JP2012133473A - Workflow processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workflow processing system capable of improving job execution efficiency without generating a job resulting in a critical path even in a structure having the relation between a job and a job executing device of N:M.SOLUTION: A workflow processing system comprises: presence determination means provided in a workflow control device, for determining whether fourth execution validity information is present or not for all selected second execution validity information; and process execution request transmitting means provided in the workflow control device, for transmitting a process execution request for executing a job to a job execution device related to job execution device identifying information included in selected first execution validity information, when the determination result by the presence determination means indicates the presence of the fourth execution validity information.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a workflow processing system.

  Generally, in a workflow processing system, a workflow control device causes a job execution device to execute a job based on workflow definition information defined in advance. In such a workflow processing system, necessary job information indicating resource information necessary for job execution is secured and job pre-processing is executed at the timing when the job execution apparatus becomes ready to execute the job. There is a disadvantage that it takes time to start execution.

  For this reason, a workflow control technique that eliminates such inconvenience has been considered. This workflow control technology sends a start notice to a job execution device capable of executing a job that may be executed after completion of the job being executed, ensures necessary resource information for the job execution device, executes pre-processing, etc. The job execution efficiency is improved by executing the startup preparation process in advance.

  However, such a workflow control technique is inconvenient when the job execution device does not execute the job immediately after receiving the start notice, but takes a long time from when the start notice is received until the job is executed. is there. Specifically, the job execution apparatus that was in a state where the job can be executed at the time of receiving the advance notice actually executes the job due to a change in the usage status of the necessary resource information and / or a change in the configuration of the workflow processing system. There is a disadvantage that the job cannot be executed immediately at the execution timing.

  On the other hand, another workflow control technique that eliminates such inconvenience has been considered. In this workflow control technology, after the job execution device secures necessary resource information, exclusive control that does not allow other job execution devices to use the required resource information is applied during the startup preparation process. However, such a workflow control technique has another disadvantage that the execution efficiency is low.

  In order to eliminate these inconveniences, there is a workflow processing system in which job execution devices are multiplexed so that a plurality of job execution devices can execute jobs. In this way, a configuration in which a plurality of job execution devices capable of executing this job are provided for one job is referred to as “a configuration in which the relationship between the job and the job execution device is N: M (N ≦ M)”. Called.

JP-A-6-309262 JP-A-5-81210

  However, in a workflow processing system in which the relationship between a job and a job execution device is N: M, a plurality of job execution devices execute startup preparation processing for one job, so one of each job execution device. Must be selected as a job execution apparatus for executing the job.

  However, no consideration has been given to this choice. Therefore, inconveniences that may occur due to this selection are not solved. For example, in a workflow processing system in which the relationship between a job and a job execution device is N: M, when a plurality of jobs indicated in the workflow definition information use the same necessary resource information, depending on the selection result of the job execution device, The inconvenience that a job that becomes a “critical path” that delays the start of the execution of the subsequent processing and greatly reduces the job execution efficiency may occur has not been solved.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a workflow processing system that can improve job execution efficiency without generating a job that becomes a critical path even in a configuration in which the relationship between a job and a job execution device is N: M. It is.

  The workflow processing system according to the embodiment includes a plurality of job execution devices and a workflow control device. Each of the job execution devices is connected to a resource information storage device that stores a plurality of resource information including data resources necessary for executing any job. The workflow control device is stored in a workflow definition information storage device that stores workflow definition information. The workflow definition information includes job identification information and necessary resource information. The job identification information is information for identifying a job executed by each job execution device. The necessary resource information is information indicating the resource information necessary for executing a job associated with the job identification information.

  The workflow processing system includes an execution availability information storage unit, an execution availability confirmation unit, an execution availability determination unit, an execution availability information generation unit, an execution availability information transmission unit, an execution availability information writing unit, a first reading unit, and a first selection unit. , Second reading means, third reading means, second selection means, extraction means, repetitive execution control means, presence / absence determination means, and processing execution request transmission means.

  The execution availability information storage means is provided in the workflow control device, and executes the job identification information, job execution device identification information for identifying each job execution device, and a job associated with the job identification information Executeability information including determination result information indicating a determination result determined by each job execution device and availability information indicating the resource information used when each job execution device executes the job is stored. To do.

  The execution feasibility confirmation unit is provided in the workflow control device, and based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device, the execution feasibility confirmation includes the job identification information and the necessary resource information in the workflow definition information. The request is transmitted to each job execution device.

  The execution availability determination unit is provided in each job execution device, and upon receiving the execution availability confirmation request, the necessary resource information in the received execution availability confirmation request and the resource information in the connected resource information storage device Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the job associated with the job identification information in the execution permission confirmation request is executable.

  The execution availability information generating unit is provided in each job execution device, and indicates resource information in the connected resource information storage device, the received execution availability confirmation request, and a determination result by the execution availability determination unit. Based on the determination result information, the execution propriety information is generated.

  The execution availability information transmitting unit is provided in each job execution device, and transmits the generated execution availability information to the workflow control device.

  The executability information writing means is provided in the workflow control apparatus, and when the transmitted executability information is received, the received executability information is written into the executability information storage means.

  The first reading means is provided in the workflow control device, and based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device, job identification information that matches the job identification information in the workflow definition information, and the job identification All the first execution enable / disable information having determination result information indicating that the job associated with the information can be executed is read from the execution enable / disable information storage unit.

The first selection means is provided in the workflow control device, and first selection means (113) for selecting any first execution availability information from the read first execution availability information;
The second reading unit is provided in the workflow control device, and among the execution availability information in the execution availability information storage unit, job execution device identification information or use resource information in the selected first execution availability information All second execution availability information having job execution device identification information or use resource information matching the above is read from the execution availability information storage means.

