Abstract:
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a learning device capable of increasing a learning effect by utilizing the operation of the subconscious mind during sleep. Provided is a learning device comprising: a time counting means; a time setting means which sets a question posing time of a question to be presented to a user; a question posing means which poses the question on the basis of the setting made by the time setting means; and a presenting means which, prior to the question posing time of the question, presents to the user in advance a content relating to the question posed by the question posing means.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a learning apparatus constructed by integrating an alarm function used in an alarm clock or the like with a learning function for helping to improve a user&#39;s learning ability. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is known in the art to provide an apparatus that combines an awakening device such as an alarm clock with an electronic learning assisting device thereby aiming to awaken a user at a set time without fail while assisting the user to continue learning every day even if the user is a weak-willed person (for example, refer to patent document 1). 
         [0003]    Patent document 1 discloses a combination apparatus constructed by combining an awakening device with an electronic learning assisting device in which, as shown in  FIG. 25 , when an answer is entered into an answer entering means D to a question presented by a question presenting means C, an answer judging means B judges whether the answer is right or wrong. The combination apparatus includes an awakening stimulus control means A which controls an awakening stimulus output means E based on the result of the judgment made by the answer judging means B. Further, the combination apparatus is constructed so that the awakening stimulus from the awakening stimulus output means E, i.e., the alarm, does not stop as long as the percentage of correct answers or the number of consecutive correct answers does satisfy a preset condition. 
         [0004]    It is also known that sleep helps learning (helps memory to become stable). That is, what is remembered before sleep tends to become stable in memory. 
       PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS 
     Patent Documents 
       [0000]    
       
         Patent document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H08-166761 (Claim 1 and FIG. 1) 
         Patent document 2: “Interfering with Theories of Sleep and Memory,” Current Biology 16, 1290-1294, Jul. 11, 2006 
       
     
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    However, the combination apparatus disclosed in patent document 1 has only been intended to make the user solve new questions every time he wakes up, and has not been strategically designed to enhance the learning effect. There has also been the problem that the time to get up is delayed because no account is taken of the time the user expends to solve the questions when he wakes up. Furthermore, since the question presentation pattern is determined without considering the time interval that elapses from the time of the alarm activation to the time that the user gets up, the disadvantage has been that the apparatus is unable to provide the user with sufficient motivation to get up early. 
         [0008]    An object of the present invention is to provide a learning apparatus that can solve the above problems. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a learning apparatus that can enhance the learning effect by utilizing unconscious activity during sleep. 
         [0010]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a learning apparatus that can enhance the learning effect without delaying the time to get up and can thus enhance the user&#39;s motivation to get up early. 
         [0011]    The combination apparatus disclosed in patent document 1 has been unable to achieve a sufficient learning effect because the learning materials and learning methods provided to the user lack variety. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a learning apparatus that can enhance the learning effect by providing a variety of learning materials and learning methods to the user, and a learning system that uses such a learning apparatus. 
         [0013]    A learning apparatus includes timer, time setting unit for setting a presentation time of a question to a user, question presenting unit for presenting the question in accordance with the setting made by the time setting unit, and preview presenting unit for presenting to the user, before the presentation time of the question, a preview of contents related to the question to be presented by the question presenting unit. 
         [0014]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the contents the preview of which is presented by the preview presenting unit include the question to be presented by the question presenting unit. 
         [0015]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the contents the preview of which is presented by the preview presenting unit further includes a hint about an answer to the question to be presented by the question presenting unit. 
         [0016]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the contents the preview of which is presented by the preview presenting unit further includes a method of solving the question to be presented by the question presenting unit. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the learning apparatus further comprises operating unit for accepting an answer from the user. 
         [0018]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the time setting unit is an alarm setting unit for setting an alarm, and the learning apparatus further includes alarm activating unit for activating the alarm in accordance with the setting made by the time setting unit, and alarm stopping unit for stopping the alarm, wherein the alarm setting unit adjusts the time at which the alarm activating unit activates the alarm, according to the quantity or quality of the questions to be presented by the question presenting unit. 
         [0019]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the alarm stopping unit has a snooze function, and increases or decreases the number of questions to be presented by the question presenting unit, according to the number of alarm activations that occurred due to activation of the snooze function. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the learning apparatus further includes presentation content adjusting unit for adjusting presentation content according to a time difference between an alarm setting time, at which the alarm activation time is set by the alarm setting unit, and the alarm activation time. 
         [0021]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the presentation content adjusting unit adjust the presentation content by reducing the quantity or quality of the questions when the time difference is small and by increasing the quantity or quality of the questions when the time difference is large. 
         [0022]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the alarm setting time corresponds to the time at which the user goes to bed, and the alarm activation time corresponds to the time at which the user gets up. 
         [0023]    A learning apparatus includes timer, time setting unit for setting a presentation time of a question to a user, question presenting unit for presenting the question in accordance with the setting made by the time setting unit, and external connecting unit capable of establishing a connection to an electrical communication network, wherein the external connecting unit acquires, from a center server connected to the electrical communication network, information that varies according to question answered status of other users within a group formed by a prescribed number of users each using a different learning apparatus connected to the electrical communication network. 
         [0024]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the question presenting unit changes the quantity or quality of the questions according to a ranking within the group. 
         [0025]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the question presenting unit does not present a question to the user if the question has already been answered correctly by some other user using one of the different learning apparatuses connected to the electrical communication network. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the learning apparatus further includes annunciating unit for annunciating ranking status within the group. 
         [0027]    Preferably, in the learning apparatus, the question presenting unit increases or decreases the number of questions according to the time at which to answer the questions. 
         [0028]    A learning apparatus includes alarm setting unit for setting an alarm, alarm activating unit for activating the alarm in accordance with the setting made by the alarm setting unit, alarm stopping unit for stopping the alarm, and question presenting unit for presenting a question to a user in response to an alarm stop signal output from the alarm stopping unit, wherein in response to an alarm set signal output from the alarm setting unit, the question presenting unit presents to the user a preview of contents related to the question to be answered when the alarm is activated. 
         [0029]    A learning apparatus includes alarm setting unit for setting an alarm, alarm activating unit for activating the alarm in accordance with the setting made by the alarm setting unit, alarm stopping unit for stopping the alarm, question presenting unit for presenting a question to a user in response to an alarm stop signal output from the alarm stopping unit, and external connecting unit capable of establishing a connection to an electrical communication network, wherein the external connecting unit acquires, from a center server connected to the electrical communication network, information that varies according to question answered status of other users each using a different learning apparatus connected to the electrical communication network. 
         [0030]    According to the learning apparatus and the learning system using the same, the contents related to the question to be answered when the alarm is activated are presented in advance when the alarm is set; this arrangement serves to enhance the user&#39;s ability to answer the question when the alarm is activated. Specifically, when the alarm is set so as to sound when the user gets up, the learning effect for improving the correct answer percentage, etc. can be enhanced due to unconscious activity during sleep. 
         [0031]    Further, according to the learning apparatus and the learning system using the same, by adjusting the alarm activation time according to the quantity and/or quality of the questions to be presented when the alarm is activated, the learning can be completed by the time the alarm would normally be activated, for example, by the time the user gets up and begins his daily activities. This serves to prevent any inconvenience from being caused to the user&#39;s daily activities after he gets up. 
