JP6472696B2 - Network system, information processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method, and more particularly to a network system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method that include a plurality of network devices.

  The terminal device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a facsimile device, for example, and has a DHCP client function for acquiring an IP address from a DHCP server. When the DHCP client function is on, this terminal device acquires an IP address from the DHCP server and turns off the DHCP client function. And a terminal device connects to a network using the IP address acquired from the DHCP server.

  Further, the network system disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes an image processing device and an agent. The image processing apparatus acquires and sets a temporary address from the address assignment apparatus. In addition, the image processing apparatus sends a notification including a temporary address to the agent, and acquires a fixed address for the image processing apparatus provided from the agent in response to the notification. In addition, when the agent receives the notification, the agent provides a fixed address for the image processing device to the image processing device specified by the temporary address included in the notification.

JP 2006-5820 A JP 2008-15880 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the DHCP server individually assigns IP addresses in response to requests from the terminal devices, IP addresses cannot be assigned to a plurality of terminal devices in a unified manner.

  Similarly to the technique of Patent Document 1, the technique of Patent Document 2 assigns a fixed IP address to each image processing apparatus by an agent different from an address assignment apparatus such as a DHCP server. An IP address cannot be centrally assigned to a terminal device.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel network system, information processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method capable of setting fixed IP addresses in a centralized manner to a plurality of network devices.

1st invention is a network system provided with the information processing apparatus which sets a fixed address to several network equipment and several network equipment. The information processing apparatus includes address providing means, sequence information transmission instruction means, position information transmission means, fixed address assignment means, fixed address setting instruction means, and off instruction means. Each of the plurality of network devices includes array information storage means, position information storage means, address request transmission means, first setting means, array information transmission means, position information transmission means, second setting means, and third setting means. Prepare.

The plurality of network devices are arranged according to a predetermined arrangement, and in each network device, the arrangement information storage means stores arrangement information about the predetermined arrangement, and the position storage means stores position information about the position where it is arranged. Remember. In each of the plurality of network devices, the address request transmission unit transmits a temporary address request to the information processing apparatus. The address providing unit of the information processing apparatus provides a temporary address to each of the plurality of network devices in response to requests from the plurality of network devices. In response to this, the first setting unit of each of the plurality of network devices sets the temporary address provided by the address providing unit. Accordingly, each of the plurality of network devices participates in a network including the information processing apparatus.
Further, in the information processing apparatus, the array information transmission instruction means instructs any one of the plurality of network devices to transmit the array information of the plurality of network devices. For example, the network device that first establishes the connection state is instructed to transmit the array information of a plurality of network devices. In the network device that is instructed to transmit the sequence information, the sequence information transmission unit transmits the sequence information stored in the sequence information storage unit to the information processing apparatus in response to this instruction.
Further, in the information processing apparatus, the position information transmission instruction means instructs each of the plurality of network devices to transmit the position information in the arrangement of the plurality of network devices. In each network device, the position information transmission unit transmits the position information stored in the position information storage unit to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from the position information transmission instruction unit.
Furthermore , the fixed address assigning means of the information processing apparatus assigns a fixed address to each network device of the request source, and the fixed address setting instruction means instructs each network device to set the fixed address assigned by the fixed address assigning means. To do. In response to this, the second setting means of each network device sets the fixed address designated by the fixed address setting instruction means. The off instruction means of the information processing apparatus instructs each network device to turn off the DHCP function after instructing the setting of the fixed address by the fixed address setting instruction means. In response, the third setting unit of each network device sets the DHCP function instructed by the off instruction unit to off. For this reason, the setting is changed to use a fixed address in each network device.

According to the first invention, since the information processing apparatus assigns a fixed address to each of the plurality of network devices and instructs the setting thereof, the addresses of the plurality of network devices can be set centrally.
According to the first invention, the information processing apparatus can know the arrangement information of the plurality of network devices and the position information of each network device in the arrangement of the plurality of network devices.

  The second invention is dependent on the first invention, and the information processing apparatus further includes connection means for connecting to each of the network devices so that instructions by the fixed address setting instruction means and the off instruction means can be transmitted by commands. Each of the plurality of network devices further includes establishment means for establishing a connection state by the connection means.

  According to the second invention, each network device can receive a command from the information processing apparatus, set a fixed address according to the command, and set the DHCP function off.

  A third invention is according to the second invention, and each of the plurality of network devices further includes notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus of the establishment of the connection state when the connection state is established by the establishment means. The fixed address assignment means of the information processing apparatus receives the notification from the notification means and assigns a fixed address to the requesting network device.

  According to the third invention, since the fixed address assigning means assigns a fixed address to the network device that has notified the establishment of the connection state, the fixed address can be assigned only to a predetermined network device such as a network device provided with the communication means. it can. That is, a fixed address can be set for a desired network device.

The fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third inventions, and the fixed address assigning means of the information processing device is configured according to the array information and the position information transmitted from each of the plurality of network devices. A fixed address is assigned to each of the plurality of network devices. The fixed address setting instruction unit instructs each of the plurality of network devices to set the fixed address determined by the address determination unit. For example, in the arrangement of a plurality of network devices, fixed addresses are assigned by serial numbers in a predetermined order from an arbitrary start position.

According to the fourth invention, since a fixed address is assigned to each of a plurality of network devices in a predetermined arrangement in accordance with the position, it is possible to set a fixed address that is easy for the user to understand.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus for setting fixed addresses in a plurality of network devices, and providing address provisional to each of the plurality of network devices in response to requests from the plurality of network devices. , An array information transmission instruction means for instructing transmission of the array information of the plurality of network devices to any one of the plurality of network devices, and position information in the array of the plurality of network devices to each of the plurality of network devices. Position information transmission instruction means for instructing transmission, fixed address assignment means for assigning a fixed address to each requesting network device, fixed address setting instruction means for instructing each network device to set a fixed address assigned by the fixed address assignment means , And the fixed address setting instruction means Set after instructions to, in each network device comprises an off instructing means for instructing to set off the DHCP function is an information processing apparatus.

A sixth invention is an information processing program that is executed by a computer that sets fixed addresses in a plurality of network devices, and that is sent to a processor of the computer in response to requests from the plurality of network devices. An address providing step for providing a temporary address; an array information transmission instruction step for instructing transmission of the array information of the plurality of network devices to any one of the plurality of network devices; Position information transmission instruction step for instructing transmission of position information in the arrangement of network devices, fixed address assignment step for assigning a fixed address to each requesting network device, and setting of the fixed address assigned in the fixed address assignment step for each network device Instructed fixed Les setting instruction step, and after instructing the setting of the fixed address in the fixed address setting instruction step to execute the off instruction step of instructing to set the DHCP function off each network device, an information processing program.

A seventh invention is an information processing method for a computer to set a fixed address to a plurality of network devices, which provide a temporary address, to the plurality of network devices in response to a request from a plurality of network devices (a) Step (b) instructing any one of the plurality of network devices to transmit the array information of the plurality of network devices; (c) in each of the plurality of network devices in the array of the plurality of network devices. the step of instructing the transmission of the location information, (d) dividing the fixed address to each network device of the requesting person Teru step, the step of instructing the setting of a fixed address assigned in step (e) (d) to each network device, after instructing the setting of a fixed address in and (f) step (e), the Ne The network device comprising the steps you instructing to set off the DHCP function, an information processing method.

In the fifth to seventh inventions, as in the first invention, addresses of a plurality of network devices can be set centrally. Further, as in the first invention, it is possible to know the arrangement information of a plurality of network devices and the position information of each network device in the arrangement of the plurality of network devices.

  According to the present invention, since the information processing apparatus assigns a fixed address to each of the plurality of network devices and instructs the setting thereof, the addresses of the plurality of network devices can be set centrally.

