JP7747583B2 - Control system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to technology for remotely controlling devices.

Technology exists for remotely controlling information processing devices such as personal computers (PCs or personal computers). Patent Document 1 discloses a console system that controls a PC using a console located remotely from the PC. Specifically, the console system disclosed in Patent Document 1 acquires input signals from a keyboard or other device on the console, and controls the input signals to be input to a keyboard port or other device on the PC. Furthermore, when a switch on the console is operated, the console system transmits a power output signal to the PC, and controls the PC's switch to switch the power on and off.

Patent Document 2 discloses a remote control device that remotely controls the operation panel of a machine tool. Specifically, the remote control device disclosed in Patent Document 2 operates by pressing push button switches on the operation panel with a predetermined torque in response to operation instructions from a computer located in a remote location.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-185113 JP 2012-084113 A

Information processing devices such as PCs may freeze and stop operating. In such cases, it may be possible to control the power supply to the information processing device and restart the information processing device. For example, when restarting an information processing device in a system that remotely controls information processing devices as described above, the system sends a signal to the information processing device to control the power supply. However, if the operation of the information processing device has stopped, the information processing device may not be able to perform processing based on that signal.

In addition, for example, information processing devices are equipped with a physical power switch. Pressing this power switch turns the information processing device on and off. Therefore, if the operation of the information processing device stops, it is possible to restart the device by remotely pressing the power switch. However, depending on the information processing device, it is necessary to continue pressing the power switch until the power is switched on or off. The amount of time the power switch is pressed varies depending on the information processing device, and may also differ depending on whether the power is switched from on to off or off to on. Therefore, simply pressing the power switch may not properly switch the power on and off of the information processing device.

This disclosure was made in consideration of the above-mentioned issues, and one of its objectives is to provide a control system that can remotely control the power switching operation of an information processing device.

A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving means for receiving an operation request from a user terminal, an acquiring means for acquiring the lighting status of a lamp mounted on the information processing device that indicates the power status of the information processing device, and a switch control means for causing a switch mechanism installed on the information processing device to press a power switch of the information processing device in response to the operation request, and for causing the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch when the lighting status of the lamp changes.

A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is installed in an information processing device and includes a control module having: a switch mechanism that presses a power switch of the information processing device; a lamp that indicates the power status of the information processing device, the control module including a sensor that detects the lighting status of the lamp mounted on the information processing device; acquisition means that acquires the lighting status of the lamp from the sensor; and switch control means that causes the switch mechanism to press the power switch in response to an operation request from a user terminal, and that causes the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch when the lighting status of the lamp changes.

A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure receives an operation request from a user terminal, acquires the lighting status of a lamp installed on the information processing device that indicates the power status of the information processing device, causes a switch mechanism installed on the information processing device to press a power switch on the information processing device in response to the operation request, and, if the lighting status of the lamp changes, causes the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: accepting an operation request from a user terminal; acquiring the lighting status of a lamp mounted on the information processing device that indicates the power status of the information processing device; and, in response to the operation request, causing a switch mechanism installed on the information processing device to press the power switch of the information processing device, and, if the lighting status of the lamp changes, causing the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to remotely control the power switching operation of an information processing device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration including a control system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control system according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration including a control system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a switch mechanism according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a switch mechanism according to the second embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the switch mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration including a control system according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the control system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration including a control system according to a third embodiment. 13 is an example of device setting information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of user authority information according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the control systems of the first, second, and third embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
First, an example of an information processing device according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device 300. In the example of FIG. 1, a laptop-type personal computer is illustrated as an example of the information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 is equipped with a power switch and a lamp. The power switch is a switch that can switch the power of the information processing device 300 on and off. For example, when the power switch is pressed while the power of the information processing device 300 is on (i.e., while the information processing device 300 is running), the information processing device 300 is shut down and the power is turned off.

The lamp turns on and off depending on the power status of the information processing device 300. For example, when the information processing device 300 is powered on, the lamp lights up or blinks. Also, for example, when the information processing device 300 is powered off, the lamp turns off. In other words, the lamp indicates the power status of the information processing device 300.

