JP2011107834A - Image processing apparatus, method and program for controlling operation module execution between virtual machines - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus, an operation module performance control method between virtual machines and an operation module performance control program for reducing the workload of the addition/change of a communication I/F in RMI communication correspondence between the virtual machines. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 100 is a device operating on virtual machines 21<SB>1</SB>and 21<SB>2</SB>whose standard functions and extension functions using the standard functions are different, and includes: a plurality of operation modules 30 for achieving the standard functions; and communication interface parts 41<SB>1</SB>and 41<SB>2</SB>operating on each virtual machine 21 for performing common inter-virtual machine communication to the plurality of operation modules 30. The communication interface part 40 includes a generation means 51 for generating an operation module interface achieving part 52, controls the performance of the operation module 30 on the virtual machine 21 by the inter-virtual machine communication through a pair of operation module interface achieving parts 52<SB>1</SB>and 52<SB>2</SB>respectively generated by the virtual machines 21<SB>1</SB>and 21<SB>2</SB>, and achieves the extension functions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of operating a plurality of virtual machines, and more particularly to a technique for controlling execution of an operation module by data communication performed between virtual machines.

  A virtualization technology for constructing a pseudo system as if a plurality of computers are operating on one physical computer is already known. A pseudo information processing system environment (logical computer) realized by such virtualization technology is called a virtual machine (VM).

  In the case of a system in which a single virtual machine is constructed, if the process stops for some reason, the entire system stops. However, in the case of a system in which a plurality of virtual machines are constructed, even if processing is stopped in a certain virtual machine, it does not affect other virtual machines, so that processing can be continued without stopping the entire system.

  Because of these advantages, we want to change a system in which a single virtual machine is constructed to a system in which multiple virtual machines are constructed. For this purpose, it is necessary to cope with data communication between virtual machines.

  As means for performing data communication between virtual machines, Java (registered trademark: hereinafter abbreviated) RMI (Java Remote Method Invocation: hereinafter simply referred to as “RMI”) communication is known. However, in the conventional system, when adding / changing an interface for performing RMI communication (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”), there are many corresponding parts, and development work becomes complicated (development work load increases). There was a problem.

  Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of reducing the development workload, a server that performs communication between virtual machines again in web application development, a plurality of display layers and component groups are separated to reduce communication I / F. Thus, a development support apparatus that requires only a small amount of response even when there is a change is disclosed.

  However, in the conventional method, when the existing communication I / F is compatible with RMI communication, it is necessary to change the communication I / F itself. It is also necessary to compile with an RMI compiler.

  When an existing communication I / F is compatible with RMI communication, the communication I / F itself must be changed, such as changing a method parameter (argument) or adding an exception (exception). Therefore, it is necessary to change the location (method called between virtual machines) using the communication I / F. A client that calls a method on a remote server object by RMI communication actually uses a stub or proxy of the remote object as a path to the remote object. Therefore, it is necessary to recreate a stub and a proxy and compile (recompile) again.

  Thus, the conventional method cannot sufficiently reduce the load in the development work corresponding to RMI communication.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can reduce the workload of adding / changing a communication I / F in correspondence with RMI communication between virtual machines. Another object is to provide an operation module execution control method and an operation module execution control program between virtual machines.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus in which a standard function of the image processing apparatus and an extended function using the standard function operate on different virtual machines, A plurality of operation modules that realize functions, and a communication interface unit that operates on each virtual machine and performs communication between the virtual machines that is common to the plurality of operation modules, and the communication interface unit includes: An operation that realizes an interface of the operation module that is interposed between a reception unit that receives a function execution request on a virtual machine, a communication unit that performs communication between the virtual machines, an interface of the communication unit, and the operation module Generating means for generating a module interface realizing unit, and receiving the execution request for the extended function by the receiving means. In addition, on the other virtual machine from the first operation module interface realizing unit that is generated and operated by the generating unit on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request by communication between virtual machines by the communication unit, The second operation module interface realization unit generated and operated by the generation unit is called, and an execution request is made to the operation module of another virtual machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the generation unit performs the operation by the inter-virtual machine communication in each virtual machine by serializing a Java (registered trademark) object. An object of an operation module interface realization unit of the same instance capable of calling a method of a module is generated.

  With such a configuration, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention operates a communication interface unit (subset module) that performs communication between virtual machines in each virtual machine. The subset module is configured separately from an operation module in which a communication I / F that performs RMI communication (RMI communication I / F) is called between virtual machines. The subset module is interposed between the RMI communication I / F and the operation module, and functions to manage a proxy object (operation module I / F realization unit) that realizes the I / F of the operation module (proxy object management unit) )have. The proxy object is generated as a pair of objects (objects of the same instance in different virtual machines) that can be called by RMI communication (remote) in each virtual machine by the proxy object management unit operating on each virtual machine. The image processing apparatus calls a proxy object that operates on another virtual machine from the proxy object that operates on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request via the RMI communication I / F, and the operation that the other virtual machine has Make an execution request to the module. That is, the image processing apparatus controls the execution of the operation module on the virtual machine via the pair of proxy objects generated in each virtual machine, and realizes the requested function.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention separates the RMI communication I / F from the operation module even when the I / F of the operation module to be called between virtual machines is changed. Therefore, there is no need to change the RMI communication I / F (the communication I / F can be concealed). Further, the image processing apparatus has a function of dynamically generating a proxy object that realizes the I / F of the operation module even when a new I / F of the operation module to be called between the virtual machines is added. Therefore, there is no need to change the existing I / F (no recompilation is required). As a result, the image processing apparatus can reduce the workload of adding / changing the communication I / F in correspondence with the RMI communication between virtual machines.

