JP2008046757A - Information processing device and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device and an information processing method for providing information for easily estimating the physical layout of the installation place of each device even when the installation places of a plurality of devices arbitrarily move. <P>SOLUTION: This information processing device is provided with: an information acquisition means for acquiring the information of the other device from the other device with which a signal has been transmitted and received; a link list preparation means for preparing the information list of the other device; an information exchanging means for exchanging the information list respectively held by the other device and its own device with each other; a connection means for, when there is the information of the device which is not described in the information list held by its own device in the information list acquired from the other device, transmitting and receiving a signal with the device of the information, and for acquiring the information list held by the device from the device, and for successively repeating this process until the information of the device which has not communicated with its own device becomes absent in the acquired information list; a path information preparation means for preparing the information of the connection path with the other device based on the information list held by its own device and the acquired information list; and a layout information preparation means for preparing the physical layout information of its own device and the other device based on the information of the connection path. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method, and in particular, in an environment where a plurality of information processing devices are installed, even if the installation location of each information processing device arbitrarily moves, The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that provide information that can be easily estimated.

  Conventionally, multiple PCs, printing devices, and various information processing devices such as scanners are connected to the network, and image data created on the personal computer is printed out on the desired printing device via the network, or image data read from the original by the scanner Is taken into a personal computer via a network.

  When printing image data created on a personal computer, if the printing device installed near the computer is busy processing other print jobs, the printing device installed next to the computer must be It is possible to specify the output destination and print it out, and it is possible to eliminate unnecessary waiting time such as waiting for the end of processing of another print job to print out.

  As described above, by connecting the various information processing apparatuses over the network, it is possible to obtain an advantage that various information processing apparatuses such as a printing apparatus and a scanner can be shared and used.

  However, when outputting image data, the user needs to designate a desired printing device on a personal computer and give a printing instruction, and any one of a plurality of printing devices connected to the network is close to the personal computer. It is difficult to grasp information such as whether it is arranged at a position.

  Therefore, it is desired to propose a device or method that can easily grasp the physical arrangement of various devices connected to the network (such as a personal computer, a printing device, and a scanner). When outputting data of an apparatus including a portable terminal or PHS to the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus nearest to the apparatus is automatically searched, and the apparatus (mobile terminal, PHS or the like) is searched for the searched image forming apparatus. An image forming system that outputs data of an apparatus provided with the above has been proposed.

The image forming system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a device including a portable terminal or the like, and an image forming device provided with a GPS receiver that receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites and acquires position information. The image forming apparatus nearest to the apparatus including the mobile terminal is automatically searched from the position information acquired by the GPS receiving unit of the apparatus including the terminal and the image forming apparatus), and the mobile terminal is included in the searched image forming apparatus. And the like.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-244831

  However, in the image forming system disclosed in Patent Document 1, each device (device including a mobile terminal or an image forming device) is located indoors in order to receive radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites and acquire position information. In some cases, position information cannot be acquired due to poor reception of radio waves from GPS satellites.

  Also, the position information (latitude, longitude) of each device (a device including a mobile terminal and an image forming device) acquired by receiving radio waves from a GPS satellite, and the physical location of each device is installed. In some cases, there was an inconsistency with the correct arrangement.

  That is, for example, even when the position information (latitude and longitude) of each device acquired by receiving radio waves from GPS satellites indicates a close positional relationship, each device is installed in a separate room (physical layout) When the devices are partitioned by a wall or the like, the user goes from the installation location of the device equipped with the mobile terminal etc. to the installation location of the image forming apparatus via the entrance / exit of the room in which each device is installed. Need to go.

  Therefore, even if the positional relationship (latitude and longitude) between the device including the portable terminal and the image forming device is close to each other from the user side, the positional relationship (physical layout) including the installation environment of each device However, it is difficult to say that the positional relationship is close, and there is a case where the positional information indicated by both of them is inconsistent.

  Therefore, the present invention provides information that can easily estimate the physical location of each information processing apparatus installation location even if the installation location of each information processing apparatus is arbitrarily moved in an environment where a plurality of information processing apparatuses are installed. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that information acquisition means for acquiring information of the counterpart apparatus by transmitting and receiving signals between the own apparatus and the counterpart apparatus, and the information acquisition means A link list creating means for creating an information list of the own device and the counterpart device based on the information of the counterpart device acquired in step (a), and the information list held by the own device and the counterpart device respectively. When there is information on a device not listed in the information list held by the own device in the information list acquired from the counterpart device by the information exchanging device and an information exchanging unit that exchanges with the device. A connection means that transmits and receives signals to and from the device and sequentially repeats until there is no information on the device that is not listed in the information list held by the device in the information list; Route information creating means for creating information on a connection route between the own device and the counterpart device based on each information of the information list acquired from the counterpart device by the connection means and the information list held by the own device; And arrangement information creating means for creating physical arrangement information between the own apparatus and the counterpart apparatus based on information on a connection path between the own apparatus and the counterpart apparatus created by the path information creation means. It is characterized by.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the information acquisition means transmits and receives a signal between the own device and the partner device, thereby transmitting the information of the partner device included in the signal. It is characterized in that identification information and information on a connection state between the own device and the counterpart device are acquired.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information processing device according to the second aspect, wherein the route information creating means includes identification information of the own device and the counterpart device, and a connection state between the own device and the counterpart device. And route information including the relay device between the own device and the partner device is created.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the arrangement information creating means includes route information output means for outputting the route information. .

  The invention of the information processing method according to claim 5 is that the information acquisition unit acquires information of the counterpart device by transmitting and receiving a signal between the own device and the counterpart device, and the information acquisition unit acquires the information acquired by the information acquisition unit. Based on the information of the partner device, an information list of the own device and the partner device is created by the link list creating means, and the information list held by the own device and the partner device is respectively between the own device and the partner device. When information is exchanged by the information exchanging means, and the information list acquired from the counterpart apparatus by the information exchanging means includes information on a device not included in the information list held by the own device, The connection means sequentially repeats until there is no information on the devices not included in the information list held by the own device in the information list. Based on each information of the information list acquired from the counterpart device and the information list held by the own device, information on a connection route between the own device and the counterpart device is created by a route information creating unit, and the route information The physical arrangement information between the own device and the counterpart device is created by the placement information creation unit based on the information on the connection path between the own device and the counterpart device created by the creation unit.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the information acquisition means transmits and receives a signal between the own device and the partner device, so that the partner device included in the signal is transmitted. It is characterized in that identification information and information on a connection state between the own device and the counterpart device are acquired.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the route information creating means includes the identification information of the own device and the counterpart device, and the own device and the counterpart device. Route information including connection state information and a relay device between the own device and the counterpart device is created.

