Information processing device, server device and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses an information processing device, a server device, and a storage medium, which can ensure convenience while extending the usable time of the device. The information processing device includes a battery remaining amount acquisition unit as a remaining amount acquisition means, and an operation function restriction unit as an operation function restriction means. The battery remaining amount acquisition unit acquires the remaining power of a battery as a power supply means for supplying power to a portable terminal device. Moreover, the operation function restriction unit restricts the operation function based on the remaining power of the battery and the use frequency of each function of the portable terminal device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese patent application No. JP2019-195292, filed on October 28, 2019, and cites the contents of the above application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Recently, portable information devices are usually operated by power supplied from a rechargeable battery (storage battery). Then, in information devices using storage batteries, by designing on the premise of not replacing the battery, a structure is formed to ensure more capacity of the battery housed in a small housing.

[0004] Such portable information devices cannot replace batteries, so they need to be charged when the remaining power is low. However, since the information device needs to be placed in a designated charging place during the charging process, it cannot be used normally. Therefore, there is a problem of stopping business during the charging process, that is, non-working time. Therefore, it is expected that portable information devices such as ordering terminals used in stores can complete their work without charging during the store's opening hours.

[0005] In order to solve such a problem, electronic devices in the prior art have a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption. Then, when entering the power saving mode, the battery consumption is suppressed by stopping the operation of the functions preset by the user. Therefore, the power saving mode of the electronic device is to limit the operation of the functions preset by the user, so in the electronic device used by an unspecified majority of people, the operation of the frequently used functions may be restricted. That is, there is a problem that although the operation time of the device is extended, the convenience is impaired. Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a storage medium that can ensure convenience while extending the usable time of the device.

[0007] The information processing device of the embodiment includes a power supply unit, a remaining power acquisition unit, and an operation function restriction unit. The power supply unit is rechargeable and supplies power to the information processing device. The remaining power acquisition unit acquires the remaining power of the power supply unit. The operation function restriction unit restricts the operation function based on the remaining power of the power supply unit and the use frequency of each function of the information processing device.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned information processing apparatus, it is possible to extend the usable time of the device while ensuring convenience.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the operational function limiting unit limits the operational functions in consideration of power consumption of each function.

[0010] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, by taking the usage frequency and the power consumption into consideration, it is possible to cope with the limitation of the function with high or low power consumption.

[0011] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the operational function limiting unit limits the operational functions in stages according to the remaining power of the power supply unit.

[0012] According to the above information processing device, as many functions as possible can be used according to the remaining power.

[0013] The above-mentioned information processing device further includes: a display unit that displays the function whose operation is restricted.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to clearly indicate that the operation is restricted.

[0015] The above-mentioned information processing device further includes: a notification method control unit that selects a notification method with less power consumption from a plurality of notification units that notify the operating state of the information processing device according to a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply unit.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the battery by the notification unit.

[0017] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the usage frequency is a standardized number of operations of each function.

[0018] According to the above-described information processing device, it is possible to prevent the use frequency from increasing due to the total number of operations.

[0019] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the operational function limiting unit limits functions with low usage frequency.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, the operation of frequently used functions is less likely to be restricted.

[0021] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the operational function limiting unit limits a function with high power consumption when there are a plurality of functions with the same frequency of use.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to effectively perform function limitation.

[0023] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the operational function limiting unit is executed after the number of times each function is used reaches a predetermined number of times.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned information processing device, it is possible to limit functions based on an accurate usage status.

[0025] A storage medium on another aspect of the present invention stores a program that enables a computer having a rechargeable power supply unit that supplies power to an information processing device to perform the following functions: a remaining power acquisition unit that acquires the remaining power of the power supply unit; and an operation function limiting unit that limits the operation function based on the remaining power of the power supply unit and the frequency of use of each function of the information processing device.

[0026] According to the above-described storage medium, it is possible to provide a computer with a function of extending the usable time while ensuring convenience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the information processing device and program involved in the embodiment are described. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by referring to the detailed description below, the present invention can be more completely and better understood and many of the accompanying advantages can be easily known, but the drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention, wherein:

[0028] 1(a) and 1(b) are external views showing an example of a portable terminal device according to the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the portable terminal device of the first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the portable terminal device of the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the usage frequency data stored in the storage unit;

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a function control list used when limiting usable functions;

[0033] Figure 6 A diagram for explaining a state in which use of functions corresponding to the use frequency and power consumption is gradually restricted according to the remaining power level;

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the portable terminal device involved in the first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of an order processing system according to a second embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 9is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the order processing system of the second embodiment;

[0037] Fig.10 A diagram for explaining a method in which a store server collects and analyzes the usage frequency of each function from a plurality of portable terminal devices; and

[0038] Fig.11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the order processing system;

[0039] Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 1, 2 Portable terminal device (information processing device) 3 Store server

[0041] 5Indicator (notification unit) 6Speaker (notification unit)

[0042] 7 vibrator (notification unit) 40 battery (power supply unit)

[0043] 52 Operation Function Restriction Department (Operation Function Restriction Department)

[0044] 50 battery remaining amount acquisition unit (remaining amount acquisition unit)

[0045] 53 Notification method control unit (Notification method control unit)

[0046] 55 display control unit (display unit)

[0047] F3 usage frequency data

[0048] F4 Power consumption data

[0049] F5 function control list DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] (First embodiment)

[0051] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The first embodiment is an example in which the information processing device of the present invention is applied to a portable terminal device for accepting orders from customers in a restaurant or a sales store.

