JP2003006248A - Data processor, server unit, network system, display processing method, computer program, and computer readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a layout map of a network more convenient, for instance in office layout change to enable simply determine on the layout map whether a device can be installed at a desired place or not. SOLUTION: In a data processor connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, a layout map indicating an icon of a device on a network is formed and displayed on an image display device. Responding to operation on the layout map, it is decided whether or not other devices can be installed at the installation location of desired device in comparison with sizes of both devices. For example, when an icon of a printer E is dragged and dropped to the location where the icon of a scanner I is arranged, the sizes of both devices are compared based on a value inputted in advance, and if the size of the printer E is larger, it is decided that the replacement is not possible and an error message is displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, a data processing device connected to the network, a server device, a display processing method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Under the recent network system environment, with the spread of peripheral devices such as personal computers (PCs), printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc., image data is read to digitize documents and edit the documents. The need for printing is increasing. Further, networks such as LAN have become widespread, and there is an increasing need for sharing printers, modems, and image reading devices on the networks. By sharing peripheral devices such as printers and scanners on the network, it is possible to reduce costs and minimize the number of installation locations.

Conventionally, when deciding the layout of an office or the like in the above network system environment,
Humans made decisions based on the size of each device, such as which printer should be placed where and which scanner should be placed.

Further, there is an application for displaying the connection state on the screen by an icon or the like in order to effectively use the device which is set to be shared on the network in the above network system environment. Usually, the order is often uniquely determined by the machine name, address, etc., and it is difficult to find the device you are using. It is proposed to create a layout map.

Also, in the above network system environment, when a large number of peripheral devices are connected on the network, it becomes difficult to understand the necessary peripheral devices, and the connection of those peripheral devices is difficult. Since information and the like are displayed for each type of peripheral device, it is necessary to check the connection status of each peripheral device each time, which complicates the operation and deteriorates the work efficiency. Furthermore, when checking the status, all the peripheral devices on the network must be checked, which may burden the network and increase processing time.

Therefore, when the system configuration is displayed in the layout map, the normal display and the favorite display are instructed to be switched, and each desired data processing device is selected and displayed as a favorite candidate from each data processing device displayed as a whole in the normal display. There is a technique to do. This makes it possible to visually understand the changing system environment in response to any request to grasp the entire system configuration and its operation status, or the favorite device configuration and operation status registered by each user. It can be easily presented, and the recognizability of the system environment can be significantly improved. In addition, as the visibility of the system environment improves, it is possible to efficiently use each connected peripheral device and other data processing device, making it possible to efficiently perform various data processing operations using the entire system environment or favorite system environment. Can be done on a regular basis. Furthermore, since the favorite information managed by another data processing device can be acquired and loaded on the favorite display screen of the own device and the favorite system environment for each user can be recognized, When the user moves to another data processing device to perform data processing and uses the system device, he or she can operate the intended device with the same operation as the operating environment of the own device. In addition, the system environment customized for each user in another data processing device can be reflected in the other data processing device, and the device registration work required when displaying the same environment as a favorite is greatly reduced. You can control your favorite environment easily and easily.

[0007]

However, in the case where the layout of the office is changed, it is a very troublesome task for a human to compare the size of each device and the size of the candidate for the storage location. Will end up. Further, the result of the determination once cannot be utilized for the next layout change, which causes a troublesome work each time the layout is changed.

Further, when many peripheral devices are connected to the network, it becomes very complicated to create a layout map in consideration of the physical position, errors occur frequently, and work efficiency deteriorates. There was a problem.

Further, when using the already created favorite display (selection display), it can be used by a very simple operation, but when creating a new favorite display, on the contrary, it is very difficult. Many operations and settings were required, which placed a burden on the user. further,
In order to improve the visibility, which is one of the merits, when creating the favorite display based on the actual arrangement of the data processing device, not only the information as the data processing device but also the setting form, the size of the installation, etc. Has to be confirmed by the user, which may be a burden on the user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to make the layout map of the network more convenient. Specifically, it is an object to make it easy to determine whether or not a device can be installed at a desired place when the layout of an office is changed. Another object is to be able to provide a layout map that takes physical positions into consideration. It is also intended to be able to support the creation of a layout map according to the actual layout.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a data processing device of the present invention is a data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and displays the devices on the network. A layout map display means for creating a layout map to be displayed on the image display device, a size acquisition means for acquiring the size of the equipment on the network, and a desired equipment installation according to the operation on the layout map. It is characterized in that it is provided with a judging means for judging whether or not another device can be installed at a place by comparing the sizes of both devices.

In the data processing apparatus as described above, it is possible to determine whether or not another device on the network can be installed at a desired device installation location by operating the layout map. , It can be useful for changing office layout.

Further, another data processing device of the present invention is a data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein an icon of a registered device among the plurality of devices on the network is displayed. It is characterized in that it is provided with an icon display means for displaying on the image display device, and an image display means for displaying another image so as to be superimposed on the display by the icon display means.

In the data processing apparatus as described above, for example, by displaying the icon of the network device registered together with the image of the desk or the chair (selection display), the layout map considering the physical position is provided. be able to. Furthermore, the icons of all the devices on the network are displayed in a list (list display), and the operation to move the icons between the selection display and the list display is performed to perform registration to be displayed in the selection display and its registration. If it can be released, the layout map can be easily edited. Also, when editing the layout map, if it is determined that the icon of the device moved to the selection display side does not overlap with the image of the desk or the like, and vice versa, the physical position can be determined. It is possible to easily edit the layout map in consideration.

Further, another data processing device of the present invention is a data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and acquires information on the devices on the network, and based on the information. It is characterized in that it is provided with an icon arrangement display means for automatically arranging icons of each device and displaying them on the image display device, and an image display means for displaying another image on the display by the icon display means.

In the data processing apparatus as described above, icons of the respective devices are automatically arranged according to whether the devices on the network are, for example, a device placed on the desk or a device placed outside the desk. Since it is displayed and an image of a desk or the like is displayed over the icon, it is possible to support the layout map creation according to the actual arrangement.

The network system of the present invention is a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and the predetermined data processing device on the network creates an image display device by creating a layout map for displaying the devices on the network. Layout map display means for displaying on the network, size acquisition means for acquiring the size of the equipment on the network, and whether other equipment can be installed at the desired equipment installation location according to the operation on the layout map. It is characterized in that it is provided with a judging means for judging whether or not the size of both devices is checked.

Further, another network system of the present invention is a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and the predetermined data processing device on the network is registered among the plurality of devices on the network. Icon display means for displaying the device icon on the image display device,
The present invention is characterized in that it comprises an image display means for displaying another image on top of the display by the icon display means.

Further, another network system of the present invention is a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and a predetermined data processing device on the network obtains information on the devices on the network, It is characterized in that it is provided with an icon arrangement display means for automatically arranging icons of respective devices based on information and displaying them on the image display device, and an image display means for displaying another image superimposed on the display by the icon display means. Have.

The display processing method of the present invention is a display processing method for performing a display for supporting a layout change of the network environment on an image display device using a data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected. There
A layout map display procedure for creating a layout map for displaying devices on the network and displaying the layout map on the image display device, a size acquisition procedure for acquiring the size of the devices on the network, and an operation on the layout map. Accordingly, it is characterized in that it has a determination procedure for determining whether or not another device can be installed at a desired device installation location by comparing the sizes of both devices.

Further, another display processing method of the present invention is a display processing method for displaying on an image display device by using a data processing device on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected. Of the registered devices among the above devices, the icon display procedure for displaying the icon of the registered device on the image display device, and the image display procedure for displaying another image superimposed on the display according to the icon display procedure. .

Another display processing method of the present invention is a display processing method for displaying on an image display device by using a data processing device on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and the device on the network. An image for displaying the image according to the above-mentioned icon display procedure and an image for displaying another image on the image display device by automatically arranging the icons of the respective devices based on the information It is characterized by having a display procedure.

The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for performing a display for supporting a layout change of the network environment on an image display device using a computer connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected. Depending on the layout map display process of creating a layout map for displaying devices on the network and displaying it on the image display device, the size acquisition process of acquiring the size of the devices on the network, and the operation on the layout map. Then, the computer is made to perform a determination process of determining whether or not another device can be installed at a desired device installation location by comparing the sizes of both devices.

Another computer program of the present invention is a computer program for displaying on an image display device by using a computer on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and among the plurality of devices on the network. The computer is characterized by causing the computer to execute an icon display process of displaying an icon of a registered device on the image display device and an image display process of displaying another image on the display by the icon display process.

Further, another computer program of the present invention is a computer program for displaying on an image display device using a computer on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and obtains information on the devices on the network. Then, an icon arrangement display process of automatically arranging icons of each device based on the information and displaying them on the image display device, and an image display process of displaying another image on the display by the icon display process. It is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, a data processing device, a server device, a network system of the present invention,
Embodiments of a display processing method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium will be described.

The first to fifth embodiments described below are as follows:
When the office layout is changed, it is possible to easily determine on the layout map whether another device can be installed at a desired device installation location.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system. In the figure,
Reference numeral 151 is a printer A, and 152 is a printer A and a PC.
A signal line connecting A, 153 is a network 178
PC A connected to. 154 is a scanner B, 155 is a signal line connecting the scanner B and the PC B, and 156 is a PC B connected to the network 178.
Is. Similarly, 157, 163, 165, 170, 1
76 is a printer C, E, F, H, J, 160, 1
67, 173 are scanners D, G, I, and 158, 1
61, 168, 171, 174 are signal lines, and
9, 162, 164, 166, 169, 172, 17
5, 177 are PC C to PC J.

FIG. 2 shows how each device of the system shown in FIG. 1 is laid out in an office. 4 to 7 are diagrams showing an example of the user interface according to the present embodiment, and represent the present invention in the simplest form. These graphical user interfaces can be displayed on any computer that can communicate with the device through the network configuration shown in FIG. That is, PC A in FIG.
~ It can be displayed on any of PC J.

In this user interface, a layout map is constructed which faithfully reproduces the office layout shown in FIG. On this user interface, the user considers whether or not the device can be actually installed by dragging and dropping the icon of the desired device with the mouse. The control is performed through the network as shown in FIG. Be seen.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the processing in this embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart may be performed on a PC on which the user interface shown in FIG. 4 is displayed, or may be performed only on another PC. On the graphical user interface shown in FIG. 4, the user inputs the size of each peripheral device in advance (step S1). FIG. 5 shows a state in which the size input field is displayed on the user interface. As shown in the figure, when a peripheral device (printer E in the figure) is designated, an input field for inputting the size of the device is displayed.

When the user considers replacement of the peripheral device, the user may drag and drop the mouse cursor as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the icon of the printer E is displayed on the user interface by the scanner I.
When the icon is moved to the place where the icon is placed (step S2), the processing computer inputs the dragged peripheral device (printer E) and the drop destination peripheral device (scanner I) in advance by the user. The sizes are compared based on the values (step S3).

As a result of comparing the sizes of both peripheral devices,
If the size of the dragged peripheral device (printer E) is larger (step S4), it is determined that replacement is impossible, and an error message is displayed as shown in FIG. 7 (step S5).

