JP2000155730A - Network computer and log-in method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically select an optimum operation mode according to the current network environment of the network computer. SOLUTION: It is checked first whether or not an NC server is in the same TCP/IP network with a network computer(NC) (step S11). When the NC server is in the network, all execution environment is obtained basically from the NC server and a mode (network mode or office mode) for operation is automatically selected. When the NC server is not in the same network, on the other hand, it is checked whether or not a DHCP(dynamic host configuration protocol) server is in the same network with the NC (step S13) and when so, a remote connection mode or remote office mode wherein operation can be started in remote network environment is selected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network computer that operates by downloading a program and data from a server via a network and a method of logging in the computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, instead of a personal computer, a network computer (NC: Network) has been used.
A new computer architecture, called Computer, has begun to be developed.

This network computer is based on the premise that a network is used, and all programs and data required for data processing are downloaded from a server machine via the network. This eliminates the need for each client machine functioning as a network computer to have a program or data, so that the operating system (O
S) and the update of the application program can be flexibly handled. Therefore, there is no need to make any settings such as installing a program on each network computer, and all software can be centrally managed by the server.
f Ownership) can be reduced.

The fact that no setting is made for each network computer means that a user can perform operations in the same environment (that is, in his own environment) using any network computer connected to the network. It means you can do it.

[0005] In a network computer, a network address (IP address) required for performing communication by the TCP / IP protocol is not set in advance.
No pre-allocation is done. Various execution environment information such as an IP address necessary for setting the environment of a network computer is stored in a DHCP (Dynamic Host).
The configuration is obtained from the server at the time of execution using the Configuration Protocol.

In DHCP, a network computer starts a protocol without having an IP address.
The first few packet exchanges are broadcast. This is a packet sent to all nodes on the same network. That is, the server for managing the network computer needs to exist in the same network as the network computer.

As a result, there is a restriction that the conventional network computer cannot be used unless it is connected to the same network as the network on which the server for managing the network computer exists. Strictly speaking, "the operation can be performed in the same environment regardless of which network computer is used" means "the network computer connected to the same TCP / IP network as the server." If you use any network computer, you can operate in the same environment. "

However, a communication network actually used in an office or the like is operated by forming a logical huge network by connecting many networks via the Internet, and is aware of individual TCP / IP networks. The fact that they must be used at the same time has a major operational impact.

[0009]

As described above, conventionally, a network computer needs to be connected to the same network as the management server, and starts using the network computer from a remote network environment. Could not.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and realizes an operation mode usable even from a remote network connected by the Internet or the like, and distinguishes the operation mode from other operation modes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network computer with excellent operability and a method of logging in the network computer, which can be automatically switched according to a network environment or the like.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a network computer which operates by downloading a program and data required for data processing from a server via a network. A first operation mode in which execution environment information required for setting the environment of a computer is acquired from the server and the server operates while accessing the server; and an execution mode previously stored in a local storage device of the network computer upon login. An operating environment is set using environment information and a network address obtained from a current network to which the network computer is connected, and the server is set from a remote network environment where execution environment information cannot be obtained from the server. Means for controlling the operation of the network computer using one of the first and second operation modes, wherein the network to which the network computer is currently connected is connected to the server. Operation mode selection means for judging whether or not the network is the same as an existing network, and selecting one of the first and second operation modes according to the judgment result. .

In this network computer, in order to enable the use of the network computer even from a remote network connected via the Internet or the like, it is usual to obtain all execution environment information necessary for environment setting from a server at the time of login. In addition to the first operation mode, a second operation mode in which operation can be started even from a remote network environment where execution environment information cannot be obtained from a server by using execution environment information stored in a local storage device in advance. Are prepared.

When a plurality of operation modes are prepared as described above, it is necessary to select one of the operation modes. If the operation mode is left to the user's choice, the user can improve the meaning of each operation mode. The problem arises that you have to understand and always be aware of it when you log in.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the operation mode to be used is automatically selected according to whether or not the network to which the network computer is currently connected is the same network as the network where the server exists. ing. As a result, the first operation mode is selected if the network environment is the same as the server, and the second operation mode is selected if the network environment is different from the server.

Whether or not the network to which the network computer is currently connected is the same network as the network in which the server exists is issued from the network computer on the network to which the network computer is currently connected. The determination can be made based on a response to the environmental information acquisition request.

