JP2001014237A - Electronic mail program device and recording medium with program for electronic mail program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically plan a recreational scenario, to transmit the scenario to a user by voice information in such a manner as a radio program and to make electronic mail contents possible to be grasped. SOLUTION: A scenario automatic preparing part 11 downloads social and commercial data from the Internet 2 according to the demand of a user 3 on that day and the characteristic analysis of electronic mails, decides the priorities for the electronic mails, makes BGM(background music) correspond to each electronic mail and prepares a scenario. A virtual DJ(disk jockey) part 2 outputs the scenario by voice as well as BGM data with phrases selected according to the demand of the user 3 among preliminarily prepared specific expression.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an e-mail program device and a recording medium on which an e-mail program program is recorded.
The present invention relates to an e-mail program device and a recording medium on which an e-mail program for e-mail programs is read aloud by adding contents corresponding to analysis results.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, as a method of grasping the contents of an e-mail, there has been e-mail software commonly called "mailer" and the like, and there has been a means for visually and actively reading an e-mail. Also, as a method of reading out sentences on a computer, there has been an apparatus that reads out sentence data in electronic voice.

[0003]

However, the task of reading e-mail uses the overwhelming visual sense among the five senses of human beings. Therefore, when the visually impaired person or the optic nerve is extremely tired, the e-mail is read visually. The task of reading e-mail was extremely difficult or impossible. (Pain due to visual oversight) In many cases, reading e-mails is actively performed by users who read e-mails, such as "which e-mail" and "when". In such cases, there was a problem that such active actions were felt painful. (Pain of active position) Conventional technology that reads out not only e-mail but also the contents of sentences on a computer by voice was able to read out the contents simply and accurately. However, there is a problem that the user who "listens" feels pain from the monotony. (Pain due to lack of entertainment) It is an object of the present invention to automatically design entertainment scenarios,
By transmitting the scenario to the user in the form of a radio program using audio information, the user can entertain the content of the e-mail in an entertaining manner without having to take spontaneous actions during the program. An object of the present invention is to provide a mail program device and a recording medium on which an electronic mail program is recorded.

[0004] However, if the user wishes according to the situation,
E-mail can be read visually after limiting the functions only to re-arrange the order of e-mail and setting appropriate background music (BGM) for each e-mail. Enhance the nature.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic mail program apparatus comprising: a BGM database for storing BGM data in association with characteristics of the electronic mail; A scenario automatic creation unit that analyzes characteristics and outputs corresponding BGM data from the BGM database.

In the electronic mail program apparatus according to the present invention, the scenario automatic creation unit may determine the output order of the electronic mail according to the feature.

[0007] The electronic mail program device of the present invention further comprises:
A virtual DJ unit that outputs the electronic mail together with the BGM data by voice may be provided.

An electronic mail program device of the present invention analyzes a characteristic of an electronic mail arriving at a user, adds an additional information related to the characteristic to create a scenario, and a pre-specified identification unit. And a virtual DJ unit that outputs the scenario by voice.

The electronic mail program device of the present invention further comprises:
An information database that downloads the additional information from a network and outputs the additional information to the scenario automatic creation unit may be provided.

[0010] In the electronic mail program apparatus of the present invention, the scenario automatic creation unit may determine the output order of the electronic mail according to the feature.

In the electronic mail program apparatus of the present invention, the virtual DJ unit may select the wording according to a request of the user.

[0012] The electronic mail program device of the present invention further comprises:
A BGM database for storing BGM data in association with the characteristics of the electronic mail may be provided, and the scenario automatic creation unit may output the corresponding BGM data from the BGM database according to the characteristics.

[0013] The recording medium of the present invention stores BGM data in a BGM database in association with the characteristics of the e-mail, and analyzes the characteristics of the incoming e-mail when the user reads the received e-mail. A program for causing a computer to execute the process of outputting the corresponding BGM data from the BGM database is recorded.

[0014] The recording medium of the present invention analyzes the characteristics of an e-mail arriving at a user, adds additional information related to the characteristics, and creates a scenario. And a program for causing a computer to execute the process of outputting a sound as a voice.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. The personal computer 1 is connected to the Internet 2 and a user 3 operates. Internet 2 is an e-mail server 4
And various information services 5. The personal computer 1 includes an e-mail program device 6, an e-mail management unit 7, and a personal schedule management unit 8. The e-mail management unit 7 downloads and manages e-mail from the e-mail server 4. The personal schedule management unit 8 is installed with personal schedule management software generally called PIM (personal information manager) software,
The personal schedule of the user 3 such as "when and what to do" is stored as data.