[0052] (Schematic Structure of Portable Terminal Device)

[0053] FIG. 1 is an appearance diagram of an example of a portable terminal device according to the first embodiment. In particular, FIG. 1 is an appearance diagram of the portable terminal device 1 as viewed from the surface side. The portable terminal device 1 is used as an ordering terminal for accepting orders from customers in, for example, a restaurant. In addition, the portable terminal device 1 is not limited to an ordering terminal, and may also be a tablet terminal or a smart phone. In addition, the portable terminal device 1 is an example of an information processing device in the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIG1 , the portable terminal device 1 is composed of a first housing 3a provided with a liquid crystal display 20, and a second housing 3b connected to the first housing 3a via a rotating support portion 3c and openable and closable in the direction of arrow A. The liquid crystal display 20 functions as a display unit, for example, displaying an input screen for the order clerk to input order information. In addition, a touch panel 22 is laminated on the surface of the liquid crystal display 20. The portable terminal device 1 receives input of order information by detecting that an operation key displayed on the input screen is touched through the touch panel 22.

[0055] In addition, the portable terminal device 1 includes an indicator 5, a speaker 6, and a vibrator 7 for notifying its own operating state. The indicator 5 is an LED, for example, provided on the edge or side of the portable terminal device 1. The indicator 5 notifies about the state of the portable terminal device 1 by light. The speaker 6 is provided inside the housing of the portable terminal device 1, and notifies about the state of the portable terminal device 1 by sound. The vibrator 7 is provided inside the housing of the portable terminal device 1, and notifies about the state of the portable terminal device 1 by vibration. In addition, the indicator 5, the speaker 6, and the vibrator 7 are examples of the notification unit in the present invention. In addition, generally, the power consumption decreases in the order of the vibrator 7, the speaker 6, and the indicator 5. As described later, the portable terminal device 1 uses each notification unit according to the remaining battery level.

[0056] A battery 40 is installed inside the portable terminal device 1. The battery 40 is a rechargeable storage battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery, and supplies power to the portable terminal device 1. In addition, the battery 40 is set in a state that it cannot be removed from the inside of the portable terminal device 1. That is, when the power of the battery 40 is consumed, it is necessary to connect the charging terminal 41 of the portable terminal device 1 to a commercial power supply such as AC100V for charging. In addition, the battery 40 is an example of a power supply unit in the present invention.

[0057] (Description of the Hardware Configuration of the Portable Terminal Device)

[0058] Figure 2 1 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the portable terminal device of the first embodiment. The portable terminal device 1 includes a control unit 10 , a storage unit 12 , an input / output controller 14 , a wireless communication controller 38 , and a battery 40 .

[0059] The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10c. The CPU 10a is connected to the ROM 10b and the RAM 10c via a bus 16. The CPU 10a expands various programs or files stored in the ROM 10b or the storage unit 12 into the RAM 10c. The CPU 10a controls the portable terminal device 1 by operating according to the various programs or files expanded in the RAM 10c. That is, the control unit 10 has a configuration of a general computer.

[0060] The control unit 10 is further connected to the storage unit 12 and the input / output controller 14 via a main line 16 .

[0061] The storage unit 12 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 12 stores programs including a control program P1. The control program P1 is a program for making the functions of the portable terminal device 1 function.

[0062] In addition, the control program P1 may be pre-installed in the ROM 10b and provided. In addition, the control program P1 may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) in a form that can be installed in the control unit 10 or in an executable form and provided. Furthermore, the control program P1 may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it through the network. In addition, the control program P1 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0063] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores a PLU file F1 , order data F2 , usage frequency data F3 , power consumption data F4 , and a function control list F5 .

[0064] The PLU file F1 is a file that stores information about the items on the menu of the store (item code, item name, price, etc.). When the order clerk receives an order from a customer, he or she can calculate the unit price of the item by referring to the item corresponding to the PLU file F1. In addition, since the menu of the store changes every day, the PLU file F1 is updated at any time by the store server (not shown) through the wireless communication controller 38.

[0065] The order data F2 is a file storing order data input in accordance with an instruction from a customer.

[0066] The usage frequency data F3 is a file that cumulatively stores the usage frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 1. Specifically, it cumulatively stores the number of times each menu is selected on the menu screen of the portable terminal device 1. The details will be described later (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0067] The power consumption data F4 is a file that stores power consumption when each function of the portable terminal device 1 is operated, in association with each function.

