JP4034025B2 - Video equipment with learning function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video device, and more particularly to a video device having a learning function and a control method thereof.
Recently, various types of video equipment, of which television devices are the most representative examples, have added various additional functions to satisfy the various needs of users in addition to the original video and audio methods. Efforts are being made to improve the competitiveness of products. The learning function is one of the various additional functions described above, and is applied to various video devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 9, a television apparatus as an example of video equipment having a learning function according to the prior art is used to select a CVBS (Composite Video Blanking Signal), that is, a composite video signal received via an antenna. Tuner 1, a Y / C separation unit 2 that separates a broadcast signal into Y / U / V signals from the composite video signal selected via tuner 1, and a broadcast signal selected via tuner 1. A synchronization signal separation unit 3 that separates signals, a microcomputer 4 that controls the display of OSD or caption data in accordance with the synchronization signal separated from the synchronization signal separation unit 3, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable) for storing operation programs and the like & Programmable Read-Only Memory) 5 and OSD or caption data selected by switching signal of microcomputer 4 A video switch 6 to be output, a video / deflection processing unit 7 for performing video processing and deflection processing, a CPT (Color Picture Tube) 8 as a display unit, and a caption among broadcast signals selected via the tuner 1 A caption processing unit 9 that processes information, a learning database 11 that stores predetermined word data for each learning level, and an interface unit 10 for data exchange between the caption processing unit 9 and the learning database 11 are included. It consists of
[0003]
Here, the caption processing unit 9 performs a caption information process with a data slicer (Date Slicer) 12 that extracts caption information from a broadcast signal selected by the tuner 1 in accordance with the synchronization signal output from the synchronization signal separation unit 3. From a caption control unit 14 for controlling, a caption decoder 13 for decoding caption information, a font ROM / program ROM / data RAM 15 for storing fonts and font processing programs corresponding to languages such as English, Korean, Japanese, etc. It is configured.
[0004]
An operation for executing the learning function in the video equipment according to the related art configured as described above will be described below.
When the user turns on the learning function, the microcomputer 4 controls the caption by specifying the learning function setting contents from the user, that is, the address of data corresponding to the learning level, start number, or display position set by the user. A control signal is supplied to the unit 14 and the corresponding data is read from the learning database 11.
Therefore, the caption control unit 14 matches the font corresponding to the data set from the font ROM / program ROM / data RAM 15 to read the learning data, and inputs the read learning data to the video switch 6 via the interface unit 10. Let
[0005]
Next, the microcomputer 4 outputs a control signal to the video switch 6 to turn on the switch so that the corresponding learning data is output to the video / deflection processing unit 7. Then, it is output on the CPT 8 via the video / deflection processing unit 7.
[0006]
On the other hand, the audio signal included in the broadcast signal and received by the tuner 1 is signal-processed via the tone adjusting unit 16 and the amplifier 17 and output as audio via the speaker 18 in synchronization with the corresponding video. The
[0007]
However, such a conventional video device having a learning function according to the conventional technique displays only a predetermined word on the screen and does not output a sound corresponding to the word, and therefore cannot hear a pronunciation corresponding to the word. Therefore, there is a problem that the efficiency of learning by the user is lowered as well as the user's desire to learn cannot be satisfied.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and displays a learning word on a screen and simultaneously outputs a sound corresponding to the word in synchronization with the word. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a video apparatus having a learning function and a method for controlling the same that can increase learning efficiency.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a video apparatus having a learning function according to the first basic configuration of the present invention displays a learning database that stores learning data including phonetic symbols and image data on a display screen. Therefore, subtitle data included in a broadcast signal and the learning data stored in the learning database are subjected to subtitle processing, and digital audio data for each phonetic symbol stored in advance is used to store the learning data. A plurality of oscillators for synthesizing accent speech corresponding to the word in the middle and generating clock pulses matching the corresponding accent to modulate the frequency of the output speech corresponding to the accent of the phonetic symbol included in the learning data a sound generating unit including, when providing voice learning is requested by the user, the corresponding from the learning database A control unit that reads the learning data and controls the subtitle processing unit and the sound generation unit so that learning data corresponding to the setting content requested by the user and sound corresponding thereto are output. To do.
