Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

An information processing apparatus includes a determination unit, a first acceptance unit, a second acceptance unit, a measurement unit, a third acceptance unit, and a restriction unit. The determination unit determines whether information necessary for a meeting is to be downloaded. The first acceptance unit accepts first electric energy information indicating electric energy necessary to download the information. The second acceptance unit accepts second electric energy information indicating electric energy necessary to present the information in the meeting. The measurement unit measures remaining electric energy. The third acceptance unit accepts a result of subtraction of the electric energy indicated by the first electric energy information and the electric energy indicated by the second electric energy from the remaining electric energy. The restriction unit imposes, on the basis of the subtraction result, a restriction on a function in a first time period and in a second time period.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-111926 filed May 28, 2013.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a determination unit, a first acceptance unit, a second acceptance unit, a measurement unit, a third acceptance unit, and a restriction unit. The determination unit determines whether or not information necessary for a meeting is to be downloaded. When it is determined by the determination unit that the information is to be downloaded, the first acceptance unit performs an acceptance process of accepting first electric energy information indicating electric energy which is necessary to download the information. The second acceptance unit performs an acceptance process of accepting second electric energy information indicating electric energy which is necessary to present the information in the meeting. The measurement unit measures remaining electric energy which remains in the information processing apparatus that is to be used in the meeting. The third acceptance unit accepts a subtraction result of subtraction of the electric energy indicated by the first electric energy information and the electric energy indicated by the second electric energy from the remaining electric energy measured by the measurement unit. The restriction unit imposes, on the basis of the subtraction result accepted by the third acceptance unit, a restriction on a function in a first time period and in a second time period. The first time period is a time period to when the meeting starts. The second time period is a time period which is within a time period of the meeting and which is other than a time period for which the information is presented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an example of an exemplary embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a module configuration diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration in the present exemplary embodiment.

Note that the term “modules” refers to typically and logically separable components of software (a computer program), hardware, or the like. Accordingly, the term “modules” in the present exemplary embodiment refers to not only modules in a computer program, but also modules in a hardware configuration. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, a description of computer programs for functioning as the modules (a program for causing a computer to perform each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each unit, and a program for causing a computer to realize each function) is included, and a description of a system and method is also included. Note that, for convenience of description, the expression “store”, the expression “cause an object to store”, and expressions having meanings the same as those of the expressions are used. When an exemplary embodiment is realized using a computer program, the expressions mean “causing a storage device to store” or “performs control so that a storage device will be caused to store. Furthermore, modules may correspond to functions in a one-to-one manner. However, in a case of implementation, one module may be configured using one program, or multiple modules may be configured using one program. In contrast, one module may be configured using multiple programs. Moreover, multiple modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by multiple computers that are capable of operating in a distribution or parallel environment. Note that, in one module, another module may be included. Additionally, hereinafter, the term “connection” is used to express not only physical connection, but also logical connection (reception of data, instructions, reference relationships among data, and so forth). The expression “determined in advance” refers to “determined before” a target process is performed. The expression “determined in advance” not only includes “determined before” a process according to the exemplary embodiment starts, but also includes, in accordance with the current state and condition or in accordance with the previous state and condition, “determined before” a target process starts even after a process according to the exemplary embodiment has started. In the case where multiple “predetermined values” are present, the “predetermined values” may be different from one another, or at least two of the values (as a matter of course, which include all of the values) may be the same. Furthermore, a description indicating that “when it is A, perform B” is used so as to indicate that “determine whether or not it is A, and, when it is determined that it is A, perform B”. However, the case where determination of whether or not it is A is unnecessary is excluded.

In addition, the term “system” or the term “apparatus” refers to not only a system or apparatus having a configuration in which multiple computers, pieces of hardware, apparatuses, or the like are connected to each other via a communication medium such as a network (including communication connection established in a one-to-one manner), but also a system or apparatus that is realized by one computer, one piece of hardware, one apparatus, or the like. The term “apparatus” and the term “system” are used as terms having the same meaning. As a matter of course, the meaning of the term “system” does not include the meaning of only a social “mechanism” (a social system) that represents agreement among men.

