JP2012137855A - Device control apparatus, information management apparatus and control method therefor, and device control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device control system which, when a user ID is input in a card reader (specific device) connected to a device server, can execute (start) data transmission/reception between a client PC and a device on a network that are associated with the user ID.SOLUTION: A device control apparatus detects a state change (input of a user ID) in a first device connected to an own apparatus, acquires control information from an information management apparatus on a network based on the user ID acquired from the first device, and generates a connection request command having identification information of a second device included in the control information to transmit the generated connection request command to a client apparatus identified by identification information included in the control information, so as to start data transmission/reception between the client apparatus and the second device on the network.

Description

The present invention relates to a device control apparatus, an information management apparatus, a control method thereof, and a device control system having a function of controlling a device via a network.

With the spread of networks, for example, several implementation methods for making devices such as printers, storages, and scanners available as shared devices from a client PC on the network via a device server have been proposed.

As an implementation method, the present applicant monitors a device connected to the device server, and when detecting a change in the state of the device, notifies the client PC of information indicating this detection (hereinafter referred to as a trigger notification). Therefore, a device control system is proposed in which a session is started between a client PC and a device server, and data can be transmitted and received between the client PC and the device via the device server (see Patent Document 1).

In this device control system, since the device server monitors the device, monitoring (polling) of the device by the client PC is unnecessary, and the device can be used only when the client PC is necessary.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-253395

The present invention further expands and develops the device control system of Patent Document 1 previously proposed by the applicant himself / herself, and a predetermined client PC that has received a trigger notification from the device server via the network is provided on another network. The identification information related to the client PC is returned to the device server, and the device server sends the trigger notification to the client PC specified by the received identification information, so that the trigger notification is received first with the device that has detected the state change. It is an object to execute data transmission / reception not only between a client PC (the predetermined client PC) but also between an arbitrary client PC connected to a network and an arbitrary device.

In order to solve the above problem, the device control apparatus according to claim 1 is based on a trigger detection algorithm and / or a definition file for monitoring a state change of a first device locally connected to the apparatus. When the device monitoring unit that monitors the first device and the device monitoring unit detect a change in the state of the first device, a trigger notification indicating the detection is connected via the network. Acquired by a trigger notification transmission means to be transmitted to the management apparatus, a user ID acquisition means for acquiring a user ID that is unique information for identifying a user from the first device that has detected the state change, and acquired by the user ID acquisition means A user ID transmitting means for transmitting the user ID to the information management device, and a control associated with the user ID. Information including first identification information for identifying a client device connected via a network and second identification information for identifying a second device controlled by the client device Control information acquisition means for acquiring information from the information management apparatus, and second identification information of the control information for the client apparatus identified by the first identification information of the control information acquired by the control information acquisition means A connection request unit that generates and transmits a connection request including the connection request, and a session control unit that starts control of a session with the client device in response to a connection start request from the client device that has received the connection request. It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problem, an information management apparatus according to claim 5 is an information management apparatus connected via a network to a device control apparatus to which a device is locally connected, and Control information associated with a user ID, which is unique information for identifying the client device, first identification information for identifying a client device connected via the network, and control information that is controlled by the client device. A control information storage unit storing control information including second identification information for identifying a second device, and a trigger indicating detection of the state change from the device control apparatus that has detected the state change of the device A trigger notification receiving means for receiving a notification, and the device control according to the trigger notification received by the trigger notification receiving means. Session control means for starting a session with an apparatus, and user ID acquisition means for acquiring a user ID that is unique information for identifying a user from the locally connected device via a session with the device control apparatus And control information search means for searching for control information associated with the user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition means from among control information stored in the control information storage means, and the control information search Control information transmitting means for transmitting the control information to a device control apparatus connected to the device identified by the second identification information of the control information retrieved by the means.

According to the present invention, the device control apparatus acquires control information from the information management apparatus on the network triggered by a state change of a specific device (first device) connected to the own apparatus, and performs the control. Data can be transmitted and received between the client device identified by the identification information included in the information and the device (second device). For example, just holding the card over a card reader connected to the device server A remote client PC connected via a network can be remotely operated by using a mouse or keyboard close to the user.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a device control system according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a user ID list. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the device control system according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the data structure in the packet of a remote connection request. It is a figure which shows the example of application of the device control system of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

<1. Device control system configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of a device control system according to the first embodiment. The information management PC 100, the client PCs 110 (110A and 110B), the device server 200 (200A and 200B), the trigger device 300, and the devices 310 (310A and 310B). ).

The trigger device 300 and the device 310 are connected (locally connected) to the device server 200 with a connection cable 400 that conforms to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. However, it is not limited to USB, and may be based on other interfaces such as IEEE1394. On the other hand, the information management PC 100 and the client PC 110 are connected to the device server 200 via a wired or wireless network 500.

Next, the configuration of each device and device constituting the device control system will be sequentially described.
<2. Configuration of Information Management PC 100>
The information management PC 100 is an example of an embodiment of the “information management apparatus” of the present invention, and a CPU, an input unit, a display unit, a memory, a communication unit, an external storage unit, and the like are connected by an internal bus. It is a device capable of communicating with the device server 200 via the network 500, and is characterized by having monitoring information and control information described later.

The external storage unit stores software components such as an application program, an OS (not shown), a control program 101, a device driver 102, a virtualization control unit 103, and a communication control unit 104, and various data are stored in the data storage unit 105. Stored in These software components and various data are read out on the memory and various controls are executed under the control of the CPU.