In the embodiment described above, if the size of the device is set in advance, the user can consider whether or not the device can be replaced by a simple operation such as drag and drop on the layout map. it can.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example in which the size of the device is input in advance has been described. However, when the drag & drop operation occurs,
The computer may inquire of the device about the size. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart showing the processing in the system of the second embodiment. Note that FIG.
The same processes as those in the flowchart in FIG. As shown in the figure, when a drag and drop operation occurs (step S2), the computer inquires the size of each peripheral device (step S7), and based on the information, the size of both peripheral devices is checked. A comparison is made (step S3).

In the above-described embodiment, the computer inquires the peripheral device about the size, so that the user can replace the device by a simple operation such as drag and drop on the layout map without performing a preliminary process. You can consider whether it is possible.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system. In the figure,
The same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this example, network 1
The system 78 differs from the system shown in FIG. 1 in that it is connected to the Web server 181 via the router 179 and the Internet 180.

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart showing the processing in the system of the third embodiment. The processing is almost the same as the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 except that the computer inquires the device not on the size but on the type of the device. That is, when a drag and drop operation occurs (step S2), the computer inquires of each device about the device type (step S8), and inquires the Web server 181 about the size of the device of that type (step S8). In step S9), the sizes of both peripheral devices are compared based on the information (step S3).

In the above-described embodiment, each device is inquired about only the type, and the Web server 181 actually has detailed information about the device, so that the devices on the network can be added with minimum functions. There is an advantage. Alternatively, if the device already has a function of responding to the type, software for exerting the function of the present embodiment is added to each computer without changing the device, and the Web server 181 is added. The function as in this embodiment can be added only by providing the size information. Then, the user can examine whether the device can be replaced by a simple operation such as drag and drop on the layout map without performing any preliminary processing.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, not only the replacement of already existing devices but also the replacement of a new device can be considered. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface according to the present embodiment, which is displayed by one of the client computers in the network configuration shown in FIG. In the figure, two windows are displayed on the user interface. That is, an office layout window displaying the same layout map as in the first to third embodiments and a new product Web window. The new product Web window is the so-called Web
It is a browser and plays a role of downloading and displaying new product information from the Web server 181.

When the user drags and drops the icon of the desired peripheral device from the new product Web window to the office layout window, the computer that executes the process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 regarding the dragged new model and the peripheral device of the drop destination. Perform the processing shown. Here, the computer displaying the user interface and the computer performing the processing may be the same or different.

In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the computer that performs the process determines whether both the dragged device and the drop destination device are peripheral devices, that is, whether or not the peripheral device replacement is under consideration (step S10), and if so, first, the size of the drag source selected by the user, that is, the size of the new model to be replaced is downloaded (step S11).

Next, the computer inquires of the peripheral device itself about the type of the peripheral device at the drop destination, that is, the one originally placed (step S12). Then, the Web server 181 is inquired about the size of the peripheral device for that type (step S13), the sizes of the two devices are compared (step S14), and the new model to be replaced is better than the peripheral device originally placed. If the size is too large (step S15), an error message is displayed (step S16). FIG. 13 shows an example of the error message displayed at this time.

In the above-described embodiment, by connecting the Web browser and the office layout display,
The user can easily perform not only the replacement of devices already existing in the office but also the replacement of a new device that does not exist without worrying about the size.

(Fifth Embodiment) The flow chart of FIG. 14 shows the processing on the client computer connected to the local network among the computers of the network shown in FIG. It can be done on any computer in the network. Further, this processing may be performed by the same computer as the computer displaying the user interface or may be performed by another computer.

When the user selects a peripheral device by clicking the mouse (step S18), the computer inquires the device type of the device (step S19), and asks the Web server 181 for the peripheral device type. Is uploaded (step S20).

On the side of the Web server 181, a new model having the same size as or a small size of the peripheral device is searched from the database and transmitted to the client computer, so that the client computer downloads it (step S21). The list is displayed on the client computer (step S22), and the user can select the same type of device that can be installed in the same space from the list. FIG. 15 shows an example of a user interface according to the fifth embodiment.
When the user double-clicks on the device, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is executed, and a list is displayed as shown in FIG.

The flowchart of FIG. 16 shows the Web server 1
The processing on the 81 side is shown. When there is access from the client computer (step S24), the Web server 18
1 receives the type of peripheral device from the client (step S25), and finds the size of the peripheral device of that type from the data included in itself (step S26). Then, based on the size, a new model smaller than the size, that is, a replacement candidate is searched from the data (step S27), and the replacement candidate list is transmitted to the client computer (step S28).

In the above-described embodiment, the size is checked in advance and the replacement candidates are displayed in a list so that the user can select which new model to replace without paying attention to the size.

The sixth embodiment described below is capable of providing a layout map of a device in consideration of the physical position. (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware configuration example of a data processing device. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a system bus, and each constituent block to be described below is connected to the system bus 1. 2 is a CPU. Reference numeral 3 is a program memory (hereinafter referred to as PMEM), which selects / reads a program for this processing from the hard disk 10 as appropriate,
Execute in U2. Further, the data input from the keyboard 12 is stored as code information in the PMEM which is also a text memory.

A communication control unit 4 controls input / output data at the communication port 5. The signal output from the communication port 5 is transmitted to the communication port of another device on the network 7 via the communication line 6. Network 7
The communication with the printer and the image reading device shared above is performed via the communication control unit 4. Also,
Although a network such as a LAN is described in the present embodiment, it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable even if the communication port 5 and the communication line 6 connected to the communication control unit 4 are general public lines.

Reference numeral 8 is an external storage device control unit. 9, 10
Is a disk for data files, for example, 9 is a flexible disk (hereinafter referred to as FD), and 10 is a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD).

Reference numeral 11 is an input control unit, which is a keyboard 1
2, an input device such as a mouse 13 is connected. Reference numeral 12 is a keyboard, and the operator operates the keyboard 12 to issue operation commands of the system. Reference numeral 13 is a pointing device (hereinafter, referred to as PD) for instructing processing of image information on the CRT 16. Here, a mouse is used, whereby the cursor on the CRT 16 can be arbitrarily moved in the X and Y directions. In addition to moving and selecting a command icon on the command menu to give an instruction for processing, it also gives an instruction for editing, an instruction for a drawing position, and the like.

14 is a video image memory (hereinafter,
It is called VRAM). Reference numeral 15 is a display output control unit. Reference numeral 16 is a CRT, and the data displayed on the CRT 16 is expanded on the VRAM 11 as bitmap data. Reference numeral 17 denotes a printer control unit, which controls output of data to the connected printer 18. 1A
Is an image reading device control unit, which controls the connected image reading device 1B. Reference numeral 19 is an external device control unit.

The program stored in the ROM in this embodiment may be stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk (HD) or a flexible disk (FD) directly connected to the device. Further, it may be stored on another device connected to the network.

FIG. 18 shows a flow chart showing the processing in this embodiment. First, step S201
Then, the display method to be used is determined. Here, the determination is made according to the display method setting data stored in the memory or the like. There are two types of display methods: "list display" that displays all PCs and peripheral devices on the network, and "personal map display (selection display)" that displays only registered PCs or peripheral devices. .

In the "personal map display", in order to explicitly express the physical position of the device, the image selected or created by the user is displayed so as to be superimposed on the display of the device. Here, the registration information stored in the memory is read out, and information such as the connection status and the usage status of those devices is acquired. In the “list display”, acquisition display processing is performed for all PCs and peripheral devices on the network, whereas in the “personal map display” processing is performed only for registered PCs or peripheral devices.

When the personal map display setting is not made in step S201, the normal list display setting is made,
The process proceeds to step S202. Here, information such as connection status and usage status of all PCs and peripheral devices on the network is acquired. Then, based on the acquired information, icons representing all PCs and peripheral devices are displayed on the screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a list display screen for displaying a list of devices connected to the network. On the list display screen, PCs connected to the network
Centered around scanners and printers connected to them,
For example, the PC names are displayed in a staircase order. Thirty
1a to 301k are toolbar icons having respective functions. 302a is an icon representing the entire network, 302b is an icon representing the domain to which it belongs, 3
02c is an icon representing the player's machine. The shape of the icon is changed depending on the device type such as PC, printer, scanner, FAX modem, and MFP. Further, since its own device is a special device, it is displayed separately from other PCs. Three
02d to 302j and other icons are P
It is an icon representing C or a peripheral device.

Various operations can be performed by operating a mouse or a key on these icons. For example, when the icon 301j is selected, the display can be switched to "individual map display". Also, by selecting the icon 301k, it is possible to switch to the personal map display edit mode.

Returning to FIG. 18, if the personal map display setting is made in step S201, step S20 is performed.
Proceed to the process of 3. Here, of the PCs and peripheral devices on the network, the information such as the connection status and the usage status of the devices registered in the personal map display is acquired. Then, an icon representing the PC or peripheral device is displayed on the screen based on the acquired information.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a personal map display screen. The personal map display screen is for selecting / registering and displaying only those that each individual wants to display from the network connection device list. In the present embodiment, an image representing an office such as a desk or a chair is displayed at the same time, so that it is possible to create a personal map screen that is a layout map that makes it easy to recognize a physical positional relationship. 401a to 401k are toolbar icons each having a function. For example, icon 401j
By selecting, the display can be switched to "list display". Also, by selecting the icon 401k, it is possible to switch to the personal map display edit mode.

The personal map display screen has a function of displaying an image in the back of the layout drawing in addition to the device layout. This image may be a ready-made image or an image created by the user. In the present embodiment, in order to display the physical image of the office, it is possible to display an image of a desk or a chair, 403a is an image representing the desk, and 403b is an image representing the chair.

Returning to FIG. 18, in step S204,
Whether or not to edit the personal map screen is selected. Editing the personal map display is done by selecting an item from the menu or the tool icon 401k.

When the personal map display edit is instructed in step S204, the process proceeds to step S205.
The data of the PC or peripheral equipment registered in the personal map display is read from the stored data and displayed in the upper part of the window. In addition, data such as connection status and usage status of all PCs and peripheral devices on the network are read out and simultaneously displayed in the lower part of the window.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a personal map display edit screen. 501a to 501h are toolbar icons. Reference numeral 502 is a "personal map display" window in which a PC or peripheral device registered for personal map display is displayed. Reference numeral 503 denotes a "list display" window in which all PCs and peripheral devices on the network are displayed. The boundary line between the upper stage and the lower stage can be moved up and down.

The icons in 502a to 502g and other windows 502 are icons representing PCs and peripheral devices registered in the personal map display. The method of displaying these icons is as described above. Fifty
The icons in 3a to 503g and other windows 503 are icons representing all the PCs and peripheral devices on the network. In this example, all the icons are not displayed due to screen limitations, but all the PCs and peripheral devices can be checked using the scroll bar arranged beside the screen. Also, the icons 503b and 503
As shown in d, 503e, 503f, and 503g, the icons of the PCs and peripheral devices that are already registered in the personal map display are displayed in different icon display shapes, and the registration can be confirmed.

Further, 504a is an image of the created desk parts, and 504b is an image of the placed chair parts. On this screen, it is possible to perform image editing of office parts such as desks and chairs so that the physical position is easy to understand, in addition to editing the layout of icons of PCs and peripheral devices. The desk image is drawn by selecting the function icon 501d and then specifying the position and size. The chair image is drawn by selecting the function icon 501e and then specifying the position. To edit the size of the desk and change the position of the desk / chair, each operation may be performed after selecting the function icon 501c.