The electronic mail program device 6 includes an automatic scenario creating unit 11 and a virtual DJ (disc jockey) unit 12. In addition, as various databases, a calendar database 13, a BGM database 14, an interpersonal database 1
5. Social data 1 including a keyword database 16 and linked with various information services 5 as necessary.
7, including commercial data 18.

The various databases will be described in detail. The calendar database 13 uniquely associates keywords that characterize the day with dates on the calendar. The BGM database 14 uniquely associates the BGM determination result of the e-mail with the BGM data closest to the determination.
The interpersonal database 15 uniquely associates the person data with the judgment as viewed from the user 3. The keyword database 16 uniquely associates a keyword with a determination as viewed from the user 3. The social data 17 is data of weather or social events of the day or the next day. Commercial data 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes an advertisement, music, or the like, which is often obtained as a price for obtaining the social data 17 free of charge. The calendar database 13, the BGM database 14, the interpersonal database 15, and the keyword database 16 can be updated by the user 3 at any time except during the automatic creation of a scenario and the ongoing program. For example, an update such as redefining Mr. Yamada from “dislike person” to “preferred person” is possible.

The calendar database 13, BGM database 14, personal database 15, and keyword database 16 are stored in the personal computer 1 in advance. Social data 17 and commercial data 18 are downloaded from the Internet 2 and stored in the personal computer 1.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 2 shows the first
5 is a flowchart showing an outline operation of the embodiment.

First, a use mode is selected (step S).
0). The selection of the use mode means that the e-mail program device 6 is used simply (use pattern A: the user 3 himself reads the mail) or is used as standard (use pattern B: the user 3 uses voice). Listen to what is read aloud). In the case of simple use, the following steps S1 and S2 are omitted, and the process starts from step S3.

Next, a request is input for the day (step S1). Request for the day's program "I want to get well"
In addition to "Normal" and "I want to calm down", if I want to use various information services 5, "I want to get an advertisement for a car"
After inputting such a request, the following steps can be started. If no special input is made, the previously selected request is automatically selected.

Next, related information is downloaded (step S2). In addition to downloading e-mails, depending on settings, from various information service sites, social data,
Download commercial data. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of request input and related information download.

Next, characteristic analysis and priority order determination of the electronic mail are performed (step S3). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the characteristic analysis and the priority order determination of the electronic mail. The scenario automatic creation unit 11 sends an e-mail to the e-mail management unit 7,
By referring to various databases using the mail title and the like as keys, the characteristics of each e-mail are analyzed. When it is determined that a certain e-mail is a reply to another e-mail based on the header information, title, body, or the like of the e-mail as an information source, this reply e-mail is associated with the reply e-mail. Here, a plurality of e-mails associated as a group are referred to as an “e-mail group”. The feature analysis of the group of e-mails is performed only for the first e-mail as the original, and the feature analysis is not performed for the reply e-mail.

A specific example of the characteristic analysis of electronic mail and the determination of the priority will be described with reference to FIG. (A) If there is a reply to the e-mail sent from the user 3, the number of days after the reply is calculated, and this is characterized. This is referred to as a “reply feature”. (B) The sender of the received e-mail is compared with the person database 15, and is determined to be the person who has been sent for the first time, the person who is preferred or disliked, or the person who is important. Is determined and characterized. This is called “interpersonal characteristics”. (C) The title or the body of the e-mail is compared with the keyword database 16, and preferable or unfavorable contents or important contents are characterized by this. This is called a "content feature." (D) When the destination format to the user is “To” (however, as a result of comparison with the personal database 15, it is determined that the destination is not based on the mailing list), this is a feature. This is referred to as a “primary feature”. (E) If the title or body of the e-mail includes the name of the user 3, this is a feature. This is referred to as “topic feature”. (F) E-mail title or body text is social data 17, calendar database 13, personal schedule management unit 8
In contrast to the above data, if the keywords match, this is a feature. This is referred to as "current feature". (G) If the group of e-mails is a set of e-mails equal to or more than a predetermined number (for example, three), this is a feature. This is referred to as “echo feature”.

The scenario automatic creation device 11 is provided with the above (A) to
Based on the analysis result of (G), the incoming e-mail is weighted and the order of introduction is determined. The following is a specific form of the weighting. The priority is: a) reply feature (7 points) b) interpersonal feature (6 points) c) content feature (5 points) d) nominative feature (4 points) e) topic feature (3 points) f) current affairs feature (2) G) Reflection characteristics (1 point). According to the priority, the priority is set using the feature given to the electronic mail or the electronic mail group as an element. That is, if an email falls under any of the above characteristics, score the score defined in parentheses,
The total score is called the "score" of the mail. Except for exceptions described later, mails with high scores are important mails in principle. Therefore, mail numbers are assigned in descending order, and the priority order of electronic mails is finally determined in a row.

