JP2021019293A - Communication system, electronic device, communication management method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To facilitate configuring a gateway to be used by an electronic device to communicate with a communication target such as an application in a communication system including a plurality of grouped gateways.SOLUTION: A communication system comprises: a communication control device that manages management information of gateways including information on a usage and information on connection targets of each gateway, and registration information of programs including information on connection targets associated with the respective programs; and an electronic device. The electronic device comprises: a management information acquisition unit to acquire management information on available gateways among the plurality of gateways; a connection target information acquisition unit to acquire the information on the connection targets associated with the respective programs; and a gateway configuration unit to configure the gateways for communicating with the programs on the basis of the management information of the available gateways and the information on the connection targets associated with the respective programs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to communication systems, electronic devices, communication management methods, and programs.

Communication systems that collect device information from various electronic devices such as sensors, such as office devices, industrial devices, and medical devices, are known using communication networks such as the Internet and LAN (Local Area Network).

In addition, a communication system is known in which an application can follow a change in the IP address of a communication destination by using an address translation table that associates information used by an application for communication with information for communicating with a plurality of communication networks. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, in a communication system including a plurality of gateways grouped into a plurality of groups such as a region unit and a contract unit, a gateway used by an electronic device for communication with an application is set. It's difficult to do.

One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a communication system including a plurality of grouped gateways, a gateway used by an electronic device for communication with a communication destination such as an application is used. Make it easy to set.

In order to achieve the above object, the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention is communicably connected to the program executed by the information processing device, the electronic device, the information processing device and the electronic device, and the information. A communication system including a communication management device that manages a plurality of gateways that relay communication between a processing device and the electronic device, and the communication management device divides the plurality of gateways into a plurality of groups. A gateway management unit that manages gateway management information including information on the usage of each gateway and information on connection destinations, and registration that manages registration information of the program including information on connection destinations corresponding to the program. The electronic device has an information management unit and a gateway generation unit that generates a gateway for the electronic device to communicate with the program in response to request information requesting generation of a gateway corresponding to the program. , The management information acquisition unit that acquires management information of available gateways among the plurality of gateways from the gateway management unit by designating at least one of the information related to the group and the application. At least one of a connection destination information acquisition unit that acquires connection destination information corresponding to the program from the registration information management unit, management information of the available gateway, and connection destination information corresponding to the program. It has a gateway setting unit for setting a gateway for communicating with the program based on the above.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a communication system including a plurality of grouped gateways, it becomes easy to set a gateway used by an electronic device for communication with a communication destination such as an application.

It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware configuration of the computer which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the electronic device hardware composition which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional structure of the communication management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image of an example of the information managed by the communication management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional structure of the electronic device and information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of the gateway setting process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the request information and response information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure (1) which shows the example of the specific processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure (2) which shows the example of the specific processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of the gateway generation processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure (1) which shows the example of the display screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure (2) which shows the example of the display screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the request information and response information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure (1) which shows the example of the specific processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure (2) which shows the example of the specific processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the processing of the communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the processing of the communication system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the interface provided by the communication management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the request information and response information which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the conceptual model of the database which concerns on one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system 100 can communicate with an application (hereinafter referred to as an application) 130 executed by a plurality of information processing devices 140a to 140d, a plurality of electronic devices 120a to 120e, a plurality of information processing devices, and a plurality of electronic devices. Includes a communication management device 110 connected to.

In the following description, when indicating an arbitrary information processing device among the plurality of information processing devices 140a to 140d, the "information processing device 140" is used. Further, when indicating an arbitrary electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices 120a to 120e, "electronic device 120" is used.

The communication management device 110 is, for example, an information processing device having a computer configuration, or a system including a plurality of information processing devices. The communication management device 110 manages a plurality of gateways 111a to 111f. In the following description, when indicating an arbitrary gateway among a plurality of gateways 111a and ~ 111f, "gateway 111" is used.

The gateway 111 is a relay device that relays communication between the application 130 and the electronic device 120, and has a function of converting a communication protocol. The gateway may be realized by software or may be realized by hardware.

The MQTT (Message Queueing Telemetry Transport) brokers 111a and 111d are examples of the gateway 111, and are modules for transmitting and receiving lightweight text messages between the application 130 and the electronic device 120. The file transfer gateways 111b and 111e are examples of the gateway 111, and are modules for transmitting and receiving data in a file format in both directions. The file transfer gateway also has a function of temporarily holding files to be sent and received. The streaming gateway 111c is an example of the gateway 111, and is a module that transfers, for example, streaming data continuously transmitted from the camera 120c or the like to the monitoring application 130b or the like.

