JP5403690B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention determines whether or not the data used by the application can be acquired, and if the data can be acquired, displays command reception information such as a menu item or icon for receiving a command to start the application, The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus or the like that does not display instruction acceptance information unless data can be acquired.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus that outputs error information according to a determination result of presence / absence of a license has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1). By using such an apparatus, it was possible to control the activation of an application depending on the presence or absence of a license.

JP 2009-70247 A

  However, in a conventional information processing apparatus, a menu item or icon for receiving a command for starting the application is displayed regardless of whether or not data used by the application can be acquired. Therefore, there is a possibility that the application is activated in an environment where data necessary for normal operation cannot be acquired. If activated, the application malfunctions, resulting in confusion for the user. In addition, there is a problem that the user is notified of the existence of an application that is not guaranteed to operate normally.

  The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an application storage unit that stores an application that realizes a predetermined function, and whether or not data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired. If it is determined that the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function and the determination unit that determines the application can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the application is output, and the application If it is determined that the data to be used for realizing the function cannot be acquired, the command reception information output control unit that does not output the command reception information that receives the command for starting the application, and the received command reception Instructions for launching applications for information and instructions for running applications When the reception unit receives an instruction for starting the application, and when the reception unit receives an instruction for operating the application, the application is operated according to the instruction. And an execution unit.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the existence of the application only when data necessary for the application to operate normally can be acquired. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that an application that does not operate normally because the data cannot be acquired is started.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the second invention, in contrast to the first invention, the determination unit determines whether or not the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired from the data recording area. It is an information processing device that determines whether or not.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the existence of the application only when the data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that an application that does not operate normally because the data does not exist is started.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, in contrast to the first or second aspect of the invention, the determination unit determines whether the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be received from the outside. It is an information processing device that determines whether or not.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the existence of the application only when the data used by the application can be received from the outside. As a result, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that an application that does not operate normally because the data cannot be received is started.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, in contrast to the third aspect of the invention, the determination unit obtains current position information, which is data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function, from the GPS receiver. It is an information processing apparatus that determines whether or not it is possible.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of the application only when the current position information used by the application can be acquired from the GPS receiver. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that an application that does not operate normally because the current position information cannot be acquired is started.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in contrast to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the command reception information is an information processing that is a menu item constituting a menu capable of selecting one or more applications. Device.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of the application by the menu item only when data necessary for the application to operate normally can be acquired. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that an application that does not operate normally because the data cannot be acquired is started.

  The information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention is an information processing apparatus in which the command reception information is an icon, as compared with any one of the first to fourth aspects.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the existence of the application with the icon only when data necessary for the application to operate normally can be acquired. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that an application that does not operate normally because the data cannot be acquired is started.

  The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the application is navigation software, and the data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function is navigation. It is an information processing apparatus that is map information used by software for navigation.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of the navigation software only when the map information necessary for the navigation software to operate normally can be acquired. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that navigation software that does not operate normally because the map information cannot be acquired is activated.

  The information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the application is navigation software, and the data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function is navigation. This is an information processing apparatus that is current position information used by the software for navigation.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the presence of the navigation software only when the current position information necessary for the navigation software to operate normally can be acquired. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that navigation software that does not operate normally because the current position information cannot be acquired is activated.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the like according to the present invention, an application can be activated in an environment where data necessary for normal operation can be acquired, and the user is not confused.

Block diagram of information processing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 A flowchart showing the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 1 The figure which shows the output example of the same icon The figure which shows the output example of the same icon Block diagram of information processing apparatus 2 according to Embodiment 2 The figure which shows the example of the judgment information Block diagram of the information processing apparatus 2 Flow chart showing the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 2 The figure which shows the structure of the portable terminal and GPS receiver The figure which shows the output example of the same icon The figure which shows the example of an output of the menu item in embodiment of this specification The figure which shows the example output of the menu item Overview of the computer system Block diagram of the computer system

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and the like according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment, an information processing apparatus 1 that outputs command reception information when data used by an application can be acquired from a data storage area and starts the application when a command for the command reception information is received will be described. To do.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes an application storage unit 101, a determination unit 102, a command reception information output control unit 103, a reception unit 104, and an execution unit 105.

  The application storage unit 101 stores an application that realizes a predetermined function.

  Here, the predetermined function is, for example, navigation, map browsing, New Year's card creation, word meaning search, and the like. An application is software that directly has a function for achieving a specific purpose such as document creation, spreadsheet, presentation material creation, etc., and may be software excluding OS (Operating System). Anything is fine. That is, the application that realizes a predetermined function is, for example, navigation software, map software, New Year's card software, dictionary software, or the like. Moreover, you may be other than these software.

  Further, the number of applications stored in the application storage unit 101 may be one or two or more.

  The application storage unit 101 is preferably a nonvolatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. Further, the process of storing the application in the application storage unit 101 does not matter. For example, an application may be stored in the application storage unit 101 via a recording medium. Further, an application transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the application storage unit 101. Furthermore, the application input via the input device may be stored in the application storage unit 101.