In this case, if the network to which the network computer is currently connected is the network in which the server exists, a user performs a login operation so that execution environment information is obtained from the server. Alternatively, it is preferable to wait for a response to the response to the environment information acquisition request until a response is returned from the server.

The operation mode selection means may store status information such as an icon indicating which operation mode is selected when a user performs a login operation in accordance with the current network environment of the network computer. It is preferable to include a means for displaying a screen. This allows the user to know in advance the current network environment and the operation mode in which to log in.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration using a network computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Network computer (NC) 12
Is operated by downloading all programs and data necessary for data processing such as an operating system and application programs from a server computer (NC server) 11 via a network such as a LAN 10 or a public network. Is basically a network computer (NC) 1
2 is the same T as the server computer (NC server) 11
It is used by connecting to the LAN 10 which is a CP / IP network (office mode, network mode). Further, when the network computer (NC) 12 is connected to a TCP / IP network different from the server computer 11 such as a remote LAN, the network computer (NC) 12 operates while remotely accessing the server computer (NC server) 11 ( Remote office mode).

Further, when going out, the network computer (NC) 12 is basically used in a state of being disconnected from the server computer 11 (mobile mode).
However, if necessary, a dial-up connection to the server computer 11 via a public network (PPP connection mode) or a remote connection from a remote network environment to the server computer (NC server) 11 via a LAN can be made ( Remote connection mode).

Server computer (NC server) 11
Is to provide programs and data to each network computer (NC) 12 serving as the client machine.
Is stored and managed by Server computer (N
C server 11 has a DHCP server function and N for managing a plurality of network computers (NCs) 12.
IS (NetworkInformation Ser
visit) server function, DNS (DomainName)
System) Server Function, NFS (Network)
(FileSystem) server function, time server function, and the like. These functions may not be all implemented in the server computer (NC server) 11 but may be distributed to a plurality of computers on the network where the server computer (NC server) 11 exists.

Network computer (NC) 12
In order to support use in a mobile environment without assuming a network connection,
It has. The local storage 121 stores a part of a program and data downloaded from the server computer 11 as a copy (replica) of the server resource. The storage area of this replica is hereinafter referred to as a daypack. Local storage 12
As 1, a portable small storage device such as a flash memory card is used.

The operating system (OS) downloaded from the server computer 11 to the network computer (NC) 12 includes a network in an office mode operation process (network mode, office mode, or remote office mode) that operates with server access. Computer (N
C) Function for controlling 12 and local storage 121
Mobile mode operation processing that can operate without server access by using the above replica (remote connection mode, mobile mode, PPP connection mode)
And a function of controlling the network computer (NC) 12. In addition, the login processing (initialization processing) program in the OS includes a network mode, an office mode, a remote office mode, a remote connection mode, and a mobile communication mode at the time of login of the network computer 12 according to the network environment and the like. An operation mode selection processing function for automatically selecting one of a mode and a PPP connection mode and setting an operation environment corresponding to the selected operation mode is incorporated.

Next, each operation mode used in this embodiment will be described.

(1) Network Mode This is the original use mode of the network computer (NC) 12. For data access, data of the server 11 is accessed via a network. Do not use daypacks. In the network mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the network computer (NC) 12 is used by being connected to the same network as the NC server 11.

(2) Office Mode The office mode is a mode used by connecting to the same network as the NC server 11, as in the normal network mode, as shown in FIG. Data access also accesses the data of the NC server 11 via the network. The difference from the normal network mode is that programs and data are downloaded in advance from the NC server 11 to the daypack in preparation for the transition to the mobile mode operation (mobile mode, PPP connection mode, remote connection mode), and the office mode is used. The point is that the work that has been performed can be continuously performed even after shifting to the mobile mode operation. The program downloaded in advance to the daypack is, for example, WWW
In addition to a document viewer such as a browser, personal information management software including e-mail, a word processor, a scheduler, and the like. In the office mode, a synchronization process for matching resources on the NC server 11 with replicas on the daypack is also performed. This synchronization process is performed on the synchronization target file described in the synchronization list. By performing the synchronization process of the daypack in this manner, the latest server resource copy is created in the daypack, so that the operation can be continuously performed on the network computer 12 even when the mobile terminal shifts to the mobile operation mode. Become like

(3) Mobile Mode The mobile mode is a mode used without connecting to a network as shown in FIG. Data access is
This is performed for a copy of the server resource created in the daypack. You cannot access resources that are not duplicated in the daypack.