The control unit 112 is realized by, for example, a program executed by a computer included in the communication management device 110, and has a plurality of gateways 111, for example, a plurality of gateways 111 such as a region (region) unit, a business unit, and a contract (tenant) unit. It is managed by grouping it into groups of. Further, the control unit 112 provides the electronic device 120, the information processing device 140, the information terminal 150, and the like with a web API (Application Programming Interface), a web page, and the like, which are interfaces for controlling the communication management device 110.

The electronic device 120 includes various devices having a network communication function for communicating with the communication management device 110 and the information processing device 140 via a communication network.

For example, the electronic device 120 may be an office device such as the image forming apparatus 120a having a network communication function. Further, the electronic device 120 may be a sensor 120b, a camera 120c, an intermediary device 120d, a bed sensor 120e, or the like having a network communication function. The mediation device 120d is, for example, a device that mediates communication between a plurality of devices 121a, 121b, ..., And the factory application 130c and the like.

Further, the electronic device 120 may be various other devices having a network communication function. For example, the electronic device 120 may be an output device such as a PJ (Projector: projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board having an electronic blackboard function capable of mutual communication), or a digital signage. Further, the electronic device 120 may be a HUD (Head Up Display) device, an industrial machine, an imaging device, a sound collecting device, a medical device, a network home appliance, a car (Connected Car), or the like.

The information processing device 140 is a computer having a network communication function for communicating with the communication management device 110 and the electronic device 120 via the communication network. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing device 140a is executing the device management application 130a, and the information processing device 140b is executing the monitoring application 130b. Further, the information processing device 140c is executing the factory application 130c, and the information processing device 140d is executing the medical application 130d.

The device management application 130a is an example of the application 130, and is, for example, a program for remotely managing electronic devices 120 such as an image forming device 120a and a sensor 120b. The monitoring application 130b is an example of the application 130, and is, for example, a program that receives video data transmitted from a camera 120c or the like, confirms the situation at the site, detects an abnormality, or the like. The factory application 130c is an example of the application 130. For example, a program for maintenance work that confirms the operating status of industrial equipment, devices 121a, 121b, ..., Etc., and detects and notifies a sign of failure or the like. Is. The medical application 130d is an example of the application 130. For example, a program that grasps the health status of a patient, a care recipient, etc. for a hospital based on data transmitted from a bed sensor 120e or the like and notifies an abnormality. Is.

The information terminal 150 is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) used by an administrator or the like who manages the communication management device 110. The information terminal 150 can, for example, use a web browser or the like provided in the information terminal 150 to access a web page or the like provided by the control unit 112 to manage, control, or the like of the communication management device 110. Alternatively, the information terminal 150 can execute the management application of the communication management device 110 and manage and control the communication management device 110 by using the web API provided by the control unit 112.

In the communication system 100 as described above, for example, when a new electronic device 120 is installed and it is desired to be managed by the device management application 130a, the person in charge of installation specifies the gateway 111 to be used and connects the specified gateway 111. There is work to set the destination.

However, for example, when the gateway 111 is managed by grouping into a plurality of groups as in the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, an installation person or the like who is not an administrator or the like corresponds to the device management application 130a. It is difficult to configure the gateway 111.

Further, for example, in FIG. 1, when it is desired to newly install a camera 120c for photographing the periphery of the bed for the medical application 130d, it is necessary to newly prepare a streaming gateway that can be used by the group 3.

As described above, in the conventional technology, it is difficult to set the gateway 111 used by the electronic device 120 for communication with the communication destination such as the application 130 in the communication system 100 including a plurality of grouped gateways 111. Was accompanied.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the communication management device 110 manages the group of each gateway 111, the information about the usage, the information of the connection destination corresponding to the application 130, and the like so that the information can be acquired from the electronic device 120.

As a result, the electronic device 120 can acquire information on the gateway 111 (for example, MQTT broker 111a, file transfer gateway 111b, etc.) to be used by designating information on the group and usage, for example. .. Further, the electronic device 120 can easily set the connection destination (endpoint) of the specified gateway 111 by acquiring the information of the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 (for example, the device management application 130a), for example. ..

