JP5471741B2 - Information processing apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including a processing unit that communicates with a storage medium and a program thereof.

  Recently sold PCs (personal computers) are equipped with contactless IC card readers / writers, and the IC card reader / writer communicates with the IC card when the user brings the IC card closer to the IC card reader / writer. There are products that can read data from an IC card or write data to an IC card to perform settlement, history introduction, and the like. However, the IC card reader / writer communicates with the IC card only for a short time when the user brings the IC card close to the IC card reader / writer. There is a problem that the power supply voltage is always supplied and wasteful power consumption occurs.

JP 2009-27374 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of reducing power generated in a processing unit communicating with a storage medium.

  An information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a processing unit that communicates with a storage medium, a power supply unit that supplies a power supply voltage to the processing unit, and one or a plurality of processing units that need to communicate with the storage medium. Information management means for managing information related to the application program, determination means for judging whether or not at least one of the application programs managed by the information management means is operating, and an application managed by the information management means When it is determined that at least one of the programs is operating, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state, and when it is determined that all of the application programs managed by the information management unit are not operating, Power control for controlling the processing unit to a power off state (or a low power consumption state) And a stage.

  When at least one of the application programs managed by the information management unit is operating, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state. Accordingly, the processing unit can communicate with the storage medium. On the other hand, when all of the application programs managed by the information management unit are not operating, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-off state (or a low power consumption state). Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the processing unit is in a power-on state, the determination unit responds to a user operation for all application programs that are managed by the information management unit and that are operating. In response to a user operation for all the application programs managed and operated by the information management means. Is determined not to be input continuously for a predetermined time or more, the power control unit controls the processing unit to a power-off state (or a low power consumption state).

  When the application program is not continuously used for a predetermined time or more by a user operation, the processing unit is unlikely to communicate with the storage medium. Therefore, in this case, the power consumption can be further reduced by controlling the processing unit to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state).

  An information processing apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a processing unit that communicates with a storage medium, a power supply unit that supplies a power supply voltage to the processing unit, connection means that connects to a WEB site, and the processing unit stores Whether or not the connection means is connected to at least one of information management means for managing information relating to one or more WEB sites that need to communicate with the medium, and the WEB site managed by the information management means; If it is determined that the connection means is connected to at least one of the determination means for determining and the WEB site managed by the information management means, the processing unit is controlled to be powered on, and the information management If it is determined that the connection means is not connected to any of the WEB sites managed by the means, the processing unit is turned off (or low consumption) And a power control means for controlling the force state).

  When connected to at least one WEB site managed by the information management means, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state. Accordingly, the processing unit can communicate with the storage medium. On the other hand, when not connected to any of the WEB sites managed by the information management means, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-off state (or low power consumption state). Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

  In a preferred embodiment, the determination unit is managed by the information management unit when the processing unit is in a power-on state, and for all WEB sites to which the connection unit is connected, It is determined whether or not an instruction according to a user operation has been continuously input for a predetermined time or more, and is managed by the information management unit and is connected to all WEB sites to which the connection unit is connected When it is determined that an instruction according to a user operation has not been input continuously for a predetermined time or more, the power control unit controls the processing unit to a power-off state (or a low power consumption state).

  When the WEB site is not continuously used for a predetermined time or more by a user operation, the possibility that the processing unit communicates with the storage medium is low. Therefore, in this case, the power consumption can be further reduced by controlling the processing unit to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state).

  An information processing apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a processing unit that communicates with a storage medium, a power supply unit that supplies a power supply voltage to the processing unit, connection means that connects to a WEB site, and the processing unit stores Information management means for managing information on one or more application programs that need to communicate with a medium, and information on one or more WEB sites that the processing unit needs to communicate with a storage medium, and the information management means Judging means for judging whether or not at least one of the application programs managed by the information management means is operating or whether the connecting means is connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information managing means; And at least one of the application programs managed by the information management means operates. If it is determined that the connection means is connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information management means, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state. It is determined that all of the application programs managed by the information management unit are not operating and the connection unit is not connected to any of the WEB sites managed by the information management unit. A power control unit that controls the processing unit to a power off state (or a low power consumption state).

