Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing program

Abstract

To make it possible to suppress obstruction of cooperation between information processing apparatuses.SOLUTION: An information processing system 1 enables business to be performed in cooperation between a first information processing apparatus 2 and a second information processing apparatus 3. When a control unit 3a executes a predetermined application 3b while a control unit 2a is executing a specific application 2b, cooperation for business execution between the first information processing apparatus 2 and the second information processing apparatus 3 in the information processing system 1 may be obstructed. Therefore, as indicated by an information processing system 1a, the information processing system 1 notifies the second information processing apparatus 3 of a predetermined signal from the first information processing apparatus 2. The predetermined signal is a signal that causes the second information processing apparatus 3 to stop execution of the predetermined application 3b. The control unit 3a stops execution of the predetermined application 3b for a predetermined period on the basis of notification of the predetermined signal 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There has been proposed a client terminal that, when updatable firmware is available and the client terminal is not using the functions of an electronic device, notifies the user by displaying a message that updatable firmware is available, and then, based on instructions from the user, obtains the latest firmware and updates the installed firmware, thereby reducing the disruption to user operation of electronic devices caused by firmware update notifications. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-109876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The notification that a firmware update is available is bothersome to the user. Furthermore, requesting instructions from the user is a burden to the user. If the user forgets to provide instructions, the user's operation of the electronic device may be hindered.

[0005] In one aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing system, an information processing device, and an information processing program that can prevent interference with cooperation between information processing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system as described below is provided. The information processing system includes a first information processing device and a second information processing device communicably connected to the first information processing device. The first information processing device is capable of executing a specific application and includes a control unit that notifies the second information processing device of a predetermined signal while the specific application is being executed. The second information processing device is capable of executing the specific application and includes a control unit that suspends execution of the specific application for a predetermined period of time based on notification of the predetermined signal.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device as described below is provided: The information processing device is capable of communicating with a communication destination information processing device set as a communication destination, is capable of executing a specific application, and includes a control unit that, while the specific application is being executed, notifies the communication destination information processing device of a specific signal instructing the communication destination information processing device to stop execution of the specific application at a specific timing that is an interval shorter than a specific period, and terminates notification of the specific signal when execution of the specific application has ended.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device as described below is provided: The information processing device is capable of communicating with a destination information processing device set as a communication destination, is capable of executing a predetermined application, and includes a control unit that stops the execution of the predetermined application when a predetermined signal instructing the destination information processing device to stop execution of the predetermined application is notified from the destination information processing device, and ends the stop of execution of the predetermined application when the predetermined signal is not notified for a predetermined period of time.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing program as described below is provided. The information processing program causes a computer to execute an application execution process for executing a specific application, and a signal control process for, while the specific application is being executed, sending a specific signal to a communication destination information processing device set as a communication destination at a specific timing that is an interval shorter than a specific period, instructing the device to stop executing the specific application, and terminating the notification of the specific signal upon completion of execution of the specific application.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing program as described below is provided. The information processing program causes a computer to execute an application execution process that executes a predetermined application, and a signal control process that stops the execution of the predetermined application when a predetermined signal instructing the execution of the predetermined application to be stopped is notified from a communication destination information processing device that is set as a communication destination, and ends the stop of the execution of the predetermined application when the predetermined signal is not notified for a predetermined period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing system, an information processing device, and an information processing program that are capable of preventing cooperation between information processing devices from being impeded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a remote sales system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of functional blocks of a sales PC according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of functional blocks of a business PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a sales PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication destination setting information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a process of the inhibit signal transmission tool according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart of an inhibit signal reception tool process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background processing inhibition sequence of the remote sales system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of suppression release setting information according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments within a consistent range. [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a first information processing device 2 and a second information processing device 3. The first information processing device 2 and the second information processing device 3 are communicatively connected. The first information processing device 2 includes a control unit 2a. The control unit 2a enables execution of a specific application 2b. The second information processing device 3 includes a control unit 3a. The control unit 3a enables execution of a specific application 3b.

