JP2003091467A - Computer device, portable information equipment, method for registering network connection, method for selecting network connection, method for setting network, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily switch network connection according to a network to be connected under an environment where a plurality of network adapters exist in one system. SOLUTION: A network connection system of this invention is provided with a location profile DB 14 for storing adapter information being physical switching information corresponding to location information and network setting information being logical switching information corresponding to the adapter information each time a plurality of networks are respectively connected, an adapter switching device 11 for acquiring the adapter information from the location profile DB 14 based on the designation of location received from a user, and for switching an adapter 20, and a network setting switching device 12 for acquiring the network setting information from the location profile DB 14 based on the designation of the accepted location, and for switching network setting 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer device or the like for communicating with the outside, and more particularly to a computer device or the like in which a plurality of network connections are introduced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Notebook type personal computer
In a computer device typified by (notebook PC), NI
A LAN (Local Area Network) is provided by an interface device called C (Network Interface Card) or LAN adapter.
twork) and other networks.
The first interface device connected to the network is a modem, and currently it is a token ring (Token Ring).
-Ring) adapter or Ethernet (registered trademark) (Eth)
Wired communication adapters such as Internet (registered trademark) adapters are the mainstream, but wireless LAN adapters are expected to become popular in the future. In order to maintain compatibility, these LAN adapters are usually implemented by adding new ones while keeping old ones, so that a plurality of interface devices are inevitably provided in one computer device. It was

When one computer device is equipped with a plurality of interface devices, it becomes possible to connect to a network by each method, but when switching from a connection to one network to a connection to another network, It becomes necessary to switch the interface device. This tendency is particularly noticeable in notebook PCs that are moved and used, and in order to connect to a network at a destination after moving, an interface device that can be used at that place is selected, and a network that is effective for that interface device at that place is selected. You have to make the settings. In order to do this, for example, in Microsoft Windows, there was no other way than manually setting each one in order, such as making detailed settings for device managers and network properties.

[0004]

In the conventional operating system (OS), when one system has a plurality of network adapters, it is explicitly specified which network adapter is used to connect to the network. There was no way to do it. That is, the conventional operating system presupposes a desktop PC, which is not premised on location movement, and there is almost no need to specify which network is selected and connected. Therefore, in order to specify the connection using the conventional system, it is necessary to switch the network by a physical means such as disconnecting the network adapter or the network cable.

In the conventional operating system, only one network setting is allowed for one network adapter. In particular, when it is desired to share one network adapter between the office and home but the settings are different, such as mobile specifications that can be mounted on a notebook PC, the network settings are purposely changed each time the connection is made. There was a need. Also, setting up the network is especially difficult for novice users.
Wireless network and VPN (Virtual Private Net)
With the advent of new connections such as work) and broadband, the network connection by users is becoming more difficult.

[0006] The present situation is far from providing a user-friendly product to the customer. Also, in an era when a wireless network where the network cable cannot be physically removed or a built-in network adapter where the network adapter cannot be physically removed becomes standard, it will be difficult to adapt with the current system. .

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above technical problems, and in an environment where a plurality of network adapters exist in one system,
The main purpose is to easily switch the network connection according to the network to be connected.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a user can select a predetermined object from an aggregate of objects in which a physical setting and a logical setting in a network connection are collected. The purpose is to enable simple network connection.
That is, the present invention is a computer device that enables communication with the outside by selecting a predetermined network connection in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced.
Switching means for switching a physical network adapter corresponding to a predetermined network connection selected by a user from a plurality of network adapters installed in the system, and a logical network setting corresponding to the network adapter Setting means for
At the time of setting by the setting means, the identification information setting means for setting predetermined identification information and the information of the selected network adapter and the set information of the logical network to be set are stored in association with the set identification information. And a storage means for storing the data.

If the identification information set by the identification information setting means is location information relating to the place where the computer device is used, the location information and the network connection information can be uniquely associated with each other. This is preferable in that the network connection can be switched using the location information that is easy to remember instead of the network setting information that is difficult to remember. For example, when a laptop computer, which is a computer device, is used by moving between home and office, it is possible to connect to the network by simply selecting the location name such as "home" or "office", which is the moved place, with one click. It becomes possible.

Further, the computer device to which the present invention is applied obtains a connection request receiving means for receiving a network connection request based on predetermined identification information from a user, and adapter information corresponding to the predetermined identification information from a database to obtain a network. The adapter switching means for switching the adapter, the network setting information corresponding to the predetermined identification information from the database, and the network setting switching means for switching the network setting according to the switching of the network adapter, and the network adapter of the network adapter switched by the adapter switching means. And an application executing means for executing an application for the purpose.

Further, the computer device to which the present invention is applied has adapter information, which is physical switching information, and network information, which is logical switching information corresponding to the adapter information, for each network connection in a plurality of network connections. A database that stores setting information, a connection request receiving unit that receives a network connection request from a user, an adapter switching unit that obtains adapter information from the database based on the received network connection request and switches the adapter, and a received network connection It is characterized by including network setting switching means for switching network settings by obtaining network setting information from a database based on a request. In the present invention, it is possible to switch by simultaneously combining a physical adapter and a logical network setting.

