Text annotation provision program, text annotation provision system, and text annotation provision method

Abstract

This makes it easy to find the information you need from the miscellaneous information contained in website annotations. [Solution] The text annotation provision system 1 is characterized by obtaining annotations and annotation formats set by editor users for words and phrases contained in a website, displaying the annotation formats of the words and phrases to website visitors in a selectable format, and displaying annotations in the format selected by the visitor. Since visitors can select the annotation format when referring to annotations for words and phrases, there is an advantage that visitors can choose the information they want to know at that time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a text annotation providing program, a text annotation providing system, and a text annotation providing method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when reading a text during some kind of learning process, there may be cases where the terms appearing in the text are unknown and reading cannot proceed. If it is a text on paper media, a dictionary must be consulted, etc., but if it is a text on electronic media, there may be cases where the term can be easily looked up by operating an input device.

[0003] For example, there is a known technique in which when a pointer is moused over a term whose meaning is registered in advance, the meaning or the like is displayed near the term on the screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a text reading support device that can appropriately support reading of a text by displaying appropriate annotations.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic device that performs jump searches on strings of characters containing a mixture of alphabets and kanji or kana.

[0008] However, the information that readers want to know varies depending on the situation, and is not limited to how to read or the meaning of the text. Furthermore, basic pronunciations and other such terms may not be annotated. This is likely because it is impractical for system and device providers to annotate every single term.

[0009] The inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 involve devices or other equipment in which the meanings of words and phrases are pre-stored. For example, the invention described in Patent Document 2 primarily concerns electronic devices such as electronic dictionaries, where information is pre-stored in the memory by the manufacturer. Therefore, users cannot participate in adding annotations to the text.

[0010] Non-patent document 1 is an example of an online encyclopedia in which users, such as viewers, can participate in editing as editors, and editors can make edits such as adding information about the pronunciation and meaning of words.

[0011] In the example in Non-Patent Document 1, viewers can act as users and add or edit the meanings of words and phrases. However, in the case of the invention described in Non-Patent Document 1, even if the mouse hovers over a certain word or phrase, it only displays a single window registered by the editor, etc., and the viewer cannot select the information they want (even if it contains multiple pieces of information and the desired information is included within it).

[0012] Next, from the perspective of website operators, if their site is an educational site aimed at imparting knowledge, knowing which words visitors are struggling with is crucial for future site improvements. In other words, knowing which terms and phrases are being referenced and what annotations are being used can make a website easier to understand. To do this, it is necessary to obtain access information (information about the terms that are being clicked) as logs, but the aforementioned patent documents do not describe how to obtain or utilize reference information.

[0013] Patent Document 3 discloses a learning support device that displays words that make up a sentence in a display manner that corresponds to the user's word learning progress. While the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3 allows for understanding the learning status regarding predetermined words, etc., it does not analyze which words are particularly referenced among unspecified words on a website. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The problem we are trying to solve is that even if a website has an annotation display function, users still have to search for the information they need from among the miscellaneous information contained in those annotations.

[0015] Another problem is that we are unable to obtain the necessary logs to analyze which of the (unspecified) words on the website are being referenced most frequently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The most important features of this invention are: obtaining annotations set by an editor user for words and phrases contained in a website, and the format of those annotations; displaying the format of those annotations to a user browsing the website in a selectable format (as a set of options); and obtaining the user's selection of the annotation format and displaying the annotations for that format. Another feature is the ability to retrieve and display a reference log to see if the annotation was referenced.

[0017] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and for example, the following means are adopted. That is, a computer is Annotation setting target phrase acquisition means for acquiring a phrase to be set with an annotation, Additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring an annotation format that is a type of the annotation, Additional annotation acquisition means for acquiring an annotation including at least furigana, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image link, which is set by an editor user for the phrase, Annotation-attached phrase display change means for changing the display on the website for an annotation-attached phrase in which the annotation is set among the texts included in the website to be displayed on the viewer user terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation-attached phrase by the viewer user, Annotation format option display means for displaying, as an option, an annotation format that is a type of the annotation of the annotation-attached phrase on the viewer user terminal, Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, Annotation display means for displaying an annotation in the annotation format selected by the viewer user among furigana, foreign language translation, explanation, and image link within a predetermined range from the phrase, and Reference log acquisition means for acquiring, as a reference log, information including the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, A sentence annotation providing program is provided, which is characterized by functioning as.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] [[ID=2*]]In the sentence annotation providing system 1 (including the sentence annotation providing program P1) of the present invention, since a viewer user can select an annotation format when referring to a phrase, the viewer user has an advantage that he / she can select the information he / she wants to know at that time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1]This figure shows the screen displayed on the viewer user's terminal in the text annotation provision system 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a website where you can select the annotation format. [Figure 3] This figure shows a website displaying selected annotations. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the annotated term search screen (Example 1: Related problems hidden). [Figure 5] This figure shows how related questions are displayed on the annotated term search screen (Example 1). [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the annotated word search screen (Example 2). [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the display screen for a list of terms to which the user has added annotations. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the location of word usage. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the display screen for vocabulary cards. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the annotation history display screen. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the ranking display screen for annotations. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the process for adding annotations. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the process of providing selected annotations. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the usage analysis process. [Figure 15] This is a diagram (network diagram) showing an overview of the text annotation system 1. [Figure 16] This is a hardware configuration diagram for server 10. [Figure 17] This is a hardware configuration diagram of user terminal 20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the drawings used below are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual device configuration, user interface (UI), data structure, etc.

[0021] (Summary of the Embodiment) The outline of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the screen displayed on the viewer user's terminal in a system (hereinafter referred to as "text annotation provision system 1") that performs processing using the text annotation provision program P1 of this embodiment.

[0022] First, as a prerequisite, editor users set annotations for words and phrases included on their (own) website, such as phonetic readings (hiragana and / or romaji), foreign language translations, explanations (meanings) of the words and phrases, and image links. When annotations are set, the words and phrases are underlined and become underlined words.

[0023] Next, when a user browsing the website clicks on the underlined phrase, the processor 122 of the server 10 displays buttons for selecting the annotation format (i.e., options such as phonetic readings, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image links). The user selects and clicks one of these buttons. Upon receiving the button click, the processor 122 displays one annotation near the phrase on the screen (in this case, at the top).

[0024] Furthermore, by re-selecting an annotation later, viewers can replace the currently displayed annotation with the newly selected one. Processor 122 maintains the visibility of the annotation until the page transition.

[0025] Processor 122 acquires information such as the annotation format selected by the viewer user as a reference log (editor users or administrator users can have this information output and view it). For example, suppose a website has four annotations for a particular word or phrase: phonetic readings, a foreign language translation, a definition of the word, and an image link. The reference log records the number of times users (viewers) have referenced each of these four annotation formats. By viewing the reference log, editor or administrator users can see which instances of a particular term are being referenced. For example, if the phonetic transcription is referenced 40 times, the foreign language translation 30 times, the explanation of the word 20 times, and the image link 10 times, the fact that the phonetic transcription is referenced more often than the explanation suggests that the barrier to the pronunciation of the word lies more in its pronunciation than in its meaning.

[0026] (Details of the embodiment) The following describes in detail the text annotation provision system 1 according to this embodiment. The text annotation provision system 1 includes a computer (server 10) equipped with a text annotation provision program P1, and provides a text reading system that allows viewers to select the annotation format online. In other words, the text annotation provision system 1 is a system in which information processing by the text annotation provision program P1 is concretely realized using hardware resources. The following describes, in order, the components that make up the text annotation system 1: 1. User interface, 2. Program processing, 3. Data, and 4. Hardware configuration.

[0027] (Definition of terms) Here, I will define some terms. A "user" is anyone who uses the text annotation system 1. This includes both individuals and corporations. Users include administrator users who manage websites that incorporate processing by the text annotation program P1, editor users who edit words and phrases on such websites, and viewer users who browse such websites. For illustrative purposes, we define administrator users, editor users, and viewer users, but these are not mutually exclusive; for example, an editor user can also be a viewer user. In the following, administrator users, editor users, and viewer users may be referred to as administrator, editor, and viewer, respectively. An "administrator" is a user who has the authority to manage a website. They are sometimes referred to as an administrator user. An administrator is a user who can perform operations related to the website's content (text, images, audio, layout, or functions, etc.), such as creating, updating, adding, deleting, or modifying it. Administrators also have the authority to set editors and viewers. An "editor" is a user who has the authority to edit the words and phrases on a website. They are sometimes referred to as editor users. Unlike administrators, they cannot perform any operations related to the content (except for editing words and phrases). A "viewer" is a user who browses a website, or a user who has the authority to browse it. They may also be referred to as a "viewer user." "Editing" refers to editing annotations, such as adding, deleting, or changing annotations. "Registration" primarily refers to the process by which a processor acquires information and stores it in memory. When a process is described as registration for a particular piece of information, it usually includes an acquisition process to obtain that information and a storage process to store that information in memory. "Pressing down" refers to actions such as mouse clicks and taps, which are used for selection or confirmation. "Mouseover" refers to a type of user operation, specifically the act of hovering a cursor or other object over an element such as a button on the display (screen) of a personal computer (PC), or a technology or function on a website that changes the element when the cursor or other object is hovered over it.

[0028] In the following, when the term "○○ processing" is used, it means that the computer's processor executes processing based on the "○○" program stored in the program storage. The same word will be used in place of "○○" throughout this paragraph. In other words, the "○○" program is a program that makes the computer function as a "○○" means by executing the "○○" process. Furthermore, this means that the control unit equipped with the processor also functions as a "○○" unit (or "○○" device). In this case, the "○○" section means that it executes the "○○" process based on the "○○" program. Furthermore, the "○○" process may sometimes be described as the "○○" method, which involves multiple steps (or procedures) in chronological order.

