JPH1091294A - Client server system and its operation control method and client device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly notify the arrival of a mail by showing the arrival of the mail on a display of a client device when a server device receives a mail that is addressed to the client device after the power is cut for a part of a computer and one of both power supplies of the display. SOLUTION: A monitoring part 26 monitors whether the user of a client device 20 performs a prescribed key input operation, etc., via an input part, and a control part 24 sets a timer 28. If no prescribed operation is performed within the set time of the timer 28, the power supply is cut to a part of a computer and one of both power supplies of a display 30. If a server device 10 receives a mail that is addressed to the device 20 after the power supply is cut, the arrival of the mail is shown on a display 46 of the device 20. As a result, the arrival of the mail can be properly notified while the power consumption of the device 20 is reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of controlling power operation of a client device and notifying a mail arrival when the power is turned off in a system having a server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device, and implements the method. Related to a client / server system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of multimedia technology in recent years, a server device having a function of providing various types of information including multimedia data and a client device using information provided from the server device have been developed. Many so-called client-server systems connected communicably via a local area network (LAN) have been proposed.

[0003] In this client-server system, a server device provides various kinds of information in response to a request from a client device, and the provided information includes image data, audio data, mail, and the like. No. With the recent development of communication infrastructure and demands for more efficient business, client-server systems having a server device for providing e-mail have become popular. Such a server device and a client device are realized by an information processing device such as a personal computer or a workstation. More specifically, when the client device is realized by a personal computer device, a predetermined In general, the computer includes a computer unit having a function of performing the above operation (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “personal computer” as appropriate) and a display unit having a display function.

[0004] A client-server system capable of sending and receiving e-mails includes a server device having a function of sending and receiving e-mails, and a plurality of client devices having a function of receiving e-mails addressed to the own device. Since the transmission of mail from the client device to the server device and the transmission of mail from the server device to the client device are performed as needed, the server device and each client Generally, the system is operated while the power of the device is always turned on.

Since the client device has a lower operating rate than the server device, that is, the client device performs mail transmission / reception less frequently than the server device, the power of the client device is always turned on. In such a state, wasteful power consumption is performed irrespective of mail transmission / reception processing, and this wasteful power consumption increases as the number of clients increases. Therefore, a method for avoiding such a situation has been conventionally proposed. In this method, a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is not performed for a personal computer constituting a client device for a predetermined time. In this case, this is detected, and the power of the display unit and the computer unit is turned off, that is, the computer unit is turned off.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional method does not effectively reduce the power consumption. For example, in order to confirm whether a user of a certain client device has received mail addressed to the client device by the server device, it is necessary to check whether the server device has received mail addressed to the client device. Regardless, the power needs to be turned on to turn on the client device that is in the off state.

For this reason, when the server device does not receive the mail addressed to the client device, the activation of the power is wasted, and the power consumed while the client device is activated is wasted power. Therefore, there was a problem that a sufficient power saving effect was not obtained.
Therefore, when the server device receives the mail addressed to the client device while controlling the power of the client device to be turned off, there is no way to notify the client device that the mail has been received.

Further, there has been no way to automatically start up the power supply when a predetermined operation is performed or a mail is received after the power-off control is once performed. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned unsolved problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply operation of a client device in a system having a server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of notifying an incoming mail at the time of control and power-off, and a client-server system realizing the method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of automatically turning on a power supply when a predetermined operation is performed or a mail is received after a power supply of a component of a client device is once controlled to be turned off. The point is to provide a system.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server apparatus having a mail transmitting / receiving function, a computer for performing a predetermined operation, and a display having a display function. A method for controlling the operation of a client-server system connected to a communication device via a communication network, by monitoring whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on the client device, wherein the predetermined operation is set in advance. If not performed in time, the power of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit is turned off, and after the power is turned off, if the server device receives an email addressed to the client device, On the display provided on the client side to indicate that a mail has arrived. It provides a method of controlling operation server system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client device including a server device having a mail transmitting / receiving function, a computer unit performing a predetermined operation, and a display unit having a display function, and the client device. And a control device, which is connected via a control line and has at least a display for indicating that a mail to a corresponding client device has been received, and a control device connected via a communication network. The client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on the own device, and sends an operation detection signal on the control line when the predetermined operation is performed;
When receiving a power-off signal sent from the control device via the control line, a step of turning off the power of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit, and performs a process including, the control device, When the operation detection signal is not received within a preset time, the power-off signal is sent out on the control line, and the power-off information of the corresponding client device is transmitted to the server device through the communication network. And receiving the mail arrival information from the server device via the communication network, and displaying a message indicating that the mail has arrived on the display unit. Receiving power-off information (corresponding to a power-off signal) from the control device via the communication network. And a server that monitors the arrival of mail addressed to the client device corresponding to the control device and performs a process including sending mail arrival information to the control device when the mail addressed to the client device is received. An operation control method of a system is provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect,
In the operation control method of the client-server system according to the above, when the power of the display unit is turned off,
The control device may further include, when receiving mail arrival information from the server device, and / or at least one of receiving an operation detection signal from the client device via the control line, Sending a power activation signal on the line, the client device further comprises:
When the power supply start signal is received via the control line, the power supply of the display unit is started up.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a server device having a mail sending / receiving function and a client device having at least a display unit having a display function are connected via a communication network. A method for controlling the operation of a client-server system in which a control device having at least a display for indicating that a mail to a client device has been received is connected to the client device via a control line, the client device comprising: Monitoring whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on the own device, and when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, controlling to turn off the power of the display unit of the own device; A power supply for turning off the power of the display unit via the control line to a control device connected to the device. A step of inquiring the server device at predetermined intervals whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device, and when detecting the reception of mail addressed to the own device, the server device is connected to the own device. Sending a mail arrival signal to the control device via the control line, the control device receiving the power-off signal from the client device via the control line. In this case, the step of controlling to turn off the power of the display unit of the client device, and the step of, when receiving an incoming mail signal from the client device, displaying a message indicating the incoming mail on the display provided in the own device. Provided is an operation control method for a client / server system that performs processing including the above.

Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 5, a server apparatus having at least a server apparatus having a mail transmission / reception function, a client apparatus having at least a display unit having a display function, and a mail to the corresponding client apparatus are received. A method of controlling the operation of a client-server system in which a control device having at least a display for indicating that the client device is connected via a communication network, wherein the client device performs a predetermined operation on its own device. If the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, the power supply of the display unit of the own device is controlled to be turned off, or the control device is provided with a display via the communication network. Providing power-off information for powering off the unit; and At regular intervals, a step of inquiring whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device, and a step of notifying the control device of incoming mail information via the communication network to the control device when the mail reception addressed to the own device is detected. And performing a process including: when the control device receives the power-off information from the client device via the communication network, the control device controls the power of a display unit of the client device to be turned off. When receiving mail arrival information from the client device,
Displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display device of the own device.

