Program, electronic device, and method for transmitting and receiving digital content.

Abstract

This device provides an electronic dictionary (electronic device) that allows users to quickly access additional content they need, even when using a communication module with low throughput. [Solution] When the electronic dictionary 10 is turned off, it sends user learning information obtained based on search history, etc., to the WES server 20. The WES server 20 determines the user's academic level based on the learning information, decides on additional dictionaries (content) to recommend according to the academic level, and uploads them to the electronic dictionary 10 in advance without requiring purchase. The electronic dictionary 10 sets the pre-downloaded additional (recommended) dictionaries to be hidden and stores them in the additional dictionary memory area, but displays them as dictionary icons AD1, AD2, ... by specifying the [Recommended] tab TR on the content list screen G1. When the user is instructed to purchase the pre-downloaded additional (recommended) dictionaries, the setting to hide the additional (recommended) dictionaries is removed and the main screen is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that uses digital content, a digital content transmission / reception system, a digital content transmission / reception method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an electronic dictionary stores digital content including a plurality of types of dictionary data in advance, such as a Japanese dictionary, an English dictionary, etc. A user can specify a type of dictionary according to the language of a word to be looked up and search for and display explanatory information such as the meaning and example sentences of the word having the word as a headword.

[0003] In recent years, some electronic dictionaries have a function of downloading additional content specified by a user from a server on the Web by mounting Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For cost reasons, a complete module incorporating a protocol stack (control program) is used for the Wi-Fi module mounted on an electronic dictionary.

[0006] The complete module does not require the development of a protocol stack and is cost-effective and easy to use. However, its throughput is low, and it takes a considerable amount of time to download large-capacity content such as dictionary data. Therefore, there is a problem that additional content specified by a user cannot be quickly used without waiting time.

[0007] While it might be possible to improve throughput by changing the Wi-Fi module and developing a new protocol stack, this is undesirable because electronic dictionaries need to be highly versatile.

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide electronic equipment, a digital content transmission / reception system, a digital content transmission / reception method, and a program that enable users to quickly access additional content they require, even when using a low-throughput communication module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electronic device according to the present invention is Communications Department and, A memory unit that stores the user's learning information, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When the user performs a predetermined operation on the device, the device receives digital content determined based on the learned information from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content, along with the received digital content, information indicating that the digital content is not to be displayed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, even when using a communication module with low throughput, it becomes possible for users to quickly access additional content they require. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital content transmission / reception system 1 according to an embodiment of the electronic device, digital content transmission / reception system, digital content transmission / reception method, and program of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10. [Figure 3]Block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the WES server (server device) 20. [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of additional dictionary data (12d) stored in the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of the user management database (22c) stored in the WES server 20. [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of the word difficulty level database (22d) stored in the WES server 20. [Figure 7] Diagram showing an example of the recommended dictionary database (22e) by academic level stored in the WES server 20. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the learning information transmission process of the electronic dictionary 10 and the recommended dictionary download process of the WES server 20. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the recommended dictionary display process of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the additional dictionary purchase process of the electronic dictionary 10 and the additional dictionary purchase support process of the WES server 20. [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the recommended dictionary deletion process of the electronic dictionary 10. [[Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [[Configuration of Embodiment]] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a digital content transmission / reception system 1 according to an embodiment of an electronic device, a digital content transmission / reception system, a digital content transmission / reception method, and a program of the present invention.

[0014] The digital content transmission / reception system 1 includes an electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10 and a WES (Worldwide Education Service) server (server device) 20 provided on a communication network N such as the Internet. Here, the WES server 20 refers to a dedicated server that connects an information terminal (not shown) with an electronic dictionary 10 or an electronic dictionary application built therein and a cloud service, and has at least a function of downloading dictionary content to the electronic dictionary 10 or the information terminal.

[0015] In addition to the dedicated electronic dictionary 10 described below, the electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10 can be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (personal computer), a mobile phone, an e-book, a portable game machine, etc. having a dictionary function.

[0016] The digital content transmission / reception system 1 shown in FIG. 1 has at least the following functions (10a), (10b), (10c), (10d), (20a), (20b), (20c).

[0017] In the electronic dictionary 10, when the user uses the electronic dictionary 10, learning information is stored in a storage unit 12 described below of the electronic dictionary 10, and a function (10a) of transmitting the learning information stored at a timing when the user is not using the electronic dictionary 10 to the WES server 20.

[0018] In the WES server 20, based on the learning information received from the electronic dictionary 10, a function (20a) of determining the user's academic level, a function (20b) of estimating (acquiring) a dictionary recommended according to the user's academic level (a dictionary highly necessary for the user), and a function (20c) of downloading the dictionary data (content) of the recommended dictionary to the electronic dictionary 10.

[0019] The electronic dictionary 10 has the following functions: (10b) a function to hide additional (recommended) dictionary data downloaded from the WES server 20 in the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to predetermined tabs ([Japanese] tab TN, [English] tab TE) on the touch panel display unit 17 and store the setting; (10c) a function to unhide additional dictionary data when the additional dictionary specified by the user to be downloaded matches additional dictionary data that has been hidden and stored in the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to predetermined tabs ([Japanese] tab TN, [English] tab TE); and (10d) a function to delete additional dictionary data that has been hidden and stored in the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to predetermined tabs ([Japanese] tab TN, [English] tab TE) according to pre-set conditions. The display on the touch panel display unit 17 of the electronic dictionary 10 will be described later.

