JP2009163423A - Program cooperation system and simulation control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the accuracy of simulation without deteriorating execution efficiency of the simulation by transferring event information to other processes within one synchronous period from the occurrence of an event. <P>SOLUTION: The program cooperation system includes a plurality of application software and a process connection means integrating the plurality of application software. According to priority information for executing the plurality of application software for one synchronous period, application software is started in the descending order of the priority information. When the processing of the highest-priority application for one synchronous period is completed, an instruction is made to start executing the application software with the next higher priority. When the processing of all the applications for one synchronous period is completed, the process proceeds to the next synchronization. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program linkage system in which a plurality of application softwares that operate as independent processes are linked and operated as a single system via an intermediate interface. The present invention also relates to a simulation control method in the program cooperation system.

  As a conventional program linkage system, for example, in the device control simulation of Patent Document 1 below, the system is configured as follows. That is, it has a central processing unit (CPU) simulator (simulation debugger) for controlling the apparatus. In addition, it includes a device model simulator, other application software simulators, and application software that handles a simulation support system. Such application software is hereinafter collectively referred to as a simulator application. Patent Document 1 below shows, as an example, a cooperative operation method for each process when each process has a virtual time in a simulation of a simulation target (program execution processing by a CPU, operation of a virtual mechanical component, etc.). ing.

  FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional cooperative operation mode between application software of the program cooperative system as described above. Ts in FIG. 11 is the reference synchronization time in the virtual time on the simulation system, and each of the application software 1 to 3 stops the virtual time every time the processing of the Ts time is executed. Then, after all the application software 1 to 3 have finished executing the process for the Ts time, all the application software 1 to 3 start executing the process for the next Ts time all at once.

  The program cooperation system such as the device control simulation has process connection means for synchronizing processes according to a preset virtual reference synchronization time as means for synchronizing processes. FIG. 12 shows the status of application software synchronization linkage by the conventional process connection means.

  When the process connection means instructs each application software to execute processing for one synchronization time Ts in (1) in FIG. 12, each application software starts executing processing for Ts according to the respective virtual time (2), (3). On the way, a change (hereinafter referred to as an event) to be notified to the outside by the application software 1 occurs (4). The process connection means receives the event from the application software 1, notifies the application software 2 of the event, and instructs the application software 1 and 2 to execute processing for the remaining synchronization time (5). The application software 2 is notified of the event in (6).

  In accordance with the instruction from the process connection means, each of the application software 1 and 2 starts processing execution for the instructed virtual time (7) and (8). Here, the remaining synchronization time is (Ts-T1) in the application software 1 and (Ts-T2) in the application software 2. The time from the start of synchronization processing to the occurrence of an event of the application software 1 is the same in real time. However, the virtual times T1 and T2 are different from each other because the speed of the virtual time with respect to the real time of the application software 1 and 2 is different.

  Similarly, when an event occurs in the application software 2 (9), the process connection means notifies the application software 1 of the event and instructs the application software 1 and 2 to execute processing for the remaining synchronization time. (10). Each of the application software 1 and 2 executes processing for the virtual time designated by each of the application software 1 and 2 (12) and (13). Here, the remaining synchronization time is (Ts− (T1 + T3)) in the application software 1 and (Ts− (T2 + T4)) in the application software 2.

  The application software 1 and 2 notify the process connection means of the end of processing when the processing for the specified time is completed (14) and (16). When the process connection means receives the synchronization processing end notifications from both the application softwares 1 and 2 (15) and (17), the process connection unit proceeds to the next synchronization process.

  As in (1), the process connection means instructs each application software 1 and 2 to start processing for one synchronization time Ts (17), and each application software 1 and 2 executes processing for Ts time. Starts (18), (19).

By repeating the above processing, the process connection means is synchronized with a plurality of application software.
JP 2005-339029 A

  However, in the conventional cooperative operation method between processes, since the context of the processing end timing for one synchronization is indefinite between the processes, event information generated in the synchronization is transferred to other processes in the same synchronization processing. It is not guaranteed to be transmitted.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B show an example in which the synchronization processing as shown in FIG. 12 is performed and the application software 1 and 2 are operated on a certain computer system as a process that performs a cooperative operation. In other words, whether the processing end timing for one synchronization of the application software 1 in real time is before or after the event (1-1, 2-1) occurrence timing in the application software 2, and the event information is stored in the application software 1. Transmission timing is different.

  In FIG. 13A, the end of processing execution for one synchronization time of the application software 1 is after the event (1-1) occurrence timing of the application software 2. On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows a case where the end of processing execution of the first synchronization of the application software 1 is before the event (2-1) occurrence timing of the application software 2 in real time. In both cases of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the event occurrence in the application software 2 is the time when the virtual time T1 has elapsed with reference to the start of the first synchronization process. The synchronization time between the application software 1 and the application software 2 is a virtual time Ts time. Further, it is assumed that the application software 1 performs processing referring to event (1-1, 2-1) information for each synchronization time Ts.

  In the case of FIG. 13A, as described above with reference to FIG. 12, when the process connection means executes processing for one synchronization time Ts with respect to each application software 1 and 2, each application software 1 and 2 has Ts corresponding to each virtual time. The process execution of is started. On the way, the event (1-1) occurs when T1 time elapses in the application software 2. Then, the process connection means informs the application software 1 of the event and instructs the application software 1 and 2 to execute processing for the remaining synchronization time (1-2). The application software 1 receives the event information (1-4), and the application software 2 receives the processing execution instruction from the process connection means (1-3) and executes the processing for the remaining synchronization time.

  Accordingly, the event (1-1) information generated in the application software 2 is transmitted to the processing contents of the application software 1 during the first synchronization process. However, when the process performed by referring to the event (1-1) information in the application software 1 has already been completed, the process reflecting the event (1-1) information is performed at the second synchronization.

