Information processing device, control program, and control method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a control program, and a control method that appropriately notify when application data is applied.SOLUTION: In an information processing system, an information processing device includes a CPU and displays a home screen on a display for selecting a service provided by the information processing device. The CPU determines whether or not it is possible to immediately respond to the application data application request S9 in a state in which the application processing of the application data can be executed YES in S7, and keeps the home screen displayed when available immediately YES in S9, displays a first notification screen on the display S11 when it is not possible to immediately respond to the application data application request NO in S9, displays the second notification screen at the start date and time of the applicable period S19 when the preparation period is not set in the applicable data NO in S17, and displays the third notification screen at the start date and time of the preparation period when the preparation period is set in the applicable data YES in S17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control program, and a control method, and more particularly to an information processing device, a control program, and a control method, each of which includes, for example, a display unit and an operation unit. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of background technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image forming system disclosed in Patent Document 1 displays content selected from content provided by a content management server or a content providing server based on user attributes and printing time required on a display device of an image forming device during printing.

[0003] Another example of the background art is disclosed in Patent Document 2. In Patent Document 2, a test chart is read by an image forming device installed in a convenience store, and the test chart image data is transmitted to a server, and the server generates correction data for changing the settings of the image forming device based on the test chart image data, and transmits the generated correction data to a plurality of other image forming devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-138298 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-219679 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the image forming device of the background art, when content provided from a server or data distributed from a server is applied, a process for applying the data to the image forming device is executed during the application time period, and therefore the image forming device cannot be used. For this reason, it is necessary to notify (or guide) the user that the image forming device cannot be used, but the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not take such notification into consideration.

[0006] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing apparatus, a control program, and a control method.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a control program, and a control method that can appropriately notify when distribution data is applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first invention is an information processing device that has a display and an operation unit and provides a predetermined service, the information processing device including an operation detection unit that detects an operation of the operation unit, and a selection screen display unit that displays on the display a selection screen for a user to select a service to be provided from a plurality of services. , place an application processing unit that executes an application process that applies application data as terminal data stored in the storage unit in order to provide a specific service; an unusable notification screen display unit that displays, when an application process for applying the application data is executed by the application processing unit, a usage unavailability notification screen on a display to notify a user that the application process is being executed and the information processing device cannot be used; The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires distribution data from a network, a determination unit that determines whether or not an immediate response is possible to a request to apply the application data as data for the terminal, a first notification screen display unit that displays a first notification screen on a display to notify a user that use of the information processing device is to be put on hold when the determination unit determines that an immediate response is not possible, and a conversion unit that executes a conversion process to convert the distribution data into application data when the determination unit determines that an immediate response is not possible, and the application processing unit applies the application data converted by the conversion unit as data for the terminal. The unavailable notification screen includes a second notification screen when an application process without time constraints is being executed, and a third notification screen that has different content from the second notification screen and is when an application process with time constraints is being executed. , an information processing device.

[0009] A second invention is according to the first invention, and the first notification screen display unit does not display the first notification screen when the determining unit determines that an immediate response is possible.

[0012] No. 3 The present invention relates to an information processing program executed by an information processing device having a display and an operation unit and providing a predetermined service, the program including a processor of the information processing device, which includes an operation detection step of detecting an operation of the operation unit, a selection screen display step of displaying on the display a selection screen for a user to select a service to be provided from a plurality of services, and an application step of applying application data as terminal data stored in a storage unit in order to provide the predetermined service. a display step of displaying an unusable notification screen for notifying a user that the application step is being executed and the information processing device cannot be used when the application data is applied in the application step; The method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring distribution data from a network; a judgment step of judging whether or not an immediate response is possible to a request to apply the application data as data for the terminal; a notification screen display step of displaying a notification screen on a display for informing a user that use of the information processing device is to be put on hold if it is judged in the judgment step that an immediate response is not possible; and a conversion step of converting the distribution data into application data if it is judged in the judgment step that an immediate response is not possible, and an application step of applying the application data converted in the conversion step as data for the terminal. The unavailable notification screen includes a second notification screen when an application process without time constraints is being executed, and a third notification screen that has different content from the second notification screen and is when an application process with time constraints is being executed. , an information processing program.

[0013] No. 4 The present invention relates to an information processing method for an information processing device that has a display and an operation unit and provides a specified service, the method comprising: (a) detecting an operation of the operation unit; (b) displaying a selection screen on the display for allowing a user to select a service to be provided from a plurality of services; (c) executing application processing that applies application data as terminal data stored in a storage unit in order to provide the specified service; and (d) a step of displaying an unusable notification screen on a display to notify a user that the application process is being executed and the information processing device cannot be used when executing an application process for applying the application data in step (c); ( e ) acquiring distribution data from a network; f ) determining whether or not it is possible to immediately respond to a request to apply the application data as terminal data; g ) Step (f ), when it is determined that an immediate response is not possible, a notification screen is displayed on the display to notify the user that use of the information processing device will be put on hold; and h ) Step ( f ) includes a step of converting the distribution data into application data when it is determined that an immediate response is not possible, and step (c) includes h ) The converted application data is applied as the terminal data. The unavailable notification screen includes a second notification screen when an application process without time constraints is being executed, and a third notification screen that has different content from the second notification screen and is when an application process with time constraints is being executed. , an information processing method. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, notification can be appropriately given when application data is applied.

