Patent Publication Number: US-2005141302-A1

Title: Method for surveying layout of information devices

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1) Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a technology for surveying layout of information devices such as computers, peripheral devices, etc.  
      2) Description of the Related Art  
      A wide range of information devices such as personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), and peripheral devices (such as printers, scanners, routers, etc.) have been conventionally used for large volumes of information exchange between IT devices (users) by means of connecting to a network.  
      In recent years even household appliances such as the refrigerators and microwave ovens have come to be connected to the network. Such appliances fall under the category of digital consumer electronics.  
      Each information device (called a node) connected to the network is given a unique ID or name to distinguish it from the other information devices. For instance, an information device connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network such as the Internet or the Intranet is assigned an IP address that corresponds to an address on the IP network.  
      To help users avoid having to commit to memory a multi-digit numerical value, a domain name system (DNS) is followed in IP network wherein each information device is assigned a host name consisting of alphanumerical characters or symbols, and a correspondence is established between the host name and the IP address to enable mutual reference between the host name and the IP address.  
      Apart from the IP address, a media access control (MAC) address is set as a hardware address to recognize the host on the network.  
      The use of wireless systems of communication in network connection has been gaining ground in recent years. Wireless local area network (LAN) that uses a part of Ethernet (™) standards, Bluetooth which is a wireless transmission system that operates in the 2.4 GHz band, etc. are examples of wireless methods of communication used in network connection.  
      Wireless LAN and Bluetooth are used as means of providing Internet connectivity to portable information devices such as notebook PCs or PDAs. Wireless LAN is also used as a hot spot that provides outdoor spots that can be connected to the Internet. These hotspots may for instance be installed in stations, stores, etc.  
      Conventionally, ID such as the IP address or the host name is used for identifying where on the network a particular information device is.  
      However, conventionally it is difficult to identify where the information devices are spatially located indoors or outdoors (for example, if indoors, on which desk). When the information devices are to be connected to the network and used, then an IP address/information device name correspondence table  10  shown in  FIG. 39 , a network configuration diagram  20  shown in  FIG. 40 , and an office layout drawing  30  shown in  FIG. 41  are required.  
      The IP address/information device name correspondence table  10 , the network configuration diagram  20 , and the office layout drawing  30  are created by hand, mainly with an object of network construction or network management.  
      Generally, if the network configuration diagram  20  and the office layout drawing  30  are up-to-date, the layout (spatial locations) of the information devices can be accurately determined.  
      However, up-to-date layout (spatial locations) of the information devices cannot be accurately determined in the conventional methods because of the reasons listed below. 
          Information devices such as the Notebook PCs, PDAs, etc. can be shifted.     Semi-fixed information devices such as desktop PCs or printers can also be shifted.     Information devices are added and removed.        

      The following disadvantages result if the layout of the information devices is uncertain. 
          The location (current location) of an information device cannot be determined even though the IP address corresponding to the information device is known.     Conversely, the IP address of the information device at hand is not known unless looking at the IP address setting.     If both the IP address and the information device name are not known, information cannot be sent to the information device at hand.        

     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      It is an object of the present invention to at least solve the problems in the conventional technology.  
      A computer-readable recording medium according to an aspect of the present invention stores a computer program that causes a computer to execute: calculating a distance between the computer and a plurality of other devices respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity; creating location data of the computer and the devices on the basis of the distance calculated; acquiring location data of the computer and the devices from the devices respectively; and creating layout information for displaying physical layout of the computer and the devices on the basis of the location data created and the location data acquired.  
      A computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention stores a computer program that causes a computer to execute: calculating a distance and a direction between the computer and a plurality of other devices respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity; creating location data of the computer and the devices on the basis of the distance and the direction calculated; acquiring location data of the computer and the devices from the devices respectively; and creating layout information for displaying physical layout of the computer and the devices on the basis of the location data created and the location data acquired.  
      A layout survey apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a calculating unit that calculates a distance to a plurality of other devices respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity; a creating unit that creates location data of the apparatus and the devices on the basis of the distance calculated; an acquiring unit that acquires location data of the apparatus and the devices from the devices respectively; and a creating unit that creates layout information for displaying physical layout of the apparatus and the devices on the basis of the location data created and the location data acquired.  
      A layout survey method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes calculating a distance between a first device and a plurality of second devices respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity; creating location data of the first device and the second devices on the basis of the distance calculated; acquiring location data of the first device and the second devices from the second devices respectively; and creating layout information for displaying physical layout of the first device and the second devices on the basis of the location data created and the location data acquired.  
      A layout survey system according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a master device and a plurality of slave devices, and the master device includes a calculating unit that calculates a distance between the master device and the slave devices respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity; a creating unit that creates location data of the master device and the slave devices on the basis of the distance calculated; an acquiring unit that acquires location data of the master device and the slave devices from the slave devices respectively; and a creating unit that creates layout information for displaying physical layout of the master device and the slave devices on the basis of the location data created and the location data acquired.  
      The other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a layout survey apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a drawing of an office layout that indicates the positions of information devices  100   1  through  100   6  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a drawing of an information device attribute data  121  stored in an information device attribute data storing unit  120  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a drawing of a matching target information  131  stored in a matching target information storing unit  130  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a drawing of an information device combination table  104   a  created by a distance computing unit  104  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a drawing of a reference information device location data  141   3  created by a reference information device location data creating unit  105  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of the reference information device location data  141   3 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a drawing of reference information device location data  141   1  through  141   6  stored in a reference information device location data storing unit  140  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B , and  FIG. 9C  are schematic diagrams of reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   3 , and  141   2 , respectively;  
       FIG. 10  is a drawing of the result of combining the reference information device location data  141   1  shown in  FIG. 9A  and the reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 9B ;  
       FIG. 11  is a drawing of the result of combining a spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 10  and the reference information device location data  141   2  shown in  FIG. 9C ;  
       FIG. 12  is a drawing of a final form of the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a drawing of a distance-direction spatial location information  152  stored in a spatial location information storing unit  150  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a drawing of a coordinate spatial location information  153  stored in the spatial location information storing unit  150 ;  
       FIG. 15  is a drawing of a matching information  161  stored in a matching information storing unit  160  shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart of operations of a layout survey system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 17  is a flow chart of a distance calculation process shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 18  is a flow chart of a spatial location information creation process shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart of a matching process shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 33 ;  
       FIG. 20  is a block diagram of a layout survey apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 21  is a drawing of an office layout that indicates the positions of information devices  400   1  through  400   6  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 22  is a drawing of a reference information device location data  411   3  created by a reference information device location data creating unit  402  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram of the reference information device location data  411   3 ;  
       FIG. 24  is a drawing of the reference information device location data  411   1  through  411   6  stored in a reference information device location data storing unit  410  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 25  is a drawing of a reference information device location data  411   5  collected from the information device  400   5  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram of the reference information device location data  411   5 ;  
       FIG. 27  is a drawing of the result of combining the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 23  and the reference information device location data  411   5  shown in  FIG. 26 ;  
       FIG. 28A  and  FIG. 28B  are drawings of the result of combining a spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 27  and an reference information device location data  411   2 ;  
       FIG. 29  is a drawing of a final form of the spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 28A ;  
       FIG. 30  is a drawing of a distance-direction spatial location information  422  stored in a spatial location information storing unit  420  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 31  is a drawing of a coordinate spatial location information  423  stored in the spatial location information storing unit  420  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 32  is a drawing of a matching information  431  stored in a matching information storing unit  430  shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 33  is a flow chart of operations of the layout survey system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 34  is a flow chart of a distance calculation process shown in  FIG. 33 ;  
       FIG. 35  is a flow chart of a direction calculation process shown in  FIG. 33 ;  
       FIG. 36  is a flow chart of a spatial location information creation process shown in  FIG. 33 ;  
       FIG. 37  is a block diagram for explaining a modification of the layout survey apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 38  is a drawing for explaining another modification of the layout survey apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 39  is a drawing of a conventional IP address/information device correspondence table  10 ;  
       FIG. 40  is a conventional network configuration diagram  20 ; and  
       FIG. 41  is a drawing of a conventional office layout  40 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained next with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a layout survey apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
      The layout survey system shown in  FIG. 1  is for surveying the layout (spatial location) of survey object (information devices  100   1  through  100   6 ). In the layout survey system, the layout of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  are surveyed on the basis of mutual distances between the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 . The mutual distances between the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  are calculated on the basis of reception field intensity.  
      The information devices  100   1  through  100   6  are devices such as desktop PCs, notebook PCs, printers, etc. and are connected to each other via a wireless/cabled network  200 . The wireless/cabled network  200  can be a wireless LAN and a cabled LAN, etc.  
