JP2005341037A - Name solving system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a name solving system which allows a provided function operable by a network device to be accessed, based on attribute information of the provided function. <P>SOLUTION: The name solution system for accessing a network device, disposed on a network, comprises the network device disposed on the network for operating one or a plurality of provided functions; a means of concentratedly managing attribute information and resource information which the provided functions disposed on the network have; and a client which sends all or part of the attribute information of the provided functions, for providing required services and data to the attribute information and resource information providing means via the network, and is connected to the network device to access the provided functions, based on the resource information of all the provided functions, having the attribute information acquired and sent from the attribute information and resource information-providing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a name resolution system for accessing various network devices that are arranged on a network and provide services, provide data, and the like, and in particular, accesses the provided function based on attribute information of the provided function that operates on the network device. It relates to a name resolution system that can be used.

  Prior art documents related to a name resolution system for accessing various network devices that are arranged on a conventional network and provide services, data, etc. include the following.

JP 2004-040474 A JP 2004-080728 A JP 2004-096380 A

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of such a conventional name resolution system. In FIG. 18, 1 is a client on which a client program operates, 2 is a DNS (Domain Name System: DNS) server that provides a corresponding IP (Internet Protocol) address from a host name, and 3 is a service provision or data provision A network device 100 on which one or a plurality of providing functions such as a network operates, 100 is a general-purpose network such as a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) network.

  The client 1 is connected to the network 100, and the DNS server 2 is also connected to the network 100. Finally, the network device 3 is connected to the network 100.

  Here, the operation of the conventional example shown in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the client 1 (specifically, a client program that runs on the client 1), FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the DNS server 2, and FIGS. It is explanatory drawing explaining a flow.

  In “S001” in FIG. 19, the client 1 transmits the host name of the network device 3 that provides the required service or data to the DNS server 2 via the network 100, and in “S002” in FIG. Wait until the IP address of device 3 is acquired.

  On the other hand, in “S101” in FIG. 20, the DNS server 2 determines whether or not the host name has been received from the client 1 via the network 100. If it is determined that the host name has been received, In “S102”, the DNS server 2 searches for the corresponding IP address from the received host name, and in “S103” in FIG. 20, the DNS server 2 returns the searched IP address to the client 1 via the network 100.

  For example, as shown by “SN01” in FIG. 21, the client 1 transmits the host name of the network device 3 to the DNS server 2 via the network 100, and as shown by “GI01” in FIG. An IP address corresponding to the host name is returned to the client 1 via the network 100.

  When it is determined that the IP address of the network device 3 is acquired in “S002” in FIG. 19, the client 1 uses the acquired IP address in “S003” in FIG. Connect to.

  For example, as shown by “AC11” in FIG. 22, the client 1 connects to the network device 3 via the network 100 based on the acquired IP address.

  As a result, the provision function such as service provision and data provision required by the client 1 and the host name of the network device 3 on which the provision function operates are associated with each other and managed based on the host name from the DNS server 2 to the IP address. By acquiring the address, it is possible to connect to the network device 3 and enjoy service provision and data provision.

  However, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 18, a providing function such as service provision and data provision required by the client 1 (specifically, a client program running on the client 1) and a network device 3 on which the provision function operates are provided. In an environment where there are a large number of network devices on the network, each client 1 (specifically, a client program that runs on the client 1) is appropriately serviced. There has been a problem that it is difficult to associate and manage a providing function such as providing or providing data and the host name of the network device 3.

Addition / deletion of provision functions such as service provision and data provision to network devices, movement of provision functions such as service provision and data provision (or network device itself), operation of provision functions such as service provision and data provision When a change in the provided function such as the situation occurs, there is a problem that the client 1 (specifically, a client program running on the client 1) must manage all the changes.
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a name resolution system capable of accessing the provided function based on the attribute information of the provided function operating on the network device.

In order to achieve such a problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is:
In a name resolution system for accessing network devices located on a network,
A network device arranged on the network and operating one or a plurality of providing functions; and attribute information / resource information providing means arranged on the network and centrally managing attribute information and resource information each of the providing functions has All or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing required services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. Based on the attribute information of the provided function that operates on the network device by providing the client connected to the network device based on the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information. The provided function can be accessed.

