JPH07295903A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To periodically and automatically retrieve a communicable processor present around an information processor and to inform a user in the information processor provided with a spatial optical communication function. CONSTITUTION:The transmission of spatial optical communication is performed by a light emitting device 14, the reception of the spatial optical communication is performed by a light receiving device 15 and both devices are controlled by an optical communication control part 25. A communicable processor management part 21 retrieves the other information processors capable of the transmission/reception of data and the communication, a retrieval instruction means 22 periodically gives an instruction for making the communicable processor management part 21 retrieve the other information processors and a display part 23 displays information. Optical signals from the other information processors which responded with signals for retrieval ate received by the light receiving device, the other information processors which responded are specified and managed by the optical communication control part 25 and the communicable processor management part 21 and the display part 23 is informed of the other communicable information processors.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable computer having a spatial optical communication function with another information processing device, a portable information processing device such as an electronic notebook, and a host computer and a printer with which they communicate.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Optical communication has a shorter transmission distance than radio communication, even if the same transmission energy is used. In addition, since the light has the property of traveling straight, it is vulnerable to obstacles and cannot communicate through obstacles such as the human body, walls, and partitions as in radio communication. Therefore, whether or not the portable information processing device having the spatial light communication function and another information processing device having the spatial light communication function can communicate with each other largely depends on the mutual positional relationship.

A known document describing a conventional information processing apparatus is, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-28878. The one disclosed in this publication enables the communication accompanied by the read / write with the moving body by the high speed operation of the CPU by adopting the CPU (Central Processing Unit), and is for the one-to-one communication. A system in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses mutually perform optical communication is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-1
There is a 6822 publication. In this publication,
Infrared radiation is used as a communication medium for wireless data communication between machines such as computers in an area network.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-53943 discloses a communication terminal device composed of a CPU unit and a peripheral device unit controlled by the CPU unit. A device is provided, and a signal is exchanged between the CPU unit and the peripheral device unit via the both optical communication devices, so that the CPU unit and the peripheral device unit can be physically and physically separated. Is. Also,
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-266237, a plurality of transmission units are shared between a plurality of transmission units by using a protocol having a transmission period composed of a plurality of consecutive transmission sub-periods in a common wireless transmission medium. The transmission of data is coordinated, the data structure is cyclically circulated among the transmission units, and the transmission unit to be transmitted is specified using the identifier of the transmission unit and the identifier of the transmission sub period provided in the data structure. It was made possible.

[0005]

Considering a system in which a plurality of information processing devices mutually perform spatial optical communication, which information processing device a certain information processing device is currently capable of performing optical communication is. It depends largely on the mutual physical relationship. Therefore, in reality, the user has no choice but to try the communication and determine whether the communication succeeds or fails.

In a wired network such as Apple Talk of Apple Inc. in the United States, a user of an information processing device can connect to the network by using a search instruction means and can know a usable device such as a printer or a file server. is there. However, in a wireless network such as spatial optical communication, a situation may occur which is unlikely to occur in a wired network in which an information processing device is moved and used in another network. For this reason, each time the user brings the information processing apparatus to a different network such as another room, the user is required to perform a search using the search instruction means, which imposes a great burden on the user. In addition, when the communication partner is a portable information processing device, it may be taken out to a place where the light does not reach, such as another room, and when communication is necessary in the first place, be sure to perform search instruction means before communication. You will be forced to search using. The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-16822 only discloses a description regarding a physical communication system of a plurality of information processing devices, and does not show a solution to the above problems.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the terminal device itself has a spatial optical communication function and can always communicate by searching for another information processing device with which communication is possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device that allows a user to recognize the information processing device.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides (1) a light-emitting device for transmitting spatial optical communication, a light-receiving device for receiving spatial optical communication, and both devices. An optical communication control unit to control, a communicable device management unit for performing transmission / reception of data and a search for another communicable information processing device, a timer activated at a predetermined time, and the communicable device management unit. It has a search instructing means for instructing to search for another information processing device, and a display section for displaying information, and activates the search instructing means at time intervals according to a predetermined rule using the timer. An optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and an optical signal from another information processing device that responds to the optical signal is received by the light receiving device, and the optical communication control unit and the communication are possible. Dress Particular and manages the other information processing apparatus in response by the management unit, to notify the another communicable information processing apparatus on the display unit, further,
(2) A light emitting device for transmitting spatial optical communication, a light receiving device for receiving spatial optical communication, an optical communication control unit for controlling both devices, and a response unit for an optical signal received through the light receiving device are provided. The optical signal emitted by the other information processing device is received by the light receiving device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and the data including the identifier of the other information processing device is received by the response unit of the optical communication control unit. Transmitting through a light emitting device under control, or (3) a light emitting device for transmitting spatial optical communication, a light receiving device for receiving spatial optical communication, an optical communication control unit for controlling both devices, and In the communicable device management unit, a communicable device management unit for searching for another information processing device capable of transmission and reception and communication, a communicable device management unit Of the information processing device, a display unit for displaying information, a response unit for the optical signal received through the light receiving device, and a predetermined rule using the timer. The search instruction means is activated at different time intervals, an optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and an optical signal from another information processing device that responds to the optical signal is received by the light receiving device. The optical communication control unit and the communicable device management unit specify and manage another information processing device that responds, and the optical signal emitted by the other information processing device is received by the optical communication control unit under the control of the optical signal. A device receives the response of the identifier of the other information processing apparatus by the response means through the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit; To are those characterized by (4) (1) or (3) in, it is started by the search instruction means predetermined time interval and instructions in accordance with the rules.

