JPH08314487A - Information distribution system, information distribution method, and information reproduction method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To distribute updated information changing every hour to many portable terminal equipments, to rapidly fetch the distributed information in the portable terminal equipments side even anywhere and to reproduce the information in a sound by providing a code data conversion means converting the code data of the distributed information to pronounciation information and a pronounciation information distribution means distributing the pronounciation information stored by a pronounciation information storage means by using a communication means or a broardcasting means. CONSTITUTION: A communication line such as a public telephone line, an ISDN line network, a VAN, a LAN, etc., is used as the communication means 102. A host device 101 is provided with a language processing part 104 converting the code data of the distributed information to the pronounciation information and a communication processing part 107 distributing the pronounciation information stored in a pronounciation information file 105 storing the pronounciation information converted by the language processing part 104 by using the communication means 102. Then, a sound answering correspond to the pronounciation information is reproduced and outputted from the terminal equipment 103 through the communication means 102.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information distribution system, an information distribution method and an information reproducing method for providing distribution information of newspapers, magazines and the like from a source of information to a user of a portable rule voice synthesizer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a portable speech synthesizer, a "portable rule speech synthesizer" in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-289689 and a "speech synthesizer" in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-173586 are shown. There are known portable voice synthesizers.

Here, the "portability rule voice synthesizer" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-289689 stores the character information provided by the character providing means in a portable storage means such as an IC card and After storing the user dictionary data composed of the rule synthesis data of the pronunciation information required for synthesizing the words constituting the information in the regular speech, the portable storage means is used to store the portable regular voice. It is mounted on a synthesizing device to perform regular voice synthesis of the character information based on the user dictionary data stored in the storage means.

The "speech synthesizer" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-173586 is a speech synthesis language processing section (main device).
And a portable device that can be easily connected to and disconnected from it, and the portable device was initially used as a speech processing language processing unit (main device).
Connected to, the speech synthesis processing is performed to some extent by the language processing unit (main device), and the intermediate result (information in the middle stage of the speech synthesis processing) is stored in the input information of the mobile device via the input unit of the mobile device. After that, the portable device is detached from the main device and carried, and voice synthesis is performed based on the intermediate result stored in the input information storage unit of the portable device.

[0005]

However, in the portability rule speech synthesizer of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-289689, the character information provided from the character providing means is IC.
Since it is transferred to the portable voice synthesizer by using a portable storage means such as a card as a medium, it takes a considerable amount of time and effort to transmit information to the voice synthesizer, and the latest information that changes momentarily can be promptly sent. There was a problem that it was difficult to capture and play back by voice. Further, in order to provide the same information to a large number of people, the information provider needs to make a large number of copies of the IC card or the like, and there is a problem that the operation or the like becomes complicated.

According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 173586/1993, part of the voice synthesizing process is performed by the main device, and the remaining process is performed by the portable device. In order to store it in the device, the portable device must be directly connected to the main device, without which the information cannot be entered or updated. Therefore, the information that the mobile device can perform voice synthesis is limited to the information in the main device, and further, it is difficult for the carrier of the mobile device to input or update the information at any desired location. There was a problem.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to deliver the latest information that changes from moment to moment to a large number of mobile terminal devices, and the mobile terminal device side can promptly deliver the distributed information anywhere. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information distribution system, an information distribution method, and an information reproducing method, which are capable of being captured by a computer and reproducing the information by voice.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the inventions of claim 1, claim 2, claim 4 and claim 11, the code data of the distribution information is converted into pronunciation information. A code data converting means, a pronunciation information accumulating means for accumulating the pronunciation information converted by the code data converting means, and a pronunciation information distributing means for distributing the pronunciation information accumulated by the pronunciation information accumulating means using the communication means. are doing. As a result, the latest pronunciation information that changes from moment to moment can be quickly delivered to a large number of mobile terminal devices via the communication means, and in the mobile terminal device, the pronunciation information distributed from the host device can be quickly delivered anywhere. The information can be captured and reproduced by voice.

Further, in the inventions of claims 1, 3, 4, and 11, the code data conversion means for converting the code data of the distribution information into the pronunciation information and the code data conversion means are used for conversion. It has a pronunciation information accumulation means for accumulating pronunciation information and a pronunciation information distribution means for distributing the pronunciation information accumulated by the pronunciation information accumulation means using a broadcasting means. As a result, the latest phonetic information that changes from moment to moment can be quickly delivered to a large number of mobile terminal devices via the broadcasting means, and in the mobile terminal device, the phonetic information distributed from the host device can be quickly delivered anywhere. The information can be captured and reproduced by voice.

Further, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, the host device further has a time measuring means for measuring time and a time data storing means for setting desired time data, and the connection control means is , The time measuring means is monitored, and the time measured by the time measuring means is compared with the time data stored in the time data storing means to control the connection to the portable rule voice synthesizer, that is, the terminal device. ing. This allows communication connection to be made to the terminal device at a predetermined time in advance, and the user of the terminal device can obtain the latest information in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) at the determined time. Can be obtained on a regular basis.

Further, in the inventions according to claims 6 and 8, the portable rule voice synthesizing device, that is, the terminal device stores connection control data necessary for connecting to the host device through the communication means or the broadcasting means. And a connection control data storage means for controlling connection with the host device based on the connection control data stored in the connection control data storage means. As a result, the host device can be accessed from the terminal device side.

Further, in the inventions of claims 7 and 8, the portable rule voice synthesizing device, that is, the terminal device further has a clocking means for clocking time, and the connection control data storing means has a desired one. When the time data can be set and the desired time data is set in the connection control data storage means, the connection control means is stored in the connection control data storage means and the time measured by the time measurement means. The connection with the host device is controlled by comparing with the time data. Thus, it is possible to automatically call the host device at a predetermined time and obtain the distribution information, that is, the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) from the host device.

Further, in the invention according to claim 9, the portable rule voice synthesizing device, that is, the terminal device, monitors the reception state in the receiving means of the pronunciation information transmitted from the host device via the communication means or the broadcasting means. It further has a state monitoring means and a notification means for notifying the operator of the reception completion when the reception state monitoring means detects the completion of the reception of the pronunciation information. As a result, the operator can easily confirm the reception state of the terminal device, and can prevent the data from being destroyed by mistakenly attaching or detaching the terminal device during data reception. Further, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the data has been updated normally.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, when the portable rule-based speech synthesizer, that is, the terminal device, is connected to the host device via the communication means or the broadcasting means, a connection error with the host device occurs. Connection error detection means for detecting a connection error, an error message storage means for storing at least one type of connection error message, and an error message corresponding to an error detected by the connection error detection means is selected from the error message storage means and output. An error message output control means is further included. Thereby, the user can hear the error message by an extremely simple terminal operation such as simply pressing the play button, and can later know the reason why the error occurs.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, when the pronunciation information is distributed by communication or broadcasting, the pronunciation information distributed by communication or broadcasting is received and taken in, and the taken-in pronunciation information is reproduced by voice. . As a result, it is possible to immediately reproduce and output the captured pronunciation information as voice.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an information distribution system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, this information distribution system is separated from an information providing source host device 101 that provides various types of information, a communication unit 102 that transmits various types of information provided from the host device 101, and a communication unit 102. It has a terminal device 103 which is operably connected.

