Prayer assistance devices, etc.

Abstract

This invention provides a prayer assistance device and a program for use with the prayer assistance device that allow individuals or small groups to experience the atmosphere of prayer being performed by a large group. [Solution] A device for assisting a user 10 in their religious practice, comprising: a storage unit 31 that stores reading information 4a of a sutra being read aloud and religious practice conditions 7 corresponding to the sutra; an acquisition unit 2 that acquires audio information 2a related to the voice of the user 10 reciting the sutra; a determination unit 3 that determines whether the audio information 2a satisfies the religious practice conditions 7; and an output unit 4 that, if the religious practice conditions 7 are satisfied, outputs the reading information 4a in accordance with the religious practice conditions 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to religious practices such as chanting scriptures and making dedications in front of a Buddha.

Background Art

[0002] Religious practices can be carried out alone or by multiple people. When multiple people perform religious practices, one person serves as the chanter (also called the instructor), and those who perform the practices together (sometimes called the chorus) chant in harmony with the chanter. In a temple, the abbot serves as the chanter and leads those who perform the practices together. At home, if multiple people gather, an instructor can be determined, but usually, religious practices are often carried out alone.

[0003] Also, there are predetermined rituals, customs, or rules for religious practices. For example, the first sentence at the beginning of a scripture is read with a more leisurely rhythm than the subsequent sentences. Moreover, the chanter elongates the last character of the first sentence of the scripture and pronounces it, and those who perform the practices together pronounce the first sound of the second sentence so as to overlap with that pronunciation. Alternatively, for each sentence, when the chanter pronounces the first character of the sentence head, those who perform the practices together may pronounce the corresponding sentence to the sentence head subsequently.

[0004] As a game that can be played alone or by multiple people, there is, for example, karaoke. In particular, as a technology for enlivening the atmosphere when karaoke is performed alone, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for reproducing the singing data of the chorus of the audience in a chorus phrase when the orientation of a microphone is within a predetermined narrow angular range centered on the horizontal. According to this technology, it is stated that the atmosphere of an artist on a stage encouraging the audience to chorus and enlivening it in a concert hall can be enjoyed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Performing religious services alone can often lead to feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, practice is necessary to perform religious services effectively. For example, performing religious services with others tends to increase one's motivation and engagement with the practice compared to performing them alone.

[0007] Furthermore, when performing religious services alone, one could output the voices of those performing with them as audio data, similar to the karaoke method described above. However, since religious services have specific rituals, customs, and rules, it is difficult to create the atmosphere of performing services with multiple people.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a prayer assistance device that allows one person or a small group to feel the atmosphere of praying together as a large group. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The prayer assistance device is a device that assists a user in performing prayers, and is characterized by comprising: a storage unit that stores reading information of a sutra being read aloud and prayer conditions corresponding to the sutra; an acquisition unit that acquires audio information relating to the voice of the user chanting the sutra; a determination unit that determines whether the audio information satisfies the prayer conditions; and an output unit that, if it satisfies the conditions, outputs the reading information in accordance with the prayer conditions.

[0010] "Audio information" refers to information that includes, for example, the voice of a user converted into an audio signal, and information that can be converted into that type of information.

[0011] "Audio reading information" includes, for example, information recorded as an audio signal, information stored as an audio signal synthesized based on sampled audio, and information that adds instrument sound signals to the aforementioned audio signals. It may also include information that adds videos or images to these audio signals, or it may include videos or images with audio signals accompanied by text information.

[0012] (2) Preferably, the output unit outputs instrument sound information related to the instruments used for chanting at pre-registered timings.

[0013] "Instrument sound information" refers to information that includes, for example, information recorded as audio signals of sounds from musical instruments such as bells, wooden fish drums, or gongs, as well as information stored as audio signals synthesized based on sampled sounds.

[0014] (3) It is also preferable that the system is equipped with a display unit that displays image elements indicating the timing for playing the instrument stored in the memory unit.

[0015] (4) The system is also equipped with a display unit, and it is preferable to display information about the deceased on the display unit.

[0016] The information provided can be anything related to the deceased, such as photos or videos of the deceased and their family, the date of death, posthumous Buddhist name, secular name, age, etc., or any information that can be converted into these categories.

[0017] (5) It is also preferable that the output unit outputs breath sound information related to breath sounds along with the reading information.

[0018] "Breath sound information" refers to information that includes, for example, information recorded as an audio signal of the sounds a user makes when taking a breath, as well as information stored as an audio signal synthesized based on sampled audio.

[0019] (6) Preferably, the acquisition unit acquires pitch information relating to the pitch of the audio information, and the output unit adjusts the pitch of the reading information based on the pitch information.

[0020] "Pitch information" refers to information that indicates a scale showing how much the pitch changes from one note to another, for example, information expressed in degrees, and is a concept that includes information that can be converted into degrees.