[0009]

The information processing apparatus of the present invention having the above structure is
(1) The light emitting device transmits spatial optical communication, the light receiving device receives spatial optical communication, and both devices are controlled by the optical communication control unit. The communicable device management unit transmits / receives data and searches for another information processing device capable of communication. The timer is activated at the time determined by the timer, and the search instructing means instructs the communicable device management unit to search for another information processing device. In addition, information is displayed on the display unit. The search instruction means is driven at a time interval according to a predetermined rule using the timer, an optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and another information processing device that responds to the optical signal is transmitted. Of the optical signal is received by the light-receiving device, the optical communication control unit and the other communication-enabled device management unit identify and manage the other information processing device, and the display unit is notified of the other information processing device with which communication is possible. . (2) Further, the light receiving device receives an optical signal emitted from another information processing device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and the response unit receives data including the identifier of the other information processing device under the control of the optical communication control unit. Send through the light emitting device. (3) Using the timer, the search instruction means is driven at time intervals according to a predetermined rule, an optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and other information processing responding to the optical signal is performed. The optical signal from the device is received by the light receiving device, the optical communication control unit and the communicable device management unit identify and manage the other information processing device that responds, and the optical signal emitted by the other information processing device The light receiving device receives the signal under the control of the communication control unit, and the response unit responds to the identifier of the other information processing apparatus through the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit. Further, (4) the search instructing means is activated by a user's instruction at a time interval according to a predetermined rule.

[0010]

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the outline of an information processing device according to the present invention. In the figure, 11a is an information processing device (A), 11b is an information processing device (B), 12 is search data, and 13 is Response data, 14 (14a, 14b) is a light emitting device, and 15 (15a, 15b) is a light receiving device.

The information processing apparatus 11a regularly retrieves the search data 1 including the identifier of the information processing apparatus 11a created by the communicable apparatus management unit when receiving an instruction from the user.
2 from the light emitting device 14a through the optical communication control unit,
The information is transmitted to the light receiving device 15b of the other information processing device 11b. The other information processing device 11b that has received the search data 12 by the light receiving device 15b has the information processing device 11a and the other information processing device 11 in the optical communication control unit.
The response data 13 including the identifier of “b” is created, and the information processing apparatus 1 is operated by the light emitting device 14b through the optical communication control unit.
1a to the light receiving device 15a.

In the information processing device 11a, the optical data transmitted by the other information processing device 11b is transmitted to the light receiving device 15a.
If it can be received, the communicable device management unit determines that it can communicate with another information processing device 11b, and displays the information on the display unit to notify the user. Here, the identifier of the information processing device 11a must be included in the search data 12 of the information processing device 11a and the response data 13 of the other information processing device 11b corresponding thereto.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a range in which the light emitted by the light emitting device of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be received.
Reference numeral 11c is an information processing apparatus (C), 16a is a range in which light emitted from a light emitting device of the information processing apparatus (A) can be received, 16
1b shows a range where the light emitting device of the information processing apparatus (B) can receive the light emitted, 16c shows a range where the light emitting device of the information processing apparatus (C) can receive the light emitted, and FIG.
The same reference numerals are attached to the parts having the same functions as.