[0020] Figure 1 shows an example of when the content list screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 of the electronic dictionary 10, after the dictionary data (content) recommended for the user, acquired by the WES server 20 based on the user's learning information sent from the electronic dictionary 10 to the WES server 20, has been downloaded to the electronic dictionary 10 as additional dictionary data.

[0021] The Content List screen G1 displays a list of dictionary data (content) stored in the electronic dictionary 10, and by specifying a language-specific tab such as the [Japanese Language] tab TN or the [English Language] tab TE, it displays a list of dictionary icons for the specified language system. When the [Japanese Language] tab TN is specified, the dictionary icons for Japanese language dictionaries (for example, [Japanese 1] N1, [Japanese 2] N2, ...) are displayed in a list. Here, for example, when the [Japanese Language] tab TN is specified, the screen displaying the dictionary icons for the specified language system (N1, N2) will be called the Dictionary Icon List screen G2.

[0022] In this case, even if additional Japanese language dictionary data is downloaded from the WES server 20 to the electronic dictionary 10 and stored, if the additional dictionary data is set to be hidden on the dictionary icon list screen G2, the additional dictionary icon AD will not be displayed.

[0023] Furthermore, if the [Recommended] tab TR is selected on the content list screen G1, the dictionary icons (e.g., [Everyday English] AD1, [Exam English] AD2, [Business English] AD3, ...) corresponding to the additional dictionary data (content) downloaded from the WES server 20 and hidden on the dictionary icon list screen G2 may be displayed. Here, we assume that the user's English proficiency level is "intermediate," and that the additional dictionary data for [Exam English] AD2, which is suitable for an "intermediate" level user, the additional dictionary data for [Business English] AD3, which is more difficult, and the additional dictionary data for [Everyday English] AD1, which is less difficult, have been downloaded to the electronic dictionary 10 as recommended dictionary data by the WES server 20.

[0024] This allows users of the electronic dictionary 10 to know in advance, through a designated screen on the electronic dictionary 10, that there are additional dictionaries recommended based on their academic level, thus eliminating the need for them to consider purchasing additional dictionaries themselves.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10.

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the WES server (server device) 20.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of additional dictionary data (12d) stored in the electronic dictionary 10.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an example of a user management database (22c) stored in the WES server 20.

[0029] Figure 6 shows an example of a word difficulty database (22d) stored in the WES server 20.

[0030] Figure 7 shows an example of a recommended dictionary database (22e) categorized by academic ability level, which is stored in the WES server 20.

[0031] <Electronic Dictionary (Electronic Device) 10> As shown in Figure 2, the electronic dictionary (electronic device) 10 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 11, which is a computer.

[0032] The control unit 11 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the dictionary control program (12a) stored in the memory unit 12. The dictionary control program (12a) may be stored in the memory unit 12 in advance, read from an external storage medium (storage) 13 such as a memory card by the storage medium reading unit 14 and stored in the memory unit 12, or downloaded from a web server (in this case, a program server) on the communication network N via the communication unit (Wi-Fi) 15 and stored in the memory unit 12.

[0033] The Wi-Fi module used in the communication unit (Wi-Fi) 15 may be a complete module with a built-in protocol stack.

[0034] The dictionary control program (12a) includes a system program that controls the entire electronic dictionary 10, a program for communicating with the WES server 20 as needed, a program for searching dictionary data (12c) in response to user operations, a program for generating search history data (12e), a program for performing question processing based on problem set data (12f) in response to user operations, a program for performing conversation and pronunciation practice processing based on conversation and pronunciation practice data (12g) in response to user operations, and a program for performing the aforementioned functions (10a), (10b), (10c), and (10d) in coordination with the WES server 20 as needed.

[0035] The control unit 11 is connected via the system and data bus to the storage unit 12, the recording medium reading unit 14, the communication unit (Wi-Fi) 15, as well as the key input unit 16 including character input keys and [Translate / Confirm] keys, and the touch panel type display 17.

[0036] The memory unit 12 includes a program memory area 12a for storing the dictionary control program (12a), an electronic dictionary ID memory area 12b for storing the electronic dictionary ID (electronic dictionary identification information) (12b), a dictionary data memory area 12c for storing dictionary data (12c), an additional dictionary data memory area 12d for storing additional dictionary data (12d), a search history data memory area 12e for storing search history data (12e), a problem set data memory area 12f for storing problem set data (12f), and a conversation / pronunciation practice data memory area 12g for storing conversation / pronunciation practice data (12g).

[0037] The electronic dictionary ID storage area 12b stores electronic dictionary identification information unique to the electronic dictionary 10 as the electronic dictionary ID. The electronic dictionary ID may also serve as user identification information (in which case it will be referred to as "electronic dictionary <user> ID").