  The determination unit 102 determines whether data used by the application can be acquired. The determination may be to determine whether data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area. Note that the timing of the determination may be immediately after the information processing apparatus 1 is activated (immediately after the power is turned on), periodically after the activation, or when an operation from the user is accepted. It doesn't matter what it is. The determination timing may be indicated by determination timing information that is information indicating the determination timing. That is, the determination unit 102 may determine whether data used by the application can be acquired at the timing indicated by the determination timing information. The determination timing information may be held by the determination unit 102 or may be stored in an arbitrary storage area.

  Here, the data used by the application is data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function.

  The data used for realizing the predetermined function is, for example, map information or current position information if the application is navigation software, and for example, if the application is New Year card creation software. New Year's card template information, for example, if the application is dictionary software, the dictionary information.

  The determination of whether or not data can be acquired may be a concept including a determination of whether or not data can be acquired. In the case of determining whether or not data can be acquired, the determination unit 102 determines, for example, whether “data can be acquired” or “data cannot be acquired”. In the case of determining whether data cannot be acquired, the determination unit 102 determines, for example, whether “data cannot be acquired” or “data cannot be acquired”.

  The data recording area is an area for storing data, and may be an external device such as a hard disk, a flash drive, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, or a built-in device such as a ROM or RAM. It may be. In the present invention, the data storage area is preferably an external device. The data storage area may be an apparatus for storing data itself such as a hard disk or a flash drive, or may be an arbitrary address area inside the apparatus for storing data. When the data storage area is an apparatus for storing data itself, it does not matter whether the data storage area is volatile or non-volatile. Furthermore, the data storage area may be connected to a predetermined connection location or may not be determined in advance. If not determined in advance, for example, the determination unit 102 may search for a data storage area from among apparatuses connected to the information processing apparatus 1, or a data storage area connected to the information processing apparatus 1. You may specify one thing from among. Further, the determination unit 102 may search for a data storage area from among the devices connected to the determination unit 102, or specify one from among the data storage areas connected to the information processing apparatus 1. May be. Furthermore, the number of data storage areas may be one, or two or more.

Further, the determination as to whether or not the data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area may be, for example, one of the following.
(1) Determining whether a data storage area exists (hereinafter referred to as a first determination method).
(2) It is determined whether or not a data storage area exists, and if it exists, it is determined whether or not data exists in the data storage area (hereinafter, second determination method).
(3) It is determined whether or not a data storage area exists, and if it exists, it is determined whether or not data exists in the data storage area. If it exists, the data is used by the application. (Hereinafter, the third determination method).

  The first determination method may be, for example, determining whether a data storage area is connected to the determination unit 102.

  In addition to the first determination method, the second determination method may be, for example, acquiring the size of the data use area in the data storage area and determining whether the size is zero. Good.

  Furthermore, in addition to the second determination method, the third determination method may be, for example, determining whether the data format is the same as the data format used by the application. By determining whether the name is the same as the name of the data used by the application, or by determining whether the size of the data is the same as the size of the data used by the application It may be possible to determine whether or not these pieces of attribute information are the same. The attribute information may be stored in an arbitrary storage area (not shown), for example.

  The determination unit 102 only needs to be able to determine whether or not the data used by the application can be finally acquired, and the determination method does not matter.

  For example, if the application stored in the application storage unit 101 is an application that does not use data for realizing a predetermined function, the determination unit 102 can acquire data used by the application. It may be determined that the data used by the application can be acquired without determining whether or not there is.

  The determination unit 102 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the determination unit 102 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The command reception information output control unit 103 outputs command reception information when the determination unit 102 determines that data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be acquired. In addition, the command reception information output control unit 103 does not output the command reception information when the determination unit 102 determines that data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function cannot be acquired.

  Here, the command reception information is information for receiving a command for starting an application. The command reception information may be, for example, a menu item that configures a menu in which one or more applications can be selected, or an icon, button, link, or the like for starting an application. That is, the format of the command reception information is not limited as long as it is information that can receive a command for starting an application. Note that the command reception information may be held by the command reception information output control unit 103, may be stored in an arbitrary storage area, and the storage location thereof does not matter.

  In addition, the command may be a concept including operations, instructions, data, and the like. For example, if the command reception information is an icon, the command may be a finger touch on the icon through the touch panel, a click on the icon by a mouse operation, or the like.

  In addition, reception means reception of information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory This is a concept including reception of information read out from.

  The output is a concept including display on a display, projection using a projector, transmission to an external apparatus, delivery of a processing result to another processing apparatus or another program, and the like. In addition, regarding transmission and delivery of a processing result, an output target shall be finally presented to the user.

  In addition, the command reception information output control unit 103 holds, for example, data non-use application information that is information indicating an application that does not use data among the applications stored in the application storage unit 101, and determines the determination unit 102. Regardless of the determination result, command reception information for starting the application indicated by the data non-use application information may be output.

