Replacement support device, system, and replacement support method

Abstract

To provide a replacement support device, a system, and a replacement support method for presenting information of an electronic device being a replacement candidate having a specification matching to an actual usage state of users.SOLUTION: In a system where a plurality of electronic devices, terminal devices, and a server device are communicatively connected via a communication line, a communication device contained in an electronic device 1 receives, from a plurality of existing electronic devices, operation information indicating an operation state of each device constitution element at operation of each existing electronic device. A storage device stores specification information indicating a specification of a new electronic device being a replacement candidate. A CPU statistically integrates operation information received from the plurality of existing electronic devices 1, and selects a new electronic device having a specification for achieving an operation state similar to an operation state of electronic devices of a prescribed ratio among the plurality of existing electronic devices 1 on the basis of the statistically integrated operation information and specification information. A display device of the terminal device presents information of the selected new electronic device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a replacement support device, a system, and a replacement support method for assisting in the replacement of an electronic device such as a personal computer.

Background Art

[0002] When purchasing an electronic device such as a personal computer, it is convenient for the user to automatically present candidates suitable for the user's requirements.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a personal computer replacement support system when an individual purchases a personal computer using online sales by a virtual store on the Internet. According to the system of Patent Document 1, the server acquires the hardware information of the user terminal incorporated in the user terminal to be replaced from the user terminal, so that it becomes possible to easily find a personal computer having performance suitable for the usage feeling desired by the purchaser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the system of Patent Document 1, the server device only acquires simple hardware information (DMI (desktop management interface) information) of the user terminal, and it is difficult to propose a candidate having specifications according to the actual usage situation of the user. Therefore, it is required to propose a candidate having specifications according to the actual usage situation of the user.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a replacement support device, system, and replacement support method that can present information on potential replacement electronic devices having specifications that match the actual usage conditions of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, A replacement support device that assists in the replacement of multiple electronic devices, each containing multiple device components, A communication device that receives operational information from multiple existing electronic devices indicating the operational status of each device component during the operation of each existing electronic device, A storage device that stores specification information indicating the specifications of a new electronic device that is a candidate for replacement, A processing device that statistically aggregates operational information received from the plurality of existing electronic devices, and selects a new electronic device having specifications that enable an operational state similar to the operational state of a predetermined proportion of the plurality of existing electronic devices, based on the statistically aggregated operational information and the specification information. The system includes an output device that displays information about the selected new electronic device, and the system includes an output device that displays information about the selected new electronic device. 、 The device component includes one or more video output ports. The operation information includes a second piece of information indicating whether each of the video output ports is in use, the usage time of each of the video output ports, and at least one of the number of display screens used simultaneously. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, information on potential replacement electronic devices having specifications that match the actual usage conditions of the user can be presented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of system 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 2 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 3 in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the hardware and software architecture of the electronic device 1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the operation information collection process executed by the CPU 11 of the electronic device 1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the USB port requirement determination process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the battery requirement determination process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the video output port requirement determination process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the communication port requirement determination process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the recommended model determination process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] It is a graph showing the usage time length of each USB port 15b statistically aggregated in step S27 in FIG. 7. [Figure 13] It is a graph showing the number of simultaneously used USB ports 15b statistically aggregated in step S27 in FIG. 7. [Figure 14] It is a graph showing the discharge time length of the battery 16b statistically aggregated in step S40 in FIG. 8. [Figure 15] It is a graph showing the usage time length of each video output port 14c statistically aggregated in step S67 in FIG. 9. [Figure 16]A graph showing the number of video output ports 14c statistically aggregated in step S67 of FIG. 9. [Figure 17] A graph showing the usage time lengths of each communication port statistically aggregated in step S84 of FIG. 10. [Figure 18] A table for explaining the determination of the robustness requirements of the electronic device 1 in step S92 of FIG. 11. [Figure 19] A table showing an example of a recommended model presented in step S94 of FIG. 11. [Figure 20] A flowchart showing the operation information collection process executed by the CPU 11 of the electronic device 1 according to a modification of the embodiment. [Figure 21] A flowchart showing the subroutine of step S101 (USB port monitoring process) in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing the subroutine of step S102 (battery monitoring process) in FIG. 20. [Figure 23] A flowchart showing the subroutine of step S103 (video output port monitoring process) in FIG. 20. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing the subroutine of step S104 (communication port monitoring process) in FIG. 20.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0011] Note that the inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0012] [Configuration of the Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of system 100 according to an embodiment. System 100 in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of electronic devices 1-1 to 1-3, a server device 2, a terminal device 3, and a communication line 4.

[0013] Electronic devices 1-1 to 1-3 are connected to server device 2 via communication line 4. Each of electronic devices 1-1 to 1-3 has multiple device components, such as a USB port, battery, video output port, and communication port. Electronic devices 1-1 to 1-3 are, for example, notebook, tablet, or desktop personal computers. Electronic devices 1-1 to 1-3 belong to some group G1, such as a specific company or a specific department within a company.

[0014] In this specification, electronic devices 1-1 to 1-3 are collectively referred to as "electronic device 1".

[0015] Server device 2 acquires operational information from each electronic device 1, indicating the operating status of each device component during the operation of electronic device 1, and selects a new electronic device model that is a candidate to replace electronic device 1 based on the operational information.

[0016] Terminal device 3 is connected to server device 2 via communication line 4 or another communication line. Terminal device 3 is used, for example, by the administrator of a company that owns electronic device 1, or by a sales representative of a company that sells electronic device 1, thereby allowing the administrator or sales representative to obtain information from server device 2 about new electronic devices that are candidates to replace electronic device 1. The administrator or sales representative replaces the existing electronic device 1 with the new electronic device. Here, "replacement" may be the disposal of the existing electronic device 1 and the purchase of a new electronic device, or it may be the movement of electronic devices without the exchange of money.

[0017] Server device 2 and terminal device 3 are examples of replacement support devices according to the embodiment.

