English language learning devices and programs

Abstract

To provide English learning devices and other equipment that allow users to learn English vocabulary and other related subjects in a more enjoyable way. [Solution] The control unit 12 of the English learning device 10 displays multiple jigsaw puzzle pieces, each having a raised or recessed portion with a different word written on it, on the display unit 11. The multiple pieces are divided into groups of pieces that are placed in predetermined positions. The user uses the operation unit 13 to select one piece from each group of pieces and place them in predetermined positions to combine them, solving the problem by connecting the words written on each selected piece to complete an English word or sentence. The control unit 12 determines whether the English word or sentence is correct or incorrect and displays the result on the display unit 11. Between a group of pieces placed in a certain predetermined position and a group of pieces placed in the predetermined positions before and / or after it, there is at least one combination of pieces whose raised or recessed portions do not interlock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an English learning device for learning English words and the like, and a program for operating a computer as the English learning device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various objects and methods have been proposed to improve learning efficiency in learning English words. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an English learning jigsaw puzzle aimed at enabling a user to master the word order in English and the rules peculiar to English on their own even without an explanation of English grammar. This English learning jigsaw puzzle includes an arrangement section on a board where the first to fifth pieces are arranged, and above the arrangement section, the characters "who", "do (does)", "who / what", "where", and "when" are written as the first to fifth keywords. In addition, first to fourth fitting portions are respectively formed on the first to fifth pieces, and the user can correctly arrange the first to fifth pieces in the arrangement section based on the first to fifth keywords and the shapes of the first to fourth fitting portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is a need for a method that allows for more enjoyable and playful learning in learning English words, learning English grammar, and learning other languages. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an English learning device and a program that enable a user to learn English words and the like more enjoyably without feeling pain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides an English learning device comprising a display unit, a control unit, and an operation unit. The control unit displays multiple jigsaw puzzle pieces, each having a different word inscribed on it and having a raised or recessed portion, on the display unit. The multiple pieces are divided into groups of pieces to be placed in predetermined positions, and there are at least three such groups, each containing at least two pieces. The user uses the operation unit to select one piece from each group, place it in a predetermined position, and combine them, connecting the words inscribed on each selected piece to complete an English word or sentence, thereby solving the problem. The control unit determines whether the English word or sentence is correct or incorrect and displays the result on the display unit. There is at least one combination of pieces between a group of pieces placed in a certain predetermined position and a group of pieces placed before and / or after it in predetermined positions, where the raised and recessed portions do not interlock.

[0006] This allows users to solve problems as if they were solving a puzzle, and if they encounter a problem they absolutely cannot solve, they can use the shape of the pieces as a clue to solve it.

[0007] In particular, the control unit of the English learning device displays the following as a group of pieces: a first group of pieces, each bearing a different first word; a second group of pieces, each bearing a different second word; and a third group of pieces, each bearing a different third word. The first group of pieces consists of multiple pieces, each bearing a different prefix as the first word; the second group of pieces consists of multiple pieces, each bearing a different stem as the second word; and the third group of pieces consists of multiple pieces, each bearing a different suffix as the third word. The user can then... The user selects one piece from each of the three groups of pieces (first, second, and third) using the control unit, places them in the designated positions, and combines them to complete an English word by connecting the prefixes, stems, and suffixes written on each selected piece. It is desirable that there is at least one combination of pieces between the first and second groups where the interlocking parts do not fit together, and that there is at least one combination of pieces between the second and third groups where the interlocking parts do not fit together.

[0008] Furthermore, it is desirable that the control unit of the English learning device presents the user with multiple problems, displays a jigsaw puzzle background on the display unit, and displays the jigsaw puzzle in stages as the user solves each problem, and displays the fully completed jigsaw puzzle when the user has solved all the problems.

[0009] On the other hand, the program of the present invention is a program for operating a computer as the aforementioned English learning device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the English learning device of the present invention, users can solve problems as if solving a puzzle, and if they encounter a problem they cannot solve, they can use the shape of the pieces as a clue to solve it. As a result, users can learn English vocabulary and other things in a more enjoyable way without feeling pain. Furthermore, according to the program of the present invention, the same effects and advantages as the English learning device of the present invention can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic functional block diagram of an English learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an example of a screen displayed by an English learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an example of a screen displayed by an English learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an example of a screen displayed by an English learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of a screen displayed by an English learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but the description of the constituent elements described below is just one example (representative example) of the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following without departing from its gist. Furthermore, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0013] [English learning device] First, the configuration of the English learning device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram of an English learning device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The English learning device 10 includes a display unit 11, a control unit 12, an operation unit 13, a sound unit 14, and a storage unit 15. Further, the program according to the embodiment of the present invention is an application program that causes a computer to operate as the English learning device 10 by being installed or the like. Here, the computer referred to herein is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like.

