Electronic device, display control method and program

Abstract

To enable even unexperienced users to easily determine a punctuation position, and to enable improving convenience of the user.SOLUTION: An electronic instrument 1 responds to a manual operation of a user to input (set) a punctuation symbol in an arbitrary position relative to a foreign language text. The electronic instrument 1 is configured to: receive punctuation position information (punctuation auxiliary information) including the punctuation position of the preliminarily registered punctuation symbol from a database 4 of a server 3 via a network 2; and display a punctuation auxiliary symbol in a prescribed position of the foreign language text on the basis of the punctuation position information. The punctuation position information is selectable from a plurality of pieces of punctuation position information based on something set by other user, something set by teachers, based on a user attribute (an input history), and based on learning levels, or based on a grammar rule such as a part of speech and the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a display control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Slash reading is one method of learning English. Slash reading is known to be effective as it allows users to understand the meaning of a sentence in its original English word order. However, while many current electronic dictionaries provide natural Japanese translations of individual sentences and paragraphs, they are unable to display Japanese translations for each phrase, making learning through slash reading difficult.

[0003] On the other hand, technology has been proposed that uses general English movies, dramas, anime, etc. as learning materials and devices to enable learning through slash reading in conjunction with video and audio (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-112681 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for specifying a Japanese translation corresponding to a specified part of an English sentence, it is not easy for unfamiliar users who do not know where to make the breaks to determine the break points for slash reading.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve user convenience by enabling even inexperienced users to easily determine break positions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device according to the present invention includes a display control unit that, when a user selects a location before or after a word included in a sentence displayed on a display unit, displays a delimiter symbol at the selected location, and an acquisition unit that acquires delimiter auxiliary information that is pre-registered for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a location before or after the word, and the display control unit displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the delimiter auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition unit. The display form of the delimiter auxiliary symbol is changed depending on the number of users who have set the delimiter symbol. It is characterized by:

[0008] A display control method according to the present invention is a display control method for displaying a sentence on a display unit, and includes the steps of: when a portion before or after a word included in the sentence is selected based on a user operation, displaying a delimiter symbol at the selected portion; acquiring delimiter auxiliary information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a portion before or after the word; and displaying a delimiter auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the acquired delimiter auxiliary information. a step of varying the display form of the delimiter auxiliary symbol depending on the number of users who have set the delimiter symbol; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0009] A program according to the present invention is a program executed by an electronic device that displays a text on a display unit, and realizes a display control function that, when a portion before or after a word included in the text is selected based on a user operation, displays a delimiter symbol at the selected portion, and an acquisition function that acquires delimiter auxiliary information that is pre-registered for the text and that assists the user in selecting a portion before or after the word, and the display control function displays a delimiter auxiliary symbol in the text based on the delimiter auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition function, The display form of the delimiter auxiliary symbol is changed depending on the number of users who have set the delimiter symbol. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, even an inexperienced user can easily determine the division positions, thereby improving user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using an electronic device 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a display example of the slash reading processing operation of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation of the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the basic operation of the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of aggregating breaker position information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a counting method by the server 3 of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB of the server 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a display operation of a delimiter set by another user in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using breakpoint information provided by a teacher according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB of the server 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display operation (second operation) of the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment for displaying a delimiter set by a teacher. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using user attributes (input history) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB based on user attributes (input history) of the server 3 of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a display operation of a delimiter specified according to a user attribute (input history) in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using breakpoint position information (learning level) by a server 3 of the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a breakpoint position information (learning level) DB of the server 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the display operation of delimiters specified according to the learning level in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using delimiter position information (grammar rules) by a server 3 of the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information (grammar rule) DB of the server 3 according to this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the display operation of delimiters in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A. Embodiment The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. In the following description, delimiters are defined in foreign language text using terms such as "input (setting)" and "display." Both of these expressions refer to the association between phrase positions in the foreign language text and the positions of delimiters (hereinafter referred to as "delimiter positions"). In other words, delimiters may be embedded in the foreign language text, or may be separate data linking phrase positions in the foreign language text with delimiter positions. In either case, it is possible to display phrase positions in the foreign language text in association with delimiter positions.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using an electronic device 1 of this embodiment. The electronic device 1 is connected to a network 2 such as the Internet. A server 3 is also connected to the network 2. The electronic device 1 and the server 3 transmit and receive various information via the network 2. Note that in the illustrated example, only one electronic device 1 is connected, but in reality, at least one or more other electronic devices with similar functions (slash reading) owned by individual users scattered throughout the country can be connected. Details of these other electronic devices will be described later.

