JP6774000B1 - Information processing equipment, control equipment and programs - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the number of terminal devices whose battery is charged with an electric energy equal to or more than a threshold value. SOLUTION: The information processing device includes a remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level for each of a plurality of terminal devices, a received power amount acquisition unit for acquiring a received power amount for each of the plurality of terminal devices, and a plurality of received power amount acquisition units. A selection control unit that selects one or more selected terminal devices that supply power to charge the battery from the terminal devices, and a charging control device that supplies power to one or more selected terminal devices to charge the battery. The selection control unit includes an instruction transmission unit that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device, and the selection control unit has a battery remaining amount from the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices is lower than a preset threshold value. In order from the terminal device whose amount is close to the threshold value, one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total amount of received power does not exceed the amount of power that can be supplied, which is the amount of power that can be supplied by the charge control device. [Selection diagram] FIG. 12

Description

The present invention relates to information processing devices, control devices and programs.

In recent years, in schools and the like, the use of tablet computers or small computers (hereinafter referred to as tablets) for education has been studied. In such a case, the tablet is stored and managed in a dedicated rack (storage, shelf, etc.) installed in the classroom, for example. Before the start of class, students remove the tablet from the rack, activate the removed tablet, and start using it at their own seat. After class, the student stores the tablet in use in the rack and connects it to the control device in the rack via a cable. Then, the control device in the rack charges the stored tablet via the cable.

Japanese Patent No. 6562171

By the way, a large number of tablets are stored in the rack. However, if the rack charges a large number of tablets at the same time with the maximum power that can be supplied, the total power supply may exceed the maximum allowable power. If the rack tries to supply power that exceeds the maximum allowable power, the breaker or the like operates and the power supply to the classroom is cut off. For this reason, the rack must perform rotary charging in which a part of a plurality of tablets is alternately charged by using a timer or the like, and supply power to the plurality of tablets so as not to exceed the allowable maximum power. It was.

In addition, when installed in a classroom, the rack must have at least the remaining battery level of the number of tablets used in the next lesson at least the required amount of power by the start of the next lesson. Therefore, the rack must allocate power appropriately to increase the number of tablets that can be used in the next lesson, instead of charging all of the large number of tablets that it stores uniformly.

The disclosed technology is made in view of the above, and increases the number of terminal devices in which the battery is charged with a power amount equal to or more than a preset threshold value during a period in which a sufficient charging time cannot be secured. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device, a control device and a program capable of providing the information processing device, the control device and the program.

The information processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that controls a charging control device that performs information communication and power supply via a cable with each of the plurality of terminal devices, and is an information processing device of the plurality of terminal devices. For each, the remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level and the received power amount for acquiring the received power amount which is the amount of power received from the charge control device at the current remaining battery level for each of the plurality of terminal devices. The acquisition unit, a selection control unit that selects one or more selection terminal devices that supply power to charge a battery from the plurality of terminal devices, and the charge control device to the one or more selection terminal devices. A power supply instruction for supplying power for charging a battery is provided to the charge control device, and the selection control unit includes, for each charging interval, which is a predetermined period, of the plurality of terminal devices. From the first group in which the remaining battery level is lower than the preset threshold value, the total amount of received power can be supplied by the charge control device in order from the terminal device whose remaining battery level is closer to the threshold value. The one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range that does not exceed the amount of power that can be supplied , and the instruction transmitting unit charges the battery each time the one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. The charge control device is given the power supply instruction to supply power for charging the battery from the control device to the new one or more selected terminal devices .

The control device according to the second aspect of the present invention is a control device including a charge control device that performs information communication and power supply via cables with each of a plurality of terminal devices, and an information processing device that controls the charge control device. In the information processing device, the remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level for each of the plurality of terminal devices and the charge control for each of the plurality of terminal devices at the current remaining battery level. A receiving power amount acquisition unit that acquires the received power amount, which is the amount of power received from the device, and a selection control unit that selects one or more selected terminal devices that supply power to charge the battery from the plurality of terminal devices. The selection control unit includes an instruction transmission unit that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device to supply power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the one or more selection terminal devices. Is from the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices is lower than the preset threshold value at each charging interval, which is a predetermined period, from the terminal device whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value. In turn, one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total received power amount does not exceed the supplyable power amount, which is the power amount that can be supplied by the charge control device , and the instruction transmission unit performs the instruction transmission unit. Each time one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected, the charging is instructed to supply power for charging the battery from the charging control device to the new one or more selected terminal devices. Give to the control device .

The program according to the third aspect of the present invention is a program for causing an information processing device to control a charging control device that performs information communication and power supply via a cable with each of a plurality of terminal devices, and is the above-mentioned information processing. It is the amount of power received from the charge control device at the current remaining battery level for each of the remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level and the plurality of terminal devices for each of the plurality of terminal devices. The received power amount acquisition unit that acquires the received power amount, the selection control unit that selects one or more selected terminal devices that supply power to charge the battery from the plurality of terminal devices, and the charge control device. A power supply instruction for supplying power to one or more selected terminal devices for charging the battery is made to function as an instruction transmitting unit for giving the charge control device, and the selected control unit is for a predetermined period. For each charging interval , the received power is sequentially received from the first group in which the remaining battery level is lower than the preset threshold value among the plurality of terminal devices, starting from the terminal device whose remaining battery level is closer to the threshold value. Within a range in which the total amount does not exceed the amount of power that can be supplied, which is the amount of power that can be supplied by the charge control device, the one or more selected terminal devices are selected, and the instruction transmitting unit uses the one or more selected terminal devices. Each time is newly selected, the charge control device is given the power supply instruction for supplying power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the new one or more selected terminal devices .

According to the information processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of terminal devices in which a battery is charged with a power amount equal to or more than a preset threshold value is increased during a period in which a sufficient charging time cannot be secured. Can be done.

According to the control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the number of terminal devices in which the battery is charged with a power amount equal to or more than a preset threshold value during a period in which a sufficient charging time cannot be secured. it can.

According to the program according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the number of terminal devices in which the battery is charged with a power amount equal to or more than a preset threshold value during a period in which a sufficient charging time cannot be secured. ..

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the charging cabinet. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the terminal device housed in the charging cabinet. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charging cabinet in which a terminal device is housed, together with a school server and a wireless communication device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration when the charging cabinet includes a plurality of charging control devices. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the charge control device together with the plurality of terminal devices. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal device and the hardware configuration of the terminal control unit in the charge control device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system when the terminal device is connected to the charge control device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of an information processing system when supplying electric power to a terminal device to be charged. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system when acquiring the remaining battery level. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system when acquiring the received electric energy. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting input image of the rotation charging mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal designated image in the early charge mode. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing parameters managed in the early charge mode. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the states of a plurality of terminal devices. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the information processing apparatus in the early charge mode. FIG. 18 is a flowchart following FIG.

The information processing system 10 according to the embodiment will be described below. The disclosed technology is not limited depending on the embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system 10. In the present embodiment, the information processing system 10 is a system for supporting lessons in a school. The information processing system 10 is not limited to supporting lessons at school, and may be applied to other environments. The information processing system 10 may be applied to any environment as long as it is an environment in which a large number of participants work or learn while operating a computer, such as in a company, a seminar, or a conference. ..

The information processing system 10 includes a plurality of terminal devices 20, a school server 22, a wireless communication device 24, and a charging cabinet 26 (control device).

