JP4242202B2 - Information providing apparatus and information providing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for providing information based on input information, and more particularly to a technique for improving the efficiency of providing information by arranging keys based on user input information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As electronic databases, the number of dictionaries stored in electronic dictionaries is increasing. This dictionary includes English-Japanese dictionaries, Japanese-English dictionaries, Japanese dictionaries, and the like. As the number of dictionaries stored in the electronic dictionary increases in this way, the procedure for the user to select a specific dictionary (dictionary selection, default setting, etc.) also increases. In addition, since frequently used dictionaries are often different for each user, for example, when an electronic dictionary is shared by a family, settings such as registration of the selected dictionary need to be frequently changed.
[0003]
In order to solve such problems, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-61812 (Patent Document 1) discloses a keyboard device that can save the trouble of assigning functions to key tops. This keyboard device has a key top for which each function is set and a display device for displaying a character representing the function for each key top, and measures the frequency of use of the function set for each key top of the keyboard And a frequency acquisition buffer to be stored, and a circuit for reassigning the function to the key top of the keyboard based on the usage frequency.
[0004]
According to the keyboard device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the user uses the keyboard, the frequency of use is measured and stored for each function used. Since the function to the key top is reassigned based on the frequency of use, it is not necessary for the user to assign the function. As a result, the trouble of assigning the function to the key top is omitted.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A 64-61812
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the keyboard device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the function assignment is frequently changed according to the frequency of use, the function required by the user is not constantly assigned to the key top, resulting in convenience. There was a problem that it was not possible to improve.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing device that can improve convenience for the user. And How to provide information The law Is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An information providing apparatus according to a first invention is an apparatus that provides information by selecting a database from a plurality of databases stored in advance. This information providing apparatus is connected to the storage means for storing the database, the input means for the user to input information, and the input means for acquiring information related to the use of the apparatus from the input information. An acquisition means, a storage means and an acquisition means, connected to the database selection means for selecting a database from a plurality of databases based on information relating to the use of the apparatus, and a database selection means and an input means. And setting means for setting the relationship between the database and the input means, and display means connected to the setting means for displaying information of the selected database based on the set relationship.
[0009]
According to the first invention, when the user inputs information (for example, place name, gender, language, occupation, etc.), information on the use of the device (for example, place used, user information, use) from the information. Language). This information is acquired, for example, when the user inputs information corresponding to a specific area. When the database selection means selects a database from a plurality of databases (eg, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.) based on the information, the selected database and the input means (eg, keys on the keyboard, touch panel on the monitor, etc.) A relationship is set. For example, a particular key is associated with a selected database. The display means (for example, the monitor) displays the relationship (for example, indicates the name of the database corresponding to the icon display of the key indicated on the monitor). In this way, when the user inputs specific information once, a specific database that is optimal for each user (ie, that matches the input information) is selected, and the selection is retained unless deleted. This eliminates the need to select a new database. In addition, since a specific database is associated with the input means, the database can be quickly used. As a result, an information providing apparatus that can improve convenience for the user can be provided.
[0010]
In the information providing apparatus according to the second invention, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, the input means is a keyboard having a plurality of keys, and the setting means includes any of the selected database and the plurality of keys. Means for setting a relationship with the key.
[0011]
According to the second invention, since the optimum database can be used when the user presses a specific key, the convenience of the information providing apparatus is improved.
[0012]
In addition to the configuration of the first or second invention, the information providing apparatus according to the third invention is configured such that the database selecting means is a database selected from a plurality of databases based on information relating to an environment in which the information providing apparatus is used. Selection means for selecting.
[0013]
According to the third aspect of the invention, the database is selected based on information on the environment (the country used, the language used, the user's native language, etc.) in which the information providing device is used. The apparatus can be used efficiently.
[0014]
In addition to the configuration of the third invention, the information providing apparatus according to the fourth invention is for the selecting means to select a database from a plurality of databases based on information about the city where the information providing apparatus is used. Including means.
[0015]
According to the fourth invention, since the database is selected based on information about the city in which the information providing apparatus is used (for example, the name of the city, the main language, etc.), the restriction due to the place of use can be relaxed. Thereby, the portability of an information provision apparatus can be improved.
