Information processing device and control method

Abstract

To limit the performance impact when performing heavy processing locally. [Solution] The information processing device comprises a communication unit that communicates data with a server via a communication network, a memory that temporarily stores the system program, a processor that executes system processing based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person within a specified detection range.When the system enters a standby state, the processor sends a flag indicating that it is on standby to the server via the communication network from the communication unit, and when it receives a request to execute a specific process from the server in response to sending the flag, it starts executing the specific process.When the presence of a person is detected within the detection range using the detection sensor, it stops the specific process if it is in progress, and sends to the server the execution results up to the time of stopping and incomplete information indicating that the specific process is incomplete.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a technology that executes AI processing using cloud AI (Artificial Intelligence) built on the cloud (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Using cloud AI for business purposes presents obstacles, such as the risk of information leakage and high costs, which limits its commercial use. However, heavy tasks (processing with a high load) such as large-scale language models (LLMs) require considerable resources to run on a local personal computer (PC), making it difficult to process them on the PC at work.

[0003] For example, a large-scale language model (LLM) can be executed on multiple PCs while taking over processing, because it can create a continuation of a sentence even if the sentence being generated is interrupted midway. Therefore, one method is to execute heavy tasks on multiple PCs while taking over processing on a PC that is not being used by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7559930 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a PC is running a process such as a large-scale language model (LLM) on an unattended PC, if the user returns and starts working, there is a concern that the processing will slow down because a heavy task such as a large-scale language model (LLM) is already running at the start of the process, and there will not be enough resources to process the work the user wants to do until another PC takes over. For example, if a user returns and starts using the PC by typing on the keyboard, the control to interrupt a heavy task such as a large-scale language model (LLM) can only be shifted to after the user touches the keyboard, and processing will slow down at the start of the work.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device and a control method that can suppress the impact on performance when executing high-load processing locally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a communication unit that performs data communication with a server via a communication network, a memory that temporarily stores a system program, a processor that executes processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person within a specified detection range, wherein when the system enters a standby state, the processor sends a flag indicating that the system is on standby to the server via the communication network from the communication unit, and when a request to execute a specific process is received from the server in response to sending the flag, the processor starts executing the specific process, and when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor, the processor stops the specific process if it is being executed, and sends the execution results up to the time of the stop and incompletion information indicating that the specific process is incomplete from the communication unit via the communication network to the server.

[0008] In the information processing device, the processor When the presence of a person within the detection range is detected using the detection sensor, the flag may be cleared if the identification process is not being executed.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when the presence of a person is detected within the detection range using the detection sensor, the processor may stop the specific processing if it is being executed, then return the system from standby state and clear the flag.

[0010] The information processing device may include a display unit that displays information based on the processing of the system, and the processor may turn off the screen of the display unit when transitioning the system to a standby state, and turn on the screen of the display unit when returning the system from the standby state.

[0011] In the above information processing device, when the processor detects the presence of a person in the detection range using the detection sensor, it may further determine whether the person's face is facing a specific direction, and if it determines that the face of the person in the detection range is not facing the specific direction, it may transition the system to a standby state and then send the flag to the server, and if it determines that the face of the person in the detection range is facing the specific direction, it may stop the execution of the specific processing if it is being executed, and then return the system from the standby state.

[0012] The information processing device may include a display unit that displays information based on the processing of the system, the specific direction being a direction toward the information processing device, and the processor may reduce the screen brightness of the display unit when transitioning the system to a standby state, and may return the screen brightness of the display unit to its pre-reduction state when returning the system from the standby state.

[0013] In the information processing device, the specific process may be a process that imposes a relatively large load and that can be executed by a plurality of the information processing devices by taking over part of the process in response to an execution request from the server.

[0014] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for an information processing device including a communication unit that performs data communication with a server via a communication network, a memory that temporarily stores a system program, a processor that executes processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined detection range includes the steps of: when the system enters a standby state, the processor transmitting a flag indicating that the system is in standby to the server via the communication network from the communication unit; when a request to execute a specific process is received from the server in response to transmitting the flag, starting the execution of the specific process; when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range using the detection sensor, stopping the execution of the specific process if it is being executed; and transmitting the execution result up to the time of stopping and incompletion information indicating that the specific process is incomplete from the communication unit via the communication network to the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the impact on performance when a process with a high load is executed locally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a person detection range of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of HPD processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a screen brightness reduction process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a timing chart showing an example of control by a processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of host processing in the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [overview] First, an overview of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system SYS shown in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of information processing devices 1 and a cloud server 5 connected to the plurality of information processing devices 1 via a communication network NW.

[0018] The information processing device 1 is, for example, a local PC (Personal Computer) within an organization (company). In this figure, three information processing devices 1a, 1b, and 1c are shown as representatives, but tens to hundreds of information processing devices 1 may be provided depending on the number of users (e.g., employees).

[0019] A program that processes heavy tasks, such as a trained AI (Artificial Intelligence) model, is distributed to the multiple information processing devices 1. The heavy tasks are not limited to processing using an AI model, but in this embodiment, an AI engine that executes processing using an AI model, such as a large-scale language model (LLM), is distributed so that it can be used by each information processing device 1. When a user is not present, each information processing device 1 transitions to a standby state. The standby state is a state in which at least a part of the system processing is restricted. For example, the standby state is a state in which at least the screen of the display unit 110 is turned off (screen off), but the AI ​​model can be used in response to a request from the cloud server 5.

[0020] The client terminal 7 is a terminal that uses the information processing system SYS, and is a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The client terminal 7 may be the same device as the information processing device 1 in the information processing system SYS, but will be described as the client terminal 7 to distinguish it from the information processing device 1 in the information processing system SYS. An overview of the processing in the information processing system SYS will be described below.

