WO2008147155A2

WO2008147155A2 - Language training contents providing system

Info

Publication number: WO2008147155A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/003080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae Bong Choi
Original assignee: Jae Bong Choi
Priority date: 2007-05-31
Filing date: 2008-06-02
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: KR20090002009A; KR100944755B1; WO2008147155A3

Abstract

A language learning content providing system is disclosed. The language learning content providing system includes learning-target words and images for the respective learning-target words, combines an associative image corresponding to an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words with any one of the learning-target word and an image for the learning- target word, and then provides the combination results to one or more user terminals connected over network. Further, the language learning content providing system enables each of the learning-target words to be mastered using the impression through the image for the learning-target word corresponding to the first letter constituting the learning-target word.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[invention Title]

LANGUAGE TRAINING CONTENTS PROVIDING SYSTEM

[Technical Field] The present invention relates, in general, to a language learning content providing system, and, more particularly, to a language learning content providing system which causes a learner to evoke an association with a word using an impression of a first letter constituting the word and to easily remember a word by providing one or more images corresponding to the word to the learner.

[Background Art]

Generally, in order to learn a language, it is essential to understand and memorize words which construct the language. The language is formed by a combination of words. According to the characteristics of a language, a plurality of vocabularies for studying a foreign language

(for example, English) has been distributed on the market.

Most of the vocabularies distributed on the market include the meanings of words, synonyms and antonyms, and some of the vocabularies suggest possible sentences using words as examples. However, most of the vocabularies distributed on the market are generally realized by simply arranging words (for example, Elnglish words) in alphabetical order of "a, b, c, d, ...¹Z.", or by listing the synonyms, antonyms, and examples of a particular word. That is, in order to understand and memorize words, a learner memorizes words in accordance with the order suggested by one of the vocabularies or memorizes words through their respective examples.

Meanwhile, the present applicant detected that each of the letters which constitute English words has its own impression and the letters affect the meanings of words by virtue of affecting their impression. For example, although the word "cup" may be a simple cup object, the present applicant considers that the letter "c" denotes a round entrance or appearance. This can be applied to the word "cave" or "curve" starting with the letter "c" in the same manner. Of curse, not all of the words starting with the letter "c" comply with this rule. However, the present applicant has tried to solve a method of applying the impression of each of letters constituting words to the words having the corresponding letter. Therefore, the present applicant provides a language learning content providing system which gives shape to the meaning of each of letters constituting English words by combining the meanings of the letters with respective images and associative images based on the detection, so that a learner can learn words through the meanings of letters. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a language learning content providing system which combines an impression of a letter constituting each word with a relevant associative image corresponding to the impression of the letter and a relevant image for the word, and then provides the combination results to a learner, thereby evoking an association with the meaning of the word via the letter. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a language learning content providing system which enables a learner to combine his/her desired image with images provided by the language learning content providing system and then use the combination results, thereby increasing participation of the learner in learning activity. Further, still another object of the present invention is to provide a language learning content providing system which manufactures associative images to be provided to a learner using Flash or video images, so that the learner can receive impressions for respective letters .

[Technical Solution] The above-described objects can be accomplished using a language learning content providing system, wherein the language learning content providing system includes learning- target words and images for the respective learning-target words, combines an associative image corresponding to an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words with any one of the learning-target word and an image for the learning-target word, and then provides a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over network, and enables each of the learning- target words to be mastered using the impression through the image for the learning-target word corresponding to the first letter constituting the learning-target word.

The image for the learning-target word is formed while including the first letter constituting the learning- target word therein.

The associative image is combined with text used to describe an impression of the associative image.

In the image for the learning-target word, the first letter constructing the learning-target word is emphasized and then combined therewith.

