JP2002077294A - Method and apparatus for switching communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce data communication cost by utilizing a network and computer resources effectively. SOLUTION: Communication system is switched to an optimal one, according to various factors which vary dynamically. The factors include capacity and load of a data communication path, of transmitting side apparatuses and of receiving side apparatuses, frequency of the updating and frequency of referencing of data, and the like. In most cases, an optimal communication system is different between the transmitting side apparatus and the receiving side apparatus. In this case, a communication system considered to be optimal for the entire system is determined or a communication system for use both in the transmitting side apparatus and the receiving side apparatus is ultimately determined by taking priority over the transmitting side or the receiving side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for determining a communication system for performing data communication between devices connected by a data communication path.

[0002] In the present invention, information includes various types of files shared by a plurality of devices, user status, news, messages, and the like. The communication side device and the reception side device logically share the same information. However, the information of the receiving device and the information of the transmitting device may have different information possession forms. For example, the sending device has the text data itself on the hard disk, while the receiving device has
The corresponding image may only be displayed on the screen. Further, the information on the receiving device does not need to have all the information on the transmitting device.

[0003] The data communication path may be a virtual communication path such as packet communication, and need not always be connected. Further, a relay device may be present in the middle of the data communication path.

The communication side device and the reception side device do not need to have a fixed role. For example, a device that is a transmitting side in one case may be a receiving side in another case. The same device may simultaneously serve as the transmitting side and the receiving side.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, networking of society as a whole has progressed, and communication between users, news distribution, advertisement distribution, and the like have been performed using data communication paths such as computer networks and telephone lines. In these network communications, it is common to synchronize information on a plurality of information devices connected to a data communication path.

In order to synchronize information among a plurality of devices, the latest information is transmitted and received between information devices, and the latest information is distributed from a server to a terminal device. Communication systems for transmitting and receiving information between devices connected via a data communication path are roughly classified into the following systems.

(1) Push method The receiving device is registered in the transmitting device in advance. When the information on the transmitting device is updated, the transmitting device transmits the updated information to the receiving device via the data communication path. Upon receiving the update information, the receiving device updates the information stored therein. Note that the transmission-side device may transmit a plurality of pieces of update information to the reception-side device collectively without transmitting the communication information immediately after the transmission-side information is updated.

The advantages and disadvantages of this method are as follows. Advantage: The information on the receiving side always reflects the update of the information promptly, and when the user refers to the information, communication for acquiring the information is not necessary, and therefore, the waiting time at the time of the reference is short.

Disadvantage: When the update frequency is higher than the reference frequency, useless communication occurs. For this reason, the load on the communication path increases, the load on the communication side and the receiving side device increases, and the communication fee increases.

(2) Pull method First, the information of the transmitting device is updated. Thereafter, the receiving device transmits a pull request to the transmitting device in response to a user instruction or an event such as the passage of time. The sending device is
Upon receiving the pull request, the update information is transmitted to the receiving device. The receiving device receives the update information and updates the information stored therein. Updating of information in the transmitting device may be performed a plurality of times before the update information is transmitted to the receiving device. In the present invention, a method in which the receiving device periodically issues a pull request is also classified into a pull method.

The advantages and disadvantages of this method are as follows. Advantage: In the method in which a pull request is issued for the first time when referring to information, useless communication hardly occurs when the update frequency is higher than the reference frequency. As a result, the load on the communication path is reduced,
The load on the transmitting and receiving devices is reduced, and the communication fee is reduced.

Disadvantage: In the method in which a pull request is issued for the first time when referring to information, communication is performed at the time of reference and update information is acquired, so that the waiting time becomes longer. If the update frequency is lower than the reference frequency, useless communication occurs. For this reason, the load on the communication path, the load on the transmitting side and the receiving side device increases, and the communication fee increases. Further, the user cannot be immediately notified that the information has been updated. When a pull request is issued periodically, an excessive pull request is generally required, and useless communication is likely to occur.

(3) Notify system The receiving device is registered in the transmitting device in advance. When the information on the transmitting device is updated, the transmitting device transmits an update notification to the receiving device. The update notification is not the updated information itself, but the fact that the information has been updated, the identifier of the updated information, and the like. Upon receiving the update notification, the receiving device attaches an update mark indicating that the information has been updated to the corresponding information. Thereafter, in the receiving device, the information is updated by an instruction such as a user instruction or the passage of time.

Update of information is performed as follows. The receiving device transmits a pull request only for a device having an update mark. The transmitting device transmits the update information to the receiving device. The receiving device updates the information with the update mark based on the received update information, and deletes the update mark. There is also a method of transmitting a pull request immediately after receiving an update notification without using an update mark or the like. In some cases, an update notification is not performed each time information is updated in a transmitting device, and an update notification is transmitted to a receiving device after updating a plurality of information items.

This method has intermediate advantages and disadvantages between the push method and the pull method. In addition to the advantages and disadvantages of the various communication methods described above, the push method may not be used depending on the communication environment and the like. For example, in the Internet, it is often impossible to send information from outside to inside of a firewall by a push method. Further, there are communication systems in which combinations of the above communication systems and details are changed.

[0016]

Conventionally, a communication system according to needs has been set for a device by setting of a user or a system administrator. A combination of certain information, a user, a receiving-side device, and a communication method is determined when the device is activated or when a setting is changed.