[0018] Communication line 4 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), the internet, a mobile phone network, or a combination thereof.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 1 in Figure 1. The electronic device 1 comprises a bus 10, a CPU (central processing unit) 11, memory 12, storage device 13, a GPU (graphics processing unit) 14a, a display device 14b, a video output port 14c, a USB (universal serial bus) control circuit 15a, a USB port 15b, a battery control circuit 16a, a battery 16b, a communication device 17, and an input device 18.

[0020] In this specification, each of the components 11 to 18 of the electronic device 1 is also referred to as a "device component".

[0021] The CPU 11 controls the operation of the entire electronic device 1, and for example, monitors the operating status of each device component during the operation of the electronic device 1. The memory 12 temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the electronic device 1. The storage device 13 stores data including the operating system, multiple application programs, and user data. The storage device 13 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0022] The GPU 14a further processes the data processed by the CPU 11 and outputs the processed data to the display device 14b. Alternatively, the GPU 14a may output the processed data to an external display device connected via a video output port 14c. The video output port 14c includes, for example, one or more of the following: a VGA (Video Graphics Array) terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) terminal, and a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminal.

[0023] The USB control circuit 15a controls peripheral devices connected via the USB port 15b in accordance with USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 standards, etc. The USB port 15b includes either a Type A connector or a Type C connector, etc. Peripheral devices include, for example, keyboards, mice, storage devices, display devices, communication devices, printers, etc.

[0024] The battery control circuit 16a is connected to an external power source (not shown) and controls the charging and discharging of the battery 16b. When the electronic device 1 is connected to an external power source, it operates by receiving power from the external power source, and when it is not connected to an external power source, it operates using the discharge power of the battery 16b.

[0025] The communication device 17 includes one or more communication ports such as a wired LAN (local area network), wireless LAN, and wireless WAN (wide area network), and is connected to the server device 2 via any of the communication ports and communication lines 4.

[0026] The input device 18 receives user input to control the operation of the electronic device 1. The input device 18 includes, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0027] The CPU 11, memory 12, storage device 13, GPU 14a, USB control circuit 15a, battery control circuit 16a, communication device 17, and input device 18 are connected to each other via the bus 10.

[0028] If the electronic device 1 is a desktop personal computer, the display device 14b and the input device 18 are located outside the electronic device 1 and are connected to the electronic device 1 via the video output port 14c and the USB port 15b, respectively.

[0029] The electronic device 1 may further include a control circuit such as an embedded controller, as will be described later with reference to Figure 5, and may also further include a power monitor for monitoring the power consumption of each device component.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 2 in Figure 1. The server device 2 comprises a bus 20, a CPU 21, memory 22, storage device 23, display device 24, communication device 27, and input device 28. The CPU 21 controls the operation of the entire server device 2 and also selects a new electronic device model that is a candidate to replace electronic device 1. The memory 22 temporarily stores the programs and data necessary for the operation of the server device 2. The storage device 23 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores the programs necessary for the operation of the server device 2. The storage device 23 also stores an operation information database (DB), a requirements information database (DB), and a specification information database (DB) that contain data necessary to select a new electronic device model that is a candidate to replace electronic device 1. The operation information database includes operation information of the device components of each electronic device 1 received from each electronic device 1. The requirements information database includes requirements information that indicates the specifications that the new electronic device must satisfy, based on statistically aggregated data of the operation information of the device components of each electronic device 1. Here, "statistically aggregated" means calculating the frequency or proportion of occurrence of predetermined characteristics related to the device components across multiple electronic devices 1. The specification information database contains specification information indicating the specifications of new electronic devices that are candidates for replacement. The display device 24 displays information related to the status of the server device 2. The communication device 27 is communicatively connected to the electronic device 1 and the terminal device 3 via the communication line 4. The input device 28 receives user input to control the operation of the server device 2. The input device 28 includes, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device. The CPU 21, memory 22, storage device 23, display device 24, communication device 27, and input device 28 are connected to each other via the bus 20.

[0031] Server device 2 may be equipped with BI (Business Intelligence) tool software that processes data and visualizes it in the form of graphs or other formats.

[0032] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 3 in Figure 1. The terminal device 3 comprises a bus 30, a CPU 31, a memory 32, a storage device 33, a display device 34, a communication device 37, and an input device 38. The CPU 31 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 3. The memory 32 temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 3. The storage device 33 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores programs necessary for the operation of the terminal device 3. The display device 34 displays information related to the status of the terminal device 3 and also displays information on new electronic devices that are candidates for replacing each electronic device 1, obtained from the server device 2. The communication device 37 is connected to the server device 2 via a communication line 4 for communication. The input device 38 receives user input that controls the operation of the terminal device 3. The input device 38 includes, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device. The CPU 31, memory 32, storage device 33, display device 34, communication device 37, and input device 38 are connected to each other via the bus 30.

[0033] The display device 34 of the terminal device 3 is an example of an output device that presents information about a new electronic device selected by the server device 2.

[0034] Server device 2 provides an interface accessible by terminal device 3, such as a web page-based interface, to present information on new electronic devices that are candidates to replace each electronic device 1. In this case, server device 2 runs a web server application program, and terminal device 3 runs a web browser application program to access the web server of server device 2.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the hardware and software architecture of the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1. For the sake of simplicity, only some of the device components shown in Figure 2 are shown in Figure 5.

[0036] In addition to the device components shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 1 may also include a control circuit 41 such as an embedded controller, and a power monitor 42 for monitoring the power consumption of each device component. The CPU 11 executes the operating system 43 and application programs 44.