Furthermore, target information is read from a storage device for each of processes that are performed by individual modules or for each of processes in a case in which the multiple processes are performed in a module. After the process is performed, a result of the process is written into the storage device. Accordingly, a description of reading from the storage device before the process is performed and writing into the storage device after the process is performed is omitted in some cases. Note that, here, examples of the storage device may include a hard disk (HD), a random-access memory (RAM), an external storage medium, a storage device that is connected via a communication line, and a register that is included in a central processing unit (CPU).

An image forming apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment is an apparatus used to present information in a meeting. As shown in the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the information processing apparatus100includes a schedule acquisition module110, an electric-energy control module120, a download determination module130, a download module135, a presenter determination module140, an equipment-information acquisition module150, and a presentation module155.

Note that a meeting (hereinafter, referred to as an “event”) is a situation in which multiple persons come together, and in which at least one person (presenter) makes a presentation using the information processing apparatus100. Examples of the meeting include a product introduction, a paper presentation in a scientific society, a business talk, a lecture, a lesson, a report meeting, a conference, and an interview. The number of places at which the meeting takes place is not limited to one, and the meeting may take place at separate places such as videoconference.

Furthermore, the information processing apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment is an apparatus using a battery (which includes a primary battery and a secondary battery (an accumulator)) as a power source, and is, typically, a portable apparatus. The information processing apparatus100is to be used in a meeting that is a situation in which supply of power from a socket is impossible. Thus, the presenter needs to leave the remaining electric energy of the battery of the image forming apparatus100that the presenter uses so that the battery will be available for at least a presentation. In contrast, in the information processing apparatus100, various functions (for example, a telephone function, a function of browsing a web page on the Internet, and so forth) are prepared. The image forming apparatus100is in an environment in which the battery is easily consumed.

The expression a module “accepts information” includes both the case where information is generated inside the module and where the module accepts the generated information, and the case where another module (which may be a module that is present in another information processing apparatus which is connected via a communication line) generates information and where the module accepts the generated information.

The schedule acquisition module110acquires a schedule from an electronic schedule book of a user of the information processing apparatus100. For example, the schedule acquisition module110acquires a schedule of a meeting that is a target at a predetermined date and time (year, month, date, time, minute, second, and units following second or a combination of any of year, month, date, time, minute, second, and the units following second). The schedule acquisition module110activates an electric-energy control function in the present exemplary embodiment. In this case, for example, the schedule acquisition module110activates the electric-energy control function at eight o'clock in the morning, and acquires a meeting that will take place on the day, and a start time and an end time of the meeting. More specifically, the schedule acquisition module110acquires an event-management-information table500. In the event-management-information table500, identification information (hereinafter, referred to as “event identification (ID)”) by which the meeting is uniquely identifiable in the present exemplary embodiment and so forth are stored.FIG. 5is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the event-management-information table500. The event-management-information table500includes an event-ID column510, a presenter-necessary-content-ID column520, a participant-necessary-ID column530, an event-start-date-and-time column540, an event-end-date-and-time column550, an event-place-ID column560, a presenter-ID column570, and a supporter-ID column580. In the event-ID column510, an event ID is stored. In the presenter-necessary-content-ID column520, a content ID is stored, and is identification information by which contents (which may include application software described below) necessary in the event are uniquely identifiable in the present exemplary embodiment. In the participant-necessary-ID column530, a user ID is stored, and is identification information by which a participant who will participate in the event is uniquely identifiable in the present exemplary embodiment. In the event-start-date-and-time column540, a date and time at which the event will start is stored. In the event-end-date-and-time column550, a date and time at which the event will end is stored. In the event-place-ID column560, a place ID is stored, and is identification information by which a place at which the event will take place is uniquely identifiable in the present exemplary embodiment. In the presenter-ID column570, a user ID indicating a person who will make a presentation in the event is stored. In the supporter-ID column580, a user ID of a person who will support the presenter in the event is stored. Note that the event-management-information table500is stored in a schedule management module210that is described below usingFIG. 2. The schedule acquisition module110acquires the event-management-information table500from the schedule management module210. Whether or not the user ID of the user of the information processing apparatus100is included in the participant-necessary-ID column530is determined, and, when it is determined that the user ID of the user of the information processing apparatus100is included in the participant-necessary-ID column530, the user of the information processing apparatus100is planning to participate in the event. Note that the user of the information processing apparatus100may be a person who will use the information processing apparatus100, and examples of the user of the information processing apparatus100also include an owner of the information processing apparatus100(who may share the information processing apparatus100with other owners). Furthermore, in the case where the information processing apparatus100acquires the user ID of the user of the information processing apparatus100, when the user is an owner of the information processing apparatus100, the information processing apparatus100may acquire the user ID of the owner because the user ID of the owner is typically stored in the information processing apparatus100. Furthermore, when the user is not an owner of the information processing apparatus100, the information processing apparatus100may accept the user ID of the user. For example, the user may operate a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like of the information processing apparatus100, whereby the information processing apparatus100may accept the user ID of the user. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus100may communicate with an IC card or the like that the user has, and may acquire the user ID that is stored in the IC card or the like.