Here, the communication means 102 is, for example, a public telephone line network, an ISDN line network, a VAN, a LAN.
And the like, and the communication line 102 is not limited to one line and may have a plurality of lines.

Further, the host device 101 includes a language processing unit 1
04, pronunciation information file 105, and host controller 10
6 and a communication processing unit 107.

The language processing unit 104 has a function of performing linguistic analysis, for example, Japanese analysis of code data of distribution information, for example, code data of character information (document information) of newspapers and magazines, and converting it into pronunciation information. Therefore, a language analysis process for text-to-speech synthesis is performed on desired distribution information, and this is converted into pronunciation information (pronunciation code data).

More specifically, when the code data of character information as shown in FIG. 2 is given, the language processing unit 104 automatically converts the code data into pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) as shown in FIG. 3, for example. It is like this.

Further, the host control unit 106 uses, for example, a CP
U has a function of controlling each part of the host device, processing and editing the pronunciation information sent from the language processing unit 104 as necessary, and storing it in the pronunciation information file 105. are doing.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the pronunciation information edited and processed when the language processing unit 104 sends the pronunciation information as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In this example,
The pronunciation information includes a control code 302 and a phonetic symbol string 301. Here, the phonetic symbol string 301 reads a voice and a sound effect (“A”, “I”, “U”, etc.) and accents.
("'"), Accent phrase delimiters ("|", ";", etc.), pauses (",", ",,", etc.), and other codes (for example, "^"). It is a code string that can be converted into a voice on the side of the portability rule voice synthesizer 103. On the other hand, the control code 302 is a code for controlling the structure and reading of data such as the start and end of the phonetic symbol string. As can be seen from this example, the host control unit 106
By adding a control code to the pronunciation information as shown in FIG. 3, changing the accent delimiter, the position of the accent, and the length of the pose of the underlined portion in FIG. 3,
The pronunciation information can be processed and edited in the form as shown in FIG. It should be noted that such processing and editing can be performed manually.

Further, the communication processing unit 107 is constituted by a modem and a line control unit (hereinafter referred to as NCU) when the communication means 102 is a public telephone line, for example, and controls transmission of sound information (sound code data). And so on.

The terminal device 103 is the host device 10
1 is a portable rule-based speech synthesizer that receives various information provided from No. 1 and reproduces and outputs the information by voice, and a plurality of devices can be connected via the communication unit 102.

Since the terminal device 103 can be separated from the communication means 102, the terminal device 103 receives the information provided from the host device 101, disconnects it from the communication line 102, and carries it as a single unit. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce and output information by voice in a state of being carried.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 103, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the terminal device 103. First, referring to FIG. 5, the terminal device 103
Is a modular receiver 241, an output terminal 209 for outputting sound, a power switch 252, and a play button 2.
53, a stop button 254, a rewind button 255, a volume switch 256 for controlling the volume of a synthetic sound, an operation switch such as a conversation speed control switch 257 of the voice synthesizer, and buttons.

Further, referring to FIG. 6, the terminal device 103
Is a communication control unit 201, a memory writing unit 202, a memory 203, a memory reading unit 204, a rule voice synthesis processing unit 206, a voice data file 205, an operation information input unit 207, and a voice output unit 208. And have.

Here, the operation information input unit 207 controls the power on / off of the terminal device 103, for example, when the operator operates the power switch 252, or
It has a function of setting and controlling the start and interruption of the output of the synthetic sound when the play button 253 or the stop button 254 is operated. The operation information input unit 207 includes a power switch 252, a play button 253, and a stop button 25.
4, rewind button 255, volume switch 25
6, various operation switches such as the control switch 257 and buttons may be included.

Further, since the terminal device 103 is provided with the modular receiving portion 241, for example, a modular jack at one end of the connection cord is inserted into the modular receiving portion 241, and the communication means (communication line) 102.
For example, when a public telephone with a modular receiver is used, the terminal jack 103 is connected to the communication means (public telephone) 102 by inserting the modular jack at the other end of the connection cord into the modular receiver of the public telephone. It can be connected detachably (detachably).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a public telephone,
This public telephone has a handset 291
A coin insertion slot 292, a card insertion slot 293, a display 294, a dial portion 295, modular receiving portions 296 and 297, and a changeover switch 298 are provided.

When a public telephone as shown in FIG. 7 is used as the communication means 102, the modular jack 271a at one end of the connection cord 270 is inserted into the modular receiver 241 of the terminal device 103, and the other end of the connection cord 270 is used. Of the terminal device 1 by inserting the modular jack 271b of the above into a modular receiver of a public telephone, for example, 297.
03 can be physically connected to a public telephone, and thereafter, by performing a predetermined operation and protocol, the host device 1 can be connected via this public telephone, that is, the communication means 102.
01 and the terminal device 103 can communicate with each other.

For example, after physically connecting the terminal device 103 to the public telephone as described above, the dial unit 295 of the public telephone is operated to call the host device 101, and the changeover switch 298 of the public telephone is operated. (By switching), the data communication line can be established between the host device 101 and the terminal device 103. Alternatively, as will be described later, the host device 101 is installed in the terminal device 103.
In the case where a mechanism for automatically making a call is provided, it is only necessary to physically connect the terminal device 103 to the public telephone as described above and then operate the changeover switch 298 of the public telephone.
(By switching), the terminal device 103 to the host device 10
1 can be called, and a data communication line can be established between the host device 101 and the terminal device 103. In any of the above cases, various data line connection protocols, such as those standardized by CCITT's V series recommendations, can be used to establish a data communication line.

Further, the communication control unit 201 of the terminal device 103
Has a function of receiving pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) from the communication processing unit 107 of the host device 101 via the communication means 102. For example, when a public telephone line is used as the communication means 102, A modem or the like is used as the communication control unit 201. Further, in a normal state, the communication control unit 201 sets the mode of the terminal device to the “data reproduction mode”, and when detecting that the communication with the host device 101 is established, The mode is switched to the "data reception mode".

Further, the memory writing unit 20 of the terminal device 103
The reference numeral 2 writes the pronunciation information (sound code data) received by the communication control unit 201 into a predetermined address of the memory 203. The memory 203 is a rewritable memory for storing pronunciation information, and for example, a semiconductor memory or the like can be used. Further, the memory reading unit 204 designates a desired address, and the memory 2
03 pronunciation information is read out, and the regular speech synthesis processing unit 206
It is designed to be sent to. Further, the voice data file 205 stores data necessary for regular voice synthesis, and for this purpose, for example, a ROM or a rewritable memory (for example, RAM) is used. Further, the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206 uses the data stored in the voice data file 205 for the pronunciation information from the memory reading unit 204 to generate and output a continuous voice waveform. Has become.

The voice output unit 208 outputs the voice synthesized by the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206, and for example, a speaker or the like is used. Further, since the terminal device 103 also has an output terminal 209 as a means for outputting a sound, an external output device 210 such as headphones or earphones is connected to the output terminal 209, and an external device such as headphones is connected. Audio can be output from the output device 210.