[0068] The function control list F5 is a file that sorts the functions that are to be restricted based on the frequency of use and power consumption for each function of the portable terminal device 1 when the remaining power of the battery 40 of the portable terminal device 1 decreases. Figure 5 ).

[0069] The input / output controller 14 connects the control unit 10 with the liquid crystal display 20, the touch panel 22, the pointer 5, the speaker 6, and the vibrator 7. The input / output controller 14 controls the various connected hardware based on instructions from the control unit 10.

[0070] The liquid crystal display 20 displays various buttons for operating the portable terminal device 1 , the operating status of the portable terminal device 1 , and the like.

[0071] The touch panel 22 is provided to overlap with the liquid crystal display 20 , detects operation information of an operator on various keys displayed on the liquid crystal display 20 , and transmits information corresponding to the operation information to the control unit 10 .

[0072] The indicator 5 notifies when, for example, the remaining power of the battery 40 is reduced. The indicator 5 is, for example, composed of an LED, and preferably emits light in a striking color such as orange or red. In addition, the form of notification is not limited, and notification may be performed by, for example, flashing or lighting the indicator 5. In addition, the indicator 5 may change the form of notification according to the remaining power of the battery 40. For example, the smaller the remaining power of the battery 40, the shorter the flashing interval of the indicator 5.

[0073] The speaker 6, for example, notifies by sound or voice when the remaining power of the battery 40 is reduced. In addition, the speaker 6 may change the form of notification according to the remaining power of the battery 40. For example, the lower the remaining power of the battery 40, the lower the volume of the sound or voice.

[0074] The vibrator 7 notifies by vibrating the first housing 3a when the remaining power of the battery 40 is reduced, for example. In addition, the vibrator 7 may change the notification form according to the remaining power of the battery 40. For example, the smaller the remaining power of the battery 40, the smaller the vibration amount of the vibrator 7 or the shorter the vibration time.

[0075] In this way, the portable terminal device 1 includes three different types of notification units. The portable terminal device 1 switches the notification unit to be used according to the remaining power of the battery 40. The details will be described later.

[0076] The control unit 10 is connected to a wireless communication controller 38 via the bus 16. The wireless communication controller 38 wirelessly connects the portable terminal device 1 to a store server or a kitchen printer (not shown). The wireless communication is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0077] Furthermore, the battery 40 is connected to the bus 16 .

[0078] (Description of Functional Configuration of Portable Terminal Device)

[0079] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the portable terminal device of the first embodiment. The control unit 10 of the portable terminal device 1 develops the control program P1 in the RAM 10c and runs the control program P1. Figure 3 The remaining battery acquisition unit 50, the usage frequency acquisition unit 51a, the operation function restriction unit 52, the notification method control unit 53, the operation control unit 54, the display control unit 55, and the communication control unit 56 are implemented as functional units. Then, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined operation based on the information acquired from the touch panel 22, the battery 40, and the storage unit 12, and outputs predetermined information to the liquid crystal display 20, the indicator 5, the speaker 6, and the vibrator 7.

[0080] The battery remaining amount acquisition unit 50 acquires the remaining amount of power from the battery 40 (power supply unit). The battery remaining amount acquisition unit 50 is an example of a remaining amount acquisition unit in the present invention.

[0081] The use frequency acquisition unit 51 a accumulates and stores the number of times each function of the portable terminal device 1 is used in the use frequency data F3 .

[0082] The operation function limiting unit 52 limits the operation function of the portable terminal device 1 based on the remaining power of the battery 40, the use frequency data F3 of each function of the portable terminal device 1, and the power consumption data F4 of each function of the portable terminal device 1. In addition, the operation function limiting unit 52 may limit the operation function of the portable terminal device 1 based on the remaining power of the battery 40 and the use frequency data F3 of each function of the portable terminal device 1. In addition, the operation function limiting unit 52 is an example of the operation function limiting unit in the present invention.

[0083] The notification method control unit 53 selects a notification method that consumes less power from the indicator 5, speaker 6 and vibrator 7 (all notification units) that notify the operating state of the portable terminal device 1 according to the reduction of the remaining power of the battery 40. In addition, the notification method control unit 53 is an example of the notification method control unit in the present invention.

[0084] The operation control unit 54 acquires the operation content of the touch panel 22 and recognizes the operation content performed on the portable terminal 1 .

[0085] The display control unit 55 displays the function whose operation is restricted on the liquid crystal display 20 of the portable terminal device 1. The display control unit 55 is an example of a display unit of the present invention.

[0086] The communication control unit 56 controls the communication between the portable terminal device 1 and a store server (not shown). The portable terminal device 1 transmits, for example, input order information to the store server.

[0087] (Description of Calculation Method of Use Frequency of Portable Terminal Device)

[0088] Next, use Figure 4 , a method of calculating the usage frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 1 is described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the use frequency data stored in the storage unit.

[0089] The use frequency data F3 is a file storing the number of times 32 of use and the normalized use frequency 33 of each function for each function 31 possessed by the portable terminal device 1 .

