JP4304032B2 - Computer system, small box used in the system, and table incorporating the small box - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system that allows a plurality of persons to exchange files using a computer (including a personal computer, a notebook personal computer, and a PDA) and a small box used in the system (file server function). More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for supporting collaborative work by a plurality of persons using a computer, in particular, a system capable of performing video games, business negotiations, DVD movie watching, and the like, and a small box used in the system.

Conventionally, file data is exchanged in response to an access request from a plurality of client PCs on a network by a file server personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) connected to the network.
There is a relatively small file server that removes the user interface functions such as the display from the file server PC and is limited only to the file server function. There are also servers called thin servers and mini servers. It is a device that operates independently and is based on a PC.
If the notebook PC that can be carried is a client, it can be accessed by connecting to the network from somewhere on the network where the file server PC exists, and data can be accessed if the IP address of the target file server is known. Can be done.

However, when connecting to the network, it is necessary to set the IP address of the Note PC itself and the IP address of the file server. If it is not configured properly, you may not be able to join the network or find a file server.
Furthermore, when exchanging data between multiple Note PCs, it is necessary to set the IP address of the other Note PC, otherwise the other Note PC may not be found. there were.

There are also storage devices (hard disk drives, memory drives, and optical disk drives) that have a USB connection interface or IEEE1394 connection interface and can be connected to a PC.
When these are connected to a PC, power is supplied from the PC and the connection is automatically established. For example, an icon is displayed on the desktop window of the PC, and read and write access is possible.
A plurality of USB devices or IEEE1394 devices can be connected to one PC, but a plurality of (three or more) PCs cannot be connected to one USB or IEEE1394 storage device by itself.

In addition, multiple software (groupware) that supports collaborative work by multiple people via a network-connected PC has been developed and sold.
These groupwares are like having a video conference on the PC screen. You can talk while looking at each other's faces through a camera connected to the PC, chat with keyboard input, Multiple people can write at the same time.
These groupware, for example,
・ Groove / Groove Networks ---- http://www.groove.net/
・ IVisit / Eyematic Interfaces Incorporated ---- http://www.ivisit.com/
・ Net Meeting / Microsoft ---- HYPERLINK "http://www.microsoft.com/japan/"http://www.microsoft.com/japan/<o:p</o:p
Can be obtained by accessing.

Further, in a portable game machine (for example, Nintendo Game Boy (registered trademark)), a game of a battle type can be executed between the game machines by connecting two game machines with a cable.
In addition, there is software that can remotely control the screen of one PC displayed on the screen of another PC (screen mirroring) between PCs connected to the network. This software is assumed to be used with a fixed PC and a fixed machine address.
Examples of URLs for obtaining these software include the following.
・ Virtual Network Computing ---- http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc/
・ IBM Desktop On-Call ---- http://www-6.ibm.com/jp/pspjinfo/javadesk/

Notebook-type personal computers (Note-type PCs) have become popular due to their low cost and high performance, and many people have come to use them at work.
However, it is limited to the extent that the desktop PC has become smaller, and it cannot be said that it is being used effectively for collaborative work with multiple people, for example, at the meeting place.
In the future, more and more Note PCs will be used in general, and it is expected that individuals will always carry their own Note PCs and will bring one Note PC at a meeting.

By having a notebook PC that you can carry around, you can expect and expect that the interface (keyboard input, etc.) will be fixed to the notebook PC when connecting to a network or another PC, and activities will be easier.
Note-type PCs and projector presentations are often performed at conferences, but only one Note-type PC supports personal work, and multiple Note-type PCs are coordinated. It is not necessarily used in a practical way.
In many cases, it is mainly used as a single PC at the meeting place, and there is no use that connects multiple notebook PCs of conference participants and exchanges data with each other It is.

In a conventional system configuration (file server), a network (LAN / WAN) exists, and a file server PC and a plurality of client PCs exist on the network. Each PC has a unique IP address on the network.
The client PC accesses the file server PC by designating the IP address of the file server PC, and accesses (references, reads, writes, etc.) the files in the storage device.

The file server PC can receive access requests from a plurality of client PCs. Since the files stored in the file server PC can be accessed in the same way from multiple client PCs, file sharing is realized, and collaborative work such as file exchange among multiple client PCs can be realized through the shared files. .
In such a case, it is assumed that a plurality of PCs are connected via a network via a hub or router, and the network addresses of each other are known.
There is a method to access by selecting the target PC from the list of PCs connected on the network, but generally PCs (file server group, client group) connected to LAN / WAN The number of IP addresses is very large, and in order to find the target access destination from among these many PC groups displayed, it is impossible in reality unless the IP address or host name of the other party is known in advance. is there.

An example of a file server of such a system (file server) is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the server system operates as follows.
A LAN or WAN network exists and the file server PC (S) connected to the network is running. An IP address S is set for the file server PC. This IP address is fixedly allocated in advance so as to suit this network.
Start the client PC (A), client PC (B), and client PC (C) connected to the network. Each PC has its own IP address.
The IP address is fixedly allocated in advance so as to suit this network.

  If the IP address is set improperly, signal transmission to the network will not be performed correctly, and communication with the hub / router will not be possible. Of course, other PCs connected to this will not be able to communicate. Furthermore, duplicating multiple IP addresses can cause problems such as instability of the entire network. The IP address is usually set carefully by the network administrator, and the PC user cannot decide on the spot. Especially in the case of Note type PCs, it is possible to move, so it is necessary to connect to different networks, but it is very inconvenient because it is necessary to newly set an IP address for each different network.

If you want to access the file server PC (S) from the client PC (A), start the file access application on the client PC (A) and perform the process of specifying the access destination, where the target file server PC ( Specify the IP address S of S).
When specifying an IP address, the following dialog window appears, prompting you to enter an IP address number or host name.

┌
Specify the IP address of the file server PC:
| [Xxx. Xxx. Xxx. Xxx]
└
┌
Specify the host name of the file server PC:
| [Hostname.aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd]
└

If the correct IP address and host name are not entered here, you cannot proceed to the next task.
The file access application transmits an access request signal to the designated IP address S to the network. The access request signal reaches the file server PC (S) through the hub / router on the network, and a response signal corresponding to the request is returned from the file server application operating on the file server PC.

  Once a connection is established that allows signal exchange between the file access application on the client PC (A) and the file server application on the file server PC (S), then the client PC (A) screen will Operations such as writing and reading of files are performed between the client PC (A) and the file server PC (S) by a GUI (graphic user interface) operation. For example, drag the file icon with the mouse to move the file icon between the window displaying the file list of the client PC (A) and the window displaying the file list of the file server PC (S). Perform a copy operation.

  When the client PC (B) or client PC (C) accesses the file server PC (S), the same procedure (input IP address, host name) is performed for each to connect to the file server. File operation is performed after establishing. A PC connected to the network can connect to the file server PC (S) from anywhere as long as the IP address S is known.

Conventionally, with regard to collaborative work support, software applications that allow multiple people to work in real time between PCs connected via a network (sometimes called collaborative work support tools, collaboration tools, or groupware) There are some). Examples include Microsoft NetMeeting, Groove Networks Groove, and Eyematic Interfaces Incorporated iVisit.
In this case, multiple people can install the same software on their PCs in advance, start it, and specify each other's network address (IP address) via the network. It has functions such as voice and text input (chat) etc. while watching each other's facial expressions.
In this case, it is assumed that a plurality of PCs are connected via a network via a hub or router, and the network addresses of each other are known.

