WO2003009258A1

WO2003009258A1 - System and method for studying languages

Info

Publication number: WO2003009258A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/001349
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyoung-Joong Kim
Original assignee: Kyoung-Joong Kim
Priority date: 2001-07-18
Filing date: 2002-07-18
Publication date: 2003-01-30

Abstract

A language studying system of a recording medium indexed with the digital classifying code allows the learner to rapidly search the corresponding data by inputting a digital classifying code in a state of indexing the digital classifying code to distinguish respective information of a recording medium and storing the information corresponding to the digital code in a memory. In a case of studying language, since a plurality of languages are provided, the effect of the language study can be maximized. The language studying system includes a means for storing a digital classifying code given by indexing a study data with respective elements and patterns by corresponding the study data, and a digital studying apparatus for the study data recorded by being corresponded to the digital classifying code when a learner inputs the digital classifying code.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STUDYNG LANGUAGES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and a method for studying languages, and more particularly to a system and a method for studying languages which reads corresponding information and provides the corresponding information to a leaner when a digital classifying code, which classifies information recorded in a recording medium, is inputted by the learner.

BACKGROUND ART

In addition to languages, various approaches are proposed for studying a foreign languages. A leaner studies a foreign language in the best way among the various approaches for himself/herself. For example, there are several ways to study foreign languages such as a study tour for the respective culture of a specific foreign language during a predetermined period of time, an educational language institute which teaches material for conversation, and the words of pop songs.

A variety of teaching materials, media and tools are utilized to effectively study a foreign language. For example, language books prepared by using pictures, teaching materials produced in accordance with the grade and educational background of the leaner, magazines for studying a foreign language, foreign newspapers, cassette tapes for studying a foreign language, video cassette tapes for studying a foreign language, educational broadcasting, multimedia teaching materials using a computer, and realtime for studying a foreign language can be utilized.

However, it requires a lot of time in the case of studying a foreign language through the language institute. And since media such as pop songs contain phrases that are not used in daily conversation, the conversation learned through pop songs cannot be applied to daily conversation.

In order to study a foreign language by means of teaching materials and tlirough the language institute, it requires a lot of time and continued repetitious study. However, the desire of the learner to achieve the memory work of a new vocabulary, understanding of the grammar, and the capability of comprehension, listening, and conversation in a short time makes himself/herself lose interest for studying a foreign language and the learner's self-confidence is weakened, so that the learner cannot achieve the goal of learning the foreign language.

In a case of using the cassette tape or the videocassette tape, the learner cannot find a section that he/she wants very quickly or exactly. Even if you study a foreign language by using a video CD, CD-ROM and the Internet, the desired information cannot be found rapidly and exactly much like a cassette tape. More particularly, in a case of studying a foreign language through the Internet, the learner must pass a studying process in a form of a tree system to arrive at the desired section. Even studying a foreign language using the cassette tape being capable of studying a foreign language while traveling, there is also a problem that searching and reading the desired section cannot be performed easyily. Therefore, even though there are a variety of media available for studying a foreign language, searching for needed information is not faster and is more inconvenient for use than conventional educational materials. And since there is such a large volume of media available these days, the conventional educational materials are too inconvenient to carry. Because of the drawbacks of the available media, a cheaper and more convenient method than the conventional educational materials should be used more consistently even now and in the future when digital education materials appear.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention is made to overcome the problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a language studying system and method for rapidly outputting a corresponding information element from a storing means when a digital classifying code is inputted through a studying apparatus which a recording medium is attached after indexing the digital classifying code to respective information elements, inputting and storing respective information data corresponding to the digital classifying code in the storing means by itemizing information elements in a study recording medium in which the information elements are recorded, so as to allow easy access to and rapid reading of the information recorded in the study recording medium.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a language studying system for performing an effective comparative study by repeatedly reproducing pronunciation data recorded with a learner's own voice with respect to an information element to be reproduced by a key manipulation at a state when an information element is classified with a predetermined pattern, and a digital classifying code is indexed with respect to the classified information elements and stored in a storing means, and a language studying method using the same.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a language studying system for sequentially reproducing a plurality of language information recorded in advance to a storing means in accordance with a key manipulation, and a language studying method for using the same.

To achieve the objectives of the present invention, the present invention provides a language studying system, including a means for storing digital classifying codes given by indexing study data with respective elements and patterns by corresponding the study data, and a digital studying apparatus for the study data recorded by corresponding to the digital classifying code when a learner inputs the digital classifying code. To achieve the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a language studying method using a language studying system comprising the steps of (a) reproducing and outputting a study data recorded in a storing means by corresponding a digital classifying code when a learner selects a study mode through a function key module and inputs the digital classifying code, and (b) recording a voice signal inputted from an exterior source and deleting the voice data recorded in the storing means when the learner selects the recording and reproducing mode through the function key module.