       FIG. 2  is a drawing of an office layout that indicates the positions of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  shown in  FIG. 1 . The information devices  100   1  through  100   6  are located on an office floor  300  and are survey objects. The office floor  300  has an entrance  301 , desks  302   1  through  302   6 , chairs  303   1  through  303   5 , and windows  304   1  through  304   3 .  
      The information device  100   1  is a desktop PC (see  FIG. 3 ) and is set on the desk  302   1 . The information device name assigned to the information device  100   1  is “PC-1”. The information device  100   2  is a notebook PC and is set on the desk  302   3 . The information device name assigned to the information device  100   2  is “PC-2”.  
      The information device  100   3  is again a notebook PC and is set on the desk  302   4 . The information device name assigned to the information device  100   3  is “PC-3”. The information device  100   4  is a desktop PC and is set on the desk  302   5 . The information device name assigned to the information device  100   4  is “PC-4”.  
      The information device  100   5  is again a desktop PC and is set on the desk  302   6 . The information device name assigned to the information device  100   5  is “PC-5”. The information device  100   6  is a printer and is set on a surface close to the desk  302   4 . The information device name assigned to the information device  100   6  is “Printer-1”.  
      To return to  FIG. 1 , the information device  100   3  also includes a layout survey device  100 A 3  apart from a unit that realizes the functions of a PC. The layout survey device  100 A 3  is provided with the function of surveying the layout of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 . Each of the other information devices  100   1 ,  100   2 , and  1004  through  100   6  also are provided with a not shown layout survey device similar to the layout survey device  100 A 3 .  
      The layout survey devices of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  have a master-slave relationship among them. For instance, the layout survey device  100 A 3  provided in the information device  100   3  is the master, and the not shown layout survey devices of the other information devices are slaves.  
      The layout survey device  100 A 3  of the information device  100   3  includes a wireless communication unit  101 . The wireless communication unit  101  includes a wireless LAN interface, and controls wireless communication between the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  via the wireless/cabled network  200  (wireless network in this case).  
      The wireless communication systems that can be adapted to the wireless communication unit  101  are listed below. In the description that follows it is assumed that the wireless communication unit  101  implements the wireless LAN method. 
          Wireless LAN method—This is a part of the Ethernet standards and complies with the standards (such as IEEE.802.11b, etc.) set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).     Bluetooth—This is a short-range wireless communication system that operates in the 2.4 GHz band and was developed as an interface for realizing data exchange between PC, peripheral devices, household, digital consumer electronics, mobile phones, etc. Mainly, its potential for use in offices is envisioned.     Home RF—This is short-range wireless communication system that operates within the 2.4 GHz band that connects PC, household goods, mobile phones, etc., and is used within homes.     Other wireless communication systems        

      The wireless communication systems mentioned above presume that the usage is one of short-range, and therefore the effective wireless coverage range is restricted (for instance, Bluetooth works even if there are obstructions as long as the distance between the information devices is within 10 m).  
      A cabled communication unit  102  includes a cabled LAN interface, and controls the cabled communication between the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  via the wireless/cabled network  200  (cabled network, in this case).  
      An input unit  103  is a drive device that reads information from a keyboard, mouse, or a recording medium and is used when inputting various types of information such as an information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ) or a matching target information  131  (see  FIG. 4 ).  
      The information device attribute data  121  shown in  FIG. 3  is stored in an information device attribute data storing unit (see  FIG. 1 ) and is information pertaining to attributes of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 , which are the layout survey objects. The information device attribute data  121  includes the fields “Information device name”, “IP address”, “Type”, “Proneness to shifting”, “Wireless communication unit”, and “Asset No.”.  
      The field “Information device name” indicates the information device name assigned to each of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 . That is, the data that will be entered in the field “Information device name” will be PC- 1  through PC- 5  and Printer- 1  that correspond to information devices  100   1  through  100   6 .  
      The field “IP address” indicates the address assigned to the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  on the wireless/cabled network  200 . The field “Type” indicates the type (either a desktop PC, or a notebook PC, or a printer) of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 . The field “Proneness to shifting” indicates the proneness of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  to being shifted from one place to another and includes three options, namely, Fixed, Substantially fixed, Frequently shifted.  
      The field “Wireless communication unit” indicates the wireless interface (wireless LAN, Bluetooth, etc.) used by the wireless communication unit (the wireless communication unit  101  in the case of the information device  100   3 ) of the layout survey device installed in each of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 . The field “Asset No.” indicates the number assigned to each of the information devices under asset management.  
      Apart from the input unit  103 , the information device attribute data  121  can also be obtained from other information devices  100   1 ,  1002 , and  1004  through  100   6  via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The matching target information  131  shown in  FIG. 4  is information that is matched with distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see  FIG. 13 ) or coordinate spatial location information  153  (see  FIG. 14 ), which are described later. The matching target information  131  is information in the form of a layout drawing of all the objects shown in  FIG. 2  other than the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  (namely, the office floor  300 , the entrance  301 , the desks  302   1  through  302   6 , the chairs  303   1  through  303   5 , the windows  304   1  through  304   3 ).  
      The matching target information  131  is stored in a matching target information storing unit  130  shown  FIG. 1 . Apart from the matching target information  131 , the matching target information storing unit  130  also stores the following types of information. 
          Architectural plan of the building or room where the information devices are located     Block diagram of the information devices network     Asset management information database of the information devices        

      The layout survey device  100 A 3  of the information device  100   3  shown in  FIG. 1  possess a function for surveying the layout (see  FIG. 7 ) of the other information devices with respect to its own information device (the information device  100   3 ) on the basis of the distance between itself and each of the information devices.  
      Each of the not shown layout survey devices of the other information devices  100   1 ,  100   2 , and  100   4  through  100   6  also possesses the function of surveying the layout of the other information devices with respect to its own information device on the basis of the distance between itself and each of the information devices.  
      The layout survey device  100 A 3  of the information device  100   3  also possesses the function of integrating the survey result of the information device  100   3  and the survey result of each of the other information devices  100   1 ,  100   2 , and  100   4  through  100   6 .  
      A distance computing unit  104  computes, on the basis of the reception field intensity, the distance between itself (the information device  100   3  in this case) and each of the other information devices  100   1 ,  100   2 , and  100   4  through  100   6  on the basis of the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ).  
      To be specific, the distance computing unit  104  creates an information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5  by combining itself (in this case PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 )) with each of PC- 1 , PC- 2 , PC- 4 , PC- 5 , and Printer- 1  (that is, the information devices  100   1 ,  100   2 , and  100   4  through  1006 ).  
      In the information device combination table  104   a,  the column “Sender information device” indicates the information device that sends radio waves to a receiver information device, and includes PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ), PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ), PC- 4  (the information device  100   4 ), PC- 5  (the information device  100   5 ), and Printer- 1  (the information device  100   6 ).  
      The column “Receiver information device” indicates the information device that receives the radio waves from the sender information device, and in the information device combination table  104   a,  the receiver information device is PC- 3  (information device  100   3 ).  
      The distance computing unit  104  measures the reception field intensity when communication is established between the wireless communication units of each pair of information devices in the information device combination table  104   a.  The distance computing unit  104  then calculates the distance between the information devices on the basis of the reception field intensity.  
      However, the distance between the information devices cannot be calculated in the following cases. Hence, in these cases a distance calculation failure flag (see  FIG. 6 ), which is described later, is set. 
          When the distance between two information devices exceeds the effective wireless coverage range     When there is an obstruction between two information devices, preventing radio waves from reaching the information device     When the wireless communication units of the two information devices have different wireless systems—that is, if the wireless system of one communication unit is wireless LAN that complies with Ethernet and the wireless system of the other communication unit is Bluetooth.        

      To return to  FIG. 1 , a reference information device location data creating unit  105  creates reference information device location data  141   3  (see  FIG. 6 ), on the basis of the calculation result of the distance computing unit  104 . The reference information device location data  141   3  indicates where the other information devices are located with respect to the information device  100   3  (PC- 3 ) shown in  FIG. 2  considering PC- 3  as the reference information device.  
      The reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 6  is information that indicates the distance of each of the other information devices from PC- 3  (the reference information device). In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , PC- 1  is at a distance of 3 m from PC- 3  (the reference information device). However, the direction of PC- 1  from PC- 3  is unknown. Further, the distance between PC- 3  (the reference information device) and PC- 4  is not calculable (that is, a distance calculation failure flag is set).  
       FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of the reference information device location data  141   3 . In  FIG. 7 , concentric circles of radii in units of 1 m and corresponding to the distances shown in  FIG. 6  are shown, with the reference information device (PC- 3 ) representing the center.  FIG. 9B  shows an abridged version (showing only viable circles  3   3  and  3   2 ) of the reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 7 .  
      In.  FIG. 7 , PC- 1  exists on the viable circle  3   3  of a radius of 3 m (Distance 3 m—see  FIG. 6 ) with PC- 3  as its center. PC- 2  exists on the viable circle  3   2  of a radius of 2 m (Distance 2 m—see  FIG. 6 ) with PC- 3  as its center.  
      PC- 5  exists on a viable circle  3   4  of a radius of 4 m (Distance 4 m—see  FIG. 6 ) with PC- 3  as its center. Printer- 1  exists on the viable circle  3   3  of a radius of 3 m (Distance 3 m—see  FIG. 6 ) with PC- 3  as its center.  
      The reference information device location data  141   3  created by the reference information device location data creating unit  105  of the information device  100   3  (PC- 3 ) is stored in a reference information device location data storing unit  140  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
      The not shown respective layout survey devices of the information device  100   1  (PC- 1 ), the information device  100   2  (PC- 2 ), the information device  100   4  (PC- 4 ), the information device  100   5  (PC- 5 ), and the information device  100   6  (Printer- 1 ) also create, by taking their own information device as the reference information device, reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   2 ,  141   4 ,  141   5 , and  141   6  (see  FIG. 8 ).  
      For instance, as shown in  FIG. 9A , the not shown layout survey device of the information device  100   1  (PC- 1 ) creates the reference information device location data  141   1  by taking PC- 1  as the reference information device.  
      In the reference information device location data  141   1 , PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ) exists on a viable circle  1   2  of a radius of 2 m (Distance 2 m—see  FIG. 2 ) with PC- 1  as its center. PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 ) exists on a viable circle  1   3  of a radius of 3 m (Distance 3 m—see  FIG. 2 ) with PC- 1  as its center.  
      Further, as shown in  FIG. 9C , the not shown layout survey device of the information device  100   2  (PC- 2 ) creates the reference information device location data  141   2  by taking PC- 2  as the reference information device.  
      In the reference information device location data  141   2 , PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ) exists on a viable circle  2   2  of a radius of 2 m (Distance 2 m—see  FIG. 2 ) with PC- 2  as its center. PC- 3  (information device  100   3 ) also exists on the same viable circle  2   2 .  
      To return to  FIG. 1 , a reference information device location data collecting unit  106  collects, via the cabled communication unit  102  (the wireless communication unit  101  can also be used) the reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   2 ,  141   4 ,  141   5 , and  141   6  from the layout survey devices of the information device  100   1  (PC- 1 ),  100   2  (PC- 2 ),  100   4  (PC- 4 ),  100   5  (PC- 5 ), and  100   6  (Printer- 1 ) respectively, and stores the collected data in the reference information device location data storing unit  140  (see  FIG. 1 ). In the first embodiment, the reference information device location data collecting unit  106  can store the reference information device location data in the reference information device location data storing unit  140  by correlating it to the time at which the data is created.  
      A spatial location information creating unit  107  creates a spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 12  by sequentially combining the reference information device location data  141   1 , through  141   6  stored in the reference information device location data storing unit  140 , as shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . The spatial location information  151  is information that indicates the spatial location (layout) of each of the information devices being surveyed, and is a survey result of the layout survey device  100 A 3 .  
      The spatial location information creating unit  107  creates from the spatial location information  151 , either the distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see  FIG. 13 ) or the coordinate spatial location information  153  (see  FIG. 14 ), and stores the distance-direction spatial location information  152  and the coordinate spatial location information  153  in a spatial location information storing unit  150  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
      A correcting unit  108  is provided with a function of correcting the distance-direction spatial location information  152  or the coordinate spatial location information  153  stored in the spatial location information storing unit  150 . To be specific, the correcting unit  108  performs correction either manually or automatically, as described below.  
      (A) Manual Correction 
          Correcting by specifying recalculation of the entire spatial location information     Manually correcting a part of the spatial location information        

      (B) Automatic Correction  
      Automatic correction is carried out when there is a change in the distance or direction between the information devices.  
      A matching unit  109  creates a matching information  161  shown in  FIG. 15  by matching the matching target information (for instance, the matching target information  131 —see  FIG. 4 ) stored in the matching target information storing unit  130  and the spatial location information (for instance, the distance-direction spatial location information  152 —see  FIG. 13 ) stored in the spatial location information storing unit  150 , and stores the matching information  161  in a matching information storing unit  160  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
      An output unit  110  outputs the spatial location information  151  (see  FIG. 12 ), the distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see  FIG. 13 ), the coordinate spatial location information (see  FIG. 14 ), and the matching information  161  (see  FIG. 15 ).  
      The operation of the layout survey system according to the first embodiment is explained next with reference to the flow charts shown in  FIG. 16  through  FIG. 19 . The layout survey system in this example is shown to survey the layout (spatial locations) of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  shown in  FIG. 2 .  
      In Step SA 1  shown in  FIG. 16 , the layout survey system carries out a distance calculation process. The distance calculation process involves calculating the distance between the information device  100   3  (PC- 3 ) and each of the other information devices  100   1 ,  100   2 , and  100   4  through  100   6  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
      The distance calculation process is explained next.  FIG. 17  is a flow chart of the distance calculation process. In Step SB 1 , the distance computing unit  104  refers to the information device attribute data storing unit  120 , and creates the information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5  from the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ).  
      In Step SB 2 , the distance computing unit  104  selects one of the combinations from the information device combination table  104   a.  Let us assume that the distance computing unit  104  selects the combination with a Combination No. “1”, in which a Receiver information device is “PC-3” and a Sender information device is “PC-1”.  
      In Step SB 3 , the distance computing unit  104  sends a communication confirmation data to the other information device of the pair, that is, the sender information device PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ), via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ) receives the communication confirmation data. In response, the layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ) sends a response data to PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 . The wireless communication unit  101  receives the response data.  
      In Step SB 4 , the distance computing unit  104  determines whether the response data has been received, that is, whether communication is possible between the communication devices (PC- 3  and PC- 1 , in this case).  
      If the answer in Step SB 4  is “Yes”, the distance calculation process proceeds to Step SB 5 . In Step SB 5 , the distance computing unit  104  sends a send request data, requesting for information required for distance calculation (hereinafter, “distance calculation data”), to the other information device of the pair, that is, the sender information device PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ), via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ) receives the send request data. In response, the layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  1001 ) sends the distance calculation data to PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      In Step SB 6 , the distance computing unit  104  determines whether the distance calculation data has been received by the wireless communication unit  101 . If the answer in Step SB 6  is “No”, the distance computing unit  104  repeats Step SB 6 .  
      If the answer in Step SB 6  is “Yes”, the distance calculation process proceeds to Step SB 7 . In Step SB 7 , the distance computing unit  104  measures the reception field intensity of the distance calculation data. In Step SB 8 , the distance computing unit  104  calculates using a known expression and on the basis of the reception field intensity, the distance, say 3 m (see  FIG. 2 ), between the two information devices (PC- 3  and PC- 1 , in this case).  
      In Step SB 9 , the reference information device location data creating unit  105  sets “3 m” in the “Distance” field (corresponding to PC- 1 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      In Step SB 10 , the distance computing unit  104  determines whether the distance calculation process has been carried out for all the combinations in the information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      If the answer in Step SB 10  is “No”, the distance calculation process goes back to Step SB 2 . In Step SB 2 , the distance computing unit  104  selects the combination with the Combination No. “2”, in which the Receiver information device is “PC-3” and the Sender information device is “PC-2”. The subsequent Steps SB 3  through SB 8  are the same as described earlier. In Step SB 9 , the reference information device location data creating unit  105  sets “2 m” calculated in Step SB 8  in the “Distance” field (corresponding to PC- 2 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      If the answer in Step SB 10  is “No”, in Step SB 2 , the distance computing unit  104  selects from the information device combination table  104   a  that combination with the Combination No. “3”, in which the Receiver information device is “PC-3” and the Sender information device is “PC-4”.  
      In Step SB 3 , the distance computing unit  104  sends a communication confirmation data to the other information device of the pair, that is, the sender information device PC- 4  (the information device  100   4 ), via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      If wireless communication is not possible between PC- 3  and PC- 4 , the not shown layout survey device of PC- 4  (the information device  100   4 ) cannot receive the communication confirmation data. Hence, in this case, the layout survey device of PC- 4  will not be able to send a response data.  
      Since no response data is received from PC- 4 , that is, since no communication is possible between the information devices (PC- 3  and PC- 4 , in this case), the answer in Step SB 4  is “No”.  
