Control unit, specific terminal, and communication system

Abstract

To provide a control unit for selecting a terminal to be notified to a user in consideration of a situation in which a plurality of terminals are charged or used, a communication system, and a specific terminal.SOLUTION: In a communication system 2 comprising a management device 10 and a plurality of reading terminals 100, the management device, which is a control unit, comprises: a first selection unit that selects, from M (M is an integer of 2 or more) terminals t01, t02, t03, t04, t05, ... in use, the first terminal t01 in which the usable capacity of a battery is minimum; and a first instruction execution unit that instructs, to the first terminal, output of first notification for recommending charging of the first terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique for selecting a terminal to which a notification should be output from among a plurality of terminals. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cradle that notifies the user that power supply from the cradle to a mobile terminal has been cut off when the charge level of the mobile terminal is low while the mobile terminal is being charged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-158794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration situations where multiple terminals are being charged or used, and in such situations, a user may find it difficult to determine which terminal should be charged or which terminal should be used.

[0005] This specification provides a technique for selecting a terminal to notify a user of, taking into consideration a situation in which multiple terminals are being charged or used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device disclosed in this specification includes a first selection unit that selects a first terminal having the smallest available battery capacity from among M terminals in use (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2), and a first instruction execution unit that instructs the first terminal to output a first notification recommending charging of the first terminal.

[0007] The first terminal with the smallest available battery capacity is the terminal that needs charging the most among the M terminals in use. The first notification lets the user know that the first terminal should be charged.

[0008] The control device may further include a discrimination unit that discriminates whether each of the plurality of terminals is charging or in use, and each of the M terminals may be a terminal that is discriminated from the plurality of terminals to be in use.

[0009] According to the above configuration, in a situation where terminals being charged and terminals being used are mixed, it is possible to select a first terminal to which the first notification should be output from among M terminals being used.

[0010] The control device may further include a second selection unit that selects a second terminal having the largest available battery capacity from among N terminals (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) that are determined to be charging from among the plurality of terminals, and a second instruction execution unit that instructs the second terminal to output a second notification recommending the use of the second terminal.

[0011] The second terminal with the largest available battery capacity is the most suitable terminal to use among the N terminals that are being charged. The second notification lets the user know that the second terminal is suitable for use.

[0012] The first instruction execution unit may instruct the first terminal to output the first notification when one or more terminals determined to be charging from among the plurality of terminals include a terminal whose available capacity is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and may not instruct the first terminal to output the first notification when there is no terminal whose available capacity is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value among the one or more terminals.

[0013] Even if the first terminal needs to be charged, if there is no terminal among the one or more terminals currently being charged that has an available capacity equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, this means that there is no terminal that can be recommended for use in place of the first terminal. In such a situation, by not instructing the first terminal to output the first notification, the user can be encouraged to continue using the first terminal.

[0014] When the available capacity of the first terminal is equal to or less than a second predetermined value, the first instruction execution unit may instruct the first terminal to output the first notification even if there is no terminal among the one or more terminals whose available capacity is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value.

[0015] When the available capacity of the first terminal is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, it means that the first terminal cannot be used continuously. In such a situation, even if there is no recommended replacement terminal among the one or more terminals being charged, the user can be prompted to temporarily replace the first terminal.

[0016] The first instruction execution unit may instruct the first terminal to output the first notification when no terminal is currently being charged among the plurality of terminals.

[0017] According to the above configuration, in a situation where none of the multiple terminals are being charged, the first notification can be output from the first terminal with the smallest available capacity.

[0018] The first notification may not be output until a first predetermined time has elapsed since charging of the battery of the first terminal has finished.

[0019] Outputting the first notification before a predetermined time has elapsed since charging of the battery of the first terminal has finished means that the first notification is output relatively quickly after use of the first terminal has begun. If the first notification is output in such a relatively short time, the user may find the first notification annoying. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from finding the first notification annoying.

[0020] The control device may further include a third selection unit that, when a predetermined operation is performed on the first terminal after the first terminal has been instructed to output the first notification, selects from among the M terminals a third terminal that has the next smallest available capacity after the first terminal, and the first instruction execution unit may instruct the third terminal to output the first notification.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to infer an intention to continue using the first terminal from a predetermined operation, and to cause the other third terminal to output the first notification.

[0022] The control device may further include a third instruction execution unit that instructs one or more terminals, among all the terminals, whose available capacity is equal to or less than a third predetermined value, to output the first notification at a time a specific time before a first time period in which the total power consumption of all terminals including the M terminals is at its maximum.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prompt charging of one or more terminals with a relatively small amount of available capacity before the arrival of the first time slot during which the total power consumption of all terminals is at its maximum.

[0024] The control device may further include a fourth instruction execution unit that instructs all of the terminals to output the first notification at the start time of a second time period when the total power consumption of all terminals including the M terminals is the smallest.

[0025] According to the above configuration, it is possible to encourage charging of all terminals during the second time period when all terminals are hardly used.

[0026] The control device may further include a fifth instruction execution unit that, when there is a terminal among all terminals including the M terminals that has not been charged for a second predetermined time, instructs all terminals to output a third notification notifying that there is a terminal that has not been charged for the second predetermined time.

[0027] According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify any of the users of all the terminals that there is a terminal that has not been charged for a long time, and to encourage the terminal that has not been charged for a long time to be charged.

[0028] The control device may be a specific terminal among all the terminals including the M terminals.

[0029] According to the above configuration, it is not necessary to provide an additional device as a control device that is different from any of the terminals.

[0030] The specific terminal may be a terminal that is currently being charged among all the terminals.

[0031] A terminal that is being charged and is continuously supplied with power operates stably, and can be used as a control device.

[0032] The specific terminal may be a terminal that has a high success rate of communication with other terminals among all the terminals.

[0033] A terminal that has a high success rate in communicating with other terminals has stable operation, and can be used as a control device.

[0034] Another control device disclosed in this specification may include a second selection unit that selects a second terminal with the largest available battery capacity from among N terminals (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) that are currently charging, and a second instruction execution unit that instructs the second terminal to output a second notification recommending the use of the second terminal.

[0035] The second notification allows the user to know that the second terminal is suitable for use.

[0036] The available capacity may be calculated by multiplying the maximum capacity of the battery by the remaining capacity of the battery.

[0037] This specification discloses a specific terminal among a plurality of terminals, the specific terminal including: a collection unit that collects status information indicating battery status of one or more terminals other than the specific terminal among the plurality of terminals, and an output unit that compares the status information received from the one or more terminals with the battery status of the specific terminal, and outputs a first notification recommending charging the specific terminal if the available capacity of the battery of the specific terminal is smaller than the available capacity of any of the batteries of the one or more terminals.