         [0032]    According to the learning apparatus and the learning system using the same, since the number of questions to be presented to the user is increased or decreased according to the number of alarm activations that occurred due to activation of the snooze function, the user&#39;s motivation to get up early can be enhanced. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, according to the learning apparatus and the learning system using the same, that is, according to the learning apparatus of the present invention and the learning system using the same, because of the provision of the external connecting means capable of establishing a connection to an electrical communication network, communications can be performed with an external server via the electrical communication network, and it thus becomes possible to provide learning materials and learning methods appropriate to the user by checking the question answered status of other users. Since this achieves a learning process having a greater variety than when the user alone performs the learning, a further enhanced learning effect can be expected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a learning apparatus  1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a learning system that uses the learning apparatus  1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the learning apparatus  1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in a question acquisition process. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5(   a ) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a presentation list. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5(   b ) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of presentation information data. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6(   a ) is an external view showing a display example (1) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the question acquisition process. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6(   b ) is an external view showing a display example (2) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the question acquisition process. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in an alarm set process. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8(   a ) is an external view showing a display example (1) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8(   b ) is an external view showing a display example (2) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
           [0045]      FIG. 8(   c ) is an external view showing a display example (3) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8(   d ) is an external view showing a display example (4) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
           [0047]      FIG. 8(   e ) is an external view showing a display example (5) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8(   f ) is an external view showing a display example (6) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in an alarm activation process. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10(   a ) is an external view showing a display example (1) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
           [0051]      FIG. 10(   b ) is an external view showing a display example (2) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
           [0052]      FIG. 10(   c ) is an external view showing a display example (3) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
           [0053]      FIG. 10(   d ) is an external view showing a display example (4) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
           [0054]      FIG. 10(   e ) is an external view showing a display example (5) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
           [0055]      FIG. 10(   f ) is an external view showing a display example (6) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
           [0056]      FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in a snooze operation process. 
           [0057]      FIG. 12(   a ) is an external view showing a display example (1) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0058]      FIG. 12(   b ) is an external view showing a display example (2) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0059]      FIG. 12(   c ) is an external view showing a display example (3) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0060]      FIG. 12(   d ) is an external view showing a display example (4) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0061]      FIG. 12(   e ) is an external view showing a display example (5) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0062]      FIG. 12(   f ) is an external view showing a display example (6) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0063]      FIG. 12(   g ) is an external view showing a display example (7) produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
           [0064]      FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a display example produced on a touch panel display  13 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 14  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an alternative learning apparatus  100 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 15  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a further alternative learning apparatus  200 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a learning system that uses the learning apparatus  200 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 17  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a center server  218 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the learning apparatus  200 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 19  is a sequence diagram illustrating the sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  in a question acquisition process. 
           [0071]      FIG. 20(   a ) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a presentation list. 
           [0072]      FIG. 20(   b ) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of presentation information data. 
           [0073]      FIG. 21(   a ) is an external view showing a display example (1) produced by the learning apparatus  200  during the question acquisition process. 
           [0074]      FIG. 21(   b ) is an external view showing a display example (2) produced by the learning apparatus  200  during the question acquisition process. 
           [0075]      FIG. 22  is a sequence diagram illustrating the sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  at the time of alarm activation. 
           [0076]      FIG. 23  is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  at the time of alarm activation. 
           [0077]      FIG. 24(   a ) is a diagram showing a display example (1) produced by the learning apparatus  200  at the time of alarm activation. 
           [0078]      FIG. 24(   b ) is a diagram showing a display example (2) produced by the learning apparatus  200  at the time of alarm activation. 
           [0079]      FIG. 24(   c ) is a diagram showing a display example (3) produced by the learning apparatus  200  at the time of alarm activation. 
           [0080]      FIG. 24(   d ) is a diagram showing a display example (4) produced by the learning apparatus  200  at the time of alarm activation. 
           [0081]      FIG. 25  is a block diagram of a prior art learning apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0082]    A learning apparatus and a learning system using the same will be described below with reference to the drawings. It will, however, be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by any particular embodiment described herein but extends to the inventions described in the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0083]    The gist of the operation of the learning apparatus  1  hereinafter described is that, when the user sets an alarm before sleep, the learning apparatus  1  presents in advance the questions to be presented when the user wakes up, or hints about the answers to the questions or a method of solving the questions. In this way, the learning apparatus  1  enhances the learning effect by assisting the user to improve his memory and enhance his logical solving ability during sleep, thereby motivating the user to learn while assisting the user to acquire the habit of getting up early. 
         [0084]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the learning apparatus  1 . 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the learning apparatus  1  comprises a timer means  2 , an alarm button  3 , a speaker  4 , an overall control unit  6 , an external interface unit  7 , a user interface unit  12 , a touch panel display  13 , an alarm time storage memory  14 , a presentation content storage memory  15 , and a user answer storage memory  16 . 
         [0086]    The timer means  2  manages the timer function of the learning apparatus  1 , and includes a time measuring function and a calendar function. 
         [0087]    The alarm button  3  is constructed from a switch capable of both slide operation and push operation, and includes three functions: an alarm setting function, a snooze function, and an alarm stopping function. The alarm button  3  functions as a time setting means for setting the time at which to present questions to the user, as will be described later. 
         [0088]    The alarm button  3  is constructed so that, when it is pulled up, for example, the alarm is set, and so that when it is lightly pressed, the snooze function is activated and, when it is further depressed and locked in position, the alarm setting is released and the bell sound for awakening the user stops. 
         [0089]    The alarm button  3  outputs an alarm set signal As, a snooze signal Ahs, and an alarm stop signal Ah according to the various conditions corresponding to the alarm setting, snoozing, and alarm stopping operations. The alarm set signal As, the snooze signal Ahs, and the alarm stop signal Ah are input to the overall control unit  6  via the user interface unit  12 . 
         [0090]    The speaker  4  is an alarm activating means for producing a bell sound, etc. for awakening the user at the alarm activation time, and may include a function for presenting a voice learning guidance from the learning apparatus  1  to the user. 
         [0091]    The overall control unit  6  comprises a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the overall operation of the learning apparatus  1 , such as logic operational decisions, input/output control, and data storage. The overall control unit  6  includes a question presenting means  61 . 
         [0092]    The question presenting means  61  includes a previewing means  62 , and presents questions to the user via the user interface unit  12  or via the touch panel display  13 . 
         [0093]    The previewing means  62  functions as a preview presenting means which, when the alarm is set by the alarm button  3 , outputs the contents related to the questions, that is, a preview of the questions, to be presented when the user wakes up. 
         [0094]    The external interface unit  7  functions as an external connecting means for connecting the learning apparatus  1  to an electrical communication network by means of a router  71  via a wireless or wired link. 
         [0095]    The touch panel display  13  includes a touch panel input function as well as an output function as a liquid crystal display, and functions not only as a means for displaying each question that the learning apparatus  1  presents to the user but also as an operating means for accepting the user&#39;s answer entered on the touch panel. 
         [0096]    The user interface unit  12  connects the touch panel display  13 , an interface between the user and the learning apparatus  1 , to the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  1 . 
         [0097]    The alarm time storage memory  14 , the presentation content storage memory  15 , and the user answer storage memory  16  are each constructed from a nonvolatile memory. The alarm time storage memory  14  stores information concerning the alarm and data such as the number of alarm activations. The presentation content storage memory  15  stores data such as information concerning the questions to be presented. The user answer storage memory  16  stores data such as information concerning the user&#39;s answers. 
         [0098]    The learning apparatus  1  can be constructed from a personal computer or an Internet terminal. The following description is given by dealing with an example in which the learning apparatus  1  is constructed from an Internet terminal equipped with a touch panel on a liquid crystal screen. 
         [0099]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a learning system that uses the learning apparatus  1 . 
         [0100]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the learning system includes the learning apparatus  1 , located on the user&#39;s premises and connected to the router  71  for connecting to the Internet  21 , and a center server  18  connected to the Internet  21 . The router  71  can also be used to connect a personal computer  19  to the Internet  21 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the learning apparatus  1 . 
         [0102]    In  FIG. 3 , the processing steps P 1 , P 3 , P 4 , P 61 , P 62 , P 72 , P 822 , and P 823  enclosed within rectangles each represent the operation performed in the learning apparatus  1  or the center server  18 , while the processing steps P 2 , P 51 , P 52 , P 71 , P 82 , P 821 , and P 824  enclosed within ovals each represent the operation performed by the user  30 . 
         [0103]    In  FIG. 3 , the processing steps performed in the learning apparatus  1  are executed by the CPU contained in the overall control unit  6  collaborating with the various component elements of the learning apparatus  1  in accordance with a program prestored in the overall control unit  6 . Further, in  FIG. 3 , the processing steps performed in the center server  18  are executed by the CPU (not shown) in the center server  18  collaborating with a transmitting/receiving unit (not shown), etc. in accordance with a program prestored in a memory (not shown) maintained in the center server  18 . The processing steps P 1  to P 824  are hereinafter referred to simply as P 1  to P 824 , respectively. 