      The distance calculation process proceeds to Step SB 12 . In Step SB 12 , the reference information device location data creating unit  105  sets “Distance calculation failure flag” in the “Distance” field (corresponding to PC- 4 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      If the answer in Step SB 10  is “No”, Steps SB 2  through SB 10  are repeated for Combination No. “4” and Combination No. “5” in the information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      If the answer in Step SB 10  is “Yes”, the distance calculation process proceeds to Step SB 11 . In Step SB 11 , the reference information device location data creating unit  105  stores the reference information device location data  141   3  shown in  FIG. 6  in the reference information device location data storing unit  140 . The distance calculation process ends here.  
      The layout survey devices of the other information devices, namely PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ), PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ), PC- 4  (the information device  100   4 ), PC- 5  (the information device  100   5 ), and Printer- 1  (the information device  100   6 ) similarly carry out the distance calculation process, and respectively create and store the reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   2 ,  141   4 ,  141   5 , and  141   6  (see  FIG. 8 ) created by taking respective information device as the reference information device.  
      To return to  FIG. 16 , in Step SA 2 , the layout survey system carries out a spatial location information creation process to create the spatial location information (the spatial location information  151  (see  FIG. 12 ), the distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see FIG.  13 ), and the coordinate spatial location information  153  (see  FIG. 14 )) that indicates the spatial locations (layout) of the information devices  100   1  through  100   6  shown in  FIG. 2 .  
      The spatial location information creation process is described next.  FIG. 18  is a flow chart of the spatial location information creation process. In Step SC 1 , the reference information device location data collecting unit  106  refers to the information device attribute data  121  shown in  FIG. 3 , and collects from all the information devices except PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 ), that is, from PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ), PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ), PC- 4  (the information device  100   4 ), PC- 5  (the information device  100   5 ), and Printer- 1  (the information device  100   6 ), the respective reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   2 ,  141   4 ,  141   5 , and  141   6  (see  FIG. 8 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      In Step SC 2 , the reference information device location data collecting unit  106  stores the collected reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   2 ,  141   4 ,  141   5 , and  141   6  in the reference information device location data storing unit  140 .  
      In Step SC 3 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  refers to the information device attribute data storing unit  120 , and selects one information device (hereinafter, “information device a”), for instance PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ) out of a plurality of information devices. The criterion for selecting the information device a is that the information device (reference information device) should have the most number of distances calculated between itself and the other information devices.  
      In Step SC 4 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  140  the reference information device location data (hereinafter, “reference information device location data A”) collected from the information device a.  
      In this case, the spatial location information creating unit  107  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  140  the reference information device location data  141   1 , shown in  FIG. 9A , collected from PC- 1  (the information device  100   1 ).  
      In Step SC 5 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  selects one information device (hereinafter, “information device b”) on the basis of the retrieved reference information device location data A.  
      In this case, the spatial location information creating unit  107  selects as the information device b, PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 ) that exists on the viable circle  1   3  in the reference information device location data  141   1  shown in  FIG. 9A .  
      In Step SC 6 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  140 , the reference information device location data (hereinafter, “reference information device location data B”) collected from the information device b.  
      In this case, the spatial location information creating unit  107  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  140 , the reference information device location data  141   3 , shown in  FIG. 9B , collected from PC- 3  (the information device  100   3 ).  
      In Step SC 7 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  combines the reference information device location data A retrieved in Step SC 4  and the reference information device location data B retrieved in Step SC 6 , and creates the spatial location information.  
      To be specific, the spatial location information creating unit  107  combines the reference information device location data  141   1  (see  FIG. 9A ) and the reference information device location data  141   3  (see  FIG. 9B ) and creates the spatial location information  151 , as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
      In this case, the spatial location information creating unit  107  combines the reference information device location data  141   1  and the reference information device location data  141   3  in such a way that PC- 1  (reference information device) of the reference information device location data  141   1  is located on the viable circle  3   3  of the reference information device location data  141   3  and PC- 3  (reference information device) of the reference information device location data  141   3  is located on the viable circle  1   3  of the reference information device location data  141   1 .  
      Points of intersection S 1  and S 2  of the viable circle  1   2  of the reference information device location data  141   1  and the viable circle  3   2  of the reference information device location data  141   3  are the potential locations where PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ) will be located. The points of intersection and viable circles are the potential locations for placing the information devices.  
      To return to  FIG. 18 , in Step SC 8 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  checks whether any information device remains whose reference information device location data has not been combined yet (the first time checking is done for the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 10 . Subsequently, checking is done for the spatial location information  151  updated in Step SC 11 ).  
      In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , the information devices whose reference information device location data are not yet combined are PC- 2  that corresponds to the viable circles  1   2  and  3   2 , and Printer- 1  that corresponds to the viable circle  3   3 . However, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the reference information device location data  141   3  also includes the viable circle  3   4  corresponding to PC- 5 . Therefore, the information devices whose reference information device location data are yet to be combined are PC- 2 , Printer- 1 , and PC- 5 .  
      If the answer in Step SC 8  is “Yes”, the spatial location information creation process proceeds to Step SC 9 . In Step SC 9 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  selects one of the information devices (hereinafter, “information device c”) that are not yet combined (PC- 2 , Printer- 1 , and PC- 5 ).  
      Let us suppose that the spatial location information creating unit  107  selects PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ) as the information device c.  
      In Step SC 10 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  retrieves the reference information device location data (hereinafter, “reference information device location data C”) from the reference information device location data storing unit  140 .  
      In this case, the spatial location information creating unit  107  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  140  the reference information device location data  141   2  shown in  FIG. 9C  collected from PC- 2  (the information device  100   2 ).  
      In Step SC 11 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  combines the reference information device location data C retrieved in Step SC 10  with the spatial location information.  
      To be specific, the spatial location information creating unit  107  combines the reference information device location data C retrieved in Step SC 10  with the latest spatial location information  151  ( FIG. 10 , in this case), to update the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 10  to the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 11 .  
      In this case, the spatial location information creating unit  107  updates the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 10  by combining it with the reference information device location data  141   2  shown in  FIG. 9C  in such a way that PC- 2  (reference information device) of the reference information device location data  141   2  is located on the point of intersection S 2 , and PC- 1  (reference information device) of the reference information device location data  141   1  and PC- 3  (reference information device) of the reference information device location data  141   3  are located on the viable circle  2   2  of the reference information device location data  141   2 .  
      When the potential location for placing an information device is two points of intersection, the reference information device of the reference information device location data is placed at either of the two points of intersection (in the case described, the information device is placed at the intersection point S 2 ). When the potential location for placing an information device is on a viable circle, the information device is placed anywhere on the viable circle.  
      To return to  FIG. 18 , in Step SC 8 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  checks whether any information device remains whose reference information device location data has not been combined yet. Since reference information device location data of PC- 5  and Printer- 1  still remain to be combined, the answer in Step SC 8  is “Yes”.  
      The spatial location information creating unit  107  repeats Steps SC 9  through SC 11  until the answer in Step SC 8  is “No”. For instance, the reference information device location data  141   5  (corresponding to PC- 5 ) is combined with the spatial location information  151  and the spatial location information  151  is updated. Following this, the reference information device location data  141   6  (corresponding to Printer- 1 ) is combined with the updated spatial location information  151  and the spatial location information  151  is updated again.  FIG. 12  shows the finally updated spatial location information  151 , and is essentially a schematic diagram of the spatial locations (layout) of the information devices being surveyed.  
      If the answer in Step SC 8  is “No”, the spatial location information creation process proceeds to Step SC 12 . In Step SC 12 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  creates from the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 12  the distance-direction spatial location information  152  shown in  FIG. 13  meant to be stored.  
      The distance-direction spatial location information  152  contains the distance and direction between each pair of information devices in the form of a matrix. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the distance between PC- 1  and PC- 2  is 2 m and the direction is 180° (that is, if the perpendicular of PC- 1  is taken as a reference 0°, PC- 2  is located 180° clockwise with respect to PC- 1 ).  
      Alternatively, in the first embodiment, the spatial location information creating unit  107  can create from the spatial location information  151  shown in  FIG. 12  the coordinate spatial location information  153  shown in  FIG. 14  meant to be stored. In the coordinate spatial location information  153 , the location of each of the information devices is represented by coordinates in a two-dimensional coordinate system with respect to the location of PC- 3  shown in  FIG. 12 , whose coordinates are taken to be (0,0).  
      To return to  FIG. 18 , in Step SC 13 , the spatial location information creating unit  107  stores the distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see  FIG. 13 ) or the coordinate spatial location information  153  (see  FIG. 14 ) in the reference information device location data storing unit  140 . The spatial location information creation process ends here.  