In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing device 300 is a laptop personal computer, but the information processing device 300 is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing device 300 may be a desktop personal computer, a server device, or the like. The information processing device of the present disclosure may be any computer device equipped with a depressible power switch and a lamp that turns on and off depending on the power state.

Next, we will provide an overview of the control system disclosed herein.

Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration including a control system 1000. As shown in Figure 2, the control system 1000 is connected to a switch mechanism 10 and a sensor 20 so that they can communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The switch mechanism 10 and the sensor 20 are installed in an information processing device 300. The control system 1000 can also communicate with a user terminal 200 via a wired or wireless network.

The switch mechanism 10 presses the power switch of the information processing device 300. For example, the switch mechanism 10 includes an arm that is a mechanism that can be raised and lowered. For example, the switch mechanism 10 raises and lowers the arm in response to instructions from the control system 1000. When the arm lowers, the power switch is pressed. When the arm rises, the power switch is released from the pressed state.

Sensor 20 detects whether the lamp is on or off. Sensor 20 may be, for example, an optical sensor that detects light. Sensor 20, for example, detects light and converts it into an electrical signal in response to changes in light. For example, sensor 20 transmits a signal to control system 1000 in response to the lighting status of the lamp.

The switch mechanism 10 and sensor 20 may be included in the control system 1000.

The user terminal 200 is a device operated by a user. For example, the user inputs an operation request, which will be described later, into the user terminal 200.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control system 1000. As shown in Figure 3, the control system 1000 includes a reception unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, and a switch control unit 130.

The reception unit 110 receives an operation request. An operation request is, for example, a request to press a power switch. For example, an operation request is input by a user operation on the user terminal 200. The reception unit 110 then receives the operation request from the user terminal 200.

In this way, the reception unit 110 receives operation requests from the user terminal 200. The reception unit 110 is an example of a reception means.

The acquisition unit 120 acquires the lighting status of the lamp. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the lighting status of the lamp by acquiring a signal corresponding to the lighting status of the lamp from the sensor 20. The lighting status of the lamp is information indicating whether the lamp is on or off.

In this way, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the lighting status of a lamp that indicates the power status of the information processing device 300 and is installed on the information processing device 300. The acquisition unit 120 is an example of an acquisition means.

The switch control unit 130 controls the switch mechanism 10. Specifically, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch in response to an operation request being accepted. For example, the switch control unit 130 lowers the arm of the switch mechanism 10. At this time, the lowered arm presses the power switch.

The switch control unit 130 also controls the switch mechanism 10 depending on the lighting status of the lamp. For example, if the lamp lights up after the power switch is pressed, this indicates that the information processing device 300 has transitioned to a power-on state. Therefore, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. For example, the switch control unit 130 controls the arm of the switch mechanism 10 to rise. For example, if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, this indicates that the information processing device 300 has transitioned to a power-off state. Therefore, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. In other words, the switch control unit 130 controls the arm of the switch mechanism 10 to rise.

In this way, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 installed on the information processing device 300 to press the power switch of the information processing device 300 in response to an operation request, and when the lighting status of the lamp changes, causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. The switch control unit 130 is an example of switch control means.

Next, an example of the operation of the control system 1000 will be described using Figure 4. Note that in this disclosure, each step in the flowchart will be represented by a number, such as "S1."

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control system 1000. The reception unit 110 receives an operation request from the user terminal 200 (S1). The acquisition unit 120 acquires the lighting status of a lamp mounted on the information processing device 300 that indicates the power status of the information processing device 300 (S2). Then, in response to the operation request, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 installed on the information processing device 300 to press the power switch of the information processing device 300, and when the lighting status of the lamp changes, causes the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch (S3).