505a is an MFP (Multi Function
Printer) main body icon, 505b is an icon representing a fax function of the MFP, and 505c is an icon representing a printer function.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure storing the registration information of the personal map display displayed in the upper part of FIG. 1001 is a header part. 1
001a is the number of registered PCs and peripheral devices, 100
1b is the number of image parts drawn, and 1001c is a comment.

Reference numeral 1002 is a data section. 1002a is registered device name data. 1002b is attribute data. The attribute data represents the type of the device, such as a PC, a printer, a scanner, and a FAX.
There is a modem etc. 1002c is status information.
The status information includes information such as "in use", "out of paper", and "driver not installed". 1
002d is display position information, which is screen display position information of the device. 1002e is a comment. Similarly, in the data section 1002, the device data count 1001
Data is stored by the number of registrations stored in a.

Reference numeral 1003 is a parts data section. 100
Reference numeral 3a is the type of parts being drawn, such as a desk, chair, wall, or door. 1003b is size information of parts. 1003c is the display position information of the parts.
1003d is a comment. Similarly, the parts data portion 1003 stores data for the number of registrations stored in the parts data number 1001b.

Returning to FIG. 18, in step S206,
Registers PCs and peripherals on the personal map display.
As an operation method, there is an operation using a mouse. From the list display window 503 to the personal map display window 502
By dragging and dropping each icon to, you can register the icon at the position where you release the mouse. Conversely, by dragging and dropping an icon from the personal map display window 502 to the list display window 503, the personal map display registration can be canceled.

As another operation, each window 5
Registration or cancellation can be performed by displaying a popup menu on the icons 02 and 503. It is also possible to select a device and perform registration or deletion from the menu. When the personal map display is registered by these operation methods, the icon is displayed in the personal map display window 50.
It is registered in the upper left of 2. If an icon already exists at this position, it is registered at the position that can be registered closest to that point.

FIG. 23 shows a state in which a certain PC (601) is selected and dragged from the list display window 503 to the personal map display window 502. 23, 25 to 27, the reference numerals shown in FIG. 21 are omitted. The device can be registered in the personal map display using other menus, but it is dragged and dropped at the desired position to directly specify the placement position. While dragging, the icon of the PC is displayed at the mouse position (602) and is moved and displayed as the mouse is moved.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a table defining which parts of the background image the device should overlap. 1101a is the number of data. 1101c is a comment. Reference numeral 1102a represents a device type, and an image (1102b) in which the device should overlap and an image (1102c) in which the device should not overlap are listed.

For example, at the position 602 shown in FIG.
When the icon is separated and is to be arranged, the types of images to be overlapped are detected from the table of FIG. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the table should overlap. In that case, the parts data section 1003 shown in FIG. 22 is read to check whether or not a desk exists at the position 602 (step S207).

If there is a desk, the PC icon is placed at that position, the data section 1002 is added, and the device data count 1001a is changed (step S208).
On the other hand, when there is no desk, the position of the desk data closest to the position of 602 is checked (step S209), the PC icon is arranged at that position, and the data section 1002 is added to add the device data number 1001a. Is changed (step S210).

In FIG. 25, the mouse button is released and P
The state which dropped the icon of C is shown. Here, since there is no desk at the position 602, the closest desk position is calculated and the desk is placed at the position 711 on the desk.
Note that the registered device is changed to a display indicating that it has been registered, as indicated by 712.

FIG. 26 shows a state in which an MFP 811 is selected and its icon is dragged from the list display window 503 to the personal map display window 502. The device can be registered in the personal map using other menus, but in order to directly specify the placement position, it is dragged and dropped at the desired position. During dragging, the icon of the MFP is displayed at the mouse position (812) and is moved and displayed as the mouse is moved.

For example, at position 812 shown in FIG.
When the icon of P is separated and is to be arranged, the types of images which should not overlap are detected from the table of FIG.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the table and the chair should not overlap. In that case, the parts data section 1003 is read out and it is checked whether or not a desk or chair exists at the position 812 (step S212).

If there is no desk or chair, the icon of the MFP is arranged at that position, the data section 1002 is added, and the number of device data 1001a is changed (step S215). On the other hand, when a desk or chair exists (step S213), the position closest to the position 812 where there is no desk / chair data is checked, the icon of the MFP is arranged at that position, and the data section 1002 is added. The number of device data 1001a is changed (step S21).
4).

In FIG. 27, when the mouse button is released, M
The state where the FP icon is dropped is shown. here,
Since there is a desk at the position 812 shown in FIG. 26, the closest desk-free position is calculated, and the desk-free position 901 is calculated.
It is located in. Since the MFP is generally the same size as a large-sized copying machine and occupies a certain range in the layout map showing the physical position, the desk / chair data is stored in the area including each function of the MFP. It is necessary to check the existence of. The registered devices are 904 and 9
As shown in 05 and 906, the display changes to indicate that registration has been completed.

According to the sixth embodiment described above, it is possible to display a personal map (selection display) in which an icon of a device registered by a user is displayed together with an image of a desk or the like.
In the personal map display edit screen that displays the personal map display and the list display on the same screen, for example, when a PC is placed in the personal map display, it is automatically placed at a desk, and when an MFP is placed. Since it is automatically placed on a place without a desk or chair, the personal map screen can be edited efficiently.

The seventh to ninth embodiments described below are as follows:
It is possible to support the layout map creation according to the actual arrangement. (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system. In the figure, the printer 10
A printer 2 having an open architecture is connected to the network via a network board (NB) 101. NB101 is an Et with a coaxial connector
1 with hernet (R) interface 10Base-2 and RJ-45
Local area network (LAN) via local area network interface such as 0Base-T 1
00, 120, 130.

A plurality of personal computers (PCs) such as PC 103, PC 111, and PC 112 are also LAN 10
0, 130, these PCs are controlled by the NB10 under the control of the network operating system.
1 can be communicated with. So one of the PCs,
For example, the PC 103 is a P for managing network devices.
It can be used as C. In addition, the printer 105
May be locally connected as a local printer.

A PC functioning as a file server
Reference numeral 106 is connected to the LAN 100 and processes access to a file stored in a large-capacity (for example, 10 billion bytes) network disk 107. The PC 103 that functions as a print server is a printer 105 that is locally connected or a printer 102 that is in a remote place.
Etc. to manage printing on the printer. Similarly, the PC 115 that functions as a scanner server manages a scanner 117 that is locally connected or a scanner such as the scanner 110 that is located at a remote place.

The scanner 110 is connected to the LAN 100 via a network board or the like. Further, the copying machine 118 provides functions as a printer and a scanner under the management control of the image processing unit 119.

In the network shown in FIG. 28, in order to efficiently perform communication between various network members,
Network software such as Novell and UNIX (R) can be used. For example, Novell NetWare
Software (registered trademark of Novell, Inc.) can be used. A detailed description of this software package is included in the online documentation included with the NetWare package (from Novell, Inc., which is included in the NetWare package), so the description is omitted here.

The PC 103 creates a data file, sends the created data file to the LAN 100, and
It is a general PC capable of receiving files from the LAN 100 and displaying and / or processing those files.

Although FIG. 28 shows a personal computer device (PC), it may be another computer device suitable for executing network software. For example, if using UNIX (R) software, UNIX (R) workstations may be connected to the network, and these workstations will be used with the illustrated PC.

Generally, the LAN 100 provides services to a relatively local user group, for example, a user group on one floor in a building or a plurality of consecutive floors. On the other hand, a wide area network (WAN) may be constructed as users move away from each other, such as users in different buildings or in different areas. Basically, WA
N is a collection of LANs formed by connecting several LANs with high-speed digital lines such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). For example, as shown in FIG. 28, WAN 100 is provided by connecting LAN 100 and LAN 120 by backbone 140.
Is formed. LAN100, LAN120, LAN1
Devices connected to the respective 30 can access the functions of the devices connected to other LANs via the WAN connection.

FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of an edit screen of favorite display (selection mark) displayed on the CRT 16 of a predetermined PC (data processing device) on the network as shown in FIG. Corresponds to the favorite screen display that is displayed during the operation of the application for visually displaying. In FIG. 29, by displaying both "favorite display" and "normal display", the correspondence of the devices can be confirmed.

In the figure, 311 is an edit screen,
Menu and toolbar icons 311a-311c,
It is composed of a main window in which icons representing PCs and peripheral devices on the network are displayed. Icons 311a to 311c for selecting and editing the favorite display (icons corresponding to open, save, and end) are displayed on the toolbar.

Reference numeral 312 denotes a "favorite display" window in which the PCs and peripheral devices registered in the favorite display are displayed. In the "favorite display" window 312, 312a to 312l are icons indicating PCs and peripheral devices registered in the favorite display. These icons correspond to the icons displayed in the "normal display" window 313, and the operation performed by the user in the "favorite display" window 312 corresponds to the PC on the corresponding "normal display" 313 window and its periphery. It is an operation for equipment.

Further, "Favorite display" window 3
In No. 12, it is possible to further improve the recognizability of the system environment by displaying a display close to the actual installation environment. 312m, 312n, and 312o are display items such as desks, potted plants, and chairs that are displayed for this purpose. These display items have no logical relationship with the devices in the network and are only images on the display screen. However, regarding the initial display position of this image,
It is determined in cooperation with the positions where the icons indicating the PC and peripheral devices are arranged in the automatic layout described later. After the automatic layout is completed, the “Favorite display” window 3 is displayed so that the user can get a layout closer to the actual installation environment.
When 12 is edited, it is processed as simple image data.

Reference numeral 313 denotes a "normal display" window in which all PCs and peripheral devices on the network are displayed. In the "normal display" window 313, 313a
˜313r are icons representing all PCs and peripheral devices on the network. In this example, all the icons are not displayed for the convenience of the screen, but all the PCs and peripheral devices can be confirmed by using the scroll bar SB arranged on the side of the screen. Also, the icon 313
c, 313d, 313e, 313f, 313g, 313
j, 313k, 313l, 313n, 313o, 313
PCs and peripheral devices registered in the favorite display such as p and 313q are displayed with different icon display shapes, and the registration can be confirmed.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure for storing information registered in the data processing device for performing “favorite display” as shown in FIG. The data structure in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of structures and has a link structure. However, in these implementations, each structure may be provided in a different storage area or storage means, or one storage block may be divided and used to form a link structure.

In the figure, reference numeral 214 denotes an all-device list structure which holds information on all devices on the network. The data of this structure is a common structure used in both the "normal display" window and the "favorite display" window. In the "normal display" window, data of this structure is directly used to display all devices. Reference numeral 211 denotes a favorite display device list structure that holds information about devices displayed in the "favorite display" window. 212, 21
Reference numeral 3 denotes a layout device list structure temporarily created when automatic layout is performed in the "favorite display" window. 211, 212, 213, 214
Each structure has one entity. Reference numeral 215 is an indirect reference structure that is present by the number of devices. In addition,
Although the structure 211 is one entity in the present embodiment, it may be configured to have a plurality of structures corresponding to a plurality of favorite displays.

Next, the contents and relationships of each structure will be described in more detail. A header portion 201 of the structure 211 is composed of the number of data of PCs and peripheral devices registered in the favorite display. Reference numeral 202 denotes a data part in the structure 211, which is composed of a device data pointer 202a indicating a pointer to device data, screen display position information 202b of each registered device, a comment 202c, and the like. Data corresponding to the number of registrations stored in the number 201 (202a to 20 above)
2c) is stored as data. 20
2a indicates the device data in the structure 214 of the device to be displayed.