Further, in the video apparatus having a learning function according to the first basic structure, the sound voice onset raw portion includes a phonetic symbol voice storage ROM that stores the phonetic symbols different voice data, before Symbol controller A frequency switch for selecting and outputting one of clock pulses generated by the oscillator according to a control signal; and voice data selected and output from the phonetic symbol voice storage ROM by the control unit. A voice synthesizer that synthesizes according to the clock pulse selected and output by the signal generator, and a D / A converter for converting the output of the voice synthesizer into an analog signal and outputting it to an audio switch.
[0010]
In addition, the video equipment having the learning function according to the second basic configuration of the present invention includes a learning database for storing learning data including phonetic symbols and a broadcast signal for display as image data on a display screen. Corresponding to the words in the learning data by using the caption processing unit that performs caption processing on the included caption data and the learning data stored in the learning database, and digital voice data for each phonetic symbol stored in advance A voice generation unit including a plurality of oscillators for synthesizing a voice of an accent and generating a clock pulse matching the corresponding accent to modulate the frequency of the output voice corresponding to the accent of the phonetic symbol included in the learning data; When the user requests to provide speech learning, the corresponding learning data is read from the learning database. A control unit that controls the subtitle processing unit and the audio generation unit so that learning data corresponding to the requested setting content and sound corresponding thereto are output, and a subtitle signal of the subtitle processing unit or the learning data is input And a video switch for inputting an OSD signal for controlling video equipment on a screen and selectively outputting the caption signal, the learning data, and the OSD signal according to a switching signal of the control unit, The output from the video switch and the video signal are input, the video processing unit that processes the video signal so that the output and the video signal are displayed on the screen, the output from the audio generation unit, and the audio signal are input respectively. And an audio system that selectively outputs the output from the video switch and the video signal in accordance with a switching signal of the control unit. And pitch, the output of the audio switch comprising: a, a sound signal processing unit for audio signal processing to allow the output through the speaker.
[0016]
Hereinafter, a video apparatus having a learning function and a control method thereof according to first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 2, the video equipment having the learning function according to the present invention includes a sound generation unit 19 that synthesizes and outputs learning data stored in the learning database 11, for example, a sound corresponding to an English word, and a microcomputer 4. Except for the audio switch 28 that selects and outputs one of the sound output from the sound generation unit 19 and the sound included in the broadcast signal in accordance with the control signal of Since they are the same, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the prior art, and redundant description is omitted.
[0017]
Here, the voice generator 19 stores a phonetic symbol voice storage ROM 20 that stores voice data for each English phonetic symbol, and an accent to modulate the frequency of the output voice to match the accent appearing in the phonetic symbol of the learning data. One of the first, second, and third oscillators 21, 22, and 23 for generating different clock pulses and one of the clock pulses of the first to third oscillators 21 to 23 are selected according to the control signal of the caption control unit 14. The frequency switch 24 for output and the voice data selected and output from the phonetic symbol storage ROM 20 by the caption control unit 14 are given accents corresponding to the clock pulses selected and output by the frequency switch 24. A speech synthesis unit 25 for synthesis, and a D / D for converting the output of the speech synthesis unit 25 into analog The output of the converter 26 and the D / A converter 26 by the buffer, and a buffer 27. to be output to the audio switch 28.
[0018]
The phonetic symbol voice storage ROM 20 stores phonetic symbol-specific voice data as shown in FIG. 2 in the form shown in FIG. 3 together with index data for facilitating the search of the corresponding voice data. ing.
[0019]
A method for executing the learning function in the video apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.
When the learning mode is set by the user and the voice learning mode is not set (S22), learning data corresponding to the setting contents of the user, that is, English words including meaning, phonetic symbols, and the like are read from the learning database 11. The data is transmitted to the caption control unit 14 via the interface unit 10, is subjected to caption processing under the control of the caption control unit 14, and is displayed on the screen of the CPT 8 via the video switch 6 (S23).
[0020]
On the other hand, when the user sets the speech learning mode (S22), the phonetic symbol of each English word included in the learning data is read from the caption control unit 14 according to the control signal of the microcomputer 4, and the phoneme-specific digital of the phonetic symbol is read. The voice data is read from the phonetic symbol voice storage ROM 20 and supplied to the voice synthesizer 25 (S24).
Then, the caption control unit 14 expresses an accent corresponding to the pronunciation symbol of the English word and outputs it via the voice synthesis unit 25 in synchronization with the video data of the English word based on the control of the microcomputer 4. The frequency switch 24 is controlled as described above (S25).