  On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 13B, the application software 1 and 2 start processing execution for Ts according to the respective virtual times, and the event (2-1) occurs when T1 time elapses in the application software 2. Upon receipt of the event, the process connection means notifies the application software 1 of the event, and instructs the application software 2 to continue processing for the remaining synchronization time (Ts-T1) (2-2). The application software 2 receives processing continuation for the remaining synchronization time from the process connection means (2-4), and continues processing execution. Here, at the timing (2-3) when the event is notified to the application software 1, the application software 1 has already finished the process of the first synchronization. For this reason, the change in the event (2-1) occurring in the application software 2 is not reflected in the first synchronization process of the application software 1. The information of the event (2-1) is transmitted to the process of the application software 1 when the application software 2 finishes executing the process of the first synchronization and each application software 1, 2 starts the process of the second synchronization (2 -5).

  That is, a synchronization delay occurs in the transmission of event information generated by the application software 2. The process reflecting the event (2-1) is performed at the second synchronization.

  As described above, there may be a synchronization delay in the transmission of event information caused by the processing execution of each process depending on the order of the processing end timing between the processes. Even when there is no synchronization delay in the transmission of event information, the following cases occur. If the process performed with reference to the event information has already been completed when the event information is transmitted to the other application software, the process reflecting the event information is performed with a delay from the synchronization in which the event occurred. In other words, the event information is delayed in reflecting the processing contents, resulting in an inaccurate simulation.

  For example, consider a case where the CPU simulator sets values related to actuator control, the peripheral device simulator instructs model driving to the equipment model simulator according to the values, and the equipment model simulator operates model parts according to the instructions. Assume that the above processes are linked to operate as one device control simulation system. If each process is executed in parallel as in the conventional synchronization method, first, it is uncertain at which timing the change of the actuator control-related value set by the CPU simulator is transmitted to the peripheral device simulator. Similarly, it is uncertain at what timing the change in the model drive signal of the device model simulator set by the peripheral device simulator is transmitted to the device model simulator. Therefore, depending on the context of the process execution end timing of each process, the device model component operates after reflecting the change of the set value after the CPU simulator changes the value related to the actuator control, and there is a delay of two synchronizations. It will end up. In such a case, the simulation is inaccurate.

  Here, as a method of improving the simulation accuracy, there is a method of shortening the synchronization interval between the processes. However, the shorter the synchronization interval, the greater the processing rate of the process connecting means for achieving synchronization with the simulation processing performed by each process. In such a case, the simulation execution overhead increases.

  The present invention realizes an improved simulation in a case where a process operates in synchronization with a virtual time of simulation in a simulation system in which a plurality of application softwares operate in cooperation. In other words, a program linkage system and a simulation control method thereof are provided that can increase the accuracy of simulation without lowering the execution efficiency of simulation by transmitting event information to other processes within one synchronization from the occurrence of the event.

  In order to solve such a problem, a program cooperation system according to the present invention includes a plurality of application software that operates as independent processes on a computer system, and a process connection unit that connects the plurality of application softwares to operate as a single system. The plurality of application software is application software that performs processing corresponding to the passage of the virtual time based on a specific virtual time, and the process connection means includes a virtual length of a certain length. Provided with a synchronization module that performs a synchronization process for matching the virtual time between the plurality of application software for each unit, with the time as one unit, and the synchronization module starts processing for one synchronization for the plurality of applications Instruct the process to open The processing start instruction means executes processing for one synchronization for each application software for the plurality of application software according to order information for executing processing for one synchronization of the plurality of application software. And a sequential process start instructing unit for sequentially instructing the start of the process.

  Here, the sequential processing start instructing means instructs the start of processing execution from the application software having a high execution order in the order information, and when the processing for one synchronization of the application software having the high execution order started is completed. Then, the application software having the next highest execution order is instructed to start processing execution, and when the processing for one synchronization of all of the plurality of application softwares is completed, the process proceeds to the next synchronization processing. In addition, when there are a plurality of application software having the same execution order in the order information, the sequential process start instructing means instructs all of the application software having the same execution order to start the process execution at the same time. When the processing for one synchronization of all the application software having the same execution order is instructed, the application software having the next higher execution order is instructed to start the processing execution, and all the one synchronization of the plurality of application softwares is synchronized. When the minute processing is completed, the process proceeds to the next synchronization processing. Further, the sequential processing start instructing unit is configured to switch to the application software having no execution order specified when the application information having the execution order specified and the application software having no execution order specified are mixed in the order information. Instructs the start of processing execution without considering the execution order with other application software. The process start instruction means includes a simultaneous process start instruction means for simultaneously instructing all of the plurality of application softwares to start processing execution for one synchronization irrespective of the order information, the sequential process start instruction means, And a process start instruction switching means for switching which of the simultaneous process start instruction means is used to perform the process. The sequential processing start instruction means acquires the order information set by the user via the graphical user interface.

  In addition, the simulation control method of the present invention includes a program cooperation system including a plurality of application software that operates as independent processes on a computer system, and a process connection unit that connects the plurality of application softwares to operate as a single system. A step of instructing start of processing execution from application software having a high execution order in the order information, in accordance with order information for executing processing for one synchronization of the plurality of application software, and starting execution When the processing for one synchronous of the application software with the higher execution order is completed, the step of instructing the application software with the next higher execution order to start processing, and all the ones of the plurality of application software When the processing in the period has been completed, characterized in that a step of migrating the next synchronization process.

  Furthermore, a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the simulation control method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are provided.

  According to the present invention, in a simulation system in which a plurality of application softwares operate in cooperation with each other, it is possible to realize an improved simulation when processes operate in synchronization with the virtual time of simulation. In other words, it is possible to provide a program cooperation system and a simulation control method thereof that can improve the accuracy of simulation without reducing the execution efficiency of simulation by transmitting event information to other processes within one synchronization from the occurrence of the event.

  Further, in a program linkage system in which a plurality of application softwares that operate as independent processes are linked to operate as a single system, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the simulation without reducing the execution efficiency of the simulation.

  In addition, it is possible to increase the simulation accuracy between desired application software without being aware of the dependency relationship of all applications in the program cooperation system.