  An information processing method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the arrangement information creating means outputs the route information.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method of the present invention, the information on the number of hops indicating the connection state between the apparatuses of the information processing apparatuses forming the wireless ad hoc network by mutual ad hoc communication within a limited communication range. Since it provides information that can easily estimate the physical location where each device is installed, it is not subject to limitations such as problems that cause radio waves emitted from GPS satellites to be poorly received indoors or in basements. .

  In addition, even when information processing devices are installed at positions close to each other (latitude and longitude), if each information processing device is placed in a place (separate room) across a wall, wireless ad hoc between these information processing devices Since the network is not formed and the existence of each other is not recognized, the inconsistency between the position information (latitude and longitude) of each information processing apparatus and the physical arrangement can be solved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing apparatus and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 1 including an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in an information processing system 1, a printing apparatus A2, a personal computer B3, a printing apparatus C4, a printing apparatus D5, and a printing apparatus E6, which are information processing apparatuses of the present invention, are connected via a network 10 such as a wired LAN. .

  Among these information processing apparatuses, the personal computer B3, the printing apparatus C4, the printing apparatus D5, and the printing apparatus E6 are installed in the room A, the printing apparatus A2 is installed in the room B, and the room A and the room B are walls. It is partitioned by a shield such as 7.

  Since the information processing apparatuses are connected via the wired network 10 in this way, the user selects a desired printing apparatus from the printing apparatuses (printing apparatus A2, printing apparatus C4, printing apparatus D5, and printing apparatus E6). The print data created in B3 can be arbitrarily selected and designated as an output destination for printing.

  Further, the personal computer B3 and each printing device (printing device A2, printing device C4, printing device D5, printing device E6) transmit and receive minute power non-directional radio waves to each other and exchange information to thereby establish a wireless ad hoc network ( It has an ad hoc communication function that forms a self-supporting distributed wireless network.

  The radio waves transmitted and received by this ad hoc communication function are minute power, so the communication range that can be transmitted and received between each other (hereinafter referred to as “ad hoc communication range” for convenience of explanation) is also limited to a narrow range (the radio waves are not affected by obstructions etc. However, the PC B3 and each printing device are equipped with this ad hoc communication function so that there is no shielding object between the devices and the devices are close to each other (within the ad hoc communication range). If installed in a positional relationship, information is transmitted and received between the devices to identify the partner device and form a wireless ad hoc network.

  In addition, this ad hoc communication function only forms a wireless ad hoc network by transmitting and receiving information to and from an information processing device (referred to as “first device” for convenience of explanation) existing near the own device (within the ad hoc communication range). In addition, an information processing device (referred to as “second device” for convenience of explanation) that is located far from the own device (outside the ad hoc communication range) also transmits / receives information to / from each other by relaying the first device. A wireless ad hoc network is sequentially formed by transmitting and receiving information to and from an information processing device (referred to as “third device” for convenience of explanation) existing near the second device (within the ad hoc communication range) by relaying the second device. It has a multi-hop function.

  By the way, the information processing devices of the printing device A2, the personal computer B3, the printing device C4, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6 connected through the wired network 10 are within a range where ad hoc communication is possible depending on the installation location of each information processing device. Is limited.

  For example, the printing apparatus A2 and the personal computer B3 installed adjacent to the wall 7 (shielding object) are affected by the radio wave transmitted from each apparatus being blocked or reflected by the wall 7 (shielding object). The printing apparatus A2 is ad hoc within the range indicated by the ad hoc communication range 20 (the range surrounded by the broken line and the wall 7), and the personal computer B3 is ad hoc within the range indicated by the ad hoc communication range 30 (the range surrounded by the broken line and the wall 7). Communication is possible.

  Further, since there is no shielding object such as the wall 7 that blocks radio waves transmitted from each printing device in the vicinity of the printing devices C4, D5, and E6, the printing device C4 has an ad hoc communication range 40 ( Communication is possible within the range indicated by the dashed circle), the printing device D5 within the range indicated by the ad hoc communication range 50 (dashed circle), and the printing device E6 within the range indicated by the ad hoc communication range 60 (dashed circle). It becomes.

  In this way, the personal computer B3 and each printing device that form an ad hoc communication range communicable according to the environment of the installation location are the personal computer B3 and the printing device C4, the printing device C4 and the printing device D5, and the printing device C4 and the printing by ad hoc communication. The device E6, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6 directly transmit / receive information to / from each other, and the personal computer B3 and the printing device D5, and the personal computer B3 and printing device E6 each transmit / receive information to / from the printing device C4 via wireless ad hoc. Although the network is formed, since the information processing apparatus does not exist within the ad hoc communication range 20 of the printing apparatus A2, the printing apparatus A2 cannot form a wireless ad hoc network.

  Further, since the ad hoc communication range of the personal computer B3 and each printing device is a limited narrow range, the positional relationship between the devices that directly transmit / receive information among the devices constituting the wireless ad hoc network is close to each other ( It is located within the ad hoc communication range), and the positional relationship between the devices that exchange information with each other by relaying other devices is located far from each other (out of the ad hoc communication range). Show.

  In addition, the arrangements between the devices that are relayed by the devices in the middle of the devices and that send and receive information to each other are arranged in a positional relationship that is far from each other (out of the ad hoc communication range) by the number of relays that are relayed by the devices in the middle. It shows that.

  From this, the personal computer B3 and each printing device constituting the information processing system 1 acquire information on the number of hops indicating a connection state between devices forming the wireless ad hoc network, and based on the number of hops information, physically between the devices. It is configured to provide information that can be easily estimated.

  Note that the connection state between devices that directly transmit / receive information to / from each other to form a wireless ad hoc network is that the number of relays is “0” and the number of hops is a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of relays because there is no relay of the intermediate device. It is “1”, and the connection status between devices that form a wireless ad hoc network by transmitting and receiving information to and from each other by relaying the devices installed in the middle of the devices was also relayed by the devices in the middle of the number of relays. The number of hops is a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of relays.

  Specifically, for example, when the printing device C4 is installed between the personal computer B3 and the printing device D5, and the personal computer B3 and the printing device D5 transmit / receive information to / from each other through the printing device C4, the number of times of relaying is “ 1 ”and the number of hops is“ 2 ”.

  In addition, the software of the communication management agent 300 is preinstalled in the personal computer B3 and each printing apparatus constituting the information processing system 1, and the control operation of the present invention is realized by executing the communication management agent 300. To do.

  The configuration of the communication management agent 300 will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functional blocks of essential parts of the information processing apparatus (printing apparatus A2, personal computer B3, printing apparatus C4, printing apparatus D5, and printing apparatus E6) according to the present invention.