[0016]
In addition to the configuration of the first or second invention, the information providing apparatus according to the fifth invention is a database selection means for selecting a database from a plurality of databases based on information on the user Including means.
[0017]
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the database is selected based on information about the user (for example, age, occupation, gender, etc.), an information providing apparatus is provided in which the database is selected according to the user's needs. Can do.
[0018]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the information providing apparatus, the selecting means includes means for selecting a database from a plurality of databases based on information on the user's native language. Including.
[0019]
According to the sixth aspect, since the database is selected based on the language, the user can quickly use the database expressed in the necessary language.
[0020]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the information providing apparatus, the selecting means selects a database from a plurality of databases based on the date information input by the user and the age of the user. Means for selecting.
[0021]
According to the seventh invention, since the database is selected based on the user's attribute, the database appropriate for the user can be used promptly.
[0022]
In addition to the configuration of the fifth invention, the information providing apparatus according to the eighth invention includes a means for selecting a database from a plurality of databases based on information on the sex of the user. .
[0023]
According to the eighth aspect, since the database is selected based on the gender of the user, a unique database can be used quickly for each gender.
[0024]
In addition to the configuration of the first or second invention, the information providing apparatus according to the ninth invention is based on the current user's selection instruction, and the current use is selected from a database registered in advance by a plurality of users. It is a device that provides information by selecting a database registered by a person. The acquisition means includes means for acquiring a current user selection instruction. The database selection means includes means for selecting a database from a plurality of databases based on the selection instruction.
[0025]
According to the ninth aspect, when the selection instruction for the database registered by the current user is input, the display can be switched from the other database to the database, so that the user can use the necessary database promptly. Can do.
[0026]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to ninth aspects, the information providing device is a means for storing data relating to the selected database based on a user instruction. including.
[0027]
According to the tenth aspect, even when the user changes the selection of the database to be used, the change is stored, so that the database can be used next time based on the changed selection.
[0028]
In the information providing apparatus according to the eleventh invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to tenth inventions, the database is a dictionary.
[0029]
According to the eleventh aspect, an optimal dictionary is selected for each user, and the selection is retained unless deleted. The dictionary here is a so-called electronic dictionary. In addition, since information on a specific dictionary associated with the input means (for example, dictionary name, icon, etc.) is displayed on the display means, the user can quickly use the dictionary.
[0030]
An information providing method according to a twelfth invention is a method of providing information by selecting a database from a plurality of databases stored in advance. This information provision method relates to a preparation step of preparing a database in advance, an input step in which a user inputs information from an input unit, an acquisition step of acquiring information related to use of the method from the input information, and use of the method A database selection step for selecting a database from a plurality of databases based on information, a setting step for setting a relationship between the selected database and an input step, and information on the selected database based on the set relationship A display step for displaying.
[0031]
According to the twelfth invention, when the user inputs information (eg, place name, gender, language, occupation, etc.) from the input unit (eg, keyboard, display monitor, etc.) in the input step, Information about use (for example, where it is used, user information, language used, etc.) is obtained. In the database selection step, when a database is selected from a plurality of databases (eg, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.) based on the information, the relationship between the selected database and the input unit is set in the setting step. The For example, a particular key is associated with a selected database. In a display step (for example, a monitor), information representing the relationship is displayed (for example, the name of a specific database is indicated in the icon display of the key indicated on the monitor). In this way, when the user inputs specific information once, a specific database that is optimal for each user (ie, that matches the input information) is selected, and the selection is retained unless deleted. This eliminates the need to select a new database. In addition, since the specific database is associated with the input unit, the database can be quickly used. As a result, it is possible to provide an information providing method that improves user convenience.
[0032]
A program according to a thirteenth invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the information providing method according to the twelfth invention.
[0033]
According to the thirteenth invention, when a user inputs specific information once, a specific database that is optimal for each user (that is, matches the input information) is selected, and the selection is retained unless deleted. The In addition, since the specific database is associated with the input unit, the database can be quickly used. As a result, it is possible to provide a program that causes a computer to implement an information providing method that improves user convenience.
[0034]
A recording medium according to a fourteenth invention is a computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to the thirteenth invention.