  In addition, the simulation can be performed according to the user's needs, whether execution speed is prioritized or accuracy is prioritized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
<Features of Embodiment 1>
In the first embodiment, in a device control simulation system composed of a plurality of independent processes, when each process performs device control simulation in synchronization with a virtual time on the simulation, one synchronization portion is performed according to the execution order defined for each process. Process. In the synchronous process, a process is sequentially executed from a simulation of a process with a high execution order defined for each process, and the process proceeds to the next synchronous process when the process for one simulation of all processes is completed.

  By executing the simulation of each process according to the execution order and performing the device control simulation in cooperation with each other, the synchronization delay in the transmission of event information caused by the processing execution of each process does not occur. Therefore, in the simulation in which the process processing depends on other process processing results, the simulation accuracy can be improved.

  Note that the device control simulation of the program cooperation system according to the first embodiment is realized as a program executed by a computer system.

<Schematic configuration example of a program cooperation system that executes the present embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a program cooperation system according to the present embodiment.

  A computer system 501 that implements the program linkage system of FIG. 1 includes the following components. First, it has a main unit 502 in which a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 502a, a main storage device (hereinafter referred to as RAM 502b), a hard disk 502c, and the like are built. A display device 503 that performs screen display is provided as an output device that outputs an instruction from the main body 502. In addition, as an input device for inputting information to the main unit 502, the computer system 501 includes a keyboard 504 for inputting user instructions and character information. In addition, a pointing device (mouse: registered trademark) 505 for inputting an instruction corresponding to an icon or the like displayed at the position by designating an arbitrary position on the display device 503 is provided.

  The hard disk 502c stores a program that realizes each function in the device control simulation and various data for simulation including device information to be simulated. In the simulation, the program and various data are loaded into the RAM 502b, and the program is executed by the CPU 502a of the computer system 501.

  These basic operations of the computer system 501 are executed via an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a basic program. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the OS of the computer system 501 will be described using an example of Windows OS (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation. However, the present invention is not limited to a system on Windows OS (registered trademark).

<Functional configuration example of the program linkage system of this embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the program cooperation system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, this program cooperation system includes three application software and process connection means that constitute the system. The three application softwares are a CPU simulator 601, a simulator application 602, and a mechanism model simulator 603. The process connection means is a simulator hub (hereinafter referred to as HUB) 604.

  The CPU simulator 601, the simulator application 602, and the mechanism model simulator 603 are application software that individually operates on a Windows (registered trademark) OS, and exist as independent processes. Furthermore, the simulator application 602 may be configured by a plurality of independent processes depending on functions.

  In this embodiment, the CPU simulator 601 has a shared memory with an external module provided by a dynamic link library (hereinafter referred to as DLL), and an external interface based on a function direct call method. Moreover, the simulator application 602 and the mechanism model simulator 603 have an external interface based on an interprocess communication method using a socket interface.

  The HUB 604 is provided as a DLL in order to use the external interface of the CPU simulator 601 that is a direct call method, and operates as a sub process started from the CPU simulator 601. The CPU simulator 601 calls a callback function of the HUB 604 designated in advance when various events occur. The system management module 605-1, synchronization module 605-2, wiring module 605-3, log module 605-4, and interface modules 606-1 to 606-3 constituting the HUB 604 operate as independent threads. Each thread is activated from a callback function that is called when the CPU simulator 601 is activated. The simulator application 602 and the mechanism model simulator 603 use the application program interface provided by the OS to connect to the HUB 604 via the socket interface.

  Next, the function of each component of the program cooperation system will be described.

(Function of CPU simulator 601)
The CPU simulator 601 is a function that realizes the operation of a CPU to be simulated (hereinafter referred to as a target CPU) on the computer system 501. Here, the target CPU is not a CPU mounted on the computer system 501 but a CPU that is mounted on a device to be simulated (a printer device in this specific example) and controls the device. .

  The CPU simulator 601 reads information on the virtual input terminals defined corresponding to the terminals of the target CPU and controls the virtual output terminals in accordance with the control program for the target CPU (hereinafter referred to as target firmware).

  The CPU simulator 601 prepares a virtual address space corresponding to the address space of the target CPU. Here, the virtual address space is defined on the RAM of the computer system 501 as an area corresponding to each area on the address space managed by the target CPU on a one-to-one basis. The real address value on the computer system 501 in the virtual address space is different from the address value handled by the target CPU. Then, the CPU simulator 601 accesses a corresponding area in the virtual address space in accordance with an access command to the address value in the target CPU address space by the target firmware. In the registers of the target CPU, corresponding areas are set on the virtual address space, and access to the registers is simulated by accessing the virtual address space. The CPU simulator 601 provides a target CPU I / O memory and a method for register access as an external interface. The external module accesses the virtual address space using these methods.

  As a method for simulating the processing of the target firmware on the computer system 501, there is a method of executing the target firmware source program after converting it into the native language of the computer system 501. Further, there is a method of interpreting the execution instruction of the target CPU one word at a time and executing it while translating it into an execution instruction corresponding to the CPU of the computer system 501. This embodiment corresponds to any CPU simulation method.

  As described above, the callback function of the HUB 604 is called for each event of the CPU simulator 601. As an example of an event for the CPU simulator 601 to call the callback function, there are events related to the state of the CPU simulator 601 (activation, initialization end, etc.). In addition, there are events (memory access, interrupt occurrence, etc.) on the operation simulation of the target CPU.

(Function of simulator application 602)
The simulator application 602 is a support program for various tests by the device control simulation system, and has functions for setting various actions for the virtual device and analyzing, displaying, and saving the simulation results.

  An actual device to be simulated is operated in response to various external actions (hereinafter referred to as external events) by an operator who uses the device or a computer system connected to the device. The simulator application 602 provides means for artificially setting those external events other than the mechanical external events set by the mechanism model simulator 603 (details will be described later). In a specific example of the printer device that is the target device in this embodiment, mechanical external events include operation of a paper feed cassette, removal and attachment of consumable parts, and the like. On the other hand, other external events include reception of various commands from the host PC, operation of the operation panel by the operator, change in environmental temperature, and the like.

