JP2009086832A - Information system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information system for controlling a device by performing communication without depending on any device or interface in providing a communication function between a host device and a device. <P>SOLUTION: The information system is configured of a host device 2 equipped with an application program (S20); the devices (S22, S26) for performing communication with the host device 2, and for executing prescribed processing on the basis of the result of communication; and control software (S21, S25) for providing communication functions between the host device 2 and the devices (S22, S26). The control software (S21, S25) is provided with a common API (S24) to be called by the application program (S20) so as to be used for different devices which execute the same kind of processing, and the application (S20) includes a programming interface corresponding to the API. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information system capable of performing communication without depending on a device or an interface when providing a communication function between a host device and a device connected to each other.

  A device (for example, a card reader / writer) connected to a small-scale POS system using standard specifications such as O-POS, PC / SC, and XFS provides a basic communication function between the host device (host computer) and the device. The function can be exhibited by the control software (driver, library).

  At this time, a technology for controlling a device using an API (Application Program Interface) of control software that has already been prepared without being conscious of processing peculiar to an interface between a host device and a device is generalized. Yes. API refers to a set of instructions and functions that can be used when developing software for a certain platform (OS and middleware), and a set of rules that define a procedure in a program for using them.

  The API does not require programming to establish all the functions of a device, and functions commonly used by many control software are provided together in the form of an OS, middleware, etc. One has the advantage that software that uses the function can be created by simply “calling” the function in accordance with the convention without programming it by yourself.

  This software is stored in the host device corresponding to each individual device or each individual interface.

  For example, according to FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, each type of device such as a printer, a display, a hand skew, and a CD requires a handler, and a plurality of devices are switched by a selector to select one device. A technique for automatically connecting is disclosed.

  Even if the devices are of the same type, if the devices are physically different, each device requires a handler. This is because an association between a device and a handler, which device is controlled by which handler, is registered in the registry, and a physically different device is not associated.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-14158 (FIG. 2)

  As described above, the conventional information system requires an application program and control software corresponding to each different device as shown in FIG. That is, according to FIG. 5, when the card reader / writer A (S12) is controlled by the application program A (S10), the control software A (S11) must be used, and another device (card reader / writer B) is used. ) Cannot be controlled. Similarly, the control software B (S14) controls the card reader / writer B (S15) in association with the application program B (S13), and cannot control other devices (card reader / writer A).

  As shown in the related art, there are some problems due to limitations of existing control software that provides a basic communication function with a device and controls the device.

  For example, if the interface between the device and the host device is different, or if the interface is the same but the specifications of the device itself are different, the control software must be changed accordingly, and the application program must be changed accordingly. However, there are problems in terms of development costs and burden of development period.

  In addition, when using the control software API that depends on the device-specific specifications, you must be familiar with the specifications and be aware of the specifications. There is a problem in terms.

  Further, as in the invention described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-14158), the selection of a device by a selector not only requires a handler unique to each device, but also the handler and application program itself. There is a problem that it becomes complicated and the load on the system increases.

  Further, as in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-243081, in server-mediated network communication called client-server-device, a request to a server by an application program, a request to a device by a server process, , Need to be managed and processed by the server, the server process of the entire system becomes complicated, and the load on the system increases. In addition, a device whose device is controlled by such network communication is not suitable for a small-scale POS system in which the device is locally connected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a communication function between a host device and a device without depending on the device or interface, It is to provide an information system that can be controlled.

  In order to solve the problems as described above, the present invention communicates between a host device provided with an application program and a host device, and executes a predetermined process based on a result of the communication, Control software that provides a communication function between a host device and a device, and the control software is called by an application program and has a common API that can be used for different devices that execute the same type of processing. The application program includes a programming interface corresponding to the API.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A device that performs communication between a host device including an application program and the host device, and that executes predetermined processing based on a result of the communication, and a communication between the host device and the device Control software that provides a function, and the control software is called by the application program and has an API (Application Program Interface) that can be used for different devices that execute the same type of processing. An information system comprising a programming interface corresponding to the API.