The invention according to claim 2
In a name resolution system for accessing network devices located on a network,
A network device arranged on the network and operating one or a plurality of providing functions; and attribute information / resource information providing means arranged on the network and centrally managing attribute information and resource information each of the providing functions has A DNS server that is arranged on the network and provides a corresponding IP address from a host name of the network device, and all or part of the attribute information of the providing function that provides necessary services and data The host name extracted from the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means is transmitted via the network to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network. IP transmitted to the DNS server and acquired from the DNS server By and a client for accessing the providing function to connect to the network device based on the dress, it is possible to access the providing function based on the attribute information provides the ability to operate in a network device.

The invention described in claim 3
In a name resolution system for accessing network devices located on a network,
A network device arranged on a heterogeneous network and operating one or a plurality of providing functions; attribute information / resource information providing means arranged on the network and centrally managing attribute information and resource information each of the providing functions has; A gateway that performs protocol conversion between the communication protocol of the network and the communication protocol of the heterogeneous network, and all or a part of the attribute information of the providing function that provides necessary services and data via the network To the attribute information / resource information providing means, and connected to the gateway based on the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means and connected to the heterogeneous network. Operating on the network device present By having a client performing a process request for test function, it is possible to access the providing function that operates transparently network device without being conscious of the network configuration.

The invention according to claim 4
In the name resolution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The attribute information includes
Operates on a network device by describing at least one of the service name provided by the providing function, location information regarding the location where the providing function is installed, the group ID to which the providing function belongs, or the operating state of the providing function The provided function can be accessed based on the attribute information of the provided function. Alternatively, it is possible to access a providing function that operates transparently on a network device without being aware of the network configuration.

The invention according to claim 5
In the name resolution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The resource information includes
A communication protocol for connecting to the providing function, a host name of the network device on which the providing function operates, an IP address of the network device on which the providing function operates, a name of the providing function, an ID unique to the providing function, Alternatively, since at least one piece of information necessary for connection to the other provided function is described, it becomes possible to access the provided function based on attribute information of the provided function operating on the network device. Alternatively, it is possible to access a providing function that operates transparently on a network device without being aware of the network configuration.

The invention described in claim 6
In the name resolution system according to claim 1,
The client
All or a part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network, and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. When the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information is received, the attribute of the provided function that operates on the network device by connecting to the network device based on the resource information and accessing the provided function It becomes possible to access the provided function based on the information.

The invention described in claim 7
In the name resolution system according to claim 2,
The client
All or a part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network, and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. When the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information is received, the host name of the network device in the resource information is transmitted to the DNS server via the network, and the network is transmitted from the DNS server to the network. A providing function that operates on a network device by accessing the providing function by connecting to the network device via the network using the acquired IP address of the network device when the IP address of the device is obtained; Access the provided function based on attribute information Rukoto becomes possible.

The invention described in claim 8
In the name resolution system according to claim 3,
The client
All or a part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network, and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. When resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information is received, a processing request for the provided function that operates on the network device connected to the gateway based on the resource information and existing in the heterogeneous network is issued. By doing so, it is possible to transparently access a provided function that operates on a network device without being aware of the network configuration.

The invention according to claim 9
In the name resolution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The attribute information / resource information providing means includes
When all or part of the attribute information is received from the client via the network, the resource information of all the provided functions having the received attribute information is returned to return the function of the providing function that operates on the network device. It is possible to access the provided function based on the attribute information. Alternatively, it is possible to access a providing function that operates transparently on a network device without being aware of the network configuration.

The invention according to claim 10 is:
In the name resolution system which is the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The network device is
When the attribute information or resource information of the provided function operating in the network device changes, the attribute information or the resource information registered in the attribute information / resource information providing unit is updated via the network. As a result, changes in the attribute information and resource information are absorbed by the attribute information / resource information providing means, so that the client program running on the client is not affected at all.

The invention according to claim 11
In the name resolution system according to claim 3,
The network device is
The attribute information registered in the attribute information / resource information providing means via the heterogeneous network, the gateway, and the network when a change occurs in attribute information or resource information of the provided function that operates in the network device Alternatively, by updating the resource information, changes in the attribute information and the resource information are absorbed by the attribute information / resource information providing means, so that the client program running on the client is not affected at all.

The invention according to claim 12
In the name resolution system according to claim 3,
The gateway is
Protocol conversion of the processing request received from the client is performed, the processing request is transferred by connecting to the network device via the heterogeneous network, and the processing result received via the heterogeneous network is converted again by protocol conversion via the network. By transferring to the client, it is possible to transparently access the providing function that operates on the network device without being aware of the network configuration.