[0038] The first notification lets the user know that the first terminal should be charged.

[0039] Another specific terminal disclosed in this specification includes a collection unit that collects status information indicating the battery status of one or more terminals other than the specific terminal among the plurality of terminals, and an output unit that compares the status information received from the one or more terminals with the battery status of the specific terminal, and outputs a second notification recommending use of the specific terminal if the available capacity of the battery of the specific terminal is greater than the available capacity of any of the batteries of the one or more terminals and the specific terminal is charging.

[0040] The second notification allows the user to know that the second terminal is suitable for use.

[0041] This specification discloses a communication system including a plurality of terminals, each of which is configured to transmit, to a terminal other than the own terminal, either other battery information received from another terminal or its own battery information indicating a state of its own battery, the other battery information being transmitted to the terminal other than the own terminal when an available capacity of the own battery is greater than an available capacity of the battery based on the other battery information, and the own battery information being transmitted to the terminal other than the own terminal when an available capacity of the own battery is smaller than an available capacity of the battery based on the other battery information, and each of the plurality of terminals is configured to output a first notification recommending charging of the own terminal when it receives the own battery information from the other terminal after transmitting the own battery information to the terminal other than the own terminal.

[0042] The first notification lets the user know that the first terminal should be charged.

[0043] This specification discloses another communication system including a plurality of terminals, each of which is configured to transmit, to a terminal other than the own terminal, either other battery information received from the other terminal or its own battery information indicating a battery status of the own terminal, the other battery information being transmitted to the other terminal when an available battery capacity of the own terminal is smaller than an available battery capacity based on the other battery information, and the own battery information being transmitted to the other terminal when an available battery capacity of the own terminal is greater than an available battery capacity based on the other battery information, and each of the plurality of terminals is configured to receive the own battery information from the other terminal after transmitting the own battery information to the other terminal and output a second notification recommending use of the own terminal when the own terminal is being charged.

[0044] The second notification allows the user to know that the second terminal is suitable for use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a reading terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process of the management device. [Figure 5] This is a continuation of Figure 4. [Figure 6] 10 is a bar graph showing an example of total power consumption. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific case. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing by the reading terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing by the reading terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to a fourth and fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing by the reading terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing by the reading terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] (First Example) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) The communication system 2 includes a management device 10 and a plurality of reading terminals 100. The management device 10 manages the plurality of reading terminals 100. The management device 10 can communicate with each of the plurality of reading terminals 100 via wireless communication. Here, the wireless communication is communication in accordance with known standards such as wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0047] The management device 10 is a host device of a plurality of reading terminals 100. The management device 10 may be a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a local server, etc. The management device 10 may also be a server installed on the Internet.

[0048] The reading terminal 100 is a portable terminal device for reading information recorded in an information code (e.g., a barcode). In a modified example, the reading terminal 100 may be configured to be able to read not only information codes but also information stored in a storage medium (e.g., an NFC tag or an RFID tag), or may be configured to be able to read information by character recognition (e.g., OCR). In the following, the reading terminal 100 will be referred to as "terminal 100."

[0049] The terminal 100 is a rechargeable type. When the terminal 100 is placed on the charger 50, power is supplied from the charger 50 to the terminal 100. As a result, the battery 120 (see FIG. 3) built into the terminal 100 is charged.

[0050] Each of the multiple terminals 100 is assigned a terminal ID (for example, "t01") that identifies the terminal 100. The management device 10 collects, from each of the multiple terminals 100, status information indicating the current status of the terminal 100. The status information includes the terminal ID, the current maximum capacity of the battery 120, and the current remaining amount of the battery 120. The maximum capacity and remaining amount are measured by each terminal 100. Collection of the status information is performed periodically.

[0051] The communication system 2 is provided, for example, in a predetermined area. The predetermined area is, for example, a warehouse, a store, etc. In the predetermined area, a plurality of users use terminals 100. In this embodiment, the plurality of terminals 100 are all terminals used in the predetermined area. In a modified example, the plurality of terminals 100 may be a portion of all terminals used in the predetermined area. In this modified example, there may be terminals among all terminals that are not managed by the management device 10. Note that the number of the plurality of terminals 100 is not limited to five as shown in FIG. 1, but may be two, three, four, six or more.

[0052] (Configuration of management device 10; Figure 2) The management device 10 includes a communication interface 12 and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F." The communication I / F 12 is an I / F for performing wireless communication with the terminal 100.

[0053] The control unit 30 controls each unit such as the communication I / F 12. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 40 stored in the memory 34. The program 40 is an application program for executing communication with each terminal 100. The program 40 is provided, for example, by a vendor of the terminal 100.

[0054] The memory 34 stores a management table 42 that manages information about multiple terminals 100. The management table 42 stores, for each of the multiple terminals 100, a terminal ID, terminal information, maximum capacity, remaining capacity, available capacity, and notification information. The terminal information indicates one of the values ​​"in use" and "charging." "In use" indicates that the terminal 100 is currently in use, i.e., not currently being charged. "Charging" indicates that the terminal 100 is currently being charged. The value of the terminal information is determined based on status information received from the terminal 100. For example, if the status information includes predetermined information indicating that the terminal 100 is being charged, the management device 10 determines the terminal information to be "charging." If the status information does not include the predetermined information, the management device 10 determines the terminal information to be "in use." For example, if the remaining capacity is gradually increasing, the management device 10 may determine the terminal information to be "charging," and otherwise determine the terminal information to be "in use."

[0055] The maximum capacity and remaining capacity in the management table 42 are updated every time status information is received from the terminal 100. The available capacity in the management table 42 is calculated by multiplying the maximum capacity by the remaining capacity. In a modified example, the status information may include the available capacity itself instead of the maximum capacity and remaining capacity. In this case, the management table 42 may include the available capacity without including the maximum capacity and remaining capacity.

[0056] The notification information is information indicating the terminal 100 to which the notification is being output, among the multiple terminals 100. When the terminal 100 displays the charging recommendation screen SC1 (see FIG. 5), "charging recommended" is determined as the notification information. Also, when the terminal 100 turns on a predetermined light indicating that use is recommended in the notification light 118 (see FIG. 1), "use recommended" is determined as the notification information.

[0057] (Configuration of terminal 100; Figures 1 and 3) The terminal 100 includes a communication I / F 112, a display unit 114, a reading unit 116, a notification light 118, a battery 120, and a control unit 130.