  The command reception information output control unit 103 may be considered to include an output device such as a display. The command reception information output control unit 103 can be implemented by output device driver software, or output device driver software and an output device.

  The accepting unit 104 accepts a command for starting an application for the command acceptance information. The accepting unit 104 also accepts a command for operating the application. Further, the receiving unit 104 may receive a command other than for starting or operating an application.

  Here, a command for starting an application for the command reception information is received when the command reception information is output. The command for operating the application may be accepted when the command acceptance information is output, may be accepted when the command acceptance information is not output, or in any case Good. Furthermore, commands other than those for starting or operating the application may be accepted when the command acceptance information is output, or may be accepted when the command acceptance information is not output. It may be accepted.

  The content of the instruction for operating the application is not limited. Further, the content of the instruction other than for starting or operating the application is not limited.

  The instruction input means may be anything such as a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen. The accepting unit 104 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a touch panel, a numeric keypad, or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

  The execution unit 105 activates the application when the accepting unit 104 accepts an instruction to activate the application. Further, when the receiving unit 104 receives a command for operating the application, the execution unit 105 operates the application according to the command. Note that the application is an application stored in the application storage unit 101.

  Further, when the receiving unit 104 receives a command other than for starting or operating the application, the executing unit 105 may perform processing according to the command. Further, the execution unit 105 may perform a predetermined process when the reception unit 104 has not received anything.

  The predetermined process is not particularly limited as long as it is a predetermined process.

  The execution unit 105 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the execution unit 105 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described using a flowchart.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 1.

  (Step S <b> 101) The determination unit 102 determines whether it is time to determine whether data used by the application stored in the application storage unit 101 can be acquired. If it is time to determine, the process proceeds to step S102, and if not, the process proceeds to step S104.

  (Step S102) The determination unit 102 determines whether data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area. If it can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not, the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S103) The command reception information output control unit 103 outputs command reception information for starting an application for which it is determined that the data to be used can be acquired, and the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S104) The accepting unit 104 determines whether or not an instruction has been accepted. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S105, and if not, the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S105) The execution unit 105 determines whether or not the command received by the receiving unit 104 in step S104 is a command for command reception information. If it is an instruction for the instruction acceptance information, the process proceeds to step S106, and if not, the process proceeds to step S107.

  (Step S106) The execution unit 105 activates an application stored in the application storage unit 101 corresponding to the command reception information received by the reception unit 104, and returns to step S101.

  (Step S107) The execution unit 105 performs processing according to the command received by the receiving unit 104, and returns to step S101.

  In the process of step S102 in the flowchart of FIG. 2, if the data used by the application cannot be acquired from the data storage area, the process may proceed to step S104.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the processing may be ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.

  Next, a specific example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. In this specific example, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 is a mobile terminal. The application storage unit 101 stores navigation software, TV viewing software, radio viewing software, music playback software, and video playback software. The navigation software shall use map information for realizing the navigation function. The map information is assumed to be stored in a flash memory card which is an external data storage area, and the map information format is assumed to be a KIWI format which is a general format of map information used in the navigation software. . In addition, it is assumed that the determination unit 102 holds determination timing information indicating a timing for determining whether data used by an application can be acquired. The determination timing information is information indicating that determination is performed immediately after activation. Further, it is assumed that the command reception information output control unit 103 holds command reception information. It is assumed that the command reception information is an icon for starting an application. In addition, the mobile terminal includes a touch panel, and the reception unit 104 is a device driver that controls the touch panel.

  When the mobile terminal is turned on with no flash memory card connected, the determination unit 102 reads the determination timing information and determines whether it is possible to acquire data used by the application. to decide.

  Next, the determination unit 102 determines that the map information used by the navigation software cannot be acquired from the flash memory card. In addition, the determination unit 102 determines that data to be used can be acquired from the flash memory card for other applications.

  Next, the command reception information output control unit 103 reads and outputs icons for starting each of the television viewing software, the radio viewing software, the music playback software, and the video playback software. The icon for starting the navigation software is not output. An output example at this time is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, “TV” is an icon for activating TV viewing software, “RADIO” is an icon for activating radio viewing software, and “MUSIC” is for activating music playback software. “MOVIE” is an icon for starting the moving image reproduction software.

  Next, once the power of the mobile terminal is turned off and the power of the mobile terminal is turned on with the flash memory card connected, the determination unit 102 reads the determination timing information and obtains data used by the application. It is determined that it is time to determine whether or not it is possible.

  Next, the determination unit 102 determines whether the data existing in the flash memory card is the same as the KIWI format, which is the format of the map information, and can acquire the map information used by the navigation software from the flash memory card. It is judged that. Since other applications have been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the command reception information output control unit 103 reads out and outputs each icon for starting each of all the applications stored in the application storage unit 101. An output example at this time is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, “NAVIGATION” is an icon for starting the navigation software. Since the other icons have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, when an icon for starting the output navigation software is touched with a finger through the touch panel provided in the mobile terminal, the device driver of the touch panel determines that the command has been received.