[0014] The electronic device 1 may be configured as a portable device dedicated to an electronic dictionary, as described below, or as a PDA (personal digital assistant), PC (personal computer), mobile phone, e-book, portable game console, or the like equipped with a dictionary function. The electronic device 1 is capable of setting (displaying) delimiters at any position in foreign language (e.g., English) text in response to a user's manual operation. The electronic device 1 also receives pre-registered delimiter position information (hereinafter referred to as delimiter position information; delimiter auxiliary information) from a server 3 via a network 2 and sets (displays) delimiter auxiliary symbols at predetermined positions in the foreign language text based on the delimiter position information. In response to a predetermined operation (translation execution), the electronic device 1 translates each delimited phrase based on the delimiters set for the foreign language text and displays the translation result (e.g., Japanese). The server 3 collects delimiter position information set for each foreign language text in other electronic devices (not shown), including the electronic device 1, via the network 2 and registers it in a database 4 according to predetermined rules. The server 3 provides the delimiter position information stored in the database 4 in response to a request from the electronic device 1.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device (electronic dictionary) 1 according to this embodiment. The electronic device 1 includes a CPU 11, a storage unit 12, a key input unit 13, a touch panel display unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0016] The CPU 11 is a CPU that controls various operations of the electronic device 1. The CPU 11 may be a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. The CPU 11 may also be composed of two or more CPUs. The CPU 11 operates as a determination unit that determines input of a specific operation key in the key input unit 13 or input of a touch operation on the touch panel 14b. The CPU 11 also operates as a control unit that changes the processing to be executed in response to the operation of a specific operation key or a touch operation.

[0017] The storage unit 12 stores a system program (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the electronic device 1, a communication program (not shown) for communicating data with the server 3 on the network 2 via the communication unit 15, a translation program 12a for translating foreign language text, a delimiter control program 12b for inputting, displaying, and setting delimiters for the foreign language text, various dictionary data 12c for translation, and foreign language text data (plural) 12d. The key input unit 13 includes various keys that the user uses to operate the electronic device 1. When an operation using the key input unit 13 is accepted, an input signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the CPU 11.

[0018] The touch panel display unit 14 is an integrated structure that combines a touch position detection device that detects the position touched by the user with a pen or finger with a display device, and is configured by overlapping a touch panel 14b on a display unit 14a. The display unit 14a is an m x n dot display such as an LCD display, and displays foreign language text, menu buttons, punctuation marks, and translation results. The communication unit 15 communicates data with the server 3 via the network 2 under the control of the CPU 11.

[0019] In this embodiment, the main focus is on inputting, displaying, and setting delimiters for performing slash reading on foreign language text, and therefore, a description of the translation operation of foreign language text will be omitted.

[0020] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the slash reading processing operation of this embodiment. As shown in the upper part of Fig. 3, during slash reading, electronic device 1 displays foreign language text 20 on display unit 14a, and displays a group of function buttons 21 on the right edge for instructing various functions in response to touch operations with a finger, a pen, or the like. Also, a read-aloud button 22 is displayed on the left edge of foreign language text 20, which reads foreign language text 20 aloud sentence by sentence.

[0021] Of the function button group 21, the input button 21a is an icon for transitioning to an editing operation for inputting a delimiter symbol at a desired position. The Wi-Fi (registered trademark) button 21b is an icon for setting whether or not to perform data communication with the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15. The share button 21c is an icon for setting whether or not to share delimiter position information with the server 3 when data communication is established. The guide button 21d is an icon for selecting a desired operation (delimiter setting method) from multiple options for inputting a delimiter auxiliary symbol into foreign language text.

[0022] In particular, when the guide button 21d is selected, a submenu 25 is displayed. In the submenu 25, a desired setting method can be selected from multiple options for setting auxiliary delimiters for foreign language text: "Other Users," "Teacher," "User Attributes (Input History)," "Learning Level," and "Grammar Rules such as Parts of Speech."

[0023] "Other users" display separator auxiliary symbols in the foreign language text based on the separator positions set by other users, and also insert separators at those separator positions. Record The number of users who have set the number is auxiliary This is the first operation to display symbols so that they can be identified by their line type, color, etc. "Teacher" is the second operation to display punctuation marks in the foreign language text based on the punctuation positions where punctuation auxiliary marks have been preset by a desired teacher from among multiple teachers.

[0024] "User attributes (input history)" is an operation (third operation) of displaying a separator for foreign language text based on the user attributes (input history), i.e., the separator positions set by other users who have a setting tendency closest to the user's input tendency (separator input positions) of separators already input into foreign language text. "Learning level" is an operation (fourth operation) of displaying a separator for foreign language text based on the learning level (beginner - beginner - intermediate - advanced) selected by the user using the electronic device 1. "Grammar rules for parts of speech, etc." is an operation (fifth operation) of displaying a separator for foreign language text based on the grammar rules selected by the user using the electronic device 1.

[0025] The bottom section of Figure 3 shows an example of a display screen during translation using slash reading. During translation, foreign language text 20 is displayed in the upper section of display unit 14a, and a translation 23 by translation program 12a is displayed in the lower section, with the translation results (e.g., Japanese) for each phrase separated by delimiters displayed in a pop-up window 24. The translation for each phrase is selected (copy and paste) by the user from translation 23, or is input directly by the user. This allows the user to understand the meaning of even long sentences in accordance with the word order of the foreign language, enabling efficient foreign language learning.

[0026] However, for inexperienced users, such as beginners, who "don't know where to put the breaks," it is not easy to input (set) the breaks for slash reading. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to easily input (set) breaks for slash reading by displaying the positions of breaks already set by other users or teachers, or the positions of breaks that have been set in advance according to the user's learning level or selected grammar rules, thereby enabling efficient learning of a foreign language.