However, the relationship and degree of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above-mentioned communication systems vary depending on various factors. For example, when the reference frequency is higher than the update frequency, the communication fee is lower by using the push method. On the other hand, when the reference frequency is low, the communication fee is lower when the pull method is used.
Further, when the communication time is short, the disadvantage that the waiting time of the pull method is long is reduced. Many of these factors change dynamically, but conventionally, the communication method that has been set is not changed according to the situation, so it is difficult to perform optimal communication according to the change in the factors. Therefore, for example, the following problem occurs.

(1) The push method is set on the assumption that a certain information item has a high reference frequency. Therefore, unnecessary communication charges are incurred. (2) The push method is set on the assumption that a certain information item is referred to frequently, but the amount of information not referred to is large, so that a useless communication fee is required.

(3) The notify method was set on the assumption that the communication speed was sufficiently high, but the communication path happened to be congested and it took a long time. (4) The push method was set on the assumption that the update frequency was low, but the update frequency was high for a certain period, and the communication fee was high.

In addition to the above-mentioned problems, it is not possible to perform a flexible operation coping with various dynamically changing factors only by setting the communication method. For example, 1) the push method is usually used with priority on the reference time, and the notify method is used when the communication fee increases. 2) The communication is usually performed by the push method, but when the load on the server increases. It is difficult to switch the communication method according to the situation, such as using a notify method.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, improves the use efficiency of the data communication path, reduces the load and cost of the data communication path, reduces the load and cost of the user terminal, and improves the convenience of the user. The purpose is to enhance the nature.

[0022]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of switching a communication method for transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of devices connected by a data communication path, A: When a predetermined event occurs in the first device, the first communication method is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the first device. B: A predetermined event occurs in the second device. In this case, the second communication method is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the second device, and C: the communication method for transmitting information from one device to the other device is the first communication method or the second communication method. A communication method switching method for switching to one of the communication methods is provided.

The predetermined conditions include a communication history, a load on a device, a load on a data communication path, a frequency of updating information, a frequency of referencing information, a device capability, a capability of a communication channel, and a degree of importance of information. Examples of the communication history include a past information amount, a communication fee, and a communication time. When the first communication method and the second communication method are different, which one has priority can be appropriately set according to needs. In addition, which of the first and second devices may be the transmitting side, and which may be the receiving side.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect,
The first and second devices provide a communication method switching method for determining the first and second communication methods from among the communication methods of push, notify, and pull methods.

[0025] The third invention of the present application is a method of switching a communication method for transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of devices connected by a data communication path, wherein: A: a first device has a predetermined event; In this case, the first communication method for communicating with the predetermined second device is the first communication method.
B: the first device notifies the second device of the determined first communication scheme, C: the second device determines a predetermined communication mode based on the communication environment of the device. When the event of occurs, the second communication method for communicating with the first device is determined based on the communication environment of the second device and the first communication method. D; A communication method switching method for switching a communication method for transmitting information to a device to the second communication method is provided.

The second device determines the communication method in consideration of both the status of the first device and its own status. The second device may be a transmitting side or a receiving side. The fourth invention of the present application is a communication mode switching device used for a second device connected to a data communication path and transmitting / receiving information to / from a first device, wherein: A: when a predetermined event occurs in the second device Means for dynamically determining a communication method based on the communication environment of the second device; B; means for negotiating and determining the communication method with the first device with the first device; and C; Means for switching a communication method for performing communication with the first device according to the result of the negotiation of the communication method.

Here, the negotiation with the first device means that the communication method dynamically determined by the second device is notified to the first device.
Waiting for notification of the final communication method from the device may be mentioned. This switching device is used, for example, for a client of a server-client system or a client of a serverless system.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system switching device used for a second device connected to a data communication path and transmitting / receiving information to / from a first device, wherein: A; Means for receiving a notification of a first communication method determined by the first device based on the communication environment of the first device, if the communication method of the first device is changed to a second device; C: means for determining based on the communication environment and the first communication method, and C; means for switching a communication method for communicating with the first device in accordance with the determination.

This apparatus is used, for example, for a server of a server-client system and a client of a serverless system. It is considered that the server grasps the communication environment of the entire system rather than the client. Therefore, here, the server determines the communication method based on the situation of the client and the communication environment of the entire system. The determined communication method is notified to the client as necessary.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION <Outline of the Invention> The present invention switches a communication system to an optimum one in accordance with various dynamically changing factors. As a result, effective use of network and computer resources is achieved, and communication costs are reduced.
It is possible to enhance user convenience. The optimal communication scheme is often different for the sending device and the receiving device. In this case, a communication method considered to be optimal for the entire system is determined, or a communication method used by both sides is finally determined by giving priority to the determination of either the transmission side or the reception side.

In the following first and second embodiments, an example will be described in which the communication system is determined by increasing the priority of the transmitting device. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the communication system is determined by increasing the priority of the receiving device.

<First Embodiment> [Configuration] Next, a specific description will be given of a case where the communication system switching method of the present invention is applied to an awareness system. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the awareness system according to the first embodiment. In this system, an awareness server 1 and a client 2 are connected via a network 3. Although only one client 2 is shown in the figure, a plurality of clients are usually connected to the network 3.

The awareness server 1 has a network 3
It manages the awareness information of the above users and distributes the awareness information of other users to the client 2. The awareness information is general user personal information such as a user state, which communication means the user can use, an address, a telephone number, and a mail address. In this example, when any one of the awareness information managed by the awareness server 1 is updated, an example of switching the communication method for synchronizing the updated information with the awareness information on the client 2 will be described. Will be explained.