  Next, the execution unit 105 determines whether the instruction received by the device driver is an instruction for an icon, and determines that the instruction is for an icon.

  Next, the execution unit 105 reads the navigation software stored in the application storage unit 101 and activates it.

  In this specific example, the example in which the determination unit 102 determines that data can be acquired from the data storage area even for an application that does not use data has been described. For example, for an application that does not use data, It is preferable that the determination unit 102 does not make a determination, and the command reception information output control unit 103 outputs an icon for starting the application unconditionally.

  Further, in this specific example, an example of collectively determining whether or not data used by each application stored in the application storage unit 101 exists in the flash memory card and outputting icons according to the determination result collectively. Although described, the determination and output may be performed for each application. That is, for example, first, for navigation software, it is determined whether or not the data to be used exists in the flash memory card, and an icon is output according to the determination result. Next, for TV viewing software, the data to be used is flashed. Determine whether it exists in the memory card, output an icon according to the determination result, then determine whether the data to be used exists in the flash memory card for the radio viewing software, In response, the command reception information may be output, and the same processing may be performed for other applications.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the output of command reception information for starting an application that uses data for realizing a predetermined function. As a result, the application can be activated in an environment where data necessary for normal operation can be acquired, and the user is not confused. Further, it is possible to notify the user only of the existence of an application that can acquire data necessary for normal operation.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 may not include the command acceptance information output control unit 103. The execution unit 105 in the information processing apparatus 1 may start an application stored in the application storage unit 101 according to the determination result of the determination unit 102. That is, the execution unit 105 in such an information processing apparatus 1 stores the data in the application storage unit 101 when the determination unit 102 determines that data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be acquired. It is the execution part 105 which starts the application currently performed. The execution unit 105 in the information processing apparatus 1 stores the application when the determination unit 102 determines that data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be acquired from the data storage area. The execution part 105 which starts the application stored in the part 101 may be sufficient.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 102 stores, in the application storage unit 101, a determination as to whether or not data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be acquired from the data storage area. You don't have to do this for every application you have. In other words, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired from the data storage area, only for the application that is determined to need to perform the determination. , You may go. In this case, for example, the information processing apparatus 1 includes an application type determination unit that determines whether or not the application stored in the application storage unit 101 is an application that uses data for realizing a predetermined function. The determination unit 102 further includes an application for realizing a predetermined function only for an application that is determined by the application type determination unit to use data for realizing the predetermined function. It may be determined whether the data to be used can be acquired from the data storage area. For an application that is determined by the application type determination unit to be an application that does not use data for realizing a predetermined function, the command reception information output control unit 103 accepts a command for unconditionally starting the application. Information may be output.

  Note that the application type determination unit can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the application type determination unit is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus 2 that outputs command reception information when data used by an application can be received from the outside and starts the application when a command for the command reception information is received will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the information processing apparatus 2 in the present embodiment.

  The information processing apparatus 2 includes an application storage unit 101, a determination unit 202, a command reception information output control unit 103, a reception unit 104, and an execution unit 105.

  The determination unit 202 determines whether data used by the application can be acquired. The determination may be to determine whether the data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area, or to determine whether the data used by the application can be received from the outside. It may be. Note that the timing of the determination may be immediately after the information processing device 2 is activated (immediately after the power is turned on), periodically after the activation, or when an operation from the user is accepted. It doesn't matter what it is.

  Here, since the data used by the application and the method for determining whether the data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area have been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  The term “external device” refers to an external device or the like, which may be a server that distributes data for use by an application, an access point for wireless LAN connection, a GPS receiver, or the like. This GPS receiver is connected to a current position transmission device for transmitting received current position information, for example, by wire or wirelessly. The GPS receiver may include, for example, a receiving unit that receives current position information and a transmitting unit that transmits current position information received by the receiving unit.

  The data receiving means may be communication using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), other wireless communication, or wired communication. Communication may be used.

Further, the determination as to whether or not the data used by the application can be received from the outside may be, for example, one of the following.
(1) Determining whether there is an external device (hereinafter referred to as a first determination method).
(2) It is determined whether or not an external device exists, and if it exists, it is determined whether or not data can be received from the external device (hereinafter, second determination method).
(3) It is determined whether or not an external device exists, and if it exists, it is determined whether or not data can be received from the external device. If it exists, the data is used by the application. Whether or not the data is to be processed (hereinafter, a third determination method).

  The first determination method may be, for example, determining whether transmission of communication connection information indicating that communication connection by the determination unit 202 is possible has been normally completed.

  In addition to the first determination method, the second determination method may be, for example, determining whether data is received from an external device.

  In addition to the second determination method, the third determination method may be, for example, determining whether the data format is the same as the data format used by the application. It may be to determine whether the name of the data used by the application is the same, or to determine whether the size of the data is the same as the size of the data used by the application. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not these pieces of attribute information are the same. The attribute information may be stored in an arbitrary storage area (not shown), for example.