Each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 is a tablet-type or notebook-type computer. The terminal device 20 has an information input function, an output function, and an information processing function. The terminal device 20 has a secondary battery and can be operated by the electric power charged in the secondary battery. Therefore, the terminal device 20 can be carried by the user. Further, the terminal device 20 has a wireless communication function, and can perform information communication with another device without using a communication cable.

The school server 22 is a server-type computer, and is accessed from a plurality of terminal devices 20 via an internal network. Further, the school server 22 restricts access from a device on the external network to a device on the internal network, or restricts access from a device on the internal network to a device on the external network, for example.

The wireless communication device 24 is provided outside the charging cabinet 26. The wireless communication device 24 is connected to the internal network by wire. The wireless communication device 24 is connected to each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 by wireless communication. The wireless communication device 24 allows the terminal device 20 connected by wireless communication to access another device on the internal network.

The charging cabinet 26 houses a plurality of terminal devices 20 inside. The terminal device 20 housed inside the charging cabinet 26 can be taken out by the user.

The charging cabinet 26 charges the terminal device 20 housed inside. Further, the charging cabinet 26 can start or shut down the power supply of the terminal device 20 housed inside. The charging cabinet 26 can communicate with the terminal device 20 housed inside by wire. Further, the charging cabinet 26 can also wirelessly communicate with the terminal device 20 in a state where the terminal device 20 housed therein is activated.

Further, the charging cabinet 26 is connected to the internal network. The charging cabinet 26 can operate and communicate with the terminal device 20 housed inside in response to an instruction from an external device.

In such an information processing system 10, each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 is taken out from the charging cabinet 26 by the student before the start of the lesson. During class, the terminal device 20 is used by the student. During the lesson, the terminal device 20 accesses the school server 22 via the wireless communication device 24. As a result, during the lesson, the terminal device 20 can download the material data from the school server 22 and make the student refer to it. Further, during the lesson, the terminal device 20 can upload the information input by the student (for example, the answer to the problem) to the server 22 in the school.

Further, each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 is housed in the charging cabinet 26 after the lesson is completed. The charging cabinet 26 charges the stored terminal device 20 by the start of the next lesson. As a result, the charging cabinet 26 can prevent the terminal device 20 from becoming inoperable due to running out of charge during the lesson.

Further, the charging cabinet 26 operates the stored terminal device 20 in response to a remote control from an external device or the like. Then, the charging cabinet 26 causes the stored terminal device 20 to update the program or install the program in response to a remote control from an external device or the like. As a result, the charging cabinet 26 allows a maintenance worker at a remote location to maintain the terminal device 20.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the charging cabinet 26. The charging cabinet 26 has a storage unit 28. The plurality of terminal devices 20 are stored in predetermined positions of the storage unit 28.

Further, the charging cabinet 26 has a charging control device 30 and an information processing device 32. The charge control device 30 executes charge control and communication control for the stored terminal device 20. Further, the information processing device 32 communicates with another device via the internal network. Further, the information processing device 32 controls the charge control device 30 and wirelessly communicates with the stored terminal device 20.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a peripheral portion of the terminal device 20 housed in the charging cabinet 26. The terminal device 20 housed in the charging cabinet 26 is connected to the charging control device 30 via a cable 34.

The cable 34 can be attached to the terminal device 20. During the storage operation, the terminal device 20 is manually attached to the cable 34 by the user. Further, at the time of removal work, the terminal device 20 is manually removed from the cable 34 by the user.

The cable 34 complies with a standard that defines specifications for power supply and information communication between two devices. In the present embodiment, the cable 34 is a USB Type-C cable conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) -C standard. According to this standard, power can be supplied as well as information is communicated between the two devices.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging cabinet 26 in which the terminal device 20 is housed together with the school server 22 and the wireless communication device 24. The charging cabinet 26 includes a charging control device 30, an information processing device 32, a plurality of cables 34, a power strip 36, and a plurality of AC adapters 38 (power converters).

The charge control device 30 is connected to one or more terminal devices 20 via a cable 34. For each of the one or a plurality of cables 34, one terminal is connected to the charge control device 30, and the other terminal can be connected to the terminal device 20.

The charge control device 30 executes charge control and communication control for each of the one or a plurality of terminal devices 20. The configuration of the charge control device 30 will be described in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 6 and later.

The information processing device 32 is a computer having a communication function and an information processing function. The information processing device 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and executes information processing according to an installed program. Further, the information processing device 32 is connected to the internal network and performs information communication with other devices on the internal network. In addition, the information processing device 32 performs information communication with other devices on the external network via the school server 22.

Further, the information processing device 32 is connected to the charge control device 30 via the internal communication cable 40. As a result, the information processing device 32 can control the charge control device 30.

The internal communication cable 40 connects the information processing device 32 and the charge control device 30. The internal communication cable 40 is a USB Type-A to C cable conforming to the USB-C standard. The internal communication cable 40 is not limited to this, and may be a cable conforming to other standards.

The power strip 36 is connected to a commercial AC power outlet provided in the classroom via an AC cable. Further, the power tap 36 has a plurality of sub power outlets. An AC adapter 38 for supplying DC power to the information processing device 32 is connected to the sub power outlet of the power tap 36. The AC adapter 38 converts the AC power supplied from the power strip 36 into DC power and supplies the power to the information processing device 32. As a result, the information processing device 32 can operate using AC power as a power source.

Further, an AC adapter 38 for supplying DC power to the charge control device 30 is connected to the sub power outlet of the power tap 36. The AC adapter 38 converts the AC power supplied from the power strip 36 into DC power and supplies the power to the charge control device 30. As a result, the charge control device 30 can operate using AC power as a power source.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration when the charging cabinet 26 includes a plurality of charging control devices 30. The charging cabinet 26 may have a plurality of charging control devices 30. In the present embodiment, the plurality of charge control devices 30 are cascaded by the internal communication cable 40. The information processing device 32 may be individually (parallel) connected to each of the plurality of charge control devices 30.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the charge control device 30 together with the plurality of terminal devices 20. The charge control device 30 includes an upper conversion unit 42, a device control unit 44, and a plurality of terminal control units 46.

The upper conversion unit 42 is connected to the information processing device 32 via the internal communication cable 40. The upper conversion unit 42 converts the signal format between the signal line of the internal communication cable 40 and the signal line input / output by the device control unit 44 and the plurality of terminal control units 46.

In the present embodiment, the device control unit 44 and the plurality of terminal control units 46 input / output signals in the RS485 format. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper conversion unit 42 converts the signal format between USB-C and RS485.

When the device control unit 44 and the plurality of terminal control units 46 input / output USB-C signals, the charge control unit 30 does not have to have the upper conversion unit 42. Further, the upper conversion unit 42 may convert not only RS485 but also other formats.

The device control unit 44 has a processor circuit or the like inside. The device control unit 44 controls the entire charge control device 30.

Each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 can be connected to the terminal device 20 via the cable 34. Each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 executes charge control and communication control for the terminal device 20 connected via the corresponding cable 34. Each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 may be connected to a plurality of terminal devices 20 via a plurality of cables 34.

Further, each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 receives a command from the information processing device 32 via the upper conversion unit 42. Each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 can also execute charge control and communication control in response to a command received from the information processing device 32. Further, each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 notifies the information processing device 32 via the upper conversion unit 42 of the status of the terminal device 20 connected via the corresponding cable 34 and the like.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 and a hardware configuration of the terminal control unit 46 in the charge control device 30.