In the invention according to claim 6, in any one of claims 4 and 5, the control device further receives a mail arrival signal (mail arrival information) sent from the client device side. In this case, there is provided an operation control method for a client-server system, wherein a power supply of a display unit of the client device is controlled.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7, in any one of claims 4, 5 and 6, the client device detects the predetermined operation after powering off the display unit. In this case, the power of the display unit is directly controlled to be activated, or the activation signal of the power of the display unit is supplied to the control device, and the control device receives the activation signal supplied from the client device. In this case, an operation control method of the client-server system is provided, in which the power supply of the display unit of the client device is controlled.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device having a computer unit performing a predetermined operation and a display unit having a display function are connected to a communication network. In the client-server system connected with the control device, a control device connected to the communication network, connected to the client device via a control line, and provided with a display for displaying that mail to the corresponding client device has been received Wherein the client device has monitoring means for monitoring whether a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, a function of transmitting an operation detection signal on the control line when the predetermined operation is performed, and A first control having a function of receiving a power-off signal transmitted from the control device via the control line. And a disconnecting unit (DP circuit) for disconnecting at least one of the computer unit and the display unit when the first control unit receives a power-off signal. Timer means for determining whether the operation detection signal has been received within a preset time,
When the operation detection signal is not received within a preset time, the power-off signal is sent out on the control line, and the power-off information of the corresponding client device is transmitted to the server device via the communication network. And at least a second control unit having a function of displaying, on the display, a message indicating that a mail has arrived, when receiving mail arrival information from the server device via the communication network, The server device,
When power-off information (corresponding to a power-off signal) is received from the control device via the communication network, mail monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of mail addressed to the client device corresponding to the control device; A client-server system including at least third control means for sending mail arrival information to the control device when the e-mail is received.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client / server connected by a communication network to a server having a mail sending / receiving function and a client having at least a display having a display function.
In the server system, a control device connected to the client device via a control line and including a display for displaying that mail to the corresponding client device has been received, wherein the client device is Monitoring means for monitoring whether or not a predetermined operation is performed; timer means for determining whether or not the predetermined operation is performed within a preset time; and controlling to turn off the power of the display unit of the own device Disconnecting means, and, when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, activating the cutting means, or controlling the power supply of the display unit via the control line to the control device connected to the own device. A first function of providing a power-off signal for disconnecting the server, a second function of inquiring of the server device at predetermined intervals whether or not a mail addressed to the own device is received. Function, and, when detecting a receiving mail addressed to itself, to the control device connected to the own device, the third sending a mail incoming signal via the control line
The control device has at least a first control unit having the function of: when the control device receives the power-off signal from the client device via the control line, the control device turns off the power of the display unit of the client device. A client control unit having at least a control function and a second control unit having a function of displaying, on receipt of a mail arrival signal from the client device, a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display provided in the own device. Provide a server system.

Further, according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client server in which a server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device having at least a display unit having a display function are connected via a communication network. The system further comprises a control device connected to the communication network and having a display for indicating that mail to the corresponding client device has been received, wherein the client device performs a predetermined operation on its own device. Monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the predetermined operation has been performed within a preset time; timer means for determining whether the predetermined operation has been performed; disconnection means for controlling the power supply of the display unit of the own device; If the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, the cutting unit is activated,
Alternatively, a first function of providing the control device with power-off information for turning off the power of the display unit via the communication network, a mail addressed to the server device at a predetermined cycle to the server device. It has a second function for inquiring whether or not there is a reception, and a third function for notifying the control device of mail arrival information via the communication network when the mail reception addressed to the client device is detected. And at least a first control unit, wherein the control device receives the power-off information from the client device via the communication network,
A second function of controlling a power supply of a display unit of the client device to be cut off, and a function of displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display provided in the own device when receiving mail incoming information from the client device. A client-server system comprising at least:

In the invention according to claim 11, in any one of claims 9 and 10, the second control means provided in the control device, when receiving a mail arrival signal from the client device, displays the display unit. And a means for controlling activation of the power supply of the client.

Further, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
The control device according to any one of claims 9, 10 and 11, wherein the first control means included in the client device is provided after the power supply of the display unit is once turned off, and the monitoring means detects the predetermined operation. The power supply of the display unit is controlled, or a start signal for starting the power supply of the display unit is provided to the control device. The second control unit included in the control device includes the client device. And a means for controlling the activation of the power supply of the display unit when the activation signal is supplied from the client device.

Further, the invention according to claim 13 has a display device having a display function, and is capable of communicating mail arrival information indicating the arrival of mail addressed to itself with a server having a mail transmission / reception function. In the client-side device, a monitoring unit that monitors whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the own device, a timer unit that determines whether the predetermined operation has been performed within a predetermined time, and a mail that is addressed to the own device. When arrival information is present, the display device has at least a display for indicating the fact, a disconnection unit for performing power-off control of the display device, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the own device. Activating the timer means, determining that the monitoring means has detected a predetermined operation within a predetermined time, activating the disconnecting means, and displaying the mail arrival information, And means for driving the, with a, to provide a client-side device.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, first, an outline of the principle of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the principle of a system in which the present invention is implemented, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the principle of processing performed by the system. The system shown in FIG.
This shows an example of a configuration in which a server device has a function of monitoring newly arrived mail.

As shown in FIG. 1, a server device 10 having a function of sending and receiving e-mail, and each client device 2
0 is connected to a local area network (LAN) 5 such as Ethernet so that they can communicate with each other;
A so-called client-server system is configured. In the present invention, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if a client-server system is configured using a wide area network (WAN) instead of a local area network (LAN).

Server device 1 functioning as a mail server
Reference numeral 0 denotes a mail management unit 12 that manages information on transmission / reception of mail from the client side, a client management unit 14 that manages the state of mail reception for each client side device, and transmission / reception of information communicated via the LAN 5. It has a transmitting / receiving unit 15 for performing processing, a display device 11 for displaying necessary information, and a control unit 13 for controlling the operation of each functional unit. To facilitate understanding of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows only functional units related to the present invention, and omits other functional units such as an arithmetic processing unit.

On the other hand, the client-side device 20
Line IF2 that performs transmission and reception processing of information to be communicated via communication line 5
1 (hereinafter “IF” means an interface);
A monitoring unit 26 for monitoring whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is performed; a timer 28 for determining whether the predetermined operation is performed within a preset time;
A display 46 that is realized by a CD or the like and displays that the server device 10 has received the mail addressed to the client-side device 20; a display device 30 that displays necessary information such as mail information; An input unit for performing
A control unit 24 for controlling the operation of each functional unit. Hereinafter, an input unit (implemented by a keyboard, a mouse, or the like) for performing a predetermined operation, which is provided in each client device, is not illustrated in the drawings.

Further, the client side device 20 is actually configured on the basis of an information processing device such as a personal computer device. However, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, only the functional units related to the present invention are provided. 1, other functional units such as an arithmetic processing unit are omitted. That is, in FIG. 1, functional units necessary for processing according to the present invention are described except for an input unit (keyboard or mouse) for performing a predetermined operation, which is not shown. In addition, the client-side device 20 is usually connected to the LAN 5, and any number of client-side devices 20 may be connected to the LAN 5 as long as the client-side device 20 can communicate with the server device 10.

The functional units provided in the server device 10 and the client device 20 as described above include, for example, a ROM having a built-in operation program, a CPU operating according to the operation program, a RAM having a storage area and a work area, and And various electronic devices such as various semiconductor circuits including a communication IC and a time counting circuit, and the display devices 11 and 30 can be realized by display devices such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display.

Next, the operation principle of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, in step S200, the monitoring unit 26 monitors whether a user of the client-side device 20 has performed a predetermined operation such as a key input operation using an input unit (not shown). When the control unit 24 detects that it has been touched, it sets the timer 28 (step S20).
2). When the set timer 28 exceeds a preset time, the timer 28 notifies the control unit 24 to that effect. In addition,
This set time may be set before this processing is performed.

Next, in step S206, the control section 24 determines whether or not the monitoring section 26 has detected that a predetermined operation has been performed. If not (N), the control section 24 proceeds to step S208. The process proceeds, and if it is detected (Y), the process proceeds to step S204, and the timer 28 is reset. That is, the control unit 24 sets (resets) the timer 28 each time it detects that a predetermined operation has been performed.

Next, in step S208, the control unit 24 monitors whether or not a notification that the preset time has been exceeded has been received from the timer 28. The process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the notification of excess has not been received (N), the process proceeds to step S20.
6, the control unit 24 determines again whether the monitoring unit 26 has detected that a predetermined operation has been performed.

In step S210, the control unit 24 controls the power of the display device 30 to be turned off (shut down). In this case, in addition to the display device 30, the main circuit of the computer which is a component of the client-side device other than the display device 30 may be controlled to be turned off, but the client device monitors an incoming mail. In this case, the power supply unit for the part for monitoring the incoming mail is not disconnected.

After the power-off control operation, the client device 20 or the server device 10 monitors whether the server device 10 has received a mail addressed to the client device 20 (step S212). If no mail has been received (N), the system enters the wait state. If a mail has been received (Y), the process proceeds to step S2.
Proceed to 14.