Preferably, the communication management device 110 has a function of generating a new gateway 111 in response to a request from, for example, an application 130, an electronic device 120, an information terminal 150, or the like. For example, in the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, if it is desired to add a camera for photographing the periphery of the bed for the medical application 130d, the streaming gateway 111c is required in the group 3. In such a case, in the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment, the administrator, the person in charge of installation, or the like can easily generate a new gateway 111 by using the communication management device 110.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the communication system 100 including a plurality of grouped gateways 111, it is easy to set the gateway 111 used by the electronic device 120 for communication with the communication destination such as the application 130. Become.

The system configuration of the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, at least a part of the plurality of gateways 111 may be provided outside the communication management device 110. Further, the information processing device 140 may execute a plurality of applications 130.

<Hardware configuration>
Subsequently, the hardware configuration of each device included in the communication system 100 will be described.

(Hardware configuration of communication management device, information processing device, and information terminal)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration according to an embodiment. The communication management device 110 has, for example, the hardware configuration of the computer 200 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the server device 101 is composed of a plurality of computers 200 having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. Further, the information processing apparatus 140 and the information terminal 150 have, for example, the hardware configuration of the computer 200 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the computer 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an HD (Hard Disk) 204, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ) Controller 205, display 206, external device connection I / F (Interface) 207, network I / F 208, keyboard 209, pointing device 210, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 212, media I / F 214, and bus line It is equipped with 215 and the like.

Of these, the CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire computer 200. The ROM 202 stores, for example, a program used for starting the CPU 201 such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 203 is used as a work area of the CPU 201. The HD204 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 205 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 204 according to the control of the CPU 201.

The display 206 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 207 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, and the like. The network I / F 208 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The computer 200 may include a plurality of network I / F 208s.

The keyboard 209 is a kind of input means including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 210 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 212 controls reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW211 as an example of the removable recording medium. The DVD-RW211 is not limited to the DVD-RW, but may be a DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 214 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to the media 213 such as a flash memory. The bus line 215 includes an address bus, a data bus, various control signals, and the like for electrically connecting each of the above components.

(Hardware configuration of electronic devices)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. Here, as an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device 120, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 120a will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 120a includes, for example, a controller 310, a short-range communication circuit 320, an engine control unit 330, an operation panel 340, a network I / F 350, and the like.

Of these, the controller 310 includes a CPU 301, a system memory (MEM-P) 302, a north bridge (NB) 303, a south bridge (SB) 304, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 305, and a storage unit, which are the main parts of the computer. It has a local memory (MEM-C) 306, an HDD controller 307, a storage unit HD308, etc., and has a configuration in which the NB 303 and the ASIC 305 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 311. ..

Of these, the CPU 301 is a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 120a. The NB 303 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 301, the MEM-P302, the SB 304, and the AGP bus 311. A memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P302, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. Has.

The MEM-P302 includes a ROM 302a which is a memory for storing programs and data that realizes each function of the controller 310, and a RAM 302b which is used as a memory for developing programs and data and a memory for drawing at the time of memory printing. The program stored in the RAM 302b is configured to be provided by recording a file in an installable format or an executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD. You may.

The SB 304 is a bridge for connecting the NB 303 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The ASIC 305 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge that connects the AGP bus 311 and the PCI bus 312, the HDD controller 307, and the MEM-C306, respectively. .. This ASIC 305 is a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) which is the core of the ASIC 305, a memory controller which controls MEM-C306, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) which rotate image data by hardware logic and the like. , And a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 331 and the printer unit 332 via the PCI bus 312. A USB interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 305.

The MEM-C306 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HD308 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating font data used at the time of printing, and accumulating forms. The HD308 controls reading or writing of data to the HD308 according to the control of the CPU 301. The AGP bus 311 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphic processing, and the graphics accelerator card can be speeded up by directly accessing the MEM-P302 with high throughput. ..

The short-range communication circuit 320 uses an antenna 320a or the like for the short-range communication circuit to perform short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The engine control unit 330 is composed of, for example, a scanner unit 331, a printer unit 332, and the like. The scanner unit 331 is a reading device that reads a document or the like. The printer unit 332 is a printing device that prints print data on a print medium. The scanner unit 331 or the printer unit 332 includes, for example, an image processing portion such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

The operation panel 340 displays a current setting value, a selection screen, etc., and receives a panel display unit 340a such as a touch panel that receives input from an operator, and a numeric keypad that receives setting values of conditions related to image formation such as density setting conditions. It also includes an operation button 340b including a start key or the like for receiving a copy start instruction. The controller 310 controls the entire image forming apparatus 120a, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 340, and the like.