[0058] The communication I / F 12 is an I / F for performing wireless communication with the management device 10. The display unit 114 is a device that displays various information. The display unit 114 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 114 may also be a touch screen. The notification light 118 is a light-emitting element that emits light to indicate a notification. The notification light 118 is, for example, an LED. The battery 120 supplies power to each part (e.g., 112) of the terminal 100. The battery 120 is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0059] The reading unit 116 includes an image sensor for capturing an image of an information code, a character string, etc. In a modified example, the reading unit 116 may include a laser source that scans the information code with a laser and irradiates it with a laser, and an element that receives the reflected laser. Furthermore, if the terminal 100 is capable of reading information from a storage medium, the reading unit 116 may include an antenna for communicating with the storage medium.

[0060] 1, the display unit 114 and the notification light 118 are exposed from the housing of the terminal 100. The user of the terminal 100 can see the display unit 114 and the notification light 118.

[0061] The control unit 130 controls the units 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, etc. The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program 140 stored in the memory 134.

[0062] (Processing of the management device 10; Figures 4, 5, and 6) 4 to 6, the process executed by the CPU 32 of the management device 10 in accordance with the program 40 will be described. The process of Fig. 4 is started when the program 40 is started as a trigger. The process of Fig. 4 is executed periodically (for example, every 10 minutes).

[0063] In S2, the CPU 32 determines whether the current time is a predetermined time before (for example, one hour before) the peak time period. FIG. 6 is an example of a bar graph showing the trend in the total power consumption of a plurality of terminals 100 (hereinafter referred to as "total power consumption"). The power consumption of each terminal 100 can be calculated from the trend in the remaining amount in the management table 42, and the total power consumption is the sum of the calculated power consumption of each terminal 100. In the bar graph of FIG. 6, the horizontal axis indicates the time periods into which 24 hours, which is one day, are divided, and the vertical axis indicates the total power consumption. In the example of FIG. 6, the total power consumption is greatest during time period t1, which is the peak time period.

[0064] If the CPU 32 determines that the current time is not a predetermined time before the peak time period (NO in S2), the CPU 32 proceeds to S4. In S4, the CPU 32 determines whether the current time is between the start time and the end time of the surplus time period. In the example of Fig. 6, the total power consumption is smallest in time period t2, and time period t2 is a surplus time period.

[0065] If the CPU 32 determines that the current time is not between the start time and end time of the surplus time period (NO in S4), the process proceeds to S6. In S6, the CPU 32 determines whether or not there is a terminal 100 among the multiple terminals 100 that has not been charged for a long time. Here, "a long time" means, for example, one day or more. Whether or not a terminal has not been charged for a long time is determined based on the transition of the terminal information in the management table 42.

[0066] If the CPU 32 determines that there is no terminal 100 that has not been charged for a long time (NO in S6), the CPU 32 proceeds to S8. In S8, the CPU 32 determines whether or not there is a value that is equal to or less than a specified value among the multiple maximum capacities in the management table 42. Here, the specified value is, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the rated capacity of the battery 120 by a specified percentage (for example, 50%).

[0067] If the CPU 32 determines that a value that is equal to or less than the specified value exists among the multiple maximum capacities in the management table 42 (YES in S8), the process proceeds to S9. In S9, the CPU 32 transmits a warning display instruction to one or more terminals 100 that have maximum capacities that are equal to or less than the specified value. The warning display instruction is an instruction to display a screen on the display unit 114 of the terminal 100 that warns of deterioration of the battery 120. The user can see the screen that warns of deterioration of the battery 120 and be notified that they need to replace the battery 120 or purchase a new terminal 100.

[0068] If the CPU 32 determines that there is no value equal to or less than the specified value among the multiple maximum capacities in the management table 42 (NO in S8), or if S9 ends, the CPU 32 proceeds to S10. In S10, the CPU 32 uses the current terminal information in the management table 42 to determine whether or not there is a terminal 100 currently being charged among the multiple terminals 100. If the CPU 32 determines that there is no terminal 100 currently being charged (NO in S10), the CPU 32 skips the processes of S12 to S40 and proceeds to S22 in FIG.

[0069] If the CPU 32 determines that there is a terminal 100 currently being charged (YES in S10), the process proceeds to S12. In S12, the CPU 32 uses the current terminal information in the management table 42 to select one or more terminals 100 currently being charged from among the multiple terminals 100. Then, the CPU 32 uses the current available capacity in the management table 42 to select the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity from among the one or more terminals 100 currently being charged.

[0070] In S14, the CPU 32 updates the notification information of the terminal 100 selected in S12 in the management table 42 to "recommended for use." In S16, the CPU 32 transmits a recommended lighting instruction to the terminal 100 selected in S12. The recommended lighting instruction is an instruction to light the notification light 118 of the terminal 100 with a predetermined light. The predetermined light is, for example, light having at least one of a predetermined color (e.g., blue) and a predetermined pattern (e.g., flashing at a predetermined rhythm).

[0071] In the next S20, the CPU 32 uses the current remaining charge in the management table 42 to determine whether or not there is a terminal 100 that is charging and has a remaining charge equal to or greater than a predetermined value among one or more terminals 100 that are currently charging. Here, the predetermined value is, for example, 99%, and a remaining charge equal to or greater than the predetermined value means that the terminal is close to being fully charged.

[0072] If the CPU 32 determines that there is a terminal 100 currently being charged whose remaining charge is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in S20), the process proceeds to S22 in FIG. 5. In S22, the CPU 32 uses the current terminal information in the management table 42 to select, from among the multiple terminals 100, one or more terminals 100 that have been in use for a predetermined time or more. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, one hour. The CPU 32 uses the current available capacity in the management table 42 to select, from among the one or more terminals 100 in use, the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity.

[0073] In S24, the CPU 32 updates the notification information of the terminal 100 selected in S22 in the management table 42 to "Charging Recommended." In S26, the CPU 32 transmits a recommendation display instruction to the terminal 100 selected in S22. The recommendation display instruction is an instruction to display a charging recommendation screen SC1 on the display unit 114 of the terminal 100. The charging recommendation screen SC1 is, for example, a pop-up screen displayed at the top of the display unit 114. The charging recommendation screen SC1 includes a message M1 recommending charging the terminal 100 and a skip button B1.

[0074] In the next S30, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a skip notification indicating that the skip button B1 has been selected has been received from the terminal 100 that received the recommendation display instruction. If the CPU 32 determines that a skip notification has not been received from the terminal 100 that received the recommendation display instruction (NO in S30), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that a skip notification has been received from the terminal 100 that received the recommendation display instruction (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S32.