The conventional system for cooperative work support operates as follows.
1. Start PC (A), PC (B), and PC (C) connected to the LAN or WAN network.
Each PC is assigned a fixed IP address (machine address).
2. Start the collaborative work support tool installed in advance on each PC.
When the window is opened, the user's face is displayed from the camera input on the PC.
3. Specify the "IP address B" (machine address B) of PC (B) using the collaborative work support tool on PC (A) and request connection. At that time, it is assumed that the user of the PC (A) knows the “IP address B” of the PC (B) in advance by some means. A connection request cannot be issued without knowing IP address B.
When specifying an IP address, the following dialog window will appear, prompting you to enter the IP address numerical value or host name as follows.
┌
Specify the IP address of the destination PC:
| [Xxx. Xxx. Xxx. Xxx]
└
┌
Specify the host name of the destination PC:
| [Hostname.aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd]
└
If the correct IP address and host name are not entered here, you cannot proceed to the next task.

4). After receiving the connection request from PC (A) and requesting confirmation from the user, the collaborative work support tool on PC (B) sends a connection OK response to PC (A) when accepting the connection request. .
5. As shown in FIG. 19, when the cooperative work support tool on PC (A) receives a connection OK response from PC (B), a connection is established between the cooperative work support tools of PC (A) and PC (B). The data is sent and received, and the face of the user of PC and (B) is displayed on the screen of PC (A), and the user of PC and (A) is displayed on the screen of PC (B) Will appear and a chat window will open on both screens. In the chat window, the text that each other wrote from the keyboard is displayed.
6). If the connection is established between the PC (A) and the collaborative work support tool on the PC (B), and the PC (C) further connects, the PC (C) collaborative work support tool uses the PC (C Specify "IP address A" of A) or "IP address B" of PC (B) to request connection. It is assumed that “IP address A” or “IP address B” is known in advance.

7). When PC (C) requests connection to PC (A), the cooperative work support tool on PC (A) receives the connection request from PC (C), asks the user for confirmation, and then issues the connection request. If you accept, send a connection OK response to PC (C). Also, the connection request from the PC (C) is transferred to the PC (B).
8). After receiving the transferred connection request from PC (C) and requesting confirmation from the user, the collaborative work support tool on PC (B) will accept the connection request to PC (C). Send a reply.
9. As shown in FIG. 20, upon receiving a connection OK response from PC (A) and PC (B), the collaborative work support tool on PC (C) receives PC (A), PC (B), PC ( C) A connection is established between the three PCs, and on each PC screen, the face of the user of the user and the other two PCs and a chat window that can be shared by the three users are displayed.

The description of the new standard “DPS” that can be directly printed on a printer from a digital camera can be searched at the following URL (Non-patent Document 1).
http://www.zdnet.co.jp/news/0212/02/nj00_dps.html
In this DPS standard, the digital camera and printer are directly connected by a USB cable. USB is currently used in many PC-related devices as an interface standard for connecting PCs and peripheral devices. However, data transfer via USB connection is based on a “parent-child relationship” between the host (parent) and the peripheral (child), and conventional hosts are limited to PCs.
In the new standard, for example, in the case of a digital camera and a printer, the digital camera operates as a normal USB device, and the printer operates as a USB host device. At this time, the DPS standardizes the application level interface, so it does not depend on hardware such as a physical interface. For this reason, there is an advantage that device manufacturers can implement DPS without using a special chip. Version 1.0 presupposes transfer using the standard image transfer protocol “PTP” (Picture Transfer Protocol) established by I3A.
Explanation of the new standard “DPS”: http://www.zdnet.co.jp/news/0212/02/nj00_dps.html

(File system)
In the present invention, about 2 to 4 participants each having their own (Note type) PC gather at a meeting place such as a conference room and temporarily connect the Note type PCs to each other on the spot. Providing a device and a system capable of exchanging files. For example, there is a table that can be reached near the center of the location, and the purpose is to construct a device and system that are used for meetings such as face-to-face small meetings, where the participants are seated. It is said.
In this case, the meeting place is not your own seat or in-house meeting room, it may be outside the company, or there may be multiple people who are not acquainted. There may be no network connection on the spot. In other words, it is a place where the network environment is incomplete. In such a place, it is difficult to collaborate between Note-type PCs with the current technology.

Even if you connect to a wired network connection on the spot, you must set the IP address to match the network environment on the spot, so that everyone can recognize each other's Note PC. It must be very troublesome.
Even if there is a wireless access point on the spot and a wireless network connection is made, the effort for setting the IP address does not change. In addition, in wireless network connection, there is a problem that the transfer speed is low at present. When exchanging large data in the storage device, it is troublesome that the transfer process takes time.

For security reasons, connecting your PC to an unknown network in an unknown location carries the risk of data leakage. In the case of wireless connection, there is a risk that the leaked radio wave will be intercepted. There is a requirement to establish a connection within a particular location that is limited to participants only, for example, only in a room.
When accessing the file server via the network, some trouble may occur and the access may be slowed or stopped. In such a case, there is a problem somewhere on the path connecting the client PC and the file server PC. However, since the network is wide, it is difficult to specify where the cause is in the network.
It is therefore difficult to deal with. Also, if there is a cause of trouble in a location beyond the user's management range, it cannot be dealt with.

The present invention eliminates these inconveniences even when the above-mentioned general network environment is not established, and allows the plurality of Note-type PCs to be easily connected and exchanged files on the spot. The purpose is to do.
In configuring the present invention,
Functions to be realized:
-Simple connection on the spot is possible without being aware of the IP addresses of more than two Note PCs.
-Ability to share files with applications in the shared storage device.
・ High security must be maintained.

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described points, a small box (small box) having a storage device and having about 3 to 8 connection connectors has been achieved. For example, about 1 to 8 Note-type PCs are connected to a small box via a cable. When the first Note-type PC is connected to the small box, power is supplied from the cable, the controller inside the small box is activated, and the connection between the Note-type PC and the small box is automatically established. The file system in the small box is automatically mounted on the Note PC and can be used in the same way as the built-in file system. When a second or later Note-type PC is connected, the connection to the small box is automatically established and the file system in the small box is mounted on the Note-type PC. You can increase the number of Note-type PC connections by the number of connectors. The storage device in a small box looks the same from multiple notebook PCs connected as a shared file area, and files can be exchanged through the shared file area.

  Since the number of connection connectors is as small as 3 to 8, and only the connection connectors can be connected, management of PCs to be connected can be simplified, and access relations independent of IP addresses can be established.

  Since the connection relationship is established between Note type PCs connected to a small box on the spot, even if some trouble occurs, the cause is either the small box or the Note type PC on the spot. In this way, the cause can be easily identified and the possibility of being able to cope with it is high. Even in the worst case, you can rest assured that you can restore the initial state by turning off all devices and reconnecting them from the beginning.

  Since anyone can easily connect, it is preferable to use the connection interface (connector connector) that is normally equipped on the Note PC. In addition, since the driver for the connection interface is included in the basic system software (OS), it is not necessary to install or start the driver application. There is no limit to the data transfer speed, but generally faster is better. For example, it can be easily realized by a known method such as connection using a connection interface such as USB, USB2.0, IEEE1394 (FireWire), Ethernet (registered trademark), but the connection interface is not limited to this. Small boxes are convenient to carry around and are small and light. Further, it is preferable that the small box itself does not have a power cable, but is supplied with power from a connection cable with the Note type PC.