(1) Awareness Server The awareness server 1 includes an awareness service module 11, a method determination module 12, a user DB 13,
It has a setting DB 14 and a method DB 15. The awareness service module 11 receives the update of the awareness information from the client and stores the update in the user DB 13. In addition, the awareness service module 11
Which users are viewing whose awareness information,
That is, the buddy list of each user is stored in the user DB 13. Further, when the awareness information in the user DB 13 is updated, the awareness service module 11 distributes the updated information to a user who is referencing the updated awareness information. The method determining module 12 determines the server 1 based on dynamically changing factors such as the load on the server, the load on the network 3, and the frequency of updating information, and the communication method specified by the client 2.
And the client 2 is dynamically switched.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the awareness information stored in the user DB 13. In this example, as the awareness information, “user ID”, “state” of the user,
Whether a “message” can be received, whether a “phone” can be answered, and whether an “email” can be received are stored for each user. Also, a buddy list of each user is stored in the user DB 13 (not shown). This buddy list defines who is referring to whose awareness.

FIG. 3 is a setting DB of the awareness server 1.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in 14. This setting D
B14 includes (a) an administrator setting data table, and (b)
A user setting data table and (c) a reference data table are stored. FIG. 7A is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the administrator setting data table (a). In this table, priority of the throughput or response time is set as the priority of the server. This setting is performed by the administrator of the awareness server 1.

FIG. 7B is a conceptual explanatory view of the user setting data table (b). In this table, “user ID”, “priority items”, and “charge target” are accumulated. That is, in this table, the priority of the reference time, the priority of the communication fee, and the target amount of the monthly communication fee are accumulated for each user. This setting is made by the user.

FIG. 3C is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the reference data table. This table describes the contents of the buddy list of each user. Specifically, "user ID",
“Buddy ID”, “reference item”, and “notification item” are accumulated. “User ID” is the owner of the buddy list, and “Buddy ID” is the ID of a user registered as a reference in the buddy list of each user. In the “reference item”, an item of the awareness information referred by the user is stored. The “notification item” is information that the user wants to be notified promptly among the awareness information to be referred to.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are conceptual illustrations of information stored in the method DB 15 of the awareness server 1. FIG. The method DB 15 stores (a) a communication history table, (b) a client capability table, (c) a reference information data table, (d) a past method table, and (e) a server capability table. FIG. 4A is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the communication history table (a). In this table, “user ID”, “communication amount”, “communication time (second)” and “charge (yen)” are accumulated. That is, in this table, past communication histories are accumulated for each user.

FIG. 4B is a conceptual explanatory diagram stored in the client capability table (b). In this table, “communication path load”, “client capacity”, and “communication path capacity” are accumulated for each user ID. The capability of the client is determined based on, for example, the processing speed and the memory capacity. The communication path capacity is determined, for example, from the communication capacity and the communication speed.

FIG. 4C is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the reference information data table (c). In this figure, “information item”, “update frequency (times / hour)” and “information amount (Bytes)” are accumulated for each user ID. The information item describes an item of awareness information, and stores an update frequency and an information amount for each awareness information item of each user.

FIG. 5D is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the information stored in the past method table (d). This table is
The past communication method used to transmit the awareness information from the awareness server 1 to the client 2 is
It is stored for each item of awareness information. Specifically, this table includes “Buddy ID”, “Information Item”,
The “client-side determination method”, “reason”, and “previous method” are stored for each “user ID”. The user is the owner of the buddy list. The client-side determination method is a communication method determined by the client 2 of the user. The previous method is a communication method used for the previous communication between the awareness server 1 and the client 2 of the user.

FIG. 5E shows a server capacity table (e).
FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the storage device. This table records the load of the awareness server and the capacity of the server. The server capability is determined in the same manner as the client capability.

(2) Client The client 2 has an awareness client module 21, a method designation module 22, a setting DB 23, and a method DB 24. The awareness client module 21 receives the setting and update of the awareness information from the user, and transmits the information to the awareness server 1.
Also, the awareness client module 21 accepts the setting and update of the buddy list,
Register with. Further, the awareness client module 21 sends awareness information of other users registered in the buddy list in response to occurrence of a predetermined event.
Obtained from the awareness server 1. The predetermined event is, for example, a user operation, an update of the awareness information at predetermined time intervals, or the like.

The method specification module 22 determines an optimal communication method for the client 2 based on dynamically changing factors such as the load on the client 2 and the network load. FIG. 6 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the setting DB 23 of the client 2. In this setting DB23,
(A) A user setting data table and (b) a reference setting table are stored.

FIG. 7A shows a user setting data table. In this table, “priority items” and “charge targets” are accumulated. The contents set in this table are registered in the user setting data table (b) of the server-side setting DB 14.

FIG. 8B is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the reference setting table. In this table, other users registered in the buddy list, that is, buddy IDs, “reference items” and “notification items” are accumulated. The contents set in this table are stored in the reference data table (c) of the setting DB 14 of the awareness server 1.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the method DB 24 of the client 2. The method DB stores (a) a communication history table, (b) a capability table, and (c) a reference information table.

FIG. 5A is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the communication history table. In this table, the communication history of the client 2, specifically, “communication amount (Kbytes /
Minutes), “communication time (seconds)” and “charge (yen)” are stored in association with each other. The contents stored in this table are registered in the communication history table (a) in the method DB 15 of the awareness server 1.

FIG. 8B is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the capability table. This table stores “communication path load”, “client load”, “client capacity”, and “communication path capacity”. The contents of this table are registered in the client capability table (b) of the method DB 15.

