date and time when the user interface element was operated in the storage device. In one aspect, the program is configured to cause the computer to further execute a step of reading the understanding history information from the storage device and displaying it on the display device based on a history information display command input from outside.

[0011] In one aspect, the comprehension information includes a high comprehension index indicating that the user has a high level of comprehension and a low comprehension index indicating that the user has a low level of comprehension, and the user interface element associated with the high comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that describes the next work step of the work step described by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and the user interface element associated with the low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that provides a detailed description of the work step described by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included. In one aspect, the user interface element includes a plurality of selection elements, and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanatory contents as the link destination, and the step of reading the explanatory content associated with the user interface element operated by the user from the storage device and displaying it on the display device is a step of reading the explanatory content associated with the combination of selection elements operated by the user from the storage device and displaying it on the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] By displaying explanatory content associated with a user interface element that is operated according to the user's level of understanding, appropriate explanatory content can be displayed according to the user's level of understanding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a manual display system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content for explaining a first work process. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content for explaining a second work process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content for explaining a third work process. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing content identification information, understanding level information, and link destinations associated with the user interface elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of understanding level history information. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a manual display method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a manual display system 1. The manual display system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for displaying an electronic manual related to work procedures. In this embodiment, the user viewing the electronic manual is, for example, an intellectually disabled person, and the manual display system 1 is used to provide work support for the intellectually disabled person to learn the work procedures. In this embodiment, the work procedures are, for example, a procedure for sorting slips. However, the users and work procedures of the manual display system 1 described below are merely examples and are not limited to these examples. For example, users may include users with different levels of understanding of work procedures, such as adults and children, workers with high experience in work procedures (veteran workers) and workers with low experience (new workers), and people with and without knowledge of work procedures. Examples of work procedures include installation of a personal computer (PC), smartphone, game console, etc., and maintenance of equipment such as a pump.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the manual display system 1 includes a display device 10 that displays an electronic manual regarding work procedures, an input unit 15 for a user to input information or commands, a storage device 20 that stores a program P and multiple pieces of explanatory content C that explain multiple work steps included in the work procedures, and a calculation device 30 that performs calculations according to the instructions included in the program P. Examples of the manual display system 1 include general-purpose computers such as tablet electronic terminals, smartphones, and personal computers (PCs) (including desktop and notebook PCs). The display device 10 may also be a wearable device equipped with smart glasses, a see-through head-mounted display, or the like.

[0016] The input unit 15 is a device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, or a microphone provided on the display device 10. The display device 10 and the input unit 15 are electrically connected to the storage device 20 and the arithmetic device 30.

[0017] The storage device 20 includes a main storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) accessible by the arithmetic device 30, and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) that stores the program P and multiple explanatory contents C. The arithmetic device 30 includes a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit) that performs calculations according to instructions included in the program P stored in the storage device 20. However, the specific configurations of the storage device 20 and the arithmetic device 30 are not limited to these examples.

[0018] In this embodiment, the multiple explanatory contents C are contents for explaining each of the multiple work steps included in the procedure for sorting slips. The explanatory content C includes text, images, animations, videos, etc. for explaining the work steps. In this embodiment, as an example, the procedure for sorting slips includes a first work step of arranging slips, a second work step of checking the slip number, and a third work step of checking whether a seal has been affixed. The multiple explanatory contents C in this embodiment include multiple explanatory contents C for explaining the first work step of arranging slips, multiple explanatory contents C for explaining the second work step of checking the slip number, and multiple explanatory contents C for explaining the third work step of checking whether a seal has been affixed.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of multiple explanatory contents for explaining the first work process. In the following description, the multiple (three in this embodiment) explanatory contents for explaining the first work process are denoted by the symbols C1a, C1b, and C1c, respectively. Explanation content C1a is basic explanatory content that explains the basic details of the first work process. Explanation contents C1b and C1c are detailed explanatory content that explains the first work process in more detail than the basic explanatory content. In this embodiment, explanation content C1a includes text that briefly explains the first work process, and explanation contents C1b and C1c include text and images that explain the first work process in detail. Explanation content C1c is explanatory content that explains a continuation of explanation content C1b.