[0029] For example, the text annotation provision program P1 is a program that causes a computer to function as a text annotation provision means by executing a text annotation provision process. In this case, the control unit 12 of the computer equipped with the processor 122 functions as a text annotation provision unit (or text annotation provision device). Furthermore, the text annotation program P1 works in conjunction with the hardware to provide a method for providing text annotations.

[0030] In the document annotation provision system 1, each terminal (computer), such as the user terminal 20, is equipped with a processor. However, when simply referring to a processor, it refers to the processor that performs processing using the document annotation provision program P1, or in this embodiment, the processor 122 of the server 10.

[0031] For simplicity, in the following, the action of "the processor 122 of server 10 receiving a request from a terminal and returning data for the terminal's output unit to output" may be described as "the processor 122 outputs to the terminal's output unit" or "the processor 122 outputs." For example, this could involve displaying an image on the terminal's display, displaying a web page in the terminal's browser, or outputting sound to the terminal's audio output unit (speaker). Similarly, the action of "the processor 122 of server 10 causing data to be stored in the data storage unit 14b of storage unit 14" may be described as "the processor stores (data)."

[0032] For simplicity, even if it can be determined that the terminal's processor will handle the processing, it may be stated that processor 122 will handle it. For example, the process where a terminal receives user input and sends it to a server is described as "the server receives user input."

[0033] 1. User Interface (UI) First, the interface that the document annotation system 1 of this embodiment displays on the user terminal 20 (especially the viewer terminal) will be explained using diagrams. The interface described below is a simplified version of the one that the processor 122 displays in the browser of the user terminal 20.

[0034] Furthermore, only icons related to functions necessary for explanation will be displayed, and other publicly known icons will be omitted. For example, the back button for returning to the previously displayed page has been omitted. Furthermore, explanations of known functions that the UI may possess may be omitted. For example, pressing a button icon may execute a predetermined process, or pressing a hyperlink may cause the communication control unit to access the URL embedded in that link.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a website where the annotation format can be selected. In this embodiment, when a user clicks on an underlined phrase on a website, the processor 122 displays a button UI related to the annotation format (annotation format selection button UI-11).

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the UI displays buttons for "hiragana" (hiragana) corresponding to phonetic annotations, "EN" (English) corresponding to foreign language translation annotations, "explanation" (meaning of the word) corresponding to explanations of words and phrases, and "image" (image link) corresponding to annotations related to image links.

[0037] When a viewer user presses any of the button UIs, the processor displays the corresponding annotation.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a website displaying selected annotations. Figure 3 shows the state after repeatedly selecting annotations for multiple words and phrases.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, there are several types of annotations (UI-12). Specifically, these include annotations with phonetic readings (UI-12a), annotations with foreign language translations (UI-12b), annotations with explanations of terms (UI-12c), and annotations with image links (UI-12d).

[0040] When a viewer user selects "hiragana" as the annotation format, processor 122 displays the hiragana representation of that word (mainly kanji). For example, in Figure 3, the furigana (phonetic reading) annotation "shisutemu" is displayed above the word "system," and "nan'ido" is displayed above the word "difficulty level."

[0041] When a viewer user selects "EN" (English) as the annotation format, processor 122 displays the English translation (English notation) of that word or phrase. For example, in Figure 3, the foreign language translation "learner" is displayed above the phrase "learner."

[0042] When a viewer user selects "Explanation" as the annotation format, processor 122 displays an explanation of that word or phrase. For example, in Figure 3, the word "adjust" is accompanied by a note explaining it: "to adjust to normal."

[0043] When a viewer user selects "image" as the annotation format, processor 122 displays a link to an image that shows the phrase or is related to the phrase. For example, in Figure 3, processor 122 displays "imageURL" above the phrase "understanding level." When the user clicks on this "imageURL," processor 122 redirects the user to a site containing an image related to "understanding level."

[0044] Although not shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, it is also possible to display readings other than hiragana. For example, if a viewer user selects "Latin alphabet" as the annotation format, processor 122 will display the Romanized spelling of that word. For example, if the word is "appropriate," the annotation "tekisetsu" will be displayed.

[0045] Note that the editor's terminal has a UI that displays the analysis results; this will be explained in the section on program processing.

[0046] Figure 4 shows the annotated word search screen (Example 1: Related problems hidden). On the annotated term search screen, users can search for annotated terms.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the annotated term search screen includes an annotated term search window UI-21, a search results list display unit UI-22, and an individual search result display unit UI-23.

[0048] The annotated search box UI-21 is a search box that accepts text input from the user.

[0049] The search results list display unit UI-22 is a display unit that displays a list of annotated terms that include the search term.

[0050] The individual search result display unit UI-23 is a display unit that individually displays annotated phrases that include the search term. In other words, the processor 122 displays as many individual search result display units UI-23 as there are search results.

[0051] When a user enters a term into the annotated term search window UI-21 and presses the search button UI-211, the processor 122 displays a list of annotated terms containing the search term in the search results list display unit UI-22, and also displays information about each annotated term in the individual search results display unit UI-23.

[0052] In the search results list display section UI-22, the processor 122 displays Japanese words in order from shortest to longest. For example, "development project", "system development project", and then "system development project manager". This is because long words are usually derived words, and it is assumed that users will gradually understand the meaning of the derived words (starting from the base word).

[0053] In the individual search result display section UI-23, the processor 122 displays phonetic readings, foreign language translations, explanations of terms, and image links (all viewable on a single screen).

[0054] In other words, processor 122 displays a list of the annotations set for an annotated phrase (referred to as the "list of set annotations display process").

[0055] Furthermore, Figure 4 only shows the UI-23 individual search result display section for the annotated phrase "development project" (search terms such as "development project team" are not shown).

[0056] Users can choose to display or hide the search results list display section UI-22 and the individual search results display section UI-23. In Figure 4, the search results list display section UI-22 is shown, while the individual search results display section UI-23 is hidden.

[0057] The individual search result display unit UI-23 includes the related problem display unit UI-231. The related problems display unit UI-231 is a display unit that shows a list of information about problems containing annotated terms that were found through a search. Details of the related problems display unit UI-231 will be explained in the next section.

[0058] Figure 5 shows the display of related questions in the annotated term search screen (Example 1). In other words, it shows the related questions display unit UI-231.

[0059] The related problem display unit UI-231 of this embodiment includes a link to a website containing the annotated phrase (which is a search result) (the underlined number in the "(Problem) ID" column in Figure 5) and text (main body) containing the annotated phrase.

[0060] When a user clicks on a link to a website, processor 122 displays the corresponding website.

[0061] In the text (body text) containing the annotated phrase, the processor 122 displays the annotated phrase in a prominent manner. In this embodiment, the annotated phrase is displayed in red.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the annotated word search screen (Example 2). Figure 6 shows the search results when a user enters "development" into the annotated word search window UI-21. In this case, the processor 122 causes the individual search result display unit UI-23 to display annotated phrases including "development" as English translations, such as "pioneering," "development," and "advancement."

[0063] Figure 7 shows the screen displaying the list of self-annotated words (to be displayed on the editor user's terminal). On the user annotation list display screen, processor 122 displays a list of words that the (editor) user has annotated.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the processor 122 displays the individual annotation-related information display unit UI-31, the word / phrase location list display unit UI-32, and the filter selection unit UI-33.

[0065] The individual annotation-related information display unit UI-31 displays the annotation usage status of an individual user (an editor user viewing the list of self-annotated words and phrases display screen), the number of annotations by word type, and the number for each memory level (described later).

[0066] The UI-32, which displays the list of locations where a word appears, shows which pages of the website contain the annotated word.

[0067] The UI-32, which displays the list of locations for each annotated term, includes the Memory Level, the question (number) to which the annotation was added (From Q), the Ref Type, the question containing the annotated term (In Stem / question text), the options containing the annotated term (In Options / options), and a timestamp.

[0068] In this embodiment, since the website includes a question and answer (solution) options for that question, the processor 122 can display which question (question) or option the annotated word is included in, along with a timestamp. A timestamp is the time an annotation was added for editor users, and the time an annotation was viewed for viewer users. In this embodiment, up to three problems or three options can be displayed.

[0069] The memory level is an input field where users can self-assess and select their memory level (and retention) of annotated terms. Users can assign ratings of "OK," "Maybe," and "NG" in order of confidence in their memory.

[0070] The annotation format will display one of five types: the type of annotation ("plain", "English", "explanatory", "image") or "search" when using the function in the annotated phrase search screen described later. "Search" refers to the annotated terms displayed after searching on the annotated term search screen described later.

[0071] The filter selection section UI-33 is an input field where the user selects and inputs the memory level. When the user selects a memory level, the processor 122 displays only the annotated phrases in that memory level on the self-annotated phrase list display screen.

[0072] Let's explain using Figure 7 as an example. When the user selects "NG" in the filter selection UI-33, the processor 122 displays only items No. 5 and 6 from the list of word locations displayed in the UI-32 in Figure 7, where the Remember Level is "NG".

[0073] Figure 8 shows the screen displaying the locations where words and phrases are used. As shown in Figure 8, when an editor clicks on the list of self-annotated terms on the above-mentioned screen, the processor 122 displays the corresponding section (such as the corresponding web page) and highlights the target section (the "Black Box Test" section in Figure 8) in red.