The download determination module130determines whether or not information necessary for the meeting should be downloaded from a server, another information processing apparatus, or the like (for example, a content management module220described below) that stores the information. Examples of “information necessary for the meeting” include application software (for example, presentation software) that is necessary in order to make a presentation in the meeting, and contents, such as a document, that are contents which will be presented (note that, in the case of simply mentioning “contents”, examples of the “contents” may include application software). Whether or not information necessary for the meeting should be downloaded is determined on the basis of whether or not the information (contents) is stored in the information processing apparatus100. When the information is stored in the information processing apparatus100, the download determination module130determines that the information does not need to be downloaded, and, when the information is not stored in the information processing apparatus100, the download determination module130determines that the information should be downloaded. The “information necessary for the meeting” may be acquired, for example, from the presenter-necessary-content-ID column520that is included in the event-management-information table500acquired by the schedule acquisition module110.

The download module135downloads, from the content management module220illustrated as an example inFIG. 2described below, the contents that have been determined by the download determination module130to be contents which should be downloaded. The expression “control of the electric-energy control module120” refers to control which is performed so that the electric-energy control module120decides a date and time at which the download module135starts downloading and the download module135starts downloading at the decided date and time.

When it is determined by the download determination module130that the information should be downloaded, the electric-energy control module120accepts first electric energy information indicating electric energy that is necessary to download the information. For example, the electric-energy control module120may use a content management table600.FIG. 6is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the content management table600. The content management table600includes a content-ID column610, a capacity column620, a download-time-period column630, and a presentation-time-period column640. In the content-ID column610, a content ID is stored. In the capacity column620, a storage capacity that is necessary to store the contents is stored. In the download-time column630, a time period taken to download the contents is stored. In the present-time column640, a time period for which the contents are presented (a time period taken to make a presentation using the contents) is stored. Note that the content management table600is stored in the content management module220that is described below usingFIG. 2. The electric-energy control module120acquires the content management table600from the content management module220. The electric-energy control module120calculates, using the value stored in the download-time column630, electric energy consumption that is electric energy to be consumed in the information processing apparatus100. For example, the electric-energy control module120may measure, in advance, electric energy consumption per unit that is necessary to download the contents, thereby obtaining a measured value, and may calculate, using the measured value, electric energy consumption that is necessary to download the contents. The value stored in the download-time-period column630may be adjusted in accordance with the transmission speed of a communication line that the information processing apparatus100is connected to. Furthermore, a time period taken to download the contents may be calculated using the value stored in the capacity column620and the transmission speed of a communication line that the information processing apparatus100is connected to.

