Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To enable acquisition of information regarding the usage status of a display device to control the display device.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein is configured to execute processes of acquiring identification information of a display device, obtaining a history of application types on the display device, and storing the identification information of the display device in association with the application history information indicative of the history of application types on the display device in a storage unit, and is capable of outputting the identification information and the application history information of the display device stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known methods for remotely managing devices used by users. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that manages the operating status of a projector. The management system described in Patent Document 1 acquires information about the installation location of the projector and manages changes to the projector's location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-15832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, as display devices have become widely used in educational settings and among general consumers, there is a need for detailed management of display devices. For example, management related to the maintenance of the display device's light source and display panel can be considered, but in order to perform such management, it is necessary to obtain information on the usage status of the display device. However, until now, there has been no means of obtaining information on the usage status of the display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that performs the following operations: acquiring identification information of a display device; acquiring a history of application types on the display device; and storing, in a memory unit, the identification information of the display device and app history information indicating the history of application types on the display device in association with each other; and is capable of outputting the identification information of the display device and the app history information stored in the memory unit.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device transmits identification information of a display device and transmits a history of application types executed by an external device connected to the display device or the display device; the information processing device acquires the identification information of the display device transmitted by the terminal device and acquires the history of applications transmitted by the terminal device; associates the identification information of the display device with app history information indicating the history of application types acquired from the terminal device and stores them in a memory unit; and outputs the identification information of the display device and the app history information stored in the memory unit.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed by a processor of an information processing device, causing the processor to acquire identification information of a display device, acquire a history of application types on the display device, associate the identification information of the display device with app history information indicating the history of application types on the display device and store them in a memory unit, and output the identification information of the display device and the app history information stored in the memory unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a projector. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the projector and the terminal device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the projector and the terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [1. Information Processing System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 100. As shown in FIG. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of projectors 2 and a plurality of terminal devices 3 via a communication network NW. The information processing device 1 communicates with at least one of the projectors 2 and the terminal devices 3, and processes information relating to the execution state of an application program in the projector 2 or the terminal device 3. In the following description, the application program will be abbreviated as "app."

[0011] 1 illustrates multiple projectors 2A, 2B, and 2C connected to an information processing device 1, and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as projectors 2. A terminal device 3 can be connected to each projector 2. For example, terminal device 3A is connected to projector 2A, terminal device 3B is connected to projector 2B, and terminal device 3C is connected to projector 2C. Projector 2 can also operate without a terminal device 3 connected to it.

[0012] The projector 2 displays an image on the projection surface by projecting image light onto the projection surface. The projection surface may be a curtain-like screen, or may be the wall surface of a building or the surface of an installed object. Projecting an image or video onto the projection surface by the projector 2 corresponds to display, and the projector 2 corresponds to an example of a display device.

[0013] The terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C are smartphones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, streaming devices, or other computers, and will be referred to as terminal devices 3 when no distinction is made between them.

[0014] There is no limit to the number of projectors 2 and terminal devices 3 that configure the information processing device 1, and there is no need to connect all of the projectors 2 to the terminal devices 3.

[0015] There are no limitations on the installation locations of the projector 2 and terminal device 3, their owners, or their relationship to the installation location of the information processing device 1. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, projector 2A belongs to organization B1 and is installed in a location related to organization B1. Projectors 2B and 2C belong to organization B2 and are installed in a location related to organization B2. Organizations B1 and B2 are, for example, schools, companies, stores, or other organizations. Projector 2 may also be a device belonging to an individual.

[0016] The communication network NW may be a LAN (Local Area Network), or a global network including a dedicated line, a public line network, the Internet, etc. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the communication network NW is configured as a LAN. The communication network NW may also be a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0017] An output terminal 5 can be connected to the information processing device 1 via a communication network NW. The output terminal 5 requests the information processing device 1 to output information. The information processing device 1 outputs the information requested by the output terminal 5 to the output terminal 5. The output terminal 5 may be a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

[0018] [2. Projector configuration] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projector 2. The projectors 2 included in the information processing system 100 have the same basic configuration.

[0019] The projector 2 includes a second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 210 configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-processing unit), etc., and a second storage unit 220. The second control unit 21 controls each unit of the projector 2 by causing the second processor 210 to execute a program.

[0020] The second storage unit 220 is a non-volatile storage device configured with semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory. The second storage unit 220 stores programs executed by the second processor 210, data processed by the second processor 210, and the like. The second storage unit 220 includes a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs to be executed by the second processor 210 and data to be processed.

[0021] The second storage unit 220 stores, for example, a control program 221, an application 222, a display device ID 223, and authentication information 224.

[0022] The second processor 210 reads and executes a control program 221 and an application 222 stored in the second storage unit 220, thereby executing various processes through cooperation between hardware and software. For example, the second processor 210 includes a projection control unit 211, an information acquisition unit 212, an application execution unit 213, and an information transmission unit 214. Each of these functional units is configured by the second processor 210 executing the control program 221.

[0023] The control program 221 and the application 222 are programs executed by the second processor 210. The control program 221 causes the second processor 210 to execute functions for controlling each unit of the projector 2.

[0024] The app 222 is a program executed on a platform configured by the second processor 210 executing the control program 221. The app 222 causes the second processor 210 to execute functions for specific purposes of the projector 2. There are no limitations on the functions or uses of the app 222. For example, the app 222 causes the projector 2 to operate as a client of a video distribution service, receive video data via the communication network NW, and play and display the video data. The app 222 also communicates with other computers via the communication network NW or other communication lines, and performs a function, for example, to collectively display images and videos transmitted by multiple computers. There are no limitations on the number of apps 222 stored in the second storage unit 220, the number of apps 222 executed by the second processor 210, or the timing at which the apps 222 are executed.