(4) PPP connection mode As in the mobile mode, data access is performed to a copy of a network resource created in the daypack. However, for resources for which a copy has not been created in the daypack, as shown in FIG. 5, the NC server 11 via a PPP connection (point-to-point protocol using dial-up) via a telephone network or the like.
To access the data. Daypack synchronization is also possible.

In the present invention, in addition to these modes, the following "remote office mode" and "remote office mode" are used as operation modes for enabling the use of the network computer 12 to be started from a remote network connected via the Internet or the like. Connection mode "is prepared.

(5) Remote Office Mode The remote office mode is a mode used by connecting to a network similarly to the office mode. The data access also accesses the data of the NC server 11 via the network. It also performs daypack synchronization.

The difference from the office mode is that it can be used even in a network different from that of the NC server 11, as shown in FIG. In office mode, DHCP
In order to acquire all the execution environment information from the NC server 11 according to the protocol, it must be connected to the same network as the NC server 11. When using in the remote office mode, the execution environment obtained from the NC server 11 by the DHCP protocol is stored in advance in an environment directory in the daypack and used. That is, in the remote office mode, the IP address obtained from the DHCP server on the network to which the network computer 12 is currently connected is obtained by the DHCP protocol.
The operating environment of the network computer 12 is set using the P address and the execution environment information acquired in advance from the NC server 11 and held in the daypack.

This mode can operate in the same execution environment as the office mode even in a network different from the NC server 11. However, since the mode is premised on operating while accessing the NC server 11, N
This mode is preferably used in a network environment connected to the C server 11 via a high-speed line.

(6) Remote connection mode The remote connection mode presupposes the mobile mode operation of operating without server access by using the resources on the daypack, but also from the remote network as in the remote office mode. This is a mode in which the NC server 11 can be accessed. NC
As a connection form between the server 11 and the network computer 12, there are two kinds of connection forms as shown in FIGS.

Regarding the data access method, see PPP
Same as connection mode. However, the means for accessing the network is not via PPP, but as described above.
Via AN. That is, data access is performed to a copy of the network resource created in the daypack. However, data of the NC server 11 is accessed via a LAN connection for resources for which a copy has not been created in the daypack. Daypack synchronization is also possible. What is different from the above-mentioned office mode, network mode, mobile mode, and PPP connection mode is that
The NC server 11 can be accessed via a LAN even from a TCP / IP network different from the NC server 11. In office mode or network mode,
The network computer 12 must be connected to the same network as the NC server 11 in order to acquire the execution environment information required for setting the environment of the network computer 12 by the OS using the DHCP protocol. When using in the remote connection mode, the execution environment information obtained by the DHCP protocol is stored in advance in an environment directory in the daypack and used.
That is, in the remote connection mode, the IP address obtained from the DHCP server or the router on the network to which the network computer 12 is currently connected to the IP address obtained from the NC server 11 and stored in the daypack by the DHCP protocol. The operating environment of the network computer 12 is set using the execution environment information.

This mode uses a LAN as a network connection device, but is suitable for use in a network environment connected to the NC server 11 via a low-speed telephone line or the like. Even when the data communication speed is low, access is made mainly to daypack data, so that access to data on the NC server 11 can be sufficiently suppressed.

Next, a specific example for realizing the “remote office mode” and the “remote connection mode”, which are features of the present embodiment, with the OS for the network computer 12 will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a state of transition between operation modes.

When the power of the network computer (NC) 12 is turned on from the power-off state, or the network computer (NC) 12 is reset in the power-on state, initialization processing by the OS is started (system start). At the time of a login process for the network computer (NC) 12 to make environment settings necessary for the operation, a login dialog is displayed on the screen. The operation mode is roughly classified into a login mode “office” and a login mode “mobile”.
The correspondence between these login modes and the actual operation mode is as shown in FIG.

That is, the login mode “office” includes the above-described network mode, office mode, and remote office mode, and the login mode “mobile” includes the above-described remote connection mode, mobile mode, and PPP connection mode. The remote office mode appears to the user as the same usage as the office mode, so the login mode is “office”
Becomes Remote connection mode is basically mobile +
Since the mode is the communication mode, the login mode is mobile.

When the user logs in the login mode “office”, the network computer 12
When connected to the same network as the above, the network mode or the office mode is selected as the operation mode to be used. The office mode is selected when there is a dipack for which the user has ownership, and the network mode is selected when no dipack exists. The network computer 12 is connected to a different network from the NC server 11, and the NC corresponding to the execution environment information stored in the daypack environment directory.
If the server 11 does not exist on the current network, the operation mode is the remote office mode.