Then, the electric-energy control module120accepts second electric energy information indicating electric energy that is necessary to present the information in the meeting. For example, the electric-energy control module120may use the content management table600. The electric-energy control module120calculates, using the value stored in the presentation-time-period column640, electric energy consumption that is electric energy to be consumed in the information processing apparatus100. Note that the presentation time period is a so-called time period for which a presentation is made. The electric-energy control module120calculates, using the value stored in the presentation-time-period column640, electric energy consumption that is electric energy to be consumed in the information processing apparatus100. For example, the electric-energy control module120may measure, in advance, electric energy consumption per unit that is necessary to present the contents, thereby obtaining a measured value, and may calculate, using the measured value, electric energy consumption that is necessary to present the contents. Moreover, the presentation time period may be calculated on the basis of the time period of the meeting (an event time period415illustrated inFIG. 4). For example, the presentation time period may be calculated from the value stored in the event-start-date-and-time column540and the value stored in the event-end-date-and-time column550. Alternatively, the presentation time period may be calculated on the basis of a document that is to be presented. For example, the total number of pages of the document may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient, or a storage capacity (the value stored in the capacity column620) that is necessary to store the document may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. Alternatively, the number of characters in each page may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient, thereby obtaining a value for the page, and the values for the pages may be added to each other.

The electric-energy control module120measures the remaining electric energy that remains in the information processing apparatus100that is to be used in the meeting. In other words, the electric-energy control module120measures the current remaining electric energy of the battery that is built in the information processing apparatus100. A technique of the related art may be used in measurement of the remaining electric energy.

Next, the electric-energy control module120accepts a result of subtraction of the electric energy indicated by the first electric energy information and the electric energy indicated by the second electric energy information from the remaining electric energy that has been measured. In other words, the electric energy that is necessary to present the information in the meeting (the electric energy that is to be used to download the contents which are necessary in the meeting and the electric energy that is to be used to present the contents) is subtracted from the current available electric energy, whereby electric energy that is available for things other than the presentation of the contents is calculated.

Then, the electric-energy control module120imposes, on the basis of a result of subtraction, restrictions on the functions in a first time period to when the meeting starts and in a second time period that is within the time period of the meeting and that is other than a time period for which the information (contents) is presented.

Furthermore, after the electric-energy control module120decides restrictions that are to be imposed on the functions in the second time period, the electric-energy control module120may decide restrictions that are to be imposed on the functions in the first time period. In other words, electric energy that is necessary after the event has started may be preferentially ensured, and electric energy that is necessary in a time period from the current time to when the event starts may be ensured. The reason for this is that, depending on imposition of restrictions on the functions after the event has started, more serious restrictions need to be imposed on the functions in the time period from the current time to when the event starts.

Furthermore, the electric-energy control module120may perform at least one of imposition of a restriction on the telephone function of the information processing apparatus100, imposition of a restriction on a communication function of the image forming apparatus100, imposition of a display function of a display of the information processing apparatus100, and disconnection of the power of the information processing apparatus100. For example, in the information processing apparatus100of a presenter, in the second time period, the electric-energy control module120performs imposition of a restriction on the telephone function of the information processing apparatus100, and imposition of a restriction on the communication function of the information processing apparatus100. The reason for this is that, during the event (more particularly, during the presentation), the information processing apparatus100should be made unable to perform another communication. In the information processing apparatus100of a supporter, in the second time period, the electric-energy control module120does not perform imposition of a restriction on the telephone function of the information processing apparatus100, and imposition of a restriction on the communication function of the information processing apparatus100. Instead of that, in the first time period, the electric-energy control module120performs imposition of a restriction on the display function of the display of the information processing apparatus100. In this manner, the electric-energy control module120imposes, on electric energy in the first time period, a restriction that is more serious than a restriction to be imposed in the second time period. For example, in the first time period, the electric-energy control module120disconnects the power of the information processing apparatus100.

Moreover, the electric-energy control module120decides a date and time at which the download module135starts downloading. The download module135starts downloading at the decided date and time.

The presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user of the information processing apparatus100is to perform a process of presenting the information in the meeting. For example, the presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user of the information processing apparatus100is a person (for example, a presenter) who is to present the contents using the information processing apparatus100in the meeting. More specifically, the presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user ID stored in the presenter-ID column570included in the event-management-information table500matches the user ID of the user of the information processing apparatus100. When it is determined by the presenter determination module140that the user of the information processing apparatus100is to perform a process of presenting the information in the meeting, the electric-energy control module120performs a process of accepting the first electric energy information and the second electric energy information. The electric-energy control module120may perform a process of calculating the first electric energy information and the second electric energy information. Furthermore, when it is determined by the presenter determination module140that the user of the information processing apparatus100is not to perform a process of presenting the information in the meeting, the electric-energy control module120sets the electric energy indicated by the first electric energy information to be zero, and sets the electric energy indicated by the second electric energy information to be zero. In other words, the reason for this is that, in the case where the user of the information processing apparatus100is a presenter, a download process and a process of presenting information are necessary, but, in the case where the user of the information processing apparatus100is a participant other than the presenter, these processes are unnecessary.