On the other hand, the computer device to which the present invention is applied, for example, in a wireless LAN environment, specifies a storage means for storing a setting profile including network setting information in association with a predetermined identifier, and a connection partner. For example, network name (SSID) or MAC
A scanning means for scanning an identifier such as an address,
The present invention is characterized by including a network setting unit that reads out a setting profile corresponding to the identifier obtained by scanning by the scanning unit from the storage unit and sets the network based on the information of the setting profile.

Here, the system further comprises priority setting means for setting priorities for the plurality of identifiers, and the network setting means sets the priority setting means when the plurality of identifiers are acquired by the scanning means. If the feature is to set a network by selecting a predetermined setting profile based on the priority that is set, for example, in a wireless network environment in which a plurality of identifiers can be obtained at the same time,
This is preferable in that an appropriate access point desired by the user can be selected and the network can be set.

Further, the computer device to which the present invention is applied generates a setting profile information including an identifier for network connection, for example, by receiving an input from a user and generating it in association with location information which is identification information. And a storage means for storing the setting profile information generated by this generating means, and a priority assignment for assigning a priority for connection in association with the location information to a network connectable using the setting profile information. And means.

From another point of view, the present invention is a portable information device capable of communicating with the outside by selecting a predetermined network connection in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced. A database that stores information about network adapters that can be switched and information about network settings in association with predetermined identification information, a display device that displays a list of identification information stored in this database, and a display device that is displayed on this display device. The input device that obtains the user's selection of the specific identification information from the list, and the network adapter information and network settings stored in the database based on the selection of the specific identification information obtained from the input device. Equipped with a network switching device that reads information and switches the network connection It is characterized by a door.

On the other hand, the present invention is a network connection registration method for selecting a predetermined network connection and communicating with the outside in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced into a computer device. Accepting user input for location information associated with the location where the device is expected to be used, and displaying a list of available network adapters among the multiple network adapters installed in the system And the step of accepting the selection from the user for the network adapter used at this location, the step of accepting the input of the logical settings required for the network adapter to make a network connection, and the selection in relation to the location information. Network adapter It is characterized in that it comprises the steps of registering a logical configuration that is data and input.

The step of accepting the input of this logical setting is the IP (Internet Protocol) of the network adapter.
It can be characterized in that it accepts input of settings, DNS (Domain Name System) settings, and browser settings. By entering and registering these settings in advance and storing them in association with location information, it is possible to switch (overwrite) the network and these logical settings simultaneously for the location specified by the user. Become.

Further, the network connection registration method to which the present invention is applied receives the registration of the identification information for distinguishing when the user switches the network connection, and the network used corresponding to this identification information. Upon receiving the selection of the adapter, the IP (Internet Protocol) setting and the DN of the network adapter selected corresponding to this identification information
It is characterized in that it receives an S (Domain Name System) setting and receives a proxy server setting corresponding to the registered identification information.

On the other hand, the method of selecting a network connection to which the present invention is applied includes a step of displaying a list of identification information registered in association with a place where the computer device is supposed to be moved and used, and Based on the selection of the identification information made by the user for displaying the list, obtaining the information of the network adapter corresponding to the selected identification information and the setting information of this network adapter from the database, and the obtained information of the network adapter. Switching the network adapter based on the setting information, executing the network connection processing based on the obtained setting information, obtaining an application program for realizing the network connection corresponding to the selected identification information, and the application program To communicate with the outside world It is characterized in that it comprises the steps of establishing.

Further, the method of selecting a network connection to which the present invention is applied is, for each network connection in a plurality of network connections, adapter information which is physical switching information and logical switching information corresponding to this adapter information. The network connection information is stored, the network connection request from the user is accepted, predetermined adapter information is obtained from the stored adapter information based on the accepted network connection request, the adapter is switched, and the network connection request It is possible to switch the network setting by obtaining predetermined network setting information from the network setting information stored based on the above.

Furthermore, the present invention is a method for setting a network in a computer device, wherein a step of scanning and acquiring an identifier for identifying a communication partner, and a priority among a plurality of identifiers acquired by scanning A step of selecting a highly frequent identifier, a step of searching for a setting profile including the identifier obtained by scanning from a plurality of setting profiles stored in advance, and a network of the network based on the searched setting profile. And a step of performing setting.

Also, the SSID for network connection
Setting profile information including identifiers such as MAC address and MAC address, and identification information such as location information that can be arbitrarily determined by the user is stored in the database, and the setting profile information stored in the database is stored. It can be characterized in that specific setting profile information is read out from the profile information based on the identifier, and the priority for setting is registered with respect to a plurality of setting profile information stored in this database. .

