Information processing device and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device and program that can share hardware. [Solution] The information processing device according to the embodiment is an information processing device connected to a first unit having one or more devices used for a first process, a second unit having one or more devices used for a second process, and a third unit having one or more devices used for a second process, and comprises a selection unit, a first function unit, and a communication control unit. The selection unit selects which of the second unit and the third unit to use for the second process. The first function unit controls the first unit to execute the first process. The communication control unit transmits the processing result of the first process to a virtual machine controlling the second unit selected by the selection unit, or to a virtual machine controlling the third unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system composed of a plurality of terminals is known. In such a system, one terminal may be shared by a plurality of terminals. In this case, for each terminal, an OS (Operating System) and hardware controlled by the OS are prepared. Then, the system executes various processes by performing communication between the terminals.

[0003] However, when hardware is prepared for each terminal, a larger installation space is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of sharing hardware.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment is an information processing apparatus connected to a first unit having one or more devices used for a first process, a second unit having one or more devices used for a second process, and a third unit having one or more devices used for the second process, and includes a selection unit, a first functional unit, and a communication control unit. The selection unit selects which of the second unit and the third unit to use for the second process. The first functional unit controls the first unit to execute the first process. The communication control unit transmits the processing result of the first process to a virtual machine that controls the second unit selected by the selection unit or a virtual machine that controls the third unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the appearance of a POS (Point of Sales) system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the system configuration of the POS system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of sales data processing performed by the POS system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments of the information processing device and program will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are just one example of the information processing device and program, and do not limit their configuration or specifications.

[0008] (Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the appearance of a POS (Point of Sales) system 1 according to an embodiment. The POS system 1 includes a product registration unit 10, a first accounting unit 20, and a second accounting unit 30.

[0009] POS system 1 is a so-called semi-self-checkout system. In other words, POS system 1 is a system in which the product registration process for registering the products to be sold is performed by the store clerk, and the accounting process for paying for the registered products is performed by the customer.

[0010] The product registration unit 10 is a unit used for the product registration process to register products to be sold. For example, the product registration unit 10 is operated by a store employee.

[0011] The first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 are units used for accounting processing to pay for goods registered through the product registration process. For example, the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 are operated by store staff.

[0012] Either the first accounting unit 20 or the second accounting unit 30 is used for accounting processing to pay for goods registered by the product registration unit 10. When either the first accounting unit 20 or the second accounting unit 30 is in use, the other accounting unit is used. When the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 are not distinguished, they are referred to simply as "accounting units."

[0013] Incidentally, in conventional self-checkout systems, the product registration device that performs the product registration process to register the products to be sold and the accounting device that performs the accounting process to pay for the registered products were separate devices. In other words, the product registration device and the accounting device each have a computer that controls them. The product registration device and the accounting device perform the product registration process and the accounting process by sending and receiving information.

[0014] However, if both the product registration device and the accounting device are equipped with computers, the self-checkout system requires a larger installation space. Therefore, there is a need for a self-checkout system that can be installed in a smaller space.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an example of the system configuration of POS system 1 according to the embodiment. POS system 1 includes a product registration unit 10, a first accounting unit 20, a second accounting unit 30, and a management device 40 that controls these units.

[0016] The product registration unit 10 has multiple devices used for product registration processing to register products to be sold. The first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 have multiple devices used for accounting processing to pay for the products registered through the product registration process.

[0017] The management device 40 is connected to a product registration unit 10 having one or more devices used for product registration processing, a first accounting unit 20 having one or more devices used for accounting processing, and a second accounting unit 30 having one or more devices used for accounting processing. Product registration processing is an example of the first processing. Accounting processing is an example of the second processing. Product registration unit 10 is an example of the first unit. The first accounting unit 20 is an example of the second unit. The second accounting unit 30 is an example of the third unit.

[0018] The control device 40 controls the product registration unit 10, the first accounting unit 20, and the second accounting unit 30. More specifically, the control device 40 uses the product registration unit 10 to perform the product registration process. The control device 40 also selects which unit from the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 will be used for accounting processing. Then, the control device 40 uses the selected unit to perform the accounting processing.

[0019] The product registration unit 10 includes a display device 11 and a scanner 12. The devices included in the product registration unit 10 may be changed as desired. That is, the product registration unit 10 is not limited to these devices; it may also include an input device such as a keyboard, or other devices.

[0020] The display device 11 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. Alternatively, the display device 11 may be a touch panel display. For example, the display device 11 displays images related to the product registration process based on control from the management device 40.