         [0104]    The learning apparatus  1  automatically connects to the center server  18  via the Internet  21 , for example, at 12 o&#39;clock noon when the learning apparatus  1  is not used, and acquires questions according to the registered course prespecified by the user  30  (P 1 : Question acquisition process). 
         [0105]    Next, the user  30  sets the alarm of the learning apparatus  1  in order to wake up the next morning at the desired time (P 2 ). 
         [0106]    When the alarm is set, the learning apparatus  1  presents to the user  30  the contents related to the questions, that is, a preview of the questions, to be presented when the user  30  wakes up (P 3 ). 
         [0107]    “Z” shown alongside the branch from P 3  means that the user  30  is sleeping. 
         [0108]    When the alarm set time arrives, the alarm of the learning apparatus  1  is activated to sound the alarm bell (P 4 ). After P 4 , there are two choices, that is, to stop the alarm or to select the snooze. 
         [0109]    When stopping the alarm, the user  30  depresses the alarm button  3  to lock it in position and thereby stops the alarm (P 51 ). Next, the learning apparatus  1  presents the questions specified in the registered course (P 61 ), and the user  30  enters an answer to each question (P 71 ). The above steps P 4 , P 51 , P 61 , and P 71  together constitute the alarm activation process. 
         [0110]    When the user  30  lightly presses the alarm button  3 , the snooze is selected (P 52 ). Next, the learning apparatus  1  stores a count of the number of snoozes, and updates and stores a count of the number of alarm activations that increased as a result of the selection of the snooze (P 62 ); then, when a predetermined snooze time has elapsed, the alarm is again activated to sound the alarm bell (P 72 ). 
         [0111]    When the user  30  again presses the alarm button  3  lightly to select the snooze (P 82 ), the process from P 62  to P 72  is repeated. That is, each time the user  30  selects the snooze, the count of the number of alarm activations that increased as a result of the selection of the snooze is updated and stored in the alarm time storage memory  14  maintained in the learning apparatus  1 . The steps P 4 , P 52 , P 62 , P 72 , and P 82  together constitute the snooze operation process. After P 72 , there are two choices, that is, to stop the alarm or to select the snooze. 
         [0112]    When the user  30  depresses the alarm button  3  to lock it in position and thereby stops the alarm (P 821 ), the learning apparatus  1  presents the questions specified in the registered course (P 822 ). Next, the learning apparatus  1  presents additional questions according to the number of alarm activations (P 823 ). Then, the user  30  enters answers not only to the questions presented according to the registered course but also the questions additionally presented (P 824 ). In the above example, provisions are made to present the questions when the alarm is stopped, but alternatively, provisions may be made to start presenting the questions when the alarm set time arrives. 
         [0113]      FIG. 4  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in the question acquisition process. 
         [0114]    In  FIGS. 4 , R 1  and R 2  enclosed within dashed lines are program routines each comprising a plurality of operational steps. The operational steps S 1 , S 2 , . . . , Sn are hereinafter referred to simply as S 1 , S 2 , . . . , Sn, respectively. 
         [0115]    First, the learning apparatus  1  starts communications with the center server  18 , for example, at 12 o&#39;clock noon, and transmits user ID data to the center server  18  to request transmission of the user-registered course (S 1 ). 
         [0116]    When the registered-course transmit request carrying the user ID data is received from the learning apparatus  1 , the center server  18  transmits one or more registered-course ID data to the learning apparatus  1  (S 2 ). 
         [0117]    When the registered-course ID data is acquired from the center server  18 , the learning apparatus  1  transmits the registered-course ID data and its associated date/time data for each registered-course ID to the center server  18  to request transmission of a presentation list (S 3 ). 
         [0118]    When the presentation list transmit request is received from the learning apparatus  1 , the center server  18  transmits the presentation list containing a plurality of presentation information ID data to the learning apparatus  1  (S 4 ). The presentation list comprises, for example, data shown in  FIG. 5(   a ) (details will be described later). The learning apparatus  1  thus acquires the list of questions to be presented for the day. 
         [0119]    Next, from among the plurality of presentation information IDs acquired from the center server  18 , the learning apparatus  1  transmits the desired presentation information ID to the center server  18  to request transmission of the corresponding presentation information (S 5 ). 
         [0120]    When the presentation information transmit request is received from the learning apparatus  1 , the center server  18  transmits the requested presentation information data (S 6 ). The presentation information data comprises data shown in  FIG. 5(   b ) (details will be described later). The learning apparatus  1  thus acquires the questions to be presented for the day. 
         [0121]    In  FIG. 4 , the “presentation information acquisition routine R 1 ” comprising the steps S 5  and S 6  is repeatedly performed until the acquisition of the questions specified in one or more presentation lists acquired in S 4  is completed. 
         [0122]    In  FIG. 4 , the “presentation list acquisition routine R 2 ” comprising the steps S 3  to S 6  is repeatedly performed until the acquisition of the presentation lists specified by one or more registered-course IDs acquired in S 2  is completed. 
         [0123]    With the above steps S 1  to S 6 , the questions specified in the registered course are transmitted from the center server  18  to the learning apparatus  1 . After the questions in the registered course have been transmitted to the learning apparatus  1 , when the alarm of the learning apparatus  1  is set the operation proceeds to an alarm set process to be described later. 
         [0124]    During the process from S 1  to S 6 , the current time of day is displayed on the touch panel display  13  of the learning apparatus  1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6(   a ) to be described later. The process from S 1  to S 6  automatically proceeds between the learning apparatus  1  and the center server  18  over the Internet  21 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 5  shows examples of the data structure of the information that the learning apparatus  1  acquires from the center server  18 :  FIG. 5(   a ) shows an example of the structure of the presentation list, and  FIG. 5(   b ) shows an example of the structure of the presentation information data. 
         [0126]    As shown in  FIG. 5(   a ), the learning apparatus  1  acquires from the center server  18  the “presentation list” that contains the registered-course ID for identifying the registered course, the number of standard questions representing the number of standard questions specified in the registered course, the number of reserve questions, i.e., supplemental questions of the same level as the standard questions, a plurality of standard question presentation information IDs, and a plurality of reserve question presentation information IDs. 
         [0127]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 5(   b ), by citing the presentation list shown in  FIG. 5(   a ), the learning apparatus  1  acquires from the center server  18  the “presentation information data” that contains the presentation information ID, question data video, preview type, hint data, answer data, correct answer data, comment data, and standard answer time (seconds) representing the average value of the answer times taken over a plurality of users. The question data video, hint data video, answer data video, correct answer data video, and comment data video are acquired only when needed. The preview type indicates the presence or absence of hint display, the presence or absence of exercises, the presence or absence of answer presentation, and the presence or absence of comment presentation in order to specify the contents related to the question to be presented in advance. 
         [0128]    As shown in  FIGS. 5(   a ) and  5 ( b ), the structure of the information data exchanged between the learning apparatus  1  and the center server  18  is stratified to enhance the speed and efficiency of the communication performed between them. 
         [0129]      FIG. 6  is an external view showing display examples produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the question acquisition process. 
         [0130]      FIG. 6(   a ) shows an example when the alarm is not set; in this case, only the current time of day is displayed on the touch panel display  13 . As shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), the alarm button  3  capable of setting the alarm, snoozing, and stopping the alarm is provided on the top of the learning apparatus  1 . 
         [0131]      FIG. 6(   b ) shows a display example produced by the learning apparatus  1  when the alarm is set by pulling up the alarm button  3  and when no registered course is loaded. The alarm activation time and a mark indicating the alarm setting are displayed in the alarm activation time display area  13   a  of the touch panel display  13 . The alarm activation time can be changed by touching the alarm activation time display area  13   a  with a finger. 