In each of these inventions, a program to be executed by a computer is stored as a program stored in a storage medium that can be read by the computer, and the computer can execute each of these functions. It can be understood as a program configured in. For example, a CD-ROM medium corresponds to this storage medium, and a program is read by a CD-ROM reading device in a computer, and the program is stored and executed in various memories such as a hard disk in a computer. Conceivable. Further, it is conceivable that these programs are provided to a computer device such as a notebook PC via a network by a program transmission device. The program transmission device only needs to include a memory for storing the program and a program transmission means for providing the program via the network.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a network connection system to which this embodiment is applied. Here, for example, a notebook PC which is one form of a computer device (portable information device)
Shows the configuration provided physically or logically. In the present embodiment, a plurality of physical adapters (network adapters) 20, a network setting 30 for setting a logical network corresponding to each adapter, and a program required for connection corresponding to each adapter. An application 40 is provided.

Further, in this network connection system, an output device 17 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying a list of location names, which will be described later, and an input device 16 such as a mouse for accepting a location selection from the user. The network switching device 10 that receives an input from the input device 16 is provided. The network switching device 10 includes an adapter switching device 11 that switches an adapter 20 and a network setting switching device 1 that switches a logical network setting 30.
2. The application execution device 13 that executes the application 40 is included. Further, for example, a location profile DB 14 that is a database (DB) that stores a location profile that is information that is associated with each location and that includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a browser that connects to the Internet and displays content (Internet browser)
It is equipped with 15. Further, a network setting registration device 18 for registering network settings is provided, and information regarding network settings registered by the network setting registration device 18 is stored in the location profile DB 14.

The adapter 20 serves as an interface device such as a network interface device built in the computer device, a network PC card to be inserted into a PC card slot of the computer device, or an expansion slot.
It can be an external network connection board that is mounted on the (bus).

In the example of FIG. 1, as the adapter 20, an Ethernet adapter connected to Ethernet,
To access through a wireless card, that is, a wireless adapter that is a connection board (LAN connection board) for connecting a computer device to a network by using an access point wirelessly without using a cable, a telephone line, etc. , A modem adapter that is a modem-compatible board, and a Bluetooth adapter that performs communication by Bluetooth that is a short-range wireless transmission are shown.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an application example of the network connection system in the present embodiment. here,
It shows a state in which one notebook PC 50, which is a computer device equipped with a network connection system, is used while moving to various places. The “network connection” mentioned here includes a connection setting for connecting a hardware (HW) interface to be used and a network, an application program (application 40) required for the connection, a setting of the browser 15, and the like.

The switching of the network connection in the notebook PC 50 is performed by designating the location display 60 with the mouse pointer 61, for example. In a system with multiple network adapters (adapter 20), the parameters that must be decided in order to connect to the network are "the network adapter used for communication (Ethernet, token, wireless, etc.)" and "the network Network settings given to the adapter (IP, DNS, Proxy, etc.) "
Is. The present embodiment is characterized in that the concept of “location” is newly provided so that a user (beginner) unfamiliar with these detailed network settings can intuitively recognize this. The "location" can be freely designated by the user using a name (identification information) that can be easily identified and remembered. In FIG. 2, a location display 60 showing the locations of the office, the meeting room, the road, the airport, the hotel, and the home.
Has been done. The user clicks the mouse pointer 61 with the preset location name at the moved location.
It is possible to switch the interface and the connection setting at a time and switch the network connection without complicated operations (switching the interface and switching the connection setting) just by selecting using.

Further, FIG. 2 shows the case of connecting to the intranet 70 and the Internet 80, and a firewall 72 for managing data communication exists between the intranet 70 and the Internet 80.
In the company premises or intranet 70 shown by the broken line in the figure
Within the range, an access point 71, which is a receiver of the other party of the radio wave when performing wireless communication, is provided. For example, when the notebook PC 50 is switched to the wireless adapter 20, the access point 71
When it is directly connected to and is switched to the modem adapter 20, it is connected to the access point 71 via the mobile phone 51. When connecting to the Internet 80 without going through the intranet 70, the connection is made via the Internet service provider 81. In the laptop PC 50, the wireless and Ethernet adapter 20
ADSL is used for Ethernet at home with router 52
(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) The modem 53 is interposed to connect to the Internet service provider 81.

FIG. 3 is a table showing the parameters of the network connection at each place, and the contents stored in the location profile DB 14 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, it is configured such that these are stored in the location profile DB 14 with identification information for distinguishing them by location such as “office” or “home”. Each network connection example will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The notebook PC 50 accesses the company intranet 70 using the Ethernet adapter at the office itself and also accesses the Internet 80 through the proxy server. In this case, the IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is 9.68.
30.40, 9.68.30.1 in Gateway, DNS (Do
The main name system) server must have a network connection of 9.68.30.2. Here, the IP address is a sequence of numbers corresponding to the address of the computer connected to the Internet 80, and is the destination for delivering the IP packet. Further, the gateway is a device for transferring a packet for an external network that is not explicitly routed, and it is necessary to set the IP address of the gateway when connecting to the network. Furthermore,
The DNS server has a correspondence table of host names and IP addresses, and it is necessary to specify the DNS server when connecting to the network. Also, in order to access the Internet 80 through the firewall 72, proxy.office.com is used as a proxy server in the browser 15.
(9.68.3.4) is specified and the homepage when the browser 15 is opened is http://www.office.co, which is the company's website.
Specify m.