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

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one example of a schematic configuration of the network system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the display device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view for explaining an example of a method of assigning IP addresses to the display device and other network devices in the network system shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a method for assigning IP addresses to display devices and other network devices in the network system shown in FIG. 1, and is an illustrative view for explaining the continuation of FIG. 5A is an illustrative view showing a first example of a setting screen displayed on a monitor connected to the PC shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a monitor connected to the PC shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure which shows the 2nd example of the setting screen displayed on. 6A is an illustrative view showing a third example of a setting screen displayed on the monitor connected to the PC shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6B is a monitor connected to the PC shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a fourth example of a setting screen displayed on the screen. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing a fifth example of a setting screen displayed on a monitor connected to the PC shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view for explaining an example of a method in which the PC shown in FIG. 1 changes a plurality of display devices to fixed IP address setting. FIG. 9 is an example of a method in which the PC shown in FIG. 1 changes a plurality of display devices to fixed IP address setting, and is an illustrative view for explaining the continuation of FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of how the PC shown in FIG. 1 changes a plurality of display devices to fixed IP address setting, and is an illustrative view for explaining the continuation of FIG. FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing a sixth example of a setting screen displayed on a monitor connected to the PC shown in FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a RAM built in the PC shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a RAM built in each display device shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of the IP address assignment processing of the CPU built in the PC shown in FIG. 15 is another part of the IP address assignment processing of the CPU built in the PC shown in FIG. 1, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of IP address assignment processing of the CPU built in each display device shown in FIGS. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in the PC shown in FIG. 18 is another part of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in the PC shown in FIG. 1, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of fixed IP address setting processing of the CPU built in each display device shown in FIGS. FIG. 20 is another part of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in each display device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 21 (A) is an illustrative view showing an example of an arrangement of a plurality of display devices constituting the multi-display system of the third embodiment, and FIG. 21 (B) is arranged as shown in FIG. 21 (A). FIG. 21 is an illustrative view for explaining an example of a method of assigning fixed IP addresses according to positions of a plurality of display devices, and FIG. 21C is a diagram showing a plurality of displays arranged as shown in FIG. It is an illustration figure for demonstrating the other example of the method of assigning a fixed IP address according to the position of an apparatus. FIG. 22 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a RAM built in each display device in the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is an illustrative view for explaining an example of a method of changing the display device to fixed IP address setting based on position information in the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is an example of a method for changing the display device to the fixed IP address setting based on the position information in the third embodiment, and is an illustrative view for explaining the continuation of FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of a fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in the PC in the third embodiment. FIG. 26 is another part of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in the PC in the third embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 27 is another part of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in the PC in the third embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of a fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in each display device in the third embodiment. FIG. 29 is another part of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU built in each display device in the third embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one example of a schematic configuration of a network system 10 of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a network system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a PC 12 functioning as a DHCP server, and the PC 12 includes a plurality of display devices 16 (display devices 16a, 16b,. 16n), connected to a plurality of network devices 18 (network devices 18a, 18b) different from the display device 16. Here, the network device means a network-compatible device or apparatus, and corresponds to, for example, a computer (PC or server) other than the PC 12, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine. The display device 16 also corresponds to a network device.

  For example, the PC 12, the display device 16, and the network device 18 are each connected to the hub 14 using a LAN cable. In addition, each of the plurality of display devices 16 and each of the plurality of network devices 18 functions as a DHCP client. Hereinafter, in this specification, the display device 16 and the network device 18 that are network devices other than the PC 12 are collectively referred to as “client”.

  However, in the first embodiment, the configuration excluding the network device 18 (18a, 18b) in the network system 10 is called a multi-display system 10a.

  The PC 12 is an example of an information processing apparatus, and a general-purpose PC can be used. In the PC 12, the DHCP function is turned off (disabled), and a fixed IP address (for example, 192.168.0.100) and a subnet mask (for example, 255.255.255.0) are set.

  The hub 14 is a general-purpose switching hub. In the network system 10, the PC 12, the plurality of display devices 16, and the plurality of network devices 18 are communicably connected. However, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the hub 14 does not have the DHCP function or the DHCP function is turned off.

  The display device 16 is a display device constituting a multi display. In the multi-display system 10a, a plurality of display devices 16 are arranged on a straight line or arranged in a matrix. In the first embodiment, the network system 10 (multi-display system 10a) has n display devices 16 (first display device 16a, second display device 16b,..., N-th display device 16n). In this specification, when there is no need to distinguish the first display device 16a, the second display device 16b,..., The nth display device 16n, they are simply referred to as “display device 16”. A specific configuration of the display device 16 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the network device 18 is a network device different from the display device 16. In the first embodiment, the DHCP function of the network device 18a is valid (on). On the other hand, the DHCP function of the network device 18b is off, and a fixed IP address (for example, 192.168.0.20) and a subnet mask (255.255.255.0 in the first embodiment) are set. .

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display device 16 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 16 includes a CPU 30, and the CPU 30 includes a RAM 34, a ROM 36, a communication unit 38, a display drive unit 40, a video signal input unit 44, an operation unit 46, and a power control unit via a bus 32. 48. In addition, a display unit 42 is connected to the display driving unit 40.

  The CPU 30 governs overall control of the display device 16. The RAM 34 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 30. The ROM 36 stores data about a control program for controlling the display device 16 and various setting information of the display device 16.

  The communication unit 38 is an interface for communicating with another computer (PC 12 or / and other display device 16). For example, a wired LAN, RS-232C, USB, DDC / CI (Display Data Channel Command Interface), HDMI-CEC (High Definition Multimedia Interface Consumer Electronics Control) or the like can be used.

  However, in FIG. 1, each display device 16 is connected to the hub 14, but a plurality of display devices 16 may be connected in a daisy chain. In such a case, the communication unit 38 is provided with an input port and an output port.

  As another example, the communication unit 38 may be realized by a wireless LAN.

  The display driving unit 40 is a controller for generating and outputting a video or an image displayed on the display unit 42. The display unit 42 includes a display panel and a backlight, and outputs data about video or images given from the display driving unit 40.

  The video signal input unit 44 is an interface for inputting data about video or images input from another computer or an external memory (USB memory, HDD, etc.). DisplayPort, HDMI (registered trademark), DVI and D -SUB etc. are used.

  The operation unit 46 is various operation buttons (operation keys) and a remote control receiving unit provided on the display device 16, and accepts an operation input by a user or transmits a remote control signal (infrared signal) transmitted from a remote control (not shown). Or receive. For example, the operation unit 46 is used when various kinds of information about the display device 16 are set and changed. Various types of information correspond to white balance, brightness, color, multi-display size (arrangement), position in multi-display (arrangement position), and the like.

  The power control unit 48 is a circuit (switch circuit) for supplying and stopping power (voltage) to each component under the instruction of the CPU 12a. Although illustration is omitted, the power supply control unit 48 is applied with a DC voltage (DC power supply) in which an AC voltage from a commercial power supply is appropriately stepped down and rectified (noise removed).

  The display device 16 of the first embodiment has the following functions. First, when connected to the computer (PC 12) via Telnet, the display device 16 has a function of returning a connection completion to the connection source after establishing the connection state (after opening the socket (BSD)). ing. Secondly, the display device 16 has a function of executing processing (operation) according to a predetermined command (command written in text) after being connected by Telnet.

  In the first embodiment, the predetermined commands are a serial number transmission command, a DHCP off setting command, a fixed IP address setting command, a subnet mask setting command, a reboot execution command, a character string display command, and a character string. This is a hidden command.

  The manufacturing number transmission command (serial No.?) Is a command for transmitting (notifying) a manufacturing number which is a unique identification number assigned to the display device 16. Upon receiving the serial number transmission command, the display device 16 returns the serial number set (stored) in its own device to the transmission source of the command (in the first embodiment, it is the PC 12; the same applies hereinafter). (Send). However, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that a serial number is assigned to the display device 16. In the first embodiment, the serial number is used as the unique identification number. However, the MAC address assigned to the communication unit 38 can also be used. However, when the MAC address is used, the MAC address is described (managed) instead of the serial number in the IP allocation table 102 described later, and when the communication unit 38 is exchanged, the MAC address is described in the IP allocation table 102. The changed MAC address needs to be changed.

  The DHCP off setting command (DHCP OFF) is a command for setting the DHCP function off. Upon receiving the DHCP off setting command, the display device 16 turns off the DHCP function and returns OK to the transmission source of the command. In the first embodiment, when the DHCP function is set to OFF, the setting is enabled (reflected) after the display device 16 is restarted (rebooted). However, it may be enabled without rebooting.

  The fixed IP address setting command (IPSET xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) is a command for setting a designated IP address (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) as a fixed IP address. Upon receiving the fixed IP address setting command, the display device 16 sets the designated IP address as the fixed IP address, and returns OK to the transmission source of the command. The setting of the fixed IP address is effective only when the DHCP function is off, and is effective after the display device 16 is rebooted. That is, after rebooting, the display device 16 is changed to a setting that uses a fixed IP address (hereinafter referred to as “fixed IP address setting”). However, it may be enabled without rebooting. In this case, when a fixed IP address setting command is received, the IP address described in the command is set as a fixed IP address, and after setting a subnet mask to be described later, the IP address is changed to a fixed IP address setting.

  The subnet mask setting command (SubNet yyy.yyy.yyy.yyy) is a command for setting a designated subnet mask (yyy.yyy.yyy.yyy). Upon receiving the subnet mask setting command, the display device 16 sets the designated subnet mask corresponding to the fixed IP address, and returns OK to the transmission source of the command. The setting of the subnet mask according to this command is effective only when the DHCP function is off, and is effective after the display device 16 is rebooted. However, it may be enabled without rebooting.

  The reboot execution command (Reboot) is a command for executing restart (reboot). When the display device 16 receives the reboot execution command, it returns OK to the transmission source of the command and then executes the reboot.