  The third reading unit is provided in the workflow control device, and among all the execution availability information in the execution availability information storage unit, all the first execution availability information and the second execution availability information are excluded. 3 executability information is read from the executability information storage means.

The second selection means is provided in the workflow control device, and second selection means (113) for selecting any second execution availability information from the read second execution availability information;
The extraction means is provided in the workflow control apparatus, and has a first job identification information having job identification information that matches job identification information in the selected second execution permission information among the read third execution permission information. 4 executability information is extracted.

  The repetitive execution control means is provided in the workflow control apparatus and controls to repeatedly execute the processing from the second selection means to the extraction means for all the read second execution availability information.

  The presence / absence determination unit is provided in the workflow control apparatus, and determines whether the fourth execution permission information is present or not for all the selected second execution permission information.

  The process execution request transmission unit is provided in the workflow control device, and indicates that the result of determination by the presence / absence determination unit is present, the job execution device identification information in the selected first execution capability information A process execution request for executing the job is transmitted to the job execution apparatus associated with the.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the workflow processing system in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the workflow definition information storage device common to each embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the execution availability information storage part common to each embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an execution availability confirmation operation in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the feasibility confirmation process in the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a job execution request operation according to the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a job execution request operation in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the job execution request process in the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the workflow definition information storage device common to each embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the execution availability information storage part common to each embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the workflow processing system in 2nd Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a job execution request operation according to the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a job execution request operation in the same embodiment.

  Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following workflow processing system can be implemented with either a hardware configuration or a combined configuration of hardware resources and software. As the software of the combined configuration, a program installed in advance on a computer from a network or a storage medium, and a program for causing the computer to realize the function of the workflow processing system is used.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a workflow processing system in the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in a workflow definition information storage device common to the embodiments. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the execution availability information storage unit common to the embodiments. In the workflow processing system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the workflow control device 11 is connected to a plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c, and the job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are resource information storage devices 13a and 13b. , 13c. In this embodiment, the job execution device 12a in the workflow processing system 1 is connected to the resource information storage devices 13a and 13c, the job execution device 12b is connected to the resource information storage devices 13b and 13c, and the job execution device 12c is Although it is configured to be connected to the resource information storage device 13c, it is not limited to this.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the workflow control device 11 is connected to a workflow definition information storage device 21 and operates based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device 21. Here, the workflow definition information storage device 21 stores workflow definition information including job identification information and necessary resource information, as shown in FIG. The job identification information indicates identification information for identifying a job executed by any of the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c. The necessary resource information indicates resource information required when each of the job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c executes a job associated with the job identification information. A combination of these job identification information and necessary resource information exists for each job. Although not shown, the workflow definition information also includes execution order information indicating the job execution order. Further, the resource information may include information (not shown) indicating data resources shared by all jobs. In the embodiment, the workflow definition information storage device 21 is not included in the workflow processing system 1, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the workflow definition information storage device 21 is included in the workflow processing system 1 can be applied.

  Here, the workflow control apparatus 11 includes an execution availability information storage unit 111, an execution availability confirmation unit 112, and a process execution request unit 113, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the execution availability information storage unit 111 stores execution availability information including job identification information, job execution apparatus identification information, determination result information, and usage resource information. The job execution device identification information indicates identification information for identifying each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c. The determination result information indicates whether each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c can execute the job associated with the job identification information (whether or not the job can be executed) by using whether or not it can be executed. . Furthermore, the use resource information indicates resource information used when each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c executes the job.

  In accordance with the workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage device 21, the job execution confirmation unit 112 executes each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c executing a job that may be executed after completion of the job being executed. Processing for transmitting an execution feasibility confirmation request for confirming whether or not it is possible to a plurality of job execution apparatuses 12a, 12b, and 12c is executed. Specifically, for example, it has the following functions (f112-1) and (f112-2).

  (f112-1) Based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device 21, an execution permission confirmation request including job identification information and necessary resource information in the workflow definition information is sent to each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c. Executability confirmation function to send.

  (f112-2) An execution availability information writing function for writing the received execution availability information into the execution availability information storage unit 111 when the execution availability information is received from each of the job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c.

  The process execution request unit 113 selects an optimum job execution device from among the job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c by the evaluation algorithm, and sends a process execution request for executing the job to the selected job execution device. Execute the process to send. Specifically, for example, the following functions (f113-1) to (f113-12) are provided.

  (f113-1) Based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device 21, the job identification information that matches the job identification information in the workflow definition information and whether the job associated with the job identification information can be executed. A first reading function for reading all first execution availability information having the determination result information shown from the execution availability information storage unit 111;

  (f113-2) A first selection function for selecting any of the first execution availability information thus read out.

  (f113-3) Among the execution availability information in the execution availability information storage unit 111, the job execution apparatus identification information or usage that matches the job execution apparatus identification information or the usage resource information in the selected first execution availability information A second reading function for reading all second execution availability information having resource information from the execution availability information storage unit 111.

  (f113-4) Executability information storage unit 111 includes all third execution information except for the first execution information and the second execution information among the execution information in execution availability information storage unit 111. Third read function for reading from.

  (f113-5) A second selection function for selecting any second execution availability information from the read second execution availability information.

  (f113-6) All the fourth execution availability information having job identification information that matches the job identification information in the selected second execution availability information among the read third execution availability information. Extraction function to extract.

  (f113-7) Repetitive execution control for controlling to repeatedly execute the processing from the second selection function (f113-5) to the extraction function (f113-6) for all the read second execution feasibility information function.

  (f113-8) A presence / absence determination function that determines whether or not the fourth execution permission information exists for all the selected second execution permission information.

  (f113-9) When indicating that the result of the determination by the presence / absence determination function is present, the job is transferred to the job execution device associated with the job execution device identification information in the selected first execution capability information. A process execution request transmission function for transmitting a process execution request for execution.