The control program 101 is a software component that controls the trigger device 300, and (1) a function of acquiring device individual information for identifying an individual device (hereinafter referred to as “device”) locally connected to the device server 200. (2) A function for identifying the “device” model or the like based on individual device information, and (3) a unique device driver 102 and virtualization control unit 103 required for data transmission / reception with the trigger device 300 (4) a function for instructing the communication control unit 104 to start / disconnect a session with the device server 200, and (5) a session with the device server is started. Using the device driver 102 and the virtualization control unit 103 to send and receive data to and from the trigger device 300 And a control functionality.

Furthermore, (6) a function for acquiring a “user ID” (described later) from the trigger device 300 in response to reception of a trigger notification (described later) from the device server 200, and (7) a function corresponding to the model of the trigger device 300 Function for selecting definition file 106 and trigger detection algorithm 107 from data storage unit 105, (7) “ID information” (described later) from user ID list 108 (described later) based on “user ID” ) (8) A function for instructing transmission of information (data) selected / searched by the functions (6) and (7) described above.

The device driver 102 converts the data into data in a data format (hereinafter referred to as a control command) corresponding to the trigger device 300 according to an instruction from an application program, OS, control program 101 (hereinafter referred to as upper layer software program), and this control. This is a software component that sends a command to the virtualization control unit 103 and notifies the upper layer software program of a response to the control command.

The virtualization control unit 103 converts the data input / output request converted into the control command by the device driver 103 into packet data (hereinafter referred to as USB data) conforming to the USB data format, and is sent from the communication control unit 104. A software component that converts USB data into a data format similar to that of a control command and sends the data to the device driver 103. In addition, a function for simulating the same behavior as when the trigger device 300 is directly connected (locally connected) to the information management PC 100 in response to a data transmission / reception request to the trigger device 300 (hereinafter referred to as virtualization control) is provided. Software parts. By this “virtualization control”, data can be transmitted and received in the same state as when the trigger device 300 is locally connected.

The communication control unit 104 performs conversion processing between “USB data” sent via the virtualization control unit 103 and “network packet” when communicating with the device server 200 via the network 500. 200 is a software component that controls data transmission / reception to / from 200. Further, in response to a data transmission / reception request from the upper layer software program or the device driver 102 transmitted via the virtualization control unit 103, the session start / disconnection control with the device server 200 is performed.

The data storage unit 105 stores various data such as a definition file 106, a trigger detection algorithm 107, and a user ID list 108 described below.

The definition file 106 is a data file that stores instructions and information necessary for the trigger detection algorithm 107 when the device server 200 monitors the trigger device 300.

The trigger detection algorithm 107 is a program code in which an execution procedure for monitoring the trigger device 300 in the device server 200 and detecting a change in its state is described. By reading the definition file 106, the trigger detection algorithm 107 is read according to this execution procedure. The monitoring process of the trigger device 300 (hereinafter referred to as trigger detection process) is performed.

The definition file 106 and the trigger detection algorithm 107 are a set of “monitoring information” (monitoring program) for monitoring the trigger device 300, and differ depending on the model of the trigger device 300. Therefore, the information management PC 100 stores one or more definition files 106 and one or more trigger detection algorithms 107 in order to support various types of trigger devices 300. FIG. 1 shows a state in which definition files 106 and trigger detection algorithms 107 for N models (N: integer) are stored.

The user ID list 108 includes a user ID, which is unique information for specifying a user, and identification information (apparatus information, device ID, device ID) for identifying the client PC 110, the device 310, and the device server 200 to which the device 310 is connected. “Control information” (hereinafter referred to as “ID information”) associated with destination information and the like is registered.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the user ID list 108, which includes a user ID list size, the number of registered user IDs, and ID information (1 to N pieces). The user ID list size is the data size of the entire list, and the number of registered user IDs is information indicating the number of ID information registered in the list. Each ID information (1 to N) is information in which “user ID”, “PC information”, and “device identification information” described below are associated with each other.

“User ID” is, for example, a unique ID of a recording medium such as an ID card, a unique ID assigned to a user, or a combination of these. If it is unique information for identifying a user, these It is not limited to. “PC information” is identification information (first identification information) including destination information (IP address, subnet mask, etc.) for identifying the client PC 110 that controls the device 310. “Device identification information” includes “apparatus information” (vendor ID, product ID, serial number, etc.) for identifying an individual device 310 to be controlled by the client PC 110, and the device server 200 to which the device 310 is connected. Identification information (second identification information) including “device server information” such as destination information (MAC address or the like) for identifying the device.

The “ID information” registered in the user ID list 108 can be updated (added / changed / deleted) by connecting a portable storage medium to the information management PC 100 or accessing via the network. It is.

<3. Configuration of Client PC 110>
The client PC 110 (100A, 100B) is an example of an embodiment of the “client device” of the present invention. A CPU, an input unit, a display unit, a memory, a communication unit, an external storage unit, and the like are connected via an internal bus. This is an apparatus capable of communicating with the device server 200 via the device 500. It has the same function as the information management PC 100 described above, and the difference in its configuration is that “monitoring information” and “control information” are not stored (held) in the external storage unit.

The external storage unit stores software components such as an application program and OS (both not shown), a control program 111, a device driver 112, a virtualization control unit 113, and a communication control unit 114, and is stored in the memory according to the control of the CPU. It is read and various controls are executed. It has the same configuration as each software component (control program 101, device driver 102, virtualization control unit 103, communication control unit 104) of the information management PC 100 described above, definition file 106, trigger detection algorithm 107, user ID list Since only the points that do not have 108 are different, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described below.