  In order to achieve the above object, an operation module execution control method between virtual machines according to the present invention provides an environment in which a standard function of an image processing apparatus and an extended function using the standard function operate on different virtual machines. Between virtual machines in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modules that realize standard functions and a communication interface unit that operates on each virtual machine and performs common inter-virtual machine communication with the plurality of operation modules An operation module execution control method, wherein the communication interface unit receives a function execution request on the virtual machine, a communication procedure for performing communication between the virtual machines, an interface of the communication means, and the operation module And an operation module interface that realizes the interface of the operation module. A generation procedure for generating a service realization unit, and when the execution request for the extended function is received by the reception procedure, on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request by communication between virtual machines according to the communication procedure. The second operation module interface realization unit generated and operated by the generation procedure is called on the other virtual machine from the first operation module interface implementation unit generated and operated by the generation procedure, and the other virtual machine An execution request is made to the operation module.

  By such a procedure, the operation module execution control method between virtual machines according to the present invention realizes the I / F of the operation module in a configuration separately from the operation module that the RMI communication I / F calls between the virtual machines. A proxy object (operation module I / F realization unit) is dynamically generated in each virtual machine, and another virtual object is operated from the proxy object that operates on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request via the RMI communication I / F. A proxy object that operates on a machine is called, and an operation of making an execution request to an operation module of another virtual machine is realized.

  Thus, the operation module execution control method between virtual machines according to the present invention can provide an environment that can reduce the workload of adding / changing a communication I / F in correspondence with RMI communication between virtual machines.

  According to the present invention, the RMI communication I / F is configured separately from the operation module that is called between the virtual machines, and the proxy object that realizes the I / F of the operation module is dynamically generated and generated by each virtual machine. Image processing that reduces the workload of adding / changing communication I / F in RMI communication between virtual machines by enabling execution of operation modules on virtual machines to be controlled via a pair of proxy objects An apparatus, an operation module execution control method between virtual machines, and an operation module execution control program can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing an example of system configuration in which a plurality of virtual machines concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention were constructed. It is a figure which shows the software structural example of the system by which the some virtual machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention was constructed | assembled. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the subset module which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a process sequence when a subset module is started by the 1st virtual machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a process sequence when the function execution instruction is received in the second virtual machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a controller 110, an operation panel 120, a plotter 130, a scanner 140, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The operation panel 120 includes a display unit and an input unit, and provides various types of information such as device information to the user and receives various types of user operations such as operation settings and operation instructions. The plotter 130 includes an image forming unit and forms an output image on a sheet. For example, methods for forming an output image include an electrophotographic process and an ink jet method. The scanner 140 optically reads a document and generates a read image.

  The controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a storage device 112, a network I / F 113, an external storage I / F 114, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 111 executes various programs to control various functions and the entire apparatus. The storage device 112 stores and holds the program and various data (for example, “image data”). For example, the storage device 112 includes a random access memory (RAM) that is a volatile memory, a read only memory (ROM) that is a nonvolatile memory, and a hard disk drive (HDD) that has a large storage area. There is. The RAM functions as a work area for the CPU 111 (a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read). ROM and HDD are used as storage locations for programs and various data. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 100, the CPU 111 reads the program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program.

  The network I / F 113 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to a predetermined data transmission path such as a network. The external storage I / F 114 is an interface for connecting a recording medium 114a corresponding to an external storage device. For example, the external storage device includes an SD memory card (SD Memory Card) and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 reads the program and data stored in the recording medium 114a via the external storage I / F 114.

  In the image processing apparatus 100, one or a plurality of virtual machine environments can be operated by the CPU 111 executing, for example, a program read from the HDD or ROM onto the RAM by the above hardware configuration.

<System and software configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration example in which a plurality of virtual machines according to the present embodiment are constructed. FIG. 2 shows a system configuration in which two virtual machines operate on one physical computer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual machine environment is realized by operating a program that realizes the virtual machine environment on an OS (Operating System) 10. In this embodiment, it is realized by operating a Java VM (Java Virtual Machine) 21 that is frequently used as a development environment for an embedded system. The OS 10 is built-in basic software, such as Linux (registered trademark: hereinafter abbreviated).

A plurality of virtual machine environments can be realized by operating a plurality of Java VMs 21 on the OS 10. In the present embodiment, the first and second virtual machine environments (two virtual machine environments) are realized by operating the Java VMs 21 ₁ and 21 ₂ (two Java VMs 21). And later, a description will be given to replace the JavaVM21 ₁ and 21 ₂ to the "first virtual machine 21 ₁ and the second virtual machine 21 _2". Further, when a generic term for the first virtual machine 21 ₁ and the second virtual machine 21 _2, and "Virtual Machine 21". Similarly, with respect to software (for example, “program” or “data”) operating on each virtual machine 21 and storage areas used, when referring to the same software name or storage area name, a common name and reference are used. A code is used.