The interpersonal characteristics and the content characteristics are the main features of the content characteristics of the mail. In the case of the mail corresponding to the characteristics, the keyword is defined as information called "mail characteristics" (eg,...).・ "Interpersonal" Suzuki ", content"
Alumni Association ").

The elements of the sender name and the keyword of the person / content feature (preferred, dislike, important, etc.) are information that is important for determining the tendency of the BGM of the mail, and the latter is called “BGM judgment” especially for the sender name. It is defined as information to be referred to (eg, "important, good, first"). If the interpersonal features and the content features are inconsistent, the content features take precedence.

Next, determination of each electronic mail or electronic mail group is associated with BGM (step S4). FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of BGM association. For each e-mail or e-mail group for which priority has been determined according to step S3, a BGM database is searched using the sender name or "BGM determination" information, and a BGM most suitable for the contents of the e-mail is associated. In addition, “normal” BGM is added to mails having no special features. That is, preferable BGM is given to a preferable mail, BGM that calls attention to a mail requiring caution, normal BGM to a normal mail, and so on. In the definition of BGM, when the sender name and the BGM judgment conflict, the sender name is given priority.

Next, a scenario is created (step S).
5). Here, an e-mail program scenario is created. The scenario is text data. If user 3
If there is a willingness to "read" the e-mail, it will not perform any further processing and will return the appropriate BGM in the order set so far.
It also allows you to read emails.

If there is an intention to "listen" to the e-mail, the following processing is performed, and the e-mail is finally read aloud. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of scenario creation. (1) Greeting of start. (Details will be described later) Depending on the taste of the user 3, the user 3 selects from a plurality of options such as "normal", "energy", and "deposition". (2) Introduction of program topics. Today's topic is the total number of e-mails read out and the "e-mail characteristics" of the e-mails with the highest "scores". (3) Among e-mails with "current features", the e-mail with the highest "score" is selected and introduced. If current keywords, that is, keywords of information related to the calendar, incidents, and weather of the day, and keywords of current events characteristics of an e-mail match, first introduce the current events information and then read out related e-mails I do. When reading out the e-mail after interruption of music or the like in (5), the same processing is performed when there is current affair information and an e-mail related thereto, and then the process proceeds to the step (4). (4), (5) In accordance with the priority determined in step S3, an e-mail is introduced after the opening comment. Insert advertisements / music between emails according to your settings. Immediately after the advertisement or song, read the current affairs information-related mail again as in (3). 1/4 of total e-mail, 1
The processing shifts to (5) at the timing of / 2, 3/4. This timing can be changed. (6) Finally, information for expecting the next program will be introduced. "I haven't emailed anyone recently."
Information that will lead to the next and subsequent times, such as "Tomorrow's schedule is xx." (7) Greeting of the end. Depending on the taste of the user 3, the user 3 selects from a plurality of options such as "normal", "energy", and "deposition".

In the case of setting in particular, "good" or "bad"
It is also possible to perform composition by extracting only e-mails given specific characteristics such as "Needs Attention". For example, there are cases where the total number of characters of the program scenario exceeds a specified value, or cases where it is desired to read only desirable e-mails.

Next, a program is broadcast by the virtual DJ unit 12 (step S6). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of program broadcasting by the virtual DJ unit 12. At each stage of the scenario created in step 5, the virtual DJ unit 12 selects at random one of a plurality of wording candidates according to the request of the user 3, and outputs this by voice. Each inflection is in line with its atmosphere. The following is one embodiment.

In the case of "greeting to start", if the request of the day is "normal", (a) "Good evening. It is 10:27. I will send you an e-mail." (B) "Good evening, e-mail. It ’s time. ”If the request of the day is“ I want to be fine, ”
With GM ... (a) "Oh! I can't hear you, once again." (B) "Email has arrived today! Let's go all at once!" If you want to, "with a calm BGM ... (a)"I'm tired for one day today. Please enjoy your mail slowly. "(B)"I'm wrapped up with important people for a moment tonight. Please relax ... "When the virtual DJ unit 12 reads out each e-mail,
At step S3, a comment according to the associated features is added to the beginning of the e-mail, and then the text is read out. In this comment, a plurality of candidates are stored in the personal computer 1 in advance as voice data.

The following is an example of a comment at the beginning of each electronic mail. "Oops, the next reply is from △ ×, who is waiting for me." (Response feature) "Oh, there's an email from the first person, × ▲," (Personal features) "Somehow spring It seems that you have received an e-mail. "(Current feature)" It seems that you are talking about it. "
(Nominative feature) "Gege, received from Mr. ○ ▽.
・ ”(Interpersonal characteristics)“ This topic is about XX (keywords in the keyword database) ”(content characteristics)“ There is something important, but what kind of mail is it? ”(Content characteristics) Read the quoted part of the e-mail In such a case, a human expression technique is adopted by putting a notice before and after the quote, such as "Here is the quote from ● ◎".