[0021] (1) The cloud server 5 receives a request from the client terminal 7 to ask a question to the AI ​​(for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?").

[0022] (2) The cloud server 5 finds an available information processing device 1 from among the multiple information processing devices 1. Specifically, the cloud server 5 extracts and selects an information processing device 1 that is in a standby state and has no user present from among the multiple information processing devices 1.

[0023] (3) The cloud server 5 requests the AI ​​model of the selected information processing device 1 (e.g., information processing device 1a) in standby mode to answer the question (e.g., "Who is the CEO of XXX?") received from the client terminal 7. Upon receiving the request, the information processing device 1 responds to the cloud server 5 with the execution result (e.g., "YY") of the AI ​​model in response to the question (e.g., "Who is the CEO of XXX?").

[0024] (4) Based on the response from the information processing device 1, the cloud server 5 returns to the client terminal 7 the execution result of the AI ​​model (e.g., “YY”) in response to the question for the AI ​​received from the client terminal 7 (e.g., “Who is the CEO of XXX?”).

[0025] Next, the flow of processing in the information processing system SYS will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0026] (Step S101) The client terminal 7 transmits a request for a question to the AI ​​(for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?") to the cloud server 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0027] (Step S103) When the cloud server 5 receives a request from the client terminal 7 to ask a question to the AI ​​(for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?"), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0028] (Step S105) The cloud server 5 extracts an available information processing device 1 from among the multiple information processing devices 1 connected to the cloud server 5 in the information processing system SYS. An available information processing device 1 is an information processing device 1 that is transitioning to a standby state because the user is not present, as described above. When each information processing device 1 transitions to a standby state, the cloud server 5 notifies the cloud server 5, so that the cloud server 5 can extract an information processing device 1 that is in a standby state. If the cloud server 5 has extracted an available information processing device 1 (step S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S107. If the cloud server 5 has not been able to extract an available information processing device 1 (step S105: NO), the process of step S105 is performed again.

[0029] (Step S107) The cloud server 5 selects the information processing device 1 with the highest performance from among the available information processing devices 1. For example, the cloud server 5 stores a list of information related to the performance of each information processing device 1 in advance, and by referring to the list, if multiple available information processing devices 1 are extracted in step S105, the cloud server 5 selects the information processing device 1 with the highest performance from among them. Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0030] (Step S109) The cloud server 5 transmits a request for a question to the AI ​​(for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?") received from the client terminal 7 to the information processing device 1 selected in step S107. Then, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0031] (Step S111) The information processing device 1 that has received the request executes processing using an AI model for the question (for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?") Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0032] (Step S113) The information processing device 1 responds to the cloud server 5 with the execution result of the processing using the AI ​​model. Here, if the processing is completed, the information processing device 1 responds to the cloud server 5 with the completed execution result, but if the processing is interrupted midway, the information processing device 1 responds to the cloud server 5 with the execution result of the processing up to that point. Here, if the processing is interrupted midway, for example, the information processing device 1 stops the processing and returns from a standby state because the user has returned while the information processing device 1 is executing the processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0033] (Step S115) Cloud server 5 acquires the response from information processing device 1, and proceeds to step S117.

[0034] (Step S117) The cloud server 5 determines whether the response acquired from the information processing device 1 is an execution result of completed processing. If the cloud server 5 determines that the response is an execution result of processing that has only been partially completed (i.e., the processing is incomplete) (step S117: NO), the process returns to step S103 and accepts the execution result of processing that has only been partially completed as a request for the AI ​​model. The cloud server 5 then extracts available information processing devices 1 and transmits the request to the information processing device 1 with the highest performance (steps S105 to S109). As a result, the information processing device 1 that has received the request takes over the processing that has only been partially completed and executes the processing using the AI ​​model.

[0035] On the other hand, if the cloud server 5 determines that the response acquired from the information processing device 1 is an execution result indicating that the processing has been completed (step S117: YES), the process proceeds to step S119.

[0036] (Step S119) Based on the response obtained from the information processing device 1, the cloud server 5 returns to the client terminal 7 the execution result of the AI ​​model (e.g., "YY") in response to the question for the AI ​​received from the client terminal 7 (e.g., "Who is the CEO of XXX?").

[0037] (Step S121) The client terminal 7 acquires and displays the execution result of the AI ​​model (for example, "YY") acquired from the cloud server 5.

[0038] [Configuration of information processing device] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the information processing device 1 that executes processing using an AI model when transitioning to a standby state in the information processing system SYS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0039] The information processing device 1 is, for example, a notebook (clamshell) type PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 1 includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, and a hinge mechanism 15. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected using the hinge mechanism 15. The first housing 10 is rotatable relative to the second housing 20 around a rotation axis defined by the hinge mechanism 15. The opening angle resulting from the rotation of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is shown as "θ".

[0040] The first housing 10 is also referred to as the A cover or display housing. The second housing 20 is also referred to as the C cover or system housing. In the following description, the sides of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 that are provided with the hinge mechanism 15 are referred to as side 10c and 20c, respectively. The sides of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 opposite side 10c and 20c are referred to as side 10a and 20a, respectively. In the illustration, the direction from side 20a toward side 20c is referred to as the "rear," and the direction from side 20c toward side 20a is referred to as the "front." The right and left sides of the rear are referred to as the "right" and "left," respectively. The left sides of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are referred to as side 10b and 20b, respectively, and the right sides are referred to as side 10d and 20d, respectively. Furthermore, the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 overlap and are completely closed (a state in which the opening angle θ=0°) is referred to as the "closed state." In the closed state, the surfaces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 that face each other are referred to as the "inner surfaces," and the surfaces opposite the inner surfaces are referred to as the "outer surfaces." Furthermore, the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are open relative to the closed state is referred to as the "open state."