Next, the operation of the information distribution system having such a configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating information to be distributed by the host device 101. Referring to FIG. 8, the language processing unit 104 of the host device 101 converts the code data to be the distribution information into pronunciation information (step S401). Next, the above step S4
It is checked whether or not the pronunciation information converted in 01 is required to be processed or edited (step S402), and if the processed or edited is required, the host control unit 106 determines that the necessary portion of the pronunciation information is necessary. Perform processing and editing (step S
403). Thereafter, the pronunciation information that has been processed and edited is stored in the pronunciation information file 105 (step S40).
4). Next, it waits until a communication request is made from the communication processing unit 107 (step S405), and if there is a request,
By the communication processing unit 107, the requested file information is
It transmits to the communication means 102 (step S406).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a procedure in which the terminal device 103 accesses the host device 101, which is the information transmission source, through the communication means 102 and receives the information from the host device 101. When accessing the host device 101, the operator of the terminal device 103 first performs line connection (501). That is, when a public telephone is used as the communication unit 102, the operator physically connects the terminal device 103 to the public telephone as described above, and thereafter,
For example, the telephone number of the host device 101 is dialed using the dial unit 295 of the public telephone to call the host device 101, and then the changeover switch 298 of the public telephone is operated to switch the communication line to the terminal device 103 side. . After that, the communication processing unit 10 of the host device 101
7 and the communication control unit 201 of the terminal device 103 establish a data communication line between them.

In this way, when the communication control unit 201 on the terminal device 103 side detects that the data communication line has been established, the communication control unit 201 changes the mode of the terminal device 103 from "data reproduction mode" to " It switches to the "data receiving mode" and sends a "data request code" to the host device 101 (502).

On the host device 101 side, when the communication processing unit 107 receives the "data request code", the host control unit 106 reads out the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) stored in the pronunciation information file 105 and stores it. Is transmitted to the communication processing unit 107, and the communication processing unit 107 transfers the read pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) to the terminal device 103 side (503). On the terminal device 103 side, the host device 1
When the communication control unit 201 receives the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) sent from 01, the memory writing unit 20 receives the pronunciation information.
The data is sequentially stored in the memory 203 according to 2. Host device 1
On the 01 side, a "data end code" is sent after sending a series of sound information (sound code data) (504). By receiving the "data termination code" on the terminal device 103 side,
The "reception completion code" is sent to the host device 101 side (5
05), then the communication line is disconnected (506), and the terminal device 1
The mode of 03 is returned to the "data reproduction mode". When the host device 101 receives the "reception completion code", it disconnects the communication line.

At this stage, the memory 20 of the terminal device 103
Since all the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) distributed from the host device 101 is stored in 3, the terminal device 10
The operator of 3 can remove the connection cord 270 from the public telephone and the terminal device 103, separate the terminal device 103 from the public telephone, and carry it around freely. Can be played.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure for reproducing the pronunciation information accumulated in the memory 203 of the terminal device 103 as a voice. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, the host device 101 has already been stored in the memory 203.
It is assumed that the pronunciation information has been transferred via the communication unit 102.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the user wants to reproduce a voice, the operator of the terminal device 103 operates the memory 2 for example.
The read position of 03 is set at the beginning of the pronunciation information (step S601), and then the play button 253 is pressed. The operation information input unit 207 checks whether or not the play button 253 is pressed (step S602). If the play button 253 is not pressed, the operation information input unit 207 waits until it is pressed, and the play button 253 is pressed.
When is pressed, the memory reading unit 204 is activated. As a result, the memory reading unit 204 starts to extract the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) from the memory 203 (step S603). Then, it is determined whether or not the extracted pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) corresponds to, for example, the final pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) (step S604).
Whether or not it corresponds to the last pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) can be determined, for example, by whether or not the content of the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is control information indicating the end of the pronunciation symbol. it can.

In step S604, if the last phonetic information (phonetic code data) is found, the process returns to step S601. On the other hand, if the last pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is not found in step S604, the pronunciation information is sequentially read from a predetermined reading position of the memory 203, and this is given to the regular speech synthesis processing unit 206.

As a result, the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206 synthesizes the voice waveform based on the pronunciation information from the memory reading unit 204 and outputs the voice (step S60).
5). At this time, when the operator presses the stop button 254 (step S606), the operation information input unit 207
A stop signal is given to the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206. As a result, the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206 immediately interrupts the voice output (step S607), returns to step S601, moves the read position to the beginning of the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) (the beginning of the memory 203), and waits again. It becomes a state. On the other hand, if the stop button 254 is not pressed in step S606, the read position is sequentially advanced (step S608). By repeating this series of processes, a sound corresponding to the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is reproduced from the terminal device 103 until the content of the pronouncing information (pronunciation code data) becomes control information indicating the end of the pronunciation symbol. Is output.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operator connects the portable terminal device 103 to the communication means 102 when the host device 101 fetches the latest information that changes from moment to moment. The latest information can be promptly fetched from the host device 101 in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) anywhere. Specifically, the host device 10
When the distribution information is transmitted in the form of a voice waveform from No. 1 via the communication line and is received by the terminal device 103, the information amount of the distribution information is about 16 kbps, and it takes about 2 hours to transmit and receive the information. , As in the first embodiment,
When the distribution information is transmitted from the host device 101 in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) using a communication line, the information amount of the distribution information is very small, about 100 bps (when transmitting in the form of a voice waveform. 1/1 compared to
(It can be set to about 60), and the time required for transmission / reception can be a very short time of about several tens of seconds.

That is, by distributing the distribution information from the host device 101 using the communication means 102 and distributing the distribution information in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data), the terminal device 103 distributes the distribution information anywhere. It can be captured quickly.

Further, in this first embodiment, the terminal device 1
03 is separated from the communication means 102, and then the terminal device 103
By itself, it is possible to directly perform voice synthesis based on the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) from the host device 101 that has been taken in, and reproduce and output as voice. As a result, the user of the terminal device 103 can easily listen to the reproduced voice while walking or in a crowded train.
It becomes possible to collect information.

Further, the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) taken into the memory 203 of the terminal device 103 is retained so that it can be reproduced any number of times unless it is overwritten or the contents of the memory 203 are erased. The user of the device 103 has a stop button 254, a rewind button 255,
By operating the play button 253 or the like, the host device 10
You can listen to the information imported from 1 as many times as you like. Further, when the terminal device 103 has a function of being able to reproduce while listening to only the title, only desired information can be reproduced and heard while listening to only the title.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the information distribution system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG.
In this information distribution system, instead of the communication means 102 of the system of FIG. 1, a broadcasting unit (for example, broadcasting station antenna) 70
1 is used.

Here, as the broadcasting unit 701, in addition to those using radio waves such as radio broadcasting and television broadcasting, satellite broadcasting using artificial satellites, cable television, cable broadcasting and the like can be used.

Further, by using such a broadcasting unit 701, in the second embodiment, data such as distribution information is output to the broadcasting unit 701 in the host device 101, in place of the communication processing unit 107. A distribution processing unit 702 is provided. In this case, the broadcasting unit 701 is the host device 101.
It has a function of being connected to a delivery processing unit 702 inside thereof, receiving data sent from the delivery processing unit 702, and broadcasting to the respective terminal devices 103.

Correspondingly, in the second embodiment, the terminal device 103 has a structure as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 12, in the terminal device 103 of the second exemplary embodiment, broadcast reception for receiving data such as radio waves broadcast by the broadcasting unit 701, in place of the communication control unit 201 of the terminal device 103 of FIG. A control unit 801 is provided. A tuner such as a radio or a television can be used as the broadcast reception control unit 801, and the broadcast reception control unit 801 outputs the received data to the memory writing unit 202.