         [0132]      FIG. 7  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed between the user  30 , the learning apparatus  1 , and the center server  18  in the alarm set process.  FIG. 8  is an external view showing display examples produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm set process. 
         [0133]    First, the user  30  sets the alarm of the learning apparatus  1  (S 10 ). Usually, the alarm button  3  on the learning apparatus  1  is depressed and locked in position to hold the alarm in a stopped state, as shown in  FIG. 8(   a ), but when the alarm button  3  is pulled up, as shown in  FIG. 8(   b ), the alarm is set. 
         [0134]    When the alarm is set by the user  30  operating the alarm button  3  on the learning apparatus  1 , the alarm button  3  on the learning apparatus  1  outputs the alarm set signal As (see  FIG. 1 ), which is supplied via the user interface unit  12  to the question presenting means  61  in the overall control unit  6 . 
         [0135]    The previewing means  62  provided in the question presenting means  61  presents, via the user interface unit  12 , a preview of the first question to the touch panel display  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8(   b ) (S 11 ). At the same time, the alarm time and the mark indicating the alarm setting are displayed in the alarm activation time display area  13   a . If necessary, the user  30  can change the alarm activation time by touching the alarm activation time display area  13   a  with a finger. 
         [0136]    After checking the first question, the user  30  presses the NEXT button  13   n  on the touch panel display  13  (S 12 ). The NEXT button  13   n  is displayed on the touch panel display  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8(   b ). 
         [0137]    When the NEXT button  13   n  is pressed on the touch panel display  13 , the learning apparatus  1  presents an answer as a “content related to the question to be presented in advance” (S 13 ). Other contents than the “answer presentation,” that is, “question to be solved,” “presentation of answer hint,” “how to solve the question to be answered,” “exercise on answer,” “comment on answer,” etc. can be selected as the “contents related to the question to be presented in advance,” and any one of these contents can be prespecified in the registered course.  FIG. 8(   c ) shows an example in which the answer to the question is displayed on the touch panel display  13 . 
         [0138]    When the user  30  again presses the NEXT button  13   n , the second question is displayed on the touch panel display  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8(   d ) (S 14 ). After checking the question, the user  30  presses the NEXT button  13   n , whereupon the answer to the second question is displayed on the touch panel display  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8(   e ). 
         [0139]    By thus pressing the NEXT button  13   n  successively and repeating the process from S 11  to S 14  shown in  FIG. 7 , the user  30  obtains all the questions specified in the registered course and the answers to the questions. 
         [0140]    On the other hand, when the user  30  presses the PREVIOUS button  13   b  on the touch panel display  13 , the previous question is presented. When the user  30  keeps pressing the NEXT button  13   n , the learning apparatus  1  stops the previewing of the questions in the middle of the process. 
         [0141]    Finally, the learning apparatus  1  sends an end message to the user via the touch panel display  13  (S 15 ). As shown in  FIG. 8(   f ), “END OF QUESTION PREVIEWING” is displayed on the touch panel display  13  to end the alarm set process. 
         [0142]    After S 15 , the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  1  adjusts the activation time according to the quantity and quality of the questions to be presented at the alarm activation time, and stores the adjusted activation time in the alarm time storage memory  14 . For example, if the quantity of the questions is large, the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  1  adjusts the activation time so that the alarm activation time is advanced, for example, by one minute per question. 
         [0143]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the “preview presentation routine R 3 ” comprising the steps S 11  to S 14  is repeatedly performed until the preview of all the questions acquired in the “question acquisition process” (see  FIG. 4 ) is completed, unless the user  30  keeps pressing the NEXT button  13   n  in the middle of the process. 
         [0144]    The purpose of the preview presentation shown in  FIG. 7  is to utilize unconscious activity during sleep; that is, by presenting, immediately before sleep, a preview of information concerning the questions to be answered when the user wakes up, the invention aims to achieve the learning effect that the percentage of correct answers at the time of wakeup improves. 
         [0145]      FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in the alarm activation process.  FIG. 10  is an external view showing display examples produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the alarm activation process. 
         [0146]    First, the learning apparatus  1  wakes up the user  30  by producing a bell sound through the speaker  4  before the alarm activation time stored in the alarm time storage memory  14  arrives (S 20 ). As shown in  FIG. 10(   a ), the current time is displayed on the touch panel display  13  of the learning apparatus  1  but, by accounting for the time the user  30  takes to solve the questions, the time displayed here has been set so as to arrive earlier than the alarm set time displayed in the alarm activation time display area  13   a.    
         [0147]    When the user  30  depresses the alarm button  3  on the learning apparatus  1  to lock it in position, the alarm stops, and thus the bell sound stops (S 21 ). When the bell sound stops, the alarm button  3  on the learning apparatus  1  outputs the alarm stop signal Ah (see  FIG. 1 ), which is supplied via the user interface unit  12  to the question presenting means  61  in the overall control unit  6 . 
         [0148]    Then, the question presenting means  61  produces the first question on the touch panel display  13  of the learning apparatus  1  via the user interface unit  12  (S 22 ). As shown in  FIG. 10(   b ), the first question is displayed on the touch panel display  13  when the alarm stops. 
         [0149]    After checking the first question, the user  30  presses the NEXT button  13   n  on the touch panel display  13  to request the display of a screen for entering an answer (S 23 ). 
         [0150]    In response, the learning apparatus  1  displays the answer entering screen on the touch panel display  13  (S 24 ). As shown in  FIG. 10(   c ), the screen for entering the answer to the first question is displayed on the touch panel display  13 . 
         [0151]    The user  30  enters the answer by pressing an answer button displayed on the touch panel display  13  (S 25 ). For example, the user  30  presses one or the other of the answer buttons A and B on the touch panel display  13  shown in  FIG. 10(   c ). 
         [0152]    Next, the learning apparatus  1  displays a message on the touch panel display  13  to indicate whether the user&#39;s answer is correct or not (S 26 ). For example, a message indicating whether the answer to the first question is correct or not is displayed on the touch panel display  13 , as shown in  FIG. 10(   d ). 
         [0153]    Next, the user  30  presses the NEXT button  13   n  to request the presentation of the second question (S 27 ), and the user  30  again presses the NEXT button  13   n  to request the display of a screen for entering the answer to the second question, and enters the answer to the second question. 
         [0154]    When the user presses the NEXT button  13   n , as described above, the second question is displayed on the touch panel display  13 , as shown in  FIG. 10(   e ). When the user again presses the NEXT button  13   n , the screen for entering the answer to the second question is displayed, as shown in  FIG. 10(   f ), and the user  30  enters the answer by pressing one or the other of the answer buttons. 
         [0155]    The “answer entering/storing routine R 4 ” comprising the steps S 22  to S 27  shown in  FIG. 9  is repeatedly performed until all the questions acquired in the “question acquisition process” (see  FIG. 4 ) have been answered. 
         [0156]    When all the questions specified in the registered course have been answered, the learning apparatus  1  displays an end message on the touch panel display  13  (S 28 ). Next, the learning apparatus  1  sends a history of answers made by the user  30  to the center server  18  (S 29 ). The center server  18  stores the history of answers (S 29   a ). The history of answers is used, for example, for the calculation of ranking, etc. within the group to which the user  30  belongs. 
         [0157]      FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the sequence of operations performed by the learning apparatus  1  in the snooze operation process.  FIG. 12  is an external view showing display examples produced by the learning apparatus  1  during the snooze operation process. 
         [0158]    In  FIG. 11 , the learning apparatus  1  wakes up the user  30  by producing a bell sound through the speaker  4  when the alarm activation time stored in the alarm time storage memory  14  arrives (S 30 ). As shown in  FIG. 12(   a ), the current time is displayed on the touch panel display  13  of the learning apparatus  1 , but the current time is earlier than the alarm set time displayed in the alarm activation time display area  13   a.    