Each of the plurality of terminal control units 46 included in the charge control device 30 includes a charge side PD controller 52 (power supply controller, charge control unit), a charge side communication processor 54, a lower conversion unit 56, and a charge side power supply unit 58. And have.

The charging side PD controller 52 can be connected to the terminal device 20 via the cable 34. The charging-side PD controller 52 performs power supply and information communication in accordance with a standard that defines specifications for power supply and information communication using the cable 34.

In the present embodiment, the charging side PD controller 52 performs power supply and information communication with the terminal device 20 in a manner compliant with the USB-C standard. In the present embodiment, the charging side PD controller 52 transmits and receives a VDM (Vendor Defined Messaging) signal to and from the terminal device 20 via a CC (Configuration Cannel) signal line in the cable 34 conforming to the USB-C standard.

When the charging side PD controller 52 is connected to the terminal device 20 via the cable 34, the charging side PD controller 52 executes a sequence (power delivery sequence) predetermined in the standard with the terminal device 20 to execute the terminal device 20. Set the combination of voltage and current to be supplied to. In the present embodiment, the charging side PD controller 52 sets a power profile indicating a combination of voltage and current supplied to the terminal device 20 by executing a power delivery sequence defined by the USB-C standard. Then, the charging-side PD controller 52 gives an instruction to the charging-side power supply unit 58 to supply power to the terminal device 20 by the combination of the voltage and the current shown in the set power profile.

The charging-side communication processor 54 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and controls the charging-side PD controller 52. The charging-side communication processor 54 expands, for example, a program stored in advance in the ROM into the RAM, and controls according to the program. Further, the charging side communication processor 54 receives a command from the information processing device 32 via the lower conversion unit 56 and the upper conversion unit 42 according to the program. Further, the charging side communication processor 54 notifies the information processing device 32 of the information via the lower conversion unit 56 and the upper conversion unit 42 according to the program.

The lower conversion unit 56 is connected to the upper conversion unit 42 via a bus. The lower conversion unit 56 converts the signal format between the signal line of the bus connected to the upper conversion unit 42 and the signal line input / output by the charging side communication processor 54.

In the present embodiment, the charging side communication processor 54 inputs / outputs a signal in a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) format. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower conversion unit 56 converts the signal format between RS485 and UART.

When the charging side communication processor 54 inputs / outputs the RS485 signal, the terminal control unit 46 does not have to have the lower conversion unit 56. Further, the lower conversion unit 56 may convert not only RS485 but also other formats.

The charging side power supply unit 58 receives power from the AC adapter 38 that converts the AC voltage into direct current. The charging-side power supply unit 58 supplies power to the terminal device 20 via the cable 34 in accordance with the instruction from the charging-side PD controller 52 by the combination of voltage and current indicated in the designated power profile.

The terminal device 20 includes a terminal-side PD controller 62 (power supply controller), a terminal-side communication processor 64, a processing circuit 66, a wireless communication unit 68, a battery 70, a terminal-side power supply unit 72, and a power switch 74. Has.

The terminal-side PD controller 62 can be connected to the charge control device 30 via the cable 34. The terminal-side PD controller 62 receives power supply and performs information communication in accordance with a standard that defines specifications for power supply and information communication using the cable 34.

In the present embodiment, the terminal-side PD controller 62 receives power supply from the charge control device 30 in a manner compliant with the USB-C standard, and also performs information communication. In the present embodiment, the terminal-side PD controller 62 transmits and receives a VDM signal to and from the charge control device 30 via the CC signal line in the cable 34 conforming to the USB-C standard.

When the terminal-side PD controller 62 is connected to the charge control device 30 via the cable 34, the terminal-side PD controller 62 is charged by executing a sequence (power delivery sequence) predetermined in the standard with the charge control device 30. The combination of voltage and current received from the control device 30 is set. In the present embodiment, the terminal-side PD controller 62 sets a power profile indicating a combination of voltage and current received from the charge control device 30 by executing a power delivery sequence defined by the USB-C standard. Then, the terminal-side PD controller 62 gives an instruction to the terminal-side power supply unit 72 to receive the electric power of the combination of the voltage and the current shown in the set power profile from the charge control device 30.

The terminal-side communication processor 64 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and controls the terminal-side PD controller 62. The terminal-side communication processor 64 expands, for example, a program stored in advance in the ROM into the RAM, and controls according to the program. For example, the terminal-side communication processor 64 gives the processing circuit 66 information about the charge control device 30 connected via the cable 34 and the like. Further, the terminal-side communication processor 64 controls the power supply state based on the information received from the charge control device 30 via the cable 34, the signal from the internal circuit of the terminal device 20, and the operation of the power switch 74.

The processing circuit 66 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and executes overall control of the terminal device 20. The processing circuit 66 expands a program stored in advance in the ROM into the RAM, and controls according to the program. The processing circuit 66 gives a command to the terminal-side communication processor 64 or acquires information from the terminal-side communication processor 64 according to the execution of the program. Further, the processing circuit 66 controls the wireless communication unit 68 according to the execution of the program.

The wireless communication unit 68 performs wireless communication according to the control by the processing circuit 66. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 68 wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication device 24. Then, the wireless communication unit 68 relays information communication between the processing circuit 66 and another device.

The battery 70 is a secondary battery. The battery 70 supplies electric power to each circuit included in the terminal device 20.

The terminal-side power supply unit 72 receives electric power from the battery 70, and supplies the electric power received from the battery 70 to each circuit such as the processing circuit 66 and the wireless communication unit 68. The terminal-side PD controller 62, the terminal-side communication processor 64, and the terminal-side power supply unit 72 are constantly supplied with electric power regardless of the power supply state of the terminal device 20.

Further, the terminal-side power supply unit 72 can also receive electric power from the charge control device 30 via the cable 34 in accordance with the instruction from the terminal-side PD controller 62. In this case, the terminal-side power supply unit 72 supplies the electric power received from the charge control device 30 to each circuit such as the processing circuit 66 and the wireless communication unit 68 via the power switch 74. Further, the terminal-side power supply unit 72 charges the battery 70 by supplying the electric power received from the charge control device 30 to the battery 70 via the cable 34.

The power switch 74 is a push switch provided in the housing and performing an alternate operation. The power switch 74 is operated by the user.

When the power switch 74 is pressed by the user, the terminal-side communication processor 64 switches the power state. For example, the terminal-side communication processor 64 switches to the on state when the power switch 74 is pressed in the off state. Further, the terminal-side communication processor 64 switches to the off state when the power switch 74 is pressed in the on state. Further, the terminal-side communication processor 64 switches the power supply state (on state or off state) according to the information (wake-up command, sleep command, etc.) received from the charge control device 30 via the cable 34. Further, the terminal-side communication processor 64 also switches the power supply state by a signal from the internal circuit of the terminal device 20.

The terminal-side power supply unit 72 supplies electric power to each circuit such as the processing circuit 66 and the wireless communication unit 68 in the on state. The terminal-side power supply unit 72 cuts off the power supply to each circuit such as the processing circuit 66 and the wireless communication unit 68 in the off state.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system 10 when the terminal device 20 is connected to the charge control device 30. When the terminal device 20 is connected to the charge control device 30, the information processing system 10 executes the process in the flow as shown in FIG.