In this way, the control system 1000 of the first embodiment accepts operation requests from a user terminal. The control system 1000 also acquires the lighting status of a lamp installed in the information processing device, which lamp indicates the power status of the information processing device. In response to the operation request, the control system 1000 then causes a switch mechanism installed in the information processing device to press the power switch of the information processing device, and when the lighting status of the lamp changes, causes the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch.

This allows the control system 1000 to remotely switch the power of the information processing device on and off. Furthermore, because the control system 1000 can press the power switch, which is a physical switch, it can more reliably switch the power on and off, even if the information processing device has stopped operating due to freezing or other reasons. Furthermore, for example, some information processing devices require the power switch to be held down for a predetermined period of time when switching the power from on to off. The control system 1000 can release the power switch when the lighting status of a lamp mounted on the information processing device changes, so it is possible to continue to press the power switch until, for example, a lamp that was on when the power was on goes out. Therefore, the control system 1000 can more reliably switch the power of the information processing device on and off. In other words, the control system 1000 of the first embodiment can remotely control the power switching operation of the information processing device.

Second Embodiment
Next, a control system according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the control system 1000 described in the first embodiment will be described in more detail. Note that some of the content overlapping with the content described in the first embodiment will not be described again.

Figure 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration including a control system 1000. In the example of Figure 5, the switch mechanism 10 and the sensor 20 are communicatively connected to a control module 30. The control module 30 is communicatively connected to a server device 400. The server device 400 is then communicatively connected to a user terminal 200.

The user terminal 200 is, for example, a personal computer. However, the user terminal 200 is not limited to this example and may be a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet terminal. The user terminal may be any computing device capable of input and output.

The information processing device 300 shown in FIG. 5 is similar to the information processing device 300 described in FIG. 1. That is, the information processing device 300 is equipped with a power switch and a lamp. As shown in FIG. 5, a switch mechanism 10 and a sensor 20 are installed on the information processing device 300.

The switch mechanism 10 is installed near the power switch of the information processing device 300. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the switch mechanism 10. FIG. 6B is a second diagram showing an example of the switch mechanism 10. FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views including a portion of the information processing device 300 and the switch mechanism 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the switch mechanism 10 is installed adjacent to the power switch. The switch mechanism 10 has an arm. In the example of FIG. 6A, the arm is stored inside the switch mechanism 10. The arm rotates in the direction of the arrow around point A as an axis in accordance with control by the control module 30. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the arm descends, pressing down the power switch. The arm also rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6B around point A as an axis. The arm then rises and is stored inside the switch mechanism. This releases the power switch from being pressed down.

The switch mechanism 10 can be realized in various forms. Figure 6C is a diagram showing another example of the switch mechanism. Similar to Figures 6A and 6B, Figure 6C is a side view including part of the information processing device 300 and the switch mechanism 10. For example, as shown in Figure 6C, the switch mechanism 10 may be installed above the power switch. In this case, the power switch is pressed when an arm of the switch mechanism 10 descends in the direction of the arrow in Figure 6C. Then, the power switch is released when the arm rises. In this way, the switch mechanism 10 is not limited to a specific form. The switch mechanism 10 may be in a form that allows the power button to be pressed.

[Details of the control system 1000]
7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration including the control system 1000. As shown in FIG. 7, the control system 1000 includes a control device 100 and a server device 400.

The server device 400 includes a reception unit 110. The reception unit 110 receives operation requests from the user terminal 200. For example, a user operation on the user terminal 200 inputs an operation request to press the power switch. At this time, the user terminal 200 transmits the input operation request to the server device 400. The reception unit 110 receives the operation request transmitted from the user terminal 200, thereby accepting the operation request. The reception unit 110 transmits information indicating that the operation request has been accepted to the control module 30.

The control device 100 comprises a switch mechanism 10, a sensor 20, and a control module 30. The control module 30 comprises an acquisition unit 120 and a switch control unit 130. The acquisition unit 120 acquires the lighting status of the lamp by acquiring a signal from the sensor 20. For example, when the lamp is on, the sensor 20 detects light. The acquisition unit 120 acquires a signal indicating that light has been detected by the sensor 20. By acquiring this signal, the acquisition unit 120 acquires information indicating that the lamp is on as the lighting status of the lamp.