The present invention has the following effects.
According to the inventions of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9, the attribute information and resource information of the providing function are centrally managed by the attribute information / resource information providing means, and a client is required. The attribute information of the providing function for providing the service to be provided and the data providing is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means, and the resource information of all the providing functions having the attribute information transmitted from the attribute information / resource information providing means By connecting to the network device based on this and accessing the provided function, it becomes possible to access the provided function based on the attribute information of the provided function operating on the network device.

  According to the inventions of claims 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 12, a gateway is provided between the IP network and the non-IP network, and the client transmits a processing request for the provided function to the gateway. Then, the processing request received by the gateway is converted into a protocol and connected to the network device via the non-IP network to transfer the processing request, and the processing result received through the non-IP network is converted again to the client via the IP network. Even when applied in an environment where an IP network and a non-IP network are interconnected, the client transparently accesses the providing function that operates on the network device without being aware of the network configuration. be able to.

  According to the tenth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, when the network device determines that the attribute information and the resource information have changed, the attribute information and the resource information registered in the attribute information / resource information providing means. Since the change in attribute information and resource information is absorbed by the attribute information / resource information providing means by updating the, the client program running on the client is not affected at all.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a name resolution system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 4 is a client on which a client program operates, 5 is a DNS server that provides a corresponding IP address from a host name, and 6 is attribute information / resource information providing means for providing resource information of a provided function from attribute information of the provided function. , 7 is a network device on which one or a plurality of providing functions such as service provision and data provision operate, and 101 is a general-purpose network such as a TCP / IP network.

  The client 4 is connected to the network 101, and the DNS server 5 is also connected to the network 101. Finally, the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 and the network device 7 are mutually connected to the network 101.

  Here, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11. FIG. However, the description about the same operation as that of the conventional example shown in FIG.

  2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of attribute information of the provided function, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the resource information of the provided function, and FIGS. 4 and 8 are clients 4 (specifically, clients operating on the client 4) FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the flow of information and the like. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the attribute information / resource information providing means 6. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the network device 7 (specifically, a providing function that operates on the network device 7).

  The providing function operating in the network device 7 has attribute information and resource information, respectively, and these attribute information and resource information are centrally managed by the attribute information / resource information providing means 6.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the attribute information of the provided function that operates in the network device 7 is a “service name” that has a temperature measurement function and provides measured temperature information. Features of the provided functions such as “location information”, “group ID” that belongs to the group “A01”, and “state” that is in operation are described. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of attribute information can be assigned to the provided function.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, resource information of the provided function that operates in the network device 7 includes a communication protocol for connecting to the provided function, a host name of the network device that operates the provided function, or an IP address, The name of the provided function, the ID unique to the provided function, and other information necessary for connection to the provided function are described.

  In “S201” in FIG. 4, the client 4 transmits all or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data to the attribute information / resource information providing unit 6 via the network 101. 4 in “S202”, it waits until the resource information of the providing function for providing the required service and data is obtained.

  For example, as indicated by “SA21” in FIG. 5, the client 4 provides the attribute information of the provided function for providing the required service and data, specifically, “service name” and “position” within the provided function. Information ”is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 via the network 101.

  On the other hand, in “S301” in FIG. 6, the attribute information / resource information providing unit 6 determines whether or not the attribute information is received from the client 4 via the network 101, and if it is determined that the attribute information is received. In “S302” in FIG. 6, the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 returns the resource information of all the provided functions having the received attribute information.

  For example, as shown by “GS21” in FIG. 5, the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 receives the resource information of all the provided functions having the received attribute information, specifically, the received “service name” and “position” Resource information (such as the IP address of the network device 7) of all the provided functions that match the “information” is returned.

  If it is determined in “S202” in FIG. 4 that resource information (such as the IP address of the network device 7) of the provided function (operating in the network device 7) has been acquired, the client 4 in “S203” in FIG. Uses the acquired resource information (IP address of the network device 7 or the like) to connect to the network device 7 via the network 101 and access the providing function.

  For example, as indicated by “AC31” in FIG. 7, the client 4 accesses the providing function by connecting to the network device 7 via the network 101 based on the acquired resource information (IP address of the network device 7 and the like).

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the resource information of the provided function is the host name of the network device 7 or the like.

  In “S401” in FIG. 8, the client 4 transmits all or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data to the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 via the network 101. In “S402”, the process waits until the resource information of the provided function for providing the required service and data is acquired.

  For example, as indicated by “SA21” in FIG. 5, the client 4 provides the attribute information of the provided function for providing the required service and data, specifically, “service name” and “position” within the provided function. Information ”is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 via the network 101.