  (f113-10) When indicating that the result of the determination by the presence / absence determination function does not exist, the selected first execution permission information and second execution permission information without the fourth execution permission information A function of writing in a memory (not shown) in association with the piece number information indicating the number of pieces.

  (f113-11) From the first reading function (f113-1) to the first selection function (f113-2), the second reading function (f113-3), the third reading function (f113-4), the second selecting function ( f113-5), an extraction function (f113-6), a repeat execution control function (f113-7), and a function for controlling to repeatedly execute the processing up to the existence availability determination function (f113-8).

  (f113-12) First execution availability information associated with the number information having the smallest numerical value indicated by the number information stored in the memory (not shown) is read from the memory, and the read first execution availability information is stored in the read first execution availability information. A function of transmitting a process execution request for executing the job to the job execution apparatus associated with the included job execution apparatus identification information.

  Next, each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c will be described. Since the job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c have the same functional block configuration, the job execution device 12a will be described below as a representative example. The description of each part 121a and 122a of the job execution apparatus 12a of the representative example is made by replacing the subscript “a” of each part 121a and 122a with “b” and “c” as appropriate. It can be read as the description of 12c.

  The job execution device 12a includes an execution availability determination unit 121a and a job execution processing unit 122a.

  When the execution availability determination unit 121a receives the execution availability confirmation request transmitted from the execution availability confirmation unit 112, the job execution apparatus 12a uses the job identification information and necessary resource information included in the received execution availability confirmation request. A process of determining whether or not the job associated with the job identification information can be executed is executed. Specifically, for example, the following functions (f121-1) to (f121-3) are provided.

  (f121-1) Upon receiving the execution feasibility confirmation request transmitted from the execution feasibility confirmation unit 112, based on the received execution feasibility confirmation request and the resource information in the connected resource information storage devices 13a and 13c, A function for determining whether or not a job associated with the job identification information included in the request for confirming execution can be executed.

  (f121-2) The determination result indicating the determination result by the resource information in the connected resource information storage device, the received executability check request, and the executability determination function (the function of (f121-1) described above) An execution availability information generation function that generates execution availability information based on the information.

  (f121-3) An execution availability information transmission function for transmitting the generated execution availability information to the workflow control apparatus 11.

  When the job execution processing unit 122a receives the process execution request transmitted from the process execution request unit 113, the job execution processing unit 122a executes the job execution process associated with the job identification information included in the received process execution request.

  Next, the execution confirmation process of the workflow processing system configured as described above will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 4 and the sequence diagram of FIG.

  First, in the workflow control device 11, the execution availability confirmation unit 112 includes the job identification information j1 and the necessary resource information n1 in the workflow definition information based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device 21. A confirmation request is transmitted to the job execution device 12a (step S1).

  Subsequently, when the execution availability determination unit 121a receives this execution availability confirmation request, the resource information n1 included in the received execution availability confirmation request and the resources stored in the connected resource information storage devices 13a and 13c Based on the information r1 and r3, it is determined whether or not the job associated with the job identification information j1 included in the execution permission confirmation request can be executed (step S2). In this case, the execution availability determination unit 121a is connected to the resource information storage device 13a that stores the resource information r1 required to execute the job associated with the job identification information j1 included in the execution availability confirmation request. Since r1 of the resource information r1 and r2 indicated by the necessary resource information n1 matches the resource information r1 in the resource information storage device 13a, it is determined that the job can be executed. Determination result information “OK” indicating the determination result is generated.

  Next, based on the resource information r1 in the connected resource information storage device 13a, the received execution propriety confirmation request, and the generated determination result information “permitted”, the execution determination unit 121a executes a job. Executability information including identification information “j1”, job execution device identification information “12a”, determination result information “possible”, and usage resource information “r1” is generated (step S3).

  Subsequently, the execution availability determination unit 121a transmits the generated execution availability information to the workflow control device 11 (step S4).

  Thereafter, upon receiving this execution availability information, the execution availability confirmation unit 112 writes the received execution availability information into the execution availability information storage unit 111 (step S5).

  Next, the job execution request operation of the workflow processing system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the sequence diagram of FIG. 7, and the schematic diagrams of FIGS. However, the workflow definition information storage device 21 stores workflow definition information as shown in FIG. 9, and the execution availability information storage unit 111 includes steps based on the workflow definition information of FIG. 9 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the execution availability information written by the execution of S1 to S5 is stored.

  First, in the workflow control device 11, the process execution requesting unit 113 receives job identification information “j1” that matches the job identification information in the workflow definition information based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device 21. The first execution availability information a and b having the determination result information “OK” indicating that the job associated with the job identification information j1 can be executed is read from the execution availability information storage unit 111 (step S11). . This step S11 is a step of acquiring all first execution permission / inhibition information indicating that a job for which a process execution request is made can be executed.

  Subsequently, the process execution requesting unit 113 selects one first execution availability information a or b from the first execution availability information a and b read in step S11 (step S12). In this case, it is assumed that the process execution requesting unit 113 has selected the first execution availability information a. Note that the processes of steps S12 to S18, S20, and S21 are repeatedly executed for each of the first executable information a and b in all the first executable information a and b, unless the process proceeds to step S19.

  Next, the process execution request unit 113 includes the job execution device identification information “12a” or the resource information “r1” in the selected first execution availability information a among the execution availability information in the execution availability information storage unit 111. The second execution availability information d and g having the job execution device identification information “12a” or the resource information “r1” matching “” is read from the execution availability information storage unit 111 (step S13). Step S13 is a step of acquiring the second executable information d, g which has an influence when the first executable information a is adopted. Note that the second execution permission information d, g has an influence on the first execution permission information a because it is the execution permission information d, g using the same job execution device 12a or the same resource information r1.