FIG. 9C is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the reference information table. This table stores “reference frequency (times / degree)”, “decision method”, and “decision reason” for determining the communication method for each information item to be referred to for the buddy registered in the buddy list by the user. Have been.

[Processing Flow] Next, the flow of processing performed by the system determining module 12 of the awareness server 1 and the system designating module 22 of the client 2 will be specifically described. Now, for ease of explanation, the user DB1
In the case where the awareness information stored in No. 3 is updated, how to determine a communication method for notifying a user who refers to the updated information of new update information will be described ((1) Communication Method decision). Therefore, the awareness server 1 is the transmitting device and the client 2 is the receiving device. Next, a process in which the awareness server 1 and the client 2 switch the communication system in accordance with the determination of the communication system will be described ((2) communication process).

(1) Determination of Communication System In this example, first, the client 2 specifies a communication system that is convenient for the client 2. Awareness server 1
Determines the communication method based on the communication method specified by the client 2 and the overall communication state. The communication method is
For simplicity, the decision is made from push, pull, or notify.

(1-1) Processing Flow on Awareness Server Side (1-1-1) Server-Side Determination Processing The awareness server 1 determines the communication method with the client 2 by performing the following processing by the method determination module 12. I do. When the awareness information in the user DB 13 is updated, the awareness server 1 starts the following processing.

Steps S1, S2, S3: The awareness server 1 refers to the reference information data table (c) of the server side method DB 15, and the client 2 referring to the updated awareness information specifies the communication method. It is determined whether or not it is (S1). If there is already a specified communication method, the awareness server 1 adds 100 points to the method specified by the client 2 among the three methods of push, pull, and notify. If there is no designation method, an addition subroutine described later is executed (S3).

Steps S4, S5, S6: If the designation method of the client 2 is the push method and the load on the server 1 is high (S4), the awareness server 1 adds 100 points to the notify method (S4).
5). Otherwise, 30 points are added to the designation method of the client 2 (S6).

Steps S7, S8, S9: The awareness server 1 determines whether or not the updated awareness information is a notification item, and in the case of the notification item, uses the higher point of push or notify, whichever is higher. It is decided to communicate (S8). If it is not a notification item, it is determined that communication is to be performed using the method with the highest point among the three methods (S9).

Steps S10 and S11: The awareness server 1 determines whether it is necessary to notify the client 2 of the determined communication method (S10). When it is necessary, the last time was push or notify,
This is the case of pull. If the current communication method is push or notify, update information or an update notification is transmitted to the client 2, so that there is no need for notification.
Also, in the case of pulling the previous time and this time, there is no change in the communication method, so there is no need to notify. When it is determined that it is necessary, the awareness server 1 notifies the client 2 of a new communication method (S11). The client 2 that has received this notification sets a new communication method with the awareness server 1.

By this processing, a communication method based on the situation of the client 2 and the whole system can be set according to a dynamically changing situation. (1-1-2) Addition Processing FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of the processing of the addition processing subroutine performed by the awareness server 1 by the method determination module 12 when the process proceeds to step S3. In this process, the awareness server 1 determines an optimal communication method based on the state of the entire system, such as its own load, the load on the client, and the load on the network.

Step S401: Awareness server 1
Determines whether the push method has been used in the past with the client 2 that distributes the updated awareness information (S401). This determination is based on the server-side method D
This is performed by referring to the past method table (d) of B15.

When the determination is "Yes", the awareness server 1 adds points to the pull method and the notify method as follows, using the communication charge CC up to now and the charge target CD. The communication charge CC and the charge target CD are read from the server-side method DB 15 and the setting DB 14, respectively.

T = (CD−CC) / CD, T <0
In the case of, 200 points are added to the pull method and 100 points are added to the notify method (S403). T ≧ 0
In the case of (1), (T × 200) points are added to the pull method and (T × 100) points are added to the notify method, respectively (S404).

Step S405: Awareness server 1
Moves to step S406 when the communication amount is 10 Kbytes or more and the capacity of the communication path is medium or less. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S409 described below.

Steps S406, S407, S408:
The awareness server 1 refers to the user setting data table (b) of the server-side setting DB 14, and determines whether the distribution destination client 2 gives priority to the reference time or the communication fee (S406). If the reference time is prioritized, 30 points are added to the push method (S40).
7). When the communication fee is prioritized, 50 points are added to the pull method and 30 points are added to the notify method (S408).

Steps S409 and S410: If the load on the server is high and the amount to be communicated is 10 Kbytes or more (S409), the awareness server 1 sets the pull method to 50.
Points and 30 points are added to the notify system, respectively (S410). Otherwise, FIG.
The process moves to S411.

Steps S411 and S412: The awareness server 1 determines whether or not the client has a low capacity and the communication amount is 10 Kbytes or more by the server-side method D.
The determination is made based on B15 (S411). If "Yes" is determined, 50 points are added to the pull method and 30 points are added to the notify method (S41).
2).

Steps S413 and S414: The awareness server 1 determines whether the load on the communication channel is high and the frequency of updating the awareness information is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S41).
3). The update frequency level is determined based on the reference information data table (c) of the server-side system DB 15. “Ye
If s "is determined, 30 points are added to the notify system (S414). In other cases, step 415
Move to

Steps S415 and S416: If the capability of the communication path is low and the priority of the distribution destination client 2 is the reference time (S415),
30 points are added to the push method (S416).