  As described above, when the DHCP function is set to OFF, the fixed IP address setting and the subnet mask setting are enabled without executing the reboot, the reboot execution command may not be required.

  The character string display command (Display zzz) is a command for displaying a character string (zzzz) input (designated) by the user. Upon receiving the character string display command, the display device 16 displays the designated character string on the display panel (display screen).

  The character string non-display command (NON-Display) is a command for hiding (erasing) the character string displayed in accordance with the character string display command.

  In the network system 10 having such a configuration, the PC 12 sets fixed IP addresses of a plurality of display devices 16 constituting a multi display. However, in the display device 16, it is assumed that the DHCP function is on before the fixed IP address is set (before the DHCP function is turned off).

  3 and 4 are illustrative views for explaining a method (process) in which a fixed IP address is assigned to the display device 16 in the network system 10.

  However, the network device 18b is set to use a fixed IP address, and the DHCP function is turned off. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the time advances as it goes downward as indicated by a dotted line and an arrow. The same applies to FIGS. 8 to 10, 23, and 24.

  5 and 6 show an example of a setting screen 100 displayed on a monitor (not shown) connected to the PC 12 when a fixed IP address is set on the display device 16. In this setting screen 100, a table (hereinafter referred to as an “IP allocation table”) 102 for the PC 12 to allocate an IP address is displayed to clients on the network including the PC 12. In the setting screen 100, three button images (icons) 104, 106, and 108 are provided below the IP allocation table 102. The icon 104 is an icon for transmitting a character string display command to the selected display device 16 and causing the display device 16 to display the command. In the first embodiment, the character string is an ID (three-digit number) in the IP assignment table 102 attached to the corresponding display device 16. The icon 106 is an icon for erasing (not displaying) the character string displayed by pressing the icon 104. The icon 108 is an icon for setting a fixed IP address for the selected display device 16.

  When a check box displayed at the left end of the IP allocation table 102 is designated (selected), the corresponding display device 16 is selected and a check mark is displayed (see FIG. 6). If a check box is instructed (selected) in the selected state, the corresponding display device 16 is deselected and the check mark is not displayed. However, if it is determined that the client that leased and provided the IP address is the display device 16, the PC 12 assigns a fixed IP address, and in response to this, the display device 16 is automatically selected. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the PC 12 starts a process of assigning a fixed IP address (IP address assignment process), the PC 12 sets a fixed IP address (192.168.0.100) and a subnet mask ( 255.255.255.0), and an available IP address is calculated (determined) based on the acquired subnet mask. That is, the target range (192.168.0.0 to 192.168.0.255) of the IP address is obtained. However, when the last number of the IP address is “0”, it represents the network itself, and when the last number is “255”, it is used for broadcasting. Cannot be assigned to a specific client. Therefore, the actual target range is 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 5A, on the setting screen 100, the fixed IP address set in the PC 12 itself is described in the (1) IP address column, and “001” is described in the ID column. Is done. In the first embodiment, a three-digit number (serial number) is assigned as the ID according to the order in which the client is recognized on the network. Since a fixed IP address is set for the PC 12, “OFF” is described in the DHCP column. Further, since the PC 12 is not the display device 16, a horizontal bar is described in the serial number column and a fixed IP address is already set. Therefore, a horizontal bar is also described in the allocation (2) IP address column. . However, in the IP allocation table 102, a horizontal bar means that there is no corresponding numerical value or information, and is different from a mere blank (not set).

  Returning to FIG. 3, next, the PC 12 searches for a fixed IP address in use in the target range. That is, the fixed IP address set for the client configuring the network system 10 is acquired, and it is determined whether the acquired fixed IP address is included in the target range. Here, the already used fixed IP address is excluded from the target range, and the target range is updated.

  Since the method for searching for a fixed IP address is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, since the network device 18b in which the fixed IP address is set is connected to the network, the PC 12 searches for the fixed IP address (192.168.8.0. 20). Accordingly, in the PC 12, as shown in FIG. 5B, the fixed IP address for the network device 18b is added to the assignment (1) IP address column of the IP assignment table 102 on the setting screen 100, and this is supported. Thus, “002” is described in the ID column. Further, since a fixed IP address is set for the network device 18b, “OFF” is described in the DHCP column. When the PC 12 finishes searching for the fixed IP address, the PC 12 excludes the already used IP address from the target range. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the PC 12 excludes IP addresses whose last numbers are “20” and “100” from the target range of IP addresses.

  In the first embodiment, only the network device 18b is shown as a client to which a fixed IP address is set. However, when there are a plurality of clients to which a fixed IP address is set, in the searched order. A fixed IP address is added to the IP allocation table 102.

  In the first embodiment, the PC 12 searches for a fixed IP address that is in use, but may not search. In such a case, a rule is set so that a fixed IP address is not used without permission in an environment where DHCP is used.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the PC 12 determines the target range of the IP address and ends the search for the fixed IP address in use, the PC 12 starts accepting a lease request for the IP address.

  After the PC 12 starts accepting an IP address lease request, if there is an IP address (temporary IP address) lease request from the first display device 16a, the PC 12 responds to the request by the first display device 16a as a client. An IP address is assigned to the IP address, and the assigned IP address is leased. At this time, a subnet mask is also provided. The first display device 16a sets the leased IP address and subnet mask, and participates in the network (network system 10).

  Strictly speaking, when the PC 12 leases an IP address in response to a lease request from the client, the client selects the lease-presented address and returns an acceptance notification. When the PC 12 receives a lease selection from the client, the PC 12 approves it and transmits a lease confirmation notification to the client. This notification includes other DHCP option information (including information such as a subnet mask). Therefore, the client that has received the lease confirmation notification configures TCP / IP based on the DHCP option and participates in the network.

  At this time, an ID (here, “003”) is assigned to the first display device 16a, added to the IP assignment table 102, and assigned to the first display device 16a corresponding to this ID. An IP address is assigned (1) described in the IP address column. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the PC 12 assigns leased IP addresses in order from the last number “1”. Accordingly, here, an IP address (192.168.0.1) is assigned to the first display device 16a. However, the subnet mask is the same subnet mask (255.255.255.0) as the PC 12.

  Subsequently, the PC 12 connects to the first display device 16a by Telnet using the leased IP address as a destination. In response to this, the first display device 16a establishes a connection state. That is, the first display device 16a opens a socket (BSD socket). Then, the first display device 16a returns connection completion to the PC 12.

  In response to this, the PC 12 transmits a serial number transmission command to the first display device 16a. Upon receiving the serial number transmission command, the first display device 16a transmits its serial number (for example, “DP0001”) to the transmission source of the command accordingly.

  The production number is a unique identification number assigned by the manufacturer of the display device 16 and is generally determined using alphabets and numbers, but need not be limited. It may be determined only by numbers or alphabets, and in addition to this, a symbol may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the PC 12 receives the manufacturing number from the first display device 16a, the PC 12 corresponds to the first display device 16a (ID “003”) and the manufacturing number of the IP allocation table 102. Describe in the column. Further, the PC 12 assigns a fixed IP address to the first display device 16a. In the first embodiment, the method for assigning the unique IP address is the same as the IP address to be provided by the lease, and the fixed IP address is assigned in order from the smallest last digit in the target range. Therefore, “192.168.0.1” is assigned as the fixed IP address to the first display device 16a.

  Therefore, information about the first display device 16 is registered in the IP allocation table 102 as shown in FIG. Specifically, “003” is described in the ID column, “DP0001” is described in the serial number column, “ON” is described in the DHCP column, and “192” is allocated in the assignment (1) IP address column. .168.0.1 "is described. Further, “192.168.0.1” is also described in the column of assignment (2) IP address.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when there is an IP address lease request from the network device 18a, the PC 12 allocates an IP address to the network device 18a and provides the assigned IP address as a lease as described above. To do.

  Then, the PC 12 connects to the network device 18a with Telnet using the leased IP address as a destination. The network device 18a establishes the connection state, but unlike the display device 16, the network device 18a does not have a function of returning the connection completion, and therefore does not return the connection completion to the PC 12.

  The PC 12 determines that the client connected by Telnet is not the display device 16 when there is no response for a certain time (for example, 10 seconds). The serial number transmission command is not transmitted to a client that is determined not to be the display device 16. Similarly, since the network device 18a is not the display device 16, no fixed IP address is assigned.

  However, since the PC 12 needs to manage the provided IP address, the information of the network device 18 a is also registered in the IP allocation table 102. Specifically, “004” is described in the ID column, a horizontal bar is described in the serial number column, “ON” is described in the DHCP column, and “192. 168.0.2 "is described. Furthermore, a horizontal bar is described in the column of (2) IP address.

  In this way, the PC 12 allocates and leases an IP address in response to lease requests from all clients on the network, and connects with the Telnet using the leased IP address as the destination, thereby connecting the connected client. Is a display device 16. If the client is the display device 16, the PC 12 acquires a manufacturing number for the display device 16 and assigns a fixed IP address.