[0037] The application program 44 includes a battery information logger 44a, a device information logger 44b, an operation information logger 44c, a power consumption information logger 44d, and a log manager 44e. The battery information logger 44a obtains information such as the power consumption of the battery 16b from the control circuit 41. The device information logger 44b obtains hardware information and various setting information of the electronic device 1 itself from the operating system 43. The device information logger 44b also obtains information that is difficult to obtain from the operating system 43, such as the model name, product number, and serial number of the electronic device 1, from the control circuit 41. The operation information logger 44c obtains information about peripheral devices connected to the USB port 15b, the video output port 14c, and the communication port from the operating system 43. The power consumption information logger 44d obtains power consumption information for the USB port 15b, the video output port 14c, and the communication port from the power monitor 42.

[0038] The power consumption information logger 44d may be, for example, an E3 (Energy Estimation Engine) running on Microsoft Windows®.

[0039] The log manager 44e periodically (for example, every few minutes or every few hours) executes the battery information logger 44a, the device information logger 44b, the operation information logger 44c, and the power consumption information logger 44d, and acquires information from each logger 44a to 44d. The log manager 44e temporarily stores the information acquired by each logger 44a to 44d locally and periodically (for example, every day, every week, or every month) sends the stored information to the server device 2.

[0040] Server device 2 formats and stores the operation information obtained from each electronic device 1 in log format.

[0041] [Operation of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of the system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 19. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 19, each electronic device 1 has three USB ports 15b-1 to 15b-3, three video output ports 14c, namely a VGA terminal, an HDMI terminal, and a DVI terminal, and three communication ports, namely a wired LAN port, a wireless LAN port, and a wireless WAN port.

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation information collection process performed by the CPU 11 of the electronic device 1 in Figure 2.

[0043] In step S1, the CPU 11 acquires operational information for each USB port 15b. The operational information for each USB port 15b includes, for example, information indicating whether each USB port 15b is in use, the length of time each USB port 15b is in use, and at least one of the following: the number of USB ports 15b being used simultaneously. "USB port 15b is in use" means that some peripheral device is connected to the USB port 15b. For example, the CPU 11 may acquire information indicating whether each USB port 15b is in use from the operating system 43 or the control circuit 41. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may acquire the power consumption value of the USB port 15b from the power monitor 42 as information indicating whether each USB port 15b is in use. In this case, if the power consumption of the USB port 15b exceeds a predetermined minimum value, it is determined that the USB port 15b is in use. In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the electronic device 1 acquires information indicating whether each USB port 15b is in use and transmits it to the server device 2. Based on this information, the server device 2 calculates the usage time of each USB port 15b and the number of USB ports 15b being used simultaneously.

[0044] In step S2, the CPU 11 acquires operational information of the battery 16b. This operational information includes, for example, information indicating whether the battery 16b is discharging or the discharge time of the battery 16b of the electronic device 1. In the examples of Figures 6 and 8, the electronic device 1 acquires information indicating whether the battery 16b is discharging and transmits it to the server device 2, and the server device 2 calculates the discharge time of the battery 16b of the electronic device 1 based on this information.

[0045] In step S3, the CPU 11 obtains operational information for each video output port 14c. The operational information for each video output port 14c includes, for example, information indicating whether each video output port 14c is in use, the length of time each video output port 14c is in use, and at least one of the number of video output ports 14c being used simultaneously. "Video output port 14c is in use" means that an external display device is connected to the video output port 14c. For example, the CPU 11 may obtain information indicating whether each video output port 14c is in use from the operating system 43 or the control circuit 41. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may obtain the power consumption value of the video output port 14c from the power monitor 42 as information indicating whether each video output port 14c is in use. In this case, if the power consumption of the video output port 14c exceeds a predetermined minimum value, it is determined that the video output port 14c is in use. In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 9, the electronic device 1 acquires information indicating whether each video output port 14c is in use and transmits it to the server device 2. Based on this information, the server device 2 calculates the usage time of each video output port 14c and the number of video output ports 14c used simultaneously.

[0046] In step S4, the CPU 11 acquires operational information for each communication port. The operational information for each communication port includes, for example, at least one of the following: information indicating whether or not each communication port is in use, and the usage time of each communication port. "A communication port is in use" means that the electronic device 1 is communicating with an external device via the communication port. For example, the CPU 11 may acquire information indicating whether or not each communication port is in use from the operating system 43 or the control circuit 41. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may acquire the power consumption value of the communication port from the power monitor 42 as information indicating whether or not each communication port is in use. In this case, if the power consumption of the communication port exceeds a predetermined minimum value, it is determined that the communication port is in use. In the examples of Figures 6 and 10, the electronic device 1 acquires information indicating whether or not each communication port is in use and transmits it to the server device 2, and the server device 2 calculates the usage time of each communication port based on this information.

[0047] In step S5, the CPU 11 obtains information about the electronic device 1 itself. This information includes, for example, the model name, product number, and serial number of the electronic device 1.

[0048] In step S6, the CPU 11 transmits to the server device 2 the operation information acquired in steps S1 to S4, and the information of the electronic device 1 itself acquired in step S5.

[0049] In step S7, the CPU 11 determines whether the monitoring period has elapsed. If it is YES, it returns to step S1; otherwise, it repeats step S7.

[0050] The electronic device 1 periodically acquires operational information of the USB port 15b, battery 16b, video output port 14c, and communication port at each monitoring period of time T0 by executing the operational information collection process shown in Figure 6, and transmits it to the server device 2. The operational information indicates the operational status of the USB port 15b, battery 16b, video output port 14c, and communication port at a specific moment within the monitoring period. Thus, the operational information includes time-series data of the operational status.

[0051] Server device 2 stores the operation information received from each electronic device 1 and information about the electronic device 1 itself in the operation information database of storage device 23. Each time operation information is acquired over a predetermined number of monitoring periods, server device 2 executes the processes shown in Figures 7 to 10 to determine the requirements information for the USB port 15b, battery 16b, video output port 14c, and communication port. Here, in order to determine the requirements information, server device 2 statistically aggregates the operation information received from multiple electronic devices 1 included in group G1.

[0052] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the USB port requirement determination process performed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in Figure 3.