Steps S 417 and S 418: If the updated information is important information, the awareness server 1 adds 50 points to the push method (S 417) and returns to the decision processing. If not, the process returns to the determination process.

(1-2) Client-side System Designation Process FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication system designation process performed by the client 2. The client 2 determines an optimal communication method for itself and notifies the awareness server 1 by the following processing. The awareness server 1, which has received this notification, finally determines the communication method by the method described above.

Step S21: The method designation module 22 of the client 2 waits for the occurrence of a predetermined event, and when the predetermined event occurs, shifts to step S22. The predetermined event is an instruction to obtain buddy awareness information from the user, elapse of a predetermined time, a change in the status of the client 2, and the like.

Steps S22 and S23: Client 2
Determines whether the communication method has been set by the user (S22). If it has been set, it is decided to designate that method (S23). If not set, the process proceeds to step S26 described below.

Steps S24, S25, S26: The client 2 determines whether or not the specified communication method is to change the previously specified communication method (S24).
When it is determined to be "change", it is determined whether it is necessary to notify the awareness server 1 of the new designation method (S2).
5). The case where it is necessary is the case where the push or notify system is changed to the pull system or vice versa. If "no change" is determined, the process returns to step S21 to wait for the next event.

If it is determined in step S 25 that “notification is necessary”, the client 2 notifies the specified method to the awareness server 1. If it is determined that the event is not necessary, the process returns to step S21 to wait for the next event.

Step S27: If the user has not set the communication method, the client 2 specifies the push method if the frequency of referring to the buddy awareness information is equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the method DB 24 (S27). S
28). Otherwise, it is determined whether the load on the client 2 is high based on the method DB 24 (S2).
9) If the load on the client 2 is high, the notification method is specified (S210), and if the load on the client 2 is not high, the determination method of the awareness server 1 is specified (S210).
211).

(2) Communication Processing (2-1) Awareness Server-Side Communication Processing FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication processing performed by the system determination module 12 by the awareness server 1. Through this processing, the awareness server 1 switches the communication method with the client 2 to the determined one. The awareness server 1 starts the following processing by updating the awareness information.

Steps S31 and S32: The awareness server 1 determines that the communication method is the push method (S3
1) The updated awareness information (hereinafter referred to as update information) is transmitted to the distribution destination client 2 (S32).

Steps S33 and S34: When the communication system is the notify system (S33), the awareness server 1 sends an update notification to the distribution destination client 2 (S34).

Steps S35, S36, S37: When the communication method is the pull method, the awareness server 1 waits for a pull request from the distribution destination client 2 (S3).
6) Wait for this and transmit the update information (S37).

(2-2) Client-Side Communication Processing FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of communication processing performed by the client 2 by the method designation module 22.
By this process, the client 2 switches the communication method with the awareness server 1 to the determined one. The client 2 starts the following processing according to a reference instruction of the awareness information from the user.

Steps S41, S42, S43, S4
4: If the communication method is the pull method (S
41), and transmits a pull request to the awareness server 1 (S42). Next, it waits for the update information from the server 1 (S43), and upon receiving this, updates the old awareness information (S44).

Steps S45, S46, S47, S4
8, S49: If the communication method is other than the pull method, the client 2 determines whether or not the buddy awareness information has an update mark (S45). The process ends. If there is, the same processing as steps S42 to S44 is performed (S46 to S48), and the update mark of the updated awareness information is deleted (S49).

As described above, the awareness server 1 and the client 2 communicate using the switched communication system. <Second Embodiment> [Configuration] Next, a case where the method of the present invention is applied to a news system that distributes news on a network will be described. FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram of a news system according to the second embodiment. In the news system, a news server 10 and a client 20 are connected to a network 3
0.

The news server 10 has a news DB 103 in place of the user DB 13 and a news distribution module 101 in place of the awareness service module 11. Other components are the same as those of the awareness server 1. News distribution module 101
Distributes the news to the client 2 when the news stored in the server-side news DB 103 is updated. Which news is distributed to which client is determined by referring to a table set in advance by the user.

The client 20 has a receiving module 201 for receiving news, instead of the awareness client module 21. Further, it has a news DB 205 for storing received news. Other components are the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the server-side setting DB 104. As in the first embodiment, the setting DB 104 stores (a) an administrator setting data table, (b) a user setting data table, and (c) a reference data table. Information stored in the administrator setting data table (a) and the user setting data table (b) is the same as in the first embodiment.

The contents stored in the reference data table (c) are “reference news” instead of “buddy ID” and “reference item”, and “notification news” instead of “notification item”. I have.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the news server 10.
3 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a method DB 105 of FIG. This DB stores (a) a communication history table, (b) a client capability table, (c) a reference information data table, (d) a past method table, and (e) a server capability table. Reference information data table (c)
The same information as in the first embodiment is stored except for the past method table (d).

The reference information data table (c) stores the same information as in the first embodiment except that “news” is stored instead of “user ID” and “information item”. ing.

In the past method table (d), the same information as in the first embodiment is stored except that “news” is stored instead of “buddy ID” and “information item”. .

FIG. 18 shows the news D of the client 20.
It is a conceptual explanatory view of the information accumulated in B205. This D
B stores the classification of “news” specified by the user and the “contents” thereof.

FIG. 19 shows the setting DB 2 of the client 20.
It is a conceptual explanatory view of the information accumulated in 03. This DB stores (a) a user setting data table and (b) a reference setting data table. The same information as in the first embodiment is stored in the user setting data table (a). In the reference setting table (b), “reference news” is used instead of “buddy ID” and “reference item”.
However, the same information as in the first embodiment is stored except that “notification news” is stored instead of “notification item”.