For example, when this monitoring is performed by the client-side device 20, the control unit 26 of the client-side device 20 periodically (or periodically) communicates via the line IF 21, the LAN 5, and the transmission / reception unit 15. ), The client side device 2 is stored in the mail management unit 12 of the server device 10.
What is necessary is just to ask whether the mail addressed to 0 is received. In response to this inquiry, the control unit 13 refers to the management information of the mail management unit 12 and, if a mail addressed to the client device 20 is received, sends the mail arrival information to the transmission / reception unit 15. To the client-side device 20 via

On the other hand, when the server device 10 performs this monitoring, for example, the control unit 25 of the client-side device 20 to be monitored notifies the start of monitoring. And
Based on this notification, the client management unit 14 refers to the management information of the mail management unit 12 to monitor the arrival of a new mail addressed to the client-side device. The control unit 13 that has notified the unit 13 and received the notification transmits the mail incoming information to the client device 20 via the transmission / reception unit 15.

Next, in step S214, upon receiving the mail arrival information, the control unit 24 displays the mail arrival on the display unit 46. The display mode is LE
Illumination of D, display of a message on the LCD, and the like are possible.
Then, the user of the client-side device 20 confirms that the display 4
6, the power of the client-side device 20 is activated as necessary, and the mail received from the server device 10 to its own device is started by a known method. Can be taken out.

As described above, a server device having a mail transmission / reception function, a computer unit (a component unit of a client device other than the display device) for performing a predetermined operation, and a display unit (display device) having a display function are provided. In a method for controlling the operation of a client-server system in which a client device configured is connected via a communication network (LAN), it is monitored whether a predetermined operation is performed on the client device, and the predetermined operation is set in advance. If it is not performed within the specified time, at least one of a part of the computer unit (excluding a power supply unit for a part for monitoring incoming mail when the client device monitors incoming mail) and the display unit Turn off the power, and after turning off the power, If you receive an e-mail addressed to the winding device,
Since the display of the incoming mail is displayed on the display provided on the client device side, it is possible to accurately notify the incoming mail while reducing the power consumption of the client device.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. (First Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of a first embodiment in which the present invention is implemented.
Is a flowchart showing the processing performed by this system. The system of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has a configuration in which the server device 110 has a function of monitoring new mail.

As shown in FIG. 3, a server device 110 having a function of transmitting and receiving mail and a client device 1
00 is communicably connected to each other by a local area network (LAN) 15 such as Ethernet, and constitutes a so-called client-server system. Also, the control box 140 (CB)
Connected to the LAN 15 and the client device 1
00 via a control line 150. Although only one client device is shown here, a plurality of client devices are actually connected to the LAN 15, and any number of the client devices can be connected to the LAN 15 as long as they can communicate with the server device 110. May be.

Server device 1 functioning as a mail server
Reference numeral 10 denotes a mail monitoring unit 112 that monitors the arrival of mail from the client side, and a client management unit 11 that manages the state of mail reception for each client device.
4, a transmission / reception unit 115 for performing transmission / reception processing of information communicated via the LAN 15, and a control unit 113 for controlling the operation of each functional unit. Further, a display device 111 for displaying necessary information is provided. Have. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows only functional units related to the present invention and omits other functional units such as an arithmetic processing unit.

On the other hand, the client device 100 includes a computer section 120 (PC) as a main body and a display section 130 (DP).
C) is a line IF 121 for performing transmission / reception processing of information communicated via the LAN 15, and RS-232C and RS-42.
A control line IF 122 connected to a control line 150 constituted by a communication cable such as a communication cable 2 and functioning as an interface for transmitting and receiving signals via the control line 150, and determining whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is performed. Monitoring unit 12 for monitoring
6 and a display unit 1 connected to a display unit (DP).
34, a display circuit (DP circuit) 128 for supplying a control signal for turning off and starting the power supply, and a control unit 124 for controlling the operation of each functional unit. The display unit (DP) is a CRT or the like. A display device 134 configured;
D that performs control including turning off and starting the power of the display device 134
A P control circuit 132, and the DP control circuit 132
It is connected so that a control signal can be supplied from the DP circuit 128.

Incidentally, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention,
In the configuration of the PC in FIG. 3, only functional units related to the present invention are shown, and other functional units such as an arithmetic processing unit are omitted. That is, in FIG. 3, functional units necessary for processing according to the present embodiment are described except for an input unit (keyboard or mouse) for performing a predetermined operation, which is not shown.

Further, the control box 140 (C
B) is connected to the control line 150 and functions as an interface for transmitting and receiving signals via the control line 150, and the control line IF 141 is connected to the LAN 15 and the server device 1
A line IF 142 for transmitting power-off information for instructing the power of the display to be turned off to the display 10; A control box (CB) having a timer 148 for determining whether a predetermined operation is performed within a preset time, and a control unit 144 for controlling the operation of each functional unit.
The computer and the computer (PC) are connected by a control line 150 so that signals can be transmitted and received.

The server device 11 as described above
0, the client-side device 100, and the functional units included in the control box (CB) 140 are, for example,
It can be realized by various electronic devices such as a ROM incorporating an operation program, a CPU operating according to the operation program, a RAM having a storage area and a work area, and various semiconductor circuits including a communication IC and a time counting circuit. Display device 111, display device 134
Can be realized by a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display.

Next, the operation of the system shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S400, the monitoring unit 126 of the PC 120 monitors whether or not a predetermined operation such as a key input operation has been performed by the user of the client device, and when the predetermined operation has been performed (Y). In step S
Go to 402; otherwise, step S400
To enter the wait state. When a predetermined operation is performed in step S402, the control unit 124
However, at any time, the operation state is such that the operation detection signal is transmitted to the CB 140 via the control line IF 122 and the control line 150.

On the other hand, on the CB side, when the control line IF 141 receives the operation detection signal via the control line 150 in step S404, the control unit 144 operates to set the timer 148 in step S408. When the set timer 148 exceeds a preset time, the timer 148 notifies the control unit 144 of that fact. Note that the set time may be set before this processing is performed.

Next, in step S412, the control section 144 determines whether or not the operation detection signal sent from the PC 120 has been received. If not (N), the control section 144 proceeds to step S414. On the other hand, if it has been received (Y), the flow advances to step S410 to reset the timer 148. That is, the control unit 144 sets (resets) the timer each time the operation detection signal is received.

Next, in step S 414, the control unit 144 monitors whether or not a notification that the preset time has been exceeded has been received from the timer 148. The process proceeds to step S416. On the other hand, if the notification of the excess has not been received (N), the process returns to step S412, and the control unit 144 determines again whether or not the operation detection signal has been received.

Then, in step S 416, the control unit 144 sends a power-off signal to the control line 150 via the control line IF 141 to give the power-off signal to the PC 120, and also outputs power-off information corresponding to the power-off signal to the PC 120. Along with the identification information that is the information for identifying the client device, the information is transmitted to the LAN via the line IF 142 to notify the server device 110. It should be noted that the identification information is information such as digital data predetermined for the client device in order to identify each client device, and the control unit 144 is configured to transmit the identification information at a predetermined time. At the same time, when mail is transmitted in this client-server system, it is assumed that the mail is transmitted with an identification number attached thereto in order to express the destination of the mail.

Next, in step S418, PC1
The control unit 124 includes a control line 150 and a control line IF12.
When the power supply off signal is received via
28 to send a power-off signal (corresponding to a disconnection control signal) to the display control circuit,
The power supply of the main circuit (not shown) of the PC 120 is controlled to be turned off (shut down) (step S420).

As a result, the DP control circuit 132
The power of the display device 134 is controlled to be turned off by a power-off signal from the DP circuit 120. Here, the power-off control may be performed only for the above, that is, for turning off the power of the display device 134 alone, or for only the above-mentioned, that is, for turning off only the power of the main circuit of the PC 120.

In step S 422, the control unit 113 of the server device 110 transmits the power-off information and the client-side identification information from the CB 140 to the LAN 15,
When the identification information is received via the transmission / reception unit 115, the identification information is registered in the client management unit 110. As a result, the client management unit 110 can manage the information of the client device in the off state.