[0038] The dictionary data storage area 12c stores various dictionary data (content) categorized by language and field, such as Japanese dictionaries and English dictionaries, as dictionary data (digital content) that associates headwords (words and phrases) with explanatory information including the corresponding definitions, example sentences, and explanations. This dictionary data (digital content) also includes data for icons (dictionary icons) corresponding to the dictionary data that are displayed on the touch panel display unit 17. Therefore, icons are also a type of digital content.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the additional dictionary data storage area 12d stores dictionary data (content) downloaded from the WES server 20 as additional dictionary data (additional dictionary data) to the dictionary data (12c) stored in the dictionary data storage area 12c. The additional dictionary data (12d) is stored with a hidden flag (1: hidden, 0: displayed) to set its contents hidden, the download date from the WES server 20, and the most recent viewing date associated with it.

[0040] In the search history data storage area 12e, for each type of dictionary data (12c) and additional dictionary data (12d), the headwords (words, phrases, etc.) that the user searched in the dictionary data (12c) and additional dictionary data (12d) are stored in association with the date and time of the search.

[0041] The problem set data storage area 12f stores multiple types of problem data (content), for example, for learning English text. As the user progresses through learning by entering answers to the problems through the execution of the problem data, result data, including whether the answers were correct or incorrect, is added to and stored for the learned problem data.

[0042] The conversation and pronunciation practice data storage area 12g stores multiple types of practice data (content), such as for practicing English conversation and pronunciation. As the user progresses through conversation and pronunciation practice by executing the practice data, result data, including the evaluation score, is added to and stored for the practiced data.

[0043] Here, search history data (12e), problem set data (12f), and conversation / pronunciation practice data (12g), including the user's dictionary searches, answers to questions, and conversation / pronunciation practice, are periodically sent to the WES server 20 as user learning information (for example, each time the electronic dictionary 10 is used and powered off) for analysis.

[0044] Needless to say, the content for obtaining the user's learning information is not limited to the search history data (12e), the problem set data (12f), and the conversation and pronunciation practice data (12g).

[0045] The electronic dictionary 10 configured as described above realizes various functions as described in the following operation description by the control unit 11 controlling the operations of each part of the circuit according to the instructions described in the dictionary control program (12a) and the software and hardware cooperating with each other.

[0046] <WES Server (Server Device) 20> As shown in FIG. 3, the WES server (server device) 20 includes a control unit (CPU) 21 that is a computer.

[0047] The control unit 21 controls the operations of each part of the circuit according to the server control program (22a) stored in the storage unit 22.

[0048] The server control program (22a) may be stored in the storage unit 22 in advance, read by the recording medium reading unit 24 from an external recording medium 23 such as a CD-ROM and stored in the storage unit 22, or downloaded from a Web server (here, a program server) on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0049] The server control program (22a) includes, in addition to the system program that controls the entire WES server 20, a program for communicating and connecting with external communication devices including the electronic dictionary 10 at any time, and a program for cooperating with the electronic dictionary 10 at any time to execute the above-described functions (20a), (20b), and (20c).

[0050] Connected to the control unit 21 via the system and data buses are, in addition to the storage unit 22, the recording medium reading unit 24, and the communication unit 25, an input unit 26 including a pointing device and a keyboard, and a display unit 27.

[0051] The memory unit 22 includes a program memory area 22a for storing the server control program (22a), as well as a dictionary database memory area 22b, a user management database memory area 22c, a word difficulty database memory area 22d, a recommended dictionary database memory area 22e, and a work data memory area 22f.

[0052] The dictionary database storage area 22b stores numerous dictionary data (content) of various types, including different languages, fields, and difficulty levels. Each dictionary data entry associates a headword (a word or phrase) with corresponding descriptive information, including its meaning, example sentences, and explanations.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the user management database storage area 22c stores the following information in association with the user of the WES server 20: the electronic dictionary <user> ID of the electronic dictionary 10, user attributes such as occupation (for example, school, grade, and class for students, and workplace and department for working adults), learning information received from the electronic dictionary 10, subject-specific academic ability levels determined by analyzing the learning information, and stored dictionaries, which are identification information (for example, dictionary names) of dictionary data already stored in the electronic dictionary 10.

[0054] Furthermore, each dictionary stored in the user management database storage area 22c is associated with a purchase / unpurchased flag indicating whether the dictionary data (content) has been purchased or not on the corresponding electronic dictionary 10 with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID.

[0055] The electronic dictionary <user> ID and user attributes in the user management database storage area 22c may be entered and stored from the electronic dictionary 10, for example, during the initial setup when using the WES server 20 via the electronic dictionary 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in the user management database storage area 22c, the stored dictionaries include, for example, identification information of pre-installed dictionary data obtained based on the specifications of the electronic dictionary 10 during the initial setup when using the WES server 20 with the electronic dictionary 10, which is stored with a purchased flag associated with it. Subsequently, identification information of dictionary data downloaded as recommended dictionaries for the electronic dictionary 10 is stored with an unpurchased flag associated with it.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the word difficulty database memory area 22d stores the difficulty level of each word (for example, 1: lowest difficulty ~ 5: highest difficulty) associated with all the headwords (words) contained in the dictionary data in the dictionary database (22b).