[0025] The display device ID 223 is identification information unique to the projector 2. For example, the projectors 2A, 2B, and 2C shown in FIG.

[0026] The authentication information 224 is information for authenticating a user who uses the projector 2. The authentication information 224 includes, for example, an organization ID, a user ID, and an authentication record 225 that associates authentication information. The organization ID corresponds to an example of organization identification information, and the user ID corresponds to an example of user identification information. The authentication information is, for example, a password. The organization ID is identification information unique to the organization to which the user belongs. The user ID is identification information unique to each user who is authorized to use the projector 2. When using the projector 2, the user inputs the organization ID, user ID, and authentication information using the remote control 4 or operation panel 26 (described later). If the information input by the user matches the authentication record 225, the second processor 210 permits the user to use the projector 2. The authentication information 224 may include multiple authentication records 225. In this case, the projector 2 can authenticate multiple users. It is also possible to configure the projector 2 not to perform user authentication, in which case the second storage unit 220 does not store the authentication information 224. The authentication information 224 can be set for each individual projector 2. For example, the projectors 2A, 2B, and 2C may each have different authentication information 224. The authentication information 224 may also include an authentication record 225 corresponding to the organization to which the projector 2 belongs. In this case, for example, since the projectors 2B and 2C belong to the same organization B2, the authentication record 225 corresponding to the organization B2 is stored in the second storage unit 220.

[0027] The projector 2 includes a projection unit 20 that projects image light onto a projection surface. The projection unit 20 is connected to a second control unit 21 via a bus 29. The projection unit 20 includes, for example, a light source, a light modulation device, and a projection optical system. The light source is turned on under the control of the second control unit 21 and emits light toward the light modulation device. The specific configuration of the light source is not limited. For example, the light source may be a lamp such as a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, or an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, or a solid-state light source such as an LED or laser light source. The light modulation device modulates the light emitted from the light source. The specific configuration of the light modulation device is not limited. For example, the light modulation device may be a transmissive liquid crystal panel, a reflective liquid crystal panel, or a digital micromirror device. The projection optical system included in the projection unit 20 includes a lens, a mirror, a prism, etc. that focuses the image light modulated by the light modulation device onto the projection surface.

[0028] The projection unit 20 may include a light source drive circuit that supplies power to the light source and a drive circuit that causes the light modulation device to perform drawing. The projection unit 20 may also include a zoom mechanism, a focus adjustment mechanism that adjusts the focus, etc.

[0029] The projector 2 includes a second communication unit 23, an image I / F 24, a remote control light receiving unit 25, an operation panel 26, an audio processing unit 27, and an image processing unit 28. These units are connected to the second control unit 21 via a bus 29.

[0030] The second communication unit 23 is a communication device that is connected to the communication network NW and communicates with the information processing device 1 via the communication network NW. The second communication unit 23 includes, for example, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. Ethernet is a registered trademark. The second communication unit 23 may also be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0031] The image I / F (interface) 24 is connected to a device serving as a video source. For example, the image I / F 24 includes communication hardware such as a connector and an interface circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. Specifically, the image I / F 24 is a digital interface such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), HDBaseT, or USB (Universal Serial Bus). HDMI and HDBaseT are registered trademarks. The image I / F 24 may include an analog video terminal such as an RCA terminal, a VGA terminal, an S terminal, or a D terminal, and may be configured to be able to receive analog video signals. In this embodiment, a terminal device 3 is connected to the image I / F 24. When the terminal device 3 is connected to the projector 2, the terminal device 3 can input video to the projector 2 via the image I / F 24.

[0032] The remote control light receiving unit 25 receives a wireless signal transmitted by the remote control 4. The remote control light receiving unit 25 generates an operation signal by decoding the received signal and outputs the operation signal to the second control unit 21. The wireless signal received by the remote control light receiving unit 25 may be, for example, an infrared signal, but may be any other signal.

[0033] The operation panel 26 is provided on the housing of the projector 2 and includes various switches that can be operated by the user. The operation panel 26 outputs an operation signal to the second control unit 21 in response to the operation of a switch. The audio processing unit 27 is connected to a speaker (not shown) and outputs sound from the speaker under the control of the second control unit 21.

[0034] The image processing unit 28, under the control of the second control unit 21, performs image processing on video data received by the projector 2 via the second communication unit 23 and video data input to the projector 2 from the terminal device 3. Examples of image processing performed by the image processing unit 28 include resolution conversion, resizing, geometric correction, digital zoom, brightness adjustment, and projection position correction. Furthermore, for example, when multiple projectors 2 are arranged side by side and tiling projection is performed, the image processing unit 28 performs edge blending. The type of image processing performed by the image processing unit 28 is specified by the second control unit 21. Furthermore, parameters and calculation data used by the image processing unit 28 for image processing are input to the image processing unit 28 from the second control unit 21. The image processing unit 28 generates a display signal for displaying the image after image processing, and outputs the display signal to the light modulation device of the projection unit 20. The second control unit 21 sets the parameters and calculation data for the image processing performed by the image processing unit 28.

[0035] The image processing unit 28 may be configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. This type of integrated circuit includes an LSI, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System-on-a-chip), etc. An analog circuit may be included as part of the integrated circuit configuration, or the integrated circuit may be configured as an integrated unit of the second control unit 21.