  3 and 4 show only the case where the PC 12 responds to lease requests from some clients, and the case where the PC 12 responds to lease requests from other display devices 16 (16b,..., 16n). It is omitted. In addition, the PC 12 leases IP addresses to the clients in the order in which the lease requests are received, connects to the clients that leased the IP addresses by Telnet, and assigns a fixed IP address when the client is the display device 16. .

  In the setting screen 100 of FIG. 7, for example, in the network system 10 shown in FIG. 1, an IP address is leased and provided to a client whose DHCP function is on, and a fixed IP address is assigned to the display device 16. An IP allocation table 102 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 1, since the clients whose DHCP function is on are n display devices 16 and network devices 18a, they are described in the allocation (1) IP address column and the allocation (2) IP address column. In some IP addresses, the last number is different by one. That is, the assigned fixed IP address is one less than the leased IP address.

  However, the example of the setting screen 100 in FIG. 7 shows a case where there are less than 20 clients in which the DHCP function is set to ON. When there are 20 or more display devices 16, as described above, since the IP addresses whose last numbers are “20” and “100” are excluded from the target range, the IP addresses are displayed. It is not assigned to device 16.

  Further, in the setting screen 100 shown in FIG. 7, “...” in the vertical direction means omission. Actually, on the setting screen 100, the portion of the IP allocation table 102 is displayed so as to be scrollable. The same applies to the other setting screens 100.

  When the icon 108 is turned on on the setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 7, the PC 12 executes a process of changing the display device 16 to the fixed IP address setting. At this time, a fixed IP address described (allocated) in the column of allocated (2) IP address is used.

  FIGS. 8 to 10 describe the outline of operations of the PC 12 and the first display device 16a to the n-th display device 16n for explaining a method (process) for changing the display device 16 to the fixed IP address setting.

  Hereinafter, a case will be described in which fixed IP addresses are assigned to all the display devices 16 (16a to 16n), and all the display devices 16 (16a to 16n) are changed to the fixed IP address setting. However, in practice, the process of changing to the fixed IP address setting is executed only for the display device 16 selected (checked) on the setting screen 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the processing is executed in order from the first display device 16 a to the n-th display device 16 n, but the processing is executed in ascending order of ID numbers. .

  When the process of changing to the fixed IP address setting is started, as shown in FIG. 8, the PC 12 connects to the first display device 16a by Telnet. In response to this, the first display device 16a establishes a connection state and returns a connection completion to the PC 12.

  Then, the PC 12 transmits a fixed IP address setting command assigned to the first display device 16a to the first display device 16a. As can be seen from the description of the assignment (2) IP address field in the IP assignment table 102 in FIG. 7, 192.168.0.1 is assigned to the first display device 16a as a fixed IP address. When receiving the fixed IP address setting command, the first display device 16a sets the fixed IP address described (designated) in the command, and returns OK to the PC 12.

  Next, the PC 12 transmits a subnet mask setting command to the first display device 16a. However, the subnet mask is a subnet mask set in the PC 12, and is the same as the subnet mask (255.255.255.0) given when the IP address is leased. When the first display device 16a receives the subnet mask setting command, the first display device 16a sets the subnet mask described (designated) in the command corresponding to the fixed IP address, and returns OK to the PC 12.

  Subsequently, the PC 12 transmits a DHCP off setting command to the first display device 16a. Upon receiving the DHCP off setting command, the first display device 16a sets the DHCP function off according to the command, and returns OK to the PC 12.

  In this way, the PC 12 sequentially connects to each display device 16 via Telnet, and transmits a fixed IP address setting command, a subnet mask setting command, and a DHCP off setting command. A fixed IP address is set, a designated subnet mask is set, and the DHCP function is set off. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the above setting is executed up to the nth display device 16.

  When the setting of the fixed IP address or the like from the first display device 16a to the nth display device 16n is completed, the PC 12 reboots each display device 16. This is to enable the setting of the fixed IP address, the setting of the subnet mask, and the setting of turning off the DHCP function. That is, the display device 16 is changed to the fixed IP address setting.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the PC 12 is connected to the first display device 16a by Telnet. In response to this, the first display device 16a establishes a connection state and returns a connection completion to the PC 12.

  Then, the PC 12 transmits a reboot execution command to the first display device 16a. In response to this, the first display device 16a returns OK to the PC 12, and then executes reboot.

  As described above, the PC 12 sequentially connects to each display device 16 via Telnet and transmits a reboot execution command, whereby the reboot is executed in each display device 16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the reboot is sequentially performed up to the nth display device 16.

  In the example illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the case where the fixed IP address assigned by the PC 12 is set as it is has been described. However, the fixed IP address can be changed by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the fixed IP address described in the assigned (2) IP address is switched between the first display device 16a with ID "001" and the nth display device 16n with "00n + 2". be able to. This is because, if a fixed IP address that is easy to understand for the user is set according to the arrangement of the multi-display composed of the first display device 16a to the nth display device 16n, various information of each display device 16 is later displayed. This is because when setting (changing), it is easy to transmit a command for setting (changing) various information to each display device 16.

  However, the IP address can be exchanged between two or more display devices 16, or can be simply changed to an unassigned IP address.

  When there is an overlapping IP address when changing the IP address, an error to that effect is notified at an arbitrary timing such as the timing when the icon 108 is pressed. For example, an error message is displayed on the front surface of the setting screen 100, a sound for notifying an error is output from a speaker, or both of them are executed.

  Further, when the user confirms the position of each display device 16 constituting the multi-display, for example, the user turns on the icon 104 to display the corresponding ID number on each display device 16. In addition, the user turns on the icon 106 to hide the ID number displayed on the display device 16.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the connection is made by Telnet, the first display device 16 is not executed until rebooting at a time by causing the rebooting to be executed continuously (collectively). This is because the time from the transmission of the reboot execution command to the transmission of the reboot execution command to the last (n-th) display device 16 is limited to the time required for rebooting the display device 16 (for example, within 10 seconds). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when there is an allocation (2) IP address exchange, the reboot of the first display device 16a with ID “003” is executed and then the nth display device 16n with ID “00n + 2” is executed. (2) If the time until the IP address is changed exceeds the time required for rebooting the display device 16, the first display device 16a and the n-th display device 16n will receive IP addresses (192.168.8.0. n) will overlap. In order to avoid this duplication, in the first embodiment, after setting fixed IP addresses to all the display devices 16, a reboot execution command is transmitted collectively.

  FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 200 of the RAM 12b of the PC 12 shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the RAM 12 b includes a program storage area 202 and a data storage area 204. The program storage area 202 stores an information processing program executed by the PC 12, and the information processing program includes a communication program 202a, an image generation program 202b, an image display program 202c, an IP target calculation program 202d, a fixed IP search program 202e, and an address. An allocation program 202f and a command transmission program 202g are included.

  The communication program 202a is a program for communicating with other clients on the network, each of the plurality of display devices 16 and each of the plurality of network devices 18 in this first embodiment.

  The image generation program 202b is a program for generating screen data for displaying various screens such as the setting screen 100 on a monitor using image generation data 204b described later. The image display program 202c is a program for outputting screen data generated according to the image generation program 202b to a monitor.

  The IP target calculation program 202d is a program for calculating (determining) the target range of usable IP addresses in accordance with the subnet mask set for itself. The fixed IP search program 202e is a program for searching for a fixed IP address set for a client on a network including itself. In accordance with the fixed IP search program 202e, the PC 12 inquires of the client on the network about the fixed IP address, and acquires the fixed IP address to be transmitted accordingly.

  The address assignment program 202f creates and updates the IP assignment table 102 as described above, assigns an IP address to be leased in response to an IP address lease request from a client on the network, and fixes it to the display device 16 on the network. This is a program for assigning an IP address.

  The command transmission program 202g automatically or in accordance with a user instruction sends a serial number transmission command, a fixed IP address setting command, a subnet mask setting command, a reboot execution command, a character string display command, and a character string non-display command. This is a program for transmitting various commands such as a display command to the display device 16.

  Although illustration is omitted, in the program storage area 202, in addition to the above programs, other programs executed by the PC 12 such as a program for detecting a user instruction (operation or input) are also stored.

  The data storage area 204 is provided with a transmission / reception buffer 204a, and stores image generation data 204b, IP address data 204c, subnet mask data 204d, target range data 204e, and IP allocation table data 204f.

  The transmission / reception buffer 204a is a buffer for temporarily storing data transmitted / received to / from a client on the network and a command to be transmitted to the display device 16.

  The image generation data 204b is data for generating various screens such as the setting screen 100, and includes polygon data, texture data, and the like. The IP address data 204c is data regarding a fixed IP address set in itself. The subnet mask data 204d is data regarding the subnet mask set in itself.