The control program 111 of the client PC 110 is a software component that controls the device 310. Upon receiving a “connection request” (described later) from the device server 200, the control program 111 is necessary for data transmission / reception with the device 310 to be controlled based on this. The device driver 112 and the virtualization control unit 113 are uniquely identified, and are dynamically generated and activated. Subsequently, the communication control unit 114 starts a session with the device server 200 and uses the device driver 112 and the virtualization control unit 113, so that the device 310 is connected to the device 310 via the device server 200. Control data transmission and reception. Further, since data such as the definition file 106, the trigger detection algorithm 107, and the user ID list 108 are not held, control using these data is not performed.

<4. Configuration of Device Server 200>
The device server 200 (200A, 200B) is an example of an embodiment of a “device control apparatus” in the present invention. A CPU, a memory, a communication unit, a USB interface, an external storage unit, and the like are connected via an internal bus, and the network 500 The device is capable of communicating with the information management PC 100 and the client PC 110 via the communication cable 100 and transmitting / receiving data to / from the trigger device 300 and the device 310 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “device”) that are locally connected by the connection cable 400.

In the external storage unit, software components such as an OS (not shown), a communication control unit 201, and a device control unit 202 are stored, and various data are stored in the data storage unit 203. These software components and various data are read out on the memory and various controls are executed under the control of the CPU.

The communication control unit 201 controls (starts and disconnects) a session with the information management PC 100 and the client PC 110 connected via the network 500 according to the control of the OS, and communicates with the information management PC 100 and the client PC 110. Conversion processing between “network packet” and “USB data” transmitted / received between the trigger device 300 and the device 310, and in cooperation with the device control unit 202, between the information management PC 100 and the trigger device 300 and the client PC 110 This is a functional unit for mediating (relaying) data transmission / reception between devices 310.

The device control unit 202 is a functional unit for controlling the “device”. In addition, the device individual information 204, the definition file 205, the trigger detection algorithm 206, and the ID information are acquired via the communication control unit 201, and the process described below is executed based on the acquired information (data). It has the function of.

(1) Function for transmitting device individual information 204 acquired from “device” to information management PC 100, (2) Function for receiving (acquiring) definition file 106 / trigger detection algorithm 107 from information management PC 100, (3) Definition file When a “trigger detection process” is executed to monitor (polling) the trigger device 300 at regular intervals using 205 and a trigger detection algorithm 206 (described later), and a state change is detected, information indicating the detection (hereinafter, trigger notification) ) Is transmitted to the information management PC 100, (4) “User ID” is acquired from the trigger device 300, is transmitted to the information management PC 100, and “ID information” (described later) corresponding to the “user ID” is transmitted. ), (5) the user ID included in the “ID information” and the trigger device 300 (6) A function of collating with “user ID”, (6) “connection request” (described later) including “device identification information” in “ID information” is generated, and “PC information” in the “ID information” "Is transmitted to the client PC 110 identified by"

The data storage unit 203 stores various data such as device individual information 204, a definition file 205, a trigger detection algorithm 206, and ID information 207 described below.

The device individual information 204 is information for identifying the “device” for each individual, and for identifying the vendor ID (VID) and model assigned to each manufacturer that manufactured the device to identify the manufacturer. A product ID (PID) assigned for each model, a serial number assigned to each device in order to identify an individual device, and the like. This information is acquired from the “device” by the device control unit 202 when the “device” is connected.

The definition file 205 and the trigger detection algorithm 206 are information necessary for monitoring (polling) the trigger device 300 connected to the device server 200 itself, and are acquired from the information management PC 100 based on the device individual information 204. The combination corresponding to the model of the trigger device 300 is selected from the N definition files 106 and the trigger detection algorithm 107 stored in the data storage unit 105 of the information management PC 100. The number of combinations to be selected Is not limited to one, and may be plural. Since the definition file 106 and the trigger detection algorithm 107 described above are selected, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The ID information 207 is information acquired from the information management PC 100 based on the “user ID” acquired from the trigger device 300. Since the ID information is selected from the user ID list 108 stored in the data storage unit 105 of the information management PC 100 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

At least one device control apparatus having the above-described configuration may be installed in the device control system of the present invention. In this embodiment, this corresponds to the device server a200A shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the device server b200B is not connected to the trigger device 300, the functions (1) to (6) of the device control unit 202 described above do not operate or do not have the same function. Will be described.

<5. Configuration of Trigger Device 300>
The trigger device 300 is an example of an embodiment of the “first device” according to the present invention. The trigger device 300 has a USB interface and includes a user ID acquisition unit (function) for acquiring a “user ID”. It is. The “user ID” is acquired by a method in which the user manually performs an input operation, a portable recording medium on which the user ID is recorded is connected to or brought into contact with the device, or is brought close to (holds), but is not limited thereto. Is not to be done.

For example, when the trigger device 300 is a device such as a card reader, when the IC card is held over and the card reader executes a reading process, the operation of the reading process is detected by the device server 200 as a change in the state of the device, The information management PC 100 is notified.

Here, the state change of the trigger device 300 is a change in the operation state of the device, that is, a card reading operation (acquisition of a user ID) has been performed on the card reader, or an operation button has been pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to these.