Additionally, the presenter determination module140may determine whether or not the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter for a person who is to perform a process of presenting the information in the meeting. For example, the presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter for the presenter in the meeting. More specifically, the presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user ID stored in the supporter-ID column580included in the event-management-information table500matches the user ID of the user of the information processing apparatus100. When it is determined by the presenter determination module140that the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter for the person who is to perform a process of presenting the information in the meeting, the electric-energy control module120may distinguish the supporter from typical participants, and perform electric energy control for the supporter. In this manner, the electric-energy control module120may perform electric energy control in accordance with the user of the information processing apparatus100. For example, in the case where the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter, the telephone function and the communication function are made available so that it will be possible to establish contact with the outside during the meeting. For this reason, the electric-energy control module120may impose a serious restriction on electric energy, for example, may impose a serious restriction (for example, disconnection of the power) on the functions before the meeting starts.

Note that the relationships between electric energy control and restrictions imposed on the functions will be described. Electric energy control is performed by imposing restrictions on the functions. Note that, in addition to, for example, making the telephone function or the like unavailable which is described above, examples of imposition of restrictions on the functions may include reduction of the brightness of the display of the information processing apparatus100, reduction of the time period taken to shift to a sleep state, and reduction of the clock frequency of the CPU or the like.

The equipment-information acquisition module150acquires information concerning equipment that is present in a place (venue or the like) of the event. For example, the equipment-information acquisition module150acquires an equipment management table700.FIG. 7is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the equipment management table700. The equipment management table700includes, for example, an event-place-ID column710, an equipment-1-name column720, a unit-electric-energy-consumption column730, an equipment-2-name column740, and a unit-electric-energy-consumption column750. In the event-place-ID column710, an event place ID is stored. The event-place-ID column710corresponds to the event-place-ID column560of the event-management-information table500. An event place ID is extracted from the event-place-ID column560, and the corresponding event-place-ID column710is searched for the event place ID, whereby information concerning equipment that is present in the event place is acquired. In the equipment-1-name column720, the name of equipment 1 that is present in the event place is stored. In the unit-electric-energy-consumption column730, electric energy consumption per unit time in the case where the information processing apparatus100uses the equipment 1 is stored. In the equipment-2-name column740, the name of equipment 2 that is present in the event place is stored. In the unit-electric-energy-consumption column750, electric energy consumption per unit time in the case where the information processing apparatus100uses the equipment 2 is stored. In the case where another equipment is present, a combination that is similar to a combination of the equipment-1-name column720and the unit-electric-energy-consumption column730is continuously provided. Note that, in the unit-electric-energy-consumption column730or the like, a value for each type of information processing apparatus100may be stored. Note that the equipment management table700is stored in an equipment-information management module230that is described below usingFIG. 2. The equipment-information acquisition module150acquires the equipment management table700from the content management module220.

Then, the electric-energy control module120may calculate, using the equipment management table700acquired by the equipment-information acquisition module150, electric energy that is necessary to present the information in the meeting. For example, in the case where the equipment 1 is a projector and it is determined that the projector is to be used, the electric-energy control module120may calculate, using the value stored in the unit-electric-energy-consumption column730and the above-described presentation time period, electric energy that is necessary to present the information. Regarding which equipment is to be used, for example, equipment that is available for the meeting is presented from the equipment management table700so that it will be possible to select equipment. Equipment may be decided by a selection operation performed by the user of the information processing apparatus100. Furthermore, a column for equipment that is to be used is added to the event-management-information table500, and equipment that is to be used in the event may be decided in advance.

The presentation module155provides functions that are necessary in the meeting. For example, in the case where the meeting takes place for a product introduction, the presentation module155provides, using application software, contents such as a document (which includes, for example, text, images, figures, and tables) or a moving image (which includes sounds) for the product instruction.