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the recommended dictionary database storage area 22e stores identification information (e.g., dictionary name) of recommended dictionary data for each subject, categorized by academic level (e.g., low / medium / high), for users of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0059] The work data storage area 22f temporarily stores various types of data that are generated or acquired in accordance with the control of the operation of each part by the control unit 21, as needed.

[0060] In this configuration, the WES server 20 has a control unit 21 that controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to instructions written in the server control program (22a), and the software and hardware work together to realize various functions as described in the operation description below.

[0061] <<Operation of the Embodiment>> Next, the operation of the digital content transmission and reception system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0062] <Process to pre-upload recommended dictionary data for users of Electronic Dictionary 10> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the learning information transmission process of the electronic dictionary 10 and the recommended dictionary upload process of the WES server 20.

[0063] The electronic dictionary 10's learning information transmission process is performed periodically, for example, each time the user finishes using the electronic dictionary 10 and turns it off, i.e., whenever the user is not using the electronic dictionary 10. However, the timing when the user is not using the electronic dictionary 10 is not limited to this; for example, it could be determined by learning the time periods when the power is off.

[0064] When the electronic dictionary 10 is turned off (Step D1 (Yes)), the control unit 11 sends the electronic dictionary ID (12b) of the electronic dictionary 10, along with user learning information obtained from search history data (12e), problem set data (12f), and conversation / pronunciation practice data (12g), to the WES server 20 (Step D2).

[0065] When the WES server 20 receives the electronic dictionary ID (12b) and user learning information transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10 (step S1 (Yes)), the control unit 21 determines the user's academic level based on the received learning information (step S2).

[0066] The process for determining academic ability level is performed, for example, by one of the following processes (1) to (3) or a combination thereof. (1) The difficulty level of each word that was studied or answered correctly in the learning information is extracted from the word difficulty database (22d) (see Figure 6), and the academic ability level is determined from the average value of the extracted difficulty levels. (2) The academic level is determined from the correct answer rate of the problem set data (12f) included in the learning information. (3) The academic level is determined from the average evaluation score of the conversation and pronunciation practice data (12g) included in the learning information.

[0067] Based on the determined academic ability level of the user, the control unit 21 extracts identification information (e.g., dictionary name) of dictionary data (content) recommended for that user from the academic ability level-specific recommended dictionary database (22e) (see Figure 7) (step S3).

[0068] The control unit 21 determines whether the extracted recommended dictionary data is already stored in the user's electronic dictionary 10, based on the stored dictionaries associated with the electronic dictionary ID stored in the user management database (22c) (see Figure 5) (step S4).

[0069] If it is determined that the dictionary data recommended to the user is not already stored in the user's electronic dictionary 10 (step S4(No)), the control unit 21 reads the recommended dictionary data from the dictionary database (22b) and uploads it to the electronic dictionary 10 that was the source of the electronic dictionary ID received in step S1 (step S5).

[0070] The control unit 21 stores the identification information of the uploaded dictionary data as a stored dictionary associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c) (see Figure 5), setting the unpurchased flag (step S6).

[0071] When the electronic dictionary 10 downloads recommended dictionary data sent from the WES server 20 (step D3 (Yes)), the control unit 11 stores the downloaded recommended dictionary data as additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) with the hidden flag set to "1" (step D4).

[0072] The control unit 11 turns off the power and stops the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 (step D5).

[0073] This allows users of the electronic dictionary 10 to automatically download recommended dictionary data without purchasing it, even when the electronic dictionary 10 is not in use. Even if the dictionary data download takes a considerable amount of time, this is not a problem because it is executed when the electronic dictionary 10 is not being used.

[0074] In the recommended dictionary upload process by the WES server 20, as explained with reference to Figure 8, the dictionary data (content) recommended to the user was determined according to the user's academic level, which was determined from the user's learning information. However, based on the user attributes (school, grade, class) and stored dictionaries stored in the user management database (22c) (see Figure 5), it is also possible to determine the stored dictionaries that have a high percentage of commonality with the electronic dictionaries 10 of users in the same class as the user in question, and to determine dictionary data that is not in the stored dictionaries of the user's electronic dictionary 10 as the recommended dictionary data. Alternatively, the contents of the additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) of each user's electronic dictionary 10 may be shared through automatic communication connections (such as short-range wireless communication via the communication unit 15) between the electronic dictionaries 10 of users in the same class, and additional dictionary data with a high percentage of commonality may be determined as the recommended dictionary data.