Then, in step S424, the monitoring mode starts, that is, the mail monitoring unit 112 starts monitoring the arrival of a new mail. Then, step S42
In 6, while the mail monitoring unit 112 does not detect the arrival of the mail (N), the wait state is set. On the other hand, when the mail monitoring unit 112 detects the arrival of the mail (Y), the destination client device of the mail Control unit 113
Notify. Further, the control unit 113 controls the mail monitoring unit 1
12 and the client management unit 1
14 is compared with the identification number registered in the server 14, and when they match, the CB connected to the client device corresponding to the identification number is notified of the mail arrival information via the transmission / reception unit 115 and the LAN 15. (Step S42)
8).

Then, in step S430, CB
The control unit 144 of the LAN 140 and the line IF 142
When the mail incoming information is received via
In step 2, the display 146 indicates that the mail has arrived. As the display mode, lighting of an LED, display of a message on an LCD, or the like can be considered.

When the user of the client device 100 grasps the display on the display unit 146, the PC
By activating the power supplies of the DP 120 and the DP 130, the mail arriving at the client device can be extracted from the server device 110 by a known method.

As shown in step S434, C
The control unit 144 of B140 displays the incoming mail on the display 146, and sends the power-on signal to the control line IF14.
1 on control line 150, P
The control unit 124 of C120 may start the power of the display device 134 and the like in the off state by receiving the power start signal (step S436). Further, when the control section 144 receives an operation detection signal given by performing a predetermined operation after the power supply of the display section (DP) is turned off, the control section 144 transmits the power supply start signal via the control line 150. Computer section (PC)
And the power supply of the display device 134 in the off state may be activated.

That is, as shown in steps S434 and S436, when the power of the display unit (DP) is turned off, the control unit (CB) receives the mail arrival information from the server unit, and In at least one of the cases where an operation detection signal is received from the client device via the control line, a power activation signal is sent out on the control line, and the client device receives the power activation signal via the control line. Sometimes, when the power supply of the display unit is activated, there is an effect that the power supply of the display unit is automatically activated when a predetermined operation is performed or a mail is received after the power is turned off.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server device having the mail transmission / reception function, the computer unit (PC) for performing a predetermined operation, and the display unit (DP) having a display function are configured. (CB) comprising at least a client device connected to the client device via a control line, and a display for displaying that mail for the corresponding client device has been received.
And a method for controlling the operation of a client server system connected by a communication network (LAN),
The client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and sends an operation detection signal on a control line when the predetermined operation is performed; and a power supply transmitted from the control device via the control line. When receiving the OFF signal, turning off the power of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit, and the processing including,
When the operation detection signal is not received within a preset time, the control device sends a power-off signal on the control line, and transmits power-off information of the corresponding client device to the server device via the communication network. And receiving the mail arrival information from the server device via the communication network, and displaying a message indicating that the mail has arrived on the display device. Monitors the incoming of mail addressed to the client device corresponding to the control device, and sends the incoming mail information to the control device when the mail addressed to the client device is received. The server device has a function to monitor new mail,
It is possible to accurately notify the arrival of a mail while reducing the power consumption of the client device. Also,
In the present embodiment, the timer 148 is provided in the CB 140, and the server device 110 is configured to transmit the mail arrival information to the CB 140. Therefore, when the CB 140 receives the power-off signal, not only the display unit but also the computer It becomes possible to cut off the power of the entire unit.

In the present embodiment, the control device
In the CB 140, the monitoring unit is in the monitoring unit 126, the first control unit is in the control unit 124, and the disconnecting unit is the DP circuit 12
8. DP control circuit 132 (including the function of control unit 124)
The timer means includes a timer 148 (including the function of the control unit 144), and the second control means includes a control unit 144;
The mail monitoring unit corresponds to the mail monitoring unit 112, and the third control unit corresponds to the control unit 113. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a system configuration example of a second embodiment in which the present invention is implemented, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed by this system. Note that the basic configuration of the system in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. ) Is not connected to the LAN.

As shown in FIG. 5, a server device 210 having a function of transmitting and receiving mail and a client device 20 are provided.
Numeral 0 is communicably connected to each other by a local area network (LAN) 25 such as an Ethernet, and constitutes a so-called client-server system. Also, the control box 240 (CB)
The client device 200 is connected via a control line 250. Note that a plurality of client devices are actually connected to the LAN 25.

Server device 2 functioning as mail server
Reference numeral 10 includes a display device 211, which has a different configuration from the server device 110 (FIG. 3) shown in the first embodiment, and can be realized by a known information processing device such as a workstation, for example.

On the other hand, the client device 200 includes a computer section 220 (PC) as a main body and a display section 230 (DP).
C) is a line IF 221 for performing transmission / reception processing of information communicated via the LAN 25, and RS-232C, RS-42.
A control line IF 222 connected to a control line 250 constituted by a communication cable such as a communication cable 2 and functioning as an interface for transmitting and receiving signals via the control line 250, and determining whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is performed. Monitoring unit 22 for monitoring
6 and a display unit (DP) connected to the display unit (DP).
34, a display circuit (DP circuit) 228 for supplying a power-off / start control signal, and a timer 223 for determining whether a predetermined operation has been performed within a preset time.
And a control unit 224 that controls the operation of each functional unit,
Further, the display unit (DP) includes a display device 234 including a CRT or the like,
A DP control circuit 232 for performing control including activation, and the DP control circuit 232 is connected so that a control signal can be supplied from the DP circuit 228.

In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention,
In the configuration of the PC in FIG. 5, only functional units related to the present invention are shown, and other functional units such as an arithmetic processing unit are omitted. That is, in FIG. 5, only the functional units necessary for the processing according to the present embodiment are described except for an input unit (keyboard or mouse) for performing a predetermined operation, which is not shown.

Further, the control box 140 (C
B) is realized by a control line IF 241 connected to the control line 250 and functioning as an interface for transmitting and receiving signals via the control line 250, an LED, an LCD, and the like, and the server device 210 receives mail addressed to the client device 200 A display 246 for displaying that the display has been performed, and a DP control circuit 232 of the display unit (DP),
34, a display control unit (DP control unit) 248 for supplying a control signal for turning off / starting the power supply, and a control unit 244 for controlling the operation of each function unit. The control box (CB) and the computer unit ( PC) via a control line 250 so that signals can be transmitted and received.

The server device 21 as described above
0, each of the functional units included in the client-side device 200 and the control box (CB) 240 are, for example,
It can be realized by various electronic devices such as a ROM incorporating an operation program, a CPU operating according to the operation program, a RAM having a storage area and a work area, and various semiconductor circuits including a communication IC and a time counting circuit. The display device 211 and the display device 234
It can be realized by a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display.

Next, the operation of the system shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S600, the monitoring unit 226 of the PC 220 monitors whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is performed by the user of the client device. Then, when a predetermined operation is performed, the control unit 224 sets the timer 223 when receiving the operation detection signal sent from the monitoring unit 226 (step S602). When the set timer 223 exceeds a preset time, the timer 223 notifies the control unit 224 of that fact. Note that the set time may be set before this processing is performed.

Next, in step S606, the control section 224 determines whether or not the monitoring section 226 has detected that a predetermined operation has been performed. On the other hand, if it is detected (Y), the process proceeds to step S604 and the timer 223
Reset. That is, the control unit 224 sets (resets) the timer 223 each time it detects that a predetermined operation has been performed.

Next, in step S608, the control unit 224 monitors whether or not a notification that the preset time has been exceeded has been received from the timer 223. , Proceeding to step S610,
If no excess notification has been received (N), step S
Returning to 606, the control unit 224 determines again whether the monitoring unit 226 has detected that a predetermined operation has been performed.

Next, in step S610, the control unit 224 of the PC sends out a power-off signal on the control line 250 via the control line IF 222, and transmits it to the CB side. Then, in step S612, the control unit 244 of the CB
Receives the power-off signal via the control line IF 241, and receives the DP control circuit 232 via the DP control unit 248.
A power-off signal (corresponding to a power-off control signal) is sent to the power supply (step S614). Then, step S61
In 6, the DP control circuit 232 of the display unit
Upon receiving a power-off signal from the DP control unit 248 of the CB, the power of the display device 234 is turned off.

