JP7491888B2 - Processing device, processing method, and processing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a processing device, etc.

There are systems that are configured with multiple processing devices (e.g., processing boards) connected in series. It is considered that such systems can be used, for example, as systems that read and process images of objects.

For example, when a processing device is a device that reads images of an object, typically one processing device capable of reading images with a width equal to or greater than the width of the object is used. In such a processing device, if it were possible to read images of wider objects, the size of the processing device would increase and the processing would become more complicated. Therefore, rather than increasing the size of the processing device, it has been considered to connect multiple processing devices in series, as in the above-mentioned system, to enable reading images of wider objects.

Related technologies include those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 01-100649 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-120474 JP 2005-123685 A

In a system consisting of multiple processing devices connected in series, it may be necessary to change the processing performed by a processing device depending on the number of the connected processing device. Hereinafter, the position where a processing device is connected will be referred to as the connection position. The position where a processing device is connected indicates the number of the connected processing device.

When changing the processing performed by a processing device depending on the connection position, one method is to determine the connection position of each processing device in advance and write firmware corresponding to the connection position into the processing device in advance. However, this method requires the work of writing firmware corresponding to the connection position. Furthermore, if multiple processing devices are to be manually connected after the firmware has been written, some ingenuity is required to prevent mistakes in the connection positions of each processing device.

The object of the present invention is to provide a processing device etc. that makes it possible to realize processing according to the connection position of the processing device in an easier manner in a system in which multiple processing devices are connected in series.

In one aspect of the present invention, a processing device, in a system in which multiple stages of processing devices are connected in series, includes an adder unit that adds a predetermined addition value to an input count value and outputs the result, and a processing unit that determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates according to the input count value and performs the determined process. If a previous stage device, which is a previous stage processing device, is present, the count value is input from the previous stage device, and if the previous stage device is not present, an initial value is input as the count value, and if a subsequent stage device, which is a subsequent stage processing device, is present, the count value to which the addition value has been added is output to the subsequent stage device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the processing method is a processing method of a processing device in a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages, adding a predetermined addition value to an input count value and outputting the result, determining a process to be performed from among multiple candidates according to the input count value, performing the determined process, and if a previous-stage device that is a previous-stage processing device exists, the count value is input from the previous-stage device, and if the previous-stage device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value, and if a subsequent-stage device that is a subsequent-stage processing device exists, the count value to which the addition value has been added is output to the subsequent-stage device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the processing program causes a computer in a system in which multiple stages of processing devices are connected in series to realize an addition function that adds a predetermined addition value to an input count value and outputs the result, and a processing function that determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates depending on the input count value and performs the determined process, and if a previous stage device that is a previous stage processing device is present, the count value is input from the previous stage device, and if the previous stage device is not present, an initial value is input as the count value, and if a subsequent stage device that is a subsequent stage processing device is present, the count value to which the addition value has been added is output to the subsequent stage device.

According to the present invention, in a system in which multiple processing devices are connected in series, it is possible to more easily realize processing according to the connection position of the processing devices.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including a processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of connections of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of connections of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of connections of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. A specific example of the processing device 10 in the first embodiment is a processing device 20 in a second embodiment described later.

Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes an adder unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The processing device 10 is included in a system in which multiple processing devices are connected in series.

The adder 11 adds a predetermined addend value to the input count value and outputs the result. The count value is input from a previous stage device, which is a processing device in a previous stage, if such a device exists. If no previous stage device exists, an initial value is input as the count value. The count value to which the addend value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, which is a processing device in a subsequent stage, if such a device exists.

The processing unit 12 determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates based on the input count value, and performs the determined process.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation flow of the processing device 10 of this embodiment.

The adder 11 adds a predetermined addition value to the input count value and outputs the result (step S101).

The processing unit 12 determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates based on the input count value, and performs the determined process (step S102).