         [0159]    When the user  30  presses the alarm button  3  lightly to select the snooze, the bell sound stops (S 31 ). The learning apparatus  1  increments by one the count of the number of alarm activations stored in the alarm time storage memory  14  shown in  FIG. 1  (S 31   a ). Then, as shown in  FIG. 12(   b ), an indication “FIRST ALARM” indicating the count of the number of alarm activations that increased as a result of the selection of the snooze is displayed on the touch panel display  13  of the learning apparatus  1 . 
         [0160]    Though not shown in  FIG. 12(   b ), it is also possible to display the snooze time, for example, “+3 minutes”, in the alarm activation time display area  13   a  of the touch panel display  13 . 
         [0161]    The snooze is a function that temporarily stops the alarm bell sound and then causes the alarm bell to sound again after a preset time, for example, after three minutes. When the alarm bell sounds again, for example, after three minutes, and when the user  30  again presses the alarm button  3  lightly to select the snooze, the count of the number of alarm activations stored in the alarm time storage memory  14  is once again updated. 
         [0162]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the “snooze operation routine R 5 ” comprising the steps S 30  to S 31   a  is repeatedly performed until the user  30  stops selecting the snooze and stops the alarm. 
         [0163]    Next, the alarm bell of the learning apparatus  1  sounds (S 32 ). The user  30  stops the alarm by depressing the alarm button  3  to lock it in position (S 33 ). The learning apparatus  1  displays the number of added questions and, if necessary, the number of alarm activations, etc. (S 34 ). As shown in  FIG. 12(   c ), a message “THE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS IS 10+2” is produced on the display to notify the user that the number of added questions is two. 
         [0164]    When the user  30  presses the NEXT button  13   n  on the touch panel display  13  (S 35 ), the first question specified in the registered course is presented, as shown in  FIG. 12(   d ). The process from S 36  to S 42   a  is the same as the previously described “alarm activation process,” and therefore the description will not be repeated here. 
         [0165]      FIGS. 12(   e ) to  12 ( g ) show the display examples produced on the touch panel display  13  in S 36  to S 42   a , but since these examples are the same as the corresponding examples in the “alarm activation process,” the description will not be repeated here. 
         [0166]    The “answer entering/storing routine R 6 ” comprising the steps S 36  to S 42   a  shown in  FIG. 11  is repeatedly performed until all the questions acquired from the registered course in the “question acquisition process” (see  FIG. 4 ) have been answered. 
         [0167]    When the presentation of the questions specified in the registered course is completed, the learning apparatus  1  presents additional questions according to the number of alarm activations. The additional questions are selected from the set of reserve questions shown in  FIG. 5(   a ). 
         [0168]    The set of reserve questions comprises a plurality of supplemental questions of the same level as the standard questions specified in the registered course, and is held in the center server  18 . The learning apparatus  1  presents additional questions according to the number of alarm activations (S 43  and S 44 ). 
         [0169]    As shown in the “snooze additional question presentation routine R 7 ” of  FIG. 11 , the presentation of the question, the entering of the answer, and the display indicating whether the answer is correct or not are repeated for each additional question, but since the operation is the same as that of the “answer entering/storing routine R 6 ,” the description will not be repeated here. 
         [0170]    The sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  1 , the user  30 , and the center server  18  in the “snooze additional question presentation routine R 7 ” and the display examples produced on the touch panel display  13  of the learning apparatus  1  are the same as those in the previously described process, and therefore the description will not be repeated here. When the presentation of the additional questions is completed, the learning apparatus  1  produces an end message (S 45 ). 
         [0171]    As described above, by employing the method in which the contents related to the questions to be presented when the user  30  wakes up are presented in advance to the user  30  when the alarm is set, the learning apparatus  1  can enhance the learning effect. 
         [0172]      FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a display example produced on the touch panel display  13 . 
         [0173]    As previously described, the contents related to the questions, that is, the type of question preview, can be selected from among “question to be solved,” “answer presentation,” “presentation of answer hint,” “how to solve the question to be answered,” “exercise on answer,” “comment on answer,” etc.  FIG. 13  shows an example in which “answer and comment” is selected as the type of question preview. As shown in  FIG. 13 , an usage example of the word in question and the comment on the usage example are produced on the touch panel display  13 . 
         [0174]    In the snooze function described above, provisions are made, for example, to increase the number of questions as the number of alarm activations increases as a result of snooze activation. Then, the user  30  may want to reduce the number of questions to be answered by reducing the number of times the snooze function is activated; hence, the effect of enhancing the user&#39;s motivation to get up early can be expected. 
         [0175]    According to the learning apparatus  1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 13 , by setting the alarm before sleep, the user is allowed to know in advance the answers or hints about the answers to the questions expected to be presented when he wakes up, or the method of solving the questions, or examples of model answers. This not only serves to motivate the user to learn, but at the same time serves to assist the user to improve his memory and enhance his logical solving ability during sleep, while also assisting the user to acquire the habit of getting up early. 
         [0176]    In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , the preview of the questions was presented (see P 3 ) after the alarm was set (see P 2 ). Alternatively, the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  1  may present the preview of the questions at appropriate timing (see P 3 ) and may perform control so that the alarm setting (see P 2 ) will not be completed until the user finishes solving all the questions presented in the preview. 
         [0177]    In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , the alarm setting (see P 2 ) was followed by the presentation of the preview of the questions (see P 3 ). Alternatively, the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  1  may perform control so that the preview of the questions (see P 3 ) will not be presented unless the time to set the alarm is before sleep (for example, 9 PM to 1 AM). 
         [0178]    In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , the questions to be presented in the preview (see P 3 ) and the questions to be presented later (see P 61 ) were fixed in advance. Alternatively, the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  1  may perform control so that only the questions that the user was able to answer in the preview (see P 3 ) will be presented later. 
         [0179]    In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , the questions to be presented in the preview (see P 3 ) and the questions to be presented later (see P 61 ) were fixed in advance. However, the quantity or quality of the questions to be presented later may be changed according to the length of the user&#39;s sleep. The length of the user&#39;s sleep can be calculated from the difference between the time of alarm setting and the time for which the alarm is set. 
         [0180]      FIG. 14  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an alternative learning apparatus  100 . 
         [0181]    The alternative learning apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 14  differs from the learning apparatus  1  shown in  FIG. 1  in that the question presenting means  61  provided in the overall control unit  6  in the learning apparatus  100  includes a presentation content adjusting means  63 . Otherwise, the configuration of the learning apparatus  100  is the same as that of the learning apparatus  1 , and therefore, the same component elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of such component elements will not be repeated here. 
         [0182]    The presentation content adjusting means  63  in the alternative learning apparatus  100  has the function of adjusting the quantity or quality of the questions to be presented, based on the alarm setting time and the alarm activation time. For example, when the length of sleep is short, the quantity or quality of the questions to be presented is reduced, while on the other hand, when the length of sleep is long, the quantity or quality of the questions to be presented is increased; by so doing, the learning effect can be enhanced. 
         [0183]    More specifically, the presentation content adjusting means  63  adjusts the quantity or quality of the questions to be presented, based on the alarm setting time At and alarm activation time Ad stored in the alarm time storage memory  14 . 
         [0184]    The presentation content adjusting means  63  makes settings such that, if the length of sleep corresponding to the difference between the alarm setting time At and the alarm activation time Ad is longer than the length of average sleep (threshold), the number of questions to be presented is increased and, if the length of sleep is shorter than the length of average sleep, the number of questions to be presented is reduced. Further, the presentation content adjusting means  63  makes settings such that, if the alarm setting time At is in the predawn time segment, the quality of the questions to be presented is reduced and, if the alarm setting time At and the alarm activation time Ad are both in the early midnight time segment, the quality of the questions to be presented is increased. The method of adjustment is not limited to the above examples, but other suitable methods may be employed. 
         [0185]    As described above, according to the learning apparatus  1  and  100 , when the alarm is set before sleep, the answers or hints about the answers to the questions expected to be presented when the user wakes up, or the method of solving the questions, or examples of model answers, are presented in advance to the user, which serves to enhance the user&#39;s motivation for learning. Furthermore, the learning apparatus  1  and  100  can assist the user to improve his memory and enhance his logical solving ability during sleep. According to the alternative learning apparatus  100 , the learning effect can be enhance in a more effective manner. 