Next, in step S618, the control unit 224 of the PC executes the line IF 221 at a predetermined cycle.
, The server 210 is inquired as to whether an e-mail addressed to the client has been received. If the mail addressed to the client device has not arrived (N), the process is put in a wait state in step S618, while if the mail has arrived (Y), the process proceeds to step S620. In step S620, the control unit 224 of the PC sends the incoming mail signal to the control line 250 via the control line IF 222 and sends it to the CB.

Next, in step S622, when the CB control unit 244 receives the incoming mail signal via the control line 250 and the control IF 241, it displays on the display unit 246 that the incoming mail is received (step S624). . As the display mode, lighting of an LED, display of a message on an LCD, or the like can be considered. Then, when the user of the client device 200 grasps the display on the display unit 246, the power of the PC 220 and the DP 230 is turned on as necessary, and the mail received from the server device to the client device by a known method. Can be taken out.

Note that, as shown in step S626, C
The control unit 244 of B displays an incoming mail on the display 246 and supplies a start signal (corresponding to a control signal of power start) from the DP control unit 248 to the DP control circuit 232, that is, When the power of the DP is turned on, the DP control circuit 232 may start the power of the display device 234 in the off state by receiving the start signal (step S628).

Thus, when the CB receives the incoming mail signal sent from the client device side, the CB automatically controls the power supply of the display unit of the client device. The power of the display unit is activated.

The control unit 224 of the client device
However, after once turning off the power of the display unit,
When the monitoring unit 226 detects a predetermined operation, the DP circuit 22
8 to give a control signal for power activation to the DP control circuit 232 to directly control the activation of the power of the display unit, or to give a start signal for power activation of the display unit to the CB. , CB control section 244 drives DP control section 248 when a start signal is given,
If a control signal for power activation is given to the P control circuit 232 to control the activation of the power of the display unit, even when the power is turned off, when a predetermined operation is performed, it is automatically performed. There is an effect that the power supply of the display unit is activated.

In the above-described operation according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the control of turning on and off the power of the display unit is performed by the DP control unit 248 of the CB.
The control unit 224 of the PC directly drives the DP circuit 228,
The DP circuit 228 may supply a control signal to the DP control circuit 232, and the DP control circuit 232 may perform on / off control of the display device 234. The operation of the system in this case will be briefly described. I will. In addition,
In this case, the control functions of the DP control unit 248 of the CB and the DP control unit 248 of the control unit 244 become unnecessary.

First, the monitoring unit 226 of the PC monitors whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation has been performed. I do. In this case, the control unit 22
No. 4 sets (resets) a timer each time an operation detection signal is received.

Next, the control unit 224 determines that the timer 223
The display device 234 monitors whether or not to notify that the preset time has been exceeded.
The DP circuit 228 is driven to supply a power-off signal, which is a control signal for turning off the power supply to the DP control circuit 232 of the DP. The DP control circuit 232 of the display unit (DP) to which the OFF signal is supplied turns off the power of the display device 234.

Next, the control unit 224 of the PC transmits the server device 210 via the line IF 221 at a predetermined cycle.
Is inquired about whether or not the mail addressed to the client side device has been received. Then, the control unit 224
When grasping the arrival of a new mail addressed to the client device, the mail arrival signal is sent to the control line IF 222 and the control line 2.
And 50 to the CB. In this case, the control unit 22
4 drives the DP circuit 228 so that the DP control circuit 232
Alternatively, a control signal for activating the display device 234 may be transmitted to control the power of the display device 234 to be activated.

Then, the control unit 244 of the CB
50, when a mail arrival signal is received via the control IF 241, a display indicating that the mail has arrived is displayed on the display 246. When the message indicating the arrival of the mail is displayed on the display 246, the user of the client apparatus 200 grasps the arrival of the mail, activates the power supply of the PC or DP as necessary, and uses a known method. Thus, incoming mail can be retrieved from the server device. In this manner, the on / off control of the power of the display device 234 is performed by the DP in the PC.
It is also possible to use the circuit 228.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server device having the mail transmission / reception function and the client device having at least the display unit (DP) having the display function are connected to the communication network (LAN). ), And furthermore, the operation of a client-server system in which a control device (CB) having at least a display for indicating that a mail to the corresponding client device has been received is connected to the client device via a control line. A method of controlling, wherein the client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on the own device, and when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, the client device monitors the display unit of the own device. The power of the display unit is controlled by turning off the power, or to the control device connected to the own device via the control line. Providing a power-off signal for disconnecting; and inquiring, at a predetermined cycle, whether or not a server device has received mail addressed to the device, and detecting the reception of mail addressed to the device. Sending a mail arrival signal via a control line to a control device connected to the own device, and the control device sends a power-off signal from the client device via the control line to the control device. A process including, when received, controlling to turn off the power of the display unit of the client device, and displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on a display provided in the own device when a mail incoming signal is received from the client device. In order to reduce the power consumption of the client device, it is possible to properly receive incoming mail while giving the client device a function to monitor new mail. It will be can be. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since an operation program (software) for controlling the operation of the power supply and detecting an incoming mail is installed on the client side, the present invention can be implemented according to the preference of the user of the client device. It can be applied, and the control box (CB) and software can be realized with a simple and inexpensive one.

In the present embodiment, the control device
The CB 240, the monitoring unit is connected to the monitoring unit 226, the first control unit is connected to the control unit 224, and the disconnecting unit is connected to the DP circuit 22.
8. DP control circuit 232 (including the function of control unit 224)
The timer means corresponds to the timer 223 (including the function of the control unit 224), and the second control means corresponds to the control unit 244. (Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a third embodiment in which the present invention is implemented, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing performed by this system. Although the basic configuration of the system according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 5, the present embodiment uses a computer 320 (PC) and a control box 340 (C
B) It is characterized in that the CB is not connected to the control line 340, but the CB is also connected to the LAN, and information communication between the two is performed via the LAN 35.

As shown in FIG. 7, a server device 310 having a function of sending and receiving mail and a client device 30
Numeral 0 is communicably connected to each other by a local area network (LAN) 35 such as an Ethernet to form a so-called client-server system. Also, the control box 340 (CB)
(LAN) 35. Note that a plurality of client devices are actually connected to the LAN 35.

Server device 3 functioning as mail server
Reference numeral 10 includes a display device 311 and differs in configuration from the server device 110 (FIG. 3) shown in the first embodiment, and can be realized by a known information processing device such as a workstation, for example.

On the other hand, the client device 300 includes a computer section 320 (PC) as a main body and a display section 330 (DP).
C) is connected to a line IF 321 that performs transmission / reception processing of information communicated via the LAN 35, a monitoring unit 326 that monitors whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is performed, and a display unit (DP). And a display circuit (DP) for supplying a control signal for turning off / starting the power of the display device 334
Circuit) 328, a timer 323 for determining whether a predetermined operation has been performed within a preset time, and a control unit 324 for controlling the operation of each functional unit. ) Is a display device 3 composed of a CRT or the like.
34, and a DP control circuit 332 for performing control including turning off / starting of the power supply of the display device 334.
Reference numeral 32 is connected so that a control signal can be supplied from the DP circuit 328.

Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention,
In the configuration of the PC in FIG. 7, only functional units related to the present invention are shown, and other functional units such as an arithmetic processing unit are omitted. That is, in FIG. 7, functional units necessary for processing according to the present embodiment are described except for an input unit (keyboard or mouse) for performing a predetermined operation, which is not shown.

Further, the control box 340 (C
B) is a line interface connected to the LAN 35 and functioning as an interface for transmitting and receiving information via the LAN 35.
341, a display 346 realized by an LED, an LCD, or the like, for displaying that the server device 310 has received the mail addressed to the client device 300, and a display unit (DP)
A display control unit (DP control unit) 348 that is connected to the DP control circuit 332 and supplies a control signal for turning off and starting up the power of the display device 334, and a control unit 344 that controls the operation of each functional unit. doing.

The server device 31 as described above
0, the client device 300, and the control box (CB) 340 include, for example, a ROM having a built-in operation program, a CPU that operates according to the operation program, a RAM having a storage area and a work area, and communication. It can be realized by various electronic devices such as various semiconductor circuits including an IC and a time counting circuit, and a display device 311, a display device 334
Can be realized by a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display.