When the user logs in in the login mode "mobile", the mobile mode or the PPP connection mode is selected as the operation mode when the terminal is not connected to the LAN, but the remote connection mode is selected in the environment connected to the LAN. .

Next, the DHCP information stored in the daypack will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, DHCP parameters required in the remote office mode or the remote connection mode are stored as execution environment information in the environment directory of the daypack.

DHCP acquired by the network computer 12 from the NC server 11 according to the DHCP protocol
The parameters include the information of (1) to (12) as shown in the drawing. Among them, the information with a circle is the information stored in the daypack as the execution environment information.

On the other hand, in the case of a DHCP server other than the NC server, the information (1) to (3) (the IP address of the NC,
(1) to (3), and (6) and (7) information (DNS server IP address, DNS domain name)
Whether to use the information stored in the daypack environment directory or the information obtained from the DHCP server is as follows.

(1) In the case of the network mode Since the NC server 11 is a DHCP server, all the information obtained from the DHCP server is used, and the information stored in the daypack is not used.

(2) In the case of the office mode Since the NC server 11 is a DHCP server, all the information obtained from the DHCP server is used, and the information stored in the daypack is not used.

(3) In the case of the remote office mode Since the information obtained from the DHCP server is only the IP address and the like, the information stored in the daypack environment directory is also used. In this case, information (1) indicated by a black circle,
(2) and (3) are information that must be obtained from the DHCP server, and information (6),
In (7), if it can be obtained from the DHCP server, it is used, and if it cannot be obtained, the one stored in the daypack environment directory is used.

(4) In the case of the remote connection mode Since the information obtained from the DHCP server is only the IP address and the like, the information stored in the daypack environment directory is also used. In this case, information (1) indicated by a black circle,
(2) and (3) are information that must be obtained from the DHCP server, and information (6),
In (7), if it can be obtained from the DHCP server, it is used, and if it cannot be obtained, the one stored in the daypack environment directory is used.

(5) In case of the mobile mode Since the DHCP server is not used, the information stored in the daypack environment directory is always used.

Next, the principle of the log-in process, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the present embodiment, an operation mode optimal for the network environment of the network computer (NC) 12 currently used is selected without imposing a large burden on the operator to select the operation mode of the network computer (NC) 12. Provide a login processing method to enable selection. This allows the operator
The network computer (NC) 12 can be used in the optimal operation mode without a deep understanding of the operation mode. The selection of the login mode is performed as follows.

That is, first, it is checked whether or not the NC server 11 exists in the same TCP / IP network as the network computer (NC) 12 (step S11). When the NC server 11 exists in the same network, basically, a mode in which all execution environments are acquired from the NC server 11 and operated, that is, a network mode or an office mode is automatically selected. Which of the network mode and the office mode is selected is determined by whether or not there is a daypack to which the user has the right to use (step S1).
2) If there is a daypack having the right to use, the office mode is selected, and if not, the network mode is selected.

On the other hand, when the NC server 11 does not exist in the same network, basically, the above-described remote connection mode or remote office mode in which operation can be started from a remote network environment is selected. However, in practice, in the remote connection mode and the remote office mode, server access via the LAN is performed, so that it is necessary to obtain an IP address. Therefore, it is checked whether or not the DHCP server exists in the same network as the network computer (NC) 12 (step S13), and only when it exists, one of the remote connection mode and the remote office mode is selected. Will be.

If the DHCP server does not exist in the same network, it is determined whether or not a dial-up connection has been specified (step S13). , PPP mode, and the other modes are mobile mode.

Whether the DHCP server existing on the network to which the network computer (NC) 12 is connected is a simple DHCP server or an NC server depends on the DHCP server included in the DHCP OFFER packet.
It can be identified by the number of P parameters. This is because the DHCP OFFER packet from the NC server 11 contains many parameters necessary for environment setting,
This is based on the fact that a DHCP OFFER packet from a mere DHCP server contains only some limited parameters such as an IP address.

The selection method described above is described as follows. “The remote connection mode and the remote office mode can be used even when the NC server 11 exists on the same network. However, in a typical system configuration example, the remote connection mode and the remote office mode are different. The remote office mode is used when there is only a DHCP server which is not an NC server in the same network. "

FIG. 12 shows an example of a login dialog screen used in this embodiment.

When the power of the network computer 12 is turned on, the OS is read from the NC server 11 or the local storage 121 by the boot loader, and the system enters a system start state. Thereafter, a login dialog box shown in FIG. 12 is displayed in the OS initialization process.

