Means for displaying at least two different words and for providing independent pronunciations of these words

A portable electronic dictionary and language interpreter comprises an input device for simultaneously entering at least two different words in a first language, a translator for causing retrieval for equivalents for the at least two different words, and a voice synthesizer for speaking the at least two different words in the first language in the form of synthesized sounds, respectively. The pronouncing of both or either of the at least two different words in the first language can be selectively repeated in response to an actuation of a repeat key switch. The translated word or words now indicated in a display can be replaced by the input word or words once indicated in the same display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates in general to a word information storage and 
retrieval device and, more particularly, to an electronic dictionary and 
language interpreter for providing efficient and rapid retrieval of any 
desired word or words stored therein. 
Recently, a new type of electronic device called an electronic dictionary 
and language interpreter has been available on the market. The electronic 
dictionary and language interpreter differs from any conventional type of 
electronic device in that the former is of a unique structure which 
provides for efficient and rapid retrieval of word information stored in a 
memory. An example of such electronic dictionaries and language 
interpreters was disclosed in Levy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,236, filed on June 
12, 1979, and entitled "ELECTRONIC DICTIONARY AND LANGUAGE INTERPRETER". 
There was filed a copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 095,081 
entitled "ELECTRONIC DICTIONARY AND LANGUAGE INTERPRETER WITH FACULTIES OF 
PRONOUNCING OF AN INPUT WORD OR WORDS REPEATEDLY", on Nov. 16, 1979, filed 
by the same applicants as the applicants of the present application. The 
U.S. patent application disclosed the means to provide and repeatedly 
pronunciate a single input word at the same time. 
However, according to the teachings of the U.S. patent application, it is 
impossible that there may be pronounced at least two different input words 
at the same time. For the purpose of providing an audible comparison 
between different input words, it is desired that at least two different 
input words be pronounced at the same time. 
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide 
an improved electronic dictionary and language interpreter comprising an 
apparatus for providing pronunciation of at least two different input 
words. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved 
electronic dictionary and language interpreter comprising means for 
selectively providing pronunciation of at least two different input words. 
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention 
will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It 
should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific 
examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are 
given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications 
within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those 
skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
To achieve the above objects, pursuant to an embodiment of the present 
invention, a portable electronic dictionary and language interpreter 
comprises an input device for simultaneously entering at least two 
different words in a first language, a translator for causing retrieval 
for equivalents for the at least two different words, and a voice 
synthesizer for pronouncing the at least two different words in the first 
language in the form of synthesized sounds, respectively. 
The pronouncing of both or either of the at least two different words in 
the first language can be selectively repeated in response to an actuation 
of a repeat key switch. The translated word or words now displayed in a 
display can be replaced by the input word or words once displayed in the 
same display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
First of all, any kind of languages can be applied to an electronic 
dictionary and language interpreter of the present invention. An input 
"source" word or words are spelled in a specific language to obtain an 
equivalent word or words, or a translated word spelled in a different 
language corresponding thereto. The kind of the languages can be freely 
selected. According to an example of the present invention, it is assumed 
that the specific language is English and the different language is 
Japanese. 
Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated in a plan view an electronic 
dictionary and language interpreter of the present invention. The 
electronic dictionary and language interpreter comprises a main frame HT, 
an alphabetical keyboard AK, two displays DP.sub.1 and DP.sub.2 both 
indicative of input "source" word or words and a translated or 
"equivalent" word or words, two display indicators L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 
both indicative of the kind of word or words being pronounced, two input 
keys D.sub.1 and D.sub.2, two pronunciation keys V.sub.1 and V.sub.2, a 
translation key T, two clear keys C.sub.1 and C.sub.2, and a speaker SP. 
One or more English "source" words are introduced by the actuation of the 
alphabetical keyboard AK. Prior to the actuation of the alphabetical 
keyboard AK, either of the two input keys D.sub.1 and D.sub.2 is actuated 
to identify whether a desired English "source" word or words now entered 
belong to either of the first input word or words and the second input 
word or words. The first input word or words is specified according to the 
actuation of the input key D.sub.1. On the other hand, the second input 
word or words are specified by virtue of the actuation of the other input 
key D.sub.2. 