  Subsequently, the process execution requesting unit 113 removes the first execution availability information a and b and the second execution availability information d and g from the execution availability information in the execution availability information storage unit 111. Are read from the execution information storage unit 111 (step S14). Step S14 is a step of acquiring the third executable information c, e, f, h, i that is not affected when the first executable information a is employed. Note that the third execution permission information c, e, f, h, i is different from the first execution permission information a in whether to use different job execution devices 12b, 12c and different resource information r2, r3. Since the information is c, e, f, h, i, there is no influence.

  Next, the process execution request unit 113 selects one second execution availability information d or g out of the read second execution availability information d and g (step S15). In this case, it is assumed that the process execution requesting unit 113 has selected the second execution availability information d. Note that the processing in steps S15 to S16 is repeatedly executed for each second execution availability information d, g in all the second execution availability information d, g.

  Subsequently, the process execution requesting unit 113 selects the job identification information “j2 in the selected second execution permission information d among the read third execution permission information c, e, f, h, i. The fourth executable information e, f having job identification information “j2” that matches “” is read (step S16). In step S16, when the first execution availability information a is adopted, the third execution availability information c, e, f, h, i having no influence can be replaced with the second execution availability information d having an influence. This is a step of acquiring the fourth executable information e, f.

  Next, the process execution requesting unit 113 determines whether or not the processes of steps S15 and S16 have been executed for all the read second execution availability information, and indicates that the determination result has not been executed. In the case shown, control is performed so that the processes of steps S15 and S16 are repeatedly executed (step S17). In this case, the process execution request unit 113 selects the read second execution availability information g, and among the read third execution availability information c, e, f, h, i, the The fourth executable information h and i having the job identification information “j3” that matches the job identification information “j3” in the selected second executable information g are read.

  If it is indicated in step S17 that the processing in steps S15 and S16 has been executed for all the read second execution propriety information, the process proceeds to step S18.

  Subsequently, the process execution requesting unit 113 determines whether or not the fourth execution enable / disable information exists for the read second execution enable / disable information d and g (step S18). In step S18, when the first execution availability information a is adopted, there is fourth execution availability information e, f, h, i that can be substituted for all the affected second execution availability information d, g. It is a step of determining whether or not to do.

  When the determination result in step S18 indicates that the determination result exists (step S18: “exists”), the process execution request unit 113 includes the job execution device identification information included in the selected first execution permission information a. A process execution request for executing the job is transmitted to the job execution apparatus 12a associated with “12a” (step S19), and the operation in the workflow processing system 1 is terminated. In step S19, when the first execution availability information a is adopted, there is fourth execution availability information e, f, h, i that can be substituted for all the second execution availability information d, g that has an influence. Therefore, the first execution availability information a that has no other influence (or has a low risk of becoming a critical path) is adopted, and the job execution apparatus 12a that is the transmission source of the first execution availability information a executes the process. It is a process of transmitting a request. The determination result “existing” in step S18 also means that the risk of becoming a critical path in the first execution availability information is low.

  When it is indicated that the determination result in step S18 does not exist (step S18: “does not exist”), the process execution request unit 113 receives the first execution availability information a selected in step S12 and the fourth execution. In association with the number information indicating the number of second executable information without the availability information, the information is written in a memory (not shown) (step S20). In step S20, when the first execution availability information is adopted, there is no fourth execution availability information that can be substituted for all the second execution availability information that has an influence. Is the step of recording the degree of influence (= the number of second executable information for which there is no replaceable fourth executable information). Note that the determination result “not present” in step S18 also means that there is a risk of a critical path in the first execution availability information.

  Next, the process execution requesting unit 113 determines whether or not the processes in steps S12 to S18 and S20 have been executed for all the first execution availability information read in step S11, and the determination result is executed. If not, control is performed to repeatedly execute the processes of steps S12 to S18 (step S21). In step S21, when it is shown that the processing in steps S12 to S18 and S20 has been executed for all the first execution permission information read in step S11, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Thereafter, the process execution requesting unit 113 reads the first execution availability information associated with the number information having the smallest numerical value indicated by the number information stored in the memory (not shown), and the read first execution availability A process execution request for executing the job is transmitted to the job execution apparatus associated with the job execution apparatus identification information included in the information (step S22). In step S22, when the first execution availability information is adopted, there is no fourth execution availability information that can be substituted for all the second execution availability information that has an influence. Is adopted, and the first execution availability information having the smallest degree of influence (= the number of second execution availability information for which there is no replaceable fourth execution availability information) is adopted. This is a step of transmitting a processing execution request to the job execution apparatus as the transmission source. Note that the first execution availability information having the smallest influence degree is the execution availability information having a relatively low risk among the first execution availability information having a risk of becoming a critical path.

  The job execution apparatus that has received the process execution request transmitted in steps S19 and S22 executes the job associated with the job identification information in the received process execution request, and then uses the job execution result information as a workflow. It transmits to the control apparatus 11. Further, when the workflow control apparatus 11 receives the execution result information, the workflow control apparatus 11 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1 to S5 and S11 to S22 described above based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device 21.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the configuration including the execution availability confirmation unit 112, the process execution request unit 113, and the execution availability determination units 121a to 121c can be used for a plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c. A job execution confirmation request can be sent when a job that can be executed is generated, execution information according to the job execution confirmation request can be collected, and a plurality of jobs can be created based on the collected execution information. Since the usage status of the resource information storage devices 13a, 13b, and 13c connected to the execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c can be estimated in advance, when a process execution request is actually transmitted to one of the job execution devices, It is possible to select an optimal job execution apparatus that has the least influence on subsequent jobs.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the workflow processing system according to the second embodiment. Unlike the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, a message queue unit is used instead of the process execution request unit 113 of the workflow control device 11. 114, the acquired job execution processing units 124a, 124b, and 124c are provided in place of the job execution processing units 122a, 122b, and 122c of the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c, and the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c shows a configuration in which start availability determination units 123a, 123b, and 123c are further provided.