  The simulator application 602 provides a dedicated user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) for setting them. Further, the simulator application 602 adds a predetermined external event to the CPU simulator 601 and the mechanism model simulator 603 via the HUB 604 according to the setting by the UI. Further, the simulator application 602 reads a macro instruction file describing a procedure for setting consecutive external events and a file describing a series of external event data stored in the hard disk of the computer system 501 as necessary. Then, a series of external events are given to the CPU simulator 601 and the mechanism model simulator 603 via the HUB 604.

  In addition to the external event setting function as described above, the simulator application 602 analyzes and evaluates various data output as a result of simulation. And it has the function to display the various information according to the test objective on the display apparatus 505, and the function to preserve | save to a hard disk. Specifically, a function that displays changes in various signals as a timing chart, a series of operations is compared with operations that are assumed in advance, and their legitimacy is evaluated, and illegal events are visually displayed. It has the function of

(Function of mechanism model simulator 603)
The mechanism model simulator 603 is a function for operating a mechanism model composed of a plurality of parts including actuators and sensors on the computer in a pseudo manner. Each element of the mechanism model (hereinafter referred to as a mechanism part) is defined by the user in terms of shape, type, operation, interference between mechanism parts, linkage conditions, and the like. Further, external signals are defined for sensors and actuators. These mechanical parts are defined by automatic setting from a CAD drawing, setting by operating a dedicated mechanism model creation software by a user, or a combination of both.

  The types of mechanical parts defined as described above include those defined as simple objects and those defined as functions (motors, solenoids, clutches, sensors, gears, cams, rollers, etc.). In addition, the mechanical parts include those that are not components of the target device and that are necessary for the operation simulation of the device (such as paper in a printer device). The mechanism model constructed as described above is displayed as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic on the display device 503 of the computer system 501.

  The mechanism model simulator 603 operates the mechanism model of the corresponding actuator with a defined motion in response to the actuator operation signal sent from the CPU simulator 601 via the HUB 604. (Actuator operation signal arbitrarily processes data input from the CPU simulator 601 to the simulator application 602 via the HUB 604 by the simulator application 602. Then, the simulator application 602 sends the data again to the mechanism model simulator 603 via the HUB 604. Then, based on the mechanism definition, the mechanical component connected to the actuator is operated with the movement defined in association with the operation of the actuator. As for the mechanism operated by the operator's operation, the operation of the mechanical part by the operator is simulated by the keyboard 504 and the mouse 505, and the target mechanical part is operated in a defined motion according to the pseudo operation. Let Furthermore, the operation of all related mechanical components is reproduced according to the interference between the mechanical components and the linkage definition.

  The operation of these mechanical components is reproduced as a graphic displayed on the display device 503. At the same time, when a predefined external event occurs in the mechanical model defined as a sensor as a result of the operation of the mechanical model, a sensor signal corresponding to the external event is generated, and the sensor signal is sent to the CPU simulator 601 via the HUB 604. Sent.

(Function of simulator hub 604)
The HUB 604 includes a core unit 605 and an interface unit 606. The core unit 605 includes a system management module 605-1, a synchronization module 605-2, a wiring module 605-3, and a log module 605-4. The interface unit 606 includes interface modules 606-1 to 606-3 that make the external interface of the HUB 604 correspond to the interface specifications of each peripheral simulation tool. And it mediates the connection between the core unit 605 and each peripheral simulation tool. The HUB 604 operates in a process independent of other applications such as the CPU simulator 601, the simulator application 602, and the device model simulator 603.

  The core unit 605 sets the HUB module according to the system configuration. Further, data transmission management, synchronization processing, and data transmission history (hereinafter referred to as a log) acquisition between the CPU simulator 601, the simulator application 602, and the mechanism model simulator 603 (hereinafter collectively referred to as a peripheral simulation tool) are performed.

  The interface unit 606 connects each peripheral simulation tool and the wiring module 605-3 based on preset terminal definition information. Then, according to the data output from the peripheral simulation tool, the data transmission / reception method of the wiring module 605-3 is called to pass the data to the wiring module 605-3. On the other hand, data is sent to the peripheral simulation tool in response to a data setting request from the wiring module 605-3. Further, in response to a process execution start instruction for the synchronization time of the synchronization module 605-2, each application is instructed to operate at a predetermined synchronization interval, and the synchronization module 605-2 is notified of the end of the process for one synchronization of each application. To do.

  The external interface 607 serves as an interface for passing simulation system environment information necessary for the operator to perform simulation to the system management module 605-1. The simulation system environment information includes, for example, information necessary for cooperative operation between the applications.

  The system management module 605-1 manages the configuration of the interface module 606 in accordance with preset system configuration definition information. Also, information for determining the cooperative operation set via the external interface 607 is managed.

  The wiring module 605-3 connects the peripheral simulation tools based on the wiring definition information set in advance. The wiring module 605-3 provides a data transmission / reception method to each of the interface modules 606-3.

  The log module 605-4 records transmission / reception data exchanged between the wiring module 605-3 and each interface module 606-3 in a file in a predetermined format together with simulation time information. At this time, creation of a timing chart, analysis of a test result, and evaluation by the simulator application 602 use log information acquired by the log module 605-4.

  The synchronization module 605-2 performs a synchronization process in which the virtual time between all the application software is matched for each unit, with the fixed virtual time of the unique virtual time of each application as one unit. The synchronization module 605-2 has processing start instruction means 605-2-1 for instructing each peripheral simulation tool to start processing execution for one synchronization through the interface modules 606-1 to 606-3. ing. Then, notification of the end of operation at one synchronization interval is received from each peripheral simulation tool via each interface module 606-1 to 606-3. When a notification of operation completion at one synchronization interval is received from all peripheral simulation tools, the process proceeds to the next one synchronization execution process. By repeating the above processing, all the systems constituting the device control simulation system can be operated in the same virtual time.

  In such synchronization processing, conventionally, execution of one synchronization interval for all peripheral simulation tools has been instructed all at once, but in this embodiment, sequential processing start instructing means 605-2 in the basic operation as described above. 2 is added. The sequential processing start instructing means 605-2-2 sequentially instructs each application software to execute processing for one synchronization according to the order information for executing processing for one synchronization of each application software among a plurality of application software. . That is, the sequential processing start instruction means 605-2-2 is a means for instructing the peripheral simulation tool to execute processing for the synchronization interval in accordance with the simulation execution order defined for each process.