[0015] The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing an example of the home screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of the first notification screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of the second notification screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing an example of the third notification screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the flow of display control of the home screen and management of distribution data. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a RAM of the information processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of information processing by the CPU of the information processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another part of the information processing of the CPU of the information processing device shown in FIG. 2, which follows FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system 100 according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing device 10 and an image forming device .

[0018] The information processing device 10 is a multimedia kiosk (MMK) terminal installed in shops such as supermarkets, restaurants, or convenience stores, as well as public facilities such as train stations, bus terminals, airports, government offices, or libraries. This information processing device 10 provides users with various information or predetermined products or services (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "services, etc.") depending on the location where it is installed. In addition, the information processing device 10 can also provide users with predetermined services such as copying, printing, faxing, scanning, and administrative services in cooperation with an image forming device 70, as will be described in detail later.

[0019] In this specification, when directions are used for explanation, the surface of the information processing device 10 facing the user, i.e., the surface on which a display 14 (described later) is provided, is referred to as the front surface (front), and the surface opposite the front surface is referred to as the back surface. Also, the up-down and left-right directions when the user views the information processing device 10 from the front are referred to as the up-down and left-right directions of the information processing device 10. The same applies to the image forming device 70.

[0020] For example, in a copy service, a copy of an original can be made, more specifically, an image of the original can be read and the read image can be formed (printed) on a sheet-like paper as an image recording medium. The paper referred to here includes plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper, etc. The person receiving the copy service, i.e., the user of the image forming device 70, can select any paper from among these.

[0021] The print services include a PDF (Portable Document Format) print service, a photo print service, a network print service, and the like.

[0022] In the PDF print service, a PDF file stored in a medium as an external storage medium can be printed, and more specifically, an image based on the PDF file can be formed on the above-mentioned paper. The media referred to here include semiconductor media such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory or a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, and disk media such as a Compact Disc (CD) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). In addition, in the PDF print service, a PDF file stored in a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be transferred to the image forming device 70 via a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and printed. Furthermore, if the mobile device has an infrared communication function, the PDF file can be transferred from the mobile device to the image forming device 70 by using the infrared communication function and printed. That is, in the PDF print service, the mobile device can be used as a supply source (source) of the PDF file.

[0023] In the photo print service, it is possible to print image files of a predetermined format stored in the above-mentioned media, and particularly to print with high quality. In this photo print service, photo paper is generally selected as the paper to be printed on, but paper other than photo paper, such as plain paper or glossy paper, may also be selected. In addition, in this photo print service, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can also be used as a supply source of image files.

[0024] The network print service allows users to print files that have been registered in advance on a dedicated website. Files that can be registered on the dedicated website include PDF files, image files in a specific format, document files in a specific format, spreadsheet files in a specific format, and presentation files in a specific format.

[0025] The fax service allows you to send faxes, specifically by scanning an image on a document, digitizing the scanned image, and sending it to any fax machine as a recipient. The fax service also allows you to receive faxes via a relay center, meaning that you can print out the digitized image (image data) received via the relay center.

[0026] In the scanning service, the image of the document is read, the read image is digitized, and the image can be stored in the external storage medium, particularly a USB memory. The scanned image can also be digitized and sent to a desired destination by e-mail.

[0027] In administrative services, you can receive official certificates such as copies of your resident card and personal seal registration certificates. To receive these administrative services, you will need a Basic Resident Register card or an Individual Number card, which are card-type storage media. Official certificates issued through these administrative services are provided in a printed state on plain paper.

[0028] Detailed explanations will be omitted, but services other than those mentioned above (hereinafter referred to as "other services") include services in collaboration with various businesses, such as reservations and sales of various tickets for concerts, movies, leisure facilities, transportation, etc., sales of prepaid cards, payment of fees for online shops and Internet services, and sales of sports promotion lottery tickets.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 comprises a device main body 28 including a display 14 with a touch panel 12, a recording medium connection unit 16, a ticket printer 18, a code reading unit 20, a short-range communication unit 22, a currency processing unit 24, and a photo printer 26.

[0030] The display 14 with the touch panel 12 is disposed at the upper end of the information processing device 10 (device body 28). The touch panel 12 is a general-purpose touch panel, and any type of touch panel can be used, such as a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. In this embodiment, a capacitive type touch panel is used as the touch panel 12, and the touch panel 12 is provided on the display surface of the display 14. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 12 and the display 14 are integrally formed may also be used. Furthermore, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. can be used as the display 14.

[0031] The recording medium connector 16 includes a mounting section (e.g., a drive and a memory slot) for mounting various recording media. The various recording media include optical disks (e.g., CD-R, DVD-R, BD-R, etc.) and flash memories (e.g., USB memories, SD memory cards, memory sticks, etc.). However, the optical disks are mounted in the drives. The flash memories are mounted in the memory slots.

[0032] Ticket printer 18 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-impact printer, and issues tickets on which images such as receipts, journals, coupons, etc. are printed. Specifically, ticket printer 18 prints various characters, images, code patterns (barcodes, etc.) on roll paper, and ejects the printed tickets from ejection section 18a.