  The target range data 204e is data indicating the target range for usable IP addresses, and data of fixed IP addresses already used on the network is excluded. The IP allocation table data 204f is data for each piece of information included in the IP allocation table 102.

  In the data storage area 204, other data necessary for executing the information processing program is also stored, and a counter (timer), a flag, and the like necessary for executing the information processing program are also provided.

  FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 300 of the RAM 34 of the display device 16 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the RAM 34 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. The program storage area 302 stores a control program executed by the display device 16, and the control program includes a communication program 302a, an image acquisition program 302b, an image generation program 302c, an image display program 302d, a lease request program 302e, and a serial number notification. The program 302f, the fixed IP setting program 302g, the subnet mask setting program 302h, the DHCP function setting program 302i, the reboot execution program 302j, the character string display control program 302k, and the like.

  The communication program 302a is a program for communicating with another computer (in this first embodiment, the PC 12).

  The image acquisition program 302b is a program for acquiring image data or video data transmitted from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment), and an image input to the video signal input unit 44. Data or video data is received and temporarily stored in an image data buffer 304b described later.

  The image generation program 302c is a program for generating screen data of a display screen including a character string when displaying a character string described in a character string display command according to a character string display control program 302k described later. . However, the image generation program 302c is also a program for generating screen data of a display screen displayed on the display unit 42 when various types of information are set. However, the screen data is generated on the VRAM built in the display driving unit 40 by using the image generation data 304c described later by the GPU built in the display driving unit 40.

  The image display program 302d is a program for displaying an image or video corresponding to the image data or video data acquired according to the image acquisition program 302b on the display unit 42, and controls the display driving unit 40 to control the image data buffer. The image data or video data stored in 304 b is output to the display unit 42. The image display program 302d is a program for displaying a display screen corresponding to the screen data generated according to the image generation program 302c on the display unit 42, and is generated on the VRAM by controlling the display driving unit 40. The screen data is output to the display unit 42.

  The lease request program 302e broadcasts an IP address lease request when the DHCP function is on, and in response to this, the IP address and subnet mask provided by lease from the DHCP server (the PC 12 in the first embodiment). It is a program for setting.

  In response to a serial number transmission command from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment), the serial number notification program 302f transmits the serial number assigned to itself to the transmission source of the command. It is a program to do. For example, the serial number data is stored in the ROM 36.

  In response to a fixed IP address setting command from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment), the fixed IP setting program 302g sets the IP address described in the command as a fixed IP address. This is a program for returning (transmitting) OK (notification that a fixed IP address has been set) to the transmission source of the command.

  In response to a subnet mask setting command from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment), the subnet mask setting program 302h sets the subnet mask described in the command and transmits the command. Originally, it is a program for returning (transmitting) OK (notification that a subnet mask has been set).

  The DHCP function setting program 302i sets the DHCP function to OFF in response to a DHCP OFF setting command from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment), and sends the OK to the source of the command. This is a program for returning (sending) (notification that the DHCP function is set to OFF).

  In response to a reboot execution command from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment), the reboot execution program 302j sends an OK (notification that reboot is executed) to the transmission source of the command. It is a program for executing reboot after returning (sending).

  The character string display control program 302k displays a character string described in the command on the display unit 42 in response to a character string display command from a communicably connected computer (PC 12 in the first embodiment). Or a character string displayed on the display unit 42 in response to a character string non-display command.

  Although illustration is omitted, in the program storage area 302, in addition to the above program, a program for detecting a user instruction (operation or input), a program for executing processing in accordance with other commands, and the like, Other programs executed on the display device 16 are also stored.

  In the data storage area 304, a transmission / reception buffer 304a and an image data buffer 340b are provided, and image generation data 304c is stored.

  The transmission / reception buffer 304a is a buffer for temporarily storing data transmitted / received to / from other computers such as the PC 12 and commands received from the PC 12. The image data buffer 304b is a buffer for temporarily storing image data or video data (received) input (received) from a communicably connected computer or an external memory. The image generation data 304c is data for generating various screens such as a display screen including a character string, and includes polygon data, texture data, and the like.

  The data storage area 304 stores other data necessary for executing the control program, and is provided with a counter (timer), a flag, and the like necessary for executing the control program.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the IP address assignment process of the CPU 12a built in the PC 12 shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an IP address assignment process of the CPU 30 built in the display device 16 shown in FIG.

  For example, when the user instructs execution of the IP address assignment process, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 12a of the PC 12 starts the IP address assignment process, and is set (assigned) to itself in step S1. Get a fixed IP address and subnet mask. Here, the CPU 12a reads the fixed IP address and subnet mask set in the PC 12 itself, and stores the corresponding IP address data 204c and subnet mask data 204d in the RAM 12b. Further, the CPU 12a describes “001” in the ID column in the IP allocation table 102 corresponding to the IP allocation table data 204f, and describes “OFF” in the DHCP column corresponding to this ID. (1) Describe the fixed IP address in the IP address column, and describe the serial number and assignment (2) Inappropriate information (for example, horizontal bar) in the IP address column.

  In the subsequent step S3, the target range of the IP address is determined. Here, the CPU 12a calculates (determines) a usable IP address range based on the subnet mask indicated by the subnet mask data 204d, and stores the corresponding target range data 204e in the data storage area 204 of the RAM 12b. However, IP addresses “0” and “255” are excluded from the target range.

  Subsequently, in step S5, a client having a fixed IP address set in the target range is searched for on the network. In step S7, the target range of the IP address is updated. Here, the CPU 12a disables the fixed IP address set in the PC 12 indicated by the IP address data 204c and the fixed IP address set in the searched client in the target range determined in step S3. At this time, the CPU 12a describes the ID of each searched client in the IP allocation table 102, describes "OFF" in the DHCP column corresponding to each ID, and allocates (1) the IP address. A fixed IP address is described in the column, and information indicating no corresponding is described in the column of serial number and assignment (2) IP address.

  Next, in step S9, acceptance of an IP address lease request is started, and in step 11, a variable i is set to an initial value (i = 1). However, the variable i is a variable for determining the IP address to be provided for lease. In a succeeding step S13, it is determined whether there is an IP address lease request. If “NO” in the step S13, that is, if there is no IP address lease request, the IP address allocation process is ended. In the first embodiment, when there is no IP address lease request, the IP address allocation process is immediately terminated, but a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 10 seconds) is waited. Also good.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S13, that is, if there is an IP address lease request, the i-th IP address is assigned to the request source in a step S15. At this time, the CPU 12a describes the ID in the next order in the IP allocation table 102, and describes "ON" in the DHCP column corresponding to this ID, and in the allocation (1) IP address column. Describe the assigned IP address.

  Subsequently, in step S17, the assigned IP address is leased to the request source, and in step S19 shown in FIG. 15, the request source is connected by Telnet. At this time, the CPU 12a executes the communication program 202a and connects by Telnet using the leased IP address as a destination.

  In a succeeding step S21, it is determined whether or not there is a response. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether or not a connection confirmation is returned from the client connected by Telnet. If “NO” in the step S21, that is, if there is no response, in a step S23, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the connection with the Telnet. Although not shown in the figure, the CPU 12a counts the time from when it was connected by Telnet using a timer, and in this step S23, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timer has exceeded a certain time.

  If “NO” in the step S23, that is, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the connection by the Telnet, the process returns to the step S21 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S23, that is, if a certain time has elapsed after connecting with the Telnet, the client connected with the Telnet (request source) is not the display device 16, and the process proceeds to the step S33.

  If “YES” in the step S21, that is, if there is a response, the client connected by the Telnet (request source) is the display device 16, and therefore, a transmission command of the manufacturing number is transmitted in a step S25. In a succeeding step S27, it is determined whether or not there is a response. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the manufacturing number is notified (transmitted) from the display device 16 connected by Telnet.

  If “NO” in the step S27, that is, if there is no response, the process returns to the same step S27 and waits for a response. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S27, the manufacturing number is stored in a step S29. Here, the CPU 12a describes the serial number transmitted from the display device 16 corresponding to the assigned (lease provided) IP address in the IP assignment table 102.

  In the next step S31, a fixed IP address is assigned. Here, the CPU 12a assigns a fixed IP address to the display device 16 in order from the smallest available IP address described in the target range data 204e. At this time, in the IP assignment table 102, the assigned fixed IP address is described in the corresponding assignment (2) IP address column.

  In step S33, the variable i is incremented by 1 (i = i + 1), and the process returns to step S13 shown in FIG. Accordingly, the processing of steps S13 to S33 is repeatedly executed for the number of clients that have requested the lease, and an IP address is lease-provided for each client, and a fixed IP address is further assigned to the display device 16 among them.