Next, the operation of the system shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When compared with the processing flow of the second embodiment (FIG. 6), the operation of the present embodiment is different in that information communication between the PC and the CB is performed via the LAN 35 instead of the control line. Only the other operations are the same.

First, in step S800, PC3
The monitoring unit 326 monitors whether a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is performed by the user of the client device. When a predetermined operation is performed, the control unit 324 sets the timer 323 upon receiving the operation detection signal sent from the monitoring unit 326 (step S80).
2). When the set timer 323 exceeds a preset time, the timer 323 notifies the control unit 324 of that fact. The set time may be set before this processing is performed.

Next, in step S806, the control unit 324 determines whether or not the monitoring unit 326 has detected that a predetermined operation has been performed. On the other hand, if it is detected (Y), the process proceeds to step S804 and the timer 323
Reset. That is, the control unit 324 sets (resets) the timer 323 each time it detects that a predetermined operation has been performed.

Next, in step S808, the control unit 324 monitors whether or not a notification that the preset time has been exceeded has been received from the timer 223. , Proceeding to step S810,
If no excess notification has been received (N), step S
Returning to 806, the control unit 324 determines again whether the monitoring unit 326 has detected that a predetermined operation has been performed.

Next, in step S810, the control unit 324 of the PC sends the power-off information to the LAN 35 via the line IF 321 and transmits it to the CB. And
In step S812, the control unit 344 of the CB
When the power-off information is received via the AN 35, the power-off information (corresponding to a power-off control signal) is transmitted to the DP control circuit 332 via the DP control unit 348 (step S814). Then, in step S816,
The DP control circuit 332 of the display unit turns off the power of the display device 334 when the power-off information is given from the DP control unit 348 of the CB.

Next, in step S818, the control unit 324 of the PC sends the line IF 321 at a predetermined cycle.
, The server device 310 is inquired about whether the mail addressed to the client device has been received. If the mail addressed to the client device has not arrived (N), the process is put in a wait state in step S818, while if the mail has arrived (Y), the process proceeds to step S820. In step S820, the control unit 324 of the PC sends the mail arrival information to the L via the line IF 321.
The data is transmitted to the AN 35 and transmitted to the CB.

Next, in step S822, upon receiving the mail arrival information via the LAN 35 and the line IF 341, the control unit 344 of the CB displays a message indicating the arrival of the mail on the display 346 (step S824). As the display mode, lighting of an LED, display of a message on an LCD, or the like can be considered. Then, when the user of the client device 300 grasps the display on the display 346, the P
By activating the power of the C320 and the DP330, the mail arriving at the client device can be retrieved from the server device by a known method.

Note that as shown in step S826, C
The control unit 344 of B displays the incoming mail on the display 346, and supplies a start signal (corresponding to a control signal of power start) from the DP control unit 348 to the DP control circuit 332, that is, When the control of turning on the power of the DP is performed, the DP control circuit 332 may start the power of the display device 334 in the off state by receiving the start signal (step S828).

Thus, when the CB receives the incoming mail information sent from the client device side, the CB controls the activation of the power supply of the display unit of the client device. The power of the display unit is activated.

Also, the control unit 324 of the client device
However, after once turning off the power of the display unit,
When the monitoring unit 326 detects a predetermined operation, the DP circuit 32
8 is supplied to the DP control circuit 332 to control the power of the display unit by directly supplying a control signal for power activation, or to the CB by providing a start signal for power activation of the display unit. , CB control section 344 drives DP control section 348 when a start signal is given,
If a control signal for power activation is given to the P control circuit 332 to control the activation of the power of the display unit, even if the predetermined operation is performed even after the power is turned off, it is automatically set. There is an effect that the power supply of the display unit is activated.

In the process shown in FIG. 8, the on / off control of the display unit is controlled by the DP control unit 34 of the CB.
8, the control unit 324 of the PC directly drives the DP circuit 328, and the DP circuit 328 supplies a control signal to the DP control circuit 332, as described in the description of the second embodiment. , The DP control circuit 332 is connected to the display device 334.
May be turned on / off. Note that the processing outline in this case is the same as that described in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server device having the mail transmitting / receiving function, the client device having at least the display unit (DP) having the display function, and the corresponding client device A control device (CB) having at least a display for indicating that a mail has been received is connected to a communication network (LA).
N) controlling the operation of the client-server system connected in N), wherein the client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and the predetermined operation is performed within a preset time. When not performed, the power supply of the display unit of the own device is controlled to be turned off, or the control device is provided with power-off information for turning off the power of the display unit via a communication network; On the other hand, in a predetermined cycle, a step of inquiring whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device, and when detecting the reception of mail addressed to the own device, notifies the control device of the incoming mail information via the communication network. And the control device, when receiving the power-off information from the client device via the communication network, Since the process includes a step of controlling the power supply of the display unit of the client device to be cut off and a step of displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display provided in the own device when the mail arrival information is received from the client device. In addition, the client device is provided with a function for monitoring new mail, and the communication network can be used to appropriately notify the arrival of a mail while reducing the power consumption of the client device. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since an operation program (software) for controlling the operation of the power supply and detecting an incoming mail is installed on the client side, the present invention can be implemented according to the preference of the user of the client device. It can be applied, and the control box (CB) and software are also
It can be realized with a simple and inexpensive device.

In this embodiment, the control device is:
The CB 340, the monitoring unit is connected to the monitoring unit 326, the first control unit is connected to the control unit 324, and the disconnecting unit is connected to the DP circuit 32.
8. DP control circuit 332 (including the function of control unit 324)
The timer means corresponds to the timer 323 (including the function of the control unit 324), and the second control means corresponds to the control unit 344.

According to each of the second and third embodiments,
A client device (CB and client device) having a display device having a display function and capable of communicating mail arrival information indicating the arrival of mail addressed to the own device with a server device having a mail transmission / reception function. Monitoring means (monitoring unit) for monitoring whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the apparatus; timer means (timer) for determining whether the predetermined operation has been performed within a predetermined time; If there is new arrival information, a display for indicating the arrival information and disconnection means (DP
Circuit, a DP control circuit, a DP control unit) and a control unit (two control units) for controlling the operation of the own device. When it is determined that the predetermined operation has been detected within the time, a client-side device including a unit for driving the disconnection unit and a unit for driving the display unit when the mail arrival information is received is realized.

According to each of the second and third embodiments, the operations of the client device (200, 300) and the control box CB (240, 340) are stored in a storage medium (floppy disk, hard disk, A magnetic storage medium such as a magnetic tape, C
A program stored in an optical storage medium such as a DROM, a semiconductor storage medium such as a memory chip, an IC card, or the like may be read by a disk device or the like. That is, in this case, the operation of the client-side device having a display device having a display function and capable of communicating mail arrival information indicating the arrival of mail addressed to the own device with a server device having a mail transmission / reception function is controlled. For monitoring whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on its own device in a computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed, and determining whether or not the predetermined operation has been performed within a predetermined time. (By the timer means), when there is new arrival information of the mail addressed to the own device (display by the display), and processing for controlling the power-off of the display device (by the disconnection means) And a process for controlling the operation of the own device (by the control means), and further, when it is determined that a predetermined operation has been performed within a predetermined time, a power-off control And processing for, when receiving a mail attachment new information, the processing for displaying the fact that the wearing new information mail addressed to the own device is present, the computer (P
C and CB), a computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed is provided, and a storage medium storing a program capable of notifying of an incoming mail while reducing the power consumption of the client device can be realized. This has the effect.

As described in each embodiment,
The power-on after the power of the display device or the like is turned off can be performed in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined operation such as a key input operation. After the power is turned off, when a predetermined operation such as a key input operation is detected, a control signal for activating the power is supplied to each power supply from the control unit of the PC, and the power-on control may be performed. Accordingly, even when the power supply is turned off, when a predetermined operation is performed, the power supply of the display unit is automatically activated, and the convenience of the user is provided. Further, instead of the display in each embodiment, a sound source or the like as a means for calling the user's attention may be used to drive the sound source or the like when an e-mail arrives. It's just a way to call attention.