[0020] Depending on the user, there may be cases where the first work process can be sufficiently understood by viewing the explanation content C1a, which is the basic explanation content, and cases where the first work process cannot be sufficiently understood by only viewing the explanation content C1a. The explanation content C1a includes user interface elements U1a and U1b that are operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the first work process. Examples of the user interface elements U1a and U1b include buttons and text links. If the input unit 15 is a touch panel, the user operates the user interface elements U1a and U1b by tapping. If the input unit 15 is a mouse, the user operates the user interface elements U1a and U1b by clicking. If the input unit 15 is a microphone, the user operates the user interface elements U1a and U1b by voice input by the user.

[0021] The user interface element U1a is operated by a user who has viewed the explanatory content C1a and has a high level of understanding of the first work process. The user interface element U1a is, for example, a button on which the words "I understand" are written. The user interface element U1b is operated by a user who has viewed the explanatory content C1a and has a low level of understanding of the first work process. The user interface element U1b is, for example, a button on which the words "More details" are written.

[0022] Each of the user interface element U1a and the user interface element U1b is associated with one explanatory content. Specifically, the user interface element U1a is associated with explanatory content C2a, which explains the next second work step, as a link destination. The user interface element U1b is associated with explanatory content C1b, which is detailed explanatory content for the first work step, as a link destination.

[0023] The computing device 30 is configured to read, from the storage device 20, explanatory content associated with a user interface element operated by the user, and display the content on the display device 10. In the example of FIG. 2, when the user operates the user interface element U1a, the computing device 30 reads explanatory content C2a from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10. When the user operates the user interface element U1b, the computing device 30 reads explanatory content C1b from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0024] The explanatory content C1b includes a user interface element U1c that is operated to proceed to explanatory content C1c, which is a continuation of the explanatory content C1b. The user interface element U1c is operated by a user who has viewed the explanatory content C1b when viewing the next explanatory content C1c. The user interface element U1c is, for example, a button labeled "Next." The user interface element U1c is associated with the explanatory content C1c, which explains the continuation of the explanatory content C1b, as a link destination. When the user operates the user interface element U1c, the calculation device 30 reads out the explanatory content C1c from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0025] The explanatory content C1c includes user interface elements U1d and U1e that are operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the first work process. The user interface element U1d is operated by the user who has viewed the explanatory content C1c when the user has a high level of understanding of the first work process. The user interface element U1d is, for example, a button that says "I understand." The user interface element U1d is associated with explanatory content C2a that explains the next, second work process, as a link destination. When the user operates the user interface element U1d, the calculation device 30 reads the explanatory content C2a from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0026] The user interface element U1e is operated by the user when the user who has viewed the instruction content C1c has a low level of understanding of the first work process. In the example of FIG. 2, the instruction content C1c is the last instruction content that explains the first work process, and therefore there is no instruction content that further explains the first work process. In such a case, the user needs to receive explanations about the first work process from a trainer (instructor). The user interface element U1e is, for example, a button labeled "Call Trainer." In one embodiment, the computing device 30 is connected to a calling device (not shown) that emits a signal (such as a sound or light) to call the trainer. When the user operates the user interface element U1e, the computing device 30 may be configured to issue a command to the calling device to emit a signal to call the trainer.

[0027] In one embodiment, detailed explanation content that explains the first work process in more detail than the explanation contents C1b and C1c may be further provided. For example, the user interface element U1e may be linked to detailed explanation content that explains the first work process in more detail than the explanation contents C1b and C1c. In this case, when the user operates the user interface element U1e, the computing device 30 reads out from the storage device 20 the detailed explanation content that explains the first work process in more detail than the explanation contents C1b and C1c and displays it on the display device 10. In this way, the detailed explanation content may include two or more staged explanation contents that provide step-by-step explanations depending on the level of understanding.

[0028] According to this embodiment, a user who has a high level of understanding of the first work process can proceed to viewing the explanation content C2a that explains the next second work process without viewing the detailed explanation contents C1b and C1c. On the other hand, a user who has a low level of understanding of the first work process can deepen their understanding of the first work process by viewing the detailed explanation contents C1b and C1c.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of explanatory contents for explaining the second work process. In the following description, the plurality of (two in this embodiment) explanatory contents for explaining the second work process are denoted by the symbols C2a and C2b, respectively. Explanation content C2a is basic explanation content that explains the basic details of the second work process. Explanation content C2b is detailed explanation content that explains the second work process in more detail than the basic explanation content.