         [0186]    The learning apparatus  1  and  100  have each been described above by taking as an example the case where the apparatus is used by connecting to the Internet. However, the learning apparatus  1  and  100  need not be limited to this particular example, but may be implemented as a so-called stand-alone type which is not connected to the Internet. When implementing the apparatus as a stand-along type, the functions to be provided by the center server  18  need only be incorporated in the learning apparatus  1  or  100 . 
         [0187]      FIG. 15  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a further alternative learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0188]    Briefly, the operation of the learning apparatus  200  described hereinafter is such that when the alarm sounds, and the user stops the alarm, the questions specified in the registered course are presented sequentially. Further, in the learning apparatus  200 , the quantity and/or quality of the questions change according to the results of the answers made by the user or according to the user&#39;s results compared with other users&#39; results, and the learning effect can be enhanced while the user is operating the apparatus as if he were playing a game. 
         [0189]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the learning apparatus  200  comprises a timer means  202 , an alarm button  203 , a speaker  204 , an overall control unit  206 , an external interface unit  207 , a user interface unit  212 , a touch panel display  213 , an alarm time storage memory  214 , a presentation content storage memory  215 , and a user answer storage memory  216 . 
         [0190]    The timer means  202  manages the timer function of the learning apparatus  200 , and includes a time measuring function and a calendar function. 
         [0191]    The alarm button  203  is constructed from a switch capable of both slide operation and push operation, and includes three functions: an alarm setting function, a snooze function, and an alarm stopping function. 
         [0192]    The alarm button  203  is constructed so that, when it is pulled up, for example, the alarm is set, and so that when it is lightly pressed, the snooze function is activated and, when it is further depressed and locked in position, the alarm setting is released and the bell sound for awakening the user stops. 
         [0193]    The alarm button  203  outputs an alarm set signal As and an alarm stop signal Ah according to the various conditions corresponding to the alarm setting and alarm stopping operations. The alarm set signal As and the alarm stop signal Ah are input to the overall control unit  206  via the user interface unit  212 . 
         [0194]    The speaker  204  is an alarm activating means for producing a bell sound, etc. for awakening the user at the alarm activation time, and may include a function for presenting a voice learning guidance from the learning apparatus  200  to the user. 
         [0195]    The overall control unit  206  comprises a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the overall operation of the learning apparatus  200 , such as logic operational decisions, input/output control, and data storage. The overall control unit  620  includes a question presenting means  261 . 
         [0196]    The question presenting means  261  includes an adjusting means  262 , and presents questions to the user via the user interface unit  212  or via the touch panel display  213 . 
         [0197]    The adjusting means  262  has the function of adjusting the quality and quantity of the questions to be presented when the alarm is stopped. 
         [0198]    The external interface unit  207  connects the learning apparatus  200  to an electrical communication network by means of a router  271  via a wireless or wired link. 
         [0199]    The touch panel display  213  includes a touch panel input function as well as an output function as a liquid crystal display, and not only displays each question that the learning apparatus  200  presents to the user but also accepts the user&#39;s answer entered on the touch panel. 
         [0200]    The user interface unit  212  connects the touch panel display  213 , an interface between the user and the learning apparatus  200 , to the overall control unit  206  in the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0201]    The alarm time storage memory  214 , the presentation content storage memory  215 , and the user answer storage memory  216  are each constructed from a nonvolatile memory. The alarm time storage memory  214  stores information concerning the alarm and data such as the number of alarm activations. The presentation content storage memory  215  stores data such as information concerning the questions to be presented. The user answer storage memory  216  stores data such as information concerning the user&#39;s answers. 
         [0202]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a learning system that uses the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0203]    As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the learning system includes the learning apparatus  200 , located on the user&#39;s premises and connected to the router  271  for connecting to the Internet  221 , and a center server  218  connected to the Internet  221 . 
         [0204]      FIG. 17  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the center server  218 . 
         [0205]    The center server  218  comprises an external interface  281 , a registered-course information DB (database)  282 , a presentation list DB  283 , a presentation content DB  284 , a center overall control unit  285 , an assigned group DB  286 , and an answer history DB  287 . 
         [0206]    The external interface  281  connects the center server  218  to the Internet  221  via an electrical communication network to perform data communication with the learning apparatus  200  of the user. 
         [0207]    The system is constructed so that by searching the registered-course information DB  282  using the user ID (user verification), the ID of the course to which the user is registered, that is, the registered-course ID, can be obtained. 
         [0208]    The system is constructed so that by searching the presentation list DB  283  using the registered-course ID and date/time information, the ID of the contents to be presented, that is, the presentation information ID, can be obtained. 
         [0209]    The system is constructed so that by searching the presentation content DB  284  using the presentation information ID, the presentation information data can be obtained. 
         [0210]    The center overall control unit  285  comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and various other recording media, and controls the overall operation of the center server  218 . 
         [0211]    The center overall control unit  285  receives a registered-course transmit request carrying the user ID from the learning apparatus  200 , searches the registered-course information DB  282  for the registered course of the user identified by the user ID, and returns one or more registered-course IDs as search results to the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0212]    The center overall control unit  285  receives a presentation list request carrying the registered-course ID from the learning apparatus  200 , searches the presentation list DB  283  for presentation information IDs designating a plurality of questions to be presented in the registered course, and returns a presentation list containing a plurality of presentation information IDs as search results to the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0213]    The center overall control unit  285  receives a presentation information request carrying the presentation information IDs from the learning apparatus  200 , searches the presentation content DB  284  for the corresponding presentation information data, and returns the presentation information data as search results to the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0214]    The center overall control unit  285  receives a user answer history store request carrying the date/time, user ID, user&#39;s answers, and presentation information IDs from the learning apparatus  200 , and stores the answer history in the answer history DB. 
         [0215]    When a ranking order report request carrying the user ID is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center overall control unit  285  searches the assigned group DB  286  using the user ID, and identifies the users belonging to the same group. 
         [0216]    The center overall control unit  285  searches the answer history DB  287  for the answer histories of the users belonging to the same group, calculates the ranking based on the search results, and returns the obtained ranking to the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0217]    When a correct answer percentage report request carrying the user ID is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center overall control unit  285  calculates the correct answer percentage ranking within the user&#39;s group in the same manner as above, and returns the correct answer percentage ranking to the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0218]    When a status presentation request carrying the user ID and presentation information ID is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center overall control unit  285  searches the assigned group DB  286  using the user ID, and identifies the users belonging to the same group. Then, the center overall control unit  285  searches the answer history DB  287  using the presentation information ID, checks whether the question has already been answered correctly by any one of the identified users, and returns the result of the checking to the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0219]    In the learning system using the learning apparatus  200  shown in  FIGS. 15 to 18 , it is assumed that the ranking information that the center server  218  returns to the learning apparatus  200  includes the ranking information only for the user that requested it, and does not include the ranking information for the other users in the same group. However, provisions may be made so that the ranking information includes the ranking information for all the users in the same group. 
         [0220]    The date/time, the user ID, the user&#39;s answers, and the presentation information IDs are information items that are transmitted from the learning apparatus  200  to the center server  218 . Further, the contents of the DBs other than the answer history DB, that is, the contents of the presentation list DB  283 , the presentation content DB  284 , and the assigned group DB  286 , may be written in advance, for example, at the beginning of the year. 
         [0221]    The assigned group DB  286  stores the user ID and the assigned group ID as a pair, and is used to determine the range within which to calculate the ranking, etc. Using the assigned group DB  286 , the assigned group ID can be searched for by the user ID, and conversely, the user ID can be searched for by the assigned group ID. 
         [0222]    The answer history DB  287  stores an answer history that contains the user&#39;s date/time, the user ID, the presentation information IDs, and the user&#39;s answers. 
         [0223]    The answer history is used to calculate the ranking information, that is, the ranking order and the correct answer percentage ranking, within the group. 