[0036] The projection control unit 211 performs overall control of the projector 2 and control related to projection by the projector 2. The projection control unit 211 accepts input operations from the user via the remote control 4 or the operation panel 26. The projection control unit 211 causes the projection unit 20 to project an image in response to the input operations from the user. For example, the projection control unit 211 controls the image processing unit 28 to perform image processing on the image data, and controls the light source and light modulation device of the projection unit 20 to project the image processed by the image processing unit 28 onto the projection surface. The projection control unit 211 also controls the audio processing unit 27 to output audio from a speaker (not shown).

[0037] Furthermore, the projection control unit 211 may execute authentication processing when use of the projector 2 is started. If the organization ID, user ID, and authentication information entered by the user match the authentication record 225, the projection control unit 211 permits the user to use the projector 2. Furthermore, if the information entered by the user does not match the authentication record 225, the projection control unit 211 restricts use of the projector 2.

[0038] The information acquisition unit 212 acquires information about the execution state of an app in the projector 2 or in the terminal device 3 connected to the projector 2. For example, when the projector 2 executes an app, the information acquisition unit 212 acquires information that identifies the executed app and execution time information about the execution time of the app. The information that identifies the app is, for example, information that indicates the type of the app, and more specifically, the name of the app. The execution time information may be information about the time when the app was executed, and may include, for example, the start time and end time of the execution of the app, or the time when the app was executed.

[0039] The application execution unit 213 executes the application 222 stored in the second storage unit 220. The application execution unit 213 reads and executes the application 222 specified by, for example, operating the remote control 4 or the operation panel 26. The application execution unit 213 terminates the running application when the application completes a predetermined operation or when an instruction to terminate the application is given by operating the remote control 4 or the operation panel 26.

[0040] The information transmitting unit 214 transmits the information related to the application acquired by the information acquiring unit 212 to the information processing device 1 via the second communication unit .

[0041] [3. Terminal Device Configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 3. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 3 includes a third control unit 31, a third input unit 35, a third display unit 36, a third communication unit 37, and a third communication unit 38, and these units are connected to each other by a bus 39.

[0042] The third control unit 31 includes a third processor 310 and a third storage unit 320. The third processor 310 is configured by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU.

[0043] The third storage unit 320 is a storage device that stores data in a non-volatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The third storage unit 320 stores programs executed by the third processor 310, data processed by the third processor 310, and the like. The third storage unit 320 stores, for example, a control program 321, an application 322, and a terminal ID 323. The control program 321 is basic control software that controls the terminal device 3, and is, for example, an OS (Operating System). The control program 321 provides a platform on which the application 322 is executed.

[0044] The third processor 310 reads and executes a control program 321 stored in the third storage unit 320, thereby executing various processes through cooperation between hardware and software and controlling each unit of the terminal device 3. For example, the third processor 310 includes an information acquisition unit 311, an application execution unit 312, and an information transmission unit 313. Each of these functional units is configured by the third processor 310 executing the control program 321.

[0045] The app 322 is a program executed on a platform configured by the third processor 310 executing the control program 321. The app 322 causes the third processor 310 to execute functions for a specific purpose of the terminal device 3. There are no restrictions on the function or purpose of the app 322. For example, the app 322 causes the terminal device 3 to operate as a client of a video distribution service, receive video data via the communication network NW, and output and display the video data to the projector 2. There are no restrictions on the number of apps 322 stored in the third storage unit 320, the number of apps 322 executed by the third processor 310, or the timing at which the apps 322 are executed. The terminal ID 323 is unique identification information assigned to the terminal device 3 .

[0046] The third input unit 35 includes an input device operated by a user of the terminal device 3, or is connected to an input device. The input device of the third input unit 35 is, for example, a touch sensor that is placed over the screen of the third display unit 36 and detects touch operations by the user. The input device of the third input unit 35 may also be a switch panel having operation switches, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The third input unit 35 detects user operations on the input device and outputs the detection result to the third control unit 31.

[0047] The third display unit 36 is configured to include an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Alternatively, the third display unit 36 may be configured to include a display panel such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel or an OLED (Organic LED) panel. The third display unit 36 displays images and videos under the control of the third control unit 31. The third display unit 36 may be a display device connected to the outside of the terminal device 3.

[0048] The terminal device 3 may include a touch panel in which a touch screen constituting the third input unit 35 and a panel of the third display unit 36 are superimposed on each other.

[0049] The third communication unit 37 is a communication device that communicates using a predetermined communication standard. The third communication unit 37 is a communication device that is connected to a communication network NW and communicates with the information processing device 1 via the communication network NW. The third communication unit 37 includes, for example, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. The third communication unit 37 may be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0050] The I / F 38 is an interface connected to a device other than the terminal device 3. The I / F 38 includes communication hardware such as a connector and an interface circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. Specifically, the I / F 38 is a digital interface such as HDMI, HDBaseT, or USB. The image I / F 24 may include an analog video terminal such as an RCA terminal, a VGA terminal, an S terminal, or a D terminal, and may be configured to be able to receive analog video signals. In this embodiment, the terminal device 3 is connected to the image I / F 24. The third control unit 31 inputs and outputs digital data to and from external devices through the I / F 38. In this embodiment, the image I / F 24 of the projector 2 is connected to the I / F 38. The third control unit 31 outputs video data from the I / F 38 to the projector 2. The third control unit 31 also communicates with the projector 2 through the I / F 38, transmitting and receiving data related to the control of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3.

[0051] The information acquisition unit 311 acquires information related to the execution state of an app in the terminal device 3. For example, when the terminal device 3 executes an app, the information acquisition unit 311 acquires information for identifying the executed app and execution time information related to the execution time of the app. The information for identifying the app and the execution time information may be information related to the time when the app was executed, and may include, for example, the execution start time and execution end time of the app, or the execution time of the app.