[0090] The usage count 32 indicates the cumulative usage count of each function. Figure 4 The example indicates that function A has been used f1 times in the past, function B has been used f2 times in the past, and function C has been used f3 times in the past.

[0091] In addition, if the number of times of use accumulated individually is taken as the frequency of use, the frequency of use will also increase as the period of use of the portable terminal device 1 increases, so in this embodiment, the frequency of use is standardized. That is, by dividing the number of operations of each function by the sum of the number of operations of all functions, the value calculated as a percentage of the number of operations of each function is taken as the frequency of use of each function. Thereafter, the frequency of use calculated in this way (the number of operations of each function is standardized) is called the standardized frequency of use. In addition, thereafter, only the frequency of use recorded indicates the standardized frequency of use. In addition, if the period of use of the portable terminal device 1 is a relatively short period, the number of uses can also be taken as the frequency of use because the increase in the frequency of use is small.

[0092] Figure 4The standardized usage frequency 33 shown is a value calculated as follows. That is, the usage frequency of function A is a value obtained by dividing the number of times function A is used f1 by the number of times all functions are used. Similarly, the usage frequency of function i is a value obtained by dividing the number of times function i is used fi by the number of times all functions are used. In this way, by using the standardized usage frequency, it is possible to prevent the usage frequency from monotonically increasing as the usage period of the portable terminal device 1 increases.

[0093] Moreover, since there are few parameters in the frequency data immediately after the portable terminal device 1 is used again, it is not possible to grasp the correct usage status. Therefore, it is preferable to start the function limitation control after the frequency data is accumulated to a certain extent (after the total number of times of use exceeds, for example, 100 times).

[0094] (Description of a method for limiting the usage functions of a portable terminal device)

[0095] Next, use Figure 5 , Figure 6 A method of limiting the usable functions of the portable terminal device 1 according to the usage frequency and the remaining power will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the contents of a function control list used when limiting usable functions. Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining a state in which the use of functions corresponding to the use frequency and the power consumption functions is gradually restricted according to the remaining power level.

[0096] When the remaining power of the battery 40 decreases, the operational function restriction unit 52 of the portable terminal device 1 refers to the function control list F5 stored in the storage unit 12 to perform control to stop the operation of some functions.

[0097] Here, the content of the function control list F5 will be described first. The function control list F5 is a file that stores the use frequency level 34, power consumption level 35, and score 36 of each function for each function 31 of the portable terminal device 1.

[0098] The use frequency rank 34 is a rank assigned by the use frequency acquisition unit 51a based on the use frequency list F3. The use frequency acquisition unit 51a compares a plurality of preset thresholds with the use frequency of each function, and assigns a smaller use frequency rank as the use frequency decreases.

[0099] The power consumption level 35 is a level assigned by the operation function limiting unit 52 based on the power consumption data F4. The operation function limiting unit 52 compares a plurality of preset thresholds with the power consumption of each function, and assigns a smaller power consumption level as the power consumption is higher.

[0100] Score 36 is the cumulative value of frequency of use level 34 and power consumption level 35. That is, for a function with low frequency of use and high power consumption, score 36 is a low value. On the contrary, for a function with high frequency of use and low power consumption, score 36 is a high value. Figure 5 The score 36 shown is a simple cumulative value of the use frequency level 34 and the power consumption level 35 , but the use frequency level 34 and the power consumption level 35 may be weighted and accumulated respectively to emphasize either the use frequency or the power consumption.

[0101] When the remaining power of the battery 40 decreases, the operation function restriction unit 52 stops the operation of the function with the score corresponding to the remaining power by referring to the function control list F5. Thus, the operation function restriction unit 52 stops the operation of more functions according to the decrease in the remaining power.

[0102] The operation function limiting unit 52 sets a plurality of thresholds in the remaining power of the battery 40. For example, a threshold Th1 and a threshold Th2 which is smaller than the threshold Th1 are set. At this time, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is larger than the threshold Th1, the operation function limiting unit 52 operates all the functions of the portable terminal device 1. Then, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is larger than the threshold Th2 and is smaller than or equal to the threshold Th1, the operation of the function with the score "2" among the functions of the portable terminal device 1 is stopped. Furthermore, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is smaller than or equal to the threshold Th2, the operation of the functions with the score "2" and the score "3" among the functions of the portable terminal device 1 is stopped.

[0103] Similarly, by setting a threshold value Th3 smaller than the threshold value Th2, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is less than the waiting threshold value Th3, the operations of the functions of the score "2", score "3" and score "4" in the functions of the portable terminal device 1 can be stopped.

[0104] Furthermore, when selecting a function to be stopped, the operational function restriction unit 52 may select the function to be stopped based on the usage frequency level of the function control list F5 .

[0105] Next, use Figure 6 The specific operation performed by the operational function limiting unit 52 will be described.

[0106] In the menu screen D1 displayed on the liquid crystal display 20 of the portable terminal device 1, a plurality of menus that can be used in the portable terminal device 1 are displayed. Figure 6 In the example shown, an order registration menu m1, an order confirmation menu m2, a vacancy confirmation menu m3, an NFC reading menu m4, a stock confirmation menu m5, and an infrared communication menu m6 are displayed.