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the processing device 10 includes an adder 11 and a processor 12. The adder 11 adds a predetermined addend value to the input count value and outputs the result. The processor 12 determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates according to the input count value, and performs the determined process. This allows the processing device 10 to grasp the connection position of the processing device 10 from the input count value, making it possible to perform processing according to the connection position. In addition, since the processor 12 determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates, the configuration of the processing device in the system can be standardized. Therefore, in a system configured with multiple processing devices connected in series, it becomes possible to realize processing according to the connection position of the processing device in an easier manner.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a processing device 20-i according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a system that is configured with the processing device 20-i of this embodiment. This system is configured by connecting N processing devices 20-i (i is an integer between 1 and N) in series. The "i" in processing device 20-i indicates that processing device 20-i is the i-th processing device connected. Hereinafter, the position where a processing device is connected will be referred to as the connection position. The position where a processing device is connected indicates the number of the processing device connected. Note that processing device 20-i may be a board.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the processing device 20-i of this embodiment. The processing device 20-i includes an adder 21-i, a processor 22-i, an end detection unit 24-i, an acquisition unit 25-i, a communication unit 27-i, and a pull-up circuit 28-i. The adder 21-i, the end detection unit 24-i, and the acquisition unit 25-i are included in an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) 26-i.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show connection examples of the processing device 20-i of this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a connection example of the processing device 20-1 in the front stage. FIG. 6 shows a connection example of the processing device 20-k (k is an integer between 2 and (N-1) inclusive). FIG. 7 shows a connection example of the processing device 20-N in the last stage.

The adder 21-i adds a predetermined addend to the input count value and outputs the result. In this embodiment, the addend is 1. Also, in this embodiment, the initial value of the count value is 0.

The count value is input from a previous stage device, if a previous stage device exists, which is a processing device in the previous stage. Also, the frontmost processing device 20-1 does not have a previous stage device. Therefore, an initial value is input as the count value to the addition unit 21-1. Also, the count value to which the addition value is added is output to a subsequent stage device, if a subsequent stage device, which is a processing device in the subsequent stage, exists.

In this way, in the case of this embodiment, the adder 21-1 of the processing device 20-1 adds the additional value (1) to the initial value (0) and outputs the result to the adder 21-2 of the processing device 20-2 (FIG. 5). The adder 21-k of the processing device 20-k (2≦k≦(N-1)) receives the value obtained by subtracting 1 from k as the count value. The adder 21-k of the processing device 20-k outputs k as the count value to the adder 21-(k+1) of the processing device 20-(k+1) (FIG. 6). The adder 21-N of the processing device 20-N receives (N-1) as the count value (FIG. 7). That is, the value obtained by subtracting 1 from i is input to the processing device 20-i as the count value. This allows the processing device 20-i to grasp the connection position of the processing device 20-i. Even if the initial value is not 0 or the additional value is not 1, the connection position can be grasped based on the count value, the initial value, and the additional value.

The processing unit 22-i stores the count value input to the adding unit 21-i in a memory unit (not shown).

The processing unit 22-i also determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates depending on the input count value, and performs the determined process. This allows the processing unit 20-i to change the process to be performed depending on the connection position of the processing unit 20-i.

For example, the processing unit 22-i changes the processing to be performed by changing the processing program to be started according to the input count value. The processing device 20-i stores multiple processing programs in advance and can easily change the processing to be performed by selecting and starting the processing program to be used according to the count value. In addition, because the set of processing programs stored in each processing device 20-i is common, it becomes possible to connect the processing devices 20-i without being aware of the connection position.

For example, the processing unit 22-i processes as a server and a client when the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, and processes as a client when the input count value does not satisfy the condition. The condition is, for example, that the input count value is a predetermined value, for example, an initial value. In this case, for example, the processing unit 22-i may start a server program and a client program when the input count value satisfies the condition, and start a client program when the condition is not satisfied.

In this way, among the multiple processing devices in the system, a processing device that meets certain conditions can be given server functions, making the system into a server-client system. When the system is a server-client system, the clients can be operated synchronously or actively by instructions from the server. Furthermore, when instructions are given to the system from a device other than the processing device 20-i, it becomes possible to operate the clients by giving instructions only to the server, without having to give instructions to each of the processing devices 20-i individually.

The processing unit 22-i also sets the network address of its own processing device (processing device 20-i) based on the input count value and stores it in the memory unit (not shown).

For example, (i-1) is input as the count value to the adder 21-i of the processing device 20-i, so the processing unit 22-i sets an IP (Internet Protocol) address including the count value, such as "192.168.0.(i-1)."

The communication unit 27-i communicates with other processing devices (other processing devices). As shown in FIG. 5, the communication unit 27-1 of the processing device 20-1 is connected to the communication unit 27-2 of the processing device 20-2. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication unit 27-k of the processing device 20-k is connected to the communication unit 27-(k-1) of the processing device 20-(k-1). As shown in FIG. 7, the communication unit 27-N of the processing device 20-N is connected to the communication unit 27-(N-1) of the processing device 20-(N-1).

