JP2000331467A - Portable type voice-reproducing device for learning use and reproducing method of learning use voice - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable type voice-reproducing device for learning use and reproducing method of learning use voice provided with a constitution suitable for continuous and irregular repeated learning for memorizing important matters. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a reproducing part 10 for reproducing learning use voices on external recording medium 1 and an operation part 20 for remote controlling the reproducing part 10, and the reproducing part 10 has ID information inherent to the external recording medium 1 and a re- writable semiconductor memory 160 storing a learning information indicating learning progress situation or the like of each learning use voice. The reproducing part 10 executes reproduction or skipping operation for each learning use voice based on this learning information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a playback unit for playing back at least sound information including voice and music from a replaceable recording medium, and an operation unit for remotely instructing playback control of the playback unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable learning voice reproducing apparatus having a structure suitable for continuous and irregular repetitive learning, such as memorizing necessary items in various fields including language learning, and learning. The present invention relates to a method of reproducing audio for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A reproducing apparatus for reproducing acoustic information including human voice and music recorded on a magnetic tape, a CD (Compact Disk) or the like is provided with a drive mechanism for the CD or the like and a reproducing mechanism for the acoustic information. There is a small and lightweight portable playback device. In such a portable reproducing apparatus, acoustic information reproduced by a reproducing unit having excellent portability is provided to an operator through a corded or cordless earphone, and the reproducing unit is remotely controlled by an earphone. There is a case where an operation unit for performing the operation is provided.

In general, an operation unit for remote control is provided with a plurality of buttons for instructing playback start, playback stop, playback fast-forward, playback rewind, and the like. A signal is sent to a reproducing unit connected to the operation unit by an electric cord, whereby remote control of the reproducing unit is performed. The operation unit may be provided with a flat display such as a liquid crystal display for displaying visual information, in addition to the plurality of buttons for operation instructions. The liquid crystal display applied to the operation unit includes, for example, a playback state (operation mode).
And the track number of the music being played are displayed.

On the other hand, in the case of a portable reproducing apparatus in which the reproducing section and the operating section are integrally formed, an operator who moves with the apparatus itself stored in a bag tries to instruct reproduction control. Each time the device must be removed from the bag. This limits the behavior of the operator,
The playback instruction operation is cumbersome. Conversely, in a portable playback device in which a playback unit and an operation unit that remotely controls the playback unit are configured separately, playback control can be performed without restricting the action of the operator.

[0005]

In recent years, as the playback unit and the operation unit have been separated as described above, and the use of a playback device excellent in portability has spread, the use of such a playback device has also been increased. It has become common to play music CDs and the like during idle time such as moving. In addition, the number of cases where such a portable playback device is used for language learning or the like during the idle time has increased.

[0006] However, the conventional portable reproducing apparatus simply reproduces audio information such as a music CD.
Various functions, for example, fast forward, rewind, speed selection, repeat function, etc. can realize the desired playback operation, but continuous and irregular repetitive learning is required, language and history subjects Did not have a sufficient structure and function for memorization learning. In particular,
Simple idioms in foreign languages, dates and important items in the history chronology, chemical formulas,
When memorizing atomic symbols, mathematical formulas, etc., the same information (recording medium) must be used repeatedly,
The number of items memorized day by day (there is no need for the learner to reproduce such learning items). In addition, items that are difficult to remember and items that are easy to remember are different for each learner (the number of times of reproduction required for memorization is different). For this reason, if the learner himself instructs the sequential playback operation each time the user uses the word (for example, in the field of word learning or the like, it is necessary to instruct the playback operation for each reproduced word).
There was a problem that it was not possible to concentrate on learning mainly by memorization as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has a structure suitable for continuous and irregular repetitive learning mainly based on voice for memorizing necessary items in various fields. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable learning sound reproducing apparatus provided with the same and a method for reproducing a learning sound. That is, the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus and the learning audio reproducing method according to the present invention also enable the scheduling of the reproducing operation suitable for each learner whose knowledge level changes day by day.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus having a structure suitable for memorizing learning of necessary items in various fields mainly performed using voice. A portable reproduction unit for individually reproducing the plurality of learning sounds from an external recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which at least a plurality of learning sounds are recorded in a predetermined order; and the portable reproduction unit. And an operation unit for remotely instructing the reproduction control in real time. In addition,
The portable learning audio reproducing device has a total weight of 40, for example.
It is a device of a size and weight that does not burden even if it is always carried, such as a very light device of less than 0 g.