  The determination unit 202 only needs to be able to determine whether or not the data used by the application can be finally acquired, and the determination method does not matter.

  For example, if the application stored in the application storage unit 101 is an application that does not use data for realizing a predetermined function, the determination unit 202 can acquire data used by the application. It may be determined that the data used by the application can be acquired without determining whether or not there is.

  In addition, the determination unit 202 performs both determination of whether data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area and determination of whether data used by the application can be received from the outside. Alternatively, only one of them may be performed.

  In addition, the determination unit 202, for example, information indicating whether to determine whether the name of the application and the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired from the data storage area And information indicating whether or not the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function is receivable from the outside, using determination information that is information that associates It may be determined whether data used by the application can be acquired.

  The determination information has a format as shown in FIG. 6, for example. In FIG. 6, the navigation software indicates that the map information can be acquired from the data storage area and the current position information can be received from the outside. Indicates that it is determined whether video information can be received from the outside, and the radio viewing software indicates that it is determined whether audio information can be received from the outside. Further, in FIG. 6, the music playback software and the video playback software do not determine whether data can be acquired from the data storage area and whether data can be received from the outside (data is not used). ) Note that the determination information may be stored in an arbitrary storage area (not shown), for example. Moreover, the creation method of judgment information is not ask | required.

  Further, the determination unit 202 includes, for example, a determination information storage unit 2021 for storing determination information, an acquisition permission determination unit 2022 for determining whether data used by an application can be acquired from a data storage area according to the determination information, and In accordance with the determination information, a reception enable / disable determining unit 2023 that determines whether or not the data used by the application can be received from the outside may be provided. A block diagram of the information processing apparatus 2 in this case is shown in FIG.

  The determination unit 202 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the determination unit 202 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The determination information storage unit 2021 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. Moreover, the process in which judgment information is memorize | stored in the judgment information storage means 2021 is not ask | required. For example, the determination information may be stored in the determination information storage unit 2021 via a recording medium. In addition, determination information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the determination information storage unit 2021. Furthermore, the determination information input via the input device may be stored in the determination information storage unit 2021.

  Further, the acquisition possibility determination unit 2022 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the availability determination unit 2022 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The reception availability determination unit 2022 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the reception possibility determination unit 2022 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 will be described using a flowchart.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 2.

  (Step S <b> 201) The determination unit 202 determines whether it is time to determine whether data used by the application stored in the application storage unit 101 can be acquired. If it is time to determine, the process proceeds to step S202; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S205.

  (Step S202) The determination unit 202 determines whether data used by the application can be acquired from the data storage area. If it can be obtained, the process proceeds to step S203. If not, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S203) The determination unit 202 determines whether or not the data used by the application can be received from the outside. If it can be received, the process proceeds to step S204. If not, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S204) The command reception information output control unit 103 outputs command reception information for starting an application for which it is determined that the data to be used can be acquired, and the process returns to step S101.

  (Step S205) The receiving unit 104 determines whether or not an instruction has been received. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S206, and if not, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S206) The execution unit 105 determines whether or not the command received by the receiving unit 104 in step S205 is a command for command reception information. If it is an instruction for the instruction acceptance information, the process proceeds to step S207, and if not, the process proceeds to step S208.

  (Step S207) The execution unit 105 activates an application stored in the application storage unit 101 corresponding to the command reception information received by the reception unit 104, and returns to step S201.

  (Step S208) The execution unit 105 performs processing according to the command received by the receiving unit 104, and returns to step S201.

  In the process of step S202 in the flowchart of FIG. 8, if the data used by the application cannot be acquired from the data storage area, the process may proceed to step S205.

  In addition, regarding the process of step S203 in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the data that the application uses can not be received from the outside, the process may proceed to step S205.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the processing may be terminated by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.

  Next, a specific example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 2 will be described. In this specific example, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 2 is a mobile terminal. The application storage unit 101 stores navigation software, TV viewing software, radio viewing software, music playback software, and video playback software. The navigation software uses map information and current position information for realizing a navigation function. The map information is assumed to be stored in a flash memory card which is an external data storage area, and the map information format is assumed to be a KIWI format which is a general format of map information used in the navigation software. . The current position information can be received from a GPS receiver capable of transmitting the received current position information, and the format of the current position information is not limited. Further, it is assumed that the determination unit 202 holds determination timing information indicating a timing for determining whether data used by an application can be acquired. The determination timing information is information indicating that determination is performed immediately after the flash memory card is connected to the mobile terminal and immediately after the flash memory card is disconnected. Assume that the determination unit 202 holds the determination information shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the command reception information output control unit 103 holds command reception information. It is assumed that the command reception information is an icon for starting an application. In addition, the mobile terminal includes a touch panel, and the reception unit 104 is a device driver that controls the touch panel. It is assumed that the GPS receiver described above is mounted on an automobile, and the mobile terminal and the GPS receiver described above are configured as shown in FIG. Furthermore, it is assumed that the video information used by the television viewing software and the audio information used by the radio viewing software can be received in the car of FIG.