In the second embodiment, the operator of the terminal device 103 takes in the information from the host device 101 into the terminal device 103 in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) by radio broadcasting, satellite broadcasting or cable broadcasting. Therefore, even if the terminal device 103 is not physically connected to a communication means or the like, the latest information that changes from time to time from the host device 101 is always in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data). In addition, the portable terminal device 103 alone can quickly capture the distribution information from the host device 101 based on the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) captured in the portable terminal device 103. Can be heard.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the host device 101 of the information distribution system shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, the host device 101 includes a terminal device 103.
A connection control data storage unit 901 that stores data necessary for connection to the terminal device, and a line between the terminal device 103 and the communication unit 102 based on the data stored in the connection control data storage unit 901. And a communication connection control unit 902 for controlling the connection of the above. Here, the connection control data storage unit 901 can be configured with a ROM or a rewritable memory (for example, RAM). The contents stored in can be changed as needed. In addition, the connection control data storage unit 901 can specifically store personal data such as the telephone number of the terminal device 103 for each terminal device 103, and also charging information for costs related to line connection, It can be stored in association with personal data or the like.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining the operation relating to the communication connection from the host device 101 to the terminal device 103 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 14, FIG.
In the host device 101 of No. 3, the communication connection control unit 902
For example, whether or not there is a connection request from the communication processing unit 107 is monitored (step S1001), and when there is a connection request, the communication connection control unit 902 causes the connection control data storage unit 9
From 01, data necessary for communication connection, for example, data such as a telephone number of the terminal device 103 to be connected for communication is extracted.
(Step S1002). Next, the communication connection control unit 902
On the basis of the extracted data, the communication processing unit 107
Control the communication connection (step S1003).
For example, when the communication unit 102 is a public line, the terminal device 103 of the other party is called by the extracted telephone number or the like.

In this way, the communication connection control unit 902,
After the communication connection is established by the communication processing unit 107, the communication processing unit 107 sends the sounding information (sounding code data) to the terminal device 103, as described in the first embodiment. At this time, the communication connection control unit 90
2 monitors whether or not the communication connection is disconnected in the communication processing unit 107 (step S1004), and when the communication connection is disconnected, the connection control data storage unit stores charging information regarding the cost required for the line connection. 901 (step S1
005).

As described above, when the host device 101 has the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the line connection can be made from the host device 101 side to the terminal device 103 side. In order to receive the information supplied from the device 101,
It is not necessary to make communication access to the host device 101 from the host computer 3, and the latest information can be easily obtained from the host device 101.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modification of the host device shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 15, in the host device 101, a timer 1101 that measures the current time
Is connected to the communication connection control unit 902, and the communication connection control unit 902 constantly monitors the timer 1101. In association with this, the connection control data storage unit 901 can also set data relating to communication connection time.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the operation relating to the communication connection from the host device to the terminal device of FIG. Referring to FIG. 16, in the host device 101 of FIG. 15, the communication start time can be stored in advance in the connection control data storage unit 901. At this time,
A plurality of communication start times can be stored (reserved) as the communication start times. Then, the communication connection control unit 902
The connection control data storage unit 9 constantly monitors the timer 1101.
The time stored in 01 is compared with the current time of the timer 1101 to determine whether there is a time that matches the current time (step S1201). As a result, if there is a time that matches the current time, the communication connection control unit 9
02 extracts from the connection control data storage unit 901 data necessary for communication connection, for example, the telephone number of the terminal device 103 to be connected for communication (step S1202). Next, the communication connection control unit 902 causes the communication processing unit 107 to perform communication connection based on the extracted data (step S1203). For example, when the communication unit 102 is a public line, the terminal device 103 of the other party is called by the extracted telephone number or the like.

In this way, the communication connection control section 902,
After the communication connection is established by the communication processing unit 107, the communication processing unit 107 sends the sounding information (sounding code data) to the terminal device 103, as described in the first embodiment. At this time, the communication connection control unit 90
2 monitors whether or not the communication connection has been disconnected in the communication processing unit 107 (step S1204), and if the communication connection has been disconnected, the connection control data storage unit displays charging information regarding the cost required for the line connection. 901 (step S12
05), and returns to step S1201.

As described above, when the host device 101 is configured as shown in FIG. 15, by monitoring the timer 1101, the terminal device 10 is preset at a predetermined time.
Since communication connection can be established with respect to No. 3, the user of the terminal device 103 can regularly obtain the latest information in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) at a predetermined time.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device 103 of the information distribution system shown in FIG. 6, that is, the portable rule voice synthesizing device. Referring to FIG. 17, in the terminal device 103, a connection control data storage unit 1301 that stores data necessary for connecting to the host device 101,
A communication connection control unit 1302 that performs line connection control with the host device 101 based on the data stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301, and detects whether the terminal device 103 is attached to the communication unit 102. And a mounting detection unit 1303 for further mounting.

Here, the mounting detection unit 1303 is, for example,
In a state where the modular jack 271b at the other end of the connection cord 270 is attached to the modular receiver of the public telephone, for example, 297, the modular jack 271a at one end of the connection cord 270 is inserted into (attached to) the modular receiver 241 of the terminal device 103. ) Has been detected. More specifically, the attachment detection unit 1303 includes a lid member on the modular receiving unit 241 of the terminal device 103, and when the lid member is opened, a predetermined switch is turned on to detect that the attachment is performed. Or, or
It can be configured to measure the terminal voltage of the modular receiver of the terminal device 103 and detect that the terminal device 103 is mounted when the terminal voltage reaches a predetermined value.

The connection control data storage unit 1301 can be constituted by a ROM or a rewritable memory (for example, RAM). The contents stored in can be changed as needed. Also,
The connection control data storage unit 1301 is shown in FIG.
The memory configuration may be as shown in FIG.
In the example of FIG. 18, the connection control data storage unit 1301 stores
A unique ID code 1401 of the terminal device 103, a telephone number 1402 of the information distribution source (host device 101), and the like are stored in advance. The ID code 1401 is used for accounting processing and other processing of individual information for each terminal device.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a procedure for performing communication access to the host device which is the information distribution source by the terminal device of FIG. In the example of FIG. 19, it is assumed that a public telephone is used as the communication unit 102 and the connection cord 270 is connected in advance to the modular receiver of this public telephone. In this case, when the operator of the terminal device 103 wants to access the host device 101, first, the modular jack 271a at one end of the connection cord 270 connected to the public telephone is attached to the modular receiving portion 241 of the terminal device 103. .

At this time, the attachment detector 13 of the terminal device 103
03 detects whether or not the modular jack is attached (step S1501), and when detecting that the modular jack is attached, gives a detection signal to that effect to the communication connection control unit 1302 (step S1502). Communication connection control unit 1302
Upon receiving a detection signal indicating that the device is mounted from the mounting detection unit 1303, automatically reads the telephone number information 1402 of the host device 101 stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301, and based on this number information, A tone signal is generated, the host device 101 is called, and the host device 101
The line is connected to (step S1503).

In this way, when the terminal device 103 accesses the host device 101 and is connected to the host device 101, the communication connection control unit 130 of the terminal device 103.
2 determines via the communication control unit 201 whether or not there is a terminal ID code request from the host device 101 side (step S1504), and if there is a terminal ID code signal request from the host device 101 side, the request is sent. Accordingly, the ID code 1 stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301
401 is sent to the host device 101 via the communication control unit 201 (step S1505).