<6. Configuration of Device 310>
The device 310 (310A, 310B) is a general-purpose input / output device (device) having a USB interface. For example, input devices such as keyboards and mice, display (output) devices such as displays, single function peripherals (SFP) such as printers, or scan functions, copy functions, and storage functions in addition to print functions These are multifunction peripherals (MFPs) that combine these functions. However, it is not limited to these, and another device may be used. The device 310 may be a device having the function (configuration) of the trigger device 300 described above.

The device server 200, the trigger device 300, and the device 310 described above have been described as separate apparatuses and devices. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the device server 200 is referred to as the trigger device 300 or the device 310. It is good also as an integral structure.

<7. Outline sequence of device control system>
Next, an operation sequence of the above-described device control system will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process until data transmission / reception is performed between the client PC 110 and the device 310 (310A or 310B) triggered by detection of a state change in the trigger device 300.

<7-1. Operation until trigger detection processing starts>
When the “device” is connected, the device server a 200 </ b> A acquires the device individual information of the “device” and stores it as the device individual information 204 in the data storage unit 203 (timing T <b> 301 and T <b> 302).

At this time, it is determined whether or not a serial number is stored in the acquired device individual information. If the serial number is not stored, unique information (for example, a MAC address) of the device server a200A and a trigger device By generating unique information corresponding to the serial number from the unique information (for example, port number, etc.) of the port to which the 300 is connected, and adding it to the device individual information, the same model that does not store the serial number is connected. Even if it is done, it can be identified.

The control program 101 of the information management PC 100 transmits a search packet to the device server a200A via the communication control unit 104 in order to confirm the “device” locally connected to the device server a200A. For example, a search (inquiry) to the device server a200A is performed using a protocol such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol). When receiving the search packet, the device server a 200 </ b> A transmits the device individual information 204 stored in the data storage unit 203 to the information management PC 100.

When the control program 101 of the information management PC 100 acquires the device individual information 204 from the device server a 200 </ b> A, the “device” is determined by the vendor ID (VID), product ID (PID), serial number, etc. included in the device individual information 204. Perform identification processing. As a result of the identification processing, when the “device” is the trigger device 300, software such as the device driver 102 and the virtualization control unit 103 based on the information for identifying the individual included in the device individual information 204 The parts are uniquely identified, and are sequentially dynamically generated and activated (timing T303, T304). With these software components, virtualization control can be performed with the trigger device 300.

In addition, the control program 101 of the information management PC 100 is a definition file corresponding to the model of the trigger device 300 identified based on the device individual information 204 from the definition file and trigger detection algorithm stored in the data storage unit 105. 106, the trigger detection algorithm 107 is specified.

Then, an installation packet including the specified definition file 106 and trigger detection algorithm 107 is generated, a session is started with the device server a200A by the communication control unit 104, and the generated installation packet is transmitted to the device server a200A. In response to this (timing T305, T306).

If the session cannot be started for some reason such as no response (timeout) or connection refusal, the device server a200A issues an error process (for example, notifies the trigger device 300 of an error, and alarms in its own device). Notification etc.) is executed and the process is terminated.

When the device server a200A receives the installation packet, the device server a200A installs the definition file 106 and the trigger detection algorithm 107 included in the packet, and stores them in the data storage unit 203 as the definition file 205 and the trigger detection algorithm 206, respectively (timing T307). . After transmitting the installation packet, the control program 101 of the information management PC 100 causes the communication control unit 104 to disconnect the session with the device server a200A (timing T308).

Note that when the control program 101 of the information management PC 100 identifies that the device is a “device” other than the trigger device 300 as a result of the identification processing based on the device individual information 204, the software component generation processing is not executed.

<7-2. Trigger detection process>
The device control unit 202 of the device server a 200 </ b> A starts trigger detection processing (monitoring processing) of the trigger device 300 using the definition file 205 and the trigger detection algorithm 206 stored in the data storage unit 203.

The device control unit 202 of the device server a 200 </ b> A detects a change in the state of the trigger device 300 (for example, when an input (acquisition) operation of “user ID” is performed), and detects this as a change in the state of the device. Is transmitted to the information management PC 100 via the communication control unit 201 (timing T309, T310).

When receiving the trigger notification from the device server a200A, the control program 101 of the information management PC 100 causes the communication control unit 104 to start a session with the device server a200A and obtains a “user ID” from the trigger device 300 via the device server a200A. Obtained (timing T311, T312). Based on this “user ID”, the user ID list 108 stored in the data storage unit 105 is searched, and the corresponding “ID information” is transmitted to the device server a 200A (timing T313). If the corresponding “ID information” is not found even after searching the user ID list 108, information indicating “not applicable” is notified to the device server a200A.

Upon receiving the “ID information” from the information management PC 100, the device server a200A stores it as ID information 207 in the data storage unit 203 (timing T314). After transmitting the “ID information”, the control program 101 of the information management PC 100 causes the communication control unit 104 to disconnect the session with the device server a200A (timing T315).

If the session cannot be started for some reason such as no response (timeout) or connection refusal, the device server a200A notifies the error processing (for example, an error notification to the trigger device 300 from the own device). Etc.) and the process is terminated.