Consider a case where the notebook PC 50 is used by connecting to the intranet 70 and the Internet 80 in a conference room where wireless communication can be used. In this case, a wireless card of standard IEEE802.11b is used for the adapter 20, the IP address is set to 9.68.100.200, the gateway is set to 9.68.100.1, and the DNS server is set to 9.68.100.2 to specify network connection.

Next, consider a case where the notebook PC 50 is used while being connected to the intranet 70 and the Internet 80 while moving in a vehicle, for example. In such a case, use the modem connected to the mobile phone 51 and set the IP address to D
In addition to HCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and gateway not specified, the DNS server has a setting of 9.68.30.2, and the company also activates a standard intranet dialer as a dialer to connect to the network.

When the notebook PC 50 is used by connecting to the Internet 80 through the Internet service provider 81 with which he / she contracts at an airport where wireless communication is possible, the network adapter is IEEE802.
Specify the 11b wireless adapter and DH the IP address
CP and gateway are not specified, DNS server is not specified, and since there is a direct connection to the Internet 80, there is no proxy server, and the home page is your favorite http://www.home.com. To do.

When the notebook PC 50 is used at a hotel by connecting to the intranet 70 and the Internet 80 through the Internet service provider 81, an Ethernet adapter is specified for connecting to the router 52, DHCP is not specified for the IP address, and gateway is not specified. , DNS server is not specified, Internet 8
In order to access the intranet 70 via 0,
Start VPN (Virtual Private Network) program for intranet.

When the notebook PC 50 is used at home by connecting to the Internet 80 through the Internet service provider 81, the ADSL modem 5 is used.
Specify the Ethernet adapter to connect to 3, and
The address is 192.168.0.10, the gateway is 192.168.0.
1, DNS server is 192.168.0.1, Internet 8
0 is directly connected, so there is no proxy server, and the home page is your favorite eg http: /
/www.home.com

In the present embodiment, as described above, the parameters for network connection at each location as described above are named in the location and stored in the location profile DB 14. As a result, for example, even when the notebook PC 50 moves from one place to another, the user does not have to manually change each one, and the network connection can be switched by specifying a simple location. You can

Next, the network connection registration process in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a network connection registration process performed by the network setting registration device 18. First, the network setting registration device 18
The screen is displayed on the display device 17, and the input of the location name and the selection of the category (connection type) of the adapter 20 are requested (step 101), and the input device 16 is used to wait for the input from the user (step 102). ). An example of the display screen of step 101 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the location name 301 and the category type 302 of the adapter 20 are displayed. Here, for example, the second wireless LAN category (connection type) from the top is selected. Further, in the example of FIG. 5, the default "WIRELESS" is displayed in the location name 301, but this may be input as "meeting room", for example.

Next, usable network adapters
Display the list of (adapter 20) on the display device 17.
(Step 103), the adapter 20 used at the location is selected (Step 104). This step 1
An example of a display screen of 03 and step 104 is shown in FIG.
In the example of FIG. 6, the wireless adapter is selected as the category (connection type), and a list of network adapters (adapter 20) desired to be used at this location is displayed. Here, only one adapter 20 is shown as a list.

Next, the network setting registration device 18
The IP settings of the selected adapter 20 are displayed on the output device 17, and the IP settings are input (changed) if necessary (step 105). Also, the DN of the selected adapter 20
The S setting is displayed on the output device 17, and the DNS setting is input (changed) if necessary (step 106). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays the selected IP setting and the selected DNS setting. Here, the IP setting 30
3 and DNS settings 304 are shown. When the user wants to change the setting, he / she operates the input device 16 to select and input the item to be changed.

Further, the network setting registration device 18 is
Displays the settings of the Internet browser (browser 15) and receives (changes) browser settings as necessary
(Step 107). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for setting the Internet browser. As the setting of the Internet browser, two settings, that is, a default home page displayed when the Internet browser is started up and a proxy server setting, are possible. Here, the browser 15 is Microsoft Internet Explorer.
The setting in is taken as an example.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the parameters necessary for connecting to the network for the “location” designated by the user can be stored in the location profile DB 14 in association with the “location”. It will be possible.

Next, a network connection switching process according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of switching the network connection. First, in the network connection system to which this embodiment is applied, a list of location names read from the location profile DB 14 is displayed on the output device 17 (step 201). FIG. 10 shows an example in which a list of location names is displayed as a network connection switching screen. Here, as the location, the office's own seat, hotel, conference room, home, and movement on the road, which are identification information, are registered. In this example, the conference room is selected and highlighted. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 10, a schematic pictorial display is added according to the type of network connection registered for each location. For example, when traveling on the road using a modem, a telephone mark is displayed.

Next, based on such a display, the network switching device 10 waits for the selection of the location made by the user by the input device 16 (step 20).
2). When the location is selected, the adapter switching device 11 obtains information on the adapter 20 from the location profile DB 14 (step 203) and switches the network adapter (adapter 20) (step 20).
4). After that, the network setting switching device 12 obtains the network setting information from the location profile DB 14 (step 205) and overwrites the network setting with the adapter setting (step 206). Also, the home page of the browser 15 and the proxy setting information are obtained from the location profile DB 14 (step 20
7), the home page and proxy settings are overwritten in the browser 15 (step 208).