[0052] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 311 acquires, for an application executed in the projector 2, information for identifying the executed application and execution time information relating to the execution time of the application.

[0053] The application execution unit 312 executes the application 322 stored in the third storage unit 320. The application execution unit 312 reads and executes the application 322 specified by, for example, operating the remote control 4 or the operation panel 26. The application execution unit 312 terminates the running application when the application completes a predetermined operation or when an instruction to terminate the application is given by operating the remote control 4 or the operation panel 26.

[0054] The information transmitting unit 313 transmits the information related to the application acquired by the information acquiring unit 311 to the information processing device 1 via the third communication unit 37.

[0055] [4. Configuration of information processing device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is a computer that is communicably connected to the projector 2 and the terminal device 3 via a communication network NW and provides information processing functions. For example, the information processing device 1 may be configured as a single computer, a plurality of computers, or a cloud computer. In the following, the information processing device 1 will be described as a single server computer, but this is just one example.

[0056] The information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 4 includes a first control unit 11, a first input unit 15, and a first communication unit 16, and these units are connected to each other by a bus 17.

[0057] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 110 and a first storage unit 120. The first processor 110 is configured by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU.

[0058] The first processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the first storage unit 120, thereby executing various processes through cooperation between hardware and software and controlling the information processing device 1. For example, the first processor 110 includes an acquisition unit 111, a processing unit 112, and an output unit 113. Each of these functional units is configured by the first processor 110 executing the control program 121. The first processor 110 corresponds to an example of a processor, and the control program 121 corresponds to an example of a program.

[0059] The first storage unit 120 is a storage device that stores data in a non-volatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The first storage unit 120 stores a control program 121 executed by the first processor 110, data processed by the first processor 110, and the like. The first storage unit 120 stores, for example, a history DB (database) 122. The history DB 122 stores information related to the execution state of an app in the projector 2 or the terminal device 3. The first storage unit 120 corresponds to an example of a storage unit.

[0060] 4, for example. Each record 123 is information related to the execution state of an application. Each record 123 includes information related to the device or user that executed the application, information identifying the executed application, and execution time information related to the execution time of the application.

[0061] In particular, the record 123 contains information about the execution environment of the application. The information about the execution environment of the app is, for example, information that can identify the projector 2 that executed the app. The information about the execution environment of the app includes the display device ID of the projector 2 that executed the app. The record 123 corresponding to the execution of the app by the terminal device 3 may include the display device ID of the projector 2 to which the terminal device 3 that executed the app is connected.

[0062] The information about the application execution environment may be information that identifies the user who used the projector 2. For example, the information about the application execution environment may be a user ID authenticated by the projector 2, or a combination of the user's organization ID and the user ID. The information about the application execution environment may also be a combination of the user ID and other information.

[0063] The information for identifying an application may be, for example, information indicating the type of the application, such as the name of the application, identification information previously assigned to the application, or information indicating the category of the application.

[0064] 4 shows records 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d as specific examples of record 123. Record 123a includes a display device ID as information related to the execution environment of the application. Record 123a includes an application name and execution time information associated with the display device ID. Record 123b includes a user ID as information related to the execution environment of the application, and includes an application name and execution time information associated with the user ID.

[0065] Record 123c includes a combination of an organization ID and a user ID as information relating to the application's execution environment, and includes the application's name and execution time information associated with the combination.Record 123d includes a combination of a display device ID and a user ID as information relating to the application's execution environment, and includes the application's name and execution time information associated with the combination.

[0066] In record 123, a combination of information for identifying an application and execution time information corresponds to an example of application history information. Information related to the application execution environment corresponds to an example of display device identification information.

[0067] There is no limit to the number of records 123 stored in the history DB 122. There is also no limit to the manner in which the records 123 are stored in the history DB 122. For example, the history DB 122 may be divided into multiple databases. In this case, the records 123 may be stored in different databases for each user ID, each organization ID, or each device ID.

[0068] The first input unit 15 includes an input device operated by a user of the information processing device 1, or is connected to an input device. The input device is a switch panel having operation switches, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The first input unit 15 detects user operations on the input device and outputs the detection result to the first control unit 11.

[0069] The first communication unit 16 is a communication device that communicates using a predetermined communication standard. The first communication unit 16 is connected to a communication network NW and communicates with the projector 2, the terminal device 3, and the output terminal 5 via the communication network NW. The first communication unit 16 includes, for example, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. The first communication unit 16 may be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi. The first communication unit 16 corresponds to an example of a communication unit.

[0070] The acquisition unit 111 acquires information about the execution state of an application in the projector 2 or the terminal device 3. The processing unit 112 generates a record 123 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 and stores the record in the history DB 122 .

[0071] The output unit 113 outputs information stored in the history DB 122. Examples of information output by the output unit 113 include transmitting information to a device different from the information processing device 1 and outputting information by an output device included in the information processing device 1. Examples of the output device included in the information processing device 1 include a display device and a printing device connected to the information processing device 1. When the information processing device 1 is a PC or a smartphone and includes a display device, the output unit 113 displays the information stored in the history DB 122 on the display device. In this embodiment, the output unit 113 outputs information by transmitting it to the output terminal 5.