A header portion 207 of the structure 214 is composed of the number of data items of all devices (PC and peripheral devices) on the network. Reference numeral 208 denotes a data part in the structure 214, which is an identifier 208a for identifying each device, a registered device name, for example, name data 208b such as ABC-123, and a device type.
Type data 20 for identifying the manufacturer, model number, etc.
8c, which represents various attributes of each device, and attribute data 208 for identifying the type (PC, printer, scanner, FAX modem, etc.), device capability, setting, etc.
Status information 20 including information such as d, "in use", "out of paper", and "driver not installed"
8e, PC, etc., connected device list 208 indicating a pointer to a list of devices connected to the PC
f, conversely, a management device 208g indicating a pointer to a device (PC) to which the device is connected, an installation mode 208h indicating whether the device is a desk-mounted device or an out-door-mounted device, and the like, Similarly, data section 2
In 08, data (data in which the above 208a to 208g are one set) corresponding to the number of registrations stored in the data number 207 are stored. 208f is a pointer to another structure 215.

Reference numeral 215 denotes a structure for holding a device connected to each PC, and each device has a different entity of the structure.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a header portion of the structure 215, which is composed of the number of peripheral devices connected to the corresponding PC to which the structure is linked. Reference numeral 210 denotes a data portion in the structure 215, which serves as a pointer to device data indicating a connected device. The reference destination is the corresponding data in the structure 214. Similarly, data is stored in the data section 210 by the number of devices stored in the data count 209. In the case of a PC to which no peripheral device is connected, the number of devices 209 may be set to 0 and the structure 215 may be held, or the pointer 208f may be held as a null pointer (a state in which nothing is pointed). Good.

Generally, the peripheral device is connected to the PC, but if another device is connected to the peripheral device, a structure is added to the connected device list 208f even for a device other than the PC. May be.

In the automatic layout described later, the PC and peripheral devices are classified according to the layout form. In particular,
There are two types of devices: those placed on the desk and those placed outside the desk. The structure 212 is a structure for holding a list of devices arranged other than the desk, is temporarily generated during automatic layout, and is deleted after the favorite display device list structure 211 is completed.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a header portion of the structure 212, which is all equipment (PC or peripheral equipment) arranged other than the desk.
It is composed of the number of data of. Reference numeral 204 denotes a data portion of the structure 212, which serves as a pointer to device data indicating devices other than the desk. The reference destination is the corresponding data in the structure 214. Similarly, data is stored in the data portion 204 by the number of devices stored in the data number 203. If there is no device other than the desk, the number of devices 203 is set to 0 and the structure 212 is held.

The structure body 213 is a structure body for holding a list of PCs arranged on the desk, and like the structure body 212.
It is temporarily generated at the time of automatic layout, and is deleted after the favorite display device list structure 211 is completed. Note that peripheral devices other than the PC placed on the desk are obtained by tracing the pointer from the devices connected to the PC placed on the desk. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that there is no externally arranged peripheral device that is not connected to the PC. However, in the case of a device that can be connected to the network without requiring a PC, it has the same function as a server on the network as a PC, so that function is treated as a PC or server and placed on a desk for convenience. It can be processed as a virtual PC. Further, there are some devices such as PCs and servers that are arranged outside the desk, but in the present embodiment, all PCs are treated as devices that are arranged on the desk, as will be described later. This is for allocating a desk for arranging a desk top peripheral device connected to the desk top PC, and the user may delete or move the desk top PC by editing the layout after the automatic layout generation. This is because it is possible. In general, when configuring a device layout based on the actual layout, PCs placed outside the desk
It is rare that the position of is important. This is because unlike a device that handles paper and the like, the user rarely moves to a position where the device is actually installed. Of course, regardless of the method of this embodiment, it is also effective to prepare a data structure for a device that can be independently recognized on the network.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a header portion of the structure 213, which is composed of the data number of all PCs arranged on the desk. A data portion 206 of the structure 213 serves as a pointer to device data indicating a PC placed on the desk. The reference destination is the corresponding data in the structure 214. Similarly, data is stored in the data section 206 by the number of devices stored in the data count 205. If there is no PC placed on the desk, the number of devices 205 is set to 0 and the structure 21
Holds 3.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the CRT 16 of the data processing device, which is a state before creating a favorite screen display displayed during application operation for visually displaying the system environment state. Corresponding to. In the figure, 411 is an application screen, and this screen 411 has a main window in which icons representing menus, toolbars, PCs and peripheral devices are displayed. Reference numerals 411a, 411c, and 411d are toolbar icons each having a function. Four
Reference numerals 13a to 413r are icons representing PCs and peripheral devices detected on the network. When the icon 411d on the toolbar is selected in the state of this screen, the layout of favorite display is automatically generated.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the CRT 16 of the data processing device, and corresponds to the favorite display screen immediately after the layout is generated in FIG. In the figure, 511 is an application screen, and this screen 511 has a main window on which icons representing a menu, a toolbar, a PC and peripheral devices are displayed. 511a, 511b, 511
c is a toolbar icon having respective functions. It should be noted that the icons representing the PC and the peripheral devices in the main window in the same figure are given the same reference numerals as the icons that are the basis of the automatic layout generation in FIG.

Reference numeral 413c is an icon representing the own device. The shape of each icon is changed depending on the device type such as PC, printer, scanner, and fax modem. Further, since its own device is a special device, it is displayed separately from other PCs. In the present embodiment, the icon 413c is assumed to be highlighted on the screen, but the user may be able to assign a favorite icon that can be clearly distinguished from other devices.

413d to 413r are icons representing PCs and peripheral devices. When using the favorite display, the user can perform various processes on these icons by operating the mouse 13 or the keyboard 12. For example, by double clicking the scanner icon with the mouse 13,
The image can be read from the scanner device indicated by the icon.

In automatic generation, P placed on the desk
C or peripheral equipment and equipment arranged outside the desk. Further, with respect to the devices arranged on the desk, one desk is assigned to one PC, and the peripheral devices on the desk connected to the PC are arranged side by side on the same desk as the PC.

In the automatic layout, the devices are arranged on a desk-by-desk basis or outside the desk in the order of detection on the network from the left. In FIG. 32,
Although there is no corresponding example, if there are a large number of devices that cannot be arranged on the desk, they shall be displayed over the already displayed icon.

By editing the automatically generated layout, the user can further create a favorite display based on the actual layout. It is also possible to delete a device that is not used during editing from the favorites display registration.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the CRT 16 of the data processing apparatus, which corresponds to the display screen further edited by the user from the layout shown in FIG. In the figure, 611 is an application screen, and this screen 611 includes a menu, a toolbar,
There is a main window that displays icons representing PCs and peripherals. 611a, 611b, and 611c are toolbar icons each having a function. It should be noted that the icons representing the PC and the peripheral devices in the main window in the same figure are given the same reference numerals as the icons that are the basis of the automatic layout generation in FIG. FIG. 33 shows a state in which the user corrects the arrangement of each device from the layout shown in FIG. 32 and arranges chair and potted plant images.

FIG. 34 is a structure for storing the device-specific information held in the data processing device in order to classify the on-desktop equipment and the out-of-desktop equipment in the automatic layout shown in FIG. It is a figure for explaining an example of a body. In the present embodiment, the type of arrangement method is determined based on the size and weight of the device derived from the type of the device, or the installation form information recommended by the device. A structure 216 holds device-specific information. Reference numeral 220 denotes a header portion of the structure 216, which includes a data number 220a indicating the number of devices holding information, an information update date 220b indicating the freshness of the data held in the structure 216, and a comment 220c. Reference numeral 221 denotes a data part in the structure 216, which represents the type of device, type data 221a for identifying the manufacturer, model number, etc., size data 221b representing the outer dimensions of each device, and the weight of each device. The weight portion 221c represents the weight data 221c, the installation form data 221d (recommended) indicating the form such as the desktop or desk side recommended by the manufacturer, and the like, and the data portion 221
The number of pieces of data (the number of pieces of data 221a to 202d set as one set) is stored in the number of pieces of data 220a. 221b, 221c, 2
21d does not need to hold data for all device types. For example, when the manufacturer does not disclose information, the corresponding item may be blank (undefined).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the last data (Nth) of the structure 216 has type information that matches all device types, and the structure 216 does not store appropriate type information. Information that corresponds to a new model or information non-disclosure device is retained. Then, depending on the contents stored in this sentinel data, how to lay out the devices having no installation information by default is determined.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the number of desks to be placed and the layout in the automatic layout shown in FIG. In this embodiment, in automatic layout, one desk is assigned to each PC, the desks have a rectangular shape, and two desks arranged facing each other form a village and form a row. 1 including the desk
It is configured to have an arrangement of three or more rows.

A space for placing a chair is provided between a row (hereinafter, the row is defined as a desk arranged in 2 × n pieces) and the row in consideration of the actual arrangement. Further, the number of desks and the number of rows are determined so that the aspect ratio of the area where the desks are arranged is not extremely elongated. Then, the desk on which the PC indicating the own machine is placed is set approximately in the center. The rules and procedure for determining the number of desks and the arrangement based on the number of PCs detected on the network will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 700 denotes the number and arrangement of desks when one to six PCs including the own machine are detected on the network. In the figure, a rectangle filled with black indicates a desk on which a PC indicating the own machine is placed. Further, the numbered rectangles indicate the desks of the PCs arranged next to the own machine, and the numbers indicate the arrangement order of the PCs. Except for the own device, the arrangement order is prioritized to the PC to which the peripheral equipment to be arranged on the desk together with the PC is connected, and is the order detected on the network among them. A PC that is not connected to a peripheral device to be placed next on the desk
, In the order they are found on the network. In 700, the desk in front of the desk corresponding to the personal computer next to the personal computer, the next desk on the left, the next desk on the right, the next desk on the left front, and the desk on the right front The order is desk. 700
If there are less than 6 PCs, only the desk will be placed.
For example, if there are four PCs, your desk, front,
Place PCs to the left and right desks, and P for left front and right front
Place only the desk without placing C.

Reference numeral 701 shows the number and arrangement of desks when seven to eight PCs including the own machine are detected on the network. Similar to the case of 700, in the figure, a rectangle filled with black indicates a desk on which a PC indicating the own machine is placed.

Reference numeral 702 denotes 9 to 10 PCs including the PC itself.
Shows the number and arrangement of desks when detected on the network. As shown by 700, 701, and 702, PCs to which peripheral devices on the desk are connected are arranged at positions close to the own device in the order detected by the network, and peripheral devices on the desk are provided at positions far from the own device. No, or there is a PC that was detected later on the network.

703 includes 11 to 20 Ps including the own device.
6 illustrates the number and arrangement of desks when C is detected on the network. If the arrangement is further extended horizontally from the arrangement shown in 702, the aspect ratio becomes extreme. Therefore, from the eleventh arrangement, the number of rows is increased. 7
Similar to the case of 00, in the figure, the black rectangle indicates the desk on which the PC indicating the own machine is placed, but since the desk behind the own machine is placed, the arrangement order of the PCs other than the own machine is It is different from 700, 701 and 702. 70
In 3, the desk in front of the desk corresponding to the personal computer next to its own PC, the desk next to it is the left desk, the next is the right desk, the next is the back desk, and the next is the front left The order is desk.