Invention of the computer system according to claim 1, through the three or more computers, and a small box having a plurality of connector connectable with the three or more computers, the connector caskets computer Are connected to each other, establish a connection between the computers, and enable cooperation among three or more computers connected to the small box. A file system mount request signal is sent, the mount request signal reaches the small box through the small box connector, the small box receives the mount request signal, and if the signal is valid, the mount according to the request If a response signal is sent and the file system can be mounted without any problems, mount the file system in the small box on the computer and check the mount relationship. In the file system mounted on the computer, there is a collaborative work support tool file related to screen mirroring, and the first cooperation started in response to a user operation on the first computer among the three or more computers. The work support tool accesses the small box via the first connector to which the first computer is connected, transmits a connection request signal, waits for a response for a certain period of time, and then starts the second cooperative work support tool. Then, the first collaborative work support tool receives the connection request signal from the second collaborative work support tool and confirms that the versions match. A response signal indicating that the second cooperative work support tool can be connected is transmitted to the small box, and the small box transmits the response signal sent from the first computer to the second computer. When the second collaborative work support tool on the second computer receives a reply signal indicating that the connection is possible from the first collaborative work support tool on the first computer, Establish a connection between the work support tool and the second collaborative work support tool, establish a connection between the collaborative work support tools on three or more computers in the same procedure, and The computer designates a screen mirroring reception side computer, or the screen mirroring reception side computer designates a screen mirroring transmission side computer and screen mirroring is started .

The invention of a computer system according to claim 2 is the computer system according to claim 1, wherein the small box is equipped with a connector for connecting to a network in addition to a connector for connecting to the computer, and externally connected via the connector. The computer connected to the small box is accessible to an external network by connecting to a network.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the computer system according to the first aspect, in addition to the connector for connecting to the PC, the small box has a connector for connecting to another small box. It is connected to another small box.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system according to the first aspect , wherein the small box is provided with one or more display signal output connectors for connecting to a display or a projector in addition to a connector for connecting to a computer. It is characterized by doing.

The invention according to claim 5 is a small box used in the computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

The invention according to claim 6 is a table in which the small box according to claim 5 is incorporated.

(File server, etc.)
The small box used in the system of the present invention has a real sense of a small box, and has an easy-to-understand configuration that allows the user to visually recognize the fact that a connection is made by inserting a cable. For example, there is some anxiety in wireless LANs where you can't see the connection, or LANs / WANs where the network is connected far away. Also, there is no need to set an IP address, just plugging in the cable, it is simple and easy to understand, and a network that is temporarily closed on the spot can be formed, so security is high. In addition, there is no need to set a file to be shared in advance, and the same file can be obtained by accessing the shared storage device on the spot.

(Collaborative work support)
In the present invention, about 2 to 4 participants each having their own Note PCs gather at a meeting place such as a conference room, and temporarily connect these Note PCs to each other on the spot. Providing a system or method that supports or supports collaborative work. For example, the present invention provides a system and method invention used in a meeting such as a face-to-face small meeting that is large enough to allow participants to gather at a table that is large enough to reach the center.
In this case, the meeting place may be a self-seat or an in-house conference room, and is not limited to a specific place outside the company, but a meeting where a plurality of people who are not acquainted gather is also possible. For example, even in a place where the network environment is incomplete, such as where there is no network connection port, according to the present invention, for example, cooperative work can be performed between Note-type PCs.

  If there is a wired network connection port in such a place, even if these personal computers are connected to each other, setting the IP address for recognizing each other's Note type PC will be in the network environment of the place. All of the occasions when new connections are to be made must be set again.

  In conventional devices, there is a wireless access point on the spot, and even when a wireless network connection is made, the effort for setting the IP address does not change. In addition, in wireless network connection, there is a problem that the transfer speed is low at present. For example, when a PC screen is projected by a projector, when the PC and the projector are connected wirelessly and screen data is exchanged, there is a time lag of about 2 seconds from the operation of the PC to the rewriting of the projection screen. This is the slowness that makes you feel uncomfortable. Compared to this method, connection by screen cable and screen data transfer are faster and easier to use. The same level of data transfer occurs when screen mirroring is performed. According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the troublesome time required for transfer processing when exchanging large data in the storage device.

  Also, considering security, connecting to an unknown network at an unknown location involves a risk of data leakage. In the case of wireless connection, the risk of intercepting leaked radio waves further increases. Establishing a connection only in a room, limited to the participants, can be realized by the system of the present invention, particularly a system using a small box.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, even if some trouble occurs when accessing the file server via the network and the access may be delayed or stopped, conventionally, the client PC and the file server PC are connected. Where the problem is on the route is wide in the network that has been formed in the past, it was difficult to identify where the cause is, but whether it can be identified relatively easily by the present invention, Alternatively, it can be resolved by removing the connection tool and reconnecting and setting.

  In addition, projector devices are expensive, larger and heavier than Note PCs, difficult to carry around, and require a screen or wall (white wall) to be projected. Even where a typical network environment is not established, these inconveniences can be solved, and multiple Note-type PCs can be easily connected on the spot to perform collaborative work. The functions realized by the present invention are as follows.

・ Easily connect 3 or more Note PCs on the spot.
・ Notify the shared storage device or connected note-type PC in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Share files on shared storage devices.
-Able to perform mutual screen mirroring of Note type PC.
-Start and use applications that support collaborative work.
-Maintain high security.

(Collaborative work support)
A small box (small box) with about 3 to 8 connection connectors is used by connecting 1 to 8 Note PCs to the small box via a cable. When the first Note-type PC is connected to the small box, power is supplied from the cable, the controller inside the small box is activated, and the connection between the Note-type PC and the small box is automatically established.
When a connection is detected, the collaborative work support tool stored in the storage device in the small box is sent to the connected Note PC and automatically activated. Alternatively, the user of each Note type PC explicitly activates the collaborative work support tool.
Signals are exchanged between the activated collaborative work support tools through small boxes, and one-to-many presentations, screen sharing, simultaneous writing to one window, and such collaborative work by multiple people can be performed.

Since there are only 3 to 8 connectors and only connections can be made from there, management of connected PCs can be simplified, and an access relationship independent of IP addresses can be established.
Since the connection relationship is established only between the Note PCs connected to the small box on the spot, if a trouble occurs, the cause is somewhere on the small box or the Note PC on the spot. The cause can be identified relatively easily and it is highly likely that it can be dealt with. Even in the worst case, you can rest assured that you can restore the initial state by turning off all the devices and reconnecting them from the beginning.
Since it is intended for anyone to be able to connect easily, it is better to use the connection interface (connector connector) that is usually equipped with Note type PCs. Since the driver for the connection interface is included in the basic system software (OS), there is no need to consciously install and start the driver application.

  The higher the data transfer rate, the better. In the current market technology, connection using a connection interface such as USB, USB2.0, IEEE1394 (FireWire), Ethernet (registered trademark) is easy to realize, but that connection device or method may be used. Of course, these connections are not limited to this, including for example future technology.

  The small box used in the system of the present invention can be carried around and is small and lightweight, so it is convenient. In addition, the small box itself does not have a power cable, and a small box that is supplied with power using a connection cable with the Note type PC is preferable.

The file system of a storage device (hard disk, memory, etc.) stored in a small box can be referenced in the same way from multiple connected Note PCs.
According to the connection by this small box, it is not necessary to distribute a file to be shared in advance, and the same file can be obtained by accessing the shared disk on the spot.
Also, the same application can be started on the spot without having to adjust the version of the application.
The screen of any one Note PC can be displayed (screen mirroring) on the display of one or more other Note PCs. No projector is required, making presentations to multiple people easy. Those who receive mirroring can omit having presentation software.