[0014] The information processing system 1 is a system that enables a business to be carried out in cooperation with a first information processing device 2 and a second information processing device 3. The specific application 2b is, for example, an application that can execute a process related to the business. The predetermined application 3b is, for example, an application that can execute a process unrelated to the business.

[0015] If the control unit 3a executes a predetermined application 3b while the control unit 2a is executing a specific application 2b, collaboration in business operations between the first information processing device 2 and the second information processing device 3 in the information processing system 1 may be hindered.

[0016] Therefore, as shown in the information processing system 1a, the information processing system 1 transmits a predetermined signal 4 from the first information processing device 2 to the second information processing device 3. The predetermined signal 4 is a signal that causes the second information processing device 3 to stop execution of a predetermined application 3b.

[0017] That is, while the specific application 2b is being executed, the control unit 2a notifies the second information processing device 3 of a predetermined signal 4. Based on the notification of the predetermined signal 4, the control unit 3a suspends the execution of the specific application 3b for a predetermined period of time.

[0018] This enables the information processing system 1 to prevent the second information processing device 3 from executing a predetermined application 3b while the first information processing device 2 is executing a specific application 2b. Such an information processing system 1 prevents the second information processing device 3 from executing the predetermined application 3b, which would hinder cooperation in business execution between the first information processing device 2 and the second information processing device 3.

[0019] The second information processing device 3 is capable of executing a cooperative application for business execution cooperation with the first information processing device 2. The cooperative application may be executed while the first information processing device 2 is executing a specific application 2b, or may be capable of being launched. By stopping the execution of a specific application 3b, the second information processing device 3 can prevent the execution of the specific application 3b from interfering with the execution or launch of a cooperative application. The number of specific applications 3b is not limited to one, and there may be two or more. When there are two or more specific applications 3b, the second information processing device 3 can stop the execution of each of them.

[0020] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment relates to a remote sales system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the remote sales system of the second embodiment. The remote sales system 10 is one form of the information processing system 1 described in the first embodiment. The remote sales system 10 includes a sales PC (Personal Computer) 100, a business PC 200, and a communication path 20 that connects the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0021] The remote sales system 10 is a system used for remote sales activities. The remote sales system 10 can be used, for example, by insurance companies, securities companies, banks, and other industries, and can be used for sales activities to new customers and existing customers.

[0022] The sales PC 100 is a PC used directly for sales activities with customers, and is, for example, a tablet terminal that allows remote calls with customers. The sales PC 100 is a PC that is primarily operated during sales activities with customers. The business PC 200 is a PC that handles customer information, proposal information, and contract information. The business PC 200 is a PC that is secondary operated during sales activities with customers.

[0023] While the business PC 200 is conducting sales activities with customers, it may be possible for load-intensive tasks such as application updates, automatic updates, and periodic inventory collection to be performed in the background. Such background processing of applications may impede business operations between the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200.

[0024] Therefore, application background processing is suppressed by controlling it using a task manager, a task scheduler, or by setting active hours. Control using a task manager allows running applications and processes that are unnecessary to be stopped from the task manager. Stopping unnecessary applications and processes allows the business PC 200's resources to be concentrated on processes necessary for business execution. Examples of processes necessary for business execution include launching and running applications. Control using a task scheduler stops processes managed by the task scheduler. Processes managed by the task scheduler include backing up the business PC 200's execution environment and data, maintenance, and launching scheduled applications. Stopping processes managed by the task scheduler prevents business execution from being interrupted by unexpected tasks. Setting active hours for the business PC 200 allows for control of updates and reboots during the hours when the business PC 200 is in use. Controlling updates and reboots prevents unexpected reboots during business execution.

[0025] However, such a means of avoiding interference is cumbersome and difficult to implement in practice when conducting flexible sales activities. Therefore, the remote sales system 10 detects the status of the sales PC 100 and cooperates with the business PC 200 to prevent interference with the business PC 200's business execution.