[0014] In the following description, the English learning device 10 will be described as a smartphone in which the program (application program) according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0015] The display unit 11 has a function of displaying images, characters, buttons, icons, characters, etc. to the user. In the case of this embodiment, the display of the smartphone corresponds to the display unit 11.

[0016] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the English learning device 10. For example, it causes the display unit 11 to display images, characters, etc., and performs processing based on input information (operation information) received via the operation unit 13 from the user.

[0017] The operation unit 13 has a function of receiving the user's operation. In the case of this embodiment, since the display of the smartphone is a touch panel, this display also serves as the operation unit 13.

[0018] The sound unit 14 has a function of conveying various information to the user by voice. In the case of this embodiment, the speaker of the smartphone corresponds to the sound unit 14.

[0019] The storage unit 15 stores various information. For example, the storage unit 15 stores the shapes (positions and sizes of the concavo-convex portions) of the pieces belonging to the first piece group, the second piece group, and the third piece group described later, and the first word, the second word, and the third word respectively recorded therein, as well as information such as questions and explanations.

[0020] [Regarding the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle] In addition, the control unit 12 causes the display unit 11 to display a plurality of pieces of a jigsaw puzzle having concave and convex portions on which different words are written. The pieces of this jigsaw puzzle (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "pieces") will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0021] The plurality of pieces are divided into groups of pieces arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, there are at least three or more of these groups of pieces, and each group has two or more pieces. In the present embodiment, there are three groups of pieces (the first group of pieces P1, the second group of pieces P2, and the third group of pieces P3). Here, regarding the positions where these are arranged, the first group of pieces P1 is an aggregate of pieces arranged at the head, the second group of pieces P2 is an aggregate of pieces arranged in the middle, and the third group of pieces P3 is an aggregate of pieces arranged at the end.

[0022] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first group of pieces P1 has the first pieces P11, P12, and P13, the second group of pieces P2 has the second pieces P21, P22, and P23, and the third group of pieces P3 has the third pieces P31, P32, and P33. In short, each has three pieces.

[0023] Note that different words are written on each piece. In the present embodiment, different first words are written on the first pieces P11 to P13. Also, different second words and third words are written on the second pieces P21 to P23 and the third pieces P31 to P33, respectively.

[0024] Here, each piece is a piece of a jigsaw puzzle having concave and convex portions. Therefore, the second piece P21 etc. can be combined after the first piece P11 etc., and the third piece P31 etc. can be combined after the second piece P21 etc.

[0025] Therefore, the user can use the operation unit 13 to select one piece each from the first piece group P1, the second piece group P2, and the third piece group P3, arrange them in the designated positions, and combine them to complete an English word or sentence by connecting the words (first word, second word, third word) written on each selected piece. This completed English word or sentence becomes the answer to the problem.

[0026] In particular, in this embodiment, the first word is the prefix, the second word is the root, and the third word is the suffix. That is, pieces P11 to P13 of the first group each contain a different prefix, pieces P21 to P23 of the second group each contain a different root, and pieces P31 to P33 of the third group each contain a different suffix (see Figure 3(A)). Therefore, in this embodiment, the user selects one piece each from the first group of pieces P1, the second group of pieces P2, and the third group of pieces P3, combines them, and connects the prefix, root, and suffix written on the selected pieces to complete a single English word.

[0027] English words composed of prefixes, stems, and suffixes include, for example, "combination," "unhappiness," "disagreement," "impossible," "preparation," "transportation," "reduction," "unbelievable," and "unbeliever." Some of these words, like "unhappiness" and "unbelievable," share some of the same prefixes, while others, like "unbelievable" and "unbeliever," differ only in their suffixes.

[0028] Note that the first, second, and third words do not have to be prefixes, stems, or suffixes. For example, the first word can be the subject (S), the second word the verb (V), and the third word the object (O) or complement (C) to complete a sentence such as "I like music" or "She is happy."