  The functional block diagram shown in FIG. 2 shows the main functional blocks of the personal computer B3 and the printing apparatus C4 for realizing the present invention, and the functions not directly related to the present invention are omitted. To do.

  The functional blocks of the main parts of the printing apparatus A2, the printing apparatus D5, and the printing apparatus E6 are the same as those of the printing apparatus C4, and are omitted for convenience of explanation.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer B3 and the printing apparatus C4 each have an information processing apparatus including a control unit 31, a network I / F unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, an input / output unit 34, and a storage unit. 35, a timer unit 36, and the printing apparatus C4 includes a control unit 41, a network I / F unit 42, a wireless communication unit 43, a print processing unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a timer unit 46. It has.

  The network I / F unit 32 of the personal computer B3 transmits / receives data signals and control signals between the own device (the personal computer B3) and other devices connected to the network 10 (hereinafter referred to as “external device”) and interfaces. Take control.

  The wireless communication unit 33 uses various information necessary for establishing a wireless ad hoc network (for example, identification information, IP address information, connection request information, etc. of its own device (personal computer B3)). Request signal ") is transmitted with a minute radio wave, and is notified to the partner device near the own device (PC B3) (within the ad hoc communication range) and transmitted in the same manner from the partner device (of the partner device). ID information, IP address information, connection request information, etc.) are received, and a response signal to the connection request signal (identification information of the own device (personal computer B3), IP address, connection permission, etc.) is transmitted.

  The input / output unit 34 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output device such as a display, takes in data input from the input device, and outputs various information processing results to the output device. Control.

  The storage unit 35 includes a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, a hard disk, etc., stores and holds various data and programs, and controls the memory and the hard disk.

  The above-described communication management agent 300 is stored in the ROM of the storage unit 35, and the control unit 31 reads the communication management agent 300 from the ROM and executes it, thereby performing operation control according to the present invention.

  The timer unit 36 measures time based on the command signal and notifies the measurement result.

  The control unit 31 controls each unit described above and controls the entire personal computer B3.

  Further, the network I / F unit 42 of the printing apparatus C4 receives data signals and the like between the printing apparatus C4 and an external apparatus connected to the network 10 (in this case, each printing apparatus other than the personal computer B3 and the printing apparatus C4). Send and receive control signals and interface control.

  The wireless communication unit 43 transmits a connection request signal (for example, identification information of the own device (printing device C4), IP address information, connection request information, etc.) by a minute radio wave and close to the own device (printing device C4) (ad hoc communication). A connection request signal (identification information, IP address information, connection request information, etc. of the partner device) transmitted from the partner device in the same manner, and a response signal for the signal (Identification information of the own device (printing device C4), IP address, connection permission, etc.) is transmitted.

  The print processing unit 44 performs image processing on image data transferred in response to a print instruction, and forms and outputs the image data on a recording medium such as paper.

  The storage unit 45 includes a ROM, a RAM, an image memory, and the like. The storage unit 45 stores and holds various data, programs, image data for which printing is instructed, and controls these memories.

  The ROM of the storage unit 45 stores and holds the communication management agent 300 described above, and the control unit 41 reads the communication management agent 300 from the ROM and executes it, whereby the operation control according to the present invention by the printing apparatus C4 is performed. Done.

  The timer unit 46 measures time based on the command signal and notifies the measurement result.

  The control unit 41 controls the above-described units and performs overall control of the entire printing apparatus C4.

  The personal computer B3 and each printing apparatus configured as described above perform the operation control according to the present invention by executing the communication management agent 300 stored and held in each apparatus as described above.

  The communication management agent 300 includes functional blocks as shown in FIG. 3, and the configuration and operation control of the communication management agent 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Note that the description of the operation control of the communication management agent 300 will mainly explain an example of the operation of the personal computer B3 when the communication management agent 300 is installed in the personal computer B3 for convenience of explanation. Each of the printing apparatuses operates in the same manner as the operation of the personal computer B3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the communication management agent 300 includes a main control unit 301, an adjacent device information collection unit 302, a link list creation unit 303, a link list information exchange unit 304, a route list creation unit 305, a device arrangement, An information creation unit 306 and a time management unit 307 are configured.

  The main control unit 301 performs overall control of the control operation of each unit of the communication management agent 300.

  Specifically, the control operation of each unit is comprehensively controlled based on the execution instruction of each unit constituting the communication management agent 300 and information notified from each unit.

  The neighboring device information collection unit 302 transmits a connection request signal at regular time intervals, and exchanges information with a partner device that has transmitted a response signal to the connection request signal to form a wireless ad hoc network.

  When a connection request signal is received, a response signal is transmitted to the partner apparatus that has transmitted the connection request signal, and information is mutually exchanged to form a wireless ad hoc network.

  In addition, control is performed to collect information of all counterpart devices in which a wireless ad hoc network is formed with the own device and to store the collected information.

  Specifically, the personal computer B3 measures the time by the timer unit 36 based on the control of the time management unit 307 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the personal computer B3, and sends a connection request signal at a predetermined time interval to the wireless communication unit 33. When the response signal is received and the response signal is received, information for forming a wireless ad hoc network is exchanged with the partner device identified from the response signal. And control to form a wireless ad hoc network.

  Further, when a connection request signal from a partner apparatus (in this case, each printing apparatus other than the personal computer B3) is received by the wireless communication unit 33, a wireless ad hoc network is formed with the partner apparatus specified from the connection request signal. Information to be exchanged with each other is controlled to form a wireless ad hoc network.

  In addition, control is performed to collect information on the own device (the personal computer B3) and all the other devices on which the wireless ad hoc network is formed and to store the collected information.

  If the response signal is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the connection request signal is transmitted, the connection request signal is transmitted several times again, and if the response signal is still not received, Recognize that there is no other device forming the wireless ad hoc network within the communication range.

  The link list creation unit 303 creates a link list based on the identification information of the partner device (information processing device that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the own device) collected by the neighboring device information collection unit 401, and performs control to store and hold the link list. .

  Specifically, the personal computer B3 is based on the identification information of the partner device forming the wireless ad hoc network with the own device (the personal computer B3) held in the storage unit 35 under the control of the neighboring device information collection unit 401 of the communication management agent 300. A link list composed of a table (table) composed of items of “own device name” and “connection destination” is created and stored in the storage unit 35.

  Details of the link list will be described later.

  The link list information exchanging unit 304 exchanges information of the link list held by each device between devices that form a wireless ad hoc network by directly transmitting / receiving information to / from each other, and acquires the information from the partner device (first device). If the information of the unknown device (second device) exists in the information of the linked list, the wireless ad hoc network is formed by exchanging information with the second device by relaying the partner device (first device). Take control.