As a result, on the host device 101 side, after confirming the sent ID code 1401, the distribution information can be transmitted to the terminal device 103 side in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data). Communication control unit 2 of terminal device 103
In 01, the distribution information from the host device 101, that is, the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is sequentially received (step S1506), and it is judged whether or not the reception of the pronunciation information is completed.
(Step S1507) If the reception is completed, the process returns to step S1501.

As described above, when the terminal device 103 is configured as shown in FIG. 17, the operator of the terminal device 103 accesses the host device 101 to access the host device 10.
When the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is to be obtained from 1, the terminal device 10 is not required to input the telephone number of the host device 101, its own ID number, etc. each time.
3 is physically connected to the public telephone (for example, the modular jack 271a at one end of the connection cord 270 is attached to the modular receiver 241 of the terminal device 103).
(Just insert it), in this case the host device 101
Is automatically called, and the delivery information is promptly sent from the host device 101.
That is, pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) can be obtained.

Therefore, the operator of the terminal device 103 can easily obtain information from the host device 101 by using the public telephone at the destination. Moreover, at this time, it is not necessary to remember its own ID code for accessing the host device 101, and when there is a request from the host device 101, the terminal device 103 automatically sends the ID code to the host device 101. Since it is transmitted, in the host device 101,
With this ID code, personal data such as billing information can be automatically stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device shown in FIG. 17, that is, the portable rule voice synthesizing device.
Referring to FIG. 20, the terminal device 103 is further provided with a timer 1601 for measuring the current time. Also, in connection with this, the connection control data storage unit 1
As shown in FIG. 21, the time 301, the telephone number 1702 of the information source, the ID code 1703 of the user, the personal identification number 1704 of the user, etc. are stored in advance in 301 as shown in FIG. The connection control data storage unit 1301
For, you can configure this with ROM,
The rewritable memory (for example, RAM) may be used. When the rewritable memory is used, the contents stored in the rewritable memory may be changed as necessary.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a procedure for performing communication access to the host device which is the information transmission source by the terminal device of FIG. Referring to FIG. 22, the operator of the terminal device 103 sets the time to be accessed in the connection control data storage unit 1301 in advance, and physically connects the terminal device 103 to, for example, a public telephone. After making such settings, the communication connection control unit 1302 of the terminal device 103 compares the current time measured by the timer 1601 with the time 1701 stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301, and compares the current time. It is determined whether there is a time that matches the time (step S180).
1). As a result, when there is a time that matches the current time, the communication connection control unit 1302 reads the telephone number information 1702 of the host device 101 stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301 and uses it as the number information. Based on this, the host device 101 is called via the communication control unit 201 to establish a line connection with the host device 101 (step S18).
02).

In this way, when the host device 101 is connected by the access from the terminal device 103, the communication connection control unit 1302 of the terminal device 103 communicates whether or not there is a terminal ID data request from the host device 101. The determination is made via the control unit 201 (step S1803), and when there is a terminal ID code request from the host device 101 side, the connection control data storage unit 1301 is responsive to the request.
ID code 1703 stored in the communication control unit 20
1 to the host device 101 via step 1 (step S18)
04). Next, the communication connection control unit 13 of the terminal device 103
02 is the ID code 170 on the host device 101 side.
After 3 is confirmed, it is judged whether or not there is a password request from the host device 101 side (step S1805), and if there is a password request, it is stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301 according to the request. Security code 170
4 to the host device 101 side (step S180
6).

As a result, on the host device 101 side, after confirming the sent personal identification number 1704, the distribution information can be transmitted to the terminal device 103 side in the form of pronunciation information (pronunciation code data). Communication control unit 20 of terminal device 103
1, the distribution information from the host device 101, that is, the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is sequentially received (step S
1807), and judges whether or not the reception of the pronunciation information is completed.
(Step S1808) If the reception is completed, the process returns to step S1801.

Thus, when the terminal device 103 is as shown in FIG. 20, the operator of the terminal device 103 is
When accessing the host device 101 to obtain pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) from the host device 101, the telephone number, ID code, personal identification number, etc. of the host device 101 are not entered each time, but simply Terminal device 103
Need only be physically connected to the payphone (for example,
It suffices to attach the modular jack 271a at one end of the connection cord 270 to the modular receiver 241 of the terminal device 103). In this case, the host device 101 is automatically called at a predetermined time and distributed from the host device 101. Information, that is, pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) can be obtained.

Specifically, the operator of the terminal device 103 only needs to set the timer 1601 before going to bed, for example, and automatically accesses the host device 101 at a predetermined time, and the host device 101 sends Distribution information, that is, pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is acquired, so in the morning,
It is possible to carry out the terminal device 103 in which the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) is already stored and to go out. For example, the pronunciation information (pronunciation code data) can be reproduced and heard by voice even while walking.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device of FIG. 17, that is, the portable rule voice synthesizing device.
Referring to FIG. 23, a telephone terminal 1901 is further line-connected to the communication control unit 201 of the terminal device 103, and the communication control unit 201 receives a tone signal of a dial button from the telephone terminal 1901. Or again
It also has a function of sending voice guidance to the telephone terminal 1901. More specifically, this terminal device 1
The phonetic information such as the voice guidance is stored in advance in the memory 203 of No. 03, and the memory reading unit 204 reads the phonetic information such as the voice guidance from the memory 203 as necessary, and the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206 The voice synthesis is performed in step S4, and the synthesized voice is output from the handset of the telephone terminal 1901 via the communication control unit 201.

Then, in the telephone terminal 1901, the dial buttons "1" to
Data can be input using “9”, “#”, and “*”, and the communication control unit 201 of the terminal device 103 receives such data input in the form of a tone signal, and then receives the received data. Is stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301 or the data already stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301 is changed.

The physical connection with the telephone terminal 1901 can be made by using the modular receiving section 241 for line connection with the host device 101. Modular receiver 241
It is also possible to further provide a modular receiving section other than the above in the terminal device 103 and use this.

As described above, in the terminal device 103 shown in FIG. 23, voice guidance or the like stored in advance in the memory 203 is output as voice from the handset of the telephone terminal 1901, and data is input from the telephone terminal 1901 according to the voice guidance. Since it is configured to be able to receive the connection information, for example, the connection control data storage unit 1301
The data stored in can be rewritten (changed) according to the voice guidance.

FIG. 24 shows rewriting of data, such as a telephone number, stored in the connection control data storage unit of the terminal device.
It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of (change). Referring to FIG. 24, the communication control unit 201 of the terminal device 103 monitors whether there is a call request for changing the telephone number of the host device 101 from the telephone terminal 1901 (step S
2001), when there is a change request from the telephone terminal 1901, the memory reading unit 2 gives an instruction to read the operation guidance for changing the telephone number from the memory 203.
Give to 04.

When this instruction is given, the memory reading unit 204
Reads out the operation guidance for changing the telephone number from the memory 203, and reads it out from the rule voice synthesis processing unit 2
The voice is synthesized in 06, and this synthesized voice is transmitted to the communication control unit 201.
To the telephone terminal 1901, and the telephone terminal 190
Output from 1 handset. Thereby, the telephone terminal 1901 can input, for example, a change item from the dial button according to the voice guidance output from the handset (step S2002).