<Control Procedure Example of Sequential Process Start Instructing Unit 605-2-2 of Embodiment 1>
FIG. 3 is a control flowchart of the sequential processing start instruction unit 605-2-2 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the process processing execution order variable Pn and the total number of processes N are assumed. In the present embodiment, the execution order can be designated from “1”, and the execution order becomes higher as the execution order number is smaller.

  First, in step S101, the process processing execution order variable Pn is initialized to “1”. Next, in step S102, it is checked whether Pn ≦ N is satisfied. When Pn ≦ N is established in the check in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103, and a simulation process (hereinafter simply referred to as a process) for the reference synchronization time is instructed to the process in the execution order Pn. If Pn ≦ N is not satisfied in the check in step S102, it is determined in step S106 whether or not the simulation is completed. If the simulation is not finished, the process returns to step S101 to initialize Pn.

  After instructing the process in the execution order Pn to execute the process for the reference synchronization time in step S103, the process waits until a process execution end notification is received from the process in the execution order Pn instructed to execute the process (step S104). When the execution end notification is received in step S104, the process process execution order Pn is advanced by one (step S105), and the process returns to the establishment check of Pn ≦ N in step S102.

  Here, if there are a plurality of processes having the same execution priority, in step S103, the processes having the same execution order are instructed to start processing simultaneously, and in step S104, execution process end notifications are received from all processes having the same execution order. I will wait.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sequential process start instruction unit 605-2-2 controls the process execution start of the process, and issues a process execution start instruction from a process having a higher execution order according to the defined process process execution order. . When a process execution end notification is received from the process that issued the process start instruction, the process execution start is instructed to the process in the next execution order. Events that occur during processing execution of each process are transmitted to the wiring module 605-3 via the interface modules 606-1 to 606-3, and information is transmitted from the wiring module to other processes.

  As described above, each process (simulation tool) and the wiring module 605-3 are connected based on terminal definition information set in advance. Here, the processing execution order of a process (hereinafter referred to as a controlled process) for simulating an object whose processing content changes depending on the processing result of another process is lowered. As a result, when processing for one synchronization is performed, the process execution result of a process having a high execution order is always received and the process of the controlled process is performed. Therefore, in the controlled process, the event information generated by the process of the process having a high execution order can be reflected in the process within the synchronization in which the event has occurred.

(Example of how to specify the execution order)
Here, a method for specifying the execution order will be described by taking as an example a case where a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI) is used as the external interface 607.

  FIG. 4A is a display example for specifying the execution order displayed on the display device 503 by the GUI. The GUI includes an application name display field 701 and an execution order designation field 702 that constitute the simulation system. The operator of the simulation system designates the setting target field on the execution order designation field 702 with the mouse 505, enters the execution order number assigned to each application from the keyboard 504 in the designated place, and sets the execution order. To do. In the simulation system, the execution order designation information set in the GUI is passed by an application ID 703 assigned to each application and an execution order number 704 indicating the execution order as shown in FIG. 4B.

  Then, the information on the application ID 703 and the execution order number 704 is transferred to the system management module 605-1, and the information on the application ID 703 and the execution order number 704 is stored in the synchronization module 605-2. Then, in accordance with the information of the application ID 703 and the execution order number 704 stored in the synchronization module 605-2, the process start instruction unit 605-2-2 sequentially issues a process execution start instruction to each process.

  In the above description, the GUI is used as the external interface 607. However, in addition to the GUI, there is a method of using the external file interface or inter-process communication and passing the execution order information to the system management module 605-1. .

  When using an external file interface, prepare a file specifying the execution order according to a predefined format. Then, the execution order information is passed to the system management module 605-1 via an external file interface provided as an OS application program interface.

  In addition, when using inter-process communication, there is also a method of specifying execution order information using a simulation execution environment designating application (separate process from the core part 604) connected to the core part 604 through inter-process communication. is there.

  As described above, since the execution order can be specified via the external interface 607, the execution order desired by the simulation user can be specified.

<Specific Application Example of Embodiment 1>
In the present embodiment, functions according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where a CPU performs a simulation of stepping motor control using an integrated circuit for stepping motor control (hereinafter referred to as a stepping motor control ASIC). To do.

  The stepping motor in the actual machine is controlled and operated by drive pulses applied to each phase of the stepping motor. Specifically, the rotational speed is controlled by changing the drive pulse interval applied to each phase of the stepping motor, and the rotational direction is changed according to the change order of the drive pulses.

  In this embodiment, the drive pulse is output by the stepping motor control ASIC. The stepping motor control ASIC outputs a drive pulse in accordance with values relating to stepping motor control set by the CPU in a predetermined register (excitation phase for one rotation of the motor, excitation pulse width, rotation direction setting values, etc.). Then, it is assumed that the operation of driving the stepping motor is simulated via the stepping motor driver IC.

In the case of performing the simulation as described above, if the simulation object is replaced with the configuration of the device control simulation, the following is obtained.
CPU → CPU simulator 601
・ Stepping motor control ASIC → Simulator application 602
・ Stepping motor → Mechanism model simulator 603
Here, the simulation function of the stepping motor control ASIC realized by the simulator application 602 is hereinafter referred to as a pseudo motor control ASIC.

(Control relationship between processes in this example)
FIG. 5 shows the control relationship between the processes of the CPU simulator 601, the pseudo motor control ASIC 602, and the mechanism model simulation 603.

  In the actual machine, the motor control ASIC outputs a stepping motor driving pulse according to various setting values of the CPU, and drives the stepping motor via the motor driver IC. In the device model simulation, the CPU simulation 601 controls the pseudo motor control ASIC, and the pseudo motor control ASIC controls the device model simulation 603.

  Therefore, the execution order of each process is, in descending order, CPU simulation 601 processing [1] → pseudo motor control ASIC processing [2] → device model simulation processing [3].