[0027] B. Operation of the Embodiment 4 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation (delimiter editing operation) of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. The CPU 11 first determines whether sharing is set (step S10). If sharing is not set (NO in step S10), the CPU 11 updates the display on the display unit 14a (step S16) and determines whether a key operation has been input through the key input unit 13 or a touch operation has been input on the touch panel 14b (step S18). If a key operation or a touch operation has been input (YES in step S18), the CPU 11 updates the input information (step S20) and updates the display on the display unit 14a so that the delimiter is displayed at a position corresponding to the key operation or the touch operation (step S16).

[0028] On the other hand, if no delimiter has been input (NO in step S18), CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been a setting change (change to sharing, Wi-Fi: registered trademark, guide, etc.) (step S22), and if there has been no setting change (NO in step S22), determines whether or not input of delimiter has been completed (step S24), and if input has not been completed (NO in step S24), returns to step S18 and continues input of delimiter.

[0029] On the other hand, if the input of the delimiter has been completed (YES in step S24), the CPU 11 determines whether sharing has been set (step S26), and if sharing has not been set (NO in step S26), the process ends.

[0030] On the other hand, if sharing is set (YES in step S10), the CPU 11 determines whether the guide button 21d has been pressed (step S12). If the guide button 21d has not been pressed (NO in step S12), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S16 and subsequent steps. That is, the CPU 11 inputs (sets) delimiters into the foreign language text in response to the user's operation.

[0031] Then, when the input of the delimiters is completed (YES in step S24), in this case, sharing is set (YES in step S26), so the CPU 11 transmits delimiter position information indicating the delimiter positions of the delimiters input (set) for the foreign language text to the server 3 via the communication unit 15 and the network 2 (step S28). The server 3 stores the delimiter position information indicating the delimiter positions of the delimiters input (set) for the foreign language text in the database 4 according to a predetermined management method. The management method of the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) in the server 3 will be described later.

[0032] On the other hand, if the guide button 21d is pressed (YES in step S12), the CPU 11 acquires preset delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 by the communication unit 15 in accordance with an operation selected by the user from a plurality of operations (delimiter setting methods) for displaying delimiters in foreign language text (step S14). The plurality of operations (delimiter setting methods) will be described later.

[0033] Next, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S16 and subsequent steps. That is, based on the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) in which delimiter positions are set in advance acquired from the server 3, the CPU 11 updates the display so that a delimiter auxiliary symbol is displayed at a predetermined phrase position in the foreign language text (step S16). In this case, the user refers to the delimiter auxiliary symbol displayed based on the delimiter position information in which delimiter positions are set in advance to confirm the delimiter auxiliary symbol, input a new delimiter symbol, or delete a delimiter symbol or delimiter auxiliary symbol that is deemed unnecessary (steps S18, S20).

[0034] Then, when the input (editing) of the delimiter symbol or delimiter auxiliary symbol is completed (YES in step S24), the CPU 11 transmits delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) indicating the delimiter position set for the foreign language text to the server 3 via the network 2 via the communication unit 15 (step S28).

[0035] Furthermore, regardless of whether sharing is set or not, if any setting is changed (change to sharing, WiFi, guide, etc.) while inputting (editing) the delimiter (YES in step S22), the CPU 10 returns to step S10 and repeats the above-mentioned steps S10 to S28.

[0036] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams for explaining the basic operation (editing operation of delimiters) of the electronic device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, when delimiter position information in which delimiter positions are set in advance is acquired from the server 3, the electronic device 1 sets delimiters at predetermined phrase positions in the foreign language text 20 based on the set delimiter positions. auxiliary In the state shown in Figure 5(a), if you select (click or touch with a pen) a phrase position in the foreign language text 20 where no delimiter is displayed, as shown in Figure 5(b), you can input a new delimiter (thick solid line) at that phrase position.

[0037] Also, as shown in FIG. 5(c), a delimiter based on preset delimiter position information is used. auxiliary By selecting (clicking) the symbol (thin solid line), , ward The delimiter symbol can be confirmed (set) (thick solid line). Also, as shown in FIG. 5(d), by double-clicking, double-touching, or using the eraser function to select a delimiter symbol (thin solid line) based on pre-set delimiter position information, the delimiter symbol can be deleted (dotted line) from the foreign language text 20. Also, although not shown, by performing a predetermined operation, pre-set delimiters displayed on the foreign language text 20 can be deleted based on the delimiter position information obtained from the server 3. auxiliary Symbols may be set (confirmed) or deleted all at once. Finally, as shown in Figure 5(e), delimiters can be input (set) at desired phrase positions in the foreign language text 20.

[0038] B1. Other users (first action) 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of aggregating break position information in this embodiment. Electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c are electronic devices used by other users, and have functions equivalent to those of the electronic device 1 described above. The electronic devices 1a to 1c communicate data with a server 3 via a network 2. In each of the electronic devices 1a to 1c, the user inputs (sets) break symbols into foreign language texts 20a to 20c.