[0021]
That is, in FIG. 1, the caption control unit 14 applies a control signal to the frequency switch 24, applies a clock pulse matching the corresponding accent to the speech synthesizer 25, and the speech synthesizer 25 sequentially inputs each sound generation. The voice data is synthesized and output in accordance with the clock pulses supplied from the first to third oscillators 21, 22, and 23 so that the voice data classified by symbol phoneme can express the first and second accents.
At this time, as another method for expressing the accent in the output English word voice data, the first and second accents are expressed by adjusting the level of the output voice data and changing the volume level for each phoneme. You can also.
[0022]
Next, the digital voice data output from the voice synthesizer 25 is converted into analog voice data via the D / A converter 26 and input to the audio switch 28 via the buffer 27. The audio switch 28 outputs the audio data output from the buffer 27 in accordance with a control signal from the microcomputer 4.
[0023]
Next, the sound data output from the audio switch 28 is adjusted in tone quality by the tone adjusting unit 16, amplified by the amplifier 17, and output in synchronization with the English words displayed on the screen via the speaker 18. Is done. Therefore, the user can listen to the English word and the pronunciation corresponding to it at the same time. In addition, the present invention is an example in which the voice learning function is applied to a television apparatus, and can be easily applied by configuring a basic caption function and a learning function in cooperation with various video devices including a set-top box. be able to.
[0024]
(Second Embodiment)
A television receiver as a video device having a learning function according to the second embodiment of the present invention is included in a word database 120 for storing predetermined word data and an external video signal as shown in FIG. Caption processing unit 110 for performing caption processing on the caption data or word data stored in the word database 120, an interface unit 130 for exchanging data between the caption processing unit 110 and the word database 120, and the word data. A speech generator 140 for synthesizing a prosody processed sound after converting it into a pronunciationable character string, and reading the corresponding word data from the word database 120 when the user's speech learning function is requested. 110, the caption processing is performed. The microcomputer 70 that controls the sound generator 140 so that sound corresponding to the data is output, the EEPROM 60 for storing the operation program of the microcomputer 70, and the video output from the caption processing unit 110 A video processing unit 30 that performs signal processing so that a signal and a video signal output from the microcomputer 70 or an external video signal can be displayed on a screen, and a CPT 40 that displays a signal output processed by the video processing unit 30. And an audio switch 100 for selectively outputting the output of the sound generator 140 and an external sound signal under the control of the microcomputer 70, and signal processing so that the output of the audio switch 100 can be output by the speaker 90. And an audio processing unit 80. There.
[0025]
At this time, the caption processing unit 110 includes a data slicer 111 for extracting caption information from an external video signal, a caption decoder 112 for decoding the caption information, a font for expressing words, and a font processing program. The memory unit 114 stores the caption information corresponding to the user's storage command in the caption information currently displayed on the screen, and the predetermined caption information is stored in the memory unit 114 under the control of the microcomputer 70. Or a caption control unit 113 for controlling the operation of the data slicer 111 and the caption decoder 112 by reading from the memory unit 114 and transmitting to the audio generation unit 140.
[0026]
Then, the voice generation unit 140 converts the voice data 141 for storing each pronunciation-specific feature parameter, converts the word data into a character string that can be pronounced, analyzes it, performs prosodic processing, and selects the feature parameter corresponding thereto. An audio processor 142 for reading from the audio database 141 and generating a digital audio signal, and a D / A converter 143 and a D / A converter for converting the digital audio signal generated from the audio processor 142 into an analog audio signal And a buffer 144 for buffering the output from 143.
[0027]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the speech processor 142 includes a character string standardization unit 142-1 for standardizing numbers, alphabets, abbreviations, special symbols, and the like in the word data into a pronounceable character string. Analyzing the stylized character string to detect boundary points between phrases and clauses, and outputting from the character string analyzing unit 142-2 for setting the pronunciation of multiple pronunciation words When the pronunciation changes due to the connection between syllables in the generated character string, the phonetic symbol processing unit 142-3 for converting the phonetic symbols to match the changed pronunciation, and the phonetic symbol processing unit 142-3 output A prosody processing unit 142-4 for giving a prosody of length, strength, and intonation to the character string, and a feature parameter corresponding to the pronunciation of the character string output from the prosody processing unit 142-4 Read from, and a sound generation unit 142-5 Prefecture for synthesizing a digital audio signal conforming to it.