[0033] The code reading unit 20 includes, for example, a laser scanner or a camera, and can read codes attached to products, cards, receipts, etc., or codes displayed on the screen of a user terminal (mobile terminal). Codes that can be read by the code reading unit 20 include barcodes (one-dimensional barcodes) and two-dimensional codes (for example, QR Code (registered trademark), micro QR code, DataMATRIX, MaxiCODE, and VeriCODE).

[0034] The short-distance communication unit 22 performs wireless, non-contact data communication with a communication target, for example, according to a communication standard such as ISO / IEC18092 (so-called NFC (Near Field Communication)). For example, the short-distance communication unit 22 performs wireless, non-contact data communication with a communication target such as an electronic money medium, for example, according to a communication standard such as Felica (registered trademark). The electronic money medium refers to an IC card and a mobile terminal (such as a feature phone, a smartphone, or a tablet PC). The electronic money medium includes a storage unit that stores data related to payment by electronic money (electronic money data). The communication distance of the short-distance communication unit 22 is about several centimeters to several meters. For example, the short-distance communication unit 22 transmits a signal (read command) to the electronic money medium to instruct the electronic money medium to read out electronic money data stored in the electronic money medium. The electronic money medium transmits the electronic money data to the short-distance communication unit 22 in response to the read command. The short-distance communication unit 22 also transmits a signal (write command) instructing the electronic money medium to write together with data (write data) to be written to the electronic money medium. The electronic money medium writes (stores) the received write data in the storage unit in accordance with the write command. In this way, the short-distance communication unit 22 also functions as an electronic money reading unit. Note that the short-distance communication unit 22 can also communicate data other than electronic money data with communication targets other than the electronic money medium (such as an ID card, a membership card, or an employee ID card).

[0035] The currency processing unit 24 includes a currency insertion unit 24a and a coin return port 24b. The currency insertion unit 24a includes a coin insertion port, a bill insertion port, a change return lever, and the like, and is disposed below the short-range communication unit 22. Coins inserted through the coin insertion port and bills inserted through the bill insertion port are classified by type and stored in a predetermined currency storage unit. The currency storage unit includes a coin storage unit and a bill storage unit. When a coin or bill is inserted, the inserted amount is calculated according to the type and number of coins stored in the coin storage unit and the type and number of bills stored in the bill storage unit. When a predetermined service or the like is performed in the information processing device 10, a cost (fees related to the provision of the service or the like) according to the content of the service or the like is subtracted from the inserted amount, and the amount (remaining amount) remaining after subtracting the fee from the inserted amount is calculated. When the change return lever is operated, the coin or bill is returned according to the remaining amount. However, coins are returned from a coin return port 24b provided below the coin insertion portion 24a, and bills are returned from a bill insertion port.

[0036] Photo printer 26 is, for example, a dye-sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and prints an image on paper for photographs (photo paper). The photograph printed by photo printer 26 is discharged to discharge section 26a. However, image data for forming an image on paper is image data stored in a recording medium connected to recording medium connection section 16, or image data transmitted from an external computer, etc. Also, the size of the photograph printed by photo printer 26 is L size, postcard size, 2L size, etc.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a CPU 32. Connected to the CPU 32 via a bus 60 are a RAM 34, a ROM 36, a touch panel control circuit 38, a display control circuit 40, a recording medium connection unit 16, a ticket printer 18, a code reading unit 20, a short-range communication unit 22, a currency processing unit 24, a photo printer 26, and a communication circuit 44. Also connected to the touch panel control circuit 38 is the touch panel 12, and connected to the display control circuit 40 is the display 14.

[0038] The CPU 32 is responsible for overall control of the information processing device 10. The RAM 34 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 32. The ROM 36 stores the start-up program of the information processing device 10 and default values ​​for various information.

[0039] Touch panel control circuit 38 applies necessary voltages and the like to touch panel 12, detects a touch operation (touch input) within the effective touch range of touch panel 12, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to CPU 32.

[0040] The display control circuit 40 includes a GPU, a VRAM, etc., and under the direction of the CPU 32, the GPU uses image generation data stored in the RAM 34 to generate display image data in the VRAM for displaying various screens on the display 14, and outputs the generated display image data to the display 14.

[0041] The communication circuit 44 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as a LAN and / or the Internet. The communication circuit 44 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer (external terminal) such as a server via the network in accordance with instructions from the CPU 32. As an example, the server is a server used by an administrator or manager of administrative services and other services provided by the information processing device 10. However, the communication circuit 44 can also directly communicate with the image forming device 70 and a mobile terminal, etc., via a wired or wireless (for example, infrared, WiFi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) system) without going through a network.

[0042] It should be noted that the electrical configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 70 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like.

[0044] The image forming device 70 includes an apparatus main body 80 including an image reading unit 72, an image forming unit 74, a paper feeder 76, and a paper discharge tray 78. However, the image forming device 70 is installed near the information processing device 10. For example, the image forming device 70 is installed adjacent to the right side of the information processing device 10.

[0045] The image reading unit 72 includes a document placement stage made of a transparent material, and is built into the device body 80. A document pressing cover 72a is attached above the document placement stage via a hinge or the like so as to be able to be opened and closed freely.