The first letter is emphasized by differentiating any one of a color, a size, a shadow, and a font type thereof from remaining letters constituting the learning-target word. The above-described objects can be accomplished using a language learning content providing system, including: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and associative images each used to describe an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words, combine each of the learning- target words, a relevant image and a relevant associative image with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and an associative image matching module configured to combine the associative image with text used to describe the associative image, and then provide a combination result to the word image processing module; wherein each of the user terminals displays the associative image for the learning- target word so as to evoke an association with the meanings of one or more other words, each including the first letter, based on the impression of the first letter constituting the learning-target word.

The word image processing module combines a plurality of images, each having the same meaning as the learning- target word, with the associative image and the text, and then provides a combination result to the user terminal.

Preferably, the language learning content providing system further includes a user image setting module for matching images provided by the user terminals with the learning-target words, and then providing a match result to the word image processing module.

The user image setting module includes: a ranking calculation module for calculating the rankings of the plurality of images with reference to the numbers of inquiries or recommendations performed by the user terminals, the plurality of images being provided by the user terminals that are connected over the network; and an image sorting module for sorting images capable of being applied to the learning-target words in an order based on the rankings .

The above-described objects can be accomplished using a language learning content providing system, including: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and images each used to describe an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words, combine each of the learning-target words, a relevant image and a relevant associative image, used to describe the impression, with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and an image processing module configured to obtain resolution information of each of the user terminals through the server of a wireless service provider which provides a wireless network service for the user terminal, adjust the sizes of the image, the associative image, the learning-target word and text with reference to the resolution information, and then provide an adjustment result to the word image processing module.

The user terminal is any one of a mobile phone, a Personal Media Player (PMP) , a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and a notebook computer. The word image processing module combines a plurality of images, each having the same meaning as the learning- target word, with the associative image and the text, and then provides a combination result to the user terminal.

The above-described objects can be accomplished using a language learning content providing system, including: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and word images each for an etymological root included in each of the learning-target words, and combine each of the learning-target words with a relevant word image; and an associative image matching module configured to combine an associative image used to describe the concept of the etymological root, text used to describe the associative image, the word image, and the learning-target word with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network. Preferably, the language learning content providing system further includes a user image setting module for matching images provided by the user terminals with the learning-target word, generating learning content for the learning-target word using the images defined at the user terminals, receiving the plurality of images for the learning-target word provided by the plurality of user terminals connected over the network, and calculating rankings for the plurality of images based on any one of numbers of accesses and recommendations for the plurality of images .

The above-described objects can be accomplished using a language learning content providing system, wherein: the language learning content providing system forms video frames for an image for each of learning-target words; any one of the video frames includes an imprint frame for the learning- target word; the imprint frame is provided to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and a learning effect for the learning-target word is increased for a learner through the imprint frame formed for any one of an image and text included in the video frame.

When the video frames are formed by image frames, the imprint frame is a text frame; and, when the video frames are formed by text frames, the imprint frame is an image frame. Preferably, the language learning content providing system receives user defined images corresponding to the learning-target word provided by the user terminals; and calculates the rankings of the respective user defined images based on any one of numbers of inquiries and recommendations with regard to each of the user defined images .

The video frames include any one of an etymological root constituting the learning-target word, text used to describe the etymological root, a word image for the learning-target word, and an associative image for the etymological root.

The video frame includes one or more learning-target words and a relevant associative image for each of the learning-target words; and a time required to play the learning-target word and the associative image therefor falls within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 seconds.

[Advantageous Effects]

As described above, the present invention relates words, a relevant associative image for a letter constituting each of the words, and a relevant image for the word, and then provides the combination results to a learner, so that the learner can master the word using the impression of the letter that evokes an association with the word. Further, the present invention manufactures an associative image using Flash or video images, so that a learner can better feel an impression of a letter using the associative image. Further, the present invention combines an impression of a letter constituting each of words with a relevant associative image corresponding to the impression of the letter and an image for the word, and then provides the combination results to a learner, so that the learner can evoke an association with the meaning of the word using the letter. Further, the present invention enables a learner to use his/her desired image by combining it with an image provided by the language learning content providing system, thereby increasing the participation of the learner in learning activity. Further, the present invention inserts an imprint frame which evokes an association with a learning-target word into some of video frames to be provided to a user terminal, and causes a learner to watch the imprint frame, thereby further increasing the learning effect for the word. Further, the present invention improves a response time for a foreign language, so that a foreign language can be recognized as fast as a native language.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a language learning content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of learning content provided by the language learning content providing system to a user terminal;