FIG. 20 shows the method DB2 of the client 20.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in 04. This DB stores (a) a communication history table, (b) a capability table, and (c) a reference information table. The information stored in the communication history table (a) and the capability table (b) is the same as in the first embodiment. The information stored in the reference information table is, except that “reference news” is described instead of “buddy ID” and “information item”.
Information similar to that of the first embodiment is stored.

[Processing Flow] In this embodiment, the processing performed by the system determining module 102 and the system designating module 202 by the news server 10 and the client 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, the method of communication between the transmitting and receiving devices is as follows.
The sending side has been determined to have priority. However, as follows:
It is also possible to give priority to the receiving side.

[Configuration] FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of an awareness system according to the third embodiment. This system includes a plurality of awareness clients 120a, b,.
Is connected to the network 130. In this system, the user's awareness information is temporarily stored in the user's client. Then, the awareness information is synchronized with the client of another user who has designated the user as a buddy.

Now, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that user A and user B have registered their partners in their respective buddy lists. The client 120a indicates the client of the user A, and the client 120b indicates the client of the user B. Also, the client 120
The case where a is the transmitting side and the client 120b is the receiving side will be described. However, the transmitting side client is also provided with the receiving side function and database, and vice versa.

Each of the sending client 120a and the receiving client 120b has an awareness client module 121, a setting DB 123, and a method DB 124. In addition, the sending client 120a
Is a method designation module 126 and a user information DB 125
And the receiving-side client 120b has a method determination module 122. Method designation module 126
Designates an optimal communication method for the transmitting client 120a and notifies the receiving client 120b. The method determination module 122 determines a communication method based on the specification method of the transmission side and the convenience of the reception side client 120b.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the awareness information of the user A himself stored in the user information DB 125 of the transmitting client 120a. The information of this DB is transmitted to the receiving client 120b. In this example, the DB stores “user status”, whether “message” can be received, whether “phone” can be received, and whether “email” can be received. .
As the “user state”, data indicating the state of the user, such as during a meeting, being present, not present, or busy, is stored.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the setting DB 123 of the transmitting client 120a.
This DB stores which awareness information of the user A is distributed to the users B, C,... Who have registered the transmitting user A in the buddy. It is assumed that these pieces of information have been sent in advance from the receiving client 120b.

In this case, the setting DB stores “I
D "," reference item "and" notification item ".
The referrer ID is the ID of a user who refers to the awareness information of the transmitting user A. In the reference item, an item of awareness information referred by the referrer is stored. The notification item stores awareness information that the user wants to be notified promptly among the reference items.

FIG. 24 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the method DB 124 of the transmitting client 120a.
The DB stores (a) a communication history table, (b) a reference information data table, (c) a past method table, and (d) a communication information table. Of these, the communication history table (a) corresponds to the communication history table of FIG. 4, the reference information data table (b) corresponds to the reference information data table of FIG. 4, and the past method table (c) corresponds to the past method table of FIG. .

However, the communication history table (a) stores only information on the user who has registered user A as a buddy. In the reference information data table (b), only information on the user A is stored. Further, the past method table (c) stores only information on other users who have registered the user A as a buddy.

The communication information table (d) stores the load of the communication path, the load and capacity of the communication side client, and the communication path capacity. FIG. 25 shows the receiving client 120
It is a conceptual explanatory view of the information stored in the setting DB123 of b. This DB stores (a) a user setting data table and (b) a reference setting table. These tables store the same contents as the user setting data table and the reference setting data table in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in the method DB 124 of the receiving client 120b.
This DB stores (a) a communication history table, (b) a capability table, and (c) a reference information table. These tables correspond to the client-side system DB shown in FIG.
And the same contents as those stored in the respective tables.

[Processing Flow] Next, the processing for determining the communication system in this embodiment will be described. As described above, in this system, the transmitting device specifies the communication method,
The method by which the receiving device actually performs communication is determined. Thereafter, the process of communicating based on the determined communication method is the same as the above-described communication process. Hereinafter, (1) a communication method designation method performed by the transmitting client and (2) a communication method determining process performed by the receiving client will be described.

(1) Communication System Designation Process (Transmission Side) FIGS. 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing the flow of the communication system designation process performed by the transmission side client. The transmission-side client 120a performs the following processing using the method designation module 126. Sending client 120a
Starts the following processing by updating the awareness information of the user.

Steps S51 and S52: The transmitting client 120a refers to the method DB 124, and if the last communication volume with the client 120b is less than 100 bytes / min (S51), adds 20 points to the push method (S52). .

Steps S53 and S54: The transmitting client 120a refers to the method DB 124, and if the last communication time with the client 120b is less than 2 seconds on average (S53), 10 points are added to the push method (S53).
54).

Steps S55 and S56: The transmitting client 120a refers to the method DB 124 and adds 10 points to the push method when the communication amount is 10 Kbytes or more and the capacity of the communication path is medium or less (S55). (S56).

Steps S57 and S58: The transmitting side client 120a refers to the method DB 124, and when the load on the transmitting side is high and the communication amount is 10 Kbytes or more (S
57) 20 points are added to the pull method and 10 points are added to the notify method (S58).

Steps S59 and S510: The transmitting client 120a refers to the method DB 124 and, if its own ability is low and the communication amount is 10 Kbytes or more (S59), 20 points are assigned to the pull method and the notify method is used. 10 points are added to each (S51)
0).