  According to the present invention, the control software has an API that can be used for different devices that execute the same type of processing, and the application program provided in the host device includes a programming interface corresponding to this API. When a process that occurs in a device is called by an application program to control a device, a device that executes the same type of process can be provided with a common API communication function without depending on the device. Further, even when the communication method between the host device and the device differs depending on different devices, it is possible to provide a communication function using a common API without depending on the device.

  (2) The information system, wherein the API and the programming interface are functions common to each other.

  According to the present invention, since the API and the programming interface have a common function, an API function called by an application program with an appropriate parameter (argument) specified can be processed on the programming interface. It is possible to provide a communication function using a common API without depending on a device or an interface.

  (3) The information system characterized in that the host device includes an information registration unit for recording information used for the API, and identification information for identifying different devices is registered in the information registration unit.

  According to the present invention, since different devices can be identified by the identification information registered in the information registration unit, it is possible to provide a communication function between a host device and a device using a common API even for different devices.

  (4) The information system, wherein the device is a card reader / writer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication function using a common API without depending on the specifications and communication method of a card reader as a device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication function using a common API even when the communication method between the device itself or the host device and the device is different, and the device can be controlled without depending on them. It becomes possible.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The information system 1 includes a host device 2 that controls various devices connected to a lower level, and a card reader / writer 3 that is controlled by the host device 2 and implements various functions. Note that the card reader / writer as a device is an example, and various devices such as a printer and a barcode reader can be configured individually or in combination in addition to the card reader / writer.

  Various devices are connected to the host device 2 via a BUS (bus), and in the information system 1, a CPU 20, a storage 21, a memory 22, and an interface 23 are mainly connected. In the present embodiment, the storage 21 uses a hard disk.

  The CPU 20 reads programs and data stored in the storage 21 onto the memory 22 and uses them to control the host device 2 and the card reader / writer 3.

  In addition to the basic software (OS) read from the storage 21, the memory 22 is an application program executed under the OS and a control software program that provides a communication function between the host device 2 and the card reader / writer 3. Remember. In addition, it also has a function as an information registration unit that registers control information and a card reader / writer, and registers identification information for identifying different card reader / writers.

  The memory 22 stores a function in which the API and the programming interface are common to each other. The common function (common API group) includes various functions such as “open” processing for establishing communication with a device such as a card reader / writer and “close” processing for disconnecting communication with a device.

  The RAM 22 also provides a work area for the CPU 20 to execute the program.

  The interface 23 connects other devices and devices that execute various processes based on commands from the CPU 20 and the host device 2 and is locally connected to the card reader / writer 3 and the like.

  The information system 1 having such a configuration reads out the program and data stored in the storage 21 onto the memory 22 in accordance with a command from the CPU 20 and uses them to use the card reader / writer 3 connected to the interface 23. Control using API.

  FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the information system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The application program includes a programming interface corresponding to an API that can be used in common to control different card reader / writer A and card reader / writer B, and can call APIs that the control software A and control software B have.

  The control software A and the control software B provide a communication function between the host device 2 and the card reader / writer A and the card reader / writer B to control the card reader / writer A and the card reader / writer B, respectively.

  According to FIG. 2, different card reader / writer A and card reader / writer B that execute the same kind of processing of reading the magnetic information of the card or reading the information stored in the IC chip of the card, By preparing it, it controls individually. Specifically, when the card reader / writer A (S22) is controlled by the application program (S20), the information registered in the information registration unit (S23) is used as a common API (via a programming interface of the application program). By using S24), the main operation of the card reader / writer A (S22) can be realized. Each process when the common API (S24) is called by the application program (S20) is performed by the control software A (S21) that provides the basic communication function, so that the card does not depend on the application program (S20). Processing unique to the reader / writer A (S22) can be performed. Similarly, processing unique to the card reader / writer B (S26) can be performed without depending on the application program (S20).