FIG. 3 is a view showing impressions for the letter "b";

FIG. 4 is a view showing impressions for the letter

FIG. 5 is a view showing a method of registering a user-defined image using learning content; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a language learning content providing system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of an associative image for the root of a word; FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing a language learning method using the roots of respective words;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a language learning content providing system according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a block diagram according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view showing the combination structure of video frames and an imprint frame which construct the word "apple". FIG. 13 is a block diagram according to still another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the screen of an interface provided by a response training processing module .

^Description of reference numerals of principal elements in the drawings*

Ia to In, 10a to 1On: user terminal

100, 200: language learning content providing system

110: word image processing module

120: user image setting module 140: associative image matching module

112: database

210: resolution information acquisition module

220: image processing module

[Mode for Invention] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a language learning content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shown language learning content providing system 100 includes a word image processing module 110, a user image setting module 120, and an associative image matching module 140.

The word image processing module 110 includes learning-target words, images for expressing the impressions of first letters constituting the respective learning-target words, and associative information for describing the images. The word image processing module 110 sequentially provides one or more images corresponding to letters and the associative information thereof based on words included in learning content to be provided to a user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On. The impression of each of the letters is an attribute of the letter itself. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a view showing impressions for respective words including the letter "b".

As shown in the drawing, the letter "b" has the impressions of:

1) being swollen to the point of bursting. 2) being expanded to the outside. First, with regard to the words starting with the letter "b", the word "bag" gives the impression that some products are being carried in the bag and that the bag is swollen, the word "ball" has a shape expanded to the outside, and the word "bubble" gives the impression that it is swollen to the point of bursting. Therefore, it can be seen that the impressions of the words are the same as the impression given by the letter "b" based on the attribute of the letter "b". Of course, although all the words starting with the letter "b" do not comply with the impressions of 1) and 2) , a considerably large number of words complies with the impressions, so that it is very efficient to use the impressions for language learning.

FIG. 4 is a view showing impressions for words including the letter "c"; As shown in the drawing, like the above-described words starting with "b", the letter "c" has the impressions of:

3) a round shape, and

4) being bended. With regard to the impression of the letter "c", the word "cup" has a rounded mouth, the word "cave" also has a rounded entrance, the word "arc" has a smoothly curved line, and the word "curve" indicates that something is bent. Accordingly, it can be seen that the letter "c" and the words starting with the letter "c" generally have the meaning of 3) and 4) in many cases.

Further, the letter "c" may be included in images for respective words which include the letter "C", or may function as part of the images for the respective words. In the drawing, in the case of the word "cup", it can be seen that the letter "c" is included as the part of the image which expresses the word "cup". The shape of the letter "c" constituting the word "cup" is given to the mouth of the cup, so that a learner can naturally relate the shape of the letter "c" and the word "cup" to something having a round shape. Meanwhile, the impressions of the respective letters and the words starting with the corresponding letters which have been described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 have been described through 1) to 4). The content described through 1) to 4) is related to the impressions of the letters and words, and may be included in learning content to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On, thereby contributing to the language learning process. The content 1) to 4) is associative information, and it is preferable that associative information be included in the learning content to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On from the language learning content providing system. The configuration with which associative information, images, and text are combined will be described in detail later. The word image processing module 110 combines an image for a word (for example, reference character ^λA' ) to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On with an associative image (for example, reference numeral 7) used to evoke an association with the corresponding image. For example, if the word "balloon" is the learning-target word, the word image processing module 110 combines an image for the word "balloon" 5, an associative image which can evoke an association with the word "balloon", and associative information used to describe the associative image into a single form, and then provides the combination results to the user terminals 10a to 1On. This will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows an example of learning content provided by the language learning content providing system 100 to the user terminals 10a to 1On.