[0039] In electronic device 1a, the delimiters are input (set) as "I say to you / today, / my friends. / And so even though / we face / the difficulties / of today and tomorrow. / I still have / a dream. / " In electronic device 1b, the delimiters are input (set) as "I say to you today, / my friends. / And so even though / we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow. / I still have a dream. / " And in electronic device 1c, the delimiters are input (set) as "I say to you today, / my friends. / And so even though / we face the difficulties / of today and tomorrow. / I still have a dream. / ".

[0040] Each user of the electronic devices 1a to 1c inputs (sets) a delimiter symbol at a unique phrase position according to their own learning level, ease of learning, etc. Therefore, the delimiter symbol may be set at a different phrase position depending on the user, or may be set at the same phrase position. The electronic devices 1a to 1c transmit (upload) delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 30a to 30c indicating the position of the delimiter symbol input (set) by each user to the server 3 via the network 2 (see steps S26 and S28 in FIG. 4). The server 3 compiles the delimiter position information 30a to 30c uploaded from the electronic devices 1a to 1c and stores it in the delimiter position information DB 4a.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a counting method by the server 3 of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB by the server 3 of this embodiment. The server 3 counts the delimiter position information 30a to 30c uploaded from the electronic devices 1a to 1c. Specifically, the set delimiter positions are identified, and the number of users who have set delimiters at those delimiter positions is counted. The counted delimiter positions are, as indicated by reference numeral 31 in FIG. 7, "I say to you [P1] today, [P2] my friends. [P3] And so even though [P4] we face [P5] the difficulties [P6] of today and tomorrow. [P7] I still have [P8] a dream. [P9]" (the characters in brackets [ ] indicate the delimiter positions).

[0042] The counting results are 1 person at delimiter position [P1], 3 people at delimiter positions [P2], [P3], and [P4], 1 person at delimiter position [P5], 2 people at delimiter position [P6], 3 people at delimiter position [P7], 1 person at delimiter position [P8], 3 people at delimiter position [P9], etc. The server 3 stores the above-mentioned counting results of the delimiter position information 30a-30b uploaded from the electronic devices 1a-1c in the delimiter position information DB 4a, as shown in Fig. 8, by associating the delimiter positions P1-P9... with the number of users for the foreign language text "TEXT_A."

[0043] In addition, instead of tallying the data in advance and storing the tallying results in the delimiter position information DB4a, the server 3 may store the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 30a to 30c set by each user in the delimiter position information DB4a, and perform the tallying work when a request is received from the electronic device 1.

[0044] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an operation (first operation) of displaying a delimiter set by another user in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. When the user operates the guide button 21d in a state where sharing is set and then selects "Other Users" from the submenu 25, the electronic device 1 requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 by the communication unit 15 (see step S14).

[0045] In response to a request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 transmits delimiter position information 33 in which the delimiter positions as shown in the delimiter position information DB4a are linked to the number of users. Note that the delimiter position information 33 shown in FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram, and in reality, the information is transmitted as data in which the delimiter positions are linked to the number of users at the delimiter positions. In the illustrated example, the position of [ ] indicates the delimiter position in the foreign language text, and the number in [ ] is the number of users. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 performs the following for the foreign language text 20 based on the acquired delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 33: Delimiter The separator auxiliary symbols at positions where the number of set users is relatively large are displayed with thick lines, the separator auxiliary symbols at positions where the number of set users is relatively small are displayed with thin lines, and the separator auxiliary symbols at positions where the number of set users is relatively small are displayed with dotted lines. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the display color of the separator auxiliary symbols may be changed depending on the number of users. The user can see that other users are displayed in different display forms (line type, color, etc.) depending on the number of users. Delimiter Set Position By referring to the delimiter auxiliary symbol, the delimiter auxiliary symbol can be confirmed, a new delimiter symbol can be input, or a delimiter symbol can be deleted.

[0046] In this way, in the first operation, other users can see where the RecordIs a number set, and is there a separator at that position? Record Since it is possible to know whether the number of users who have set the delimiter is large or small, the user can easily input (set) the delimiter by referring to this information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0047] B2. Teacher (2nd movement) 10 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using breakpoint information provided by teachers in this embodiment. Teachers A, B, and C each set breakpoints in foreign language text using a device equivalent to electronic device 1, and transmit (upload) the information in advance to server 3 via network 2 (see steps S26 and S28 in FIG. 4). Server 3 compiles the breakpoint information (breakpoint auxiliary information) 31a to 31c uploaded from the devices of teachers A, B, and C, and stores it in breakpoint information DB 4b.

[0048] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the break position information DB of the server 3 of this embodiment. The server 3 stores break position information 31a to 31c uploaded from teachers A, B, and C (their electronic devices) in a break position information DB 4b, as shown in FIG. 10, by associating the teacher with the break position information for each foreign language text. In the example shown, for text "TEXT_A," break position information Pa1 set by teacher A, break position information Pb1 set by teacher B, and break position information Pc1 set by teacher C are registered. For text "TEXT_B," break position information Pa2 set by teacher A, break position information Pb2 set by teacher B, and break position information Pc2 set by teacher C are registered. For text "TEXT_B," break position information Pa3 set by teacher A, break position information Pb3 set by teacher B, and break position information Pc3 set by teacher C are registered.