[0030] In this embodiment, the explanatory content C2a includes user interface elements U2a and U2b that are operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the second work process, and a question element Q1 for confirming the user's level of understanding of the second work process. The user interface element U2a is operated by the user when the user who has viewed the explanatory content C2a has a high level of understanding of the second work process. In this embodiment, the second work process is a process of confirming the slip number, and the user must recognize the slip number written on the slip. The question element Q1 is, for example, text that prompts the user to tap the slip number on the explanatory content C2a. The user interface element U2a is, for example, a text link placed in the position of the slip number on the explanatory content C2a. Therefore, the user interface element U2a is operated by a user who correctly understands the slip number.

[0031] The user interface element U2b is operated by a user who has viewed the explanatory content C2a and has a low level of understanding of the second work process. For example, the user interface element U2b is operated by a user who does not understand the location of the slip number. The user interface element U2b is, for example, a button labeled "More Details."

[0032] Each of the user interface element U2a and the user interface element U2b is associated with one explanatory content. Specifically, the user interface element U2a is associated with explanatory content C3a, which explains the next third work step, as a link destination. The user interface element U2b is associated with explanatory content C2b, which is detailed explanatory content for the second work step, as a link destination.

[0033] 3, when the user operates the user interface element U2a, the arithmetic device 30 reads the explanatory content C3a from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10. When the user operates the user interface element U2b, the arithmetic device 30 reads the explanatory content C2b from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0034] The explanatory content C2b includes user interface elements U2c and U2d that are operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the second work process. The user interface element U2c is operated by the user who has viewed the explanatory content C2b when the user has a high level of understanding of the second work process. The user interface element U2c is, for example, a button that says "I understand." The user interface element U2c is associated with explanatory content C3a that explains the next, third work process, as a link destination. When the user operates the user interface element U2c, the calculation device 30 reads out the explanatory content C3a from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0035] The user interface element U2d is operated by the user when the user who has viewed the instruction content C2b has a low level of understanding of the second work process. In the example of FIG. 3, the instruction content C2b is the last instruction content that explains the second work process, so there is no instruction content that further explains the second work process. Similar to the user interface element U1e described with reference to FIG. 2, the user interface element U2d is, for example, a button labeled "Call a Trainer." When the user operates the user interface element U2d, the computing device 30 may be configured to issue a command to a calling device to issue a signal to call a trainer.

[0036] According to this embodiment, a user with a high level of understanding of the second work process can proceed to viewing the explanation content C3a that explains the next, third work process, without viewing the detailed explanation content C2b. On the other hand, a user with a low level of understanding of the second work process can deepen their understanding of the second work process by viewing the detailed explanation content C2b. Furthermore, since the user interface element U2a is configured to be operated by a user who correctly understands the second work process, the next explanation content can be displayed based on the user's accurate level of understanding of the second work process.

[0037] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of explanatory contents for explaining the third work process. In the following description, the plurality of (two in this embodiment) explanatory contents for explaining the third work process are denoted by the reference symbols C3a and C3b, respectively. Explanation content C3a is basic explanation content that explains the basic details of the third work process. Explanation content C3b is detailed explanation content that explains the third work process in more detail than the basic explanation content.

[0038] The explanation content C3a includes a user interface element U3a that is operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the third work process, and a question element Q2 for confirming the user's level of understanding of the second work process. The user interface element U3a includes multiple (four in this embodiment) selection elements S1, S2, S3, and S4.

[0039] In this embodiment, the third work step is a step of checking whether a seal is affixed, and the user needs to recognize whether the slip has been affixed or not. The question element Q2 is, for example, text that prompts the user to select from among the selection elements S1 to S4 whether the slip on the explanation content C3a has been affixed with a seal. The selection elements S1 to S4 are buttons that the user uses to respond to the content of the question element Q2. For example, the selection elements S1 and S3 are buttons that say "Yes," and the selection elements S2 and S4 are buttons that say "No." The user interface element U3a is configured to allow the user to select either the selection element S1 or the selection element S2, or either the selection element S3 or the selection element S4.