[0021] (7) A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program used in a device for assisting a user's religious practice, which causes a computer to acquire voice information regarding the voice of the user chanting sutras, determine whether the voice information satisfies pre-registered religious practice conditions, and if it satisfies the religious practice conditions, output pre-registered voice reading information in accordance with the religious practice conditions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] The religious practice assistance device and the like of the present disclosure can create an atmosphere as if one is performing religious practice with a large number of people, and can also efficiently practice religious practice.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the religious practice assistance device. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the religious practice assistance device. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the religious practice assistance device. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the processing flow of the program. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the religious practice condition database. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the religious practice conditions. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the processing flow of the program. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the processing flow of the program.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, a prayer assistance device and program according to one aspect of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, and their positions shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components. Also, in all embodiments, the contents of each can be combined.

[0025] Furthermore, the following drawings are schematic, and some components may be omitted for illustrative purposes. Also, common parts in one or more embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numeral, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0026] [1. Overview] The outline of the Buddhist prayer assistance device of the present invention will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a user performing Buddhist prayers. As shown in the figure, user 10 is sitting, for example, in front of a Buddhist altar (not shown) in their home. The Buddhist prayer assistance device 1 is placed, for example, in front of / near user 10. User 10 is alone, but is performing the prayers as a chanter. Based on user 10's voice information 2a, the Buddhist prayer assistance device 1 outputs the voices of those performing the prayers together as reading information 4a to the surroundings. As a result, even though the user is alone, they can feel the atmosphere of performing prayers with many people.

[0027] In the following explanation, when multiple people perform religious services, the person who takes on the role of leading the service, such as a temple priest, or a person who performs a role nearly equivalent to that, will be referred to as the "chanter." Depending on the type of scripture, the person who takes on the aforementioned role may be called the "master" or by another name, but in this embodiment, the concept of the chanter includes the master and other names. Furthermore, in the following description, those who chant along with the lead singer, including those who perform a role almost equivalent to that of the lead singer, are referred to as "homonyms." Examples of homoonyms include monks, followers, and believers during services at a temple, or relatives of the deceased during services at home.

[0028] [2. Each configuration] (Prayer assistance device 1) Next, the prayer assistance device 1 will be explained using the functional block diagram in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the prayer assistance device 1 mainly comprises a storage unit 31, an acquisition unit 2, a judgment unit 3, and an output unit 4. The prayer assistance device 1 also includes a selection unit 5. Reference numeral 6 indicates the display unit. The storage unit 31 will be described later. In this embodiment, for example, it is a smartphone. Alternatively, it may be a wearable computer, mobile phone, tablet device, or personal computer, which can be worn or attached to a device.

[0029] (Acquisition part 2) The acquisition unit 2 acquires the voice of the user 10 as voice information 2a through the microphone 8 provided in the prayer assistance device 1.

[0030] (Judgment part 3) The judgment unit 3 determines whether the acquired audio information 2a satisfies the prayer conditions 7.

[0031] (Output section 4) Based on the judgment of the judgment unit 3 that the prayer condition 7 is met, the output unit 4 outputs the reading information 4a stored in the memory unit 31 through the speaker 9.

[0032] (Selection section 5) The selection unit 5 allows the user to set / change initial settings or select the scriptures to be output based on user input 5a.

[0033] (Display section 6) The display unit 6 may be a device that displays a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display.

[0034] (7 conditions for performing religious services) The proper way to perform religious services and pray varies depending on the scriptures and religious sect. For example, the way sutras are read and the intonation differ depending on the sect, so even if the sutra is the same, the proper way to pray may differ. Religious service condition 7 specifies the concrete conditions for realizing the practices adopted by the religious service assistance device 1.

[0035] [3. Hardware Configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of the prayer assistance device 1 will be explained using Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the prayer assistance device 1 of this embodiment uses, for example, a computer. The computer is equipped with a CPU 30. The CPU 30 is connected via a bus line 35 to a memory (hereinafter referred to as the storage unit) 31, a connection port 33 for connecting / reading storage devices 32, etc., and a communication circuit 34 for communicating with the outside world via a network. The storage unit 31 stores reading information 4a, a prayer condition database (prayer condition DB) 11, deceased person information 12, breath sound information 13, instrument sound information 14, as well as a program 36 for processing this system 11, a browser program 37, and an OS 38 (operating system).

[0036] In this embodiment, program 36 operates in cooperation with OS 38 and browser program 37 by utilizing their respective functions. Alternatively, program 36 may operate independently without utilizing browser program 37 or OS 38. Furthermore, the prayer condition DB11, program 36, browser program 37, and OS38 are installed in the storage unit 31 by the storage device 32 via the communication circuit 34, for example, by download, or via the connection port 33.

[0037] In the hardware configuration described above, the functions shown in Figure 2 are implemented, for example, using the CPU 30 and program 36. However, some or all of these functions may be sequentially controlled using logic circuits such as a microcontroller or a PLC (programmable logic controller).