  On the other hand, in “S301” in FIG. 6, the attribute information / resource information providing unit 6 determines whether or not the attribute information is received from the client 4 via the network 101, and if it is determined that the attribute information is received. In “S302” in FIG. 6, the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 returns the resource information of all the provided functions having the received attribute information.

  For example, as shown by “GS21” in FIG. 5, the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 receives the resource information of all the provided functions having the received attribute information, specifically, the received “service name” and “position” Resource information (such as the host name of the network device 7) of the provided function that matches “information” is returned.

  If it is determined in “S402” in FIG. 8 that the resource information (host name of the network device 7) of the provided function (operating in the network device 7) has been acquired, the client in “S403” in FIG. 4 transmits the host name of the network device 7 in the resource information to the DNS server 5 via the network 101, and waits until the IP address of the network device 7 is acquired in “S404” in FIG. However, since the operation of the DNS server 5 is the same as that of the conventional example, the description thereof is omitted.

  For example, as indicated by “SN41” in FIG. 9, the client 4 transmits the host name of the network device 7 in the resource information to the DNS server 5 via the network 101, and as indicated by “GI41” in FIG. 4 acquires the IP address of the network device 7 from the DNS server 5.

  When it is determined that the IP address of the network device 7 has been acquired in “S404” in FIG. 8, the client 4 uses the acquired IP address of the network device 7 in “S405” in FIG. Connect to device 7 to access provided functions.

  For example, as indicated by “AC 31” in FIG. 7, the client 4 connects to the network device 7 via the network 101 based on the acquired IP address of the network device 7.

  As a result, the attribute information and resource information possessed by the providing function are centrally managed by the attribute information / resource information providing means 6, and all or one of the attribute information of the providing function that provides the services and data required by the client 4 is provided. Are transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 and connected to the network device 7 based on the resource information of all the provided functions having the attribute information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 to provide the provided functions. By accessing, it becomes possible to access the provided function based on the attribute information of the provided function operating on the network device.

  Furthermore, addition / deletion of provision functions such as service provision and data provision to network devices, movement of provision functions such as service provision and data provision (or network device itself), operation of provision functions such as service provision and data provision Assume a change in the provided function such as the situation, in other words, a change in attribute information and resource information.

  In “S501” in FIG. 10, the network device 7 (specifically, the providing function that operates in the network device 7) determines whether or not the attribute information and the resource information have changed. 10, the network device 7 updates the attribute information and resource information registered in the attribute information / resource information providing unit 6 in “S502” in FIG.

  For example, when the network device 7 is moved from “Room 101 on the first floor” to “Room 201 on the second floor”, the position information is changed in the attribute information of the provided function that operates on the network device 7. As shown by “MA51” in FIG. 11, the network device 7 (specifically, the providing function operating on the network device 7) is registered with the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 via the network 101. Update location information.

  Thereafter, the client 4 transmits all or part of the attribute information to the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 in the flow shown in FIG. 4 or 8, and the resource information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means 6. The attribute information and resource information have changed on the client 4 (specifically, the client program running on the client 4) side even when the provided function is accessed by connecting to the network device 7 The provided functions can be accessed without being aware of

  In other words, since changes in the attribute information and resource information are absorbed by the attribute information / resource information providing means 6, the client program running on the client 4 is not affected at all.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is described that the attribute information / resource information providing means 6 provides the resource information of the provided function from the attribute information of the provided function. The attribute information may be provided.

  Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the case where the resource information of the provided function is assumed to be the host name of the network device 7 and the like is illustrated as an example using the DNS server 5, but of course the resource information of the provided function As long as the IP address of the network device 7 is managed, the DNS server 5 is not an essential component.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the like, one network device 7 is illustrated, but of course, the number of network devices arranged on the network 101 is not limited at all.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the description is made under the same network environment such as a TCP / IP network, but a TCP / IP network (hereinafter simply referred to as an IP network) and a heterogeneous network (hereinafter simply referred to as a non-network). Of course, the present invention may be applied to an environment in which the network is called an IP network.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration block diagram showing another embodiment of the name resolution system according to the present invention when applied in an environment where such an IP network and a non-IP network are interconnected.

  In FIG. 12, 8 is a client on which the client program operates, 9 is attribute information / resource information providing means for providing resource information of the provided function from attribute information of the provided function, and 10 is a communication protocol of the IP network and a communication protocol of the non-IP network. 11 is a network device that operates one or a plurality of providing functions such as service provision and data provision, 102 is an IP network, and 103 is a non-IP network.