In particular, in the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the portable reproducing section includes a first area in which ID information for identifying an external recording medium set by a learner is recorded; At least a rewritable storage and holding means, for example, a memory such as a semiconductor memory, is provided, which includes at least a second area in which learning information regarding each learning voice that can be a reproduction target is recorded. For example, this semiconductor memory includes flash memory, EE
This includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a PROM, and a semiconductor memory which is backed up by a power supply and whose recorded contents are retained even when the apparatus is not in use. In addition, the second
The learning information recorded in the area in association with each learning voice is information referred to prior to the reproduction operation of each learning voice in the external recording medium specified by the ID information, and This is information for indicating the learning progress status of each sound and instructing any one of a plurality of types of reproduction operations that can be executed.

[0010] Memorization of various necessary items is usually performed by repeatedly reproducing the same recording medium. for that reason,
Continuous and effective learning can be realized by holding information on the previous memorization learning until the next memorization learning and using the held information for the next memorization learning. Therefore, the prerequisite for restarting the learning is that the learning voice in the external recording medium to be reproduced corresponds to the learning information already held, and the learning information in the storage holding means is required. Means also the learning history information of each learner who uses the learning audio reproduction device.
On the other hand, when an external recording medium with an ID different from the ID information in the storage unit is set, it is necessary to determine that the learning is new learning (memorization) and initialize the learning information in the storage unit. . Note that the initialization of the learning information refers to a flag (for example, a 2-bit binary number) indicating that learning has not been performed in the area allocated to each learning voice in the storage and holding means as learning information regarding the learning voice to be reproduced. Data).

Furthermore, the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit for performing scheduling of memorization learning. Specifically, the control unit sequentially controls reproduction of a desired learning voice according to the learning information in the storage unit. On the other hand, at least each time the learning sound is reproduced by the portable reproducing unit, the learning information relating to the reproduced learning sound in the storage and holding means is rewritten so as to match the learning progress situation input via the operation unit. Perform control. further,
In this control unit, based on the learning information in the storage unit, a group of a predetermined number of learning sounds to be reproduced among the learning sounds in the external recording medium is specified in advance, and the specified group is It is also possible to perform the reproduction control and the writing control of the learning information for each of the learning voices in.

In this specification, the reproduction operation for each learning voice according to the learning information includes at least reproduction and skipping of the learning voice corresponding to the learning information (reproduction of the learning voice). Without skipping).

In the method of reproducing a learning voice according to the present invention using the portable learning voice reproducing apparatus having the above structure, first, an external recording medium in which a plurality of learning voices are recorded in a predetermined order. Is set in the portable reproducing unit, it is checked whether or not the set external recording medium is a medium in which a learning voice corresponding to the learning information in the storage and holding means is already recorded (memorization). Whether the learning is restarted or new memorized learning is determined), the unique information recorded in the set external recording medium is compared with the ID information recorded in the semiconductor memory.

Here, if the ID information does not match, a warning to that effect (this warning is performed by beep sound, voice, character display, etc.) is issued to the learner who has set the external recording medium. If they match, a learning voice that can be a playback target among the learning voices set in the external recording medium is specified (selection of a learning voice group to be tested for a learner). Then, for the specified learning voice, learning information corresponding to each learning voice is read from the storage and holding means, and the read learning voice is sequentially subjected to a desired reproduction operation by the portable reproduction unit. Be executed. In addition,
Also in this reproducing method, a group of a predetermined number of learning voices to be reproduced among the learning voices in the external recording medium is specified in advance based on the learning information in the storage unit, and the specified For each learning audio in the group,
It is also possible to control reproduction and writing of learning information, respectively.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A portable learning audio reproducing apparatus and a learning audio reproducing method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the same elements and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of a portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of an operation section of the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure showing appearance.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portable learning sound reproducing apparatus according to the present invention reproduces information such as sound recorded on a reproduction-only external recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The portable playback unit 10 includes an operation unit 20 that is electrically connected to the portable playback unit 10 via a cord 20 and that remotely instructs playback control in the portable playback unit 10 in real time. ing. In addition, the playback device uses the code 3 to reproduce the playback sound of the portable playback unit 10 so that the learner can listen to the playback sound while carrying the playback unit.
Output to the earphone 40 via 0 and 31.