[0038] [4. Program] (Flowchart of the user registration process) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the processing of program 36 used in the prayer assistance device 1 of this system 11.

[0039] (S1: Initial settings) User 10 performs the initial settings for the prayer via user input 5a through the selection unit 5 of the prayer assistance device 1. User input 5a is performed, for example, by user 10 touching the display unit 6 of the prayer assistance device 1 or by giving voice instructions. The initial settings items are listed below. It is sufficient to set one or more of the items listed below. Other items may also be set. Initial values ​​may be set in advance for the initial settings. Furthermore, the following initial settings items can be changed by operating the prayer assistance device 1 during the prayer. Furthermore, the user input 5a during the initial setup is stored in the memory unit 31, and from the next service onward, the initial setup (S1) process may be displayed only for confirmation or omitted altogether.

[0040] (1) Select the scripture to be used for the daily practice. For example, select the Heart Sutra or the lineage represented by the Shingon sect, or the lineage represented by the Jodo Shinshu or Jodo sects, which is the Amitabha Sutra. In this embodiment, for example, the Amitabha Sutra is selected. (2) Determine the rituals, customs, and rules for the religious service. These rituals are pre-registered as religious service conditions 7. User 10 selects the rituals from religious service conditions 7. Alternatively, selecting a scripture may result in the selection of pre-defined actions. Details of religious service conditions 7 will be described later. (3) Choose whether to play the instrument yourself or to have the sound output from the prayer assistance device 1. In this case, you may choose to have the sounds of various instruments stored in the memory unit 31 beforehand and select your favorite instrument from among them. Examples of instruments include bells, wooden fish drums, or gongs. The memory unit 31 stores the sounds that these instruments produce. The timing for playing the instrument may be displayed on display unit 6. The timing of playing the instrument varies depending on the scripture and sect, with specific procedures for where to play, volume, interval, and number of times to play. These are pre-registered in the service conditions 7. The user 10 can change or register new procedures such as location, volume, interval, and number of times to play. (4) The speed at which the sutras are read is initially set to a general speed. Alternatively, the prayer assistance device 1 may obtain the speed from the user 10's voice information 2a and change the speed of the reading information 4a. Details will be described later. The user 10 may also be allowed to set the speed. In addition, the user may be able to choose between reading quickly, reading in a monotone, or reading with melody. (5) The speed, voice, and person reading the audio information 4a can be set. The voice of the audio information 4a may be sampled from another person's voice to make it sound as if another person is reading, and output from the prayer assistance device 1.

[0041] (S2: Choose a voice trainer?) The prayer assistance device 1 displays selection buttons on the display unit 6. User 10 selects whether to pray as the chanter or as a sympathizer (someone praying together with the master). (Y) If you select a voice tuner, proceed to step S3. (N) If no voice manager is selected, the service will be performed by a person who prays with the voice manager, and the process will proceed to step S10. Step S10 is the process of outputting the voice manager's reading information 4a.

[0042] (S3: Retrieves user voice information) The prayer assistance device 1 acquires audio information 2a from the user 10's chanting. In this embodiment, a button labeled "Do you want to start the prayer?" is displayed on the display unit 6 of the prayer assistance device 1, and when the user 10 taps this button, the prayer assistance device 1 begins acquiring audio information 2a. Alternatively, the acquisition of audio information 2a may be started as a trigger when the microphone 8 detects the user 10's voice.

[0043] (S4: Does it fulfill the seventh requirement of the daily practice?) The prayer assistance device 1 determines whether the voice information 2a satisfies the prayer conditions 11b of the person performing the prayer.

[0044] (Data structure of the daily work conditions DB11) Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the data structure of the Prayer Conditions DB11. The Prayer Conditions DB11 shown in the figure stores Prayer Conditions 7. The Prayer Conditions DB11 mainly contains, for example, the type of scripture 11a, the prayer conditions of the chanter 11b, the prayer conditions of the same note 11c, and the prayer conditions of the instrument 11d. The symbol 11e represents other conditions. The figure shows a part of the Prayer Conditions 7. Detailed conditions will be described later.

[0045] (Type of scripture 11a) The prescribed rituals, customs, and rules differ for each scripture. Therefore, the type of scripture (11a) indicates the type or category of scripture or sect used for religious practice.

[0046] (Conditions for the chanting of the voice 11b) Conditions 11b for the chanting master describe the manners, customs, and rules of the chanting master during the chanting. For example, in this embodiment, the chanting master prolongs the last character of the first line of the sutra. As an example, the duration of the prolongation is 0.3 to 1.5 seconds, preferably 0.5 to 0.8 seconds. Specifically, the prayer assistance device 1 first detects that the audio information 2a of a predetermined pitch continues for a predetermined time or longer. Here, "first" refers to the initial detection, not the detection of the audio information 2a of a predetermined pitch continuing for a predetermined time or longer for a second time. Furthermore, a predetermined pitch is defined as the frequency of the audio information 2a being within a predetermined range. The predetermined frequency may, for example, be set within a range above and below a central frequency. Furthermore, as will be described later, the predetermined time is about half the length of the tone-tester's extension, i.e., 0.15 to 0.75 seconds, preferably 0.25 to 0.4 seconds, since the second line is read over the tone-tester's extended utterance.