  Also, the link list information is exchanged with the partner device (second device) described above, information exchange with an unknown device (third device), the formation of a wireless ad hoc network, and link list information are performed in the same manner as described above. Control that exchanges information repeatedly until the unknown device information no longer exists in the link list acquired from the partner device, and stores and holds information on each device forming the wireless ad hoc network and information on the number of hops in the storage unit I do.

  The route list creation unit 305 forms a wireless ad hoc network with its own device based on the link list information created by the link list creation unit 303 and the link list information obtained from the partner device by the link list information exchange unit 403. Control to create, store and hold a route list composed of the items of "Destination", "Route information", and "Hop count" for the information on the connection routes to all the other devices and the number of hops. .

  Details of the route list will be described later.

  The device arrangement information creation unit 306 is information that can easily estimate the physical arrangement of the installation locations of the personal computer B3 and each printing device that constitute the information processing system 1 based on the route list information created by the route list creation unit 305. Control to create and output.

  The time management unit 307 performs control for managing the time by causing the timer unit 36 (for example, the personal computer B3) to measure the instructed time.

  Under the control of the communication management agent 300 configured as described above, the personal computer B3 and each printing device form a wireless ad hoc network, acquires information on the number of hops indicating the connection state between the devices, and physically connects the devices. The operation for providing information whose arrangement can be easily estimated will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer B3 and each printing device that constitute the information processing system 1 (see FIG. 1) are connected to the other device (the personal computer B3 other than the own device) that is installed near the own device (within the ad hoc communication range). Alternatively, information about each printing apparatus is collected (step S401).

  Specifically, the personal computer B3 and each printing device transmit a connection request signal with a non-directional radio wave at predetermined time intervals specified in advance, and when a response signal to the connection request signal is received, the response signal The identification information of the partner device specified from the above is acquired and stored in the storage unit, and a wireless ad hoc network is formed by mutual information exchange with the partner device.

  In addition, when a connection request signal is received from the counterpart device, identification information of the counterpart device specified from the connection request signal is acquired and stored in the storage unit, and wireless ad hoc network is exchanged by mutual information exchange of the counterpart device Form.

  These operation controls are controlled by the communication management agent 300 installed in advance in each apparatus.

  Specifically, for example, in the personal computer B3, the time management unit 307 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the personal computer B3 causes the timer unit 36 to measure the time, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a signal to that effect is sent to the time. The management unit 307 notifies the main control unit 301, and based on the command signal of the main control unit 301, the adjacent device information collection unit 302 transmits a connection request signal using an omnidirectional radio wave via an antenna (not shown) of the wireless communication unit 33. Let

  The connection request signal transmitted from the personal computer B3 is received by the printing device C4 installed in the ad hoc communication range 30 of the personal computer B3, and a response signal to the connection request signal is transmitted from the printing device C4 and received by the personal computer B3. The

  When the response signal from the printing device C4 is received by the wireless communication unit 33 of the personal computer B3, the neighboring device information collecting unit 302 of the communication management agent 300 analyzes the response signal and identifies the partner device (printing device) identified from the response signal. The identification information of C4) is acquired and stored in the storage unit 35, and a wireless ad hoc network is formed by mutual information exchange with the counterpart apparatus (printing apparatus C4).

  If the connection request signal is received from the counterpart device (printing device C4) before the personal computer B3 transmits the connection request signal, the identification information of the counterpart device (printing device C4) specified from the connection request signal is displayed. The data is acquired and stored in the storage unit 35, and a wireless ad hoc network is formed by mutual information exchange with the counterpart device (printing device C4).

  Such operation control is similarly performed in each printing apparatus under the control of the communication management agent 300 installed in each printing apparatus.

  In step S401, the personal computer B3 and each printing apparatus that collected information on the partner apparatus existing near the self apparatus create a link list based on the collected information (step S402).

  Specifically, as shown in the arrangement of each device of the information processing system 1 (see FIG. 1), for example, the printing device A2 has another device (see FIG. 1) within the ad hoc communication range 20 (see FIG. 1) of the printing device A2. Since the information processing apparatus other than the printing apparatus A2) is not installed, even if the printing apparatus A2 transmits a connection request signal, a response signal to the connection request signal cannot be obtained. Recognizing that there is no partner device that forms a wireless ad hoc network with its own device (printing device A2) near A2 (within the ad hoc communication range 20), information to that effect is acquired by the neighboring device information collection unit 302 and printed. It is stored and held in the storage unit of the device A2.

Based on this information, the link list creation unit 303 (the communication management agent 300 of the printing apparatus A2) creates a link list 501 as shown in FIG. 5A, and stores and holds it in the storage unit.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the link list 501 includes an item “printing device A” indicating identification information of the own device (printing device A2) in the item “own device name” and an item “connection destination”. “None” information indicating that there is no other device that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the device (printing device A2) is set.

  Further, the printing device C4 is installed in the ad hoc communication range 30 of the personal computer B3, and the personal computer B3, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6 are installed in the ad hoc communication range 40 of the printing device C4, and the printing device D5. Since the printing device C4 and the printing device E6 are installed in the ad hoc communication range 50, and the printing device C4 and the printing device D5 are installed in the ad hoc communication range 60 of the printing device E6, the personal computer B3 Controls the neighboring device information collection unit 302 (communication management agent 300) installed in the personal computer B3 to directly transmit / receive information to / from the printing device C4 to form a wireless ad hoc network, and a link list creation unit 303 (communication management) The agent 300) is in the presence information of the printing apparatus C4 near the personal computer B3 (within the ad hoc communication range 30). Hazuki storage holding in Figure 5 (b) to create a linked list 502 as shown storage unit 35 (the PC B3).

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the link list 502 includes “PC B” indicating identification information of the own device (PC B3) in the “Own device name” item, and the partner device (connection destination) in the “Destination” item. Information of “printing device C” indicating identification information of the printing device C4) is set.

  Further, the printing device C4, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6 are also controlled by the adjacent device information collection unit 302 and the link list creation unit 3022 of the communication management agent 300 installed in each device. The operation is similar to the operation control of B3.

  For example, the printing device C4 forms a wireless ad hoc network by directly transmitting and receiving information to and from the personal computer B3, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6, and forms a wireless ad hoc network with the printing device C4. Based on the device information, a link list 503 as shown in FIG. 5C is created and stored in the storage unit 45 (printing device C4).

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the link list 503 includes “printing device C” indicating identification information of the own device (printing device C4) in the “own device name” item, and “partner” in the “connection destination” item. Information of “PC B”, “PRINTING APPARATUS D”, and “PRINTING APPARATUS E” indicating identification information of the apparatuses (PC B3, printing apparatus D5, printing apparatus E6) is set.