Steps S511 and S512: The transmitting client 120a refers to the method DB 124 and determines whether the load on the communication channel is high and the frequency of updating the awareness information to be transmitted is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Here, if the update frequency is 100 times or more per hour (S51)
1), 30 points are added to the notify method (S512).

Steps S513 and S514: If the updated awareness information of the user A is important information (S513), the transmitting client 120a adds 30 points to the push method (S514).

Steps S515, S516, S517:
The transmitting client 120a determines whether the updated awareness information is specified in the notification item of the receiving user B (S515). In the case of the notification item, the transmission-side client 120a sets the higher one of the push method and the notify method as the designation method (S516). If the item is not a notification item, the item having the highest point among the push, notify, and pull methods is set as the designated method (S517).

Steps S518, S519: The transmitting client 120a refers to the method DB 124 and determines whether the designated method or the reason for the determination is different from the previous method (S518). If not, the receiving client 120
b is transmitted (S519). This inquiry describes the communication method specified by the transmitting client 120a.

Steps S520 and S521: The transmitting client 120a waits for a response to the communication method from the receiving client 120b (S520), and determines the communication method notified by the response as the final communication method (S521). .

(2) Communication System Determination Process FIGS. 29 and 30 are flowcharts showing the flow of the communication system determination process performed by the receiving client. The receiving client 120b uses the scheme determining module 122 to determine the communication scheme based on the communication scheme specified by the transmitting client 120a and its own situation. The receiving client 120b starts the following processing when a predetermined event occurs. The predetermined event is, for example, when there is an inquiry about the communication method from the transmission-side client 120a, or when the status of the client itself changes every predetermined time.

Steps S61 and S62: The receiving client 120b determines whether or not there is a method specified by the transmitting client 120a (S61), and if so, adds 100 points to the communication method (S62).

Step S63: Receiving Client 12
0b adds 50 points to the communication method specified by the transmitting client 120a. Step S64, S
65, S66: The receiving client 120b determines whether or not the previous communication with the transmitting client 120a is the push method (S64). In the case of the push method, the following processing is performed depending on whether T <0 (S6).
5). Here, T is expressed as follows using the communication charge CC and the charge target CD up to the present. Communication charge C
C and the charge target CD are the setting DB 123 and the method DB 1
24.

If T = (CD-CC) / CD T <0, the receiving client 120b adds 200 points to the pull method and 100 points to the notify method (S66). If T ≧ 0,
The receiving client 120b uses the pull method (T × 20
0) Convert points to Notify method (T × 100)
Points are added respectively (S67).

Steps S68, S69, S610: The receiving client 120b refers to the setting DB 123,
It is determined whether the reference time is prioritized (S68). In the case where the reference time is prioritized, the receiving client 120b adds 30 points to the push method (S69). Otherwise, 50 points are added to the pull method and 30 points are added to the notify method (S610).

Steps S611 and S612: The receiving client 120b refers to the method DB 124 and determines whether or not its own load is high (S611). If the load is high, 20 points are added to the pull method and 10 points are added to the notify method (S612).

Steps S613 and S614: The receiving client 120b refers to the method DB 124 and determines whether or not its own capability is low (S613). If the ability is low, 10 points are added to the pull method and 5 points are added to the notify method (S614).

Steps S615 and S616: The receiving client 120b refers to the method DB 124, and the frequency of referring to the awareness information of the user A is not less than a predetermined frequency.
For example, it is determined whether it is equal to or more than 20 (times / hour) (S61).
5). If the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the receiving client 120b
Adds 30 points to the push method and 20 points to the notify method (S616).

Steps S617 and S618: The receiving-side client 120b uses the method DB 124 and the setting DB 12
3, the communication path capability is low and the receiving user B
It is determined whether or not the priority is given to the reference time (S61).
7). If so, the receiving client 120b
10 points are added to the push method (S618).

Steps S619, S620, S621:
The receiving client 120b determines whether or not the user B has specified the updated awareness information of the user A in the notification item based on the setting DB 123 (S6).
19). In the case of a notification item, the receiving client 120b
Determines the higher point of the push method or the notify method as the final communication method (S6).
20). If it is not a notification item, the one having the highest point among the push method, the notify method, and the pull method is determined as the final communication method (S6).
21).

Step S622: Client 1 on the receiving side
20b notifies the determined final communication method to the transmitting client 120a, and ends the processing. After the communication method is determined as described above, the receiving client 12
0b and the sending client 120a switch the communication method to the determined method. This process is the same as the communication process on the server side and the client side of the first embodiment.

<Other Embodiments> (A) There are various factors affecting communication other than those described in the above embodiments. By taking the above into consideration and modifying the above-described determination processing, various communication method determination methods are possible.

(B) A recording medium on which a program for executing the method of the present invention described above is recorded is included in the present invention. Here, as the recording medium, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, semiconductor memory, CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk (M
O) and others.

<Supplementary Note> (Supplementary Note 1) This is a communication method switching method for transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of devices connected by a data communication path, and is used when a predetermined event occurs in the first device. The first communication method is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the first device, and when a predetermined event occurs in the second device, the second communication method is determined based on the communication environment of the second device. Is dynamically determined, and a communication method for transmitting information from one device to the other device is switched to one of the first communication method and the second communication method.

(Supplementary Note 2) When the first device is the information transmitting side, the communication system for transmitting information from one device to the other device is switched to the communication system determined by the first device. The communication method switching method described in 1.