Multiple players can play games such as a battle-type simulation game in which multiple players participate simultaneously, and a mahjong game. In the case of a game, a large amount of data exchange such as screen rewriting occurs, so a high-speed connection means is necessary. However, a connection device like the present invention is difficult to realize in a wireless LAN or a wide area LAN.
In short, according to the present invention, the same collaborative work support tool operating through a network environment can be operated between a small number of Note-type PCs connected via a small box.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system of the present invention has the following configuration.
Configuration example 1 (file server)
The small box of the present invention has four interface connectors for connecting to a Note type PC.
The shape and cable of the connector include, but are not limited to, USB, USB2.0, IEEE1394, Ethernet (registered trademark) (10BaseT, 100BaseTX) (including but not limited to future technologies).

At both ends of the cable connecting the Note PC and the small box, there are terminals for exchanging signals and terminals for supplying power.
As shown in FIG. 2, a small box includes a storage device for storing data, a controller for controlling signals, a plurality of connectors for connecting cables, and an I / O for controlling input / output for each connector. With O controller.
Storage devices include hard disks, semiconductor memories, CD / CD-R / CD-RW / DVD / DVD-R / DVD-RW / DVD + R / DVD + RW-ready optical disks, magneto-optical disks or A magnetic disk may be used. Any file system can be used as long as it is accessible.

The I / O controller processes exchanges between signals input / output from the connector / cable and the controller. The functions of the I / O controller may be integrated into the controller if the processing capacity of the controller is sufficient.
The controller processes the exchange of signals with the storage device and the exchange of signals with a plurality of Note type PCs input / output via the I / O controller. Specifically, it is a semiconductor element incorporating a CPU or a control program.

The operating power of the small box is supplied from the Note PC to the small box through the power terminal of the connection cable.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the cable from the Note type PC and the small box.
In this figure, three connection cables / connectors A, B, and C are shown, but this number is merely an example, and when there are four or more connection cables / connectors, the same number of connection cables / connectors are arranged. .
Each cable has a data signal line for transmitting and receiving a data signal and power lines Vcc and GND for supplying an operating power supply voltage. The data signal lines are omitted, and the power supply lines are illustrated.

The first Note-type PC is connected so that the power supply voltage Vcc is supplied to the small box power supply unit wherever the connector A, the connector B, and the connector C are connected.
A power supply voltage is supplied even when multiple Note PCs are connected, and a rectifier diode is installed so that the power supply voltage does not run into other Note PCs through the cable power line. .
A connection detection signal line for detecting which connector is connected to the cable is connected from each power supply line to the small box.

A configuration example of software that operates in a small box (file server) is as follows.
・ Connection / Mount Control Software When the cable is connected, it recognizes the connected Note PC, notifies that there is a storage device in the small box, and notifies the Note PC to the storage device file system. And display the storage device icon on the desktop.

-Storage device access control software When there is an access request to the storage device from the connected Note-type PC, processing is performed according to the access and a response is returned.
The storage device is controlled by arranging a plurality of access requests. For example, when a plurality of different requests arrive at the same file in the same file, which request is prioritized and in which order processing should be performed is controlled.

Example 1 (file server )
Connection / File Sharing As shown in FIG. 4, an example in which three Note PCs are connected to a small box and the file system in the small box is shared will be described.
The small box has four interface connectors. For convenience, they are called connector A, connector B, connector C, and connector D, respectively.

First Note PC connection 0. In the initial state, the small box is not supplied with power and is in a paused and OFF state.
1. When the first Note PC (A) with power on is connected to the connector A of the small box with a connection cable, the small box starts by obtaining power from the power terminal (bus power) of the connection cable and is turned on. It becomes. The small box controller recognizes that the cable is connected to the connector A by detecting a voltage change of the connection detection signal line connected from the power supply line.
The small box sends a signal notifying that it is in the ON state to the Note type PC (A) through the I / O controller A and the connector A.
When the Note type PC (A) receives a signal notifying that the small box is turned ON, it recognizes that the small box is ON.

2. Next, the Note type PC (A) transmits a signal inquiring about the type of device to the small box. The device type inquiry signal is transmitted to the small box controller through the small box connector A and the I / O controller A.
When the device type inquiry signal arrives at the small box controller, the small box controller receives and interprets the device type inquiry signal, and if it is a valid signal, it will verify that it is a storage device. A device type response signal to be notified is transmitted.
The device type response signal reaches the Note type PC (A) through the I / O controller A and the connector A, and the Note type PC (A) recognizes that the connected small box is a storage device.

3. Next, the Note type PC (A) transmits an access permission request signal to the small box as shown in FIG. The access permission request signal passes through the small box connector A and the I / O controller A to reach the small box controller.
The small box controller receives the access permission request signal and, if the signal is valid, transmits an access permission response signal according to the request.
The access permission response signal passes through the I / O controller A and the connector A and reaches the Note type PC (A), and the Note type PC (A) recognizes that the small box is accessible. A connection permission relationship is established between the Note PC (A) and the small box.

4). Mount the file system of the storage device in the small box. (The file system is mounted so that the file system in the small box can be operated in the same way as the file system built into the Note PC (A). Establish and display an icon that allows the user to intuitively operate the file system in the small box on the desktop screen of the Note PC (A) in terms of user interface).
As shown in FIG. 6, the Note type PC (A) transmits a file system mount request signal to the small box. The mount request signal reaches the small box controller through the small box connector A and the I / O controller A.
The small box controller receives the mount request signal and, if the signal is valid, transmits a mount response signal in response to the request.
If the file system is normal and can be mounted, mount the file system in the small box on the Note PC (A). In this way, the mount relationship is established.

5. A small box icon indicating the file system in the small box is displayed on the desktop screen of the Note PC (A). As shown in FIG. 7, it is desirable that the icon shape resemble the design of a small box so that the file system in the small box can be seen at a glance.
After that, the file system in the small box can be handled by the window operation in the same way as the file system built in the Note PC (A).
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when a small box icon is double-clicked to open, a window is opened, and a list of files is displayed with icons and file names. By moving (dragging) the file icon with the mouse and moving it in and out of the window, you can copy the file from the small box to the built-in file system of the Note PC (A) or conversely Can be copied to a small file system. You can move the directory where the file exists, create a file, copy or delete a file.

6). When a file operation is performed on the file system in the small box on the desktop of the Note PC (A), a file access request signal is generated according to the file operation, and the Note PC (A) and the small box are Transmission and response are repeated.
Looking at the operation up to this point, the user simply turns on the power of the small box by simply connecting his Note PC (A) to the small box with the connection cable, and the connection relationship between the devices is Once established, the file system is mounted on the desktop of the Note PC (A). There is no need for troublesome tasks such as checking the IP address of the connection partner in advance or setting your own IP address according to the network. User convenience is greatly improved.

Second Note PC connection
With the Note PC (A) and small box connected, connect the second Note PC (B) and small box connector B with a connection cable (however, the second Note PC) May be connected to connectors C and D other than connector B. There is no priority between the connectors.)
As shown in FIG. 9, the small box to which the bus power is supplied from the power terminal of the connector B is already in the ON state, and the ON state does not change. However, by detecting the voltage change of the connection detection signal line connected from the power supply line, the small box controller detects that the second Note PC (B) is connected to the connector B.
When the small box detects a connection, it notifies the Note PC (B) that it is on.