[0041] The external appearance of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of an open state. In the open state, the side surface 10a of the first housing 10 and the side surface 20a of the second housing 20 are separated. In the open state, the inner surfaces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are exposed. The open state is one of the states when a user uses the information processing device 1, and it is typically used with an opening angle θ of approximately 100 to 130°. The range of the opening angle θ that results in the open state can be determined arbitrarily depending on the range of angles that can be rotated by the hinge mechanism 15, etc.

[0042] A display unit 110 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 10. The display unit 110 is configured to include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like. An imaging unit 120 is provided in a peripheral region of the display unit 110 on the inner surface of the first housing 10. For example, the imaging unit 120 is disposed on the side surface 10a side of the peripheral region of the display unit 110. Note that the position where the imaging unit 120 is disposed is an example, and the imaging unit 120 may be disposed in another location as long as it can face in a direction facing the display screen of the display unit 110.

[0043] In the open state, the imaging unit 120 captures an image of a predetermined imaging range in the direction facing the display screen of the display unit 110 (i.e., in front of the information processing device 1). The predetermined imaging range is the range of the angle of view determined by the imaging element of the imaging unit 120 and an optical lens provided in front of the imaging surface of the imaging element. For example, the imaging unit 120 can capture an image including a person (user) present in front of (on the front side of) the information processing device 1.

[0044] A power button 140 is provided on the side surface 20b of the second housing 20. The power button 140 is an operator that allows the user to instruct turning the power on or off, transitioning from a standby state to a normal operating state, transitioning from the normal operating state to a standby state, etc. The normal operating state is an operating state of the system in which processing can be executed without any particular restrictions, and corresponds to, for example, the S0 state defined by ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface).

[0045] Furthermore, a keyboard 151 and a touchpad 153 are provided on the inner surface of the second housing 20 as input devices that accept user operation inputs. Note that, instead of or in addition to the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153, a touch sensor may be provided as the input device, or a mouse or an external keyboard may be connected. In the case where a touch sensor is provided, an area corresponding to the display screen of the display unit 110 may be configured as a touch panel that accepts operations. The input device may also include a microphone that inputs voice.

[0046] In addition, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are in a closed state, the display unit 110 and the imaging unit 120 provided on the inner surface of the first housing 10, and the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153 provided on the inner surface of the second housing 20 are covered by the surface of the other housing, and are unable to function.

[0047] The information processing device 1 executes HPD (Human Presence Detection) processing to detect a person present in front of the information processing device 1 based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 120.

[0048] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a person detection range of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In the example shown, a detection range FoV (Field of View: detection field of view angle) in front of the information processing device 1 is a range in which a person can be detected.

[0049] The detection range FoV corresponds to the imaging angle of view captured by the information processing device 1. For example, the information processing device 1 detects a face area where a face is captured and the angle of the face from a captured image captured by the imaging unit 120. For example, the information processing device 1 determines that a person is present when a face area is detected from the captured image. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 determines the orientation of the face based on the angle of the face detected from the captured image.

[0050] The information processing device 1 controls the operating state of the system of the information processing device 1 according to the presence or absence of a person through HPD processing. For example, the information processing device 1 is controlled to a normal operating state when a person is present in front of the information processing device 1, and is controlled to a standby state when no person is present in front of the information processing device 1.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the HPD process of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 detects a person in front of the information processing device 1 through the HPD process and controls the system operation state of the information processing device 1 based on the presence or absence of the person. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the information processing device 1 detects a change from a state in which no person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (absence) to a state in which a person is present (presence), i.e., when it detects that a person has approached the information processing device 1 (approach), the information processing device 1 automatically returns to the normal operation state. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the information processing device 1 detects a state in which a person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (presence), the information processing device 1 continues the normal operation state. Also, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the information processing device 1 detects a change from a state in which a person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (presence) to a state in which a person is not present (absence), i.e., when it detects that a person has left the information processing device 1 (leave), the information processing device 1 transitions the system to the standby state.

[0052] Furthermore, in the HPD process, the information processing device 1 determines the orientation of the face by detecting the angle of the face of a person in front of the information processing device 1, and reduces the screen brightness to save power if it is determined that the person is not looking at the screen of the display unit 110. This process of reducing the screen brightness by the HPD process (Dimming process) is hereinafter referred to as "screen brightness reduction process."

[0053] In the following, the original screen brightness before reduction will be referred to as "standard brightness," and the screen brightness reduced from the standard brightness will be referred to as "low brightness." Low brightness is at least a brightness lower than the standard brightness, and the lower the brightness, the greater the power saving effect. For example, low brightness may be a brightness of about 0 to 10% of the standard brightness.

[0054] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the screen brightness reduction process according to this embodiment. For example, the information processing device 1 determines whether the face of a person (user) present in front of the information processing device 1 is facing the direction of the information processing device 1 (the direction of the display unit 110 and the imaging unit 120) based on the angle of the face. The face direction here refers to the direction corresponding to the rotation angle of the face in the left-right or up-down direction. Hereinafter, a state in which the face is facing the direction of the information processing device 1 (the direction of the display unit 110 and the imaging unit 120) is defined as a state in which the face is facing forward relative to the information processing device 1.

[0055] 6A shows a state in which the face is facing forward with respect to the information processing device 1, and it can be determined that the face is looking at the screen of the display unit 110. Therefore, the information processing device 1 controls the screen brightness of the display unit 110 to standard brightness. On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows a state in which the face is not facing forward with respect to the information processing device 1 (for example, facing sideways), and it can be determined that the face is not looking at the screen of the display unit 110. Therefore, when the face direction changes from the state shown in FIG. 6A to the state shown in FIG. 6B, the information processing device 1 reduces the screen brightness of the display unit 110 from standard brightness to low brightness. Furthermore, when the face direction changes from the state shown in FIG. 6B to the state shown in FIG. 6A, the information processing device 1 returns the screen brightness of the display unit 110 from low brightness to standard brightness.