According to the feature of the present invention, the digital studying apparatus rapidly reproduces data corresponding to the digital classifying code from the storing means to provide the learner, and supports a variety of languages conveniently so that the learner can perform an effective language study.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments below. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a language studying system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 2 A through 2C are views showing a recording medium on which a digital classifying code is indexed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. l

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a download station for downloading data to a memory card as shown in FIG, 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a digital studying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is the left and right side views of the digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing of the digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a studying method using the language studying system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing multi-language conversion procedures by a language studying system of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing studying procedures after repetitious indicating of study information in the studying method as shown in FIG, 9;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing procedures of repeatedly reproducing and outputting a sectional study information among the study infonnation in the studying method shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating procedures of a pronunciation comparative study with respect to only one digital classifying code shown in FIG. 9; and FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating procedures of sequential response study after listening to study information of a plurality of digital codes.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings below.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a language studying system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 A through 2C are views showing a recording section on which a digital classifying code is indexed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a digital studying apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a download station for downloading data to a memory card as shown in FIG, 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the language studying system according to the present invention includes a recording medium 10, a digital studying apparatus 100, and at least one storage section 200. In the present invention, the recording medium 10 will be described by limiting to an English studying material, so hereinafter the recording medium 10 will be called English studying material.

On the English studying material 10, information, which contains a vocabulary, idioms, a passage of sentences, a picture, and a comment, is printed with a text and a picture. A digital classifying code itemizes the study information into an element and a pattern, and is printed to correspond to the itemized study information.

The storage section 200 is a memory card and stores the study data corresponding the study information and the digital classifying code. The study data includes information such as a text, voice, a graphic, and a motion picture.

The digital studying apparatus 100 reads a corresponding study data from the memory card 200 in accordance with a learner's key manipulation, and outputs the corresponding study data through a speaker 190 and a display 140.

The digital classifying code is an Arabian numeric or a combination of an Arabian numeric and alphabetical letter. The digital classifying code is comprised of a selective combination of an alphabetic digital code of one figure, a country code of a figure for indicating a language and a character of certain country, for example, a country code such as 'K: Korea, E: U.S.A, C: China, J: Japan, F: France, S: Spain, G: German' which is indexed after the alphabetic digital code, a data code of one figure number for distinguishing the study data containing the vocabulary, the idiom, the passage, a sentence, a picture, and a comment into an element and a pattern, and a numeric code having a predetermined figure according to the amount of the information.

The digital studying apparatus 100 outputs the study data in English in the case that the country code is set to 'DE', but outputs the study data in Korean when the country code is reset to 'DK'.

The data code is defined as follows:

1 : vocabulary

2: idiom, keyword, title

3 : short sentence (one or more sentences) 4: short passage (few sentences)

5: long passage (a plurality of sentences as much as one page or a larger number of sentences)

6: comments 7: picture

8: character

9: motion picture

Therefore, the code of 'D1234' indicates the 234th vocabulary in the English educational material. Moreover, the digital classifying code can be a combination of an Arabian numeric and an alphabetical letter, a barcode, or a new type code.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the digital studying apparatus 100 includes a memory card inserting section 170 in which at least one memory card 200 is inserted, a controlling section 110 for controlling procedures of reading and reproducing data from the memory card 200 in accordance with the manipulation of keys provided at a front side thereof, a display 140, microphone 192, and a speaker 190 for outputting a text, a voice, and a motion picture by control of the controlling section 110. The digital studying apparatus 100 further includes a wire/wireless telephone terminal section 150 for setting a call with the another party and transmitting/receiving voice data, a radio set section 160 for listening to music, and a download set section 180 having a connector terminal to transmit certain information to the memory card 200 both on-line and offline.

In the memory card inserting section 170, generally the two memory cards 200 are inserted. Hence, preferably, one memory card may store language study information that the learner who wishes to study and the other memory card may be an empty memory card, so that the learner can record a music file, or his her voice during the study of the language.

The download set section 180 can be integrated with the digital studying apparatus 100 or be separated therefrom. As shown in FIG. 4, a separated download station 300 includes a memory card inserting recess 310, formed at one side of the download station, in which the memory card 200 is inserted, a computer connecting jack for downloading information to be stored in the memory card 200 from a computer, and a microprocessor for controlling the storing of the downloaded information in the memory card 200. After storing the information in the memory card 200 by using the download station 300, the information stored in the memory card 200 can be accessed by inserting the memory card 200 into the memory card inserting section 170 of the digital studying apparatus 100.

A keypad 120 includes an information reading/phone number key 121, information reading/special function holding keys 122, 124, and 126, a successive information reading/pause key 128, a multifunction key 130 for switching between information reading, recording, calling, listening to a broadcast, power on/off switch, information searching keys 132 and 134, and a volume adjusting key 136. The display 140 includes a read information code display section 140a, a phone number code display section 140b, and a broadcasting frequency band display section 140c constructed as three lines. But, the construction of the display 140 can be changed or modified to provide convenience to a user by a designer.