As described above, according to the present invention,
If a predetermined operation such as an operation of the input unit of the client device is not performed within a predetermined time, the power supply of the display unit is turned off, and after the cutoff, a mail addressed to the client device arrives at the server device. If this is the case, this is displayed on the display unit, so that it is possible to save power in the system, accurately notify the arrival of e-mails, and use an inexpensive control box or The present invention can be applied with a simple configuration having only operation software.

Furthermore, a means is provided for automatically driving the power supply when a predetermined operation is performed or a mail is received addressed to the own device after the power supply of the client device is once controlled to be turned off. Therefore, a system with improved convenience for the user can be constructed.

[0107]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on the client device is monitored, and the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time. In this case, the power of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit is turned off, and after the power is turned off, when the server device receives a mail addressed to the client device, the display unit displays a message indicating that the mail has arrived. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to appropriately notify the arrival of the mail while reducing the power consumption of the client device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and sends an operation detection signal on a control line when the predetermined operation is performed. When receiving a power-off signal sent from the control device via a control line, a step of turning off the power of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit, and, further, the control device,
When the operation detection signal is not received within a preset time, a power-off signal is sent out on the control line, and power-off information of the corresponding client device is notified to the server device via the communication network, When the incoming mail information is received from the server device via the communication network, a message indicating the incoming mail is displayed on the display unit, and the server device transmits the power-off information (power off) from the control device via the communication network. (Corresponding to the signal), the incoming mail to the corresponding client device is monitored, and when the mail to the client device is received, the incoming mail information is sent to the control device. Appropriate notification of incoming mail while reducing the power consumption of client devices There is an effect that can be.

In particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the power of the display unit is turned off, the control device further receives a mail arrival signal from the server device,
And, at least one of the cases where the operation detection signal is received from the client device via the control line,
A power activation signal is transmitted on the control line, and when the client device further receives the power activation signal via the control line, it activates the power of the display unit. When a call is received, the power of the display unit is automatically activated.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the client device monitors whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, , Control to turn off the power of the display unit of the own device, or to the control device connected to the own device,
An off signal for turning off the power of the display unit is given via the control line, and the server device is inquired at a predetermined cycle as to whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device,
When detecting the reception of mail addressed to the own device, the control device connected to the own device sends out an incoming mail signal via a control line, and further, the control device sends an OFF signal from the client device via the control line. Is received, the power of the display unit of the client device is controlled to be turned off, and when an incoming mail signal is received from the client device, the display of the own device indicates that the incoming mail is received. By providing the function to the client device, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the client device and appropriately notify the mail arrival.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the client device monitors whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, The power of the display unit of the own device is controlled to be turned off, or off information for turning off the power of the display unit is given to the control device via a communication network, and the server device is provided with a predetermined cycle. Inquires whether there is an e-mail addressed to the own device,
When detecting the mail reception addressed to the own device, the control device notifies the control device of the mail arrival information via the communication network, and further, when the control device receives the OFF information from the client device via the communication network, The power of the display unit is controlled to be turned off, and when mail incoming information is received from the client device, the display of the incoming mail is displayed on the display provided in the own device, so that the client device has a function of monitoring new mail, There is an effect that it is possible to appropriately notify an incoming mail while using a communication network while reducing the power consumption of the client device.

In particular, according to the invention, when the control device further receives a mail arrival signal (mail arrival information) sent from the client device side, the control device turns on the power supply of the display unit of the client device. Since the activation is controlled, the power of the display unit is automatically activated when a mail is received.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, after the power of the display unit is turned off and the predetermined operation is detected, the client device directly turns on the power of the display unit. To control the start, or to give a start signal of the power of the display unit to the control device, further, the control device, when receiving the start signal given from the client device, to control the start of the power of the display unit, Even after the power is turned off, when a predetermined operation is performed, the power of the display unit is automatically started.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in the client device, the monitoring means monitors whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on the own device, and the first control means performs the predetermined operation. Sending an operation detection signal on the control line by being performed, and receiving a power-off signal sent from the control device via the control line, the disconnecting means, when the control means receives a power-off signal, The power supply of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit is turned off, and the control unit further determines whether the operation detection signal has been received within a preset time by the timer means, When the control means does not receive the operation detection signal within a preset time, the control means sends a power-off signal on the control line and transmits power-off information of the corresponding client device. Notifying the server device via the communication network, and displaying mail arrival information on the display when receiving the mail arrival information from the server device via the communication network. Receives power-off information (corresponding to the power-off signal) from the control device via the communication network, monitors for incoming mail addressed to the client device corresponding to the control device, and the third control means When a mail addressed to the client device is received, the incoming mail information is sent to the control device. Therefore, the server device is provided with a function for monitoring newly arrived mail so that the power consumption of the client device can be reduced and the incoming mail can be properly received. There is an effect that notification can be made.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the client device, the monitoring means monitors whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and the timer means sets the predetermined operation for a predetermined time. Judge whether it was done within
The disconnecting means controls disconnection of the power supply of the display unit. Further, when the first control means does not perform the predetermined operation within a preset time, the first control means activates the cutting means, or turns on the power of the display unit via the control line to the control device. Supplying an OFF signal for disconnection (first function), inquiring of a server device as to whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device at a predetermined cycle (second function); When detecting the reception of the mail addressed to the device, a mail incoming signal is transmitted (third function) via a control line to the control device.
When the second control means receives an OFF signal from the client device via a control line, the control unit controls the power supply of the display unit to be turned off, and receives a mail reception signal from the client device to receive a mail. Display,
Therefore, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the client device can be provided with a function of monitoring newly arrived mails, thereby notifying the incoming mail while reducing the power consumption of the client device. .

Also, according to the tenth aspect,
In the client device, the monitoring unit monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on the own device, the timer unit determines whether the predetermined operation is performed within a preset time, and the disconnecting unit displays the display. The power of the unit is cut off. Further, the first control means activates the disconnection means when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, or controls the display unit via the communication network with respect to the control device. Supplying off information for turning off the power (first function), inquiring of a server device as to whether or not there is a mail reception addressed to itself at a predetermined cycle (second function), and When the reception of the mail addressed to the client device is detected, the control device notifies the control device of the mail arrival information via the communication network (third function).
When the second control means receives the OFF information from the client device via the communication network, the second control means controls the power supply of the display unit to be turned off, and when the mail receiving information is received from the client device, the mail is displayed on the display. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the client device is provided with a function for monitoring newly arrived mail, and the communication network is used to reduce the power consumption of the client device. There is an effect that an incoming mail can be properly notified.

In particular, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the second control means (control unit) provided in the control device receives a mail incoming signal from the client device, it controls the power of the display unit to be activated. When a mail is received, the power of the display unit is automatically activated.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the first control means provided in the client device once turns off the power of the display unit and the monitoring means detects a predetermined operation, The power supply of the display unit is controlled to be activated, or a power supply start signal for starting the power supply of the display unit is given to the control device. When the power supply start signal is given, the power supply of the display unit is controlled to be activated. Therefore, even when the power supply is turned off, the power supply of the display unit is automatically activated when a predetermined operation is performed. is there.

According to the thirteenth aspect,
The control means activates the timer means, drives the disconnecting means when it is determined that the monitoring means has detected the predetermined operation within the predetermined time, and drives the display when it receives the mail arrival information. Therefore, there is an effect that the mail arrival can be notified while the power consumption of the client side device is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing contents according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing contents according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing contents according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 5 local area network (LAN) 10 server device 11 display device 12 mail management unit 13 control unit 14 client management unit 15 transmission / reception unit 20 client side device 21 line IF (interface) 24 control unit 26 monitoring unit 28 timer 30 display device 46 display

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Ichitora Nakajima 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Ryoichi Yasumine 3-19, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 2 Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Yasuo Saka Inventor 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Masato Kukuri 2 Furo-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (No. 9-1, NTT Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoko Yamamoto 2-9-1, Furo-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, NTT Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kunihiko Fujita NTT Intelligence, 2-9-1 Furo-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Tote Technology Co., Ltd.