[0072] That is, the output unit 113 of this embodiment accepts a request for information output from the output terminal 5 and acquires the requested information from the history DB 122. The output unit 113 transmits the information acquired from the history DB 122 to the output terminal 5. There are no limitations on the means by which the output unit 113 transmits information to the output terminal 5. For example, the output unit 113 may generate web page data in which the information acquired from the history DB 122 is written in XML (Extensible Markup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and transmit the generated data to the output terminal 5. Furthermore, for example, the output unit 113 may transmit a message including the information acquired from the history DB 122 to the output terminal 5.

[0073] [5. Operation of information processing system] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing device 1. The operation of the information processing system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0074] [5-1. First Operation Example of Projector and Terminal Device] 5, steps SA11 to SA13 and SA22 are executed by the projection control unit 211 of the second control unit 21. Steps SA14 to SA15 are executed by either the application execution unit 213 or the application execution unit 312.

[0075] Steps SA16 to SA21 and step SA24 are executed by the subject of information processing. The subject of information processing is a device that acquires information about the execution state of an application and transmits it to the information processing device 1, and specifically is either the projector 2 or the terminal device 3. When the subject of information processing is the projector 2, steps SA16 to SA21 are executed by the information acquisition unit 212, and step SA24 is executed by the information transmission unit 214. When the subject of information processing is the terminal device 3, steps SA16 to SA21 are executed by the information acquisition unit 311, and step SA24 is executed by the information transmission unit 313.

[0076] First, a case where the subject of information processing is the terminal device 3 will be described. The projector 2 starts up the projector 2 in response to an operation on the remote control 4 or the operation panel 26 (step SA11), and executes user authentication processing (step SA12). If the authentication processing is successful, the projector 2 temporarily stores the authentication result, including the organization ID and user ID entered in the authentication processing, in the second storage unit 220 (step SA13). Note that if the authentication in step SA12 is not successful, the projector 2 ends this processing. Also, the projector 2 may be usable without performing the authentication processing, in which case steps SA12 and SA13 are omitted.

[0077] After the projector 2 starts operating, the app can be used on the projector 2 and the terminal device 3. In response to a user operation, the app starts on either the projector 2 or the terminal device 3 (step SA14), and after the desired purpose is achieved, the app ends (step SA15). Steps SA14 and SA15 indicate that either the projector 2 or the terminal device 3 operates in response to a user operation.

[0078] When the application is terminated, the terminal device 3 acquires information about the execution state of the application. That is, the terminal device 3 determines whether the application is operating in the projector 2 (step SA16).

[0079] If the operating environment of the app is not the projector 2 (step SA16: NO), this means that the app was executed on the terminal device 3. In this case, the terminal device 3 temporarily stores information such as the execution time of the app in the third storage unit 320 (step S17), and proceeds to step SA21, which will be described later.

[0080] If the operating environment of the app is the projector 2 (step SA16: YES), the terminal device 3 determines whether or not information such as the execution time of the app can be acquired from the projector 2 (step SA18). If the information can be acquired from the projector 2 (step SA18: YES), the terminal device 3 acquires the information from the projector 2 and temporarily stores the acquired information in the third storage unit 320 (step SA17).

[0081] If the terminal device 3 cannot acquire information from the projector 2 (step S18: NO), it determines whether or not it is necessary to record that acquisition is not possible (step SA19). A record of that acquisition is not possible is a record that an app is executed and information about the execution state of the app cannot be acquired, and whether or not this record should be created is set in advance in the terminal device 3 or the projector 2. The terminal device 3 makes the determination in step SA19 according to the setting. If a record of that acquisition is not possible is not necessary (step SA19: NO), the terminal device 3 proceeds to step SA21, which will be described later.

[0082] If a record of the inability to acquire information is necessary (step SA19: YES), the terminal device 3 generates a record including information indicating that information could not be acquired from the projector 2 and the time when the termination of the app was detected, and stores the record in the third storage unit 320 (step SA20). After that, the terminal device 3 proceeds to step SA21.

[0083] In step SA21, the terminal device 3 determines whether another app is used on the projector 2 or the terminal device 3 (step SA21). The terminal device 3 determines that another app is used when, for example, the user issues an instruction to start another app, when another app is running, or when the start of another app is scheduled. If it is determined that another app is used (step SA21: YES), the terminal device 3 returns to step SA14.

[0084] If no other apps are being used (step SA21: NO), when the projector 2 finishes its operation (step SA22), the terminal device 3 determines whether information about the execution state of the apps is stored in the third storage unit 320 (step SA23). If information about the execution state of the apps is stored in the third storage unit 320 (step SA23: YES), the terminal device 3 generates information for transmission based on the information stored in the third storage unit 320 and transmits the information to the information processing device 1 (step SA24). The information generated by the terminal device 3 in step SA24 includes information about the execution environment of the apps, information for identifying the apps, and execution time information about the execution time of the apps.

[0085] When the subject of information processing is the projector 2, in steps SA16 to SA20 and SA23 to SA24 in FIG. 5, the above-described operations are performed with the projector 2 and the terminal device 3 interchanged. For example, in step SA16, the projector 2 determines whether the operating environment of the app is the terminal device 3 (step SA16). If the operating environment of the app is not the terminal device 3 (step SA16: NO), the projector 2 temporarily stores information such as the execution time of the app in the second storage unit 220 (step S17), and proceeds to step SA21.

[0086] If the operating environment of the app is the terminal device 3 (step SA16: YES), the projector 2 determines whether or not information such as the execution time of the app can be acquired from the terminal device 3 (step SA18). If the information can be acquired from the terminal device 3 (step SA18: YES), the projector 2 acquires the information from the terminal device 3 and temporarily stores the acquired information in the second storage unit 220 (step SA17).