  As an example, a process when communicating with an IC card using the card reader / writer A (S22) will be described. Prior to the execution of various processes, the device name and device information of the card reader / writer A (S22) are registered in the information registration unit (S23).

  First, in order to establish communication between the host device 2 and the card reader / writer A (S22), “open” is called by the application program (S20), and “open” processing is executed by the control software A (S21). . At this time, the host device 2 acquires a handle using the card reader / writer A (S22). This handle is also used for subsequent API calls.

  Next, in order to take in the card, “entry” is called by the application program (S20), “entry” processing is executed by the control software A (S21), and the insertion of the IC card is awaited. When the IC card is inserted, the result of “entry” is returned from the control software A (S21) to the application program (S20).

  Next, in order to activate the IC card, “activate” is called by the application program (S20) with activation designation, and “activate” activation processing is executed by the control software A (S21). Is activated.

  Next, in order to exchange data with the IC card, “iccommunication” is called by the application program (S20), and “iccommunication” processing is executed by the control software A (S21) to perform communication with the IC card. Send and receive the necessary data.

  After the communication process is completed, in order to deactivate the IC card, “activate” is called by the application program (S20) with deactivation designation, and “activate” deactivation process is executed by the control software A (S21). Then, the IC card is deactivated.

  Next, in order to eject the IC card, “eject” is called by the application program (S20), “eject” processing is executed by the control software A (S21), and the IC card is ejected. When the IC card is ejected and removed, the result of “eject” is returned from the control software A (S21) to the application program (S20).

  Finally, in order to cut off communication between the host device 2 and the card reader / writer A (S22), “close” is called by the application program (S20), and “close” processing is executed by the control software A (S21). Communication with the device is disconnected. At this time, the acquired handle is also closed.

  In this way, the main operation of the card reader / writer A (S22) can be realized. In realizing the main operation of the card reader / writer B (S26), the API is called by the application program (S20), and the processing requested by the API is executed by the control software B (S25).

  That is, by using a common API that can be used for different card readers / writers that execute the same type of processing, and by executing the called API processing by the control software, it is possible to connect the host device without depending on the card reader / writer. It is possible to provide a communication function with the card reader / writer. In this case, when the physically different card reader / writer A and card reader / writer B are used, in other words, even when the host device recognizes a different medium by the mounted chip (firmware or the like), it is called by the application program. By registering information used for the API in the information registration unit for each card reader / writer, it is possible to provide a communication function between the host device and the card reader / writer.

  FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of an information system 1 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  3 differs from the information system 1 shown in FIG. 2 in that the card reader / writer A ′ is an RS-232C port COM1, the card reader / writer B ′ is a USB port, and the host system 2 is different. Connected by communication method. Such a form is referred to as a “different device” in the present invention because the host apparatus 2 recognizes it as a “different device”.

  Information (communication port (COM), communication speed (Baudrate)) for communicating with the card reader / writer A ′ connected to the RS-232C port COM1 is registered in the information registration unit, and also connected to the USB port. Information (ProductID, Serial Number) for communicating with the card reader / writer B ′ is registered, and the host device 2 can identify the card reader / writer A ′ and the card reader / writer B ′.

  First, considering the case of performing communication with the host device 2 using the card reader / writer A ′, the processing in this case is the same as that of the card reader / writer A described above. Next, consider a case where communication is performed by changing the card reader / writer A ′ to the card reader / writer B ′.

  In this case, the host device 2 that is conventionally recognized as a different card reader / writer needs an application program and control software corresponding to the card reader / writer B ′, but according to the embodiment of the present invention, The control software has an API that can be used for different devices that execute the same type of processing so that the API called by the program can be processed by the control software corresponding to the card reader / writer B ′. A programming interface corresponding to this API is included.

  Therefore, even when the communication method between the host device and the card reader / writer is different, the information used for the API called by the application program is registered in the information registration unit for each card reader / writer, so that the host device and the card reader can be registered. Since the communication function with the writer can be provided, a different card reader / writer can be used without changing the application program.