  When at least one of the application programs managed by the information management unit is operating or connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information management unit, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state. Is done. Accordingly, the processing unit can communicate with the storage medium. On the other hand, if all of the application programs managed by the information management unit are not operating and are not connected to any of the WEB sites managed by the information management unit, the processing unit is in a power-off state ( Or a low power consumption state). Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

  An information processing apparatus that can reduce power generated in a processing unit that communicates with a storage medium can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows PC1 (information processing apparatus) by preferable embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an IC card process application table. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a monitoring application (CPU). It is a flowchart which shows the process of a monitoring application (CPU). It is a flowchart which shows the process of a monitoring application (CPU). It is a flowchart which shows the process of a monitoring application (CPU). It is a flowchart which shows the process of a monitoring application (CPU).

  Hereinafter, a PC (information processing apparatus) 1 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 1. The PC 1 includes a control unit 2 such as a CPU, an HDD (hard disk drive) 3, a memory 4 such as a ROM and a RAM, an IC card processing unit (IC card reader / writer) 5, a display unit 6, and an operation unit 7. And a power supply unit 8.

  The CPU 2 controls each unit of the PC 1 by reading an OS (operating system) installed in the HDD 3 into the memory 4 and executing it. Further, the CPU 2 reads an IC card processing application and a monitoring application, which will be described later, into the memory 4 and executes them.

  One or a plurality of IC card processing applications, a monitoring application, and an OS are installed in the HDD 3. The IC card processing application is an application program that the IC card processing unit 5 needs to execute communication with the IC card. The monitoring application monitors whether or not the IC card processing application is operating (and whether or not an instruction by a user operation is input to the IC card processing application, if necessary). It is an application program that controls the power state.

  The IC card processing unit 5 communicates with the IC card when the user brings the IC card (corresponding to a storage medium) close thereto, reads data from the IC card, or writes data to the IC card. For example, Felica (registered trademark) is used as an IC card communication method. Electronic payments, product purchases, electronic employee cards, membership cards, point cards, etc. are used as services using IC cards. (Http://www.sony.co.jp/Products/felica/)

  The power supply unit 8 supplies a power supply voltage to each unit of the PC 1. The power supply unit 8 controls the IC card processing unit 5 to a power-on state, a power-off state, or a low power consumption state in accordance with an instruction from the monitoring application. The power-on state is a state in which a power supply voltage is supplied so that the IC card processing unit 5 can operate. The power-off state is a state in which the power supply voltage is not supplied to the IC card processing unit 5, and the IC card processing unit 5 cannot execute the operation. The low power consumption state is a state in which the power supply voltage supplied to the IC card processing unit 5 is reduced as compared with the power-on state, and the IC card processing unit 5 can execute only a part of the operation. It is in a state where it can immediately shift to the power on state.

  The HDD 3 or the memory 4 stores an IC card processing application table shown in FIG. In the IC card processing application table, identification information of one or a plurality of IC card processing applications that the IC card processing unit 5 needs to communicate with the IC card is registered in advance. Alternatively, in the IC card processing application table, position information (for example, URL) of one or a plurality of WEB sites that the IC card processing unit 5 needs to communicate with the IC card is registered in advance. The information registered in the IC card processing application table is registered in advance by the manufacturer of the PC 1, but may be registered by a user operation as necessary.

  The monitoring application monitors whether or not at least one IC card processing application registered in the IC card processing application table is operating. Here, “operating” means a state where the application has been activated on the OS, and “not operating” means a state where the application has not been activated on the OS. When it is determined that no IC card processing application is operating, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state or the low power consumption state. On the other hand, when it is determined that at least one IC card processing application is operating, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to be in a power-on state.