[0107] The order registration menu m1 is for registering the order content received from the guest. The order confirmation menu m2 is a menu for confirming the information related to the registered order content (order content, order preparation status, etc.). The vacancy confirmation menu m3 is a menu for confirming the vacancy status. The NFC reading menu m4 is a menu for reading the membership card held by the guest, etc. The inventory confirmation menu m5 is a menu for confirming the inventory of the product. The infrared communication menu m6 is a menu for infrared communication between the portable terminal device 1 and peripheral devices, etc.

[0108] When the remaining power of the battery 40 is sufficiently high, all of these menu displays are displayed in an operational state, that is, as activated buttons on the liquid crystal display 20 (not shown).

[0109] Then, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is greater than the threshold value Th2 and less than or equal to the threshold value Th1, the operation function restriction unit 52 is instructed to operate the battery 40. Figure 6 As shown in the menu screen D1 of , the NFC reading menu m4 of the sub-menu "2" is stopped. The stopped menu is indicated by the key turning dark (grayed out) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 20 to indicate a non-operating state.

[0110] Then, a message “Battery power is low. Please charge” is displayed at the bottom of the menu screen D1 by an instruction of the display control unit 55 .

[0111] When the remaining power of the battery 40 further decreases and becomes equal to or less than the threshold value Th2, the operation function limiting unit 52 executes the instruction, such as Figure 6 As shown in the menu screen D2, the infrared communication menu m6 with a score of "3" is stopped based on the NFC reading menu m4 with a score of "2". Then, the stopped menu is displayed as a non-operating state by turning the key on the screen of the liquid crystal display 20 dark.

[0112] Then, a message “Battery power is low. Please charge” is displayed at the bottom of the menu screen D2 by an instruction of the display control unit 55 .

[0113] In addition, although Figure 6Although not shown, the notification method control unit 53 of the portable terminal device 1 selects a method that consumes as little power as possible from the indicator 5, speaker 6, and vibrator 7, which are examples of the notification unit, for notification according to the remaining power of the battery 40. Usually, the power consumption required for notification is reduced in the order of the vibrator 7, the speaker 6, and the indicator 5. Therefore, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is sufficiently large, the vibrator 7 or the speaker 6 is mainly used for notification. Then, when the remaining power of the battery 40 decreases, the speaker 6 or the indicator 5 is mainly used for notification. When the remaining power of the battery 40 further decreases, the indicator 5 is used for notification. In addition, as described above, in each notification unit, the notification method can be changed according to the remaining power of the battery 40.

[0114] (Description of the Flow of Processing Performed by the Portable Terminal Device)

[0115] use Figure 7 The flow of processing performed by the portable terminal device 1 will be described. Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the portable terminal device according to the first embodiment. The contents of each processing will be described below according to the flow of the flowchart.

[0116] The operation control unit 54 determines whether there is an operation input on the touch panel 22 (step S10). If it is determined that there is an operation input on the touch panel 22 (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no operation input on the touch panel 22 (step S10: No), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0117] When it is determined as Yes in step S10 , the use frequency acquisition unit 51 a updates the use frequency data F3 (step S11 ).

[0118] The operational function restriction unit 52 refers to the updated use frequency data F3 in step S11 and updates the use frequency level 34 and the score 36 of the function control list F5 (step S12 ).

[0119] The remaining battery acquisition unit 50 determines whether the remaining power of the battery 40 is less than or equal to the threshold value Th1 (step S13). When it is determined that the remaining power of the battery 40 is less than or equal to the threshold value Th1 (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining power of the battery 40 is not less than or equal to the threshold value (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0120] If the determination result in step S13 is No, the operational function restriction unit 52 enables all functions of the portable terminal device 1 to be used (step S17). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0121] On the other hand, when the determination in step S13 is Yes, the remaining battery acquisition unit 50 determines whether the remaining power of the battery 40 is less than or equal to the threshold value Th2 (step S14). When it is determined that the remaining power of the battery 40 is less than or equal to the threshold value Th2 (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining power of the battery 40 is not less than or equal to the threshold value Th2 (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0122] When the determination result is No in step S14, the operational function restriction unit 52 restricts (stops use of) the function having a score of "2" in the function control list F5 of the portable terminal device 1 (step S16). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0123] On the other hand, when it is determined to be Yes in step S14, the operational function restriction unit 52 restricts (stops use of) the function having a score of "3" in the function control list F5 of the portable terminal device 1 (step S15). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0124] After step S15, step S16, or step S17, the display control unit 55 changes the display of the menu screen of the portable terminal device 1 (step S18). Specifically, in step S15 or step S16, the menu button corresponding to the function to be stopped is grayed out.

[0125] Then, the notification method control unit 53 changes the notification method of the above information according to the remaining power of the battery 40 of the portable terminal device 1 (step S19).