      To return to  FIG. 16 , in Step SA 3 , the layout survey system determines whether a matching process is to be carried out. If the answer in Step SA 3  is “No”, the layout survey system proceeds to Step SA 5 . In Step SA 5 , the output unit  110  retrieves from the spatial location information storing unit  150  and outputs the distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see  FIG. 13 ) or the coordinate spatial location information  153  (see  FIG. 14 ).  
      If the answer in Step SA 3  is “Yes”, the layout survey system proceeds to Step SA 4 . In Step SA 4  the layout survey system carries out the matching process to match the matching target information and the spatial location information.  
      The matching process is explained next.  FIG. 19  is a flow chart of the matching process. In Step SD 1 , the matching unit  109  retrieves the distance-direction spatial location information  152  shown in  FIG. 13  or the coordinate spatial location information  153  shown in  FIG. 14  from the spatial location information storing unit  150 .  
      In Step SD 2 , a user can specify as the matching target information, say, the matching target information  131  (see  FIG. 4 ) and the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ) by means of the input unit  103 . In Step SD 3 , the matching unit  109  retrieves from the respective storing units (in this case, from the matching target information storing unit  130  and the information device attribute data storing unit  120 ) the matching target information  131  and the information device attribute data  121  specified in Step SD 2 .  
      In Step SD 4 , the matching unit  109 , matches the distance-direction spatial location information  152  (see  FIG. 13 ) retrieved in Step SD 1 , and the matching target information  131  (see  FIG. 4 ) as well as the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ) retrieved in Step SD 3 , and creates the matching information  161  shown in  FIG. 15 .  
      The matching information  161  contains the information device attribute data (IP address, Type, and Asset No.) of each of the information devices (PC- 1 , PC- 2 , etc.) correlated to the respective information device.  
      In Step SD 5 , the matching unit  109  stores the matching information  161  (see  FIG. 15 ) in the matching information storing unit  160 . The matching process ends here. To return to  FIG. 15 , the layout survey system proceeds to Step SA 5 . In Step SA 5 , the output unit  110  retrieves from the matching information storing unit  160  and outputs the matching information  161  (see  FIG. 15 ).  
      Thus, one of a plurality of survey objects (the information devices  100   1  through  100   6 ), the information device  100   3  in this case, is taken as the reference survey object. The distance between the reference survey object and each of the other survey objects is calculated on the basis of the reception field intensity. The reference information device location data  141   3  (see  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 ) that indicates the layout is created on the basis of the distances of the other survey objects from the reference survey object. Similarly, by taking each of the other survey objects as the reference survey object, the reference information device location data  141   1 ,  141   2 , and  141   4  through  141   6  are created. The reference information device location data thus created are combined on the basis of the distances to create the spatial location information  151  etc. (see  FIG. 12 ) that indicates the layout of the survey objects. Thus, the layout of the survey objects can be surveyed quickly and accurately.  
      According to the first embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the matching unit  109  matches associated information (such as the information device attribute data, matching target information, etc.) pertaining to the plurality of survey objects with the spatial location information. Consequently, the association between the associated information and the survey objects can be clearly defined, thereby enhancing user-friendliness.  
      Further, according to the first embodiment, the correcting unit  108  corrects the spatial location information. Consequently, minute adjustments can be made in the spatial location information according to the actual layout.  
      In the first embodiment, a structure that creates spatial location information on the basis of the distances between the survey objects is explained. The spatial location information can also be calculated on the basis of both distance and direction. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the spatial location information is calculated on the basis of both distance and the direction.  
       FIG. 20  is a block diagram of the layout survey system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The layout survey system shown in  FIG. 20  surveys the layout (spatial locations) of the survey objects (information devices  400   1  through  400   6 ), on the basis of the reception field intensity, on the basis of the distances and the directions between the information devices  400   1  through  400   6 .  
      The parts shown in  FIG. 20  that are identical to those in  FIG. 1  are assigned the same reference numerals. The information devices  100   1  through  100   6  and the layout survey device  100 A 3  in  FIG. 1  are replaced respectively by the information devices  400   1  through  400   6  and a layout survey device  400 A 3  in  FIG. 20 .  
      The information devices  400   1  through  400   6  are devices such as desktop PCs, notebook PCs, printers, etc. and are connected with each other via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The information devices  400   1  through  400   6  are located on the office floor  300  shown in  FIG. 21  and are meant to be surveyed. The parts shown in  FIG. 21  that are identical to those in  FIG. 2  are assigned the same reference numerals.  
      The information device  400   1  is a desktop PC (see  FIG. 3 ) and is set on the desk  302   1 . The information device name assigned to the information device  400   1  is “PC-1”. The information device  400   2  is a notebook PC and is set on the desk  302   3 . The information device name assigned to the information device  400   2  is “PC-2”.  
      The information device  400   3  is again a notebook PC and is set on the desk  302   4 . The information device name assigned to the information device  400   3  is “PC-3”. The information device  400   4  is a desktop PC and is set on the desk  302   5 . The information device name assigned to the information device  400   4  is “PC-4”.  
      The information device  400   5  is again a desktop PC and is set on the desk  302   6 . The information device name assigned to the information device  400   5  is “PC-5”. The information device  400   6  is a printer and is set on a surface close to the desk  302   4 . The information device name assigned to the information device  4006  is “Printer-1”.  
      In the second embodiment, the field “Instrument device name” in the information device attribute data  121  shown in  FIG. 3  corresponds to the information devices  400   1  through  400   6 .  
      To return to  FIG. 20 , the information device  400   3  also includes the layout survey device  400 A 3  apart from a unit that realizes the functions of a PC. The layout survey device  400 A 3  is provided with the function of surveying the layout of the information devices  400   1  through  400   6 . Each of the other information devices  400   1 ,  400   2 , and  400   4  through  400   6  also are provided with a not shown layout survey device similar to the layout survey device  400 A 3 .  
      As in the first embodiment, the layout survey devices of the information devices  400   1  through  400   6  have a master-slave relationship among them. For instance, the layout survey device  400 A 3  provided in the information device  400   3  is the master, and the not shown layout survey devices of the other information devices are slaves.  
      The parts of the layout survey device  400 A 3  of the information device  400   3  shown in  FIG. 20  that are identical to those shown in  FIG. 1  are assigned the same reference numerals. The layout survey device  400 A 3  includes a new component, that is, a direction computing unit  401 .  
      Instead of the reference information device location data creating unit  105 , the reference information device location data collecting unit  106 , the spatial location information creating unit  107 , the correcting unit  108 , the matching unit  109 , the output unit  110 , the reference information device location data storing unit  140 , the spatial location information storing unit  150 , and the matching information storing unit  160  shown in  FIG. 1 , the layout survey device  400 A 3  respectively has a reference information device location data creating unit  402 , a reference information device location data collecting unit  403 , a spatial location information creating unit  404 , a correcting unit  405 , a matching unit  406 , an output unit  407 , a reference information device location data storing unit  410 , a spatial location information storing unit  420 , and a matching information storing unit  430 .  
      The direction computing unit  401  computes, on the basis of the reception field intensity, the direction between itself (the information device  400   3  in this case) and each of the other information devices  400   1 ,  400   2 , and  400   4  through  400   6  on the basis of the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ). To be specific, the direction computing unit  401  considers the direction of maximum reception field intensity for each of the information devices as the direction of that information device with respect to itself (the direction computing unit  401 ).  
      However, the direction between the information devices cannot be calculated in the following cases. Hence, in these cases a direction calculation failure flag (see  FIG. 25 ), which is described later, is set. 
          When the distance between two information devices exceeds the effective wireless coverage range     When there is an obstruction between two information devices, preventing radio waves from reaching the information device     When the wireless communication units of the two information devices have different wireless systems—that is, if the wireless system of one communication unit is wireless LAN that complies with Ethernet and the wireless system of the other communication unit is Bluetooth.        

      The reference information device location data creating unit  402  creates reference information device location data  411   3  (see  FIG. 23 ) on the basis of the calculation result of the distance computing unit  104  and the direction computing unit  401 . The reference information device location data  411   3  indicates where the other information devices are located with respect to the information device  400   3  (PC- 3 ) shown in  FIG. 22  considering PC- 3  as the reference information device.  
      The reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22  is information that indicates the distance and direction of each of the other information devices with respect to PC- 3  (the reference information device). In the example shown in  FIG. 22 , PC- 1  is at a distance of 3 m from PC- 3  (the reference information device) and is located at 0° (reference) with respect to PC- 3 .  