[0047] (Conditions for performing religious services with the same pronunciation 11c) Conditions 11c for the chanting of the same sound describe the customs, practices, and rules for the chanting of the same sound. For example, in this embodiment, when the chanter extends the last character of the first line of the sutra, the same sound begins to chant the second line, overlapping with the chanter's extended pronunciation. Specifically, if the frequency of the audio information 2a within a predetermined range continues for 0.15 to 0.75 seconds, preferably 0.25 to 0.4 seconds, the reading information 4a is output starting from the second phrase. Alternatively, the reading information 4a may be output without interruption after the narrator's utterance. Some interruption is also acceptable.

[0048] (Conditions for performing musical instruments 11d) Condition 11d for musical instrument practice specifies the location, volume, intervals, and number of times to play the instrument during practice.

[0049] (Other requirements for religious practice 11e) Other prayer conditions 11e are registered as additional conditions defined by user input. For example, the speed of the reading information 4a, the voice, and the person reading aloud.

[0050] (Learning model) Furthermore, the prayer assistance device 1 may construct a language model using a technology that combines speech recognition technology and natural language processing technology, and use that model to determine whether the prayer conditions 7 are met. For example, the procedure and technology are shown below. <Voice Recognition> • Acoustic analysis: The equipment for speech recognition decomposes the audio signal of the sutra into frequency components and extracts the characteristics of the sound. • Phoneme recognition: The device for speech recognition identifies phonemes from the extracted features. • Word recognition: Speech recognition devices recognize words (text data) from sequences of phonemes. <Natural Language Processing> • Data collection: The equipment for natural language processing collects text data from multiple Buddhist scriptures. • Preprocessing: The equipment for natural language processing performs morphological analysis and part-of-speech analysis on the collected text data, divides it into words, and assigns part-of-speech information. • Model building: The equipment for natural language processing builds a language model that has learned the words, grammatical structures, and prosody specific to the Buddhist scriptures. <Model training and evaluation> • Supervised learning: The equipment used to train and evaluate the model uses pairs of audio information and corresponding text data to train the model. • Evaluation: The equipment used to train and evaluate the model assesses the model's performance using evaluation metrics such as accuracy, recall, and FI score.

[0051] Furthermore, the prayer assistance device 1 may automatically adjust the speed of the reading information 4a to match the speed of the user 10's chanting using machine learning. For example, the procedure and technique are shown below.

[0052] <Data collection and preprocessing> • Data collection: Collect a large amount of audio data of multiple chanters chanting at different speeds. • Preprocessing: Convert audio data into a spectrogram and extract MFCCs (Mel-Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients). Also, quantify the tempo and label each frame. <Feature extraction> • Extract audio features such as MFCC, pitch, volume, and length. <Building machine learning models> • Deep learning: Training is performed using known deep learning models such as CMM (Convolutional Neural Network) and RMM (Recurrent Neural Network). <Model Training> ·Train the model to minimize the error between the predicted tempo and the actual tempo. <Real-time processing> ·Speech recognition: Recognize the voice information 2a of user 10 in real time and extract features. ·Prediction: Use the constructed model to predict the optimal tempo for the next moment. ·Output: Adjust the playback speed of the voice reading information 4a based on the prediction result.

[0053] (Prayer conditions 7 for the first and second sentences) Next, the details of prayer condition 7 in the first and second sentences will be explained. The voice actor reads the first sentence, and the second sentence is read by the voice actor and the homophone. The voice actor prolongs the end of the first sentence and pronounces it, and the homophone pronounces the beginning of the second sentence so as to overlap with the prolonged pronunciation. The voice actor takes a breath while the homophone pronounces the beginning and participates in the pronunciation of the second sentence.

[0054] When the voice actor can tell that the homophone is following his / her pronunciation and can tell by overlapping with his / her own voice, the voice actor can sing the end of the first sentence or the whole first sentence slowly. And the voice actor will have the leisure to sing the second sentence in the mood of leaving it to the voice of the homophone, for example, the voice of a precious person who has passed away. For example, during practice, it is correct for the voice actor to read the first, second, and third sentences in order, but after reading the first sentence, the voice actor can leave the second sentence to the homophone and let it occur from the third sentence.