[0035]
According to the fourteenth aspect, by using this program, it is possible to cause a computer to realize an information providing method that improves user convenience.
[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
[0037]
The electronic dictionary according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view of electronic dictionary 1000 according to the present embodiment.
[0038]
The electronic dictionary 1000 includes a liquid crystal monitor 120 for displaying data such as dictionary contents and predetermined images, and a keyboard 130 as a user interface. As will be described later, electronic dictionary 1000 further includes a circuit that executes predetermined processing. The keyboard 130 includes four buttons 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d for switching the dictionary search screen, and four user switching keys 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d for switching the arrangement of dictionary keys for each user. A plurality of keys are provided for the user to input characters and other characters.
[0039]
The number or arrangement of keys on the keyboard 130 is not particularly limited. Further, in addition to a general key, characters that can be input from the liquid crystal monitor 120 such as a touch panel type or a method of inputting by a pen on the liquid crystal monitor 120 may be used.
[0040]
A control block diagram of the electronic dictionary 1000 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0041]
In addition to the liquid crystal monitor 120 and the keyboard 130, the electronic dictionary 1000 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 140, and a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 150 connected to each other via a bus. A memory card drive 160, an output port 170, an input port 180, a battery 190, and a clock 192.
[0042]
The CPU 100 associates the display control circuit 102 for controlling the display on the liquid crystal monitor 120, the arithmetic circuit 104 for performing necessary database search and other arithmetic operations, and the association between the dictionary function and each key on the keyboard 130. An input device control circuit 106 for newly setting or changing, and a memory control circuit 108 for controlling the RAM 140 and the ROM 150 are included.
[0043]
The RAM 140 includes a predetermined area secured by the memory control circuit 108. As will be described later, data for realizing the function of the electronic dictionary 1000 is temporarily stored in this area. Further, the contents stored in the RAM 140 are retained while the battery 190 is attached, and the contents are not erased even when the power switch is turned off.
[0044]
ROM 150 includes an area for storing a pre-formed database. As will be described later, programs for realizing the functions of the electronic dictionary 1000, dictionary data, encyclopedia data, and other databases are stored in the ROM 150.
[0045]
A memory card 162 is attached to the memory card drive 160. Dictionary data can be updated or new dictionary data can be acquired via the memory card 162.
[0046]
The output port 170 is a port for outputting data to an external information processing apparatus (not shown). This port includes, but is not limited to, a high-speed digital serial interface such as IEEE1394.
[0047]
The input port 180 is a port for acquiring data from an external information processing apparatus. This port includes, but is not limited to, a high-speed digital serial interface such as IEEE1394.
[0048]
The battery 190 may be any of a primary battery, a secondary battery, a solar battery, and other batteries.
[0049]
The clock 192 is a clock that can display the time of a plurality of regions, for example. Thereby, local time can be displayed for every use area (for example, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, etc.) of the electronic dictionary 1000.
[0050]
The processing in the electronic dictionary 1000 is realized by the hardware described above and software executed by the CPU 100. Such software may be stored in advance in hardware, or may be stored and distributed in a memory card 162 or other recording medium, read from the recording medium by the memory card drive 160, and temporarily stored in the ROM 150. Sometimes it is done. The software is read from the ROM 150 to the RAM 140 and executed by the CPU 100. The hardware itself shown in FIG. 1 is general. Therefore, it can be said that the most essential part of the present invention is the software recorded in the ROM 150, the memory card 162, and other recording media.
[0051]
With reference to FIG. 3, a screen displayed for the user to register information about the use environment and the user in the electronic dictionary 1000 will be described.
[0052]
FIG. 3A shows an information registration screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 120. This screen is displayed when a predetermined instruction is input by the user. This instruction is, for example, pressing a specific key or inputting a command.
[0053]
FIG. 3B is a list of information that can be registered for the use environment. The usage environment is, for example, a country, a city, or other area where the user intends to use the electronic dictionary 1000. This information is stored in advance in the ROM 150 as will be described later. The display of this list can be switched by scrolling the screen. It is also possible to register by directly inputting from the keyboard 130. Therefore, the user can register a country, city, or other area that is not stored in the ROM 150.