The communication unit 27-i also communicates with other processing devices using the network address set by the processing unit 22-i. Note that the communication unit 27-i may be located outside the processing device 20-i.

The termination detection unit 24-i detects whether the termination input value is "0 (High)" or "1 (Low)." The termination input value is an input value that indicates whether the processing device 20-i is the last stage.

When the processing device 20-i is not the last stage, that is, when i is 0 or more and (N-1) or less, the end detection unit 24-i is connected to the pull-up circuit 28-(i+1) of the subsequent stage device (Figures 5 and 6). As a result, the end detection unit 24-i receives a "1", that is, a end input value indicating that it is not the last stage.

The termination detection unit 24-N of the last stage processing device 20-N is connected to a pull-down circuit 50 (Figure 7). As a result, a termination input value of "0", that is, a termination input value indicating that it is the last stage, is input to the termination detection unit 24-N. The pull-down circuit 50 is provided, for example, in the housing that houses the processing device 20-i.

When the terminal input value detected by the terminal detection unit 24-i is "0", the processing unit 22-i stores terminal information indicating that the processing device itself (processing device 20-i) is the last stage in a storage unit (not shown). Also, when the detected terminal input value is "1", the processing unit 22-i stores terminal information indicating that the processing device itself is not the last stage in the storage unit.

When the processing unit 22-i operates as a client, the processing unit 22-i transmits the network address and termination information via the communication unit 27-i. The processing unit 22-i of the processing device 20-i operating as a server stores the received network address and termination information in the storage unit. In this way, the processing device 20-i operating as a server can grasp the number of processing devices in the system.

The acquisition unit 25-i is controlled by the processing unit 22-i. The acquisition unit 25-i is connected to, for example, a sensor 40-i and acquires information from the sensor 40-i. The sensor 40-i is, for example, a sensor for reading images. When the processing unit 22-i operates as a client, for example, it instructs the acquisition unit 25-i to acquire image information from the sensor 40-i. Note that the sensor 40-i may be another sensor or a printing device, etc. Also, the acquisition unit 25-i may perform processes other than acquiring information from the sensor 40-i.

Next, Figure 8 shows an example of the operation flow of the processing device 20-i of this embodiment.

When power is supplied to the processing device 20-i, it starts the FPGA 26-i. The processing device 20-i also starts the firmware of the processing unit 22-i.

When FPGA 26-i is started, adding unit 21-i adds the addition value to the input count value and outputs the result. Processing unit 22-i stores the count value input to adding unit 21-i in the storage unit (step S201).

The end detection unit 24-i also detects whether the end input value is "0" or "1". If the end input value detected by the end detection unit 24-i is "0", the processing unit 22-i stores end information indicating that the processing device is the last stage in the storage unit. If the detected end input value is "1", the processing unit 22-i stores end information indicating that the processing device is not the last stage in the storage unit (step S202).

The processing unit 22-i also sets a network address based on the input count value and starts the communication unit 27-i (step S203).

The processing unit 22-i also determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates based on the input count value, and performs the determined process (step S204).

Figure 9 shows a more specific example of the operation flow of the processing device 20-i in step S204 of Figure 8.

If the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition (YES in step S301), the processing unit 22-i starts a server program and a client program (step S302). If the input count value does not satisfy a predetermined condition (NO in step S301), the processing unit 22-i starts a client program (step S303). Then, the processing unit 22-i performs processing according to the started program (step S304).

Figure 10 also shows an example of the operation flow for step S304 in Figure 9 for the processing device 20-i operating as a client.

The processing unit 22-i transmits the network address and termination information of its own processing device (step S401). The processing unit 22-i also performs processing according to instructions from a processing device (server device) operating as a server (step S402). The processing performed in step S402 is, for example, processing that can be performed by the acquisition unit 25-i. More specifically, the processing that can be performed by the acquisition unit 25-i is, for example, image reading processing.

Figure 11 also shows an example of the operation flow for step S304 in Figure 9 for a processing device 20-i operating as a server.

The processing unit 22-i waits to receive a network address and termination information from a processing device (client device) operating as a client. Then, when the communication unit 27-i receives the network address and termination information from the client device, the processing unit 22-i stores the received network address and termination information in the storage unit (step S501).

When the processing unit 22-i receives the network addresses from all the client devices in the system (YES in step S502), it performs the following process (step S503). The following process is, for example, a process that can be performed by each client device. More specifically, the process that can be performed is, for example, an image reading process.