Next, it is judged whether or not the application has been registered (step 209), and if not registered, the switching process ends. When the application execution device 13 has already registered, the location profile DB 14
More application information is obtained (step 210), the application is executed (step 211), and a series of processing ends. That is, when the user selects the location, the network switching device 10 reads all the parameters associated with the location, switches the physical network adapter (adapter 20), and simultaneously overwrites the logical network settings. Rewrite. As a result, it becomes possible to realize a one-touch switching to the network to be connected.

As described above, conventionally, for example, a mini PCI Ethernet adapter with a built-in system is used as the adapter 20.
It was not possible to use the means for physically removing the cable, and for the wireless adapter, the means for disconnecting the network cable was also unavailable. Therefore, for example, note P
When moving with the C50, the user had to switch the adapter 20 between valid and invalid each time. Furthermore,
In order to connect the same miniPCI Ethernet adapter to another network at a different location and use it, it was necessary to manually reconfigure the network each time the connection was made. In the present embodiment, instead of manually rewriting these settings, the user first sets a location profile for these settings, and the name (identification information) “office”, which is easy for the user to remember, It was configured to associate profiles with "home", "meeting room", "Roppongi office", etc. This makes it possible to switch the network connection according to a keyword that can be easily recalled from the moved place by utilizing the feature of the notebook PC 50 which is a portable information device that moves from one place to another place. For example, the user can simply select one of the locations, "office," to enable adapter 20, for example, miniPCI Ethernet, and disable the other adapters. At the same time, corresponding parameters such as IP, gateway, DNS, and proxy are set according to the adapter. As a result, even if the user moves to another place, it is possible to connect to the network on the spot simply by selecting the location, which is the identification information registered in advance, by one click.

Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform switching to the same adapter by a plurality of networks, which is not supported by Microsoft Windows. Furthermore, the home page of the Internet browser and the proxy settings, which differ depending on the connection between the Internet and the intranet, can be switched at the same time. Furthermore, the connection parameter to the network can be set in a wizard format for each step, and if a setting that is already operating exists, it can be captured and stored. In addition, the unused network adapters can be disabled, that is, the inactive state can be set, and wasteful power consumption can be suppressed and the battery drive time can be extended.

Next, the automatic network switching according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, for example, the network name (SSI
D: Service Set Identification) is detected by the application, and the network settings such as wireless LAN are automatically set. First, the network name (SSID) of the access point is acquired by scanning. Next, it is searched whether or not the network setting profile including the SSID in the location name is registered. Then, if the location name is found, the entire network setting including the wireless setting is automatically switched. This SSID is an identification number for identifying a communication partner, and is used as a personal identification number for collating with each other. Communication is only possible between the parties with the same SSID, and is valid in the infrastructure mode and the 802.11AD Hoc mode. In addition to SSID, MAC is used as the identifier acquired by scanning.
It is also possible to use a MAC address for identifying a source address and a destination address field having a fixed number of bits in a (media access control) frame.

FIG. 11 shows the location profile DB
14 shows a data structure of a setting profile in the wireless connection stored in FIG. 14, which further details the content shown in FIG. In this setting profile, location name (company and airport), network adapter information, wireless LAN (WLAN) setting information for connecting to the access point, TCP / IP setting information for connecting to the server, Internet browser It has Internet browser proxy setting information and option setting information for connecting. The option setting information includes VPN (Virtual Private N) even at home, for example.
connection information etc. for connecting to a secure one such as etwork). These pieces of information are set in advance by the user via the network setting registration device 18 shown in FIG. 1, and are stored in the location profile DB 14 in association with the location name of a company or an airport, for example.