[0040] In this embodiment, the correct answer to the question element Q2 is a combination of selection elements S1 and S4. Therefore, when a user who has viewed the explanation content C3a has a high level of understanding of the third work process, the user operates the user interface element U3a using a combination of selection elements S1 and S4. When a user who has viewed the explanation content C3a has a low level of understanding of the third work process, the user operates the user interface element U3a using a combination of other selection elements.

[0041] The user interface element U3a is associated with, for each combination of multiple selection elements S1 to S4, explanatory content C3b, which is a link destination that explains the next work step (for example, basic explanatory content for the fourth work step, not shown) or detailed explanatory content for the third work step. Specifically, the user interface element U3a is associated with the explanatory content for the next work step when it is a combination of selection element S1 and selection element S4, and with explanatory content C3b when it is a combination of other selection elements.

[0042] When the user operates the user interface element U3a in combination with the selection element S1 and the selection element S4, the arithmetic device 30 reads the explanatory content for the next work step from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10. When the user operates the user interface element U3a in a combination other than the selection element S1 and the selection element S4, the arithmetic device 30 reads the explanatory content C3b from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0043] The explanatory content C3b includes user interface elements U3b and U3c that are operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the third work process. The user interface element U3b is operated by the user who has viewed the explanatory content C3b when the user has a high level of understanding of the third work process. The user interface element U3b is, for example, a button that says "I understand." The user interface element U3b is associated with the explanatory content of the next work process as a link destination. When the user operates the user interface element U3b, the calculation device 30 reads the explanatory content of the next work process from the storage device 20 and displays it on the display device 10.

[0044] The user interface element U3c is operated by the user when the user who has viewed the instruction content C3b has a low level of understanding of the third work process. In the example of FIG. 4, the instruction content C3b is the last instruction content that explains the third work process, so there is no instruction content that further explains the third work process. The user interface element U3c is, for example, a button labeled "Call a trainer." When the user operates the user interface element U3c, the computing device 30 may be configured to issue a command to a calling device to issue a signal to call a trainer.

[0045] According to this embodiment, a user with a high level of understanding of the third work process can finish the explanation of the work procedure without viewing the detailed explanation content C3b. On the other hand, a user with a low level of understanding of the third work process can deepen their understanding of the third work process by viewing the detailed explanation content C3b. Furthermore, since the user interface element U3a is configured to be operated by a user who correctly understands the third work process, the next explanation content can be displayed based on the user's accurate level of understanding of the third work process.

[0046] Figure 5 is a diagram showing content identification information, understanding level information, and link destinations associated with the user interface elements U1a to U3c shown in Figures 2 to 4. Each of the user interface elements U1a to U3c is associated with content identification information that identifies the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and understanding level information that indicates the user's understanding level.

[0047] The content identification information is information for identifying explanatory content that includes a user interface element. For example, the user interface element U1a shown in Figure 2 is associated with content identification information "C1a" that identifies explanatory content C1a that includes the user interface element U1a.

[0048] The understanding information indicates the user's level of understanding of the work process, and in this embodiment, the understanding information is represented by "A," "B," and "C," in order of decreasing understanding level. The understanding information "A" is a high understanding index indicating that the user has a high level of understanding, and the understanding information "B" and "C" are low understanding indexes indicating that the user has a low level of understanding. The understanding information "C" is an index indicating that the user has an even lower level of understanding than the understanding information "B." For example, the user interface element U1a shown in FIG. 2 is associated with the understanding information "A," which is a high understanding index.

[0049] 2 is a user interface element operated to proceed to explanatory content C1c, which is a continuation of explanatory content C1b, and is not a user interface element operated according to the user's level of understanding of the work process. Therefore, user interface element U1c is associated with comprehension information "N," which is not a comprehension index.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, a user interface element associated with a high comprehension index "A" is associated with an explanatory content that explains a work process that follows a work process explained by an explanatory content that includes the user interface element. For example, the user interface element U1a associated with the comprehension information (high comprehension index) "A" shown in Fig. 2 is associated with an explanatory content C2a that explains a second work process that follows a first work process explained by an explanatory content C1a that includes the user interface element U1a.