[0074] Similarly, if the user clicks on a question (In Stem / Question Text) or an option (In Options / Options) that contains annotated terms, the processor 122 displays the relevant section and highlights the target term in red.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the vocabulary card display screen. In the above-mentioned list of self-annotated terms display screen (Figure 7), when the editor user clicks on the target link (in this case, the term "black box test"), processor 122 displays a word card-like dialog box as shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the dialog box displays phonetic readings, foreign language translations, definitions of terms, and image links (all viewable on a single screen).

[0076] In other words, the processor 122 displays a list of the annotations set for the annotated phrase (setting annotation list display process).

[0077] Figure 10 shows the annotation history display screen. On the annotation history display screen, the processor 122 displays information regarding annotations made by (1) the user.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, the annotation history display screen includes an annotation history (this week) display unit UI-41 and an annotation history (past / each week) display unit UI-42.

[0079] The annotation history (this week) display section UI-41 shows a record of the number of words or phrases that the editor user has annotated (on a weekly basis, starting from Monday at 0:00 (Japan time)).

[0080] The annotation history (this week) display section UI-41 in Figure 10 shows that 9 annotations have been added to 7 unique words (words targeted for annotation). BREAK DOWN shows the breakdown of annotation formats (in the 9 annotations).

[0081] The annotation history (past, weekly) display section UI-42 works similarly, showing the annotation history for the past four weeks, week by week.

[0082] The annotation history display screen visualizes the user's efforts and can also show the user's annotation trends. Furthermore, the annotation history (past and weekly) display section UI-42 allows users to review past data.

[0083] Figure 11 shows the annotation ranking display screen. The annotation ranking screen displays information about annotations added by all (editor) users.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the annotation ranking display screen includes an annotation ranking display unit UI-43.

[0085] In this embodiment, the processor 122 displays the annotation ranking screen below the annotation history screen described above. That is, the annotation ranking screen is displayed when the annotation history screen is scrolled down. However, this is not the only option; it may be displayed on a separate screen from the annotation history display screen.

[0086] The annotation ranking display unit UI-43 displays annotated words in order of the number of times they have been annotated (by all (editor) users) (up to 50 words in this embodiment). As shown in Figure 11, the total number of annotations (Total Events) and the number of annotations for each annotation type are displayed.

[0087] The total number of annotations referred to here is the number of annotations made by all (editor) users. The record covers a maximum of one week, starting from Monday at 0:00 (Japan Standard Time). For example, in the case of "Framework" at Rank 1, there are 6 annotations, broken down as follows: 1 for "Hiragana", 4 for "EN", 1 for "Description", and 0 for "Image".

[0088] The annotation ranking display screen allows individual users to see what words other users have recently looked up and what annotations they have added, which has advantages such as increasing user motivation for learning. In other words, it is useful for understanding new words and other vocabulary.

[0089] Furthermore, it may be possible to display a ranking of annotated terms accessed by all (editor) users, regardless of the number of annotations added (not shown in the diagram). In this case, it is simply useful for understanding difficult vocabulary and the like.

[0090] With the above configuration, users can select the annotation format for the information they want to know, and view the annotations in the selected format on the screen. By displaying only the selected annotation type and hiding unnecessary annotations, the information displayed on the screen becomes less cluttered. Furthermore, if the website is a question-and-answer site, it has the advantage of displaying which question (or answer choice) contains the word related to the annotation, allowing users to check the surrounding sentences containing that word, thereby deepening their understanding of the word. Furthermore, users can view information about their own annotations and those made by others. For example, they can see the number of annotations they have made each week, and they can also see the most referenced or annotated words and phrases across all users.

[0091] 2. Program Processing <Text annotation processing> The program processing performed in the text annotation provision system 1 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0092] In this embodiment, the processor 122 performs text annotation provision processing based on the text annotation provision program P1. The text annotation provision program P1 includes at least a user registration program P11, an annotation addition and setting program P12, an annotation display program P13, a usage status analysis program P14, an annotated phrase search program P15, and a self-annotated phrase display program P16. The processor 122 executes user registration processing, annotation addition and setting processing, selected annotation provision processing, usage status analysis processing, annotated phrase search processing, and self-annotated phrase display processing based on each of these programs. In other words, each program causes the computer to function as a user registration means, an annotation addition and setting means, an annotation display means, a usage status analysis means, an annotated phrase search means, and a self-annotated phrase display means by executing user registration processing, annotation addition and setting processing, annotation display processing, usage status analysis means, annotated phrase search means, and self-annotated phrase display means by having the processor 122 perform these processes. Furthermore, the user registration program P11, annotation addition setting program P12, annotation display program P13, usage status analysis program P14, annotated phrase search program P15, and self-annotated phrase display program P16 work in cooperation with the hardware to provide a user registration method, an annotation addition setting method, annotation display method, usage status analysis method, annotated phrase search method, and self-annotated phrase display method, respectively.

[0093] The processes described in the following flowchart can be performed in any order, provided that there are no inconsistencies in the process content. Furthermore, within the flowchart, some processes may be omitted, or new processes may be added, provided that there are no inconsistencies in the process content. The processor that executes each process in the flowchart may be changed to another processor, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing. In doing so, if necessary, some of the processes that make up the flowchart may be omitted or new processes may be added, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing. In the flowchart diagram, steps are abbreviated as "S".

[0094] <2-1. User Registration Process> In the user registration process, processor 122 accepts registrations for viewer and editor users. The administrator is the entity responsible for such registration. This information will be used for the usage analysis described later.

[0095] The user registration process includes administrator user registration, which registers administrator user information; viewer user registration, which registers viewer user information; and editor user registration, which registers editor user information.

[0096] Here, the administrator user registration process includes an administrator user information acquisition process that obtains information about the administrator user and an administrator user information storage process that stores the administrator user information in the storage unit. Similarly, the viewer user registration process includes a viewer user information acquisition process that acquires information about the viewer user and a viewer user information storage process that stores the viewer user information in the storage unit. The editor user registration process includes an editor user information acquisition process that obtains information about the editor user and an editor user information storage process that stores the editor user information in the storage unit.

[0097] In this embodiment, the administrator grants editing privileges to a third party as an editor (referred to as the "editor privilege granting process"). The administrator also grants third parties viewing privileges (referred to as "viewer privilege granting process").

[0098] By pre-registering users who are viewers, it becomes possible to analyze their browsing behavior in detail. For example, by registering international students studying at Japanese universities as viewers, it becomes possible to conduct a detailed investigation into the relationship between the student's attributes (e.g., nationality, native language, years of study abroad, etc.) and the terms they have referenced. This has the advantage of providing clear guidelines on what kind of annotations should be added for students who plan to study abroad in the future.

[0099] <2-2. Adding annotation settings> During the annotation addition setting process, processor 122 accepts edits of words and phrases by the editor user.

[0100] The annotation addition setting process is as follows: An annotation target term acquisition process to obtain the term(s) to which annotations will be set (the term(s) that the editor user is trying to set an annotation on (referred to as "annotation target term"). Editing screen display process that displays the editing screen on the editor user's terminal. (Regarding the aforementioned phrase) An additional annotation format acquisition process that acquires the annotation format which is the type of annotation (set (or selected) by the editor user), An additional annotation retrieval process that retrieves annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links, and The system includes an annotated phrase display modification process that modifies the display on a website containing text that is managed by an administrator user and edited by the editor user, and that modifies the display of annotated phrases on the website for which the annotations have been set.

[0101] Here, setting an annotation (annotation setting) refers to either the editor user adding an annotation (about a certain word or phrase), or the processor 122 acquiring the annotation input from the editor user and storing it in the storage unit 14.

[0102] In this embodiment, the furigana includes hiragana furigana and / or romaji furigana.

[0103] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the annotation addition settings process. Processor 122 accepts the user's press of the edit button and starts the annotation addition setting process.

[0104] Processor 122 obtains the word (string) to which annotations will be added (Step 11: Obtaining the word to be annotated).

[0105] At this time, the processor 122 may display the editing screen on the editor user terminal (referred to as the "editing screen display process").

[0106] Processor 122 obtains the character type (selection) input from the editor user for the above additional setting target words (Step 12: Character type acquisition process).

[0107] In this embodiment, the terms are "katakana words" consisting only of katakana characters, "kanji words" consisting only of kanji characters, "alphabetical words" consisting only of alphabetic characters, "kanji words + katakana words" containing kanji words and katakana words in that order, "katakana words + kanji words" containing katakana words and kanji words in that order, and "others".

[0108] "Other" refers to words or phrases not included above, such as words or phrases containing numbers or symbols, words or phrases containing characters other than those mentioned above, such as Greek letters, or words or phrases containing katakana, kanji, and katakana in that order. In this embodiment, words containing hiragana are also classified as "Other."

[0109] When a word contains multiple character types, such as "Kanji word + Katakana word" or "Katakana word + Kanji word," it may be considered a "mixed" word.

[0110] In this embodiment, a code corresponding to the character type (character type code) is used. For example, katakana words are "1", kanji words are "2", alphabet words are "3", and mixed words such as "kanji word + katakana word" or "katakana word + kanji word" are "5".

[0111] Returning to Figure 12, processor 122 obtains the annotation format selection made by the editor user for the above-mentioned additional setting target phrase (Step 13: Additional annotation format acquisition process). Here, annotation formats refer to the types of annotations: "phonetic readings," "foreign language translations," "explanations of terms," ​​and "image links."

[0112] The processor 122 then retrieves phonetic readings, foreign language translations, explanations of the terms, and image links (annotations) for the above-mentioned additional setting target terms (Step 14: Additional Annotation Acquisition Process). In this embodiment, the furigana (phonetic readings) include hiragana furigana or romaji furigana.

[0113] Here, the character type acquisition process, the additional annotation format acquisition process, and the additional annotation acquisition process can be performed in any order (the order of each process can be reversed).