Now, the operation and functions of the language studying system of the present invention is described in detail below. First, classification for the study data such as a vocabulary, an idiom, a passage, a sentence, a picture, and a comment being printed on the English educational material into respective elements and patterns, and an indexing coding of the classified group should be performed in advance. For example, if numbers of vocabularies arranged in a predetermined location of the English educational material 10 is 1,200 (one thousand and two hundred), the vocabularies may be received with classifying codes as 'D 10001-

D11200' by performing the indexing coding. In the same manner, if short sentences of a body are 100 (one hundred), the short sentences may be designated by being provided with classifying codes as 'D3001-D3100' by performing the indexing coding. In other words, the short sentences are designated with a combination of one figure data code classified as "1: vocabulary, 2: idiom, keyword, and title, 3: short sentence (single sentence or two or three sentences), 4: short passage (a small amount of sentences), 5: long passage (about a plurality of sentences as much as one page or a large amount of sentences), 6: comments, 7: picture, 8: character, 9: motion picture", and a predetermined figure numeric code capable of representing the amount of information of the sentences.

Therefore, the complete study data in the English educational material should be indexed like the above-described manner and designated with a predetermined classifying code in accordance with the indexing manner. Moreover, the country code can be marked together with the digital classifying code on upper and lower sides of the English educational material 10 so that supportable language can be represented. If, 'DE' is marked on the upper and lower sides of the English educational material, only English is usually output, but if the digital classifying code is switched to 'DK', the English sentences are output to be translated into Korean.

As described above, when the indexing is finished, the study data containing the character, voice, graphic, and motion picture classified by the digita^ < lassifying code is stored in the memory card 200. Preferably, the memory card inserting section 170 is constructed to allow for a plurality of memory cards 200 to be inserted so that the study data corresponding the indexed digital classifying code in the English educational material can be outputted by the manipulation of one key at once. This can be done due to the following reason. In a case of a small amount of the study data in the English educational material 10, the whole study data corresponding to the digital classifying code can be stored in one memory card. However, in a case of a large amount of the study data, the study data must be input and stored in memory cards more than one.

More particularly, in a case of storing a vast amount of the study data which exceeds the capacity (128MB) of the memory card at present, the study data is preferably stored in an auxiliary device (for example, CD-ROM, MD-ROM), the digital studying apparatus 100 is provided with an auxiliary terminal for outputting the study data.

After finishing the indexing of the English educational material 10 and the storage of the data into the memory card 200, the learner inserts the memory card 200 into the memory card inserting section 170 of the digital studying apparatus by selecting a desired memory card 200 in which the corresponding data is stored, and is ready to study by turning on the apparatus.

The procedure for studying with the English educational material 10 by using the digital studying apparatus is now described in detail.

Firstly, in a case of the English educational material 10 as shown in FIG. 2A, under the state that the respective idioms and the short sentences are indexed by the digital classifying code and the digital studying apparatus 100 is set to a study information reading mode, the learner inputs the code 'D40942' of the digital classifying code by manipulating the information reading/phone number key 121, the controlling section 110 displays the inputted read information code on the read information code display 140a of the display 140, accesses Our friend Greta is -very much' of the data corresponding to the inputted digital classifying code from the memory card 200, and outputs the data through the speaker 190, the earphone 192, and the display 140. At that time, the country code is displayed on the read information code display 140a as 'DE', which means that the mode is set to an English output mode, by the controlling section 110.

As described above, on the read information code display 140a, a supportable language and a certain portion of the English educational material are displayed. If the learner selects the pause key 128 or a repeat key, the controlling section 110 interrupts the output of the study data being reproduced and outputted or controls the output to be periodically outputted for a predetermined duration, so that the learner can listen to the outputted data.

The learner can be promptly offered with the desired information from the memory card 200 by manipulating the pause key 128, and the information reading/special function holding keys 122, 124, and 126 for reading the information at a predetermined section by designation for studying.

After listening to the study data, the learner selects a recording function by using the multifunction key 130 and inputs the listened data through the microphone 192 by his/her voice, the controlling section 110 stores the voice signal inputted from the learner in a built-in memory (not shown) of the digital studying apparatus 100 or other memory card 200. The controlling section 110 reproduces and outputs the voice data stored in the memory card 200 in response to the request of the learner, so that the learner can compare his/her voice data with the study data. Moreover, the digital classifying code is already set even in a case of studying a conversation as shown in FIG. 2B (in this case, the conversation is comprised of one through three short sentences as D3201-D3227). Firstly, the learner manipulates the successive information reading/pause key 128 from a studying position (for example,

D3201) where the learner wishes to study. The controlling section 110 continuously accesses and outputs data (D3201) corresponding to the studying position from the memory card 200, and the previous and after data of the data if no stop key is manipulated. Among the continuous studying procedure, a partial studying section can be held and repeated.

The controlling section 110 reads and reproduces the corresponding data when the respective digital classifying codes are inputted, so that the learner can listen the corresponding data promptly. When the learner inputs the desired digital classifying code to be listened to directly by manipulating the successive information reading/pause key 128, the controlling section 110 controls the information code display 140a to display the digital classifying code and outputs the corresponding data from the memory card 200. When outputting the next study data, using the information searching keys 132 and 134 can access a digital classifying code corresponding the next study data. The corresponding data can be outputted in accordance with the accessed digital classifying code.