The earphone 40 may be a cordless earphone using an infrared port. Further, a plurality of learning sounds are recorded in a predetermined order in advance on a reproduction-only external recording medium such as a CD-ROM set in the reproduction unit 10. For example, assuming that the learning voice is to learn English words and idioms required for high school and college exams,
Learning is made more efficient by sequentially recording important words and the like on the external recording medium.

The operation unit 20 is provided with input means (a plurality of buttons) and output means for remotely controlling the reproduction unit 10 for reproducing the learning sound recorded on the external recording medium at the hands of the learner. (Liquid crystal display) is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 20 includes:
As the input means, a button 21 for controlling the volume of the reproduced sound output from the earphone 40, a selection button 2 for instructing selection of reproduced sound information and the like
2. A repeat button 23 for instructing the repetitive reproduction of a specific learning voice, operation buttons 24, 25 for re-listening to the already reproduced learning voice or skipping the learning voice to be reproduced, A stop button 26 for transmitting an interrupt signal to the reproducing unit 10 and a power button 27 for interrupting the memorization learning (interrupting the reproduction of the learning voice) and the like are provided. As the output means, a flat panel 28 such as a liquid crystal display is provided. The flat panel 28 is used to specify a sequential number 280 indicating a learning sound being reproduced or an external recording medium set. ID number 2
81 and the like are displayed. By referring to the sequential number 280 displayed on the flat panel 28, the learner can collate the learning sound being reproduced with the text listing the learning items recorded on the external recording medium. Become. Note that the buttons 22 to 26 described above are used.
Various functions are assigned to the portable learning audio reproducing device according to the usage status (for example, memory mode, test mode, and the like). The flat panel 28 may display visual information such as characters indicating the sound being reproduced.

More specifically, the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has a structure suitable for continuous and irregular repetitive learning mainly using voice for memorizing necessary items in various fields. However, in the following description of each embodiment, the description will be made as an apparatus oriented to a portable CD player with a built-in computer for learning a foreign language.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a part of a recording area in a flash memory as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reproducing unit 10 of the portable learning audio reproducing apparatus includes a CD drive 180 for reading a desired word audio from a CD-ROM 1 as an external recording medium set therein. Have. The reproduction unit 10 includes a CPU 100 (control unit) for controlling the entire apparatus, a ROM 110 storing a program to be executed by the CPU 100, and a TOC (Table) of the CD-ROM 1.
RAM 120 (second semiconductor memory), which is a recording means for expanding and holding information and a buffer for audio data read from the CD-ROM 1, and for transmitting and receiving data between the operation unit 20 and the CPU 100. A handset interface (hereinafter referred to as a disk I / F) 130; a D / A converter 140 for converting digital data of word voice read from the CD drive 180 into analog voice data;
Amplifying circuit 141 that amplifies analog audio data output from A / A converter 140 and outputs the amplified audio data to earphone 40
(Hereinafter referred to as AMP), an output port 142 for outputting analog audio data from the AMP 141 to an external speaker or the like, a power supply circuit 150, a power supply port 151 for obtaining a DC voltage from an external power supply, and recording contents even when not in use. A flash memory 160 (first semiconductor memory) held therein, and a disk for outputting a control signal from the CPU 100 to the CD drive 180 and outputting word voice data from the CD drive 180 to the D / A converter 140.
An interface 170 (hereinafter, referred to as a disk I / F) is provided. Note that the program executed by the CPU 100 does not necessarily need to be stored in the ROM 110, and the program recorded in the CD-ROM 1 in advance is stored in the RAM 120 when the CD-ROM 1 is mounted.
The embodiment may be such that the file is loaded into the server.

The RAM 120 stores the address information of each word voice data set on the CD-ROM 1 which is actually set. The word voice specified by the address information and the learning information corresponding to each word voice are stored. The CPU 100 associates the information with the address in the flash memory 160. The CD drive 180 includes a motor 181 for rotating the CD-ROM 1, a read head 183, and the read head 183.
At least a moving mechanism 182 for moving the CD-ROM 1 in the radial direction of the CD-ROM 1 is provided. The flash memory 160 may be a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM or a semiconductor memory backed up by a power supply.