  The virtual machine 21 has a heap memory 211 for operating the Java component 22 on the virtual machine 21. The heap memory 211 is a memory area that an application running on the virtual machine 21 can freely secure. In this way, in a system in which a plurality of virtual machines 21 are constructed, each virtual machine 21 has an independent heap memory 211, so that even if a failure such as a process stop occurs, the mutual system is affected. There is no.

  The Java component 22 operating on the virtual machine 21 includes a plurality of Java programs for realizing the functions of the platform and application (Java platform 221 and Java application 222 in the figure). The Java platform 221 operates as a standard function of a system (operating environment) realized by the virtual machine 21. In addition, the Java application 222 uses the above basic function and operates as a function (a user-provided function in a virtual machine environment) that performs, for example, a work that the user wants to execute. The Java application 222 can be installed / uninstalled according to the functional configuration to be provided.

  As described above, an environment in which a plurality of virtual machines 21 operate can be constructed in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

Next, a detailed software configuration in the system will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of a system in which a plurality of virtual machines 21 according to the present embodiment is constructed.

  For example, when the image processing apparatus 100 in which the system is constructed is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), the following system construction can be considered.

In the first virtual machine 21 _1, a printer, a scanner, to operate the standard functions such as FAX (facsimile).

The Java application 222 ₁ included in the Java component 22 ₁ operating on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ includes a standard application 222a ₁ and an SDK (Software Development Kit) application 222b ₁ . The Java platform 221 ₁ includes a Java module group (operation module group) 221 a ₁ and an SDK API (Application Program Interface) 221 b ₁ .

The standard application 222a ₁ is software that realizes a user-provided function using a standard function installed in the MFP. The standard application 222a ₁ uses the operation module 30 of the Java module group 221a _{1 included in} the platform as a standard function. For example, the Java module group 221a ₁ includes a printer module 30P, a scanner module 30S, a FAX module 30F, and the like as the operation modules 30 that realize standard functions. Thus, for example, a standard application 222a ₁ implements a copy function using the printer module 30P and scanner module 30S of Java modules 221a ₁ (copy application).

The SDK application 222b ₁ is software that is developed by using the SDK API 221b ₁ that is a set of instructions and functions that can be used when developing software, and that realizes an individual correspondence function (customization function) to the user. The SDK application 222b ₁ uses the operation module 30 of the Java module group 221a _{1 included in} the platform via the SDK API 221b ₁ . Thereby, for example, the SDK application 222b ₁ uses the printer module 30P of the Java module group 221a ₁ via the SDK API 221b ₁ , and uses the print module with the authentication module (not shown) (secure print application). Is realized.

In contrast, in the second virtual machine 21 _2, to operate the extension functions to use the standard functions (e.g., "third vendor provides function").

Java applications 222 ₂ having Java components 22 ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ includes a SDK application 222b _2, Java Platform 221 ₂ includes a SDK API221b _2.

As described above, the SDK application 222b ₂ can be uniquely developed by using the SDK API 221b ₂ included in the platform. In particular, the SDK application 222b ₂ that realizes an extended function is software developed and provided by a third vendor. It is impossible to know how software developed by a third vendor is designed and programmed, and through which process it is tested and provided. Therefore, an unexpected error (failure) such as a memory leak during operation may occur.

In such a case, if the SDK application 222b ₂ (extended function) is operated on the same virtual machine 21 (first virtual machine 21 ₁ ) as the standard application 222a ₁ (standard function), the entire system is affected by the occurrence of a failure. There is a possibility of stopping (system down). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the standard function and the extended function installed in the MFP are operated on different virtual machines 21, so that even if the extended function has some trouble, the standard function service is provided to the user. Can be continued.

However, in the case of such a system configuration, the SDK application 222b ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ performs data communication (virtual communication with the operation module 30 of the Java module group 221a ₁ operating on the first virtual machine 21 _1. Machine-to-machine communication). This is because, SDK application 222b ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ realize the operation module 30 for operating on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ function using the (module for implementing standard functions) (extension) Because it is.

The corresponding method for inter-virtual machine communication, on the second virtual machine 21 _2, there is a method of operating a communication module corresponding to each operation module 30 (method corresponding with operating modules units). However, when the system scale is large and many operation modules 30 cooperate in the system, it is necessary to prepare many communication modules, which is not a practical way of dealing with them. Even if a communication module is prepared, the subsequent system management / maintenance becomes complicated when a failure occurs. Furthermore, many communication modules must be operated on the virtual machine 21, and resources are consumed wastefully.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, each virtual machine 21 is provided with an interface unit of the entire system having a data communication function between virtual machines (inter-virtual machine communication function). This interface unit is a subset module (communication interface unit) 41 of the Java module group 221 a included in the Java platform 221 operating on each virtual machine 21. The subset module 41 operating on each virtual machine 21 is the same module. In addition, one subset module 41 operates on each virtual machine 21.

