JP6711032B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing program, information processing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing program, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

A video output device such as a projector outputs a video of an information processing terminal such as a PC, a smartphone or a tablet terminal via a physical I/F for video output. The video output device can also output the video of the information processing terminal via a network such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN.

When the image of the information processing terminal is projected on the projector via the network, it is necessary to specify the projector to be projected from the information processing terminal. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique of inputting identification information displayed on a projection surface of a projector to an information processing terminal to specify a projector for projection from the information processing terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the conventional technique of designating the projector to be projected from the information processing terminal, different information such as a connection code and an IP address may be used for each projector as the designation information for designating the projector. When designating a projector that uses a connection code as the designation information, the user needs to designate the projector to be projected by the connection code from the information processing terminal. Further, when designating a projector that uses an IP address as the designation information, the user needs to designate the projector to be projected by the IP address from the information processing terminal.

As described above, there is a problem that the user who specifies the projector to be projected from the information processing terminal has to specify the projector with the specification information used by the projector to be projected.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an information processing device capable of designating an information output device to be used via a network by using unified designation information.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, claim 1 of the present application is an information processing apparatus that receives a designation of an information output device to be used via a network from a user, and a device search for searching for the information output device connected via the network. Means, use information setting means in which the type of designation information used by the user to specify the information output device retrieved by the device search means is set as use information, and the information output retrieved by the device search means A designation processing unit that receives a designation of a device from a user according to the designation information of the type set as the usage information; and the designation processing unit receives the designation information of the type set in the usage information setting unit. For the information output device that was acquired, the specified information that was acquired was presented to the user, and for the information output device that could not acquire the specified information of the type set in the usage information setting means, it was generated. It is characterized in that the specified information is presented to the user and a request is made to display the generated specified information to the information output device that could not acquire the specified information.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to specify an information output device to be used via a network using unified specification information.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment. An example of using a conventional information processing system will be shown. It is a figure showing an outline of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of hardware constitutions of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a sequence chart which shows operation (the 1) of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the frame format of SNMP. It is a sequence chart which shows operation (the 2) of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen displayed on an information input device. It is a flow chart which shows operation of an information input device. It is a sequence chart which shows operation (the 3) of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the information input device which concerns on one Embodiment. 6 is a sequence chart showing an operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the information input device which concerns on one Embodiment. 6 is a sequence chart showing an operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen displayed on an information input device.

Next, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. The examples described below are merely examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following examples. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, those having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

<First Embodiment>
<Information processing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system of FIG. 1 includes a first information output device 100, a second information output device 200, and an information input device 300. The information processing system of FIG. 1 shows an example of the two first information output devices 100 and the second information output device 200, but the number may be one, or three or more. The first information output device 100, the second information output device 200, and the information input device 300 form a network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) by being wire-connected by a communication bus. The first information output device 100, the second information output device 200, and the information input device 300 may be wirelessly connected to form a network such as a wireless LAN.

The information input device 300 can be applied to an information processing terminal such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet, and an image is displayed on either or both of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 via the network 50. , Send content such as videos. A video output device such as a projector can be applied to the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200. One or both of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 projects the content transmitted by the information input device 300 by outputting the content on a projection surface such as a screen.

FIG. 2 shows a usage example of a conventional information processing system. When outputting the content, the user operates the information input device 300 to activate the application. The information input device 300 in which the application has been activated transmits the device search request by, for example, broadcast, and receives the device search response to the device search request, thereby causing the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 to operate. Search for.

For example, the device search response from the first information output device 100 includes the ID, IP address and connection code of the first information output device 100. The device search response from the second information output device 200 includes the ID and IP address of the second information output device 200. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the device search responses from the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 are different.

In the case of the device search response from the first information output device 100, the user can use the connection code as the designation information of the information output device 100. The connection code is an example of identification information that can uniquely identify the first information output device 100. In the case of the device search response from the second information output device 200, the user can use the IP address as the designation information of the information output device 200.

The first information output device 100 displays the connection code as the designation information of the own device on the standby screen. The second information output device 200 displays the IP address as the designation information of its own on the standby screen. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the types of designation information displayed on the standby screen are different between the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200.

When the user specifies the first information output device 100, the user must confirm the connection code displayed on the standby screen of the first information output device 100 and input the connection code as the specified information into the information input device 300. Then, the first information output device 100 is designated. When the user specifies the second information output device 200, the user confirms the IP address displayed on the standby screen of the second information output device 200 and inputs the IP address to the information input device 300 as the specified information. By doing so, the second information output device 200 is designated.

As described above, in the conventional information processing system, when using the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 by designating from the information input device 300, different types of designation information must be input. There were cases where it did not happen.

Here, the device search response transmitted by the first information output device 100 includes a connection code, which is an example of identification information, and the device search response transmitted by the second information output device 200 includes the connection code. The case where there is no case will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the information processing system according to the embodiment. The device search response of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 is the same as that of the information processing system of FIG. That is, the device search response from the first information output device 100 includes the ID, IP address and connection code of the first information output device 100. The device search response from the second information output device 200 includes the ID and IP address of the second information output device 200.

In the information input device 300, the type of designation information used to designate the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 is set as usage information. For example, when the connection code is set as the usage information, the information input device 300 accepts the designation of the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 by the connection code. Here, an example in which a connection code is set as usage information will be described.