If it is desired that an English "source" word "FORM" be introduced as the 
first input word or words, the input key D.sub.1 is first actuated and 
then the alphabetical keyboard AK is actuated to produce code information 
equivalent to "FORM". Hence, "FORM" is indicated in the first display 
DP.sub.1 as shown in FIG. 1. For the purpose to obtain a translated 
Japanese word or words corresponding to "FORM", the translation key T is 
actuated. In response to the actuation of the translation key T, a control 
circuit is operated to obtain a Japanese translated word " " equivalent 
to "FORM" as displayed in the first display DP.sub.1 of FIG. 2, as 
mentioned hereinbelow. In response to the actuation of the translation key 
T, at the same time, audible prounciation of the first input word or 
words, say, "FORM", is provided as described below. 
Concerning the second input word or words, similarly, the second input key 
D.sub.2, the alphabetical keyboard AK, and the translation key T are 
subsequently actuated in this order. The second input word or words, say, 
"HOME", and its equivalent translated word or words, say " ", can be 
alternatively displayed in the second display DP.sub.2. The audible 
pronunciation of "HOME" is also generated according to the actuation of 
the translation key T. 
While the first input word or words are pronounced, the first indicator 
L.sub.1 is illuminated for indication. Similarly, when the second input 
word or words are pronounced, the second indicator L.sub.2 is illuminated 
for indication. The operations for the first and the second input word or 
words are independent. In other words, the operations for the second input 
word or words are not prevented by the entry operation and the delivery 
operation in connection with the first input word or words. The operations 
for the first input word or words are not affected by the entry status and 
the delivery status of the second input word or words. 
The two pronunciation keys V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 are provided for mainly 
enabling the audible pronunciation of the first and the second input word 
or words, respectively. When either of the two pronunciation keys V.sub.1 
and V.sub.2 are actuated, any retrieval, in finding out its equivalent 
translated word or words, is not effected so that the relevant display 
D.sub.1 or D.sub.2 continuously displays the associated input word or 
words. The audible pronunciation is provided under the condition that the 
word or words equivalent to the audible pronunciation are displayed in the 
display. According to alternative actuation of the two pronunciation keys 
V.sub.1 and V.sub.2, the audible prounciation of the first input word or 
words can be compared with that of the second input word or words. 
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the present invention 
incorporated into the electronic dictionary and language interpreter shown 
in FIG. 1. Like elements corresponding to those of FIG. 1 are indicated by 
like numerals. The control circuit mainly comprises a translated word 
memory M, a voice synthesizer SS a retrieval circuit JD, two "source" word 
memories BR.sub.1 and BR.sub.2, two translated word storage devices 
RR.sub.1 and RR.sub.2, and a driver DS. 
The translated word memory M made of a read-only memory (ROM) contains a 
plurality of translated words in the form of code information. The voice 
synthesizer SS produces audible information applied to the driver DS and 
then the speaker SP. The driver DS is provided for driving the speaker SP. 
The voice synthesizer SS includes an appropriate number of ROMs to form 
the audible information. 
The first "source" word memory BR.sub.1 and the first translated word 
storage device RR.sub.1 are both related to the first input word or words. 
The second "source" word memory BR.sub.2 and the second translated word 
storage device RR.sub.2 are both associated to the second input word or 
words. 
The retrieval circuit JD is responsive to binary code information from 
either the first or the second "source" word memories BR.sub.1 and 
BR.sub.2 to address one or more appropriate regions of the translated word 
memory M and the voice synthesizer SS. 
The first and the second translated word storage devices RR.sub.1 and 
RR.sub.2 are provided for temporarily containing one or more translated 
words delivered from the translated word memory M in the form of binary 
code information. 
The voice synthesizer SS includes a D/A converter for converting digital 
audible data into analog information. There are generated signals S.sub.1 
indicative of the termination of the retrieval and signals S.sub.2 
representative of the termination of the audible pronunciation. There are 
connected four R-S type flip flops F.sub.1 through F.sub.4. There are 
provided two displays DP.sub.1 and DP.sub.2 related to that shown in FIG. 