  Alternatively, the monitoring application monitors whether the PC 1 is connected to at least one WEB site registered in the IC card processing application table. “Connect” here means that the interface of the PC 1 is connected to a server on the WEB site via a telecommunication line such as the Internet. When it is determined that the PC 1 is not connected to any WEB site, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state or the low power consumption state. On the other hand, when it is determined that the PC 1 is connected to at least one WEB site, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to be in a power-on state.

  Alternatively, at least one IC card processing application registered in the IC card processing application table is operating or the PC 1 is connected to at least one WEB site registered in the IC card processing application table. Monitor whether or not When it is determined that no IC card processing application is operating and connected to any WEB site, the monitoring application sets the IC card processing unit 5 in a power-off state or low power consumption. Control to the state. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one IC card processing application is operating or connected to at least one WEB site, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to be in a power-on state. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the monitoring application (CPU). The monitoring application determines whether any one of the IC card processing applications registered in the IC card processing application table is operating (S1). For example, when the IC card processing application is activated and terminated, a notification of activation and termination is notified to the monitoring application, and the monitoring application may determine whether the IC card processing application is operating based on the notification. The monitoring application manages the operation state of each application in the memory 4.

  When no IC card processing application is operating (NO in S1), the IC card processing unit 5 does not need to communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state) (S3). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to stop (or reduce) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S1. The power supply unit 8 stops (or reduces) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5 according to the instruction. Therefore, the power consumption of the IC card processing unit 5 can be reduced. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-off state (or low power consumption state), the monitoring application needs to control the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (or low power consumption state) again. Absent.

  On the other hand, when at least one IC card processing application is operating (YES in S1), the IC card processing unit 5 may communicate with the IC card in response to a user operation. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-on state (S2). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to supply the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S1. The power supply unit 8 supplies a power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5 according to the instruction. Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card when the user brings the IC card closer. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-on state, the monitoring application does not need to control the IC card processing unit 5 to be in the power-on state again.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another operation of the monitoring application. The monitoring application determines whether the PC 1 is connected to the URL of any WEB site registered in the IC card processing application table (S11).

  When the PC 1 is not connected to any WEB site (NO in S11), the IC card processing unit 5 does not need to communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state) (S13). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to stop (or reduce) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S11. The power supply unit 8 stops (or reduces) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5 according to the instruction. Therefore, the power consumption of the IC card processing unit 5 can be reduced. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-off state (or low power consumption state), the monitoring application needs to control the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (or low power consumption state) again. Absent.

  On the other hand, when the PC 1 is connected to at least one WEB site (YES in S11), the IC card processing unit 5 may communicate with the IC card in response to a user operation. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-on state (S12). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to supply the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S11. The power supply unit 8 supplies a power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5 according to the instruction. Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card when the IC card is brought closer. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-on state, the monitoring application does not need to control the IC card processing unit 5 to be in the power-on state again.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another operation of the monitoring application. As for the monitoring application, one of the IC card processing applications registered in the IC card processing application table is operating, or the PC 1 is connected to the URL of one of the WEB sites registered in the IC card processing application table It is determined whether or not (S31).

  If any IC card processing application is not operating and is not connected to any WEB site (NO in S31), the IC card processing unit 5 does not need to communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state) (S33). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to stop (or reduce) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S31. Therefore, the power consumption of the IC card processing unit 5 can be reduced. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-off state (or low power consumption state), the monitoring application needs to control the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (or low power consumption state) again. Absent.

  On the other hand, when at least one IC card processing application is operating or connected to at least one WEB site (YES in S31), the IC card processing unit 5 may communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-on state (S32). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to supply the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S31. Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card when the IC card is brought closer. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-on state, the monitoring application does not need to control the IC card processing unit 5 to be in the power-on state again.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another operation of the monitoring application. The monitoring application determines whether any one of the IC card processing applications registered in the IC card processing application table is operating (S41).