The information input device 300 displays a screen for selecting the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 (hereinafter referred to as “selection screen”). The selection screen includes information on the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 searched by the device search request (hereinafter referred to as “information output device information”). Further, the selection screen displays a designation information input field in which the user inputs the designation information of the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 to be designated.

Here, the information input device 300 displays the connection code when the device search response includes the connection code, and generates and displays the connection code when the device search response does not include the connection code. The information input device 300 manages the generated connection code in association with the IP address included in the device search response.

Hereinafter, in order to distinguish the connection code generated when the connection code is not included in the device search response from the connection code included in the device search response, it is referred to as a “generated connection code”. The generation connection code is information input to the selection screen when designating the second information output device 200 in the information processing system of FIG. The connection code and the generated connection code are examples of designation information of the same type, and are examples of unified designation information.

Further, the first information output device 100 displays the connection code as the designation information of its own on the standby screen, as in FIG. On the other hand, unlike the case of FIG. 2, the second information output device 200 displays the generated connection code as the designation information of its own on the standby screen. The information input device 300 transmits the connection code projection request for projecting the generated connection code of the second information output device 200 to the standby screen of the second information output device 200, thereby transmitting the second information output device 200. Let 200 project the generated connection code.

As a result, the connection code of the first information output device 100 is projected on the screen projected by the first information output device 100. Further, the generation connection code of the second information output device is projected on the screen projected by the second information output device 200. The user refers to the connection code or the generated connection code projected on the screen of the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 to be used. Then, the user can specify the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 from the selection screen of the information input device 300 by the connection code or the generated connection code.

The information input device 300 transmits a content output request with the IP address of the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 associated with the connection code or the generated connection code input on the selection screen as the destination. To do. The first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 that receives the output request projects the content on the screen.

As described above, when the user specifies the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 to be used from the information input device 300, the designation information having the unified type can be used. Therefore, according to the information processing system according to the present embodiment, the convenience of the user when designating the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 used in the information input device 300 is improved. ..

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the information input device 300 issues a second connection code projection request for causing the second information output device 200, which does not include the connection code in the device search response, to project the generated connection code “5555”. It is transmitted to the information output device 200. As a result, the second information output device 200 can project the generated connection code “5555” on the screen. The first information output device 100 may have a function of projecting the connection code of the own device on the standby screen, or may receive the connection code projection request from the information input device 300 and receive the connection code of the own device. May be projected.

The user refers to the screen and inputs the connection code designating the first information output device 100 or the generation connection code designating the second information output device 200 on the selection screen, and the first information output device 100. Alternatively, the second information output device 200 is designated. For example, the user inputs the connection code “1234” when designating the first information output device 100, and inputs the generated connection code “5555” when designating the second information output device 200. The information input device 300 can transmit a projection request for projecting the content to the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 designated by the user to cause the projection.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system. In FIG. 4, a case where a projector is applied to the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 and a PC is applied to the information input device 300 will be described as an example. Note that the information processing system according to the present embodiment can apply devices other than the projector to the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200, and can use devices other than the PC as the information input device 300. It can also be applied.

<First Information Output Device 100>
An example of the hardware configuration of the first information output device 100 will be described. The first information output device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a flash memory 104, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 106, a communication I/F 108, a light source 110, and an optical system 112. The CPU 102, flash memory 104, RAM 106, communication I/F 108, light source 110, and optical system 112 are connected via a bus 150.

The CPU 102 controls each unit of the first information output device 100 by reading the first information output device program stored in the flash memory 104 into the RAM 106 and executing the program. Each unit includes a communication I/F 108, a light source 110, an optical system 112, and the like. Specifically, the CPU 102 creates a device search response to be returned to the information input device 300 in response to the device search request transmitted by the information input device 300, and transmits the device search response from the communication I/F 108. Further, the CPU 102 processes the content included in the output request according to the output request transmitted by the information input device 300, and controls the light source 110 and the like to project the content on the screen.

The flash memory 104 is a program for the first information output device necessary to process the device search request and the output request transmitted by the information input device 300 in the first information output device 100, setting values of each function, Stores parameters such as color and light intensity adjustment. The RAM 106 provides a storage area required for the CPU 102 to perform work.

The communication I/F 108 sends and receives data from the physical layer of the LAN to the transport layer (socket level). The communication I/F 108 establishes a connection with the information input device 300 by wire or wirelessly, and enables communication with them.

The light source 110 and the optical system 112 project information such as video content processed by the CPU 102 on a screen. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and it may be configured to include other circuits and sensors.

<Second information output device 200>
An example of the hardware configuration of the second information output device 200 will be described. The second information output device 200 includes a CPU 202, a flash memory 204, a RAM 206, a communication I/F 208, a light source 210, and an optical system 212. The CPU 202, flash memory 204, RAM 206, communication I/F 208, light source 210, and optical system 212 are connected via a bus 250.

The CPU 102, the flash memory 104, the RAM 106, the communication I/F 108, the light source 110, and the optical system 112 can be applied to the CPU 202, the flash memory 204, the RAM 206, the communication I/F 208, the light source 210, and the optical system 212, respectively.

However, the flash memory 204 is a program for the second information output device necessary for processing the device search request and the output request transmitted by the information input device 300 in the second information output device 200, and setting of each function. It stores values, parameters for color and light intensity adjustment, etc.

<Information input device 300>
The information input device 300 includes a CPU 302, a ROM 304, a RAM 306, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 308, an external storage device I/F 310, a display unit 312, an input unit 314, and a communication I/F 316.