On the other hand, the operation unit 20 is electrically connected to the reproduction unit 10 by a cord 30, and has a structure for remotely instructing the reproduction control in the reproduction unit 10 in real time. Specifically, the operation unit 20 is an input unit 2 for transmitting a learner's operation content as a control signal to the CPU 100 via the handset I / F 130.
00 (a plurality of button groups) and output means including a display unit 210 for displaying display data from the CPU 100 on the flat panel 28 (see FIG. 2). Further, an earphone 40 is connected to the operation unit 20 via a cord 31, and the analog audio data amplified by the AMP 142 is output from the earphone 40.

In particular, the input means 200 of the operation unit 20
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of types of input buttons for instructing rewriting of information recorded in the flash memory 160 and the like are provided for each word voice in the CD-ROM 1. On the other hand, the display unit 210 of the operation unit 20 displays on the flat display 28 at least information 280 and the like for specifying the word voice reproduced in the reproduction unit 10. By showing the word being reproduced to the learner in this way, the learner can reconfirm the word with the text.

The flash memory 160 has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, at least the ID information 161 of the CD-ROM 1 to be set in the CD drive 180 of the reproducing unit 10 and the CD specified by the ID information 161
2-bit learning information 162 indicating the progress of learning is recorded for each word voice recorded in the ROM 1. The flash memory 160 has:
In addition to the ID information 161 and the like, it is also possible to record the operation time, and in this case, a time management function can be realized in the portable learning audio reproduction device. The 2-bit learning information 162 has four states (“00”, “01”,
Since “10” and “11”) can be stored, as described above, “unlearned”, “during learning”,
By automatically assigning a learning progress status such as “learning completed”, at least automatically performing playback operations such as automatic playback of a word voice in an “unlearned” state and skipping of a word voice in a “learned completed” state. Becomes possible.

(First Embodiment) The portable learning sound reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment performs a reproduction operation in at least the following memory mode and test mode by a predetermined number of words (m words). , One learning unit is configured).

In the memory mode, for example, Patent No. 2
In the case where an English word is to be acquired using a voice information recording medium on which a plurality of types of voice information are recorded as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 581700, the English word (button A) and the example sentence ( A button B), a Japanese translation of the English word to be reproduced by voice (Button C), and a reproduction instruction function of a commentary on the spelling by voice (Button D) are assigned.

In the memory mode, m (> 0) words constituting one learning unit are reproduced, but the reproduction is forcibly interrupted for each word (auto stop mode). The learner is configured to be able to memorize words efficiently while selecting one of the above-mentioned data to be reproduced by the button 22 for each word. During the interruption of the reproduction, the learner uses the buttons 25 and 26 to set the learning information in the flash memory 160 for each word voice as his or her own learning progress. Specifically, during execution of the memory mode, the ADV button 25
Is pressed once, the operation shifts to the reproduction operation of the next word, and information indicating the “unlearned” state is set as learning information. Further, when the stop button 26 is pressed once, information indicating the "learning" state is set as learning information, and when the stop button 26 is pressed twice, information indicating the "learning completed" state is set as learning information. Is done. As described above, by giving desired functions to the buttons 25 and 26 to simplify the learner's button operations,
The operation burden on the learner is greatly reduced (focusing on word learning).

The learning in the memory mode is performed with m words being reproduced as one unit. Of course, even if the reproduction is interrupted before the number of words becomes less than m, the learning can be continued at the next word learning. The contents at the time of the interruption are recorded in the flash memory 160, for example. In addition, in the device, when the reproduction of the m words is completed, confirmation of movement to the test mode (for example, a voice announcement) is automatically performed, and the learner is notified that the reproduction of the m words has progressed. Have been. Further, this mode can be repeated or terminated by the instruction of the learner.

On the other hand, in the test mode, the following functions are assigned to the selection buttons A to D22, respectively.

A: Reproduction of word sound (similar to memory mode) B: Recording in the flash memory 160 to the extent that the learner thinks it has been stored C: Reproduction of a Japanese translation by sound (memory・ Same as in the mode) D: When the meaning of the reproduced word voice can be immediately recalled, the flash memory 160 indicating that the learner has memorized it.
Recording (in this way, button D in the test mode)
(The word that is pressed is never played again in test mode.)

In this test mode, the buttons B,
D also has a function of instructing reproduction of the next word. If the answer is wrong or if the meaning of the reproduced word cannot be remembered, the learner presses the ADV button 25 to shift to the reproduction operation of the next word voice. This test mode is performed with n words as one unit. The input information of the learner in the test mode is stored in the flash memory 160 as information indicating the learning progress status of, for example, “unlearned”, “under study”, and “learning completed” for each word voice. The playback sequence of the words that are sequentially recorded and tested are executed after the apparatus is started up (programs stored in the ROM 110 or CDs).
-After loading the ROM1, the CD-ROM1 to the RAM120
Is automatically generated. The above-described memory mode, test mode, and automatic switching between them are executed by a program stored in the ROM 110.