[0046] The image reading unit 72 includes a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, and a line sensor. The image reading unit 72 exposes the surface of the document to the light source, and guides the reflected light from the document surface to the imaging lens by multiple mirrors. The imaging lens then forms an image of the reflected light on the light receiving element of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates read image data based on the image of the document surface. The line sensor may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), etc.

[0047] The image forming section 74 is built into the device main body 80 and is provided below the image reading section 72. The image forming section 74 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. The image forming section 74 forms an image on a recording medium (paper) conveyed from a paper feeder 76 or the like by electrophotography, and discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to a paper discharge tray 78 provided between the image reading section 72 and the image forming section 74. However, as image data for forming an image on the paper, image data read by the image reading section 72, image data transmitted from the information processing device 10, image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like is used. In addition, the recording medium is not limited to paper made of paper, and sheets other than paper, such as OHP film, are also used.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 70 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 70 includes a CPU 82. The CPU 82 is connected to a RAM 84, a HDD 86, an image reading unit 72, an image forming unit 74, and a communication circuit 92 via a bus 90.

[0049] The CPU 82 is responsible for the overall control of the image forming apparatus 70. The RAM 84 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 82.

[0050] The HDD 86 is a main storage device of the image forming apparatus 70, and appropriately stores a control program for the CPU 82 to control the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 70, display image data for various screens, and the like. However, instead of the HDD 86, or together with the HDD 86, other non-volatile memories such as an SSD, a flash memory, and an EEPROM may be used.

[0051] The communication circuit 92 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as a LAN and / or the Internet. The communication circuit 92 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer such as the information processing device 10 via the network in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 82. However, the communication circuit 92 can also directly communicate with the information processing device 10 via a wired or wireless connection without via a network.

[0052] It should be noted that the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0053] In the information processing system 100 configured as above, when the information processing device 10 is started (or restarted), a home screen (also called a “menu screen” or a “portal screen”) 200 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 14.

[0054] As described above, the information processing device 10 cooperates with the image forming device 70 to provide the user with copy services, print services, fax services, scan services, administrative services, and other services, so that buttons (or operation keys) 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 for the user to select (or execute) each service are provided on the home screen 200. Also, an image of a predetermined color (for example, blue) is displayed on the background of the home screen 200. Each of the buttons 202 to 212 has a character string indicating the corresponding service (function) written thereon.

[0055] It is well known that various services can be provided by operating the home screen 200, and detailed description thereof will be omitted since it is not essential to the present invention. Each service is as described above.

[0056] 4, only images of the buttons 202 to 212 are displayed, but a predetermined character such as an anime character or a local character may be displayed in the background of the home screen 200 and / or the background of the buttons 202 to 212. Also, the design (e.g., pattern and / or shape) of the buttons 202 to 212 may be a predetermined character.

[0057] For various services, when performing operations such as setting the corresponding service, an appropriate operation screen is displayed, and when the service is executed, an execution screen is displayed on display 14 while a job for the service is being executed, and when execution of the job is completed, an end screen is displayed on display 14, and after a first predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute) has elapsed, home screen 200 is displayed on display 14.

[0058] In addition, when the home screen 200 is displayed on the display 14, if a second predetermined time (e.g., 5 to 10 minutes) elapses without any operation of the home screen 200, a standby screen is displayed on the display 14, and further, if a third predetermined time (e.g., 15 to 30 minutes) elapses without any operation of the home screen 200, a screen saver is executed.

[0059] As an example, in the information processing device 10, a guide image of the store where the information processing device 10 is located or an image of event information in the area may be displayed on the standby screen, or a video such as a bonus video (or a premium video) for an event such as a movie or a concert may be displayed. Also, in the information processing device 10, a predetermined animation image may be displayed on the screen saver. The predetermined animation may be content including information about the store where the information processing device 10 is located, or content including event information about the store where the information processing device 10 is located.

[0060] Furthermore, when the information processing device 10 is started up (including when it is restarted), a first notification screen 250 is displayed on the display 14. The first notification screen 250 is displayed in order to inform the user that the information processing device 10 is on hold when the information processing device 10 is started up. As an example, the first notification screen 250 displays a character string saying "Please wait a moment" in the center of the screen, and an image of a predetermined color (for example, blue) is displayed in the background.

[0061] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10, the designs of various screens (including screensavers) are changed, and the fees and / or tax rates of the services provided are changed. That is, data relating to the information processing device 10 or the services provided by the information processing device 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "terminal data") is changed (including temporary changes), and terminal data is added (including temporary additions). Data for changing or adding the terminal data (hereinafter referred to as "application data") is distributed from a network (a server on the network). However, the data distributed from the network (hereinafter referred to as "distribution data") includes not only the above-mentioned application data, but also message data regarding messages to the administrator of the information processing device 10, etc.

[0062] When the information processing device 10 acquires (or receives) distribution data, if the distribution data is application data, it applies the application data to the information processing device 10 as terminal data at an appropriate timing. However, the distribution data may be compressed or encrypted before being distributed, in which case the distribution data (application data) is expanded (or decompressed) or decrypted before being applied. In other words, the distribution data is converted into data applicable to the information processing device 10.