In this method, priority is given to the decision on the transmitting side.
However, as in the case where the transmission side is a server, the transmission side may be able to determine the communication method in consideration of the communication environment of the reception side to some extent.

(Supplementary Note 3) When the first device is the information receiving side, the communication system for transmitting information from one device to the other device is switched to the communication system determined by the first device. The communication method switching method described in 1.

In this method, the determination on the receiving side is prioritized.
For example, in a serverless system, since communication is performed between clients, a case may be considered in which priority is given to determination on the receiving side.

(Supplementary note 4) The supplementary note 1 wherein the first and second devices determine the first and second communication systems from among the communication systems of push, notify, and pull systems. Communication method switching method.

(Supplementary Note 5) This is a communication method switching method for transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of devices connected by a data communication path, wherein a first device performs a predetermined process when a predetermined event occurs. Dynamically determining a first communication method for communicating with the second device based on a communication environment of the first device;
The first device transmits the determined first communication method to the second communication method.
The second device notifies a second device for communicating with the first device based on a communication environment of the second device and the first communication method when a predetermined event occurs.
Determining a communication method, switching a communication method for transmitting information from one device to the other device to the second communication method,
Communication method switching method.

(Supplementary Note 6) Connected to the data communication path,
A communication system switching device used for a second device that transmits and receives information to and from a device, wherein when a predetermined event occurs in the second device, the communication method is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the second device. Means for determining a communication method with the first device by negotiation with the first device, and means for switching a communication method for communicating with the first device according to the result of the negotiation with the first device. Communication system switching device provided.

(Supplementary Note 7) The data communication path is
A communication mode switching device used for a second device that transmits and receives information to and from a device, wherein when a predetermined event occurs in the first device, the first device is determined based on a communication environment of the first device. Means for receiving a notification of the first communication method, a means for determining a communication method with the first device based on a communication environment of the second device and the first communication method, and Means for switching a communication method for performing communication with the first device.

[0140]

According to the present invention, the communication system can be dynamically switched according to changes in various factors, network and computer resources can be effectively used, and communication costs can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration of an awareness system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a user DB.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a server-side setting DB.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory view of information stored in a server-side system DB (1).

FIG. 5 is a conceptual explanatory view of information stored in a server-side system DB (2).

FIG. 6 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a client-side setting DB.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a client-side system DB.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a determination process (on the server side).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (1) showing a flow of an addition process (server side).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (2) showing the flow of an addition process (server side).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a designation process (client side).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a communication process (on the server side).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication process (client side).

FIG. 14 is an overall configuration of an awareness system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a server-side setting DB.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual explanatory view of information stored in a server-side system DB (1).

FIG. 17 is a conceptual explanatory view of information stored in a server-side system DB (2).

FIG. 18 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a client-side news DB.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a client-side setting DB.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a client-side system DB.

FIG. 21 is an overall configuration of an awareness system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a user information DB on the transmission side.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a transmission-side setting DB.

FIG. 24 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a transmission-side system DB.

FIG. 25 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a receiving-side setting DB.

FIG. 26 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in a receiving system DB.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart (1) showing a flow of a designation process (transmission side).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart (2) showing a flow of a designation process (transmission side).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart (1) showing a flow of a determination process (reception side).

FIG. 30 is a flowchart (2) showing a flow of a determination process (reception side).

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Awareness server 2: Client 3: Network

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Okuyama 4-1-1, Uedanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Jun Jun Kakuda 4-1-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Inside Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Yoji Kanda 4-1-1, Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Fujitsu Limited (72) Osamu Watanabe 4-1-1, Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F term in Fujitsu Limited (reference) 5K024 AA71 CC07 GG01 GG03 5K030 GA08 GA19 HA05 LD13 5K034 AA17 EE11 HH01 HH02 HH06 HH63

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A method for switching a communication method for transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of devices connected by a data communication path, comprising the steps of:
The first communication method is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the first device, and when a predetermined event occurs in the second device,
The second communication method is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the second device, and the communication method for transmitting information from one device to the other device is selected from the first communication method and the second communication method. Switching to the communication method. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second devices determine the first and second communication systems from among a communication system of a push, a notify and a pull system.
The communication method switching method described in 1. 3. A method for switching a communication method for transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of devices connected by a data communication path, wherein a first device is provided with a predetermined second event when a predetermined event occurs. A first communication method for communicating with the first device is dynamically determined based on the communication environment of the first device, and the first device determines the determined first communication method as the second communication method.
The second device, when a predetermined event occurs, based on the communication environment of the second device and the first communication method,
A communication method switching method, comprising: determining a second communication method for communicating with the first device; and switching a communication method for transmitting information from one device to the other device to the second communication method. 4. A switching device for a communication system used for a second device connected to a data communication path and transmitting / receiving information to / from a first device, wherein a predetermined event occurs in the second device.
A means for dynamically determining a communication method based on a communication environment of the second device; a means for determining a communication method with the first device by negotiation with the first device; Means for switching a communication method for performing communication with the first device. 5. A switching device for a communication system used for a second device that is connected to a data communication path and transmits and receives information to and from a first device, wherein a predetermined event occurs in the first device.
Means for receiving a notification of a first communication method determined by the first device based on a communication environment of the first device; and a communication method with the first device, the communication method of the second device and a communication method of the second device. 1. A communication mode switching device, comprising: means for determining based on one communication mode; and means for switching a communication mode for performing communication with the first device in accordance with the determination.