Based on the function execution request received from the SDK application 222b, the subset module 41 requests the operation module 30 linked to realize the function to execute the process. In addition, the subset module 41 transmits / receives a function execution request to / from another virtual machine, and controls execution of the operation module 30 that operates on the other virtual machine. For example, SDK application 222b ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 _2, when cooperating with the operation module 30 for operating on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ is performed as follows. SDK application 222b _2, the second through the subset module 41 _second virtual machine 21 ₂ side, for the subset module 41 ₁ of the first virtual machine 21 ₁ side, performs the function execution request. Subset module 41 ₁ of the first virtual machine 21 ₁ side, based on the received function execution request for requesting execution of a process for the specified operating module 30.

  As described above, the subset module 41 functions as a common communication interface for the plurality of operation modules 30.

<Operation module execution control function between virtual machines>
The functions of the subset module 41 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the subset module 41 according to the present embodiment.
In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, each virtual machine 21 operates a subset module (communication interface unit) 41 that performs communication between virtual machines. The subset module 41 is configured separately from the operation module 30 in which a communication I / F (RMI communication I / F unit) that performs RMI communication is called between virtual machines. In addition, the subset module 41 is interposed between the RMI communication I / F unit 53 and the operation module 30 and manages a proxy object (operation module I / F realization unit) 52 that realizes the I / F of the operation module 30. A proxy object management unit 51 is provided. The proxy object 52 is a pair of objects (objects of the same instance in different virtual machines) that can be called by RMI communication (remote) in each virtual machine 21 by the proxy object management unit 51 operating on each virtual machine 21. Generated.

The image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the proxy object 52 ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ that received the function execution request, via the RMI communication I / F section 53, a first virtual machine 21 ₁ The proxy object 52 ₁ that operates above is called, and an execution request is made to the operation module 30 of the first virtual machine 21 ₁ . That is, the image processing apparatus 100 controls the execution of the operation module 30 on the virtual machine 21 via the pair of proxy objects 52 generated in each virtual machine 21 to realize the requested function. The image processing apparatus 100 has such an operation module execution control function between virtual machines by the subset module 41 operating on each virtual machine 21.

  In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the RMI communication I / F unit 53 and the operation module 30 are separated even when there is a change in the I / F of the operation module 30 called between virtual machines. Therefore, there is no need to change the RMI communication I / F unit 53 (the communication I / F can be concealed).

  Further, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, even when an I / F of the operation module 30 to be called between virtual machines is newly added, the proxy object 52 that realizes the I / F of the operation module 30 is added. Since the proxy object management unit 51 that is dynamically generated is included, there is no need to change the existing I / F (recompilation is not necessary).

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the work load of adding / changing the communication I / F in correspondence with the RMI communication between the virtual machines.

  The configuration and operation of the operation module execution control function will be described below. As described above, hereinafter, when generically referring to the function names of the subset modules 41 operating on the respective virtual machines 21, common names and reference signs are used.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the subset module 41 includes a request reception unit 411, a processing request unit 412, an inter-virtual machine communication unit 413, and the like.

  The request receiving unit 411 is a functional unit that receives a functional operation request from the SDK application 22b via the SDK API 221.

The processing request unit 412 is a functional unit that requests the operation module 30 designated at the time of request to execute processing. Accordingly, the processing request unit 412 is configured corresponding to the operation module 30 included in the virtual machine 21. For example, a first virtual machine 21 _1, the printer module 30P, and a scanner module 30S, and the operation module 30 for implementing the basic functions of the FAX module 30F. In such a module configuration, the processing request unit 412 ₁ of the configuration of the first virtual machine 21 ₁ has the processing request unit corresponding to the printer module 30P 412P _1, and the processing request unit 412S _1, which corresponds to the scanner module 30S The processing request unit 412F ₁ corresponds to the FAX module 30F.

For example, the processing request unit 412 ₁ in which the first virtual machine 21 ₁ has (from the execution environment determination result) from the virtual machine 21 to work itself is a first virtual machine 21 _1, operations on the virtual machine 21 ₁ The operation module 30 is requested to execute the process. At this time, the subset module 41 ₁ analyzes the function operation request received by the request receiving unit 411 ₁ and obtains information related to the function requested for operation (request processing) as an analysis result. Thus, the processing request unit 412 _1, based on the obtained information (e.g., "information relating to the operation module 30 that links to the function realization"), to execute the corresponding operation module 30. On the other hand, in the second virtual machine 21 _2, the subset module 41 _2, since the virtual machine 21 to work itself is the second virtual machine 21 _2, via the inter-VM communication unit 413 to be described later, the request processing It requests the execution of the processing for the operation module 30 that operates on the virtual machine 21 ₁ to call in executing. Thus, in this embodiment, in the second virtual machine 21 _2, upon receiving the operation request from the extension to realize the function by using the basic functions, is performed between the virtual machine communication, it is used to perform the process execution of the processing is required for the operation module 30 of the first virtual machine 21 on _1.

  The inter-virtual machine communication unit 413 is a functional unit that performs data communication between virtual machines. In this embodiment, the virtual machine environment is realized by JavaVM. Therefore, in the inter-virtual machine communication unit 413, inter-virtual machine communication is realized by RMI communication. The RMI is a communication means for calling a method of a Java object of another host (another JavaVM), and is an API for performing a function corresponding to an object of an RPC (Remote Procedure Call). Thereby, the inter-virtual machine communication unit 413 performs data communication (information transmission / reception) between the virtual machines.