Below, in 704, when 21 to 24 PCs including the own machine are detected on the network,
An example of arrangement showing the case where 25 to 28 PCs including the own machine are detected on the network in 705, and the case where 33 to 48 PCs including the own machine are detected on the network in 706 Is.

FIG. 36 illustrates a rule for deciding the order of arranging subsequent PCs centering on the desk corresponding to the own PC. In the figure, 800 indicates the first rule. That is, the PCs in the previous order are arranged at positions on the circumference close to the player's own machine.

Reference numeral 802 indicates the arrangement order on the same circumference. As an example, 802 shows the circumference indicated by 801 in 800. In 802, as a major division, the front (upper side of the figure) is first with respect to the aircraft, and then left, right, rear (lower side of the figure), front left, front right, rear left, rear right, in that order. To do. Since there are more than one placement position for front, back, left and right, the placement order within them is 8
03 and 804.

Reference numeral 803 indicates the arrangement order in the front and the rear. In 803, first, the center (positioned directly in front of or behind the player) is set as the first position, and thereafter, left and right are alternately arranged in the order closer to the center.

Reference numeral 804 indicates the arrangement order in the left side and the right side. In 804, first, the center (positioned straight to the left or right of the player) is first, and thereafter, the front and the rear are alternately arranged in the order closer to the center.

Since the desks are not arranged in a square and the corresponding desks of the white machine are not completely located in the center, the desks are arranged around a certain distance (the number of desks). It may not be. In that case, assuming that there is a desk at that position, the PC is not arranged and the position is changed to the position corresponding to the next arrangement order. If there are no more desks at the new location, the desk shall be moved to the next location. A more specific PC placement procedure will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing an example of a data processing procedure corresponding to automatic layout generation in the data processing device. First, in step S1000, the PCs and peripheral devices detected on the network are classified. This is the structure 212 and the structure 2 in FIG.
This corresponds to creating 13. For this process,
This will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, in step S1001, based on the structure 213 created in step S1000, an image showing a desk, icons showing a PC and peripheral devices are displayed on the CRT.
It is displayed on the screen of 16 in the form shown in FIG. 32, for example.
The arrangement of the desk top equipment will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Further, in step S1002, based on the structure 212 created in step S1000, P
Icons indicating C and peripheral devices are displayed on the screen of the CRT 16 in the form shown in FIG. 32, for example. The arrangement of the equipment arranged outside the desk is according to the order stored in the structure 212.
Arrange in order on the left side of the main window. Above,
The process of automatically generating the favorite display screen ends.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1000 in the flow chart of FIG. First, in step S1100,
Create a list of PCs and peripheral devices detected on the network. This list corresponds to the structure 214 in FIG. 30, and if the structure 214 has already been created, the structure 214 replaces this processing.

Next, in step S1101, the structure 21
The index variable i for accessing the device information in 4 is initialized to 0. The index (subscript) for accessing each piece of device information in the structure 214 is based on 0. Further, the variable i has a valid range only within the flowchart in FIG. 38, and is different from the variable having the same name in the flowchart described later.

Then, in step S1102, the structure 2
The i-th device information is acquired from 14. The information acquired here is each data indicated by 208 in FIG. From the i-th device information obtained here, step S11
In 03, the device type is acquired and stored in the variable devtype. The information acquired here corresponds to the type data 208c in FIG.

Next, in step S1104, it is determined whether devtype is PC (or server). If it is a PC (YES), the process proceeds to step 1109. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S1105.

In step S1109, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is a PC placed on the desk.
The i-th device is additionally registered in the structure 213. And
It proceeds to step S1117.

In step S1105, the index variable j for accessing the device-specific information in the structure 216 in FIG. 34 is initialized to 0. The structure 21
The index (subscript) for accessing each device information in 6 is based on 0. In addition, the variable j has a valid range only within the flowchart in FIG. 38,
It is assumed that it is different from the variable of the same name in the flow chart described later.

Then, in step S1106, the structure 2
The 16th device information is acquired from 16. The information acquired here is each data indicated by 221 in FIG.

Next, in step S1107, step S
The type (corresponding to 221a in FIG. 34) in the device information obtained in 1106 is compared with the devtype, and it is determined whether or not the information has the installation form information corresponding to the devtype.

If the types do not match, step S1 is performed to obtain the next device-specific information from the structure 216.
At step S1106, j is incremented by j.
Return to and repeat the process. Although there is no process for determining the last data of the structure 216, as described above, the structure 216 is
Since the last data of is set to match all device types, this process does not become an infinite loop.

On the other hand, if the types match, the process advances to step S1110 to perform a process of determining the installation form.
In step S1110, it is determined whether the installation form information is included in the information acquired in step S1106 (whether it is blank). If the installation form information is included, the process advances to step S1111, and the installation form is determined from the information. On the other hand, if the installation form information is not included, the process proceeds to step S1112 to use another determination criterion.

In step S1111, it is determined from the information corresponding to 221d in FIG. 34 whether the device of the corresponding type is a desk side installation device (outside desk installation device). In the case of a deskside device, step S11
Proceed to 16. On the other hand, if not, that is, if the device is a desktop installed device (desktop installed device), the process advances to step S1117.

In step S1112, step S11
It is determined whether the size information is included in the information acquired in 06 (whether it is blank). If the size information is included, the process advances to step S1113 to determine the installation form from the information. On the other hand, if the size information is not included, the process proceeds to step S1114 to use another determination criterion.

In step S1113, it is determined whether or not the size of the device of the corresponding type is larger than a predetermined size (for example, the longest part of height, width, depth is 1 m or more). It is determined from 221b. If the device has a large size, it is determined that the device is a desk-side device, and the process proceeds to step S1116.
On the other hand, if not, that is, if it is a desktop installation device (desktop installation device), step S1117.
Go to.

In step S1114, step S11
It is determined whether the information acquired in 06 includes weight information (whether the information is blank). If the weight information is included, the process advances to step S1115 to determine the installation form from the information. On the other hand, if the weight information is not included, it is determined that the device is the default desktop installation device, and the process proceeds to step S1117. In the present embodiment, the desktop installation is set as the default when the installation condition cannot be determined, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the desk side arrangement may be adopted.

In step S1115, it is determined from the weight data 221c in FIG. 34 whether or not the weight of the corresponding type of equipment is heavier than a predetermined weight (eg, 60 kg). If the device is heavy, the device is determined to be a desk-side device, and the process proceeds to step S1116. On the other hand, if not, that is, if the device is a desktop installed device (desktop installed device), the process advances to step S1117.

In step S1117, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is a device placed on the desk.
Installation form 208h in the structure 214 of the i-th device 208h
Set the item to "desktop installation".

In step S1116, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is a device placed outside the desk.
Installation form 208h in the structure 214 of the i-th device 208h
Is set to "outside installation", and the process proceeds to step S1118.

In step S1118, the i-th device is additionally registered in the structure 212. After the device registration in steps S1117 and S1118, the process proceeds to step S1119.

In step S1119, it is determined whether the installation form has been checked for all the devices on the network.
This checks if i has gone to the last index of structure 214 in FIG. If all the devices have been checked, the process proceeds to step S1121. On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S1120.

In step S1120, i is incremented and the process returns to step S1102. Step S112
At 1, the structures 213 are sorted. The sort order is as follows. First, the PC that shows the player is the first. Next, the PCs connected to the desk top equipment are continued in the order of detection on the network, that is, the order in the structure 214.
Finally, the PC to which the desk-top installed device is not connected is continued in the order of detection on the network. With respect to the sorting method, many sorting algorithms exist as publicly known techniques, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Any procedure such as quick sort and merge sort may be used. This is the end of the classification process.

In this embodiment, the installation form is determined by using only one piece of information such as the installation form, size, weight, etc., but this information may be combined and determined. Further, in the case of determining the size and weight, when an optional device or the like is connected, the determination may be performed in consideration of them.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1001 in the flow chart of FIG. First, in step S1200,
Determine the number of desks and the arrangement of desks from the number of PCs. Where P
The number of Cs is the data stored in the number of devices 205 in the structure 213. Next, step S1201.
Then, place the PC on the desk. Finally, step S1202
Then, the desktop placement device connected to the PC placed on the desk is placed on the same desk as the PC. This is the end of the placement of the desktop placement device.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1200 in the flow chart of FIG. As described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, it is assumed that the desks are arranged in a rectangular shape with two desks facing each other as a unit. Therefore,
Determining the number and arrangement of desks means determining the number of rows in the arrangement of desks and the number of paper sheets per row (how many units there are two desks). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 40, the number of rows (value shown by row) and the number of sets (c
This is a procedure for obtaining a value indicated by ol). In addition,
The variable npc indicates the number of PCs placed on the desk, and the structure 2
13 corresponds to the value stored in the device number 205.

First, in step S1203, co1 is set to 3
Row is initialized to 1. Then, step S120
Go to 4. In step S1204, it is determined whether there are a sufficient number (npc) of desks for arranging all the PCs based on the current values of co1 and row. Specifically, co
It is determined whether the number of desks (2 * co1 * row) determined by 1 and row is smaller than the number of PCs (npc). If there are enough desks (NO), the process of determining the number and arrangement of desks ends. On the other hand, if there are not enough desks (YES),
Proceeding to step S1205, the value of col or row is greatly corrected.

In step S1205, it is first determined whether row is to be increased or col is to be increased. The criterion is a comparison between 3 * row + 2 and col. This is one in which the space between rows is one desk and the aspect ratio of the array is uniform or slightly horizontal. 3 * ro
If w + 2 is larger than col (YES), the process proceeds to step S1207 and col is incremented.
On the other hand, if 3 * row + 2 is less than or equal to col (NO), the flow advances to step S1206 to increment row. After step S1206 or S1207,
Returning to step S1204, the above processing is repeated. With the above, it is possible to arrange the desks as in the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1201 in the flow chart of FIG. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a procedure for enabling the PCs to be placed on the desk in the order shown in FIG. The variables row, col, and npc used in the flowchart of FIG. 41 have the same scope (valid area) as the variable of the same name in FIG.
Shall have.

In the figure, steps S1208 to S1214 initialize the array, and steps S1215 to S1217 determine the position of the own device. Then, the positions of the PCs other than the own device are determined in steps S1218 to S1229. Regarding the display of desks and devices displayed on the CRT 16 of the data processing device, it is easy to determine the detailed display position because the desks are rectangular and all desks of the same size are evenly arranged. This is feasible and the description is omitted in this embodiment.

It is assumed that the arrangement of PCs in FIG. 41 is to define the arrangement of PCs in a two-dimensional array (desk) corresponding to the arrangement of rectangular desks. In addition, defining the arrangement of the PCs in the two-dimensional array means substituting a value for identifying the PC as the corresponding element of the two-dimensional array. In this embodiment, the value for identifying a PC refers to a subscript for accessing the data 206 in the structure 213 in FIG. That is,
In the state after being sorted in step S1121 of FIG. 38, the PC indicating the own device is 1, and the PCs following the own device are natural numbers sequentially numbered 2, 3, .... further,
In the two-dimensional array, a position having a value of 0 indicates that the PC is not installed in any device.