         [0224]    The learning apparatus  200  can be constructed from a personal computer or an Internet terminal. The following description is given by dealing with an example in which the learning apparatus  200  is constructed from an Internet terminal equipped with a touch panel on a liquid crystal screen. 
         [0225]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0226]    In  FIG. 18 , the processing steps performed in the learning apparatus  200  are executed by the CPU contained in the overall control unit  206  collaborating with the various component elements of the learning apparatus  200  in accordance with a program prestored in the overall control unit  206 . Further, in  FIG. 18 , the processing steps performed in the center server  218  are executed by the CPU in the center overall control unit  285  collaborating with the various component members (see  FIG. 17 ) in accordance with a program prestored in a memory maintained in the center overall control unit  285 . The processing steps P 201  to P 205  are hereinafter referred to simply as P 201  to P 205 , respectively. 
         [0227]    The learning apparatus  200  automatically connects to the center server  218  via the Internet  221 , for example, at 12 o&#39;clock noon when the learning apparatus  200  is not used, and acquires questions according to the registered course stored in the registered-course information DB  282  maintained in the center server  218  shown in  FIG. 17  (P 201 : Question acquisition process). 
         [0228]    The learning apparatus  200  stores the acquired question data in the presentation content memory  215  maintained in the learning apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0229]    Next, the user  230  sets the alarm of the learning apparatus  200  in order to wake up at the desired time (P 202 ). “Z” shown alongside the branch from P 202  means that the user  230  is sleeping. 
         [0230]    Next, the learning apparatus  200  wakes up the user by producing a bell sound a predetermined time earlier than the alarm set time by considering the questions to be presented for the day (P 203 ). 
         [0231]    Then, the user  230  stops the alarm by depressing the alarm button  203  to lock it in position (P 204 ). 
         [0232]    Next, the learning apparatus  200  presents each question specified in the registered course, the user  230  enters an answer to the question, and the learning apparatus  200  sends the answer history to the center server  218  via the electrical communication network (P 205 ). The answer history received by the center server  218  is stored in the answer history DB in  FIG. 17 , and is used to calculate the order or ranking within the group to which the user  230  belongs. The process of presenting the question, answering the question, and recording the answer history in P 205  is repeated as many times as the specified number of questions. 
         [0233]    When the user  230  belongs to a group formed in advance with a plurality of users, the learning apparatus  200  using the adjusting means  62  in the question presenting means  261  in  FIG. 15  adjusts the quantity and quality of the questions to be presented, according to the results within the group and the time to get up. 
         [0234]    The method of adjusting the quantity and quality of the questions will be described later with reference to  FIG. 22 . 
         [0235]      FIG. 19  is a sequence diagram illustrating the sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  in the question acquisition process. 
         [0236]    In  FIGS. 19 , R 201  and R 202  enclosed within dashed lines are program routines each comprising a plurality of operational steps. The operational steps S 201 , S 202 , . . . , Sn are hereinafter referred to simply as S 201 , S 202 , . . . , Sn, respectively. 
         [0237]    First, the learning apparatus  200  starts communications with the center server  218 , for example, at 12 o&#39;clock noon, and transmits user ID data to the center server  218  to request transmission of the user-registered course (S 201 ). 
         [0238]    When the registered-course transmit request carrying the user ID data is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center server  218  refers to the contents of the registered-course information DB  282  and transmits to the learning apparatus  200  one or more registered-course IDs for the user identified by the user ID (S 202 ). 
         [0239]    When the registered-course ID data is acquired from the center server  218 , the learning apparatus  200  transmits the registered-course ID data and its associated date/time data for each registered-course ID to the center server  218  to request transmission of a presentation list (S 203 ). 
         [0240]    When the presentation list transmit request is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center server  218  transmits the presentation list containing a plurality of presentation information ID data to the learning apparatus  200  (S 204 ). The presentation list will be described later with reference to  FIG. 20(   a ). 
         [0241]    Next, from among the plurality of presentation information IDs acquired from the center server  218 , the learning apparatus  200  transmits the presentation information IDs sequentially, one at a time, to the center server  218  to request transmission of the corresponding presentation information (S 205 ). 
         [0242]    When the presentation information transmit request is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center server  218  searches the presentation content DB for the presentation information data corresponding to the presentation information ID carried in the request, and transmits the presentation information data to the learning apparatus  200  (S 206 ). The presentation information data will be described later with reference to  FIG. 20(   b ). 
         [0243]    The “presentation information acquisition routine R 201 ” comprising the steps S 205  and S 206  shown in  FIG. 19  is repeatedly performed until the acquisition of the questions specified in one or more presentation lists acquired in S 204  is completed. 
         [0244]    The “presentation list acquisition routine R 202 ” comprising the steps S 203  to S 206  shown in  FIG. 19  is repeatedly performed until the acquisition of the presentation lists specified by one or more registered-course IDs acquired in S 202  is completed. 
         [0245]    With the above steps S 201  to S 206 , the questions specified in the registered course are transmitted from the center server  218  to the learning apparatus  200  which thus acquires the questions to be presented for the day. 
         [0246]      FIG. 20  is a diagram showing the data structure of the various kinds of information that the learning apparatus  200  acquires from the center server  218 :  FIG. 20(   a ) shows the structure of the presentation list, and  FIG. 20(   b ) shows the structure of the presentation information data. 
         [0247]    In S 204 , the learning apparatus  200  acquires the list of the questions to be presented for the day. As shown in  FIG. 20(   a ), the presentation list contains the registered-course ID, the number of standard questions contained in the presentation list, the number of reserve questions, the standard question presentation information IDs the number of which corresponds to the number of standard questions, and the reserve question presentation information IDs the number of which corresponds to the number of reserve questions. The standard questions are the questions that are always presented to the user, while the reserve questions are the questions about which decisions as to whether or not to present the questions are made for each user, as will be described later. 
         [0248]    As shown in  FIG. 20(   b ), the presentation information data contains the presentation information ID, question data, answer data, correct answer data, and standard answer time. The question data is, for example, video data which is reproduced when the learning apparatus  200  presents a question. The answer data is, for example, video data which is displayed when the learning apparatus  200  prompts the user to enter an answer. The correct answer data is data that indicates the correct answer to the question and is presented, for example, in the form of a menu of choices from which to select the correct answer. The standard answer time indicates the time expected to be required to solve the question, and is expressed, for example, in seconds. The learning apparatus  200  refers to the standard answer time when adjusting the alarm activation time. 
         [0249]      FIG. 21  is an external view showing display examples produced by the learning apparatus  200 .  FIG. 21(   a ) shows a display example produced by the learning apparatus  200  when the alarm is not set; in this case, only the current time of day is displayed on the touch panel display  213 . 
         [0250]    The alarm button  203  capable of setting the alarm, snoozing, and stopping the alarm is provided on the top of the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0251]    During the process from S 201  to S 206 , the current time is displayed on the touch panel display  213  of the learning apparatus  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21(   a ). The process from S 201  to S 206  automatically proceeds between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  over the Internet  221 . 
         [0252]      FIG. 21(   b ) shows a display example produced by the learning apparatus  200  when the alarm is set by puling up the alarm button  203  and when no registered course is loaded. As shown in  FIG. 21(   b ), the alarm activation time and a mark indicating the alarm setting are displayed in the alarm activation time display area  213   a  of the touch panel display  213 . The alarm activation time can be changed by touching the alarm activation time display area  213   a.    
         [0253]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 21(   b ), it is also possible to provide the touch panel display  213  with an intra-group ranking display area  213   g  for displaying the performance ranking within the group to which the user belongs. 
         [0254]      FIG. 22  is a sequence diagram illustrating the sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  at the time of alarm activation. Specifically,  FIG. 22  shows the case where the number of questions is increased or decreased according to the ranking order.  FIG. 24  shows display examples (1) to (4) produced by the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0255]    First, the learning apparatus  200  wakes up the user by producing a bell sound through the speaker  204  a predetermined time earlier than the alarm activation time (S 210 ). As shown in  FIG. 24(   a ), the current time is displayed on the touch panel display  213  of the learning apparatus  200 , but by accounting for the time the user  230  takes to solve the questions, the current time is earlier than the alarm set time displayed in the alarm activation time display area  213   a.    