[0021] Scanner 12 is a device that reads code symbols such as barcodes indicating product codes for identifying products. Scanner 12 transmits the read product code to management device 40.

[0022] The first accounting unit 20 has a display device 21 and a money processing device 22. Note that what devices the first accounting unit 20 has may be arbitrarily changed. That is, also, the first accounting unit 20 may have other devices such as a settlement terminal that executes payment by credit card, electronic money, etc., and an input device such as a keyboard, not limited to these devices.

[0023] Display device 21 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Also, display device 21 may be a touch panel display. For example, display device 21 displays an image related to accounting processing based on control by management device 40.

[0024] Money processing device 22 is a device that accepts the input of money for the price of a product and discharges change according to the input money. Money processing device 22 discharges change according to the input money based on control by management device 40.

[0025] The second accounting unit 30 has a display device 31 and a money processing device 32. Note that what devices the second accounting unit 30 has may be arbitrarily changed. That is, also, the second accounting unit 30 may have other devices such as a settlement terminal that executes payment by credit card, electronic money, etc., and an input device such as a keyboard, not limited to these devices.

[0026] Display device 31 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Also, display device 31 may be a touch panel display. For example, display device 31 displays an image related to accounting processing based on control by management device 40.

[0027] The money processing device 32 is a device that accepts the insertion of money to be paid for goods and dispenses change according to the amount of money inserted. The money processing device 32 dispenses change according to the amount of money inserted based on the control of the management device 40.

[0028] In this configuration, the management device 40 controls the product registration unit 10 as a peripheral device. The management device 40 also controls the first accounting unit 20 via a virtual machine. Similarly, the management device 40 controls the second accounting unit 30 via a virtual machine.

[0029] Next, the control device 40 will be described.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 40 according to the embodiment. The management device 40 includes a processor 401, RAM 402, storage unit 403, communication unit 404, first connection unit 405, second connection unit 406, and third connection unit 407. These units are connected via an internal bus 408.

[0031] The processor 401 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the management device 40, such as the CPU. The RAM 402 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 401 then uses the RAM 402 as a work area to execute the control program 411 and other programs stored in the storage unit 403.

[0032] The memory unit 403 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The memory unit 403 stores the control program 411.

[0033] The control program 411 is a program for enabling the management device 40 to perform its functions. The control program 411 includes a program for enabling characteristic functions of the embodiment.

[0034] The communication unit 404 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card. For example, the communication unit 404 communicates with an external device via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable (not shown).

[0035] The first connection unit 405 is an interface for connecting to the product registration unit 10. For example, the first connection unit 405 is an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C. However, the first connection unit 405 is not limited to USB and may connect using other protocols. Furthermore, the first connection unit 405 may have multiple interfaces depending on the device of the product registration unit 10. For example, the first connection unit 405 may have interfaces such as HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) or DisplayPort. Furthermore, the first connection unit 405 may have interfaces such as wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0036] The second connection unit 406 is an interface for connecting to the first accounting unit 20. For example, the second connection unit 406 is an interface such as USB Type-C. Note that the second connection unit 406 is not limited to USB and may connect using other protocols. Furthermore, the second connection unit 406 may have multiple interfaces depending on the equipment of the first accounting unit 20. For example, the second connection unit 406 may have interfaces such as HDMI or DisplayPort. Furthermore, the second connection unit 406 may have interfaces such as wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0037] The third connection unit 407 is an interface for connecting to the second accounting unit 30. For example, the third connection unit 407 is an interface such as USB Type-C. However, the third connection unit 407 is not limited to USB and may connect using other protocols. Furthermore, the third connection unit 407 may have multiple interfaces depending on the equipment of the second accounting unit 30. For example, the third connection unit 407 may have interfaces such as HDMI or DisplayPort. Furthermore, the third connection unit 407 may have interfaces such as wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0038] Next, the functions of the control device 40 will be described.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management device 40 according to the embodiment. The processor 401 of the management device 40 loads the control program 411 stored in the memory unit 403 into the RAM 402 and generates each functional unit in the RAM 402 by operating according to the control program 411. As a result, the processor 401 of the management device 40 includes the accounting selection unit 4001, the product registration unit 4002, the display control unit 4003, the communication control unit 4004, and the virtualization control unit 4005 as functional units.

[0040] The accounting selection unit 4001 selects which of the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 to use for accounting processing. The accounting selection unit 4001 is an example of a selection unit. That is, the accounting selection unit 4001 selects which of the first virtual accounting device 4100 and the second virtual accounting device 4200 will be used to execute the accounting processing.