First, the terminal device 20 is physically connected to the charge control device 30 via a cable 34 (S111-1, S111-2). Subsequently, the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 execute the power delivery sequence and set the power profile (S112-1, S112-2). As a result, the charge control device 30 can supply the power of the voltage and the current indicated in the set power profile to the terminal device 20.

Here, the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 execute the following procedure as a power delivery sequence. First, each of the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 is preset with power delivery object information in which one or more power profiles that can be supplied or input are described. The charge control device 30 transmits power delivery object information including one or a plurality of preset power profiles to the terminal device 20. Subsequently, the terminal device 20 determines one power profile for which supply is requested from the power delivery object information sent from the charge control device 30, and provides response information indicating the determined power profile to the charge control device 30. Send to. Then, the charge control device 30 starts supplying power to the terminal device 20 according to the power profile shown in the response information. By executing such a procedure, the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 can supply power to the terminal device 20 by the combination of the voltage and the current shown in the power profile.

In the USB-C standard, "5V / 0.9A", "5V / 3A", "9V / 3A", "12V / 3A", "15V / 3A" and "20V / 3A" are defined as power profiles. ing. Further, in the USB-C standard, the minimum voltage and the minimum current "5V / 0.9A" are defined as the default power profile. It is stipulated that devices conforming to the USB-C standard must be able to supply and receive power with the default power profile.

In this embodiment, the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 perform a default power profile (5V / 0.) By executing a power delivery sequence immediately after the terminal device 20 is physically connected via the cable 34. 9A) is set. For example, the charge control device 30 transmits power delivery object information in which only the default power profile is described to the terminal device 20 in the power delivery sequence immediately after the terminal device 20 is connected via the cable 34. As a result, the charge control device 30 supplies power to the terminal device 20 by the voltage and current shown in the default power profile (5V / 0.9A) immediately after the terminal device 20 is connected via the cable 34. can do.

The charge control device 30 can supply only a very small amount of power to the terminal device 20 set to the default power profile (5V / 0.9A) as compared with other power profiles. Therefore, the charge control device 30 cannot substantially charge the terminal device 20 set to the default power profile (5V / 0.9A).

The charge control device 30 is connected when the terminal device 20 is physically connected (S111-1, S111-2) and the power delivery sequence is executed (S112-1, S112-2). The connection information of 20 is transmitted to the information processing device 32 (S113-1, S113-2). The charge control device 30 transmits connection information each time a new terminal device 20 is physically connected. Further, when the terminal device 20 already physically connected is removed, the charge control device 30 transmits connection information indicating that the terminal device 20 has been removed to the information processing device 32.

Each time the information processing device 32 receives connection information from the charge control device 30, the information processing device 32 registers the terminal device 20 connected to the charge control device 30 (S114). For example, the information processing device 32 registers the identification information, the port number, and the like of the terminal device 20 newly connected to the charge control device 30 in the memory. Further, for example, the information processing device 32 deletes the identification information, the port number, and the like of the terminal device 20 removed from the charge control device 30 from the memory.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system 10 when supplying electric power to the terminal device 20 to be charged.

The information processing system 10 may supply electric power capable of charging the battery 70 to a part of the terminal devices 20 (charge targets) among the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30. .. In this case, a small amount of electric power that cannot charge the battery 70 is supplied to some of the other terminal devices 20 (non-charging targets) of the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30. ..

For example, the information processing device 32 gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device 30 for the charge target, which is the terminal device 20 to be charged (S131). The power supply instruction is a profile setting instruction for setting the power profile for the terminal device 20 to the maximum power profile indicating the maximum power that can be supplied.

The maximum power profile is a profile indicating the maximum power among the power profiles that can be set between the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20. For example, the charge control device 30 can supply power at 5V / 0.9A "," 5V / 3A "," 9V / 3A "," 12V / 3A "," 15V / 3A "and" 20V / 3A ". , It is assumed that the terminal device 20 can receive power at 5V / 0.9A ”,“ 5V / 3A ”and“ 20V / 3A ”. In this case, the maximum power profile is "20V / 3A", which is the maximum power of the power profiles common to each other.

Upon receiving the power supply instruction from the information processing device 32, the charge control device 30 executes the charge target and the power delivery sequence so that the voltage and the current are supplied according to the maximum power profile (S132).

The charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 may not be able to change the power profile in the state of being connected via the cable 34 after the power delivery sequence is once executed. In this case, the charge control device 30 may be reconnected after disconnecting the power supply and information communication via the cable 34 with the corresponding terminal device 20. For example, the charge control device 30 may open the ground line or power line in the cable 34 to temporarily disconnect the power supply and information communication, and then connect the ground line or power line. As a result, the charge control device 30 and the terminal device 20 can execute the power delivery sequence again.

On the other hand, the information processing device 32 gives a supply stop instruction to the charge control device 30 for the non-charge target, which is the terminal device 20 that is not the charge target (S141). The supply stop instruction is a profile setting instruction that sets the power profile for the terminal device 20 to the default power profile of the minimum voltage and the minimum current.

Upon receiving the supply stop instruction from the information processing device 32, the charge control device 30 executes a power delivery sequence with the connected non-charge target so that the voltage and current are supplied according to the default power profile (S142). ..

In the processing of S132 and S142, the charge control device 30 does not have to execute the power delivery sequence when the power profile before the change and the power profile after the change of the terminal device 20 match. .. As a result, the charge control device 30 can eliminate the processing of the power delivery sequence with the terminal device 20 that does not change the power profile.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system 10 when acquiring the remaining battery level. When acquiring the remaining battery level, the information processing system 10 executes the process in the flow as shown in FIG.

First, the information processing device 32 transmits to the charge control device 30 a request for acquiring the remaining battery level, which represents the remaining amount of electric power charged in the battery 70, with respect to the terminal device 20 connected to the charge control device 30 (S151). ). Subsequently, the charge control device 30 transmits a transmission command for the remaining battery level to the corresponding terminal device 20 by means of the VDM signal (S152).

Subsequently, the terminal device 20 that has received the transmission command of the remaining battery level acquires the remaining battery level (S153). Subsequently, the terminal device 20 that has received the battery remaining amount transmission command transmits the battery remaining amount to the charge control device 30 by means of the VDM signal (S154). Subsequently, the charge control device 30 transmits the remaining battery level received from the terminal device 20 to the information processing device 32 (S155). When the information processing device 32 receives the remaining battery level, it registers it in the memory in association with the identification information of the terminal device 20.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system 10 when acquiring the received electric energy.

Each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 manages the maximum power consumption amount received from the charge control device 30 via the cable 34 as the received power amount when connected to the charge control device 30. In general, the amount of received power correlates with the remaining battery level. The terminal device 20 stores information indicating the amount of received power for each remaining battery level. For example, the terminal device 20 generates and stores information representing the received power amount for each remaining amount by detecting the relationship between the past remaining amount and the power consumption amount. Further, for example, the terminal device 20 may store information representing the amount of received power for each remaining amount calculated by the designer or the like at the time of manufacturing.

When the information processing device 32 acquires such a received electric energy, the information processing system 10 executes the process in the flow as shown in FIG. First, the information processing device 32 transmits a request for acquiring the received electric energy to the charge control device 30 for the terminal device 20 connected to the charge control device 30 (S161). Subsequently, the charge control device 30 transmits a transmission command of the received electric energy to the corresponding terminal device 20 by the VDM signal (S162).