When the processing unit 22-i has already received termination information indicating that it is the last stage, it can ascertain the number of processing devices in the system based on the network address. Specifically, the processing unit 22-i can calculate the number from the network address of the processing device that sent the termination information indicating that it is the last stage, and the initial value and the additional value of the count value. For example, if the initial value of the count value is 0 and the additional value is 1, the number of processing devices in the system is the number obtained by adding 1 to the count value included in the network address. Then, the processing unit 22-i can determine whether or not it has received network addresses from all of the processing devices in the system, based on the number of processing devices in the system.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the processing device 20-i includes an adder 21-i and a processor 22-i. The adder 21-i adds a predetermined addend value to the input count value and outputs the result. The processor 22-i determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates according to the input count value, and performs the determined process. This allows the processing device 20-i to grasp the connection position of the processing device 20 from the input count value, making it possible to perform processing according to the connection position. In addition, since the processor 22-i determines which process to perform from among multiple candidates, the configuration of the processing device in the system can be standardized. Therefore, in a system in which multiple processing devices are connected in series, it becomes possible to realize processing according to the connection position of the processing device in an easier manner.

In addition, in this embodiment, the processing unit 22-i of the processing device 20-i changes the processing to be performed by changing the processing program to be started according to the input count value. This makes it possible to realize processing according to the connection position of the processing device in an easier manner.

In addition, the processing unit 22-i of the processing device 20-1 in this embodiment processes as both a server and a client when the input count value meets a predetermined condition, and processes as a client when the input count value does not meet the condition. In this way, of the multiple processing devices in the system, a processing device that meets a predetermined condition can be given the function of a server, making the system a server-client system. When the system is a server-client system, the clients can be operated synchronously or actively in response to instructions from the server. In addition, when instructions are given to the system from a device other than the processing device 20-i, it is possible to operate the clients by giving instructions only to the server, without having to give instructions to each of the processing devices 20-i individually.

In addition, the processing device 20-i of this embodiment further includes a communication unit 27-i that communicates with other processing devices. The processing unit 22-i also sets the network address of its own processing device (processing device 20-i) based on the count value input from the previous device. This allows the network address to be set according to the connection position.

In addition, in this embodiment, the processing unit 22-i of the processing device 20-i transmits the network address of its own processing device to the server when operating as a client, and receives the network address of another processing device when operating as a server. This allows the processing device operating as a server to know the network address of the processing device operating as a client and to issue instructions that identify the client.

The processing device 20-i of this embodiment further includes an end detection unit 24-i that detects an end input value. The end input value is an input value that indicates whether or not the processing device itself is in the last stage. The processing unit 22-i also transmits end information indicating that the processing device itself is in the last stage, as end information indicating whether or not the processing device itself is in the last stage when the processing device operates as a client, based on the end input value. This allows the processing device operating as a server to grasp the number of processing devices in the system.

In addition, the processing unit 22-i of the processing device 20-i in this embodiment determines whether or not it has received network addresses from all processing devices in the system based on the network address of another processing device that has sent termination information indicating that it is the last stage. This allows the processing device operating as a server to determine whether or not there is a processing device in the system that has not received a network address.

[Hardware configuration example]
An example of the configuration of hardware resources for implementing the processing devices (10, 20) in each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention using one information processing device (computer) will be described. The processing device may be implemented physically or functionally using at least two information processing devices. The processing device may also be implemented as a dedicated device. Only some of the functions of the processing device may also be implemented using an information processing device.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of realizing the processing device of each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input/output interface 92, a computing device 93, a storage device 94, a non-volatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

For example, the adder unit 11 and the processor unit 12 in FIG. 1 can be realized by a calculation device 93.

The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the processing device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device via a wired or/and wireless connection. When the processing device is realized using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication interface 91.

The input/output interface 92 is a man-machine interface including a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

The arithmetic unit 93 is realized by an arithmetic processing device such as a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, and a plurality of electric circuits. The arithmetic unit 93 is capable of, for example, reading various programs stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 into the storage device 94 and executing processing according to the read programs.

The storage device 94 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be referenced by the computing device 93, and stores programs, various data, etc. The storage device 94 may be a volatile memory device.

The non-volatile storage device 95 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs, data, etc.

The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes the reading and writing of data from and to the recording medium 97 described below.

The recording medium 97 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor flash memory.