[0028]
The video processor 30 also selects a tuner 31 for selecting a broadcast signal received via the antenna, and a CVBS (Composite Video Blanking Signal) selected by the tuner 31, that is, a broadcast signal of the composite video signal. Y / C separation unit 32 that separates into Y / U / V signals, synchronization signal separation unit 33 that separates the synchronization signal from the broadcast signal selected by tuner 31, and video / deflection processing that performs video processing and deflection processing Part 34. The audio processing unit 80 includes a tone adjustment unit 81 and an amplifier 82.
[0029]
Hereinafter, a method of executing the learning function of the video equipment according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, in order to perform a learning function, the user operates a key of the television device or a remote controller to input a learning function “ON” command. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the microcomputer 70 determines whether or not the learning function is “ON” (S41).
[0030]
Next, if the determination result (S41) indicates that the learning function is "ON", the learning setting value set by the user, that is, the learning level / start position / display position, etc. is grasped (S42). Then, the word data of the address corresponding to the learning set value is read from the word database 120 (S43).
[0031]
Next, the microcomputer 70 controls the caption processing unit 110 to perform caption processing of the word data so as to match the corresponding font, to perform video processing through the video processing unit 30, and to display the data through the CPT 40. (S44). At the same time, the microcomputer 70 allows the voice generator 140 to transmit word data via the caption controller 110. Accordingly, the voice generation unit 140 converts the word data into a character string that can be pronounced and analyzes it, and then performs prosodic processing (S45).
Then, the voice generation unit 140 synthesizes the character string subjected to prosodic processing using the corresponding pronunciation-specific feature parameters stored in the voice database 141 and outputs the synthesized voice to the speaker (S46).
[0032]
At this time, a detailed operation of the sound generation unit 140 will be described below.
That is, the character string stylization unit 142-1 standardizes numbers, alphabets, abbreviations, and special symbols in the word data into a character string that can be pronounced.
[0033]
Next, the character string analysis unit 142-2 analyzes the stylized character string to detect boundary points between phrases and clauses, and selects a proper pronunciation of a word having two or more pronunciations.
[0034]
Then, the phonetic symbol processing unit 142-3 calibrates the phonetic symbols so as to match the changed pronunciation when the pronunciation of the character string output from the character string analyzing unit 142-2 varies due to the connection between syllables.
[0035]
Next, the prosody processing unit 142-4 gives a prosody such as length, strength, and intonation to the character string output from the phonetic symbol processing unit 142-3.
[0036]
Then, the sound generation unit 142-5 generates digital voice data by synthesizing the character string subjected to the prosodic processing and the characteristic parameters corresponding to the pronunciation thereof, that is, frequency, bandwidth, and energy information.
[0037]
Next, the digital audio data is converted into analog audio via the D / A converter 143 and output to the speaker 90 via the buffer 144.
[0038]
When the voice output operation is completed in this way, it is determined whether the display period of the word displayed on the screen has reached the set period (S47), and if it has reached, the start number of the word is increased ( In S48, it is determined whether or not the displayed word number is an end setting number (S49).
[0039]
Next, if the determination result (S49) indicates that the word number is the end setting number, the process returns to the first start number (S50) and returns to the step (S43).
[0040]
On the other hand, if the learning function is not “ON” as a result of the determination (S41), it is determined whether the learning function “OFF” command is input (S51), and the learning function “OFF” command is input. If so, the learning set value and the current progress state are stored (S52), and the word and voice output is stopped (S53). If the learning function “OFF” command is not input, the corresponding command is processed (S54).
[0041]
In addition, the present invention can store displayed words when necessary and reproduce them together with the corresponding sound at a desired time. This will be described below with reference to FIG.
First, when a user desires, a word storage command or a word reproduction command can be input by operating a key of a video device, for example, a television receiver or a key of a remote controller.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the microcomputer 70 determines whether a word storage command is input (S61). When the word storage command is input, the microcomputer 70 stores the corresponding word in the memory unit 114 of the caption processing unit 110. (S62).
[0042]
On the other hand, if the determination result (S61) indicates that no word storage command is input, it is determined whether a word reproduction command is input (S63). When the word reproduction command is input, the caption control unit 113 is controlled to read the word stored in the memory unit 114 (S64).
[0043]
Next, the caption processing unit 110 is controlled so that the word data is captioned so as to match the corresponding font, and the image processing unit 30 performs image processing so that the word data is displayed on the screen of the CPT 40 (S65).
At the same time, the voice generation unit 140 transmits the word data via the caption control unit 113, and converts the word data into a utterable character string and analyzes it as described with reference to FIG. Thereafter, prosody processing is performed (S66). In addition, the voice generation unit 140 synthesizes the character string subjected to prosodic processing using the corresponding pronunciation-specific feature parameters stored in the voice database 141, and outputs the synthesized voice through the speaker (S67).