Subsequently, the terminal device 20 that has received the transmission command of the received electric energy acquires the received electric energy (S163). Subsequently, the terminal device 20 that has received the transmission command of the received electric energy transmits the received electric energy to the charge control device 30 by the VDM signal (S164). Subsequently, the charge control device 30 transmits the received electric energy received from the terminal device 20 to the information processing device 32 (S165). When the information processing device 32 receives the received electric energy, it registers it in the memory in association with the identification information of the terminal device 20.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing device 32. The information processing device 32 includes a mode reception unit 80, a connection detection unit 82, a priority terminal reception unit 84, a target terminal reception unit 86, a remaining amount acquisition unit 88, a received electric energy acquisition unit 90, and supplyable power. The quantity acquisition unit 92, the selection control unit 94, the instruction transmission unit 96, and the rotation control unit 98 are provided.

The mode reception unit 80 receives whether to operate in the early charge mode or the rotary charge mode. The mode reception unit 80 causes the selection control unit 94 to execute the control when the early charge mode is accepted, and causes the rotation control unit 98 to execute the control when the rotation charge mode is received.

For example, the mode reception unit 80 switches the mode according to the operation of the user. Further, the mode reception unit 80 may switch the mode according to the date and the time zone. For example, the mode reception unit 80 sets the rotation charging mode in the night time zone and sets the early charging mode in the daytime time zone (for example, the class time zone).

The connection detection unit 82 acquires connection information from the charge control device 30. Then, the connection detection unit 82 registers the port number and the like of the terminal device 20 connected to the charge control device 30 in the memory.

The priority terminal reception unit 84 receives the designation of the priority terminal device for preferential charging among the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30 in the early charge mode. For example, the priority terminal reception unit 84 accepts the terminal device 20 designated by the user as the priority terminal device. Further, for example, the priority terminal receiving unit 84 may accept the terminal device 20 connected to a specific port as the priority terminal device. Further, for example, the priority terminal receiving unit 84 may accept the terminal device 20 that has transmitted a specific identification code at the time of connection as the priority terminal device.

The target terminal reception unit 86 receives the designation of one or a plurality of terminal devices 20 to be charged among the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30 in the early charge mode. For example, the target terminal reception unit 86 accepts the terminal device 20 designated by the user as the target terminal device. Further, for example, the target terminal receiving unit 86 may accept the terminal device 20 connected to a specific port as the target terminal device. Further, for example, the target terminal receiving unit 86 may accept the terminal device 20 that has transmitted a specific identification code at the time of connection as the target terminal device.

Further, the target terminal reception unit 86 may accept the number of terminal devices 20 whose remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the threshold value. In this case, the target terminal receiving unit 86 and any of the received number of terminal devices 20 among the plurality of terminal devices 20 are specified as the plurality of target terminal devices.

The terminal device 20 designated as the priority terminal device may be designated as the target terminal device in duplicate. Further, the terminal device 20 designated as the priority terminal device may not be designated as the target terminal device. Even if it is not designated as the target terminal device, the terminal device 20 designated as the priority terminal device is preferentially charged.

The remaining amount acquisition unit 88 acquires the remaining battery amount of each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30. The battery level is expressed as a percentage, for example.

When a new terminal device 20 is connected to the charge control device 30, the remaining amount acquisition unit 88 acquires the remaining battery level of the newly connected terminal device 20. Further, the remaining amount acquisition unit 88 gives a battery remaining amount acquisition request to the charge control device 30 for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30, and acquires the battery remaining amount.

The received electric energy acquisition unit 90 acquires the received electric energy for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30. When a new terminal device 20 is connected to the charge control device 30, the received electric energy acquisition unit 90 acquires the received electric energy of the newly connected terminal device 20. Further, the received electric energy acquisition unit 90 gives an acquisition request for the received electric energy to the charge control device 30 for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30, and acquires the received electric energy.

The received electric energy acquisition unit 90 may estimate the received electric energy from the remaining battery level acquired from the terminal device 20 instead of acquiring the received electric energy from the terminal device 20. For example, the received electric energy acquisition unit 90 stores in advance the correspondence information indicating the relationship between the remaining battery level and the received power amount, and calculates the received power amount based on the acquired battery remaining amount and the correspondence relationship information. You may.

The supplyable electric energy acquisition unit 92 acquires the supplyable electric energy. The amount of power that can be supplied is the amount of power that can be supplied to the plurality of terminal devices 20 by the charge control device 30. For example, the amount of power that can be supplied is preset by a user or the like based on the amount of power that can be input from the power strip 36. For example, the amount of power that can be supplied is the amount of power that can be input from the power strip 36 minus the amount of required power. The required electric energy is, for example, the electric energy consumed by the charging cabinet 26, the electric energy consumed when all the ports of the charging control device 30 are supplied with the default electric energy profile (for example, 5V / 0.9A). , And the value obtained by adding the margin power amount. The information processing device 32 may acquire the amount of power that can be supplied from the charge control device 30, or may be acquired from the school server 22 or the like via the internal network.

The selection control unit 94 operates in the early charge mode. In the early charge mode, the selection control unit 94 selects one or more selection terminal devices that supply electric power for charging the battery 70 from among the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30.

The instruction transmission unit 96 gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device 30 to supply power for charging the battery 70 from the charge control device 30 to one or more selected terminal devices in the early charge mode. Further, the instruction transmission unit 96 gives a supply stop instruction to the charge control device 30 to stop the power supply to the terminal device 20 not selected from the charge control device 30 in the early charge mode.

More specifically, when the priority terminal device and the target terminal device are not specified, the selection control unit 94 is in the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices 20 is lower than the preset threshold value. Therefore, in order from the terminal device 20 whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value, one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total received power amount does not exceed the supplyable power amount. Further, when the priority terminal device and the target terminal device are not specified, the selection control unit 94 sets the charging interval, which is a predetermined period, until the remaining battery levels of all the terminal devices 20 included in the first group become equal to or higher than the threshold value. Each time, one or more selection terminal devices are selected. When the priority terminal device and the target terminal device are not specified, the instruction transmission unit 96 receives new one or more selected terminal devices from the charge control device 30 each time one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. The charge control device 30 is instructed to supply electric power to charge the battery 70.

When the priority terminal device is specified and the target terminal device is not specified, the selection control unit 94 has the remaining battery from the first group of the plurality of terminal devices 20 excluding the priority terminal device. Select one or more selected terminal devices in order from the terminal device 20 whose amount is close to the threshold, within a range in which the total received power amount does not exceed the remaining power amount obtained by subtracting the received power amount of the priority terminal device from the supplyable power amount. To do. Further, the selection control unit 94 selects one or more selected terminal devices for each charging interval until the remaining battery levels of the priority terminal devices and all the terminal devices 20 included in the first group reach the threshold value or more. When the priority terminal device is specified and the target terminal device is not specified, the instruction transmission unit 96 receives the priority terminal device from the charge control device 30 every time one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. And the charge control device 30 is given a power supply instruction to supply power to the new one or more selected terminal devices for charging the battery 70.