[0056] [Hardware configuration of information processing device] Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 7, components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. The information processing device 1 includes a display unit 110, an imaging unit 120, an external connection terminal 130, a power button 140, an input device 150, a communication unit 160, a storage unit 170, an EC (Embedded Controller) 200, a face detection unit 210, a main processing unit 300, and a power supply unit 400.

[0057] The display unit 110 displays display data (images) generated based on system processing executed by the main processing unit 300 and processing of application programs running on the system processing.

[0058] The imaging unit 120 captures an image of an object within a predetermined imaging range (angle of view) in the direction facing the inner surface of the first housing 10 (forward), and outputs the captured image to the main processing unit 300 and the face detection unit 210. For example, the imaging unit 120 includes a visible light camera (RGB camera) that captures images using visible light, and an infrared camera (IR camera) that captures images using infrared light.

[0059] The imaging unit 120 may be configured to include either a visible light camera or an infrared camera, or may be configured to include both.

[0060] The external connection terminal 130 is a connection terminal for connecting to an external device. For example, the external connection terminal 130 is an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, a USB Type-C terminal, or the like.

[0061] The power button 140 outputs an operation signal to the EC 200 in response to a user operation. The input device 150 is an HPD (input unit) that accepts input from a user, and is configured to include, for example, a keyboard 151 and a touchpad 153. In response to accepting an operation on the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153, the input device 150 outputs an operation signal indicating the operation content to the EC 200.

[0062] The communication unit 160 is communicably connected to other devices via a wireless or wired communication network NW, and transmits and receives various types of data. For example, the communication unit 160 is configured to include a wired LAN interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN interface such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). As an example, the communication unit 160 performs data communication with the cloud server 5 via the communication network NW.

[0063] The storage unit 170 includes storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 170 stores various programs such as an OS, device drivers, and applications, as well as various data acquired by the operation of the programs.

[0064] The power supply unit 400 supplies power to each unit of the information processing device 1 according to the operating state of each unit. The power supply unit 400 includes a DC (Direct Current) / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the voltage of direct current power supplied from an AC (Alternate Current) / DC adapter or a battery (battery pack) into the voltage required by each unit. The power whose voltage is converted by the DC / DC converter is supplied to each unit via each power supply system. For example, the power supply unit 400 supplies power to each unit via each power supply system based on a control signal input from the EC 200.

[0065] The EC200 is a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and I / O (Input / Output) logic circuits. The CPU of the EC200 reads a control program (firmware) pre-stored in its own ROM, executes the read control program, and performs its functions. The EC200 operates independently of the main processing unit 300, controls the operation of the main processing unit 300, and manages its operating state. The EC200 is also connected to the power button 140, the input device 150, the power supply unit 400, and the like.

[0066] For example, the EC 200 communicates with the power supply unit 400 to acquire information on the battery status (such as remaining capacity) from the power supply unit 400, and outputs to the power supply unit 400 control signals and the like for controlling the supply of power according to the operating state of each unit of the information processing device 1. The EC 200 also acquires operation signals from the power button 140 and the input device 150, and outputs to the main processing unit 300 operation signals related to processing by the main processing unit 300 among the acquired operation signals.

[0067] The face detection unit 210 is configured to include a processor that processes image data of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 120. The face detection unit 210 acquires image data of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 120 and temporarily stores the acquired image data in memory. The memory that stores the image data may be the system memory 304 or a memory (not shown) within the face detection unit 210.

[0068] For example, the face detection unit 210 processes image data of a captured image acquired from the imaging unit 120 to perform face detection processing for detecting a face area (area of ​​a face image) and a face direction (angle) from the captured image.

[0069] Any detection method can be applied as a face detection method, such as a face detection algorithm that detects faces based on facial feature information, or face detection using learning data (trained model) machine-learned based on facial feature information, a face detection library, etc. Furthermore, the face detection unit 210 extracts the positions of landmarks such as the left eye, right eye, nose, mouth, and chin, and detects the orientation (angle) of the face from the extracted positional relationship.

[0070] Furthermore, the face detection unit 210 outputs the detection result of the HPD processing based on the detection results of the face area and the angle of the face detected in the face detection processing. For example, the face detection unit 210 outputs the detection result based on the presence or absence of a person and the direction of the face to the main processing unit 300.

[0071] The main processing unit 300 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 302, a chipset 303, and a system memory 304, and is capable of executing processing of various application programs on an OS (Operating System) through system processing based on the OS.

[0072] The CPU 301 is a processor that executes processes based on BIOS programs, processes based on OS programs, and processes based on application programs that run on the OS. For example, the CPU 301 executes processes such as returning the system from a standby state to a normal operating state and transitioning from the normal operating state to a standby state. As an example, in the HPD process based on the face detection result by the face detection unit 210 described above, the CPU 301 executes processes such as transitioning the system to a standby state and returning it from the standby state, and screen brightness reduction process that reduces the screen brightness of the display unit 110.

[0073] The GPU 302 is connected to the display unit 110. The GPU 302 generates display data by executing image processing under the control of the CPU 301. The GPU 302 outputs the generated display data to the display unit 110.