[0055] The following uses FIG. 6 to explain an example of the chanting conditions 7 in the first and second sentences. The figure shows an example using the musical score of the orthodox faith Buddhist chant. The reference numeral 16 in the figure indicates the voice part (upper part) of the voice adjuster, and the reference numeral 17 indicates the voice part (lower part) of the same pronunciation. The upper and lower parts are divided into sections 18 at approximately equal intervals. If the interval of the section 18 is long, the speed of chanting the sutra is slow, and if it is short, the speed is fast. Each section 18 is assigned a predetermined passage of the sutra. For example, in the voice part 16 of the voice adjuster, seven characters, namely, "return", "life", "infinite", "quantity", "life", "such as", "come", are assigned. The reading kana are respectively "ki", "myo", "mu", "ryo", "ju", "nyo", "rai". In the second sentence, seven characters, namely, "south", "none", "not", "can", "think", "discuss", "light", are assigned. The reading kana are respectively "na", "mo", "fu", "ka", "shi", "gi", "ko". The figure shows up to the fourth character "can".

[0056] Explain the voice part 16 of the voice adjuster. The pronunciation of the word "come" at the end of the first sentence divides section 18 into four small sections 19 at equal intervals. Pronounce "ra" in the first three small sections 19 and pronounce "i" in the last small section 19. After that, the voice adjuster pronounces with an elongation of "i-" at the interval of section 18. The elongated pronunciation is preferably at the interval of section 18, but depending on the sutra or the voice adjuster, it may be longer or shorter than section 18. While the voice adjuster elongates with "i-", wait for the pronunciation of the same pronunciation "na-". Due to the pronunciation of "na-", the voice adjuster takes a breath and pronounces the second sentence together with the same pronunciation to continue chanting the sutra.

[0057] Next, explain the voice part 17 of the same pronunciation. The pronunciation of the word "na" at the beginning of the second sentence is performed from the same time as the pronunciation of "i" of the voice adjuster until the pronunciation of "i-" of the voice adjuster ends. It is the range of the dotted line in the figure. This range is the overlapping section 20 of the voice of the voice adjuster and the same pronunciation. Also, the section where the voice adjuster pronounces "i-" is the breathing interval 21 of the voice adjuster.

[0058] In actual religious services, the overlapping of voices with the lead singer serves as a signal indicating the number of participants and the manner in which the service will begin. Furthermore, when the same voice is uttered before the correct timing, overlapping with the lead singer's voice, it is thought to express, for example, a kind of joy of faith.

[0059] (S5: Output reading information) The prayer assistance device 1 outputs reading information 4a according to the same-sound prayer conditions 11c. In this embodiment, the output reading information 4a is the content of the second line and subsequent lines of the sutra.

[0060] (S6: Perform religious services using the same pronunciation) If no voice narrator is selected in step S2, the prayer is performed with the same voice. The prayer assistance device 1 outputs the voice narrator's reading information 4a. User 10 listens to the reading information 4a and performs the prayer with the same voice.

[0061] (summary) When the singer performs a solo recitation, they extend the last note beyond the prescribed beat. The other singer begins reciting the next phrase, receiving the beat from the singer's recitation without interruption. This creates a section where the singer's voice and the other singer's voice overlap. The prayer assistance device 1 simulates this overlap by outputting the other singer's recitation information 4a based on the prayer conditions 7.

[0062] [5. Examples of conditions for performing religious services] Next, we will explain a detailed example of Condition 7 for daily prayer. The Condition 7 described below is just one example, and there may be differences in actual daily prayer practice.

[0063] A. “Legend of True Belief” This section explains the case where the Shōshin Nembutsu Ge is used as a scripture. Hereafter, it will be abbreviated as Shōshin Nembutsu Ge.

[0064] <Full musical score or running note> The formal version (Shinpu) is chanted at the memorial service for the head of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. The informal version (Gyopu) is used on the anniversary of the death or at memorial services. An example of the conditions for performing both is explained below. (1) How to chant The reading pronunciation of "帰命無量寿来" is "きみょうむりょうじゅにょらい". The chanter chants it with the last "い" pronounced as "いー" (stretched). Along with the chanter's "いー", the same sound starts chanting the next phrase. The reading pronunciation of "南無不可思議光" is "なもふかしぎこう". The chanter chants it with the initial "な" pronounced as "なー" (stretched). Along with the chanter's "なー", the same sound starts chanting the same phrase. That is, because the chanter stretches and chants at the beginning, in order to keep the breath going and prevent the sutra from being interrupted in the middle, the same sound starts chanting in an overlapping manner. The reading pronunciation of "善導独明仏正意" is "ぜんどうどくみょうぶっしょうい". The chanter chants it with the last "い" pronounced as "いー" (stretched). Along with the chanter's "いー", the same sound starts chanting the next phrase. The reading pronunciation of "矜哀定散与逆悪" is "こうあいじょうさんようぎゃくあく". The chanter chants it with the initial "こ" pronounced as "こー" (stretched). Along with the chanter's "こー", the same sound starts chanting the same phrase. That is, because the chanter stretches and chants at the beginning, in order to keep the breath going and prevent the sutra from being interrupted in the middle, the same sound starts chanting in an overlapping manner. ·Others In addition, in the phrases of "回向句", "願以此功徳", and "平等施一切", there are parts where the chanter and the same sound overlap their voices. (2) Regarding the Buddhist chant The chanter stretches and chants the last phrase of the first line of the Buddhist chant and starts chanting the second line so as to overlap with the stretched sound. Note that the same applies to the Buddhist chant with six introductory lines. (3) The way of ringing the bell 「きん」 refers to the bell. Before starting to chant the sutra of the True Faith Gatha, ring the bell twice. The reading pronunciation of "唯可信斯高僧説" is "ゆいかしんしこうそうせつ". After pronouncing the ending "つ" of the reading pronunciation, ring the bell once. Ring the bell at the part of "安楽国" at the end of the dedication phrase. The reading pronunciation of "安楽国" is "あんらっこー". Ring strongly once at "ら" of the reading pronunciation, weakly once at "こ", and strongly once at the end.