[0049] FIG. 12 shows the delimiter set by the teacher in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. Separator auxiliary symbol in place of12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing an operation (second operation) of displaying the "Separation by Teacher" symbol. When the user operates the guide button 21d in the sharing setting state, and then selects "Separation by Teacher" from the submenu 25 shown in the upper part of FIG. 12, the electronic device 1 displays a pop-up screen 26 for selecting a teacher, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 12. The pop-up screen 26 clearly lists the characteristics for setting the separator symbol for each teacher. For example, for Teacher A, it displays "recommended for beginner to intermediate level, separating before prepositions, etc."; for Teacher B, it displays "recommended for advanced level, long sentences, separating before relative pronouns, etc."; and for Teacher C, it displays "recommended by a wide range of users, separating before conjunctions, commas, colons, etc." The user selects the desired teacher from the characteristics for each teacher displayed on the pop-up screen 26.

[0050] When a teacher is selected by the user, the electronic device 1 requests the server 3 for breakpoint position information (breakpoint auxiliary information) via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (see step S14). In response to the request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 transmits the breakpoint position information (breakpoint auxiliary information) registered for the selected teacher from the breakpoint position information registered in the breakpoint position information DB4b. For example, if teacher A is selected, the server 3 transmits the breakpoint position information Pa1 set by teacher A. In the electronic device 1, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 12, the CPU 11 displays the breakpoint auxiliary symbols for the foreign language text on the display unit 14a based on the acquired breakpoint position information Pa1. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the display color may be different for each teacher. The user can select the teacher from the list of teachers. is registered for By referring to the delimiter auxiliary symbol, the delimiter auxiliary symbol can be confirmed, a new delimiter symbol can be input, or a delimiter symbol can be deleted.

[0051] In this way, in the second operation, the teacher can refer to the division positions that have been set in advance, so even inexperienced users can easily input (set) division symbols, thereby improving user convenience.

[0052] B3. User attributes (input history) (third action) FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using user attributes (input history) according to this embodiment. Electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c are electronic devices used by different users, and perform data communication with a server 3 via a network 2. In each of the electronic devices 1a to 1c, the user inputs (sets) delimiters into foreign language texts 20a to 20c. Each user of the electronic devices 1a to 1c inputs (sets) delimiters at unique positions according to their own learning level, ease of learning, and the like. Therefore, delimiters are input (set) at different positions or the same positions depending on the user.

[0053] The electronic devices 1a to 1c transmit (upload) delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 32a to 32c indicating the positions of delimiters set by each of them to the server 3 via the network 2 (see steps S26 and S28 in FIG. 4). The server 3 stores the delimiter position information 32a to 32c uploaded from the electronic devices 1a to 1c in the delimiter position information DB 4c for each foreign language text.

[0054] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delimiter position information DB based on user attributes (input history) of the server 3 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the server 3 stores delimiter position information 32a to 32c uploaded from the electronic devices 1a to 1c in a delimiter position information DB 4c.

[0055] 15 is a schematic diagram showing an operation (third operation) of displaying a delimiter auxiliary symbol identified according to user attributes (input history) in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. When the user inputs delimiters in several places in the foreign language text 20 in the electronic device 1, the user operates the guide button 21d and then selects "User attributes (history)" from the submenu 25. The electronic device 1 then requests delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) from the server 3 via the network 2 using the communication unit 15 (see step S14). At this time, the electronic device 1 transmits delimiter position information 33 including the delimiter positions of the delimiters that have been set up to that point.

[0056] In response to a request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 identifies delimiter position information that is likely to be closest to the delimiter position information registered in the delimiter position information DB 4c based on the position of the delimiter symbol (delimiter position information 33) partially input from the electronic device 1, and transmits the identified delimiter position information to the electronic device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the server 3 determines that the position pattern of the delimiter auxiliary symbol set in the electronic device 1c is closest to the delimiter position information 33 in which the delimiter symbol is set partially in the foreign language text 20, and transmits the delimiter position information 31c (Pc1) set in the electronic device 1c to the electronic device 1. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol (e.g., a thick solid line) at a position where the delimiter symbol is likely to be set next in the foreign language text 20 where the delimiter symbol is set partially, based on the acquired delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) 31c, so as to distinguish it from the delimiter symbol input by the user. Note that if the display unit 14a is a color display, the delimiter auxiliary symbol set at a position where the delimiter symbol is likely to be set next may be displayed in a different color from the delimiter symbol input by the user. The user confirms the delimiter auxiliary symbol, inputs a new delimiter symbol, or deletes the delimiter auxiliary symbol, with reference to a delimiter auxiliary symbol based on delimiter position information set by another user that is likely to be closest to the arrangement of the delimiter symbol that the user has partially input.

[0057] In this way, the third operation identifies the delimiter position information set by another user that is likely to be closest to the placement of the delimiter symbol that the user has entered partway through (input history), and displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol at the phrase position that is predicted to be entered next.This allows even inexperienced users to easily input (set) delimiters, improving user convenience.