When the priority terminal device and the plurality of target terminal devices are specified, the selection control unit 94 sets the battery remaining amount lower than the preset threshold value among the plurality of target terminal devices excluding the priority terminal device. From the first group, in order from the target terminal device whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold, the total received power amount does not exceed the remaining power amount obtained by subtracting the received power amount of the priority terminal device from the supplyable power amount. Select one or more selected terminal devices. Further, the selection control unit 94 selects one or more selected terminal devices for each charging interval until the remaining battery levels of the priority terminal device and all the target terminal devices included in the first group reach the threshold value or more. Then, when the priority terminal device and the target terminal device are designated, the instruction transmission unit 96 receives the priority terminal device and the new one or more from the charge control device 30 each time one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. The charge control device 30 is given a power supply instruction for supplying power to the selected terminal device for charging the battery 70.

The rotation control unit 98 operates in the rotation charging mode. In the rotation charging mode, the rotation control unit 98 sequentially selects one target group from a plurality of groups obtained by dividing the plurality of terminal devices 20 for each charging interval, which is a predetermined period. Then, in the rotation charging mode, each time the target group is selected, the instruction transmission unit 96 supplies electric power from the charge control device 30 to one or more terminal devices 20 included in the target group to charge the battery 70. The charge control device 30 is instructed to supply electric power.

In each of the plurality of groups in the rotary charging mode, when power is supplied to one or more terminal devices 20 included in the group at the same time, the total amount of power output from the charge control device 30 is the amount of power that can be supplied. Is set not to exceed. One or more terminal devices 20 included in each of the plurality of groups may be set in advance, or may be set by the rotation control unit 98 at the start of the rotation charging mode.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the setting input image 112 of the rotation charging mode. When the mode receiving unit 80 accepts the rotation charging mode, for example, the setting input image 112 as shown in FIG. 13 may be displayed on the monitor to accept the setting of the charging interval and the setting of the number of rotations. In the rotating charging mode, the charging interval is the time for charging one group. The number of rotations is the number of times the group is switched.

The rotation control unit 98 selects a new target group for each set charging interval. The rotation control unit 98 ends the charging control when the number of charging intervals reaches the number of rotations. When the number of rotations is set to unlimited, the rotation control unit 98 sets all the remaining battery levels of the plurality of terminal devices 20 connected to the charge control device 30 to a predetermined threshold value (for example, 100%). When the above is reached, the charge control is terminated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the terminal designated image 114 in the early charge mode. When the mode reception unit 80 receives the early charge mode, for example, whether or not to display the terminal designation image 114 as shown in FIG. 14 on the monitor and specify the priority terminal device or to specify the target terminal device. You may accept whether or not. For example, the mode reception unit 80 displays a check box for accepting the designation of whether or not to specify the priority terminal device and a check box for accepting the designation of whether or not to specify the target terminal device.

When the check box for designating the priority terminal device is checked, the priority terminal receiving unit 84 receives the port number of the terminal device 20 as the priority terminal device. The priority terminal reception unit 84 registers the terminal device 20 having the port number specified by the user in the memory as the priority terminal device.

When the check box for designating the target terminal device is checked, the target terminal receiving unit 86 receives the port number of the terminal device 20 as the target terminal device. The target terminal reception unit 86 registers the terminal device 20 having the port number specified by the user in the memory as the target terminal device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing parameters used in the early charge mode.

The information processing device 32 stores the parameter shown in FIG. 15 in the memory as a parameter used in the early charge mode. Specifically, the information processing device 32 stores the amount of power that can be supplied, the amount of remaining power, the threshold value, and the charging interval in the memory.

The amount of power that can be supplied is the amount of power that can be supplied to the plurality of terminal devices 20 by the charge control device 30. The residual electric energy is a value used in the process of selecting the selected terminal device to be supplied with electric power. The threshold value is a value indicating the remaining battery level at which charging is completed. The charging interval is the period during which power is supplied to the selected selected terminal device. The information processing device 32 selects one or more new selection terminal devices for each charging interval.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state of a plurality of terminal devices 20.

The information processing device 32 stores the state of the terminal device 20 connected to the port number in the memory for each port number to which the terminal device 20 is connected. Specifically, the information processing device 32 determines whether or not each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 is selected as the priority terminal device, whether or not the information processing device 32 is selected as the target terminal device, the amount of received power, the remaining battery level, and the like. And, the power supply state is stored in the memory.

The value of the received power varies depending on the remaining battery level. In the example of FIG. 16, the information processing apparatus 32 stores in the memory the amount of received power when the remaining battery level is less than 80% and the amount of received power when the remaining battery level is 80% or more. The power supply state represents on or off. When on, the terminal device 20 is supplied with power to charge the battery 70. When off, the terminal device 20 is stopped from supplying power to charge the battery 70 and has a default power profile (eg 5V / 0.9A) set.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the information processing apparatus 32 in the early charging mode. FIG. 18 is a flowchart following FIG.

The information processing device 32 executes the process in the early charge mode according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

First, in S11, the information processing device 32 initializes the respective states of the parameters shown in FIG. 15 and the plurality of terminal devices 20 shown in FIG. Subsequently, in S12, the information processing device 32 accepts the user's designation of the priority terminal device. Subsequently, in S13, the information processing device 32 accepts the user's designation of the target terminal device. If the target terminal device is not specified, the information processing device 32 uses all of the plurality of terminal devices 20 as the target terminal device. Subsequently, in S14, the information processing device 32 acquires the amount of power that can be supplied.

Subsequently, in S15, the information processing device 32 acquires the received electric energy of each of the plurality of terminal devices 20. More specifically, the information processing device 32 gives the charge control device 30 a request for acquiring the received electric energy for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20, and acquires the received electric energy.

Subsequently, in S16, the information processing device 32 stops all the power supply of the plurality of terminal devices 20. More specifically, the information processing device 32 gives a supply stop instruction for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 to the charge control device 30. Upon receiving the supply stop instruction, the charge control device 30 sets the power profile for the terminal device 20 to the default power profile.

Subsequently, in S17, the information processing device 32 turns off all the power supply states of the plurality of terminal devices 20. More specifically, the information processing device 32 turns off the supply state shown in FIG. 16 for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20.

Subsequently, in S18, the information processing apparatus 32 substitutes the supplyable electric energy acquired in S14 into the residual electric energy which is one of the parameters used in the early charge mode.

Subsequently, in S19, the information processing device 32 acquires the remaining battery levels of the plurality of terminal devices 20. More specifically, the information processing device 32 gives a request for acquiring the remaining battery level to the charge control device 30 for each of the plurality of terminal devices 20 to acquire the remaining battery level.

Subsequently, in S20, the information processing device 32 determines whether or not the remaining battery level of the priority terminal device is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value. When the remaining battery level of the priority terminal device is equal to or higher than the threshold value (Yes in S20), the information processing device 32 advances the process to S24. Further, even when the priority terminal device is not specified, the information processing device 32 advances the processing to S24.

When the remaining battery level of the priority terminal device is not equal to or higher than the threshold value (No in S20), the information processing device 32 advances the process to S21. In S21, the information processing device 32 reduces the received power amount of the priority terminal device from the remaining power amount.

Subsequently, in S22, the information processing device 32 starts supplying power to the priority terminal device. More specifically, the information processing device 32 gives a power supply instruction for the priority terminal device to the charge control device 30. Upon receiving the power supply instruction, the charge control device 30 sets the power profile for the priority terminal device to the maximum power profile.

Subsequently, in S23, the information processing device 32 turns on the power supply state of the priority terminal device. When the information processing device 32 finishes the process of S23, the information processing device 32 advances the process to S24.