[0051] A user interface element associated with a low comprehension index "B" is associated with an explanatory content that explains in detail the work process explained by the explanatory content that the user interface element is included in. For example, the user interface element U1b associated with the comprehension information (low comprehension index) "B" shown in Figure 2 is associated with an explanatory content C1b that explains in detail the first work process explained by the explanatory content C1a.

[0052] In this embodiment, the user interface elements associated with understanding level information "C", which indicates that the user has an even lower level of understanding than understanding level information "B", are not associated with explanatory content.

[0053] The computing device 30 is configured to store, in the storage device 20, comprehension history information H, which includes content identification information and comprehension information associated with a user interface element operated by a user. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the comprehension history information H. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the comprehension history information H may include the date and time when the user operated the user interface element. For example, when the user operates the user interface element U1a illustrated in FIG. 2, the computing device 30 stores, in the storage device 20, the comprehension history information H, which includes the date and time when the user interface element U1a was operated, the content identification information "C1a" associated with the user interface element U1a, and the comprehension information "A" associated with the user interface element U1a.

[0054] In one embodiment, the computing device 30 may not be configured to store the understanding history information H in the storage device 20.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows an example of comprehension history information H when a user operates the user interface element U1a shown in FIG. 2, the user interface element U2b and the user interface element U2c shown in FIG. 3, and the selection elements S1 and S3 of the user interface element U3a and the user interface element U2b and the user interface element U3c shown in FIG. 4.

[0056] The arithmetic device 30 is configured to read out the understanding history information H from the storage device 20 and display it on the display screen 10 based on a history information display command input from outside. The history information display command is input, for example, by a user via the input unit 15. A user who views the understanding history information H may be, for example, a trainer (instructor) who instructs a user who views a work procedure using an electronic manual. In one embodiment, each explanatory content may include a history information viewing element (not shown) for issuing the history information display command. In this case, the history information display command is issued when the user operates the history information viewing element on the explanatory content.

[0057] By viewing the understanding level history information H, a trainer (instructor) can check the level of understanding of each work process of the user who viewed the electronic manual from a combination of content identification information and understanding level information.

[0058] In the example of Figure 6, it can be seen that the level of understanding of the first work process is such that it can be understood by viewing explanation content C1a, which is basic explanation content. It can be seen that the level of understanding of the second work process is such that it cannot be understood by viewing explanation content C2a, which is basic explanation content, but can be understood by viewing explanation content C2b, which is detailed explanation content. It can be seen that the level of understanding of the third work process is such that it cannot be understood by viewing explanation content C3a, which is basic explanation content, but cannot be understood by viewing explanation content C3b, which is detailed explanation content.

[0059] In this embodiment, the explanatory content explaining the first to third work processes has been described, but the electronic manual may also include other content such as menu content for selecting a menu and table of contents content including links to the explanatory content for each work process.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a manual display method. In step 1, a plurality of explanatory contents C (in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, a plurality of explanatory contents including explanatory contents C1a to C3b) that explain each of a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure are stored in the storage device 20. In one embodiment, other contents such as menu content and table of contents content included in the electronic manual may also be stored in the storage device 20. As described above, each of the plurality of explanatory contents C includes a user interface element that is operated depending on the user's level of understanding of the work steps. Step 1 is a preparation step for displaying the electronic manual by the manual display system 1, and may be performed independently from step 2 onwards.

[0061] In step 2, the arithmetic device 30 causes one explanatory content C of the multiple explanatory contents C to be displayed on the display device 10. For example, the arithmetic device 30 causes the display device 10 to display explanatory content C1a, which is basic explanatory content that explains the basic details of the first work process among the multiple explanatory contents C. The explanatory content C that is first displayed on the display device 10 may be predetermined explanatory content, or may be explanatory content that is displayed based on a user's operation on menu content or table of contents content.

[0062] In step 3, when a user operates a user interface element included in the explanatory content C displayed on the display device 10, the arithmetic device 30 reads out from the storage device 20 explanatory content C associated as a link destination with the user interface element operated by the user, and displays the content on the display device 10. For example, when a user operates a user interface element U1a included in the explanatory content C1a, the arithmetic device 30 reads out from the storage device 20 explanatory content C2a associated with the user interface element U1a, and displays the content on the display device 10.