[0126] The operation control unit 54 detects whether an operation to turn off the power of the portable terminal device 1 has been performed (step S20). If it is determined that an operation to turn off the power of the portable terminal device 1 has been performed (step S20: Yes), the portable terminal device 1 ends. Figure 7 On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation to turn off the power of the portable terminal device 1 has not been performed (step S20: No), the process returns to step S10.

[0127] As described above, in the portable terminal device 1 (information processing device) of the first embodiment, the battery level acquisition unit 50 (remaining level acquisition unit) acquires the remaining power of the battery 40 (power supply unit) that provides power to the portable terminal device 1. Then, the operating function restriction unit 52 (operating function restriction unit) restricts the operating function based on the remaining power of the battery 40 and the frequency of use of each function of the portable terminal device 1. Therefore, when the remaining power of the battery 40 decreases, the use time of the battery 40 can be extended by stopping the operation of the function with low frequency of use. Therefore, even if the portable terminal device is used by an unspecified majority of people, the operation of the frequently used function is not easily restricted based on the past usage history. As a result, the operating time of the device can be extended without losing convenience. In addition, the operation of the function with high frequency of use can also be preferentially stopped. In this case, since the frequently used function cannot be used, the portable terminal device 1 can be quickly forced to charge.

[0128] In addition, the operation function restriction unit does not execute until the number of times the function is used reaches a specified number of times and the frequency of use is in a state that can be determined. That is, it is expected that the function will be executed after the number of times the function is used reaches a predetermined number of times. In addition, the operation of the function may not be restricted before the number of times the function is used reaches the specified number of times, or the operation of the function pre-set by the user may be restricted in the same way as in the prior art.

[0129] In addition, in the portable terminal device 1 (information processing device) of the first embodiment, the operating function restriction unit 52 (operating function restriction unit) restricts the operating functions in consideration of the usage frequency and power consumption of each function of the portable terminal device 1. Therefore, for example, when there are multiple functions with the same usage frequency, more efficient function restriction can be performed by preferentially restricting the functions with high power consumption. In addition, the functions with low power consumption can also be preferentially restricted. In this case, the battery 40 has a relatively large amount of remaining power, so even if the functions with high power consumption are left, the impact on the battery 40 is small. After the remaining power of the battery 40 becomes less, the battery 40 can be made durable by restricting the functions with high power consumption.

[0130] Furthermore, in the portable terminal device 1 (information processing device) of the first embodiment, the operating function limiting unit 52 (operating function limiting unit) limits the operating functions in a hierarchical manner (step by step, in stages) according to the remaining power of the battery 40 of the portable terminal device 1. Therefore, rather than making a plurality of functions unusable all at once, as many functions as possible can be used according to the remaining power at that time.

[0131] Furthermore, in the portable terminal device 1 (information processing device) of the first embodiment, the display control unit 55 (display unit) displays information indicating that operation is restricted on the liquid crystal display unit 20, so that the operator of the portable terminal device 1 can clearly see that operation is restricted.

[0132] Furthermore, in the portable terminal device 1 (information processing device) of the first embodiment, the notification method control unit 53 (notification method control means) selects a notification method that consumes less power from a plurality of notification means (indicator 5, speaker 6, vibrator 7) for notifying the operating state of the portable terminal device 1, according to the reduction in the remaining power of the battery 40 of the portable terminal device 1. Therefore, when the remaining power of the battery 40 is reduced, the power consumption of the battery 40 can be suppressed by the notification means.

[0133] Furthermore, when the portable terminal device 1 limits the function of operation, the peripheral device connected to the portable terminal device 1 and supplied with power from the portable terminal device 1 may not be used due to the limited function. Therefore, when the portable terminal device 1 limits the function, the above-mentioned notification means (indicator 5, speaker 6, vibrator 7) may also be used to notify whether the peripheral device can be used.

[0134] In the first embodiment, an ordering terminal is used as an example of the portable terminal device 1, but the present invention can also be applied to other portable terminals with built-in batteries. For example, it can also be applied to a POS terminal device installed on a shopping cart used in a store and used by customers to register purchased goods in person, or a business ordering terminal device used for inventory in the field of logistics.

[0135] Furthermore, the portable terminal device 1 can obtain the remaining power of the battery 40 , and because it has the power consumption data F4 of each function, it can also calculate a predicted value of the approximate possible number of times of use of each function and display it on the liquid crystal display 20 .

[0136] (Second embodiment)

[0137] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The second embodiment is an example in which the information processing device of the present invention is applied to an order processing system 30 for providing food service or product sales service in accordance with customer orders in a restaurant or a sales store.

[0138] (General structure of the order processing system)

[0139] Figure 8This is a system diagram showing the schematic structure of the order processing system of the second embodiment. The order processing system 30 connects a plurality of portable terminal devices 2, a store server 3, and a receipt printer 4 used in a store to a LAN (Local Area Network) 9. However, the portable terminal device 2 is connected to the LAN 9 via a wireless access point 8.