First, in step S1208, r is used to initialize a two-dimensional array desk indicating the arrangement of desks.
The loop variable i in the ow direction is initialized to 0. Note that the index (subscript) for accessing the two-dimensional array desk in the row direction is based on 0. Also,
The variable i is valid only within the flowchart in FIG. 41, and is different from the variable having the same name in the above-described flowchart.

Next, in step S1209, it is determined whether the variable i is smaller than 2 * row. row 2
The reason for multiplying is that the number of rows is counted as a set of two desks. When the variable i becomes 2 * row or more (N
Since O) indicates that the initialization of the two-dimensional array desk has been completed, the process advances to step S1215. on the other hand,
If the variable i is smaller than 2 * row (YES),
It proceeds to step S1210.

In step S1210, the loop variable j in the col direction is initialized to 0. Two-dimensional array des
The index (subscript) for accessing the k direction of col is based on 0. The variable j is shown in FIG.
It is assumed that only the range within the flowchart in 1 is set as an effective range and the variables having the same names in the above-described flowchart are different.

Next, in step S1211, it is determined whether the variable j is smaller than col. Variable j is col
In the case of the above (NO), it indicates that the initialization for one column is completed, and therefore the process proceeds to step S1212. On the other hand, when the variable j is smaller than col (YES)
If so, the process advances to step S1213.

In step S1212, i is incremented and the process returns to step S1209. Step S121
In 3, the i-th and j-th elements of the two-dimensional array desk are initialized to 0. desk is the front left edge of desk [0] [0], de
A desk arrangement in which sk [0] [col-1] is the right front end, desk [row-1] [0] is the left rear end, and desk [row-1] [col-1] is the right rear end is shown. It is a dimensional array, and its memory area is reserved in advance for this processing.

Next, in step S1214, j is incremented and the process returns to step S1211. Two-dimensional array d
When the initialization of esk is completed, the position of the own device is calculated and set from step S1215. Step S1215
Then, the position of the player's own machine in the row direction is calculated, and the variable cur_r
set to ow. In step S1215, in
t () is a function indicating truncation in integer units. That is, int (x) represents the maximum integer that does not exceed X.

Next, in step S1216, c
The position in the ol direction is obtained and set in the variable cur_col. Also in step S1216, step S12
Similarly to 15, int () indicates a truncation function.

In step S1217, the position of the own device is set by substituting 1 for the position of the own device. 1 indicates the first PC in the structure 213, that is, the positions of cur_row and cur_col indicate that it is the desk on which the own device is placed.

Next, PCs other than the own machine are arranged. In step S1218, the variable pcnum is set to the next PC of the own machine.
Is set to 2. In step S1219, the variable dist indicates the distance from the own device in units of the number of desks 1
The initial setting is. In step S1220, the distance d
The PC is placed in a portion located above (front) the player's own machine in ist.

In step S1221, it is determined whether the placement has been completed for all PCs. When all the PCs have been placed (YES), the PC placement process ends. On the other hand, if the arrangement is not completed yet (NO), the process proceeds to step S1222.

In step S1222, the PC is placed in the portion located to the left of the player's aircraft at the distance dist.
In step S1223, it is determined whether all the PCs have been arranged. When all the PCs have been arranged (Y times S), the PC arrangement process ends. on the other hand,
If it has not been placed (NO), step S
Proceed to 1224.

In step S1224, the PC is placed in the portion located on the right side of the own device at the distance dist.
In step S1225, it is determined whether all the PCs have been placed. When all the PCs have been placed (YES), the PC placement process ends. on the other hand,
If it has not been placed (NO), step S
Proceed to 1226.

In step S1226, the PC is placed in a portion located below (rear) from the own device at the distance dist. In step S1227, it is determined whether the placement has been completed for all PCs. When all the PCs have been placed (YES), the PC placement process ends. On the other hand, if it has not been placed (NO),
It proceeds to step S1228.

In step S1228, the PC is moved to a portion located diagonally (four diagonal points) from the own machine at the distance dist.
To place. In step S1229, it is determined whether the placement has been completed for all PCs. When all the PCs have been placed (YES), the PC placement process ends. On the other hand, if the arrangement is not completed yet (NO), the process proceeds to step S1284.

In step S1284, dist is incremented, and the process returns to step S1220.

Subsequently, steps S1220 and S122.
2, S1224, S1226, S1228 will be described in detail. 42 is a flowchart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1220 in the flowchart of FIG. Variables cur_col, cur_row, dis used in the flowchart of FIG.
It is assumed that t, pcnum, and npc have the same scope as the variable with the same name in FIG.

First, in step S1230, the loop counter m is initialized to 0. The variable m has a valid range only within the flowchart in FIG. 42 and is different from a variable having the same name in other flowcharts.

Next, in step S1231, m is di
It is determined whether it is smaller than st. If small (YE
For S), the process proceeds to step S1232. On the other hand, if this is not the case, the arrangement of the front portion at the distance dist has been completed, and therefore the arrangement of the upper portion is completed.

In step S1232, the next placement candidate for the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
r_row), the distance is dist in the front, and the distance is m in the left direction.
Is the position. These are stored in variables c and r. With these, the position of the PC is registered in step S1233. Although the position registration of the PC will be described later with reference to FIG. 47, if the position can be registered, the position is registered as the arrangement position of the PC, and if the position cannot be registered, nothing is done.

After the registration processing in step S1233, it is determined in step S1234 whether the placement has been completed for all PCs. If all the PCs have been arranged (YES), the front process is terminated. On the other hand, if the placement is not completed yet (NO), step S1235.
Go to.

In step S1235, the next PC placement candidate is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
from r_row), the distance dist in the front and the distance m in the right direction.
Is the position. These are stored in variables c and r. With these, the position of the PC is registered in step S1236.

After the registration processing in step S1236, it is determined in step S1237 whether all the PCs have been arranged. If all the PCs have been arranged (YES), the front process is terminated. On the other hand, if the placement is not completed yet (NO), step S1238.
Go to.

In step S1238, m is incremented, the process returns to step S1231, and the process is repeated.
This is the end of the arrangement of the PC at the position of the distance dist in front of the own device.

FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1222 in the flow chart of FIG. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 43 has almost the same processing as the flowchart shown in FIG.
That is, only steps S1241 and S1244 will be described.

In step S1241, the next PC placement candidate is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
The position is a distance dist from the r_row) to the left and a distance m to the front. These are stored in variables c and r.
In step S1244, the next placement candidate of the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cur_ro
The position is a distance dist to the left from w) and a distance m to the rear. These are stored in variables c and r. Above, FIG.
By registering the position of the PC in the same way as described in the flow chart of, the distance dis
The placement of the PC at the position is finished.

FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1224 in the flow chart of FIG. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 44 has substantially the same processing as the flowchart shown in FIG.
That is, only step S1250 and step S1253 will be described.

In step S1250, the next PC placement candidate is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
r_row) to the right with a distance dist and forward with a distance m
Is the position. These are stored in variables c and r. In step S1253, the next placement candidate of the PC is obtained. That is, the position is a distance dist to the right and a distance m to the rear from the own position (cur_col, cur_row). These are stored in variables c and r. As described above, by registering the position of the PC in the same manner as described in the flowchart of FIG. 42, the placement of the PC at the position of the distance dist to the right of the own device is completed.

FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1226 in the flow chart of FIG. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 45 has substantially the same processing as the flowchart shown in FIG.
That is, only steps S1259 and S1262 will be described.

In step S1259, the next placement candidate for the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
The position is a distance dist downward (rearward) from r_row) and a distance m to the left. These are stored in variables c and r. In step S1262, the next placement candidate of the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cur_ro
The distance dist from w) and the distance m to the right (backward)
Is the position. These are stored in variables c and r. As described above, by registering the position of the PC in the same manner as described in the flowchart of FIG. 42, the arrangement of the PC at the position of the distance dist behind the own device is completed.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to step S1228 in the flowchart of FIG. Variables cur_col, cur_row, used in the flowchart of FIG.
It is assumed that dist, pcnum, and npc have the same scope as the variable having the same name in FIG.

In step S1266, the next placement candidate for the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
From r_row), the distance dist is forward, and the distance d is leftward.
The position of ist (left front corner). These are stored in variables c and r. Then, with these, step S12
At 67, the position of the PC is registered. Step S1267
After the registration process in step S1268, it is determined in step S1268 whether all the PCs have been placed. When all the PCs have been arranged (YES), the slant processing is ended. On the other hand, if it has not been placed (NO),
It proceeds to step S1269.

In step S1269, the next placement candidate of the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
r_row), the distance dist is forward, and the distance d is rightward.
The position of ist (right front corner). These are stored in variables c and r. Then, with these, step S12
At 70, the position of the PC is registered. Step S1270
After the registration processing in step S1271, it is determined in step S1271 that placement has been completed for all PCs. When all the PCs have been arranged (YES), the slant processing is ended. On the other hand, if it has not been placed (NO),
It proceeds to step S1272.

In step S1272, the next placement candidate for the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
from r_row), the distance dist to the rear and the distance d to the left.
This is the position of ist (left rear corner). These are stored in variables c and r. Then, with these, step S12
At 73, the position of the PC is registered. Step S1273
After the registration processing in step S1274, it is determined in step S1274 whether all the PCs have been placed. When all the PCs have been arranged (YES), the slant processing is ended. On the other hand, if it has not been placed (NO),
It proceeds to step S1275.

In step S1275, the next placement candidate for the PC is obtained. That is, the own position (cur_col, cu
from r_row), the distance dist to the rear and the distance d to the right.
This is the position of ist (right rear corner). These are stored in variables c and r. Then, with these, step S12
At 76, the position of the PC is registered. Then, the slant processing is ended. By the processing described above, the distance dis
The placement of the PC at the diagonal position of t is completed.

FIG. 47 shows steps S1233, S1236 and S124 in the flow charts of FIGS. 42 to 46.
2, S1245, S1251, S1254, S126
0, S1263, S1267, S1270, S127
3 is a flowchart showing details of the processing procedure corresponding to S3, S1276. Variables c, r, col, row, desk, p used in the flowchart of FIG. 47.
The cnum has the same scope as the variable with the same name in FIGS. 41 to 46.

In FIG. 47, from step S1277 to step S1280, it is determined from the number of PCs whether the desks arranged correspond to each other. In step S1277, it is determined whether the position indicated by the variable c exceeds the left end of the desk array. When it exceeds (YES), the position registration of the PC is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1278.

In step S1278, it is determined whether the position indicated by the variable c exceeds the right end of the desk array. When it exceeds (YES), the position registration of the PC is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if not exceeded, step S1
Proceed to 279.

In step S1279, it is determined whether the position indicated by the variable r exceeds the upper end (front end) of the desk array. When it exceeds (YES), the position registration of the PC is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1280.

In step S1280, it is determined whether the position indicated by the variable r exceeds the lower end (rear end) of the desk array. When it exceeds (YES), the position registration of the PC is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S1281.

In step S1281, it is determined whether the position indicated by the variables c and r is the desk on which the PC is already placed. When the desk is already arranged, the value of the predetermined position of the array desk is not 0. When the PC is already arranged (YES), the position registration of the PC is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if the PC is not arranged, the process proceeds to step S1282, and the PC is arranged. That is, desk
PC number pcnu currently trying to register to [r] [c]
Substitute m.

At step S1283, pcnum is incremented to arrange the next PC. This is the end of the PC location registration process.