  Also, the printing apparatus D5 forms a wireless ad hoc network by directly transmitting / receiving information to / from each of the printing apparatus C4 and the printing apparatus E6, and based on information of each apparatus forming the wireless ad hoc network with the printing apparatus D5. A link list 504 as shown in FIG. 5D is created and stored in the storage unit (printing apparatus D5).

  As shown in FIG. 5D, the link list 504 includes a “printing device D” indicating identification information of the own device (printing device D5) in the “own device name” item, and a partner in the “connection destination” item. Information of “printing device C” and “printing device E” indicating respective identification information of the devices (printing device C4 and printing device E6) is set.

  Further, the printing apparatus E6 forms a wireless ad hoc network by directly transmitting / receiving information to / from each of the printing apparatus C4 and the printing apparatus D5, and based on information of each apparatus forming the wireless ad hoc network with the printing apparatus E6. A link list 505 as shown in FIG. 5E is created and stored in the storage unit (printing apparatus E6).

  As shown in FIG. 5E, the link list 505 includes a “printing device E” indicating identification information of the own device (printing device E6) in the “own device name” item and a counterpart in the “connection destination” item. Information of “printing device C” and “printing device D” indicating identification information of the devices (printing device C4 and printing device D5) is set.

  The personal computer B3 that has created and held the link list and each printing device have information on the link list held by the own device and the other device (first device) with the other device (first device) near the own device (within the ad hoc communication range). If the information of the unknown device (second device) exists in the link list information acquired from the partner device (first device), the partner device exchanges information with the link list information held by the device). A wireless ad hoc network is formed by exchanging information with an unknown device (second device) by relaying (first device), and information on the link list is exchanged with the counterpart device (second device). As with the operation of, unknown device information exists in the link list acquired from the partner device to control information exchange with an unknown device (third device), formation of a wireless ad hoc network and link list information exchange. Sequentially repeated until Kunar (step S403).

  Specifically, the personal computer B3 prints the information of the link list 502 held in the storage unit 35 via the wireless communication unit 33 under the control of the link list information exchanging unit 304 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the personal computer B3. The information is transmitted to the device C4 and requested to acquire the information of the link list 503 held by the printing device C4.

  Further, since the identification information of the printing device C4 and the printing device D5 whose own device (the personal computer B3) is unknown exists in the information of the link list 503 acquired from the printing device C4, to the respective devices of the printing device D5 and the printing device E6. The connection request signal is transmitted via the relay of the printing apparatus C4, and the transmission of the link list 504 and the link list 505 held by the printing apparatus D5 and the printing apparatus E6 is requested and acquired.

  Further, since the information of the link device 404 and the link device 405 respectively acquired from the printing device D5 and the printing device E6 does not include information on the partner device whose device (PC B3) is unknown, it is wireless with the device (PC B3). Identification information of the printing device C4, printing device D5, and printing device E6 that form an ad hoc network, and the connection status of each device (printing device C4, printing device D5, printing device E6) and its own device (computer B3) Is stored in the storage unit 35 (personal computer B3).

As described above, the number of hops indicates the connection state between the devices forming the wireless ad hoc network, and the number of hops in the connection state in which the devices forming the wireless ad hoc network directly transmit / receive information to / from each other is “ 1 ”, a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of relays for the number of hops in a connection state in which information is transmitted and received between the devices installed in the middle between the devices (for example, between the personal computer B3 and the printing device D5, the printing device (Since information is transmitted and received by C4 relay, the number of relays is “1”, and the number of hops is “2” obtained by adding 1 to the number of relays “1”)
Also, the printing device C4, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6 operate in the same manner as the personal computer B3 by the control operation of the link list information exchanging unit 304 of the communication management agent 300 installed in each device.

  In this way, the personal computer B3 and each printing device that exchanged link list information between the devices forming the wireless ad hoc network provide information on the connection route to the partner device forming the wireless ad hoc network and the number of hops thereof. A route list including items of “connection destination”, “route information”, and “hop count” is created and stored (step S404).

  Specifically, the personal computer B3 forms a wireless ad hoc network with the personal computer B3 held in the storage unit 35 (personal computer B3) under the control of the route list creation unit 306 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the personal computer B3. A route list 601 as shown in FIG. 6A is created based on the identification information of (printing device C4, printing device D5, printing device E6), the connection route to the counterpart device, and the number of hops. And stored in the storage unit 35 (PC B3).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the route list 601 records each route list information of a partner device (printing device C4, printing device D5, printing device E6) that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the personal computer B3.

  For example, “PC B” of the “own device name” item indicated by the route list information 6011 indicates that the own device is the personal computer B3, and “printing device C” of the “connection destination” item is the own device (PC B3). And the other device forming the wireless ad hoc network is the printing device C4, and “PC B, printing device C” of the “route information” item is transferred from the own device (PC B3) to the other device (printing device C). Is connected directly from the personal computer B3 to the printing apparatus C4. “1” in the “hop number” item indicates that the own apparatus (personal computer B3) and the partner apparatus (printing apparatus C) have a hop number “1”. It shows that it is the arrangement relationship of the connection state indicated by.

  The “printing device E” of the “connection destination” item indicated by the route list information 6012 indicates that the partner device that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the own device (the personal computer B3) is the printing device E6. The item “PC B, printing device C, printing device E” has a connection path from its own device (PC B3) to the partner device (printing device E6) via the printing device C4 from the PC B3 to the printing device E6. “2” in the “hop count” item indicates that the local apparatus (the personal computer B3) and the partner apparatus (printing apparatus E6) are in a connection state arrangement state indicated by the hop count “2”. Is shown.

  Further, the printing apparatus C4 is a partner that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the printing apparatus C4 held in the storage unit 45 (printing apparatus C4) under the control of the route list creation unit 305 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the printing apparatus C4. A route list 602 as shown in FIG. 6B is created based on the identification information of the devices (the personal computer B3, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6), the connection route to the counterpart device, and the number of hops. And stored in the storage unit 45 (printing apparatus C4).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in the route list 602, each route information to the personal computer B3, the printing device D5, and the printing device E6 that form a wireless ad hoc network with the printing device C4 is stored in the personal computer B3 (connection destination). Route information (“printing device C4, personal computer B”), the number of hops (“1”), route information to the printing device D5 (connection destination) (“printing device C4, printing device D5”), and the number of hops ("1"), route information to the printing apparatus E6 (connection destination) ("printing apparatus C4, printing apparatus E6"), and the number of hops ("1") are recorded.

  Also, the printing apparatus D5 is a partner apparatus that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the printing apparatus D5 held in the storage unit (printing apparatus D5) under the control of the route list creation unit 305 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the printing apparatus D5. A route list 603 as shown in FIG. 6C is created based on the identification information of (PC B3, printing device C4, printing device E6), the connection route to the counterpart device, and the information on the number of hops. It is stored and held in the storage unit (printing apparatus D5).