In the login dialog box, radio buttons for allowing the user to select one of “office” and “mobile” as a login mode (use mode) are displayed in addition to a user name and password input window. The display of the radio button is automatically switched according to the current network environment, and the optimal login mode corresponding to the current network environment is indicated to the user as a default value. Further, a LAN connection status icon is displayed in the login dialog box.

This LAN connection status icon is for presenting to the user in which operation mode the user should log in when the user presses the login button now, and the icon content is changed according to the current network environment. Will be changed.

That is, the LAN connection state icons represent three states as shown in FIG.

FIG. 13A corresponds to a non-connection state (no LAN connection), and indicates that when the login button is pressed in this state, the user logs in in the mobile mode or the PPP mode. In the disconnected state, the login mode “Office” cannot be used. Therefore, the radio button for selecting the login mode is “Office”.
Is invalidated and switched to a display indicating “mobile”.

FIG. 13B corresponds to a DHCP server connection state (a state in which a LAN connection is established and a DHCP server exists on the LAN), and when the login button is pressed in this state. Indicates that the user logs in in the remote connection mode or the remote office mode. If "Mobile" is selected as the usage mode (login mode), the remote connection mode will be activated,
If "office" is selected as the use mode (login mode), the remote office mode is set.

FIG. 13C shows the NC server connection state (L
An AN connection is established, and an NC server is present on the LAN), and when the login button is pressed in this state, it is indicated that the user logs in the office mode or the network mode. Also,
In this case, the display of the radio button for selecting the login mode is automatically switched to “office”.

FIG. 14 shows the relationship among the login mode, the LAN connection state, and the use mode (operation mode).

Next, the display switching process of the login dialog will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the network computer 12 is turned on or an operation for rebooting the network computer 12 is performed, a boot program stored in the ROM of the network computer 12 starts. The boot program of the ROM first checks whether or not the OS is stored in the local storage 121 composed of a flash memory or the like (step S101).

If the OS is stored in the local storage 121, the OS is booted from the local storage 121 (step S102). On the other hand, when the OS is not stored in the local storage 121, the boot program in the ROM uses DHCP (Dyna).
mic Host Configuration Pr
After automatically acquiring an OS name, an IP address, and a minimum required boot environment for starting the OS from the NC server 11 by using the TFTP (TrialFile), the TFTP (TrialFile) is used.
Transfer Protocol), NC
A boot loader is loaded from the server 11 and control is passed to the boot loader (steps S103 and S104). Then, the boot loader executes the NFS (Network Fi
le System) from the NC server 11 to the OS
Is loaded and the boot is performed (step S105).
Thereby, the initialization process by the OS is started (OS
start). The mobile mode operation (mobile mode, PPP connection mode, remote connection mode) is based on the assumption that the OS is booted from the local storage 121.

When the OS starts, first, a login dialog is displayed on the screen, and the DHCP protocol is started to check the current network environment (step S106). And, by the DHCP protocol, DHCP
After broadcasting the PDISCOVER packet, the process enters an event waiting state (step S107).

From the DHCP server to DHCP OFFER
When the packet is received, the LAN connection state is determined to be “DHCP server connection state” at that time, and the LAN connection state icon is changed from the icon corresponding to “non-connection state” to the icon corresponding to “DHCP server connection state”. It is changed (step S108).

When a DHCP OFFER packet is received from the NC server, a DHCP REQUEST is responded to the DHCP OFFER packet (step S1).
09), and waits for a DHCP ACK packet from the NC server. When a DHCP ACK packet is received from the NC server, the state of the DHCP protocol is changed to BOU.
After the transition to the ND state (step S110), the LAN connection state icon is changed from the "DHCP server connection state" or the "non-connection state" to the icon corresponding to the "NC server connection state", and the default login mode is set to " Office "(step S111).

Here, the state transition of the DHCP protocol will be described with reference to FIG.

In the DHCP protocol, DHCP DI
All DHs that can respond to SCOVER packets
The CP server returns a DHCP OFFER packet. The client selects the desired partner in the received DHCP OFFER packet,
Returns DHCP REQUEST. At that moment, all other DHCP OFFER packets have been rejected.

In this embodiment, in order to correctly determine the LAN connection state, in other words, the network to which the network computer (NC) 12 is currently connected is N
N if the network has the C server 11
The login button is pressed by the user so that the C server 11 is selected, or the DH is transmitted from the NC server.
Until the CP OFFER packet is received, DHCP
It does not return REQUEST and waits for a transition to the BOUND state.