1. There are coupled two drivers DD.sub.1 and DD.sub.2 for controlling the 
related displays. Elements shown by L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are associated to 
the indicators L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 shown in FIG. 1. There are provided two 
driver circuits DL.sub.1 and DL.sub.2 acting for display indicators 
L.sub.1 and L.sub.2. There are coupled a plurality of gate circuits 
G.sub.1 through G.sub.18. The operations of the control circuit will now 
be explained hereinbelow. 
Retrieval for Translated Word or Words 
In connection with the first input word or words, the first input key 
D.sub.1 is actuated so that the flip flop F.sub.1 is turned set, in which 
case the code information entered by the alphabetical keyboard AK is 
admitted to the first "source" word memory BR.sub.1. For the purpose of 
the following retrieval, the two gate circuits G.sub.1 and G.sub.3 are 
turned conductive. 
More particularly, when it is assumed that the alphabetical keyboard AK is 
actuated to enter "FORM", respective binary code information equivalent to 
four characters, say "F", "O", "R", "M" is subsequently introduced into 
the first "source" word memory BR.sub.1. The actuation of the first input 
key D.sub.1 makes the flip flop F.sub.1 set through the gate circuit 
G.sub.3 and makes the flip flop F.sub.2 reset through the gate circuit 
G.sub.16. Even if the flip flop F.sub.2 has been set, the first input key 
D.sub.1 enables the flip flop F.sub.2 reset. According to the set 
conditions of the flip flop F.sub.1, the gate circuit G.sub.9 is turned 
conductive. The contents of the first "source" word memory BR.sub.1 are 
applied to the first driver DD.sub.1 so that the first display DP.sub.1 
displays the entered first input word or words. The flip flop F.sub.3 is 
also turned set with the aid of the gate circuit G.sub.3 responsive to the 
first input key D.sub.1. The first display indicator L.sub.1 is 
illuminated for representing that the first input word or words are 
introduced. 
Under the circumstances, the translation key T is actuated so that 
retrieval start signals are applied to the retrieval circuit JD through 
the gate circuit G.sub.6. Since the gate circuit G.sub.3, coupled to the 
first "source" word memory BR.sub.1 and the retrieval circuit JD, is 
placed in conductive states, the contents of the first "source" word 
memory BR.sub.1 are transferred into the retrieval circuit JD. The 
retrieval circuit JD addresses the translated word memory M and the voice 
synthesizer SS synthesizes audible sounds according to the contents stored 
therein. Retrieval translated word or words from the translated word 
memory M is introduced into the translated word storage device RR.sub.1 
through the gate circuit G.sub.7 which is placed in conductive stage. 
Audible information equivalent to "FORM" is delivered from the voice 
synthesizer SS is applied to the driver DS and then to the speaker SP. 
The voice synthesizer SS contains the memory and the D/A converter. The 
memory preliminarily stores quantum voice information used for providing 
the pronunciation equivalent to the input word or words. The D/A converter 
operates to convert the quantum voice information from the memory to 
analog information applied to the speaker driver DS. The speaker SP is 
controlled by the speaker driver DS so that the input word or words are 
pronounced in the same manner as of reading the same. 
The memory contains a number of words in the form of quantum voice 
information in order to provide a plurality of different kinds of 
pronunciation according to a plurality of input words. To provide the 
plurality of different kinds of the pronunciation due to a plurality of 
letters of only one English word, the plurality of words defined by the 
quantum voice information are required to be stored in the memory. Each of 
the plurality of words are placed in such a manner that they are 
positioned in the first region where the plurality of the words are 
arranged in a certain sequence on a one-step basis, and the second region 
where the end code information following the last word is stored for the 
confirmation of the termination of the words. 
When the retrieval for the translated word or words equivalent to the first 
input word or words is terminated, the translated word memory M.sub.1 
provides signals S.sub.1 representative of the termination of the 
retrieval. The signals S.sub.1 are admitted to the gate circuit G.sub.14 
coupled to the flip flop F.sub.1. The flip flop F.sub.1 is turned reset so 
that the gate circuit G.sub.9 is placed in nonconductive stage and the 
gate circuit G.sub.10 is placed in conductive state. Then the delivered 
translated word or words stored in the translated word storage device 
RR.sub.1 are indicated in the first display DP.sub.1 through the gate 
circuit G.sub.10 with the help of the first driver DD.sub.1. 