The information searching keys 132 and 134 are for searching previous/next data to be searched at present. When the learner manipulates the information searching keys 132 and 134, the controlling section 110 searches the previous/next data of the study data from the memory card 200, one by one or continuously, and then displays it on the read information code display 140a of the display 140. For the sake of an effective study of conversation, the learner listens to a single conversation sentence, then records the next sentence with his/her voice, or listens to his/her voice by reproducing a recording of his/her voice after recording the whole conversational sentences with his/her voice. When the learner selects a recording function by using the multifunction key 130, the controlling section 110 records the learner's voice inputted through the microphone 192 in the memory card 200. The controlling section 110 outputs the recorded voice of the learner from the memory card 200 in response to the request of the learner so that the learner can listen to compare the original vocal information with and his/her own voice. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the successive repeated listening of the study information, the recording of the heard information, and the re-listening of the recorded information easily, thus to help the learner to enhance his/her linguistic ability.

At that time, the controlling section 110, in a case of setting the country code as 'DE', provides the study data in English. If the country code is reset to 'DK' from 'DE' by manipulation of a language change key of the keypad 120 by the learner, the controlling section 110 outputs the conversational sentences which are outputted through the speaker 190 or the earphone 192, in Korean and not in English.

As shown in FIG. 2C, under a state that respective national languages such as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian are stored in the memory card 200 according to the digital classifying code, if a Japanese person wishes to speak the conversation 'I want to change the room', he/she inputs the digital classifying code corresponding to the conversation by means of the digital studying apparatus 100, and manipulates a language converting key to support Korean. Then the digital studying apparatus 100 outputs a Korean voice signal corresponding to the Japanese conversation through the speaker 190, or displays the converted Korean conversation on the display 140, so that a

Korean person or another person can understand the Japanese's mind. Thus, the

Japanese can easily speak a foreign language. The conversation can be converted into another foreign language in addition to Korean.

Meanwhile, under the state that the memory card 200 is inserted into the digital studying apparatus 100 in order to utilize a special educational material or visit a special place, if using other educational material or visiting another place (foreign country), the memory card 200 can be replaced into another memory card 200 corresponding to the other educational material and another foreign language. In the absence of the memory card 200 for storing necessary information, the learner can download the necessary study data from a computer or a web site on the Internet by connecting a connecting terminal of the digital studying apparatus 100 to the computer, and can store the downloaded study data in a new memory card 200.

The procedure of the downloading is as follows: First, the learner connects the download set section 180 with a computer by means of a connecting connector, and downloads the special data from the computer to the digital studying apparatus 100. The controlling section 110 controls the studying system to write the downloaded data sequentially in one or more memory cards 200 inserted into the memory card inserting section 170.

The downloading from the computer can be performed by means of wireless downloading by using an infrared ray port.

At that time, as shown in FIG. 4, the learner downloads the data by using the download station 300, and the downloaded data is stored in the memory card 200 inserted into the memory card inserting recess 310. Then, the learner can use the memory card 200 by inserting the memory card 200 into the digital studying apparatus

100.

The learner can use functions of listening to MP3 music, a broadcast, and a telephone by manipulating the multi-function key 130. If manipulating the multifunction key 130 in order to listen to a broadcast, the controlling section 110 stops the studying function and activates the radio frequency converting function. At that time, the functions of the information searching keys 132 and 134 perform the broadcasting frequency converting function by the switching function, and a broadcasting frequency band to be received is displayed on the broadcasting frequency band display section 140c. Therefore, the learner can listen to the broadcast displayed on the broadcasting frequency band display section 140c by selecting a desired broadcasting frequency by manipulating the information searching keys 132 and 134 having the broadcasting frequency converting function.

By pressing a telephone-setting key T of the multi-function key 130, the controlling section 110 controls the wire/wireless telephone terminal section 150 so that the learner can try to call someone who the learner wishes to have a conversation by wire/wireless. If using the telephone-setting key T sets the telephone mode, the controlling section 110 controls the controls of the wire/wireless telephone terminal section 150 for switching to a call standby mode. At that time, a calling signal is produced through the speaker 190.

The learner inputs a phone number by using the keypad 120 so as to set a call, thus able to make a telephone conversation.

In the digital studying apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital studying apparatus is described by limiting the information for the digital information code stored in the memory card under the state of classifying information in studying material on which the study data is printed by elements and patterns and indexing the digital information code for the information, the study data can be stored in a variety of recording means such as an Internet server, a hard disk, a memory chip, and a flash memory chip. The digital studying apparatus which outputs the study data according the key manipulation under the memory card is mounted therein and can be applied to a digital apparatus such as a personal digital assistant

(PDA), a mobile phone, an electronic monitor book, a digital camera, an Internet video phone, and a CD-player. Therefore, since the learner can be provided with the study data such as voice, text, a graphic, and a motion picture, it should understood that the foregoing relates to only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the embodiments of the invention herein used for the purposes of the disclosure, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a digital studying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a language studying system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a keypad 120 provided with a plurality of keys which will be described below in reference to FIGS. 6 through 8, a flash memory

201 for storing study information corresponding to the digital classifying code and a vocal data which is inputted into a recording and reproducing mode, a controlling section 110 for controlling the whole the language studying system by receiving a predetermined key signal from the keypad 120 by the learner's manipulation, a display