As described above, the portable learning sound reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has various functions and configurations for enabling comprehensive and effective progress in the field of, for example, foreign language learning. This device is intended for portable CD players. Therefore, in the following description, the reproduction method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. In addition,
Since the apparatus for realizing the reproducing method according to the first embodiment has the structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the following description will refer to the above drawings as necessary.

First, the learner inserts the desired CD-ROM 1 into C
When set in the D drive 180 (step ST1),
It is determined whether the set ID information of the CD-ROM 1 matches the ID information 161 stored in the flash memory 160 (step ST2).

Here, if the ID information matches, it is understood that the current word reproduction is a continuation of the previous word learning. On the other hand, if the ID information does not match, a beep,
The learner who sets the CD-ROM 1 is alerted by a voice warning message or the like (step ST3), and waits for an instruction from the learner (step ST3).
4). This is because it is not possible to judge at this stage whether the learner has set a CD-ROM different from the CD-ROM 1 used last time in the hope of learning a new word, or has simply made a mistake in the CD-ROM to be set. is there. The CD-R set according to the instruction from the learner
If the OM is different from the intended CD-ROM (step ST5), the process shifts to a standby state until a correct CD-ROM is set (step ST1). vice versa,
If the instruction from the learner is to use a new CD-ROM (step ST5), the flash memory 160
The ID information 161 stored in the CD-ROM is rewritten to the content of the newly set CD-ROM, and the learning information 1 is rewritten.
The contents of 62 are initialized (step ST6).

Usually, at this stage, either the memory mode or the test mode is automatically executed (step S).
T7). The first time the CD-ROM is started to be used, the operation starts from the memory mode, and the second and subsequent times starts from the test mode. In this test mode, a test is performed on a word that has appeared in one unit of the previous word learning, particularly the immediately preceding word learning, and the learner inputs his / her learning progress status from the selection button 22 of the operation unit 20. In the following, the test
The operation in the mode will be described, but the memory mode is performed as described above.

The CPU 100 sets the CD-RO
The TOC information of M1 is read out via the disk I / F 170, the address information of each word sound in the set CD-ROM 1 is expanded on the RAM 120, and the word sound to be reproduced in this test mode ( (Speech data) (step ST8). In addition,
In this step ST8, the number of word voices to be subjected to the current test mode is determined and the RAM 120
By referring to the TOC information developed in the above, word sounds that can be played back are specified in advance. However, the playback sequence is configured to be determined according to a predetermined algorithm of a program stored in the ROM 110 from among word sounds targeted in this test mode, even if the playback sequence is not necessarily in the order recorded on the CD-ROM 1. You may.

Further, the CPU 100 reads the learning information 162 in the flash memory 160 corresponding to the word voice specified in this way, and determines a specific reproducing operation (step ST9). At this time, if the corresponding word in the flash memory 160 is a word voice to be reproduced (the learning information 162 indicates “unlearned” or “during learning”), the CPU 100 transmits the R to the disk via the disk I / F 170.
It instructs the CD drive 180 to read the audio data at the address specified by the AM 120. This CPU 10
The audio data read by the CD drive 180 according to the instruction from 0 is converted into analog audio data by the D / A converter 140, and the audio data amplified by the AMP 141 is transmitted from the earphone 40 via the cords 30 and 31. It is output (step ST10). On the other hand, if the corresponding word in the flash memory 160 is a word voice that does not need to be reproduced (the learning information 162 indicates "learning completed"), the CPU 100 skips the word voice (step ST11). In the reproduction operation of the first embodiment, the reproduction and the skip operation are referred to as described above. However, since the learning information 162 actually stored in the flash memory 160 can indicate four states, it is further different. A reproduction operation may be performed.

After a certain period of time has elapsed after such a reproducing operation, the input means 200 of the operation unit 20 may be input from the learner.
When the instruction to change the learning information 162 of the corresponding word voice is issued through the CPU (step ST12), the CPU 100
Is a flash memory 160 according to a learner's instruction.
The content of the learning information 162 stored therein is rewritten (step ST13).