      PC- 2  is at a distance of 2 m from PC- 3  (the reference information device) and is located at 315° with respect to PC- 3 . The distance as well as the direction between PC- 3  (the reference information device) and PC- 4  is not calculable (that is, both the distance calculation failure flag and a direction calculation failure flag are set).  
      PC- 5  is at a distance of 4 m from PC- 3  (the reference information device) and is located at 135° with respect to PC- 3 . Printer- 1  is at a distance of 3 m from PC- 3  (the reference information device) and is located at 225° with respect to PC- 3 .  
       FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram of the reference information device location data  411   3 . In  FIG. 23 , concentric circles of radii in units of 1 m (viable circles  3   2 ,  3   3 ,  3   4 , etc.) and corresponding to the distances shown in  FIG. 22  are shown, with the reference information device (PC- 3 ) representing the center. The direction in  FIG. 22  is set clockwise from the perpendicular of PC 3  shown in  FIG. 22 , which is taken as 0° (reference).  
      To be specific, in  FIG. 23 , PC- 1  is located at position P 31  (Distance 3 m, Direction 0°) and PC- 2  is located at position P 32  (Distance 2 m, Direction 315°).  
      PC- 5  is located at position P 35  (Distance 4 m, Direction 135°). Printer- 1  is located at position P 3P  (Distance 3 m, Direction 225°). PC- 3  is located at the center P 3 .  
      The reference information device location data  411   3  created by the reference information device location data creating unit  402  of the information device  400   3  (PC- 3 ) is stored in the reference information device location data storing unit  410  (see  FIG. 20 ).  
      The not shown respective layout survey devices of the information device  400   1  (PC- 1 ),  400   2  (PC- 2 ),  400   4  (PC- 4 ),  400   5  (PC- 5 ), and  400   6  (Printer- 1 ) also create, by taking their own information device as the reference information device, reference information device location data  411   1 ,  411   2 ,  411   4 ,  411   5 , and  411   6  (see  FIG. 24 ).  
      For instance, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the not shown layout survey device of the information device  400   5  (PC- 5 ) creates the reference information device location data  411   5  by taking PC- 5  as the reference information device.  
      In  FIG. 25 , since neither the distance nor the direction is calculable between PC- 5  (the reference information device) and PC- 1 , the distance calculation failure flag and the direction calculation failure flag are set. Again, since neither the distance nor the direction is calculable between PC 5  (the reference information device) and PC- 2 , the distance calculation failure flag and the direction calculation failure flag are set.  
      PC- 3  is at a distance of 4 m from PC- 5  (the reference information device) and is located at 0° with respect to PC- 5 . PC- 4  is at a distance of 3 m from PC- 5  (the reference information device) and is located at 90° with respect to PC- 5 . Printer- 1  is at a distance of 5 m from PC- 5  (the reference information device) and is located at 315° with respect to PC- 5 .  
       FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram of the reference information device location data  411   5 . In  FIG. 26 , concentric circles of radii in units of 1 m (viable circles  5   2 ,  5   3 ,  5   4 , etc.) and corresponding to the distances shown in  FIG. 25  are shown, with the reference information device (PC- 5 ) representing the center. The direction in  FIG. 26  is set clockwise from the perpendicular of PC 5  shown in  FIG. 25 , which is taken as 0° (reference).  
      To be specific, in  FIG. 26 , PC 3  is located at position P 53  (Distance 4 m, Direction 0°) and PC- 4  is located at position P 54  (Distance 3 m, Direction 90°).  
      Printer- 1  is located at position P 5P  (Distance 5 m, Direction 315°), and PC- 5  is located at the center on P 5 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of the information device  400   2  (PC- 2 ) creates the reference information device location data  411   2  as shown in  FIG. 28B  by taking PC- 2  as the reference information device.  
      In  FIG. 28B , PC- 1  is located at position P 21  (Distance 2 m, Direction 0°), PC- 3  is located at position P 23  (Distance 2 m, Direction 90°), Printer- 1  is located at P 2P  (Distance 3.6 m, Direction 150°), and PC- 2  is located at the center P 2 .  
      To return to  FIG. 20 , the reference information device location data collecting unit  403  collects, via the cabled communication unit  102  (the wireless communication unit  101  can also be used) the reference information device location data  411   1 ,  411   2 ,  411   4 ,  411   5 , and  411   6  from the layout survey devices of the information device  400   1  (PC- 1 ),  400   2  (PC- 2 ),  400   4  (PC- 4 ),  400   5  (PC- 5 ), and  400   6  (Printer- 1 ) respectively, and stores the collected data in the reference information device location data storing unit  410  (see  FIG. 20 ). In the second embodiment, the reference information device location data collecting unit  403  can store the reference information device location data in the reference information device location data storing unit  410  by correlating it to the time at which the data is created.  
      The spatial location information creating unit  404  sequentially combines the reference information device location data  411   1  through  411   6  stored in the reference information device location data storing unit  410  as shown in  FIG. 27  and  FIG. 28A  and creates a spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 29 . The spatial location information  421  is information that indicates the spatial location (layout) of each of the information devices being surveyed, and is a survey result of the layout survey device  400 A 3 .  
      The spatial location information creating unit  404  creates a distance-direction spatial location information  422  (see  FIG. 30 ) or a coordinate spatial location information  423  (see  FIG. 31 ), and stores the distance-direction spatial location information  422  or the coordinate spatial location information  423  in the spatial location information storing unit  420  (see  FIG. 20 ).  
      The correcting unit  405 , like the correcting unit  108  (see  FIG. 1 ) corrects the distance-direction spatial location information  422  or the coordinate spatial location information  423  stored in the spatial location information storing unit  420 .  
      The matching unit  406  matches the matching information (for instance, the matching target information  131 —see  FIG. 4 ) stored in the matching target information storing unit  130  and the spatial location information (for instance the distance-direction spatial location information  422 —see  FIG. 30 ), creates a matching information  431  shown in  FIG. 32 , and stores the matching information  431  in the matching information storing unit  430  (see  FIG. 20 ).  
      The output unit  407  outputs the spatial location information  421  (see  FIG. 29 ), the distance-direction spatial location information  422  (see  FIG. 30 ), the coordinate spatial location information  423  (see  FIG. 31 ), and the matching information  431  (see  FIG. 32 ).  
      The operation of the layout survey system according to the second embodiment is explained next with reference to the flow charts shown in  FIG. 33  through  FIG. 36 . The layout survey system in this example is shown to survey the layout (spatial locations) of the information devices  400   1  through  400   6  shown in  FIG. 21 .  
      In Step SE 1  shown in  FIG. 33 , the layout survey system carries out a distance calculation process. The distance calculation process involves calculating the distance between the information device  400   3  (PC- 3 ) and each of the other information devices  400   1 ,  400   2 , and  400   4  through  400   6 .  
      The distance calculation process is explained next  FIG. 34  is a flow chart of the distance calculation process. In Step SF 1 , the distance computing unit  104  refers to the information device attribute data storing unit  120 , and creates the information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5  from the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ).  
      In Step SF 2 , the distance computing unit  104  selects one of the combinations from the information device combination table  104   a.  Let us assume that the distance computing unit  104  selects the combination with a Combination No. “1”, in which a Receiver information device is “PC-3” and a Sender information device is “PC-1”.  
      In Step SF 3 , the distance computing unit  104  sends a communication confirmation data to the other information device of the pair, that is, the sender information device PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ), via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) receives the communication confirmation data. In response, the layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) sends a response data to PC- 3  (the information device  400   3 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 . The wireless communication unit  101  receives the response data.  
      In Step SF 4 , the distance computing unit  104  determines whether the response data has been received, that is, whether communication is possible between the communication devices (PC- 3  and PC- 1 , in this case).  
      If the answer in Step SF 4  is “No”, the distance calculation process proceeds to Step SF 11 . In Step SF 11 , the reference information device location data creating unit  402  sets the “Distance calculation failure flag” in the “Distance” field (corresponding to PC- 4 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22 .  
      If the answer in Step SF 4  is “Yes”, the distance calculation process proceeds to Step SF 5 . In Step SF 5 , the distance computing unit  104  sends a send request data, requesting for distance calculation data, to the sender information device PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ), via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) receives the send request data. In response, the layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) sends the distance calculation data to PC- 3  (the information device  400   3 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      In Step SF 6 , the distance computing unit  104  determines whether the distance calculation data has been received by the wireless communication unit  101 . If the answer in Step SF 6  is “No”, the distance computing unit  104  repeats Step SF 6 .  