For example, the change item and the number can be associated with each other according to the voice guidance, and the number can be input using the dial button. Specifically, if you want to change the telephone number after a message such as "Denbang Banguou Henkouusurubaaiha 1 o te o te o te te o te chi" is played by the voice guidance, change items such as dial buttons according to the voice guidance. "1" can be input.

When the change items are input in this way,
The communication control unit 201 or the memory reading unit 204 determines whether or not the input change item is prohibited from being changed (step S2003). For example, a number that is unique to the terminal device, such as the ID number of the terminal device, that would cause confusion in the entire system if changed, is entered as a change item, or a password for the change is required. In that case, if the password is not input, or if the password is incorrect, it is determined that the input change item is prohibited from being changed.

If the change is prohibited in step S2003, the memory reading section 204 reads guidance from the memory 203 to inform the change.
Similarly, this is synthesized by the rule speech synthesis processing unit 206, the synthesized speech is output from the handset of the telephone terminal 1901 via the communication control unit 201, and the operator is notified by voice that the change is prohibited. Yes (step S2004). For example, a voice such as "Konoko Mokuha Henkou Dekimasen", "Password No Nyuryoku Gana Kereva Henkou Dekimasen", or "Password Gachigamus no de Henkou Dekimasen" is output from the handset of the telephone terminal to notify the operator.

On the other hand, in step S2003,
If the input change item is not an item whose change is not prohibited, enter the change data for that item next.
(Step S2005). Similarly to the input of the change item, the input of the change data follows the instructions of the voice guidance and the dial buttons “1” to “9” of the telephone terminal 1901,
This can be done using "#" and "*".

When the terminal device 103 detects that the input of the changed data is completed, the terminal device 103 repeats the input data by voice and causes the operator of the telephone terminal 1901 to confirm the content (step S2006). For example, the operator of the telephone terminal 1901 is caused to confirm by outputting a voice message such as “Henkougo no denwa bangouha 123-4567 deyoroshiidedesuka.

Thus, the operator confirms whether the change data is correct (step S2007). If the change data is incorrect, the operator returns to step S2005 to repeat the input operation again. On the other hand, in step S2007 described above,
If the change data is correct, for example, "1" is input, the communication connection control unit 1302 rewrites the data in the connection control data storage unit 1301, and the change process ends (step S2008).

As described above, in the terminal device 103 of FIG. 23, the terminal device 103 itself is not provided with any special key input means for changing the data, and the terminal device 10 is simply used.
The data stored in the connection control data storage unit 1301 can be easily changed by remote control only by mounting a predetermined connection cord from the telephone on the modular receiving unit 3 of FIG.

Although the telephone terminal 1901 is used in the terminal device 103 of FIG. 23, any telephone terminal other than the telephone terminal 1901 can be used as long as it is removable from the terminal device 103 and has a data input function. It is also possible to use the external terminal device.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another modification of the terminal device shown in FIG. 6, that is, the portable rule voice synthesizing device. Referring to FIG. 25, in this terminal device 103, a reception state monitoring unit 2101 for monitoring the reception state of pronunciation information or character code data in the communication control unit 201,
When the reception state monitoring unit 2101 detects that the reception of the pronunciation information or the character code data is completed, a notification unit 2102 is further provided for notifying the operator of that fact.

Here, as the notification section 2102, for example, an LED lamp, LCD, buzzer or the like can be used. In addition to providing the notification unit 2102, or in place of providing the notification unit 2102, when the reception state monitoring unit 2101 detects reception completion, the data is sent to the operation information input unit 207, and the operation information input unit 207 outputs the data. In response to the instruction, the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206 can synthesize and output a voice such as “JUJINKANRYUUSHIMASHITA”. In this case, the pronunciation information such as “Jusin Kanryo Ushimasita” is stored in the memory 203 in advance, the data is read by the memory reading unit 204 as necessary, and the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206 is read.
It is possible to synthesize the voice by and output it from the speaker 208 or the headphone 210.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining the receiving operation of the terminal device of FIG. Referring to FIG. 26, in this terminal device 103, the reception state monitoring unit 2101 detects whether the communication control unit 201 has received data (step S2201), and if reception is detected, the reception state monitoring unit The 2101 outputs the reception detection signal to the notification unit 2102 (step S2202). Notification section 21
When 02 is an LED, for example, the reception state monitoring unit 210
For example, the LED blinks in response to the reception detection signal from 1.

Next, the reception status monitor 2101 judges whether or not the data reception is completed (step S22).
03). As a result, if the reception is not completed, the process returns to step S2202, and the blinking of the LED continues. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reception is completed in step S2203, the reception state monitoring unit 21
01 sends a reception completion signal to the notification unit 2102. As a result, the LED serving as the notification unit 2102 changes from blinking to lighting, for example, and notifies the operator that data reception has been completed (step S2204).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operator has confirmed the completion of data reception by this notification (step S2205). Whether or not the operator has confirmed the reception of the data is detected by, for example, detecting whether or not the modular jack is pulled out from the modular receiving portion,
Alternatively, it can be confirmed by detecting which one of the operation buttons such as play and stop is pressed by the operator. Until it is determined in step S2205 that the reception of data has been confirmed, the LED continues to be turned on. If it is determined that the data has been received, the LED is turned off (step S2206), and the process ends.

As described above, since the terminal device of FIG. 25 is provided with the reception state monitoring unit 2101 and the notification unit 2102, the operator can easily confirm the reception state of the terminal device 103. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the destruction of data or the like due to the terminal device 103 being mistakenly attached or detached while receiving the data. Further, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the data has been updated normally.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another modification of the terminal device shown in FIG. 6, that is, the portable rule voice synthesizing device. Referring to FIG. 27, in the terminal device 103, the error detection unit 2301 and the error message output control unit 2
302, an error message storage unit 2303, and a notification unit 2304 are further provided.

Here, the error detection unit 2301 monitors the communication control unit 201 and detects whether or not a communication error has occurred.

Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the error message storage unit 2303 stores various error messages corresponding to an error as message data of character code information or pronunciation information. The error message storage unit 2303 can be composed of a RAM or the like, and in this case, the contents of the message stored therein can be changed.

Further, as the notification unit 2304, for example,
Display means such as a liquid crystal display, LEDs, or the like can be used.

Further, the error message output control section 230
2 outputs an error signal to the notification unit 2304 based on the error detection signal from the error detection unit 2301 or reads out predetermined error message data stored in the error message storage unit 2303 to read the regular voice synthesis processing unit. It is designed to output to 206.

FIG. 29 shows that the terminal device of FIG. 27 accesses the host device which is the information transmission source and receives some transmission information during the series of processing, and some abnormality occurs and the distribution information cannot be obtained normally. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for notifying a user of this cause in the case of failure. Referring to FIG. 29, in this terminal device 103, when the error detection unit 2301 detects a communication error (step S2501), it outputs an error detection signal to the error message output control unit 2302. In this case, the error message output control unit 2302 determines that the error message storage unit 2
The corresponding error message is read from 303 and the error message as a phonetic symbol is written in the memory 203 (step S2502). Along with this, the error message output control unit 2302 causes the notification unit (for example, LE
D) 2304 is lit, for example, to notify the operator that a communication error has occurred and to confirm the error (step S2503).