In the WLAN (wireless run) setting information,
The WLAN profile name, connection type, network name (SSID) that is an identifier, encryption key, and the like are stored. The network setting switching device 12 shown in FIG. 1 obtains the network name (SSID) of the access point at a predetermined location, and the location profile D
Network name (SSID) of WLAN setting information of B14
To match. If the collations match, the user settings included in the location profile as shown in FIG. 11 are automatically switched at once. As a result, it becomes possible to automatically perform the network setting without the user's operation or human intervention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views for explaining the association between the network name (SSID) and the location profile in the environment of a plurality of access points. Here, a case where the computer name is detected by receiving signals from three locations in a computer under an environment in which network name information is continuously transmitted from a plurality of access points is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 12A, SSID = NET1, SSID = NET2, S
The network name of SID = NET3 is detected.
When a plurality of identifiers are detected in this way, in the present embodiment, the profile of the location name having a high priority is switched by the priority designation by the user. That is, in the network setting switching device 12, FIG.
Based on the priority table information corresponding to each location profile name and network name (SSID) as shown in (b), settings are made for access points with high priority. The priority as shown in FIG. 12B is variable, and the user can arbitrarily change the setting.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a user interface relating to automatic switching designation. Here, the location profile name and network name (S
The association with the SID and the switching designation by setting the priority (Priority) are performed using the screen as shown in FIG. In the location profile name, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, “Narita Airport Lounge”
Or "home wireless", "company network",
The user is registered using a free name such as "nlsafe", and these can be registered in association with the network name (SSID) in association with each other. If the user does not want to connect to this network, for example, the check mark provided in the priority shown in FIG. 13 may be removed. This makes it possible to avoid automatic connection even when the identifier is obtained by scanning.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show network names (SS
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a detection method of (ID).
(a) shows the case where the SSID is detected within a fixed time,
FIG. 14B shows a case where the SSID is not detected within a fixed time. SSID within the fixed time shown in FIG.
In the example of the case where is detected, a state in which the network is temporarily disconnected is shown, for example, when the user starts moving while being connected to the location profile A at the airport. The network setting switching device 12 scans the network name (SSID) at a constant time interval (for example, 30 seconds interval) from the disconnection of the network, and detects that the radio wave of the identifier has arrived.
Here, an example is shown in which the SSID of profile B is detected after 60 seconds. After that, when the notebook PC 50 is covered, for example, in the state of being connected to the profile B, the suspend state, which is the power saving mode, is entered, and the suspended work is resumed by the resume function. After restarting, the same network connection detection work is performed.

On the other hand, for example, after disconnecting the network, SS
In the state where the ID is moved to the place where it is not detected,
As shown in (b), the scanning stops after a certain fixed time (here, 5 minutes) has elapsed. This makes note P
It is possible to suppress battery consumption in C50. In such a case, the user requesting the connection may shift to the manual switching. If you can connect with the same access point, for example, if you move the company premises in a suspended state, there is something that is used with the same name without scanning immediately after restarting. In this case, it is possible to try to connect to the previously used access point, and if the connection cannot be established, the above-mentioned scan can be executed.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the location profile switching processing, which is executed by the network setting switching device 12 shown in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 14A, the location profile switching process is started by the disconnection of the network, the notification of the resume event message from the suspend, or the like. Here, first, the network name that is the identifier
Scanning of (SSID) is started (Step 3
01). Then, if the SSID is not detected (step 302), it is determined whether or not the time-out (for example, 5 minutes) has been reached (step 303), the scan is performed until the time-out is reached, and if the time-out is reached, the scan is performed. To finish.

If SSIDs are detected in step 302, it is judged whether or not a plurality of SSIDs have been detected (step 304). If a plurality of SSIDs are detected, for example, the network setting switching device 12 The location profile D is checked by collating the priority list stored in the memory provided in
The location profile is extracted from B14 (step 305). Here, it is judged whether or not the profile has a list (step 306), and if not, the switching process ends. If there are not a plurality of SSIDs detected in step 304, the process directly proceeds to step 306.

If the profile is found in step 306, the process proceeds to the network setting work. That is,
The wireless LAN (WLAN) profile in the corresponding location name is read from the location profile DB 14 (step 307), and the WLAN profile is set (WLAN API) (step 30).
8), TCP / IP settings (IP Helper API) are made (step 309), browser settings (IE API) are made in order (step 310), and the location profile switching process ends.

As described in detail above, in the automatic network switching of the wireless LAN in this embodiment,
Included in the location profile by scanning the wireless network name and checking it against the stored location profile when the notebook PC 50 detects a disconnection of the network connection when the notebook PC 50 is booted and is resumed from suspend. Users can be set automatically at one time. Further, even when a plurality of network names are detected, it is possible to switch automatically based on the priority set in advance.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily switch networks according to the network to be connected.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a network connection system to which this embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an application example of the network connection system in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing parameters of network connection at each place.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a network connection registration process performed by a network setting registration device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen requesting input of a location name and selection of an adapter category (connection type).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a list of usable network adapters.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that displays selected IP settings and selected DNS settings.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of Internet browser settings.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of switching a network connection.

FIG. 10: As a screen for switching the network connection,
It is the figure which showed the example in which the list of location names was displayed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data structure of a setting profile in wireless connection.

12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining association between a network name (SSID) and a location profile in an environment of a plurality of access points.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a user interface regarding automatic switching designation.

14A and 14B are network names (SSID).
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a detection method of.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing location profile switching processing.

[Description of Reference Signs] 10 ... Network switching device, 11 ... Adapter switching device, 12 ... Network setting switching device, 13 ... Application execution device, 14 ... Location profile D
B, 15 ... Browser, 16 ... Input device, 17 ... Output device, 18 ... Network setting registration device, 20 ... Adapter, 30 ... Network setting, 40 ... Application, 50 ... Notebook PC, 51 ... Mobile phone, 52 ... Router, 53 ... ADSL modem, 60 ... Location display,
61 ... Mouse pointer, 70 ... Intranet, 71 ...
Access point, 72 ... Firewall, 80 ... Internet, 81 ... Internet service provider