  Here, the message queue unit 114 in the workflow control apparatus 11 will be described.

  The information stored in the execution availability information storage unit 111 in the workflow control apparatus 11 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, and the function of the execution availability confirmation unit 112 in the workflow control apparatus 11 is described above. Since it is the same as (f112-1) and (f112-2), detailed description is omitted.

  The workflow control apparatus 11 includes an execution availability information storage unit 111, an execution availability confirmation unit 112, and a message queue unit 114.

  The message queue unit 114 executes a process for making a process execution request generated in the workflow control apparatus 11 public to a plurality of job execution apparatuses 12a, 12b, and 12c according to the workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage device 21. . Specifically, for example, the following functions (f114-1) and (f114-2) are provided.

  (f114-1) An execution availability information disclosure function that reads execution availability information from the execution availability information storage unit 111 and publishes the read execution availability information to the job execution apparatuses 12a, 12b, and 12c.

  (f114-2) When the workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage device 21 is received, the process execution request publication for publishing the process execution request including the received workflow definition information to each of the job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c. function.

  Note that the message queue unit 114 makes the messaging between the devices 11 and 12a to 12c reliable by disclosing the execution permission information and the processing execution request so that it can be confirmed from the job execution devices 12a to 12c. .

  Next, the start availability determination units 123a, 123b, 123c and the acquired job execution processing units 124a, 124b, 124c in the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, 12c will be described.

  Since the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c have the same functional block configuration as described above, the job execution device 12a will be described below as a representative example. Regarding the description of each part 121a, 123a, 124a of the job execution apparatus 12a of the representative example, the subscript “a” can be appropriately replaced with “b” and “c”.

  Further, the functions of the execution availability determination units 121a, 121b, and 121c in the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are the same as the above-described (f121-1) to (f121-3), and thus detailed description will be given. Omitted.

  The job execution device 12a includes an execution availability determination unit 121a, a start availability determination unit 123a, and an acquisition job execution processing unit 124a.

  The start availability determination unit 123a has, for example, the following functions.

  (f123-1) All having job identification information that matches the job identification information in the workflow definition information published to the message queue unit 114, and determination result information indicating whether the job associated with the job identification information can be executed A first extraction function for extracting the first execution availability information from the published execution availability information.

  (f123-2) A first selection function for selecting any of the first execution availability information from the extracted first execution availability information.

  (f123-3) Among the execution availability information published to the message queue unit 114, job execution device identification information or usage that matches the job execution device identification information or usage resource information in the selected first execution availability information A second extraction function for extracting all second executable information having resource information from the published executable information.

  (f123-4) Of the execution availability information released to the message queue unit 114, all the third execution availability information except the first execution availability information and the second execution availability information has been released. A third extraction function that extracts from the execution availability information.

  (f123-5) A second selection function for selecting any second execution availability information from the extracted second execution availability information.

  (f123-6) Of the extracted third execution availability information, all the fourth execution availability information having job identification information that matches the job identification information in the selected second execution availability information. Fourth extraction function to extract.

  (f123-7) A function for controlling to repeatedly execute the processes from the second selection function (f123-5) to the fourth extraction function (f123-6) for all the extracted second execution availability information .

  (f123-8) A presence / absence determination function that determines whether or not the fourth execution availability information exists for all the selected second execution availability information. When the determination result by the presence / absence determination function indicates that the determination result is present, the start permission / inhibition determination unit 123a determines that the job process execution for the published process execution request can be started.

  The start availability determination unit 123a may further include the following functions (f123-9) to (f123-9).

  (f123-9) The selected first execution permission information and the number information indicating the number of second execution permission information for which the fourth execution permission information does not exist are associated and written to a memory (not shown). function.

  (f123-10) A function of writing the selected first executability information and the number information in the memory in association with each other when the result of the determination by the presence / absence determination function indicates that the result does not exist.

  (f123-11) From the first extraction function (f123-1) to the first selection function (f123-2), the second extraction function (f123-3), the third extraction function (f123-4), the second selection function ( f123-5), a fourth extraction function (f123-6), a repetitive execution control function (f123-7), and a presence / absence determination function (f123-8).

  (f123-12) The first execution availability information associated with the number information having the smallest numerical value indicated by the stored number information is read from the memory, and the job execution apparatus included in the read first execution availability information A function of acquiring a publicly-executed process execution request when the identification information indicates the own job execution apparatus.

  In addition, although the evaluation algorithm similar to the evaluation algorithm used for the process execution request | requirement part 113 of 1st Embodiment mentioned above is used for the start availability determination part 123a of this embodiment, it is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the same evaluation algorithm is used for each of the start availability determination units 123a, 123b, and 123c. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the evaluation algorithm shown in this embodiment is applied to the start availability determination unit 123a, and an evaluation algorithm different from the evaluation algorithm shown in this embodiment is applied to the start availability determination units 123b and 123c. Is also possible.

  When the acquisition job execution processing unit 124a indicates that the determination result (f123-8) described above exists, the acquisition job execution processing unit 124a executes a process of acquiring a processing execution request disclosed to the message queue unit 114, and the acquired The job associated with the job identification information included in the process execution request is executed.

  Next, the job execution request operation of the workflow processing system configured as described above will be described with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10, the flowchart of FIG. 12, and the sequence diagram of FIG. However, the workflow definition information storage device 21 stores workflow definition information as shown in FIG. 9, and the execution availability information storage unit 111 includes steps based on the workflow definition information of FIG. 9 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the execution availability information written by the execution of S1 to S5 is stored.

  First, the message queue unit 114 reads the execution availability information from the execution availability information storage unit 111, and discloses the read execution availability information to the job execution device 12a (step S31).