[0053] In step S11, the CPU 21 selects one electronic device 1 that is included in group G1.

[0054] In step S12, the CPU 21 reads USB port operation information for a predetermined number of monitoring periods of the selected electronic device 1 from the operation information database of the storage device 23. Furthermore, the CPU 21 initializes the parameters Tu1 to Tu3, which indicate the usage time of each USB port 15b-1 to 15b-3 of the selected electronic device 1, and the parameter Nu, which indicates the number of USB ports used simultaneously, to 0.

[0055] The USB port operation information read from the operation information database includes, for example, the following elements:

[0056] • Date and time • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Time-series data of power consumption of USB port 15b-1 • Time-series data of power consumption of USB port 15b-2 • Time-series data of power consumption of USB port 15b-3

[0057] In step S13, the CPU 21 selects USB port operation information for one monitoring period.

[0058] In step S14, the CPU 21 determines whether USB port 15b-1 is in use. If it is YES, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, it proceeds to step S17. In step S15, the CPU 21 increments the usage time Tu1 of USB port 15b-1 by the monitoring period length T0. In step S16, the CPU 21 increments Nu, the number of USB ports Nu of the selected electronic device 1 that are being used simultaneously, by 1.

[0059] In step S17, the CPU 21 determines whether USB port 15b-2 is in use. If it is YES, the process proceeds to step S18; otherwise, it proceeds to step S20. In step S18, the CPU 21 increments the usage time Tu2 of USB port 15b-2 by the monitoring period length T0. In step S19, the CPU 21 increments the number of USB ports used simultaneously, Nu, by 1.

[0060] In step S20, the CPU 21 determines whether USB port 15b-3 is in use. If it is YES, the process proceeds to step S21; otherwise, it proceeds to step S23. In step S21, the CPU 21 increments the usage time Tu3 of USB port 15b-3 by the monitoring period length T0. In step S22, the CPU 21 increments the number of USB ports used simultaneously Nu by 1.

[0061] In step S23, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the USB port operation information of the selected electronic device 1 over all monitoring periods. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S25; otherwise, it proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the CPU 21 selects USB port operation information for other monitoring periods and repeats steps S14 to S23.

[0062] By executing steps S13 to S24, the CPU 21 determines the usage time Tu1 to Tu3 for each USB port 15b-1 to 15b-3 of the selected electronic device 1, and the maximum value Nu of the number of USB ports used simultaneously.

[0063] In step S25, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the USB port operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. If the answer is YES, it proceeds to step S27; otherwise, it proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the CPU 21 selects another electronic device 1 included in group G1 and repeats steps S12 to S25.

[0064] In step S27, the CPU 21 statistically aggregates the USB port operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. Here, the CPU 21 may calculate the frequency of usage time for each of the USB ports 15b-1 to 15b-3 as statistically aggregated USB port operation information across multiple electronic devices 1. The CPU 21 may also calculate the ratio of different numbers of USB ports 15b used simultaneously as statistically aggregated USB port operation information across multiple electronic devices 1. In step S28, the CPU 21 stores the statistically aggregated USB port operation information as USB port requirements in the requirements information database of the storage device 23.

[0065] USB port requirements stored in the requirements information database include, for example, the following elements:

[0066] ·period • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Usage time of USB port 15b-1 • Usage time of USB port 15b-2 • Duration of use of USB port 15b-3 • Number of USB ports that can be used simultaneously

[0067] Figure 12 is a graph showing the usage time of each USB port 15b, statistically aggregated in step S27 of Figure 7. Figure 13 is a graph showing the number of USB ports 15b used simultaneously, statistically aggregated in step S27 of Figure 7. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, by statistically aggregating the USB port operation information of multiple electronic devices 1, it is possible to determine how many USB ports 15b a candidate replacement electronic device should have and to understand the trend in demand for USB ports 15b.

[0068] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the battery requirement determination process performed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in Figure 3.

[0069] In step S31, the CPU 21 selects one electronic device 1 that is included in group G1.

[0070] In step S32, the CPU 21 reads battery operation information for a predetermined number of monitoring periods for the selected electronic device 1 from the operation information database of the storage device 23. Furthermore, the CPU 21 initializes the parameter Tb, which indicates the discharge time length of the battery 16b of the selected electronic device 1, to 0.

[0071] The battery operation information read from the operation information database includes, for example, the following elements:

[0072] • Date and time • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Time-series data of flags indicating charge / discharge status

[0073] In step S33, the CPU 21 selects battery operation information for one monitoring period.

[0074] In step S34, the CPU 21 determines whether the battery 16b is discharging or not. If it is YES, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S35; otherwise, it proceeds to step S36. In step S35, the CPU 21 increments the discharge time Tb of the battery 16b by the monitoring period length T0.

[0075] In step S36, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the battery operation information of the selected electronic device 1 over all monitoring periods. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S38; otherwise, it proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the CPU 21 selects USB port operation information for other monitoring periods and repeats steps S34 to S36.

[0076] By performing steps S33 to S37, the CPU 21 determines the discharge time length Tb of the battery 16b of the selected electronic device 1.

[0077] In step S38, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the battery operation information for all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. If the answer is YES, it proceeds to step S40; otherwise, it proceeds to step S39. In step S39, the CPU 21 selects another electronic device 1 included in group G1 and repeats steps S32 to S38.

[0078] In step S40, the CPU 21 statistically aggregates the battery operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. Here, the CPU 21 may calculate, for example, the frequency of the discharge time length of battery 16b as statistically aggregated battery operation information across multiple electronic devices 1. In step S41, the CPU 21 stores the statistically aggregated battery operation information as battery requirements in the requirements information database of the storage device 23.