[0029] [English learning device operation] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the operation of the English learning device 10 (a smartphone with a program according to an embodiment of the present invention installed) when a user uses the device will be described.

[0030] First, the English learning device 10 displays a learning application screen 20 on the display unit 11 (display). For example, the English learning device 10 displays the home screen shown in Figure 2(A) as the initial application screen 20. In this embodiment, the home screen displays main menu buttons 21 such as the "START button 211", "HISTORY button 212", "WORD BOOK button 213", and "ENCYCLOPEDIA button 214". A mascot character 29 is also displayed on the home screen.

[0031] When the user taps the START button 211, the system transitions to the level selection screen shown in Figure 2(B). In this embodiment, the level selection screen displays three level selection buttons 22: "Level 1 button 221," "Level 2 button 222," and "Level 3 button 223." Therefore, the user can select the level of the questions to be presented (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) by tapping any one of the Level 1 button 221, Level 2 button 222, or Level 3 button 223.

[0032] When the user selects a problem level, the system transitions to the problem screen shown in Figure 3(A). In this embodiment, the problem screen displays the placement stand 23, the first piece group P1 (first pieces P11, P12, P13), the second piece group P2 (second pieces P21, P22, P23), and the third piece group P3 (third pieces P31, P32, P33). At the bottom of the problem screen, there are also a help button 24, an answer button 25, and a menu button 26.

[0033] In this embodiment, the prefixes of the first word, an English word, are inscribed on the first pieces P11 to P13. In the example shown in Figure 3(A), the prefix "com" is inscribed on the first piece P11, "in" on the first piece P12, and "dis" on the first piece P13. Here, the first pieces P11, P12, and P13 each have different shapes. For example, the first piece P11 has protrusions (tabs) on the top and bottom edges and a recess (blank) on the right edge, while the first piece P12 has protrusions on the right and bottom edges and a recess on the top edge. On the other hand, the first piece P13 has a protrusion on the right edge and a recess on the bottom edge.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stems of the second word, an English word, are written on the second pieces P21 to P23. In the example shown in Figure 3(A), the stem "bina" is written on the second piece P21, "belive" on the second piece P22, and "happi" on the second piece P23. Note that, like the first pieces P11 to P13, the shapes of the second pieces P21 to P23 are all different, as illustrated in Figure 3(A).

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third pieces P31 to P33 are each inscribed with a suffix of an English word, which is the third word. In the example shown in Figure 3(A), the suffix "tion" is inscribed on the third piece P31, the suffix "less" is inscribed on the third piece P32, and the suffix "ment" is inscribed on the third piece P33. Note that, like the first pieces P11 to P13, the shapes of the third pieces P31 to P33 are all different, as illustrated in Figure 3(A).

[0036] Thus, the first pieces P11-P13, the second pieces P21-P23, and the third pieces P31-P33 each have different shapes. Not only are the positions of the protrusions and indentations different, but the sizes of the protrusions and indentations may also differ. However, the size of each piece is standardized to be the same.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the three piece groups—the first P1, the second P2, and the third P3—is assigned a different color, allowing the user to distinguish between them. Of course, in addition to color, different markers (marks, letters) can be used to distinguish them, or the first P1, second P2, and third P3 can be initially placed in different areas.

[0038] The user then solves a problem by selecting one piece from the first set of pieces P11-P13, one piece from the second set of pieces P21-P23, and one piece from the third set of pieces P31-P33, and connecting the three selected pieces to complete a correct English word. For example, as shown in Figure 3(B), the user moves the first piece P11, the second piece P21, and the third piece P31 displayed on the app screen 20 to the placement table 23 using drag-and-drop to complete an English word.

[0039] Afterward, the user taps the answer button 25 to request a check of whether the completed English word is correct (to check their answer). If the answer button 25 is tapped, the English learning device 10, via the control unit 12, checks whether the English word completed by the user is correct. In the example shown in Figure 3(B), "combination" is a word with the correct meaning, so the control unit 12 determines that the user's answer is correct.

[0040] If the answer is determined to be correct, the English learning device 10 connects the words "com," "bina," and "tion" written on the first piece P11, the second piece P21, and the third piece P31, respectively, and displays them in a zoomed-in view (see Figure 4(A)). Then, it displays the judgment result 27(271) indicating that the answer is correct on the app screen 20 (see Figure 4(B)). At the same time, it also displays an explanation 28 of the correct English word (combination) (see the same figure).