  When no IC card processing application is operating (NO in S41), the IC card processing unit 5 does not need to communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state) (S44). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to stop (or reduce) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S41. Therefore, the power consumption of the IC card processing unit 5 can be reduced. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-off state (or low power consumption state), the monitoring application needs to control the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (or low power consumption state) again. Absent.

  On the other hand, when at least one IC card processing application is operating (YES in S41), the IC card processing unit 5 may communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to be in a power-on state (S42). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to supply the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card when the IC card is brought closer. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-on state, the monitoring application does not need to control the IC card processing unit 5 to be in the power-on state again.

  When the IC card processing unit 5 is in the power-on state, the monitoring application determines whether or not the IC card processing application has finished operating (S43). When the operation is finished (YES in S43), the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to be in a power-off state (S44).

  On the other hand, when the IC card processing application does not end the operation (NO in S43), the monitoring application is registered in the IC card processing table and all the IC card processing applications currently operating are used by the user. In other words, it is determined whether or not an instruction is input to the IC card processing application by a user operation (S45). Specifically, when an instruction is input to the IC card processing application by a user operation, a notification indicating that fact is transmitted to the monitoring application. The input of an instruction to the IC card processing application means that the screen of the IC card processing application is displayed on the display of the PC 1 and the screen is operated by the user. For example, page movement of the screen, character input, button selection, and the like.

  When an instruction by a user operation is not input to the IC card processing application (YES in S45), the monitoring application executes a timer count (S46). If an instruction by a user operation is input to the IC card processing application (NO in S45), the monitoring application resets the timer (S48). The monitoring application determines whether the timer count has reached a predetermined time (S47). That is, it is determined whether or not an instruction by a user operation has been input to the IC card processing application for a predetermined time or more. If the timer count has not reached the predetermined time (NO in S47), the process returns to S43.

  On the other hand, when the timer count reaches the predetermined time (YES in S47), it can be determined that the possibility that the IC card processing application communicates with the IC card is low. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (S49). Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. Thereafter, the monitoring application continuously determines whether or not an instruction by a user operation has been input to the IC card processing application (S50). If the instruction is input (YES in S50), the IC card processing unit 5 is in a power-on state. (S42). Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another operation of the monitoring application. The monitoring application determines whether the PC 1 is connected to any WEB site registered in the IC card processing application table (S51).

  When not connected to any WEB site (NO in S51), the IC card processing unit 5 does not need to communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-off state (or the low power consumption state) (S54). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to stop (or reduce) the supply of the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Thereafter, the process returns to S51. Therefore, the power consumption of the IC card processing unit 5 can be reduced. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-off state (or low power consumption state), the monitoring application needs to control the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (or low power consumption state) again. Absent.

  On the other hand, when the PC 1 is connected to at least one WEB site (YES in S51), the IC card processing unit 5 may communicate with the IC card. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power-on state (S52). Specifically, the monitoring application transmits an instruction to the power supply unit 8 to supply the power supply voltage to the IC card processing unit 5. Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card when the IC card is brought closer. When the IC card processing unit 5 is already in the power-on state, the monitoring application does not need to control the IC card processing unit 5 to be in the power-on state again.

  When the IC card processing unit 5 is in the power-on state, the monitoring application determines whether or not the connection to the WEB site is terminated (S53). When the connection to the WEB site is terminated (YES in S53), the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to a power-off state (S54).

  On the other hand, when the connection to the WEB site is not terminated (NO in S53), the monitoring application is registered in the IC card processing table, and all the WEB sites to which the PC 1 is currently connected are used by the user. In other words, it is determined whether or not an instruction has been input to the WEB site by a user operation (S55). Specifically, when an instruction is input to the WEB site by a user operation, a notification indicating that fact is transmitted from the OS to the monitoring application. The input of an instruction to the WEB site means that a screen of the WEB site is displayed on the display of the PC 1 and the screen is operated by the user. For example, page movement of the screen, character input, button selection, and the like.