The acquisition unit 120 may, for example, continue to acquire signals from the sensor 20. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 120 may start acquiring signals from the sensor 20 when an operation request is accepted. In this case, the acquisition unit 120 may stop acquiring signals from the sensor 20 when the lighting status of the lamp changes.

The switch control unit 130 controls the switch mechanism 10. When the switch control unit 130 receives information from the server device 400 indicating that an operation request has been accepted, it causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch. Specifically, the switch control unit 130 lowers the arm of the switch mechanism 10.

Furthermore, if the lighting status of the lamp changes, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. Specifically, if the lighting status of the lamp differs before and after the power switch is pressed, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed.

For example, suppose that before the power switch is pressed, the lamp lighting status acquired by the acquisition unit 120 indicates that the lamp is on. In response to an operation request, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch. Then, after the power switch is pressed by the switch mechanism 10, the lamp lighting status acquired by the acquisition unit 120 indicates that the lamp is off. In other words, the lamp is turned off. In this case, the switch control unit 130 raises the arm of the switch mechanism 10, thereby releasing the power switch pressed by the switch mechanism 10.

Similarly, assume that before the power switch is pressed, the lamp's lighting status indicates that the lamp is off. In response to an operation request, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch. Then, after the power switch is pressed by the switch mechanism 10, the lamp's lighting status indicates that the lamp is on. In other words, assume that the lamp is lit. In this case, the switch control unit 130 raises the arm of the switch mechanism 10, thereby releasing the power switch pressed by the switch mechanism 10.

This allows the switch control unit 130 to cause the switch mechanism 10 to continue pressing the power switch until the lighting status of the lamp changes. In other words, the switch control unit 130 can cause the power switch to be pressed until the power of the information processing device 300 switches from on to off, or from off to on.

As such, the control device 100 is installed on the information processing device 300 and includes a switch mechanism 10 that presses the power switch of the information processing device, and a sensor 20 that detects the lighting status of the lamp mounted on the information processing device 300 and indicates the power status of the information processing device 300. The control device 100 also includes a control module 30 that includes an acquisition unit 120 that acquires the lighting status of the lamp from the sensor 20, and a switch control unit 130 that causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch in response to an operation request from the user terminal 200, and causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch when the lighting status of the lamp changes.

[Example of operation of control system 1000]
Next, an example of the operation of the control system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control system 1000. First, the reception unit 110 of the server device 400 receives an operation request from the user terminal 200 (S101).

The acquisition unit 120 of the control device 100 acquires the lamp lighting status based on a signal from the sensor 20 (S102). The switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch (S103). The acquisition unit 120 then acquires the lamp lighting status (S104). If the lamp lighting status has not changed before and after the power switch is pressed ("No" in S105), the acquisition unit 120 acquires the lamp lighting status again (S104).

If the lighting status of the lamp changes between before and after the power switch is pressed ("Yes" in S105), the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed (S106).

In this way, the control system 1000 of the second embodiment accepts operation requests from a user terminal. The control system 1000 also acquires the lighting status of a lamp installed in the information processing device, which lamp indicates the power status of the information processing device. In response to the operation request, the control system 1000 then causes a switch mechanism installed in the information processing device to press the power switch of the information processing device, and when the lighting status of the lamp changes, causes the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch.

As a more specific example, the control system 1000 causes the switch mechanism to press the power switch, and if the lamp turns off after the power switch is pressed, or if the lamp turns on after the power switch is pressed, causes the switch mechanism to release the power switch from being pressed.