Concerning the second input word or words, the second input key D.sub.2 is 
initially actuated for identification. In response to the actuation of the 
second input key D.sub.2, the flip flop F.sub.2 is turned set and the flip 
flop F.sub.1 is turned reset. The gate circuit G.sub.11 becomes conductive 
in response to the set state of the flip flop F.sub.2. The second display 
DP.sub.2 is set to display the contents of the second "source" word memory 
BR.sub.2. When the second input word or words are introduced into the 
second "source" word memory BR.sub.2 with the aid of the actuation of the 
alphabetical keyboard AK, the alphabetical character data contained within 
the second "source" word memory BR.sub.2 are displayed in the second 
display DP.sub.2. The gate circuit G.sub.2 coupled to the second "source" 
word memory BR.sub.2 is turned conductive in response to the set state of 
the flip flop F.sub.2 so that the alphabetical character data generated 
from the alphabetical keyboard AK are transferred into the second "source" 
word memory BR.sub.2. 
Since the gate circuit G.sub.4 interposed between the second "source" word 
memory BR.sub.2 and the retrieval circuit JD is also turned conductive in 
response to the set state of the flip flop F.sub.2, the alphabetical 
character data are transferred from the second "source" word memory 
BR.sub.2 to the retrieval circuit JD in response to the actuation of the 
translation key T. The retrieval circuit JD drives the translated word 
memory M so as to obtain a translated word or words equivalent to the 
alphabetical character data contained within the retrieval circuit JD and 
also drives the voice synthesizer SS in order to provide audible 
pronunciation equivalent to the alphabetical character data. 
The translated word or words generated from the translated word memory M 
are forwarded to the second translated word storage device RR.sub.2 and 
then applied to the second display DP.sub.2 through the conductance of the 
gate circuit G.sub.12 by means of the flip flop F.sub.2 placed in the set 
state. Thus the translated word or words are displayed in the second 
display DP.sub.2. 
When the input key D.sub.2 is actuated, setting the flip flop F.sub.4, the 
second indicator L.sub.2 is illuminated when the signals S.sub.2 are 
developed from the voice synthesizer SS, the generation of the audible 
pronunciation equivalent to the alphabetical character data is completed. 
As described above, the retrieval of the translated word or words 
equivalent to the input word or words and the generation of the audible 
pronunciation of the input word or words are independent in connection 
with the first and the second input word or words. 
The first clear key C.sub.1 is provided for canceling information contained 
within the first "source" word memory BR.sub.1 and the first translated 
word storage device RR.sub.1, namely, for placing them reset. Instead, to 
suppress information to be displayed is equivalent to cause reset 
operation of these elements BR.sub.1 and RR.sub.1. The second clear key 
C.sub.2 is provided for turning both the second "source" word memory 
BR.sub.2 and the second translated word storage device RR.sub.2 reset. The 
gate circuit G.sub.17 is conductive responsive to the actuation of the 
first clear key C.sub.1 so that the flip flop F.sub.3 is turned reset. The 
gate circuit G.sub.18 is conductive responsive to the actuation of the 
second clear key C.sub.2 so that the flip flop F.sub.3 is turned reset. 
Two Pronunciation Keys V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 
Under the conditions where the first input key D.sub.1 is actuated and the 
first input word or words are entered by means of the alphabetical 
keyboard AK, the first pronunciation key V.sub.1 is actuated so as to 
enable the retrieval circuit JD to cause the retrieval for the equivalent 
audible pronunciation. The gate circuit G.sub.5 is prevented by means of 
the actuation of either the first pronunciation key V.sub.1 or the second 
pronunciation key V.sub.2. 
The gate circuits G.sub.3 and G.sub.4 interposed between the first "source" 
word memory BR.sub.1 and the retrieval circuit JD are turned nonconductive 
by means of the actuation of the second pronunciation key V.sub.2 and the 
first pronunciation key V.sub.1, respectively. 