The CPU 302 controls each unit of the information input device 300, and calculates and processes information. Each unit includes a HDD 308, an external storage device I/F 310, a display unit 312, an input unit 314, a communication I/F 316, and the like. Specifically, the CPU 302 acquires information input by the input unit 314, reads out software and data stored in the HDD 308, and performs calculations and processing. Further, the CPU 302 inputs data to which calculation and processing have been performed into the display unit 312 or outputs the data from the communication I/F 316 so that both the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 or Control to send to one side. The CPU 302 also executes a process of storing predetermined data in the HDD 308.

The ROM 304 stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed when the information input device 300 is activated. The RAM 306 provides a storage area required for the CPU 302 to perform work. The HDD 308 stores programs for information input devices such as applications, utility software, OS, and data related to them. The application and utility software are provided via the network 50 or from the recording medium 318 and stored in the HDD 308. The information input device 300 includes an external storage device I/F 310 in order to connect the recording medium 318. A CD-ROM, a DVD, an SD card, or the like can be applied as the recording medium 318, and a CD drive, a DVD drive, an SD card slot, or the like that enables reading/writing of the recording medium 318 is connected to the external storage device I/F 310. it can.

A liquid crystal display or the like can be applied to the display unit 312 and displays a display screen provided by an application or utility software.

A keyboard, a mouse, or the like can be applied to the input unit 314, and is used for inputting characters or the like on the screen displayed on the display unit 312 or selecting an icon or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 312 and the input unit 314 are composed of separate hardware, but a device such as a touch panel in which these are combined may be used.

The communication I/F 316 sends and receives data from the physical layer of the LAN to the transport layer. The communication I/F 316 makes it possible to establish a connection with the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 by wire or wirelessly, and to perform communication with them.

Next, the functional configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the first information output device 100 of this embodiment.

<Functional configuration of the first information output device 100>
The first information output device 100 includes a transmission/reception unit 152, a device search response unit 154, a storage/readout processing unit 156, and an information processing unit 160. Each of these units is a command from the CPU 102 according to the program for the first information output device stored in the flash memory 104 by any of the components of the first information output device 100 shown in FIG. Is a function or means realized by operating. Further, the first information output device 100 has a storage unit 158 constructed by the flash memory 104 shown in FIG.

The storage unit 158 stores the ID, IP address, and connection code of the first information output device 100.

<Each functional unit of the first information output device 100>
Next, each unit of the first information output device 100 will be described in detail.

The transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 is realized by the communication I/F 108 shown in FIG. 4 and an instruction from the CPU 102, and transmits/receives various data (information) to/from the information input device 300. To do.

The storage/read processing unit 156 of the first information output device 100 is realized by the instruction from the CPU 102 shown in FIG. 4 and the flash memory 104 shown in FIG. 4 as an example. The storage/readout processing unit 156 performs processing of storing various data in the storage unit 158 and reading out various data stored in the storage unit 158.

The device search response unit 154 of the first information output device 100 is realized by the command from the CPU 102 shown in FIG. 4, the information stored in the flash memory 104, and the RAM 106. In response to the device search request received by the transmission/reception unit 152, the device search response unit 154 causes the storage/read processing unit 156 to store the ID, IP address, and the ID of the first information output device 100 stored in the storage unit 158. The connection code is read out, a device search response including the information is created, and the device search response is transmitted from the transmission/reception unit 152.

The information processing unit 160 of the first information output device 100 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 102 shown in FIG. When the connection code projection request transmitted from the information input device 300 is input from the transmission/reception unit 152, the information processing unit 160 processes the connection code projection request and controls the projection of the connection code on the screen. Further, when the output request transmitted by the information input device 300 is input from the transmission/reception unit 152, the information processing unit 160 processes the output request and controls to project the content on the screen.

<Functional Configuration of Second Information Output Device 200>
The second information output device 200 has a transmission/reception unit 252, a device search response unit 254, a storage/readout processing unit 256, and an information processing unit 260. Each of these units is instructed by the CPU 202 according to the program for the second information output device stored in the flash memory 204 by any of the components of the second information output device 200 shown in FIG. Is a function or means realized by operating. Further, the second information output device 200 has a storage unit 258 constructed by the flash memory 204 shown in FIG. The storage unit 258 stores the ID and IP address of the second information output device 200, but does not store the connection code.

<Each functional unit of the second information output device 200>
Next, each unit of the second information output device 200 will be described in detail.

The transmission/reception unit 152, the storage/readout processing unit 156, and the information processing unit 160 can be applied to the transmission/reception unit 252, the storage/readout processing unit 256, and the information processing unit 260, respectively.

The device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 is realized by the command from the CPU 202 shown in FIG. 4, the information stored in the flash memory 204, and the RAM 206. In response to the device search request received by the transmission/reception unit 252, the device search response unit 254 causes the storage/readout processing unit 256 to store the ID and IP address of the second information output device 200 stored in the storage unit 258. The device search response is read out, a device search response including the information is created, and the device search response is transmitted from the transmission/reception unit 252.

<Functional configuration of the information input device 300>
The information input device 300 includes a transmission/reception unit 352, a device search unit 354, a storage/readout processing unit 356, an operation input reception unit 364, a usage information setting unit 365, a designation processing unit 366, an output control unit 368, and a display control unit 370. Have Each of these units is realized by any one of the components of the information input device 300 shown in FIG. 4 operating according to an instruction from the CPU 302 according to a program for the information input device stored in the HDD 308. Function or means. Further, the information input device 300 has a storage unit 358 constructed by the HDD 308 shown in FIG.