  The portable terminal turns on the portable terminal in a state where the current position information, video information, and audio information cannot be received (for example, the portable terminal is outside the automobile in FIG. 9). Thereafter, when the flash memory card is connected to the portable terminal, the determination unit 202 reads the determination timing information and determines that it is the timing to determine whether or not the data used by the application can be acquired.

  Next, the determination unit 202 reads the determination information, determines that the navigation software determines whether the map information to be used can be acquired from the flash memory card, and the current position information is obtained from the GPS receiver. It is determined to determine whether or not reception is possible. In addition, the determination unit 202 determines to determine whether video information used by the TV viewing software is receivable, and determines to determine whether audio information used by the radio viewing software is receivable. . Further, the determination unit 202 determines not to make a determination as to whether or not music playback software and video playback software can be acquired from the flash memory card and whether or not reception is possible.

  Next, the determination unit 202 determines that the map information used by the navigation software can be acquired from the flash memory card, and determines that the current position information cannot be received from the GPS receiver. Further, the determination unit 202 determines that the video information used by the TV viewing software is not receivable, and determines that the audio information used by the radio viewing software is not receivable.

  Next, the command reception information output control unit 103 does not output icons for starting the navigation software, the TV viewing software, and the radio viewing software, but reads the icons for starting each of the music playback software and the video playback software. ,Output. An output example at this time is shown in FIG. Since the icons in FIG. 10 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the mobile terminal moves to a state where the current position information, video information, and audio information can be received (for example, the state where the mobile terminal is in FIG. 9), and then the flash memory card connected to the mobile terminal Is disconnected, the determination unit 202 reads the determination timing information and determines that it is the timing for determining whether or not the data used by the application can be acquired.

  Next, the determination unit 202 reads the determination information. Since the determination made for each application as a result of the reading has been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the determination unit 202 determines that the map information used by the navigation software cannot be acquired from the flash memory card, and determines that the current position information can be received from the GPS receiver. Further, the determination unit 202 determines that the video information used by the TV viewing software is receivable, and determines that the audio information used by the radio viewing software is receivable.

  Next, the command reception information output control unit 103 does not output an icon for starting the navigation software, but reads icons for starting each of the TV viewing software, the radio viewing software, the music playback software, and the video playback software. ,Output. An output example at this time is shown in FIG. Since the icons in FIG. 3 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, when the mobile terminal connects the flash memory card to the mobile terminal in a state where the current location information, video information, and audio information can be received (for example, the mobile terminal is in FIG. 9), the determination unit 202 The determination timing information is read, and it is determined that it is the timing for determining whether or not the data used by the application can be acquired.

  Next, the determination unit 202 reads the determination information. Since the determination made for each application as a result of the reading has been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the determination unit 202 determines that the map information used by the navigation software can be acquired from the flash memory card, and determines that the current position information can be received from the GPS receiver. Further, the determination unit 202 determines that the video information used by the TV viewing software is receivable, and determines that the audio information used by the radio viewing software is receivable.

  Next, the command reception information output control unit 103 reads out and outputs each icon for starting each of all the applications stored in the application storage unit 101. An output example at this time is shown in FIG. Since the icons in FIG. 4 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  Note that the operation after touching the icon for starting the output navigation software with a finger through the touch panel of the portable terminal is the same as that described in the specific example of the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

  Next, the mobile terminal moves to a state where current position information, video information, and audio information are not receivable (for example, the mobile terminal is outside the automobile in FIG. 9), and then connected to the mobile terminal. When the flash memory card is disconnected, the determination unit 202 reads the determination timing information and determines that it is the timing for determining whether or not the data used by the application can be acquired.

  Next, the determination unit 202 reads the determination information. Since the determination made for each application as a result of the reading has been described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the determination unit 202 determines that the map information used by the navigation software cannot be acquired from the flash memory card, and determines that the current position information cannot be received from the GPS receiver. Further, the determination unit 202 determines that the video information used by the TV viewing software is not receivable, and determines that the audio information used by the radio viewing software is not receivable.