The operations in steps ST8 to ST13 described above are repeated until all the word voices to be reproduced in the test mode are completed (step ST14). However, when the reproduction method in the first embodiment is interrupted in any of these steps (interrupt request is generated), the test mode state at the time of the interruption is temporarily stored in a predetermined area in the flash memory 160. You. In addition, the test mode described above (step ST
8 to ST13) are automatically executed until one learning unit in which learning information is set in advance for each word in the memory mode ends (step ST15).

In the reproducing method according to the first embodiment described above, unless an interrupt request for instructing interruption is generated, as long as there is a next learning unit (for all word sounds recorded on the CD-ROM 1) This is automatically performed (until a predetermined reproduction operation is performed) (step ST16). In the first embodiment, for each word voice recorded on the CD-ROM 1, the voice data that can be played back is sequentially specified (step ST8), the learning information is checked (step ST9), and the predetermined Is performed (steps ST10 and ST11). For example, if only the reproduction of the target word voice is performed as the reproduction operation (the simplest embodiment), the RAM 120
And the recorded content of the flash memory 160,
After specifying a group of words to be reproduced, the words are grouped together, and the word sounds of the specified group are sequentially
Reproduction and recording of learning information may be performed.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a method for reproducing a learning voice according to a second embodiment will be described. In addition,
The method of reproducing a learning sound according to the second embodiment is characterized in that the memory mode and the test mode in the above-described first embodiment are simultaneously executed.
In the following description, a case in which English words are acquired as a typical example of learning will be described. A portable learning audio reproducing device for realizing the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. Shall be provided.

First, in the second embodiment, the following functions are given to the selection button 22, the REV button 24, and the ADV button 25 in the operation unit 20 shown in FIG.

A: Generation of English word B: Example sentence voice using the English word C: Japanese translation by voice of English word to be reproduced D: Spelling by voice, translation and commentary of example sentence by voice REV: Previous ADV: Proceed to playback of next English word

In addition, the stop button 26 indicates the content of each piece of learning information in the flash memory 160 corresponding to the reproduced word voice by the number of times the certain word voice is reproduced and then pressed. Function is given. For example,
When the learner hears the word and thinks that he or she has roughly learned the word, the learner is caused to press the stop button 26 once so that the learning information 162 in the flash memory 160 is stored in the learning information 162 in the flash memory 160 by the CPU 100. On the way to learning "
(Semi-memory state) is recorded. In addition, when the learner thinks he or she has completely remembered the reproduced word or knows it at the time of the first reproduction, the learner is made to press the stop button 26 twice so that the CPU 10
0, the learning information 162 in the flash memory 160
Is recorded as "learning completed" (complete storage state).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining a method of reproducing a learning voice according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, each piece of learning information 161 recorded in the flash memory 160 is stored in the CD-RO set in the reproducing unit 10.
Step of determining whether or not the word is related to the word voice recorded in M1 (steps ST1 to ST1 in FIG. 5)
ST6) is the same. Therefore, in the following description, each learning information 16 recorded in the flash memory 160 will be described.
2 is determined to be related to the word voice recorded in the CD-ROM 1 set in the reproducing unit 10,
Alternatively, the description will be made assuming that the learning information in the flash memory 160 has been initialized in association with the new CD-ROM 1 that has been set. In the following description, unlike the above-described first embodiment, a group of word sounds to be tested (n pieces of sound data reproduced in one test) is previously set as learning information prior to sound reproduction. A case will be described in which the learning information 162 is rewritten according to a learner's instruction while sequentially reproducing the word voices of the specified group specified from 162.

First, the CPU 100 reads the set CD
Reading out the TOC information of the ROM 1 via the disk I / F 170, expanding the address information of each word voice in the set CD-ROM 1 on the RAM 120, and referring to the learning information 162 in the flash memory 160 Meanwhile, n word voices (voice data) to be reproduced in the test mode are specified (step ST17). Although there are various algorithms for selecting a reproduction target, in the second embodiment, among the learning progress statuses of each word voice recorded in the learning information 162, “unlearned” and “under learning” are selected. Shall be unconditionally covered in such cases. Further, in the second embodiment, the learning progress status recorded as the learning information 162 is “unlearned” (indicated as S = 0 as an unstored state), “in the middle of learning (when insufficient)” (half). The memory state (poor) is indicated by S = 1), "In the middle of learning (when learning is considerably advanced)"
(Semi-memory state (excellent) is indicated by S = 2) and “learning completed” (completely stored state is indicated by S = 3).