(Information output device management table)
An information output device management DB 362 configured by an information output device management table as shown in Table 1 is constructed in the storage unit 358.

This information output device management table associates the IDs, IP addresses, and connection codes of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200. The connection code is an example of identification information that can uniquely identify the first information output device 100. For example, in the information output device management table of Table 1, the ID “RPJ61c6ef” is associated with the IP address “10.60.100.68” and the designation information “2004”.

The transmission/reception unit 352 of the information input device 300 is realized by the communication I/F 316 shown in FIG. 4 and an instruction from the CPU 302, and is exchanged between the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200. Send and receive various data (information).

The storage unit 358 of the information input device 300, in addition to the information output device management DB 362 described above, contents 360 such as images and moving images output from both or one of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200. To store. The content 360 may be input from the outside of the information input device 300.

The storage/read processing unit 356 of the information input device 300 is executed by the command from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. 4 and the HDD 308 shown in FIG. 4 as an example. The storage/readout processing unit 356 performs processing of storing various data in the storage unit 358 and reading out various data stored in the storage unit 358.

The device search unit 354 of the information input device 300 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. The device search unit 354 creates a device search request for searching a device connected to the information input device 300 via the network 50, and transmits the device search request from the transmission/reception unit 352. In addition, the device search unit 354 acquires the device search response transmitted from the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 in response to the device search request from the transmission/reception unit 352, and sends it to the designation processing unit 366. input.

The operation input receiving unit 364 of the information input device 300 is realized by the command from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. 4 and the input unit 314 shown in FIG. 4, and receives various inputs by the user. For example, when the user operates the input unit 314 shown in FIG. 4 to input the designation information for designating one of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200. The operation input receiving unit 364 shown in FIG. 5 receives the input designated information and inputs the designated information to the designation processing unit 366.

The usage information setting unit 365 of the information input device 300 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. The above-mentioned usage information is set in the usage information setting unit 365. In the usage information, the type of designation information used when designating the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 (for example, connection code or IP address) is set. The usage information setting unit 365 may continue to set the type of the designated information used in the past as it is, or may change the setting to the usage information input from the operation input reception unit 364. The usage information setting unit 365 notifies the specification processing unit 366 of the usage information in response to the request from the specification processing unit 366.

The designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. When the type of the designation information set in the usage information is the connection code and the connection code is attached to the device search response, the designation processing unit 366 determines the ID, the IP address, and the connection included in the device search response. The code is stored in the information output device management DB362.

Further, when the type of the designation information set in the usage information is the connection code and the connection code is not attached to the device search response, the designation processing unit 366 outputs the generation connection code which is an example of the generation identification information. To generate. Then, the designation processing unit 366 stores the generated generated connection code in the information output device management DB 362 in association with the ID and IP address included in the device search response. Further, the designation processing unit 366 generates a connection code projection request for projecting the generated generated connection code, and transmits the connection code projection request from the transmission/reception unit 352 to the second information output device 200.

The output control unit 368 of the information input device 300 is realized by a command from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. The output control unit 368 accepts the designation of the first information output device 100 or the second information output device 200 that outputs the content from the operation input acceptance unit 364, using the designation information. The output control unit 368 creates an output request addressed to the IP address of the designated first information output device 100 or second information output device 200, and transmits it from the transmission/reception unit 352. The content 360 is attached to the output request together with the information indicating that the content is output and the IP address.

The display control unit 370 of the information input device 300 is realized by a command from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. The display control unit 370 displays the IDs, IP addresses and connection codes (or generated connection codes) of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 searched by the device search request on the selection screen.

<Operation of information processing system>
FIG. 6 shows an example (No. 1) of the operation of the information processing system. In FIG. 6, the information input device 300 searches for the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 by transmitting a device search request to the network 50.

In step S502, the device search unit 354 of the information input device 300 creates a device search request and inputs it to the transmission/reception unit 352. For example, the device search unit 354 sends a device search request using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). In step S504, the transmission/reception unit 352 of the information input device 300 broadcasts the device search request input from the device search unit 354 to the network 50.

In step S506, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 receives the device search request broadcast from the information input device 300 and inputs it to the device search response unit 154.

In step S508, the device search response unit 154 of the first information output apparatus 100 creates a device search response according to the device search request input from the transmission/reception unit 152, and inputs the device search response to the transmission/reception unit 152. For example, the device search response unit 154 creates a device search response with the ID, IP address, and connection code of the first information output device 100 stored in the storage unit 158.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an SNMP frame format. The SNMP frame includes an SNMP version field, a community field, and a protocol data unit (PDU). The SNMP version field is accompanied by the SNMP version. The community field is a name used in the security of SNMP and is accompanied by information for determining whether or not the other party with whom the message is exchanged has the proper authority. A public MIB (Management Information Base) and a private MIB are attached to the PDU. Information such as vendor ID and device type is attached to the public MIB. Further, information such as a device type within the vendor, an ID of an information output device such as the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200, and identification information is attached to the private MIB.

In step S510, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 transmits the device search response input from the device search response unit 154 to the information input device 300.

In step S512, when the transmission/reception unit 352 of the information input device 300 receives the device search response transmitted from the first information output device 100, the device search response is input to the device search unit 354.

In step S514, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 receives the device search request broadcast from the information input device 300 and inputs it to the device search response unit 254.