Information processing device 11a and information processing device 11c
And a space in which the other information processing device 11b is placed,
In the case of the information processing apparatus 11a, the range in which the light emitted from the light emitting device of each information processing apparatus can be normally received is
A range 16c is shown for the information processing apparatus 11c, and a range 16b is shown for the information processing apparatus 11b. In such a situation, after the information processing device 11a transmits the search data 12, the information processing device 11c transmits the search data 12
When the information processing device 11a transmits the response, the information processing device 11a receives the response data 13 from the other information processing device 11b, which originally cannot receive the light, that is, the data cannot be transmitted, and the information processing device 11a mistakenly receives another information processing device. 11b is determined to be communicable. Therefore, the information processing device 11a puts its own identifier in the search data 12 and the other information processing device 11b stores the information processing device 11a in the response data 13.
Send including the identifier. When the information processing device 11a receives the response data 13, the response data 13 is received.
The communicable device management unit checks whether the same identifier is included in the identifier. Then, it is determined that communication is possible only when the same identifier as its own is included.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 21 is a communicable device management unit, 22 is a search instruction means, 23 is a display unit, and 24 is a display unit.
Is a timer, 25 is an optical communication controller, and other parts having the same operations as in FIG.

The light emitting device 14 and the light receiving device 15 are connected to the optical communication controller 25. Further, the optical communication control unit 25 is connected to the communicable device management unit 21. The communicable device management unit 21 is also connected to the search instruction unit 22 and the display unit 23. The search instructing means 22 is connected to the timer 24, is activated by the timer 24, and has means for setting the timer 24.

The light emitting device 14 transmits spatial optical communication, the light receiving device 15 receives spatial optical communication, and the optical communication control unit 25 controls both devices. The communicable device management unit 21 transmits and receives data and searches for another communicable information processing device 11b. Timer 24
The search instructing unit 22 instructs the communicable device management unit 21 to search for another information processing device 11b. Further, the display unit 23 displays information.

The search instruction means 22 is driven at a time interval according to a predetermined rule by using the timer 24, and an optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device 14 under the control of the optical communication control section 25 and responds to the optical signal. The light receiving device 15 receives the optical signal from the other information processing device 11b, and the other information processing device 11b responding by the optical communication control unit 25 and the communicable device management unit 21 is specified and managed, and communication is possible. The other information processing device 11b is displayed on the display unit 23.
To notify. In this case, the search instruction means 22 is activated by a user's instruction at time intervals according to a predetermined rule.

Further, the light receiving device 15 receives the optical signal emitted by the other information processing apparatus 11b under the control of the optical communication control section 25, and the identifier of the other information processing apparatus 11b is received by the response means. It responds through the light emitting device 14 under the control of 25. In this case, the search instruction means 22 is activated by the user's instruction at time intervals according to a predetermined rule.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the inside of a room in which the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is installed. In the figure, 31 is a file server, 32 is a personal computer, 33 is a printer, 34 is a room,
Reference numeral 35 is a terminal device. Terminal device 3 which is an information processing device
It is assumed that a person with 5 enters the room 34. The terminal device 35 uses the light emitting device 14 by the search instruction means 22 to transmit data for searching for another information processing device capable of optical communication with itself. The light receiving device 15 receives the light emitted by the other information processing apparatus that has returned a response within a certain period of time, and the communicable apparatus management unit 21 checks the type of the other information processing apparatus that has returned the response, and outputs the information. It is managed and displayed on the display unit 23.

