Abstract: A document processing apparatus includes a text processor which compares temporal words and phrases of a first document which is used to generate a second, modified document, with temporal words and phrases in the second, modified document, and with temporal metrics. The result of the comparison operation is used to determine whether any temporal words in the modified document have not been updated or should be changed. The document processing apparatus helps to avoid inadvertent errors or omissions concerning temporal phrases, including dates, made when a new document is created using a pre-existing document.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading out textual information with synthesized speech comprises: a buffer memory 24 for buffering character codes of textual information; a keyword/ read-out region storing unit 22 which stores previously specified keyword and region of the textual information, the region being to be read out and including the keyword; a read-out region retrieving unit 23 which retrieves the keyword from the buffered character codes, and which, when the keyword exists, causes character codes corresponding to the read-out region, to be outputted from the buffer memory 24; a speech synthesizing unit 26 which converts the outputted character codes into a synthesized speech signal; and a loudspeaker 14 for outputting the synthesized speech signal in the form of synthesized speech.