The image forming apparatus 120a can sequentially switch and select the document box function, the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function by the application switching key of the operation panel 340. When the document box function is selected, the document box mode is set, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is set, when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is set, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the facsimile mode is set.

Further, the network I / F 350 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 320 and the network I / F 350 are electrically connected to the ASIC 305 via the PCI bus 312.

The electronic device 120 may have a computer configuration and a network I / F, and other hardware configurations may be arbitrary.

<Functional configuration>
Subsequently, the functional configuration of each device included in the communication system 100 will be described.

(Functional configuration of device management device)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the communication management device according to the embodiment. The communication management device 110 realizes the control unit 112 by executing a predetermined program on the CPU 201 of FIG. 2, for example. Further, the control unit 112 includes a communication unit 401, a certificate management unit 402, a storage unit 403, a gateway management unit 404, a registration information management unit 405, a gateway generation unit 406, and the like. It should be noted that at least a part of the above configurations may be realized by hardware.

Since the functional configuration of the gateway 111 is the same as that of a general gateway, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The communication unit 401 connects the control unit 112 to the communication network by using, for example, the network I / F208 of FIG. 2, and communicates with the electronic device 120, the information processing device 140, the information terminal 150, and the like.

The certificate management unit 402 manages an electronic certificate or the like for the electronic device 120 and the application 130 to mutually authenticate, encrypt the communication packet, and communicate securely.

The storage unit 403 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 of FIG. 2, an HD204, an HDD controller 205, a RAM 203, and the like, and various information such as gateway management information, an application, and electronic device registration information, which will be described later. Remember.

The gateway management unit 404 manages a plurality of gateways 111 by dividing them into a plurality of groups, and manages gateway management information including information on usage of each gateway 111 and information on connection destinations.

FIG. 5A shows an image of an example of gateway management information 501 managed by the gateway management unit 404. In the example of FIG. 5A, the gateway management information 501 includes information such as a gateway ID, a gateway name, a group, a purpose of use / purpose, and a connection destination as items.

The gateway ID is identification information that identifies the gateway 111. The gateway name is information indicating the name, type, etc. of the gateway 111 (for example, MQTT broker, file transfer gateway, etc.). The name of the gateway 111 and the type of the gateway 111 may be managed as separate items. The group is information indicating the group to which the gateway 111 belongs. The group can be arbitrarily divided into, for example, a region (region) unit, a business unit, a contract (tenant) unit, etc., according to a setting from an administrator or the like.

The information on the purpose of use / use is information on the use of the gateway 111, and information on the purpose of use and use of the gateway 111 is stored. Preferably, the information on the purpose of use / use is separated by a predetermined delimiter (for example, a slash) and managed in a hierarchical manner. For example, among the "app / factory /" stored in the information on the purpose of use / use in FIG. 6A, "app /" indicates that the purpose of use of the gateway 111 is for the application 130. ing. Further, "factory /" indicates, for example, that it is for a factory.

The connection destination information is information about the connection destination (endpoint) of the gateway 111, and includes, for example, information such as destination information and communication protocol information. The destination information is, for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information, IP address, and other information, but is not limited to this.

The gateway management unit 404 manages by displaying a web page (setting screen) for setting gateway management information 501 on a web browser such as an information terminal 150 (or an information processing device 140, an electronic device 120), for example. Accepts setting operations by people. Alternatively, the gateway management unit 404 accepts a setting operation by an administrator or the like on the setting screen of the setting application executed by the information terminal 150 or the like.

Further, the gateway management unit 404 stores and manages the received setting contents in the gateway management information 501. Further, the gateway management unit 404 changes, deletes, provides, etc. the gateway management information 501 in response to the change request, deletion request, acquisition request, etc. of the gateway management information 501.

The registration information management unit 405 manages the registration information of the application including the information regarding the connection destination of the application (program) 130. Preferably, the registration information management unit 405 also manages the registration information of the electronic device 120.

FIG. 5B shows an image of an example of registration information 502 of the application managed by the registration information management unit 405. In the example of FIG. 5B, the registration information 502 of the application includes information such as a management ID, a type, identification information, a name, and a connection destination.

The management ID is identification information for the registration information management unit 405 to identify the application 130 and the electronic device 120 to be managed, and is numbered by, for example, the registration information management unit 405 or an administrator. The type is information indicating the type of management target (app, electronic device, etc.). The identification information is identification information (hereinafter, referred to as an application ID) that identifies the application 130. The name is information such as the name of the application 130. The connection destination is information on the connection destination corresponding to the application 130, and includes, for example, destination information, communication protocol information, and the like.