The above procedure will be described in detail below. When the power is turned on and when the power is reset, it is started at time intervals according to a predetermined rule. Alternatively, the communicable device management unit 21 creates search data for checking an information processing device capable of optical communication by the search instruction unit 22 activated by a user's operation, and sends it to the optical communication control unit 25. The optical communication control unit 25 transmits the data by modulating it based on the sent search data and turning on the light emitting device 14.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the format of the search data. In the figure, 41 is a code meaning a search request, and 42 is a code.
Is a code indicating the type of device on the search request side, and 43 is an identifier of the device on the search request side. In the room 34 shown in FIG. 4,
A file server 31, which is an information processing device capable of optical communication, a personal computer 32, and a printer 33 are placed.
When the file server 31, the personal computer 32, and the printer 33 respectively receive the search data transmitted by the terminal device 35, each transmits response data to the terminal device 35. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the format of the response data, in which 51 is a code indicating a response, 52 is a code indicating the type of device on the response side, and 53 is an identifier of the device on the response side.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 61 is a printing apparatus, 62 is a response program, 63 is a microprocessor, and others.
Portions having the same functions as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.
Further, the light receiving device 15 receives an optical signal emitted by another information processing apparatus 11b under the control of the optical communication control unit 25,
The response means transmits the identifier of the other information processing device 11b through the light emitting device 14 under the control of the optical communication controller 25. Further, the search instructing means 22 is driven at a time interval according to a predetermined rule using the timer 24,
Another information processing device 11 that emits an optical signal from the light emitting device 14 under the control of the optical communication control unit 25 and responds to the optical signal
The optical signal from b is received by the light receiving device 15, the optical communication control unit 25 and the communicable device management unit 21 identify and manage the other information processing device 11b that responds, and the other information processing device 11b emits the signal. Optical signal,
The light receiving device 15 receives it under the control of the optical communication control unit 25, and the light emitting device 14 receives the identifier of the other information processing device 11b by the response means under the control of the optical communication control unit 25.
Respond through. In this case, the search instruction means 22
However, the search instruction means 22 is activated at time intervals according to a predetermined rule and at the instruction of the user.

The printer 33 has a microprocessor 63 for the purpose of controlling the printer 61 as in the conventional printer and for executing the response program 62 stored in the memory. In this embodiment, the response means is realized by executing the response program 62 by the microprocessor 63. Further, it has an optical communication control unit 25, a light emitting device 14b, and a light receiving device 15b.

In the printer 33, the light receiving device 15
The data received in step 1 is passed to the response means via the optical communication controller 25. The response means first determines whether or not the data is search data, and the first field in FIG.
It is identified by whether or not it is (code 41 which means a search request). The meaning of the first field in FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. In this case, from the next field, the type of the information processing device on the transmission side (in this case, the portable information terminal at 82 in FIG. 9)
The information of the information processing apparatus, and the resources of the printer 33 itself (for example, discrimination of a mass storage device or a printing device,
In this case, since it is the printer 33, it is determined whether the printer is available, and if it is available, the response data shown in FIG. 6 is created and sent to the optical communication controller 25. The optical communication control unit 25 modulates the transmitted response data based on the response data and causes the light emitting device 14 to emit light to transmit the data.

The terminal device 35 receives the response data at the light receiving device 15. The data is passed to the communicable device management unit 21 through the optical communication control unit 25. The communicable device management unit 21 first determines whether the data is response data. This determination is made based on whether the first field in FIG. 6 is 02 (code 51 meaning response). Next, it is determined whether the received response data is data addressed to itself. In this determination, if the “identifier on the search request side” 43 in FIG. 6 and the own identifier match, it can be determined that the data is addressed to itself.

That is, in this embodiment, it can be seen that the data is response data to the search data transmitted by itself. After the determination, the “response-side device identifier” 53 in FIG. 6 is checked to recognize the information processing device capable of optical communication. In this embodiment, all three devices, that is, the file server 31, the personal computer 32, and the printer 33, send the response data, and this is the terminal device 35.
If it can be received at, it is understood that optical communication with these three information processing devices in the room 34 is possible. Further, by including the information processing device type information in the response data as in “code indicating the device type on the response side” 52 in FIG. 6, it is possible to determine the type of the information processing device capable of optical communication. You can "Code indicating the type of device on the response side" 5
2 can be set as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

Next, the communicable device management unit 21 of the terminal device 35 causes the display unit 23 to display a device capable of optical communication, and notifies the user of the device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit, in which 71 is an icon indicating a printer, 72 is an icon indicating a personal computer, and 73 is an icon indicating a file server. That is, the icon 71
Means a printer 33, an icon 72 means a personal computer 32, and an icon 73 means a file server 31. By displaying the icons as shown in FIG. 7, optical communication with these three information processing devices is possible. Not only is it shown that the user can know what kind of device these information processing devices are.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the communicable device management unit of the mobile terminal. Less than,
Each step (S) will be described in turn. First, it is judged whether the optical communication function is in use (S1), and if it is in use, the next search start time is set (S13). If it is not in use, then the search data is created (S2). ), And transmits the search data (S3). Next, set the timeout (S
4), ready to receive (S5). It is determined whether or not it has timed out (S6). If it has timed out, the device that has not responded among the registered devices is deleted (S7), and the next search start time is set (S13). .