The shown learning content includes a word input box 3 to which a learner enters a desired word to learn, an image for the word 5, the word 6, an associative image 7 for the word and the letters thereof, associative information 8 for describing the associative image 7, and a learning environment set-up menu 9 for setting up the environment such as how many times a word is to be repeated, the word being selected by the learner, and the time of learning. The word input box 3 is provided for the learner to enter a word to learn. The word image processing module 110 loads the word entered by the learner from the word input box 3, the associative image for the first letter constituting the word, and an image 5 for the word from the database 112, and then combines them to be matched according to the configuration of the learning content . The combination results of the learning content has the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and the learner can more easily learn the word (balloon) using the impression of the word entered through the word input box 3. Further, the word image processing module 110 can call another image similar to the associative image for the word "balloon" and then provide it to the learner. As shown in the drawing, images A, B, and C which are appropriate to the associative image 7 of the word "balloon" entered by the learner can be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On. Therefore, it is apparent that the learner can learn the word (balloon) together with a plurality of words (blow, baby, and boom) which have relationships with the word (balloon) . These words have the impression of being expanded and swollen to the point of bursting.

Meanwhile, although the drawing shows a case in which the images 5, A, B, and C included in the learning content are still images, the shown images may be video images. For example, it is apparent that the image A may be a video image (or a Flash image) in which a balloon is inflated and that the image B may be a video image (or a Flash image, hereinafter the description of a Flash image will be omitted) in which a bomb is exploded. In this case, the learning content includes one or more video images corresponding to a word, and the word image processing module 110 must combine the respective menus 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 with the plurality of video images, and then convert the combination results into a configuration which can be played on the user terminals 10a to 1On. Here, the learning environment set-up menu 9 includes an interface for setting the play time and the number of play (the number of repetitions) of one or more video images included in the learning content.

The user image setting module 120 matches an arbitrary image provided by one of the user terminals 10a to 1On with a word. The user image setting module 120 enables the learner to provide a desired image to the database 112 using the learning content provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On. This will be described with reference FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a view showing a method of registering a user defined image using learning content;

In the drawing, images (baby images) indicated by reference numerals 1, 2, and 3 are images previously stored in the database 112. In the drawing, an image (My Image) indicated by reference character "D" is processed to be empty such that the learner can insert his/her desired image. The learner calls an image stored in his/her user terminal 10a ..., lOn-1, or 1On by clicking a region D displayed in an empty state, and then uploads the image to the database 112. The user image setting module 120 matches an arbitrary image provided by the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On with a word, and then stores the combination results in the database 112. Therefore, the learner can register an image for a word to learn in the user image setting module 120, and the word image processing module 110 can provide the registered image to the learner. Here, the word image processing module 110 combines the registered image with a word only when the word corresponding to the registered image is a learning-target word, and then provides the combination results to the user terminals 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On.

The associative image matching module 140 searches the database 112 for an associative image (for example, reference numeral 7) which can evoke an association with a word selected by the learner with reference to the first letter of the word selected by the learner, calls the associative image, and then provides the associative image to the word image processing module 110.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a language learning content providing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

An embodiment shown in the drawing is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and is characterized in that language learning content is provided through the display device of a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone, a Personal Media Player (PMP) , and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) . Therefore, reference numerals indicating the word image processing module 110, the image processing module 120, and the associative image matching module 140, which had been described with reference to FIG. 1, are the same, and the description of the modules indicated by the same reference numerals will be omitted. That is, the description of the modules 110, 120, and 140 applies to the description with reference to FIG. 1.