FIG. 5C shows an image of an example of registration information 503 of an electronic device managed by the registration information management unit 405. In the example of FIG. 5C, the registration information 503 of the electronic device includes information such as a management ID, a type, identification information, a name, a manufacturer name, a model name, and a connection destination.

The management ID is identification information for the registration information management unit 405 to identify the application 130 and the electronic device 120 to be managed, and is numbered by, for example, the registration information management unit 405 or an administrator. The type is information indicating the type of management target (app, electronic device, etc.). The identification information is identification information (hereinafter, referred to as a device ID) for identifying the electronic device 120, and for example, a device ID such as a serial number or a serial number assigned in advance to the electronic device 120 is used.

The name is information such as the name of the electronic device 120. The manufacturer name is information such as the manufacturer that manufactured the electronic device 120. The model name is information such as the model name of the electronic device 120. The connection destination is information on the connection destination corresponding to the electronic device 120, and includes, for example, destination information, communication protocol information, and the like.

Here, returning to FIG. 4, the description of the functional configuration of the communication management device 110 will be continued.

In the gateway generation unit 406, for example, the electronic device 120 sets the application 130 in response to the request information transmitted from the information processing device 140, the electronic device 120, the information terminal 150, etc. Generate a gateway 111 for communication. The process of generating the gateway 111 will be described in detail in the second embodiment.

(Functional configuration of electronic devices)
FIG. 6A shows an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. The electronic device 120 is, for example, a communication unit 611, a display control unit 612, an operation reception unit 613, a storage unit 614, and a management information acquisition unit by executing a predetermined program on a CPU (for example, CPU 301) included in the electronic device 120. 615, connection destination information acquisition unit 616, gateway setting unit 617, update unit 618, request information transmission unit 619, etc. are realized. It should be noted that at least a part of the above configurations may be realized by hardware.

The communication unit 611 connects the electronic device 120 to the communication network by using the network I / F (for example, the network I / F350, etc.) included in the electronic device 120, and connects the electronic device 120 with the communication management device 110, the information processing device 140, and the like. To communicate.

The display control unit 612 causes a display unit (for example, the operation panel 340 in FIG. 3 or the like) included in the electronic device 120 to display a display screen such as an operation screen or a setting screen. The operation reception unit 613 accepts operations on display screens such as an operation screen and a setting screen.

The storage unit 614 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU included in the electronic device 120, a storage device (for example, HD308 in FIG. 3, HDD controller 307, etc.), a memory, and the like, and stores various information.

The management information acquisition unit 615 specifies at least one of the group and the purpose / use (information about the use), and from the management information 501 of the gateway, of the plurality of gateways 111, the available gateway 111 Get management information.

For example, the management information acquisition unit 615 specifies a group and a purpose / use of use in the destination response request of the gateway requesting acquisition of the management information of the available gateway 111, and transmits the request to the gateway management unit 404. In response to this, the gateway management unit 404 extracts the specified group and the gateway 111 that can be used for the purpose and purpose of use from the gateways 111 managed by the gateway management information 501, and manages the request source. It is transmitted to the information acquisition unit 615.

The connection destination information acquisition unit 616 acquires the connection destination information (for example, destination information, communication protocol information, etc.) corresponding to the application 130 from the registration information management unit 405. For example, when the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 acquires the connection destination information corresponding to the device management application 130a, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 sends a request for acquisition of the connection destination of the application including the management ID of the device management application 130a to the registration information management unit 405. Send. In response to this, the registration information management unit 405 refers to the registration information 502 of the application and acquires the connection destination information corresponding to the device management application 130a corresponding to the designated management ID, and the connection destination information of the request source. It is transmitted to unit 616.

The gateway setting unit 617 sets the gateway for communicating with the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 based on at least one of the acquired management information of the gateway 111 and the information regarding the connection destination of the application 130. I do. A specific gateway setting method by the gateway setting unit 617 will be described later.

The update unit 618 updates the gateway settings for communicating with the application 130 set by the gateway setting unit 617. For example, the update unit 618 automatically updates the gateway setting for communicating with the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 when the connection destination of the application 130 cannot communicate with the connection destination for a predetermined time or longer. In addition, the update unit 618 automatically sets the gateway for communicating with the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 when the power of the electronic device 120 is turned on or when the preset update period has elapsed. You may update to.