140 for displaying a message, the digital classifying code, and the study information in accordance with the control of the controlling section 110, an MP3 function module 102 for reproducing and outputting an MP3 file by control of the controlling section 110, a recording function module 104 for recording the learner's voice and a vocal data received from an exterior device, and a battery housing 115 in which a battery is contained for supplying an electric power.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a left and right side view of the digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the digital studying apparatus as shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a body of the digital studying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with the display 140 for displaying the operating state of the digital studying apparatus and certain information according to the manipulation of the keys, and provided with a keypad 120 comprised of a plurality of buttons for operating the language studying system of the present invention at a front side of the body. The keypad 120 includes a play/pause key 2 for playing and pausing a desired study data, a forward key 4, a rewind key 5, a mode setting key 8 for selecting a study mode, a recording and reproducing mode, and a music listening mode, a compare record key 14 provided to compare a source sound with the learner's pronunciation after the learner records his/her own voice, a Q/A record key 15, and a range designating key for designating a studying range such as a repeat key 11, a choice key 12, and a random information region designating key (A-

>B) 13. Here, the play/pause key 2, a stop key 3, forward key 4, and the reward key 5 can be used as arrow keys capable of designating upper, lower, right, and left directions when the learner selects the information displayed on the display 140.

The keypad 120 is provided with a coding key 27 for inputting a digital classifying code corresponding to the study information to be studied and setting a number of repetitions, an erase key 16 for erasing the recorded information, a cancel key 17 for deleting an inputted information code and setting an initial standby mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, on the left side of the language studying system, volume adjusting keys 6 and 7, a record/pause key 9 for recording the learner's voice and pausing, a multi-language converting key 10 for selectively searching and converting a plurality of pre-stored languages, a bookmark key 18 for rapidly searching for a specific information are provided. Meanwhile, on the right side of the language studying system, a power key 1 for controlling power, a tone color adjusting key (EQ) 19, a hold key 20, and a USB port 181 for downloading the information using a USB port are provided.

On the upper side of the language studying system, as shown in FIG. 8, an earphone connecting hole 21, a telephone record connecting hole 151, head set connecting hole and high-performance microphone connecting hole 193, and a built-in microphone 194 are provided, and a memory card inserting section 170 in which an extend memory card is inserted is formed.

A reference numeral 29 indicates a light emitting diode (LED) for displaying a recording state during the recording.

The studying procedures using the language studying system of the present invention as constructed above are described in reference with the accompanying drawings. At the initial standby mode, the controlling section 110 converts and displays the standby mode into an initial study mode on the display 140 (Step S200). In other words, an alphabet code 'DE' indicating English and a variety of preset information are displayed on the display 140.

If the learner wishes to study another language at the initial study mode for studying English, the learner selects the multi-language converting key 10. Namely, if selecting a multi-language by manipulating the multi-language converting key 10, the controlling section 110 outputs foreign languages on a screen of the display 140. If the learner selects one foreign language among the foreign languages displayed on the screen (Step S202), the controlling section 110 converts the study mode into a study version for outputting the selected foreign language.

The. learner inputs a digital classifying code corresponding to the studying region and study element, which the learner wishes to study (Step S204). In a state that the study version code blinks, the digital classifying code is inputted in a way that one figure code corresponding to the studying region and a code a predetermined figures more than one figure corresponding to the study element are inputted by means of the coding key 27. Definition of the studying region code follows:

1 : vocabulary and idiom

2: short sentence

3 : short passage 4: long passage

5: comments

6: test

7, 8, 9, 0: et cetera The studying region code is alternatively defined during preparation of the study contents. A region of the study element is a code for supporting a language and characters according to respective countries, and defined as 'K: Korea, E: U.S.A., C: China, J: Japan, F: France, S: Spain, and G: Germany'. For example, in a case of inputting 'DE236', it is means to study the 36th sentence of an English short sentence study, and 'DC6999' means to study a test of the 9999th problem of Chinese.

The controlling section 110 determines whether the learner resets the preset digital classifying code or not (Step S206). If the preset digital classifying code does not reset ('NO' in Step S206), and the learner inputs the digital classifying code and manipulates play/pause key 2, the controlling section 110 reads the study information corresponding to the digital classifying code from the flash memory 201 and outputs the study information through an output means such as the earphone connected to the earphone connecting hole 21 (Step S208). When keys of the keypad 120 are manipulated by the learner while the study information is printed out through the outputting means, the controlling section 110 controls the whole system in response to the key signal so that the learner performs an effective study (Step S210). This will be described later.

If the learner presses the cancel key 17 for resetting an input code such as inputting the desired digital classifying code and the study element code in error ('YES' in Step S206), the controlling section 110 deletes the input digital classifying code and controls the whole system in a way that a correct digital classifying code can be inputted

(Step S212). As described above, the input of the cancel key 17 can be applied to a case of converting the studying region and the study element identically.

When the learner inputs the digital classifying code, the controlling section 110 successively reads and reproduces the study information stored in the flash memory 201 corresponding to the selected digital classifying code and outputs the study information through the earphone. At that time, a key signal is outputted by which the learner selects the pause key 2, the stop key 3, forward key 4 and the rewind key 5, the controlling section 110 performs the function in response to the key signal such as pausing the study information being outputted, stopping the reproducing of the study information, forwarding, searching for the next information, rewinding, searching for previous information, so that the learner selects the desired region conveniently.