[0075] In S32, the CPU 32 selects the terminal 100 with the next smallest available capacity from among one or more terminals 100 in use that have been used for a predetermined time or more. S34 and S36 are similar to S24 and S26, except that processing is performed on the terminal 100 with the next smallest available capacity. Selection of the skip button B1 means that the user intends to continue using the terminal 100 in use. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the user's intention to continue use can be inferred, and a charge recommendation screen SC1 can be displayed on another terminal 100. When S36 ends, the CPU 32 returns to S2 of FIG. 4.

[0076] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that there is no terminal 100 currently being charged whose remaining charge is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (NO in S20 of FIG. 4), the process proceeds to S40. In S40, the CPU 32 determines whether or not there is a terminal 100 currently being used whose remaining charge is equal to or less than a predetermined value among one or more terminals 100 currently being used that have been used for a predetermined time or more. Here, the predetermined value is, for example, 10%, and the remaining charge being equal to or less than the predetermined value means that it is difficult to use the terminal 100 for a long period of time.

[0077] If the CPU 32 determines that there is a terminal 100 in use whose remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value (YES in S40), the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that there is no terminal 100 in use whose remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value (NO in S40), the process returns to S20.

[0078] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the current time is a predetermined time before the peak time period (YES in S2), the process proceeds to S60. In S60, the CPU 32 uses the current remaining capacity in the management table 42 to select, from among the multiple terminals 100, one or more terminals 100 whose remaining capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is, for example, 50%. The CPU 32 transmits a recommendation display instruction to each of the one or more selected terminals 100. As a result, the charging recommendation screen SC1 is displayed on all of the one or more selected terminals 100. With the above configuration, it is possible to encourage charging of one or more terminals with relatively little available capacity before the peak time period arrives. Charging before the peak time period arrives allows the terminals 100 to be used continuously during the peak time period. When S60 ends, the CPU 32 returns to S2.

[0079] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that the current time is between the start time and the end time of the surplus time period (YES in S4), the process proceeds to S62. In S62, the CPU 32 transmits a recommendation display instruction to all of the plurality of terminals 100. As a result, the charge recommendation screen SC1 is displayed on all of the plurality of terminals 100. With the above configuration, it is possible to encourage charging of all of the plurality of terminals 100 during the surplus time period when none of the plurality of terminals 100 are being used. When S62 ends, the CPU 32 returns to S2.

[0080] Furthermore, if the CPU 32 determines that there is a terminal 100 that has not been charged for a long time (YES in S6), the process proceeds to S64. In S64, the CPU 32 transmits an uncharged display instruction to all of the multiple terminals 100. The uncharged display instruction is an instruction to display an uncharged screen SC2 on the display unit 114 of the terminal 100. The uncharged screen SC2 is, for example, a pop-up screen similar to the charging recommendation screen SC1. The uncharged screen SC2 includes a message indicating that there is a terminal 100 that has not been charged for a long time. With the above configuration, it is possible to notify any of the users of the multiple terminals 100 that there is a terminal 100 that has not been charged for a long time. It is possible to encourage the user to charge the terminal 100 that has not been charged for a long time. When S64 ends, the CPU 32 returns to S2.

[0081] (Specific case: Figure 7) In this case, two terminals 100 having terminal IDs "t01" and "t02" are in use, and three terminals 100 having terminal IDs "t03," "t04," and "t05" are charging. Below, the terminal 100 having the terminal ID "t01" will be referred to as terminal "t01," and the same will be used for terminals 100 having other terminal IDs. The time when this case is executed is neither before a predetermined time in the peak time period nor during the surplus time period (NO in S2 and NO in S4 in FIG. 4). Also, in this case, there are no terminals 100 that have not been charged for a long time (NO in S6).

[0082] At time T1, among the three terminals 100 currently being charged, terminal "t03" has the largest available capacity. Therefore, the management device 10 updates the notification information corresponding to terminal ID "t03" in the management table 42 to "recommended for use" (S14). Then, the management device 10 sends a recommended lighting instruction to terminal "t03" (S16). This causes the notification light 118 of terminal "t03" to light up with a predetermined light. The user can see the predetermined light of the notification light 118 and know that terminal "t03", which has the largest available capacity, is suitable for use.

[0083] Furthermore, at time T1, the remaining power of all three terminals 100 being charged is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 99%) (NO in S20). Furthermore, the remaining power of all two terminals 100 being used is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 10%). Therefore, the processing from S22 onwards in FIG. 5 is not executed, and the charge recommendation screen SC1 is not displayed on either of the two terminals 100 being used. A situation in which there is no terminal 100 among the terminals 100 being charged that has a remaining power equal to or greater than a predetermined value means that there is no terminal 100 that can be recommended for use in place of the terminal 100 being used. By not displaying the charge recommendation screen SC1, it is possible to encourage the user to continue using the terminal 100 being used.

[0084] At time T2, which follows time T1, the remaining charge of terminal "t03" is equal to or greater than 99%, which is a predetermined value (YES in S20). At time T2, of the two terminals 100 in use, terminal "t01" has the smallest available capacity. Therefore, the management device 10 updates the notification information corresponding to terminal ID "t01" in the management table 42 to "Charging Recommended" (S24 in FIG. 5). Then, the management device 10 transmits a recommendation display instruction to terminal "t01" (S26). As a result, terminal "t01" displays a charging recommendation screen SC1. In this case, the user can see the charging recommendation screen SC1 and know that terminal "t01," which has the smallest available capacity, should be charged. The user places terminal "t01" on the charger 50. Then, the user sees the notification light 118 of terminal "t03" and starts using terminal "t03" instead of terminal "t01." By using both the notification light 118 and the charging recommendation screen SC1, the terminal 100 can be replaced smoothly.

[0085] At time T3 following time T2, three terminals 100 corresponding to terminal IDs "t01," "t04," and "t05" are charging. At time T3, among the three terminals 100 being charged, terminal "t04" has the largest available capacity, and the notification light 118 of terminal "t04" lights up with a predetermined light (S16 in FIG. 3).