In the mechanism model emulator 603 described in the present embodiment, a rotation angle [°] per pulse is specified in advance for the motor model, and the rotation direction and the number of pulses at one synchronization interval are given as a motor drive signal. The motor drive signal is obtained by adding a sign as rotation direction information to the number of pulses at one synchronization interval. (The sign indicating the rotation direction is plus [+] for forward rotation and minus [-] for reverse rotation.)
The pseudo motor control ASIC calculates the operation amount of the stepping motor from the stepping motor control related value set from the CPU simulator 601 and outputs a motor drive signal to the motor model of the mechanism model simulator 603. The motor drive signal is as described above.

(Synchronous linkage example between processes in this example)
FIG. 6 shows a state of synchronization cooperation between processes according to the synchronization method of the present embodiment when a stepping motor control simulation is performed.

  In (1) in FIG. 6, the sequential processing start instruction means 605-2-2 performs the n-th synchronization process for the CPU simulator 601 that is the application software having the highest execution order (execution order [1]). Instructs execution of processing for one synchronization time Ts. The CPU simulator 601 starts processing execution for Ts by virtual time unique to the CPU simulator (2). The CPU simulator 601 sets a value related to stepping motor control in the instructed process (3). Event information generated by the stepping motor control related value setting of the CPU simulator 601 is transmitted to the wiring module 605-3. The wiring module 605-3 notifies the setting value related to the stepping motor control to the pseudo motor control ASIC which is a part of the simulator application (4). The pseudo motor control ASIC is notified of the event (3) information from the wiring module 605-3 (5). However, since the pseudo motor control ASIC has not yet started the n-th synchronization process, the set value information is reflected when the pseudo motor control ASIC starts processing (8).

  When the CPU simulator 601 finishes the execution process of Ts for one synchronization time (6), a process execution end notification is transmitted to the synchronization module 605-2. The synchronization module 605-2 instructs the pseudo motor control ASIC, which is an application in the next execution order (execution order [2]), to execute processing for one synchronization time Ts (7).

  The pseudo motor control ASIC receives a processing execution instruction from the synchronization module 605-2 and starts processing for the virtual time Ts (8). The information on the setting value related to the stepping motor control (event (3)) set by the CPU simulator 601 is reflected in the processing of the pseudo motor control ASIC from this point. The pseudo motor control ASIC outputs the motor model drive signal of the mechanism model simulator 603 in accordance with the stepping motor control setting value set by the CPU simulator 601 (9). Here, the information on the setting value related to the stepping motor control is transmitted to the wiring module 605-3 as the motor model drive signal output when the process of the pseudo motor control ASIC is started. The wiring module 605-3 notifies the change of the motor model drive signal to the mechanism model simulator 603 (10). The mechanism model simulator 603 is notified of the event (9) information from the wiring module 605-3 (11). However, since the mechanism model simulator 603 has not started the n-th synchronization process, the change in the motor model drive signal is reflected when the mechanism model simulator process starts (14).

  When the pseudo motor control ASIC finishes the execution process of Ts for one synchronization time (12), the synchronization module 605-2 receives a process execution end notification from the pseudo motor control ASIC. Then, it instructs the mechanism model simulator 603, which is an application in the next execution order (execution order 3), to execute processing for one synchronization time Ts (13).

  The mechanism model simulator 603 receives a processing execution instruction from the synchronization module 605-2 and starts processing for the virtual time Ts (14). The motor model drive signal information changed by the pseudo motor control ASIC is reflected in the process of the mechanism model simulator 603 from the time (14) when the process process of the mechanism model simulator 603 is started. In accordance with the motor model drive signal information, the motor model can be operated on a computer in a pseudo manner.

  When the mechanism model simulator 603 finishes the execution process of Ts for one synchronization time (15), the synchronization module 605-2 receives a process execution end notification from the mechanism model simulator 603, and proceeds to the synchronization process of (n + 1) synchronization. Move (16). After receiving the processing execution end notification from the application with the lowest execution order, the synchronization module 605-2 receives the one synchronization time Ts as the next synchronization process for the CPU simulator 601 which is the application with the highest execution order. The process execution is instructed (14). Then, the CPU simulator 601 starts the (n + 1) synchronous processing (17).

  Thereafter, the simulation is repeated by repeating the synchronization process in the same manner as (2).

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
By performing the synchronization process as described above, the motor model can be operated by reflecting the change of the stepping motor control related value within the same synchronization as the CPU simulator 601 has changed the stepping motor control related value.

[Embodiment 2]
<Features of Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the simulation is performed with the execution order assigned to all the processes. However, there are cases in which simulation accuracy is required only for specific application software in device control simulation. In addition, when the simulation is executed on a computer system having the same performance, there are the following problems. That is, if each process is executed sequentially with an execution order, it takes more time for the simulation than executing each process in parallel without setting the execution order.

  In the second embodiment, the following processing is performed in a device control simulation system including a plurality of independent processes. When each process performs a device control simulation in synchronization with a virtual time on the simulation, an execution order is set only between desired processes and processing for one synchronization is performed. A process with an execution order executes process processing according to the order of execution order as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, a process without an execution order starts processing of a plurality of processes simultaneously without considering the execution order, and shifts to the next synchronization process when processing for one synchronization of all processes is completed. As described above, in the second embodiment, processing is performed when a process with an execution order and a process without an execution order are mixed.

  By executing processes sequentially according to the execution order only for processes to which execution order is assigned, and linking simulations between processes, simulation accuracy can be improved between specific processes without assigning execution order to all processes. Can do. In addition, the time required for the simulation can be shortened as compared with the case where the simulation is performed with the execution order assigned to all processes.

  The configuration of the program cooperation system that executes the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

<Control Procedure Example of Sequential Process Start Instructing Unit 605-2-2 of Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment, the sequential process start instructing unit 605-2-2 in FIG. 6 has a function capable of simultaneously executing and managing processes having no execution order and processes having an execution order.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of the sequential process start instruction unit 605-2-2 according to the second embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the process processing execution order variable Pn and the number of processes having the execution order are M.