[0114] For example, if the word to be added to the settings is "development," the processor 122 will acquire the following as annotations and store them in the memory unit 14: "kaihatsu" and / or "Kaihtsu" as the phonetic reading, "Development" (in the case of an English translation) as the foreign language translation, and "the practical application of new technologies or products" as the explanation of the word. The image links here are URLs to websites that feature images illustrating the development process or websites that use images to explain the development process.

[0115] Here, it is not necessary to provide furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the terms, and image links for every term that has an annotation; it is sufficient if at least one of the terms has furigana, a foreign language translation, an explanation of the terms, and an image link.

[0116] In other words, the processor 122 can set phonetic readings, foreign language translations, explanations of the words, and image links for any word or phrase, but some of the data for the phonetic readings, foreign language translations, explanations of the words, and image links may be blank.

[0117] Returning to Figure 12, once the editor user has finished editing (adding, deleting, or changing annotations, etc.), they perform an action to complete the editing (such as pressing the "Complete Editing" button). The processor 122 waits for the editing to be completed (step 15 No), and when it receives confirmation from the editor user that the editing is complete (step 15 Yes), it acquires information containing the content of the editing (editing information) and stores it in the storage unit 14 (step 16).

[0118] In addition to the character type, annotations, and annotation format, the information including the content of the edits also includes the editing date and time (in this embodiment, the time when the editing completion operation was received), the number of edits, and so on.

[0119] Various types of information, such as annotations, are used to obtain reference logs, which will be discussed later.

[0120] The processor 122 modifies the display of the annotated phrases on the website containing the text that the editor has editing privileges for (Step 17: Annotated phrase display modification process).

[0121] In this embodiment, the processor 122 displays the annotated phrases with an underline. However, it is not limited to this, and any method that makes the information easily visible (concrete) to the user is acceptable. For example, this could involve changing the color, changing the font size, or changing the font (e.g., blinking). Hereafter, websites with annotations may be referred to as "annotated websites."

[0122] Here, we will explain the output of HTML files in this embodiment. Specifically, processor 122 outputs HTML and displays the website by performing the following processes. • The process of obtaining necessary information (questions, options, and annotations; referred to as "display data") from the question table D40, the option table D50, and the annotation table D20 (referred to as "display data acquisition process"). • The process of obtaining display data and outputting HTML (referred to as "HTML output process"). • The process of displaying the problem on the user terminal 20 (using the aforementioned HTML) (referred to as the "problem display process") • A process to display options (text and button UI) on the user terminal 20 (using the aforementioned HTML) (referred to as the "Problem Option Display Process").

[0123] In this embodiment, a CSV file containing information related to the question and options, such as the question ID, question text, answer choices, and correct / incorrect flags for the answer choices, as well as an annotation ID and annotated phrases (and / or annotated phrase identification information described later), is input to a program created in Python®, and the HTML of the question text is output. However, this is not the only option, and any known method for outputting HTML may be used as appropriate.

[0124] The following is a supplement regarding the determination of whether the problem statement contains annotated terms. Processor 122 performs the following process. • A process to determine whether a question or answer choice contains annotated terms (referred to as the "annotated term inclusion determination process"). • If a question or answer choice contains annotated terms, the display of those terms is modified (compared to other terms) (for example, by underlining or making them red, to make them easier for the user to see) (the annotated term display modification process described above).

[0125] I will also add some information about determining whether the quiz questions are correct or incorrect. Processor 122 may perform the following processes as well. • The process of obtaining the user's selection (user answer) for the quiz question options (referred to as "user answer acquisition process"). • A process to determine whether the selected option is correct or incorrect (referred to as the "correct / incorrect determination process"). • A process that displays text, images, or pages depending on whether the answer is correct or incorrect (referred to as "correct / incorrect display process").

[0126] <2-3. Processing of providing selected annotations> In the selected annotation provision process, when a viewer user selects an annotated phrase (on the annotated website described above), the processor 122 displays a selection of annotation formats (on the viewer user's terminal) and displays the annotation of the selected annotation format to the viewer user.

[0127] As a prerequisite, the processor 122 will execute a process (referred to as the "annotated website display process") to display the aforementioned website (annotated website) on the viewer user terminal (in response to a request from the viewer user terminal).

[0128] The process of providing selected annotations is: (In the aforementioned annotated website,) Annotation display target acquisition process that acquires the selection of annotated words by the viewing user (e.g., by clicking, etc.), An annotation format selection display process (which obtains the selection of annotated words by the user viewing the document, and displays the type of annotation for the annotated words, namely the annotation format (phonetic readings, foreign language translation, explanation of the word, and image link), as options on the user viewing the document; A viewing annotation format acquisition process that acquires the selection of the annotation format by the viewing user. An annotation display process that displays annotations of the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana (phonetic readings), foreign language translations, explanations, and image links within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases, and A reference log acquisition process that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. It is equipped with.

[0129] For simplicity, the reference log acquisition process is included in the selection annotation provision process, but the reference log acquisition process may be a separate process from the selection annotation provision process.

[0130] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the process of providing selected annotations. The processor 122 starts the process of providing selected annotations when the viewer user presses on an annotated phrase (on the display unit of the user terminal 20).

[0131] The processor 122 first obtains the words or phrases to be annotated, which are selected by the user (Step 21: Annotation Target Acquisition Process). For example, if a user clicks (selects) the word "black box test" (which is an annotated phrase), processor 122 receives the information that the phrase has been clicked (selected).

[0132] In this embodiment, the processor 122 acquires the word or phrase pressed by the viewer user, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of a click, processor 122 may acquire the word or phrase that is being moused over. Here, both clicks and mouseovers are referred to as (viewer) selections.

[0133] Processor 122 displays annotations for the pressed word in the form of a set of options (Step 22: Annotation format option display process). Specifically, options to select "phonetic readings," "foreign language translation," "explanation of the term," and "image link" will be displayed on the viewer's device (near the annotated term).

[0134] In this case, the processor 122 may choose not to display annotation formats for which no annotations have been set (this is referred to as "annotation format hiding process").

[0135] Processor 122 obtains the selection of the annotation format chosen by the viewer user (Step 23: Viewer Annotation Format Acquisition Process).

[0136] Processor 122 displays the annotation of the selected annotation format on the viewer's terminal (Step 24: Annotation display process). The processor 122 displays annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among kana, foreign language translation, explanation, and image link, within a predetermined range from the word (step 24: annotation display process).

[0137] Here, "within a predetermined range from the word or phrase" means within a predetermined direction and distance relative to the elements of the word or phrase. The specified direction is based on the elements of the word or phrase, for example, up, right, left, or down. Furthermore, the specified distance refers to a range of dimensions, such as within XX pixels relative to the elements of the words on the website, or within XX% of the screen area relative to the elements of the words, where the entire screen is considered 100%. Alternatively, the distance and direction may be specified simultaneously; for example, it could be specified as XX pixels in the x-axis and / or y-axis direction relative to the element of the word.

[0138] To improve user visibility and operability, publicly known methods may be used as appropriate for setting the "range predetermined from the word or phrase."

[0139] At this point, processor 122 displays only one annotation of the selected annotation type. In other words, when another annotation is to be displayed when some annotation is already shown, processor 122 deletes the old annotation and displays the new one (this is called "annotation update processing").

[0140] For example, if a hiragana annotation is already displayed and the viewer selects an explanation for the word, the processor 122 removes the hiragana annotation for the word and displays an explanation annotation for the word. This process has the advantage of preventing annotations around words and phrases from becoming cluttered, thus improving readability for the user.

[0141] Furthermore, the processor 122 may hide the displayed annotations based on user actions. This user action is referred to as the annotation hiding operation, and the processing performed by the processor 122 is referred to as the annotation hiding process. This process also has the advantage of preventing annotations around words and phrases from becoming cumbersome, thus improving readability for the user.

[0142] Returning to Figure 13, the processor 122 acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user as a reference log (step 25: reference log acquisition process) and stores it in the storage unit 14.

[0143] The information included in the reference log includes, for example, the selected annotation format, the words or phrases being annotated, the character type of the words or phrases (hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabet, other characters, or combinations thereof), information about annotations other than the annotation format, time-related information such as the access date and time, and information about the user accessing the system. However, some of these may be replaced with user IDs or annotation IDs, as described later. Further details regarding the data will be explained in section 3. Data below.

[0144] Processor 122 accumulates individual reference logs to create big data. The processor 122 also acquires data on the number of times a word or phrase has been referenced by the user (reference count) and stores it in the storage unit 14. The processor 122 uses this information for the usage analysis process described later.

[0145] <2-4. Usage Analysis Processing> In the usage analysis process, the processor 122 obtains the type of information requested by the user, such as an administrator, retrieves information that meets the user's needs from the reference log, and displays it on the user terminal 20.

[0146] The usage analysis process is as follows: (Administrator) Analysis information type acquisition process to obtain the type of analysis information desired by the user. The raw information acquisition process that retrieves the information necessary for analysis (from the memory unit). A target information-specific analysis process that performs analysis on the aforementioned type of analysis information, and Analysis result display process that displays the results of the aforementioned analysis, Includes.

[0147] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the usage analysis process. The processor 122 starts the usage status analysis process upon receiving an instruction from the user to start the usage status analysis process. In this embodiment, the user is the administrator, and the user terminal 20 is the administrator terminal 20b. However, users such as editors and viewers may be allowed to analyze usage patterns.

[0148] Processor 122 obtains the type of analysis information desired by the user (Step 31: Analysis Information Type Acquisition Process). The types of information analyzed include, for example, annotation formats or the number of references or frequency of occurrence for each character type (such as katakana or kanji), but specific examples will be given later. If the user specifies an analysis period, the processor 122 will acquire the analysis information type as well as the specified analysis period.