[0065] <Grass> The "grass notation" is used for daily morning and evening prayers. The grass notation is basically recited in a monotone voice, with the pitch of the last three syllables of each of the four phrases lowered. The phrases following "Zendō Dokumyō Butsu Shōi" are without melody and are basically recited in a monotone, with the pitch of the last three characters falling every four phrases. There are no parts where the voice of the person chanting the same note overlaps with that of the person chanting. Also, the parts that are chanted with a sustained voice and the positions where the kin is struck are the same as in the musical notation.

[0066] B. The Amitabha Sutra The following explains the case where the Amitabha Sutra is considered a scripture.

[0067] (1) How to chant When the chanter recites "The Buddha's teachings on the Amitabha Sutra," the same sound is followed by "Thus I have heard." When the chanter pronounces "kyo" and "o," the same sound is pronounced as "nyo," overlapping the voices to ensure the sutra is not interrupted. In the phrase "Shariputra, what do you think of me?", the toneer overlaps the final "tsu" sound of "Shariputra" with the initial "o" sound of "Onyoinga" in "Onyoinga," which has the same pronunciation, to ensure the chanting of the sutra is not interrupted. When the sutra is finished and the Nembutsu is chanted six times, the final "buu" sound of the first "Namu Amida Butsu" chanted by the chanting master in a solo voice is superimposed with the "naa" sound of the second "Namu Amida Butsu" chanted by the same voice master. In other words, the "buu" sound and the "naa" sound are superimposed. In the "dedication verse," the tone-forward sound of "toku" in the phrase "gan ichi kotodoku" is superimposed with the homophone sound "biyou" of "hei" in the phrase "byodo se issai." (2) How to hit the gold After reciting the Nembutsu, joining hands in prayer and bowing, receiving the sutra, striking the bell twice, the service begins. In the Honganji sect, during the chanting of the sutra, there is a ritual called "chūgiri," where a bell is struck three times between the phrases "Jōju naze" and "Kudoku sōgon." Strike the bell strongly on the "shō" in the reading of the sutra "kudoku sōgon," strike the bell lightly on the "gō" in the reading, and finally strike the bell strongly. When the sutra ends, at the phrase "The Buddha Speaks of the Amitabha Sutra", strike the kin once with the pronunciation of "kyou-" in the phrase.

[0068] C. "Eulogy to the Buddha" (1) Singing method Overlap the sound of the voice actor's "gi-" in the reading pronunciation of "kougen gi-gi" of "The radiant countenance is majestic" with the same-sounding sound of "i-" in the reading pronunciation of "ijin mu-goku" of "The awesome power is limitless". Slowly sing the last two lines of the sutra gradually. When chanting the nenbutsu six times after the sutra ends, the voice actor overlaps the sound of "bu-" in the reading pronunciation of "namu amida butsu" of "Namo Amitabha Buddha" chanted solo at first with the sound of "na-" in the same-sounding "Namo Amitabha Buddha" chanted from the second line onwards. That is, overlap "bu-" and "na-". In the "Dedication Verse", overlap the sound of the voice actor's "kuu-" in the "virtue" of the phrase "May these merits" with the same-sounding sound of "byou" in the "equality" of the phrase "Equal to all sentient beings". (2) Method of striking the kin · Strike the kin twice to start the practice. · Strike the kin once with the sound of "ke" in the reading pronunciation of "gyoushoujin ninjuu fuu ke-" of "I practice diligently, endure until the end without regret".

[0069] D. "Verse of the Great Vow" (1) Singing method The voice actor pronounces the end of the phrase "I make a vow beyond the world" in the reading pronunciation of "gagonchou se-gan" as "ga-gan", and the same-sounding pronunciation of the beginning of the phrase "Surely reach the supreme way" in the reading pronunciation of "hisshimu joudou" as "hi-", and overlap the sounds. (2) Other singing methods and methods of striking the kin are the same as those of the "Eulogy to the Buddha".