<7-3. Data transmission / reception between client PC and device (1)>
The device control unit 202 of the device server a 200 </ b> A generates a “connection request” based on the acquired “ID information”, and identifies the “connection request” by the “PC information” stored in the ID information 207. (Timing T316).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of a “connection request” packet transmitted from the device server a 200 </ b> A to the client PC 110. The header portion includes “signature data” for identifying the protocol of this system, “message size” indicating the data size of the packet, and “command ID” indicating a connection request to the client PC 110. Stored. In the data portion, “device information” (“vendor ID”, “product ID”, “serial number”) included in “device identification information” of the ID information 207 and “device server information” are stored. Here, “device information” of the device a 310A and “device server information” of the device server a 200A to which the device a 310A is connected are stored.

When receiving the “connection request” from the device server a 200 </ b> A, the control program 111 of the client PC a 110 </ b> A identifies the device and device server to be controlled based on the “device identification information” stored in the “connection request”. Here, information of the device a 310A is stored as “apparatus information”, and information of the device server a 200A is stored as “device server information”.

Then, software components (device driver 112, virtualization control unit 113, etc.) necessary for controlling the device a 310A identified by the “device information” are generated (timing T317). This software component generation / activation enables virtualization control for the device a 310A.

Subsequently, the client PC a 110A sends a connection start request to the device server a 200A identified by “device server information” to start a session, and transmits / receives data to / from the device a 310a via the device server a 200A (control / Process) is executed (timing T318, T319). When the communication control unit 104 of the client PC a 110A detects the completion of data transmission / reception (for example, detection of the user's end operation), the session with the device server a 200A is disconnected (timing T320).

If the session cannot be started for some reason such as no response (timeout) or connection refusal, the device server a200A issues an error process (for example, notifies the trigger device 300 of an error, and alarms in its own device). Notification etc.) is executed and the process is terminated.

As described above, the device server 200 (200A) corresponding to the device control apparatus of the present invention is triggered by the input of the user ID to the trigger device 300 connected to the own apparatus, on the network associated with the user ID. Data transmission / reception can be executed (started) between the desired (arbitrary) client PC 110 and the desired (arbitrary) device 310.

<7-4. Data transmission / reception between client PC and device (2)>
Further, the device server a200A can execute data transmission / reception between the client PCb 110B and the device b 310B shown in FIG.

In this case, the ID information 207 acquired from the information management PC 100 by the device server a 200A at the timing T313 in FIG. 3 described above includes “PC information” of the client PC b 110B and “device information” of the device b 310B that is “device identification information”. The “device server information” of the device server b200B is stored.

The device server a 200 </ b> A stores a “connection request” in which “device information” of the device b 310 </ b> B and “device server information” of the device server b 200 </ b> B are stored for the client PC b 110 </ b> B identified by “PC information” stored in the ID information 207. Is transmitted (timing T321).

The client PCb 110B generates a software component (device driver 112, virtualization control unit 113, etc.) of the device b 310B identified by the “device information” of the received “connection request”, and the device server b 200B identified by the “device server information”. By starting a session between the client PC b 110B and the device b 310b, data transmission / reception is performed via the device server b 200B. When the data transmission / reception is completed, the client PCb 110B disconnects the session (timing T322 to T325).

As described above, the device server 200 (200A) of the present invention can execute (start) data transmission / reception between the device b 310B connected to the device server b 200B other than its own device and the client PC b 110B. .

It is also possible to control a plurality of devices with a single client PC, or allow a plurality of client PCs to control different devices.

For example, the ID information [2] shown in FIG. 2 is “ID information” for controlling the device a 310A and the device b 310B connected to different device servers 200A and 200B by the client PC a 110A (one unit), respectively. “PC information” of the client PCa 110A is associated with one “user ID”, and “device information” of the two devices 310 (310A, 310B) are associated with this “PC information”. Is associated with “device server information” of the device server 200 (200A, 200B) that is the connection destination.

Also, the ID information [3] shown in FIG. 2 is an example of “ID information” when each client PC controls a device connected to a different device server, and corresponds to one “user ID”. The “PC information” of the two client PCs 110 (110A, 100B) is associated, the “device information” of the device 310 (310A, 310B) to be controlled is associated with each “PC information”, and further, Is associated with “device server information” of the device server 200 (200A, 200B) that is the connection destination.

As described above, by changing the “PC information” and “device identification information” associated with the “user ID”, the combination of the client PC and the device connected to the network is changed to realize various processes / controls. be able to.

For example, by using different IC cards with different “user IDs”, it is possible to specify a combination of a client PC and a device according to the purpose and execute desired processing / control.

Further, by associating a plurality of “PC information” and “device identification information” with “ID information”, it becomes possible to select or switch a client PC or device.

For example, a display / selection function is provided in which information (name and the like) of the client PC and device identified by “ID information” is displayed on the device server 200 and the device 310, and the user selects a switching target. As another method, when registering “ID information”, the client PC 110 and the device 310 that start data transmission / reception are first designated (set), and after the data transmission / reception is started, the device server 200 or It is also possible to send a selection / switching request to the client PC 110 according to an instruction (operation) from the device 310, and to control the selection / switching according to this request.

It should be noted that “PC information” and “device identification information” of the client PC 110 and device 310 serving as an alternative destination are associated with “ID information” in preparation for the case where data transmission / reception cannot be performed by the desired client PC 110 and device 310. When the occurrence of an error is detected, it is also possible to execute an instruction (operation) from the device server 200 or the device 310 or to automatically select / switch to an alternative destination.