This allows the control system 1000 to remotely switch the power of the information processing device on and off. Furthermore, because the control system 1000 can press the power switch, which is a physical switch, it can more reliably switch the power on and off, even if the information processing device has stopped operating due to freezing or other reasons. Furthermore, for example, some information processing devices require the power switch to be held down for a predetermined period of time when switching the power from on to off. The control system 1000 can release the power switch when the lighting status of a lamp mounted on the information processing device changes, so it is possible to continue to press the power switch until, for example, a lamp that was on when the power was on goes out. Therefore, the control system 1000 can more reliably switch the power of the information processing device on and off. In other words, the control system 1000 of the second embodiment can remotely control the power switching operation of the information processing device.

[Modification 1]
The sensor 20 may be a camera. If the sensor 20 is a camera, the sensor 20 is installed in a position where it can capture an image of the lamp of the information processing device 300. The sensor 20 then captures an image of the lamp of the information processing device 300. The sensor 20 transmits the captured image to the control module 30. The acquisition unit 120 of the control module 30 acquires the captured image. The acquisition unit 120 then detects whether the lamp shown in the captured image is on or not. The acquisition unit 120 acquires the detected information as the lighting status of the lamp.

The sensor 20 may detect whether the lamp is on or off from the captured image. In this case, the sensor 20 transmits information regarding whether the lamp is on or off to the control module 30. The acquisition unit 120 then acquires the transmitted information regarding whether the lamp is on or off as the lamp's lighting status.

[Modification 2]
The control system 1000 may be configured in various forms. For example, the control module 30 and the server device 400 may be realized as an integrated device. In the example of Fig. 5, the switch mechanism 10, the sensor 20, and the control module 30 are depicted as separate devices. At least two of the switch mechanism 10, the sensor 20, and the control module 30 may be realized as an integrated device.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment, the operation request has been described as a request to press the power switch. Alternatively, the operation request may be a request to restart the information processing device 300. In this case, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch in response to the operation request, and if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. Then, the switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch again, and if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, causes the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. In this way, the control system 1000 can control the information processing device 300 to restart in response to a restart request from the user.

Third Embodiment
Next, a control system according to a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, further functions of the control system will be described. Note that some of the contents overlapping with those described in the first and second embodiments will not be described.

[Details of Control System 1001]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration including a control system 1001. As shown in FIG. 9, the control system 1001 includes a control device 100 and a server device 401. There may be one or more control devices 100. That is, the server device 401 may be communicatively connected to multiple control devices 100 via a wired or wireless network. When multiple control devices 100 are present, the multiple control devices 100 are installed for different information processing devices 300, respectively. That is, a switch mechanism 10, a sensor 20, and a control module 30 are installed for each of the multiple information processing devices 300.

The server device 401 includes a reception unit 111, an identification unit 140, and a notification unit 150. The reception unit 111 receives input of device identification information that identifies the control device 100 from the user terminal 200. The reception unit 111 may also receive input of user identification information that identifies the user from the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 111 may receive at least one of device identification information and user identification information when receiving an operation request from the user terminal 200.

For example, the user inputs an operation request, the device identification information of the control device 100 on which the user wishes to perform the operation, and the user's own user identification information into the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 transmits the operation request, the device identification information, and the user identification information to the server device 401. The reception unit 111 receives the operation request, the device identification information, and the user identification information.

The identification unit 140 identifies the control device 100. Specifically, the identification unit 140 identifies the control device 100 based on the device identification information. For example, the identification unit 140 identifies the address of the control device corresponding to the received device identification information based on the device setting information. The device setting information is information in which the device identification information is associated with the address of the control device 100. The device setting information is stored in a storage device included in the server device 401 or in a storage device (not shown) communicatively connected to the server device 401.

Figure 10 is an example of device setting information. In the example device setting information in Figure 10, device identification information, an address, and information indicating the information processing device 300 on which the control device 100 is installed are associated. For example, assume that the received device identification information is "001." In this case, the identification unit 140 identifies that the control device 100 with device identification information "001" has an address of "xxx" and is installed on the information processing device 300 indicated by "d1." In this way, the identification unit 140 identifies the control device 100 corresponding to the device identification information. The identification unit 140 is an example of an identification means.