  First, it is checked whether there is a process for which the execution order is not specified among the processes to be executed (step S1001). If there is a process for which the execution order is not specified in step S1001, execution of processing for the reference synchronization time is instructed to all processes for which the execution order is not specified (step S1002). Subsequently, the process process execution order variable Pn is initialized (step S1003). If it is determined in step S1001 that the execution order is specified for all processes, step S1003 is executed.

  After initialization of the process processing execution order variable Pn in step S1003, it is checked in step S1004 whether Pn ≦ M is satisfied. If Pn ≦ M is satisfied in the check in step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1005 to instruct the process in the execution order Pn to execute processing for the reference synchronization time. In step S1005, the process in the execution order Pn is instructed to execute processing for the reference synchronization time, and then waits until a process execution end notification is received from the process in the execution order Pn instructed to execute the process (step S1006). When the execution end notification is received in step S1006, the process processing execution order Pn is advanced by 1 (step S1007), and the process returns to the check in step S1004 whether Pn ≦ M is satisfied.

  If Pn ≦ M is not satisfied in step S1004, the process waits until an execution end notification is received from all processes (step S1008). Then, after receiving an execution end notification from all processes in step S1008, it is determined in step S1009 whether the simulation is to end. If the simulation is not finished, the process returns to step S1001 to perform the next synchronization processing.

<Specific Application Example of Embodiment 2>
Here, as an example of operating a simulation system composed of three independent processes, the synchronous linkage status between the processes will be described. The system configuration of each application software is as follows.
(Specify execution order)
-Application software 1: Execution order [1]
Application software 2: execution order [2]
-Application software 3: Execution order [No specification]
(Terminal connection status setting)
Signal A: output from application software 1 and input to application software 2
Signal B: Output from application software 2 and input to application software 1
Note that the processing of the application software 2 depends on the signal A, and the signal B is determined by the signal A.

(Synchronous linkage example between processes in this example)
FIG. 8 shows the synchronization linkage status between the processes of the application software 1 and 2 and the application software 3.

  In (1) in FIG. 8, the synchronization module 605-2 instructs the application software 1 in the execution order [1] and the application software 3 not in the execution order to start processing execution. The application software 1 and the application software 3 receive the processing start instruction (1) and start processing for one synchronization time Ts (2), (3). A change event (4) of signal A occurs during the execution of application software 1. The event information is transmitted to the wiring module 605-3, and the wiring module 605-3 notifies the change information of the signal A to the application software 2 (5). The application software 2 is notified of the event (4) information from the wiring module 605-2 (6). However, since the application software 2 has not started the n-th synchronization process, the change information of the signal A is reflected when the application software 2 starts processing (9).

  When the application software 1 finishes execution processing for one synchronization time Ts (7), a processing execution completion notification is transmitted to the synchronization module 605-2. The synchronization module 605-2 instructs the application software 2 in the next execution order (execution order [2]) to start processing execution for one synchronization time Ts (8).

  The application software 2 receives a process execution start instruction from the synchronization module 605-2 and starts processing for one synchronization time Ts (9). Thereafter, the processing for one synchronization time is completed by the application software 3, and the completion of the processing is notified to the synchronization module (10). The synchronization module 605-2 receives a process execution end notification of the application software 3 (11).

  Next, an event occurs when the application software 2 changes the signal B (12). The information on the event (12) is transmitted to the wiring module 605-3, and the wiring module 605-3 notifies the application software 1 of event information of the signal B change (13). Here, the application software 1 receives notification of information on the event (12) (14). However, since the application software 1 has finished the process of the nth synchronization, the information (14) is reflected in the process of the application software 1 when the process of the (n + 1) th synchronization is started.

  When the n-th synchronization process of the application software 2 is completed, a process end notification is sent to the synchronization module 605-2 (15). When the processing execution end notification is received from the application software 2, the nth synchronization processing execution completion notification is received from all the application software, and the synchronization module 605-2 starts the (n + 1) synchronization processing. (16).

The synchronization module 605-2 instructs the application software 1 and the application software 3 to start processing for one synchronization time Ts (17) and (18) in the same manner as (1). Thereafter, the synchronization process is performed in the same manner as in the n-th synchronization.
The sequential processing start instructing means 605-2-2 performs the synchronization processing according to the processing flowchart shown in FIG.
・ When processes with execution order and processes with no execution order are mixed,
・ If all processes have execution order,
・ If all processes do not have the execution order,
In all of the above cases, the synchronization of each process can be managed so that simulation according to the user's needs can be performed, whether simulation execution speed priority or simulation accuracy priority.

[Embodiment 3]
<Features of Embodiment 3>
In the first and second embodiments, sequence simulation is performed with execution order information attached to each process. In the third embodiment, the user of the simulation system can select the parallel execution method / sequential execution method as necessary during simulation execution. Here, the parallel execution method is a method in which processes are executed in parallel without assigning an execution order to each process, as in the conventional inter-process cooperative operation method. On the other hand, the sequential execution method is a method in which processes are executed in a sequential manner by assigning execution order to each process as in the first or second embodiment.

  By making it possible to select the process processing execution method of the simulation system, it is possible to perform a simulation that can respond to both cases where the user wants to prioritize the simulation execution speed and the simulation accuracy.

<Schematic configuration example of a program cooperation system that executes the present embodiment>
The configuration of the program cooperation system according to the third embodiment is obtained by adding two new means to the process start instruction means 605-2-1 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a functional configuration of the synchronization module 605-2 including the process start instruction unit 605-2-1 of the program cooperation system according to the present embodiment.

  The process start instruction unit 605-2-1 includes the following components in addition to the process start instruction unit 605-2-2. In other words, it includes simultaneous processing start instruction means 1200-1 for synchronizing all application software by simultaneously instructing all application software to execute processing for one synchronization. In addition, according to the process start instruction means determination information for determining which of the simultaneous process start instruction means 1200-1 and the sequential process start instruction means 605-2-2 is to be used for synchronization processing, two process start instruction means Processing start instruction switching means 1200-2 for switching is included.