In S24, the information processing device 32 determines whether or not all the remaining battery levels of the plurality of target terminal devices are equal to or higher than the threshold value. When all the remaining battery levels of the plurality of target terminal devices are equal to or higher than the threshold value (Yes in S24), the information processing device 32 ends this flow. When all the remaining battery levels of the plurality of target terminal devices are not equal to or higher than the threshold value, that is, when the remaining battery level of any of the plurality of target terminal devices is less than the threshold value (No in S24). The information processing device 32 advances the processing to S25.

In S25, the information processing device 32 identifies a candidate group in which the remaining battery level is smaller than the threshold value among the plurality of target terminal devices.

Subsequently, in S26, the information processing device 32 selects one target terminal device whose remaining battery level is closest to the threshold value among one or more target terminal devices whose power supply state is off in the candidate group. Select as. That is, the information processing device 32 selects as the selection terminal device the one target terminal device having the largest remaining battery power among the one or more target terminal devices in the candidate group whose power supply state is off.

Subsequently, in S27, the information processing device 32 determines whether or not the received power amount of the selected terminal device selected in S26 is equal to or less than the remaining power amount. When the received electric energy of the selected terminal device selected in S26 is not equal to or less than the remaining electric energy (No in S27), the information processing apparatus 32 advances the process to S32.

When the received electric energy of the selected terminal device selected in S26 is equal to or less than the remaining electric energy (Yes in S27), the information processing apparatus 32 advances the process to S28. In S28, the information processing device 32 subtracts the received power amount of the selected terminal device selected in S26 from the remaining power amount.

Subsequently, in S29, the information processing device 32 starts supplying power to the selected terminal device selected in S26. More specifically, the information processing device 32 gives the charge control device 30 a power supply instruction for the selected terminal device selected in S26. Upon receiving the power supply instruction, the charge control device 30 sets the power profile for the selected terminal device selected in S26 to the maximum power profile.

Subsequently, in S30, the information processing device 32 turns on the power supply state of the selected terminal device selected in S26. When the information processing device 32 finishes the process of S30, the information processing device 32 advances the process to S31.

In S31, the information processing device 32 determines whether or not there is a target terminal device whose power supply state is off among one or more target terminal devices included in the candidate group. When there is a target terminal device whose power supply state is off (Yes in S31), the information processing device 32 returns the process to S25 and repeats the process from S25. When there is no target terminal device whose power supply state is off (No in S31), the information processing device 32 advances the process to S32.

In S32, the information processing device 32 waits for processing during the charging interval. As a result, the information processing device 32 can charge the battery 70 of the terminal device 20 in which the power supply state is turned on. Then, after the charging interval has elapsed, the information processing device 32 returns the process to S16 and repeats the process from S16.

By executing the above processing, the information processing device 32 can accept the designation of the priority terminal device to be charged preferentially among the plurality of terminal devices 20. Further, the information processing device 32 can accept the designation of a plurality of target terminal devices having the remaining battery level equal to or higher than the threshold value among the plurality of terminal devices 20.

Then, the information processing device 32 supplies the total received electric energy in order from the terminal device 20 whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value from the first group of the plurality of target terminal devices excluding the priority terminal device. One or more selected terminal devices can be selected within a range not exceeding the remaining electric energy obtained by subtracting the received electric energy of the priority terminal device from the possible electric energy. Further, the information processing device 32 can give a power supply instruction to the charge control device 30 to supply power for charging the battery 70 to the priority terminal device and one or more selected terminal devices.

The information processing system 10 according to the above embodiment has the following effects.

The information processing device 32 according to the present embodiment is in order from the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices 20 is lower than the preset threshold value, starting from the terminal device 20 whose remaining battery level is closer to the threshold value. , Select one or more selected terminal devices within the range where the total received power amount does not exceed the supplyable power amount. Then, the information processing device 32 gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device 30 to supply power for charging the battery 70 to one or more selected terminal devices.

As a result, according to the information processing device 32, the amount of power equal to or greater than the threshold value is the battery 70 during a period in which sufficient charging time cannot be secured to make all the remaining battery levels of the plurality of terminal devices 20 equal to or greater than the threshold value. The number of terminal devices 20 charged in can be increased. For example, the information processing device 32 is a terminal in which, when a plurality of terminal devices 20 are used in a lesson, the battery 70 is charged with the amount of electric energy required for use in the lesson during a break between lessons. The number of devices 20 can be increased.

Further, the information processing device 32 according to the present embodiment selects one or more selected terminal devices for each charging interval until the remaining battery levels of all the terminal devices 20 included in the first group reach the threshold value or more. Then, each time the information processing device 32 newly selects one or more selected terminal devices, the information processing device 32 receives a charge control of a power supply instruction for causing the new one or more selected terminal devices to supply power for charging the battery 70. Give to device 30.

As a result, the information processing device 32 can set all the remaining battery levels of the plurality of terminal devices 20 to be equal to or higher than the threshold value while charging in order from the terminal device 20 in which the remaining battery level reaches the threshold value earlier.

Further, the information processing device 32 according to the present embodiment accepts the designation of the priority terminal device to be charged preferentially among the plurality of terminal devices 20. The information processing device 32 can supply the total amount of received power in order from the terminal device 20 whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value from the first group of the plurality of terminal devices 20 excluding the priority terminal device. One or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range not exceeding the remaining electric energy obtained by subtracting the received electric energy of the priority terminal device from the amount. Then, the information processing device 32 gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device 30 to supply power for charging the battery 70 to the priority terminal device and one or more selected terminal devices.

As a result, the information processing device 32 preferentially charges the remaining battery level of the priority terminal device so as to be equal to or higher than the threshold value, and increases the number of terminal devices 20 whose battery 70 is charged with the amount of power equal to or higher than the threshold value. Can be done. For example, in the information processing device 32, when the terminal device 20 is used in the lesson, the amount of electric energy required to use the priority terminal device used by the teacher in the lesson during the break time between the lessons is required. The number of terminal devices 20 in which the battery 70 is charged and the amount of electric energy required for use in the lesson can be increased while the battery 70 is charged.

Further, the information processing device 32 according to the present embodiment accepts designation of a plurality of target terminal devices having a battery remaining amount equal to or higher than a threshold value among the plurality of terminal devices 20. The information processing device 32 can supply the total amount of received power in order from the terminal device 20 whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value from the first group of the plurality of target terminal devices excluding the priority terminal device. One or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range not exceeding the residual electric energy obtained by subtracting the received electric energy of the priority terminal device from the amount. Then, the information processing device 32 gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device 30 to supply power for charging the battery 70 to the priority terminal device and one or more selected terminal devices.

As a result, the information processing device 32 can increase the number of terminal devices 20 in which the battery 70 is charged with an electric energy equal to or greater than a threshold value among the plurality of target terminal devices. For example, in the information processing device 32, when the terminal device 20 is used in the lesson, the amount of electric energy required to use the priority terminal device used by the teacher in the lesson during the break time between the lessons is required. The battery 70 can be in a charged state. At the same time, the information processing device 32 can charge at least the number of batteries 70 of the terminal devices 20 used in the lesson with electric energy.

(Programs, etc.)
The program executed by the charge control device 30 or the terminal device 20 of each of the above-described embodiments is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital). It is recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as Versatile Disk).