Subsequent exchanges are performed in the same way as the first Note PC (A). If it is in a normal operating state after signal exchange, the file system of the storage device in the small box is mounted on the Note type PC (B), and the file system of the small box is displayed on the desktop screen of the Note type PC (B) A small box icon is displayed.
After that, the file system in the small box can be handled by the window operation in the same way as the file system built in the Note PC (B).
At this time, the signal exchange between the Note type PC (B) and the small box is not detected by the Note type PC (A). The response to the signal sent from Note type PC (B) is sent back to connector B only.

  Two note-type PCs (A) and note-type PCs (B) perform write and read operations on the storage device in the small box. Access control for these is performed as shown in FIG. It is executed so that there is no contradiction by the controller inside. For example, if two Note-type PCs request writing to the same file almost simultaneously, priority is given to the process that requested the previous file, and the other process waited until the process is completed. Do.

Since there is only one file system in the small box, when a file is rewritten by file access from the Note PC (A), when the Note PC (B) accesses that file, the file contents after rewriting are referenced. Is done.
By writing a file from the Note-type PC (A) to the file system in the small box and reading the file by the Note-type PC (B), the Note-type PC (A) and the Note-type PC (B) are indirectly connected. You can exchange files between them.
If the file in the file system in the small box is read in advance with the Note PC (A) and Note PC (B), the same file is distributed.
There are devices on the market that automatically mount and connect as a file system when one USB storage device or IEEE1394 storage device is connected to the PC, but two or more PCs are one storage device. There seems to be nothing that can be used by connecting to.

The present invention is a device that achieves convenient usability.
In the past, files could be shared through complicated procedures through a large LAN / WAN network environment. However, in the present invention, two or more operations for connecting a cable to a small box in front of the user are performed. This can be done easily by each of multiple Note PC users.

Third Note PC connection When the third Note PC (C) is connected to the small box, it is the same as when the second Note PC (B) is connected to the small box. If the signal is exchanged between the Note PC (C) and the small box and it is operating normally, the file system of the storage device in the small box is mounted on the Note PC (C) and the Note PC (C ) On the desktop screen, a small box icon indicating the small box file system is displayed. The same applies when a fourth Note-type PC (D) is connected.

Releasing the Note PC connection This section describes the procedure for disconnecting the three Note PC (A), Note PC (B), and Note PC (C) connected from the small box.
The three Note PCs are named A, B, and C for convenience, depending on the position of the connector to which they are connected. Have established an equivalent connection relationship. Any connector may be connected first and any connector may be disconnected. However, only when the first Note PC is connected to the small box with a cable, the small box is turned on, and when the last Note PC is unplugged from the small box, the power is turned off. Is different.
As shown in FIG. 11, when the user of the Note type PC (A) finishes the necessary file operation work and releases the connection with the small box, first the unmount operation is performed. Unmount the file system in the small box using a graphical user interface (GUI) on the desktop screen.

Note PC (A) sends a file system unmount request signal to the small box.
The unmount request signal reaches the small box controller through the small box connector A and the I / O controller A. The small box controller receives the unmount request signal, and if the signal is valid, it transmits an unmount response signal in response to the request. If there is a file access operation between the Note PC (A) and the small box, unmounting is not permitted until the file access operation is completed.

As shown in FIG. 12, if the file system is normal and can be unmounted, the file system in the small box is unmounted from the Note PC (A). This eliminates the mount relationship.
Delete the small box icon displayed on the desktop screen of the Note PC (A).
The user confirms that the mount is released and the small box icon disappears from the desktop screen, and disconnects the connection cable connected to the connection connector A of the small box.
The small box controller detects the voltage change of the connection detection signal line and recognizes that the Note type PC (A) is disconnected from the connector A.
The procedure is the same as above when disconnecting one Note PC (B) from a state where two Note PC (B) and Note PC (C) are connected to the small box. is there.

  The operation procedure is the same as above when disconnecting the last Note PC (C) connected to the small box. However, the small box controller knows which connector the Note PC is connected to, so when it receives the unmount request signal from the last connected connector, it finishes all access to the storage device. And be prepared to be safe even if the power is turned off.

When the connection cable is disconnected, the supply of the bus power voltage is cut off, and the power is turned off.
Such a small box of the present invention has the following effects.
-Intuitive simplicity that can be used as a shared file system as soon as it is connected via a cable.
-Have the ability to exchange files on the spot without having to re-enable the IP address of the file server or the partner's Note PC.
・ Because it is connected by wire only on the spot, there is no unauthorized response (unauthorized access) from outside, and no virus has entered, so it has high security of its own device and other devices.
・ Because the file system of the partner device (PC) is not directly operated, but the file is exchanged through the shared file system, it has high security for the partner device including the own device.

In this embodiment, a Note type PC is used, but a desktop PC may be used instead of the Note type PC. Or note type PC and desktop PC may be connected together.
Configuration of Collaborative Work Support System and Method The hardware configuration of the collaborative work support system is the same as that shown in the first embodiment.

Software configuration (support for collaborative work)
The software that operates in the small box has at least the following.
Connection / Mount Control Software When the cable is connected, this software recognizes the connected Note PC, notifies that there is a storage device in a small box, and installs the storage device on the Note PC desktop. Mount.
Storage device access control software This software controls a storage device by organizing a plurality of access requests when there is an access request to the storage device from a connected notebook PC.
Signal control software between Note-type PCs This software controls signals that require communication between multiple connected Note-type PCs.

A tool that supports software collaborative work that is stored in a storage device and sent to a Note PC for operation. This software allows data exchange between multiple PCs connected to a small box and screen drawing via a small box. Details of the tool software operation for performing are shown in Example 2 below.

Example 2 (cooperative work support )
Screen mirroring (outgoing)
The same operation as described in Example 1 is performed. An example of a specific hardware configuration is shown in FIG.
A small box file system is mounted on the Note type PC (A), and a small box icon as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the desktop screen of the connected PC. In the small box icon, for example, a letter “A” is displayed on the small box icon so that it can be seen that the user has connected to the A connector.

There is a collaborative work support tool file in the file system mounted on the Note PC (A). This collaborative work support tool is an application designed in advance to operate on a small box system.
For example, the user usually starts the icon on the Note PC (A) by double-clicking the icon of the collaborative work support tool file. The activated cooperative work support tool (application A) accesses the small box via the connector A and transmits a connection request signal. And wait for a reply for a certain time.
The controller in the small box sends a connection request signal sent from the Note type PC (A) to the connectors (B and C at this time) other than the connector A to which the Note type PC is connected. At this point, the collaborative work support tool is not activated on other Note PCs, so no response can be obtained.
At the time of this transmission, only the fact that it is connected to the small box is the range to search for the partner Note PC, so there is no need to worry about the IP address of the partner Note PC. Since the number of connectors is the upper limit (for example, about 4), the small box controller knows where the Note-type PC is connected. For this purpose, processing such as requesting the IP address of the connected PC is not required. It is easy to select and display a list of connected Note PCs. As illustrated below, it can be sufficiently understood if the connector 1, the connector 2, the connector 3, the connector 4 and the options are shown.

When the same collaboration support tool (App B) as Note PC (A) is activated by the user on the Note PC (B) connected to the connector B, the activated collaboration support tool (App B) is started. Accesses the small box via connector B and transmits a connection request signal. And wait for a reply for a certain time.
The controller in the small box sends a connection request signal sent from the Note PC (B) to connectors (A and C at this time) other than the connector B to which the Note PC is connected.
Application A receives a connection request signal from application B. When it is confirmed that the versions of the application A and the application B match, the application A transmits a connection OK response signal to the application B as the transmission source to the small box.