[0026] The communication path 20 may be wired or wireless, and may be a public line or a dedicated line, as long as it allows communication between the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200. For example, the communication path 20 may be wireless LAN communication, wired LAN communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), short-range wireless communication (RF (Radio Frequency) connection), etc.

[0027] Next, the functional blocks of the sales PC 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a sales PC according to the second embodiment. The sales PC 100 includes a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120. The control unit 110 realizes the functions of the control unit 2a shown in the first embodiment.

[0028] The control unit 110 includes an application execution unit 111 and a signal control unit 112. The application execution unit 111 is capable of executing a specific application 113. The specific application 113 is an application capable of executing processes related to business execution. For example, the specific application 113 is an online sales tool. The specific application 113 is one form of the specific application 2b shown in the first embodiment.

[0029] The signal control unit 112 notifies the business PC 200 of an inhibit signal 114 while the specific application 113 is running. The signal control unit 112 notifies the business PC 200 of the inhibit signal 114 at a predetermined timing that is an interval shorter than the predetermined period. The signal control unit 112 terminates notifying the inhibit signal 114 based on the completion of execution of the specific application 113. The inhibit signal 114 is one form of the predetermined signal 4 described in the first embodiment. The predetermined period is a period used by the business PC 200 to determine whether to stop execution of a background application. The predetermined period is, for example, a monitoring period during which the business PC 200 monitors whether or not there is a notifying of the inhibit signal 114. By the signal control unit 112 notifying the business PC 200 of the inhibit signal 114 at an interval shorter than the predetermined period, the business PC 100 can cause the business PC 200 to stop execution of the background application. The signal control unit 112 can be implemented by an application other than the specific application 113, such as an inhibit signal transmission tool. The signal control unit 112 may be capable of realizing a deterrent signal transmission tool as one function of the specific application 113 .

[0030] The storage unit 120 can store and hold communication destination setting information 121. The communication destination setting information 121 is setting information for the sales PC 100 to communicate with the business PC 200. The communication destination setting information 121 includes, for example, the IP (Internet Protocol) address, MAC (Media Access Control address) address, and port number of the business PC 200.

[0031] Next, the functional blocks of the business PC 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of a business PC according to the second embodiment. The business PC 200 includes a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220. The control unit 210 realizes the functions of the control unit 3a shown in the first embodiment.

[0032] The control unit 210 includes an application execution unit 211 and a signal control unit 212. The application execution unit 211 can execute a background application 213 and a cooperative application 214. The background application 213 is an application that can be executed in the background of a process related to business execution. The background application 213 is an application that may put a strain on resources that can be allocated to the cooperative application 214. The cooperative application 214 is an application that enables business execution in cooperation with a specific application 113 executed by the sales PC 100. For example, the cooperative application 214 is a business application that enables handling of customer information and contract information. For example, the background application 213 may enter a sleep state, a locked state, or a power-saving mode, thereby inhibiting cooperation with the sales PC 100. The background application 213 is one form of the predetermined application 3b described in the first embodiment.

[0033] The signal control unit 212 receives a notification of the inhibit signal 114 from the sales PC 100. Upon receiving the notification of the inhibit signal 114, the signal control unit 212 stops the execution of the background application 213. The signal control unit 212 releases the stop of the execution of the background application 213 when the signal control unit 212 does not receive a notification of the inhibit signal 114 for a predetermined period after the execution of the background application 213 has stopped. The business PC 200 is able to carry out work in cooperation with the sales PC 100 by having the signal control unit 212 stop the execution of the background application 213 upon receiving a notification of the inhibit signal 114 at intervals shorter than the predetermined period.

[0034] The signal control unit 212 can be realized by an application, for example, an inhibit signal reception tool, separate from the cooperative application 214. Note that the signal control unit 212 may be configured to enable the inhibit signal reception tool to be realized as one function of the cooperative application 214.