[0074] The chipset 303 has a function as a memory controller and a function as an I / O controller. For example, the chipset 303 controls the reading and writing of data from the system memory 304, the storage unit 170, etc. by the CPU 301 and the GPU 302. The chipset 303 also controls the input and output of data from the communication unit 160, the display unit 110, and the EC 200. The chipset 303 also has a function as a sensor hub. For example, the chipset 303 acquires detection results obtained by face detection processing from the face detection unit 210.

[0075] The system memory 304 is used as a reading area for programs executed by the CPU 301 and a working area for writing processing data, etc. The system memory 304 also temporarily stores image data of images captured by the imaging unit 120.

[0076] The CPU 301, GPU 302, and chipset 303 may be configured as a single integrated processor, or some or each of them may be configured as an individual processor.

[0077] [Functional configuration of information processing device] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 that executes processing using an AI model in response to a request from the cloud server 5 will be described.

[0078] 8 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a processing unit 510 as a functional configuration realized by a processor such as the face detection unit 210, the CPU 301, the chipset 303, or the EC 200 executing a program. The processing unit 510 includes an HPD processing unit 511, a system processing unit 512, an AI processing unit 513, a wait flag setting unit 514, and an AI execution control unit 515.

[0079] The HPD processing unit 511 detects whether or not a person is present based on the detection result by the face detection unit 210. For example, if a face area is detected from the captured image, the HPD processing unit 511 determines that a person is present and outputs information indicating that a person is present (Presence=true). Furthermore, if a face area is not detected from the captured image, the HPD processing unit 511 outputs information indicating that a person is absent (Presence=false).

[0080] Furthermore, the HPD processing unit 511 determines whether the face is facing forward relative to the information processing device 1 based on the detection result by the face detection unit 210, and outputs the determination result. For example, when the HPD processing unit 511 determines that the face is facing forward relative to the information processing device 1, it outputs information indicating that the user is paying attention to the information processing device 1 (Attention=true). When the HPD processing unit 511 determines that the face is not facing forward relative to the information processing device 1, it outputs information indicating that the user is not paying attention to the information processing device 1 (Attention=false).

[0081] The system processing unit 512 is a functional configuration realized by the CPU 301 executing programs such as the system and applications that run on the system. For example, the system processing unit 512 controls the operating state of the system, such as starting up the system, transitioning to a standby state, and shutting down the system.

[0082] As an example, the system processing unit 512 controls the operating state of the system based on the detection result of the presence or absence of a person by the HPD processing unit 511. Specifically, for example, when the system processing unit 512 acquires information indicating the presence of a person from the HPD processing unit 511 in the standby state (Presence=True), the system processing unit 512 returns from the standby state and transitions to the normal operating state (return from standby state). Also, when the system processing unit 512 acquires information indicating the absence of a person from the HPD processing unit 511 in the normal operating state (Presence=False), the system processing unit 512 transitions to the standby state (for example, screen off).

[0083] Furthermore, when the HPD processing unit 511 determines that a person is present, the system processing unit 512 executes a screen brightness reduction process based on the determination result of whether or not the person's face is facing forward toward the information processing device 1. For example, when the system processing unit 512 acquires information indicating that the person is not paying attention to the information processing device 1 (Attention=false), the system processing unit 512 reduces the screen brightness of the display unit 110 from standard brightness to low brightness and transitions to a standby state. Furthermore, when the system processing unit 512 subsequently acquires information indicating that the person is paying attention to the information processing device 1 (Attention=true), the system processing unit 512 returns the screen brightness of the display unit 110 from low brightness to standard brightness (return from the standby state).

[0084] The AI ​​processing unit 513 includes an AI engine that executes processing using an AI model such as a large-scale language model (LLM). The AI ​​processing unit 513 inputs a question (e.g., "Who is the CEO of XXX?") received from the cloud server 5 via the communication network NW to the AI ​​model, and outputs the execution result (e.g., "YY").

[0085] When the system processing unit 512 transitions to a standby state, the standby flag setting unit 514 transmits a flag indicating that the information processing device 1 is in a standby state to the cloud server 5 via the communication network NW. By receiving this flag, the cloud server 5 can determine which information processing device 1 is in a standby state.

[0086] Furthermore, after transmitting a flag indicating that the device is on standby to the cloud server 5, if the HPD processing unit 511 detects the presence of a person, the standby flag setting unit 514 clears the flag indicating that the device is on standby.

[0087] Specifically, for example, when a flag indicating that the information processing device 1 is in standby is set to "1" and a flag indicating that the information processing device 1 is not in standby is set to "0," the standby flag setting unit 514 transmits the flag indicating that the information processing device 1 is in standby to "1" when the system processing unit 512 transitions the information processing device 1 to the standby state. Furthermore, if the HPD processing unit 511 subsequently detects the presence of a person, the standby flag setting unit 514 clears the flag by transmitting the flag to the cloud server 5 as "0." The cloud server 5 can determine whether the information processing device 1 is in standby or not depending on whether the flag is "1" or "0."

[0088] When the AI ​​execution control unit 515 receives a request (a request to execute AI processing) for a question to the AI ​​(e.g., "Who is the CEO of XXX?") from the cloud server 5 in response to the waiting flag setting unit 514 setting the flag to "1" to indicate that the AI ​​is on standby, the AI ​​execution control unit 515 causes the AI ​​processing unit 513 to start executing processing using the AI ​​model. When the AI ​​processing by the AI ​​processing unit 513 is completed, the AI ​​execution control unit 515 transmits the completed execution result (e.g., "YY") to the cloud server 5.

[0089] In addition, when the HPD processing unit 511 detects the presence of a person, the AI ​​execution control unit 515 stops the AI ​​processing by the AI ​​processing unit 513 if it is currently running, and transmits to the cloud server 5 the execution results up to the time of the stoppage and incompletion information indicating that the AI ​​processing is incomplete.