The controller in the small box sends the response signal sent from the Note type PC (A) to the Note type PC (B). When the application B on the Note type PC (B) receives the connection OK response signal from the application A, a connection is established between the application B and the application A, and the subsequent data communication is performed with the application B. It will be performed with the app A.
After that, when the application C is activated on the Note type PC (C) connected to the connector C, a connection OK response is sent from the application A and the application B to the connection request signal transmitted from the application C. Therefore, when the message is received, the connection between the application A to the application C is established with each other.
Note-type PC (A), Note-type PC (B), Note-type PC (C) Three Note-type PCs are connected to a small box, and on each Note-type PC, App A, App B, and App C When “Screen Mirroring (Outgoing)” is selected from the menu of the application A of the Note type PC (A) in the state where the connections are established, the following results.

┌
| To which PC will the screen be mirrored?
｜ ・ Notebook PC with connector B
｜ ・ Note PC with connector C
└

  The selection menu as described above is shown, and any one or a plurality can be selected. A connected Note PC is displayed as an option. Since the Note-type PC is not connected to the connector D, it is not displayed as an option. Alternatively, “Note PC of connector D” may be displayed and shaded in dark color to indicate that selection is not possible.

When "Note PC of connector B" is selected, the following is displayed on the screen of the corresponding Note PC (B).
┌
Mirror the Note A PC screen of Connector A to this Note PC.
| Are you sure? [Yes / No]
└

  If you click "Yes" here, screen mirroring will start. That is, the screen of the Note type PC (A) connected to the connector A is copied and displayed on the screen of the Note type PC (B) connected to the connector B. If there is a change in the screen of the Note PC (A), it will be immediately reflected on the screen of the Note PC (B).

  The application A of the Note type PC (A) transmits screen information to the application B of the Note type PC (B), and the application B draws the received screen information on the screen of the Note type PC (B). At the start of screen mirroring, the information of the full screen is sent, but after that, only the information on the changed part of the screen of Note type PC (A) is sent to the other side to be mirrored, and the change is made on Note type PC (B) If only the portion is drawn, such a method is preferable because the data transmission amount and the drawing processing amount can be reduced.

  If there is a difference in screen display performance (number of display pixels, resolution or display color) between connected Note-type PCs, the receiving application will use appropriate conversion processing (screen reduction / enlargement and color). Conversion).

By specifying the connection destination and setting Yes / No on the receiving side, screen mirroring can be performed on all or some of the connected Note-type PCs as shown in FIG.
After the screen mirroring is started, a presentation, demonstration, or operation explanation performed using another software on the Note PC (A) is displayed on the screen of the Note PC (B) connected to the connector B. On the Note PC (B) side, there is no need to have software running on the Note PC (A) such as a presentation. Users on the screen mirroring receiver need only look at their own Note PC screen.

When the work such as presentation is finished, if you select “End Screen Mirroring (Outgoing)” from the application A menu of the Note PC (A), the screen mirroring operation ends and the Note PC (B) screen The screen of type PC (A) disappears and it returns to the state before starting screen mirroring.
Screen mirroring can be terminated by selecting “End Screen Mirroring (Reception)” by performing a specific mouse operation or key operation in the middle of the presentation with the application B of the Note type PC (B).

An application such as a presentation is running on the Note-type PC (A) that is the screen mirroring source, so it is executed in the environment that the user of the Note-type PC (A) is operating, and the operation is stable. is doing.
When a presentation file is copied to another PC and a presentation is executed, the appearance may differ between conventional devices due to differences in software (software) and OS versions, and reading may not be possible. However, such a problem does not occur in this system.

Moreover, this system has the following advantages.
・ Each participant's own PC, a small connection box, and a cable are all that is needed, and there is no need to prepare a projector, reducing costs and labor.
-Since there is no need for a wall or screen to project, there are no restrictions on the location and it is free.
・ There is no need to install a collaboration support tool in advance.
-There is no need to exchange distribution files in advance.
-Since the cable is connected to the Note-type PC to be projected once through a small box, there is no need to reconnect the cable.

Example 3 (cooperative work support )
Screen mirroring (receive)
In the second embodiment, the presentation side (sending) designates the screen mirroring receiving side, but conversely, the side receiving the presentation can also designate and execute the screen mirroring sending side.

  For example, Note type PC (A), Note type PC (B), Note type PC (C), three Note type PCs are connected to a small box, and app A, app B, app C on each Note type PC. When “Screen Mirroring (Reception)” is selected from the menu of the application A of the Note type PC (A) in the state where the connection is established and the connection is established, for example, the following selection menu is displayed.

┌
| From which PC do you want to mirror the screen?
｜ ・ Notebook PC with connector B
｜ ・ Note PC with connector C
└

  Here, when "Note PC of connector B" is selected, a confirmation message is displayed on the screen of the corresponding Note PC (B) as follows, for example.

┌
Mirror the screen of this Note PC to the Note A PC of connector A.
| Are you sure? [Yes / No]
└

  Click “Yes” here to start screen mirroring. That is, the screen of the Note type PC (B) connected to the connector B is copied and displayed on the screen of the Note type PC (A) connected to the connector A. If there is a change in the screen of the Note PC (B), it will be immediately reflected on the screen of the Note PC (A). Since the subsequent description is the same as that of the second embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

Example 4 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "chat"
In the same hardware and software configuration as in the second embodiment, an application to be activated is “chat” in the present embodiment.
Note type PC (A), Note type PC (B), Note type PC (C), three Note type PCs are connected to a small box, and app A, app B and app C are connected to each Note type PC. Booted and connected to each other. In this state, “Chat” is selected from the menu of the application A of the Note type PC (A).

Then, for example, a selection menu is displayed as follows.
┌
| What PC do you want to chat with?
｜ ・ Notebook PC with connector B
｜ ・ Note PC with connector C
└

Any one or more of the displayed ones can be selected as appropriate. For example, if “Note PC of connector B” is selected, a confirmation message is displayed on the screen of the corresponding Note PC (B).
┌
｜ Start chatting with Note PC of connector A.
| Are you sure? [Yes / No]
└

Click “Yes” here to start chatting. In other words, a chat window opens on both the Note-type PC (A) and Note-type PC (B) screens, and one's speech and the other's speech are written in real time as follows, for example.
┌
| Remarks A: Hi, B's.
| Remark B: It ’s hot today. Mr. A.
| Speaking A: Today ’s agenda is “Idea for New Product Ideas”.
Remark B: I came up with a good idea last week.
| Remark A: What is it?
Remark B:
└

Chat can be executed by three or more people. In other words, in the system, up to all the connected users. The number of participants can be freely controlled by selecting multiple targets at the time of connection and setting whether to accept chat requests.
In addition, if the language used by the participants is different, specify the language used on their own note-type PCs, and after all the other people's statements have been appropriately translated into the language of their choice, the text Displayed on your screen in the format.

Example 5 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "screen sharing whiteboard"
In the situation under the same hardware configuration and software configuration as in the second embodiment, the application to be started is a “screen sharing whiteboard” in the present embodiment.
Note type PC (A), Note type PC (B), Note type PC (C), three Note type PCs are connected to a small box, and app A, app B and app C are connected to each Note type PC. Suppose that they are started and connected to each other. In this state, select “Screen Sharing Whiteboard” from the application A menu of the Note PC (A).
Then, for example,
┌
What PC and screen sharing whiteboard do you use?
｜ ・ Notebook PC with connector B
｜ ・ Note PC with connector C
└
And the selection menu is displayed.