<8. Application example of device control system>
FIG. 5 includes an information management PC 100, client PC 110, device server 200, card reader 300 a, input device 311, display device 312, and output device 313. This is because the device server a200A in the device control system of FIG. 1 is replaced with the device server 200, the trigger device 300 is replaced with the card reader 300a, and the device a 310A is replaced with three devices (input device 311, display device 312 and output device 313). It is a configuration. Unlike FIG. 1, the information management PC 100 and the client PC 110 are not connected to the same network 500 as the device server 200 but are connected to an external network 600 (for example, the Internet) via the network 500.

Except for being connected to the external network 600, the configuration, function, and connection form of each device and device are the same as those described in FIG. 1, and the input device 311 is a keyboard or mouse. The display device 312 is a display, and the output device 313 is a general-purpose device such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

<8-1. System outline sequence>
Next, the sequence of the device control system in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, but overlapping portions will be described in a simplified manner. Here, the description will be made assuming that the client PC 110 performs data transmission / reception (connection) with all three devices (the input device 311, the display device 312, and the output device 313).

<8-2. Trigger detection process>
The sequence is the same as the timing T301 to T308 in FIG. 3 until the trigger detection process starts, and the device server 200 uses the definition file 205 and the trigger detection algorithm 206 acquired from the information management PC 100 to trigger the card reader 300a. Detection processing (monitoring processing) is executed (timing T301 to T308).

<8-3. Trigger detection>
Here, when the ID card is held over the card reader 300a, a user ID reading process is executed. The device server 200 detects this as a state change, and transmits a trigger notification to the information management PC 100 (timing T309, T310).

When receiving the trigger notification, the information management PC 100 starts a session with the device server 200 and acquires the “user ID” read by the card reader 300 a via the device server 200. Then, the user ID list 108 is searched based on this “user ID”, the corresponding “ID information” is transmitted to the device server 200, and then the session is disconnected. (Timing T310-T315). Note that “device identification information” of three devices (input device 311, display device 312, output device 313) is associated with “ID information”.

If the session cannot be started for some reason, such as no response (timeout) or connection refusal, the device server 200 issues an error process (for example, notifies the trigger device 300 of an error, alarms in its own device) Notification etc.) is executed and the process is terminated.

<8-4. Data exchange between client PC and device>
The device server 200 generates a “connection request” and transmits (issues) it to the client PC 110 identified by the “PC information” included in the ID information 207 received from the information management PC 100 (timing T316).

The client PC 110 generates software components (device driver 112, virtualization control unit 113, etc.) necessary for virtualization control of the device 310 identified by the “device information” included in the received “connection request” ( Timing T317). Since “device information” of three devices (input device 311, display device 312, output device 313) is stored in “connection request”, three software components (not shown) are generated. The

Next, the client PC 110 starts a session via the device server 200 identified by the “device identification information” stored in the “connection request”, the external network 600, and the network 500, and each software component (not shown). Thus, data can be transmitted / received to / from three devices (input device 311, display device 312, and output device 313) via the device server 200 (timing T 319).

Here, for example, the input device 311 (keyboard or mouse or the like) is operated to execute a desired process using an application program (not shown) in the client PC 110, and the execution result is displayed on the display device 312 (display). Or processing / control (data transmission / reception) such as output to an output device 313 (such as a printer or a multifunction device). Then, when a termination operation is performed with the input device 311 (such as a keyboard or a mouse), the client PC 110 disconnects the session and the data transmission / reception is terminated (timing T320).

In the device control system of the present invention, a desired (arbitrary) client PC connected to the network and the device can be used in combination, and therefore, via the external network 600 (for example, the Internet) as described above. Configuration is also possible, and the system can be constructed flexibly.

As another embodiment, when the device control system of the present invention is applied to a video conference system, a device connected to the device server 200 described in FIG. 5 includes a camera, a microphone (input device 311), and a display (display device 312). If the device server 200 and the card reader 300a are installed in remote locations, all the necessary devices are mounted on the device server 200 simply by holding the ID card over the card reader 300a in each location. Since data communication is possible between bases, the system can be set up easily.

Furthermore, the device control system of the present invention can also be configured using cloud computing (hereinafter, cloud) technology. A cloud is a concept that combines resources such as services and storage to form a single resource that can be used through a network such as the Internet without the user being aware of the location of the resource. It is. Hereinafter, a collection of hardware / software resources that can be accessed via a network is defined as “cloud” and described.

When the “cloud” is used to configure the device control system of the present invention, a function (service) corresponding to the information management PC 100 described in FIG. 1 is introduced (constructed) in the “cloud”. Further, the device server 200, the trigger device 300, the device 310, and the client PC 110 are connected (arranged) in a desired form on a network for connecting to the “cloud”. Then, by registering “ID information” in the “cloud” (equivalent to the information management PC 100), a system equivalent to the embodiment (FIG. 1) can be realized. By using the “cloud”, devices and devices can be arbitrarily arranged on the network, so that the system can be flexibly configured (changed / expanded).

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments described below are also possible, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

<Maintaining user ID lists by multiple device servers>
A configuration in which a plurality of device servers 200 hold the user ID list 108 stored in the data storage unit 105 of the information management PC 100 is also possible. In this case, each device server 200 holds the same user ID list, or each device server 200 holds only “ID information” related to the device 310 connected to the own device as the user ID list. The information management PC 100 manages (holds) only the “user ID”.

Then, the information management PC 100 only collates the “user ID” acquired from the trigger device 300 and returns the collation result to the corresponding device server 200. When the collation result of the “user ID” in the information management PC 100 is normal, the device server 200 refers to the user ID list held by the own device and follows the “ID information” corresponding to the “user ID”. Data transmission / reception between the client PC 110 and the device 310 is executed.