[0086] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, even if there is no terminal 100 with a remaining capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 99%) among the terminals 100 being charged, if there is a terminal 100 with a remaining capacity equal to or less than a predetermined value (e.g., 10%) among the terminals 100 being used (NO in S20, YES in S40 in FIG. 4), the management device 10 displays the charge recommendation screen SC1 on the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity (S26 in FIG. 5). The fact that the remaining capacity of the terminal 100 being used is equal to or less than a predetermined value means that the terminal 100 being used cannot be used continuously. In such a situation, even if there is no terminal 100 recommended for replacement among the terminals 100 being charged, the management device 10 can prompt the user to temporarily replace the terminal being used.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, when there is no terminal 100 currently being charged (NO in S10 of FIG. 4), the management device 10 displays the charge recommendation screen SC1 on the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity (S26 of FIG. 5). In a situation where none of the terminals 100 are being charged, the charge recommendation screen SC1 can be displayed on the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the management device 10 selects an in-use terminal 100 that has been used for more than a predetermined time as the terminal 100 on which the charge recommendation screen SC1 should be displayed (S22 in FIG. 5). If the charge recommendation screen SC1 is displayed before the predetermined time has elapsed since charging of the in-use terminal 100 was completed, the user may find the charge recommendation screen SC1 annoying. By selecting an in-use terminal 100 that has been used for more than the predetermined time, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling annoyed by the charge recommendation screen SC1.

[0089] (Correspondence) The management device 10 is an example of a "control device." The terminals "t01" and "t02" at time T2 in FIG. 7 are an example of "M terminals," and the terminal "t01" is an example of a "first terminal." The terminals "t03" to "t05" at time T2 in FIG. 7 are an example of "N terminals," and the terminal "t03" is an example of a "second terminal." The charging recommendation screen SC1 and the predetermined light of the notification light 118 are examples of a "first notification" and a "second notification," respectively. The predetermined values ​​of S20 and S40 in FIG. 4 are examples of a "first predetermined value" and a "second predetermined value," respectively. The predetermined time in S22 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "first predetermined time." The operation of selecting the skip button B1 and the terminal 100 selected in S32 are examples of a "predetermined operation" and a "third terminal." The peak time period S2 in FIG. 4 and the predetermined value S60 are examples of a "first time period" and a "third predetermined value," respectively. The surplus time period S4 is an example of a "second time period." The time used to determine a long time period S6 in FIG. 4 and the uncharged screen SC2 are examples of a "second predetermined time period" and a "third notification."

[0090] (Second Example) (Configuration of communication system 3; Figure 8) The communication system 3 of this embodiment includes five terminals "t01" to "t05" and does not include a management device 10. In this embodiment, one terminal 100 among the five terminals "t01" to "t05" plays the role of the management device 10 (the role as a server). For example, when the terminal "t03" plays the role of the management device 10, the terminal "t03" collects status information from each of the other four terminals 100. In this embodiment, the terminal 100 creates a management table 42, and the memory 134 of the terminal 100 stores the management table 42. Here, in this embodiment, the management table 42 includes a column for server ranking.

[0091] (Processing of terminal 100; Figure 9) The process executed by the CPU 132 of the terminal 100 in accordance with the program 140 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The user selects one terminal 100 from five terminals "t01" to "t05". The process of Fig. 9 is started, for example, when an instruction to start the process is input to the terminal 100 selected by the user.

[0092] In S100, the CPU 132 displays on the display unit 114 a selection screen for selecting two or more terminals 100 to be managed from the plurality of terminals 100. Then, the CPU 132 creates a management table 42 for managing the selected two or more terminals 100, and stores the management table 42 in the memory 134. For example, five terminals "t01" to "t05" are selected from the plurality of terminals 100.

[0093] In S102, CPU 132 determines whether the radio wave intensity of the wireless communication via communication I / F 112 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Here, the radio wave intensity is, for example, received power or a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). When CPU 132 determines that the radio wave intensity of the wireless communication via communication I / F 112 is equal to or less than the predetermined value (YES in S102), CPU 132 proceeds to S104.

[0094] In S104, the CPU 132 changes the communication method of the communication I / F 112. For example, if the wireless communication used by the communication I / F 112 is Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the frequency band used by the wireless communication is changed from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz. This makes it possible to use a communication method with relatively good radio wave strength and prevent communication with other terminals 100 from being interrupted. When S104 ends, the CPU 132 proceeds to S110. Furthermore, if the CPU 132 determines that the radio wave strength of the wireless communication via the communication I / F 112 is greater than a predetermined value (NO in S102), the CPU 132 skips S104 and proceeds to S110.

[0095] In S110, the CPU 132 transmits a server notification indicating that the terminal itself is a server to the other terminals 100. The server notification includes a list of device IDs included in the management table 42, for example.

[0096] In S112, the CPU 132 determines whether responses to the server notification have been received from more than half of the terminals 100. If the CPU 132 determines that responses have been received from more than half of the terminals 100 (YES in S112), the process proceeds to S114. In S114, the CPU 132 starts server operation. As a result, the terminal 100 itself assumes the role of the management device 10. In this embodiment, the terminal 100 operating as the server executes the processes of S2, S4, S6, S60, S62, and S64 of FIG. 4. Also, in this embodiment, the management table 42 is shared by all terminals 100 managed by the management table 42. The decision to turn on the notification light 118 and display the charging recommendation screen SC1 is made by each terminal 100. Specifically, each terminal 100 uses the management table 42 stored in its own memory 134 to turn on its own notification light 118 with a predetermined light when it determines that the terminal 100 is "recommended for use." Furthermore, each terminal 100, when determining that its own device is "charging recommended" by using management table 42 stored in its own memory 134, displays charging recommendation screen SC1 on its own display unit 114. In a modified example, terminal 100 operating as a server may control the lighting of notification light 118 and the display of charging recommendation screen SC1 by executing the processes of S10 to S40 in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. When S114 ends, CPU 132 ends the process of Fig. 8.

[0097] Furthermore, if the CPU 132 determines that it has not received responses from more than half of the terminals 100 (NO in S112), the process proceeds to S116. In S116, the CPU 132 starts client operation and executes the processes from S120 onwards.

[0098] The CPU 132 executes monitoring of S120 and S140. In S120, the CPU 132 monitors whether a server notification has been received from another terminal 100. If the CPU 132 receives a server notification from another terminal 100 (YES in S120), the CPU 132 proceeds to S122.

[0099] In S122, CPU 132 transmits a response to the server notification to the other terminal 100. Then, CPU 132 determines whether the time it takes for the response to reach the other terminal 100 is longer than a predetermined time. If CPU 132 determines that the time it takes for the response to reach the other terminal 100 is longer than the predetermined time (YES in S122), the process proceeds to S124.

[0100] In S124, the CPU 132 transmits a request to the terminal 100 operating as the server to raise the server ranking of the terminal operating as the client by one.

[0101] In S126, CPU 132 determines whether the server ranking of its own device is first. If CPU 132 determines that the server ranking of its own device is first (YES in S126), it proceeds to S102 and executes processing (i.e., S110 to S114) for its own device to start server operation in place of terminal 100 operating as a server. On the other hand, if CPU 132 determines that the server ranking of its own device is not first (NO in S126), it returns to S120.