[0087] If the projector 2 cannot acquire the information from the terminal device 3 (step S18: NO), it determines whether or not it is necessary to record that acquisition is not possible (step SA19). A record of that acquisition is not possible is a record that an app is executed and information about the execution state of the app cannot be acquired, and whether or not this record should be created is set in advance in the projector 2 or the terminal device 3. The projector 2 makes the determination in step SA19 according to the setting. If a record of that acquisition is not possible is not necessary (step SA19: NO), the projector 2 proceeds to step SA21.

[0088] Then, in step SA23, the projector 2 determines whether information related to the execution state of the app is stored in the second storage unit 220. If the information is stored in the second storage unit 220 (step SA23: YES), the projector 2 generates information for transmission based on the information stored in the second storage unit 220 and transmits the information to the information processing device 1 (step SA24). The information generated by the projector 2 in step SA24 includes information related to the execution environment of the app, information for identifying the app, and execution time information related to the execution time of the app.

[0089] [5-2. Example of operation of information processing device] 6 shows the operation of the information processing device 1 corresponding to the projector 2 or the terminal device 3 transmitting information in step SA24 in Fig. 5. Steps SB11 to SB13 are executed by the acquisition unit 111, step SB14 is executed by the processing unit 112, and steps SB15 and SB16 are executed by the output unit 113.

[0090] The information processing device 1 detects the projectors 2 and terminal devices 3 with which it can communicate using the first communication unit 16 (step SB11). The information processing device 1 determines whether or not there are any devices from among the detected projectors 2 and terminal devices 3 from which it can acquire information about the execution state of apps (step SB12).

[0091] If there is no device from which the information can be acquired (step SB12: NO), the information processing device 1 proceeds to step SB15, which will be described later. If there is a device from which information can be acquired (step SB12: YES), the information processing device 1 acquires information on the execution state of the application from the device (step SB13). The information acquired by the information processing device 1 in step SB13 is, for example, the transmission information transmitted in step SA24 of FIG. 5.

[0092] The information processing device 1 generates a record 123 based on the information acquired in step SB13, stores it in the history DB 122 (step SB14), and proceeds to step SB15.

[0093] In step SB15, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not an information output request has been received (step SB15). If an information output request has not been received (step SB15: NO), the information processing device 1 ends this process. If an information output request has been received (step SB15: YES), the information processing device 1 outputs the requested information (step SB16). In detail, the information processing device 1 extracts record 123 including the requested information from history DB 122, and transmits the information included in the extracted record 123 to the device that made the request.

[0094] 6 is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals during operation of the information processing device 1. Note that the operation of Fig. 6 may be executed at the timing when the information processing device 1 receives the information transmitted by the projector 2 or the terminal device 3 in step SA24 of Fig. 5.

[0095] [5-3. Second Operation Example of Projector and Terminal Device] Here, a second operation example will be described as another operation example of the information processing system 100. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the second operation example of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3. The second operation example is an operation performed by the executing projector 2 and the terminal device 3 instead of the first operation example described above.

[0096] 7, the same step numbers are assigned to processes common to the first operation example in Fig. 5, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The operation in Fig. 7 is executed by the terminal device 3 when the subject of information processing is the terminal device 3. Step SA31 is executed by the information acquisition unit 311, and step SA32 is executed by the information transmission unit 313.

[0097] The terminal device 3 determines whether the operating environment of the app is the projector 2 (step SA16), and if the operating environment of the app is the projector 2 (step SA16: YES), acquires information from the projector 2 (step SA31). The information acquired by the terminal device 3 in step SA31 includes the type of app, the execution time of the app, etc. Based on the information acquired in step SA31, the terminal device 3 generates information to be transmitted in the same manner as in step S24 (FIG. 5), and transmits the information to the information processing device 1 (step SA32). Thereafter, the terminal device 3 proceeds to step SA21.

[0098] If the operating environment of the app is not projector 2 (step SA16: NO), the terminal device 3 proceeds to step SA32, generates information to be transmitted based on information such as the execution time of the app owned by the terminal device 3, and transmits the information to the information processing device 1 (step SA32).

[0099] [6. Effects, etc.] As described above, the information processing device 1 of the present disclosure acquires the display device ID of the projector 2 and acquires the history of application types in the projector 2. Then, the information processing device 1 associates the display device ID of the projector 2 with app history information indicating the history of application types in the projector 2 and stores them in the first storage unit 120. The information processing device 1 can output the display device ID and app history information of the projector 2 stored in the first storage unit 120.

[0100] This allows the information processing device 1 to acquire the history of the application types in the projector 2 and store it in the first storage unit 120. Therefore, information relating to the execution state of the application in the projector 2 can be acquired efficiently.

[0101] The application history information stored in the first storage unit 120 includes the name of the application used on the projector 2 and time information indicating the time when the application was used on the projector 2. This allows the information processing device 1 to acquire information about the time when the app was used on the projector 2.

[0102] The information processing device 1 includes a first communication unit 16 that communicates with the projector 2. The information processing device 1 acquires the display device ID of the projector 2 and application history information from the projector 2 via the first communication unit 16. This makes it possible to efficiently acquire the display device ID that can identify the projector 2 and information related to the use of the app on the projector 2.

[0103] The information processing device 1 is connected to the projector 2 and includes a first communication unit 16 that communicates with a terminal device 3 that executes an app. The information processing device 1 acquires app history information from the terminal device 3 via the first communication unit 16, the app history information indicating a history of the types of apps executed by the terminal device 3. This allows information about the app executed by the terminal device 3 connected to the projector 2 to be obtained from the terminal device 3. Therefore, information about the fact that a device other than the projector 2 has executed the app can be obtained.