Each embodiment of the present invention may be realized, for example, by configuring a processing device using the information processing device 90 illustrated in FIG. 12 and supplying a program capable of implementing the functions described in each of the above embodiments to this processing device.

In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the computing device 93 execute the program supplied to the processing device. It is also possible for some, but not all, of the functions of the processing device to be configured by the information processing device 90.

Furthermore, the above program may be recorded on the recording medium 97, and may be configured to be stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 as appropriate at the shipping stage or operation stage of the processing device. In this case, the method of supplying the above program may be a method of installing the program in the processing device using an appropriate tool at the manufacturing stage before shipping or at the operation stage. The method of supplying the above program may also be a general procedure such as downloading the program from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

(Appendix 1)
In a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages,
an adder that adds a predetermined addend value to an input count value and outputs the result;
a processing unit that determines a process to be performed from among a plurality of candidates according to the input count value, and performs the determined process;
Equipped with
When a preceding stage device is present, the count value is input from the preceding stage device,
If the preceding device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value;
the count value to which the additional value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, if such a subsequent stage device is present;
Processing unit.

(Appendix 2)
the processing unit changes the processing to be performed by changing a processing program to be started in response to the input count value.
2. The processing device of claim 1.

(Appendix 3)
the processing unit performs the processing as a server and a client when the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, and performs the processing as a client when the input count value does not satisfy the condition.
3. The processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

(Appendix 4)
A communication unit that communicates with another processing device that is another processing device,
the processing unit sets a network address of its own processing device, which is its own processing device, based on the count value input from the preceding device.
4. The processing device of claim 3.

(Appendix 5)
When the processing unit operates as a client, the processing unit transmits the network address of the processing device to a server, and when the processing unit operates as a server, the processing unit receives the network address of the other processing device.
5. The processing device of claim 4.

(Appendix 6)
a terminal detection unit for detecting a terminal input value which is an input value indicating whether the processing device is the last stage or not,
the processing unit transmits, when the termination input value indicates that the processing device itself is the last stage, termination information indicating whether the processing device itself is the last stage or not, the termination information indicating that the processing device itself is the last stage when operating as a client;
6. The processing device of claim 5.

(Appendix 7)
the processing unit determines whether or not the network addresses have been received from all the processing devices in the system, based on the network address of the other processing device that has transmitted the termination information indicating that the other processing device is the last stage;
7. The processing device of claim 6.

(Appendix 8)
A processing method for a processing device in a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages, comprising the steps of:
Add a predetermined value to the input count value and output the result.
determining a process to be performed from among a plurality of candidates according to the input count value, and performing the determined process;
When a preceding stage device is present, the count value is input from the preceding stage device,
If the preceding device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value;
the count value to which the additional value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, if such a subsequent stage device is present;
Processing method.

(Appendix 9)
changing the processing to be performed by changing a processing program to be started according to the input count value;
The processing method according to claim 8.

(Appendix 10)
When the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, the processing is performed as a server and a client, and when the input count value does not satisfy the condition, the processing is performed as a client.
10. The processing method according to claim 8 or 9.

(Appendix 11)
communicate with another processing device,
setting a network address of the own processing device, which is the processing device itself, based on the count value input from the preceding device;
11. The method of claim 10.

(Appendix 12)
When operating as a client, the processing device transmits the network address of the processing device to a server, and when operating as a server, the processing device receives the network address of the other processing device.
12. The processing method according to claim 11.

(Appendix 13)
Detecting a terminal input value which is an input value indicating whether the processing device is the last stage or not;
the termination input value indicates that the processing device itself is the last stage, and when the processing device operates as a client, transmits termination information indicating that the processing device itself is the last stage as termination information indicating whether the processing device itself is the last stage;
13. The processing method of claim 12.

(Appendix 14)
determining whether or not the network addresses have been received from all the processing devices in the system based on the network address of the other processing device that has transmitted the termination information indicating that the other processing device is the last stage;
14. The processing method according to claim 13.

(Appendix 15)
In a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages,
On the computer,
an addition function that adds a predetermined addition value to an input count value and outputs the result;
a processing function for determining a process to be performed from among a plurality of candidates according to the input count value and performing the determined process;
Realize this,
When a preceding stage device that is a preceding stage processing device is present, the count value is input from the preceding stage device,
If the preceding device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value;
the count value to which the additional value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, if such a subsequent stage device is present;
Processing program.