[0140] The portable terminal device 2 has almost the same functions as the portable terminal device 1 described in the first embodiment, and its hardware configuration is almost the same as that of the portable terminal device 1. However, in the first embodiment, the portable terminal device 1 is operated by a control program P2 stored inside and not shown in the figure, and a control unit 10 (see FIG. 1 ) is configured inside the portable terminal device 1. Fig. 9 ) In addition, the usage frequency data F3 indicating the usage frequency of the portable terminal device 2 is transmitted to the store server 3 and is stored and managed in the store server 3, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0141] In addition, a plurality of portable terminal devices 2 are prepared, and are operated by an unspecified store clerk in charge of ordering. Then, the portable terminal device 2 functions as an order receiving device for inputting the user's operation for ordering. The portable terminal device 2 generates order information according to the input operation, and transmits the order information to the store server 3 through the wireless access point 8 and the LAN 9.

[0142] The store server 3 is a PC (Personal Computer) or POS (Point of Sales) terminal, etc., and is installed, for example, on a customer reception floor or a checkout counter. The store server 3 performs various business-related processes such as guiding customers, accepting orders, ordering (serving) meals, or checkout. In addition, the store server 3 obtains the usage frequency corresponding to each function from each portable terminal device 2 and calculates the usage frequency corresponding to each function of multiple portable terminal devices 2.

[0143] The store server 3 has a general computer hardware configuration. The store server 3 operates according to the control program P2 stored in the store server 3. The store server 3 has an internal configuration control unit 11 (see Fig. 9 ).

[0144] The receipt printer 4 is installed, for example, on the reception floor or in the kitchen. The receipt printer 4 installed on the reception floor prints order receipts based on order information for customers. That is, the receipt printer 4 installed on the reception floor is used as a so-called customer printer. In addition, the receipt printer 4 installed in the kitchen prints cooking instruction receipts based on order information for chefs. That is, the receipt printer 4 installed in the kitchen is used as a so-called kitchen printer.

[0145] (Functional composition of order processing system)

[0146] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the order processing system of the second embodiment. The control unit 10 of the portable terminal device 2 executes a control program P2 (not shown) to Fig. 9 The battery remaining amount acquisition unit 50, the usage frequency acquisition unit 51b, the operation function restriction unit 52, the notification method control unit 53, the operation control unit 54, the display control unit 55, and the communication control unit 56 are implemented as functional units.

[0147] The usage frequency acquisition unit 51b acquires the number of times each function of the portable terminal device 2 is used. Then, the usage frequency acquisition unit 51b transmits the acquired usage frequency to the store server 3 via the communication control unit 56 .

[0148] The communication control unit 56 controls the communication between the portable terminal device 2 and the store server 3 .

[0149] The other functional units are the same as those described in the first embodiment (see Figure 3 ) have the same functionality.

[0150] Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the store server 3 executes a control program P3 (not shown) to Fig. 9 The use frequency aggregation unit 60, the use frequency analysis unit 61, and the communication control unit 62 shown are realized as functional units.

[0151] The usage frequency aggregation unit 60 aggregates the usage frequency of each of the plurality of portable terminal devices 2 ( 2 a , 2 b , . . . ) for each function.

[0152] The usage frequency analysis unit 61 calculates the usage frequency of each function of all portable terminal devices 2 used in the store by analyzing the usage frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 2 collected from a plurality of portable terminal devices 2 (2a, 2b, ...). Fig.10 ).

[0153] The communication control unit 62 controls communication between the store server 3 and the portable terminal device 2 .

[0154] (Description of Calculation Method of Use Frequency of Portable Terminal Device)

[0155] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining a method in which a store server collects and analyzes the usage frequency of each function from a plurality of portable terminal devices.

[0156] For example, in the portable terminal device 2a, each function A, B, C is used only for the number of times f1, f2, f3, respectively. In addition, in the portable terminal device 2b, each function A, B, C is used only for the number of times g1, g2, g3, respectively. These usage counts are transmitted from each device of the portable terminal device 2 (2a, 2b) to the store server 3.

[0157] The store server 3 receives the number of times of use from each of the portable terminal devices 2 (2a, 2b), and the frequency aggregation unit 60 aggregates the number of times of use 32 corresponding to each function 31. Fig.10 In the example of , the functions A, B, and C are summarized as being used only the number of times f1+g1, f2+g2, and f3+g3, respectively.

[0158] Next, the usage frequency analysis unit 61 calculates the standardized usage frequency 33 corresponding to each function. The calculation method of the standardized usage frequency 33 is as described in the first embodiment. The usage frequency data F3 thus created is stored in the store server 3. Then, the usage frequency is received from each of the portable terminal devices 2 (2a, 2b) at a predetermined time (once a day, once a week, etc.) and updated.

[0159] The store server 3 transmits the thus calculated standardized usage frequency 33 to each portable terminal device 2. Then, each portable terminal device 2 updates the function control list F5 (see Figure 5 )'s usage frequency level 34 and score 36. Alternatively, this may be performed on the store server 3 before the function control list F5 is updated.