For example, the inter-VM communication unit 413 ₂ in which the second virtual machine 21 ₂ has, from the virtual machine 21 is in a second virtual machine 21 ₂ to its own operation, the functional operation request received by the request receiving unit 411 ₂ , and it transmits a first virtual machine 21 _1.

  The inter-virtual machine communication unit 413 that functions in this way includes a proxy object management unit 51 and an RMI communication I / F unit 53.

  The proxy object management unit 51 is a functional unit that manages a proxy object (operation module I / F realization unit) 52 that realizes the I / F of the operation module 30. The proxy object 52 is a Java object that is interposed between the RMI communication I / F unit 53 (described later) and the operation module 30 to realize the I / F of each operation module 30. The proxy object management unit 51 manages the proxy object 52 by generating and deleting the proxy object 52.

  The proxy object management unit 52 generates a proxy object 52 corresponding to the operation module 30 included in the virtual machine 21. Here, “object generation” is a process of generating an object from a class using an object-oriented language. The generation process includes, for example, “declaration of object variable (class name object variable)”, “generation of object (new)”, “initialization of object (constructor name (initialization value ...))”, etc. is there.

For example, a first virtual machine 21 _1, the printer module 30P, and a scanner module 30S, and the operation module 30 for implementing the basic functions of the FAX module 30F. In the case of such a module configuration, the proxy object management unit 52 ₁ included in the virtual machine 21 ₁ is based on registration information of the operation module 30 (for example, “method name (function name)” or “method parameter (argument)”). A proxy object 52P ₁ corresponding to the printer module 30P, a proxy object 52S ₁ corresponding to the scanner module 30S, and a proxy object 52F ₁ corresponding to the FAX module 30F are generated. Proxy object management unit 52 _1, the proxy object _521, produced during the RMI communication execution from the virtual machine 21 ₂ (when function execution request). Proxy object management unit 52 ₁ manages by using the generated subsequent proxy object ₅₂₁ a predetermined management identifier (e.g., "I / FID"). In addition, the proxy object management unit 52 ₁ defines the generated proxy object 52 ₁ in the RMI communication I / F unit 53 ₁ . At this time, the proxy object management unit 52 _1, the RMI communication I / F unit 53 _1, proxy object ₅₂₁ after generation, the method name (function name), and the method parameter (argument) Passing the like. In the virtual machine 21 ₁ , the information of the operation module 30 is registered in the proxy object management unit 52 ₁ when the subset module 41 ₁ is activated.

On the other hand, the proxy object management unit 52 ₂ for virtual machine 21 ₂ has, due RMI communication execution (function execution request), the proxy object ₅₂₁ to receive post-generation (proxy object ₅₂₁ after generation is returned). Proxy object management unit 52 ₂ manages by using the received object (returned objects) a proxy object 52 ₂ as a predetermined management identifier (e.g., "I / FID"). Further, the proxy object management unit 52 ₂ defines the proxy object 52 ₂ to RMI communication I / F section 53 _2.

As described above, the proxy object management unit 52 allows the proxy object 52 ₁ and the proxy object 52 ₂ to be paired with each other so that the first virtual machine 21 ₁ and the second virtual machine 21 ₂ can call a method by RMI communication (remote). Manage as an object. These pair of objects are managed in units of operation modules 30 (units of basic functions).

  In Java, in addition to input / output of character data and byte data, classes for input / output of objects are prepared. Object input / output is used when an object is temporarily held to reuse the object, or when an object is exchanged using a socket in a remote environment such as between virtual machines.

  Such object input / output processing is called object serialization. That is, when an object writing process is performed, the object is written as a series of connected data in preparation for the reading process, and when the object is read, the reading process is performed in the order of the written series of data.

That is, proxy object ₅₂₁ to be returned from the first virtual machine 21 ₁ to the second virtual machine 21 _2, the object is serialized (serialized). Therefore, the proxy object ₅₂₁ managed by the first virtual machine 21 _1, the proxy object 52 ₂ managed by the second virtual machine 21 _2, the same instance.

  In addition, the proxy object management unit 51 deletes the proxy object 52 to be managed, for example, when the Java application 222 that requests function execution ends. Note that the deletion timing of the proxy object 52 does not necessarily have to be synchronized with the end of the Java application 222.

  The RMI communication I / F unit 53 is a functional unit that implements a communication I / F that performs RMI communication. That is, the RMI communication I / F unit 53 is an I / F for performing RMI communication directly between virtual machines. The RMI communication I / F unit 53 is an I / F common to the proxy object 52 managed in units of the operation module 30 described above.

  As described above, the subset module 41 according to the present embodiment has a configuration that is independent of the operation module 30 that the communication I / F (RMI communication I / F unit) that performs RMI communication calls between virtual machines.

  Thereby, in the image processing apparatus 100, even when the I / F of the operation module 30 is changed or added, it is not necessary to perform the corresponding work with the I / F that performs RMI communication, and the communication I / F is not affected. .