If the time has not expired, it is judged whether or not the data has arrived (S8). If the data has not arrived, the process returns to the step S5. If the data has arrived, then it is determined whether the data is for itself. Judge (S9). If the data is not addressed to itself, the process returns to step S5. If the data is addressed to itself, then it is determined whether it is response data (S10), and if it is response data, it is registered in a communicable device ( S1
1) The process returns to S5, and if it is not the response data, a process unique to the data is performed (S12) and the process returns to S5.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the response means of the printer. Hereinafter, each step (S) will be described in order. First, receive the data (S
21), it is determined whether the data is search data (S22). If it is the search data, then the response data is created (S23) and the response data is transmitted (S24).
Return to 21. If the data is not the search data in S22, a process unique to the data is performed (S25), and the process returns to S21.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus that makes a response to another information device such as a laptop computer or requests a response by itself. Hereinafter, each step (S) will be described in order. First, determine whether it is the search start time (S3
1) If it is the search start time, then it is determined whether the optical communication function is being used (S32). If it is in use, the next search start time is set (S44). If it is not in use, search data is created (S33) and the search data is transmitted (S34). Next, a timeout is set (S35), and the system is ready for reception (S36). Next, it is judged whether or not the time is out (S37). If the time is not out, it is judged whether or not the data has arrived (S38). If the data has not arrived, the process returns to S36 and the data arrives. If it is, then it is determined whether the data is for itself (S3
9). If the data is not addressed to itself, the process returns to step S36. If the data is addressed to itself, it is determined whether the data is for response (S40). If the data is not for response, a process unique to the data is performed (S41). , And returns to S36. If it is response data, it is registered in the communicable device (S42), and the process returns to S36.

If the time-out occurs in S37, the device that has not responded among the registered devices is deleted (S43), and the next search start time is set (S4).
4) Return to in the figure. If it is not the search start time in S31, it is judged whether or not the data has arrived next (S45), and if it has not arrived, the process returns to S31, and if it has arrived, the data is received (S46). Next, it is judged whether or not it is the search data (S47), and if it is the search data, the response data is created (S48), the response data is transmitted (S49), and the process returns to in the figure. If it is not the search data in S47, a process unique to the data is performed (S5
0), return to in the figure.

The search instruction means is activated at "a time interval according to a predetermined rule". More specifically, it is realized by setting the next search start time in the timer 24 at the end of the search. The "time interval according to a predetermined rule" may be a fixed time interval, but in view of the nature of the portable information device driven by a battery, the position where the device is placed frequently moves, for example, the following method It is desirable to specify in. That is, the search instruction means is activated at intervals of 30 seconds at first, but if the device determined to be usable as the result of the search is the same as the device obtained in the previous search, the search is continued until the next search. The time interval of is doubled, but an upper limit of 10 minutes is set at the longest.

If the result of the previous search is different,
The interval until the next search is set to 30 seconds again. According to such a procedure, it is possible to perform frequent search in a situation where movement is frequent and available devices are changed, and it is possible to reduce energy consumption required for the search in a situation where movement is not performed. It is needless to say that the numerical values of 30 seconds, 2 times, and 10 minutes shown here are not meant to be limited and can be changed to appropriate numerical values depending on the situation and battery capacity.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for determining the search interval for activating the search instruction means. Hereinafter, each step will be described in order. It should be noted that this flowchart describes in detail the steps of “setting the next search start time” in FIGS. 11 to 14. First, compare the previous search result with this search result (S5
1), it is determined whether the comparison results are the same (S52). If they are not the same, the search interval is set to the lower limit (S53), and the time to start the next search is set (S54). If the comparison result is the same in S52, the search interval is set to (search interval × 2) (S55). Next, it is determined whether or not the search interval is larger than the upper limit (S56), and if No, the process proceeds to S54, and if Yes, the search interval is set as the upper limit (S57), and the process proceeds to S54.

When a plurality of devices simultaneously transmit optical data, they may interfere with each other and correct communication may not be possible. Although omitted in the above description, it was disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,661,902 (Apr. 28, 1987) and US Pat. No. 5,231, 634 (Jul. 27, 1993). Like the invention, RTS
(Request To Send) / CTS (Clear To Send)
It can be avoided by the protocol using.