FIG. 2is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in the case where the present exemplary embodiment is realized.

Information processing apparatuses100a,100b,100c,100d,100e, and so forth, the schedule management module210, the content management module220, and the equipment-information management module230are connected to each other via a communication line299. Whether the communication line299is a wireless line or wired line does not matter. The number of information processing apparatuses100may be at least one. Multiple schedule management modules210, multiple content management modules220, or multiple equipment-information management modules230may be provided. The schedule management module210, the content management module220, and the equipment-information management module230store the event-management-information table500, the content management table600, and the equipment management table700, respectively.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a situation in which the present exemplary embodiment is used. As shown in the example illustrated inFIG. 3A, the information processing apparatus100includes the display, a speaker, a microphone, the telephone function, the communication function, and so forth. An operator performs an operation using the touch panel or the like. The information processing apparatus100is a portable-type terminal apparatus, and examples of the portable-type terminal apparatus include, for example, a smartphone. In the event place, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, attendants321,322, and so forth are present, and a projector350and a white board360are placed. The presenter311has the information processing apparatus100a. The presenter311connects the information processing apparatus100ato the projector350, and makes a presentation. Furthermore, an accompanying person312who is a supporter for the presenter311has the information processing apparatus100b, and receives contact or the like from the outside. In addition, a supporter on the presenter-311side may be present.

FIG. 4is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a time schedule in the case where the event takes place.

It is indicated that time proceeds from a current time400in the right direction. For example, at the current time400, the schedule acquisition module110or the electric-energy control module120is activated. A time period from an event start time410to an event end time420is the event time period415. A time period from the event start time410to a presentation start time430is a time period425prior to the start of a presentation. A time period from the presentation start time430to a presentation end time440is a presentation time period435. A time period from the presentation end time440to the event end time420is a time period445after the end of the presentation. A download time period405may be before the event start time410(or before the presentation start time430). Furthermore, multiple presentation time periods435may be present in the event time period415.

In the case where it is necessary to download contents, the electric-energy control module120calculates electric energy X that is necessary in the download time period405, and calculates electric energy YA that is necessary in the presentation time period435. Then, electric energy that is a result of subtraction of the electric energy X and the electric energy YA from the remaining electric energy at the current time400is electric energy that is available for other time periods which are the time period425prior to the start of the presentation, the time period445after the end of the presentation, and the time period402prior to the event (excluding the download time period405). At least, in order to ensure the electric energy X and the electric energy YA, restrictions are imposed on electric energy YB that is to be used in the time period425prior to the start of the presentation and the time period445after the end of the presentation and electric energy that is to be used in the time period402prior to the event. Note that, when the user of the information processing apparatus100is not a presenter (is a supporter), the electric energy YB is electric energy that is to be used in the event time period415.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in the present exemplary embodiment.

In step S802, the schedule acquisition module110acquires event information.

In step S804, the electric-energy control module120measures the remaining electric energy of the battery.

In step S810, the download determination module130determines whether or not contents that need to be downloaded are present. When contents that need to be downloaded are present, the process proceeds to step S812. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S816.

In step S812, the electric-energy control module120reserves the electric energy X (electric energy that is to be used in the download time period405).

In step S814, the electric-energy control module120sets a content download start time.

In step S816, the electric-energy control module120reserves the electric energy YA (electric energy that is to be used in the presentation time period435).

In step S818, the electric-energy control module120subtracts the electric energy X and the electric energy YA from the remaining electric energy, thereby calculating available electric energy A.

In step S820, the electric-energy control module120determines whether or not it is possible to impose restrictions on the functions during the event. When it is possible to impose restrictions on the functions during the event, the process proceeds to step S822. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S824. For example, the electric-energy control module120may decide, on the basis of an operation performed by the operator, whether or not it is possible to impose restrictions of the functions of the information processing apparatus100during the event (the event time period415). Furthermore, when the available electric energy A is lower than a predetermined value E, the process may forcibly proceed to step S822.