[0063] Furthermore, there are application data that has a set period of application (hereinafter referred to as the "application period") and data that does not have a set application period. The application period is specified by the start date and time (including the year, month, day, hour, and minute) when the application of the application data begins and the end date and time (including the year, month, day, hour, and minute) when the application of the application data ends. However, there are cases where the end date and time does not exist or is not set. Furthermore, there are application data that has a set application period, for which it is necessary to strictly adhere to being applied to the start date and time of the application period (hereinafter referred to as "with time constraints"), and for which it is not necessary to strictly adhere to being applied to the start date and time of the application period (hereinafter referred to as "without time constraints").

[0064] In the above example, the items subject to time constraints are the tax rate and fee tables and the applicable data for videos such as bonus footage. This is because changes in tax rates must comply with the law, and fees must be implemented uniformly across multiple information processing devices 10. Furthermore, event information and bonus footage must be notified uniformly across multiple information processing devices 10.

[0065] In the above example, data that does not have a time constraint is applicable data for a guide image, because guide images are not regulated by law and do not need to be applied uniformly.

[0066] However, these are merely examples, and except for cases in which it is necessary to comply with the law, the person distributing the distribution data can arbitrarily set whether or not there is a time restriction.

[0067] Therefore, in the case where there is a time constraint, in order to avoid the application data not being applicable at the start date and time of the application period due to the user's use, a preparation period for applying the application data is set in advance. In this embodiment, the preparation period is set from the time 30 minutes before the start date and time of the application period to the start date and time of the application period. Therefore, the application data for which the application period is determined is delivered to the information processing device 10 a little before the start date and time of the preparation period, for example, 45 minutes before the start date and time of the application period.

[0068] When the application process of the application data is executed, the information processing device 10 cannot be used, and therefore the application process is executed when the user is not using the information processing device 10. Furthermore, in order not to disturb the user, the application process is executed during a time period when the user is unlikely to use the information processing device 10 (hereinafter referred to as an "executable time period"). The executable time period can be set appropriately depending on the location where the information processing device 10 is placed, and is set between midnight and 5 a.m., as one example. However, two or more executable time periods may be set.

[0069] During the execution of the application process, the user is notified that the application process is being executed and that the information processing device 10 cannot be used. However, in the application process using application data for which an application period is determined, the information processing device 10 cannot be used even during the preparation period.

[0070] 6 shows an example of a notification screen (called "second notification screen" in this embodiment) 260 displayed on the display 14 when applying distribution data, i.e., when starting application processing, in the case where application processing is performed using application data with no determined application period. As shown in FIG. 6, as an example, the second notification screen 260 has three characters "System maintenance is currently underway", "Please wait", and "It may take some time to complete" written vertically in three lines in the center of the screen, and an image of a predetermined color (e.g., blue) is displayed in the background. In other words, the second notification screen 260 is a screen for notifying that application processing with no time constraint is being performed and that the information processing device 10 cannot be used.

[0071] Furthermore, when the application process is completed, the second notification screen 260 is erased and the home screen 200 is displayed. However, if the system (information processing device 10) needs to be restarted, the information processing device 10 executes the restart when the application process is completed. Therefore, while the restart is being executed, the first notification screen 250 is displayed on the display 14, and when the system is restarted and becomes operable as described above, the home screen 200 is displayed on the display 14.

[0072] FIG. 7 shows an example of a notification screen (in this embodiment, a "third notification screen") 270 displayed on the display 14 at the start date and time of the preparation period when the application process is executed using application data for which an application period is determined. As shown in FIG. 7, as an example, the third notification screen 270 has five character strings in the center of the screen, "System maintenance is currently underway," "Not available," "Scheduled maintenance period," "January 22, 2021, 11:30 p.m. to January 23, 2021, 00:10," and "Scheduled period may vary slightly.", written vertically in five rows, and an image of a predetermined color (for example, blue) is displayed in the background. However, a blank line is provided between the second and third character strings. In other words, the third notification screen 270 is a screen for notifying that the application process with time constraints is being executed and the information processing device 10 cannot be used.

[0073] Furthermore, when the application process is completed, the third notification screen 270 is erased and the home screen 200 is displayed. However, if the system (information processing device 10) needs to be restarted, the information processing device 10 executes the restart when the application process is completed. Therefore, while the restart is being executed, the first notification screen 250 is displayed on the display 14, and when the system is restarted and becomes operable as described above, the home screen 200 is displayed on the display 14.

[0074] 8 is a diagram for explaining the flow of display control of the home screen 200 and management of distribution data. Display control of the home screen 200 is processed according to a display program, and management of the distribution data is processed according to a management program for the distribution data (hereinafter, referred to as a "distribution data management program"). However, the display program also controls the display of screens other than the home screen 200.

[0075] When the home screen 200 is displayed on the display 14 by the display program, if the application process of the distribution data (application data) can be executed, the distribution data management program is requested to determine whether it is possible to respond immediately (hereinafter referred to as "immediate response feasibility determination") to a request to determine whether application of the distribution data is necessary (hereinafter referred to as "application necessity determination").

[0076] However, the state in which the application process of distribution data can be executed means a state in which the user is not using information processing device 10 and it is a time period in which the application process can be executed.

[0077] Then, according to the distribution data management program, it is determined whether the downloaded distribution data is in a management state. In this embodiment, the downloaded distribution data is temporarily stored in the transmission / reception buffer 304a, and then stored in the data storage area 304 (see FIG. 9) of the RAM 34, and is placed in a management state by the distribution data management program.