The selected study information can be converted to be reproduced in another language during the study mode selected by the learner. As shown in FIG. 10, the controlling section 110 determines whether to covert the present mode into the multi- language mode or not (Step S222) when the learner presses the multi-language converting key 10 at a state when the study information is reproduced and outputted by which the learner selects a foreign language and the digital classifying code (Step S220). As a result of the determination, when the multi-language mode is selected (Step S224), the controlling section 110 converts the multi-languages successively. When the learner selects one of the languages (Step S226), the controlling section 110 converts the present reproduced and outputted study information into the selected language to be reproduced and outputted (Step S228). Namely, when the learner manipulates the multi- language converting key 10, the controlling section 110 displays only the initial letter of the country code of the multi-languages in a way of 'DE (English) - K (Korean) - J

(Japanese) - C (Chinese) - S (Spanish) - F (French) - G (German) - I (Italian)' in accordance with the successive search method. The learner selects a foreign language when the foreign language is displayed. The selected study information in the multi- language conversion procedure is identical to the language, the studying region and the element code that were outputted previously.

Repeated reproducing of information being outputted or comparing the source sound with the learner's recorded voice maximize the effectiveness of the language study. Regarding this, the detailed description is below. As shown in FIG. 11, when the study information corresponding to the inputted digital classifying code is reproduced and outputted (Step S230) and an information repeat times is inputted by manipulation of the repeat key 11 by the learner, the controlling section 110 outputs the study information by the information repeat times (Step S232). The controlling section 110 determines whether the learner manipulates keys within a predetermined time (Step S234). As a result of the determination, the key manipulation is performed within the predetermined times, the controlling section 110 reproduces the selected study information (for example, MP3 file and a sound information) (Step S246).

As a result of the determination at the Step S234, if the learner does not manipulate keys within the predetermined times ('NO' at the Step S234), the controlling section 110 detects whether the learner manipulates keys over a predetermined time and provides a menu to the learner (Step S236).

For example, if a repeat key signal is inputted by pressing the repeat key 11 for a short time within the predetermined time, the controlling section 110 outputs repeatedly the study information within one time. Moreover, if the learner presses the repeat key 11 for a long time so the repeat key signal is inputted within the predetermined time, the controlling section 110 displays messages of whether the learner wants to repeat single study information at predetermined times, to successively repeat the next successive study information at predetermined times, or to successively repeating the single study information on the display 140.

When the learner manipulates the arrow keys and selects one of the messages in accordance with the displayed messages, the controlling section 110 performs the study mode according to the learner's choice. If the learner wants to repeat single study information at predetermined times by selecting the corresponding message (Step S238), the controlling section 110 allows the learner to input desired times by manipulating the coding key 27 and outputs the study information at the inputted times (Step S240). When the learner selects the message to repeat the single study information automatically (Step S242), the controlling section 110 repeatedly outputs the selected single study information until an input of another key signal by the learner (Step S244). When the learner selects the message to successive repetition of the successive study information at the predetermined times (Step S248), the controlling section 110 repeatedly outputs the successive study information as the same way of the output of the single study information (Step S249). When the learner selects the choice key 12, the controlling section 110 repeatedly outputs the study range designated by the learner at set times.

Under the standby mode (Step S250), in a case of the repetition of regional study information, when a key signal to code the study element code for designating the studying region and set the number of repetitions is inputted (Steps S252 through S256), the controlling section 110 reproduces to output the study information corresponding to the designated studying region. Even at that time, the controlling section 110 could make the learner designate the number of the repetitions (Step S258). For example, when the learner designates the studying region like 'DE321-DE39871', the controlling section 110 reads to output the 21st sentence through the 9871st sentence from the flash memory 201 at the set times of repetition.

The language studying system according to the present invention is capable of performing a comparative study of pronunciation like when the learner records his/her own voice and compares the recorded voice with the source sound. For this, the controlling section 110 determines whether the learner wishes to record the study information to compare by detecting a key signal by the learner (Step S264) when the learner listens to study information corresponding to one code being reproduced at the study mode (Step S262). If recording is determined, the controlling section 110 converts the mode into the recording mode by receiving a signal of the compare record key 14, stores the pronunciation of the learner's inputted through the microphones 192 and 194, and displays the recording time and a recording address on the screen of the display 140 when the compare record key 14 is pressed by the learner and the voice of the learner is inputted through the microphones 192 and 194 (Steps S266 and S268).

When the learner selects the play key 2, the controlling section 110 receives a signal of the play key 2 and sequentially outputs the source sound of the study information and the learner's recorded voice (pronunciation) so that the learner can compare the two sounds (Step S270).

The controlling section 110 provides a recording mode that the learner records his/her own voice during listening to single study information corresponding to one code at a predetermined time, so that the learner can compare a plurality of his/her own recorded voices with the single study information. In other words, the controlling section 110 makes a pronunciation comparison study regarding single study information such as the same sentence or same vocabulary. Namely, after recording the pronunciation of the learner ten times in a way of listening to the source sound/recording the first pronunciation of the learner and re-listening to the source sound/recording of a second pronunciation of the learner, the controlling section 110 maximizes the speaking practice of the learner by reproducing the learner's recorded voice together the source sound in accordance with the manipulation of keys (Steps S272 through S274).