[0075] Alternatively, based on user attributes stored in the user management database (22c) (see Figure 5), the system may determine the user's timely requirements, such as entrance exams, regular exams, or qualification exams, and select dictionary data (content) relevant to those exams as recommended dictionary data. Note that the exam dates for entrance exams, regular exams, qualification exams, etc., may be obtained by communicating with the WES server 20 or other servers not shown. The timing of this acquisition can be adjusted by adding a process to connect to a server (not shown) and acquire data such as the exam date after the electronic dictionary 10 has completed the processing in step D4, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0076] <Process to display recommended dictionary data downloaded in advance> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the recommended dictionary display process of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0077] In the electronic dictionary 10, as shown in Figure 1, when the content list screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel display unit 17 and the [Recommended] tab TR is selected (step D11 (Yes)), the control unit 11 displays a list of dictionary icons AD1, AD2, ... of the additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) for which the hidden flag "1" is set, i.e., recommended dictionary data that has not been purchased but has been downloaded in advance (step D12).

[0078] If the user specifies (selects) an arbitrary dictionary icon ADn (where n is a natural number) (step D13 (Yes)), the control unit 11 displays only a portion of the content of the additional (recommended) dictionary data corresponding to the specified dictionary icon ADn on the touch panel display unit 17 as a trial read, prompts the user to purchase the additional (recommended) dictionary data, and updates the viewing date (step D14).

[0079] Furthermore, the display of some content as a trial reading of additional (recommended) dictionary data may, for example, only show headwords and their explanatory information corresponding to a predetermined number (e.g., 10) of recently searched terms obtained from search history data (12e), or display headwords and their explanatory information corresponding to pre-set important learning terms (for example, essential terms to learn in the first year of junior high school, essential terms for entrance examinations to high school or university, essential terms for taking qualification exams, etc.).

[0080] In this case, the range (amount of information) of the explanatory information corresponding to the headword may not be limited to displaying all of the explanatory information. For example, it may be limited to displaying only the main meaning among multiple meanings, or the range of information that can be displayed may be increased or decreased as a reward based on the correct answer rate of the problem data or the evaluation or score on the practice data included in the user's learning information. Specifically, if the correct answer rate, evaluation, or score on the problems and conversation / pronunciation practice included in the user's learning information is higher than a predetermined threshold or rank, the amount of information in the explanatory information corresponding to the headword may be increased, and if it is lower, the amount of information may be decreased.

[0081] Next, when the [Back] key on the key input unit 16 is pressed (step D15 (Yes)), the control unit 11 returns to the process of displaying a list of dictionary icons AD1, AD2, ... for the additional (recommended) dictionary data (step D12).

[0082] Furthermore, if any key other than [Content List] or [Back] is pressed (Step D15(No)), the control unit 11 executes processing corresponding to the pressed key (Step D16).

[0083] As a result, the electronic dictionary 10 can hide recommended dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance but has not been purchased from the user on the touch panel display unit 17 in the [Japanese] tab TN and [English] tab TE, where dictionary icons corresponding to pre-installed or purchased dictionary data are registered, making them unavailable to the user. On the other hand, in the [Recommended] tab TR, where icons corresponding to recommended dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance but has not been purchased are registered, only a portion of the content of the recommended dictionary data (content) can be displayed as a sample to encourage the user to purchase it.

[0084] <Process to purchase recommended dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process for purchasing additional dictionaries for the electronic dictionary 10 and the process for the WES server 20 to handle the purchase of additional dictionaries.

[0085] In the electronic dictionary 10, for example, when an additional dictionary purchase screen (not shown) for accepting the purchase of additional dictionary data (content) is displayed, and the identification information (dictionary name) of the additional dictionary data to be purchased is specified (step D21 (Yes)), the control unit 11 determines whether the specified dictionary data identification information (dictionary name) matches the identification information (dictionary name) of additional dictionary data stored with the hidden flag "1" set in the additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4), that is, whether it matches additional (recommended) dictionary data that has not been purchased but has been downloaded in advance (step D22).

[0086] If it is determined that the additional dictionary data designated for purchase matches the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance with the hidden flag "1" set (step D22 (Yes)), the control unit 11 sends the electronic dictionary ID (12b) and the purchase request for the designated additional (recommended) dictionary data to the WES server 20 (step D23).

[0087] The control unit 11 removes the setting "1" for hiding the additional (recommended) dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) that was requested for purchase (sets it to 0) (step D24), displays the beginning (start) screen of the additional (recommended) dictionary data, and executes processing according to the user operation (step D25).

[0088] This allows users of the electronic dictionary 10 to quickly access additional dictionary data recommended for them without having to wait for download time.

[0089] When the WES server 20 receives a purchase request for the electronic dictionary ID and specified additional (recommended) dictionary data sent from the electronic dictionary 10 (step S11 (Yes)), the control unit 21 determines whether the received purchase request for the additional (recommended) dictionary data includes a download request (step S12).

[0090] Here, it is determined that the received request to purchase additional (recommended) dictionary data is a request to purchase additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance, and that the purchase request does not include a download request (Step S12(No)).

[0091] The control unit 21 updates the purchase / not purchased flag for the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been requested for purchase from the stored dictionaries associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c) by setting it to purchased (completed) (step S14).

[0092] The control unit 21 performs payment processing for the requested additional (recommended) dictionary data based on the user information of the electronic dictionary 10 obtained based on the received electronic dictionary ID (step S15).