[0079] Battery requirements stored in the requirements information database include, for example, the following elements:

[0080] ·period • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Discharge time length

[0081] Figure 14 is a graph showing the discharge time of battery 16b, statistically aggregated in step S40 of Figure 8. As shown in Figure 14, by statistically aggregating the battery operation information of multiple electronic devices 1, the trend in battery capacity that candidate electronic devices should have can be identified.

[0082] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the video output port requirement determination process performed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in Figure 3.

[0083] In step S51, the CPU 21 selects one electronic device 1 that is included in group G1.

[0084] In step S52, the CPU 21 reads video output port operation information for a predetermined number of monitoring periods of the selected electronic device 1 from the operation information database in the storage device 23. Furthermore, the CPU 21 initializes parameters Tv1 to Tv3, which indicate the usage time of each video output port 14c of the selected electronic device 1, i.e., the VGA terminal, HDMI terminal, and DVI terminal, and parameter Nv, which indicates the number of video output ports used simultaneously, to 0.

[0085] The video output port operation information read from the operation information database includes, for example, the following elements:

[0086] • Date and time • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Time-series data of power consumption of VGA connectors • Time-series data of power consumption at HDMI terminals • Time-series data of DVI port power consumption

[0087] In step S53, the CPU 21 selects video output port operation information for one monitoring period.

[0088] In step S54, the CPU 21 determines whether the VGA terminal is in use. If it is YES, the CPU proceeds to step S55; otherwise, it proceeds to step S57. In step S55, the CPU 21 increments the VGA terminal usage time Tv1 by the monitoring period length T0. In step S56, the CPU 21 increments the number of video output ports Nv that are simultaneously used among the video output ports 14c of the selected electronic device 1 by 1.

[0089] In step S57, the CPU 21 determines whether the HDMI terminal is in use. If it is YES, the CPU proceeds to step S58; otherwise, it proceeds to step S60. In step S58, the CPU 21 increments the HDMI terminal usage time Tv2 by the monitoring period length T0. In step S59, the CPU 21 increments the number of video output ports used simultaneously Nv by 1.

[0090] In step S60, the CPU 21 determines whether the DVI terminal is in use. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S61; otherwise, it proceeds to step S63. In step S61, the CPU 21 increments the DVI terminal usage time Tv3 by the monitoring period length T0. In step S62, the CPU 21 increments the number of video output ports used simultaneously Nv by 1.

[0091] In step S63, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the video output port operation information of the selected electronic device 1 over all monitoring periods. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S65; otherwise, it proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the CPU 21 selects the video output port operation information for other monitoring periods and repeats steps S54 to S63.

[0092] By executing steps S53 to S64, the CPU 21 determines the usage time Tu1 to Tu3 for each video output port 14c of the selected electronic device 1, and the maximum value Nu of the number of video output ports 14c used simultaneously.

[0093] In step S65, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the video output port operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S67; otherwise, it proceeds to step S66. In step S66, the CPU 21 selects another electronic device 1 included in group G1 and repeats steps S52 to S65.

[0094] In step S67, the CPU 21 statistically aggregates the video output port operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. Here, the CPU 21 may calculate the frequency of usage time for each of the VGA, HDMI, and DVI terminals as statistically aggregated video output port operation information across multiple electronic devices 1. The CPU 21 may also calculate the ratio of different numbers of video output ports 14c used simultaneously as statistically aggregated video output port operation information across multiple electronic devices 1. In step S68, the CPU 21 stores the statistically aggregated video output port operation information as video output port requirements in the requirements information database of the storage device 23.

[0095] The video output port requirements stored in the requirements information database include, for example, the following elements:

[0096] ·period • Model name or product number of the electronic device • VGA port usage time • HDMI terminal usage time • DVI port usage time • Number of video output ports that can be used simultaneously

[0097] Figure 15 is a graph showing the usage time of each video output port 14c statistically aggregated in step S67 of Figure 9. Figure 16 is a graph showing the number of video output ports 14c statistically aggregated in step S67 of Figure 9. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, by statistically aggregating the video output port operation information of multiple electronic devices 1, it is possible to understand what types of video output ports 14c should be provided, how many video output ports 14c a candidate replacement electronic device should have, and the trend in demand for video output ports 14c.

[0098] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the communication port requirement determination process performed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in Figure 3.

[0099] In step S71, the CPU 21 selects one electronic device 1 that is included in group G1.

[0100] In step S72, the CPU 21 reads communication port operation information for a predetermined number of monitoring periods of the selected electronic device 1 from the operation information database in the storage device 23. Furthermore, the CPU 21 initializes parameters Tc1 to Tc3, which indicate the usage time of each communication port of the selected electronic device 1, namely the wired LAN port, wireless LAN port, and wireless WAN port, and parameter Nc, which indicates the number of communication ports used simultaneously, to 0.

[0101] The communication port operation information read from the operation information database includes, for example, the following elements:

[0102] • Date and time • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Time-series data of power consumption of wired LAN ports • Time-series data of power consumption of wireless LAN ports • Time-series data of power consumption of wireless WAN ports

[0103] In step S73, the CPU 21 selects communication port operation information for one monitoring period.

[0104] In step S74, the CPU 21 determines whether the wired LAN port is in use. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S75; otherwise, it proceeds to step S76. In step S75, the CPU 21 increments the usage time Tc1 of the wired LAN port by the monitoring period length T0.

[0105] In step S76, the CPU 21 determines whether the wireless LAN port is in use. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S77; otherwise, it proceeds to step S78. In step S77, the CPU 21 increments the usage time Tc2 of the wireless LAN port by the monitoring period length T0.

[0106] In step S78, the CPU 21 determines whether the wireless WAN port is in use. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S79; otherwise, it proceeds to step S80. In step S79, the CPU 21 increments the usage time Tc3 of the wireless WAN port by the monitoring period length T0.

[0107] In step S80, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the communication port operation information of the selected electronic device 1 over all monitoring periods. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S82; otherwise, it proceeds to step S81. In step S81, the CPU 21 selects the communication port operation information for other monitoring periods and repeats steps S74 to S80.