In step S822, the electric-energy control module120sets a setting for imposing restrictions on the functions in the event time period415. For example, the electric-energy control module120may select, on a basis of an operation performed by the operator, among the functions, functions that restrictions are to be imposed on. Furthermore, the electric-energy control module120may decide, in a predetermined order, among the functions, functions that restrictions are to be imposed on. For example, verification is performed in the order of imposition of a restriction on the telephone function of the information processing apparatus100, imposition of a restriction on the communication function of the information processing apparatus100, imposition of a restriction on the display function of the display of the information processing apparatus100, and disconnection of the power of the information processing apparatus100. Regarding verification, in the case where electric energy that is equal to or higher than a predetermined value E has been ensured by imposing a restriction on a function, restrictions may be imposed on functions up to the function in the order.

In step S824, the electric-energy control module120reserves the electric energy YB (electric energy that is to be used in the time period425prior to the start of the presentation and the time period445after the end of the presentation). When the process of step S822is performed (YES in step S820), electric energy in the case where restrictions are imposed on the functions is the electric energy YB. When a result of determination in step S820is NO, electric energy in the case where imposition of restrictions on the functions is unnecessary is the electric energy YB.

In step S826, the electric-energy control module120subtracts the electric energy YB from the available electric energy A, thereby calculating available electric energy B (electric energy that is available for the time period402prior to the event (excluding the download time period405)).

In step S828, the electric-energy control module120calculates a wait time period to when the event starts. In other words, the electric-energy control module120calculates a time period (the time period402prior to the event that is a time period excluding the download time period405) from the current time400to the event start time410.

In step S830, the electric-energy control module120performs selection of a wait-time-period operation. The electric-energy control module120multiplies the wait time period, which has been calculated in step S828, by a predetermined coefficient (electric energy consumption per unit time), thereby calculating electric energy in the wait time period. Here, the “electric energy consumption per unit time” may be an overall statistical value (for example, an average value, a mode value, or a medium value) that is measured in advance. Alternatively, a statistical value that is measured in advance in the time period prior to the event may be used. When a result of calculation is equal to or higher than a predetermined value F, the process proceeds to step S832. When the result of calculation is lower than a predetermined value G, the process proceeds to step S836. Otherwise (when the result of calculation is lower than the predetermined value F and equal to or higher than the predetermined value G), the process proceeds to step S834. Note that there is a relationship that the value E>the value F>the value G.

In step S832, the electric-energy control module120does not impose restrictions on the functions.

In step S834, the electric-energy control module120imposes restrictions on the functions. For example, the electric-energy control module120imposes restrictions on the functions in the order from imposition of a restriction on the telephone function of the information processing apparatus100, imposition of a restriction on the communication function of the information processing apparatus100, and imposition of a restriction on the display function of the display of the information processing apparatus100.

In step S836, the electric-energy control module120turns off the power.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare parts of a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in the present exemplary embodiment. Processes of steps S906and S908are added to the flowchart shown in the example illustrated inFIG. 8. The processes of the other steps are similar to those illustrated inFIG. 8.

In step S906, the presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user of the information processing apparatus100is to make a presentation. When the user of the information processing apparatus100is to make a presentation, the process proceeds to step S910. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S908.

In step S908, the presenter determination module140determines whether or not the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter. When the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter, the process proceeds to step S924. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S918.

Accordingly, when the user of the information processing apparatus100is not a presenter, reservation of the electric energy X and the electric energy YA is unnecessary. When the user of the information processing apparatus100is a supporter, restrictions are not imposed on the functions in the event time period415. Note that no restriction may be imposed on the telephone function of the information processing apparatus100, and no restriction may be imposed on the communication function of the information processing apparatus100. For example, only imposition of a restriction on the display function of the display of the information processing apparatus100may be performed.