  In the RMI communication I / F unit 53, as described above, the proxy object management unit 51 defines the proxy object 52, the method name (function name), and the method parameter (argument). Therefore, the RMI communication I / F unit 53 is executed using the definition information as a key when performing actual RMI communication.

The operation module execution control function between virtual machines according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in linkage as follows. The image processing apparatus 100, the proxy object 52 ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ that received the function execution request, via the RMI communication I / F unit 53, a proxy that runs on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ The object 52 ₁ is called, and an execution request is made to the operation module 30 of the first virtual machine 21 ₁ .

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the I / F of the operation module 30 is changed or added due to the functional configuration described above, only the proxy object management unit 51 can cope with it. That is, in this embodiment, RMI communication between virtual machines can be performed with work within a more limited range as compared with the prior art.

  Next, detailed operation of the operation module execution control function (function unit group linking operation) will be described with reference to a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure.

  The operation module execution control function is a function realized by the subset module 41 operating on each virtual machine 21. In the virtual machine environment, a Java VM (a program for realizing the virtual machine environment) mounted (installed) in the image processing apparatus 100 is read from the storage location (for example, “ROM”) onto the RAM by the CPU 111 and executed. It is built by that. In this environment, the subset module 41 is activated as one module of the Java module group 221a included in the Java platform 221.

In the following description, processing when the subset module ₄₁₁ is activated by the first virtual machine 21 ₁ (treatment 1), processing when receiving a function execution request by the second virtual machine 21 ₂ (processing 2 ).

<< Process 1 >>
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when the subset module 41 ₁ is activated in the first virtual machine 21 _{1 according to} the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the subset module 41 ₁ is activated on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ , the image processing apparatus 100 includes a request reception unit 411 ₁ , a processing request unit 412 ₁ , and an inter-virtual machine communication unit 413. Each function realization object ₁ is generated and operated (step S11). At this time, if the corresponding operation module 30 is a module that needs to perform RMI communication, the processing request unit 412 ₁ generated corresponding to the operation module 30 included in the first virtual machine 21 ₁ The proxy object management unit 51 ₁ of the communication unit 413 ₁ requests registration of its own object as a management target (step S12). Whether or not the operation module 30 is a module that needs to perform RMI communication is determined based on, for example, the setting of necessity of RMI communication for each functional unit that has been determined in advance in the design / development stage.

Proxy object management unit 51 ₁ in response to the request, the object of the processing request unit 412 ₁ is registered as a managed (step S13).

Thus, the image processing apparatus 100, the proxy object management unit 51 _1, proxy object ₅₂₁ corresponding to the second virtual machine 21 ₂ and the operation module 30 for performing RMI communication (operation module I / F achievement unit), the One virtual machine 21 can be generated on the _one .

<< Process 2 >>
Figure 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure example of the case where the function execution indicated by the second virtual machine 21 ₂ according to the present embodiment is accepted. Incidentally, in FIG. 6, an extension that operates on the second virtual machine 21 _2, the communication between the virtual machines, the processing procedure when operating using the operation module 30 for operating on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ An example is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, the image processing apparatus 100 accepts the instruction for extension running from the user, Java application 222 ₂ is operated on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ (step S21). Java applications 222 ₂ in operation, a function of the operating module 30 (method used by the application) is called for implementing a function (step S22). At this time, the Java application 222 _2, the unusual instance by performing a function call, and has a mechanism for internally execution request of operating modules 30 to the proxy object management unit 51 ₂ is notified. Specifically, the following processing is performed.

In the subset module 41 _2, the request acceptance unit 411 ₂ accepts the execution request of the operation module 30 of the Java applications 222 ₂ (step S23), the received request is notified to the proxy object management unit 51 ₂ (step S24 ).

Proxy object management unit 51 _2, since a function for managing a proxy object 52 _2, whether the proxy object 52 ₂ corresponding to the operation module 30 requested has already been generated on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ Is confirmed (step S25).

Proxy object management unit 51 _2, on the second virtual machine 21 _2, still, if it is not generated proxy object 52 ₂ corresponding to the operation module 30 is requested (after generating the proxy object 52 ₂ is not registered If), the first virtual machine 21 _1, corresponding to the requested operation module 30 requests the acquisition proxy object 52 ₂ (step S26). At this time, the proxy object management unit 51 _2, the method name of the requested operation module 30 (function name) and the method parameter (argument), via the RMI communication I / F unit 53 ₂ (by RMI communication), the 1 transmits to the virtual machine 21 ₁ to request the acquisition proxy object 52 _2.

In the first virtual machine 21 _1, the proxy object management unit 51 ₁ subset module ₄₁₁ has, accepts an acquisition request, whether the requested proxy object ₅₂₁ has already been generated on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ not (Step S31).

If the requested proxy object 52 ₁ has not yet been generated on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ (when the generated proxy object 52 ₁ has not been registered), the proxy object management unit 51 ₁ does not have the proxy object 52 _{1. 1} is generated (step S32). At this time, the proxy object management unit 51 _1, the processing request unit 412 ₁ of the registration information corresponding to the operation module 30 which is registered at the start of the subset module _411, and method name of the operation module 30 which receives at the time of acquisition request (function The Java object that realizes the I / F of the operation module 30 is generated based on the name) and the method parameter (argument).