In step S516, the device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 creates a device search response in response to the device search request input from the transmission/reception unit 252, and inputs the device search response to the transmission/reception unit 252. The device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 does not attach a connection code to the private MIB. That is, the device search response unit 254 creates a device search response with the ID of the second information output device 200 and the IP address.

In step S518, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 transmits the device search response input from the device search response unit 254 to the information input device 300.

In step S520, when the transmission/reception unit 352 of the information input device 300 receives the device search response transmitted from the second information output device 200, the device search response is input to the device search unit 354.

In the sequence chart shown in FIG. 6, the process of the first information output device 100 (steps S506 to S512) and the process of the second information output device 200 (steps S514 to S520) are performed in parallel.

By executing the process shown in FIG. 6, the information input device 300 can detect the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 connected to the network 50.

FIG. 8 shows an example (No. 2) of the operation of the information processing system. In FIG. 8, the information input device 300 performs control for presenting the designation information of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 that have transmitted the device search response, in accordance with preset use information. .. Here, a case where a connection code of a 4-digit character string is set in the usage information will be described.

In step S702, the usage information setting unit 365 of the information input device 300 sets usage information.

In step S704, the device search unit 354 of the information input device 300 acquires the device search response transmitted from the first information output device 100. This process corresponds to step S512 in FIG.

In step S706, the device search unit 354 of the information input device 300 inputs the device search result such as the IP address and the connection code included in the device search response to the designation processing unit 366.

In step S708, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 acquires the current usage information from the usage information setting unit 365.

In step S710, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 is attached to the device search response because the designation information of the type set in the current usage information is attached to the device search response in step S704. The designated information is presented to the user as it is. For example, the designation processing unit 366 presents the connection code attached to the device search response in step S704 to the user as it is.

In step S712, the device search unit 354 of the information input device 300 acquires the device search response transmitted from the second information output device 200. This process corresponds to step S520 in FIG.

In step S714, the device search unit 354 of the information input device 300 inputs the device search result such as the IP address included in the device search response to the specification processing unit 366.

In step S716, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 acquires the current usage information from the usage information setting unit 365.

In step S718, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 creates the generated connection code as the designation information because the designation information of the type set in the current usage information is not attached to the device search response in step S704. To do.

In step S720, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 presents the generation connection code, which is the generation designation information created in step S718, to the user.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a selection screen displayed on the information input device 300. On the selection screen 500, an information output device information column 502 for displaying information output device information and a designated information input column 504 are displayed. The selection screen 500 of FIG. 9 is an example in which a connection code of a 4-digit character string is set as the designation information. As shown in the selection screen of FIG. 9, the selection screen 500 can present the created generated connection code to the user even if the information output device does not include the connection code in the device search response.

FIG. 10 shows an example (No. 3) of the operation of the information processing system. FIG. 10 shows an operation in which the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 receives the device search result and presents the designation information or the generation designation information.

In step S902, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 acquires the device search result.

In step S904, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 acquires the current usage information.

In step S906, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 determines whether or not the designation information of the type set in the current usage information is included in the device search result.

If the designation information of the type set in the current usage information is not included in the device search result, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300, in step S908, designates the type set in the current usage information. Create information. When the type search information set in the current use information is included in the device search result, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 skips the process of step S908.

In step S910, when the device search result includes the specified information of the type set in the current use information, the specification processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 sets the specified information included in the device search result. Present to the user. In step S910, if the type search information set in the current usage information is not included in the device search result, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 sets the designation information created in step S908 to the user. To present. In this way, the information input device 300 can present the user with the specified information of the type set in the preset usage information.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment (No. 4) of the operation of the information processing system. FIG. 11 shows an operation in which the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 creates designation information (generation designation information) and projects the generation designation information on the second information output device 200.

In step S1002, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 creates designation information (for example, a connection code) of the type set in the current usage information.

In step S1004, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 creates a selection screen.

In step S1006, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 inputs the selection screen to the display control unit 370.

In step S1008, the display control unit 370 of the information input device 300 displays the selection screen 500 as shown in FIG. 9, for example. On the selection screen 500, the designation information (for example, the connection code) not included in the device search result from the second information output device 200 is presented to the user as the information for designating the second information output device 200. To be done. However, the designation information (generation designation information) of the second information output device 200 presented to the user on the selection screen 500 is created by the information input device 300 and is notified to the second information output device 200. Absent. Therefore, the information input device 300 causes the generation designation information created for the second information output device 200 to be projected on the standby screen of the second information output device 200 in the processing from step S1010. Thereby, the generation designation information of the second information output device 200 presented on the selection screen 500 and the generation designation information projected on the standby screen of the second information output device 200 can be made the same.

In step S1010, the designation processing unit 366 of the information input device 300 creates a designated information projection request and inputs it to the transmission/reception unit 352.

In step S1012, the transmission/reception unit 352 of the information input device 300 transmits the designated information projection request to the second information output device 200. The transmitting/receiving unit 252 of the second information output device 200 receives the specified information projection request from the information input device 300.

In step S1014, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 inputs the specified information projection request to the information processing unit 260. The information processing unit 260 can project the generation designation information created by the information input device 300 on the screen by processing the designation information projection request.

According to the information processing system of the present embodiment, the device search response of the information output device such as the second information output device 200 searched by the device search request includes the designated information of the preset type. Even if it is not present, it is possible to specify it with the specified information. The user can use the designation information having the unified type when designating the information output device retrieved by the device retrieval request. Therefore, the information processing system according to the present embodiment can improve the convenience of the user when designating the information output device searched by the device search request.