[0058] B4. Learning level (4th movement) FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using breakpoint position information (learning level) by the server 3 of this embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the breakpoint position information DB of the server 3 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the server 3 associates the learning level with the breakpoint position information for each foreign language text and stores the associated information in the breakpoint position information (learning level) DB4d. As shown in FIG. 17, the breakpoint position information DB4d has breakpoint position information (breakpoint auxiliary information) Pl1, Pl2, ... Pl7 registered in advance for each foreign language text for seven learning levels set from beginner to beginner to intermediate to advanced. Note that the breakpoint position information Pl1, Pl2, ... Pl7 for each learning level is not fixed and may be modified (updated) periodically or irregularly.

[0059] 18 is a schematic diagram showing an operation (fourth operation) of displaying delimiters specified according to the learning level in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. When the user operates the guide button 21d in the electronic device 1 and then selects "learning level" from the submenu 25, the electronic device 1 displays a slide bar 50 for specifying the learning level at the bottom of the touch panel display unit 14. The slide bar 50 is set, from left to right, as beginner, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The user slides the operator on the slide bar 50 left or right to select the desired learning level.

[0060] When the operator on the slide bar 50 is slid, the electronic device 1 transmits position information (learning level information) indicating the position of the operator to the server 3 via the network 2 in real time using the communication unit 15, and requests division position information (division auxiliary information) corresponding to the learning level. In response to the request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 transmits to the electronic device 1 division position information (division auxiliary information) corresponding to the position (learning level) of the operator on the slide bar 50 from among the division position information P11 to P17 registered in the division position information DB 4d. For example, when the operator on the slide bar 50 is located between beginner and beginner level as shown in the middle part of FIG. 18, the server 3 transmits the division position information P12 shown in FIG. 17 to the electronic device 1. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays division symbols (thick solid lines) for the foreign language text displayed on the touch panel display unit 14 based on the acquired division position information P12.

[0061] Furthermore, in the electronic device 1, when the operator of the slide bar 50 is slid and the operator of the slide bar 50 is positioned between intermediate and advanced as shown in the lower part of Fig. 18, the server 3 transmits the division position information P16 shown in Fig. 17 to the electronic device 1. In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays division auxiliary symbols (thick solid lines) for the foreign language text displayed on the touch panel display unit 14 based on the acquired division position information P16.

[0062] In electronic device 1, by sliding the operator of slide bar 50 left or right, division position information (division auxiliary information) corresponding to the position of the operator (learning level) is received in real time from server 3, and division auxiliary symbols are displayed for the foreign language text displayed on touch panel display unit 14 based on the received division position information. As shown in the middle part of FIG. 18, when the foreign language text is positioned between introductory and beginner level, division auxiliary symbols (thick solid lines) are displayed with relatively narrow intervals between the foreign language text, and as shown in the bottom part of FIG. 18, when the foreign language text is positioned between intermediate and advanced level, division auxiliary symbols (thick solid lines) are displayed with relatively wide intervals between the foreign language text. The user can confirm the division auxiliary symbols, input new division auxiliary symbols, or delete division auxiliary symbols by referring to the division auxiliary symbols displayed according to the learning level specified by the user.

[0063] Since sending and receiving breakpoint information in real time may take time to display the breakpoints, breakpoint information for all learning levels may be received when "Learning Level" is selected from submenu 25, allowing instantaneous switching without repeated sending and receiving. Also, the user's learning level may be automatically determined based on the content (level of textbooks and reference books, results of English questions) contained in electronic device (electronic dictionary) 1, and the initial position of the operator on slide bar 50 may be determined according to that learning level.

[0064] In this way, in the fourth operation, a separator auxiliary symbol is displayed in the foreign language text based on separator position information corresponding to the learning level specified by the user, thereby improving user convenience by allowing even inexperienced users to easily determine separator positions.

[0065] B5. Grammar rules for parts of speech etc. (5th movement) Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing a system configuration using break position information (grammar rules) by the server 3 of this embodiment. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the break position information (grammar rule) DB of the server 3 according to this embodiment. The server 3 associates grammar rules such as parts of speech with break position information (break auxiliary information) for each foreign language text and stores them in the break position information (grammar rule) DB4e. Specifically, in the break position information (grammar rule) DB4e, the following grammar rule items are set for each foreign language text: "before a preposition," "before a relative pronoun," "before a present participle or past participle," "before a conjunction," "before or after a comma, colon, etc.," "after a long subject," and "before a long object," and break position information Pg1, Pg2, ..., Pg7, for each of which a break position is set in advance, is registered. For example, in delimiter position information Pg1, a delimiter is set before a preposition, in delimiter position information Pg2, a delimiter is set before a relative pronoun, and so on, in delimiter position information Pg7, a delimiter is set before a long object. However, the delimiter position information Pg1 to Pg7 for the grammar rules are not fixed, and may be revised (updated) periodically or irregularly.