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the route list 603 includes route information (“printing device D5, printing device C4”) to the printing device C4 (connection destination) that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the printing device D5, Number of hops (“1”) and route information to the printing device E6 (connection destination) (“printing device D5, printing device E6”), the number of hops (“1”), and route to the personal computer B3 (connection destination) Information ("printing device D5, printing device C4, personal computer B3") and the number of hops ("2") are recorded.

  Also, the printing apparatus E6 is a partner apparatus that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the printing apparatus E6 held in the storage unit (printing apparatus E6) under the control of the route list creation unit 305 of the communication management agent 300 installed in the printing apparatus E6. A route list 604 as shown in FIG. 6 (d) is created based on the identification information of (PC B3, printing device C4, printing device D5), the connection route to the partner device, and the number of hops. It is stored and held in the storage unit (printer E6).

  As shown in FIG. 6D, the route list 604 includes route information (“printing device E6, printing device C4”) to the printing device C4 (connection destination) that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the printing device E6, Number of hops (“1”) and route information to the printing device D5 (connection destination) (“printing device E6, printing device D5”), the number of hops (“1”), and route to the personal computer B3 (connection destination) Information ("printing device E6, printing device C4, personal computer B3") and the number of hops ("2") are recorded.

  The personal computer B3 and each printing apparatus constituting the information processing system 1 repeat the above-described operations in steps S401 to S404 every time a predetermined time elapses (YES in step S405), and a route list as shown in FIG. Information that can easily estimate the physical location of each information processing device installation location by creating and storing information and outputting route list information in a timely manner or by outputting edited information based on route list information Can be provided to the user.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a device arrangement information list 700 output as information that can easily estimate the physical arrangement of the installation locations of the information processing devices based on the route list information held by the personal computer B3 and the printing devices. It is.

  The apparatus arrangement information list 700 is a personal computer for confirming a printing apparatus installed near the personal computer B3 before the user of the personal computer B3 constituting the information processing system 1 issues an image data printing instruction from the personal computer B3. It shows an example of a device arrangement information list displayed on the screen of B3.

  The output of the device arrangement information list 700 is displayed on the screen of the personal computer B3 when the user performs a predetermined instruction operation on the personal computer B3 by the control operation of the communication management agent 300 installed in the personal computer B3.

  Specifically, the main control unit 301 of the communication management agent 300 causes the device arrangement information creation unit 306 to execute based on a user's instruction operation, and the device arrangement information creation unit 306 stores the route list 601 stored and held in the storage unit 35. Information is read, and based on the information in the route list 601, the physical arrangement of each device (for example, information such as the distance (close or far) from the personal computer B3) can be processed and output.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the device arrangement information list 700 includes items of “own device name”, “connection destination device”, “connection route”, and “distance from own device (HOP)”. Based on the information in the route list 601 (see FIG. 6A) held by the personal computer B3, the “own device name” in the device arrangement information list 700 is the information recorded in the “own device name” in the route list 601 (“personal computer”). B ”) is displayed, and information (“ printing device C ”,“ printing device D ”,“ printing device E ”) recorded in“ connection destination ”of the route list 601 is displayed in“ connection destination device ”. , “Connection route” includes information (“PC B, printing device C”, “PC B, printing device C, printing device D”, “PC B, printing device C” recorded in “route information” of the route list 601. , Printing device E ”)) Information recorded in the "number of hops", "distance (HOP) from own apparatus" in the route list 601 ( "1", "2", "2") is displayed respectively.

  By the output of the device arrangement information list 700, the user is that the device installed closest to his device (the personal computer B3) is the printing device C4 (distance (HOP) from his device is “1”), and then It can be easily estimated that the devices installed in the nearby places are the printing device D5 and the printing device E6 (distance (HOP) from the device itself is “2”, respectively).

  In the description so far, the personal computer B3 and each printing device that constitute the information processing system 1 use the identification information of each device, the route information to the device to be connected, and the number of hops as information on the devices forming the wireless ad hoc network. Although the example to acquire was shown, it is good also as a structure which acquires the information of the field intensity at the time of each apparatus mutually forming a radio | wireless ad hoc network other than those information.

  In other words, in ad hoc communication in which radio waves of a certain minute power are mutually transmitted and received between devices, the detection output of received signals received between devices increases as the distance between the devices decreases. By obtaining the information of the detection output, it is possible to know the distance relationship between the devices in more detail.

  In this case, a detection output of the received signal is detected and output to the wireless communication unit of each information processing apparatus, and a reception strength output function is added to output the output from the reception strength output function to each unit other than the time management unit of the communication management agent. By adding a control function for processing including information on received intensity, it is possible to provide information in which the accuracy of the physical arrangement of each device connected via a wireless ad hoc network is further improved.

  Specifically, when a wireless ad hoc network is formed between the devices, a wireless communication unit (referred to as “wireless communication unit 83” for convenience of explanation) having a reception strength output function of each device is transmitted from the partner device. A response signal or a connection request signal and a detection output information (reception strength) of the received signal, and a neighboring device information collecting unit of the communication management agent forms a wireless ad hoc network with the counterpart device A configuration is adopted in which control information is collected and identification information and reception intensity information of devices forming a wireless ad hoc network are collected and stored in a storage unit (referred to as an adjacent device information collection unit 3020 for convenience).

  The link list creation unit creates and stores a link list based on the identification information and reception strength information of the information processing device (partner device that forms a wireless ad hoc network with the own device) collected by the neighboring device information collection unit 3020. The configuration is such that the control is stored and held in the section (referred to as a link list creation section 3030 for convenience).

  By applying such a configuration to the personal computer B3 of the information processing system 1 and each printing device, the link list creation unit 3030 displays each of “own device name”, “connection destination”, and “reception strength” as shown in FIG. A link list composed of items is created and stored in the storage unit.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a link list created and stored by the link list creation unit 3030. FIG. 8A shows a link list 801 created and held by the printing apparatus A2, and FIG. ) Is a link list 802 created and held by the personal computer B3, FIG. 8C is a link list 803 created and held by the printing apparatus C4, and FIG. 8D is a link list created and held by the printing apparatus D5. FIG. 8E and FIG. 8E respectively show link lists 805 created and held by the printing apparatus E6.

  The information shown in “Own Device Name” and “Connected Destination” among the items “Own Device Name”, “Connection Destination”, and “Reception Strength” of each link list 801, 802, 803, 804, 805 is as follows: The information is the same as the information shown in the “own device name” and “connection destination” items of the link lists 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 shown in FIG. 5, and is shown in the “reception strength” item. The information indicates reception intensity information between the own device and the device indicated in the item “connection destination”.