[0149] The processor 122 acquires the information necessary for analysis (from the storage unit 14) (step 32: raw information acquisition process). The information necessary for analysis includes at least the information contained in the reference log information.

[0150] The processor 122 performs analysis according to the type of analysis information (step 33: Analysis processing by target information). Specific examples will be described later.

[0151] The processor 122 displays the results of the analysis on the user terminal 20 (step 34: analysis result display process).

[0152] In this embodiment, the type of analysis information is: (1) Reference count by character type and annotation format, (2) Frequently used words (words and phrases with a high number of references) in annotations for each character type (for each character type) and the number of references. (3) Frequently occurring words (words and phrases with a high number of references) in each type of annotation and their reference counts That is the case.

[0153] Tables 1 through 3 below summarize the analysis information from (1) through (3) above. Through the usage analysis process, processor 122 acquires and displays this information (analysis information as shown in Tables 1 to 3). The analysis targets (viewers) for each table are 34 international students studying in Japan, and the analysis period is three months.

[0154]

Table 1

[0155] Table 1 shows the number of references (from users) by character type (denoted as "type of word") and annotation format. Here, it shows a total of 403 times of annotation usage by 34 international students. Note that the number of references is the number of references from users (mainly viewers) (the same hereinafter).

[0156] As shown in Table 1, the rows are the character types, the columns are the matrix of annotation formats, and the numerical values are the number of references for the corresponding phrases.

[0157] For example, the number 141 at the intersection of the "Chinese characters" (row) and "Ruby" (column) will be used as an example for explanation. In this embodiment, examples of Chinese characters (phrases composed only of Chinese characters) with annotations set include, for example, "main system", "appropriate", etc. (in a predetermined analysis period), indicating that the total number of references to the Ruby of these phrases as a whole is 141 times.

[0158] "Chinese characters + Katakana" refers to a phrase containing Chinese characters and Katakana, such as "distributed system" for example. Similarly, "Katakana + Chinese characters" refers to, for example, "batch processing" and the like. <X Phrases in which multiple character types are mixed, like these words, may be referred to as "mixed".

[0159]

Table 2

[0160] Table 2 shows the frequently annotated words by character type and their number of references. As shown in Table 2, phrases with a high number of references are displayed for each character type (up to the top 2 for each character type). The numbers in parentheses are the number of references (the same in the following tables). For example, among the Chinese characters with annotations, the phrase "main system" has the most references (16 times), and the next is "appropriate" (10 times).

[0161] From these phrases with a high number of references, the topics being learned, etc. can be understood. In addition, since phrases with a high number of references are displayed for each character type, it becomes clear which phrases are difficult for viewers to read or understand in terms of meaning, etc.

[0162]

Table 3

[0163] Table 3 is a table showing frequently annotated words by annotation format and their reference counts. As shown in Table 3, phrases with a high number of references are displayed for each annotation format (up to the top 2 for each annotation format).

[0164] Since phrases with a high number of references are displayed for each annotation format, it becomes clear which phrases are difficult for viewers to read or difficult to understand in terms of meaning.

[0165] To summarize in this embodiment, the above-described original information acquisition process is (if necessary,) user information acquisition processing for acquiring the information of the (viewer) user, reference log information acquisition processing for acquiring a reference log, and includes.

[0166] Also, the reference record information acquisition processing includes reference count acquisition processing for acquiring the number of references by the (viewer) user for the annotated phrases.

[0167] The above-described analysis processing by target information type will be described for each analysis information type. In the analysis process for handling hot spring information, analysis may be performed on only some of the terms for which annotations have been set, rather than all of them. For example, this might involve limiting the analysis to only reference logs included within the user-defined analysis period.

[0168] In other words, processor 122 executes an analysis period acquisition process to obtain the analysis period specified by the user (administrator).

[0169] (1) In the case of the number of references by character type and annotation format, Processor 122 obtains the annotation format and its reference count, as well as the character type and its reference count, for all or a predetermined analysis period of words or phrases (annotated words or phrases) that have annotations set on them (annotation format / character type reference count acquisition process). The processor 122 then obtains annotation format / character type reference count sort information by sorting the words and phrases in descending order of reference count for each annotation format and character type (annotation format / character type reference count sorting process). The processor 122 displays the annotation format and character type reference count sort information on the user terminal 20 (see Table 1 for annotation format and character type reference count display processing).

[0170] (2) In the case of frequently occurring words in annotations by character type and their reference count, Processor 122 obtains the character type and its reference count for all or all words (annotated words) that have annotations set (character type reference count acquisition process). The processor 122 also obtains character type reference count sort information by sorting the words and phrases in descending order of the number of references for each character type (character type reference count sorting process). In this embodiment, the processor 122 specifically obtains the phrase with the most references for each character type, and the phrase with the next most references. The processor 122 then causes the user terminal 20 to display the character type reference count sorting information (character type reference count display process - see Table 2).

[0171] (3) In the case of frequently occurring words in annotations by annotation format and their reference count, Processor 122 obtains the annotation format and its reference count for all or a predetermined analysis period of terms (annotated terms) that have annotations set (referral count acquisition process by annotation format). The processor 122 also obtains sort information by annotation format, which is obtained by sorting the words and phrases in descending order of the number of references for each annotation format (sorting by annotation format). In this embodiment, the processor 122 specifically retrieves the most frequently referenced phrase and the next most frequently referenced phrase for each annotation format. The processor 122 then causes the user terminal 20 to display the sorting information by the number of references for each annotation type (see Table 3 for the process of displaying the number of references for each annotation type).

[0172] <2-5. Annotated Phrase Search Processing> In the annotated phrase search process, processor 122 obtains the search term entered by the user and displays the annotated phrase containing that search term. For specific UI details, please refer to section 1. UI (Figures 4-6).

[0173] In other words, the annotated phrase search process is, A search term input acceptance process that accepts search terms entered by the user (by displaying a search box on the user terminal's display). Search term retrieval process to obtain the search terms entered by the user. A search term presence / absence determination process that determines whether or not there is an annotated term (search term) that includes the aforementioned search term. If there are annotated phrases that include the aforementioned search term, a search term list display process (see Figure 4 above) displays a list of such annotated phrases that are the search terms. A means for displaying a list of websites containing the search term, which includes information (in this embodiment, the problem ID) including links to websites containing the search term. A process for displaying websites containing the search term, which displays the website containing the search term via a link to the aforementioned website (see Figure 5 above),

[0174] For annotated phrases that have annotations set, a process to display a list of the set annotations (see Figures 4 and 9) is performed. Includes.

[0175] <2-6. Processing for displaying self-annotated phrases> In the process of displaying self-annotated phrases, processor 122 displays information about the annotations added by the (editor) user. For specific UI details, please refer to section 1.UI (Figures 7 to 11).

[0176] In other words, the process of displaying self-annotated phrases is, (Editor) A process to display a list of self-annotated terms, which are terms that the user has annotated themselves (see Figure 7), and, This includes an annotation history display process (see Figure 7) that displays the annotation history of the aforementioned self-annotated phrases.

[0177] In addition to the above, the self-annotation phrase display process includes a self-annotation phrase list display screen that displays a list of self-annotation phrases, and a search term-containing website list display process that displays a list of information (problem ID in this embodiment) including links to websites containing the self-annotation phrases, and This includes a process for displaying websites containing the search term, which displays the website containing the search term via a link to the website (see Figure 7 above).

[0178] In addition, processor 122 aggregates the number of annotations attached to each annotated phrase and displays the number of annotated phrases and the number of annotations attached by a single user (using a certain period as the aggregation period) (see Figure 10, referred to as "Self-Annotated Phrase Information Display Processing").

[0179] The processor 122 also counts the number of annotations attached to each annotated phrase and (using a certain period as the aggregation period) displays the annotated phrases in order from the most to the fewest annotations (see Figure 11, referred to as "Annotation Ranking Display Process").

[0180] Here, a certain period can be one week, one month, one year, or a period that starts or ends at a certain time, but in this embodiment, it is a period that starts at 0:00 AM on Monday (Japan time).

[0181] The annotation ranking display process in this embodiment is included in the self-annotated phrase display process. However, the annotation ranking display process does not necessarily have to be included in the self-annotated phrase display process and may be independent of the self-annotated phrase display process.

[0182] With the configuration described above, the text annotation provision system 1 provides a text annotation provision function that is easy for readers to refer to. In addition, the text annotation system 1 can provide data on which words or phrases viewers find difficult to understand through a process that analyzes usage patterns.

[0183] 3. Data The data handled by the text annotation system 1 of this embodiment will be explained below with reference to the diagrams. The document annotation provision system 1 of this embodiment includes a document annotation provision database D1 in the storage unit 14 (data storage unit 14b) of the server 10.

[0184] The document annotation database D1 includes a user table D10, an annotation table D20, and a reference log table D30. The following explains each of these points.

[0185] Please note that the information below is not exhaustive; for example, data types, constraints, and remarks have been omitted. Additionally, user table D10 holds password-related data (password, password hash value, etc.) for each user, but explanations of these passwords and other related information have been omitted.

[0186] User table D10 is a table that contains data (user information) about users.

[0187] User table D10 contains a unique user ID as well as the user name as its fields. User table D10 may also contain personal information about the user, such as age, gender, nationality, or user interests.

[0188] By obtaining the nationality of foreigners studying on Japanese language learning websites, for example, it is possible to learn information specific to each nationality, such as their areas of strength and weakness.