<Second Embodiment>
1 and 4 to 5 can be applied to the information processing system according to the present embodiment. However, the information input device 400 is provided instead of the information input device 300. Depending on the protocol used for the device search request transmitted by the information input device 400, the device search response does not include the identification information even when the information output device is assigned identification information such as a connection code. There are cases. For this reason, the information input device 400 according to the present embodiment has a table indicating the type of information that is preset for each model of the information output device. The information input device 400 identifies the type of information set in the information output device based on the ID and IP address of the information output device included in the device search response.

<Functional configuration of the information input device 400>
FIG. 12 shows an information input device according to this embodiment. The information input device 400 includes a transmission/reception unit 452, a device search unit 454, a storage/readout processing unit 456, an operation input reception unit 464, a usage information setting unit 465, a designation processing unit 466, an output control unit 468, and a display control unit 470. Have Each of these units is a function or means that is realized by any one of the components of the information input device 400 operating according to an instruction from the CPU 302 according to a program for the information input device stored in the HDD 308. The information input device 400 also has a storage unit 458 constructed by the HDD 308.

(Information output device management table)
An information output device management DB 462 configured by an information output device management table as shown in Table 1 is constructed in the storage unit 458.

(Model information management table)
In the storage unit 458, a model information management DB 472 including a model information management table as shown in Table 2 is constructed.

This model information management table associates preset information types with each model of the information output device. The information output device can identify the model from the "information output device ID" in the information output device management table. For example, in the model information management table shown in Table 2, the information output device having the model “model A” has the IP address “present (set)” and the nickname “present”. It is shown that the 4-digit character string is “present”.

The transmission/reception unit 452, the storage unit 458, the storage/readout processing unit 456, the device search unit 454, the operation input reception unit 464, the usage information setting unit 465, the output control unit 468, and the display control unit 470 of the information input device 400 are illustrated in FIG. 5, the transmission/reception unit 352, the storage unit 358, the storage/readout processing unit 356, the device search unit 354, the operation input reception unit 364, the usage information setting unit 365, the output control unit 368, and the display control unit 370. Applicable to each.

The designation processing unit 466 of the information input device 400 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. The designation processing unit 466 identifies the model based on the ID of the information output device attached to the device search response input by the device search unit 454, and is preset in the information output device that has transmitted the device search response. Identify the type of information. The designation processing unit 466 determines whether the designation information of the type set in the usage information is included in the device search response using the model information management table of Table 2.

Further, the designation processing unit 466 creates designation information (generation designation information) when the type search designation information set in the usage information is not included in the device search response. Then, the designation processing unit 466 stores the generated generation designation information in the information output device management DB 362 in association with the ID and IP address included in the device search response. Further, the designation processing unit 466 generates a designation information projection request for projecting the generated generation designation information, and transmits it from the transmission/reception unit 452 to the second information output device 200.

<Operation of information processing system>
FIG. 13 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system. In FIG. 13, the information input device 400 searches for the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 by transmitting a device search request to the network 50.

In step S1202, the device search unit 454 of the information input device 400 creates a device search request and inputs it to the transmission/reception unit 452. For example, the device search unit 454 transmits a device search request using the Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP). In step S1204, the transmission/reception unit 452 of the information input device 400 broadcasts the device search request input from the device search unit 454 to the network 50.

In step S1206, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output apparatus 100 receives the device search request broadcast from the information input device 400 and inputs it to the device search response unit 154.

In step S1208, the device search response unit 154 of the first information output device 100 creates a device search response according to the device search request input from the transmission/reception unit 152, and inputs the device search response to the transmission/reception unit 152. For example, the device search response unit 154 creates a device search response with the model name (product name) of the first information output device 100 stored in the storage unit 158.

In step S1210, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 transmits the device search response input from the device search response unit 154 to the information input device 400.

In step S1212, when the transmission/reception unit 452 of the information input device 400 receives the device search response transmitted from the first information output device 100, the device search response is input to the device search unit 454.

In step S1214, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 receives the device search request broadcast from the information input device 300, and inputs the device search request to the device search response unit 254.

In step S1216, the device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 creates a device search response according to the device search request input from the transmission/reception unit 252, and inputs the device search response to the transmission/reception unit 252. The device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 creates a device search response with the model name (product name) of the second information output device 200 stored in the storage unit 258.

In step S1218, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 transmits the device search response input from the device search response unit 254 to the information input device 400.

In step S1220, when the transmission/reception unit 452 of the information input device 400 receives the device search response transmitted from the second information output device 200, the device search response is input to the device search unit 454.

In the sequence chart shown in FIG. 13, the process of the first information output device 100 (steps S1206 to S1212) and the process of the second information output device 200 (steps S1214-S1220) are performed in parallel.

By executing the process shown in FIG. 13, the information input device 400 can search for the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 connected to the network 50. The information input device 400 performs a control process of presenting the designation information of the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 that have transmitted the device search response in accordance with the preset use information. 8-Figure 11 is applicable.

According to the information processing system according to the present embodiment, regardless of the protocol used when transmitting the device search request, the types are unified when designating the information output device searched by the device search request. Designated information can be used.

<Third Embodiment>
1 and 4 to 5 can be applied to the information processing system according to the present embodiment. However, the information input device 600 is provided instead of the information input device 300. In the information processing system according to the present embodiment, regardless of the protocol used for the device search request transmitted by the information input device 600, the information output device that transmits the device search response to the device search request is A device information acquisition request for acquiring information output device information such as an ID, an IP address, and identification information is transmitted.