[0063] In one embodiment, a user interface element (for example, user interface element U3a shown in FIG. 4) includes a plurality of selection elements (for example, selection elements S1 to S4 shown in FIG. 4), and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanation contents C as a link destination. In this case, when the user operates the plurality of selection elements of the user interface element included in the explanation content C displayed on the display device 10, the calculation device 30 reads out from the storage device 20 the explanation content C associated with the combination of the selection elements operated by the user, and displays it on the display device 10.

[0064] In step 4, the arithmetic device 30 stores, in the storage device 20, the comprehension history information H, which includes content identification information and comprehension information associated with the user interface element operated by the user. For example, when the user operates the user interface element U1a, the arithmetic device 30 stores, in the storage device 20, the comprehension history information H, which includes content identification information C1a and comprehension information A associated with the user interface element U1a. In one embodiment, in step 4, the arithmetic device 30 may store, in the storage device 20, the comprehension history information H, which includes the date and time when the user interface element was operated, as shown in the example of FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the arithmetic device 30 may not be configured to store the comprehension history information H in the storage device 20. That is, in one embodiment, step 4 may not be performed.

[0065] The comprehension history information H is accumulated in the storage device 20 each time a user interface element is operated by the user. The order of steps 3 and 4 is not particularly limited, and steps 3 and 4 may be performed simultaneously, step 3 may be performed after step 4, or step 3 may be performed after step 4. In one embodiment, steps 3 and 4 are repeated until explanation content C that explains all the work steps that the user should view is displayed.

[0066] As described with reference to Fig. 5, the comprehension information includes a high comprehension index indicating that the user has a high level of comprehension and a low comprehension index indicating that the user has a low level of comprehension. A user interface element associated with a high comprehension index is associated with explanatory content C that explains a work process next to the work process explained by explanatory content C including the user interface element. A user interface element associated with a low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content C that explains in detail the work process explained by explanatory content C including the user interface element.

[0067] In step 5, the arithmetic device 30 reads out the understanding level history information from the storage device 20 based on an externally input command to display the history information, and displays the information on the display device 10. Step 5 may be performed independently of steps 2 to 4. In one embodiment, step 5 may not be performed.

[0068] Steps 2 to 5 in the above-described flowchart are executed by the arithmetic device 30. The arithmetic device 30 operates in accordance with instructions contained in a program P electrically stored in the storage device 20, and executes steps 2 to 5. The program P for causing the arithmetic device 30 to execute steps 2 to 5 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium, which is a non-transitory tangible object, and is provided to the arithmetic device 30 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the program P may be input to the arithmetic device 30 via a communication network such as the Internet or a local area network.

[0069] The above-described embodiments have been described for the purpose of enabling a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present invention. Various modifications of the above-described embodiments would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the technical concept of the present invention may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but is to be interpreted in the broadest scope in accordance with the technical concept defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Manual Display System 10 Display device 15 Input section 20 Storage device 30 Arithmetic unit C, C1a, C1b, C1c, C2a, C2b, C3a, C3b, explanatory content P Program U1a,U1b,U1c,U1d,U1e,U2a,U2b,U2c,U2d,U3a,U3b,U3c User Interface Elements H. Comprehension history information S1,S2,S3,S4 selection elements

Claims

1. A manual display system for displaying an electronic manual regarding a work procedure, a display device that displays the electronic manual; a storage device storing a program and a plurality of instruction contents that respectively explain a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure; a computing device that executes operations in accordance with instructions included in the program; each of the plurality of instruction contents includes a user interface element that is operated in accordance with a user's understanding of the work process; the user interface element is associated with one of the plurality of instruction contents as a link destination; A manual display system, wherein the computing device is configured to read from the storage device explanatory content associated with the user interface element operated by the user and display the content on the display device.

2. The user interface element is associated with content identification information that identifies explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and with comprehension level information that indicates the user's comprehension level; 2. The manual display system according to claim 1, wherein the computing device is configured to store, in the storage device, comprehension history information including the content identification information and the comprehension information associated with the user interface element operated by the user.

3. The manual display system according to claim 2 , wherein the computing device is configured to store the understanding history information, including the date and time when the user interface element was operated, in the storage device.