Claims (13)

[Claims] A client / server connected by a communication network to a server having a mail sending / receiving function and a client having a computer performing predetermined operations and a display having a display function.
In the method for controlling the operation of the server system, monitoring whether a predetermined operation is performed on the client device, if the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, a part of the computer unit and the When the power of at least one of the display units is turned off and the server device receives a mail addressed to the client device after the power is turned off, a display provided on the client device side displays a message indicating the arrival of the mail. An operation control method for a client / server system that is performed. 2. A client device comprising a server device having a mail transmission / reception function, a computer unit performing a predetermined operation, and a display unit having a display function, and a client device connected to the client device via a control line. A method for controlling the operation of a client-server system in which a control device having at least a display for indicating that a mail to a corresponding client device has been received is connected via a communication network, the client device comprising: Monitoring whether a predetermined operation is performed on the device, transmitting an operation detection signal on the control line when the predetermined operation is performed, and a power-off signal transmitted from the control device via the control line Received, the power of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit is turned off. The control device transmits the power-off signal on the control line when the operation detection signal is not received within a preset time, and Notifying the power-off information of the client device to the server device via the communication network; and receiving the mail arrival information from the server device via the communication network, the message indicating that the mail has arrived on the display. And performing a process of performing display. The server device, upon receiving power-off information (corresponding to a power-off signal) from the control device via the communication network, a client device corresponding to the control device. Monitors the arrival of mail addressed to the client device, and receives mail addressed to the client device. Performs processing comprising the step of sending the information, the operation control method of a client-server system. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when the power of the display unit is turned off, the control device further receives mail incoming information from the server device, and outputs the control line from the client device. In at least one of the cases where an operation detection signal is received via the control line, a power supply start signal is transmitted on the control line, and the client device further receives the power supply start signal via the control line. An operation control method for a client-server system, wherein the power supply of the display unit is sometimes started. 4. A server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device having at least a display unit having a display function are connected via a communication network, and a mail to the corresponding client device is received. A method for controlling the operation of a client-server system in which a control device having at least a display for indicating that the client device is connected to the client device via a control line, wherein the client device performs a predetermined operation on its own device Is monitored or not, and when the predetermined operation is not performed within a preset time, the power of the display unit of the own device is controlled to be turned off,
Or providing a power-off signal for turning off the power of the display unit to the control device connected to the own device via the control line; and A step of inquiring whether or not a mail addressed to the own device is received; and a step of sending a mail incoming signal via the control line to the control device connected to the own device when detecting the mail received to the own device. Performing a process including: when receiving the power-off signal from the client device via the control line, controlling the power of a display unit of the client device to be turned off; and Displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display provided in the own device when a mail incoming signal is received from the device. Operation control method for client-server system. 5. A server device having a mail transmitting / receiving function, a client device having at least a display unit having a display function, and at least a display for displaying that a mail to the corresponding client device has been received. A method for controlling the operation of a client-server system in which a control device provided with the control device is connected via a communication network, wherein the client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, and performs the predetermined operation. Is not performed within a preset time, the power of the display unit of the own device is controlled to be turned off,
Alternatively, providing the control device with power-off information for powering off a display unit via the communication network; and receiving a mail addressed to the device at a predetermined cycle to the server device. Inquiring whether or not there is, and when detecting mail reception addressed to the own device, performing a process including a step of notifying the control device of mail arrival information via the communication network, From the client device, via the communication network, when the power-off information is received, the step of controlling to turn off the power of the display unit of the client device, when receiving mail incoming information from the client device, Displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display unit provided in the own device. Ianto -
An operation control method for the server system. 6. The display unit of the client device according to claim 4, wherein the control device further receives a mail incoming signal (mail incoming information) sent from the client device side. An operation control method for a client-server system, comprising: controlling activation of a power supply of a server. 7. The client device according to claim 4, wherein, after the power of the display unit is turned off and the predetermined operation is detected, Control the power supply directly, or
Alternatively, a start signal of a power supply of a display unit is given to the control device, and the control device, when receiving the start signal given from the client device, controls the start of the power supply of the display unit of the client device. Characteristic operation control method for a client / server system. 8. A client / server connected by a communication network, comprising: a server device having a mail sending / receiving function; and a client device having a computer unit performing a predetermined operation and a display unit having a display function.
The server system, further comprising: a control device connected to the communication network, connected to the client device via a control line, and including a display for displaying that mail for the corresponding client device has been received, A monitoring unit that monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on the client device; a function of transmitting an operation detection signal on the control line when the predetermined operation is performed; and First control means having a function of receiving a power-off signal transmitted via a line, and when the first control means receives a power-off signal, a power supply of at least one of the computer unit and the display unit At least a disconnecting unit that disconnects the operation detection signal, the control device is configured to receive the operation detection signal for a preset time. Timer means for determining whether the operation has been performed, and when the operation detection signal has not been received within a preset time, the power-off signal is sent out on the control line, and the corresponding client device Power-off information to the server device via the communication network, and, upon receiving mail arrival information from the server device via the communication network, displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display. And at least a second control unit having a function of performing a power-off signal (corresponding to a power-off signal) from the control device via the communication network. A mail monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of mail addressed to the corresponding client device; If you, the third at least comprising, a client-server system control means for transmitting incoming mail information to the controller. 9. A client-server system in which a server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device having at least a display unit having a display function are connected via a communication network, wherein a control line is connected to the client device. And a control device having a display for displaying that mail to the corresponding client device has been received. The client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on the own device. Monitoring means for performing the operation; timer means for determining whether the predetermined operation has been performed within a preset time; disconnection means for controlling the power supply of the display unit of its own device; and setting the predetermined operation in advance. If you do not do it within the time
A first function of activating the disconnecting means or providing a control device connected to the own device with a power-off signal for powering off a display unit via the control line;
A second function for inquiring of the server device at predetermined intervals whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device, and when detecting the reception of mail addressed to the own device, the second device connected to the own device. The control device includes at least a first control unit having a third function of transmitting a mail arrival signal via the control line. The control device is configured to: When a power-off signal is received, the function of controlling the power of the display unit of the client device to be turned off, and when a mail arrival signal is received from the client device, a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display provided in the own device. A client-server system including at least a second control unit having a function of performing display. 10. A client-server system in which a server device having a mail transmission / reception function and a client device having at least a display unit having a display function are connected via a communication network. A control device including a display for displaying that mail has been received for the corresponding client device, wherein the client device monitors whether a predetermined operation is performed on its own device, Timer means for determining whether or not the predetermined operation has been performed within a preset time; disconnection means for controlling the power supply of the display unit of the own device; and cutting off the predetermined operation within a preset time. If not, activate the disconnecting means, or connect the communication network to the control device. A first function of providing power-off information for cutting off the power of the display unit via the second function; and a second function of inquiring of the server device at predetermined intervals whether or not there is mail reception addressed to the own device. function,
And at least a first control unit having a third function of notifying the control device of incoming mail information via the communication network when detecting the reception of mail addressed to the client device; From the client device, via the communication network, when receiving the power-off information, a function of controlling the power of the display unit of the client device to cut off,
And a second control unit having a function of displaying a message indicating that a mail has arrived on the display unit provided when the mail arrival information is received from the client device. 11. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the second control means included in the control device is a means for controlling activation of a power supply of the display unit when a mail incoming signal is received from the client device. A client-server system, characterized in that: 12. The client device according to claim 9, wherein the first control means included in the client device is provided after the power supply of the display unit is temporarily turned off, and the monitoring means performs the predetermined operation. Is detected, the power of the display unit is controlled to be activated, or
The control device is a means for giving a start signal for starting the power of the display unit, the second control means provided in the control device, when the start signal is given from the client device, the display unit of the A client-server system, which is a means for controlling activation of a power supply. 13. A client-side device having a display device having a display function and capable of communicating mail arrival information indicating the arrival of mail addressed to itself with a server device having a mail transmission / reception function. Monitoring means for monitoring whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed, timer means for determining whether or not the predetermined operation has been performed within a predetermined time, and when there is new arrival information of mail addressed to the own device, A display for displaying that effect, a disconnection unit for performing a power supply disconnection control of the display device, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the own device, the control unit activating the timer unit Means for driving the disconnecting means when the monitoring means detects a predetermined operation within a predetermined time, and means for driving the display when the mail arrival information is received. , Client side device.