<Functional configuration of the information input device 600>
FIG. 14 shows an information input device according to this embodiment. The information input device 600 includes a transmission/reception unit 652, a device search unit 654, a storage/readout processing unit 656, an operation input reception unit 664, a usage information setting unit 665, a designation processing unit 666, an output control unit 668, and a display control unit 670. Have Each of these units is a function or means that is realized by any one of the components of the information input device 600 being operated by an instruction from the CPU 302 according to the information input device program stored in the HDD 308. The information input device 600 also includes a storage unit 658 constructed by the HDD 308.

(Information output device management table)
An information output device management DB 662 configured by an information output device management table as shown in Table 1 is constructed in the storage unit 658.

The transmission/reception unit 652, the storage/readout processing unit 656, the operation input reception unit 664, the usage information setting unit 665, the designation processing unit 666, the output control unit 668, and the display control unit 670 of the information input device 600 refer to FIG. The transmission/reception unit 352, the storage/readout processing unit 356, the operation input reception unit 364, the usage information setting unit 365, the designation processing unit 366, the output control unit 368, and the display control unit 370 described above can be applied.

The device search unit 654 of the information input device 600 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 302 shown in FIG. The device search unit 654 creates a device search request for searching a device connected to the information input device 600 via the network 50, and transmits the request from the transmission/reception unit 652. Further, when the device search response transmitted from the information output device in response to the device search request is received by the transmission/reception unit 652, the device search unit 654 creates a device information acquisition request for acquiring the information output device information. .. The device search unit 654 transmits a device information acquisition request to the information output device that has transmitted the device search response from the transmission/reception unit 652. The device search unit 654 acquires, from the transmission/reception unit 652, the device information acquisition response transmitted from the information output device in response to the device information acquisition request, and inputs it to the designation processing unit 666.

<Operation of information processing system>
FIG. 15 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system. The information input device 600 searches for an information output device by sending a device search request to the network 50, and sends a device information acquisition request to the searched information output device.

In step S1402, the device search unit 654 of the information input device 600 creates a device search request and inputs it to the transmission/reception unit 652.

In step S1404, the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 broadcasts the device search request input from the device search unit 654 to the network 50.

In step S1406, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output apparatus 100 receives the device search request broadcast from the information input device 600, and inputs it to the device search response unit 154.

In step S1408, the device search response unit 154 of the first information output apparatus 100 creates a device search response according to the device search request input from the transmission/reception unit 152, and inputs the device search response to the transmission/reception unit 152.

In step S1410, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 transmits the device search response input from the device search response unit 154 to the information input device 600.

In step S1412, when the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 receives the device search response transmitted from the first information output device 100, the device search response is input to the device search unit 654.

In step S1414, the device search unit 654 of the information input device 600 creates a device information acquisition request and inputs it to the transmission/reception unit 652. The device information acquisition request is accompanied by information requesting information output device information such as an IP address and identification information.

In step S1416, the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 transmits the device information acquisition request input from the device search unit 654 to the first information output device 100.

In step S1418, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 receives the device information acquisition request transmitted from the information input device 600, and inputs it to the device search response unit 154.

In step S1420, the device search response unit 154 of the first information output device 100 creates a device information acquisition response in response to the device information acquisition request input from the transmission/reception unit 152, and inputs the device information acquisition response to the transmission/reception unit 152. The device information acquisition response is accompanied by information output device information such as the IP address and identification information of the first information output device 100.

In step S1422, the transmission/reception unit 152 of the first information output device 100 transmits the device information acquisition response input from the device search response unit 154 to the information input device 600.

In step S1424, when the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 receives the device information acquisition response transmitted from the first information output device 100, the device information acquisition response is input to the device search unit 654.

In step S1426, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 receives the device search request broadcast by the information input device 600 and inputs it to the device search response unit 254.

In step S1428, the device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 creates a device search response according to the device search request input from the transmission/reception unit 252, and inputs the device search response to the transmission/reception unit 252.

In step S1430, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 transmits the device search response input from the device search response unit 254 to the information input device 600.

In step S1432, when the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 receives the device search response transmitted from the second information output device 200, the device search response is input to the device search unit 654.

In step S1434, the device search unit 654 of the information input device 600 creates a device information acquisition request and inputs it to the transmission/reception unit 652. The device information acquisition request is accompanied by information requesting information output device information such as an IP address and identification information.

In step S1436, the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 transmits the device information acquisition request input from the device search unit 654 to the second information output device 200.

In step S1438, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 receives the device information acquisition request transmitted from the information input device 600 and inputs it to the device search response unit 254.

In step S1440, the device search response unit 254 of the second information output device 200 creates a device information acquisition response according to the device information acquisition request input from the transmission/reception unit 252, and inputs the device information acquisition response to the transmission/reception unit 252. Information output device information such as the IP address of the second information output device 200 is attached to the device information acquisition response.

In step S1442, the transmission/reception unit 252 of the second information output device 200 transmits the device information acquisition response input from the device search response unit 254 to the information input device 600.

In step S1444, when the transmission/reception unit 652 of the information input device 600 receives the device information acquisition response transmitted from the second information output device 200, the device information acquisition response is input to the device search unit 654.

By executing the process shown in FIG. 15, the information input device 600 can search for the first information output device 100 and the second information output device 200 connected to the network 50. Further, the information input device 600 can make a device information acquisition request to the searched first information output device 100 and second information output device 200, and can request identification information such as a nickname and a four-digit character string. .. Thereby, the information input device 600 can acquire the device information from the searched information output device regardless of the protocol used when transmitting the device search request.