That is, instead of returning the DHCP REQUEST immediately after receiving the DHCP OFFER packet, the data in the DHCP OFFER packet is analyzed to determine whether the DHCP server is a simple DHCP server or an NC server. This determination is made, as described above, by the DHCP OFF from the NC server 11.
The R packet contains a number of parameters necessary for environment setting, whereas the DH from the DHCP server
This is done by taking advantage of the fact that the CP OFFER packet contains only some limited parameters, such as an IP address. If it is just a DHCP server, it enters a timeout retransmission phase (SELECT state) of DHCP DISCOVER and sends a DHCP R
Wait for issuance of EQUEST. DHCP REQUEST
The response to the DHCP OFFER packet by issuing the ST is performed when the DHCP OFFER packet is received from the NC server 11 or when the login button is pressed. As a result, DHCP O from the NC server can be used later.
Even if an FFER packet is received, the DHCP server is rejected and the DHCP request is sent to the NC server.
T can be returned.

When the login button is pressed in the event waiting state, a login process for selecting an operation mode according to the current network environment is started (step S112).

FIG. 16 shows the procedure of the login process.

When the log-in button is pressed, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, a dialog indicating that the log-in process is being performed is displayed (step S20).
1), a combination of the login mode and the LAN connection state is checked (steps 201 and S203).

When the login mode is “mobile” and the LAN
If the connection state is “DHCP server connection state” (“N
C server connection state), the OS first performs an authentication process, and uses the user name and password entered in the login dialog to determine whether or not there is a daypack that the user owns. A check is made (step S205). Since the login mode “mobile” is a mode based on the use of a daypack, if there is no daypack for which the user has ownership, the authentication fails, and the process returns to the login dialog of step S106 described with reference to FIG.

When it is recognized that there is a daypack for which the user has ownership, the state of the DHCP protocol is checked, and a DHCP REQUEST has not yet been issued for the OFFER packet received from the DHCP server, and a timeout retransmission has been performed. If it is in the phase (SELECT) state, DHCP REQUEST is issued and B
The state transits to the OUND state (step S205). As a result, the OS sends information such as an IP address to be assigned to the network computer 12 to the D on the network to which the network computer 12 is currently connected.
It can be obtained from the HCP server.

While waiting for a response from the DHCP server, a screen including an interrupt button for interrupting the login process is displayed as shown in FIG. 18B. The middle login process is interrupted halfway. Then, the mode is automatically shifted to the mobile mode. This is to prevent occurrence of a permanent waiting state due to, for example, an inability to obtain an IP address by DHCP.

When the state transits to the BOUND state, the OS obtains information of the NIS server and the like from the environment directory of the daypack, and performs authentication processing by the NIS (step S2).
06). When the authentication by the NIS is successful and the NC server 11 confirms that the user is a valid user, the DHC
IP of network computer 12 obtained from P server
An environment setting process required for execution of the network computer 12 is performed by the OS based on the address and the execution environment information stored in the environment directory of the daypack in advance, and the NC server 11 can be accessed via the LAN. Processing starts in remote connection mode. When this environment setting process is completed, a process for resource synchronization and a process for time synchronization are performed (step S).
208, S209), OS of the local storage 121
Is also checked between the OS managed on the NC server 11 and the new OS, and if the OS on the NC server 11 is the latest OS, a process of storing the OS in the local storage 121 is performed (step). S210). Thereafter, a browser (webtop application) predetermined as an application to be started first is loaded from the local storage 121 and executed (step S21).
1).

Note that even during authentication by the NIS, FIG.
Is displayed, and if the suspend button is pressed or if the NIS authentication fails, the mode transits to the mobile mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the eternal waiting caused by the failure of the authentication of the NIS.

On the other hand, even when the user logs in while the LAN connection state is “non-connection state”, the OS first performs an authentication process.
It is determined whether or not the day pack is owned (step S21).
2). If there is a proprietary daypack,
S checks the setting of the property file and determines whether or not automatic connection at login is specified (step S213). If you do not connect automatically, you will be logged in in mobile mode. On the other hand, if the automatic connection is specified, a PPP connection is made to the NC server 11 using the telephone number of the NC server 11 stored in the daypack environment directory (step S214). Thereafter, the information of the NIS server or the like is obtained from the environment directory of the daypack, and the authentication processing by the NIS is performed (steps S215 and S216). Successful authentication by NIS,
When the NC server 11 confirms that the user is a valid user, the user logs in the PPP mode. Regardless of whether the user logs in in either the PPP mode or the mobile mode, it is not necessary to assign an IP address from the DHCP server. Therefore, the environment setting process is performed using only the execution environment information stored in the daypack environment directory. .