  Next, the command reception information output control unit 103 does not output icons for starting the navigation software, the TV viewing software, and the radio viewing software, but reads the icons for starting each of the music playback software and the video playback software. ,Output. That is, the command reception information output control unit 103 sets the output icons for starting the navigation software, the television viewing software, and the radio viewing software to the non-output state. Further, the icons for starting the music playback software and moving image playback software that have been output are left in the output state. An output example at this time is shown in FIG. Since the icons in FIG. 10 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  In this specific example, it goes without saying that it may be determined whether or not data can be acquired for each application and whether or not data can be received.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the output of command reception information for starting an application that uses data for realizing a predetermined function. As a result, the application can be activated in an environment where data necessary for normal operation can be acquired, and the user is not confused. Further, it is possible to notify the user only of the existence of an application that can acquire data necessary for normal operation.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 may not include the command acceptance information output control unit 103. The execution unit 105 in such an information processing apparatus 2 may start an application stored in the application storage unit 101 according to the determination result of the determination unit 202. In other words, the execution unit 105 in such an information processing apparatus 2 stores the data in the application storage unit 101 when the determination unit 202 determines that data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be acquired. It is the execution part 105 which starts the application currently performed. Further, the execution unit 105 in the information processing apparatus 2 as described above, when the determination unit 202 determines that the data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be acquired from the data storage area, The execution part 105 which starts the application stored in the storage part 101 may be sufficient. Further, the execution unit 105 in the information processing apparatus 2 has the application storage unit 101 when the determination unit 202 determines that data used by the application for realizing a predetermined function can be received from the outside. The execution part 105 which starts the application stored in this may be sufficient.

  In the specific example of each of the above embodiments, the example in which the icon for starting the navigation software being output is touched with a finger through the touch panel provided in the mobile terminal has been described. For example, when touching other than the icon The execution unit 105 may not perform any processing.

  Further, in the specific examples of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the command reception information for starting the navigation software is an icon has been described. However, the command reception information may be a menu item constituting the menu. In this case, FIG. 11 shows an output example when the data used by the navigation software is not available. An output example when the data used by the navigation software can be acquired is shown in FIG. 11 and 12, “NAVIGATION” is a menu item for starting navigation software, “TV” is a menu item for starting TV viewing software, and “RADIO” is radio viewing software. “MUSIC” is a menu item for starting music playback software, and “MOVIE” is a menu item for starting video playback software.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication units existing in one apparatus may be physically realized by one medium.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus in each of the above embodiments may be, for example, a stand-alone apparatus or a server apparatus in a server / client system. In the latter case, for example, output control of instruction acceptance information may be performed as an ASP (Application Service Provider).

  In each of the above embodiments, each process or each function may be realized by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or distributed by a plurality of devices or a plurality of systems. It may be realized by being processed.

  In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  Moreover, the software which implement | achieves the information processing apparatus in each said embodiment is the following programs. In other words, this program stores an application that realizes a predetermined function in a recording medium, and determines whether the computer can acquire data that the application uses to realize the predetermined function. If it is determined that the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired, and a determination unit that determines, outputs command reception information for receiving a command for starting the application, A command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for starting the application, when it is determined that the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function cannot be acquired; Instruction for starting the application for the outputted instruction acceptance information A reception unit that receives a command for operating the application, and when the reception unit receives a command for starting the application, the application is started and the reception unit operates the application. When the command is received, the program causes the application to function as an execution unit that operates according to the command.

  In the above program, the transmission step for transmitting information, the reception step for receiving information, etc. include at least processing performed only by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step. Absent.

  The program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium (for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like) is read out. May be executed. Further, this program may be used as a program constituting a program product.

  Moreover, the computer which performs the said program may be single, and plural may be sufficient as it. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

  FIG. 13 is an overview of the computer system 9 that executes the above-described program to realize the information processing apparatus and the like of the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon.

  In FIG. 13, the computer system 9 includes a computer 901 including a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) drive 9011, an FD (Flexible Disk) drive 9012, a keyboard 902, a mouse 903, and a monitor 904.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the computer system 9. In FIG. 14, in addition to a CD-ROM drive 9011 and an FD drive 9012, a computer 901 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9013 and a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 9014 for storing a program such as a boot-up program. A random access memory (RAM) 9015 connected to the CPU 9013 for temporarily storing application program instructions and providing a temporary storage space; and a hard disk 9016 for storing application programs, system programs, and data , A CD-ROM drive 9011, an FD drive 9012, a CPU 9013, and the like. Although not shown here, the computer 901 may further include a network card that provides connection to a LAN.

  A program for causing the computer system 9 to execute the functions of the information terminal device or the like of the above-described embodiment is stored in the CD-ROM 9101 or FD 9102, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 9011 or FD drive 9012, and further the hard disk 9016. May be forwarded to. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 901 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 9016. The program is loaded into the RAM 9015 when executed. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 9101, the FD 9102, or the network.

  The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 901 to execute the functions of the information terminal device according to the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include an instruction portion that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 9 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can start an application in an environment where data necessary for normal operation can be acquired, and the user is not confused. Further, it has an effect that it is possible to notify the user only of an application from which data necessary for normal operation can be acquired, and is useful as, for example, a portable terminal having a navigation function.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Information processing apparatus 101 Application storage part 102, 202 Judgment part 103 Command reception information output control part 104 Reception part 105 Execution part

Claims (10)