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masahiko Hatori             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office (72) Inventor Junichi Aso             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office (72) Inventor Kozo Matsunaga             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office (72) Inventor Masaharu Ito             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office (72) Inventor Kazuo Fujii             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office (72) Inventor Toshiya Uno             1623 1423 Shimotsuruma, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Japan             BM Co., Ltd. Daiwa Office F-term (reference) 5B089 GA35 GB01 KA01 KA04 KB10                       KC23 KG05                 5K033 CB01 CB08 DA19 EC01

Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. In a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are installed, a computer device that enables communication with the outside by selecting a predetermined network connection, and a plurality of network adapters installed in the system. Setting means for setting a logical network corresponding to a predetermined network adapter selected by the user, identification information setting means for setting predetermined identification information when setting by the setting means, and the identification information A storage device for storing information on the selected network adapter and information on the logical network setting to be set in association with the identification information set by the setting means. 2. The logical network setting made by the setting means is I of the network adapter.
P (Internet Protocol) setting, DNS (DomainName Syste)
The computer device according to claim 1, wherein m) settings and Internet browser settings. 3. The computer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a proxy server is set when the Internet browser is set. 4. The computer device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information set by the identification information setting means is location information regarding a place where the computer device is used. 5. A computer device capable of communicating with the outside by selecting a predetermined network connection in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced, the network connection being based on predetermined identification information from a user. A connection request receiving unit that receives a request, an adapter switching unit that obtains adapter information corresponding to the predetermined identification information from a database and switches a network adapter, and a network setting information corresponding to the predetermined identification information from the database And a network setting switching unit that switches network settings according to switching of the network adapter. 6. The computer apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an application executing unit that executes an application for the network adapter that is switched by the adapter switching unit. 7. The computer device according to claim 5, wherein the computer device is used by a user in a different place, and the predetermined identification information is registered with a name set by the user as a location. 8. A computer device that enables communication with the outside by selecting a predetermined network connection in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced, and for each network connection in the plurality of network connections, A database that stores adapter information that is physical switching information and network setting information that is logical switching information corresponding to the adapter information, a connection request receiving unit that receives a network connection request from a user, and the connection. Adapter switching means for switching the adapter by obtaining the adapter information from the database based on the network connection request received by the request receiving means; and the network setting information from the database based on the network connection request received by the connection request receiving means. Computer apparatus characterized by comprising a network setting switching means for switching the network settings to obtain. 9. A storage means for storing a setting profile including network setting information in association with a predetermined identifier, a scanning means for scanning an identifier for identifying a connection partner, and a scanning means for scanning by the scanning means. And a network setting unit that reads out a setting profile corresponding to the identified identifier from the storage unit and sets a network based on information of the setting profile. 10. The computer device according to claim 9, wherein the network setting unit sets a network by selecting a predetermined setting profile when a plurality of identifiers are acquired by the scanning unit. 11. The system further comprises priority setting means for setting priorities for a plurality of identifiers, wherein the network setting means sets the predetermined setting based on the priority set by the priority setting means. 11. The computer device according to claim 10, wherein a profile is selected. 12. A generating unit for generating setting profile information including an identifier for network connection, a storing unit for storing the setting profile information generated by the generating unit, and a connection using the setting profile information. A computer apparatus comprising: a priority assigning unit that assigns a priority for connection to a network. 13. The generation means generates the setting profile information in association with location information, and the priority assigning means assigns the priority in association with the location information. Claim 1
2. The computer device according to item 2. 14. A portable information device that enables communication with the outside by selecting a predetermined network connection in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced, and information of a network adapter that can be switched and network settings. A database that stores the information in association with predetermined identification information, a display device that displays a list of the identification information that is stored in the database, and a list that is displayed on the display device. An input device that obtains a selection from the user for the identification information, and reads the information of the network adapter and the network setting information stored in the database based on the selection for the specific identification information obtained from the input device, And a network switching device for switching the network connection. Portable information devices that. 15. The network switching device obtains adapter information from the database to switch a network adapter, and network setting switching to obtain network setting information and browser setting information from the database to switch network settings. The portable information device according to claim 14, further comprising: an apparatus, and an application execution apparatus that obtains application information from the database and executes the application. 16. A network setting in which information on the network adapter to be switched, information on the network setting, and information on an application to be executed are stored in the database in association with a location name input by a user as identification information. 15. The portable information device according to claim 14, further comprising a registration device. 17. A method of registering a network connection for selecting a predetermined network connection and communicating with the outside in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced into the computer apparatus, the method being used by the computer apparatus. Accepting input from the user for location information associated with the expected location, displaying a list of available network adapters among the plurality of network adapters installed in the system, and A step of accepting a selection from a user for a network adapter used in a location, a step of accepting an input of a logical setting required for the network adapter to make a network connection, and a step of being associated with the location information and selected. Said network Register a network connection, characterized in that it comprises a step of registering the logical configuration that is the adapter and input. 18. The step of accepting the input of the logical setting includes the IP (Internet Protocol) of the network adapter.
Settings, DNS (Domain Name) of the network adapter