<Fourth Embodiment>
The information processing system according to the present embodiment displays specified information in the information output device information list of the selection screen 500 displayed by the information input devices 300, 400, and 600 in the information processing system according to the above-described embodiments. To do.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a selection screen displayed on the information input device 300. On the selection screen 500 of FIG. 16, an information output device information column 506 and a designated information input column 504 are displayed. Only specified information is displayed in the information output device information column 506. By displaying only the selected information in the information output device information first column 506, the information input device 300 can easily understand the information to be input to the designated information input column 504 for the user.

In the above-described embodiment, the information input devices 300, 400, and 600 are examples of information processing devices, the information input device program is an example of an information processing program, and the specified information projection request is an example of specified information output request. ..

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and modifications, the embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications, modifications, alternatives, and replacements. Will understand. For convenience of explanation, the device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described using the functional block diagram, but such a device may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes, modifications, alternatives, substitutions, etc. are included without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

50 network 100 first information output device 152 transmission/reception unit 154 device search response unit 156 storage/read processing unit 158 storage unit 160 information processing unit 200 second information output device 252 transmission/reception unit 254 device search response unit 256 storage/read processing Section 258 storage section 260 information processing section 300, 400, 600 information input device 352, 452, 652 transmission/reception section 354, 454, 654 device search section 356, 456, 656 storage/read processing section 358, 458, 658 storage section 360, 460, 660 contents 362, 462, 662 information output device management DB
364, 464, 664 Operation input acceptance unit 365, 465, 665 Usage information setting unit 366, 466, 666 Designation processing unit 368, 468, 668 Output control unit 370, 470, 670 Display control unit 472 Model information management DB

JP, 2014-81894, A

Claims (8)

An information processing device that receives from a user the designation of an information output device to be used via a network,
Device search means for searching the information output device connected via a network,
Usage information setting means in which the type of specification information used by the user to specify the information output device searched by the device searching means is set as usage information;
A designation processing unit that receives from the user the designation of the information output device retrieved by the device retrieval unit by the designation information of the type set as the usage information ,
The designation processing means,
For the information output device that was able to acquire the specified information of the type set in the usage information setting means, present the acquired specified information to the user,
Regarding the information output device that could not acquire the specified information of the type set in the use information setting means, the generated specified information is presented to the user, and the information output device that could not acquire the specified information. An information processing apparatus, which makes a request to display the specified information that has been generated. The designation processing means allows a user to designate a display field for displaying information of the information output device retrieved by the device retrieval means and designation of the information output device by the designation information of the type set in the usage information setting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a designated information input field to be received and a display section are displayed on the display unit. 3. The designation processing unit acquires the designation information of the type set in the usage information setting unit from a device search response to a device search request made by the device search unit. Information processing device. Whether the designation processing unit can obtain model information from a device search response to a device search request made by the device search unit, and whether the designation information can be acquired based on the type of information set for each model information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information processing apparatus determines whether or not it is. 3. The designation processing unit requests the information output device searched by the device searching unit to acquire the designation information of the type set in the usage information setting unit. Information processing equipment. An information processing device that accepts the specification of the information output device to be used from the user from the user,
Device search means for searching the information output device connected via a network,
Usage information setting means in which the type of specification information used by the user to specify the information output device searched by the device searching means is set as usage information,
A designation processing unit that receives the designation of the information output device retrieved by the device retrieval unit from the user according to the designation information of the type set as the usage information ;
The designation processing means,
For the information output device that was able to acquire the specified information of the type set in the usage information setting means, present the acquired specified information to the user,
Regarding the information output device that could not acquire the specified information of the type set in the use information setting means, the generated specified information is presented to the user, and the information output device that could not acquire the specified information. A program for requesting the generated specified information to be displayed. An information processing system comprising: one or more information output devices; and an information processing device that is connected to the information output device via a network and receives from a user a designation of the information output device to be used via the network,
The information processing device,
Device search means for searching the information output device connected via a network,
Usage information setting means in which the type of specification information used by the user to specify the information output device searched by the device searching means is set as usage information;
A designation processing unit that receives from the user the designation of the information output device retrieved by the device retrieval unit by the designation information of the type set as the usage information ,
The information output device,
Display means,
A response unit that responds to the information processing device with one or more types of the specified information,
The designation processing means,
For the information output device that was able to acquire the specified information of the type set in the usage information setting means, present the acquired specified information to the user,
Regarding the information output device that could not acquire the specified information of the type set in the usage information setting means, the generated specified information is presented to the user in the information processing device, and the specified information cannot be acquired. the information processing system wherein the relative information output apparatus, characterized by the created the specified information to make a request to be displayed on said display means is. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, which receives from a user the designation of an information output device to be used via a network,
A usage information setting step of setting, as usage information, the type of specification information used by the user to specify the information output device,
A device search step of searching for the information output device connected via a network,
A designation processing step of accepting the designation of the information output device retrieved in the device retrieval step from the user by the designation information of the type set as the usage information ,
The designated processing step is
For the information output device that was able to acquire the specified information of the type set in the use information setting step, present the acquired specified information to the user,
Regarding the information output device that cannot acquire the specified information of the type set in the usage information setting step, the generated specified information is presented to the user, and the information output device that cannot acquire the specified information Requesting that the specified information generated is displayed.