[0041] On the other hand, if the control unit 12 determines that the answer is incorrect, the English learning device 10 displays a determination result 27(272) indicating that the answer is incorrect on the application screen 20 (see Figure 4(C)). In this embodiment, the control unit 12 determines that the answer is incorrect if, for example, the English word formed by the concatenated prefix, stem, and suffix does not exist or is a neologism.

[0042] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the answer is correct or incorrect, after the user submits an answer, the explanation 28 of the English word that is the answer is displayed in the speech bubble of the character 29 (see Figures 4(B) and (C)). However, if the answer is incorrect, the explanation 28 may not be displayed, and the user may be asked to solve the problem again. In addition, the judgment result 27 and the explanation 28 may be conveyed to the user by voice via the voice unit 14. Furthermore, in this case, the explanation 28, etc. may be conveyed by voice in response to user actions (for example, when the user taps the character 29).

[0043] In addition, in this embodiment, since the problem is to "complete a correct English word by connecting prefixes, stems, and suffixes," the English learning device 10 does not display the problem statement on the app screen 20. However, when presenting a problem, the problem statement may be displayed on the app screen 20.

[0044] In this way, users solve problems by selecting one piece (prefix, stem, or suffix) from each of the three groups of pieces: the first group P1, the second group P2, and the third group P3, to complete an English word. As a result, they can learn the spelling and meaning of the English word by solving the problems.

[0045] Here, between the first group of pieces P1 and the second group of pieces P2, there is at least one combination of pieces whose protrusions and indentations do not interlock. For example, the first piece P13 has a protrusion on its right side, and the second pieces P22 and P23 have concave parts on their left sides. From the shapes of the pieces, it can be seen that both the first piece P13 and the second piece P22, and the first piece P13 and the second piece P23, can be combined. However, the second piece P21 has a protrusion on its left side, so from the shapes of the pieces, it can be seen that the first piece P13 and the second piece P21 cannot be combined. Similarly, between the second group of pieces P2 and the third group of pieces P3, there is at least one combination of pieces whose protrusions and indentations do not interlock.

[0046] Therefore, if a user cannot solve the problem using only the prefixes, stems, and suffixes written on the first pieces P11-P13, the second pieces P21-P23, and the third pieces P31-P33, they can solve the problem using the shape of the pieces as a clue. For example, as mentioned above, the shape of the pieces shows that the first piece P13 and the second piece P21 cannot be combined, so inevitably the number of English words that can be completed will be less than 27 (3 (number of pieces in the first piece group P1) × 3 (number of pieces in the second piece group P2) × 3 (number of pieces in the third piece group P3)).

[0047] Therefore, when users encounter a problem they absolutely cannot solve, they can use the shape of the pieces as a clue to solve it, rather than giving up, thus making learning English vocabulary more enjoyable. Furthermore, if the problem can be solved using only prefixes or other clues, the user does not need to pay attention to the shape of the pieces. Of course, even if the problem cannot be solved using only prefixes or other clues, the user can still think through the problem on their own without using the shape of the pieces as a clue.

[0048] Furthermore, some English words have stems that can be combined with either the prefix "in" or "un". For example, "tolerant" can be combined with either the prefix "in" or "un" to form a correct English word ("intolerant" or "untolerant"). In such cases, the shape of the pieces in the first piece group P1 can be modified so that only one of the prefixes, "in" or "un", can be combined with the stem (toler).

[0049] Finally, please refer to Figure 5 to explain the background of the app screen 20. The background 30 of the app screen 20 is a jigsaw puzzle (see Figure 3, etc.). The control unit 12 of the English learning device 10 displays the jigsaw puzzle in stages as the user solves problems, and displays the fully completed jigsaw puzzle when the user has solved all the problems.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, the English learning device 10 (control unit 12) first presents the user with a total of 5 questions. If none of the questions have been answered, the control unit 12 displays a background 30 on the app screen 20, showing only the boundaries of each piece, as shown in Figure 3. When one question is answered, the jigsaw puzzle of the background 30 is completed to about 1 / 5, as shown in Figure 5(A). When two questions are answered, the jigsaw puzzle of the background 30 is completed to about 2 / 5, as shown in Figure 5(B). Furthermore, when three questions are answered, the jigsaw puzzle of the background 30 is completed to about 3 / 5, as shown in Figure 5(C). In this way, the control unit 12 displays the jigsaw puzzle in stages as the user solves each problem in the background 30, which is a jigsaw puzzle, and displays the fully completed jigsaw puzzle (see Figure 5(D)) when the user has solved all the problems.