[0108] By executing steps S73 to S80, the CPU 21 determines the usage time lengths Tc1 to Tc3 for each communication port of the selected electronic device 1.

[0109] In step S82, the CPU 21 determines whether it has processed the communication port operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. If it is YES, it proceeds to step S84; otherwise, it proceeds to step S83. In step S83, the CPU 21 selects another electronic device 1 included in group G1 and repeats steps S72 to S82.

[0110] In step S84, the CPU 21 statistically aggregates the communication port operation information of all electronic devices 1 included in group G1. Here, the CPU 21 may calculate the frequency of usage time for each of the wired LAN port, wireless LAN port, and wireless WAN port as communication port operation information statistically aggregated across multiple electronic devices 1. In step S85, the CPU 21 stores the statistically aggregated communication port operation information as communication port requirements in the requirements information database of the storage device 23.

[0111] Communication port requirements stored in the requirements information database include, for example, the following elements:

[0112] ·period • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Wired LAN port usage time • Wireless LAN port usage time • Wireless WAN port usage time

[0113] Figure 17 is a graph showing the usage time of each communication port, statistically aggregated in step S84 of Figure 10. As shown in Figure 17, by statistically aggregating the communication port operation information of multiple electronic devices 1, it is possible to understand what type of communication port a candidate electronic device should have and to identify trends in the demand for communication ports.

[0114] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the recommended model determination process performed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2 in Figure 3.

[0115] In step S91, the CPU 21 reads the USB port requirements, battery requirements, video output port requirements, and communication port requirements from the requirements information database in the storage device 23.

[0116] In step S92, the CPU 21 determines the robustness requirements for the electronic device based on the battery requirements. The electronic device is likely to be moved while the battery 16 is discharging. As the discharge time of the battery 16 lengthens, the risk of the electronic device being subjected to impact due to drops or other causes during movement increases. Therefore, the CPU 21 determines the robustness requirements for the electronic device so that it has higher robustness as the discharge time of the battery 16b lengthens.

[0117] Figure 18 is a table illustrating the determination of the robustness requirements for the electronic device 1 in step S92 of Figure 11. The CPU 21 increases the robustness score as the discharge time of the battery 16b increases. The robustness score indicates that the device has passed a predetermined shock resistance test or vibration resistance test, such as MIL-STD-810G or MIL-STD-810H, or that it is equipped with a predetermined reinforcing member. In the example in Figure 18, a higher robustness score indicates greater robustness.

[0118] In step S93, the CPU 21 reads from the specification information database of the storage device 23 the models of electronic devices that meet the USB port requirements, battery requirements, video output port requirements, communication port requirements, and robustness requirements.

[0119] The specifications include, for example, the following elements:

[0120] ·Manufacturer • Model name or product number of the electronic device • Thumbnail image • Number of USB Type-A ports • Number of USB Type-C ports • Presence or absence of HDMI port • Presence or absence of a DVI port • Presence or absence of a wired LAN port • Robustness score

[0121] CPU21 may select new electronic devices that have specifications enabling an operating state similar to that of all electronic devices in group G1, based on the requirements information and specification information. Alternatively, CPU21 may select new electronic devices that have specifications enabling an operating state similar to that of a predetermined percentage of the electronic devices in group G1, for example, 50% to 90%.

[0122] In step S94, the CPU 21 transmits information about electronic devices that meet each requirement to the terminal device 3 in response to a request from the terminal device 3. The CPU 31 of the terminal device 3 outputs the information about electronic devices received from the server device 2 to the display device 34. This allows the administrator or sales representative to be presented with information about electronic devices that meet each requirement as replacement candidates for multiple electronic devices 1 included in group G1.

[0123] Figure 19 is a table showing an example of recommended models presented in step S94 of Figure 11. Figure 19 shows the case where there are three models of electronic devices that meet the requirements. If there are multiple models of electronic devices that meet the requirements, the electronic devices may be ordered according to some score value. The score value may be weighted to prioritize one of the functions of the electronic device.

[0124] The user of electronic device 1 can refer to the electronic devices displayed on terminal device 3 and purchase the desired electronic device.

[0125] The CPU 21 of server device 2 may transmit statistically aggregated operational information, along with information on electronic devices that meet each requirement, to terminal device 3. In this case, the CPU 31 of terminal device 3 outputs the graphs shown in Figures 12 to 17 to the display device 34. This allows the user of electronic device 1 to purchase the optimal electronic device in accordance with the actual usage of each device component of electronic device 1 by referring to the statistically aggregated operational information.

[0126] As described above, according to the system of the embodiment, by acquiring operational information indicating the operational state of each device component during the operation of an existing electronic device, it is possible to present information on replacement candidate electronic devices having specifications that match the actual usage situation of the user. Therefore, the system of the embodiment can support the replacement of multiple electronic devices 1, each containing multiple device components.

[0127] According to the system of this embodiment, by statistically aggregating operational information collected from multiple electronic devices, it is possible to easily select a new electronic device that meets the requirements of most users, even when replacing a large number of electronic devices.

[0128] The system described in Patent Document 1 acquired simple hardware information (DMI information). On the other hand, the system according to the embodiment can propose electronic devices with specifications required by the user with greater accuracy than conventional systems by independently collecting and processing data tailored to the user's usage. For example, by acquiring the power consumption of a USB port and determining whether or not the USB port is being used based on the power consumption value, the usage status of the USB port can be understood. This makes it possible to propose the number of USB ports required by the user. Furthermore, by acquiring information on whether the electronic device is operating on AC power or battery power, the length of time the user is using the electronic device on battery power can be determined. This makes it possible to propose the battery capacity required by the user.

[0129] According to the system of this embodiment, by collecting and processing information from electronic devices regarding battery charging and discharging, USB port power consumption, and connection of external devices, it is possible to determine the demand for the electronic device's ports (interfaces) and calculate the degree of risk of the electronic device falling. By comparing this information with product specification information stored in-house, it is possible to propose the specifications of the electronic device necessary for the customer's next replacement, tailored to the user's actual usage situation.