Thus the output signals from the retrieval circuit JD are applied only to 
the voice synthesizer SS but not to the translated word memory M. 
Therefore, the audible pronunciation is only available using the voice 
synthesizer SS under the control by the retrieval circuit JD. 
Though the translation key T is actuated, the signals S.sub.1 from the 
translated word memory M function to make the flip flop F.sub.1 reset so 
that the translated word or words stored in the translated word storage 
device RR.sub.1 are no longer displayed in the first display DP.sub.1. On 
the other hand, in connection with the first pronunciation key V.sub.1, 
the signals S.sub.1 are not generated from the translated word memory M, 
because the memory M is not used (G.sub.5 being non-conductive) so that 
the flip flop F.sub.1 is kept set. The input word or words contained 
within the first "source" word memory BR.sub.1 are therefore continuously 
displayed in the first display DP.sub.1. Each time, the first 
pronunciation, equivalent to the first input word or words entered, is 
generated with the voice synthesizer SS. 
The second pronunciation key V.sub.2 is employed to provide the audible 
pronunciation equivalent to the second input word or words. Under the 
conditions where the first pronunciation key V.sub.1 is actuated to 
provide the audible pronunciation equivalent to the first input word or 
words, it is assumed that the second pronunciation key V.sub.2 is also 
activated. Immediately before the activation of the second pronunciation 
key V.sub.2, the flip flop F.sub.1 is placed in the set state. 
The actuation of the second pronunciation key V.sub.2 enables the gate 
circuit G.sub.3 to become nonconductive. According to the actuation of the 
second pronunciation key V.sub.2, the character data stored in the first 
"source" word memory BR.sub.1 are not transferred into the retrieval 
circuit JD but that of the second "source" word memory BR.sub.2 are 
transmitted into the retrieval circuit JD. On the contrary, if the second 
pronunciation key V.sub.2 is first actuated and the first pronunciation 
key V.sub.1 is subsequently energized, the gate circuit G.sub.4 is turned 
nonconductive. Thus the character data within the first "source" word 
memory BR.sub.1 are selectively transferred into the retrieval circuit JD. 
After the translation key T is actuated, the two flip flop F.sub.1 and 
F.sub.2 are turned reset according to the generation of the signals 
S.sub.1 developed from the translated word memory M. In such a case, the 
two displays DP.sub.1 and DP.sub.2 are adapted to display the respective 
translated words. Under the circumstances, the first pronunciation key 
V.sub.1 is actuated so that the flip flop F.sub.1 is turned set through 
the use of the gate circuit G.sub.3. Then the character data stored in the 
first "source" word memory BR.sub.1 are displayed in the first display 
DP.sub.1. Needless to say, according to the actuation of the first 
pronunciation key V.sub.1, the audible pronunciation equivalent to the 
character data stored within the retrieval circuit JD is generated. 
Similarly, according to the actuation of the second pronunciation key 
V.sub.2, the flip flop F.sub.2 is turned set so that the character data 
stored in the second "source" word memory BR.sub.2 are altered to be 
displayed in the second display DP.sub. 2. Of course, in response to the 
actuation of the second pronunciation key V.sub.2, the audible 
pronunciation, equivalent to the character data within the retrieval 
circuit JD, is provided. 
As explained above in detail, the present invention features the following 
characters. 
(1) At least two different input words can be subjected to retrieval. The 
audible pronunciation of each of the two input words are provided. 
(2) At least two different input words are visible at the same time. After 
retrieval of the translated word equivalent to each of the two input 
words, the translated word is displayed in the display in place of each of 
the input words. 
(3) At least two different input words are indicated at the same time. Both 
or either of the two different input words can be selectively spoken. 
(4) Under the condition that the two different input words are entered, and 
that the translated word or words equivalent to each of them are obtained 
with the aid of retrieval, the audible pronunciation is repeatedly 
provided. The translated word or words now displayed can be replaced by 
the input word or words once indicated. 
(5) There is a display indicator for displaying which of the first and the 
second input word or words is now being spoken. 
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be 
varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure 
from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications are 
intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.