[0070] [6. Other embodiments] <00​​​​​​In the second embodiment, the display unit 6 displays information 12 about the deceased (see S7 in Figure 4). The information 12 about the deceased is stored in the storage unit 31. The information 12 about the deceased can be any information about the deceased, such as photographs or videos of the family including the deceased, the date of death, the posthumous Buddhist name, the interpretation of the Buddhist name, the secular name, and the age. Other information may also be used as the information 12 about the deceased. Displaying the information 12 about the deceased helps the person leading the service or a family member to say something like, "Today, the ____th, is the anniversary of your late father's death. Let us remember ____ and perform our morning service." Additionally, notifications regarding the monthly death anniversaries of ancestors, the annual anniversary of their death, and memorial services may be displayed on display unit 6. In the case of memorial services, providing notice several months in advance makes it easier to inform relatives and other relevant parties.

[0072] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, compared to the first embodiment described above, breath sound information 13 related to the same breath sound is randomly output in the middle of the reading information 4a. When the same breath sound is heard, even though one is performing the prayer alone, one can get a sense of unity as if they were performing the prayer together with others.

[0073] (Modified version of the third embodiment) In the modified version, when the judgment unit 3 detects the chanter's breath and / or signal sound, the output unit 4 outputs breath sound information 13 of the same sound after a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is the range until the chanter's next breath and is set randomly. Therefore, the breath sound information 13 can be output so as not to overlap with the chanter's breath, thus preventing the chanting from being interrupted.

[0074] During the chanting, the chanter emits a signal sound before taking a breath, indicating that they are about to take a breath. A signal sound may be, for example, shortening and / or softening the pronunciation of the last two syllables of a phrase, or slightly vibratoing and / or lengthening the pronunciation of the first syllable of a phrase before taking a breath. Other signal sounds are also acceptable. Signal sounds are included in the aforementioned chanting condition 7.

[0075] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the processing flow of the program used in the prayer assistance device 1.

[0076] (S8) The determination unit 3 determines in the voice information 2a whether the voice narrator's breath and / or signal voice has been uttered.

[0077] The utterance of breath sounds and / or signal sounds is detected by known methods. For example, detection may involve techniques that compare the utterance with known patterns of breath sounds and / or signal sounds. As an example, a similarity score is calculated by sliding a pre-prepared template of breath sounds or signal sounds against the audio information 2a being analyzed, and the portion where the similarity score exceeds a threshold is determined to be the utterance of breath sounds and / or signal sounds. Furthermore, templates for breathing sounds and / or signal sounds can be created, for example, by extracting representative breathing patterns from audio information 2a and using them as templates. Alternatively, templates may be generated by performing supervised learning using labeled breathing sound data.

[0078] (S9) When the judgment unit 3 determines that a breath sound and / or a signal sound has occurred, the output unit 4 outputs breath sound information 13 of the same sound after a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is the range from when the singer takes a breath until the next breath, and is set randomly.

[0079] (S10) If the service is finished (Y), the service ends. If it is not finished (N), return to S8.

[0080] (Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the chanting condition 7 is different from that of the first embodiment described above. The chanting condition 7 is that when the chanter pronounces the first note of a phrase, the same note is used to begin chanting the same phrase. This is done for each phrase.

[0081] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the processing flow of the program used in the prayer assistance device 1. The diagram also shows the processing of breath sound information 13.

[0082] (S11) The judgment unit 3 determines whether the initial sound of each phrase was pronounced based on the audio information 2a.

[0083] The pronunciation of the initial sound of a phrase is detected by known methods. For example, a technique is used to automatically detect the start of a sound (onset) in the speech signal of speech information 2a. As an example, the timing at which the number of times the speech signal crosses zero (zero-cross rate) increases sharply is determined to be the onset.

[0084] (S12) When the judgment unit 3 determines that the initial sound of a phrase is pronounced, the output unit 4 outputs the pronunciation information 4a of the phrase corresponding to the beginning of the phrase.

[0085] (Fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, compared to the first embodiment described above, the output unit 4 outputs instrument sound information 14 at a pre-registered timing. The timing of the output is pre-stored in the storage unit 31, corresponding to the reading information 4a.

[0086] (Modified version of the fifth embodiment) In the modified version, the timing for playing the instrument is displayed on the display unit 6. The displayed timing can be shown as the text "hit" on the display unit 6, or as a display element 6a of a bell image (see Figure 2). Any display element that indicates the timing can be used.

[0087] (Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, compared to the first embodiment described above, the acquisition unit 2 acquires pitch information 15 relating to the pitch of the speech information 2a. The output unit 4 adjusts the pitch of the reading information 4a based on the pitch information 15. The pitch adjustment is modified by known methods. For example, a technique called pitch shifting is used.