(Appendix 16)
the processing function changes the processing to be performed by changing a processing program to be started in response to the input count value;
16. The processing program according to claim 15.

(Appendix 17)
the processing function performs the processing as a server and a client when the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, and performs the processing as a client when the input count value does not satisfy the condition;
17. The processing program according to claim 15 or 16.

(Appendix 18)
A communication function for communicating with another processing device, which is another processing device, is further implemented in the computer;
The processing function sets a network address of a processing device that is the processing device itself, based on the count value input from the preceding device.
18. The processing program according to claim 17.

(Appendix 19)
the processing function, when operating as a client, transmits the network address of the processing device to a server, and when operating as a server, receives the network address of the other processing device;
19. The processing program according to claim 18.

(Appendix 20)
a terminal detection function for detecting a terminal input value which is an input value indicating whether the processing device is the last stage or not,
The processing function transmits the termination information indicating that the processing device itself is the last stage, as termination information indicating whether the processing device itself is the last stage or not, when the processing function operates as a client, the termination information indicating that the processing device itself is the last stage.
20. The processing program according to claim 19.

(Appendix 21)
the processing function judges whether or not the network addresses have been received from all the processing devices in the system based on the network address of the other processing device that has transmitted the termination information indicating that the other processing device is the last stage;
21. The processing program according to claim 20.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

10, 20-i Processing device 11, 21-i Addition unit 12, 22-i Processing unit 24-i End detection unit 25-i Acquisition unit 26-i FPGA
27-i Communication unit 28-i Pull-up circuit 40-i Sensor 50 Pull-down circuit 90 Information processing device 91 Communication interface 92 Input/output interface 93 Arithmetic device 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile storage device 96 Drive device 97 Recording medium

Claims (9)

In a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages,
an adder that adds a predetermined addend value to an input count value and outputs the result;
a processing unit that determines a process to be performed from among a plurality of candidates according to the input count value, and performs the determined process;
Equipped with
When a preceding stage device is present, the count value is input from the preceding stage device,
If the preceding device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value;
the count value to which the additional value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, if a subsequent stage device is present ;
the processing unit performs the processing as a server and a client when the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, and performs the processing as a client when the input count value does not satisfy the condition.
Processing unit. the processing unit changes the processing to be performed by changing a processing program to be started in response to the input count value.
The processing device of claim 1 . A communication unit that communicates with another processing device that is another processing device,
the processing unit sets a network address of its own processing device, which is its own processing device, based on the count value input from the preceding device.
The processing device according to claim 1 or 2 . When the processing unit operates as a client, the processing unit transmits the network address of the processing device to a server, and when the processing unit operates as a server, the processing unit receives the network address of the other processing device.
The processing device according to claim 3 . a terminal detection unit for detecting a terminal input value which is an input value indicating whether the processing device is the last stage or not,
The processing unit transmits, when the termination input value indicates that the processing device itself is the last stage, and when operating as a client, termination information indicating whether the processing device itself is the last stage, the termination information indicating that the processing device itself is the last stage.
The processing device according to claim 4 . the processing unit determines whether or not the network addresses have been received from all the processing devices in the system based on the network address of the other processing device that has transmitted the termination information indicating that the other processing device is the last stage.
The processing device according to claim 5 . A processing method for a processing device in a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages, comprising the steps of:
Add a predetermined value to the input count value and output the result.
determining a process to be performed from among a plurality of candidates according to the input count value, and performing the determined process;
When a preceding stage device is present, the count value is input from the preceding stage device,
If the preceding device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value;
the count value to which the additional value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, if a subsequent stage device is present ;
When the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, the processing is performed as a server and a client, and when the input count value does not satisfy the condition, the processing is performed as a client.
Processing method. changing the processing to be performed by changing a processing program to be started according to the input count value;
The method of claim 7 . In a system in which processing devices are connected in series in multiple stages,
On the computer,
an addition function that adds a predetermined addition value to an input count value and outputs the result;
a processing function for determining a process to be performed from among a plurality of candidates according to the input count value and performing the determined process;
Realize this,
When a preceding stage device is present, the count value is input from the preceding stage device,
If the preceding device does not exist, an initial value is input as the count value;
the count value to which the additional value has been added is output to a subsequent stage device, if a subsequent stage device is present ;
the processing function performs the processing as a server and a client when the input count value satisfies a predetermined condition, and performs the processing as a client when the input count value does not satisfy the condition;
Processing program.

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