[0054]
FIG. 3C is a list of information that can be registered for the native language in the user information. This information is stored in advance in the ROM 150 as will be described later. The display of this list can be switched by scrolling the screen. Further, when the user's native language is a native language that is not stored in the ROM 150, it is possible to input directly from the keyboard 130.
[0055]
FIG. 3D is a diagram showing gender used as user information. FIG. 3E is a diagram showing the age used as the user information.
[0056]
In this way, when the user selects or inputs specific information on the display screen shown in FIG. 3A, the information is stored in the RAM 140 as use environment information and user information. . Thus, when the user uses the electronic dictionary 1000 again, there is no need to select or input new information, and a predetermined process based on the stored information is promptly executed. .
[0057]
With reference to FIG. 4, the structure of data stored in RAM 140 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an area (field) in which information selected or input on the screen of FIG. 3 is stored as data.
[0058]
Data representing a city where electronic dictionary 1000 is used is stored in field 402. Data representing the user's native language is stored in field 404. Data representing the date and time when each data was saved is stored in field 406. Data representing the date of birth of the user is stored in field 408.
[0059]
Data representing the age of the user is stored in field 410. Since the data representing the age is calculated from the date / time data (field 406) and the date of birth (field 408), the user need not input.
[0060]
Data representing the user's age is stored in field 412. Data representing the gender of the user is stored in field 414.
[0061]
These data are stored as one record in the “use environment storage area” of the RAM 140 shown in FIG.
[0062]
With reference to FIG. 5, the structure of data for optimizing the dictionary selection by the user will be described. The data shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are stored in advance in the optimum dictionary selection table storage area of the ROM 150 shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows a data structure for enabling selection of a dictionary using any one of a use city, a language used in the city, and a user's native language as a key.
[0063]
The number of the dictionary key setting data is stored in the field 502. Data representing a city using electronic dictionary 1000 is stored in field 504. Data representing the language used in the city where electronic dictionary 1000 is used is stored in field 506. Data representing the user's native language is stored in field 508.
[0064]
Data representing a dictionary candidate that is first optimal for the user is stored in field 510. Data representing the second most suitable dictionary candidate for the user is stored in field 512. Data representing the third most suitable dictionary candidate for the user is stored in field 514.
[0065]
FIG. 5B shows a data structure for enabling selection of a dictionary with the user attributes (age and sex) as keys.
[0066]
The data number is stored in field 522. Data representing the age of the user is stored in field 524. Data representing the gender of the user is stored in field 526.
[0067]
Data representing a dictionary candidate that is first optimal for the user is stored in field 528. Data representing the second most suitable dictionary candidate for the user is stored in field 530. Data representing the third most suitable dictionary candidate for the user is stored in field 532. Data representing the fourth most suitable dictionary candidate for the user is stored in field 534. Data representing the fifth most suitable dictionary candidate for the user is stored in field 536.
[0068]
In this way, when the user registers the specific information as shown in FIG. 4, a record including the corresponding data is searched from the data stored in the ROM 150, and the optimum dictionary for the user is obtained. Candidates are shown. Therefore, the user can easily use the dictionary continuously from the next time by selecting the dictionary and registering the dictionary candidates.
[0069]
The structure of data stored in the dictionary key setting storage area of the RAM 140 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a combination of a dictionary selected based on information input by the user and a key corresponding to the dictionary.
[0070]
A dictionary key setting number representing the selected dictionary combination is stored in field 602. Data representing the dictionary associated with key 132 a is stored in field 604. Data representing the dictionary associated with key 132 b is stored in field 606. Data representing the dictionary associated with key 132 c is stored in field 608. Data representing the dictionary associated with key 132d is stored in field 610.
[0071]
For example, no. In the case of 61 data records, a Japanese dictionary is associated with the key 132a, an English-Japanese dictionary with the key 132b, a Japanese-English dictionary with the key 132c, and a childcare book with the key 132d. Therefore, when the user presses the key 132b, for example, the electronic dictionary 1000 is switched to the English-Japanese dictionary.
