Pronunciation Learning Device Phoneme-Level Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional word pronunciation learning devices fail to effectively identify and target specific combinations of consecutive pronunciation components where users struggle, limiting personalized and efficient learning.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor and memory that evaluates user pronunciation of words for each combination of consecutive pronunciation components, outputs learning information based on the evaluation, and provides targeted advice and word lists for improvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pronunciation learning devices evaluate user pronunciation only at the word level, then the evaluation process is simple, but the precision of identifying specific pronunciation weaknesses is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of identifying pronunciation weaknessesVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments pronunciation evaluation from the word level to the phoneme level. Instead of evaluating entire words as single units, the system breaks down words into individual pronunciation components (phonemes) and evaluates each phoneme separately. This segmentation enables precise identification of which specific phonemes users struggle with, transforming the evaluation from a coarse word-level assessment to a fine-grained phoneme-level analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing customized learning content targeted at specific phoneme weaknesses rather than generic word-level practice. The system identifies which particular phonemes (local components) a user struggles with and generates learning materials specifically for those phonemes, rather than requiring users to practice entire words uniformly. This localized approach optimizes learning efficiency by focusing practice on specific weak areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If pronunciation learning provides generic word lists for practice, then the learning material is easy to generate, but the adaptability to individual user weaknesses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual user weaknessesVSAvoidcomplexity of generating learning materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making learning material generation adaptive and dynamic based on real-time evaluation results. Instead of providing static, pre-defined word lists, the system dynamically generates customized learning materials by selecting words that contain the specific phonemes identified as weak points during evaluation. This dynamic adaptation ensures learning content evolves with the user's progress and continuously targets current weaknesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by using evaluation results to inform and adjust learning material generation. The system evaluates user pronunciation performance on specific phonemes, then uses this feedback to automatically generate or select appropriate learning words that target those weak phonemes. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures learning materials are continuously optimized based on actual user performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11935425B2Electronic device, pronunciation learning method, server apparatus, pronunciation learning processing system, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • US11935425B2 patent drawing
  • US11935425B2 patent drawing
  • US11935425B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Pronunciation learning processing is performed, in which evaluation scores on pronunciation for respective words are acquired from a pronunciation test that uses multiple words, the acquired evaluation scores are summated for each combination of consecutive pronunciation components in the words, and learning information based on the result of summation is output.