[0044]
In addition, in the video equipment having the learning function according to the first and second embodiments described above, the language as a learning target has been described by taking English as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, learning Korean. Even when learning Japanese or learning Japanese, the present invention can be applied to other languages such as Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, French, German, etc. Can be applied.
[0045]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the present invention is an example in which the learning function is applied to a television apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is basically applied to various video devices including a set-top box. By combining the basic caption function and the learning function, it can be easily applied to other video devices.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
In addition, the video equipment having the learning function and the control method thereof according to the present invention increase the learning efficiency of the user and stimulate learning motivation by outputting a word as a learning target such as an English word and a corresponding voice. There are various effects such as being able to improve the competitiveness of the product in the market by differentiating from other products.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video device having a learning function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a phonetic symbol table of the video equipment according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage format of phonetic symbol voice data and index data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a video device having a learning function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video device having a learning function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the audio processor of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a video device having a learning function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a word storage and reproduction method in the control method of the video equipment having a learning function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video device having a learning function according to a conventional technique.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Microcomputer 6 Video switch 8 CPT
9 Caption processing unit 11 Learning interface 14 Caption control unit 16 Tone adjustment unit 18 Speaker 19 Sound generation unit 20 Phonetic symbol voice storage ROM
21 First oscillator 22 Second oscillator 23 Third oscillator 24 Frequency switch 25 Speech synthesizer 28 Audio switch 40 CPT
50 Video Switch 70 Microcomputer 80 Audio Processing Unit 81 Tone Adjustment Unit 90 Speaker 110 Subtitle Processing Unit 113 Caption Control Unit 120 Word Database 140 Audio Generation Unit 141 Audio Database 142 Audio Processor

Claims (3)

A learning database for storing learning data including phonetic symbols;
A caption processing unit that performs caption processing on caption data included in a broadcast signal and the learning data stored in the learning database in order to display the image data on a display screen;
Using prestored digital voice data for each phonetic symbol, the speech of the accent corresponding to the word in the learning data is synthesized and the frequency of the output voice corresponding to the accent of the phonetic symbol included in the learning data A sound generator including a plurality of oscillators for generating clock pulses that match a corresponding accent to modulate
When the user is requested to provide voice learning, the corresponding learning data is read from the learning database, and the learning data corresponding to the setting content requested by the user and the corresponding voice are output. A control unit that controls the caption processing unit and the sound generation unit;
A video apparatus having a learning function. The sound voice onset generation unit,
A phonetic symbol voice storage ROM that stores the phonetic symbols different voice data,
A frequency switch for selecting and outputting one of the clock pulses generated by the oscillator in accordance with the control signal before Symbol controller,
A voice synthesizer that synthesizes voice data selected and output from the phonetic symbol voice storage ROM by the control unit according to the clock pulse selected and output by the frequency switch;
A D / A converter for converting the output of the speech synthesizer into analog and outputting it to an audio switch;
The video equipment having a learning function according to claim 1, comprising: A learning database for storing learning data including phonetic symbols;
A caption processing unit that performs caption processing on caption data included in a broadcast signal and the learning data stored in the learning database in order to display the image data on a display screen;
Using prestored digital voice data for each phonetic symbol, the speech of the accent corresponding to the word in the learning data is synthesized and the frequency of the output voice corresponding to the accent of the phonetic symbol included in the learning data A sound generator including a plurality of oscillators for generating clock pulses that match a corresponding accent to modulate
When the user requests to provide voice learning, the subtitle processing unit reads the corresponding learning data from the learning database and outputs the learning data corresponding to the requested setting contents and the corresponding voice. And a control unit for controlling the sound generation unit,
The caption signal of the caption processing unit or the learning data is input, and an OSD signal for controlling a video device is input on the screen, and the caption signal, the learning data, and the control signal are switched according to the switching signal of the control unit. A video switch for selectively outputting an OSD signal;
A video processing unit that inputs an output and a video signal from the video switch, and that processes the video signal so that the output and the video signal are displayed on a screen;
An audio switch that inputs an output from the audio generation unit and an audio signal, and selectively outputs the output from the video switch and the video signal according to a switching signal of the control unit,
An audio signal processing unit for processing an audio signal so that an output of the audio switch can be output via a speaker;
A video apparatus having a learning function.

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