  For example, “0” in the item “Reception Strength” of the link list 801 illustrated in FIG. 8A indicates information indicating that the response signal and the connection request signal cannot be received by the printing apparatus A2.

  Also, “10” in the item “Reception strength” of the link list 802 shown in FIG. 8B indicates the magnitude of the reception strength when the personal computer B3 receives the response signal or connection request signal transmitted from the printing apparatus C. Is “10”.

  The link list information exchanging unit exchanges information of the link list including the reception strength information created by the link list creating unit 3030 of each device between the devices forming the wireless ad hoc network by directly transmitting / receiving information to / from each other. If the information of the unknown partner device (second device) exists in the link list information acquired from the partner device (first device), the unknown partner device (first device) is relayed by the partner device (first device). 2 devices) to exchange information with each other to form a wireless ad hoc network, exchange information with the partner device (second device) and link list including reception strength information to each other. The information of the partner device whose own device is unknown in the link list acquired from the partner device for information exchange with the third device), formation of a wireless ad hoc network, and control of link list information exchange. It repeats iteratively until there is no more, and controls to store and hold in the storage unit the information of all the other devices that form the wireless ad hoc network and the information of the reception strength between each device (for convenience, link list information exchange Part 3040).

  Also, the route list creation unit obtains information on the connection route to the partner device that forms the wireless ad hoc network with the own device acquired and stored by the link list information exchange unit 3040, the number of hops, and the reception strength between the devices. Create a route list consisting of items such as “connection destination”, “route information”, “hop count”, “reception strength (1)”, “reception strength (2)”, etc. In this configuration, the control for storing and holding is performed (referred to as a route list creation unit 3050 for convenience).

  By applying such a configuration to the personal computer B3 of the information processing system 1 and each printing device, the route list creation unit 3050 can display “own device name”, “connection destination”, “route information”, “ Create a route list composed of tables consisting of items such as “number of hops”, “reception strength (1)”, “reception strength (2)”, etc. Do.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a route list created and stored by the route list creation unit 3050. FIG. 9A shows a route list 901 created and held by the personal computer B3, and FIG. 9B. Is a path list 902 created and held by the printing apparatus C4, FIG. 9C is a path list 903 created and held by the printing apparatus D5, and FIG. 9D is a path list created and held by the printing apparatus E6. 904 is shown.

  “Own device name”, “Destination”, “Route information”, “Hop count”, “Reception strength (1)”, “Reception strength (2)” of each route list 901, 902, 903, 904... Among the items such as “own device name”, “connection destination”, “route information”, and “hop count”, the information of the route lists 601 602 603 604 shown in FIG. It is the same as the information shown in each item of “own device name”, “connection destination”, “route information”, “hop count”, “reception strength (1)”, “reception strength (2)”,. The information shown in each item such as “reception intensity” indicates the reception intensity information between the own device and each device shown in the “connection destination” item.

  For example, “10” in the item “Reception strength (1)” indicated by the route list information 9011 of the route list 901 in FIG. 9A indicates the personal computer B3 and the printing device on the connection route from the personal computer B3 to the printing device C4. It shows that the reception strength with C4 is “10”.

  Also, “10” in the item “Reception strength (1)” indicated by the route list information 9012 of the route list 901 is a distance within a range in which the reception strength “10” is detected between the personal computer B3 and the printing apparatus C4. “9” in the item “Receiving intensity (2)” is arranged within a range in which the receiving intensity is detected as “9” between the printing apparatus C4 and the printing apparatus E6. It shows that.

  Such a control operation repeats the above-described control operations every time a predetermined time elapses, and creates and stores a route list as shown in FIG. 9 and outputs the information of the route list in a timely manner or the route list. By outputting the edited information based on the information, it is possible to provide the user with information that can easily estimate the physical location of the installation location of each information processing apparatus.

  For example, the device management information creation unit of the communication management agent creates information that can easily estimate the physical location of each information processing device based on the route list information including the received intensity information created by the route list creation unit 3050 By adopting a configuration for performing output control (referred to as device arrangement information creation unit 3060 for convenience of description), a device arrangement information list 710 as shown in FIG. 10 is output.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a device arrangement information list 710 that is output as information that allows the device arrangement information creation unit 3060 to easily estimate the physical arrangement of the installation locations of the respective information processing devices based on the route list information including the reception intensity information. FIG.

  As in the case shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus arrangement information list 710 is installed near the personal computer B3 before the user of the personal computer B3 constituting the information processing system 1 issues an image data print instruction from the personal computer B3. 7 shows an example of a device arrangement information list displayed on the screen of the personal computer B3 in order to confirm the printed printing device.

  The output of the device arrangement information list 710 is displayed on the screen of the personal computer B3 when the user performs a predetermined instruction operation on the personal computer B3 by the control operation of the communication management agent 300 installed in the personal computer B3.

  Specifically, the main control unit of the communication management agent executes the device arrangement information creation unit 3060 based on the user's instruction operation, and the device arrangement information creation unit 3060 stores the information of the route list 901 stored and held in the storage unit 35. Various kinds of information in the device arrangement information list 710 are created based on the information in the route list 901 and output.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the device arrangement information list 710 includes “inter-device distance (reception)” in addition to “own device name”, “connection destination device”, “connection path”, and “distance from own device (HOP)”. 7), and the information shown in each item other than “distance between devices (reception strength)” in the device arrangement information list 710 is shown in FIG. This is the same as the information shown in each item of the device arrangement information list 700.

  Also, the information shown in the item “distance between devices (reception strength)” in the device arrangement information list 710 indicates that the distance between the devices forming the wireless ad hoc network is arranged at the distance indicated by the reception strength information. Show.

  Further, the information shown in the item “distance between devices (reception strength)” indicates reception strength information between the devices from the own device to the connection destination in correspondence with values separated by commas from the left.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the information (“PC B”) recorded in the “own device name” of the route list 901 is displayed in the “own device name” of the device arrangement information list 710, and the “connected device” is displayed. Displays the information (“Printer C”, “Printer D”, “Printer E”) recorded in the “Destination” of the route list 901, and “Route” of the route list 901 displays “Route”. Information corresponding to the information recorded in "Information" ("PC B, printing device C", "PC B, printing device C, printing device D", "PC B, printing device C, printing device E") is displayed. In the “distance from own device (HOP)”, information (“1”, “2”, “2”) recorded in the “hop count” of the route list 901 is displayed, and “distance between devices ( "Reception strength)" includes "Reception strength (1)" in the route list 901. "Reception intensity (1)", information recorded on ... etc. ( "10", "10, 11", "10, 9") are displayed, respectively.