[0035] The storage unit 220 can store and retain communication destination setting information 221 and inhibition release setting information 222. The communication destination setting information 221 is setting information for the business PC 200 to communicate with the sales PC 100. The communication destination setting information 221 includes, for example, the IP address, MAC address, and port number of the sales PC 100. The inhibition release setting information 222 is information used when there are two or more background applications 213 whose execution has been stopped, to prioritize and release the stopped applications.

[0036] Next, the hardware configuration of the sales PC 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a sales PC according to the second embodiment. The sales PC 100 is entirely controlled by a processor 101. A memory 102 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the processor 101 via a bus 106. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The control unit 110 and the signal control unit 112 can be realized by the processor 101.

[0037] The memory 102 is used as the main storage device of the business PC 100. The memory 102 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS (Operating System) programs and application programs to be executed by the processor 101. The memory 102 also stores various data used in processing by the processor 101. The memory 102 may be a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 120 can be realized by the memory 102.

[0038] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 106 include a network interface 103 , a graphics interface 104 , and an input / output interface 105 . The network interface 103 is connected to a network (not shown) and transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network.

[0039] A monitor is connected to the graphic interface 104. The graphic interface 104 displays an image on the screen of the monitor in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The monitor may be a display device using organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or a liquid crystal display device.

[0040] Required input and output devices are connected to the input / output interface 105. The input / output interface 105 also transmits signals sent from the input devices to the processor 101. The input / output interface 105 also transmits signals sent from the processor 101 to the output devices.

[0041] The business PC 100 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment with the hardware configuration described above. Note that the first information processing device 2 and the second information processing device 3 shown in the first embodiment and the business PC 200 shown in the second embodiment can also be realized with hardware similar to that of the business PC 100 shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] The sales PC 100 and the business PC 200 implement the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example. Programs describing the processing to be executed by the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the programs to be executed by the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200 can be stored in a storage device (not shown). The processor 101 loads at least a portion of the program from the storage device into memory 102 and executes the program. The programs to be executed by the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium (not shown), such as an optical disk, memory device, or memory card. The programs stored on the portable recording medium can be installed in the storage device under the control of the processor 101, for example, and then become executable. The processor 101 can also read and execute the programs directly from the portable recording medium.

[0043] Next, the communication destination setting information 121 and the communication destination setting information 221 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the communication destination setting information of the second embodiment. The communication destination setting information 121 shown in Fig. 6(1) is setting information for the sales PC 100 to notify the business PC 200 of the inhibition signal 114. The communication destination setting information 121 includes the communication destination PC, the communication destination tool, and the inhibition signal transmission interval.

[0044] The setting information "destination PC" is setting information that can identify the destination PC. For example, the setting information "destination PC" may include the IP address or MAC address of the business PC (business PC 200). Note that the setting information "destination PC" may also include a communication device and a communication protocol.

[0045] The setting information "destination tool" is setting information that can identify the tool (application) that will be the communication partner. For example, the setting information "destination tool" may be a suppression signal receiving tool, which may be identified by a port number.

[0046] The setting information "inhibition signal transmission interval" is the interval at which an inhibit signal 114 is transmitted to the communication destination tool that is the communication partner while the specific application 113 is running. For example, the setting information "inhibition signal transmission interval" is 10 seconds. This allows the sales PC 100 to notify the inhibit signal receiving tool executed by the business PC 200 of the inhibit signal 114 at 10-second intervals while the specific application 113 is running.

[0047] 6(2) is setting information for the business PC 200 to notify the sales PC 100 of the inhibition signal 114. The communication destination setting information 221 includes the communication destination PC, the communication destination tool, the inhibition signal transmission interval, and the inhibition signal monitoring time.

[0048] The setting information "destination PC" is setting information that can identify the destination PC. For example, the setting information "destination PC" may include the IP address or MAC address of the sales PC (Sales PC 100). Note that the setting information "destination PC" may also include a communication device or a communication protocol.