[0078] Although not shown in the drawings, the information processing device 10 receives distribution data downloaded from the server by communicating with the server.

[0079] Furthermore, the distribution data management program determines that an immediate response is not possible if the distribution data is in a managed state. As will be described later, when the distribution data is in a managed state, if a request for application necessity determination is made, it is necessary to confirm (or refer to) the distribution data, or to decompress (unpack) or decrypt compressed or encrypted distribution data. On the other hand, the distribution data management program determines that an immediate response is possible if the distribution data is not in a managed state.

[0080] The result of the immediate response possibility judgment is returned to the display program in accordance with the distribution data management program. If an immediate response is possible, the display of the home screen 200 continues in accordance with the display program. On the other hand, if an immediate response is not possible, the first notification screen 250 is displayed on the display 14 in accordance with the display program, and a judgment on the necessity of application is requested to the distribution data management program. Since the distribution data includes data other than the application data, the distribution data management program is requested to determine whether the distribution data is the application data.

[0081] The distribution data management program checks the stored distribution data, judges whether the distribution data is applicable data, and if the distribution data is applicable data, checks the application period and judges whether a preparation period is set. However, the distribution data may be compressed or encrypted, in which case a process of expanding (decompressing) or decrypting the distribution data is executed prior to the application necessity judgment.

[0082] If no preparation period is set, the display program displays the second notification screen 260 on the display 14 when the start date and time of the application period arrives, and requests the application of the distribution data (application data) to the distribution data management program. In response to this, the distribution data management program executes application processing of the distribution data (application data). However, since no preparation period is set, depending on the user's usage status, there may be a slight delay from the start date and time of the application period.

[0083] If a preparation period is set, the display program, at the start date and time of the preparation period, displays the third notification screen 270 on the display 14 and requests the distribution data management program to apply the distribution data (application data). In response, the distribution data management program ends the preparation period, and at the start date and time of the application period, executes application processing of the distribution data (application data). However, because the preparation period is set, the application is not affected by user use and is applied from the start date and time of the application period.

[0084] Fig. 9 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map 300 of the RAM 34 of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the RAM 34 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. As described above, the program storage area 302 stores an information processing program for the information processing device 10. The information processing program includes a communication program 302a, an operation detection program 302b, a display program 302c, a distribution data management program 302d, and an application program 302e.

[0085] The communication program 302a is a program for communicating (transmitting and receiving) data with the image forming apparatus 70, other computers such as a server, or other devices on the network.

[0086] The operation detection program 302b is a program for detecting a touch input. The CPU 32 acquires touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 12 in accordance with this operation detection program 302b, and stores the acquired touch coordinate data in the RAM 34 in chronological order.

[0087] Display program 302c is a program for generating display image data, that is, screen data for the various screens described above, using image generation data 304c (described later), and outputting the data to display 14.

[0088] The distribution data management program 302d is a program that manages distribution data acquired from the network according to the communication program 302a. Specifically, the distribution data management program 302d checks the acquired distribution data, judges whether the distribution data is application data, judges whether an immediate response is possible to a request for judging whether application processing of the distribution data (application data) is executable, and judges whether application processing of the distribution data (application data) is necessary. In addition, the distribution data management program 302d checks the acquired distribution data, checks the application period of the distribution data (application data), and further judges whether a preparation period is set.

[0089] The application program 302e applies the application data at an appropriate timing depending on whether or not there is an application period. As described above, when there is no application period, the application data is applied when the information processing device 10 is not used by the user. When there is an application period, the application data is applied when the start date and time of the application period arrives.

[0090] Although not shown, the program storage area 302 also stores programs for providing various services in the information processing system 100, and programs for selecting and executing various functions of the information processing device 10.

[0091] Data storage area 304 of RAM 34 is provided with a transmission / reception buffer 304a, and stores operation input data 304b, image generation data 304c, terminal data 304d, distribution data 304e, and the like.

[0092] The transmission / reception buffer 304a temporarily stores data to be transmitted and data to be received in accordance with the communication program 302a.

[0093] The operation input data 304b is data in which touch coordinate data detected according to the operation detection program 302b is stored in chronological order.

[0094] Image generation data 304c is data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens to be displayed on display 14.

[0095] The terminal data 304d is data used by the information processing device 10 and the services provided by the information processing device 10, and as described above, includes data on guide images or event information images, video data such as bonus footage (or premium videos), screen saver data, and data on tax rate and fee tables.

[0096] The distribution data 304e is data acquired from the network, and is managed according to the distribution data management program 302d. Of the distribution data 304e, data that is applied as the terminal data 304d is the above-mentioned application data.

[0097] Although not shown in the figure, the data memory area 304 stores other data necessary for executing the information processing program for the information processing device 10, and is provided with timers (counters) and registers necessary for executing the information processing program for the information processing device 10.

[0098] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are flow diagrams showing an example of information processing (display control processing) executed by the CPU 32 of the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 2. This information processing is executed when the information processing device 10 is started (powered on), when the information processing device 10 is restarted, and when the information processing device 10 is in operation, every fourth predetermined time (for example, every minute).