Note that, regarding a hardware configuration of a computer in which a program is executed so as to function as the information processing apparatus100, the schedule management module210, the content management module220, and the equipment-information management module230, as illustrated as an example inFIG. 10, the computer is a typical computer, and, more specifically, is, for example, a computer that is usable as a personal computer or a server. In other words, for example, a CPU1001is used as a processing unit (a computation unit), and a RAM1002, a read-only memory (ROM)1003, and an HD1004are used as storage devices. For example, a hard disk may be used as the HD1004. The computer is constituted by the CPU1001, the RAM1002, the ROM1003, the HD1004, an acceptance device1006, an output device1005, a communication-line interface1007, and a bus1008. The CPU1001executes a program so as to function as the schedule acquisition module110, the electric-energy control module120, the download determination module130, the download module135, the presenter determination module140, the equipment-information acquisition module150, the presentation module155, and so forth. The RAM1002stores the program and data. The ROM1003stores, for example, a program for activating the present computer. The HD1004is an auxiliary storage device (which may be a flash memory or the like). The acceptance device1006accepts data on the basis of an operation that has been performed by a user on a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The output device1005is a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display, or the like. The communication-line interface1007is used to connect the computer with a communication network, such as a network interface card. The bus1008connects the CPU1001, the RAM1002, the ROM1003, the HD1004, the acceptance device1006, the output device1005, and the communication-line interface1007so that data will be transmitted/received. Multiple computers each of which is the computer may be connected to each other using a network.

Regarding realization of the above-described exemplary embodiment using a computer program, a system having the present hardware configuration is caused to read the computer program that is software, and software resource and hardware resource collaborate with each other, thereby realizing the above-described exemplary embodiment.

Note that the hardware configuration illustrated inFIG. 10is one configuration example. The hardware configuration in the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to the hardware configuration illustrated inFIG. 10. It is only necessary that the hardware configuration be a configuration in which the modules that are described in the present exemplary embodiment are executable. For example, some modules may be configured using dedicated hardware (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). A configuration in which some modules are provided in an external system and connected via a communication line may be used. Further, multiple systems each of which is the system illustrated inFIG. 10may be connected to each other via a communication line, and may operate in collaboration with each other. Furthermore, particularly, the system may be incorporated in a mobile phone (examples of the mobile phone include a smartphone) as a mobile information terminal, or a personal computer. Alternatively, the system may be incorporated in an information home appliance, a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunctional machine (an image processing apparatus having at least two functions among a scanner function, a printer function, a copier function, a facsimile function, and so forth), or the like.

Furthermore, in the description of the foregoing exemplary embodiment, in the case of comparison a value with a predetermined value, “equal to or larger than”, “equal to or smaller than”, “larger than”, and “smaller than” may be replaced with “larger than”, “smaller than”, “equal to or larger than”, and “equal to or smaller than”, respectively, as long as the combination of the value and the predetermined value does not have a contradiction.

Note that the above-described program may be stored on a recording medium, and may be supplied. Furthermore, the program may be supplied using a communication unit. In such a case, for example, regarding the above-described program, it may be considered that a “computer readable recording medium storing a program” is provided as an invention.

The “computer readable recording medium storing a program” is a recording medium which is used to install a program, to execute a program, to distribute a program, or the like, in which a program is stored, and which is readable by a computer.

Note that examples of the recording medium include the following: digital versatile discs (DVDs) including “a DVD-recordable(R), a DVD-rewritable(RW), a DVD-RAM, and so forth”, which are standards established by the DVD forum, and including “a DVD+R, a DVD+RW, and so forth” which are standards established by the DVD+RW Alliance; compact discs (CDs) including a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, and so forth; a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark); a magneto-optical disk (MO); a flexible disk (FD); a magnetic tape; an HD; a ROM; an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)); a flash memory; a RAM; and a secure digital (SD) memory card.

Additionally, the above-described program or one portion thereof may be recorded on the recording medium, and may be stored, distributed, or the like. Furthermore, the above-described program may be transmitted by communication using a transmission medium such as a wired network, a wireless communication network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless communication network. The transmission medium is used, for example, in the following: a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); the Internet; an intranet; and an extranet. Moreover, the above-described program may be transported by being superimposed on a carrier wave.

In addition, the above-described program may be one portion of another program. Alternatively, the above-described program may be recorded on a recording medium together with another program. Furthermore, the above-described program may be divided into programs, and the programs may be recorded on multiple recording media. Moreover, the above-described program may be recorded in any manner, such as compression or encryption, if the above-described program that has been recorded is restorable.