Then, for the specified word voice, C
The PU 100 is connected to the RAM 12 via the disk I / F 170.
C to read the audio data at the address indicated by 0
Instruct the D drive 180. The audio data read by the CD drive 180 in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 100 is converted into analog audio data by the D / A converter 140, and the audio data amplified by the AMP 141 is transmitted through the cords 30 and 31 to the earphone 40. Are sequentially output (step ST18). On the other hand, during the period from the time when one of the word sounds specified in step ST17 is reproduced to the time when the next word sound is reproduced (in this embodiment, the reproduction of each word sound is performed in the auto stop mode). When the user gives an instruction to change the learning information 162 of the corresponding word voice via the input unit 200 of the operation unit 20 (step ST19), the CPU 100
The contents of the learning information 162 stored in the flash memory 160 are rewritten according to the instruction of the learner (step ST20).

The rewriting operation in step ST20 is performed, for example, according to the following algorithm.

Change 1: If the ADV button 25 is pressed when the learning information before rewriting is S = 1 or S = 2, the content of the learning information is returned to S = 0. Modification 2: Regardless of the content of the learning information before rewriting, when the stop button 26 is pressed once (when the memory is ambiguous, but the user is aware that he or she has roughly learned), the learning information includes S = Set 1 Modification 3: When the stop button 26 is pressed twice (when it is recognized that the memory is complete), S = 2 or S = 3 is set in the learning information according to the following conditions. (A) If the learning information before rewriting is S = 1, set S = 2. (B) If the learning information before rewriting is S = 2, set S = 3. (C) For the first reproduced word voice Set S = 3 in case

In the second embodiment, when the rewriting operation of the learning information 162 as described above has been executed for all the voice data specified in step ST17 (step ST21), steps ST17 to ST21 instruct interruption. Interrupt request or CD-R
It is automatically repeated until the memorization of all the word voices recorded in OM1 is completed (step ST2).
2). In one test, n word sounds are specified and reproduced. When the reproduction of the n word sounds is completed, a word sound that is determined to be completely memorized by the learner is determined. Once removed from the learning target, in step ST17, a new word voice is added to the group to be reproduced so that the number of word voices to be tested becomes n. Further, the algorithm for specifying the word voice to be reproduced is such that, even while the test mode as described above is repeated, even if the word voice is completely stored, the word voice is reproduced again at an arbitrary number of times. With such an algorithm, further effects can be expected on the memory retention of the learner.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
Although the word voice to be reproduced is specified collectively prior to the actual reproduction and recording of the learning information, the second embodiment is also reproduced similarly to the first embodiment described above. A configuration may be adopted in which a word voice to be specified, a playback operation is checked, and a desired playback operation is sequentially executed for each word voice that can be a playback target. In this case, steps ST8 and ST9 shown in FIG. 6 are executed instead of step ST17 in the second embodiment, and step ST10 shown in FIG. 6 is executed instead of step ST18 in the second embodiment. And ST11.

In the learning voice reproducing method according to the first and second embodiments, only the word voice reproducing operation in the test mode is described. However, the learning voice reproducing according to the present invention is performed. Since the device is intended for a portable CD player having various functions and configurations, in actual use, the test mode described above may not be usable in combination with various other playback modes. Needless to say.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, the storage means for holding the learning progress status of each learning item to be memorized at least until the next learning is provided in the reproducing apparatus excellent in portability and operability. Therefore, there is an effect that a discontinuous time such as a traveling time can be effectively used, and more effective memorization learning that matches a knowledge level of a learner to be used is enabled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a portable learning audio reproducing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed external appearance of an operation unit in the portable learning audio reproduction device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of a portable learning audio reproducing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a part of a recording area in a flash memory as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.

FIG. 5 illustrates a confirmation operation common to the first and second embodiments of the learning sound reproducing method according to the present invention using the portable learning sound reproducing device according to the present invention. It is a flowchart for the.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first embodiment (test mode) of a method for reproducing a learning sound according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment (test mode) of the method for reproducing a learning sound according to the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable reproduction part, 20 ... Operation part, 28 ... Flat panel, 30, 31 ... Cord, 40 ... Earphone, 120 ...
RAM (second semiconductor memory), 150 ... power supply circuit, 16
0: Flash memory (first semiconductor memory), 200:
Input unit (input means), 210 ... display unit (output unit).