[0189] Interests include academic fields of interest, areas of study, areas of specialization at educational institutions such as universities, topics of interest, or hobbies.

[0190] Annotation table D20 is a table that contains data (annotation information) related to annotations.

[0191] Annotation table D20 includes, as items, a unique annotation ID, the word or phrase to be annotated, information for identifying the annotated word or phrase, character type, annotation format (or coded annotation format code), and information related to the annotation.

[0192] Annotated phrase identification information is information used to distinguish annotated phrases from other phrases. For example, if the phrase "project management" is an annotated phrase, an identification code is inserted between the letters of the phrase, such as "p&ro&ji&e&ku&to&kan&ri", and this is stored in the storage unit 14 as annotated phrase identification information. This distinguishes the term "project management" from terms like "project." In this embodiment, a star is used as the identification code.

[0193] The information related to annotations mainly consists of string data such as phonetic readings (hiragana, katakana, or Roman letters), foreign language translations, explanations of terms (meanings), or link URLs (e.g., links to image data). Here, string data includes numbers and symbols.

[0194] However, the information related to annotations is not limited to text data. In addition to text data, the information related to annotations may also include, for example, image data (still images, moving images) or audio data.

[0195] Reference log table D30 is a table that contains data (reference log information) related to reference logs.

[0196] Reference log table D30 includes, as well as the following items: a unique log ID, target data ID (annotation ID), annotation format, character type, operation details, access time data (creation date and time), and the user ID (of the user accessing the data). The user can be a viewer, editor, or administrator.

[0197] In this embodiment, the access date and time data includes year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, with the second data being obtained down to 1 / 100th of a second. In other words, by obtaining detailed time data down to 1 / 100th of a second, it becomes possible to use it as unique data to replace the ID.

[0198] In addition to the above, the text annotation database D1 may also include data tables for websites that are question-providing sites (sites that present questions (such as quizzes), obtain viewers' answers, and display whether the answers are correct or incorrect). For example, the problem table is D40, the answer choice table is D50, and the answer table is D60.

[0199] In this case, the problem table D40 contains a unique problem ID as well as the problem (text). In addition, the problem table D40 may include information about the problem category, comments for correct or incorrect answers, information about referenced files (such as image files), links (URLs), or explanations (text, images, or links).

[0200] Information regarding the classification of the questions here includes the genre of the questions, such as technology or law; the difficulty level, such as beginner or advanced; the answer format, such as calculation problems, multiple-choice questions, multiple-choice questions, or multiple-choice questions; and the source (the organization that created the questions), such as a university, the name of the qualification exam, or the year the questions were created. The information regarding the classification of the problem may be one or multiple.

[0201] Furthermore, the information described above may be further subdivided, such as into a hierarchical structure. For example, the question category "Technology" may be further divided into "Network" and "Security," etc.

[0202] The option table D50 also includes a unique option ID, a question ID (indicating which question the option belongs to), the option text, and a true / false flag for the option (0 or 1). For example, if there are 1,000 multiple-choice questions with four options, the number of option IDs would be 4,000.

[0203] The answer table D60 includes a unique answer ID, as well as a question ID, user ID (whose answer it is), option ID, answer correctness flag (0 or 1), and update date and time.

[0204] With the above configuration, user information, annotation information, and log information are stored in the memory unit 14, making it possible to analyze which user accessed which annotation and when. Furthermore, if the webpage with annotations is a question-and-answer site, it becomes possible to link viewers (or their attributes) with their answers to the questions. In other words, it becomes possible to analyze what kind of viewers have low correct answer rates for what kinds of questions. That is, the text annotation providing system 1 can indicate which parts of the text on the website are difficult for a specific viewer (such as an international student) to understand, and so on.

[0205] 4. Hardware Configuration FIG. 15 is a diagram (network diagram) showing an overview of the text annotation providing system 1. As shown in FIG. 15, the text annotation providing system 1 in the present embodiment includes a server 10 and user terminals 20 (viewer / editor terminals 20a and administrator terminal 20b). Further, these devices are connected via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet or the like. Hereinafter, each hardware will be described.

[0206] <Server 10> The server 10 is a computer for executing a text annotation providing program P1. That is, software (application software including the text annotation providing program P1) for operating the text annotation providing system 1 according to the present embodiment is installed in the server 10, and the processor 122 executes various processes by the functions of the software.

[0207] In FIG. 15, only one server 10 is shown, but the number is not limited to one, and it may be realized by a plurality of servers.

[0208] For example, a server having the text annotation providing program P1 and executing the text annotation providing process and a server (web server) providing a website may be different.

[0209] As another example, a plurality of servers may be used from the viewpoints of load distribution, function separation, availability, or security, etc.

[0210] Server 10 may, for example, utilize a computer provided by a cloud service provider, or it may be a computer provided by the user and managed within an internal network.

[0211] Figure 16 is a hardware configuration diagram of server 10. As shown in Figure 16, the server 10 comprises a control unit 12, a storage unit 14, and a communication control unit 16. The control unit 12 also comprises a processor 122, a ROM 124, a RAM 126, and a timing unit 128. The basic functions of each will be explained in detail later.

[0212] The control unit 12, which includes a processor 122, also functions as a document annotation provision unit in the server 10 (not shown). The document annotation provision unit executes a document annotation provision program P1 to perform document annotation provision processing. In this embodiment, the processor 122 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0213] Furthermore, one program may include other programs. For example, in this embodiment, the text annotation provision program P1 includes a user registration program P11, an annotation addition setting program P12, an annotation display program P13, usage status analysis program P14, annotated phrase search program P15, and an annotation assignment history display program P16, etc.

[0214] As shown in Figure 16, the storage unit 14 includes a program storage unit 14a and a data storage unit 14b, and stores programs and data necessary for various processes. For example, the program storage unit 14a stores not only the text annotation provision program P1 according to this embodiment, but also control programs for controlling devices connected to the server 10, such as a communication control program for controlling the communication control unit 16.

[0215] As shown in Figure 16, the communication control unit 16 is a device that communicates between the server 10 and an external terminal, such as the user terminal 20 described later. The communication control unit 16 connects the server 10 to the network N (as shown in Figure 15).

[0216] In addition to the above, the server 10 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard) for inputting commands and data, and an output unit (e.g., an audio output device) for outputting information in some form (not shown). Furthermore, it may include additional devices necessary for the use of this embodiment, or devices to improve convenience for the use of this embodiment.

[0217] <User terminal 20> The user terminal 20 is an information processing device for users to use the document annotation provision system 1. Users access the document annotation provision system 1 by accessing the server 10 using the user terminal 20.

[0218] The document annotation provision system 1 of this embodiment includes, as user terminals 20, an administrator terminal 20b which is the terminal of an administrator user that manages the website, etc., and a viewer / editor terminal 20a which is the terminal of a viewer or editor. Note that while viewers and editors may exist separately, and there may be separate terminals for viewers and editors, for simplicity, we refer to it here as viewer / editor terminal 20a.

[0219] Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Figure 17, the user terminal 20 comprises a control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a communication control unit 26, and an input / output unit 28. The control unit 22 also comprises a processor 222, ROM, RAM, and a timing unit. Explanations that overlap with previously explained content or relate to basic functions described later will be omitted.

[0220] In this embodiment, the user terminal 20 is a desktop PC. However, the user terminal 20 is not limited to this and may be a portable device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0221] There is no need to install a specific application on the user terminal 20; the user can use the text annotation provision system 1 by accessing the server 10 or other servers via the internet.

[0222] (Explanation of the basic functions of a computer) The following describes the control unit (processor, ROM, RAM, timing unit), storage unit, communication control unit, input unit, and output unit. In any of the terminals in this embodiment, the connection configuration (network topology) between functional units is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a bus type, a star type, a mesh type, or the like.

[0223] The processor performs information processing and controls various devices according to programs stored in ROM or other memory units. In this embodiment, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0224] However, the processor is not limited to a CPU. Various processors such as CPUs, DSPs (Digital Signal Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), GPGPUs (General Purpose computing on GPUs), TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be used individually or in combination. For example, a processor that integrates a CPU and a GPU is called an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), and such a processor can also be used.

[0225] The ROM is a read-only memory in which various programs and data for the processor to perform various controls and operations are stored in advance.

[0226] The RAM is a random access memory used as a working memory for the processor. Various areas for performing various processes of this embodiment can be secured in this RAM.

[0227] The timing unit performs timing processing related to acquisition of time information, etc. When the computer includes a communication control unit, time information may be acquired from the outside by NTP (Network Time Protocol).

[0228] The storage unit is a device for storing information such as programs and data. The storage unit is also referred to as storage. The storage unit may be of an internal type or an external type. Also, the storage unit may use an online storage connected by a network. For example, it uses technologies such as SAN (Storage Area Network) or NAS (Network Assisted Storage).

[0229] The storage unit includes a storage medium capable of reading and writing data and a drive for reading and writing to the storage medium. Examples of the storage medium include an internal type and an external type, such as an HD (hard disk), a CD-ROM, a flash memory, etc. Examples of the drive include an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), etc.

[0230] The storage unit includes a program storage unit and a data storage unit as functional units. In the program storage unit, control programs for controlling various devices, such as a communication control program for controlling communication, etc. are stored.

[0231] The communication control unit is a device for performing communication between terminals, etc. The communication control unit connects the terminal including the communication control unit to a network.

[0232] Here, the network is not limited to external networks such as the internet, but may also refer to internal networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks). Note that internal networks may be omitted in network diagrams. For example, a server may be located on the same internal network as a terminal.

[0233] The communication method of the communication control unit is a known method, and either a wired or wireless method is applied depending on the equipment. For example, if the device is a desktop PC, both wired and wireless connections are possible, while if the device is a smartphone, a wireless communication method is possible.