<Another method for obtaining (installing) definition files / algorithms>
The device server 200 may acquire the definition file and the trigger detection algorithm not from the information management PC 100 but from a portable storage medium.

<If you already have a definition file / algorithm>
Further, when the trigger device 300 of the same model has been connected before, the device server 200 acquires and stores (installs) the corresponding definition file and trigger detection algorithm again. It does not have to be. Further, the information management PC 100 may be notified that the definition file and the trigger detection algorithm need not be transmitted.

<When there are multiple trigger notification destinations>
A system configuration in which a plurality of information management PCs 100 are arranged is also possible. In this case, the device server 200 transmits a trigger notification to a plurality of information management PCs 100 and connects to the trigger device 300 (data transmission / reception) with respect to the information management PC 100 that has transmitted the session connection start request first. ). Alternatively, control may be performed so that only an arbitrary number of information management PCs 100 that have transmitted connection start requests are permitted to connect to the trigger device 300. In addition, when one specific information management PC 100 cannot receive the trigger notification due to power-off or failure, it is controlled to transmit the trigger notification using another information management PC 100 as an alternative destination. Also good.

<About definition file and trigger detection algorithm>
The information management PC 100 in FIG. 1 stores both the definition file 106 corresponding to the trigger device 300 and the trigger detection algorithm 107, and the device server 200 receives the definition file 106 and the trigger detection algorithm 107 from the information management PC 100. Although the method (configuration) is described, the following method (configuration) is also possible.

(1) The necessary trigger detection algorithm 107 is stored in the device server 200 in advance, and only the definition file 106 is stored in the information management PC 100. In this case, the device server 200 receives from the information management PC 100 only the definition file 106 corresponding to the model of the trigger device 300 specified by the device information.

For example, access to the device server 200 is restricted due to software / hardware specifications / design, system operation / management reasons, etc., and trigger detection algorithm (program code) is received and executed This configuration can be applied when (or installation) is not possible. This configuration has an advantage that the trigger detection algorithm (program code) is stored in the device server in advance, so that tampering is difficult.

(2) The device server 200 acquires a necessary trigger detection algorithm or definition file from the information management PC 100 or the like only when the trigger detection algorithm or definition file corresponding to the specified model of the trigger device 300 is not held. You may do it.

Furthermore, the device server 200 or the information management PC 100 may manage the trigger detection algorithm and the definition file to determine whether or not these additions / updates are necessary. With such a configuration, the device server 200 can acquire all or part of the trigger detection algorithm and the definition file only when the necessity for addition / update occurs.

Further, as in the above-described embodiment, the device server 200 does not receive the trigger detection algorithm or definition file from the information management PC 100, but the device server 200 accesses the information management PC 100 and downloads (acquires) it. May be. In this case, the information management PC 100 only has to notify the device server 200 that the corresponding trigger detection algorithm and definition file are held.

By associating a plurality of definition files with one trigger detection algorithm described above, a plurality of trigger devices 300 can be linked and controlled. For example, when the device A and the device B are controlled in cooperation, it is possible to perform control such that the operation of the device A is started after receiving the trigger notification from both devices.

Note that the present invention is also applicable to a case where a plurality of trigger devices 300 of different models are connected to the device server 200. In this case, the device server 200 stores a definition file and a trigger detection algorithm corresponding to each device for each model (a plurality of sets are stored). Then, trigger detection processing is executed based on a combination of a trigger detection algorithm and a definition file suitable for each device, and a state change for each trigger device 300 can be detected.

Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus. This can also be achieved by reading the program code stored in the storage medium and executing the processing.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. .

Further, an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. You may do it.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. In some cases, the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit executes part or all of the actual processing, and the above-described embodiment is realized according to the processing.

In order to supply the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk represented by CD or DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. Can do. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

100: Information management PC
101: Control program 102: Device driver 103: Virtualization control unit 104: Communication control unit 105: Data storage unit 106: Definition file 107: Trigger detection algorithm 108: User ID list 110 (110A, 110B): Client PC
111: Control program 112: Device driver 113: Virtualization control unit 114: Communication control unit 200 (200A, 200B): Device server 201: Communication control unit 202: Device control unit 203: Data storage unit 204: Device individual information 205: Definition file 206: Trigger detection algorithm 207: ID information 300: Trigger device / 300a: Card reader 310A, 310B: Device 311: Input device 312: Display device 313: Output device 400: Connection cable 500: Network 600: External network

Claims (13)