[0099] Hereinafter, information processing will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. However, since the screen display and screen saver for preventing burn-in are not essential to the present invention, illustrations and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] 10, when starting information processing, the CPU 32 determines in step S1 whether the system is currently running, that is, whether the operating system is currently being started up in the information processing device 10.

[0101] If "YES" in step S1, that is, if the system is running, in step S3, a first notification screen 250 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 14, and the process returns to step S1.

[0102] On the other hand, if the result in step S1 is “NO”, that is, if the system is not booted, it is determined that the system is in an operable state (already booted), and in step S5, the home screen 200 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 14.

[0103] In the next step S7, it is determined whether the application process can be executed. Here, CPU 32 determines whether the user is not operating and whether it is a time zone in which the application process can be executed. CPU 32 determines that the user is not operating when operation input data 304b at the current time is not stored in data storage area 304. CPU 32 also obtains the current time from a clock circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock) and determines whether the current time is included in the time zone in which the application process can be executed. CPU 32 determines that the application process can be executed when the current time is included in the time zone in which the application process can be executed. On the other hand, CPU 32 determines that the application process cannot be executed when the current time is not included in the time zone in which the application process can be executed.

[0104] Although not shown, after the system is started, when it is first determined in step S7 that the user is not operating, a timer is started, and the time during which the user is not operating and the applicable process is not being executed continues, and when the timer count value reaches a second predetermined time (e.g., 5 to 10 minutes), a standby screen is displayed on display 14, and when a third predetermined time (e.g., 15 to 30 minutes) has passed, a screen saver is executed. When the standby screen is displayed or the screen saver is executed, if the user performs an operation, home screen 200 is displayed.

[0105] If step S7 is "NO", that is, if the application process cannot be executed, information processing is terminated as shown in Fig. 11. On the other hand, if step S7 is "YES", that is, if the application process can be executed, then in step S9 it is determined whether an immediate response is possible. Here, CPU 32 determines whether distribution data 304e acquired from the network is in a management state. If distribution data 304e acquired from the network is in a management state, then in step S9 CPU 32 determines that an immediate response is not possible. On the other hand, if distribution data 304e acquired from the network is not in a management state, then in step S9 CPU 32 determines that an immediate response is possible.

[0106] If the answer is "YES" in step S9, that is, if an immediate response is possible, the information processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the answer is "NO" in step S9, that is, if an immediate response is not possible, in step S11, the first notification screen 250 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 14, and in step S13, the distribution data 304e is confirmed. Therefore, it is possible to know whether the distribution data 304e is application data or data other than application data, and if it is application data, it is possible to know whether a preparation period is set. However, in step S13, if the confirmed distribution data 304e is compressed or encrypted, the CPU 32 expands (decompresses) or decrypts the distribution data 304e. In other words, the CPU 32 executes a conversion process for converting the distribution data 304e into data applicable to the information processing device 10.

[0107] Next, in step S15, it is determined whether or not application of distribution data 304e is necessary. If "NO" in step S15, that is, if application of distribution data 304e is not necessary, information processing is terminated. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S15, that is, if application of distribution data 304e is necessary, it is determined in step S17 whether or not there is a preparation period. Here, CPU 32 determines whether or not a preparation period is set in distribution data 304e.

[0108] If the answer is "NO" in step S17, that is, if there is no preparation period, then in step S19, a second notification screen 260 as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display 14, and in step S21, it is determined whether the current time (including the year, month, and day) is the start date and time of the applicable period. In this step S21, the CPU 32 determines "YES" not only when the current time is the start date and time of the applicable period, but also when the current time has passed the start date and time of the applicable period.

[0109] If "NO" in step S21, that is, if the current time is not the start date and time of the applicable period, return to step S21. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S21, that is, if the current time is the start date and time of the applicable period, proceed to step S29 shown in FIG.

[0110] Also, if step S17 is "YES", that is, if there is a preparation period, it is determined whether it is the start date and time of the preparation period in step S23 shown in Fig. 11. In this embodiment, since the start date and time of the preparation time is set 30 minutes before the start date and time of the applicable period, it is determined whether the current time is 30 minutes before the start date and time of the applicable period.

[0111] If "NO" in step S23, that is, if it is not the start date and time of the preparation period, the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S23, that is, if it is the start date and time of the preparation period, in step S25, a third notification screen 270 as shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the display 14.

[0112] In the next step S27, it is determined whether the current time has reached the start date and time of the applicable period. Unlike step S21, here, the CPU 32 determines "YES" only if the current time has reached the start date and time of the applicable period.

[0113] If "NO" in step S27, that is, if the current time is not the start date and time of the applicable period, the process returns to step S27. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S27, that is, if the current time is the start date and time of the applicable period, the process starts application processing of distribution data 304e (that is, application data) in step S29.

[0114] Next, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the application process has ended. If "NO" in step S31, that is, if the application process has not ended, the process returns to step S31. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S31, that is, if the application process has ended, it is determined in step S33 whether or not a restart is required.

[0115] If "YES" in step S33, that is, if restart is necessary, the system is restarted in step S35, and the information processing ends. On the other hand, if "NO" in step S33, that is, if restart is not necessary, the home screen 200 is displayed on the display 14 in step S37, and the information processing ends.