  In the display device 16, when the main power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 30 starts an IP address assignment process, and broadcasts an IP address lease request in step S51. In the next step S53, it is determined whether there is an IP address lease provision. If “NO” in the step S53, that is, if the IP address lease is not provided, the process returns to the step S51 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S53, that is, if the IP address lease is provided, the leased IP address is set in a step S55. At this time, the CPU 30 also sets a subnet mask included in the DHCP option information notified from the PC 12.

  In the next step S57, it is determined whether or not there is a connection from the PC 12 via Telnet. If “NO” in the step S57, that is, if there is no connection from the PC 12 by the Telnet, the process returns to the same step S57. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S57, that is, if there is a connection from the PC 12 by Telnet, a connection state is established in a step S59, and connection completion is returned to the PC 12 in a step S61.

  In step S63, it is determined whether a serial number transmission command is received from the PC 12. If “NO” in the step S63, that is, if the transmission command of the manufacturing number is not received from the PC 12, the process returns to the same step S63. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S63, that is, if a transmission command for the manufacturing number is received from the PC 12, the manufacturing number is transmitted to the PC 12 in a step S65, and the IP address assignment process is ended.

  Although the flowchart of the IP address assignment process of the processor of the network device 18 different from the display device 16 is omitted, the network device 18 executes the processes of steps S51 to S59 in the IP address assignment process shown in FIG. It is only done. Therefore, the network device 18 does not return connection completion to the PC 12 connected by Telnet.

  When the IP address assignment process is completed, a process for changing to a fixed IP address setting (fixed IP address setting process) is executed between the PC 12 and each of the plurality of display devices 16. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU 12a built in the PC 12 shown in FIG. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU 30 built in the display device 16 shown in FIG.

  When the icon 108 is turned on on the setting screen 100, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 12a starts a fixed IP address setting process, and sets a variable j to an initial value in step S81 (j = 1). In the next step S83, the jth display device is connected by Telnet. However, the variable j is a variable for connecting to each of the plurality of display devices 16 in order by Telnet. For example, among the plurality of display devices 16, the CPU 12 a connects to each display device 16 by Telnet in the order from the smallest number indicated by the ID in the IP allocation table 102. However, the CPU 12a determines that the client corresponding to the ID in which the serial number is described in the IP allocation table 102 is the display device 16.

  Subsequently, in step S85, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the jth display device 16. If “NO” in the step S85, that is, if there is no response from the jth display device 16, the process returns to the same step S85. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S85, that is, if there is a response from the jth display device 16, a setting command for a fixed IP address is transmitted in a step S87. Here, the CPU 12a refers to the IP assignment table 102, and describes the fixed IP in which the IP address described in the assignment (2) IP address column is described (designated) corresponding to the ID of the j-th display device 16. An address setting command is transmitted to the display device 16.

  In the next step S89, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the jth display device 16. If “NO” in the step S89, the process returns to the same step S89, but if “YES”, a subnet mask setting command is transmitted in a step S91. Here, the CPU 12a transmits a subnet mask setting command describing (specifying) the subnet mask indicated by the subnet mask data 204d to the j-th display device 16.

  In step S93, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the jth display device 16. If “NO” in the step S93, the process returns to the same step S93, but if “YES”, a DHCP OFF setting command is transmitted to the jth display device 16 in a step S95 shown in FIG.

  In the next step S97, it is determined whether or not the variable j is the maximum value jmax. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether the fixed IP address and the subnet mask are set for all the display devices 16 on the network and the DHCP function is set to be off. However, the maximum value jmax corresponds to the number of IDs in which the production number is described corresponding to the ID in the IP allocation table 102.

  If “NO” in the step S97, that is, if the variable j is not the maximum value jmax, the variable j is incremented by 1 (j = j + 1) in a step S99, and the process returns to the step S83 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S97, that is, if the variable j is the maximum value jmax, an initial value is set in the variable k (k = 1) in a step S101, and the kth display is performed in a step S103. Connect to the device 16 with Telnet. However, the variable k is a variable for connecting to each of the plurality of display devices 16 in order using Telnet similarly to the variable j described above. For example, among the plurality of display devices 16, the CPU 12 a connects to each display device 16 by Telnet in the order from the smallest number indicated by the ID in the IP allocation table 102.

  In the next step S105, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the kth display device 16. If “NO” in the step S105, the process returns to the same step S105. If “YES”, a reboot execution command is transmitted to the kth display device 16 in a step S107.

  In step S109, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the kth display device 16. If “NO” in the step S109, the process returns to the same step S109, but if “YES”, it is determined whether or not the variable k is the maximum value kmax (k = kmax) in a step S111. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether or not all display devices 16 have been instructed to execute reboot. However, like the maximum value jmax, the maximum value kmax corresponds to the number of IDs in which the production numbers are described corresponding to the IDs in the IP allocation table 102.

  If “NO” in the step S111, that is, if the variable k is not the maximum value kmax, the variable k is incremented by 1 (k = k + 1) in a step S113, and the process returns to the step S103. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S111, that is, if the variable k is the maximum value kmax, the fixed IP address setting process is ended.

  Further, when the CPU 30 of the display device 16 finishes the above IP address assignment process, it starts a fixed IP address setting process as shown in FIG. 19, and determines whether there is a connection from the PC 12 via Telnet in step S131. To do. If “NO” in the step S131, the process returns to the same step S131. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S131, a connection state is established in a step S133, and a connection completion is returned to the PC 12 in a step S135.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 30 starts the fixed IP address setting process when the IP address assignment process is finished. However, after the IP address assignment process is finished, the CPU 12 is connected by Telnet. In this case, the fixed IP address setting process may be started. In such a case, the process of step S131 is omitted.

  In step S137, it is determined whether a fixed IP address setting command is received. If “NO” in the step S137, that is, if a fixed IP address setting command is not received, the process returns to the step S137 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S137, that is, if a fixed IP address setting command is received, the IP address described in the fixed IP address setting command is set as a fixed IP address in a step S139, and a step S141 is performed. Return “OK” to the PC 12.

  In step S143, it is determined whether a subnet mask setting command has been received. If “NO” in the step S143, that is, if a subnet mask setting command is not received, the process returns to the step S143 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S143, that is, if a subnet mask setting command is received, the subnet mask described in the subnet mask setting command is set in correspondence with the fixed IP address in a step S145. In S147, “OK” is returned to the PC 12.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the next step S149, it is determined whether a DHCP OFF setting command has been received. If “NO” in the step S149, that is, if the DHCP off setting command is not received, the process returns to the step S149 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S149, that is, if a DHCP off setting command is received, the DHCP function is set off in a step S151, and “OK” is returned to the PC 12 in a step S153.

  Subsequently, in step S155, it is determined whether or not there is a connection from the PC 12 via Telnet. If “NO” in the step S155, the process returns to the same step S155. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S155, a connection state is established in a step S157, and a connection completion is returned to the PC 12 in a step S159.

  In step S161, it is determined whether a reboot execution command has been received. If “NO” in the step S161, that is, if a reboot execution command is not received, the process returns to the step S161 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S161, that is, if a reboot execution command is received, “OK” is returned to the PC 12 in a step S163, reboot is executed in a step S165, and fixed IP address setting processing is performed. Exit. Accordingly, after the reboot is performed, the settings for turning off the fixed IP address, the subnet mask, and the DHCP function are validated.

  According to the first embodiment, when there is a lease request from a client, the PC 12, which is a DHCP server, leases an IP address and connects to the leased client via Telnet, so that the client is the display device 16. If it is the display device 16, the fixed IP addresses are assigned to the display device 16 in the order in which the lease request is made, and the setting is changed to the assigned fixed IP address setting. The fixed IP address can be centrally set to 16.

  In the first embodiment, after providing the leased IP address, the PC 12 is connected by Telnet, and when there is no connection completion response, determines that the PC 12 is the network device 18 other than the display device 16, and the network The device 18 is not assigned a fixed IP address, but is not limited to this.

  For example, even if there is no connection completion response, the PC 12 may assign a fixed IP address to all clients that leased the IP address and instruct the setting of the fixed IP address. Even in this case, a fixed IP address is set in the display device 16. In this case, even if the network device 18 other than the display device 16 receives a fixed IP address command, the fixed IP address is not set.

  In the first embodiment, when the IP address is set according to the command from the PC 12, the subnet mask is set, the DHCP function is set to OFF, and before the reboot is executed, the PC 12 Although OK is returned to, it is not necessary to return OK. In such a case, each command is sequentially transmitted from the PC 12 to the display device 16.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the case where the PC 12 sets the fixed IP address to the display device 16 on the network is shown, but the target for setting the fixed IP address need not be limited to the display device 16. For example, in the case of a network device such as a client computer, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine, a fixed IP address can be set centrally according to a command from the PC 12 by executing the control program as described above. it can.
<Second embodiment>
The network system 10 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the network configuration is different. Therefore, only different points will be described, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, since the network system 10 does not include the network device 18 other than the PC 12 and the plurality of display devices 16, the network system 10 and the multi-display system 10a are equivalent.