[0090] 9 is a timing chart showing an example of control by the processing unit 510 according to this embodiment. In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the relationship between HPD processing, the state of the system (OS), and the availability of the information processing device 1 (AI host) that performs AI processing is shown on the time axis.

[0091] At time t0, when the HPD processing unit 511 outputs "Presence=True" and "Attention=true", i.e., when a person is present and facing forward (HPD=True), the system processing unit 512 turns on the screen of the display unit 110 (screen on).

[0092] At time t1, let us say that the HPD processing unit 511 outputs "Presence=True" and "Attention=false" or "Presence=false" and "Attention=false," i.e., a state in which a person is present but not facing forward (HPD=No Attention) or a state in which a person is absent (HPD=No Presence). In this case, at time t2 after a predetermined time has elapsed in this state, the system processing unit 512 reduces the screen brightness of the display unit 110 to low brightness (Screen Dimming).

[0093] Furthermore, if the HPD processing unit 511 continues to output "Presence=True" and "Attention=false" or "Presence=false" and "Attention=false" and reaches time t3, the system processing unit 512 turns off the screen of the display unit 110 (screen off).

[0094] At time t4, when the HPD processing unit 511 outputs "Presence=True" and "Attention=true", i.e., when a person is present and facing forward (HPD=True), the system processing unit 512 turns on the screen of the display unit 110 (screen on).

[0095] In this case, the period from time t2 to time t4 is the standby period, during which the AI ​​engine of the information processing device 1 (AI host) is available. When the information processing device 1 transitions to the standby state at time t2, it sends a flag indicating that it is on standby to the cloud server 5, and clears the flag when it returns from the standby state at time t4.

[0096] Next, the operation of AI host processing in which the processing unit 510 of the information processing device 1 executes AI processing in response to a request from the cloud server 5 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of host processing in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0097] (Step S201) Processing unit 510 determines whether the detection result of the HPD processing is "Presence=false" or "Attention=false." If processing unit 510 determines that "Presence=True" and "Attention=true" are true (step S201: NO), processing unit 510 performs the processing of step S201 again. On the other hand, if processing unit 510 determines that "Presence=false" or "Attention=false" is true (step S201: YES), processing unit 510 proceeds to step S203.

[0098] (Step S203) Processing unit 510 determines whether the screen luminance of display unit 110 is being reduced (Dimmed) to low luminance. If processing unit 510 determines that the screen luminance of display unit 110 is being reduced (Dimmed) (step S203: YES), processing proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if processing unit 510 determines that the screen luminance of display unit 110 is not being reduced (Dimmed) (step S203: NO), processing proceeds to step S205.

[0099] (Step S205) Processing unit 510 determines whether the screen of display unit 110 is turned off (screen off). If processing unit 510 determines that the screen of display unit 110 is not turned off (screen off) (step S205: NO), processing unit 510 returns to step S201. On the other hand, if processing unit 510 determines that the screen of display unit 110 is turned off (screen off) (step S205: YES), processing unit 510 proceeds to step S207.

[0100] (Step S207) Processing unit 510 transmits a flag indicating that it is waiting to cloud server 5 via communication network NW. Then, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0101] (Step S209) The processing unit 510 determines whether or not a request for a question to the AI ​​(for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?") has been received from the cloud server 5. If the processing unit 510 determines that a request has not been received (step S209: NO), the processing unit 510 proceeds to step S211 and waits for a request from the cloud server 5.

[0102] (Step S211) Processing unit 510 determines whether the detection result of the HPD processing is "Presence=True." If processing unit 510 determines that "Presence=True" (step S211: YES), processing unit 510 proceeds to step S225. On the other hand, if processing unit 510 determines that "Presence=True" is not true (step S211: NO), processing unit 510 returns to step S209.

[0103] If processing unit 510 determines in step S209 that a request has been acquired (step S209: YES), processing unit 510 proceeds to step S213.

[0104] (Step S213) The processing unit 510 inputs the request for the question (for example, "Who is the CEO of XXX?") received from the cloud server 5 to the AI ​​model, and starts execution of the AI ​​processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S215.

[0105] (Step S215) Processing unit 510 determines whether or not the AI ​​processing has been completed. If processing unit 510 determines that the AI ​​processing has been completed (step S215: YES), processing proceeds to step S217. On the other hand, if processing unit 510 determines that the AI ​​processing has not been completed (step S215: NO), processing proceeds to step S219.

[0106] (Step S217) When the processing unit 510 completes the AI ​​processing, it transmits the completed execution result (for example, "YY") to the cloud server 5. Then, the process returns to step S209 and waits for the next request.

[0107] (Step S219) Processing unit 510 determines whether the detection result of the HPD processing is "Presence=True." If processing unit 510 determines that "Presence=True" is not true (step S219: NO), processing unit 510 returns to step S213 and continues AI processing. On the other hand, if processing unit 510 determines that "Presence=True" is true (step S219: YES), processing unit 510 proceeds to step S221.

[0108] (Step S221) Processing unit 510 stops the execution of the AI ​​processing, and proceeds to step S223.

[0109] (Step S223) Processing unit 510 transmits the execution result up to the time when execution of the AI ​​processing was stopped and incompletion information indicating that the AI ​​processing is incomplete to cloud server 5. Then, the process proceeds to step S225.

[0110] (Step S225) Processing unit 510 clears the flag indicating that it is on standby, and then proceeds to step S227.

[0111] (Step S227) Processing unit 510 returns from the standby state to the normal operation state, and then returns to step S201.