At this time, the operator can confirm the content of the error message by, for example, pressing the reproduction button and reproducing and outputting the error message stored in the memory 203 by voice. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the content of the message is confirmed depending on whether or not the play button is pressed (step S2504). Whether the operator has confirmed the content of the error message is determined by detecting whether or not the play button is pressed, and by detecting whether or not the modular jack is pulled out from the modular receiving portion, for example. It is also possible to do this by performing the operation, or by detecting whether the operator has pressed the stop button, for example.

Until it is determined in step S2504 that the content of the error message has been confirmed, the notification unit
Lighting (blinking) of (for example, LED) 2304 continues. In this way, for example, when the play button is pressed in step S2504, the error message as the phonetic symbol written in the memory 203 is voice-synthesized by the regular voice synthesis processing unit 206, reproduced and output as voice, and is displayed to the operator. The contents of the error message can be confirmed (step S2505). After that, the notification section (eg LE
D) 2304 is turned off, for example (step S2506), and the process ends.

As described above, in the terminal device of FIG. 27, the user can hear the error message by an extremely simple terminal operation such as simply pressing the play button, and can later know the reason for the error.

In the above example, the error message output control section 2302 outputs only the error message, but the message of the error message storage section 2303 is converted into a certain format and the time when the error occurs. It may further have a function of generating information such as the telephone number of the host as pronunciation information, storing it in the memory 203 together with the cause of the error, and reproducing and outputting it later.

Further, the error message output control section 230
2 may further have a function of changing the type of message according to the blinking timing of the LED, or when a plurality of LEDs are provided, selecting the LED to be turned on depending on the content of the error.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the public telephone as shown in FIG. 7 is used as the communication means 102, but not limited to the public telephone, a telephone installed at home, for example, Alternatively, a mobile phone or the like can be used, and even in this case, the terminal device 103 can be physically connected to the above various phones by using the same connection cord or the like, and the communication can be performed in the same manner.

Also, when using a telephone or the like having an optical communication (for example, infrared communication) function, without using a connection cord,
It is also possible to connect by setting the terminal device at a predetermined position near the telephone or the like. Also, the communication means 10
The wireless communication is not limited to the wired communication as described above, but wireless communication can be used. For example, when wireless communication such as a mobile phone is used, the terminal device 103 is connected to the communication unit 102.
Need not be physically connected to the
3 can be configured as a single unit and can always be in a portable state. For example, when the terminal device 103 cuts off the communication, the connection with the communication line 102 can be disconnected.

Further, in the above-mentioned respective embodiments and respective constitutional examples, the operation switches and buttons such as the power switch 252, the reproduction button 253, the stop button 254, the rewind button 255, the volume switch 256 and the control switch 257 are Without installing in the terminal device 103 main body,
It may be provided on a remote controller 2001 as shown in FIG. 30 which is separate from the terminal device 103. In that case, the main body of the terminal device 103 has only a function for receiving data transmitted from the remote controller. Should be provided.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and configuration examples, the communication connection control unit 902 of the host device 101 is provided separately from the communication processing unit 107, but the function of the communication connection control unit 902 is set to communicate. It may be provided in the processing unit 107, and in this case, it is not necessary to separately provide the communication connection control unit 902.

Similarly, although the communication connection control unit 1302 of the terminal device 103 is provided separately from the communication control unit 201 in each of the above-described embodiments and configuration examples, the function of the communication connection control unit 1302 is It may be provided in the communication control unit 201. In this case, the communication connection control unit 1302 need not be provided separately.

In each of the above-described embodiments and configuration examples, the connection control data storage unit 901 of the host device 101,
Setting a plurality of times in the connection control data storage unit 1301 of the terminal device 103, distributing information from the host device 101 several times a day, and obtaining information from the terminal device 103 several times a day. You can also

Further, the timer 110 of the host device 101
1 function, and the timer 1 of the terminal device 103
With the function of 601, if the other party (the terminal device 103 or the host device 101) is busy when the line is connected, the connection of the line is once abandoned and the retry is continued after a while. You can also

Further, the timer 110 of the host device 101
1. The timer 1601 of the terminal device 103 measures not only the time but also calendar information, and each connection control data storage unit 9
By setting the days of the week at 01 and 1301, it is possible to obtain the information at a fixed day of the week or at a fixed time from Monday to Friday.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, it is explained that the communication control unit (for example, modem) 201 is built in the terminal device 103, but the communication control unit (for example, modem) is built in the terminal device 103. ) Is not included, for example, in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a communication control unit (for example, a modem) 201, which is separate from the terminal device 103, can be externally attached to the terminal device 103 and used. In this case, the terminal device 103 can be made smaller and lighter.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the terminal device 103 may have a built-in power supply (for example, a battery). In this case, the built-in battery can be charged by a charging device 2002 (a charging stand in the example of FIG. 32) as shown in FIG. In this case, the function of the external communication control unit (for example, modem) 201 shown in FIG.
It can also be placed inside 002, and at this time, by setting the terminal device 103 on the charging stand 2002, the terminal device 103 can be physically connected to the communication line.

[0118]

As described above, in the inventions of claim 1, claim 2, claim 4 and claim 11, the code data conversion means for converting the code data of the distribution information into the pronunciation information, and the code Since it has the pronunciation information accumulating means for accumulating the pronunciation information converted by the data converting means and the pronunciation information distributing means for distributing the pronunciation information accumulated by the pronunciation information accumulating means by using the communication means, every moment. The latest changing pronunciation information can be promptly distributed to a large number of mobile terminal devices via communication means, and in the mobile terminal device, the pronunciation information distributed from the host device can be promptly taken anywhere, and the information can be stored. It can be played by voice.

Further, in the inventions of claims 1, 3, 4, and 11, the code data converting means for converting the code data of the distribution information into the pronunciation information and the code data converting means. Since it has a pronunciation information accumulating means for accumulating pronunciation information and a pronunciation information distributing means for distributing the pronunciation information accumulated by the pronunciation information accumulating means by using the broadcasting means, it is possible to obtain the latest pronunciation information which changes from moment to moment. It can be quickly delivered to a large number of mobile terminal devices via the broadcasting means, and in the mobile terminal device, the pronunciation information delivered from the host device can be quickly taken in anywhere and the information can be reproduced by voice. it can.

Further, in the invention as set forth in claim 5, the host device further has a clocking means for clocking time and a time data storage means for setting desired time data, and the connection control means is , The time measuring means is monitored, and the time measured by the time measuring means is compared with the time data stored in the time data storing means to control the connection to the portable rule voice synthesizer, that is, the terminal device. Therefore, it is possible to make a communication connection to the terminal device at a predetermined time, and the user of the terminal device regularly obtains the latest information in the form of pronunciation information at a predetermined time. can do.