[0072]
The structure of data stored in the user switching key setting data storage area of RAM 140 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing user data and dictionary key setting numbers associated with keys 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d (hereinafter referred to as user keys) provided in advance on the keyboard 130, respectively.
[0073]
The number of the stored data is stored in the field 702. Data representing the user key is stored in field 704. Data representing user attributes is stored in field 706. Dictionary key setting number data representing the setting of the selected dictionary key is stored in field 708.
[0074]
For example, no. In the case of 1, the key 134a is assigned to the eldest daughter, and the key 134a is associated with the dictionary key setting number (61). This dictionary key setting number (61) has a combination of a Japanese language dictionary, an English-Japanese dictionary, a Japanese-English dictionary, and a childcare book. Therefore, when the user (the eldest daughter) turns on the electronic dictionary 1000 and then presses the key 134a, the key 132a is a Japanese dictionary, the key 132b is an English-Japanese dictionary, the key 132c is a Japanese-English dictionary, and the key 132d. Is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 120 so that the childcare book corresponds.
[0075]
With reference to FIG. 8, a control structure of a program executed by CPU 100 realizing electronic dictionary 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0076]
In step (hereinafter, step is represented as S) 802, CPU 100 obtains information registered by the user. This acquisition is performed when the user selects specific information from a list of information displayed in a predetermined area, or when specific information is directly input to the area. This information includes information (for example, city information) selected by the user from information stored in advance and information (for example, date of birth) newly input by the user.
[0077]
In S804, CPU 100 temporarily stores the acquired information in the use environment storage area and user information storage area of RAM 140.
[0078]
At S806, CPU 100 reads data representing a dictionary most suitable for the user from ROM 150 based on the acquired information.
[0079]
In S808, CPU 100 temporarily stores the data read in S806 in the buffer area of RAM 140.
[0080]
In S810, CPU 100 determines whether or not the dictionary key setting stored in advance matches the dictionary key setting temporarily stored in S808. Here, the dictionary key setting stored in advance refers to a setting stored when the user has used the electronic dictionary 1000 before. If the dictionary key setting stored in advance matches the temporarily saved dictionary key setting (YES in step S810), the process proceeds to step S814. If not (NO in S810), the process proceeds to S812.
[0081]
In S812, CPU 100 updates the dictionary key setting. Thus, the dictionary key setting temporarily stored in the buffer area of the RAM 140 in S808 is stored in the dictionary key setting storage area of the RAM 140.
[0082]
In S814, CPU 100 outputs a dictionary key arrangement instruction based on the dictionary key setting stored in S812.
[0083]
At S816, CPU 100 displays the arrangement of dictionary keys on liquid crystal monitor 120 based on the arrangement instruction. As a result, the names of the dictionaries for which the relationship is set are displayed together on the icons of the keys 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d.
[0084]
With reference to FIG. 9, the control structure of the user switching processing program executed by CPU 100 implementing electronic dictionary 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. This program is executed when the user presses the user key to display a specific dictionary set by the user on the liquid crystal monitor 120.
[0085]
In S902, CPU 100 detects pressing of the user key by the user. In S904, CPU 100 searches for a user key (field 704 shown in FIG. 7) stored in the user switching key setting storage area of RAM 140 based on the detected user key.
[0086]
In S906, CPU 100 obtains a dictionary key setting number based on the searched user key.
[0087]
In S908, CPU 100 updates the updated dictionary key setting to the dictionary key setting storage area of RAM 140.
[0088]
At S910, CPU 100 outputs a dictionary key arrangement instruction based on the updated dictionary key setting.
[0089]
In S912, CPU 100 causes liquid crystal monitor 120 to display the changed dictionary key arrangement.
[0090]
The operation of electronic dictionary 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.
[0091]
When the user of the electronic dictionary 1000 registers use environment information such as a use city and user information such as a native language and age, such information is temporarily stored in the RAM 140 of the electronic dictionary 1000 (S804). Dictionary data is read from the ROM 150 and temporarily stored in the RAM 140 (S806, S808).
[0092]
If the dictionary key setting stored so far is different from the dictionary key setting based on the information acquired this time (NO in S810), the dictionary key setting is updated in the dictionary key setting recording area of RAM 140 (S812). . As a result, the electronic dictionary 1000 changes the key display so that the dictionary selected by the user is displayed based on the dictionary key setting updated this time.