[0093] On the other hand, if the electronic dictionary 10 determines that the additional dictionary data designated for purchase is new additional dictionary data that is not stored as additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) (step D22(No)), the control unit 11 sends the electronic dictionary ID (12b) and a request to download and purchase the designated additional dictionary data to the WES server 20 (step D26).

[0094] When the WES server 20 receives the electronic dictionary ID and a download and purchase request for additional dictionary data sent from the electronic dictionary 10 (step S11(Yes)), the control unit 21 determines that the received purchase request for additional dictionary data includes a download request (step S12(Yes)), reads the requested additional dictionary data from the dictionary database (22b), and uploads it to the electronic dictionary 10 (step S13).

[0095] The control unit 21 stores the identification information of the newly uploaded additional dictionary data as a stored dictionary associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c), and sets a purchased (completed) flag (step S14).

[0096] The control unit 21 performs payment processing for additional dictionary data that has been requested for purchase and uploaded, based on the user information of the electronic dictionary 10 obtained based on the received electronic dictionary ID (step S15).

[0097] In the electronic dictionary 10, when additional dictionary data sent from the WES server 20 in response to the purchase request in step D26 is downloaded (step D27 (Yes)), the control unit 11 stores the additional dictionary data uploaded from the WES server 20 as additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) with the hidden flag set to "0" (step D28).

[0098] The control unit 11 displays the beginning (rising screen) of the newly stored additional dictionary data (12d) and executes processing according to user operation (step D25).

[0099] <Process to delete previously downloaded recommended dictionary data> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the recommended dictionary deletion process for the electronic dictionary 10.

[0100] This recommended dictionary deletion process, like the learning information transmission process described above, may be performed periodically, for example, each time the user finishes using the electronic dictionary 10 and turns it off, that is, at times when the user is not using the electronic dictionary 10.

[0101] In the electronic dictionary 10, if it is determined that there is additional dictionary data stored as additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) for which the hidden flag "1" is set, i.e., additional (recommended) dictionary data that has not been purchased but has been downloaded in advance (step D31 (Yes)), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the data has been viewed based on whether or not there is a viewing date stored in association with the additional (recommended) dictionary data (step D32).

[0102] If, in this case, the hidden flag "1" is set and it is determined that the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance but has not been purchased has not been viewed (there is no information on the viewing date) (step D32(No)), the control unit 11 determines whether a certain period of time (for example, 30 days) has passed since the download date, based on the download date stored in association with the additional (recommended) dictionary data (step D33).

[0103] Then, if it is determined that the data has not been viewed for a certain period of time since the download date (Step D33 (Yes)), the control unit 11 deletes the corresponding additional (recommended) dictionary data from the additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) (Step D34), and sends the deletion information along with the electronic dictionary ID to the WES server 20 (Step D35).

[0104] On the other hand, if it is determined that additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance but has not been purchased and has the hidden flag "1" set has already been viewed (step D32 (Yes)), the control unit 11 determines whether a certain period of time (for example, 30 days) has elapsed since the viewing date stored in association with the additional (recommended) dictionary data (step D36).

[0105] Then, when it is determined that a certain period of time has elapsed since the viewing date (step D36 (Yes)), the control unit 11 deletes the corresponding additional (recommended) dictionary data from the additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) (step D34), and sends the deletion information along with the electronic dictionary ID to the WES server 20 (step D35).

[0106] Based on the deletion information transmitted from the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 of the WES server 20 deletes the identification information (with an unpurchased flag) of the additional (recommended) dictionary data deleted by the electronic dictionary 10 from the stored dictionary associated with the corresponding electronic dictionary ID in the user management database (22c) (see Figure 5).

[0107] As a result, the electronic dictionary 10 can delete additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance from the WES server 20 but has not been purchased, based on the user's browsing history, if it estimates that the likelihood of purchase is low, and does not leave it there, thereby efficiently securing effective free space in the additional dictionary data storage area 12d.

[0108] <<Summary of Embodiments>> According to the digital content transmission and reception system 1 of the embodiment, the electronic dictionary 10 transmits user learning information obtained based on search history data (12e), problem set data (12f), and conversation / pronunciation practice data (12g) to the WES server 20 each time the user performs a power-off operation. The WES server 20 determines the user's academic level based on the user's learning information, decides on additional dictionary data (content) to recommend according to the determined academic level, and uploads the additional (recommended) dictionary data to the user's electronic dictionary 10 in a state where it has not been purchased beforehand.

[0109] The electronic dictionary 10 sets the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance but has not been purchased to be hidden in the display area (dictionary icon list screen G2) corresponding to the predetermined tabs ([Japanese] tab TN, [English] tab TE) on the touch panel display unit 17, and stores it in the additional dictionary data storage area 12d (see Figure 4). Also, when the [Recommended] tab TR on the content list screen G1 is selected, the electronic dictionary 10 displays a list of dictionary icons AD1, AD2, ... corresponding to the additional (recommended) dictionary data. When the user instructs to purchase the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been downloaded in advance, the electronic dictionary 10 removes the hidden flag setting for the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been instructed to be purchased (changes the hidden flag from 1 to 0), displays the first (starting) screen of the additional (recommended) dictionary data, and executes processing according to the user's operation. At this time, the WES server 20 executes the payment process without uploading the additional (recommended) dictionary data that has been uploaded in advance.