The user can individually improve and update the following elements according to his / her preference. -Separate acquisition of the virtual DJ unit 12 (phrase, improvement of basic voice data). -Separate acquisition of BGM database 14 (acquisition of new BGM). -Separate acquisition of calendar database 13 (improvement of association between calendar and keywords)-Interpersonal database 15, keyword database 16
Update (redefinition of good / bad judgment, addition of person name, etc.).・ Change of site to download data (improvement of information source). It is assumed that there are a plurality of sites on the Internet 2 that provide information services managed by each organization for profit and non-profit purposes in cooperation with the present invention.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the personal computer 1 is connected to the Internet 2,
The user 3 operates. The recording medium 9 records an e-mail program. This recording medium 9 may be a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, or another recording medium.

The electronic mail program is stored in the recording medium 9.
From the personal computer 1, and performs the same processing as the processing of the scenario automatic creation unit 11 and the virtual DJ unit 12 in the first embodiment.

That is, a process of storing the BGM data in the BGM database in association with the characteristics of the e-mail;
A process of analyzing the characteristics of an e-mail arriving at the user 3 and adding related additional information, a process of determining an output order of the e-mail according to the characteristics, and selecting BGM data corresponding to the characteristics from a BGM database. A process, a process of creating a scenario, and a process of outputting a scenario along with BGM data by voice using a wording selected by the user 3 from a specific wording prepared in advance are performed.

[0039]

According to the present invention, where e-mail is used on a daily basis, and it is becoming commonplace to read a large amount of e-mail in business or the like, e-mail with private contents reaching a private address can be relaxed without stretching shoulders and elbows. I want to hear.

As described above, according to the present invention, the characteristics of the e-mail are analyzed, the order is reconstructed in accordance with an appropriate priority, and the e-mail is read out with appropriate BGM in a human-like voice, and sometimes interest is obtained. By interweaving the topics, music, advertisements, etc. to be drawn, the user will be able to grasp the contents of the e-mail in a relaxed posture without using the optic nerve by automatically performing a production that does not bore the listener. Is obtained.

In particular, in the case of visually impaired persons, etc., it may be unfavorable in terms of privacy to have someone other than yourself read the contents of the e-mail even if it is a family member. The contents of the e-mail can be grasped while protecting the contents.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of request input and related information download.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of characteristic analysis and priority order determination of an e-mail.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of BGM association.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of scenario creation.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of program broadcasting by a virtual DJ unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Personal computer 2 Internet 3 User 4 E-mail server 5 Various information services 6 E-mail program device 7 E-mail management part 8 Personal schedule management part 9 Recording medium 11 Scenario automatic creation part 12 Virtual DJ part 13 Calendar database 14 BGM database 15 Personal database 16 Keyword database 17 Social data 18 Commercial data

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A BGM database for storing BGM data in correspondence with characteristics of an electronic mail, and analyzing a characteristic of the e-mail when a user reads an incoming e-mail and reading corresponding BGM data from the BGM database. An e-mail program device comprising a scenario automatic creation unit for outputting a message. 2. The electronic mail program apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scenario automatic creation unit determines an output order of the electronic mail according to the feature. 3. The electronic mail program device according to claim 1, further comprising a virtual DJ unit that outputs the electronic mail together with the BGM data. 4. A scenario automatic creation unit for analyzing a feature of an e-mail arriving at a user and creating a scenario by adding additional information related to the feature, and voice-generating the scenario by a specific wording prepared in advance. An e-mail program device comprising a virtual DJ unit for outputting. 5. The e-mail program device according to claim 4, further comprising an information database for downloading the additional information from a network and outputting the additional information to the scenario automatic creation unit. 6. The electronic mail program device according to claim 4, wherein the scenario automatic creation unit determines an output order of the electronic mail according to the feature. 7. The virtual DJ unit selects the wording according to a request of the user.
An e-mail program device as described. 8. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a BGM database for storing BGM data in association with characteristics of the electronic mail, wherein the scenario automatic creation unit outputs corresponding BGM data from the BGM database according to the characteristics. , 6 or 7. 9. A process of accumulating BGM data in a BGM database in correspondence with characteristics of an e-mail, and analyzing characteristics of the incoming e-mail when a user reads the received e-mail and responding from the BGM database. Do B
A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute a process of outputting GM data is recorded. 10. A process of analyzing a feature of an e-mail arriving at a user and adding additional information related to the feature to create a scenario, and a process of outputting the scenario by voice using a specific wording prepared in advance. Recording a program for causing a computer to execute the above.