[0066] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of displaying a delimiter specified according to a grammatical rule, such as a part of speech, in the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. When the user operates the guide button 21d in the electronic device 1 and then selects "Grammar Rules for Parts of Speech, etc." from the submenu 25, the CPU 11 displays a pop-up screen 27 for selecting a grammatical rule, as shown in the middle of FIG. 21. The pop-up screen 27 displays check boxes allowing the user to select at least one of the following grammatical rule items: "Before a Preposition," "Before a Relative Pronoun," "Before a Present Participle or Past Participle," "Before a Conjunction," "Before or After a Comma, Colon, etc.", "After a Long Subject," and "Before a Long Object." The user checks the check box to select the grammatical rule item for which they want to input (set) a delimiter. At this time, it is possible to select not just one, but multiple items, as shown in the figure. For example, in the illustrated example, "Before a Preposition," "Before a Conjunction," "Before or After a Comma, Colon, etc.", and "After a Long Subject" are selected.

[0067] When a grammar rule item is selected by the user, the CPU 11 requests delimiter position information (auxiliary delimiter information) from the server 3 via the network 2 via the communication unit 15 (see step S14). In response to the request from the electronic device 1, the server 3 transmits the delimiter position information registered in the delimiter position information DB 4e for the selected grammar rule item. In the illustrated example, the server 3 transmits delimiter position information Pg1 corresponding to "before a preposition," delimiter position information Pg4 corresponding to "before a conjunction," delimiter position information Pg5 corresponding to "before or after a comma, colon, etc.", and delimiter position information Pg6 corresponding to "after a long subject." In the electronic device 1, the CPU 11 displays auxiliary delimiters in the foreign language text 20 displayed on the touch-panel display unit 14 so that all of the acquired delimiter position information Pa1, Pg4, Pg5, and Pg6 are reflected. If the display unit 14a is a color display, the display color of the auxiliary delimiters may be different for each grammar rule item. The user refers to the delimiter auxiliary symbols displayed according to the item of the grammar rule selected by the user, and confirms the delimiter auxiliary symbols, inputs a new delimiter symbol, or deletes it.

[0068] In this way, in the fifth operation, a separator auxiliary symbol is displayed in the foreign language text based on separator position information (separator auxiliary information) corresponding to the grammar rule item specified by the user, so that even an inexperienced user can easily determine the separator position, thereby improving user convenience.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the delimiter position information is obtained from the server 3 each time, but this is not limited to this. The information may be downloaded to the electronic device 1 as appropriate, so that delimiters can be input (set) at desired phrase positions in foreign language text even when the electronic device 1 is not connected to the network 2 (offline).

[0070] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the user downloads the delimiter position information that has been uploaded to the server 3 in advance, but it is also possible to allow a first user to send delimiter position information to a second user.

[0071] According to this embodiment, a separator auxiliary symbol is displayed at a predetermined phrase position in the foreign language text based on separator position information (separator auxiliary information) including a pre-set separator position, which is obtained from the database 4 of the server 3 via the network 2. Therefore, even an inexperienced user can confirm the separator auxiliary symbol, input a new separator symbol, or delete it while referring to the separator auxiliary symbol, and even an inexperienced user can easily determine the separator position, thereby improving user convenience.

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment, the division Record The display form of the separator auxiliary symbol is made different depending on the number of users who have set the number, so that even an inexperienced user can easily determine the separator position, thereby improving user convenience.

[0073] According to the above-described embodiment, each of the multiple users (teachers) acquires delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) including the delimiter positions of the delimiter auxiliary symbols that they have set in advance, and the delimiter auxiliary symbols are displayed in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter positions included in the delimiter position information. This allows users to refer to the delimiter auxiliary positions that have been set in advance by a particular user (teacher), and even inexperienced users can easily determine the delimiter positions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0074] According to the present embodiment described above, the system identifies the delimiter position information (delimiter auxiliary information) set by another user that is likely to be closest to the placement of the delimiter symbols (input history) that the user has entered partway through, and displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol at the phrase position that is predicted to be entered next. This allows even inexperienced users to easily determine the delimiter position, improving user convenience.

[0075] According to the above-described embodiment, auxiliary separator symbols are displayed in foreign language text based on separator position information corresponding to the learning level specified by the user, so that even inexperienced users can easily determine separator positions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0076] According to the above-described embodiment, auxiliary separator symbols are displayed in foreign language text based on separator position information corresponding to the grammar rule items specified by the user, so that even inexperienced users can easily determine separator positions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0077] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and includes the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. The inventions described in the claims of the present application are as follows:

[0078] (Appendix 1) The invention described in Appendix 1 is an electronic device comprising: a display unit that displays a sentence; a display control unit that, when a position before or after a word contained in the sentence is selected based on user operation, displays a delimiter symbol at the selected position; and an acquisition unit that acquires delimiter auxiliary information that is pre-registered for the sentence and assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word, wherein the display control unit displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the delimiter auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0079] (Appendix 2) The invention described in Appendix 2 is the electronic device described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the display control unit changes the display format of the separator auxiliary symbol depending on the number of users who have set the separator auxiliary symbol.

[0080] (Appendix 3) The invention described in Appendix 3 is the electronic device described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the separator auxiliary information includes a separator position of a separator auxiliary symbol that has been preset by each of a plurality of users, the acquisition unit acquires separator auxiliary information registered by a specific user from among the plurality of separator auxiliary information, and the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the separator position included in the separator auxiliary information registered by the specific user.