Further, the program executed by the information processing device 32, the charge control device 30 or the terminal device 20 of each of the above-described embodiments is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. It may be configured to do so. Further, the program executed by the information processing device 32, the charge control device 30 or the terminal device 20 of each of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program executed by the information processing device 32, the charge control device 30 or the terminal device 20 of each of the above-described embodiments may be configured to be provided by incorporating it into a ROM or the like in advance.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 Information processing system 20 Terminal device 22 School server 24 Wireless communication device 26 Charging cabinet 28 Storage unit 30 Charging control device 32 Information processing device 34 Cable 36 Power tap 38 AC adapter 40 Internal communication cable 42 Upper conversion unit 44 Device control unit 46 Terminal control unit 52 Charging side PD controller 54 Charging side communication processor 56 Lower conversion unit 58 Charging side power supply unit 62 Terminal side PD controller 64 Terminal side communication processor 66 Processing circuit 68 Wireless communication unit 70 Battery 72 Terminal side power supply unit 74 Power switch 80 Mode reception unit 82 Connection detection unit 84 Priority terminal reception unit 86 Target terminal reception unit 88 Remaining amount acquisition unit 90 Received power amount acquisition unit 92 Supplyable power amount acquisition unit 94 Selection control unit 96 Instruction transmission unit 98 Rotation control unit 112 Setting input Image 114 Terminal designated image

Claims (12)

An information processing device that controls a charge control device that performs information communication and power supply via a cable with each of a plurality of terminal devices.
For each of the plurality of terminal devices, a remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level and
For each of the plurality of terminal devices, a received electric energy acquisition unit that acquires an received electric energy that is an electric energy received from the charge control device at the current remaining battery level.
A selection control unit that selects one or more selection terminal devices that supply electric power to charge the battery from the plurality of terminal devices.
An instruction transmitting unit that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device to supply power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the one or more selected terminal devices.
With
The selection control unit sets the remaining battery level to the threshold value from the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices is lower than a preset threshold value for each charging interval which is a predetermined period. In order from the closest terminal device, one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total amount of received power does not exceed the amount of power that can be supplied, which is the amount of power that can be supplied by the charge control device .
The instruction transmitting unit causes the charge control device to supply electric power for charging the battery to the new one or more selected terminal devices each time the one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. An information processing device that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device. The selection control unit, the to said battery remaining amount of all the terminal devices included in the first group is equal to or greater than the threshold value, for each of the charging interval, to claim 1 for selecting the one or more selected terminals The information processing device described. Further, a priority terminal reception unit for receiving a designation of a priority terminal device for preferentially charging among the plurality of terminal devices is provided.
For each charging interval , the selection control unit sequentially selects the terminal device whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value from the first group of the plurality of terminal devices excluding the priority terminal device. The one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total received power amount does not exceed the remaining power amount obtained by subtracting the received power amount of the priority terminal device from the supplyable power amount.
The instruction transmitting unit is for charging the battery from the charge control device to the priority terminal device and the new one or more selected terminal devices each time the one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected . The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply instruction for supplying power is given to the charge control device. The selection control unit, the to said battery remaining amount of all terminal devices included in the priority terminal device and the first group is equal to or greater than the threshold value, for each of the charging interval, selecting the one or more selected terminals The information processing device according to claim 3. A target terminal reception unit that accepts designation of a plurality of target terminal devices whose remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the threshold value among the plurality of terminal devices is further provided.
The selection control unit
From the first group of the plurality of target terminal devices excluding the priority terminal device, the total received power amount is the total available power in order from the terminal device whose remaining battery level is close to the threshold value. Select one or more selected terminal devices within a range not exceeding the remaining electric energy obtained by subtracting the received electric energy of the priority terminal device from the amount.
The instruction transmitting unit gives the charge control device an electric power supply instruction for supplying electric power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the priority terminal device and the one or more selected terminal devices. The information processing apparatus according to 3 or 4. The target terminal receiving unit receives a number of terminal devices having the remaining battery level equal to or higher than the threshold value, and claims to specify the received number of terminal devices among the plurality of terminal devices as the plurality of target terminal devices. Item 5. The information processing device according to item 5. It also has a mode reception unit that accepts the early charge mode.
In the early charge mode
The selection control unit selects the one or more selection terminal devices and selects the selection terminal device.
Any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instruction transmitting unit gives the charge control device an electric power supply instruction for supplying electric power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the one or more selected terminal devices. The information processing device according to item 1. Equipped with a rotation control unit
The mode reception unit receives the early charge mode or the rotation charge mode, and in the rotation charge mode,
The rotation control unit sequentially selects one target group from a plurality of groups obtained by dividing the plurality of terminal devices for each predetermined period.
Each time the target group is selected, the instruction transmitting unit issues the power supply instruction to supply power for charging the battery from the charge control device to one or more terminal devices included in the target group. The information processing device according to claim 7, which is given to the charge control device. The cable complies with the USB-C (Universal Serial Bus) standard.
The charge control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the charge control device executes a power delivery sequence for determining a combination of supplied voltage and current with a designated terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices. Information processing device. 9. The charge control device obtains the remaining battery level of each of the plurality of terminal devices by exchanging a VDM (Vendor Define Messaging) signal with each of the plurality of terminal devices via the cable. The information processing device described in. A charge control device that provides information communication and power supply via cables with each of multiple terminal devices,
A control device including an information processing device that controls the charge control device.
The information processing device
For each of the plurality of terminal devices, a remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level and
For each of the plurality of terminal devices, a received electric energy acquisition unit that acquires an received electric energy that is an electric energy received from the charge control device at the current remaining battery level.
A selection control unit that selects one or more selection terminal devices that supply electric power to charge the battery from the plurality of terminal devices.
An instruction transmitting unit that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device to supply power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the one or more selected terminal devices.
Have,
The selection control unit sets the remaining battery level to the threshold value from the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices is lower than a preset threshold value for each charging interval which is a predetermined period. In order from the closest terminal device, one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total amount of received power does not exceed the amount of power that can be supplied, which is the amount of power that can be supplied by the charge control device .
The instruction transmitting unit causes the charge control device to supply electric power for charging the battery to the new one or more selected terminal devices each time the one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. A control device that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device. A program for causing an information processing device to control a charge control device that performs information communication and power supply via a cable with each of a plurality of terminal devices.
The information processing device
For each of the plurality of terminal devices, a remaining amount acquisition unit for acquiring the remaining battery level and
For each of the plurality of terminal devices, a received electric energy acquisition unit that acquires an received electric energy that is an electric energy received from the charge control device at the current remaining battery level.
A selection control unit that selects one or more selection terminal devices that supply electric power to charge the battery from the plurality of terminal devices.
An instruction transmitting unit that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device to supply power for charging the battery from the charge control device to the one or more selected terminal devices.
To make it work
The selection control unit sets the remaining battery level to the threshold value from the first group in which the remaining battery level of the plurality of terminal devices is lower than a preset threshold value for each charging interval which is a predetermined period. In order from the closest terminal device, one or more selected terminal devices are selected within a range in which the total amount of received power does not exceed the amount of power that can be supplied, which is the amount of power that can be supplied by the charge control device .
The instruction transmitting unit causes the charge control device to supply electric power for charging the battery to the new one or more selected terminal devices each time the one or more selected terminal devices are newly selected. A program that gives a power supply instruction to the charge control device .

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