  Subsequently, based on the workflow definition information stored in the workflow definition information storage device 21, the message queue unit 114 sends a process execution request including job identification information j1 and necessary resource information n1 in the workflow definition information to the job execution device 12a. (Step S32).

  Next, the start availability determination unit 123a indicates job identification information “j1” that matches the job identification information included in the workflow definition information published in step S32, and whether or not the job associated with the job identification information j1 can be executed. First execution availability information a and b having determination result information “Yes” are extracted from the execution availability information disclosed in step S31 (step S33). The purpose of step S33 is the same as the purpose of step S11 described above. Similarly, the processing of steps S34 to S40, S42, and S43 is repeatedly executed for each first execution permission information a and b in all the first execution permission information a and b, unless the process proceeds to step S41. The

  Subsequently, the start availability determination unit 123a selects one of the extracted first execution availability information a and b (step S34). In this case, it is assumed that the start availability determination unit 123a has selected the first execution availability information a.

  Next, the start availability determination unit 123a includes the job execution device identification information “12a” or the resource information “r1” in the selected first execution availability information a among the execution availability information disclosed to the message queue unit 114. The second execution availability information d and g having the job execution device identification information “12a” or the resource information “r1” that matches “” is extracted (step S35). The purpose of step S35 is the same as the purpose of step S13 described above.

  Subsequently, the start availability determination unit 123a excludes the first execution availability information a and b and the second execution availability information d and g from the execution availability information disclosed to the message queue unit 114. Third execution availability information c, e, f, h, i is extracted (step S36). The purpose of step S36 is the same as the purpose of step S14 described above. Further, the reason why the third execution availability information c, e, f, h, i is not affected is the same as described above.

  Next, the start availability determination unit 123a selects one of the extracted second execution availability information d and g (step S37). In this case, it is assumed that the start availability determination unit 123a has selected the second execution availability information d. Similarly, the processing of steps S37 to S38 is repeatedly executed for each second execution availability information d, g in all the second execution availability information d, g.

  Subsequently, the start availability determination unit 123a selects the same job identification information "" as the selected second execution availability information d among the extracted third execution availability information c, e, f, h, i. The fourth executable information e, f having j2 ″ is extracted (step S38). The purpose of step S38 is the same as the purpose of step S16 described above.

  Next, the start availability determination unit 123a determines whether or not the processing of steps S37 and S38 has been executed for all the extracted second execution availability information, and indicates that the determination result has not been executed. In the case shown, control is performed so that the processes of steps S37 and S38 are repeatedly executed (step S39). In this case, the process execution request unit 123a selects the extracted second execution availability information g, and among the extracted third execution availability information c, e, f, h, i, the The fourth executable information h and i having the same job identification information “j3” as the selected second executable information g are extracted.

  If it is indicated in step S39 that the processing of steps S37 and S38 has been executed for all the extracted second execution availability information, the process proceeds to step S40.

  Subsequently, the start availability determination unit 123a determines whether there is fourth execution availability information for the extracted second execution availability information d and g (step S40). The purpose of step S40 is the same as the purpose of step S18 described above.

  When the determination result of step S40 indicates that the determination result exists (step S40: “exists”), the acquisition job execution processing unit 124a acquires the published processing execution request from the message queue unit 114 (step S41). ), The job associated with the job identification information included in the acquired process execution request is executed. In step S41, when the first execution availability information a is adopted, there is fourth execution availability information e, f, h, i that can be substituted for all the affected second execution availability information d, g. Therefore, this is the step of adopting the first execution availability information a that does not affect others, and the job execution device 12a that is the transmission source of the first execution availability information a obtaining the process execution request.

  On the other hand, when it is indicated that the determination result of step 40 does not exist (step S40: “does not exist”), the start availability determination unit 123a includes the first execution availability information a selected in step S34 and the fourth Is written in a memory (not shown) in association with the piece number information indicating the number of pieces of the second piece of piece of execution information that does not include the execution possibility information (step S42). The purpose of step S42 is the same as the purpose of step S20 described above.

  Next, the start availability determination unit 123a determines whether or not the processing of steps S34 to S40 and S42 has been executed for all the first execution availability information extracted in step S33, and the determination result is executed. If not, control is performed so that the processes of steps S34 to S40 are repeated (step S43). In step S43, when it is indicated that the processes of steps S34 to S40 and S42 have been executed for all the first execution possibility information extracted in step S33, the process proceeds to step S44.

  Thereafter, the start availability determination unit 123a reads the first execution availability information associated with the number information whose numerical value indicated by the number information stored in the memory (not shown) is the smallest, and the read first execution availability When the job execution device identification information included in the information indicates the own job execution device 12a, the acquisition job execution processing unit 124a is activated. When the acquisition job execution processing unit 124a is activated, the acquisition job execution processing unit 124a acquires the published processing execution request from the message queue unit 114 (step S44), and executes the job indicated by the job identification information in the processing execution request. In step S44, when the first executability information is adopted, there is no fourth executability information that can be substituted for all the second executability information that has an influence. Is adopted, and the first execution availability information having the smallest degree of influence (= the number of second execution availability information for which there is no replaceable fourth execution availability information) is adopted. This is a process in which the job execution apparatus of the transmission source acquires a process execution request.

  The job execution apparatus that has acquired the process execution request in step S41 or S44 executes the job associated with the job identification information included in the acquired process execution request, and then transmits the execution result information of the job to the workflow control apparatus. 11 to send.