[0041] Here, the POS system 1 has two accounting units: a first accounting unit 20 and a second accounting unit 30. Therefore, even if the first accounting unit 20 is in use, for example, the second accounting unit 30 can be used for accounting processing. Accordingly, when the product registration process is completed, the accounting selection unit 4001 switches the selection of the first accounting unit 20 or the second accounting unit 30 to be used for accounting processing.

[0042] Here, if the accounting unit is in use, even if the accounting unit is selected by the accounting selection unit 4001, the customer cannot use the accounting unit. Also, if the accounting unit is down due to a malfunction or maintenance such as replenishing change, the customer cannot use the accounting unit. Therefore, the accounting selection unit 4001 selects either the first accounting unit 20 or the second accounting unit 30 according to the respective status of the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30.

[0043] For example, the accounting selection unit 4001 selects an accounting unit that is neither in use nor idle to be used for accounting processing. If there are no accounting units that are neither in use nor idle, the accounting selection unit 4001 waits. That is, the accounting selection unit 4001 waits until the selection conditions for selecting an accounting unit to be used for accounting processing are met. If there is an accounting unit that is neither in use nor idle, the accounting selection unit 4001 determines that the selection conditions are met and selects an accounting unit to be used for accounting processing.

[0044] The product registration unit 4002 controls the product registration unit 10 to execute a product registration process to register products to be sold. The product registration unit 4002 is an example of a first functional unit. For example, the product registration unit 4002 causes the scanner 12 to read the product code. Based on a product master in which product information such as product name and price is associated with the product code, the product registration unit 4002 obtains product information identified by the product code read by the scanner 12. In other words, the product registration unit 4002 registers the product identified by the product code read by the scanner 12 as a product to be sold. The product registration unit 4002 then generates product registration information containing product information for one or more products registered as products to be sold.

[0045] The display control unit 4003 displays an image related to the product registration process on the display device 11 of the product registration unit 10. For example, the display control unit 4003 displays a product registration image on the display device 11 of the product registration unit 10 that contains a list of products registered through the product registration process.

[0046] The communication control unit 4004 performs communication with virtual machines. Specifically, the communication control unit 4004 performs communication with the first virtual accounting device 4100, which is a virtual machine that controls the first accounting unit 20. The communication control unit 4004 also performs communication with the second virtual accounting device 4200, which is a virtual machine that controls the second accounting unit 30.

[0047] More specifically, the communication control unit 4004 transmits the processing results of the product registration process to the first virtual accounting device 4100, which controls the first accounting unit 20 selected by the accounting selection unit 4001, or to the second virtual accounting device 4200, which controls the second accounting unit 30. The communication control unit 4004 is an example of a communication control unit. For example, the communication control unit 4004 transmits product registration information generated by the product registration unit 4002 as a processing result of the product registration process.

[0048] For example, when the communication control unit 4004 receives an operation to terminate the product registration process in the product registration unit 10, it transmits product registration information containing product information for one or more products registered through the product registration process.

[0049] The virtualization control unit 4005 controls the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 using their respective virtual machines. The virtualization control unit 4005 includes a first virtual accounting device 4100 and a second virtual accounting device 4200.

[0050] The first virtual accounting unit 4100 is a virtual machine that controls the first accounting unit 20. The first virtual accounting unit 4100 runs an operating system such as Windows®. Furthermore, the first virtual accounting unit 4100 runs various applications on the OS. By running various applications, the first virtual accounting unit 4100 includes a communication control unit 4101, an accounting processing unit 4102, and a display control unit 4103.

[0051] The communication control unit 4101 performs communication with the communication control unit 4004. For example, the communication control unit 4101 retrieves product registration information transmitted by the communication control unit 4004.

[0052] The accounting processing unit 4102 controls the first accounting unit 20 to execute accounting processing. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 4102 executes accounting processing based on the processing results of the product registration process when selected by the accounting selection unit 4001. That is, the accounting processing unit 4102 obtains the total product amount by summing the prices of the products registered by the product registration process, based on the product registration information obtained by the communication control unit 4101.

[0053] The accounting processing unit 4102 determines whether an amount of money equal to or greater than the total value of the acquired goods has been inserted into the money processing device 22 of the first accounting unit 20. If an amount of money equal to or greater than the total value of the acquired goods has been inserted, the accounting processing unit 4102 calculates the change based on the amount inserted and the total amount. Then, the accounting processing unit 4102 causes the money processing device 22 of the first accounting unit 20 to dispense the calculated change. With this, the accounting processing unit 4102 performs the accounting process.