An application storage unit storing an application for realizing a predetermined function;
A determination unit that determines whether or not current position information, which is data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function, can be received from a GPS receiver ;
When it is determined that the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired, command acceptance information for receiving a command for starting the application is output, and the application receives the predetermined function. If it is determined that the data used for realizing the function is not obtainable, a command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information that receives a command for starting the application; and
An accepting unit for accepting an instruction for starting the application with respect to the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the application;
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the application, the application is started. When the reception unit receives a command for operating the application, the application is operated according to the command. An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution unit; An application storage unit that stores navigation software that is an application that realizes a predetermined function;
A determination unit for determining whether or not map information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired;
When it is determined that the map information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software is output, and the navigation software is used for navigation. If it is determined that the map information to be used is not obtainable, a command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software;
An accepting unit for accepting an instruction for starting the navigation software for the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the navigation software;
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the navigation software, the navigation software is started, and when the reception unit receives a command for operating the navigation software, the navigation software is An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution unit that operates according to a command. An application storage unit that stores navigation software that is an application that realizes a predetermined function;
A determination unit for determining whether or not current position information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired;
When it is determined that the current position information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software is output, and the navigation software is used for navigation. A command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software;
An accepting unit for accepting an instruction for starting the navigation software for the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the navigation software;
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the navigation software, the navigation software is started, and when the reception unit receives a command for operating the navigation software, the navigation software is An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution unit that operates according to a command. The determination unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function is determined whether or not the data can be acquired from a data recording area. An application storage unit storing an application for realizing a predetermined function;
An information processing method performed using a determination unit, an instruction reception information output control unit, a reception unit, and an execution unit,
The determination unit
A determination step of determining whether or not current position information, which is data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function, can be received from a GPS receiver;
The command reception information output control unit is
When it is determined that the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired, command acceptance information for receiving a command for starting the application is output, and the application receives the predetermined function. If it is determined that data used for realizing the function is not obtainable, a command reception information output control step that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for starting the application; and
The reception unit
A reception step of receiving a command for starting the application with respect to the output command reception information, and a command for operating the application;
The execution unit is
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the application, the application is started. When the reception unit receives a command for operating the application, the application is operated according to the command. An information processing method comprising: an execution step. An application storage unit that stores navigation software that is an application that realizes a predetermined function;
An information processing method performed using a determination unit, an instruction reception information output control unit, a reception unit, and an execution unit,
The determination unit
A determination step of determining whether map information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired;
The command reception information output control unit is
When it is determined that the map information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software is output, and the navigation software is used for navigation. If it is determined that the map information to be used cannot be acquired, a command reception information output control step for not outputting command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software;
The reception unit
An accepting step for accepting an instruction for starting the navigation software for the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the navigation software;
The execution unit is
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the navigation software, the navigation software is started, and when the reception unit receives a command for operating the navigation software, the navigation software is An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution step that operates according to a command. An application storage unit that stores navigation software that is an application that realizes a predetermined function;
An information processing method performed using a determination unit, an instruction reception information output control unit, a reception unit, and an execution unit,
The determination unit
A determination step of determining whether current position information used by the navigation software for navigation is obtainable;
The command reception information output control unit is
When it is determined that the current position information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software is output, and the navigation software is used for navigation. A command reception information output control step that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for activating the navigation software;
The reception unit
An accepting step for accepting an instruction for starting the navigation software for the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the navigation software;
The execution unit is
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the navigation software, the navigation software is started, and when the reception unit receives a command for operating the navigation software, the navigation software is An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution step that operates according to a command. A computer that can access an application storage unit that stores an application that realizes a predetermined function.
A determination unit that determines whether or not current position information, which is data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function, can be received from a GPS receiver;
When it is determined that the data used by the application for realizing the predetermined function can be acquired, command acceptance information for receiving a command for starting the application is output, and the application receives the predetermined function. If it is determined that the data used for realizing the function is not obtainable, a command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information that receives a command for starting the application; and
An accepting unit for accepting an instruction for starting the application with respect to the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the application;
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the application, the application is started. When the reception unit receives a command for operating the application, the application is operated according to the command. A program for functioning as an execution unit. A computer that can access an application storage unit that stores navigation software, which is an application that realizes a predetermined function,
A determination unit for determining whether or not map information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired;
When it is determined that the map information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software is output, and the navigation software is used for navigation. If it is determined that the map information to be used is not obtainable, a command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software;
An accepting unit for accepting an instruction for starting the navigation software for the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the navigation software;
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the navigation software, the navigation software is started, and when the reception unit receives a command for operating the navigation software, the navigation software is A program that functions as an execution unit that operates according to instructions. A computer that can access an application storage unit that stores navigation software, which is an application that realizes a predetermined function,
A determination unit for determining whether or not current position information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired;
When it is determined that the current position information used for navigation by the navigation software can be acquired, command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software is output, and the navigation software is used for navigation. A command reception information output control unit that does not output command reception information for receiving a command for starting the navigation software;
An accepting unit for accepting an instruction for starting the navigation software for the outputted instruction acceptance information, and an instruction for operating the navigation software;
When the reception unit receives a command for starting the navigation software, the navigation software is started, and when the reception unit receives a command for operating the navigation software, the navigation software is A program that functions as an execution unit that operates according to instructions.

Images