The reception unit 111 sends an operation request to the control device 100 identified by the identification unit 140. For example, the reception unit 111 uses the identified address to send the operation request to the identified control device 100. Furthermore, if the identification unit 140 is unable to identify the control device 100 corresponding to the received device identification information, the reception unit 111 may notify the user terminal 200 that the operation request is invalid.

The reception unit 111 may also determine whether to send an operation request to the identified control device 100 based on the user identification information. For example, the reception unit 111 checks whether the user is authorized to operate the control device 100 based on the user authority information. The user authority information is information that indicates the control device 100 that each user is authorized to operate. For example, the user authority information is information that associates user identification information with device identification information. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of user authority information. In the example of Figure 11, for example, a user with user identification information "U1" is authorized to operate a control device 100 with device identification information "001".

For example, suppose the reception unit 111 receives user identification information indicated as "U1" and device identification information indicated as "001" from the user terminal 200. At this time, the identification unit 140 identifies the control device 100 corresponding to the device identification information indicated as "001". The reception unit 111 checks the control device 100 that the user "U1" is authorized to operate, based on the user authority information. In the example of Figure 11, the user "U1" is authorized to operate the control device 100 whose device identification information is "001". Therefore, the reception unit 111 sends an operation request to the identified control device 100.

In this way, the reception unit 111 may send an operation request to the identified control device if the user indicated in the user identification information is a user who is authorized to operate the control device indicated in the device identification information.

On the other hand, suppose the reception unit 111 receives user identification information indicated as "U1" and device identification information indicated as "002" from the user terminal 200. In the example of Figure 11, the user "U1" is not permitted to operate the control device 100 whose device identification information is "002". Therefore, the reception unit 111 notifies the user terminal 200 that the operation request is invalid.

The notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 that the power of the information processing device 300 has been switched on. Specifically, assume that the power switch is pressed in the switch control unit 130. Then, if the lighting status of the lamp changes, the switch control unit 130 releases the power switch from being pressed. At this time, the switch control unit 130 sends result information to the server device 401 indicating that the power switch has been pressed and the change in the lighting status of the lamp.

The notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 based on the result information. For example, if the change in the lamp's lighting status indicates that the lamp has been turned off after the power switch has been pressed, the notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 that the information processing device 300 has been powered off. Also, if the change in the lamp's lighting status indicates that the lamp has been turned on after the power switch has been pressed, the notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 that the information processing device 300 has been powered on.

In this way, if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, the notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 that the information processing device 300 has been powered off, and if the lamp goes on after the power switch is pressed, the notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 that the information processing device 300 has been powered on. The notification unit 150 is an example of a notification means.

[Example of operation of control system 1001]
Next, an example of a specific operation of the control system 1001 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In this operation example, an example will be described in which an operation request, device identification information, and user identification information are input to the user terminal 200.

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control system 1001. The reception unit 111 of the server device 401 receives an operation request, device identification information, and user identification information from the user terminal 200 (S201). The identification unit 140 identifies the control device 100 based on the received device identification information (S202). The reception unit 111 also determines, based on the user identification information and device identification information, whether the user identified in the user identification information is authorized to operate the control device 100 identified in the device identification information. If the user is not authorized to operate the control device 100 ("No" in S203), the reception unit 111 notifies the user that the operation request is invalid (S212).

On the other hand, if the user is permitted to operate the control device 100 ("Yes" in S203), the reception unit 111 sends an operation request to the identified control device 100 (S204). The control device 100 that receives the operation request then performs the processes of S205 to S209. Note that the processes of S205 to S209 are similar to the processes of S102 to S106 in Figure 8, and therefore will not be described here.

When the power switch is released in the processing of S209, the switch control unit 130 sends result information to the server device 400 (S210). Then, the notification unit 150 notifies the user terminal 200 that the power has been switched (S211).

In this way, the control system 1001 of the third embodiment notifies the user terminal that the information processing device has been powered off if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, and notifies the user terminal that the information processing device has been powered on if the lamp goes on after the power switch is pressed. This allows the control system 1001 to notify the user that the power has been switched on.