[0104] The information processing device 1 acquires the user ID of the user who uses the projector 2, and stores the display device ID of the projector 2, the application history information, and the user ID in association with each other in the first storage unit 120. The information processing device 1 can output the display device ID of the projector 2, the application history information, and the user ID stored in the first storage unit 120. This allows information for identifying the user who uses the projector 2 to be stored in association with information about the app on the projector 2, and this information to be output. This makes it possible to obtain and use information about the use of the app on the projector 2.

[0105] The information processing device 1 acquires an organization ID, which is identification information of a user who uses the projector 2 or an organization to which the projector 2 belongs. The information processing device 1 acquires at least one of the ID of the user who uses the projector 2 and identification information unique to the projector 2, as identification information of the projector 2. The information processing device 1 associates the identification information of the projector 2, the application history information, and the organization ID and stores them in the first storage unit 120. The information processing device 1 can output the identification information of the projector 2, the application history information, and the organization ID stored in the first storage unit 120. This allows information that can identify the projector 2 or the user to be acquired as identification information for the projector 2, stored in association with information about the app, and output. This makes it possible to acquire and use information about the use of the app on the projector 2.

[0106] An information processing method according to the present disclosure is executed by an information processing device 1 and a terminal device 3. This information processing method includes transmitting, by the terminal device 3, the display device ID of the projector 2, and transmitting, by the terminal device 3 connected to the projector 2, a history of the types of apps executed by the projector 2. The information processing method also includes acquiring, by the information processing device 1, the display device ID of the projector 2 transmitted by the terminal device 3, and acquiring the history of apps transmitted by the terminal device 3. The information processing method also includes storing, by the information processing device 1, the display device ID of the projector 2 and app history information indicating the history of the types of apps acquired from the terminal device 3 in association with each other in the first storage unit 120. The information processing method also includes outputting, by the storage unit, the display device ID of the projector 2 and the app history information stored therein. This allows the information processing device 1 to acquire information related to the execution of apps on the projector 2 from the terminal device 3, store the acquired information in the first storage unit 120, and output this information from the information processing device 1. This makes it possible to use the terminal device 3 to acquire and use information related to the use of apps on the projector 2.

[0107] A control program 121, which is a program according to the present disclosure, is a program executed by the first processor 110 included in the information processing device 1. This program causes the first processor 110 to acquire the display device ID of the projector 2. Then, the first processor 110 executes the following operations: acquires a history of app types in the projector 2, and stores, in the first storage unit 120, identification information of the projector 2 and app history information indicating the history of app types in the projector 2 in association with each other. Then, the first processor 110 causes the first storage unit 120 to output the identification information of the projector 2 and the app history information stored therein. This allows the information processing device 1 to acquire the history of the types of apps in the projector 2 and store it in the first storage unit 120. Therefore, it is possible to acquire information related to the execution state of apps in the projector 2 and make the acquired information available.

[0108] 7. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0109] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the projector 2 and the terminal device 3 are each connected to the communication network NW, but this is just one example. The projector 2 and the terminal device 3 may be capable of communicating with the information processing device 1, and for example, the configuration may be such that the projector 2 is connected to the communication network NW, and the terminal device 3 communicates with the information processing device 1 via the projector 2. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the terminal device 3 is connected to the communication network NW, and the projector 2 communicates with the information processing device 1 via the terminal device 3. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the communication between the projector 2 and the information processing device 1 and the communication between the terminal device 3 and the information processing device 1 are via different communication lines.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the information processing system 100 employing the projector 2 as an example of a display device has been described, but the display device to which the present disclosure is applicable is not limited to the projector 2. For example, the display device may be a liquid crystal display that displays images on a liquid crystal display panel. It may also be a display device that displays images on a plasma display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. In this case, the liquid crystal display panel, the plasma display panel, and the organic EL panel correspond to examples of a display unit.

[0111] Furthermore, there is no limitation on the configuration of the first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31, and they may be realized by a plurality of processors or a plurality of semiconductor devices.

[0112] Each functional unit of the projector 2 shown in FIG. 2 represents a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. Similarly, the functional units of the terminal device 3 shown in FIG. 3 and the functional units of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 4 represent functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. Specifically, it is not necessary to implement hardware individually corresponding to each functional unit shown in each of the above figures, and it is of course possible to configure the system so that one processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in each of the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, and some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0113] 5, 6, and 7 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31. The present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units of these flowcharts are divided or the names of the processing units. These processes can be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided to include more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the example shown in the figures.

[0114] The control program 121 of the information processing device 1 can be recorded, for example, on a recording medium that is readable by the information processing device 1. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The above-described control method can also be implemented by storing the program in a server device or the like and downloading the control program from the server device. The same can be applied to the control program 221 of the projector 2 and the control program 321 of the terminal device 3.

[0115] [8. Notes] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Appendix 1) An information processing device that executes the following: acquiring identification information of a display device; acquiring a history of application types on the display device; and storing, in a memory unit, the identification information of the display device and app history information indicating the history of application types on the display device in association with each other; and is capable of outputting the identification information of the display device and the app history information stored in the memory unit. This allows the information processing device to acquire the history of the types of applications on the display device and store it in the storage unit, thereby making it possible to efficiently acquire information about the execution state of applications on the display device.

[0116] (Appendix 2) 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the application history information includes a name of an application used on the display device and time information indicating a time when the application was used on the display device. This allows the information processing device to acquire information about the time during which the app is used on the display device.