18. The method for registering a network connection according to claim 17, wherein input of System) setting and browser setting are accepted. 19. A method of registering a network connection for selecting a predetermined network connection and communicating with the outside in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced into a computer device, wherein The identification information for distinguishing when switching is received, the selection of the network adapter to be used corresponding to the identification information to be registered, and the selection corresponding to the identification information to be registered Network adapter IP (Internet Protocol) settings and D
A method for registering a network connection, which comprises inputting an NS (Domain Name System) setting and receiving an input of a proxy server setting corresponding to the identification information to be registered. 20. A method of selecting a network connection for selecting a predetermined network connection and communicating with the outside in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced into the computer apparatus, wherein the computer apparatus is moved. Corresponding to the selected identification information based on the step of displaying a list of the identification information registered in association with the place supposed to be used, and the selection of the identification information made by the user for the display of the list. To obtain the information of the network adapter and the setting information of the network adapter from the database, and to switch the network adapter based on the obtained information of the network adapter, and to execute the network connection processing based on the obtained setting information. A network characterized by including How to select the connection. 21. The method further comprises the steps of obtaining an application program for realizing a network connection corresponding to the selected identification information, and executing the application program to establish communication with the outside. The method for selecting a network connection according to claim 20. 22. A method of selecting a network connection for selecting a predetermined network connection and communicating with the outside in a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced into a computer device, wherein the network in the plurality of network connections is used. For each connection, adapter information that is physical switching information,
Network setting information, which is logical switching information corresponding to the adapter information, is stored, a network connection request from the user is received, and a predetermined adapter is selected from the stored adapter information based on the received network connection request. A method for selecting a network connection, characterized by obtaining information and switching the adapter, and obtaining predetermined network setting information from the network setting information stored based on the received network connection request and switching the network setting. 23. A method for setting a network in a computer device, comprising a step of scanning and acquiring an identifier for identifying a communication partner, and a plurality of setting profiles stored in advance,
A method for setting a network, comprising: searching for a setting profile including the identifier acquired by scanning; and setting a network based on the searched setting profile. 24. The network setting method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of selecting an identifier having a high priority from a plurality of identifiers obtained by scanning. 25. A storage medium readable by a computer for storing a program to be executed by the computer, wherein the program is input of identification information associated with information assumed to be moved and used by the computer. Process of receiving a request, a process of displaying a list of available network adapters out of a plurality of network adapters installed in the system, and a process of accepting selection of a network adapter to be used in the identification information which is input information. And a process of accepting an input of a logical setting required for the selected network adapter to make a network connection, and the selected network adapter and the input of the input in association with the input identification information. The process of registering logical settings is described above. A storage medium characterized by being executed by a computer. 26. A storage medium readable by a computer for storing a program to be executed by the computer, wherein the program is registered in association with information that the computer is supposed to be moved and used. Based on the process of displaying the list of identification information and the selection of the identification information made by the user with respect to the display of the list, the information of the network adapter corresponding to the selected identification information and the setting information of the network adapter are stored in the database. A storage medium characterized by causing the computer to execute a process of obtaining and a process of switching a network adapter based on the obtained information of the network adapter and performing a network connection based on the obtained setting information. . 27. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a program to be executed by a computer, the program comprising: a process for scanning and acquiring an identifier for identifying a communication partner; From among the multiple setting profiles
A storage medium, which causes the computer to execute a process of searching for a setting profile including the identifier acquired by scanning and a process of setting a network based on the searched setting profile. 28. In a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are installed, a computer that selects a predetermined network connection and enables communication with the outside is selected from a plurality of network adapters installed in the system. A function of selecting a predetermined network adapter and setting a logical network corresponding to the selected network adapter, and setting predetermined identification information when selecting the network adapter and setting the logical network A program for realizing a function and a function of storing information of the selected network adapter and information of the logical network setting to be set in association with the set identification information. 29. In a system environment in which a plurality of network connections are introduced, a computer that selects a predetermined network connection and enables communication with the outside receives a network connection request from a user based on predetermined identification information. A function, a function of obtaining adapter information corresponding to the predetermined identification information from the database and switching the adapter, and a function of obtaining network setting information corresponding to the predetermined identification information from the database and switching the network setting Program for. 30. The function of further causing the computer to execute an application corresponding to the switched adapter.
9. The program described in 9. 31. A function of scanning and acquiring an identifier for specifying a communication partner in a computer, and a plurality of setting profiles stored in advance,
A program for realizing a function of searching a setting profile including the identifier obtained by scanning and a function of setting a network based on the searched setting profile. 32. The method according to claim 3, wherein the computer further has a function of selecting an identifier having a high priority from a plurality of identifiers obtained by scanning.
The program described in 1. 33. A function of causing a computer to generate setting profile information including an identifier for network connection, a function of storing the generated setting profile information in a database, and a function of storing the setting profile information stored in the database. A program for realizing a function of reading out specific setting profile information from the inside based on the identifier. 34. The program according to claim 33, which further causes the computer to realize a function of registering a priority for setting with respect to a plurality of setting profile information stored in the database. 35. The program according to claim 33, wherein the function of generating the setting profile information is a function of generating setting profile information including identification information that can be arbitrarily determined by a user.