The control system 1001 of the third embodiment also includes a control device having an acquisition means, a switch control means, and a switch mechanism. The control system 1001 also accepts input of user identification information that identifies a user and device identification information that identifies a control device from a user terminal, and identifies the control device corresponding to the device identification information. If the user identified in the user identification information is a user who is authorized to operate the control device identified in the device identification information, the control system 1001 sends an operation request to the identified control device. This allows the control system 1001 to allow only pre-authorized users to operate the power of the information processing device 300. Therefore, the control system 1001 can prevent, for example, malicious users from operating the power of the information processing device 300.

[Modification 4]
The control system 1001 may have various configurations. For example, the control module 30 and the server device 401 may be implemented as an integrated device. In this case, the identification unit 140 does not need to be provided in the integrated device. In the example of FIG. 12 , the processes of S202 and S204 do not need to be performed.

[Modification 5]
The switch control unit 130 causes the switch mechanism 10 to press the power switch, and after causing the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed, transmits result information to the server device 401. Here, if the lighting status of the lamp does not change until a predetermined time has elapsed since the power switch was pressed, the switch control unit 130 may cause the switch mechanism 10 to release the power switch from being pressed. Then, the switch control unit 130 may transmit result information to the server device 401 indicating that the power could not be switched on or off. The notification unit 150 of the server device 401 may send a notification to the user terminal 200 indicating that the power could not be switched on or off.

For example, the information processing device 300 may be malfunctioning, or the power cable that supplies electricity to the information processing device 300 may be unplugged. With the above configuration, the control system 1001 of variant 5 can notify the user that the power supply to the information processing device 300 cannot be switched on by simply pressing the power switch.

<Example of control system hardware configuration>
The hardware constituting the control systems of the first, second, and third embodiments described above will now be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the control system in each embodiment. The control system and control method described in each embodiment and each modified example are realized in a computer device 90. The control system described here includes a control system realized by a control device and a server device, and a control system realized as a single device that includes the functions of the control device and the server device. In other words, both the control device and the server device may be realized in the computer device 90.

As shown in FIG. 13, the computer device 90 includes a processor 91, RAM (Random Access Memory) 92, ROM (Read Only Memory) 93, a storage device 94, an input/output interface 95, a bus 96, and a drive device 97. Note that the control system may be realized by multiple electrical circuits.

The storage device 94 stores a program (computer program) 98. The processor 91 executes the program 98 of the control system using the RAM 92. Specifically, for example, the program 98 includes a program that causes a computer to execute the processes shown in Figures 4, 8, and 12. The functions of each component of the control system are realized as the processor 91 executes the program 98. The program 98 may be stored in the ROM 93. Alternatively, the program 98 may be recorded on the storage medium 80 and read out using the drive device 97, or may be transmitted to the computer device 90 from an external device (not shown) via a network (not shown).

The input/output interface 95 exchanges data with peripheral devices 99 (keyboard, mouse, display device, etc.). The input/output interface 95 functions as a means for acquiring or outputting data. The bus 96 connects each component.

There are various variations in how a control system can be implemented. For example, a control system can be implemented as a dedicated device. Alternatively, a control system can be implemented based on a combination of multiple devices.

The scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method in which a program for realizing each configuration of the functions of each embodiment is recorded on a storage medium, the program recorded on the storage medium is read as code, and the program is executed on a computer. In other words, computer-readable storage media are also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, each embodiment also includes a storage medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded, and the program itself.