  For example, “10” displayed in the “inter-device distance (reception strength)” item of the device arrangement information 711 shown in the device arrangement information list 710 is between each device in the connection path from the personal computer B3 to the printing device C4. It shows that the distance is arranged at a distance detected by the reception intensity “10” of the reception signal (response signal or connection request signal).

  In addition, “10, 9” displayed in the “inter-device distance (reception strength)” item of the device arrangement information 712 is the first “10” from the personal computer B3 in order from the left of the values separated by commas. The distance between the personal computer B3 and the printing device C4 in the connection path to the printing device E6 is arranged at a distance detected by the reception intensity “10” of the received signal, and the next “9” is the printing device C4 and the printing device D5. It is shown that the distance between is arranged at a distance detected by the reception intensity “9” of the received signal.

  From the output of the device arrangement information list 710, the user can see that the device installed nearest to the device (the personal computer B3) is the printing device C4 (distance (HOP) from the device is “1”), and then It is possible to easily estimate that the devices installed in the nearby locations are the printing device D5 and the printing device E6 (distance (HOP) from the device itself is “2”, respectively).

  Also, the own apparatus (personal computer B3) and the printing apparatus C4 are arranged at a distance at which the reception intensity of the received signal is detected at “10”, and the printing apparatus C4 and the printing apparatus D5 are at the reception intensity of “9”. It can be recognized that they are arranged at a detected distance.

  In the above description, an example in which the personal computer B3 and each printing device configuring the information processing system 1 hold and manage the link list and the route list has been shown, but the link list and the route list are stored in a specific device among the devices. It is good also as a structure managed centrally.

  Further, the control unit of each information processing apparatus may be configured to realize the same control operation as that of the communication management agent 300, and may be configured not to install the communication management agent 300.

  In addition, the communication means for transmitting and receiving information between devices when forming a wireless ad hoc network is not limited to radio waves, and can transmit and receive information within a certain range while being affected by the installation environment of the device. Any communication means that can form a network may be used.

  In this case, the wireless communication unit of each information processing apparatus is configured to perform communication using communication means that applies information transmission / reception between the apparatuses.

The figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the information processing system 1 comprised with the information processing apparatus concerning this invention The functional block diagram which shows the functional block of the principal part of the information processing apparatus (Printing apparatus A2, personal computer B3, printing apparatus C4, printing apparatus D5, printing apparatus E6) concerning this invention The figure which shows the functional block of the communication management agent concerning this invention Flow chart showing a control operation for providing information with which the physical arrangement of each information processing device can be easily estimated Figure showing an example of a linked list Figure showing an example of a route list The figure which shows an example of the apparatus arrangement | positioning information list 700 The figure which shows an example of the link list containing reception intensity information The figure which shows an example of the path | route list containing reception intensity information The figure which shows an example of the apparatus arrangement | positioning information list 710

Explanation of symbols

1 Information processing system 2 Printing device A
3 PC B
4 Printing device C
5 Printing device D
6 Printing device E
7 Wall (shield)
10 Wired network such as LAN 20 Ad hoc communication range of printing device A 30 Ad hoc communication range of PC B 31 Control unit 32 Network I / F unit (PC B)
33 Wireless communication unit (PC B)
34 Input / output unit (PC B)
35 Storage unit (PC B)
36 Timer (PC B)
40 Ad hoc communication range of printing apparatus C 41 Control unit 41 (printing apparatus C)
42 Network I / F section (Printer C)
43 Wireless communication unit (printing device C)
44 Print Processing Unit 45 Storage Unit (Printer C)
46 Timer (Printer C)
300 Communication Management Agent 301 Main Control Unit 301
302 Adjacent device information collection unit 303 Link list creation unit 304 Link list information exchange unit 305 Route list creation unit 306 Device arrangement information creation unit 307 Time management unit 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 Link list 601, 602, 603, 604 Route list 700 Device arrangement information list 710 Device arrangement information list (including reception intensity information)
711, 712 Device location information 801, 802, 803, 804, 805 Link list (including reception strength information)
901, 902, 903, 904 Route list (including reception strength information)
9011, 9012 Route list information (including reception strength information)

Claims (8)

Information acquisition means for acquiring information of the counterpart device by transmitting and receiving signals between the own device and the counterpart device;
A link list creating means for creating an information list of the own apparatus and the counterpart apparatus based on the information of the counterpart apparatus acquired by the information acquisition means;
Information exchange means for mutually exchanging the information list held by the own device and the counterpart device between the own device and the counterpart device;
When there is information on a device not listed in the information list held by the own device in the information list acquired from the counterpart device by the information exchange means, a signal is transmitted / received to / from the device to the information list. Connection means that repeats sequentially until there is no more information about the device not listed in the information list held by the device;
Route information creating means for creating information on a connection route between the own device and the counterpart device based on each information of the information list acquired from the counterpart device by the connection means and the information list held by the own device; ,
Information processing comprising: arrangement information creating means for creating physical arrangement information between the own device and the counterpart device based on information of a connection route between the own device and the counterpart device created by the route information creation means apparatus. The information acquisition means includes
The information according to claim 1, wherein the identification information of the counterpart device included in the signal and the information on the connection state between the counterpart device and the counterpart device are acquired by transmitting and receiving a signal between the own device and the counterpart device. Processing equipment. The route information creating means
The route information including identification information of the own device and the counterpart device, information on a connection state between the own device and the counterpart device, and a relay device between the own device and the counterpart device is created. Or the information processing apparatus of 2. The arrangement information creating means
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising route information output means for outputting the route information. The information acquisition means acquires the information of the counterpart device by transmitting and receiving signals between the own device and the counterpart device,
Based on the information of the counterpart device acquired by the information acquisition means, create an information list of the own device and the counterpart device by a link list creation means,
The information list held by the own device and the counterpart device is exchanged between the own device and the counterpart device by information exchange means,
When there is information on a device not listed in the information list held by the own device in the information list acquired from the counterpart device by the information exchange means, a signal is transmitted / received to / from the device to the information list. Repeatedly in order by the connection means until there is no information of the device not listed in the information list held by the own device,
Based on the information in the information list acquired from the counterpart device by the connection means and the information list held by the own device, information on the connection route between the own device and the counterpart device is created by the route information creation means. ,
Physical arrangement information between the own device and the counterpart device is created by an arrangement information creation unit based on information on a connection path between the own device and the counterpart device created by the route information creation unit. Information processing method. The information acquisition means includes
6. The information according to claim 5, wherein by transmitting and receiving a signal between the own device and the partner device, identification information of the partner device included in the signal and information on a connection state between the host device and the partner device are acquired. Processing method. The route information creating means
6. Route information including identification information of the own device and the counterpart device, information on a connection state between the own device and the counterpart device, and a relay device between the own device and the counterpart device is created. Or the information processing method of 6. The arrangement information creating means
The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the route information is output.

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