[0234] For wired connections, communication methods defined in standards such as IEEE 802.3 (e.g., bus-type or star-type wired LANs) can be suitably used, but other communication methods such as those defined in IEEE 802.5 (e.g., ring-type wired LANs) may also be used.

[0235] For wireless communication, a communication method defined by, for example, IEEE 802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi) can be suitably used. However, other methods such as IEEE 802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy)), IEEE 802.16 (e.g., WiMAX), ZigBee®, 920MHz band wireless (e.g., Wi-SUN), or optical communication methods such as infrared communication may also be used.

[0236] The input and output sections are devices responsible for input and output to and from the terminal, respectively. The input and output sections are sometimes collectively referred to as the input / output section. The input unit is a device that receives input from the user. Examples of such input units include keyboards, pointing devices such as mice, trackpads, tablets, or touch panels.

[0237] If the device is a tablet or smartphone and the input unit is a touch panel, the input unit is located on the surface of the display unit that displays images, such as a touchscreen. In this case, the input unit identifies the user's touch position corresponding to the various operation icons displayed on the display unit and accepts input from the user.

[0238] The output unit is a device for outputting, for example, images, audio, or documents. Output devices include, for example, display devices such as touchscreens and displays (liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays), audio output devices such as speakers, and document output devices such as printers.

[0239] With the above configuration, server 10 retrieves information on the words edited by the editor and updates the website. Visitors can browse the website and refer to the information (such as pronunciation and meaning) of the edited words.

[0240] (modified version) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0241] In the selected annotation provision process of the embodiment described above, the processor 122 started the selected annotation provision process when the viewer user pressed a word or phrase for which an annotation had been set, but this is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, when a viewer hovers their mouse over a word or phrase for which an annotation has been set, the processor 122 may start the process of providing selected annotations.

[0242] Furthermore, in the user-annotated phrase list display screen (user-annotated phrase list display process) of the above-described embodiment, the processor 122 displayed a list of phrases to which the (editor) user had added annotations. However, it is not limited to this, and the list may also include phrases to which a third party (other user) has added annotations. Furthermore, you may choose to display annotations you have added and annotated phrases added by third parties separately (on different screens, for example). This approach not only helps maintain and improve user motivation by displaying a list of terms that the user has annotated, but also improves convenience by allowing users to refer to annotations made by others. For example, it allows you to see which words have recently been annotated, so you can find out what words other users are currently interested in.

[0243] The processor 122 may also obtain requests for annotations (from viewer users) regarding words on a website (managed by an administrator and edited by an editor) (referred to as the "annotation request acquisition process"), and display on the website that there is a request for annotations regarding the said words (referred to as the "annotation request display process").

[0244] The display method could be, for example, an icon. Alternatively, it could be a message display. In this case, the request for adding annotations may include not only the words themselves, but also information on which type of annotation should be added to the target words. Upon seeing this annotation request, the editor will add an annotation to the relevant phrase (through the annotation addition settings process). In this case, there is the advantage of being able to obtain the reader's needs (needs regarding vocabulary and types of annotations) that the editor was unaware of.

[0245] Aspects of the present invention, including this embodiment, have the following characteristics. The following corresponds to the claims at the time of filing the application. However, due to amendments to the claims after filing, the description of the claims may differ. (1) In a first embodiment, a text annotation providing program is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as: an annotation setting target phrase acquisition means for acquiring phrases to be set as annotations; an additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of annotation; an additional annotation acquisition means for acquiring annotations set by an editor user for the phrase, which include at least furigana, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image links; an annotation phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website for annotated phrases that have been set as annotations among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user terminal; an annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated phrases by the viewer user; an annotation format selection display means for displaying the annotation format which is the type of annotation for the annotated phrase as an option on the viewer user terminal; a viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user; an annotation display means for displaying the annotation of the annotation format selected by the viewer user among furigana, foreign language translation, explanation, and image links within a predetermined range from the phrase; and a reference log acquisition means for acquiring information including the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user as a reference log. (2) In a second embodiment, the text annotation providing program according to the first embodiment is provided, further characterized in that the computer functions as a reference count acquisition means for acquiring the number of times the annotated phrase has been referenced. In this case, the number of views can be obtained, which improves analysis of user browsing behavior using this data. (3) In a third embodiment, the document annotation providing program according to the second embodiment is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as an annotation format / character type reference count acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format and its reference count, and the character type and its reference count for the annotated phrase; an annotation format / character type reference count sorting means for acquiring annotation format / character type reference count sorting information obtained by sorting the phrases in descending order of reference count for each annotation format and character type; and an annotation format / character type reference count display means for displaying the annotation format / character type reference count sorting information on a user terminal. In this case, it is possible to obtain information about which character types are referenced in the entire text, and which annotation formats are referenced (i.e., where the difficulty in understanding lies). More specifically, by looking at the number of times each character type is referenced, we can understand, for example, whether Chinese characters or alphabetic words are difficult for the viewer. Similarly, the number of times annotations are referenced can be used to understand, for example, whether the information requires phonetic readings or explanations of terms for the reader. (4) In a fourth embodiment, the document annotation providing program according to the second embodiment is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as a character type reference count acquisition means for acquiring the character type and the number of times it is referenced for the annotated phrase; a character type reference count sorting means for acquiring character type reference count sorting information obtained by sorting the phrases in descending order of the number of references for each character type; and a character type reference count display means for displaying the character type reference count sorting information on a user terminal. In this case, information on the most difficult words for each character type is obtained, allowing editors to further edit those words and provide more detailed explanations. (5) In a fifth embodiment, the document annotation providing program according to the second embodiment is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as an annotation format reference count acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format and the number of references for the annotated phrases, an annotation format reference count sorting means for acquiring annotation format reference count sorting information obtained by sorting the phrases in descending order of the number of references for each annotation format, and an annotation format reference count display means for displaying the annotation format reference count sorting information on a user terminal. In this case, information on the most difficult words is obtained for each annotation format, allowing editors to further edit those words. For example, they can enhance the explanation of furigana (phonetic readings) if they are furigana. This could include adding romanized furigana in addition to hiragana, or including phonetic symbols as new information. (6) In a sixth aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the first aspect is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as a search term acquisition means for acquiring search terms entered by a user, and a search term list display means for displaying a list of annotated terms that are search terms when there are annotated terms that include the search terms. In this case, the ability to search for annotated terms makes it easier for users to refer to them, significantly improving convenience (ease of access to information). (7) In the seventh aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the sixth aspect is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as a means for displaying a list of websites containing search terms, including links to the websites containing the search terms, and a process for displaying websites containing search terms, which displays the websites containing the search terms through the links to the websites. In this case, it becomes easier to access websites that use annotated terms, which has the advantage of improving user convenience (ease of access to information). (8) In the eighth aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the first aspect is provided, further characterized in that the computer functions as a setting annotation list display means for displaying a list of setting annotations for the annotated phrase. In this case, users can easily understand what information is associated with the annotated phrases, which has the advantage of aiding their learning. (9) In the ninth aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the first aspect is provided, further characterized in that the computer functions as a means for displaying a list of self-annotated phrases, which are annotated phrases that the user has annotated themselves. In this case, users can review their past learning, which has the advantage of contributing to their learning. (10) In the tenth aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the ninth aspect is provided, further characterized in that the computer functions as an annotation history display means for displaying the annotation history of the self-annotated phrases. In this case, users can refer to their annotation history, which has the advantage of allowing them to refer to past (older) and recent (newer) learning and understand their own learning history. (11) In the eleventh aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the ninth aspect is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as a means for displaying information on annotated words and phrases that a single user has annotated and the number of annotations. In this case, the user has the advantage of being able to see their own learning (especially their output performance) in numerical terms. (12) In a twelfth aspect, the text annotation providing program according to the first aspect is provided, characterized in that the computer functions as an annotation request acquisition means for acquiring requests to add annotations to words on the website, and an annotation request display means for displaying on the website that there are requests to add annotations to the words. In this case, the editor can understand the needs of the viewer user, allowing them to provide more comprehensive explanations. (13) In the 13th aspect, a text annotation provision system is provided, comprising: an annotation setting target phrase acquisition unit for acquiring phrases to be set with annotations; an additional annotation format acquisition unit for acquiring an annotation format which is the type of annotation; an additional annotation acquisition unit for acquiring annotations set by an editor user for the phrase, which include at least furigana, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image links; an annotated phrase display change unit for changing the display on a website for annotated phrases that have the annotation set with them, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user terminal; an annotation display target acquisition unit for acquiring the selection of annotated phrases by the viewer user; an annotation format option display unit for displaying the annotation format which is the type of annotation for the annotated phrase as an option on the viewer user terminal; a viewer annotation format acquisition unit for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user; an annotation display unit for displaying the annotation of the selected annotation format among furigana, foreign language translation, explanation, and image links within a predetermined range from the phrase; and a reference log acquisition unit for acquiring information including the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user as a reference log. The advantages in this case are the same as those in the first embodiment, so we will omit the explanation. Please refer to the effects of the invention, etc. (14) In the 14th aspect, the processor provides: a method for obtaining a word to be annotated, a method for obtaining an annotation target word, a method for obtaining an additional annotation format which is the type of annotation, a method for obtaining an annotation which is set by an editor user for the word, a method for obtaining an annotation which includes at least furigana, a foreign language translation, a word explanation, and an image link, a method for changing the display of annotated words on a website among the text contained in a website to be displayed on a viewer user terminal, and a method for obtaining the selection of annotated words by a viewer user. The present invention provides a method for providing text annotations, comprising: a method for acquiring an annotation target; an annotation format selection display method in which the processor displays annotation formats, which are the types of annotations for the annotated phrase, as options on the viewer user terminal; a viewing annotation format acquisition method in which the processor acquires the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user; an annotation display method in which the processor displays annotations of the selected annotation format from among furigana, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links within a predetermined range from the phrase; and a reference log acquisition method in which the processor acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user as a reference log. The advantages in this case are the same as those in the first embodiment, so we will omit the explanation. [Industrial applicability]