The learner can sequentially listen to respective recorded answers corresponding to a plurality of different codes to each other. Namely, when the learner selects the Q/A record key 15 so as to perform the sequential answer study during reproducing the study information (Steps S280 and S282), the controlling section 110 converts the mode into the recording mode and records the answering signal inputted by the learner in the flash memory 201 after the study information is printed out (Step S286). At that time, the controlling section displays a recording time and recording address on the screen of the display 140 (Step S288), reads and reproduces an original questing sound and the recorded answer of the learner from the flash memory 201 in response to the signal of the play key 2 (Step S290). The controlling section 110 determines whether to continue the sequential answer study in response to a key signal inputted by the learner (Step S292). As a result of the determination, if the learner does not want to continue the sequential answer study ('NO' in Step S292), the controlling section 110 finishes the sequential answer study. If the learner wants to continue the sequential answer study ('YES' in Step S292), the controlling section 110 keeps reproducing the study infonnation and performs procedures from the Step S286 again.

For example, when the first study information is outputted as '1. What's your name?', and the learner answers '1. My name is Chul-Soo' to the question in a state of pressing the Q/A record key 15, the contents of the question and answer are recorded in a first address of the memory, and when the learner answers '2. Eight' to a second question of

'2. How old are you?', the second question and answer are recorded in a second address of the memory. These questions and answers are recorded in the flash memory 201 or an extend memory up to 20 (twenty) times. In a state of recording the questions and answers in the flash memory 201, when the learner manipulates the play key 2, the controlling section 110 sequentially reproduces the recorded questions and answers recorded in the flash memory 201 so that the learner sequentially listens the outputted questions and answers. Therefore, the question and answer practice becomes more effective. The recording procedures are performed by which the controlling section 110 controls the recording function module 104 provided to the language studying system of the present invention, and certain information is recorded and reproduced by the action of the decoder and encoder.

Except for a studying method through the external/built-in microphones 192 and 194, the learner can record the contents being studied with the opposite party on a telephone in the flash memory 201 by the recording function module 104 in the state of connecting a phone line to the telephone record connecting input hole 151. Manipulating the play key 2 in the recording mode reproduces the recorded contents, and even the recorded telephone conversation (study) can be repeated to be listened to by designating certain region.

Even though the present invention provides the flash memory 201 as a basic element, a memory card can be mounted to the language studying system through the memory card inserting section 170, so that the learner can study a larger amount of study information.

Since the manipulation of the mode setting key 8, which is provided to switch the mode between the study mode and the recording mode, causes the mode to be switched to the music listening mode, the MP3 file can be reproduced when the music listening mode is set. In the music listening mode, just a single song is repeatedly reproduced or manipulating the keys being provided to the function modules repeatedly reproduces several songs.

As described above, according to the language studying system of a recording medium indexed with the digital classifying code, since the learner can rapidly search the study information and the region by only one key manipulation due to the input of the digital classifying code in a state of giving the digital classifying code to the distinguished respective information of a recording medium such as language studying material, indexing the digital classifying code and storing the information corresponding to the digital code in a certain storage means, the effect of the language study can be maximized to exceed the problem of difficulty for searching information and designating a region to be studied in the conventional cassette tape rather than the language study using the multimedia.

Moreover, since several foreign languages can be reproduced by not only downloading through a recording medium, the language studying apparatus, the memory card, and the Internet but also reproducing the corresponding foreign language regardless of the time and location, the language studying system of the present invention gives help to a foreign language learner, a traveler going abroad, and a domestic sojoumer.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A language studying system comprising: means for storing a digital classifying code given by indexing a study data with respective elements and patterns by corresponding the study data; and a digital studying apparatus for the study data recorded by being corresponded to the digital classifying code when a learner inputs the digital classifying code.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital studying apparatus comprises: an inserting section in which the storing means is inserted; a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation by the learner, the key pad having a plurality of keys; a controlling section for reading and reproducing the study data requested by the learner from the storing means when the digital classifying code and a play key signal are inputted tlirough the keypad; and a display for displaying the study data to be read and reproduced in response to a control of the controlling section.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a recording function module for recording a voice signal inputted from an external device in the storing means, wherein the digital studying apparatus comprises a controlling section for recording the voice signal in the storing means and deleting a voice data recorded in the storing means when the learner inputs a recording reproducing key signal and a recording deleting key signal.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a display for outputting an information with respect to a function key selected by a control of the controlling section when the learner selects the function key through a function key module.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital classifying code comprises: a first code for indicating the digital classifying code; a second code for indicating the study data; and a third code for indicating the amount of the study data. s

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital classifying code comprises: a second code for indicating the digital classifying code; and a fourth code for indicating respective foreign languages.

7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second code is given with codes to distinguish a vocabulary, an idiom, a short sentence, a passage, and a picture, which forms the study data.

8. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third code comprises a numeric code having predetermined figures capable of being corresponded with the amount of the study data.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital classifying code comprises a code of a barcode or an encoded code.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital studying apparatus further comprises a download set section for storing the study data by downloading the study data from a system providing the study data after connection with the system on line.

11. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the digital studying apparatus further comprises a wire/wireless telephone terminal for receiving and transmitting a voice data by performing to set a call and making the call with an opposite party in response to a key signal inputted by the learner by the controlling section.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the wire/wireless telephone terminal receives and transmits the study data through the call.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital studying apparatus further comprises a radio set section for outputting a radio broadcasting signal corresponding to a selection of the learner by the controlling section.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital studying apparatus comprises a download station formed with a storing means insertion hole in which the storing means is inserted and mounted, having a connecting means for downloading the study data from a certain site.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an MP3 function module for reproducing and outputting a music file in response to requests from the learner.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 3, further comprising a battery housing in which a battery supplies an electric power.

17. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein the storing means comprises a flash memory.

18. The system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation of the learner, the keypad having a plurality of keys; wherein the keypad further comprises a multi-language version key, the controlling section automatically outputs a multi-language information when a multi-language version key signal is inputted through the keypad, and converting a selected study information to be reproduced and outputted to a selected language.

19. The system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation of the learner, the keypad having a plurality of keys; wherein the keypad further comprises an information repetition designating key, the controlling section checks an input time when an information repetition designating key signal is inputted, outputs a mode for repeating and reproducing a study information selected by the learner at one time in accordance with the input time, a mode for continuing and reproducing only a study information having a single digital classifying code requested by the learner, and a mode that the learner selects the study information having a digital index code and sets repeated times and repeatedly reproduces the study information at the selected repeat times on a screen of the display, so that the learner selects one of the modes.

20. The system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation of the learner, the keypad having a plurality of keys; wherein the keypad further comprises a pronunciation compare recording key, the controlling section records an answering data to the study information corresponding to the digital classifying code selected by the learner that is reproduced and outputted at present, and sequentially outputs the recorded answering data and a source sound when a pronunciation compare recording key signal is inputted through the keypad.

21. The system as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation of the learner, the keypad having a plurality of keys; wherein the keypad further comprises a question and answer recording key, the controlling section records an answering data to a plurality of digital classifying codes selected by the learner, and sequentially outputs the recorded answering data and a source sound when a question and answer recording key signal is inputted through the keypad.

22. The system as claimed in claim 3, further a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation of the learner, the keypad having a plurality of keys; wherein the keypad further comprises a bookmark key, the controlling section reproduces and outputs the study information in a preset specific information region in the storing means when a bookmark key signal is inputted through the keypad.

23. The system as claimed in claim 3, further a keypad for outputting a key signal to operate the digital studying apparatus in accordance with a manipulation of the learner, the keypad having a plurality of keys; wherein the keypad further comprises a region designating repeat key, the controlling section allows the learner to designate a studying region and repeatedly reproduces the studying region designated by the learner at set times when a region designating repeat key signal is inputted through the keypad.

24. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storing means comprises at least one of a CR-ROM, an MD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a flash memory.

25. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the study data comprises at least one of a voice data, a still picture data, and a motion picture.

26. A language studying method using a language studying system comprising the steps of:

(a) reproducing and outputting a study data recorded in a storing means by corresponding a digital classifying code when a learner selects a studying mode through a function key module and inputs the digital classifying code; and

(b) recording a voice signal inputted from an exterior and deleting a voice data recorded in the storing means when the learner selects a recording and reproducing mode through the function key module.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step (a) comprises:

(1) checking a time when the learner manipulates an information repeat designation key and outputting a mode selection message for repeatedly reproducing the study information selected by the learner only one time on a screen of a display;

(2) checking the manipulation time by the learner and outputting a mode selection message for repeatedly reproducing the study information corresponding to a single digital classifying code inputted by the learner only one time on the screen of the display; and

(3) checking the manipulation time by the learner and outputting a mode selection message for repeatedly reproducing a corresponding study information by a plurality of digital indexing codes and repetition times inputted by the learner on the screen of the display.

28. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step (a) comprises the substep of (4) searching a multi-language information being set to a selected study information at present when a multi-language version key is selected by the learner, and reproducing and outputting a study information being reproduced and outputted at present into a selected language when one language among the searched multi-language information is selected.

29. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step (a) comprises the substep of (5) reproducing and outputting the study information of a preset specific information region in the storing means when a bookmark key is selected by the learner.

30. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step (a) comprises the substep of (6) allowing the learner to designate a studying region and repeatedly reproduce the designated studying region by preset times when a region designation repeat key is selected by the learner.

31. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step (b) comprises the substep of (7) recording an answering data corresponding to the digital classifying code and selected by the learner being reproduced and outputted at present at least one time, and sequentially outputting the recorded answering data and a source sound when a pronunciation compare recording key is selected by the learner.

32. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the step (b) comprises the substep of (8) recording an answering data to a plurality of digital classifying codes selected by the learner, and sequentially outputting the recorded answering data and a source sound when a question and answer recording key is selected by the learner.