[0102] In S140, the CPU 132 monitors whether various instructions are received from the terminal 100 operating as a server. The various instructions are, for example, the recommendation display instruction in S60 of FIG. 4, the recommendation display instruction in S62, and the uncharged recommendation instruction in S64. In S142, the CPU 132 executes processing in accordance with the instructions received in S140. When S142 ends, the process returns to monitoring S120 and S140.

[0103] According to the configuration of this embodiment, a specific terminal 100 among a plurality of terminals 100 plays the role of a server. That is, there is no need for a management device 10. The terminal 100 that operates as a server is an example of a "specific terminal."

[0104] There are various methods for determining the server ranking. For example, instead of or in addition to the determination in S122, a determination may be made as to whether the terminal itself is being charged. Then, when the CPU 132 determines that the terminal itself is being charged, the CPU 132 may raise the server ranking of the terminal itself. A terminal 100 that is being charged and to which power is continuously supplied has stable operation. A terminal 100 with stable operation can be used as a server.

[0105] In another modified example, the determination may be made based on the communication success rate of the terminal itself. Here, the communication success rate is the success rate of communication with other terminals 100 via the communication I / F 112. When the CPU 132 determines that the communication success rate of the terminal itself is high, the CPU 132 may raise the server ranking of the terminal itself. When the CPU 132 determines that the communication success rate of the terminal itself is low, the CPU 132 may lower the server ranking of the terminal itself. A terminal 100 with a high success rate of communication with other terminals 100 has stable operation. A terminal 100 with stable operation can be used as a server.

[0106] (Third Example) (Configuration of communication system 4; Figure 10) The communication system 4 of this embodiment does not include a management device 10, as with the communication system 3 of the second embodiment. In the communication system 4 of this embodiment, there is no terminal 100 that operates as a server. In this embodiment, each terminal 100 stores a management table 42. Each of the multiple terminals 100 transmits its own status information to all the other terminals 100.

[0107] (Processing of terminal 100; Figure 11) 11, the processing executed by CPU 132 of terminal 100 in accordance with program 140 will be described. In S200, CPU 132 transmits status information of its own device to other terminals 100. In S202, CPU 132 receives status information of other terminals 100 from other terminals 100. In S204, the management table 42 stored in memory 134 of its own device is updated using the status information of its own device and the status information of other terminals 100 received in S202. By executing the processing of S200 to S204 also in other terminals 100, the contents of the management tables 42 of the terminals 100 are synchronized.

[0108] In the next S210, the CPU 132 determines whether the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity and the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity are the same over a predetermined period (e.g., 10 minutes) in the management table 42. If the CPU 132 determines that the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity and the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity are not the same over the predetermined period (NO in S210), the process returns to S200.

[0109] Furthermore, if CPU 132 determines that the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity and the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity are the same over a predetermined period of time (YES in S210), it proceeds to S212. In S212, CPU 132 determines whether its own terminal is the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity or the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity. If CPU 132 determines that its own terminal is neither the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity nor the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity (NO in S212), it returns to S200.

[0110] Furthermore, if the CPU 132 determines that the terminal 100 is either the terminal 100 with the largest available capacity or the terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity (YES in S212), the process proceeds to S220.

[0111] In S220, when CPU 132 determines that its own device is terminal 100 with the largest available capacity, it turns on its own device's notification light 118 with a predetermined light. Also, in S220, when CPU 132 determines that its own device is terminal 100 with the smallest available capacity, it displays charge recommendation screen SC1 on its own device's display unit 114. When S220 ends, CPU 132 returns to S200.

[0112] In this embodiment as well, it is possible to notify the user of the terminal 100 that should be charged or the terminal 100 that is suitable for use, taking into consideration the situation in which the multiple terminals 100 are being charged or used. As in the second embodiment, this embodiment also does not require a management device 10 that is separate from any of the multiple terminals 100. do.

[0113] (Correspondence) Any one of the multiple terminals 100 is an example of a "specific terminal." S202 in Fig. 11 is an example of a process realized by a "collection unit." S220 is an example of a process realized by an "output unit."

[0114] (Fourth Example) (Configuration of communication system 5; Figure 12) The communication system 5 of this embodiment is similar to the communication system 4 of the third embodiment, except that the management table 42 itself is communicated and a repeater 200 is present. The repeater 200 is a device that relays communication between the terminals 100 when the distance between the terminals 100 is long. In a modified example, the communication system 5 does not need to include the repeater 200.

[0115] (Processing of terminal 100; Figure 13) 13, the process executed by CPU 132 of terminal 100 in accordance with program 140 will be described. In S300, CPU 132 monitors whether management table 42 has been received from another terminal 100. If CPU 132 has received management table 42 from another terminal 100 (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S302.

[0116] In S302, CPU 132 updates management table 42 with the maximum capacity and remaining capacity of its own device. In S304, CPU 132 transmits management table 42 updated in S302 to other terminals 100. S310 to S320 are the same as S210 to S220 in Fig. 11 except that management table 42 updated in S302 is used.

[0117] In this embodiment as well, the user can be notified of the terminal 100 that should be charged or the terminal 100 that is suitable for use, and the management device 10 is not required.

[0118] (Correspondence) Any one of the multiple terminals 100 is an example of a "specific terminal." S300 in Fig. 13 is an example of a process realized by a "collection unit." S320 is an example of a process realized by an "output unit."

[0119] (Fifth Example) (Configuration of communication system 5; Figure 12) This embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment except that the content of the processing by the terminal 100 is different. In this embodiment, a capacity table 300 is used instead of the management table 42. The capacity table 300 stores a terminal ID and an available capacity in association with the type "maximum", and also stores a terminal ID and an available capacity in association with the type "minimum". The information associated with the type "maximum" is information about the terminal 100 that is estimated to have the maximum available capacity, and the information associated with the type "minimum" is information about the terminal 100 that is estimated to have the minimum available capacity.

[0120] (Processing of terminal 100; Figure 14) In S400, the CPU 132 determines whether or not to receive the capacity table 300 from another terminal 100. If the CPU 132 determines that the capacity table 300 has been received from another terminal 100 (YES in S400), the process proceeds to S402.

[0121] In S402, the CPU 132 determines whether the terminal ID of the own device is included in the capacity table 300 received in S400. If the terminal ID of the own device is included in the capacity table 300, it means that the available capacity of the own device is the largest or smallest among the multiple terminals 100. If the CPU 132 determines that the terminal ID of the own device is included in the capacity table 300 (YES in S402), the CPU 132 proceeds to S404 and S406. S404 and S406 are the same as S310 and S320 in FIG. 13. If NO is determined in S404 or S406 ends, the CPU 132 returns to S400.