According to the above-described embodiment, when the user needs the favorite display (selection display), the icons of the PC and the peripheral devices detected on the network are arranged on the desk with the own device as the center. It is possible to automatically generate a favorite display screen in accordance with the actual arrangement by classifying it into the equipment to be placed and the equipment to be placed outside the desk. If the automatically placed layout differs from the actual layout,
The user edits the favorite display automatically laid out, but since it is initially arranged based on information such as the type, size, and weight of the device, the editing work can be performed efficiently. In addition, since the PC indicating the own device is automatically assigned as the center, an operating environment with sufficient visibility can be created even when the actual arrangement is somewhat different.

(Eighth Embodiment) Since the eighth embodiment is basically the same as the seventh embodiment, the difference will be mainly described. FIG. 48 shows FIG.
6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure for storing information registered in the data processing device corresponding to FIG. In the present embodiment, the device attribute data 208d will be described in detail. The attribute data 208d is a pointer to the attribute data of the corresponding device.

In the figure, 218 is attribute data 208.
It is a structure showing the substance of the attribute data pointed to by d. There is one structure 218 corresponding to each device, and the contents differ depending on the device. A header portion 222 of the structure 218 is composed of the number of attribute data held by the structure 218. 223 is a data part in the structure 218,
The number of registrations stored in the data number 222 is the same as that of the data type 223. The data type 223 includes an attribute type 223a indicating what kind of attribute the corresponding device has and an attribute value 223b indicating a value corresponding to the attribute type. Data (223a and 223b described above) corresponding to the minutes are stored. These attributes are information acquired by the data processing device via a network from a device that provides a function of reporting its own attributes. Therefore, in the case of a device that does not have the function of reporting attributes, the number of attributes stored in the structure 218 is 0, and even in the case of a device that has a function of reporting attributes, it is held inside the device. If an attribute that is not included, for example, a certain type of device does not have an attribute related to the installation form, the attribute value of the installation form is not included in the structure 218. In FIG. 48, attribute values such as “installation form”, “installed area”, and “apparatus weight” are included as attribute values.

FIG. 49 is a block diagram of FIG. 3 in the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 38 is a flowchart corresponding to No. 8, and is a flowchart illustrating details of a processing procedure corresponding to step S1000 in the flowchart of FIG. 37. First, step S
At 1100, a list of PCs and peripheral devices detected on the network is created. This list corresponds to the structure 214 in FIG. 48, and if the structure 214 has already been created, the structure 214 replaces this process.

Next, in step S1101, the structure 2
The index variable i for accessing the device information in 14 is initialized to 0. The index (subscript) for accessing each piece of device information in the structure 214 is based on 0. Further, the variable i has a valid range only within the flowchart in FIG. 49 and is different from the variable with the same name in the flowcharts in other drawings.

Then, in step S1102, the structure 2
The i-th device information is acquired from 14. The information acquired here is each data indicated by 208 in FIG. From the i-th device information obtained here, step S11
The device type is acquired at 03 and stored in the variable devtype. The information acquired here corresponds to the type data 208c in FIG.

Next, in step S1104, it is determined whether devtype is PC or server. For PC (Y
For ES), the process proceeds to step S1109. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S1122.

At step S1109, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is a PC placed on the desk.
The i-th device is additionally registered in the structure 213. And
It proceeds to step S1117.

In step S1122, step S11
Of the device information acquired in 02, the information corresponding to the structure 218 is checked to determine whether there is information that can determine the installation form. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it has information such as "(recommended by manufacturer) installation form", "installation area (size)", and "device weight" as attributes. If it has the corresponding attribute (YES), the process proceeds to step S1124. On the other hand, if there is no attribute related to the installation form of the device (NO), the process proceeds to step S1105.

In step S1105, the index variable j for accessing the device-specific information in the structure 216 in FIG. 34 is initialized to 0. The structure 21
The index (subscript) for accessing each device information in 6 is based on 0. Also, the variable j has a valid range only within the flowchart in FIG. 49,
It is assumed that it is different from the variable of the same name in the flowcharts of other figures.

Then, in step S1106, the structure 2
The 16th device information is acquired from 16. The information acquired here is each data indicated by 221 in FIG.

Next, in step S1107, step S
The type (corresponding to 221a in FIG. 34) in the device information obtained in 1106 is compared with the devtype, and it is determined whether or not the information has the installation form information corresponding to the devtype. If the types do not match, j is incremented in step S1108 to obtain the next device-specific information from the structure 216, and the process returns to step S1106 to repeat the process. On the other hand, if the types match, the process advances to step S1123 to perform a process of determining the installation form.

In step S1123, the installation form is determined based on the device-specific information acquired from the structure 216. The details of the determination process are based on steps S1110 to S1115 of FIG. 38, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In step S1124, the installation form is determined based on the device-specific information acquired from the structure 218.

Step S1123 and step S112
After determining the installation form in step 4, step S1125
Proceed to and determine if it is an external device. If it is an apparatus installed outside the desk (YES), the process proceeds to step S1116, while if it is an apparatus installed on the desk (NO), the process proceeds to step S1117.

In step S1117, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is the device placed on the desk.
Installation form 208h in the structure 214 of the i-th device 208h
Set the item to "desktop installation". Step S1116
Then, since it was determined that the device indicated by devtype is a device to be placed outside the desk, the item of the installation form 208h in the structure 214 of the i-th device is set to “outside installation”,
It proceeds to step S1118.

In step S1118, the i-th device is additionally registered in the structure 212. After registering the device in steps S1117 and S1118, the process proceeds to step S1119. In step S1119, it is determined whether the installation form has been checked for all the devices on the network. This checks if i has gone to the last index of structure 214 in FIG. If all the devices have been checked, the process proceeds to step S1121. On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S1120.

In step S1120, i is incremented and the process returns to step S1102. Step S1121
Then, the structures 213 are sorted. The sort order is as follows. First, the PC that shows the player is the first. Next, the PCs connected to the desk top equipment are continued in the order of detection on the network, that is, the order in the structure 214. Finally, the PC to which the desktop installation device is not connected is continued in the order of detection on the network. With respect to the sorting method, many sorting algorithms exist as publicly known techniques, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Any procedure such as quick sort and merge sort may be used. This is the end of the classification process.

According to the above-described embodiment, the layout is determined based on the attributes of the PC and the peripheral devices, and the favorite display screen is automatically generated. Therefore, more appropriate layout can be performed. Further, since the information is collected from the device itself, it is possible to appropriately arrange the device that does not include the information in the installation form information corresponding to the structure 216 that it has in advance.

(Ninth Embodiment) Since the ninth embodiment is basically the same as the seventh embodiment, the difference will be mainly described. FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure for storing device-specific information that holds a device-type-specific information source in the data processing device according to the present embodiment. In the figure, 217
Is a structure that holds a device information source for each manufacturer. Here, the information source represents an identifier indicating a place where information on the installation form can be obtained from the attribute information of the device, for example, a URL when connected to a network based on TCP / IP. In the case of a system connected to the so-called Internet, a URL indicating the homepage of the device manufacturer
And so on.

Reference numeral 230 denotes a header portion of the structure 217, which is a data number 230a indicating the number of devices holding information,
The structure 217 includes an information update date 230b indicating the freshness of the data held in the structure 217 and a comment 230c. 231
Is a data part in the structure 217 and represents the type of equipment, and is an information source 2 corresponding to the types of types 231a and 231a for identifying the manufacturer, model number, etc.
31b and the like, and similarly, the data portion 231 stores data (data in which the above sets 231a to 231b are one set) for the number of registrations stored in the data number 230a.

Here, the type 231a is the information source 231b.
It is sufficient if there is information that can specify the device type, and for example, instead of specifying the model number indicating one device, information that groups the device types such as the manufacturer name and the device series name may be used.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the last data (Nth) of the structure 217 has type information (maker information) that matches all device types, and the structure 2
It is assumed that the model 17 is a model of a new maker in which appropriate type information is not stored or an information source corresponding to a device of a non-disclosure maker is held. Then, depending on the contents stored in this sentinel data, how to lay out the devices having no installation information by default is determined.

FIG. 51 shows FIG. 3 in the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 38 is a flowchart corresponding to No. 8, and is a flowchart illustrating details of a processing procedure corresponding to step S1000 in the flowchart of FIG. 37. First, step S
At 1100, a list of PCs and peripheral devices detected on the network is created. This list corresponds to the structure 214 in FIG. 30, and if the structure 214 has already been created, the structure 214 replaces this processing.

Next, in step S1101, the structure 21
The index variable i for accessing the device information in 4 is initialized to 0. The index (subscript) for accessing each piece of device information in the structure 214 is based on 0. Further, the variable i has a valid range only within the flowchart in FIG. 51 and is different from the variable having the same name in the flowcharts in other drawings.

Then, in step S1102, the structure 1
The i-th device information is acquired from 214. The information acquired here is each data indicated by 208 in FIG. From the i-th device information obtained here, step S1
The device type is acquired at 103 and stored in the variable devtype. The information acquired here corresponds to the type data 208c in FIG.

Next, in step S1104, it is determined whether devtype is PC or server. For PC (Y
For ES), the process proceeds to step S1109. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S1126.

At step S1109, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is a PC placed on the desk.
The i-th device is additionally registered in the structure 213. And
It proceeds to step S1117.

In step S1126, the index variable j for accessing the device-specific information in the structure 217 in FIG. 50 is initialized to 0. The structure 21
The index (subscript) for accessing each device information in 7 is based on 0. Also, the variable j
51, the effective range is only in the flowchart of FIG. 51, and is different from the variable of the same name in the flowcharts of other figures.

Then, in step S1127, the structure 2
The j-th device information is acquired from 17. The information acquired here is each data indicated by 231 in FIG.

Next, in step S1128, step S
The type (corresponding to 231a in FIG. 50) of the device information obtained in 1127 is compared with devtype, and it is determined whether or not the information has the installation form information corresponding to devtype. If the types do not match, j is incremented in step S1129 to obtain the next device-specific information from the structure 217, and the process returns to step S1127 to repeat. On the other hand, if the types match, the process advances to step S1130 to perform a process of determining the installation form.

At step S1130, a predetermined information source indicated by the data corresponding to 231a in the structure 217,
In the present embodiment, the device installation form information is acquired from the URL. Regarding the acquisition of the installation form information, the data format of each information source is unified in the present embodiment. For example, it is assumed that the data format is as shown in FIG. However, not limited to this embodiment, for example, the format of the information source 231a may have information regarding the data format ahead of the information source.

After determining the installation form, step S112.
Then, the process proceeds to step 5, and it is determined whether the device is an external device. If it is an apparatus installed outside the desk (YES), the process proceeds to step S1116, while if it is an apparatus installed on the desk (NO), the process proceeds to step S1117.

In step S1117, it is determined that the device indicated by devtype is the device placed on the desk.
Installation form 208h in the structure 214 of the i-th device 208h
Set the item to "desktop installation". Step S1116
Then, since it was determined that the device indicated by devtype is a device to be placed outside the desk, the item of the installation form 208h in the structure 214 of the i-th device is set to “outside installation”,
It proceeds to step S1118.

In step S1118, the i-th device is additionally registered in the structure 212. After registering the device in step S1117 and step S1118, step S
Proceed to 1119.