  Therefore, the PC 12 does not need to search for a client having a fixed IP address when determining the target range of the IP address. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the fixed IP search program 202e shown in the first embodiment is not necessary. Further, in the IP address assignment process executed by the CPU 12a of the PC 12, the process of step S5 is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the IP address to be provided for lease and the fixed IP address to be assigned can be the same. Therefore, if the IP address to be provided for lease is assigned, it is not necessary to assign the fixed IP address. Therefore, the assignment (2) IP address column is not required in the IP assignment table 102, and the process of step SS31 is omitted in the IP address assignment process executed by the CPU 12a of the PC 12.

Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the PC 12 can set the fixed IP address to each display device 16 in an integrated manner.
<Third embodiment>
The network system 10 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the network configuration is different and the arrangement of a plurality of display devices 16 and the position of each display device 16 in this arrangement are determined. Therefore, only different points will be described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted or briefly described.

  In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the network system 10 does not include the network device 18 other than the PC 12 and the plurality of display devices 16, and therefore the network system 10 and the multi-display system 10a are equivalent. .

  In the third embodiment, the number and arrangement of the display devices 16 used for the multi-display 160 are determined in advance. Therefore, each display device 16 stores information on the arrangement of the multi-display 160 and information on its own position. However, since the information on the arrangement of the multi-display 160 is represented by the number of display devices 16 arranged vertically and the number of display devices 16 arranged horizontally, it is used for the multi-display 160 by multiplying these numbers. The number (total number) of display devices 16 can be known. Further, the position of the display device 16 itself on the multi-display 160 is represented by the number of rows and the number of columns in the array.

  Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the arrangement order of the fixed IP addresses when the fixed IP addresses are assigned to the plurality of display devices 16 used for the multi-display 160 is also determined. However, fixed IP addresses are assigned in ascending order of the last number in the target range.

  FIG. 21A is an illustrative view showing one example of an array of a plurality of display devices 16 used in the multi-display 160 in the third embodiment. FIG. 21B is an illustrative view showing one example of the arrangement order of the fixed IP addresses when the fixed IP addresses are assigned to the respective display devices 16 in the multi-display 160 shown in FIG. FIG. 21C is an illustrative view showing another example of the arrangement order of the fixed IP addresses when a fixed IP address is assigned to each display device 16 in the multi-display 160 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, in the third embodiment, in the multi-display 160, nine display devices 16 (16a to 16i) are arranged three by three in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction, respectively. That is, nine display devices 16 are arranged in 3 × 3. The first display device 16a to the ninth display device 16i are arranged in the order from the upper left to the right and from the upper to the lower. Specifically, using the position, the first display device 16a is arranged at the position (1, 1), the second display device 16b is arranged at the position (1, 2), and the third display device 16c is The fourth display device 16d is disposed at the position (2,1), the fifth display device 16e is disposed at the position (2,2), and the sixth display device 16f is disposed at the position (1,3). 2, the third display device 16g is disposed at the position (3, 1), the eighth display device 16h is disposed at the position (3, 2), and the ninth display device 16i is disposed at the position ( 3, 3). That is, each display device 16 stores 3 × 3 as array information, and stores (number of rows, number of columns) as its position information.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, when a plurality of display devices 16 are arranged, for example, the first display device 16a at the upper left is set as the start position, and fixed to each display device 16 in the clockwise order. When it is determined (set) to assign an IP address, the last number of the IP address increases by 1 from the first display device 16a to the ninth display device 16i in order, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. As described above, a fixed IP address is assigned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21A, when a plurality of display devices 16 are arranged, for example, each display device is arranged in the counterclockwise order with the third display device 16c in the upper right as a start position. When it is determined (set) that a fixed IP address is assigned to 16, the third display device 16c, the second display device 16b, the first display device 16a, and the fourth display as shown by arrows in FIG. Fixed so that the last digit of the IP address increases by 1 in the order of device 16d, fifth display device 16e, sixth display device 16f, ninth display device 16i, eighth display device 16h, and seventh display device 16g. An IP address is assigned.

  FIGS. 21B and 21C are merely examples, and the arrangement order of the display device 16 that is the starting position when assigning fixed IP addresses and the fixed IP addresses to be assigned can be arbitrarily determined (set). .

  In the third embodiment, since the PC 12 needs to know the arrangement (number) of the display devices 16 constituting the multi-display 160 and the position of each display device 16, the arrangement (from the display device 16 according to the command transmission program 202g) A command is also sent to get the size) and position.

  On the other hand, the display device 16 notifies (transmits) the size information to the PC 12 according to the size transmission command, and transmits the position information according to the position transmission command. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, in the third embodiment, the size notification program 302m and the position notification program 302n are further stored in the program storage area 302 of the RAM 34.

  Further, as described above, in the third embodiment, the size (array) of the multi-display 160 and the position of the display device 16 are respectively stored. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Size data 304d and position data 304e are stored.

  In the third embodiment, the fixed IP addresses are assigned in the arrangement order determined (set) in advance in the arrangement of the multi-display 160. Therefore, the fixed IP address assigned at the position of the display device 16 is determined. Therefore, the IP allocation table 102 as shown in the first embodiment is not necessary, and a fixed IP address is allocated according to the size of the multi-display 160 and the position of the display device 16.

  23 and 24 are illustrative views for explaining a method of changing the display device 16 to the fixed IP address setting based on the position information. Although the case where the first display device 16a is changed to the fixed IP address setting will be described here, the same applies to the other display devices 16. Further, the order of changing to the fixed IP address is the order in which the lease request is accepted, and is not related to the arrangement and position.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the first display device 16a broadcasts a lease request for an IP address, the PC 12 provides a lease for the IP address accordingly. Then, the leased IP address is set in the first display device 16a.

  Subsequently, the PC 12 connects to the first display device 16a that provided the IP address by Telnet. The first display device 16a establishes a connection state and returns a connection completion to the PC 12.

  Then, the PC 12 transmits a size transmission command to the first display device 16a. The first display device 16a notifies (transmits) size (here, 3 × 3) information (size information) to the PC 12 in response to the size transmission command.

  Since the size only needs to be notified once, the PC 12 transmits the size transmission command only to the display device 16 that first leased and provided the IP address (initially connected by Telnet).

  When receiving the size information, the PC 12 stores the size information, and then transmits a position transmission command to the first display device 16a. The first display device 16a notifies (transmits) the information (position information) of the position (here, (1, 1)) to the PC 12 in accordance with the position transmission command.

  When receiving the position information from the first display device 16a, the PC 12 follows the size (array) and the predetermined arrangement order, and determines (assigns) a fixed IP address corresponding to the position of the first display device 16a. For example, if the size is as shown in FIG. 21A and the arrangement order as shown in FIG. 21B is followed, the fixed IP address of the first display device 16a is determined to be 192.168.0.1. Is done.

  Then, the PC 12 transmits a fixed IP address setting command as shown in FIG. However, the fixed IP address determined previously is described in this command. Upon receiving the fixed IP address setting command, the first display device 16a sets the IP address described in the command as the fixed IP address, and returns “OK” to the PC 12.

  Subsequently, the PC 12 transmits a subnet mask setting command. However, the subnet mask is a subnet mask set in the PC 12. When receiving the subnet mask setting command, the first display device 16a sets the subnet mask described in the command, and returns “OK” to the PC 12.

  When the fixed IP address and the subnet mask are set on the first display device 16a, the PC 12 transmits a DHCP off setting command to the first display device 16a. The first display device 16a receives the DHCP OFF setting command, sets the DHCP function to OFF, and returns “OK” to the PC 12.

  In response to this, the PC 12 transmits a reboot execution command to the first display device 16a. Then, after returning “OK” to the PC 12, the first display device 16 a executes reboot.

  In the third embodiment, since the fixed IP address is assigned according to the position of the display device 16, the fixed IP address does not overlap. Therefore, when the PC 12 is connected to the display device 16 with Telnet, the connection is performed once. In this case, even the reboot execution command is transmitted.

  Hereinafter, processing (fixed IP address setting processing) when the display device 16 is changed to fixed IP address setting based on position information in the third embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. 25 to 27 are flowcharts showing the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU 12a built in the PC 12. 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing a part of the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU 30 built in the display device 16. However, the fixed IP address setting process of the CPU 30 shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 is a part of the fixed IP address setting process shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. The portions that are not shown are not shown. A specific description will be given below, but the processing already described will be briefly described.

  When the user gives an instruction to change to the fixed ID address setting, as shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 12a of the PC 12 starts the fixed IP address setting process. In step S201, it is determined whether or not there is an IP address lease request. to decide. If “NO” in the step S201, the process returns to the same step S201, but if “YES”, an initial value is set in the variable i in a step S203 (i = 1).