[0049] The setting information "destination tool" is setting information that can identify the tool (application) that will be the communication partner. For example, the setting information "destination tool" may be a suppression signal transmission tool, and may be identified by a port number.

[0050] The setting information "inhibition signal transmission interval" is the interval at which the communication destination tool transmits the inhibition signal 114. For example, the setting information "inhibition signal transmission interval" is 10 seconds. This allows the business PC 200 to understand that the sales PC 100 will transmit the inhibition signal 114 at 10-second intervals while the specific application 113 is running.

[0051] The setting information "inhibition signal monitoring time" is the time for monitoring for continuous reception of the inhibition signal 114. For example, the setting information "inhibition signal monitoring time" is 30 seconds, which is longer than the 10-second inhibition signal transmission interval. This allows the business PC 200 to monitor the inhibition signal 114 notified by the inhibition signal transmission tool, and reduces the risk of immediately determining that the execution of the specific application 113 has ended even if the inhibition signal 114 cannot be received.

[0052] Next, the deterrence signal transmission tool processing executed by the sales PC 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the deterrence signal transmission tool processing of the second embodiment. The deterrence signal transmission tool processing is processing executed by the signal control unit 112 (control unit 110) of the sales PC 100. The deterrence signal transmission tool processing is processing for notifying the business PC 200 of the deterrence signal 114 while a specific application 113 is running.

[0053] [Step S11] Based on the communication destination setting information 121, the control unit 110 connects to the destination PC (communication destination PC). [Step S12] The control unit 110 determines whether or not a connection has been established with the destination PC. If a connection has been established, the process proceeds to step S13; if not, the process ends.

[0054] [Step S13] The control unit 110 executes standby processing. The standby processing is processing for waiting for the specific application 113 to start, for transmitting the inhibit signal 114, and for waiting for an instruction to terminate the inhibit signal transmission tool processing. The standby time in the standby processing is set by the setting information "inhibition signal transmission interval."

[0055] [Step S14] The control unit 110 determines whether the specific application 113 is running. If the specific application 113 is not running, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S15, and if the specific application 113 is running, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S16.

[0056] Note that the specific application 113 may be only one application to be monitored among a plurality of applications, such as an online sales tool, an online conference tool, etc. Alternatively, the specific application 113 may be two or more applications to be monitored among a plurality of applications, such as an online sales tool, an online conference tool, etc.

[0057] [Step S15] The control unit 110 determines whether or not there is an instruction to end the deterrence signal transmission tool processing. If there is no instruction to end the deterrence signal transmission tool processing, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S13. If there is an instruction to end the deterrence signal transmission tool processing, the control unit 110 ends the deterrence signal transmission tool processing.

[0058] The instruction to end the inhibit signal transmission tool process may be given by a user operation, or may be regarded as an instruction to end when the specific application 113 has not been started for a waiting time.

[0059] [Step S16] The control unit 110 transmits (notifies) the destination PC of an inhibit signal 114. The inhibit signal 114 may be a signal that requests a response signal from the destination PC as a receipt confirmation, or may be a signal that does not request a response signal as a receipt confirmation.

[0060] [Step S17] The control unit 110 determines whether a response signal has been received from the destination PC. If the control unit 110 has received a response signal from the destination PC, the process proceeds to step S18. If the control unit 110 has not received a response signal from the destination PC, the process proceeds to step S19. Note that the response signal is a signal to which the destination PC can respond at its own discretion, even if the inhibition signal 114 does not require a response signal as a receipt confirmation. The response signal is also a signal to which the destination PC can respond at its own discretion, regardless of the inhibition signal 114. For example, the destination PC can notify the inhibition signal transmission tool of a fault in the destination PC, such as a low battery warning, by means of a response signal.

[0061] [Step S18] If there is a response required by the response signal, the control unit 110 responds by taking the appropriate action. For example, the control unit 110 may notify the user of the failure in the destination PC by displaying a pop-up message.