<Example of Control Procedure of Processing Start Instruction Unit 605-2-1 of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 10 shows a control flowchart of the process start instruction unit 605-2-1 in the present embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the process processing execution order variable Pn and the number of processes having the execution order are M.

  First, in step S1300, it is checked whether each process is designated for sequential execution. If each process is designated for sequential execution, the process continues to the process of determining whether there is a process for which no execution order is designated in step S1301.

  The processing from step S1301 to step S1309 is the same as the processing from step S1001 to step S1008 of FIG. 7 by the sequential processing start instruction unit 605-2-2 shown in the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted here.

  If the execution of one synchronous process is not designated in step S1300, the process of step S1310 for instructing all processes to execute the process for the reference synchronous time is performed. After step S1310, the process waits until an end-of-execution notification is received from all processes (step S1311). After receiving an execution end notification from all processes in step S1311, it is determined in step S1312 whether the simulation is to end. If the simulation is not finished, the process returns to step S1310, and processing for the next synchronization time is performed.

  As described in the second embodiment, the designation of whether each process is executed sequentially or in parallel is designated by a method designated from the GUI, a method designated via an external file interface, or an inter-process communication. There is a way.

Further, the processing performed by each means (sequential processing start instructing means, simultaneous processing start instructing means, processing start instruction switching means) constituting the processing start instructing means 605-2-2 is the above-described processing start instructing means 605-2. This corresponds to the following process of the control flowchart of -1.
Step S1300: Process start instruction switching means 1200-2
Steps S1301 to S1309: Sequential processing start instruction means 605-2-2
Steps S1310 to S1312: Simultaneous processing start instruction means 1200-1
<Effect of Embodiment 3>
By performing this embodiment, it becomes possible for the user to select the processing execution method of each application software and perform a simulation, and the simulation is performed according to the user's needs, whether priority is given to execution speed or accuracy. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, an example of centralized control by the computer system 501 shown in FIG. 1 has been described. However, it is apparent that the present invention can be realized by distributed control in a system in which a plurality of computers are connected via a network. It is.

  Further, in the specific example of the above embodiment, for example, the control of the stepping motor is shown as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any simulation. In particular, it is useful for the exchange of event information between application softwares, especially for simulations in which the context of processing is clear by event information.

  In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system or an integrated device composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the computer (or u CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. Based on the instruction of the program code, the operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU provided in the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing. It goes without saying that the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by such processing is also included.

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

It is a figure which shows the example of schematic structure of the program cooperation system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the program cooperation system which concerns on this embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of a sequential process start instruction unit according to the first embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of a display for the execution order designation | designated displayed by GUI which designates the execution order which concerns on this embodiment It is a schematic diagram of the execution order information which concerns on this embodiment FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control relationship between a CPU simulator, a pseudo motor control ASIC, and application software for a mechanism model simulation in a specific example of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the condition of the synchronous cooperation of each process by the synchronous system in Embodiment 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of a sequential process start instruction unit according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the condition of the synchronous cooperation of each process by the synchronous system in Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the synchronous module of the program cooperation system which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure including a process start instruction unit according to the third embodiment. It is a schematic diagram about the form of the cooperation operation | movement between the conventional applications. It is a figure which shows the condition of the synchronous cooperation of the application by control of the conventional process connection means It is a figure which shows the example when the event generate | occur | produces after process processing completion | finish by the conventional inter-process cooperation operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the example when an event generate | occur | produces before the end of a process process by the conventional inter-process cooperation operation | movement.

Claims (9)

In a program cooperation system including a plurality of application software that operates as independent processes on a computer system, and a process connection unit that connects the plurality of application softwares to operate as one system,
The plurality of application software is application software that performs processing corresponding to the passage of the virtual time by a unique virtual time,
The process connection means includes a synchronization module that performs a synchronization process to match a virtual time between the plurality of application software for each unit, with a virtual time of a certain length as one unit.
The synchronization module has processing start instruction means for instructing the plurality of applications to start processing for one synchronization,
The process start instruction means sequentially instructs the plurality of application software to start processing for one synchronization for each application software in accordance with order information for executing processing for one synchronization of the plurality of application software. A program cooperation system comprising sequential processing start instruction means.   The sequential processing start instructing unit instructs the start of processing execution from application software having a high execution order in the order information, and when the processing for one synchronization of the application software having high execution order that has started execution is completed, The start of processing execution is instructed to application software having a high execution order, and when all of the processing for one synchronization of the plurality of application software is completed, the process proceeds to the next synchronization processing. The program linkage system described in 1.   When there are a plurality of application software having the same execution order in the order information, the sequential process start instructing means instructs all of the application software having the same execution order to start the process execution at the same time, and instructs the execution start. When the processing for one synchronization of all the application software having the same execution order is completed, the application software having the next higher execution order is instructed to start processing, and all of the plurality of application software for one synchronization 2. The program linkage system according to claim 1, wherein when the processing is completed, the process proceeds to the next synchronization processing.   The sequential processing start instructing means may include other application software for which the execution order is not specified when the order information includes application software for which the execution order is specified and application software for which the execution order is not specified. 4. The program cooperation system according to claim 1, wherein the start of processing execution is instructed without considering the execution order with the application software. 5. The processing start instruction means includes
Simultaneous processing start instruction means for simultaneously instructing all of the plurality of application softwares to start processing for one synchronization irrespective of the order information;
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a process start instruction switching unit that switches between using the sequential process start instruction unit and the simultaneous process start instruction unit. The program linkage system described.   6. The program cooperation system according to claim 1, wherein the sequential processing start instruction means acquires the order information set by a user via a graphical user interface. A simulation control method in a program linkage system, comprising: a plurality of application software that operates as independent processes on a computer system; and a process connection unit that connects the plurality of application softwares to operate as one system,
Instructing the start of process execution from application software having a high execution order in the order information according to the order information for executing processing for one synchronization of the plurality of application softwares;
Instructing the application software having the next highest execution order to start processing when the processing for one synchronization of the application software having the higher execution order started is completed;
And a step of shifting to the next synchronization process at the time when all the processes for one synchronization of the plurality of application software are completed.   A program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the simulation control method according to claim 7.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 8.

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