[0130] Traditionally, administrators have selected electronic devices with specifications suitable for users based on interviews or inquiries with users, but this selection process has been extremely burdensome for administrators. According to the system of this embodiment, the burden on administrators in the selection process can be reduced by remotely collecting and utilizing user usage data. Furthermore, when administrators select electronic devices based on interviews with users, users tend to prefer device components with high performance, which tends to increase costs due to excessive performance. According to the system of this embodiment, by remotely collecting and utilizing user usage data, it is possible to select electronic devices with optimal specifications that are cost-effective.

[0131] According to the system of this embodiment, dynamic operating information of electronic devices is acquired in the background and collected by a cloud server, making it possible to suggest the optimal electronic device based on the user's actual usage.

[0132] According to the system according to the embodiment, by obtaining the usage time of the device components, it is possible to determine whether or not a device component is necessary based on the usage time.

[0133] According to the system of this embodiment, a sales representative can propose an electronic device with optimal specifications based on various data. Furthermore, a manager can select an electronic device with optimal specifications based on various data.

[0134] [Modified examples of embodiments] In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 10, the CPU 21 of the server device 2 calculated the usage time of each USB port 15b, the number of USB ports 15b used simultaneously, the discharge time of the battery 16b, the usage time of each video output port 14c, the number of video output ports 14c used simultaneously, and the usage time of each communication port. However, this operational information may also be calculated by the electronic device 1. Next, with reference to Figures 20 to 24, we will explain the case in which the CPU 11 of the electronic device 1 calculates the above operational information.

[0135] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the operation information collection process performed by the CPU 11 of the electronic device 1 according to a modified embodiment.

[0136] In step S101 of Figure 20, the CPU 11 performs USB port monitoring and obtains operational information for each USB port 15b.

[0137] Figure 21 is a flowchart of the subroutine for step S101 (USB port monitoring process) in Figure 20. Steps S111 to S119 are the same as steps S14 to S22 in Figure 7. In step S120, the CPU 11 stores the USB port operation information in the storage device 13.

[0138] In step S102 of Figure 20, the CPU 11 performs battery monitoring processing and obtains operational information of the battery 16b.

[0139] Figure 22 is a flowchart of the subroutine for step S102 (battery monitoring process) in Figure 20. Steps S121 to S122 are the same as steps S34 to S35 in Figure 8. In step S123, the CPU 11 stores the battery operation information in the storage device 13.

[0140] In step S103 of Figure 20, the CPU 11 performs video output port monitoring processing and obtains operational information of the video output port 14c.

[0141] Figure 23 is a flowchart of the subroutine for step S103 (video output port monitoring process) in Figure 20. Steps S131 to S139 are the same as steps S54 to S62 in Figure 9. In step S140, the CPU 11 stores the video output port operation information in the storage device 13.

[0142] In step S104 of Figure 20, the CPU 11 performs communication port monitoring processing and obtains operational information of the communication port.

[0143] Figure 24 is a flowchart of the subroutine for step S104 (communication port monitoring process) in Figure 20. Steps S141 to S146 are the same as steps S74 to S79 ​​in Figure 10. In step S147, the CPU 11 stores the communication port operation information in the storage device 13.

[0144] Steps S105 to S107 in Figure 20 are the same as steps S5 to S7 in Figure 6.

[0145] The CPU 21 of server device 2 statistically aggregates the operational information received from each electronic device 1. Subsequently, the CPU 21 executes the recommended model determination process shown in Figure 11.

[0146] According to the processing shown in Figures 20 to 24, the operation of server device 2 can be simplified compared to the case shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0147] [Effects of the embodiment, etc.] The replacement support device according to this embodiment supports the replacement of multiple electronic devices 1, each containing multiple device components. The server device 2 comprises a communication device 27, a storage device 23, and a CPU 21. The communication device 27 receives operation information from multiple existing electronic devices 1, indicating the operating state of each device component during the operation of each existing electronic device 1. The storage device 23 stores specification information indicating the specifications of a new electronic device that is a candidate for replacement. The CPU 21 statistically aggregates the operation information received from the multiple existing electronic devices 1 and, based on the statistically aggregated operation information and specification information, selects a new electronic device having specifications that enable an operating state similar to the operating state of a predetermined proportion of the multiple existing electronic devices 1. The display device 34 of the terminal device 3 presents information on the selected new electronic device.

[0148] This configuration allows for the presentation of information on potential replacement electronic devices with specifications tailored to the user's actual usage.

[0149] According to the replacement support device of this embodiment, the display device 34 may present statistically aggregated operation information.

[0150] This configuration makes it easy to select new electronic devices that meet the requirements of most users, even when replacing a large number of electronic devices.

[0151] According to the replacement support device of the embodiment, the device component may include one or more USB ports. In this case, the operation information includes first information indicating whether each USB port is in use, the usage time of each USB port, and at least one of the number of USB ports used simultaneously.

[0152] This configuration allows for the appropriate determination of USB port specifications based on actual USB port usage.

[0153] According to the replacement support device according to the embodiment, the communication device 27 may receive the power consumption of each USB port as first information from each existing electronic device 1. In this case, the CPU 21 calculates the number of USB ports used simultaneously for each existing electronic device 1 based on whether the power consumption of each USB port exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0154] This configuration allows for an appropriate determination of the number of USB ports.

[0155] According to the replacement support device of the embodiment, the device components may include a battery 16b. In this case, the operation information includes the battery operating time of each existing electronic device 1.

[0156] This configuration allows for the appropriate determination of the battery capacity.

[0157] According to the replacement support device of the embodiment, the CPU 21 may determine the robustness requirements of each existing electronic device 1 based on the battery operating time.