      If the answer in Step SF 6  is “Yes”, the distance calculation process proceeds to Step SF 7 . In Step SF 7 , the distance computing unit  104  measures the reception field intensity of the distance calculation data. In Step SF 8 , the distance computing unit  104  calculates using a known expression and on the basis of the reception field intensity, the distance, say 3 m (see  FIG. 21 ) between the two information devices (PC- 3  and PC- 1 , in this case).  
      In Step SF 9 , the distance computing unit  104  sets “3 m” in the “Distance” field (corresponding to PC- 1 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22 .  
      In Step SF 10 , the distance computing unit  104  determines whether the distance calculation process has been carried out for all the combinations in the information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      If the answer in Step SF 10  is “No”, the distance calculation process goes back to Step SF 2 . In Step SF 2 , the distance computing unit  104  selects the combination with the Combination No. “2”, in which the Receiver information device is “PC-3” and the Sender information device is “PC-2”. The subsequent Steps SF 3  through SF 8  are the same as described earlier. In Step SF 9 , the distance computing unit  104  sets “2 m” calculated in Step SF 8  in the “Distance” field (corresponding to PC- 2 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22 .  
      If the answer in Step SF 10  is “No”, the distance computing unit  104  repeats Steps SF 2  through SF 10  for each of the unprocessed combinations from the information device combination table  104   a.    
      If the answer in Step SF 10  is “Yes”, the distance computing unit  104  ends the distance calculation process.  
      To return to  FIG. 33 , in Step SE 2 , the direction computing unit  401  of the information device  400   3  (PC- 3 ) shown in  FIG. 20  carries out the direction calculation process between the information device  400   3  and the other information devices  400   1 ,  400   2 , and  400   4  through  400   6 .  
      The direction calculation process is explained next.  FIG. 35  is a flow chart of the direction calculation process. In Step SG 1 , the direction computing unit  401  retrieves the information device combination table  104   a  (see  FIG. 5 ) from the distance computing unit  104 .  
      In Step SG 2 , the direction computing unit  401  selects the combination having the Combination No. “1”, the Receiver information device “PC-3”, and the Sender information device “PC-1” from the information device combination table  104   a.    
      In Step SG 3 , the direction computing unit  401  sends a communication confirmation data to PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ), that is, the sender information device, via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) receives the communication confirmation data. In response, the layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) sends a response data to PC- 3  (the information device  400   3 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 . The wireless communication unit  101  receives the response data.  
      In Step SG 4 , the direction computing unit  401  determines whether the response data has been received, that is, whether communication is possible between the communication devices (PC- 3  and PC- 1 , in this case).  
      If the answer in Step SG 4  is “No”, the direction calculation process proceeds to Step SG 12 . In Step SG 12 , the reference information device location data creating unit  402  sets the “Direction calculation failure flag” in the “Direction” field (corresponding to PC- 4 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22 .  
      If the answer in Step SG 4  is “Yes”, the direction calculation process proceeds to Step SG 5 . In Step SG 5 , the direction computing unit  401  sends a send request data, requesting for information required for direction calculation (hereinafter, “direction calculation data”), to the sender information device PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ), via the wireless communication unit  101  and the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      The not shown layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) receives the send request data. In response, the layout survey device of PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ) sends the direction calculation data to PC- 3  (the information device  400   3 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      In Step SG 6 , the direction computing unit  401  determines whether the direction calculation data has been received by the wireless communication unit  101 . If the answer in Step SG 6  is “No”, the distance computing unit  104  repeats Step SG 6 .  
      If the answer in Step SG 6  is “Yes”, the direction calculation process proceeds to Step SG 7 . In Step SG 7 , the direction computing unit  401  measures the reception field intensity of the direction calculation data. In Step SG 8 , the direction computing unit  401  calculates the direction of maximum reception field intensity, for instance 0° (see  FIG. 22 ), as the direction of PC- 1  with respect to PC- 3 .  
      In Step SG 9 , the reference information device location data creating unit  402  sets in the “Direction” field (corresponding to PC- 1 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22 .  
      In Step SG 10 , the direction computing unit  401  determines whether the direction calculation process has been carried out for all the combinations in the information device combination table  104   a  shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      If the answer in Step SG 10  is “No”, the direction calculation process goes back to Step SG 2 . In Step SG 2 , the direction computing unit  401  selects the combination with the Combination No. “2”, in which the Receiver information device is “PC-3” and the Sender information device is “PC-2”. The subsequent Steps SG 3  through SG 8  are the same as described earlier. In Step SG 9 , the direction computing unit  401  sets “315°” calculated in Step SG 8  in the “Direction” field (corresponding to PC- 2 , in this case) of the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 22 .  
      If the answer in Step SG 10  is “No”, the direction computing unit  401  repeats Steps SG 2  through SG 10  for each of the unprocessed combinations from the information device combination table  104   a.    
      If the answer in Step SG 10  is “Yes”, the direction calculation process proceeds to Step SG 11 . In Step SG 11 , the reference information device location data creating unit  402  stores the reference information device location data  411   3  in the reference information device location data storing unit  410 . The direction calculation process ends here.  
      The layout survey devices of the other information devices, namely PC- 1  (the information device  400   1 ), PC- 2  (the information device  400   2 ), PC- 4  (the information device  400   4 ), PC- 5  (the information device  400   5 ), and Printer- 1  (the information device  400   6 ) similarly carry out the direction calculation process, and respectively create and store the reference information device location data  411   1 ,  411   2 ,  411   4 ,  411   5 , and  411   6  (see  FIG. 24 ) created by taking respective information device as the reference information device.  
      To return to  FIG. 33 , in Step SE 3 , the layout survey system carries out a spatial location information creation process to create the spatial location information (the spatial location information  421  (see  FIG. 29 ), the distance-direction spatial location information  422  (see  FIG. 30 ), and the coordinate spatial location information  423  (see  FIG. 31 )) that indicates the spatial locations (layout) of the information devices  400   1  through  400   6  shown in  FIG. 21 .  
      The spatial location information creation process is described next.  FIG. 36  is a flow chart of the spatial location information creation process. In Step SH 1 , the reference information device location data collecting unit  403  refers to the information device attribute data  121  shown in  FIG. 3 , and collects from all the information devices except PC- 3  (the information device  400   3 ), that is from PC- 1 . (the information device  400   1 ), PC- 2  (the information device  400   2 ), PC- 4  (the information device  400   4 ), PC- 5  (the information device  400   5 ), and Printer- 1  (the information device  400   6 ), the respective reference information device location data  411   1 ,  411   2 ,  411   4 ,  411   5 , and  411   6  (see  FIG. 24 ) via the wireless/cabled network  200 .  
      In Step SH 2 , the reference information device location data collecting unit  403  stores the collected reference information device location data  411   1 ,  411   2 ,  411   4 ,  411   5 , and  411   6  in the reference information device location data storing unit  410 .  
      In Step SH 3 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  refers to the information device attribute data storing unit  120 , and selects one information device, for instance PC- 3  (the information device  400   3 ) out of a plurality of information devices.  
      In Step SH 4 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  410  the reference information device location data  411   3  (see  FIG. 23 ).  
      In Step SH 5 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  takes the reference information device location data  411   3  as the spatial location information.  
      In Step SH 6 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  checks whether any information device remains whose reference information device location data has not been combined yet (the first time checking is done for the reference information device location data  411   3  shown in  FIG. 23 . Subsequently, checking is done for the spatial location information  421  updated in Step SH 9 ). The answer in Step SH 6  is “Yes” since there are information devices whose reference information device location data are yet to be combined.  
      In the example shown in  FIG. 23 , the reference information device location data of the information devices PC- 1 , PC- 2 , PC- 5 , and Printer- 1  are yet to be combined.  
      In Step SH 7 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  selects one information device, for instance, PC- 5 , from among those (PC- 1 , PC- 2 , PC- 5 , and Printer- 1 ) whose reference information device location data have not been combined.  
      In Step SH 8 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  retrieves from the reference information device location data storing unit  410  the reference information device location data  411   5  shown in  FIG. 25  and  FIG. 26  collected from PC- 5  (the information device  400   5 ).  
      In Step SH 9 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  combines, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the reference information device location data  411   5  retrieved in Step SH 8  with the latest spatial location information (reference information device location data  411   3  (see  FIG. 23 )) and updates the spatial location information  421  (see  FIG. 27 ).  
      When combining the reference information device location data  411   5  with the reference information device location data  411   3 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  turns the reference information device location data  411   5  in such a way that: 
          Position P 3  corresponding to PC- 3  coincides with Position P 53       Position P 5  corresponding to PC- 5  coincides with Position P 35       Position P 3P  corresponding to Printer- 1  coincides with Position P 5P          

      To return to  FIG. 36 , the spatial location information creation process returns to Step SH 6  and again determines whether any information device is left in the spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 27  whose reference information device location data remains to be combined. Since reference information device location data PC- 1 , PC- 2 , and Printer- 1  still remain to be combined, the answer in Step SH 6  is “Yes”.  