  When an instruction by a user operation is not input to the WEB site (YES in S55), the monitoring application executes a timer count (S56). When an instruction by a user operation is input to the WEB site (NO in S55), the monitoring application resets the timer (S58). The monitoring application determines whether or not the timer count has reached a predetermined time (S57). That is, it is determined whether or not an instruction by a user operation has been input to the WEB site for a predetermined time or more. If the timer count has not reached the predetermined time (NO in S57), the process returns to S53.

  On the other hand, when the timer count reaches the predetermined time (YES in S57), it can be determined that the possibility that the IC card processing application communicates with the IC card is low. Therefore, the monitoring application controls the IC card processing unit 5 to the power off state (S59). Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. Thereafter, the monitoring application determines whether or not an instruction by a user operation has been input to the WEB site (S60), and if it is input (YES in S60), the IC card processing unit 5 is controlled to be in a power-on state. (S52). Therefore, the IC card processing unit 5 can communicate with the IC card.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment. You may provide with the form of the program for making a computer perform the said operation | movement, and the recording medium which recorded this.

  The present invention can be suitably employed in a PC or the like.

1 PC
2 CPU
3 HDD
4 Memory 5 IC Card Processing Unit 6 Display Unit 7 Operation Unit 8 Power Supply Unit

Claims (4)

A processing unit that communicates with the storage medium;
A power supply unit for supplying a power supply voltage to the processing unit;
Information management means for managing information on one or more application programs that the processing unit needs to communicate with a storage medium;
Determining means for determining whether at least one of the application programs managed by the information managing means is operating;
When it is determined that at least one of the application programs managed by the information management unit is operating, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state, and all of the application programs managed by the information management unit are Power supply control means for controlling the processing unit to a power-off state (or a low power consumption state) when it is determined that it is not operating ;
When the processing unit is in a power-on state, the determination unit receives an instruction corresponding to a user operation for a predetermined time or more with respect to all the application programs managed and operated by the information management unit. Determine whether it is not input continuously,
When it is determined that an instruction corresponding to a user operation has not been continuously input for a predetermined time or more with respect to all the application programs that are managed by the information management means and are operating, An information processing apparatus , wherein the control unit controls the processing unit to a power-off state (or a low power consumption state) . A processing unit that communicates with the storage medium;
A power supply unit for supplying a power supply voltage to the processing unit;
Connection means for connecting to the WEB site;
Information management means for managing information on one or more WEB sites that the processing unit needs to communicate with a storage medium;
Determination means for determining whether or not the connection means is connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information management means;
When it is determined that the connection unit is connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information management unit, the processing unit is controlled to be in a power-on state and is managed by the information management unit An information processing apparatus comprising: a power supply control unit configured to control the processing unit to a power-off state (or a low power consumption state) when it is determined that the connection unit is not connected to any WEB site. When the processing unit is in a power-on state, the determination unit instructs the WEB site managed by the information management unit and connected to the connection unit according to a user operation. Determine whether or not has been entered for more than a certain amount of time,
When it is determined that an instruction corresponding to a user operation has not been continuously input for a predetermined time or more for all WEB sites managed by the information management unit and connected to the connection unit The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the power control unit controls the processing unit to a power-off state (or a low power consumption state). A processing unit that communicates with the storage medium;
A power supply unit for supplying a power supply voltage to the processing unit;
Connection means for connecting to the WEB site;
Information management means for managing information on one or more application programs that the processing unit needs to communicate with a storage medium, and information on one or more WEB sites that the processing unit needs to communicate with a storage medium; ,
It is determined whether or not at least one of application programs managed by the information management unit is operating or the connection unit is connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information management unit. A judgment means to
When it is determined that at least one of the application programs managed by the information management unit is operating, or the connection unit is connected to at least one of the WEB sites managed by the information management unit. If it is determined that all the application programs managed by the information management unit are not operating, the WEB managed by the information management unit is controlled. An information processing apparatus comprising: power control means for controlling the processing unit to a power off state (or a low power consumption state) when it is determined that the connection means is not connected to any site.

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