  In the next step S205, the first IP address is assigned to the request source, and in step S207, the assigned IP address is leased to the request source. In step S209, the request source is connected by Telnet, and in step S211, it is determined whether there is a response.

  If “NO” in the step S 211, the process returns to the same step S 211, but if “YES”, a size transmission command is transmitted in a step S 213, and it is determined whether or not there is a response in a step S 215. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether or not size information has been received from the requesting display device 16.

  If “NO” in the step S215, the process returns to the same step S215. If “YES”, the size information is stored in a step S217, and a position transmission command is transmitted in a step S219 shown in FIG. In a succeeding step S221, it is determined whether or not there is a response. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether or not position information has been received from the requesting display device 16.

  If “NO” in the step S221, the process returns to the same step S221, but if “YES”, in the step S223, the size and the arrangement order are followed, and a fixed IP address is assigned according to the position, and the fixed in the step S225. An IP address setting command is transmitted. In this fixed IP address setting command, the fixed IP address assigned in step S223 is described.

  Subsequently, in step S227, it is determined whether or not there is a response. If “NO” in the step S227, the process returns to the same step S227, but if “YES”, a subnet mask setting command is transmitted in a step S229. This subnet mask setting command describes the subnet mask set in the PC 12.

  In a succeeding step S231, it is determined whether or not there is a response. If “NO” in the step S231, the process returns to the same step S231, but if “YES”, a DHCP OFF setting command is transmitted in a step S233. In the next step S235, it is determined whether or not there is a response.

  If “NO” in the step S235, the process returns to the same step S235, but if “YES”, a reboot execution command is transmitted in a step S237 shown in FIG. 27, and whether or not there is a response in a step S239. to decide. If “NO” in the step S239, the process returns to the same step S239, but if “YES”, it is determined whether or not all the fixed IP addresses are set in a step S241. Here, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the number of display devices 16 known from the size information matches the value of the variable i.

  If “YES” in the step S241, that is, if all the fixed IP addresses are set, the fixed IP address setting process is ended. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S241, that is, if the display device 16 to which no fixed IP address is set remains, the variable i is incremented by 1 (i = i + 1) in the step S243, and the step In S245, it is determined whether there is an IP address lease request.

  If “NO” in the step S245, the process returns to the same step S245. If “YES”, the i-th IP address is assigned to the request source in a step S247, and the assigned IP address is assigned to the request source in a step S249. Provide leases to In step S251, the request source is connected by Telnet. Subsequently, in step S253, it is determined whether or not there is a response. If “NO” in the step S253, the process returns to the same step S253, but if “YES”, the process returns to the step S219 shown in FIG. That is, by repeating the processes of steps S219 to S253, the second and subsequent display devices 16 are changed to the fixed IP address setting.

  When the main power supply of the display device 16 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 28, the CPU 30 of the display device 16 starts a fixed IP address setting process, and broadcasts an IP address lease request in step S301. In the next step S303, it is determined whether or not there is IP address lease provision. If “NO” in the step S303, the process returns to the step S301, but if “YES”, the leased IP address is set in a step S305, and the process proceeds to the step S131.

  In step S131, it is determined whether or not there is a connection from the PC 12 via Telnet. If “NO” in the step S131, the process returns to the same step S131, but if “YES”, the connection state is established in a step S133. Subsequently, when connection completion is returned to the PC 12 in step S135, as shown in FIG. 29, it is determined whether or not a size transmission command is received in step S307.

  If “NO” in the step S307, that is, if the size transmission command is not received, the process proceeds to a step S311 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S307, that is, if a size transmission command is received, the size information is transmitted in a step S309, and the process proceeds to the step S311.

  In step S311, it is determined whether a position transmission command has been received. If “NO” in the step S311, that is, if the position transmission command is not received, the process returns to the step S307. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S311, that is, if a position transmission command is received, the position information is transmitted in a step S313, and the process proceeds to the step S137.

  The processing after step S137 is the same as the fixed IP address setting processing of the first embodiment.

  According to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the PC 12 can centrally assign fixed IP addresses to the plurality of display devices 16.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, the size and the fixed IP address of the multi-display 160 are followed in the order of allocation, and the fixed IP address is allocated according to the position of each display device 16 constituting the multi-display 160. Continuous fixed IP addresses can be set in a plurality of display devices 16 in accordance with a predetermined arrangement order. Therefore, when various types of information are set on the display device 16 or when various types of information are confirmed, it is easy to understand the destination to which such setting and confirmation commands are transmitted.

  Note that the screens and specific numerical values given in the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. Moreover, when the same effect is acquired, the order of each step shown to the flowchart may be changed suitably.

10 ... Network system 10a ... Multi-display system 12 ... PC (DHCP server)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Hub 16 ... Display apparatus 18 ... Network equipment 30 ... CPU
34 ... RAM
36 ROM
38 ... Communication unit 40 ... Display drive unit 42 ... Display unit 44 ... Video signal input unit 160 ... Multi-display

Claims (7)

A network system comprising a plurality of network devices, and an information processing device that sets fixed addresses in the plurality of network devices,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Address providing means for providing a temporary address to each of the plurality of network devices in response to requests from the plurality of network devices;
Array information transmission instruction means for instructing any one of the plurality of network devices to transmit the array information of the plurality of network devices,
Position information transmission instruction means for instructing each of the plurality of network devices to transmit position information in an array of the plurality of network devices;
Fixed address assignment means for assigning a fixed address to each network device of the request source;
Fixed address setting instruction means for instructing each network device to set a fixed address assigned by the fixed address assignment means, and after instructing the setting of the fixed address by the fixed address setting instruction means, to each network device An off instruction means for instructing to set the DHCP function off;
Each of the plurality of network devices is
Sequence information storage means for storing the sequence information;
Position information storage means for storing the position information;
Address request transmitting means for transmitting the request for the temporary address to the information processing apparatus;
First setting means for setting the temporary address provided by the address providing means;
Array information transmission means for transmitting the array information stored in the array information storage means to the information processing apparatus in response to an instruction from the array information transmission instruction means;
Position information transmission means for transmitting the position information stored in the position information storage means to the information processing device in response to an instruction from the position information transmission instruction means;
A network system comprising: second setting means for setting a fixed address instructed by the fixed address setting instruction means; and third setting means for setting the DHCP function instructed by the off instruction means to off. The information processing apparatus further comprises connection means for connecting to each of the network devices so that instructions by the fixed address setting instruction means and the off instruction means can be transmitted as commands,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of network devices further includes an establishing unit that establishes a connection state by the connection unit. Each of the plurality of network devices further comprises notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus of the establishment of the connection state when the connection state is established by the establishment means.
The network system according to claim 2, wherein the fixed address assignment unit assigns a fixed address to the requesting network device in response to a notification from the notification unit. The fixed address assigning means assigns the fixed address to each of the plurality of network devices according to the arrangement information and the position information transmitted from each of the plurality of network devices . The network system according to any one of the above. An information processing apparatus for setting fixed addresses in a plurality of network devices,
Address providing means for providing a temporary address to each of the plurality of network devices in response to requests from the plurality of network devices;
Array information transmission instruction means for instructing any one of the plurality of network devices to transmit the array information of the plurality of network devices,
Position information transmission instruction means for instructing each of the plurality of network devices to transmit position information in an array of the plurality of network devices;
Fixed address assignment means for assigning a fixed address to each network device of the request source;
Fixed address setting instruction means for instructing each network device to set a fixed address assigned by the fixed address assignment means, and after instructing the setting of the fixed address by the fixed address setting instruction means, to each network device An information processing apparatus comprising off instruction means for instructing to set the DHCP function to off. An information processing program executed by a computer that sets fixed addresses to a plurality of network devices,
In the processor of the computer,
An address providing step of providing temporary addresses to the plurality of network devices in response to requests from the plurality of network devices;
An array information transmission instruction step for instructing any one of the plurality of network devices to transmit the array information of the plurality of network devices;
A position information transmission instruction step for instructing each of the plurality of network devices to transmit position information in an array of the plurality of network devices;
A fixed address assignment step for assigning a fixed address to each of the requesting network devices;
A fixed address setting instruction step for instructing each network device to set a fixed address assigned in the fixed address assignment step; and after instructing the setting of the fixed address in the fixed address setting instruction step, An information processing program for executing an off instruction step for instructing to set a function off. A computer information processing method for setting fixed addresses in a plurality of network devices,
(A) in response to a request from said plurality of network devices, providing a temporary address to the plurality of network devices,
(B) instructing any one of the plurality of network devices to transmit arrangement information of the plurality of network devices;
(C) instructing each of the plurality of network devices to transmit position information in an array of the plurality of network devices;
(D) dividing a fixed address to the requesting each of said network devices skilled Teru step,
( E ) instructing each network device to set the fixed address assigned in step ( d ) ; and ( f ) instructing each network device to set the fixed address in step ( e ). comprising the step that instructs to set off the DHCP function, an information processing method.