Thereafter, resource synchronization processing, time synchronization processing, OS saving processing, and the like are performed (steps S 217 to S 217).
S219).

When the LAN connection state is "NC server connection state" and the login button is pressed in the state where the default value of the login mode is "office", the following processing is performed.

First, authentication by the NIS is performed (step S220). When the authentication by the NIS is successful and the NC server 11 confirms that the user is a valid user, resource synchronization and time synchronization processing (step S221, step S221).
After S222), the user logs in in the office mode or the network mode. If there is a proprietary daypack, it will be in office mode, otherwise it will be in network mode. Thereafter, the process of storing the DHCP parameters acquired from the NC server 11 in the environment directory of the daypack is performed, and the OS of the local storage 121 and the N
New and old checks between the OS managed on the C server 11 are also performed, and if the OS on the NC server 11 is the latest, a process of storing it in the local storage 121 is performed (step S223). .

When the LAN connection state is "DHCP server connection state" and the login button is pressed in the state where the login mode "office" is selected, the DHCP server receives a message from the DHCP server in the same manner as in the remote connection mode. Environment setting processing is performed using the obtained IP address and the execution environment information stored in advance in the daypack environment directory, and the operation starts in the remote office mode.

The OS used in this embodiment is a CD.
-Since the OS can be stored on a recording medium such as a ROM and distributed, if this OS is downloaded from a server to a network computer and used, if the network computer has a local storage, the same as in the present embodiment can be used. In the remote mode (remote connection mode, remote office mode), and the automatic selection of the operation mode according to the network environment.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An operation mode that can be used even from a remote network connected via the Internet or the like and another operation mode can be automatically switched according to a network environment or the like, thereby realizing a network computer with excellent operability. It becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration using a network computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view for explaining a network mode of the network computer according to the embodiment and a connection mode thereof;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view for explaining an office mode of the network computer according to the embodiment and a connection form thereof;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view for explaining a mobile mode of the network computer according to the embodiment and a connection form thereof;

FIG. 5 is a PP of the network computer according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a P mode and a connection mode thereof.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view for explaining a remote connection mode of the network computer of the embodiment and its connection form;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view for explaining a remote office mode of the network computer according to the embodiment and a connection form thereof;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view for explaining transition of operation modes in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view for explaining a relationship between a login mode and an operation mode in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view for explaining DHCP information stored in a local storage of the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view for explaining the principle of login processing used in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary view showing an example of a login screen used in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary view showing an example of a LAN connection status icon used in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary view showing a correspondence relationship between a login mode, a LAN connection state, and an operation mode used in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of display transition processing of a login dialog in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart showing the specific procedure of a login process in the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary view for explaining state transition of the DHCP protocol applied to the network computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary view showing an example of a screen displayed during a login process of the network computer of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 LAN 11 Server computer 12 Network computer 111 Disk device 121 Local storage