[0110] This allows users of the electronic dictionary 10 to know in advance, through a designated screen on the electronic dictionary 10, that there are additional dictionaries recommended based on their academic level, eliminating the need for them to consider purchasing additional dictionaries themselves. Moreover, if they purchase the recommended additional dictionaries, they can use the purchased dictionaries immediately without waiting for the download time.

[0111] Therefore, even when using a low-throughput communication module in the electronic dictionary 10, users can quickly access additional content they require.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the WES server 20 is configured to perform the processes of determining the user's academic ability level based on the user's learning information and determining additional dictionary data recommended according to the determined academic ability level. However, these processes may be performed by the electronic dictionary 10 itself, and the WES server 20 may be configured to set the recommended additional dictionary data determined by the electronic dictionary 10 as "not purchased" and download it to the electronic dictionary 10 in advance.

[0113] Furthermore, in step D24 of the flowchart in Figure 10 of the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the electronic dictionary 10 sets the hidden flag from 1 to 0 if there is data in the additional dictionary data (12d) (see Figure 4) where the hidden flag is set to "1" that matches the dictionary name of the additional dictionary, and then displays the screen of the dictionary data for which the purchase request was made in step D25. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. After the processing in step D24, a process may be added to display the dictionary icon corresponding to the dictionary data specified in step D24 in the display area corresponding to the tab (dictionary icon list screen G2). Specifically, if the specified dictionary data is in the Japanese language category, the dictionary icon corresponding to the specified dictionary data is displayed in the display area corresponding to the [Japanese Language] tab TN in the electronic dictionary 10 in Figure 1 (in the area of ​​the dotted line frame AD) next to the dictionary icon N2 for Japanese Language 2. Alternatively, after the processing in step D24, the electronic dictionary processing may be terminated by displaying the dictionary icon corresponding to the specified dictionary data on the screen as described above. In other words, the dictionary icon corresponding to the dictionary data for which a purchase request was made will be displayed on the screen, but the initial (startup) screen of that dictionary data will not be displayed.

[0114] Each processing method performed by the digital content transmission / reception system 1 as described in the above embodiments, namely the learning information transmission process in the electronic dictionary 10 and the recommended dictionary upload process in the WES server 20 shown in the flowchart of Figure 8, the recommended dictionary display process in the electronic dictionary 10 shown in the flowchart of Figure 9, the additional dictionary purchase process in the electronic dictionary 10 and the additional dictionary purchase response process in the WES server 20 shown in the flowchart of Figure 10, and the recommended dictionary deletion process in the electronic dictionary 10 shown in the flowchart of Figure 11, can all be distributed as programs that can be executed by a computer, stored on the media of an external recording device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or semiconductor memory. The control unit (CPU) of the information processing device (electronic device) reads the program recorded on the media of this external recording device into the storage device, and its operation is controlled by this read program, thereby realizing the various functions described in the embodiments and executing the same processing using the methods described above.

[0115] Furthermore, the program data for implementing each method can be transmitted over a communication network (N) in the form of program code. The program data can then be taken from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N) into an information processing device (electronic device), stored in a memory device, and the various functions described above can be implemented.

[0116] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. The embodiments may also be combined as appropriate, and in that case, combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple disclosed constituent elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention.

[0117] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below.

[0118] [Note 1] Communications Department and, A memory unit that stores the user's learning information, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When the user performs a predetermined operation on the device, the device receives digital content determined based on the learned information from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content information indicating that the content is not to be displayed, along with the received digital content. electronic equipment.

[0119] [Note 2] Equipped with a display unit, The control unit, The electronic device according to Appendix 1, wherein, if there is non-display information corresponding to the digital content stored in the memory unit, the digital content is not displayed in the first display area of ​​the display unit, and the digital content is displayed in a second display area different from the first display area.

[0120] [Note 3] The control unit, When the display unit detects an operation related to a user's selection with respect to the digital content displayed in the second display area, it causes the display unit to display a portion of the digital content that has been pre-set. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 2.

[0121] [Note 4] The control unit, As part of the above, the display unit displays information corresponding to a predetermined phrase in the search history included in the learning information. Electronic devices as described in Appendix 3.

[0122] [Note 5] The control unit, Based on the user's evaluation of the learning information contained in the learning information, the amount of information in a portion of the content is increased or decreased and displayed on the display unit. Electronic devices as described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4.

[0123] [Note 6] The control unit, If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the aforementioned portion of the content was displayed on the display unit, the digital content displayed in the second display area is erased. Electronic equipment as described in either Appendix 3 or Appendix 5.

[0124] [Note 7] The control unit, If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the digital content was received from the server device, the digital content displayed in the second display area is erased. Electronic equipment as described in any one of the items in Appendix 2 through Appendix 6.

[0125] [Note 8] The control unit, If an operation related to acquisition by the user is detected for the digital content on which the aforementioned hidden information is set, the setting of the hidden information is removed. The unlocked digital content is displayed on the display unit. Electronic equipment as described in any of Appendix 2 through Appendix 7.