  In addition, the acquired job execution processing units 124a, 124b, and 124c in the plurality of job execution apparatuses 12a, 12b, and 12c simultaneously perform the process of step S41 described above in response to one processing execution request by the plurality of acquired job execution processing units. The process of step S41 may be controlled based on a constant inquiry interval so that it is executed at an individual timing without being executed. For example, when the acquired job execution processing units 124a, 124b, and 124c in the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c acquire one processing execution request published to the message queue unit 114, the acquired job execution processing unit 124a The process of step S41 is executed 1 second after the process of step S40, the acquisition job execution processing part 124b executes the process of step S41 two seconds after the process of step S40, and the acquisition job execution processing part 124c is the process of step S40. The job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are set in advance to execute the process of step S41 after 3 seconds. Accordingly, the acquired job execution processing units 124a, 124b, and 124c may be controlled to execute the process of step S41 at individual timing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the configuration including the message queue unit 114, the start availability determination units 123a to 123c, and the acquired job execution processing units 124a to 124c includes the execution availability information disclosed to the message queue unit 114. Based on this, each of the plurality of job execution devices 12a, 12b, and 12c can determine whether or not the job can be executed using a unique evaluation algorithm.

  Supplementally, even when each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c is individually managed by a plurality of external business operators, etc., and each business operator has a different operation policy, each job execution device 12a, 12b, 12c follows. With the configuration in which a process execution request is acquired on a first-come-first-served basis when it is determined that there is little influence on a job, an optimal job execution apparatus that has the least influence on subsequent jobs can be determined.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, execution enable / disable information is collected in advance from each job execution device 12a to 12c by an execution enable / disable confirmation request, stored in the execution enable / disable information storage unit 111, and a process execution request is made. Immediately before, all the first execution availability information indicating that the job for executing the process execution request can be executed is acquired from the execution availability information storage unit 111, and the first one of all the first execution availability information is obtained. When the fourth execution availability information e, f, h, i that can be substituted for all the affected second execution availability information d, g is present When the first executable information a that does not affect the information is adopted and there is no substituteable fourth executable information e, f, h, i, the first executable information is used. The first execution availability information that has the least influence The the configuration employing the relationship of the job and the job execution unit N: not cause a job to be critical path even in a configuration in which the M, it is possible to improve the job execution efficiency.

  Note that the methods described in the above embodiments are, as programs that can be executed by a computer, magnetic disks (floppy (registered trademark) disks, hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.), magneto-optical disks. (MO), stored in a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, and distributed.

  In addition, as long as the storage medium can store a program and can be read by a computer, the storage format may be any form.

  In addition, an OS (operating system) running on a computer based on an instruction of a program installed in the computer from a storage medium, MW (middleware) such as database management software, network software, and the like realize the above-described embodiment. A part of each process may be executed.

  Furthermore, the storage medium in each embodiment is not limited to a medium independent of a computer, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

  Further, the number of storage media is not limited to one, and the case where the processing in each of the above embodiments is executed from a plurality of media is also included in the storage media in the present invention, and the media configuration may be any configuration.

  The computer in each embodiment executes each process in each of the above embodiments based on a program stored in a storage medium, and a single device such as a personal computer or a plurality of devices are connected to a network. Any configuration of the system or the like may be used.

  In addition, the computer in each embodiment is not limited to a personal computer, and includes an arithmetic processing device, a microcomputer, and the like included in an information processing device, and is a generic term for devices and devices that can realize the functions of the present invention by a program. Yes.

  In addition, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Workflow processing system, 11 ... Workflow control apparatus, 12a, 12b, 12c ... Job execution apparatus, 13a, 13b, 13c ... Resource information storage apparatus, 21 ... Workflow definition information storage apparatus, 111 ... Execution availability information storage part, 112 ... Executability check unit, 113 ... Process execution request unit, 114 ... Message queue unit, 121a, 121b, 121c ... Execution determination unit, 122a, 122b, 122c ... Job execution processing unit, 123a, 123b, 123c ... Start determination , 124a, 124b, 124c... Acquisition job execution processing unit.

Claims (4)