[0081] (Appendix 4) The invention described in Appendix 4 is the electronic device described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the separator auxiliary information pre-registered by another user having an arrangement closest to the arrangement of the separator displayed at the location selected based on the user operation, and the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence displayed on the display unit based on the separator auxiliary information pre-registered by the other user, in addition to the separator symbol displayed based on the user operation.

[0082] (Appendix 5) The invention described in Appendix 5 is the electronic device described in Appendix 1, further comprising a learning level designation unit that designates a learning level, wherein the acquisition unit acquires separator auxiliary information including the separator position of a separator auxiliary symbol that has been preset in accordance with the learning level designated by the learning level designation unit, and the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence displayed on the display unit based on the separator auxiliary information that has been set in accordance with the learning level.

[0083] (Appendix 6) The invention described in Appendix 6 is the electronic device described in Appendix 1, further comprising a grammar rule specification unit that specifies grammar rules, wherein the acquisition unit acquires separator auxiliary information including the separator position of a separator auxiliary symbol that has been set in advance in accordance with the grammar rule specified by the grammar rule specification unit, and the display control unit displays the separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence displayed on the display unit based on the separator auxiliary information that has been set in accordance with the grammar rule.

[0084] (Appendix 7) The invention described in Appendix 7 is a display control method for displaying a sentence on a display unit, comprising the steps of: when a position before or after a word contained in the sentence is selected based on a user operation, displaying a delimiter symbol at the selected position; acquiring delimiter auxiliary information that is pre-registered for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word; and displaying a delimiter auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the acquired delimiter auxiliary information.

[0085] (Appendix 8) The invention described in Appendix 8 is a program executed by an electronic device that displays a sentence on a display unit, and includes a display control function that, when a position before or after a word contained in the sentence is selected based on user operation, displays a delimiter symbol at the selected position, and an acquisition function that acquires delimiter auxiliary information that is pre-registered for the sentence and assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word, and is characterized in that the display control function displays a delimiter auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the delimiter auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...electronic device, 2...network, 3...server, 4...database (DB), 11...CPU, 12...storage unit, 12a...translation program, 12b...delimiter control program, 12c...dictionary data, 12d...text data, 13...key input unit, 14...touch panel display unit, 14a...display unit, 14b...touch panel, 15...communication unit, 20, 20a to 20e...foreign language text, 21...function button group, 22...read-out button, 23...translated text, 24...pop-up window, 25...submenu, 26, 27...pop-up screen, 4a to 4e...delimiter position information DB, 30a to 30c, 31a to 31c, 32a to 32c, 33...delimiter position information, 50...slide bar

Claims

1. a display control unit that, when a position before or after a word included in a sentence displayed on the display unit is selected by a user operation, displays a delimiter at the selected position; an acquisition unit that acquires division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word; Equipped with the display control unit displays a separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the separator auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition unit, and changes the display form of the separator auxiliary symbol depending on the number of users who have set the separator symbol. An electronic device characterized by:

2. A display control unit that, when a position before or after a word included in a sentence displayed on a display unit is selected by a user operation, displays a delimiter at the selected position; an acquisition unit that acquires division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word; Equipped with the display control unit displays a separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the separator auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition unit; the division auxiliary information includes division positions of division auxiliary symbols preset by each of a plurality of users; the acquiring unit acquires, from among a plurality of pieces of segmentation auxiliary information, segmentation auxiliary information registered by a specific user; the display control unit displays the division auxiliary symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the division position included in the division auxiliary information registered by the specific user. An electronic device characterized by:

3. A display control unit that, when a position before or after a word included in a sentence displayed on a display unit is selected by a user operation, displays a delimiter at the selected position; an acquisition unit that acquires division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word; Equipped with the display control unit displays a separator auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the separator auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition unit; the acquiring unit acquires the delimiter auxiliary information registered in advance by another user, the delimiter auxiliary information having an arrangement closest to an arrangement of the delimiter symbols displayed at the location selected based on the user operation; the display control unit displays the delimiter auxiliary symbol in the text displayed on the display unit based on the delimiter auxiliary information registered in advance by the other user, in addition to the delimiter symbol displayed based on the user operation. An electronic device characterized by:

4. A display control method for displaying a sentence on a display unit, comprising: When a part before or after a word included in the sentence is selected based on a user operation, displaying a delimiter at the selected location; acquiring division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word; a step of displaying a division auxiliary symbol in the sentence based on the acquired division auxiliary information; a step of changing a display form of the delimiter auxiliary symbol depending on the number of users who have set the delimiter symbol; A display control method comprising:

5. A program executed by an electronic device that displays a text on a display unit, a display control function for displaying a delimiter at a position before or after a word included in the sentence when the position is selected based on a user operation; an acquisition function for acquiring division assistance information that is registered in advance for the sentence and that assists the user in selecting a position before or after the word; and The display control function displays a separator auxiliary symbol in the text based on the separator auxiliary information acquired by the acquisition function, and changes the display form of the separator auxiliary symbol depending on the number of users who have set the separator symbol. A program characterized by:

Images