The storage medium may be, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, or ROM, but is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, the programs recorded on the storage medium are not limited to stand-alone programs that execute processes; programs that run on an OS (Operating System) and execute processes in conjunction with other software or expansion board functions are also included within the scope of each embodiment.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that would be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

The above embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Switch mechanism 20 Sensor 30 Control module 100, 101 Control device 110, 111 Reception unit 120 Acquisition unit 130 Switch control unit 140 Identification unit 150 Notification unit 200 User terminal 300 Information processing device 400, 401 Server device 1000, 1001 Control system

Claims (6)

A receiving means for receiving an operation request from a user terminal;
an acquisition unit for acquiring a lighting state of a lamp that indicates a power state of an information processing device and is mounted on the information processing device;
a switch control means for causing a switch mechanism installed in the information processing device to press a power switch of the information processing device in response to the operation request, and for causing the switch mechanism to release the pressing of the power switch when the lighting state of the lamp changes;
a control device including the acquisition means, the switch control means, and the switch mechanism;
and an identification means for identifying the control device,
When the operation request is a request to restart the information processing device,
the switch control means, in response to the operation request, causes the switch mechanism to press the power switch, and if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, causes the switch mechanism to release the power switch from being pressed, causes the switch mechanism to press the power switch again, and if the lamp goes on after the power switch is pressed, causes the switch mechanism to release the power switch from being pressed;
the receiving means receives input of device identification information that identifies the control device from the user terminal;
the specifying means specifies the control device corresponding to the device identification information,
the receiving means sends the operation request to the identified control device;
If the specifying means cannot specify a control device corresponding to the device identification information, the accepting means notifies the user terminal that the operation request is invalid.
Control system. The switch control means
causing the switch mechanism to press the power switch, and when the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed or when the lamp goes on after the power switch is pressed, causing the switch mechanism to release the power switch from being pressed;
The control system of claim 1 . a notification means for notifying the user terminal that the power supply of the information processing device has been turned off when the lamp is turned off after the power switch is pressed, and for notifying the user terminal that the power supply of the information processing device has been turned on when the lamp is turned on after the power switch is pressed;
The control system of claim 1 . the receiving means receives input of user identification information for identifying a user and the device identification information for identifying the control device from the user terminal;
the specifying means specifies the control device corresponding to the device identification information,
the accepting means, when the user identified in the user identification information is a user permitted to operate the control device identified in the device identification information, sends the operation request to the identified control device.
A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the server device, an operation request is received from a user terminal;
In a control device capable of communicating with the server device,
acquiring a lighting state of a lamp that indicates a power state of an information processing device and is installed in the information processing device;
In response to the operation request, a switch mechanism installed in the information processing device is caused to press a power switch of the information processing device, and when the lighting state of the lamp changes, the switch mechanism is caused to release the pressing of the power switch;
When the operation request is a request to restart the information processing device,
In response to the operation request, the switch mechanism is caused to press the power switch, and if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, the switch mechanism is caused to release the power switch from being pressed, and the switch mechanism is caused to press the power switch again, and if the lamp goes on after the power switch is pressed, the switch mechanism is caused to release the power switch from being pressed,
In addition, in the server device,
receiving, from the user terminal, input of device identification information for identifying the control device;
Identifying a control device corresponding to the device identification information;
Sending the operation request to the identified control device;
If the control device corresponding to the device identification information cannot be identified, notify the user terminal that the operation request is invalid.
Control method. A process of receiving an operation request from a user terminal in the server device ;
In a control device capable of communicating with the server device,
A process of acquiring a lighting state of a lamp that indicates a power state of an information processing device and is installed in the information processing device;
In response to the operation request, a switch mechanism installed in the information processing device is caused to press a power switch of the information processing device, and when the lighting state of the lamp changes, the switch mechanism is caused to release the pressing of the power switch;
When the operation request is a request to restart the information processing device,
executes a process of causing the switch mechanism to press the power switch in response to the operation request, and if the lamp goes out after the power switch is pressed, causing the switch mechanism to release the power switch from being pressed, causing the switch mechanism to press the power switch again, and if the lamp goes on after the power switch is pressed, causing the switch mechanism to release the power switch from being pressed ;
In addition, in the server device,
A process of receiving input of device identification information for identifying the control device from the user terminal;
a process of identifying a control device corresponding to the device identification information;
a process of sending the operation request to the identified control device;
If a control device corresponding to the device identification information cannot be identified, the control device notifies the user terminal that the operation request is invalid.
program.