      The spatial location information creating unit  404  repeats Steps SH 7  through SH 9  until the answer in Step SH 6  is “No”. The spatial location information  421  is updated sequentially and in the end the spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 29  is created.  FIG. 29  is a schematic drawing of the spatial locations (layout) of the information devices being surveyed.  
      If the answer in Step SH 6  is “No”, the spatial location information creation process proceeds to Step SH 10 . In Step SH 10 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  creates from the spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 29  the distance-direction spatial location information  422  shown in  FIG. 30  meant to be stored.  
      The distance-direction spatial location information  422  contains the distance and direction between each pair of information devices in the form of a matrix. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the distance between PC- 1  and PC- 2  is 2 m and the direction is 180° (that is, if the perpendicular of PC- 1  is taken as a reference 0°, PC- 2  is located 180° clockwise with respect to PC- 1 ).  
      Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the spatial location information creating unit  404  can create from the spatial location information  421  shown in  FIG. 29  the coordinate spatial location information  423  shown in  FIG. 31  meant to be stored. In the coordinate spatial location information  423 , the location of each of the information devices is represented by coordinates in a two-dimensional coordinate system with respect to the location of PC- 3  shown in  FIG. 29 , whose coordinates are taken to be (0,0).  
      To return to  FIG. 36 , in Step SH 11 , the spatial location information creating unit  404  stores the distance-direction spatial location information  422  (see  FIG. 30 ) or the coordinate spatial location information  423  (see  FIG. 31 ) in the reference information device location data storing unit  410 . The spatial location information creation process ends here.  
      To return to  FIG. 33 , in Step SE 4 , the layout survey system determines whether a matching process is to be carried out. If the answer in Step SE 4  is “No”, the layout survey system proceeds to Step SE 6 . In Step SE 6 , the output unit  110  retrieves from the spatial location information storing unit  420  and outputs the distance-direction spatial location information  422  (see  FIG. 30 ) or the coordinate spatial location information  423  (see  FIG. 31 ).  
      If the answer in Step SE 4  is “Yes”, the layout survey system proceeds to Step SE 5 . In Step SE 5  the layout survey system carries out the matching process to match the matching target information and the spatial location information.  
      The matching process is explained next with reference to  FIG. 19 . In Step SD 1 , the matching unit  406  retrieves the distance-direction spatial location information  422  shown in  FIG. 30  or the coordinate spatial location information  423  shown in  FIG. 31  from the spatial location information storing unit  420 .  
      In Step SD 2 , the user can specify as the matching target information, say, the matching target information  131  (see  FIG. 4 ) and the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ) by means of the input unit  103 . In Step SD 3 , the matching unit  406  retrieves from the respective storing units (in this case, from the matching target information storing unit  130  and the information device attribute data storing unit  120 ) the matching target information  131  and the information device attribute data  121  specified in Step SD 2 .  
      In Step SD 4 , the matching unit  406 , matches the distance-direction spatial location information  422  (see  FIG. 30 ) retrieved in Step SD 1 , and the matching target information  131  (see  FIG. 4 ) as well as the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ) retrieved in Step SD 3 , and creates the matching information  431  shown in  FIG. 32 .  
      The matching information  431  contains the information device attribute data (IP address, Type, and Asset No.) of each of the information devices (PC- 1 , PC- 2 , etc.) correlated to the respective information device.  
      In Step SD 5 , the matching unit  406  stores the matching information  431  (see  FIG. 32 ) in the matching information storing unit  430 . The matching process ends here. To return to  FIG. 33 , the layout survey system proceeds to Step SE 6 . In Step SE 6 , the output unit  407  retrieves from the matching information storing unit  430  and outputs the matching information  431  (see  FIG. 32 ).  
      In the second embodiment, only a relative direction of each information devices with respect to other information devices is calculated, stored and output. However, if geomagnetism can be measured using a magnet, the direction specified by the magnet (for instance, EW) can be output as well as the relative direction.  
      Thus, one of a plurality of survey objects (the information devices  400   1  through  400   6 ), the information device  400   3  in this case, is taken as the reference survey object. The distance and direction between the reference survey object and each of the other survey objects are calculated on the basis of the reception field intensity. The reference information device location data  411   3  (see  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23 ) that indicates the layout is created on the basis of the distances and the directions of the other survey objects with respect to the reference survey object. Similarly, by taking each of the other survey objects as the reference survey object, the reference information device location data  411   1 ,  411   2 , and  411   4  through  411   6  are created. The reference information device location data thus created are combined to create the spatial location information  421  etc. (see  FIG. 29 ) that indicates the layout of the survey objects. Thus, the layout of the survey objects can be surveyed quickly and accurately.  
      Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 37 , a program that executes the layout survey function can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium  600 . A computer  500  can load the program from the recording medium  600  and execute the layout survey function of the layout survey device  100 A 3  as well as the other not shown layout survey devices and the layout survey device  400 A 3  as well as the other not shown layout survey devices.  
      The computer  500  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  510 , input devices  520  such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc., a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  530  that stores various kinds of data, a Random Access Memory (RAM) that stores calculation parameters, etc., a reading device  550  that reads the program from the recording medium  600 , output devices  560  such as a display, printer, etc., and a bus  570  that connects all the parts mentioned above.  
      The CPU  510  and the reading device  550  read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium  600 , thus realizing the layout survey function. The recording medium  600  can be an optical disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, etc.  
      The distance and direction in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be calculated according to the following schedule on the basis of the “Proneness to shifting” field of the information device attribute data  121  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
          Distance and direction for those information devices that are seldom shifted (Fixed) can be calculated once a month or so.     Distance and direction for those information devices that are infrequently shifted (Substantially fixed) can be calculated once a week or so.     Distance and direction for those information devices that are frequently moved (Frequently shifted) can be calculated every hour or so.        

      When the information devices being surveyed are set in spaces  700  and  800  shown in  FIG. 38 , the layout survey apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment can create the information device attribute data for each of the spaces  700  and  800  and carry out the survey for each of the spaces  700  and  800  independently using the respective information device attribute data.  
      In the layout survey system according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, if there is a shift in the location of a particular information device when combining a plurality of reference information device location data in the spatial location information creation step, the median point of the locations can be determined or the distance and direction can be recalculated.  
      In the layout survey system according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, if the distance and direction cannot be calculated by radio waves, they can calculated mathematically using other calculated distances and directions.  
      In the layout survey system according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, information devices were taken as the survey objects. However, any article can be taken as the survey object as long as the layout survey device can be connected to it (either internally or externally).  
      In the layout survey apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the spatial location information creating units  107  and  404  can determine the difference between the previously created spatial location information (layout information) and the current spatial location information (layout information) to check if any survey object has been shifted. In this way, the status of shifting of the survey object can be more accurately determined.  
      Thus, according to the present invention, a distance between a computer and a plurality of other devices is calculated respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity. Location data of the computer and the devices is created on the basis of the distance calculated, and also acquired from the devices respectively. Layout information for displaying physical layout of the computer and the devices is created on the basis of the location data created and acquired. Consequently, the layout of the survey objects can be surveyed quickly and accurately.  
      According to the present invention, a distance and a direction between a computer and a plurality of other devices are calculated respectively on the basis of a reception field intensity. Location data of the computer and the devices is created on the basis of the distance and the direction calculated, and also acquired from the devices respectively. Layout information for displaying physical layout of the computer and the devices is created on the basis of the location data created and acquired. Consequently, the layout of the survey objects can be surveyed quickly and accurately.  
      According to the present invention, associated information about the computer and the devices is received and the layout information is created on the basis of the location data created, the location data acquired, and the associated information. Consequently, the association between the associated information and the survey objects can be clearly defined, thereby enhancing user-friendliness.  
      According to the present invention, the associated information includes layout information of a place where the computer and the devices are located. Consequently, the association between the environment and the survey objects can be clearly defined, thereby enhancing user-friendliness.  
      According to the present invention, the associated information includes attributes of the computer and the devices. Consequently, the association between the attribute data and the survey objects can be clearly defined, thereby enhancing user-friendliness.  
      According to the present invention, the layout information is corrected. Consequently, minute adjustments can be made in the layout information according to the actual layout.  
      According to the present invention, a device whose location is different from the location in layout information that is previously created is decided, and the layout information is displayed in which the device whose location is decided to be different is displayed in a different form. Consequently, the status of shifting of the survey objects can be more accurately determined.  
      Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.