[0062] [Step S19] The control unit 110 determines whether the specific application 113 is running. If the specific application 113 is not running, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S20, and if the specific application 113 is running, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S13.

[0063] [Step S20] Since the specific application 113 is not running, the control unit 110 transmits (notifies) a termination signal to the destination PC, and proceeds to step S13. This allows the destination PC to know that the specific application 113 is not running before detecting the interruption of the inhibition signal 114.

[0064] Such an inhibit signal transmitting tool process loops the processes from step S13 to step S20 while the specific application 113 is running, and can notify the inhibit signal receiving tool of the inhibit signal 114 at the set inhibit signal transmission interval.

[0065] Next, the deterrence signal reception tool processing executed by the sales PC 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the deterrence signal reception tool processing of the second embodiment. The deterrence signal reception tool processing is processing executed by the signal control unit 212 (control unit 210) of the business PC 200. The deterrence signal reception tool processing is processing that controls the execution of the background application 213 based on the deterrence signal 114 notified from the sales PC 100.

[0066] [Step S21] Based on the communication destination setting information 221, the control unit 210 connects to the instruction source PC (communication destination PC). [Step S22] The control unit 210 determines whether or not a connection has been established with the instruction source PC. If a connection has been established, the process proceeds to step S23; if not, the inhibit signal reception tool process ends.

[0067] [Step S23] The control unit 210 executes standby processing. The standby processing is processing for waiting for reception of the inhibit signal 114 or an instruction to end the inhibit signal reception tool processing. The standby time in the standby processing is set in the setting information "inhibit signal transmission interval."

[0068] [Step S24] The control unit 210 determines whether or not the inhibit signal 114 has been received. If the inhibit signal 114 has not been received, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S25, and if the inhibit signal 114 has been received, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S26.

[0069] [Step S25] The control unit 210 determines whether or not there is an instruction to end the inhibit signal reception tool process. If there is no instruction to end the inhibit signal reception tool process, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S23. If there is an instruction to end the inhibit signal reception tool process, the control unit 210 ends the inhibit signal reception tool process.

[0070] The instruction to terminate the deterrence signal reception tool processing may be given by user operation, or may be deemed to be an instruction to terminate when the deterrence signal 114 is not received for a period exceeding the setting information "deterrence signal monitoring time."

[0071] <Step S26> The control unit 210 stops background processing. That is, the control unit 210 stops the execution of the background application 213 that may be running in the background of the cooperative application 214.

[0072] [Step S27] The control unit 210 determines whether or not an inhibit signal 114 has been received within the setting information "inhibit signal monitoring time." If an inhibit signal 114 has not been received within the setting information "inhibit signal monitoring time," the control unit 210 proceeds to step S28, and if an inhibit signal 114 has been received within the setting information "inhibit signal monitoring time," the control unit 210 proceeds to step S29.

[0073] [Step S28] The control unit 210 releases the suspension of background processing and proceeds to step S23. [Step S29] The control unit 210 determines whether or not an end signal has been notified. If an end signal has been notified, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S28, and if not, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S30.

[0074] [Step S30] The control unit 210 determines whether there is information to be notified to the instruction source PC. If there is a notification, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S31, and if there is no notification, the control unit 210 proceeds to step S27.

[0075] [Step S31] The control unit 210 sends a response signal containing information to the instruction source PC. For example, when background processing is required due to a failure or the like, the control unit 110 can notify the instruction source PC whether or not it is necessary.

[0076] This kind of inhibition signal reception tool processing, through a loop process consisting of steps S27, S29, and S30, can continue to stop background processing while the instruction source PC is executing the specific application 113. This enables the business PC 200 to suppress the influence of the background application 213 from the execution environment of the cooperative application 214.

[0077] In this way, the business PC 200 does not immediately stop the background processing even if it does not receive the inhibit signal 114, but instead waits for a certain period of time before resuming the background processing. Therefore, the business PC 200 can distribute the load caused by the termination of the cooperative application 214 and the load caused by the resumption of the background application 213 over time.