[0122] If the CPU 132 determines that the terminal ID of the own device is not included in the capacity table 300 (NO in S402), the CPU 132 proceeds to S410. In S410, the CPU 132 calculates the available capacity of the own device and compares the available capacity of the own device with the available capacity in the capacity table 300.

[0123] In S412, the CPU 132 determines whether the available capacity of the own device is greater than the available capacity associated with the type "maximum" in the capacity table 300, or whether the available capacity of the own device is smaller than the available capacity associated with the type "minimum" in the capacity table 300. If the available capacity of the own device is greater than the available capacity of the type "maximum" in the capacity table 300, or if the available capacity of the own device is smaller than the available capacity of the type "minimum" in the capacity table 300 (YES in S412), the CPU 132 proceeds to S414.

[0124] In S414, if the available capacity of the own device is greater than the available capacity of the type "maximum" in the capacity table 300, the CPU 132 associates the terminal ID of the own device and the available capacity of the own device with the type "maximum" and stores them. Also, if the available capacity of the own device is less than the available capacity of the type "minimum" in the capacity table 300, the CPU 132 associates the terminal ID of the own device and the available capacity of the own device with the type "minimum" and stores them. This updates the capacity table 300. By executing the process of S414 on multiple terminals 100, the information in the capacity table 300 is updated to accurate values. When S414 ends, the CPU 132 proceeds to S416.

[0125] Furthermore, if neither the condition that the available capacity of the own device is greater than the available capacity of the type "maximum" in the capacity table 300 nor the condition that the available capacity of the own device is less than the available capacity of the type "minimum" in the capacity table 300 is met (NO in S412), the CPU 132 skips S414 and proceeds to S416.

[0126] In S416, CPU 132 transmits capacity table 300 to the other terminal 100. If the processing of S414 is executed here, updated capacity table 300 including information about the terminal itself is transmitted. On the other hand, if the processing of S414 is executed, capacity table 300 is not updated, and capacity table 300 received in S400 is transmitted as is to the other terminal 100. When S416 ends, CPU 132 returns to S400.

[0127] Furthermore, if CPU 132 determines that it has not received a capacity table 300 from another terminal 100 (NO in S400), it proceeds to S430. In S430, CPU 132 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed without receiving a capacity table 300 from another terminal 100. If CPU 132 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S430), it returns to S400.

[0128] Furthermore, if the CPU 132 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving a capacity table 300 from another terminal 100 (YES in S430), the process proceeds to S432. In S432, the CPU 132 causes the display unit 114 to display a first warning screen indicating that communication with the other terminal 100 has been interrupted. By displaying the first warning screen, it is possible to prompt the terminal 100 that has moved out of the communication range with the other terminal 100 to return to the communication range.

[0129] In S434, CPU 132 determines whether the remaining charge of battery 120 of its own device is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 10%). When CPU 132 determines that the remaining charge of battery 120 of its own device is equal to or less than the threshold value (YES in S434), the process proceeds to S436. In S436, CPU 132 causes display unit 114 to display a second warning screen that prompts the user to charge its own device. By displaying the second warning screen, it is possible to prompt the user to charge terminal 100 that has moved out of the communication range with other terminals 100.

[0130] When the process of S436 ends, or when it is determined that the remaining charge of the battery 120 of the own device is greater than the threshold value (NO in S434), the CPU 132 returns to S400.

[0131] (Effects of this embodiment) Since the available capacity of the terminal 100 is smaller than the available capacity associated with the type "minimum" in the capacity table 300, it is estimated that the available capacity of the terminal 100 is the smallest among the multiple terminals 100. In this case, a capacity table 300 including the available capacity of the terminal 100 as the type "minimum" is transmitted to the other terminals 100 (YES in S412, S414, S416). This capacity table 300 is transmitted sequentially to the other terminals 100 other than the terminal 100, and the process of FIG. 14 is also executed in the other terminals 100. If the terminal ID of the terminal 100 is included as the type "minimum" in the capacity table 300 received again, this means that the other terminals 100 have also executed the process of S412 and determined that the available capacity of the terminal 100 is the smallest. In this case, a charge recommendation screen SC1 is displayed (S406). The user can be notified of the terminal 100 that should be charged.

[0132] Furthermore, since the available capacity of the terminal itself is greater than the available capacity associated with the type "maximum" in the capacity table 300, it is estimated that the available capacity of the terminal itself is the largest among the multiple terminals 100. In this case, the capacity table 300 including the available capacity of the terminal itself as the type "maximum" is transmitted to the other terminals 100 (YES in S412, S414, S416). Then, the fact that the terminal ID of the terminal itself is included again as the type "maximum" in the capacity table 300 means that the other terminals 100 have also executed the process of S412 and determined that the available capacity of the terminal itself is the largest. In this case, the notification light is illuminated with a predetermined light (S406). The user can be notified of the terminal 100 that is suitable for use.

[0133] (Correspondence) The communication system 5 is an example of a "communication system." The capacity table 300 transmitted to another device when a NO decision is made in S412 is an example of "other battery information." The capacity table 300 transmitted to another device when a YES decision is made in S412 is an example of "own device battery information."

[0134] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. For example, the following modifications may be adopted.

[0135] (Variation 1) The "output of a first notification" is not limited to displaying the screen SC1, but may also be outputting sound, generating vibrations, or turning on the notification light 118. Furthermore, the "output of a second notification" is not limited to turning on the notification light 118, but may also be displaying a screen, outputting sound, or generating vibrations.

[0136] (Variation 2) In each embodiment, only the terminals 100 being charged may be managed, or only the terminals 100 being used may be managed. Generally speaking, it is not necessary to determine whether each of a plurality of terminals is being charged or in use.

[0137] (Variation 3) In each embodiment, the charging recommendation screen SC1 may be displayed, but the notification light 118 may not be turned on. For example, in the first embodiment, the processes of S22 to S26 in Fig. 5 may be performed, but the processes of S12 to S16 in Fig. 4 may not be performed. In this variation, the "second notification" can be omitted.

[0138] (Variation 4) In each embodiment, the notification light 118 may be turned on, but the charging recommendation screen SC1 may not be displayed. For example, in the first embodiment, the processes of S12 to S16 in Fig. 4 may be performed, but the processes of S22 to S26 in Fig. 5 may not be performed. In this variation, the "first notification" may be omitted.