[0117] (Appendix 3) 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the display device, and acquires identification information of the display device and the application history information from the display device via the communication unit. This makes it possible to efficiently obtain information that can identify the display device and information related to the use of the application on the display device.

[0118] (Appendix 4) 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication unit connected to the display device and configured to communicate with an external device that executes the application; and wherein the application history information indicating a history of types of applications executed by the external device is acquired from the external device by the communication unit. This allows information about an app executed by an external device connected to the display device to be obtained from the external device, thereby making it possible to obtain information about an app being executed by a device other than the display device.

[0119] (Appendix 5) 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is capable of acquiring identification information of a user who uses the display device, storing the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the identification information of the user in a memory unit in association with each other, and outputting the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the identification information of the user stored in the memory unit. This allows the information that can identify the user of the display device and the information about the app on the display device to be stored in association with each other, and this information can be output, making it possible to obtain and use information about the use of the app on the display device.

[0120] (Appendix 6) 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is capable of acquiring organization identification information that is identification information of a user who uses the display device or an organization to which the display device belongs, acquiring at least one of identification information of a user who uses the display device and identification information unique to the display device as identification information of the display device, storing the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the organization identification information in a memory unit in association with each other, and outputting the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the organization identification information stored in the memory unit. This allows information that can identify the display device or the user to be acquired as identification information for the display device, stored in association with information about the app, and output, thereby enabling acquisition and use of information about the use of the app on the display device.

[0121] (Appendix 7) An information processing method executed by an information processing device and a terminal device, the information processing method comprising: transmitting, by the terminal device, identification information of a display device; and transmitting, by the information processing device, an external device connected to the display device or a history of application types executed by the display device; acquiring, by the information processing device, the identification information of the display device transmitted by the terminal device; acquiring the history of applications transmitted by the terminal device; storing, in a memory unit, the identification information of the display device and app history information indicating the history of application types acquired from the terminal device in association with each other; and outputting, by the information processing device, the identification information of the display device and the app history information stored in the memory unit. This allows the information processing device to obtain information related to the execution of apps on the display device from the terminal device 3, store the obtained information in the storage unit, and output this information from the information processing device. This makes it possible to obtain and use information related to the use of apps on the display device using an external device.

[0122] (Appendix 8) A program executed by a processor of an information processing device, causing the processor to acquire identification information of a display device, acquire a history of application types on the display device, associate the identification information of the display device with app history information indicating the history of application types on the display device and store them in a memory unit, and output the identification information of the display device and the app history information stored in the memory unit. As a result, the same effects as those of the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 1 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1...information processing device, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C...projector (display device), 3, 3A, 3B, 3C...terminal device (external device), 5...output terminal, 11...first control unit, 15...first input unit, 16...first communication unit (communication unit), 17...bus, 20...projection unit, 21...second control unit, 23...second communication unit, 24...image I / F, 25...remote control receiver, 26...operation panel, 27...audio processing unit, 28...image processing unit, 29...bus, 31...third control unit, 35...third input unit, 36...third display unit, 37...third communication unit, 38...I / F, 39...bus, 100...information processing system, 110...first processor (processor), 111...acquisition unit, 112...processing unit, 113...output input unit, 120...first memory unit (memory unit), 121...control program (program), 122...history DB, 123, 123a, 123b, 123c, 123d...records, 210...second processor, 211...projection control unit, 212...information acquisition unit, 213...application execution unit, 214...information transmission unit, 220...second memory unit, 221...control program, 222...application, 224...authentication information, 225...authentication record, 310...third processor, 311...information acquisition unit, 312...application execution unit, 313...information transmission unit, 320...third memory unit, 321...control program, 322...application, 323...terminal ID, B1, B2...organization, NW...communication network.

Claims

1. An information processing device, Obtaining identification information of the display device; acquiring a history of application types on the display device; and storing, in a storage unit, identification information of the display device and application history information indicating a history of application types on the display device in association with each other; The information processing device is capable of outputting the identification information of the display device and the application history information stored in the storage unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the application history information includes names of applications used on the display device and time information indicating times when the applications were used on the display device.

3. a communication unit that communicates with the display device, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information of the display device and the application history information are acquired from the display device by the communication unit.

4. a communication unit connected to the display device and communicating with an external device that executes the application; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the application history information indicating a history of types of applications executed by the external device is acquired from the external device by the communication unit.

5. Acquire identification information of a user who uses the display device; storing the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the identification information of the user in a storage unit in association with each other; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the identification information of the user stored in the storage unit can be output.

6. acquiring organization identification information that is identification information for a user who uses the display device or an organization to which the display device belongs; acquiring, as the identification information of the display device, at least one of identification information of a user who uses the display device and identification information unique to the display device; storing the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the organization identification information in a storage unit in association with each other; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information of the display device, the application history information, and the organization identification information stored in the storage unit are output.

7. An information processing method executed by an information processing device and a terminal device, The terminal device transmitting identification information of the display device; transmitting a history of the types of applications executed by an external device connected to the display device or the display device; By the information processing device, acquiring identification information of the display device transmitted by the terminal device; acquiring a history of applications transmitted by the terminal device; storing, in a storage unit, identification information of the display device and application history information indicating a history of application types acquired from the terminal device in association with each other; outputting the identification information of the display device and the application history information stored in the storage unit.

8. A program executed by a processor included in an information processing device, The processor, Obtaining identification information of the display device; acquiring a history of application types on the display device; storing, in a storage unit, identification information of the display device and application history information indicating a history of application types on the display device in association with each other; and outputting the identification information of the display device and the application history information stored in the storage unit.

Images