[0078] Next, a background processing inhibition sequence of the remote sales system executed between the sales PC 100 and the business PC 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a background processing inhibition sequence of the remote sales system of the second embodiment.

[0079] The sales PC 100 starts the deterrence signal transmission tool. The business PC 200 starts the deterrence signal reception tool. The deterrence signal transmission tool sends a connection request to the deterrence signal reception tool, and a communication connection is established between the deterrence signal transmission tool and the deterrence signal reception tool.

[0080] The deterrence signal transmission tool monitors the startup of the sales application. The sales application is one form of specific application 113. The sales PC 100 communicates the startup status of the sales application with the deterrence signal transmission tool. The deterrence signal transmission tool can acquire the startup status of the sales application by communicating the startup status of the sales application. If the sales application is running, the deterrence signal transmission tool sends a deterrence signal 114 to the deterrence signal reception tool.

[0081] The deterrence signal receiving tool instructs the business PC 200 to stop background processing. In response to the instruction to stop background processing, the business PC 200 stops processing of the background application 213. Note that the background application 213 is background processing that does not affect the operation of the business PC 200, and includes processing related to log collection, data backup, virus check, status notification, software update, etc.

[0082] The suppression signal reception tool acquires the suppressed notification information. Acquisition of the suppressed notification information is acquisition of information to be notified to the suppression signal transmission tool as the response signal described above. The business PC 200 cooperates with the suppression signal reception tool to acquire the suppressed notification information suppressed by the suppression signal reception tool. If there is suppressed notification information, the suppression signal reception tool converts it into a response signal and sends it to the suppression signal transmission tool. If the suppression signal transmission tool receives a response signal, it performs the corresponding processing.

[0083] The deterrent signal transmission tool monitors the termination of the sales application. The sales PC 100 coordinates the running status of the sales application with the deterrent signal transmission tool. The deterrent signal transmission tool can detect the termination of the sales application by coordinating the running status of the sales application. When the deterrent signal transmission tool detects the termination of the sales application, it sends a termination signal to the deterrent signal receiving tool. The sales PC 100 waits a sufficient amount of time from the termination of the sales application for the deterrent signal transmission tool to send a termination signal, and then terminates the deterrent signal transmission tool.

[0084] Upon receiving the end signal, the inhibit signal receiving tool instructs the business PC 200 to resume the background processing. After the business PC 200 resumes the background processing, the inhibit signal receiving tool terminates.

[0085] The processes enclosed by dashed lines are processes that are repeatedly executed until the tools (the deterrent signal transmission tool and the deterrent signal reception tool) are completed. Such a remote sales system 10 can temporarily suspend backup processes, such as OS updates, virus checks, inventory collection, data backups, and log collection, on the business PC 200. Temporarily suspending backup processes reduces the load on the business PC 200, prevents transitions to power-saving mode and the associated return operations, and prevents unnecessary restarts, thereby creating a favorable execution environment for the cooperative application 214. A favorable execution environment for the cooperative application 214 on the business PC 200 facilitates interactions with customers, contributes to gaining customer trust, and avoids business losses.

[0086] Next, the inhibition release setting information 222 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the inhibition release setting information according to the second embodiment. The inhibition release setting information 222 illustrated in FIG. 10(1) is setting information for prioritizing and releasing the inhibition target applications (background applications 213) when there are two applications to be inhibited. The inhibition release setting information 222 sets the inhibition release wait time for application A to 30 seconds and the inhibition release wait time for application B to 60 seconds. When releasing the stop of a background process, the business PC 200 waits 30 seconds for application A and 60 seconds for application B according to the inhibition release setting information 222. Note that the startup load of application A is smaller than the startup load of application B. In this way, the business PC 200 releases the inhibition of a process that has a smaller startup load on the business PC 200 on a priority basis, thereby reducing the load on the business PC 200 after the priority inhibition is released. The startup load referred to here may be evaluated based on the amount of resources required at startup, startup time, whether restarting is necessary, or a combination of one or more of these factors.