In the drawing, when one of the user terminals Ia to In accesses a language learning content providing system 200 over a mobile communication network 310, the resolution information acquisition module 210 of the language learning content providing system 200 accesses a server 300 which operates the mobile communication network 310, and then makes a request for the resolution information of the user terminal Ia, ..., In-I, or In, which accessed the language learning content providing system 200. The user terminal Ia, ..., In-I, or In includes a display device (generally, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ) , the resolution of which varies depending on the manufacturer and model thereof. The resolution which can be expressed varies depending on the model. The resolution information acquisition module 210 acquires the resolution information of the user terminal Ia, ..., In-I, or In, which accessed the language learning content providing system 200, and then provides the resolution information to the image processing module 220. The image processing module 220 adjusts the size of an image, an associative image, and a word, which will be provided to the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On, based on the resolution information of the user terminal Ia, ^•••, In-I, or In, and then provides them to the word image processing module 110. FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing a language learning method using the roots of respective words.

First, in FIG. 8, associative images for the respective words "altar", "altitude", and "alto" are sequentially displayed from the left side. The common point of the three words is that the root of each of the words is "alt", and the root "alt" has the concept of "high", or "raise".

Next, in FIG. 9, the associative images for the respective words "station", "statue", and "static" are sequentially displayed from the left side. These three words all have the root "stat" in common, and the root "stat" has the concept of "stopped", or "static".

This system is based on the fact that the meaning of an English word is expanded on the basis of a predetermined concept, the root, so that words having the same root are characterized in that they basically originate from the same concept even though the meanings thereof are different from each other. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a language learning content providing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, the same reference numerals are used so as to designate blocks having functions similar to those of the blocks of FIGS. 1 and 6 which have previously been described. The shown language learning content providing system includes a word image matching module 111, an associative image matching module 140, and a user image setting module 120. The word image matching module 111 includes one or more learning-target words and word images for the root

(etymologies), included in the learning-target words, and combines the learning-target words with respective word images. Each of the word images may be exactly matched with the corresponding word. However, as far as the word image is appropriate to evoke an association with a word, the word image is not required to be exactly matched with the meaning of the word. For example, the word "altitude" indicates an abstract concept "height" shown in FIG. 8, and the altimeter of an airplane is chosen as the word image therefor. Further, the word "static" shown in FIG. 9 has the meaning of "non dynamic", and there is no image matching therewith. In the drawing, a still-life painting is proposed as the word image for the word "static". Although FIGS. 8 and 9 show an example where images are simply combined with the respective words "altar", "altitude", and "alto" based on the root "alt", the letters "alt" which correspond to the root among all the letters constructing each of the learning-target words, can be processed to be larger or thicker than the remaining letters of each of the words, or be highlighted. The user image setting module 120 matches an arbitrary image provided by the user terminal 10a, ..., 1On- 1, or 1On with a word. The user image setting module 120 enables the learner to provide a desired image in the database 112 so as to be used as learning content to be provided to the user terminal 10a,..., lOn-1, or 1On.

Meanwhile, the user image setting module 120 includes a ranking calculation module 121 and an image sorting module 122. The ranking calculation module 121 displays arbitrary images (for example, indicated by reference numerals 1, 2, and 3, and reference character A) provided by the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On on an interface having the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and assigns ranking to the images, which have been uploaded by respective learners, with reference to images which have been recommended by a plurality of learners who access the language learning content providing system 100. The image sorting module 122 arranges and sorts the images based on the assigned ranking. The uploaded images are stored in the database 112. Therefore, the learners can be led to participate in generating images by themselves . Each of the learners searches for or generates images which are helpful for learning words, and provides the found or generated images to the language learning content providing system 100, so that other learners can learn words using more appropriate images. The associative image matching module 140 combines an associative image with the content generated by the word image matching module 111. It is preferable that an image capable of showing the concept of the root of a word be applied as an associative image. If the root of a word is ^xxalt", the image shown in FIG. 7 can be applied as an associative image, and the associative image shown in FIG. 7 can be arranged in the same location of the associative image 7 of FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a block diagram according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and characterized in that an imprinting effect is applied to video to be provided to learners, so that the learners can unconsciously master one or more words to learn. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to indicate those modules which are the same as those described through FIG. 10, and the description thereof will be omitted. The imprinting effect described in this embodiment means that an image that evokes an association with a word or, alternately, text that evokes an association with the image, is inserted into learning content having the form of video to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On, so that the learner unconsciously masters words to learn. Generally, there is a characteristic in that a learner cannot consciously recognize an image or text which is displayed for the short period from 0.1 tc 0.5 seconds, but can unconsciously recognize the image or text. An imprint processing module 241 according to the present embodiment inserts an imprint frame for the imprinting effect into some of the frames of video to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On.