  The client 8 is mutually connected to the IP network 102, and the attribute information / resource information providing means 9 is mutually connected to the IP network 102. Further, the network device 11 is mutually connected to the non-IP network 103, and the gateway 10 is mutually connected between the IP network 102 and the non-IP network 103.

  Here, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. However, description of operations similar to those of the conventional example shown in FIG. 18 and the embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the provided function attribute information, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the resource information of the provided function, and FIG. 15 is the client 8 (specifically, a client program running on the client 8). FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the flow of information and the like.

  The providing function that operates in the network device 11 has attribute information and resource information, and these attribute information and resource information are centrally managed by the attribute information / resource information providing unit 9.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the attribute information of the provided function that operates in the network device 11 is a “service name” that has a temperature measurement function and provides measured temperature information. Features of providing functions such as “location information” and “group ID” belonging to the group “A01” are described. As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of attribute information can be assigned to the provided function.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, resource information of a provided function that operates in the network device 11 includes a communication protocol (sensor_net) for connecting to the provided function, and an IP address (10.0. 68.123), the name of the provided function (/ temp), the ID unique to the provided function (objectid / 123456), and the like.

  In FIG. 15, in “S601”, the client 8 transmits all or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data to the attribute information / resource information providing unit 9 via the IP network 102, In “S602” in FIG. 15, the system waits until the resource information of the provided function for providing the required service and data is acquired.

  For example, as shown by “SA61” in FIG. 16, the client 8 provides the attribute information of the provided function for providing the required service and data, specifically, “service name” and “position” within the provided function. Information ”is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means 9 via the IP network 102. However, since the operation of the attribute information / resource information providing means 9 is the same as that in the embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  For example, as shown by “GS61” in FIG. 16, the client 8 matches the resource information of all the provided functions having the attribute information transmitted earlier, specifically, the received “service name” and “location information”. Resource information (such as the IP address of the gateway that performs protocol conversion) of the provided function to be received is received from the attribute information / resource information providing means 9.

  If it is determined in “S602” in FIG. 15 that the resource information (such as the IP address of the gateway that performs protocol conversion) of the provided function (operating in the network device 11) has been acquired, in “S603” in FIG. The client 8 uses the provided function that operates on the network device 11 existing in the non-IP network 103 by connecting to the gateway 10 via the IP network 102 using the acquired resource information (IP address of the gateway that performs protocol conversion). In other words, a processing request is made for the provided function.

  Finally, in “S604” in FIG. 15, the client 8 waits until it receives a processing result from the gateway 10 via the IP network 102.

  For example, as indicated by “AC71” in FIG. 17, the client 8 connects to the gateway 10 via the IP network 102 based on the acquired resource information (such as the IP address of the gateway that performs protocol conversion).

  Here, the gateway 10 performs protocol conversion of the received processing request, and transfers the processing request by connecting to the network device 11 via the non-IP network 103 as indicated by “RQ 71” in FIG. Then, the process result received via the non-IP network 103 is again converted into a protocol as indicated by “SD71” in FIG. 17 and transferred to the client 8 via the IP network 102 as indicated by “SD72” in FIG.

  For example, the gateway 10 connects to the network device 11 by using an ID (objectid / 123456) unique to the provided function included in the resource information as an address in the non-IP network 103.

  As a result, a gateway is provided between the IP network and the non-IP network, the client transmits a processing request for the provided function to the gateway, and the processing request received by the gateway is converted into a network device via the non-IP network. In the environment where the IP network and the non-IP network are interconnected, the processing request is transferred by connecting to the network, and the processing result received via the non-IP network is converted again to the protocol and transferred to the client via the IP network. Even if it is applied, the client 8 (specifically, a client program running on the client 8) can transparently access the providing function that operates on the network device without being aware of the network configuration.

  Also, of course, the provision function such as service provision and data provision to the network device is added / deleted, the provision function such as service provision and data provision (or the network device itself), the provision function such as service provision and data provision, etc. When the provided function changes such as the operation status of the network device, in other words, when the attribute information and the resource information change, the network device 11 (specifically, the provided function that operates on the network device 11) It is determined whether or not the information and resource information have changed. If it is determined that the attribute information and resource information have changed, the attribute information / resource is passed through the non-IP network 103, the gateway 10, and the IP network 102. The information providing unit 9 is accessed to update the registered attribute information and resource information.