The proxy object management unit 51 ₁ issues a management identifier to the generated proxy object 52 _{1 and} registers it as a management target proxy object 52 (step S33). At this time, the proxy object management unit 51 ₁ defines the I / F after generating the RMI communication I / F unit 53 _1. The RMI communication I / F unit 53 _1, proxy object ₅₂₁ after generation, the method name (function name), and the method parameter (argument) is defined.

Proxy object management unit 51 _1, the proxy object ₅₂₁ after generation, (by RMI communication) via the RMI communication I / F unit 53 _1, the second is transferred to the virtual machine 21 _2, it responds to the acquisition request ( Step S34).

In the second virtual machine 21 _2, proxy object 52 ₁ by transferred by the proxy object management unit 51 ₂ subset module 41 ₂ has, proxy object ₅₂₂ is generated (step S41). As a result, each virtual machine 21 generates a pair of objects (objects of the same instance in different virtual machines) that can be called by RMI communication (remote).

Proxy object management unit 51 _2, to the generated proxy object 52 _2, issues a management identifier is registered as proxy object 52 managed (step S42). At this time, the proxy object management unit 51 ₂ defines the I / F after generating the RMI communication I / F section 53 _2.

After generation, proxy object ₅₂₂ that is registered, to the proxy object management unit 51 _2, requests the proxy call request operation module 30 that operates on the first virtual machine 21 ₁ (step S43).

Proxy object management unit 51 ₂ in response to the request, calling the request operation module 30 operating in a first virtual machine 21 ₁ on, and requests execution of a process (step S44). In other words, the proxy object management unit 51 ₂ via the RMI communication (remote) a pair of proxy object 52 method call that may by calls a function corresponding to the operation module 30 requested (external method). At this time, the proxy object 52 _2, the method parameter values necessary for operation module 30 performs the process (parameter value) is passed to the proxy object 52 ₁ by RMI communication.

In the first virtual machine 21 _1, the proxy object management unit 51 ₁ subset module ₄₁₁ has, through the operation module I / F of the proxy object 52 ₁ (step S51), registered in the subset module ₄₁₁ starts the processing request unit 412 ₁ corresponding to the operation module 30, a request for execution of the process (step S52). At this time, the proxy object 52 _1, the method parameter values necessary for operation module 30 performs the process (parameter value) is passed to the processing request unit 412 ₁ by RMI communication.

Processing request unit 412 _1, based on the method parameters values (parameter values), and execute the corresponding operation module 30 performs the process (step S53).

As a result, the processing request unit 412 _1, the execution result of the processing is responsive to the request source. Thus, the first virtual machine 21 _2, via a pair of proxy object 52, the RMI communication, receives the execution result from the first virtual machine 21 _1. The execution result via the request receiving unit 411 _2, are passed to the Java application 2222.

In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, via a pair of proxy object 52, to realize a communication between the virtual machines in a pseudo manner, the second operation module that the virtual machine 21 ₂ from the first virtual machine 21 ₁ has using 30, it is possible to realize the second function of the virtual machine 21 ₂ has.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, in each virtual machine 21, the subset module (communication interface unit) 41 that performs communication between virtual machines is operated. The subset module 41 is configured separately from the operation module 30 in which a communication I / F (RMI communication I / F unit) that performs RMI communication is called between virtual machines. In addition, the subset module 41 is interposed between the RMI communication I / F unit 53 and the operation module 30 and manages a proxy object (operation module I / F realization unit) 52 that realizes the I / F of the operation module 30. A proxy object management unit 51 is provided. The proxy object 52 is a pair of objects (objects of the same instance in different virtual machines) that can be called by RMI communication (remote) in each virtual machine 21 by the proxy object management unit 51 operating on each virtual machine 21. Generated.

The image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the proxy object 52 ₂ operating on the second virtual machine 21 ₂ that received the function execution request, via the RMI communication I / F section 53, a first virtual machine 21 ₁ The proxy object 52 ₁ that operates above is called, and an execution request is made to the operation module 30 of the first virtual machine 21 ₁ . That is, the image processing apparatus 100 controls the execution of the operation module 30 on the virtual machine 21 via the pair of proxy objects 52 generated in each virtual machine 21 to realize the requested function.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 can reduce the workload of adding / changing the communication I / F in correspondence with RMI communication between virtual machines.

  This is because in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the RMI communication I / F unit 53 and the operation module 30 are separated even when a change occurs in the I / F of the operation module 30 that is called between virtual machines. This is because there is no need to change the RMI communication I / F unit 53 (the communication I / F can be concealed).

  Further, in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, even when an I / F of the operation module 30 to be called between virtual machines is newly added, the proxy object 52 that realizes the I / F of the operation module 30 is added. This is because the proxy object management unit 51 that is dynamically generated is included, so that there is no need to change the existing I / F (recompilation is not necessary).

  The above-described embodiment has been described so far. The “operation module execution control function” of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment describes each processing procedure described with reference to the drawing in the operating environment (platform). This is realized by the CPU 111 executing a program coded in a programming language suitable for the above.

  The program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 114a. Examples of the recording medium 114a include an SD memory card and a USB memory.