[0139] (Modification 5) The determination in S20 in Fig. 4 does not have to be performed. In this modification, the "first predetermined value" can be omitted.

[0140] (Variation 6) The determination in S40 in Fig. 4 does not have to be performed. In this variation, the "second predetermined value" can be omitted.

[0141] (Variation 8) In S22 of Fig. 5, one or more terminals 100 in use that have been used for a predetermined time or more are selected. Alternatively, all terminals 100 in use may be selected. In this variation, the "first predetermined time" can be omitted.

[0142] (Modification 8) The processes of S30 to S36 in Fig. 5 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "third terminal" can be omitted.

[0143] (Modification 9) The processes of S2 and S60 in Fig. 4 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "first time slot" and the "third predetermined value" can be omitted.

[0144] (Modification 10) The processes of S4 and S62 in Fig. 4 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "second time period" can be omitted.

[0145] (Modification 11) The processes of S6 and S64 in Fig. 4 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "second predetermined time" and the "third notification" can be omitted.

[0146] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 2, 3, 4, 5: Communication Systems 10: Management device 12: Communication I / F 30: Control section 32 :CPU 34: Memory 40: Program 42: Management table 50: Charger 100: Reading terminal 112: Communication I / F 114:Display section 116: Reading unit 118: Notification light 120: Battery 130: Control unit 132 :CPU 134: Memory 140: Program 200: Repeater 300: Capacity table B1: Skip button M1: Message SC1: Charging recommendation screen SC2: Uncharged screen T1, T2, T3: Time t1, t2: time zone

Claims

1. A control device, a first selection unit that selects a first terminal having the smallest available battery capacity from among M terminals currently in use (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2); a first instruction execution unit that instructs the first terminal to output a first notification recommending charging of the first terminal; A control device comprising:

2. The control device further a determination unit that determines whether each of the plurality of terminals is being charged or is being used; 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein each of the M terminals is a terminal determined to be in use from among the plurality of terminals.

3. The control device further a second selection unit that selects a second terminal having a maximum available battery capacity from among N terminals (N is an integer of 2 or more) that are determined to be charging from among the plurality of terminals; a second instruction execution unit that instructs the second terminal to output a second notification recommending use of the second terminal; The control device of claim 2 , comprising:

4. The first instruction execution unit instructing the first terminal to output the first notification when a terminal whose available capacity is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value is present among one or more terminals determined to be charging from among the plurality of terminals; 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein if there is no terminal among the one or more terminals whose available capacity is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the control device does not instruct the first terminal to output the first notification.

5. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the first instruction execution unit instructs the first terminal to output the first notification when the available capacity of the first terminal is equal to or less than a second predetermined value, even if there is no terminal among the one or more terminals whose available capacity is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value.

6. The control device according to claim 4 , wherein the first instruction execution unit instructs the first terminal to output the first notification when no terminal is currently being charged among the plurality of terminals.

7. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first notification is not output until a first predetermined time has elapsed since charging of the battery of the first terminal has finished.

8. The control device further a third selection unit that selects, from among the M terminals, a third terminal having the next smallest available capacity after the first terminal when a predetermined operation is performed on the first terminal after the first terminal is instructed to output the first notification; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first instruction execution unit instructs the third terminal to output the first notification.

9. The control device further 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a third instruction execution unit that instructs one or more terminals among all the terminals whose available capacity is less than or equal to a third predetermined value to output the first notification at a time a specific time before a first time period in which the total power consumption of all terminals including the M terminals is at its maximum.

10. The control device further 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth instruction execution unit that instructs all of the terminals to output the first notification at a start time of a second time period in which a total power consumption of all terminals including the M terminals is minimum.

11. The control device further 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fifth instruction execution unit that, when there is a terminal among all terminals including the M terminals that has not been charged for a second predetermined time, instructs all terminals to output a third notification notifying that there is a terminal that has not been charged for the second predetermined time.

12. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is a specific terminal among all terminals including the M terminals.

13. The control device according to claim 12 , wherein the specific terminal is a terminal among all the terminals that is currently being charged.

14. The control device according to claim 12 , wherein the specific terminal is a terminal that has a high success rate of communication with other terminals among all the terminals.

15. A control device, a second selection unit that selects a second terminal having the largest available battery capacity from among N terminals currently being charged (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2); a second instruction execution unit that instructs the second terminal to output a second notification recommending use of the second terminal; A control device comprising:

16. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the available capacity is calculated by multiplying the maximum capacity of the battery by the remaining amount of the battery.

17. A specific terminal among the plurality of terminals, a collection unit that collects status information indicating battery statuses of one or more terminals other than the specific terminal among the plurality of terminals; an output unit that compares the status information received from the one or more terminals with a battery status of the specific terminal, and when the available capacity of the battery of the specific terminal is smaller than the available capacity of any of the batteries of the one or more terminals, outputs a first notification recommending charging of the specific terminal; A specific terminal comprising:

18. A specific terminal among the plurality of terminals, a collection unit that collects status information indicating battery statuses of one or more terminals other than the specific terminal among the plurality of terminals; an output unit that compares the status information received from the one or more terminals with the battery status of the specific terminal, and outputs a second notification recommending use of the specific terminal when the available capacity of the battery of the specific terminal is greater than the available capacity of any of the batteries of the one or more terminals and the specific terminal is currently being charged; A specific terminal comprising:

19. A communication system including a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals is configured to transmit, to a terminal other than the own terminal, either other battery information received from another terminal or own terminal battery information indicating a state of the battery of the own terminal; the other battery information is transmitted to a terminal different from the own device when the available capacity of the battery of the own device is greater than the available capacity of the battery based on the other battery information; the own device battery information is transmitted to a terminal different from the own device when the available capacity of the battery of the own device is smaller than the available capacity of the battery based on the other battery information; A communication system in which each of the plurality of terminals is configured to output a first notification recommending charging of the own terminal when it receives the own terminal battery information from the other terminal after transmitting the own terminal battery information to the other terminal.

20. A communication system including a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals is configured to transmit, to a terminal other than the own terminal, either other battery information received from another terminal or own terminal battery information indicating a state of the battery of the own terminal; the other battery information is transmitted to a terminal different from the own device when the available capacity of the battery of the own device is smaller than the available capacity of the battery based on the other battery information; the own device's battery information is transmitted to a terminal different from the own device when the available capacity of the battery of the own device is greater than the available capacity of a battery based on the other battery information; A communication system in which each of the plurality of terminals is configured to transmit its own battery information to a terminal other than the own terminal, and then receive its own battery information from the other terminal, and when the own terminal is charging, output a second notification recommending use of the own terminal.

Images