[0126] [Note 9] The control unit, An icon corresponding to the unlocked digital content is displayed in the first display area of ​​the display unit. Electronic devices as described in Appendix 8.

[0127] [Note 10] The aforementioned digital content is dictionary data, The user's learning information includes at least the search history of dictionary data other than the dictionary data on which the hidden information is set. Electronic equipment as described in any of Appendix 1 through Appendix 9.

[0128] [Note 11] The aforementioned predetermined operation is the operation of turning off the power to the electronic device. Electronic equipment as described in any of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0129] [Note 12] A digital content transmission and reception system comprising a server device having a database of digital content and electronic equipment, The aforementioned electronic device is Communications Department and, A memory unit that stores the user's learning information, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device by the user, the user's learning information is transmitted to the server device via the communication unit. In response to the transmission of the learning information, the storage unit stores in the digital content a hidden information indicating that the digital content is not to be displayed, along with the digital content, for the digital content transmitted from the server device via the communication unit. The server device is Based on the learning information transmitted from the electronic device, the system determines digital content to recommend to the user and transmits the determined digital content to the electronic device. Digital content transmission and reception system.

[0130] [Note 13] A method for transmitting and receiving digital content in electronic devices, The aforementioned electronic device comprises a communication unit, a storage unit for storing user learning information, and a control unit. The control unit, When a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device by the user, the digital content determined based on the learning information is received from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content information indicating that the content is not to be displayed, along with the received digital content. A method for sending and receiving digital content.

[0131] [Note 14] The electronic device comprises a communication unit, a storage unit for storing user learning information, and a control unit, and the control unit is When a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device by the user, the digital content determined based on the learning information is received from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content information indicating that the content is not to be displayed, along with the received digital content. A program designed to make it work in that way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 1. Digital content transmission and reception system 10. Electronic dictionary (electronic device) 11 ...Control Unit (CPU) 20 ...WES server (server device) 21 ...Control Unit (CPU) G1...Content list screen G2... Dictionary icon list screen TN... [Japanese Language] tab TE …[English-related] tab TR... [Recommended] tab N1, N2, ... Dictionary icons for Japanese language dictionaries AD1, AD2, ... Dictionary icon for additional (recommended) dictionaries N... Communication network (Internet)

Claims

1. Communications Department and, A memory unit that stores the user's learning information, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When the user performs a predetermined operation on the device, the device receives digital content determined based on the learned information from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content information indicating that the content is not to be displayed, along with the received digital content. electronic equipment.

2. Equipped with a display unit, The control unit, If there is non-display information corresponding to the digital content stored in the memory unit, the digital content is not displayed in the first display area of ​​the display unit, and the digital content is displayed in a second display area different from the first display area. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, When the display unit detects an operation related to a user's selection with respect to the digital content displayed in the second display area, it causes the display unit to display a portion of the digital content that has been pre-set. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, As part of the above, the display unit displays information corresponding to a predetermined phrase in the search history included in the learning information. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, Based on the user's evaluation of the learning information contained in the learning information, the amount of information in a portion of the content is increased or decreased and displayed on the display unit. The electronic device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The control unit, If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the aforementioned portion of the content was displayed on the display unit, the digital content displayed in the second display area is erased. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The control unit, If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the digital content was received from the server device, the digital content displayed in the second display area is erased. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The control unit, If an operation related to acquisition by the user is detected for the digital content on which the aforementioned hidden information is set, the setting of the hidden information is removed. The unlocked digital content is displayed on the display unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. The control unit, An icon corresponding to the unlocked digital content is displayed in the first display area of ​​the display unit. The electronic device according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned digital content is dictionary data, The user's learning information includes at least the search history of dictionary data other than the dictionary data on which the hidden information is set. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aforementioned predetermined operation is the operation of turning off the power to the electronic device. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A digital content transmission and reception system comprising a server device having a database of digital content and electronic equipment, The aforementioned electronic device is Communications Department and, A memory unit that stores the user's learning information, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device by the user, the user's learning information is transmitted to the server device via the communication unit. In response to the transmission of the learning information, the storage unit stores in the digital content a hidden information indicating that the digital content is not to be displayed, along with the digital content, for the digital content transmitted from the server device via the communication unit. The server device is Based on the learning information transmitted from the electronic device, the system determines digital content to recommend to the user and transmits the determined digital content to the electronic device. Digital content transmission and reception system.

13. A method for transmitting and receiving digital content in electronic devices, The aforementioned electronic device comprises a communication unit, a storage unit for storing user learning information, and a control unit. The control unit, When a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device by the user, the digital content determined based on the learning information is received from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content information indicating that the content is not to be displayed, along with the received digital content. A method for sending and receiving digital content.

14. The electronic device comprises a communication unit, a storage unit for storing user learning information, and a control unit, and the control unit is When a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device by the user, the digital content determined based on the learning information is received from the server device via the communication unit. The storage unit stores in the received digital content information indicating that the content is not to be displayed, along with the received digital content. A program designed to make it work in that way.

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