[0054] The display control unit 4103 displays images related to accounting processing on the display device 21 of the first accounting unit 20. For example, the display control unit 4103 displays an image showing the total product price acquired by the accounting processing unit 4102. The display control unit 4103 also displays an image showing the amount of money inserted into the cash processing device 22 of the first accounting unit 20. Furthermore, the display control unit 4103 displays an image showing the change calculated by the accounting processing unit 4102.

[0055] The second virtual accounting unit 4200 is a virtual machine that controls the second accounting unit 30. The second virtual accounting unit 4200 runs an operating system such as Windows®. Furthermore, the second virtual accounting unit 4200 runs various applications on the OS. By running various applications, the second virtual accounting unit 4200 includes a communication control unit 4201, an accounting processing unit 4202, and a display control unit 4203.

[0056] The communication control unit 4201 performs communication with the communication control unit 4004. For example, the communication control unit 4201 retrieves product registration information transmitted by the communication control unit 4004.

[0057] The accounting processing unit 4202 controls the second accounting unit 30 to execute accounting processing. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 4202 executes accounting processing based on the processing results of the product registration process when selected by the accounting selection unit 4001. That is, the accounting processing unit 4202 obtains the total product amount by summing the prices of the products registered by the product registration process, based on the product registration information obtained by the communication control unit 4201.

[0058] The accounting processing unit 4202 determines whether an amount of money equal to or greater than the total value of the acquired goods has been inserted into the money processing unit 22 of the second accounting unit 30. If an amount of money equal to or greater than the total value of the acquired goods has been inserted, the accounting processing unit 4202 calculates the change based on the amount inserted and the total amount. Then, the accounting processing unit 4202 causes the money processing unit 22 of the second accounting unit 30 to dispense the calculated change. With this, the accounting processing unit 4202 performs the accounting process.

[0059] The display control unit 4203 displays images related to accounting processing on the display device 31 of the second accounting unit 30. For example, the display control unit 4203 displays an image showing the total product price acquired by the accounting processing unit 4202. The display control unit 4203 also displays an image showing the amount of money inserted into the cash processing device 22 of the second accounting unit 30. Furthermore, the display control unit 4203 displays an image showing the change calculated by the accounting processing unit 4202.

[0060] Next, we will explain the sales data processing performed by POS system 1.

[0061] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of sales data processing performed by the POS system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0062] The accounting selection unit 4001 determines whether the selection conditions for selecting an accounting unit have been met (step S1). That is, the accounting selection unit 4001 determines whether an accounting unit is available. If the selection conditions are not met (step S1; No), the accounting selection unit 4001 waits.

[0063] If the selection conditions are met (Step S1; Yes), the accounting selection unit 4001 performs the following: The accounting unit to be used for accounting processing is selected (step S2). That is, the accounting selection unit 4001 selects either the first virtual accounting device 4100 or the second virtual accounting device 4200.

[0064] The product registration unit 4002 uses the product registration unit 10 to perform the product registration process (step S3).

[0065] The communication control unit 4004 transmits the product registration information generated by the product registration process to a virtual machine that controls the accounting unit selected by the accounting selection unit 4001 (step S4). That is, the accounting selection unit 4001 transmits the product registration information to the selected target from the first virtual accounting device 4100 and the second virtual accounting device 4200.

[0066] The accounting processing units 4102 and 4202 selected from the first virtual accounting unit 4100 and the second virtual accounting unit 4200 perform accounting processing using the accounting unit based on the product registration information (step S5).

[0067] Based on the above, POS system 1 terminates sales data processing.

[0068] As described above, the management device 40 according to this embodiment is connected to the product registration unit 10, the first accounting unit 20, and the second accounting unit 30. The management device 40 selects which of the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 to use for accounting processing. The management device 40 then transmits the product registration information, which contains the product information of the products registered through the product registration process, to a virtual machine that controls the selected accounting unit. In this way, since the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 are each controlled by virtual machines, they may have dedicated hardware such as computers. Therefore, the management device 40 can be installed in a relatively small space, and hardware can be shared.

[0069] (Variation 1) The above implementation plan explains that the processor 401 of the management device 40 operates according to the control program 411 to realize the product registration unit 4002, the display control unit 4003, and the communication control unit 4004. However, the product registration unit 4002, the display control unit 4003, and the communication control unit 4004 may be provided by virtual machines. That is, they may be provided by the first virtual accounting device 4100 and the second virtual accounting device 4200 of the virtualization control unit 4005, respectively.