         [0256]    When the user  230  depresses the alarm button  203  on the learning apparatus  200  to lock it in position, the alarm stops, and thus the bell sound stops (S 211 ). When the bell sound stops, the alarm button  203  on the learning apparatus  200  outputs the alarm stop signal Ah, which is supplied via the user interface unit  212  to the question presenting means  261  in the overall control unit  206 . 
         [0257]    Then, as shown in  FIG. 24(   b ), the question presenting means  261  produces the first question on the touch panel display  213  of the learning apparatus  200  via the user interface unit  212  (S 212 ). 
         [0258]    After checking the first question, the user  230  presses the NEXT button  213   n  on the touch panel display  213  to request the display of a screen for entering an answer (S 213 ). 
         [0259]    In response, the learning apparatus  200  displays the answer entering screen on the touch panel display  213  (S 214 ). That is, as shown in  FIG. 24(   c ), the screen for entering the answer to the first question is displayed on the touch panel display  213 . 
         [0260]    Then, the user  230  enters the answer by pressing an answer button displayed on the touch panel display  213  (S 215 ). More specifically, the user  230  presses one or the other of the answer buttons A and B on the touch panel display  213  shown in  FIG. 24(   c ). 
         [0261]    Next, the learning apparatus  200  displays a message on the touch panel display  213  to indicate whether the user&#39;s answer is correct or not (S 216 ). More specifically, a message indicating whether the answer to the first question is correct or not is displayed on the touch panel display  213 , as shown in  FIG. 24(   d ). 
         [0262]    Next, the user  230  presses the NEXT button  213   n  to request the display of the next screen (S 217 ). 
         [0263]    The learning apparatus  200  presents the result of the answer to the user  230  and, at the same time, requests the center server  218  to store the answer history, i.e., the user&#39;s performance results (S 218 ). The center server  218  stores the answer history in the answer history DB  287  (S 218   a ). 
         [0264]    The process from S 212  to S 218   a  described above is the basic process relating to the question presentation, answer entering, and history storage, and may hereinafter be sometimes referred to as the “answer entering/storing routine R 204 .” 
         [0265]    The answer entering/storing routine R 204  is repeated as many times as the number of standard questions acquired in the process shown in  FIG. 19 . That is, in the process shown in  FIG. 22 , the standard questions are presented to all the users. 
         [0266]    When the presentation of the questions and the entering of the answers to them are all completed, the learning apparatus  200  sends a ranking order request to the center server  218  (S 219 ). 
         [0267]    When the ranking order request is received, the center server  218  searches the answer history DB  287  to check the answer status of each user belonging to the same group from the answer history of the user, and determines how the requesting user  230  ranks within the group in terms of the time required to finish answering the standard questions (S 219   a ). Alternatively, the ranking within the group may be determined in order of the time the first question was answered. Further, the center server  218  may use the previously obtained correct answer percentage ranking as the ranking information. The previous correct answer percentage ranking can be calculated from the results obtained by searching the answer history DB  287 . 
         [0268]    Next, the center server  218  returns the ranking information obtained in S 219   a  to the learning apparatus  200  (S 220 ). 
         [0269]    Then, based on the ranking information, i.e., the order ranking and the correct answer percentage ranking, the learning apparatus  200  adjusts the quantity and quality of the questions to be presented (S 221 ). More specifically, based on the ranking information, the adjusting means  262  contained in the question presenting means  261  in the overall control unit  206  of the learning apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 15  adjusts the quantity, quality, and organization of the questions to be presented. 
         [0270]    For example, all the reserve questions are presented to the user who was ranked first, and the number of reverse questions to be presented is reduced by one as the ranking decreases. In this case, the presentation of the reserve questions is regarded as a bonus. Conversely, no reserve questions may be presented to the user who was ranked first, and the number of reverse questions to be presented may be increased by one as the ranking decreases. In this case, the presentation of the reserve questions is regarded as a penalty. Either method may be employed. If there are no additional questions, the process proceeds to S 230 . 
         [0271]    When the number of additional questions is determined, the learning apparatus  200  presents a message to the user (S 222 ). Though not shown here, a message such as “You are ranked first. You get five bonus questions.” may be presented here. The user  230  presses the NEXT button  213   n  to request the display of the next screen (S 223 ). 
         [0272]    The learning apparatus  200  repeats the answer entering/storing routine R 204  as many times as the number of questions determined in S 221 . That is, the process of presenting a question, accepting an answer from the user  230 , and requesting the center server  218  to store the history is repeated. When the process of question presentation, answer entering, and history storing is completed for all the questions, the process proceeds to S 230 . 
         [0273]    When all the questions specified in the registered course have been presented and answered, the learning apparatus  200  displays an end message on the touch panel display  213  (S 230 ). For example, a character string such as “There are no more questions” is displayed. 
         [0274]    It is also possible to alert the user by constantly displaying the user&#39;s ranking information in the intra-group ranking display area  213   g  of the touch panel display  213  of the learning apparatus  200 . 
         [0275]      FIG. 23  is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the sequence of operations performed between the learning apparatus  200  and the center server  218  at the time of alarm activation. Specifically,  FIG. 23  shows the case where the number of questions is increased or decreased, depending on the question answered status of other users. 
         [0276]    In  FIG. 23 , S 210  (alarm sounding) and S 211  (alarm stopping) are the same as S 210  and S 211  in  FIG. 22 , and the description thereof will not be repeated here. For all the questions acquired in the process shown in  FIG. 19 , the learning apparatus  200  executes a “selective answer entering/storing routine R 205 ” by carrying out the steps S 225  to S 228  described hereinafter. 
         [0277]    First, the learning apparatus  200  makes a status presentation request to the center server  218  (S 225 ). The status presentation request carries the user ID of the user  230  and the presentation information ID of the question about which a decision as to whether or not to present the question is to be made. 
         [0278]    When the status presentation request is received from the learning apparatus  200 , the center server  218  searches the assigned group DB  286  using the user ID, and identifies the users belonging to the same group, as earlier described with reference to  FIG. 17 . Further, the center server  218  searches the answer history DB  287  using the presentation information ID, and checks whether the question has already been answered correctly by any one of the identified users. 
         [0279]    The center server  218  returns the result of the checking to the learning apparatus  200  (S 226 ). 
         [0280]    Next, based on the question answered status returned from the center server  218 , the learning apparatus  200  determines whether or not to present the question to the user  230  (S 227 ). In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , if the question has not yet been answered by any of the other users, the process proceeds to S 228  to present the question to the user  230 . If the question has already been answered by any one of the other users, the process does not proceed to S 228 , and hence, the question is not presented to the user  230 . 
         [0281]    The process of S 228  is the same as the process carried out in the previously described answer entering/storing routine R 204 ; that is, the user  230  enters an answer to the question presented by the learning apparatus  200 , and the answer history is recorded in the center server  218 . 
         [0282]    When there are no more questions to be presented, the learning apparatus  200  displays an end message to the user (S 230 ). This process is the same as that of S 230  earlier described with reference to  FIG. 22 . 
         [0283]    In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , if the question to be presented has already been answered by any one of the other users belonging to the same group, the question is not presented to the user  230 . It thus becomes possible to achieve, for example, a process in which the users belonging to the same group solve questions by dividing the workload among them. 
         [0284]    In the learning apparatus  200  shown in  FIGS. 15 to 24  and the learning system using the learning apparatus  200 , because of the provision of the external interface unit  207  it becomes possible to provide learning materials and learning methods appropriate to the user by communicating with the center server  218  via the Internet  221  and checking the learning status of the other users. Since this achieves a learning process having a greater variety than when the user alone performs the learning, a further enhanced learning effect can be expected. For example, it becomes possible to provide a learning system in which the plurality of users forming the same group improve each other by working together cooperatively, thus aiming to improve their performance in a more effective manner. It also becomes possible to provide sufficient learning materials to the users via the network.