Here, one or more of the displayed ones can be selected. For example, when “Note PC of connector B” is selected, for example, the following confirmation message is displayed on the screen of the corresponding Note PC (B).
┌
｜ Start a screen sharing whiteboard with the Note PC of connector A.
| Are you sure? [Yes / No]
└

  For example, if “Yes” is clicked, the screen sharing whiteboard is started. In other words, an unfilled window opens on both the Note-type PC (A) and Note-type PC (B) screens, and a picture or figure can be written there using a pen tool or the like. The graphic written from the Note-type PC (A) connected to the connector A is also drawn in the window of the Note-type PC (B) connected to the connector B, and vice versa. Drawings from multiple connected Note PCs are reflected in one shared whiteboard window.

  In this embodiment, the screen sharing whiteboard is described as three people, but the screen sharing whiteboard can be used by three or more people. In other words, in the system of the present invention, it is possible up to all the connectors having the maximum number of connectors. However, when connecting, you can freely control the number of participants by selecting multiple targets or accepting requests for screen sharing whiteboards.

Example 6 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "Idea for idea generation"
In a situation under the same hardware configuration and software configuration as in the second embodiment, the activated application is “idea idea support” in the present embodiment.
Note-type PC (A), Note-type PC (B), Note-type PC (C), three Note-type PCs are connected to a small box, and on each Note-type PC, app A, app B, app C Are activated in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, and are connected to each other. In this state, when “idea idea support” is selected from the menu of the application A of the Note type PC (A), a shared window is displayed on the screen as follows.

Then, for example,
┌
｜ Which PC do you use for idea generation support?
｜ ・ Notebook PC with connector B
｜ ・ Note PC with connector C
└
And the selection menu is displayed.

Here, one or more of the displayed ones can be selected. For example, when “Note PC of connector B” is selected, for example, the following confirmation message is displayed on the screen of the corresponding Note PC (B).
┌
｜ Start support for idea generation with Note PC of connector A.
| Are you sure? [Yes / No]
└
In the present embodiment, a memo in which a plurality of people simultaneously write their ideas can be pasted on the screen. You can move notes written by others and add your own notes to other people's notes. Numerous notes are placed in a shared window, and they are moved and sorted to support idea generation.

Example 7 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "video conference"
Similar to the above-described embodiment, in the situation under the same hardware configuration and software configuration, the activated application is “video conference” in the present embodiment.
Similar to Example 5 or 6, Note type PC (A), Note type PC (B), Note type PC (C), three Note type PCs are connected to a small box, and on each Note type PC. In this state, the application A, the application B, and the application C are activated and are connected to each other. In this state, select “video conference” from the menu of the application A of the note type PC (A). Then, a display similar to the display of Example 5 or 6 is made. However, the application is a screen sharing whiteboard in Example 5, and in Example 6, it is idea idea support. Except for the video conference, the selection menu, message display, response input to these, and the like are the same.

Also in this embodiment, each Note type PC is equipped with a camera for photographing the user, a microphone, and a speaker (or earphone).
As shown in FIG. 16, the video from the camera and the sound from the microphone installed in its own note-type PC are distributed to the note-type PCs of other participants via a small box. On the other hand, video and audio from other participants are delivered to your Note PC. The faces of all participants are displayed on the screen. Everyone's voice can be heard from the speakers.

  In addition, if the language used by the participants is different, as in the previous example, if you specify the language you use on your own note-type PC, all other people's statements will be your choice. After being translated into the language, you can hear it from your Note PC speakers, display it in text format on the screen, or do it at the same time.

Example 8 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "Competitive game"
In the same situation as in the second embodiment, the application is the same as in the second embodiment except that the activated application is a “match game”.
As in the previous embodiment, Note type PC (A), Note type PC (B), Note type PC (C), three Note type PCs are connected to a small box, and the application A on each Note type PC. Suppose that application B and application C are activated and connected to each other. In this state, “Competitive Game Poker” is selected from the menu of application A of Note PC (A). In this state, the selection menu, message display, response input, etc. are the same as in the previous embodiment, except that “Competitive game” is selected from the application A menu of the Note type PC (A). Is omitted.

  For example, suppose that it is a playing card as a competitive game. Each participant's own card and the card opened in the field are displayed on each Note-type PC. You cannot see other participants' cards. The cards are drawn in order from that state, and their own hands are made. Since the normal poker game will be played, the explanation is omitted.

  The game may be “Mahjong”, “Mighting Game”, “Mighty Tetris”, “Multiplayer Simultaneous Shooting Game”, or “Multiplayer Simultaneous Role Playing Game”. In short, any game that fights against opponents with a large number of players may be used, and other game restrictions can be freely selected unless otherwise specified.

According to the present embodiment, the game space can be easily shared with the opponent on the spot.
In the present invention, since a wired connection is made via a small box, not via a network, data can be exchanged at a high speed, and is particularly prepared for a fast-moving game that requires real-time performance. You can also play against opponents.
Many game machines do not have keyboard input as standard, but with the system of the present invention, character input can be performed easily by using a Note-type PC as an input device. Because you can use your familiar Note-type PC as an input device, you can also prepare your own settings in advance, so it is often unnecessary to get used to the operation, and there is no sense of incongruity.

Example 9 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "face-to-face business negotiation system"
Product explanation & example of use at a business meeting: Use at a movie ticket sales office There are two Note-type PCs that are face-to-face (sales side and purchase side). The two are connected through a small box, and the sales side can mainly operate the screen and control both screen displays.
The purchaser comes to that location and requests a purchase item (for example, a movie ticket). In response to the purchaser's request, the seller arranges a movie ticket and presents, for example, “Is this OK?” On the purchaser's screen.

While the sales side is presenting information, the purchase side can intervene by operating their own Note-type PC for the presented information. You can see detailed information about the director, performers, and stories, and check the location of the seats with a sketch of the cinema.
When the purchase side is OK, the purchase side operates the note-type PC keyboard of the purchase side and writes the necessary items such as address and name. The sales side confirms the written contents and issues a ticket.

  Since there can be two or more people on the purchase side, two or more Note PCs may be prepared and used.

Example 10 (cooperative work support )
Collaborative work "face-to-face business negotiation system"
Example of use at product description & negotiations: Use in software sales When the product sold is software. The purchaser comes to the store with his / her Note-type PC (conversely, the seller can visit the place of purchase with the Note-type PC).

  Two Note PCs can be connected via a small box, and the sales side can explain and demonstrate the software on the screen. The screen is also displayed on the note-type PC on the purchase side. While the sales side presents information, the purchase side can intervene by operating their own Note-type PC on the presented information. You can also press the button of the demo software (demonstration) or write it in text format.

  When the purchase side becomes OK, the purchase side operates the keyboard of the purchase type PC of the purchase side and performs the purchase procedure. After confirming the purchase procedure, the sales side downloads the software to the purchase-side Note PC.

Example 11 (cooperative work support ): "Movie appreciation system"
Four Note PCs are connected to the small box. Assume that the small box has a DVD drive. Launch a movie app on each Note PC. Set the movie content DVD in the small box and press the “Play” button on the Note PC screen, or press the “Play” button on the small box, and the movie content will start playing. It is displayed on the screen of the mold PC.