  In this way, by unifying the programming interface for accessing a certain class group and sharing the API that can be used for different devices that execute the same kind of processing, the same interface can be accessed from the outside. In this case, even if the same processing cannot be performed due to a difference in the communication method, the control software may be configured so that the required processing is performed in common and the same type of processing is executed. For example, for the programming interface and API “open” for establishing communication between the host device 2 and the card reader / writer, the interface can be unified with the method name “open ()”. In this case, an appropriate parameter (argument) i is designated in the programming interface from the application program, and the function of the API “open (i)” of the card reader / writer is called. In addition, what is actually performed when a function is called may vary from device to device, and control of the device depends on the control software. For example, printing is performed when “write” is performed on the printer, but a sound is generated when “write” is performed on the sound device.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data flow in the information system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. A system for controlling the card reader / writers A and A ′ and the card reader / writers B and B ′ by causing the control software A and A ′ and the control software B and B ′ to function without changing the application program will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, the control software A, A ′ for controlling the card reader / writers A, A ′ is directly controlled by the CPU 20, and the card reader / writer A, which is the area of the card reader / writers A, A ′. , A ′ segment, the processing contents are written. On the other hand, the control software B and B ′ for controlling the card reader / writers B and B ′ has the processing contents directly in the card reader / writers B and B ′ segments which are areas of the card reader / writers B and B ′ under the control of the CPU 20. Written.

  Further, when the card reader / writers A and A ′ and the card reader / writers B and B ′ are used at the same time, a temporal and spatial multiplexing control method can be introduced.

  The inside of the CPU 20 is divided into a plurality of units, and each unit has a different role (fetching that is an instruction reading operation, decoding that is an instruction analysis operation, instruction execution, etc.). By adopting a well-utilized pipeline processing method and introducing a temporal and spatial multiplexing control method, it becomes possible to simultaneously control a plurality of different card reader / writers. Specifically, when the fetch of the process 1 is completed, the decoding of the process 1 is started, and the fetch unit in the waiting state is caused to execute the fetch of the process 2.

  According to such a temporal and spatial multiplexing control method, an application program executed under the basic software (OS) or between the host device 2 and the card reader / writer is stored in the memory 22 shown in FIG. Each control software program that provides a communication function is stored, and each control software program can be executed by the same application program.

  In addition, referring to FIG. 4B, a plurality of different card reader / writers can be simultaneously controlled by managing the descriptor table.

  Specifically, the control software A, A ′ writes the processing contents to the card reader / writer A, A ′ segment via the bus interface under the control of the CPU 20. On the other hand, the control software B and B ′ similarly writes the processing contents into the card reader / writer B and B ′ segments through the bus interface under the control of the CPU 20. At this time, the information by the control software A, A ′ is allocated as the card reader / writer A, A ′ segment by managing the area, address, communication port, etc. secured for each process by the descriptor table for managing the memory area. It is written in the area (addresses 0500 to 05FF), and the information by the control software B and B ′ is written in the area (addresses 0A00 to 0AFF) assigned as the card reader / writer B and B ′ segment.

  As described above, the present invention is useful as a device capable of executing an application by controlling the device without changing the application program even if the control software providing the communication function between the host device and the device is different. It is. Yorida

It is a hardware block diagram of the information system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the information system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the data in the information system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a software block diagram of the conventional information system.

Explanation of symbols

1,1 'information system 2 host device 3 card reader / writer

Claims (4)

A host device comprising an application program;
A device that performs communication with the host device and executes a predetermined process based on a result of the communication;
Control software that provides a communication function between the host device and the device,
The control software has an API (Application Program Interface) that can be used by different devices that are called by the application program and execute the same type of processing.
The information system, wherein the application program includes a programming interface corresponding to the API.   The information system according to claim 1, wherein the API and the programming interface are functions common to each other. The host device includes an information registration unit that records information used for the API,
The information system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein identification information for identifying different devices is registered in the information registration unit.   The information system according to claim 1, wherein the device is a card reader / writer.

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