[0112] [Summary of the embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 160 that performs data communication with a cloud server 5 (an example of a server) via a communication network NW, a system memory 304 (an example of a memory) that temporarily stores a system program, a processor that executes system processing based on the program stored in the system memory 304, and an imaging unit 120 (an example of a detection sensor) that detects the presence or absence of a person in a detection range FoV (an example of a predetermined detection range). Here, the processor refers to the CPU 301, chipset 303, or EC 200 included in the main processing unit 300. When the system enters a standby state, the processing unit 510, which is a functional configuration realized by a processor such as the face detection unit 210, the CPU 301, the chipset 303, or the EC 200 executing a program, transmits a flag indicating that the system is in standby mode from the communication unit 160 to the cloud server 5 via the communication network NW. Furthermore, when the processing unit 510 receives a request (execution request) for AI processing (an example of a specific processing) from the cloud server 5 in response to transmitting the flag, it starts executing the AI ​​processing. In addition, when the processing unit 510 detects the presence of a person in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit 120 (Presence = true), it stops the AI ​​processing if it is currently running, and transmits the execution results up to the time of the stop and incomplete information indicating that the AI ​​processing is incomplete to the cloud server 5 via the communication network NW from the communication unit 160.

[0113] As a result, the information processing device 1 acts as a host and performs processing in a standby state in response to a request from the cloud server 5, and can also detect that the user has returned before the user touches the information processing device 1 and stop the processing, thereby preventing a situation in which resources are not sufficiently secured and processing becomes heavy when the user uses the information processing device 1. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can suppress the impact on performance when locally executing processing with a high load.

[0114] Furthermore, when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit 120, the processing unit 510 clears the flag when AI processing is not being performed.

[0115] As a result, when the information processing device 1 is being used by a user, it can notify the cloud server 5 that it is in a state where it is unable to act as a host and perform processing in response to a request from the cloud server 5. Therefore, the cloud server 5 can request the execution of processing from among the multiple information processing devices 1, excluding the information processing device 1 that is being used.

[0116] In addition, when the processing unit 510 detects the presence of a person in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit 120, it stops the AI ​​processing if it is currently being executed, then returns the system from the standby state and clears the above flag.

[0117] As a result, the information processing device 1 performs processing in response to a request from the cloud server 5 while in a standby state, and when the user returns, stops the processing and then returns to a state where the user can use it, thereby preventing a situation in which resources are not sufficiently secured and processing becomes heavy when the user uses the information processing device 1. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can suppress the impact on performance when locally executing processing with a high load.

[0118] The information processing device 1 also includes a display unit 110 that displays information based on system processing. For example, the processing unit 510 turns off the screen of the display unit 110 (screen off) when transitioning the system to a standby state, and turns on the screen of the display unit 110 (screen on) when returning the system from the standby state.

[0119] As a result, when the screen is off (i.e., when the user is not using the information processing device 1), the information processing device 1 acts as a host and performs processing in response to requests from the cloud server 5, and when the user returns, the processing is stopped and the screen is turned on, returning the information processing device 1 to a state where it can be used by the user. This prevents the situation where sufficient resources are not secured when the user uses the information processing device 1, resulting in heavy processing.

[0120] Furthermore, when the processing unit 510 detects the presence of a person in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit 120, it further determines whether the person's face is facing forward (an example of a specific direction). For example, when the processing unit 510 determines that the face of a person present in the detection range FoV is not facing forward, it transitions the system to a standby state (for example, reduces the screen brightness) and then transmits the flag to the cloud server 5. Furthermore, when the processing unit 510 determines that the face of a person present in the detection range FoV is facing forward, it stops the execution of AI processing if it is being executed and then returns the system from the standby state.

[0121] As a result, when the user is not facing forward (i.e., when the user is not using the information processing device 1), the information processing device 1 acts as a host and performs processing in response to requests from the cloud server 5, and when the user uses the information processing device 1, the processing stops and the information processing device 1 returns to a state where the user can use the information processing device 1, thereby preventing insufficient resources from being secured and processing from becoming heavy when the user uses the information processing device 1.

[0122] The information processing device 1 also includes a display unit 110 that performs display based on system processing. The front (an example of the specific direction) is the direction toward the information processing device 1. The processing unit 510 reduces the screen brightness of the display unit 110 when transitioning the system to a standby state, and restores the screen brightness of the display unit 110 to the level before reduction when returning the system from the standby state.

[0123] As a result, when the information processing device 1 has reduced screen brightness because the user is not facing forward (i.e., when the user is not using it), it acts as a host and performs processing in response to a request from the cloud server 5, and when the user wants to use it, it stops the processing and then returns to a state where the user can use it, thereby preventing insufficient resources from being secured when the user uses the information processing device 1 and causing processing to become heavy.

[0124] Furthermore, AI processing (an example of specific processing) is processing that imposes a relatively large load, and is processing that can be executed by multiple information processing devices 1 by taking over processing up to a certain point in response to a request (execution request) from the cloud server 5.

[0125] As a result, when the information processing device 1 executes a process with a high load (for example, AI processing) in response to a request from the cloud server 5, the information processing device 1 performs the process only during the standby state, suspends the process before returning from the standby state, and can hand over the process to another standby information processing device 1. Therefore, even for a process with a high load (for example, AI processing), the process can be executed while being taken over by multiple local information processing devices 1 without using the process of the cloud server 5 (for example, a cloud AI service), and therefore a process with a high load (for example, AI processing) can be executed at low cost.

[0126] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: when the system enters a standby state, the processing unit 510, which is a functional configuration realized by a processor such as the face detection unit 210, the CPU 301, the chipset 303, or the EC 200 executing a program, sending a flag indicating that the system is on standby from the communication unit 160 to the cloud server 5 via the communication network NW; when a request (execution request) for AI processing (an example of specific processing) is received from the cloud server 5 in response to the sending of the flag, starting the execution of the AI ​​processing; when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV using the imaging unit 120 (Presence = true), stopping the execution of the AI ​​processing if it is being executed; and sending the execution result up to the time of stopping and incompletion information indicating that the AI ​​processing is incomplete from the communication unit 160 via the communication network NW to the cloud server 5.