Further, in the inventions according to claims 6 and 8, the portable rule speech synthesizer, that is, the terminal device, stores the connection control data necessary for connecting to the host device via the communication means or the broadcasting means. And a connection control means for controlling the connection with the host device based on the connection control data stored in the connection control data storage means. The device can be accessed.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 7 and 8, the portable rule voice synthesizing device, that is, the terminal device further has a clocking means for clocking time, and the connection control data storing means, When the desired time data can be set and the desired time data is set in the connection control data storage means, the connection control means stores the time measured by the time measurement means and the connection control data storage means. It is designed to control the connection to the host device by comparing it with the current time data.Therefore, the host device automatically calls at a predetermined time, and the distribution information, that is, the pronunciation information (pronunciation code) Data) can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claim 9, the portable rule voice synthesizing device, that is, the terminal device, monitors the reception state in the receiving means of the pronunciation information transmitted from the host device via the communication means or the broadcasting means. Since the reception state monitoring means and the notification means for notifying the operator of the completion of reception of the pronunciation information by the reception state monitoring means are further included, the operator is It is possible to easily check the reception state of the device and prevent the data from being destroyed by mistakenly attaching or detaching the terminal device during data reception. Further, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the data has been updated normally.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the portable rule voice synthesizing device, that is, the terminal device, is connected to the host device via the communication means or the broadcasting means.
A connection error detection unit that detects the occurrence of a connection error with the host device, an error message storage unit that stores at least one type of connection error message, and an error message that corresponds to the error detected by the connection error detection unit. Since it further has an error message output control means for selecting and outputting from the message storage means, the user hears the error message by an extremely simple terminal operation such as simply pressing the play button, and an error occurs. You can find out the reason later.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, when the pronunciation information is distributed by communication or broadcasting, the pronunciation information distributed by communication or broadcasting is received and taken in, and the taken pronunciation information is voiced. Since the reproduction is performed, the captured pronunciation information can be immediately reproduced and output as a voice.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of code data of character information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of pronunciation information as a result of converting the code data of the character information shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of pronunciation information as a result of processing and editing the pronunciation information shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a public telephone.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating information to be distributed by the host device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a procedure when a terminal device accesses a host device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for outputting pronunciation information accumulated in the memory of the terminal device.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a host device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an operation regarding communication connection of a host device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modification of the host device.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to communication connection of a host device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a connection control data storage unit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a procedure when a terminal device accesses a host device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a connection control data storage unit.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a procedure when the terminal device accesses the host device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure of rewriting data stored in a connection control data storage unit.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the terminal device of FIG.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a modification of the terminal device.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of an error message storage unit.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of notifying an error message.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control device.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a charging device for a terminal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference numeral 101 host device 102 communication means 103 terminal device 104 language processing unit 105 pronunciation information file 106 host control unit 107 communication processing unit 201 communication control unit 202 memory writing unit 203 memory 204 memory reading unit 205 voice data file 206 regular voice synthesis processing unit 207 Operation information input unit 208 Audio output unit 209 Output terminal 210 External output device 701 Broadcasting unit 901 Connection control data storage unit 902 Communication connection control unit 1101 Timer 1301 Connection control data storage unit 1302 Communication connection control unit 1303 Attachment detection unit 1601 Timer 1901 Telephone terminal 2101 Reception status monitoring unit 2102 Notification unit 2301 Error detection unit 2302 Error message output control unit 2303 Error message storage unit 2304 Notification unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A code data converting means for converting code data of distribution information into pronunciation information, a pronunciation information accumulating means for accumulating the pronunciation information converted by the code data converting means, and an accumulating element by the pronunciation information accumulating means. And a pronunciation information delivery means for delivering the pronunciation information using a communication means or a broadcasting means. 2. Code data conversion means for converting code data of distribution information into pronunciation information, pronunciation information storage means for accumulating the pronunciation information converted by the code data conversion means, and accumulation by the pronunciation information storage means. And a communication device that is connected to the host device and that transmits the pronunciation information from the pronunciation information distribution means of the host device, and a host device that is separated from the communication device. And a sounding information storing means for storing the sounding information received by the receiving means, the sounding information receiving means for receiving the sounding information transmitted from the communication means when connected to the communication means, and the operation. Operation information input means for inputting information, and the pronunciation information stored in the pronunciation information storage means based on the operation information input from the operation information input. A reproduction control means for performing live control, a regular voice synthesizing means for synthesizing the pronunciation information stored in the pronunciation information storage means as a voice according to the reproduction control by the reproduction control means, and a voice synthesized by the regular voice synthesizing means. An information distribution system, comprising: a portable rule voice synthesizing device having an output unit for outputting the. 3. Code data conversion means for converting code data of distribution information into pronunciation information, pronunciation information storage means for accumulating the pronunciation information converted by the code data conversion means, and accumulation by the pronunciation information storage means. And a broadcasting device which is connected to the host device and broadcasts the pronunciation information from the pronunciation information distribution means of the host device. Based on the operation information input from the operation information input, the reception means for receiving the pronunciation information, the pronunciation information storage means for storing the pronunciation information received by the reception means, the operation information input means for inputting the operation information The reproduction control means for performing reproduction control of the pronunciation information stored in the pronunciation information storage means, and the reproduction control means by the reproduction control means. And a portable regular voice synthesizing device comprising a regular voice synthesizing unit for synthesizing the pronunciation information stored in the information storage unit into a voice, and an output unit for outputting the voice synthesized by the regular voice synthesizing unit. An information distribution system characterized by 4. The information distribution system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the host device is required to connect to the portable rule voice synthesizer via the communication means or the broadcasting means. Connection control data storage means for storing control data, and connection control means for performing connection control with the portable rule voice synthesizer based on the connection control data stored in the connection control data storage means are further provided. An information distribution system characterized in that 5. The information distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the host device further has a timekeeping means for timekeeping and a time data storage means for setting desired time data. The connection control means monitors the time measuring means, compares the time measured by the time measuring means with the time data stored in the time data storing means, and controls the connection to the portable rule voice synthesizer. An information distribution system characterized by being adapted to perform. 6. The information distribution system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the portable rule-based speech synthesizer comprises:
Based on connection control data storage means for storing connection control data necessary for connecting to the host device via the communication means or the broadcasting means, and based on the connection control data stored in the connection control data storage means An information distribution system further comprising: a connection control means for controlling connection with the host device. 7. The information distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the portable rule voice synthesizing device further has a clocking means for clocking time, and the connection control data storing means stores desired time data. When the desired time data is set in the connection control data storage means, the connection control means stores the time measured by the time measurement means and the connection control data storage means. An information distribution system, characterized in that the connection control to the host device is performed by comparing the time data with the current time data. 8. The information distribution system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the connection control data stored in the connection control data storage means of the portable rule voice synthesizer is changed from an external terminal device. An information distribution system characterized by being possible. 9. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the portable rule voice synthesizer is transmitted from the host device via the communication unit or the broadcasting unit. Reception state monitoring means for monitoring the reception state in the pronunciation information receiving means, and notification means for notifying the operator of the reception completion when the reception state monitoring means detects completion of reception of the pronunciation information. An information distribution system characterized by having. 10. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the portable rule voice synthesis device is connected to the host device via the communication unit or the broadcasting unit. Connection error detecting means for detecting the occurrence of a connection error with the host device,
Error message storage means for storing at least one type of connection error message; and error message output control means for selecting and outputting an error message corresponding to the error detected by the connection error detection means from the error message storage means. An information distribution system characterized by further having. 11. An information distribution method, wherein code data of distribution information is converted into pronunciation information, and the converted pronunciation information is distributed by communication or broadcasting. 12. An information reproducing method, wherein when the pronunciation information is distributed by communication or broadcasting, the pronunciation information distributed by communication or broadcasting is received and taken in, and the taken-in pronunciation information is reproduced by voice. .