[0246] It can be applied to improve the learning efficiency of educational websites. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0247] 1. Text annotation system 10 servers 12 Control Unit 122 processors 124 ROM 126 RAM 128 Timing section 14 Storage section 14a Program storage section 14b Data storage section 16 Communication Control Unit 18 Input / output section 20 devices 222 processors 22 Control Unit 24 Memory section 26 Communication Control Unit 28 Input / output section UI-11 Annotation Format Selection Button UI-12 annotation UI-12a Annotation of phonetic readings UI-12b Annotations for Foreign Language Translations UI-12c Terminology Explanations UI-12d Annotation via Image Link UI-21 Annotated Term Search Window UI-211 Search button UI-22 Search Results List Display Section UI-23 Individual Search Result Display Section UI-231 Related Problems Display Section UI-31 Individual Annotation Related Information Display Section UI-32 List of locations for terms and phrases UI-33 Filter Selection Section UI-41 Annotation History (This Week) Display Section UI-42 Annotation History (Past / Weekly) Display Section UI-43 Annotation Ranking Display Section P1 Text Annotation Program P11 User Registration Program P12 Annotation Addition Settings Program P13 Annotation Display Program P14 Usage Analysis Program P15 Annotated Phrase Search Program P16 Self-annotation vocabulary display program D1 Text Annotation Database D10 User Table D20 Annotation Table D30 Reference Log Table D40 Problem Table D50 Selection Table D60 Answer Table

Claims

1. Computers, An annotation target word acquisition means for acquiring words or phrases to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation, An additional annotation retrieval means for obtaining annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. Annotated phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website of which the annotation has been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user's terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated words by the viewer user, An annotation format selection display means that displays the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the annotated phrase, on the viewer user terminal as a selection of button icons corresponding to the furigana, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image link, respectively. Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, An annotation display means for displaying annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana (phonetic readings), foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases, and A reference log acquisition means that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. A text annotation providing program characterized by functioning as such.

2. Furthermore, the computer, Reference count acquisition means for obtaining the number of times the annotated phrase has been referenced, A text annotation providing program according to claim 1, characterized in that it functions as such.

3. Computers, An annotation target word acquisition means for acquiring words or phrases to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation, An additional annotation retrieval means for obtaining annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. Annotated phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website of which the annotation has been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user's terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated words by the viewer user, An annotation format selection display means for displaying the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the aforementioned annotated phrase, as an option on the viewer user terminal. Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, Annotation display means for displaying annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases. A reference log acquisition means that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. Reference count acquisition means for obtaining the number of times the annotated phrase has been referenced, An annotation format / character type reference count acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format and its reference count, and the character type and its reference count, An annotation format / character type reference count sorting means for obtaining annotation format / character type reference count sorting information obtained by sorting words and phrases in descending order of the number of references for each annotation format and character type, and An annotation format / character type reference count display means for displaying the aforementioned annotation format / character type reference count sort information on the user terminal, A text annotation providing program characterized by functioning as such.

4. Computers, An annotation target word acquisition means for acquiring words or phrases to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation, An additional annotation retrieval means for obtaining annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. Annotated phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website of which the annotation has been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user's terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated words by the viewer user, An annotation format selection display means for displaying the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the aforementioned annotated phrase, as an option on the viewer user terminal. Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, Annotation display means for displaying annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases. A reference log acquisition means that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. Reference count acquisition means for obtaining the number of times the annotated phrase has been referenced, A character type reference count acquisition means for obtaining the character type and the number of times it is referenced for the aforementioned annotated phrase, A character type reference count sorting means for obtaining character type reference count sorting information by sorting words and phrases in descending order of the number of references for each character type, and A character type reference count display means that displays the character type reference count sort information on the user terminal. A text annotation providing program characterized by functioning as such.

5. Computers, An annotation target word acquisition means for acquiring words or phrases to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation, An additional annotation retrieval means for obtaining annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. Annotated phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website of which the annotation has been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user's terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated words by the viewer user, An annotation format selection display means for displaying the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the aforementioned annotated phrase, as an option on the viewer user terminal. Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, Annotation display means for displaying annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases. A reference log acquisition means that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. Reference count acquisition means for obtaining the number of times the annotated phrase has been referenced, For the aforementioned annotated phrase, a means for obtaining the number of references for each annotation format, An annotation format reference count sorting means for obtaining reference count sorting information by annotation format, obtained by sorting words and phrases in descending order of the number of references for each annotation format, and An annotation format reference count display means for displaying the reference count sort information by annotation format on the user terminal, A text annotation providing program characterized by functioning as such.

6. Furthermore, the computer, A means of obtaining search terms entered by the user. A search term list display means that displays a list of search terms containing annotated terms, which are the search terms. A text annotation providing program according to claim 1, characterized in that it functions as such.

7. Furthermore, the computer, A means for displaying a list of websites containing the search term, which displays a list of information including links to the aforementioned websites containing the search term. A process for displaying websites containing search terms, which displays the website containing the search terms through a link to the aforementioned website. The text annotation providing program according to claim 6, characterized in that it functions as such.

8. Furthermore, the computer, A means for displaying a list of set annotations for the aforementioned annotated phrases, A text annotation providing program according to claim 1, characterized in that it functions as such.

9. Computers, An annotation target word acquisition means for acquiring words or phrases to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation, An additional annotation retrieval means for obtaining annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. Annotated phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website of which the annotation has been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user's terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated words by the viewer user, An annotation format selection display means for displaying the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the aforementioned annotated phrase, as an option on the viewer user terminal. Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, Annotation display means for displaying annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases. A reference log acquisition means that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. A means for displaying a list of self-annotated terms, which are terms that have been annotated by the user themselves. A text annotation providing program characterized by functioning as such.

10. Furthermore, the computer, An annotation history display means for displaying the annotation history of the aforementioned self-annotated phrases, The text annotation providing program according to claim 9, characterized in that it functions as such.

11. Furthermore, the computer, A means for displaying information on self-annotated words and phrases that a single user has annotated, and the number of annotations. The text annotation providing program according to claim 9, characterized in that it functions as such.

12. Computers, An annotation target word acquisition means for acquiring words or phrases to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation, An additional annotation retrieval means for obtaining annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. Annotated phrase display modification means for changing the display on a website of which the annotation has been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user's terminal, Annotation display target acquisition means for acquiring the selection of annotated words by the viewer user, An annotation format selection display means for displaying the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the aforementioned annotated phrase, as an option on the viewer user terminal. Viewing annotation format acquisition means for acquiring the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user, Annotation display means for displaying annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases. A reference log acquisition means that acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. An annotation request acquisition means for acquiring requests to add annotations to words and phrases on the aforementioned website, and A means of displaying requests for annotations on a website, indicating that there is a request to add annotations to the relevant term. A text annotation providing program characterized by functioning as such.

13. An annotation target word acquisition unit that acquires the word or phrase to which annotations will be set. An additional annotation format acquisition unit that acquires the annotation format which is the type of the aforementioned annotation. An additional annotation retrieval unit that retrieves annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned term, including at least furigana (pronunciation guides), foreign language translations, explanations of the term, and image links. An annotated phrase display modification unit that modifies the display on the website of annotated phrases for which the aforementioned annotations have been set, among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewing user's terminal. An annotation display target acquisition unit that acquires the selection of the annotated phrase by the viewer user. An annotation format selection display unit that displays the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the annotated phrase, on the viewer user's terminal as a selection of button icons corresponding to the furigana, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image link, respectively. A viewing annotation format acquisition unit that acquires the selection of the annotation format by the viewing user. An annotation display unit that displays annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among furigana (phonetic readings), foreign language translations, explanations, and image links, within a predetermined range from the aforementioned words and phrases, and A reference log acquisition unit acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the aforementioned viewer user as a reference log. A text annotation provision system characterized by comprising the following features.

14. The processor performs an annotation target phrase acquisition step to obtain the phrase to be annotated, The processor performs an additional annotation format acquisition step to acquire the annotation format which is the type of the annotation. The processor performs an additional annotation retrieval step, which retrieves annotations set by the editor user for the aforementioned phrase, including at least phonetic readings, foreign language translations, explanations of the phrase, and image links. An annotated phrase display modification step, in which the processor modifies the display on the website of annotated phrases for which the annotation is set among the text contained in the website to be displayed on the viewer user terminal. The processor performs an annotation display target acquisition step, which obtains the selection of the annotated phrase by the viewer user. An annotation format selection display step in which the processor displays the annotation format, which is the type of annotation for the annotated phrase, on the viewer user terminal as a selection of button icons corresponding to the furigana, foreign language translation, explanation of the phrase, and image link, respectively. The processor performs a viewing annotation format acquisition step in which it obtains the selection of the annotation format by the viewing user. An annotation display step in which the processor displays annotations in the format selected by the viewer user from among phonetic readings, foreign language translations, explanations, and image links within a predetermined range from the word or phrase, and A reference log acquisition step in which the processor acquires information including the selection of the annotation format by the viewer user as a reference log, A method for providing text annotations, characterized by being composed of the following.

Images