Device monitoring means for monitoring the first device based on a trigger detection algorithm and / or a definition file for monitoring a state change of the first device locally connected to the own device;
When the device monitoring unit detects a change in the state of the first device, a trigger notification transmission unit that transmits a trigger notification indicating the detection to an information management apparatus connected via a network;
User ID acquisition means for acquiring a user ID that is unique information for identifying a user from the first device that has detected the state change;
User ID transmission means for transmitting the user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition means to the information management device;
Control information associated with the user ID, first identification information for identifying a client device connected via a network, and first information for identifying a second device controlled by the client device Control information acquisition means for acquiring control information including second identification information from the information management device;
A connection request unit that generates and transmits a connection request including the second identification information of the control information to the client device identified by the first identification information of the control information acquired by the control information acquisition unit;
A device control apparatus comprising session control means for starting control of a session with the client apparatus in response to a connection start request from the client apparatus that has received the connection request. The device control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device monitoring unit detects a change in state when an operation for obtaining the user ID is executed on the first device. The connection request means, when the control information includes a plurality of the first identification information, transmits the connection request to each of the client devices identified by the first identification information. The device control apparatus according to claim 1. Device individual information acquisition means for acquiring device individual information for identifying an individual device locally connected to the own device;
Device individual information transmitting means for transmitting the device individual information acquired by the device individual information acquiring means to the information management apparatus;
Monitoring information acquisition means for acquiring the trigger detection algorithm and / or definition file for monitoring the state change of the first device identified by the device individual information from the information management apparatus that has received the device individual information The device control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An information management device connected via a network to a device control device to which a device is locally connected,
Control information associated with a user ID, which is unique information for specifying a user, and is controlled by the first identification information for identifying a client device connected via the network and the client device Control information storage means for storing control information including second identification information for identifying the second device;
Trigger notification receiving means for receiving a trigger notification indicating detection of the state change from the device control apparatus that has detected the state change of the device;
Session control means for starting a session with the device control apparatus in response to the trigger notification received by the trigger notification receiving means;
User ID acquisition means for acquiring a user ID, which is unique information for specifying a user from the locally connected device, through a session with the device control apparatus;
Control information search means for searching for control information associated with the user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition means from among control information stored in the control information storage means;
Control information transmitting means for transmitting the control information to a device control apparatus connected to the device identified by the second identification information of the control information retrieved by the control information retrieving means. An information management device characterized by the above. From the device control device, device individual information acquisition means for acquiring device individual information for identifying an individual device locally connected to the device control device;
Monitoring information storage means for storing at least one of a trigger detection algorithm and a definition file for monitoring state changes of the device;
The trigger detection algorithm suitable for a specific device identified by the device individual information acquired by the device individual information acquisition unit from at least one of the trigger detection algorithm and the definition file stored in the monitoring information storage unit And monitoring information specifying means for specifying at least one of the definition files;
6. The information management according to claim 5, further comprising monitoring information transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the trigger detection algorithm specified by the monitoring information specifying means and the definition file to the device control apparatus. apparatus. A device control system in which the device control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the information management apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 6 and a client apparatus are connected via a network. In
The client device is
When a connection request is received from the device controller,
To simulate the device identified by the second identification information included in the received connection request as being directly connected, and to start a session for the device control apparatus to which the identified device is connected Send a connection start request for
When a session is started with the device control apparatus that has transmitted the connection start request, data is transmitted / received to / from the identified device via the device control apparatus. A device monitoring step for monitoring the first device based on a trigger detection algorithm and / or a definition file for monitoring a state change of the first device locally connected to the device;
In the device monitoring step, when a state change of the first device is detected, a trigger notification transmission step of transmitting a trigger notification indicating the detection to an information management apparatus connected via a network;
A user ID acquisition step of acquiring a user ID that is unique information for identifying a user from the first device that has detected the state change;
A user ID transmission step of transmitting the user ID acquired in the user ID acquisition step to the information management device;
Control information associated with the user ID, first identification information for identifying a client device connected via a network, and first information for identifying a second device controlled by the client device Control information acquisition step of acquiring control information including second identification information from the information management device;
A connection request step for generating and transmitting a connection request including the second identification information of the control information to the client device identified by the first identification information of the control information acquired in the control information acquisition step;
A device control method comprising: a session control step of starting control of a session with the client apparatus in response to a connection start request from the client apparatus that has received the connection request. The device control method according to claim 8, wherein in the device monitoring step, a change in state when the acquisition operation of the user ID is executed on the first device is detected. In the connection request step, when the control information includes a plurality of the first identification information, the connection request is transmitted to each of the client devices identified by the first identification information. The device control method according to claim 8. Device individual information acquisition step for acquiring device individual information;
A device individual information transmission step for transmitting the device individual information acquired in the device individual information acquisition step to an information management apparatus connected via a network;
Monitoring information acquisition step of acquiring the trigger detection algorithm and / or definition file for monitoring the state change of the first device identified by the device individual information from the information management apparatus that has received the device individual information The device control method according to claim 8, further comprising: A control method in an information management apparatus in which a device is locally connected to a device control apparatus via a network,
A trigger notification receiving step for receiving a trigger notification indicating detection of the state change from the device control apparatus that has detected the state change of the device;
A session control step for starting a session with the device control apparatus in response to the trigger notification received by the trigger notification receiving step;
A user ID acquisition step of acquiring a user ID that is unique information for identifying a user from the locally connected device through a session with the device control apparatus;
Client that is control information associated with the user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition step from among the control information stored in the information storage means of its own device, and is connected via the network A control information search step for searching for control information including first identification information for identifying a device and second identification information for identifying a second device controlled by the client device;
A control information transmission step for transmitting the control information to a device control apparatus connected to the device identified by the second identification information of the control information retrieved in the control information retrieval step;
A control method comprising: A device individual information acquisition step for acquiring device individual information for identifying an individual of a device locally connected to the device control device from the device control device;
A specific identification identified by the device individual information acquired in the device individual information acquisition step from at least one of a trigger detection algorithm and a definition file for monitoring state changes of the device stored in the information storage means A monitoring information specifying step for specifying at least one of the trigger detection algorithm and the definition file suitable for a device;
The control method according to claim 12, further comprising a monitoring information transmission step of transmitting at least one of the trigger detection algorithm specified in the monitoring information specifying step and the definition file to the device control apparatus. .

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