The imprint processing module 240,

1) inserts an imprint frame, which consists of text, in the case in which the video frames to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On are configured with images.

2) inserts an imprint frame, which consists of images, in the case in which the video frames to be provided to the user terminals 10a to 1On are configured with text.

The configuration of the imprint frame will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 shows the combination structure of video frames, which constitute the word "apple", and an imprint frame.

As shown in the drawing, the number of video frames which are played for a second by the display device (not shown) of the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On is approximately 30. If the learning-target word is "apple" and the image of an apple is provided to the user terminal 10a, ... , lOn-1, or 1On, the text "apple" is inserted into one or more of 30 frames, so that the learner can unconsciously learn the word in the context of images IP, 2P, 3P... , and 3OP.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which video frames for an apple are configured with the images of an apple and a text word. However, as in an image B for the word "station" shown in FIG. 9, in the case of an image including the root of a word, the video frames can be formed by selectively combining the root (for example, "stat") , the word "station" including the root, an associative image for the root, and a word image. For example, the video frames can be formed using:

3) a method of constructing picture frames using the image B for the word "station" and allowing an imprint frame to display the word "station" in a text form,

4) a method of constructing picture frames using the image B for the word "station" and allowing an imprint frame to display an associative image or a root (for example, "stat") in a text form, and 5) a method of constructing picture frames using the word "station" in a text form and allowing an imprint frame to display an associative image, a word image, and a root in a text form.

Here, although the imprint processing module 240 has been mainly described in the present embodiment, the method of calculating ranking and sorting images based on the calculated ranking, described in FIG. 10, is used in the same manner. The reason for this is to omit the repeated description thereof, and the word image matching module 111, the user image setting module 120, and the associative image matching module 140 which have been described in FIG. 10 are used in the same manner. According to the present embodiment, by using the imprinting effect, not only the learning performance of learners can be increased, but also the time required to learn words can be decreased using imprinted images and text even though the learner does not acknowledge the images or text .

FIG. 13 is a block diagram according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment shown in the drawing is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, but the purpose of this embodiment is to improve the time required for a learner to respond to a word. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to indicate modules which have the same function as those described through FIG. 11, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Generally, an English native speaker recognizes 150 to 180 words for a minute. Thus, it can be seen that an average response time for a word is 0.3 seconds from an aspect of speed. Meanwhile, in the case of Korean people, they recognize the English words as per the sequence of listening to the English words, translating the English words into Korean words, and then evoking an association with images corresponding to the Korean words. Therefore, it is required to increase a response time for English words, and it is preferable that the response time approximate 0.3 seconds. The shown response training processing module 250 provides the interfaces, shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 12, and the video frames to the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On, and measures response times for respective words displayed on the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On. For this purpose, the response training processing module 250 provides an interface screen as shown in FIG. 14 to the user terminal 10a, ..., lOn-1, or 1On, and a learner watches a displayed image ("apple") , makes a response thereto, and selects a word ("apple") corresponding to the image. It is preferable that the response time of the learner be from 0.3 to 0.5 seconds.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the language learning contents provided by the language learning content providing system can be recorded in recording media, such as a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory

(CD-ROM) , a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and a memory stick, and be provided to a terminal (a Personal Computer

(PC) , a notebook computer, or a terminal dedicated for operating the recording media) for playing the language learning contents recorded on one of the recording media, that is, a terminal which is not connected over a network. Here, the recording media can have a configuration in which all functions of the language learning content providing system and content are included, other than those directly or indirectly related to communication (wired/wireless network communication) . That is, the recording media includes various types of functional modules such as the database 112, the word image processing module 110, the user image setting module 120, the word image matching module 111, the associative image matching module 140, the image processing module 220, and the imprint processing module 240, which are included in the language learning content providing system. The order and method of operating them are the same as the order and method of operating the various types of functional modules when the user terminal accesses the language learning content providing system.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l]

A language learning content providing system, wherein the language learning content providing system comprises learning-target words and images for the respective learning-target words, combines an associative image corresponding to an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words with any one of the learning-target word and an image for the learning- target word, and then provides a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over network, and enables each of the learning-target words to be mastered using the impression through the image for the learning-target word corresponding to the first letter constituting the learning-target word.

[Claim 2]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 1, wherein the image for the learning- target word is formed while including the first letter constituting the learning-target word therein.

[Claim 3]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 1, wherein the associative image is combined with text used to describe an impression of the associative image.

[Claim 4]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 1, wherein, in the image for the learning-target word, the first letter constructing the learning-target word is emphasized and then combined therewith.

[Claim 5] The language learning content providing system according to claim 4, wherein the first letter is emphasized by differentiating any one of a color, a size, a shadow, and a font type thereof from remaining letters constituting the learning-target word.

[Claim 6]

A language learning content providing system, comprising: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and associative images each used to describe an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words, combine each of the learning- target words, a relevant image and a relevant associative image with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and an associative image matching module configured to combine the associative image with text used to describe the associative image, and then provide a combination result to the word image processing module; wherein each of the user terminals displays the associative image for the learning-target word so as to evoke an association with meanings of one or more olher words, each including the first letter, based on the impression of the first letter constituting the learning- target word.

[Claim 7]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 6, wherein the word image processing module combines a plurality of images, each having a same meaning as the learning-target word, with the associative image and the text, and then provides a combination result to the user terminal.

[Claim 8]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 6, further comprising a user image setting module for matching images provided by the user terminals with the learning-target words, and then providing a match result to the word image processing module .

[Claim 9]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 8, wherein the user image setting module comprises: a ranking calculation module for calculating rankings of the plurality of images with reference to numbers of inquiries or recommendations performed by the user terminals, the plurality of images being provided by the user terminals that are connected over the network; and an image sorting module for sorting images capable of being applied to the learning-target words in an order based on the rankings .

[Claim 10]

A language learning content providing system, comprising: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and images each used to describe an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words, combine each of the learning-target words, a relevant image and a relevant associative image, used to describe the impression, with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and an image processing module configured to obtain resolution information of each of the user terminals through a server of a wireless service provider which provides a wireless network service for the user terminal, adjust sizes of the image, the associative image, the learning-target word and text with reference to the resolution information, and then provide an adjustment result to the word image processing module.

[Claim 11]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 10, wherein the word image processing module combines a plurality of images, each having a same meaning as the learning-target word, with the associative image and the text, and then provides a combination result to the user terminal.

[Claim 12]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 10, wherein the user terminal is any one of a mobile phone, a Personal Media Player (PMP) , a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and a notebook computer.

[Claim 13] The language learning content providing system according to claim 10, wherein the word image processing module combines a plurality of images, each having a same meaning as the learning-target word, with the associative image and the text, and then provides a combination result to the user terminal.

[Claim 14]

A language learning content providing system, comprising: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and word images each for an etymological root included in each of the learning-target words, and combine each of the learning-target words with a relevant word image; and an associative image matching module configured to combine an associative image used to describe a concept of the etymological root, text used to describe the associative image, the word image, and the learning-target word with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network.