[0116] When application processing is executed, application data whose application period has expired is excluded from application and is deleted from the data storage area 304.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the first notification screen is displayed only when it is necessary to apply distribution data and an immediate response is not possible. Therefore, the first notification screen is not displayed when it is necessary to check whether distribution data is available or when an immediate response is possible, thereby minimizing the situations in which the user is unable to operate the device.

[0118] In this embodiment, the case where application data is applied as data for a terminal is described, but the same process can also be used to apply program data for changing (modifying or replacing) programs for an information processing device and a service provided by the information processing device.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, an information processing system is configured in which an information processing device and an image forming device are communicatively arranged, but this is not necessary. The image forming device may also function as an information processing device. In this case, various programs (information processing programs) and various data shown in FIG. 9 are stored in the RAM of the image forming device, and the information processing shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 is executed by the CPU 82 of the image forming device. However, since the image forming device does not have a photo printer, a photo print service is not provided. Also, a paper printer and a currency processing unit are arranged so as to be communicatively arranged with the image forming device. Furthermore, a code reading unit and a short-distance communication unit are provided in the image forming device.

[0120] Furthermore, the numerical values, screens, and specific configurations given in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate according to the actual product. Also, the order in which each step in the flow chart shown in the above embodiment is processed can be changed as appropriate as long as the same results are obtained.

[0121] Furthermore, the present invention can also be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium on which an information processing program for an information processing device is recorded. In this case, the information processing program recorded on the recording medium is read by the computer of the information processing device and executed by the computer, thereby realizing an information processing device similar to the present invention. The recording medium referred to here includes the semiconductor media and disk media described above. Also, instead of portable media, built-in (internal) media such as ROM and hard disk drives that are built into the information processing device (computer system) can also be applied as the recording medium referred to here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10. Information processing device 12...Touch panel 14. Display 32...CPU 34...RAM 36...ROM 70...Image forming device 100...Information processing systems

Claims

1. An information processing device that includes a display and an operation unit and provides a predetermined service, an operation detection unit that detects an operation of the operation unit; a selection screen display unit that displays on the display a selection screen for allowing the user to select a service to be provided from a plurality of services; an application processing unit that executes an application process of applying application data as terminal data stored in a storage unit in order to provide the predetermined service; an unusable notification screen display unit that displays, when an application process for applying the application data is executed by the application processing unit, an unusable notification screen on the display to notify the user that the application process is being executed and that the information processing device cannot be used; an acquisition unit that acquires distribution data from a network; a determination unit for determining whether or not an immediate response to a request to apply the application data as data for the terminal is possible; a first notification screen display unit that displays, when the determination unit determines that an immediate response is not possible, a first notification screen for notifying the user that use of the information processing device will be put on hold, on the display; and a conversion unit that performs a conversion process to convert the distribution data into the application data when the determination unit determines that an immediate response is not possible, The application processing unit applies the application data converted by the conversion unit as the data for the terminal, The information processing device includes a second notification screen when an application process without time constraints is being executed, and a third notification screen which has different content from the second notification screen and is when an application process with time constraints is being executed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first notification screen display unit does not display the first notification screen when the determination unit determines that an immediate response is possible.

3. An information processing program executed on an information processing device that has a display and an operation unit and provides a predetermined service, A processor of the information processing device an operation detection step of detecting an operation of the operation unit; a selection screen display step of displaying on the display a selection screen for allowing the user to select a service to be provided from a plurality of services; an application step of applying application data as terminal data stored in a storage unit in order to provide the predetermined service; a display step of displaying an unusable notification screen on the display when the application data is applied in the application step, to notify the user that the application step is being executed and the information processing device cannot be used; an acquisition step of acquiring distribution data from a network; a determination step of determining whether or not an immediate response to a request to apply the application data as data for the terminal is possible; a notification screen display step of displaying, on the display, a notification screen for notifying the user that use of the information processing device will be put on hold when it is determined in the determination step that an immediate response is not possible; and When it is determined in the determining step that an immediate response is not possible, a converting step is executed to convert the distribution data into the application data; The application step applies the application data converted in the conversion step as the data for the terminal; The information processing program includes a second notification screen when an application process without time constraints is being executed, and a third notification screen that has different content from the second notification screen and is when an application process with time constraints is being executed.

4. An information processing method of an information processing device that has a display and an operation unit and provides a predetermined service, comprising: (a) detecting an operation of the operation unit; (b) displaying on the display a selection screen for allowing the user to select a service to be provided from a plurality of services; (c) executing an application process for applying application data as terminal data stored in a storage unit in order to provide the predetermined service; (d) when executing an application process for applying the application data in the step (c), displaying an unusable notification screen on the display to notify the user that the application process is being executed and the information processing device cannot be used; (e) acquiring distribution data from a network; (f) determining whether or not an immediate response to a request to apply the application data as data for the terminal is possible; (g) when it is determined in the step (f) that an immediate response is not possible, displaying a notification screen on the display for notifying the user that use of the information processing device will be put on hold; and (h) a step of converting the distribution data into the application data when it is determined in the step (f) that an immediate response is not possible; The step (c) applies the application data converted in the step (h) as the data for the terminal; The information processing method includes a second notification screen when an application process without time constraints is being executed, and a third notification screen having content different from the second notification screen when an application process with time constraints is being executed.

Images