Further, in a relay device having a function of connecting to a conventional wired communication network (for example, Ethernet, token ring, etc.) and an optical communication function, the device converts the optical data into wired data, By providing the equivalent response means in the device connected by wire, the equivalent communicable device search means can be used even for the device in the place where the light does not reach.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state of performing relay with a wired network. In the figure, 81 is a repeater, 82 is a wired network, and other parts having the same operations as those in FIG. I am doing it. A personal computer 32 and a repeater 81 are installed in the room 34, and a file server 31 and a printer 33 are installed in a place different from the room 34. The file server 31 and the printer 33 are connected to the wired network 82.
And is connected to the repeater 81. The repeater 81 has an optical communication function and a conventional wired communication function (for example, Ethernet network or token ring), and has a function of relaying data between the light and the wired network 82.

In such a case, the repeater 81 need only transmit the data received by the light receiving device to the wired network and emit the response obtained from the information equipment connected on the wired network to the space through the light emitting device. . The response means of the file server 31 and the printer 33 on the wired network may be the same as the response means of the optical network. If the information is displayed on the display unit 23 immediately after the search, the user can know the information processing apparatus that constitutes the ever-changing network.

[0041]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in a situation where wireless communication such as optical communication is performed,
Even when the information processing device itself can move and is used, or when the connection is not stable due to the influence of obstacles, etc. The information processing device with which communication is possible can be easily known. Further, there is an effect that the current network status can be more accurately grasped by activating the search instructing means in response to an instruction from the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining an outline of an information processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a range in which light emitted by a light emitting device of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be received.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram for explaining an embodiment of an information processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the inside of a room in which an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is installed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a format of search data according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a format of response data in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of another embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a code of the meaning of data in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing codes of the types of information processing apparatuses according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example in the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the communicable device management unit of the mobile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the response means of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart (No. 1) for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart (part 2) for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for determining a search interval for activating a search instruction means according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a situation of performing relay with a wired network in the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11a ... Information processing device (A), 11b ... Information processing device (B), 11c ... Information processing device (C), 12 ... Search data, 13 ... Response data, 14 (14a, 14b) ...
Light emitting device, 15 (15a, 15b) ... Light receiving device, 16a ... Range capable of receiving light emitted by the light emitting device of information processing apparatus (A), 16b ... Range capable of receiving light emitted by the light emitting device of information processing apparatus (B) , 16c ... Range in which light emitted by the light emitting device of the information processing device (C) can be received, 21 ... Communication enabled device management section, 22 ... Search instruction means,
23 ... Display unit, 24 ... Timer, 25 ... Optical communication control unit.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A light emitting device for transmitting spatial optical communication, a light receiving device for receiving spatial optical communication, an optical communication control unit for controlling the both devices, and other information processing capable of transmitting / receiving data and communicating. A communicable device management unit for searching a device, a timer activated at a predetermined time,
It has a search instruction means for instructing the communicable device management unit to search for another information processing device, and a display unit for displaying information, at a time interval according to a predetermined rule using the timer. The search instruction means is activated, an optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and an optical signal from another information processing device that responds to the optical signal is received by the light receiving device, An information processing apparatus, which identifies and manages another information processing apparatus that has responded by a communication control section and the communicable apparatus management section, and notifies the display section of another communicable information processing apparatus. 2. A light emitting device for transmitting spatial optical communication, a light receiving device for receiving spatial optical communication, an optical communication control unit for controlling both of the devices, and a response unit for an optical signal received through the light receiving device. The optical signal emitted by the other information processing device is received by the light receiving device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and the data including the identifier of the other information processing device is controlled by the response means by the optical communication control. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is transmitted through a light emitting device under the control of the unit. 3. A light emitting device for transmitting spatial optical communication, a light receiving device for receiving spatial optical communication, an optical communication control unit for controlling both devices, and other information processing capable of transmitting / receiving data and communicating. A communicable device management unit for searching a device, a timer activated at a predetermined time,
The communication-enabled device management unit includes a search instruction unit that gives an instruction to search for another information processing device, a display unit that displays information, and a response unit that responds to an optical signal received through a light receiving device. The search instruction means is activated at time intervals according to a predetermined rule using, an optical signal is emitted from the light emitting device under the control of the optical communication control unit, and another information processing device that responds to the optical signal is transmitted from the information processing apparatus. An optical signal is received by the light receiving device, the optical communication control unit and the communicable device management unit identify and manage the other information processing device that responds, and the optical signal emitted by the other information processing device is transmitted by the optical device. The light receiving device receives the signal under the control of the communication control unit, and the identifier of the other information processing device is received by the response unit under the control of the optical communication control unit. The information processing apparatus characterized by responding through. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search instruction means is activated by a time interval and an instruction according to a predetermined rule.