  Therefore, by storing the program in the recording medium 114a, the program can be installed in the image processing apparatus 100 via the external storage I / F 114 that can read the recording medium 114a. Since the image processing apparatus 100 includes the network I / F 113, the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line such as the Internet.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

10 OS
21 JavaVM ( ₁ : first virtual machine side, ₂ : second virtual machine side)
211 Heap memory 22 Java component 221 Java platform 221a Java module group 221b SDK API
222 Java application 222a Standard application ( ₁ : first virtual machine side)
222b SDK application 30 operation module (P: printer, S: scanner, F: FAX)
41 Subset module 411 Request acceptance unit 412 Processing request unit (P: printer, S: scanner, F: FAX)
413 Virtual machine communication unit 51 Proxy object management unit 52 Proxy object (P: printer, S: scanner, F: FAX)
53 RMI Communication I / F Unit 100 Image Processing Device 110 Controller 111 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
112 Storage device 113 Network I / F
114 External storage I / F (a: recording medium)
120 Operation panel 130 Plotter (image forming unit)
140 Scanner (reading unit)

JP 2003-15870 A

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus in which a standard function of the image processing apparatus and an extended function using the standard function operate on different virtual machines,
A plurality of operation modules for realizing the standard functions;
A communication interface unit that operates on each virtual machine and performs communication between virtual machines common to the plurality of operation modules;
The communication interface unit is
Accepting means for accepting a function execution request on the virtual machine;
A communication means for performing communication between the virtual machines;
Generating means for generating an operation module interface realizing unit that is interposed between the interface of the communication means and the operation module, and realizes the interface of the operation module;
When receiving the execution request for the extended function by the receiving means,
By communication between virtual machines by the communication means,
A second operation module that is generated and operated by the generation unit on another virtual machine from the first operation module interface realization unit that is generated and operated by the generation unit on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request. An image processing apparatus that calls an interface implementation unit and makes an execution request to the operation module of another virtual machine. The generating means includes
By serializing Java (registered trademark) objects,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each virtual machine generates an object of an operation module interface realization unit of the same instance capable of calling a method of the operation module by communication between the virtual machines. In the virtual machine on which the extension function operates,
The communication interface unit
Determination means for determining whether or not the operation module interface realization unit is generated on a virtual machine;
When receiving the execution request for the extended function by the receiving means,
The determination unit determines whether or not the first operation module interface realization unit corresponding to the operation module requested to execute the process is generated,
If it is determined that it has not been generated,
The generation means requests the other virtual machine to acquire an object of the second operation module interface realization unit corresponding to the operation module requested to execute the process, The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is generated as an object of one operation module interface realization unit. In a virtual machine on which the standard function operates,
The communication interface unit
When an acquisition request for an object of the second operation module interface realization unit is received from a virtual machine that has received the execution request for the extended function,
The determination unit determines whether or not the second operation module interface realization unit corresponding to the operation module requested to execute the process is generated,
If it is determined that it has not been generated,
The generation unit generates an object of the second operation module interface realization unit corresponding to the operation module requested to execute the process based on the registration information of the operation module, and the generated object is obtained at the acquisition request source. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus responds to a certain virtual machine. In a virtual machine on which the standard function operates,
The generating means includes
Based on the method name and method parameter of the operation module registered when the communication interface unit is activated, generating an object of the second operation module interface realizing unit corresponding to the operation module requested to execute the process. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4. In an environment in which a standard function of an image processing device and an extended function using the standard function operate on different virtual machines, a plurality of operation modules that realize the standard function, and a plurality of operation modules that operate on each virtual machine, An operation module execution control method between virtual machines in an image processing apparatus having a communication interface unit that performs common inter-virtual machine communication for operation modules,
The communication interface unit is
A reception procedure for receiving a function execution request on the virtual machine;
A communication procedure for performing communication between the virtual machines;
A generation procedure for generating an operation module interface realization unit that is interposed between the interface of the communication means and the operation module, and realizes the interface of the operation module;
When an execution request for the extended function is received by the reception procedure,
By communication between virtual machines according to the communication procedure,
A second operation module that is generated and operated by the generation procedure on another virtual machine from the first operation module interface realizing unit that is generated and operated by the generation procedure on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request. An operation module execution control method that calls an interface realization unit and issues an execution request to the operation module of another virtual machine. In an environment in which a standard function of an image processing device and an extended function using the standard function operate on different virtual machines, a plurality of operation modules that realize the standard function, and a plurality of operation modules that operate on each virtual machine, An operation module execution control program between virtual machines in an image processing apparatus having a communication interface unit that performs common inter-virtual machine communication for the operation modules,
By operating the communication interface unit,
Computer
Accepting means for accepting a function execution request on the virtual machine;
A communication means for performing communication between the virtual machines;
Intervening between the interface of the communication means and the operation module, function as a generation means for generating an operation module interface realization unit for realizing the interface of the operation module;
When receiving the execution request for the extended function by the receiving means,
By communication between virtual machines by the communication means,
A second operation module that is generated and operated by the generation unit on another virtual machine from the first operation module interface realization unit that is generated and operated by the generation unit on the virtual machine that has received the function execution request. An operation module execution control program that calls an interface realization unit and causes an operation request to be issued to the operation module of another virtual machine.

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