Example 12 (cooperative work support ): "Display output connector"
The small box can be equipped with a display signal output connector for connecting to a display or projector in addition to a connector for connecting to a Note type PC.
As shown in FIG. 17, when the “screen mirroring” in the second and third embodiments is performed, the screen signal of the Note type PC that is the screen mirroring transmission side is also output from the display signal output connector. From the projector connected via the cable from the display signal output connector, the screen of the Note-type PC on the screen mirroring transmission side is projected onto the screen. This allows participants to view their own note-type PCs or to see a large screen projected from the projector. That is, it is only necessary to look at the easy-to-see one. If your Note-type PC is not subject to screen mirroring and you are doing another task, you can look at the image projected from the projector. In this embodiment, an example in which a projector is connected to a small box has been described. However, a printer, a scanner, a multi-function machine (a machine having two or more functions selected from fax, copy, and printer functions) is used. You can connect.
In short, a small box should function as a mechanism for making it easy for all participants to connect and use the OA equipment placed there when meeting in a meeting room outside.

Example 13 (cooperative work support ): “MM-Handler document playback system”
The MM-Handler is a form of an electronic document that includes a plurality of multimedia contents.
An “MM-Handler document” is distributed to multiple users, viewed on each person's PC, and when one of the documents is used for presentation or editing, the operation information is transferred to another MM-Handler document. -A document application that has the function of being reflected almost simultaneously on the Handler document (sometimes referred to simply as an MM-Handler document).

  This MM-Handler document application is stored in a small box, and the same MM-Handler document is opened from multiple Note type PCs connected to the small box with the small box file system mounted on the Note type PC ( to start). Communication is performed between the Note-type PCs that have opened the MM-Handler document, and the MM-Handler document on each Note-type PC plays the animation at the same time or edits are reflected at the same time. The present invention is not limited to this type of application, and can be used in the present invention. Particularly, using this type of document application helps to efficiently open various conferences, meetings, brainstorming, and the like.

According to the invention described in the embodiment, it is not necessary to distribute the MM-Handler document in advance. The same document can be opened on the spot.
If you have a function to communicate between documents, it is difficult to communicate if you do not know the network address of yourself or the other party's PC in advance, but in the case of communication via the small box of the present invention, the Note type connected to the small box Since the other party can be specified to communicate between PCs, setting is easy.
Security is enhanced if connection via a small box is a condition for document viewing.

Example 14: “Wireless connection”
In the present invention, “wired” short-distance connection has been assumed. However, wireless short range connection is also possible. In the present invention, it is only necessary to establish a simple and secure connection temporarily on the spot.
The small box may be a wireless access point, and the wireless connection with the small box may be established on the spot by attaching the wireless adapter to the Note type PC. Other functions are the same as those described in the above-described embodiments and the like, and will be omitted.

  As described above, various application examples using the small box of the present invention have been described focusing on the embodiments. However, although the number of PCs connected to the small box has been described as about three, There are no particular restrictions on the number of PCs that can be used. The small box used in the system of the present invention may be built in the table.

A system using a small box that connects multiple (Note type) PCs allows easy connection between multiple (Note type) PCs on the spot, supporting file sharing and collaboration between Note type PCs. can do.
This system using small boxes is not a large-scale system, and it is rarely technically difficult.
In addition, it will be a key device in small face-to-face meetings such as “E-Meeting: electronic meeting”.

It is a figure which shows the example of the small box used for the system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the small box used for the system of this invention. It is the figure which showed the connection relation of the cable and small box from a computer (for example, Note type PC). It is a figure which shows the example which connects the computer (for example, Note type PC) of 3 units | sets (for example, Note type PC) to a small box, and shares the file system in a small box. It is the figure explaining the exchange of the signal until a connection permission relationship is established between a computer (for example, Note type PC (A)) and a small box. It is the figure explaining the exchange of the signal until it mounts the file system of the storage device in a small box between a computer (for example, Note type PC (A)) and a small box. It is a figure which shows the example which established the relationship of file access, and displayed the icon which can operate the file system in a small box on the desktop screen in the surface of a user interface. It is a figure which opens the window by double-clicking the small box icon and shows an example in which a list of files is displayed with icons and file names. With the computer (for example, Note type PC (A)) and small box connected, connect the second computer (for example, Note type PC (B)) and connector B of the small box with a connection cable. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining signal exchange until a connection permission relationship is established between a computer (Note type PC (B)) and a small box. The controller in the small box controls access when two computers (for example, Note type PC (A) and Note type PC (B)) perform write and read operations on the storage device in the small box. It is a figure which shows the example performed so that there may be no contradiction. It is the figure explaining exchange of a signal until the connection of a small box and a computer (for example, Note type PC (A)) is cancelled | released. From the state where two computers (for example, Note type PC (B) and Note type PC (C)) are connected to the small box, until one computer (for example, Note type PC (B)) is disconnected It is a figure explaining exchange of the signal of. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions at the time of performing operation of screen mirroring (transmission). It is a figure which shows the example in which the small box file system was mounted in the computer (for example, Note type PC (A)), and the small box icon was displayed on the desktop screen of the connected computer (PC). It is a figure which shows the example which performed screen mirroring to all or some computers (for example, Note type PC) connected. It is a figure which shows the example from which the image from the camera with which the own computer (Note type PC) was equipped, and the audio | voice from a microphone were delivered to the computer (Note type PC) of the other participant via the small box. It is a figure which shows the example simultaneously performed by another computer by the screen of the screen mirroring transmission side Note type PC from the projector connected via the cable from the display signal output connector of a small box at the time of screen mirroring implementation. It is a figure which shows the example of the conventional file server. It is a figure which shows the example which the cooperation work assistance tool connection was established. It is a figure which shows the example by which the chat window which a collaborative work assistance tool connection was established and can be written in common was displayed.

Claims (6)

And three or more computers, and a small box having a plurality of connector connectable with the more than two computers, when the computer is connected through a connector to the casket, recognizing each other between said computer A computer system that can establish a connection and work in cooperation between three or more computers connected to the small box ,
The computer transmits a file system mount request signal to the small box, the mount request signal reaches the small box through a connector of the small box,
The small box receives a mount request signal, and if the signal is valid, transmits a mount response signal according to the request. If the file system can be mounted without any abnormality, the file system in the small box is Mount on the computer to establish the mount relationship,
In the file system mounted on the computer, there is a collaborative work support tool file for screen mirroring,
The first cooperative work support tool activated in response to a user operation on the first computer among the three or more computers is connected to the small box via the first connector to which the first computer is connected. , Send a connection request signal, wait for a response for a certain period of time,
When the second collaborative work support tool is activated, the first collaborative work support tool receives the connection request signal from the second collaborative work support tool, and confirms that the versions match, The first collaborative work support tool transmits a response signal indicating that the second collaborative work support tool that is the transmission source is connectable to the small box,
The small box sends a response signal sent from the first computer to the second computer, and the second collaborative work support tool on the second computer runs on the first computer. When a response signal indicating that connection is possible from the first collaborative work support tool is received, a connection is established between the first collaborative work support tool and the second collaborative work support tool,
Establishing a connection between the collaborative work support tools on three or more computers using the same procedure,
The screen mirroring transmission side computer designates the screen mirroring reception side computer, or the screen mirroring reception side computer designates the screen mirroring transmission side computer and the screen mirroring is started. system.   2. The small box according to claim 1, wherein the small box includes a connector for connecting to a network in addition to a connector for connecting to the computer, and is connected to the small box by connecting to an external network via the connector. A computer system characterized in that the computer can access an external network.   2. The small box according to claim 1, wherein the small box has a connector for connecting to another small box in addition to the connector for connecting to the computer, and is connected to another small box through the connector. A computer system characterized by the above. 2. The computer system according to claim 1 , wherein the small box is provided with one or a plurality of display signal output connectors for connecting to a display or a projector in addition to a connector for connecting to a computer. The small box used for the computer system of any one of Claims 1-4 . A table incorporating the small box according to claim 5 .

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