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A portable playback unit for individually playing back a plurality of learning sounds from an external recording medium in which a plurality of learning sounds are recorded in a predetermined order, and a playback control in the portable playback unit. A portable learning audio reproducing apparatus comprising an operation unit for remotely instructing in real time, wherein the portable reproducing unit stores unique ID information in the external recording medium and specifies the ID information by the ID information. Information that is referred to prior to the playback operation of each learning voice in the external recording medium, and indicates the learning progress status of each of the learning voices and from among a plurality of types of executable playback operations. A portable learning audio reproducing device comprising a rewritable first semiconductor memory in which learning information for instructing any operation is stored. 2. A method for controlling a predetermined reproduction operation for a learning sound in the external recording medium based on learning information in the first semiconductor memory, and at least each time the learning sound is reproduced, A control unit for performing rewriting control of learning information on the reproduced learning voice in the first semiconductor memory so as to match a learning progress state input via an operation unit. 2. The portable learning audio reproducing device according to 1. 3. The portable reproduction unit according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction operation for each learning voice specified by the learning information includes at least reproduction and skipping of a learning voice corresponding to the learning information. The portable learning audio reproducing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. An operation unit for instructing rewriting of learning information on the reproduced learning voice in the first semiconductor memory at least every time a word voice in the external recording medium is reproduced. The portable learning audio reproducing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an input unit. 5. The operation unit according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a display for displaying information for identifying at least the learning sound being reproduced in the portable reproduction unit. A portable learning audio reproducing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. A second semiconductor memory in which address information of the learning voice on the external recording medium is stored, and wherein the control unit specifies a learning specified by the address information in the second semiconductor memory. The portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a learning voice is associated with an address in the first semiconductor memory of learning information corresponding to each of the learning voices. . 7. The rewritable first semiconductor memory,
7. The portable learning audio reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory selected from a flash memory and an EEPROM, or a semiconductor memory backed up by a power supply. 8. A method for reproducing a learning sound using the portable learning sound reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable recording unit stores an external recording medium on which a plurality of learning sounds are recorded in a predetermined order. And determining whether the external recording medium set in the first step is a medium recording a learning voice corresponding to the learning information in the first semiconductor memory. A second step, a third step of specifying a learning voice that can be a reproduction target among the learning voices in the external recording medium, and a learning information corresponding to the learning voice specified in the third step. A fourth step of reading from the semiconductor memory and executing a predetermined reproducing operation on the learning voice specified by the read learning information. 9. The learning voice according to claim 8, wherein the reproducing operation in the fourth step includes at least reproducing and skipping a learning voice corresponding to the read learning information. How to play. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the third and fourth steps are repeatedly performed for each of the set learning sounds in the external recording medium.
The method for reproducing a learning voice according to any one of the above. 11. A method for reproducing a learning sound using the portable learning sound reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable recording unit stores an external recording medium on which a plurality of learning sounds are recorded in a predetermined order. And determining whether the external recording medium set in the first step is a medium recording a learning voice corresponding to the learning information in the first semiconductor memory. A second step, a third step of specifying a group of a predetermined number of learning sounds to be reproduced from among the learning sounds in the external recording medium, based on the learning information in the first semiconductor memory; For the group specified in the three steps, the data of each learning voice in the group is read from the external recording medium in a predetermined order, and the learning voices in the group are sequentially reproduced. The method of reproducing training speech that includes a 4 steps. 12. At least each time a learning sound is reproduced by the portable reproducing unit, the reproduced learning sound in the first semiconductor memory is matched with a learning progress state input via the operation unit. The method for reproducing a learning voice according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a fifth step of rewriting the learning information on the voice. 13. The step of reading address information of the plurality of learning sounds on the external recording medium from the external recording medium and writing the information into a second semiconductor memory different from the first semiconductor memory. The method for reproducing a learning voice according to any one of claims 8 to 12, comprising: 14. The second step, when it is determined that the learning information in the first semiconductor memory does not correspond to each of the learning sounds in the set external recording medium, the external recording medium is 14. The learning voice reproducing method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of giving a warning to a set operator. 15. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second step is performed when the operator accepts that the learning information in the first semiconductor memory is not information corresponding to the learning voice in the external recording medium set. The method according to claim 14, further comprising a step of initializing learning information in the first semiconductor memory.