[0158] This configuration allows for the appropriate determination of the robustness requirements for the electronic device 1.

[0159] According to the replacement support device of the embodiment, the device component may include one or more video output ports. In this case, the operation information includes second information indicating whether each video output port is in use, the usage time of each video output port, and at least one of the number of display screens used simultaneously.

[0160] This configuration allows for the appropriate determination of specifications for video output ports in accordance with their actual usage.

[0161] According to the replacement support device of the embodiment, the device component may include one or more communication ports. In this case, the operation information includes third information indicating whether each communication port is in use or not.

[0162] This configuration allows for the appropriate determination of specifications for communication ports in accordance with their actual usage.

[0163] The system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of electronic devices 1, each containing a plurality of device components, and the above-described replacement support device.

[0164] This configuration allows for the presentation of information on potential replacement electronic devices with specifications tailored to the user's actual usage.

[0165] The replacement support method according to the embodiment supports the replacement of multiple electronic devices 1, each containing multiple device components. The method includes receiving operation information from multiple existing electronic devices 1 that indicates the operating state of each device component during the operation of each existing electronic device 1. The method includes reading specification information from a storage device that indicates the specifications of a new electronic device that is a candidate for replacement. The method includes statistically aggregating the operation information received from the multiple existing electronic devices 1 and, based on the statistically aggregated operation information and specification information, selecting a new electronic device having specifications that enable an operating state similar to the operating state of a predetermined proportion of the electronic devices among the multiple existing electronic devices 1. The method includes presenting the selected new electronic device from an output device.

[0166] This configuration allows for the presentation of information on potential replacement electronic devices with specifications tailored to the user's actual usage.

[0167] [Other embodiments] As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that are modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the above embodiments.

[0168] Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0169] USB port operation information and USB port requirements information may be generated and processed for each type of USB port (i.e., Type A or Type C).

[0170] The electronic device 1 may have one or two USB ports, or four or more USB ports. The electronic device 1 may also have one or two video output ports, or four or more video output ports.

[0171] Server device 2 may further include a device information database that stores specification information of the existing electronic device 1. The device information database may include, for example, the model name or product number of the electronic device, information on the ports it is installed in, and the battery capacity. In this case, when the CPU 21 of server device 2 presents information on a new electronic device that is a candidate for replacement, it may also present information on the existing electronic device 1 read from the device information database.

[0172] Server device 2 may be a combination of multiple server devices, such as a data lake device and a data warehouse device. In this case, the data lake device may temporarily store the operation information collected from each electronic device 1 as is, and the data warehouse device may statistically aggregate the operation information read from the data lake device.

[0173] The operation information database, requirements information database, and specification information database are not limited to being stored in one storage device 23 of the server device 2, but may be stored in multiple storage devices located in one or more locations.

[0174] The electronic devices selected by the server device as replacement candidates may be output to the display device 24 of the server device 2 instead of the display device 34 of the terminal device 3. Alternatively, the electronic devices selected by the server device as replacement candidates may be presented via other output devices, such as printers, connected to the server device 2 or the terminal device 3.

[0175] Instead of the server device 2 selecting the candidate electronic device for replacement, the terminal device 3 may make the selection. In this case, the terminal device 3 obtains operational information of the device components of each electronic device 1 from the server device 2, selects a candidate electronic device for replacement based on the operational information, and outputs it to the display device 34.

[0176] If all electronic devices 1 included in a group G1 are the same model and were purchased at the same time, the CPU 11 of electronic device 1 and the CPU 21 of server device 2 may process data based on the model name or product number of electronic device 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0177] This disclosure can be used to assist in the replacement of electronic devices such as personal computers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 1,1-1~1-3 Electronic equipment 2 Server devices 3 Terminal devices 4. Communication lines 10 buses 11 CPU 12 memory 13 Storage device 14a GPU 14b Display device 14c video output port 15a USB control circuit 15b USB port 16a Battery Control Circuit 16b Battery 17. Communication equipment 18 Input device 20 buses 21 CPU 22 memory 23 Storage device 24 Display device 27 Communication equipment 28 Input devices 30 buses 31 CPU 32 memory 33 Storage device 34 Display device 37 Communication equipment 38 Input devices 41 Control circuits 42 Power Monitor 43 Operating Systems 44 Application Programs 44a Battery Information Logger 44b Device Information Logger 44c Operation Information Logger 44d Power Consumption Information Logger 44e Log Manager 100 Systems G1 Group

Claims

1. A replacement support device that assists in the replacement of multiple electronic devices, each containing multiple device components, A communication device that receives operational information from multiple existing electronic devices indicating the operational status of each device component during the operation of each existing electronic device, A storage device that stores specification information indicating the specifications of a new electronic device that is a candidate for replacement, A processing device that statistically aggregates operational information received from the plurality of existing electronic devices, and selects a new electronic device having specifications that enable an operational state similar to the operational state of a predetermined proportion of the plurality of existing electronic devices, based on the statistically aggregated operational information and the specification information. The system includes an output device that presents information about the newly selected electronic device, The device component includes one or more video output ports. The operation information includes at least one of the following: a second piece of information indicating whether each video output port is in use, the usage time of each video output port, and the number of display screens used simultaneously. Replacement support device.

2. The output device presents the statistically aggregated operational information. The replacement support device according to claim 1.

3. The device component includes one or more USB ports. The operation information includes at least one of the following: first information indicating whether each USB port is in use, the usage time of each USB port, and the number of USB ports used simultaneously. The replacement support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The communication device receives the power consumption of each USB port as the first information from each of the existing electronic devices. The processing unit calculates the number of USB ports used simultaneously for each existing electronic device based on whether the power consumption of each USB port exceeds a predetermined threshold. The replacement support device according to claim 3.

5. The device component includes one or more communication ports. The aforementioned operation information includes a third piece of information indicating whether each of the aforementioned communication ports is in use or not. A replacement support device according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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