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A network computer that operates by downloading a program and data required for data processing from a server via a network, and obtains execution environment information required for setting the environment of the network computer from the server when logging in. A first operation mode in which the server operates while accessing the server, execution environment information stored in advance in a local storage device of the network computer at the time of login, and a current network to which the network computer is connected. An operating environment is set using the obtained network address, and a second operation mode in which the server can be accessed from a remote network environment where execution environment information cannot be obtained from the server; Means for controlling the operation of the network computer using one of the first and second operation modes, and whether or not the network to which the network computer is currently connected is the same network as the network in which the server exists And an operation mode selecting means for selecting one of the first and second operation modes in accordance with a result of the determination. 2. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second operation mode uses a resource stored in the local storage device on the server, and the local storage device uses a resource stored in the local storage device. 2. The network computer according to claim 1, wherein the network computer operates in an operation mode in which the server operates without accessing the server by accessing a device, and the server can be accessed from a remote network. 3. The second operation mode is an operation mode in which the server operates while accessing the server from a remote network without using resources on the server stored in the local storage device. The network computer according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The operation mode selection means, wherein the network computer is currently connected based on a response from the network computer to an environment information acquisition request issued on a network to which the network computer is currently connected. 2. The network computer according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the network is the same network as the network where the server exists. 5. The operation mode selecting means, wherein when a network to which the network computer is currently connected is a network in which the server is present, a login by a user is performed so that execution environment information is obtained from the server. 5. The network computer according to claim 4, further comprising means for waiting for a response to the response to the environment information acquisition request until an operation is performed or a response is returned from the server. 6. A network computer that operates by downloading a program and data necessary for data processing from a server via a network, and obtains execution environment information necessary for setting the environment of the network computer from the server when logging in. A first operation mode in which the server operates while accessing the server, execution environment information stored in advance in a local storage device of the network computer at the time of login, and a current network to which the network computer is connected. An operating environment is set using the obtained network address, and a second operation mode in which the server can be accessed from a remote network environment where execution environment information cannot be obtained from the server; A third operation mode operable without access to the server by using the resources of the server stored in a local storage device, and using one of the first to third operation modes. Means for controlling the operation of the network computer; determining whether or not the network to which the network computer is currently connected is the same network as the network on which the server is located; If the operation mode is different and the network is different, another server capable of assigning a network address to the network computer depends on whether or not the server exists on the network to which the network computer is currently connected. The said And a network computer, characterized by comprising the operation mode selecting means for selecting one of the third mode of operation. 7. The third operation mode operates without the server access by accessing the local storage device when using resources existing in the local storage device, and dial-up connection to the server. 7. The network computer according to claim 6, further comprising a dial-up connection mode capable of accessing said server. 8. The operation mode selection means displays on a screen status information indicating which operation mode is selected when a user performs a log-in operation, according to a current network environment of the network computer. 7. The network computer according to claim 1, further comprising means. 9. A network computer which operates by downloading a program and data required for data processing from a server via a network, wherein at the time of login, execution environment information necessary for setting the environment of the network computer is stored in the server. From
A first operation mode operating while accessing the server, execution environment information previously stored in a local storage device of the network computer at the time of login, and information obtained from a current network to which the network computer is connected An operating environment is set using the network address, and a second operation mode in which the server can be accessed from a remote network environment in which execution environment information cannot be obtained from the server. It is determined whether the network to which the network computer is currently connected is the same network as the network on which the server is located, and the first and second operation modes are determined according to the determination result. Login method characterized by selecting one. 10. The second operation mode is configured to use a resource stored in the local storage device on the server, and to use a resource existing in the local storage device when the local storage device is used. 10. The login method according to claim 9, wherein the operation mode is an operation mode in which operation is performed without accessing the server by accessing a device, and the server can be accessed from a remote network. 11. The second operation mode is an operation mode in which the server operates while accessing the server from a remote network without using resources on the server stored in the local storage device. 10. The login method according to claim 9, wherein: 12. A network to which the network computer is currently connected has the server based on a response from the network computer to an environment information acquisition request issued on a network to which the network computer is currently connected. 10. The login method according to claim 9, wherein it is determined whether or not the network is the same as the network. 13. When a network to which the network computer is currently connected is a network in which the server is present, a login operation is performed by a user so that execution environment information is obtained from the server, or Until the server returns a response,
13. The login method according to claim 12, wherein a response to a response to the environment information acquisition request is awaited. 14. A network computer that operates by downloading a program and data necessary for data processing from a server via a network, and executes execution environment information necessary for setting the environment of the network computer at the time of login from the server. Acquired,
A first operation mode operating while accessing the server, execution environment information previously stored in a local storage device of the network computer at the time of login, and information obtained from a current network to which the network computer is connected An operating environment is set using the network address, and a second operation mode in which the server can be accessed from a remote network environment where execution environment information cannot be obtained from the server; and the server stored in the local storage device. A third operation mode operable without access to the server by using the resources of (1), (2), (3), (3), (3), (3) that the network computer is currently connected to the network. Network to determine whether or not the network is the same as the network where the server is located. If the network is the same, the first operation mode is selected. Another server capable of assigning a network address selects one of the second and third operation modes depending on whether the network computer is on a network to which the network computer is currently connected. Characteristic login method. 15. The third operation mode includes:
When using resources existing in the local storage device, the server can operate without accessing the server by accessing the local storage device, and can access the server by dialing up the server. 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising a dial-up connection mode. 16. A log-in screen for prompting a user to perform a log-in operation, which operation mode is selected when the user performs a log-in operation in accordance with the current network environment of the network computer. 15. The login method according to claim 9, wherein status information is displayed.