[0070] In this case, the accounting selection unit 4001 selects which of the first accounting unit 20 and the second accounting unit 30 to use for accounting processing. That is, the accounting selection unit 4001 selects which of the first virtual accounting device 4100 and the second virtual accounting device 4200 will be used to execute the accounting processing.

[0071] The accounting selection unit 4001 establishes an internal connection between the selected virtual machine and each device of the product registration unit 10. The accounting selection unit 4001 then maintains the internal connection between the selected virtual machine and each device of the product registration unit 10 until the product registration process is completed.

[0072] When the accounting selection unit 4001 selects the first virtual accounting device 4100, it establishes an internal connection between the first virtual accounting device 4100 and each device of the product registration unit 10. The first virtual accounting device 4100 controls each device of the product registration unit 10 to execute the product registration process. Specifically, the product registration unit 4002 of the first virtual accounting device 4100 controls each device of the product registration unit 10 to execute the product registration process through communication via the communication control unit 4004. In addition, the display control unit 4003 of the first virtual accounting device 4100 displays an image related to the product registration process on the display device 11 of the product registration unit 10 through communication via the communication control unit 4004.

[0073] The accounting selection unit 4001 terminates the internal connection when the product registration process is complete. The accounting selection unit 4001 then selects a virtual machine to execute the product registration process for the next transaction. The accounting processing unit 4102 then executes accounting processing based on the processing results of the product registration process.

[0074] On the other hand, if the accounting selection unit 4001 selects the second virtual accounting device 4200, it establishes an internal connection between the second virtual accounting device 4200 and each device of the product registration unit 10. The second virtual accounting device 4200 controls each device of the product registration unit 10 to execute the product registration process. That is, the product registration unit 4002 of the second virtual accounting device 4200 controls each device of the product registration unit 10 to execute the product registration process through communication via the communication control unit 4004. In addition, the display control unit 4003 of the second virtual accounting device 4200 displays an image related to the product registration process on the display device 11 of the product registration unit 10 through communication via the communication control unit 4004.

[0075] The accounting selection unit 4001 terminates the internal connection when the product registration process is complete. The accounting selection unit 4001 then selects a virtual machine to execute the product registration process for the next transaction. The accounting processing unit 4202 then executes the accounting process based on the processing results of the product registration process.

[0076] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0077] The programs executed in each of the above embodiments and modified devices shall be provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that store or temporarily store programs downloaded from a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0078] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above embodiments and modified devices may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or they may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. POS (Point of Sale) System 10 Product Registration Units 11 Display device 12 Scanners 20. First Accounting Unit 21 Display device 22. Cash processing device 30 Second Accounting Unit 31 Display device 32. Money processing device 40 Management device 401 Processor 402 RAM 403 Storage section 404 Communications Department 405 First connection section 406 Second connection section 407 Third Connection Section 408 Internal Bus 411 Control Program 4001 Accounting Selection Department 4002 Product Registration Department 4003 Display Control Unit 4004 Communication Control Unit 4005 Virtualization Control Unit 4100 First Virtual Accounting Unit 4101 Communication Control Unit 4102 Accounting Processing Unit 4103 Display Control Unit 4200 Second Virtual Accounting Unit 4201 Communication Control Unit 4202 Accounting Processing Unit 4203 Display Control Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0080] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-527252

Claims

1. An information processing device connected to a first unit having one or more devices used for first processing, a second unit having one or more devices used for second processing, and a third unit having one or more devices used for second processing, A selection unit for selecting which of the second unit and the third unit to use for the second process, A first functional unit that controls the first unit and executes the first process, A communication control unit that transmits the processing result of the first processing to a virtual machine that controls the second unit selected by the selection unit, or to a virtual machine that controls the third unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The first functional unit controls the first unit and executes the product registration process as the first process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The virtual machines of the second unit and the third unit, when selected by the selection unit, execute accounting processing based on the processing results of the product registration process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. When the first process is completed, the selection unit switches the selection of the second unit or the third unit to be used for the second process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The selection unit selects either the second unit or the third unit according to the respective states of the second unit and the third unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. A computer connected to a first unit having one or more devices used for the first processing, a second unit having one or more devices used for the second processing, and a third unit having one or more devices used for the second processing, A selection unit for selecting which of the second unit and the third unit to use for the second process, A first functional unit that controls the first unit and executes the first process, A communication control unit that transmits the processing result of the first processing to a virtual machine that controls the second unit selected by the selection unit, or to a virtual machine that controls the third unit, A program to make it work.

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