[0093]
Thereafter, when the user of the electronic dictionary 1000 is replaced and another user presses the user key 134a in order to use the electronic dictionary 1000, data including the user key 134a is searched in the RAM 140 (S904). When dictionary key settings are acquired based on the retrieved data (S906), the settings are updated in the RAM 140 (S908). When a dictionary key arrangement instruction is output based on the dictionary key setting, a dictionary key corresponding to the user is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 120 (S912).
[0094]
As described above, according to electronic dictionary 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, dictionary data set based on information registered by the user is used in association with the user key. Therefore, when a plurality of users use a specific electronic dictionary 1000, such as when the electronic dictionary 1000 is shared, the setting is made based on the corresponding dictionary key setting by pressing the user key. Can be changed. In this way, the user does not have to select a dictionary every time the electronic dictionary 1000 is used, so that the user can quickly start using the electronic dictionary 1000. Thereby, the electronic dictionary which can improve the convenience for a user can be provided.
[0095]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the data for enabling the selection of the optimum dictionary is stored in advance in the ROM 150, but instead of this, the RAM 140, the memory card 162, etc. It may be possible to update using a rewritable device. Thereby, the range of selection of the dictionary by the user can be expanded.
[0096]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic dictionary according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the electronic dictionary shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an information registration screen in the electronic dictionary shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a diagram (part 1) showing a data structure stored in RAM shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure stored in ROM shown in FIG.
6 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a data structure stored in the RAM illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG.
7 is a diagram (No. 3) showing a data structure stored in the RAM shown in FIG. 2;
8 is a flowchart (No. 1) showing a control structure of a program executed by a CPU realizing the electronic dictionary shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing a control structure of a program executed by a CPU that realizes the electronic dictionary shown in FIG. 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 CPU, 102 display control circuit, 104 arithmetic circuit, 106 input device control circuit, 108 memory control circuit, 120 liquid crystal monitor, 130 keyboard, 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d key, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d user key, 140 RAM, 150 ROM, 160 memory card drive, 162 memory card, 170 output port, 180 input port, 190 battery, 192 clock, 1000 electronic dictionary.

Claims (8)

An information providing device that provides information using a specified dictionary among a plurality of types of dictionary data,
Dictionary data storage means for storing a plurality of types of dictionary data;
Dictionary type storage means for storing usage conditions for each type of dictionary data;
An input means for receiving input of a plurality of usage conditions;
Reading means for reading out a dictionary that matches the use conditions input via the input means with reference to the dictionary type storage means;
An information providing apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display a predetermined number of dictionaries read out by the reading unit in a state in which a user can perform a designation operation.   The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use condition is regional information.   The information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the regional information includes any one of a language of a country, a city, and a region.   The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use condition is user information.   The information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the user information includes one of a native language, age, sex, and occupation. A user identification means for identifying a user;
User dictionary storage means for storing the dictionary type displayed on the display means for each user;
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads a dictionary that matches the user specified by the user specifying unit with reference to the user dictionary storage unit.   When the dictionary type of the dictionary selected based on the user's instruction is different from the dictionary type of the dictionary stored in the user dictionary storage unit corresponding to the user, the user dictionary storage unit The information providing device according to claim 6, wherein a dictionary type of a dictionary selected based on an instruction of the user is stored. Computer and a processing unit that executes processing using the data storage unit for storing data, among a plurality of types of dictionary, an information providing method for providing information using the specified dictionary,
A step wherein the processing unit is prepared reads each dictionary data that constitute each of the plurality of types of dictionary from the storage unit,
The processing unit reads and prepares usage conditions for each type of dictionary data from the storage unit; and
The processing unit accepting input of a plurality of usage conditions;
Wherein the processing unit includes a step of reading with reference to the above remarks Shode over data that has been prepared, from the storage unit, a dictionary data that matches the entered usage conditions,
An information providing method comprising: a step of displaying a predetermined number of dictionaries among dictionaries corresponding to the read dictionary data in a state where a designation operation by a user is possible.

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