  In this case, since the change in the attribute information and resource information is absorbed by the attribute information / resource information providing unit 9, the client program running on the client 8 is not affected at all.

1 is a configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a name resolution system according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attribute information of a provision function. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the resource information of a provision function. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a client. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of an attribute information / resource information provision means. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a client. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a network device. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is a configuration block diagram showing another embodiment of the name resolution system according to the present invention when applied in an environment where an IP network and a non-IP network are interconnected. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the attribute information of a provision function. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the resource information of a provision function. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a client. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional name resolution system. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a client. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a DNS server. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc. It is explanatory drawing explaining the flow of information etc.

Explanation of symbols

1, 4, 8 Client 2, 5 DNS server 3, 7, 11 Network device 6, 9 Attribute information / resource information providing means 10 Gateway 100, 101 Network 102 IP network 103 Non-IP network

Claims (12)

In a name resolution system for accessing network devices located on a network,
A network device arranged on the network and operating one or more providing functions;
Attribute information / resource information providing means for centrally managing attribute information and resource information that are provided on the network and each of the providing functions has;
All or a part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network, and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. A name resolution system comprising: a client connected to the network device based on resource information of all provided functions having the transmitted attribute information and accessing the provided function. In a name resolution system for accessing network devices located on a network,
A network device arranged on the network and operating one or more providing functions;
Attribute information / resource information providing means for centrally managing attribute information and resource information that are provided on the network and each of the providing functions has;
A DNS server disposed on the network and providing a corresponding IP address from a host name of the network device;
All or a part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network, and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. The host name extracted from the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information is transmitted to the DNS server via the network, and connected to the network device based on the IP address obtained from the DNS server and provided. A name resolution system comprising a client for accessing a function. In a name resolution system for accessing network devices located on a network,
A network device arranged on a heterogeneous network and operating one or more providing functions;
Attribute information / resource information providing means for centrally managing attribute information and resource information that are provided on the network and each of the providing functions has;
A gateway that performs protocol conversion between the communication protocol of the network and the communication protocol of the heterogeneous network;
All or a part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing necessary services and data is transmitted to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network, and acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means. A client that connects to the gateway based on resource information of all provided functions having the transmitted attribute information and makes a processing request for the provided function operating in the network device existing in the heterogeneous network. Name resolution system. The attribute information includes
The service name provided by the providing function, the location information regarding the place where the providing function is installed, the group ID to which the providing function belongs, or the operation state of the providing function is described. The name resolution system according to claim 3. The resource information includes
A communication protocol for connecting to the providing function, a host name of the network device on which the providing function operates, an IP address of the network device on which the providing function operates, a name of the providing function, an ID unique to the providing function, 4. The name resolution system according to claim 1, wherein at least one piece of information necessary for connection to another providing function is described. The client
Sending all or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing required services and data to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network;
When receiving resource information of all providing functions having the transmitted attribute information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means, connecting to the network device based on the resource information and accessing the providing function The name resolution system according to claim 1. The client
Sending all or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing required services and data to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network;
When the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing unit is received, the host name of the network device in the resource information is set via the network via the DNS. To the server,
When the IP address of the network device is acquired from the DNS server, the provided function is accessed by connecting to the network device via the network using the acquired IP address of the network device. The name resolution system according to claim 2. The client
Sending all or part of the attribute information of the providing function for providing required services and data to the attribute information / resource information providing means via the network;
The network existing in the heterogeneous network connected to the gateway based on the resource information when receiving the resource information of all the provided functions having the transmitted attribute information acquired from the attribute information / resource information providing means 4. The name resolution system according to claim 3, wherein a processing request is made for the provided function operating on a device. The attribute information / resource information providing means includes
The resource information of all the provided functions having the received attribute information is returned when all or part of the attribute information is received from the client via the network. 4. The name resolution system according to any one of 3. The network device is
When the attribute information or resource information of the provided function operating in the network device changes, the attribute information or the resource information registered in the attribute information / resource information providing unit is updated via the network. The name resolution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The network device is
The attribute information registered in the attribute information / resource information providing means via the heterogeneous network, the gateway, and the network when a change occurs in attribute information or resource information of the provided function that operates in the network device 4. The name resolution system according to claim 3, wherein the resource information is updated. The gateway is
Performs protocol conversion of the processing request received from the client and transfers the processing request by connecting to the network device via the heterogeneous network,
4. The name resolution system according to claim 3, wherein the processing result received via the heterogeneous network is subjected to protocol conversion again and transferred to the client via the network.

Images