[0088] [7. Others] (1) Some of the functions of the prayer assistance device 1 may be performed on an external server. The prayer conditions 7 may be stored in the storage unit 31 in a manner other than a database. (2) Other types of scriptures, including Christian and Islamic scriptures, may be selected. Furthermore, songs sung at religious events and ceremonies, such as Buddhist hymns, hymns, and sacred songs, may also be selected. (3) External equipment may be used as microphone 8 and / or speaker 9. By placing microphone 8 in front of user 10 and speaker 9 behind, and acquiring user 10's voice information 2a through microphone 8 in front and outputting reading information 4a through speaker in rear, the realism of the prayer can be improved. Microphone 8 and / or speaker 9 are connected via the external input / output terminals of the prayer assistance device 1.

[0089] [8. Summary] (1) The present invention provides a chanting assistance device 1 for assisting a user 10 in chanting, and is characterized by comprising: a storage unit 31 that stores chanting information 4a of a sutra read aloud and chanting conditions 7 corresponding to the sutra; an acquisition unit 2 that acquires audio information 2a related to the voice of the user 10 chanting; a determination unit 3 that determines whether the audio information 2a satisfies the chanting conditions 7; and an output unit 4 that, if the chanting conditions 7 are satisfied, outputs chanting information 4a in accordance with the chanting conditions 7.

[0090] Therefore, even when practicing alone, one can create the atmosphere of performing religious services with many people, and also practice the services efficiently.

[0091] (2) The output unit 4 of such a prayer assistance device 1 outputs instrument sound information 14 related to the instruments used for chanting at pre-registered timings of the sutra, thereby creating the atmosphere for prayer.

[0092] (3) The device is equipped with a display unit 6 that displays image elements indicating the timing for playing the instruments stored in the memory unit 31, making it easy to carry out religious services.

[0093] (4) The device is also equipped with a display unit 6, which displays information about the deceased 12, thus helping to offer words of remembrance for the deceased.

[0094] (5) The output unit 4 outputs breathing sound information 13 along with the reading information 4a, which makes it possible to create an even more realistic atmosphere of a large group performing religious services together.

[0095] (6) The acquisition unit 2 acquires pitch information 15 related to the pitch of the audio information 2a, and the output unit 4 adjusts the pitch of the reading information 4a based on the pitch information 15, so that the prayer can be carried out without any sense of incongruity.

[0096] (7) The program 36 used in the prayer assistance device 1 of the present invention is a program used in a device that assists the prayer of a user 10, and is characterized in that it causes a computer to acquire audio information 2a related to the voice of the user 10 chanting, to determine whether the audio information 2a satisfies the prayer conditions 7 that have been registered in advance, and if the prayer conditions 7 are satisfied, to output the reading information 4a that has been registered in advance in accordance with the prayer conditions 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Prayer assistance device 2 Acquisition part 2a Audio information 3 Judgment section 4 Output section 4a Reading Aloud Information 5. Selection Section 5a User input 6 Display section 6a Display elements 7. Conditions for performing religious services 8 microphones 9 speakers 10 users 11. Daily Prayer Conditions Database (Daily Prayer Conditions DB) 11a Types of scriptures 11b Conditions for the practice of the choirs 11c Conditions for performing religious services with the same pronunciation 11d Conditions for performing musical instruments 11e Other daily practice conditions 12. Information about the deceased 13. Breathing sound information 14. Instrument Sound Information 15. Pitch Information 16. The voice tuner's vocal part 17. Vocal parts with the same sound 18 categories 19 Subdivision 20 Overlapping sections 21 Rest Stops 30 CPU 31 memory 32 Storage Devices 33 Connection Ports / Drives 34 Communication Circuit 35 Bus Line 36 Programs 37 Browser Programs 38 OS

Claims

1. A device that assists the user in performing religious services, A memory unit that stores information on the reading of sutras and the conditions for performing religious services corresponding to the sutras, An acquisition unit that acquires audio information related to the voice of the user chanting sutras, A determination unit that determines whether the aforementioned audio information satisfies the aforementioned conditions for performing the religious service, A prayer assistance device comprising an output unit that outputs the reading information in accordance with the prayer conditions when the conditions are met.

2. The prayer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs instrument sound information related to the instruments used for chanting at pre-registered timings.

3. The prayer assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays image elements indicating the timing for playing a musical instrument stored in the memory unit.

4. It is equipped with a display unit, The prayer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays information about the deceased person.

5. The prayer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs breath sound information related to breath sounds along with the reading information.

6. The acquisition unit acquires pitch information relating to the pitch of the audio information, The prayer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit adjusts the pitch of the reading information based on the pitch information.

7. A program used in a device that assists users in their religious practice, On the computer, The system will acquire audio information related to the voice of the user chanting sutras. The system will determine whether the aforementioned audio information meets the pre-registered conditions for performing religious services. A program that, when the aforementioned prayer conditions are met, outputs pre-registered reading information in accordance with those conditions.

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