In step S1119, it is determined whether the installation form has been checked for all the devices on the network.
This checks if i has gone to the last index of structure 214 in FIG. If all the devices have been checked, the process proceeds to step S1121. On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S1120.

In step S1120, i is incremented and the process returns to step S1102. Step S112
At 1, the structures 213 are sorted. The sort order is as follows. First, the PC that shows the player is the first. Next, the PCs connected to the desk top equipment are continued in the order of detection on the network, that is, the order in the structure 214.
Finally, the PC to which the desktop installation device is not connected is continued in the order of detection on the network. As for the sorting method, since many sorting algorithms exist as known techniques,
Details are omitted. Any procedure such as quick sort and merge sort may be used. This is the end of the classification process.

In the seventh embodiment, the installation form information for each device is obtained from the structure 216 that internally holds it. However, in this embodiment, the installation form information is installed from the information source searched by the structure 217. Collect morphological information. According to the present embodiment, since the installation form information is not stored in the data processing device, the arrangement can always be performed based on the latest information. That is, even when the latest model is purchased, the favorite display screen can be automatically generated without updating the information in the data processing device, and a more appropriate arrangement can be performed.

The various functions described in the first to ninth embodiments are realized by the structure shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 2 and the like shown in FIG. 17 function as the layout map display means, the size acquisition means, the determination means, etc. according to the present invention, and the icon display means, the image display means, the position detection means according to the other present invention. , And also functions as a judgment means and the like, and also functions as an icon arrangement display means, an image display means, a classification means and the like in the present invention.

(Other Embodiments) In order to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a computer in an apparatus or system connected to the various devices is operated in the above-described embodiment. Supply the program code of software to realize the function of
What was carried out by operating the above-mentioned various devices according to the program stored in the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is also included in the category of the present invention.

Further, in this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself constitutes the present invention. As a transmission medium of the program code, a communication medium (a wired line such as an optical fiber or a wireless line) in a computer network (LAN, WAN such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, etc.) system for propagating and supplying the program information as a carrier wave. Etc.) can be used.

Further, means for supplying the program code to a computer, for example, a recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. A flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used as a recording medium for storing the program code.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the supplied program code by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) or the other in which the program code is operating in the computer. It goes without saying that the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the application software of the above.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or function expansion unit is instructed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like included in the above-mentioned performs some or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

The shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is thereby provided. It should not be construed as limiting. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or the main features thereof.

[0247]

As described above, according to the present invention, the layout map of the network can be made more convenient. Specifically, when the layout of the office is changed, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the device can be installed in a desired place, and it is possible to reduce the time and labor required for the determination. Further, it is possible to provide a layout map for displaying the device registered by the user in consideration of the physical position, and further, it becomes possible to easily edit the layout map. Further, since the icons of the devices on the network are automatically arranged and displayed together with the image of the desk or the like, it is possible to support the layout map creation according to the actual arrangement.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement of respective devices shown in FIG. 1 in an office.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a size input field is displayed on the user interface.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of dragging and dropping on a user interface.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which an error message is displayed on the user interface.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which an error message is displayed on the user interface.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing on the computer side in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing on the server side in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a data processing device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a list display screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a personal map display (selection marking) screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a personal map display edit screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure that stores registration information for personal map display.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state where a PC icon is dragged from a list display window 503 to a personal map display window 502.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a table that defines which part of the background image the device should overlap with.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state where a PC icon is dropped on a personal map display window 502.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a state where an MFP icon is dragged from a list display window 503 to a personal map display window 502.

FIG. 27 shows the MFP on the personal map display window 502.
It is a figure which shows the state which dropped the icon.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen for favorite display (selection marking).

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a state before creating a favorite screen display.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a favorite display screen immediately after a layout is generated.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a favorite display screen edited from the state of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure for storing device-specific information.

FIG. 35 shows the number of desks to be placed in the automatic layout,
It is the figure which showed the example of the layout.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a rule for deciding the order of arranging subsequent PCs centering on a desk corresponding to the PC of the own machine.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an automatic layout generation process in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a process of classifying PCs and peripheral devices according to types in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a process of arranging the desk top placement device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a process of determining the number of desks and the arrangement of desks from the number of PCs in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a process of placing a PC on a desk according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an upper placement process in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a left part arrangement process in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a right part arrangement process in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a lower placement process in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a slanted portion arranging process according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a PC position registration process in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a process of classifying PCs and peripheral devices according to types in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure for storing device-specific information.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a process of classifying PCs and peripheral devices according to types in the ninth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 system bus 2 CPU 3 program memory 4 Communication control unit 5 communication ports 6 communication lines 7 network 8 External storage device controller 9 Flexible disk 10 hard disk 11 Input control unit 12 keyboard 13 mice 14 Video image memory 15 Display output controller 16 CRT 17 Printer control unit 18 Printer 19 External device controller 1A Image reading device control unit 1B image reading equipment

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Junichiro Kizaki             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F term (reference) 5B046 AA03 FA07 HA05                 5E501 AA01 AC09 AC35 BA03 CA02                       EB15 FA14 FA44

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, and a layout map display means for creating a layout map for displaying the devices on the network and displaying the layout map on an image display device. According to the size acquisition means to acquire the size of the device on the network and the operation on the layout map, check the size of both devices to see if other devices can be installed at the desired device installation location. A data processing device, comprising: a determining means for determining. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notifying means for notifying a user of a result judged by the judging means. 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing size information of each device on the network, wherein the size acquisition means acquires the size from the storage means. . 4. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size acquisition means inquires a size to a device on the network. 5. The server is connected to the network, the server device providing information about a new device, and the determination means is a new device provided with information from the server device at a desired device installation location. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the appropriate device can be installed is determined by comparing the sizes of both devices. 6. The device is displayed by an icon, and the determination means makes the determination according to an operation of the icon on the layout map. The data processing device according to. 7. A server device for providing information about a device via a network, the receiving device receiving a type of the device desired by the user transmitted from the data processing device on the network, and the device desired by the user. And a list transmitting unit that transmits a list of candidate devices to the data processing device based on the type and size of the device desired by the user. apparatus. 8. A data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, the icon display means displaying an icon of a registered device among the plurality of devices on the network on an image display device. A data processing device, comprising: an image display unit for displaying another image in addition to the display by the icon display unit. 9. The data processing according to claim 8, further comprising another icon display means for displaying on the image display device the icons of all the devices detected on the network together with their connection relationships. apparatus. 10. The data processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the selection display by the icon means and the image display means and the list display by the other icon display means can be simultaneously displayed. 11. The operation for moving an icon on the list display to the selection display in order to perform registration to be displayed on the selection display.
The data processing device according to 0. 12. The data according to claim 10, wherein an operation of moving an icon on the selection display to the list display is possible in order to cancel the registration displayed on the selection display. Processing equipment. 13. A position detection means for detecting a display position instructed to move from the list display to the selection display by the operation, and the image display means to position at the position on the selection display instructed to move. The data processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined image is present among the displayed images. 14. If the predetermined image exists at the display position on the selection display instructed to move, the designated position is determined as a registration position, and if the predetermined image does not exist, 14. The data processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a determining unit that detects a position of the predetermined image existing closest to the instructed position and determines the position of the image as a registered position. . 15. If the predetermined image does not exist at the display position on the selection display for which the movement is instructed, the instructed position is determined as a registered position, and if the predetermined image exists, the 14. The data according to claim 13, further comprising determination means for detecting a position which does not overlap the predetermined image existing closest to the designated position and determining the position of the image as a registered position. Processing equipment. 16. The data processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image display means displays a desk image as the image. 17. A data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein information about the devices on the network is acquired, and an icon of each device is automatically arranged based on the information to obtain an image. A data processing apparatus, comprising: an icon arrangement display means for displaying on a display device; and an image display means for displaying another image on the display by the icon display means. 18. The icon arrangement display means is provided with a classifying means for acquiring information about the equipment on the network and classifying the equipment on the desk and the equipment arranged outside the desk based on the information. 18. The data processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the icon of each device is automatically arranged according to the classification by the classification means. 19. The data processing device according to claim 18, wherein the classification means classifies itself and other data processing devices into devices arranged on a desk. 20. For the peripheral device, the classification means obtains at least one of information indicating the installation form of each peripheral device, which is a desktop or a desk side, size information, and weight information. 19. A device placed on the desk and a device placed outside the desk are classified based on the information.
9. The data processing device according to item 9. 21. The data processing device according to claim 17, wherein the icon arrangement display means arranges another data processing device centering on the own device. 22. The image display means displays an image of a desk as the other image.
22. The data processing device according to any one of 21. 23. A network in which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein a predetermined data processing device on the network creates a layout map for displaying the devices on the network and displays the layout map on an image display device. A display unit, a size acquisition unit that acquires the size of the device on the network, and whether or not another device can be installed at a desired device installation location according to the operation on the layout map. And a determination means for determining the size of the network according to the size of the network system. 24. A network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein a predetermined data processing device on the network displays an icon of a registered device among the plurality of devices on the network on an image display device. A network system comprising: an icon display unit for displaying the image and an image display unit for displaying another image on the display by the icon display unit. 25. In a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, a predetermined data processing device on the network acquires information about the devices on the network, and based on the information, displays an icon of each device. A network system comprising: an icon arrangement display means for automatically arranging and displaying on an image display device; and an image display means for displaying another image on the display by the icon display means. 26. A display processing method for performing a display for supporting a layout change of the network environment on an image display device by using a data processing device connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected. In accordance with the layout map display procedure of creating a layout map for displaying the device of the device and displaying it on the image display device, the size acquisition procedure of acquiring the size of the device on the network, and the operation on the layout map, A display processing method comprising: a determination procedure for determining whether or not another device can be installed at a desired device installation location by comparing the sizes of both devices. 27. A display processing method for displaying on an image display device by using a data processing device on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein the device is a device registered among the plurality of devices on the network. A display processing method, comprising: an icon display procedure for displaying an icon on the image display device; and an image display procedure for displaying another image on the display according to the icon display procedure. 28. A display processing method for displaying on an image display device by using a data processing device on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein information on the devices on the network is acquired and It is characterized in that it has an icon arrangement display procedure for automatically arranging icons of each device based on the above and displaying them on the image display device, and an image display procedure for displaying another image superimposed on the display by the icon display procedure. Display processing method. 29. A computer program for displaying on an image display device for supporting layout change of the network environment using a computer connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected. A layout map display process of creating a layout map to be displayed and displaying it on the image display device, a size acquisition process of acquiring the size of a device on the network, and a desired device according to an operation on the layout map A computer program that causes a computer to perform a determination process of determining whether or not another device can be installed at the installation location of the device by comparing the sizes of both devices. 30. A computer program for displaying on an image display device using a computer on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein an icon of a registered device among the plurality of devices on the network is displayed. A computer program that causes a computer to execute an icon display process to be displayed on an image display device and an image display process to display another image on the display by the icon display process. 31. A computer program for displaying on an image display device by using a computer on a network to which a plurality of devices are connected, wherein information on the devices on the network is acquired, and each is acquired based on the information. It is characterized in that a computer is caused to execute an icon arrangement display process of automatically arranging icons of devices and displaying them on the image display device, and an image display process of displaying another image superimposed on the display by the icon display process. Computer program. 32. A computer-readable storage medium having the computer program according to any one of claims 29 to 31 stored therein.