[Claim 15]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 14, further comprising a user image setting module for matching images provided by the user terminals with the learning-target word, generating learning content for the learning-target word using the images defined at the user terminals, receiving the plurality of images for the learning-target word provided by the plurality of user terminals connected over the network, and calculating rankings for the plurality of images based on any one of numbers of accesses and recommendations for the plurality of images .

[Claim 16] A language learning content providing system, wherein: the language learning content providing system forms video frames for an image for each of learning-target words; any one of the video frames includes an imprint frame for the learning-target word; the imprint frame is provided to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and a learning effect for the learning-target word is increased for a learner through the imprint frame formed for any one of an image and text included Jn the video frame .

[Claim 17]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 16, wherein: when the video frames are formed by image frames, the imprint frame is a text frame; and when the video frames are formed by text frames, the imprint frame is an image frame.

[Claim 18]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 16, wherein the language learning content providing system receives user defined images corresponding to the learning-target word provided by the user terminals; and calculates rankings of the respective user defined images based on any one of numbers of inquiries and recommendations with regard to each of the user defined images.

[Claim 19] The language learning content providing system according to claim 16, wherein the video frames comprise any one of an etymological root constituting the learning- target word, text used to describe the etymological root, a word image for the learning-target word, and an associative image for the etymological root.

[Claim 20]

The language learning content providing system according to claim 19, wherein: the video frame comprises one or more learning-target words and a relevant associative image for each of the learning-target words; and a time required to play the learning-target word and the associative image therefor falls within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 seconds.

[Claim 21]

A recording medium including language learning content, wherein the recording medium is configured comprises learning-target words and images for the respective learning- target words, combines an associative image corresponding to an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words with any one of the learning-target word and an image for the learning-target word, plays a combination result by one or more user terminals, and enable each of the learning-target words to be mastered using the impression through the image for the learning-target word corresponding to the first letter constituting the learning- target word; and wherein the image for the learning-target word is formed while including the first letter constituting the learning-target word.

[Claim 22] The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein the association image is combined with text used to describe an impression of the association image.

[Claim 23) The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein, in the image for the learning-target word, the first letter constructing the learning-target word is emphasized and then combined therewith.

[Claim 24) A recording medium including language learning content, comprising: a word image processing module configured to include learning-target words and associative images each used to describe an impression of a first letter constituting each of the learning-target words, combine each of the learning- target words, a relevant image and a relevant associative image with each other, and then provide a combination result to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and an associative image matching module configured to combine the associative image with text used to describe the associative image, and then provide a combination result to the word image processing module; wherein each of the user terminals displays the associative image for the learning-target word so as to evoke an association with meanings of one or more other words, each including the first letter, based on the impression of the first letter constituting the learning- target word.

[Claim 25]

The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein the word image processing module combines a plurality of images, each having a same meaning as each of the learning- target words, with the associative image and the text, and then plays a combination result on the user terminal.

[Claim 26]

A recording medium including language learning content, wherein: the recording medium forms video frames for an image for each of learning-target words; any one of the video frames includes an imprint frame for the learning-target word; the imprint frame is provided to one or more user terminals connected over a network; and a learning effect for the learning-target word is increased for a learner through the imprint frame formed for any one of an image and text included in the video frame; the imprint frame is played on the user terminals; when the video frames are formed by image frames, the imprint frame is a text frame; and when the video frames are formed by text frames, the imprint frame is an image frame.

[Claim 27]

The recording medium according to claim 26, wherein the video frames comprise any one of an etymological root constituting the learning- target word, text used to describe the etymological root, a word image for the learning-target word, and an associative image for the etymological root.

[Claim 28]

The recording medium according to claim 27, wherein: the video frame comprises one or more learning-target words and a relevant associative image for each of the learning-target words; and a time required to play the learning-target word and the associative image therefor falls within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 seconds .