4. 3. The manual display system according to claim 2, wherein the arithmetic unit is configured to read the understanding history information from the storage unit and display it on the display unit based on a history information display command input from outside.

5. the understanding level information includes a high understanding level index indicating that the user's understanding level is high and a low understanding level index indicating that the user's understanding level is low, The user interface element associated with the high comprehension index is associated with an explanation content that explains a next work step to a work step explained by the explanation content that includes the user interface element, The manual display system of claim 2 , wherein the user interface element associated with the low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that provides in detail the work process that is explained by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included.

6. the user interface element includes a plurality of selection elements, and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanation contents as the link destination; The manual display system according to claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to read from the storage device explanatory content associated with the combination of selection elements operated by the user and display the content on the display device.

7. A manual display method for displaying an electronic manual regarding a work procedure, comprising: storing a plurality of explanation contents that respectively explain a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure in a storage device, each of the plurality of explanation contents including a user interface element that is operated in accordance with a user's understanding of the work step; displaying one of the plurality of explanatory contents on a display device; A manual display method in which, when the user operates a user interface element included in the explanatory content displayed on the display device, explanatory content associated as a link destination with the user interface element operated by the user is read from the storage device and displayed on the display device.

8. The user interface element is associated with content identification information that identifies explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and with comprehension level information that indicates the user's comprehension level; 8. The manual display method according to claim 7, further comprising: storing, in the storage device, comprehension history information including the content identification information and the comprehension information associated with the user interface element operated by the user.

9. 9. The manual display method according to claim 8, wherein storing the understanding history information in the storage device comprises storing the understanding history information including a date and time when the user interface element was operated in the storage device.

10. 9. The manual display method according to claim 8, further comprising reading out the understanding history information from the storage device and displaying it on the display device based on a history information display command input from outside.

11. the understanding level information includes a high understanding level index indicating that the user's understanding level is high and a low understanding level index indicating that the user's understanding level is low, The user interface element associated with the high comprehension index is associated with an explanation content that explains a next work step to a work step explained by the explanation content that includes the user interface element, The manual display method according to claim 8 , wherein the user interface element associated with the low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that provides in detail the work process that is explained by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included.

12. the user interface element includes a plurality of selection elements, and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanation contents as the link destination; The manual display method of claim 7, wherein reading the explanatory content associated with the user interface element operated by the user from the storage device and displaying it on the display device comprises reading the explanatory content associated with a combination of selection elements operated by the user from the storage device and displaying it on the display device.

13. A manual display program for displaying an electronic manual regarding a work procedure, a step of displaying, on a display device, one of a plurality of explanation contents that explain each of a plurality of work steps included in the work procedure; A program for causing a computer to execute a step of reading, from a storage device, explanatory content associated as a link destination with the user interface element operated by the user, when the user operates a user interface element included in the explanatory content displayed on the display device, which is operated according to the user's level of understanding of the work process, and displaying the content on the display device.

14. The user interface element is associated with content identification information that identifies explanatory content in which the user interface element is included, and with comprehension level information that indicates the user's comprehension level; 14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the program is further configured to cause the computer to execute a step of storing, in the storage device, comprehension history information including the content identification information and the comprehension information associated with the user interface element operated by the user.

15. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the step of storing the understanding history information in the storage device is a step of storing the understanding history information including a date and time when the user interface element was operated in the storage device.

16. 15. The program according to claim 14, further comprising the step of reading out the understanding level history information from the storage device and displaying it on the display device based on a history information display command input from outside.

17. the understanding level information includes a high understanding level index indicating that the user's understanding level is high and a low understanding level index indicating that the user's understanding level is low, The user interface element associated with the high comprehension index is associated with an explanation content that explains a next work step to a work step explained by the explanation content that includes the user interface element, The program of claim 14 , wherein the user interface element associated with the low comprehension index is associated with explanatory content that provides in detail the work process that is explained by the explanatory content in which the user interface element is included.

18. the user interface element includes a plurality of selection elements, and each combination of the plurality of selection elements is associated with one of the plurality of explanation contents as the link destination; The program of claim 13, wherein the step of reading from the storage device the explanatory content associated with the user interface element operated by the user and displaying it on the display device is a step of reading from the storage device the explanatory content associated with a combination of selection elements operated by the user and displaying it on the display device.

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