[0127] As a result, the control method in the information processing device 1 acts as a host when in a standby state and performs processing in response to a request from the cloud server 5, and can detect that the user has returned before the user touches the information processing device 1 and stop the processing, thereby preventing a situation in which resources are not sufficiently secured and processing becomes heavy when the user uses the information processing device 1. Therefore, the control method in the information processing device 1 can suppress the impact on performance when processing with a high load is executed locally.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, responses when the information processing device 1 executes AI processing can be logged by the cloud service 5, and can therefore be used to improve the AI ​​model.

[0129] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, an information processing device 1 that is not being used within an organization (company) can be effectively utilized when executing a process with a high load (for example, AI processing), so if a company has offices in different countries, the information processing device 1 in each office can be utilized by taking advantage of the time difference. For example, during working hours in Japan, an information processing device 1 that is not being used in the United States can be selected and used effectively to execute the process.

[0130] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the imaging unit 120 is used as a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person, but a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor may be used instead of the imaging unit 120. An ultrasonic sensor may also be used as a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person. For example, a speaker and a microphone (not shown) provided in the information processing device 1 may be used as the ultrasonic sensor.

[0132] Furthermore, the CPU 301 and the chipset 303 may be configured as separate processors, or may be integrated into a single processor. Furthermore, the CPU 301 and the GPU 302 may be configured as separate processors, or may be integrated into a single processor. Furthermore, each unit included in the main processing unit 300 may be configured as a single chip as an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0133] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the face detection unit 210 is provided separately from the CPU 301 and the chipset 303. However, part or all of the face detection unit 210 may be provided in the chipset 303, or may be provided in a processor integrated with the CPU 301 or the chipset 303. For example, the CPU 301, the chipset 303, and the face detection unit 210 may be configured as separate processors, or may be integrated into a single processor. Also, part or all of the face detection unit 210 may be provided in the EC 200. Also, part of the system processing unit 512 may be provided in the EC 200.

[0134] The information processing device 1 described above includes an internal computer system. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the information processing device 1 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the information processing device 1. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, or other communication lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0135] The recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined by the components of the information processing device 1, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a medium that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0136] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 1 in the above-described embodiment may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0137] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to a notebook PC, but may be, for example, a desktop PC. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 Information processing device, 5 Cloud server, 10 First housing, 20 Second housing, 15 Hinge mechanism, 110 Display unit (internal display), 120 Imaging unit, 130 External connection terminal, 140 Power button, 150 Input device, 151 Keyboard, 153 Touchpad, 160 Communication unit, 170 Memory unit, 200 EC, 210 Face detection unit, 300 Main processing unit, 301 CPU, 302 GPU, 303 Chipset, 304 System memory, 400 Power supply unit, 510 Processing unit, 511 HPD processing unit, 512 System processing unit, 513 AI processing unit, 514 Wait flag setting unit, 515 AI execution control unit

Claims

1. a communication unit that performs data communication with a server via a communication network; a memory for temporarily storing system programs; a processor that executes processing of the system based on a program stored in the memory; a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined detection range; Preparation, The processor: When the system is in a standby state, a flag indicating that the system is in a standby state is transmitted from the communication unit to the server via the communication network; When a request to execute a specific process is received from the server in response to the transmission of the flag, the execution of the specific process is started; When the presence of a person is detected within the detection range using the detection sensor, the specific process is stopped if it is being executed, and the execution result up to the time of the stop and incompletion information indicating that the specific process is incomplete are transmitted from the communication unit to the server via the communication network. Information processing device.

2. The processor: When the presence of a person is detected within the detection range using the detection sensor, the flag is cleared if the identification process is not being executed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: When the presence of a person is detected within the detection range by the detection sensor, the specific process is stopped if it is being executed, and then the system is returned from the standby state and the flag is cleared. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. a display unit that displays information based on the processing of the system; The processor: When the system is transitioned to a standby state, the screen of the display unit is turned off, and when the system is restored from the standby state, the screen of the display unit is turned on. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The processor: When the presence of a person is detected within the detection range using the detection sensor, it is further determined whether the person's face is facing a specific direction; transitioning the system to a standby state in response to determining that the face of the person present within the detection range is not facing the specific direction, and then transmitting the flag to the server; when it is determined that the face of the person present within the detection range is facing the specific direction, stopping the specific process if it is being executed, and then returning the system from a standby state; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. a display unit that displays information based on the processing of the system; the specific direction is a direction toward the information processing device, The processor: reducing the screen brightness of the display unit when the system is transitioned to a standby state, and restoring the screen brightness of the display unit to its pre-reduction state when the system is restored from the standby state. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The specific process is a process that involves a relatively large load and can be executed by the plurality of information processing devices by taking over the process up to a certain point in response to an execution request from the server. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. A control method for an information processing device including a communication unit that performs data communication with a server via a communication network, a memory that temporarily stores a system program, a processor that executes processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined detection range, comprising: the processor: When the system is in a standby state, transmitting a flag indicating that the system is in a standby state from the communication unit to the server via the communication network; When a request to execute a specific process is received from the server in response to the transmission of the flag, starting the execution of the specific process; a step of stopping the execution of the specific process if the presence of a person is detected within the detection range by the detection sensor; transmitting, from the communication unit to the server via the communication network, the execution result up to the time of the stop and incompletion information indicating that the specific process is incomplete; A control method comprising:

Images