Identifies a plurality of job execution devices connected to a resource information storage device storing a plurality of resource information including data resources necessary for execution of any job, and a job executed by each job execution device Connected to a workflow definition information storage device that stores workflow definition information including job identification information for executing and the necessary resource information indicating the resource information necessary for executing the job associated with the job identification information. A workflow processing system comprising a workflow control device,
Each job execution device is provided in the workflow control device and determines whether the job identification information, job execution device identification information for identifying each job execution device, and whether or not a job associated with the job identification information can be executed. Executability information storage means for storing executability information including determination result information indicating the determined determination result and use resource information indicating the resource information used when each job execution device executes the job;
Based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device provided in the workflow control device, each job execution device sends an execution permission confirmation request including the job identification information and the necessary resource information in the workflow definition information. Execution feasibility confirmation means to be transmitted to
When each job execution device is provided and receives the execution feasibility confirmation request, the execution feasibility based on the necessary resource information in the received execution feasibility confirmation request and the resource information in the connected resource information storage device An execution determination unit for determining whether to execute the job associated with the job identification information in the confirmation request;
Based on the resource information in the connected resource information storage device provided in each job execution device, the received execution availability confirmation request, and the determination result information indicating the determination result by the execution availability determination means, Executability information generating means for generating the executability information;
Executability information transmission means provided in each of the job execution devices, for transmitting the generated execution availability information to the workflow control device;
Provided in the workflow control apparatus, and upon receiving the transmitted execution availability information, the execution availability information writing means for writing the received execution availability information into the execution availability information storage means;
Based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device provided in the workflow control device, the job identification information that matches the job identification information in the workflow definition information and the job associated with the job identification information First reading means for reading all first execution availability information having determination result information indicating that execution is possible from the execution availability information storage means;
A first selection unit provided in the workflow control device, for selecting any of the first execution enable / disable information read out;
Job execution device identification that is provided in the workflow control device and matches job execution device identification information or use resource information in the selected first execution availability information among the execution availability information in the execution availability information storage means Second read-out means for reading out all second execution availability information having information or use resource information from the execution availability information storage means;
All the third executable information except the first executable information and the second executable information among the executable information stored in the executable information storage means provided in the workflow control device Third reading means for reading from the executability information storage means;
A second selection means provided in the workflow control device, for selecting any second execution availability information from the read second execution availability information;
4th execution availability information which is provided in the said workflow control apparatus, and has job identification information which corresponds to the job identification information in the selected 2nd execution availability information among the read 3rd execution availability information Extracting means for extracting
Repetitive execution control means, which is provided in the workflow control device, and controls to repeatedly execute the processing from the second selection means to the extraction means for all the read second execution availability information;
A presence / absence determination unit that is provided in the workflow control device and determines whether or not the fourth execution permission information is present for all the selected second execution permission information;
A job execution device provided in the workflow control device and indicating that the result of determination by the presence / absence determination unit is present, associated with the job execution device identification information in the selected first execution capability information A workflow processing system comprising: a process execution request transmission unit that transmits a process execution request for executing the job. The workflow processing system according to claim 1,
The workflow control device includes:
A memory for temporarily storing the selected first execution availability information and number information indicating the number of second execution availability information for which the fourth execution availability information does not exist;
Means for writing the selected first execution availability information and the number information in association with each other when the result of the determination by the presence / absence determination means indicates that the result does not exist;
The processes from the first reading means to the first selecting means, the second reading means, the third reading means, the second selecting means, the extracting means, the repeated execution control means, and the presence / absence determining means are repeated. Means to control to execute;
The first execution availability information associated with the number information having the smallest numerical value indicated by the stored number information is read from the memory, and the job execution apparatus identification information included in the read first execution availability information is read out. And a means for transmitting a process execution request for executing the job to the associated job execution apparatus. Identifies a plurality of job execution devices connected to a resource information storage device storing a plurality of resource information including data resources necessary for execution of any job, and a job executed by each job execution device Connected to a workflow definition information storage device that stores workflow definition information including job identification information for executing and the necessary resource information indicating the resource information necessary for executing the job associated with the job identification information. A workflow processing system comprising a workflow control device,
Each job execution device is provided in the workflow control device and determines whether the job identification information, job execution device identification information for identifying each job execution device, and whether or not a job associated with the job identification information can be executed. Executability information storage means for storing executability information including determination result information indicating the determined determination result and use resource information indicating the resource information used when each job execution device executes the job;
Based on the workflow definition information in the workflow definition information storage device provided in the workflow control device, each job execution device sends an execution permission confirmation request including the job identification information and the necessary resource information in the workflow definition information. Execution feasibility confirmation means to be transmitted to
When each job execution device is provided and receives the execution feasibility confirmation request, the execution feasibility based on the necessary resource information in the received execution feasibility confirmation request and the resource information in the connected resource information storage device An execution determination unit for determining whether to execute the job associated with the job identification information in the confirmation request;
Based on the resource information in the connected resource information storage device provided in each job execution device, the received execution availability confirmation request, and the determination result information indicating the determination result by the execution availability determination means, Executability information generating means for generating the executability information;
Execution availability information transmitting means for transmitting the generated execution availability information to the workflow control device;
Provided in the workflow control apparatus, and upon receiving the transmitted execution availability information, the execution availability information writing means for writing the received execution availability information into the execution availability information storage means;
Executability information disclosing means provided in the workflow control device, for reading the execution permission information from the execution permission information storage means, and publishing the read execution permission information to the job execution devices;
Processing execution request publishing means for publishing a processing execution request including the received workflow definition information to each job execution device when the workflow definition information provided in the workflow control device and stored in the workflow definition information storage device is received When,
All provided in each of the job execution devices and having job identification information that matches the job identification information in the published workflow definition information, and determination result information indicating whether the job associated with the job identification information can be executed First extraction means for extracting the first execution availability information from the published execution availability information;
A first selection unit that is provided in each of the job execution devices and that selects any one of the extracted first execution availability information;
Job execution device identification information or usage that is provided in each job execution device and matches the job execution device identification information or resource usage information in the selected first execution availability information among the published execution availability information Second extraction means for extracting all second execution availability information having resource information from the published execution availability information;
All the third execution availability information except the first execution availability information and the second execution availability information among the published execution availability information provided in each of the job execution apparatuses is disclosed. Third extraction means for extracting from the execution availability information;
A second selection unit provided in each of the job execution devices, for selecting any second execution availability information from the extracted second execution availability information;
All the fourth execution information provided in each of the job execution devices and having job identification information that matches job identification information in the selected second execution availability information among the extracted third execution availability information. A fourth extraction means for extracting executable information;
Repetitive execution control means provided in each of the job execution devices, for controlling to repeatedly execute the processing from the second selection means to the fourth extraction means for all the extracted second execution availability information; ,
A presence / absence determining unit that is provided in each of the job execution devices and determines whether or not the fourth execution permission information exists for all of the selected second execution permission information;
A process execution request acquisition unit that is provided in each of the job execution devices and that acquires the published process execution request when the result of the determination by the presence / absence determination unit is present. Workflow processing system. The workflow processing system according to claim 3,
Each of the job execution devices
A memory for temporarily storing the selected first execution availability information and number information indicating the number of second execution availability information for which the fourth execution availability information does not exist;
Means for writing the selected first execution availability information and the number information in association with each other when the result of the determination by the presence / absence determination means indicates that the result does not exist;
Processing from the first extraction means to the first selection means, the second extraction means, the third extraction means, the second selection means, the fourth extraction means, the repetitive execution control means, and the presence / absence determination means Means for repeatedly executing
First execution availability information associated with the number information having the smallest numerical value indicated by the stored number information is read from the memory, and job execution device identification information included in the read first execution availability information is A workflow processing system, further comprising means for acquiring the published processing execution request when showing its own job execution device.

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