[0160] Thereafter, each portable terminal device 2 performs function restriction according to the remaining power of the battery 40 as described in the first embodiment based on the function control list F5 .

[0161] (Description of the process flow of the order processing system)

[0162] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the order processing system. First, the flow of processing performed by the portable terminal device 2 will be described.

[0163] The operation control unit 54 determines whether there is an operation input to the touch panel 22 (step S30). If it is determined that there is an operation input to the touch panel 22 (step S30: Yes), the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no operation input to the touch panel 22 (step S30: No), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0164] When it is determined as Yes in step S30 , the use frequency acquisition unit 51 b causes the communication control unit 56 to transmit the number of times the portable terminal device 2 is used for each function to the store server 3 (step S31 ).

[0165] Next, the usage frequency acquisition unit 51 b receives the usage frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 2 from the store server 3 (step S32 ).

[0166] The operational function restriction unit 52 updates the function control list F5 using the usage frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 2 received from the store server 3 (step S33 ).

[0167] Thereafter, the processing from step S34 to step S41 performed by the portable terminal device 2 is similar to the processing from step S13 to step S20 performed by the portable terminal device 1 in the first embodiment (see Figure 7 ) are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0168] Next, the flow of the processing performed by the store server 3 is described. The usage frequency summary unit 60 determines whether the usage count of each function of the portable terminal device 2 is received from the portable terminal device 2 (step S50). When it is determined that the usage count of each function of the portable terminal device 2 is received (step S50: Yes), the process proceeds to step S51. On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage count of each function of the portable terminal device 2 is not received (step S50: No), the process returns to step S50.

[0169] The use frequency analysis unit 61 updates the use frequency data F3 (step S51 ).

[0170] The use frequency analysis unit 61 causes the communication control unit 62 to transmit the use frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 2 to each portable terminal device 2 (step S52 ). Thereafter, the process returns to step S50 .

[0171] As described above, according to the order processing system 30 of the second embodiment, the usage frequency aggregation unit 60 of the store server 3 aggregates the operation frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 2 sent from the portable terminal device 2, and the usage frequency analysis unit 61 updates the usage frequency of each function of all the portable terminal devices 2 by analyzing the usage frequency of each function of the portable terminal device 2 aggregated from the plurality of portable terminal devices 2 (2a, 2b, ...). Then, the portable terminal device 2 transmits the updated usage frequency to each device of the portable terminal device 2. The portable terminal device 2 updates the function control list F5 based on the received usage frequency, and performs function restriction according to the remaining power of the battery 40 as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, even in the case where a plurality of portable terminals 2 are used in the store, the usage frequency can be calculated based on the usage history of all the portable terminal devices 2, and the function can be used with restriction according to the remaining power of the battery 40.

[0172] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described above, these embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are all included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that: include: a rechargeable power supply unit for supplying power to the information processing device; a remaining power acquisition unit that acquires the remaining power of the power supply unit; An output unit, which outputs a first usage frequency of each function used by the server device to the server device; an acquisition unit that acquires, from the server device, second usage frequencies of the functions of the plurality of information processing devices that are updated based on the first usage frequencies that are respectively output by output units of the plurality of information processing devices; and The operational function limiting unit limits the operational function based on the remaining power of the power supply unit and the second usage frequency.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The operational function limiting unit further limits the operational functions in consideration of power consumption of each function.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The operational function limiting unit limits the operational functions in stages according to the remaining power of the power supply unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The display unit displays the function whose operation is restricted.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: The display unit displays the function whose operation is restricted.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The notification method control unit selects a notification method that consumes less power from among a plurality of notification units that notify the operating state of the information processing device, according to a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply unit.

7. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: The notification method control unit selects a notification method that consumes less power from among a plurality of notification units that notify the operating state of the information processing device, according to a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply unit.

8. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein: Also includes: The notification method control unit selects a notification method that consumes less power from among a plurality of notification units that notify the operating state of the information processing device, according to a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply unit.

9. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes: The notification method control unit selects a notification method that consumes less power from among a plurality of notification units that notify the operating state of the information processing device, according to a decrease in the remaining power of the power supply unit.

10. A server device connected to the information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: An acquisition unit acquires, from a plurality of information processing devices, a first usage frequency of each function used by each of the plurality of information processing devices; a calculation unit that calculates a second usage frequency of each function used by the plurality of information processing devices based on the first usage frequency acquired by the acquisition unit; as well as The output unit outputs the second usage frequency to the plurality of information processing devices.

11. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer having a chargeable power supply unit for supplying power to an information processing device to perform the following functions: a remaining power acquisition unit that acquires the remaining power of the power supply unit; An output unit, which outputs a first usage frequency of each function used by the server device to the server device; an acquisition unit that acquires, from the server device, second usage frequencies of the functions of the plurality of information processing devices that are updated based on the first usage frequencies that are respectively output by output units of the plurality of information processing devices; and The operational function limiting unit limits an operational function based on the remaining power of the power supply unit and the second usage frequency.

Images