[0051] Therefore, users can learn English vocabulary in a more playful way, as they can feel excited about what kind of picture will be created (in this embodiment, Mount Fuji as exemplified in Figure 5(D)). Furthermore, regarding the background 30, which is a jigsaw puzzle, the total number of pieces, the location, direction, and number of pieces as they are placed, and the resulting picture can be freely modified.

[0052] As described above, an English learning device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, the application screens 20 shown in Figures 2 to 5 are merely examples, and the design can be freely modified by changing the layout and button placement, adding / deleting buttons, or increasing / decreasing the number of screens.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the answer format involves connecting three different pieces (the first pieces P11-P13, the second pieces P21-P23, and the third pieces P31-P33) to complete one English word. However, as mentioned above, the answer format may also involve completing one English sentence.

[0054] Furthermore, while this explanation uses the example of three piece groups (the first piece group P1, the second piece group P2, and the third piece group P3), there may be four, five, or six or more piece groups. For example, in English sentences, there are naturally cases where the number of words is four, five, or six or more. On the other hand, even in English words, there are many words that are divided into four or more parts as a result of multiple combinations of prefixes, stems, suffixes, etc. (for example, "internationalization," "misunderstood," "reindustrialization," etc.).

[0055] Therefore, the answer format could be such that a fourth piece containing a fourth word is added to the first piece (P11-P13), the second piece (P21-P23), and the third piece (P31-P33), and the user combines these to complete a single English word or sentence. [Industrial applicability]

[0056] This invention provides an English vocabulary learning device and program that allows users to learn English vocabulary in a more enjoyable way without experiencing pain, and is industrially useful because it can be used by anyone, regardless of age or gender. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 English learning devices 11 Display section 12 Control Unit 13 Control section 14. Audio section 15 Storage section 20 App screen 21 Main menu button 211 START button 212 HISTORY button 213 WORD BOOK button 214 ENCYCLOPEDIA button 22 Level selection buttons 221 Level 1 button 222 Level 2 button 223 Level 3 button 23 Placement stand 24 Help button 25 Answer button 26 Menu button 27 Judgment results 271 Judgment Result (Correct Answer) 272 Judgment result (incorrect) 28 Explanation 29 Mascot Characters 30 background P1 First group of pieces P11, P12, P13: First piece P2 Second group of pieces Pages 21, 22, and 23: The second piece P3 Third Piece Group P31, P32, P33: The third piece

Claims

1. An English learning device having a display unit, a control unit, and an operation unit, The control unit displays on the display unit a plurality of jigsaw puzzle pieces having raised and recessed areas, each bearing a different word. The multiple aforementioned pieces are separated into groups of pieces that are placed in predetermined positions. The aforementioned group of pieces consists of at least three sets, and each set comprises at least two of the aforementioned pieces. The control unit displays the pieces as a group consisting of a first group of pieces, each bearing a different first word; a second group of pieces, each bearing a different second word; and a third group of pieces, each bearing a different third word. The first group of pieces consists of a plurality of pieces, each bearing a different prefix as the first word. The second group of pieces consists of multiple pieces, each bearing a different word stem as the second word. The third group of pieces consists of a plurality of pieces, each bearing a different suffix as a third word. The user solves the problem by using the operating unit to select one piece from each of the first, second, and third piece groups, placing them in the designated positions and combining them, and connecting the prefixes, stems, and suffixes written on each selected piece to complete an English word. The control unit determines whether the English word is correct or incorrect and displays the result on the display unit. Between the first group of pieces and the second group of pieces, there is at least one combination of pieces in which the protrusions and recesses do not interlock. Between the second group of pieces and the third group of pieces, there is at least one combination of pieces in which the protrusions and recesses do not interlock. English learning device.

2. The control unit presents the user with multiple problems and displays a jigsaw puzzle background screen on the display unit. Furthermore, each time the user solves a problem, the jigsaw puzzle is displayed in stages, and when the user solves all the problems, the fully completed jigsaw puzzle is displayed. The English learning device according to claim 1.

3. A program for operating a computer as an English learning device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images