[0087] 10(2) is another example of setting information for prioritizing and unpausing two applications (background applications 213) that are targets of inhibition. The inhibition release setting information 223 sets the inhibition release standby order for application A to 1 and the inhibition release standby order for application B to 2. When unpausing background processing, the business PC 200 first unpauses application A and then unpauses application B according to the inhibition release setting information 223. Note that the unpause of application B after the suspension of application A may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed, after the amount of available resources has been detected, or according to some other criteria.

[0088] Although the remote sales system 10 of the second embodiment has been described as one form of the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it requires cooperation between two information processing devices. For example, the present invention can be applied to an information processing system that achieves cooperation between a work PC and an online conference PC in teleworking.

[0089] In addition, in the information processing system 1, the first information processing device 1 is the source PC and the second information processing device 3 is the destination PC, but the first information processing device 1 may be the source PC and also the destination PC of the second information processing device 3, or the second information processing device 3 may be the destination PC and also the source PC of the first information processing device 1.

[0090] It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined and applied. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1,1a Information Processing System 2. First information processing device 2a,3a,110,210 Control section 2b,113 Specific Applications 3. Second information processing device 3b Prescribed Applications 4 Prescribed signals 20 Communication Paths 100 Business PCs 111,211 Application execution unit 112,212 Signal control section 114 Deterrent Signal 120,220 storage section 121,221 Communication destination setting information 200 Business PC 213 Background Applications 214 Collaborative Applications 222,223 Deterrence setting information

Claims

1. An information processing system including a first information processing device and a second information processing device communicably connected to the first information processing device, The first information processing device a control unit capable of executing a specific application and notifying the second information processing device of a predetermined signal while the specific application is being executed; The second information processing device a control unit capable of executing a predetermined application and suspending execution of the predetermined application for a predetermined period of time based on notification of the predetermined signal; Information processing system.

2. The device is capable of communicating with a destination information processing device set as a destination, Able to run specific applications, a control unit that notifies the destination information processing device of a predetermined signal instructing the destination information processing device to stop execution of the predetermined application at a predetermined timing that is an interval shorter than a predetermined period while the specific application is being executed, and terminates notification of the predetermined signal when the execution of the specific application is terminated, Information processing device.

3. The device is capable of communicating with a destination information processing device set as a destination, Able to run a given application, stopping the execution of the predetermined application based on a predetermined signal instructing the execution of the predetermined application being notified from the communication destination information processing device; a control unit that terminates the suspension of execution of the predetermined application when the predetermined signal is not notified for a predetermined period of time, Information processing device.

4. the control unit executes the predetermined application in the background according to a predetermined schedule; 4. The information processing device according to claim 3.

5. the control unit waits for a predetermined waiting time to elapse after detecting that the predetermined signal has not been notified for a predetermined period of time, and then enables the predetermined application to be executed.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. when the predetermined applications include a first application having a first startup load and a second application having a second startup load that is larger than the startup load of the first application, the control unit starts the first application in preference to the second application; 6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

7. On the computer, an application execution process for executing a specific application; a signal control process for notifying a destination information processing device set as a destination of communication of a predetermined signal for instructing the destination information processing device to stop execution of the predetermined application at a predetermined timing that is an interval shorter than a predetermined period during execution of the specific application, and for terminating notification of the predetermined signal upon completion of execution of the specific application; An information processing program that executes the above.

8. On the computer, an application execution process for executing a predetermined application; a signal control process for stopping the execution of the predetermined application when a predetermined signal instructing the execution of the predetermined application is notified from a communication destination information processing device set as a communication destination, and for ending the stop of the execution of the predetermined application when the predetermined signal is not notified for a predetermined period of time; An information processing program that executes the above.

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