The request information transmission unit 619 transmits various request information such as a gateway destination response request and a gateway generation request to the communication management device 110 in response to an operation by an administrator or the like.

(Functional configuration of information processing device)
FIG. 6B shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The information processing device 140 realizes, for example, a communication unit 621, a display control unit 622, an operation reception unit 623, a storage unit 624, a request information transmission unit 625, and the like by executing a predetermined application 130 on the CPU 201 of FIG. ing. Further, for example, when the information processing device 140 is executing the device management application 130a, the information processing device 140 has a device management unit 626 that executes a process related to management of the electronic device 120. It should be noted that at least a part of each of the above functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

The communication unit 621 connects the information processing device 140 to the communication network by using, for example, the network I / F208 of FIG. 2, and communicates with the communication management device 110, the electronic device 120, and the like.

The display control unit 622 causes the display unit such as the display 206 of FIG. 2 to display the display screen of the application 130, the web browser, or the like. The operation reception unit 623 accepts operations on display screens such as the application 130 and the web browser.

The storage unit 614 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 of FIG. 2, an HD204, an HDD controller 205, a RAM 203, and the like, and stores various information.

In addition to the above-mentioned functional configurations, the information processing apparatus 140 has a unique functional configuration corresponding to the application 130 being executed. The device management unit 626 is an example of a unique functional configuration when the application 130 is the device management application 130a, collects device information and the like from the electronic device 120 to be managed, and becomes a management target as necessary. The electronic device 120 can also be set.

(Functional configuration of information terminal)
The information terminal 150 has, for example, a general web browser. Further, as another example, the information terminal 150 may realize the same functional configuration as the information processing device 140 by executing, for example, a management application that manages the communication management device 110.

<Processing flow>
Subsequently, a process flow of the communication management method according to the present embodiment will be described by exemplifying a plurality of embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of gateway setting processing according to the first embodiment. This process shows, for example, an example of a gateway setting process executed when a person in charge of installation or the like installs a new electronic device 120 in the communication system 100.

Before executing the gateway setting process shown in steps S731 to S740, the communication management device 110 is provided with, for example, the gateway management information 501, the application registration information 502, and the electronic device registration information 503 described with reference to FIG. Etc. are stored. Note that this information can be registered in the communication management device 110 by, for example, the registration process 700 as shown in steps S701 to S704, S711 to 714, and S721 to S724.

For example, in step S701, the administrator or the like who manages the communication system 100 connects to the web page provided by the communication management device 110 by using the web browser or the like of the information terminal 150, and performs the destination registration operation of the gateway. Alternatively, the administrator or the like may activate the management application for managing the communication management device 110 on the information terminal 150 and perform the destination registration operation of the gateway.

In step S702, the information terminal 150 transmits the gateway destination registration request 801 to the communication management device 110, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, in response to the gateway destination registration operation by the administrator or the like.

In the example of FIG. 8A, the gateway destination registration request 801 includes information such as “gatewayName”, “region”, “scope”, and “endpoints”. Among these information, the information of "gatewayName" corresponds to the "gateway name" included in the management information 501 of the gateway shown in FIG. 5 (A). Further, the "region" and "scope" information correspond to the "group" and "purpose of use / use" included in the gateway management information 501, respectively.

Further, the information of "endpoints" corresponds to the "connection destination" included in the management information 501 of the gateway. The information of the "endpoints" includes, for example, information such as "address" which is the information of the destination of the connection destination and "protocol" which is the information of the communication protocol. Further, in the example of FIG. 8A, the information of "endpoints" includes the information of "things". This information corresponds to, for example, a management ID that identifies the connection destination (endpoint) of the gateway 111, such as the application 130 and the electronic device 120.

In step S703, when the gateway management unit 404 of the communication management device 110 receives the destination registration request 801 of the gateway, the information included in the destination registration request 801 is registered (stored) in the management information 501 of the gateway. For example, the gateway management unit 404 assigns a "gateway ID" to the received information and stores it in the gateway management information 501 as shown in FIG. 5 (A).

In step S704, when the gateway management unit 404 of the communication management device 110 registers the received information in the gateway management information 501, for example, the gateway destination registration response 802 as shown in FIG. 8B is the request source. It is transmitted to the information terminal 150. The gateway destination registration response 802 shown in FIG. 8B shows an example of information transmitted by the gateway management unit 404 when the gateway registration is successful.

In the example of FIG. 8B, the gateway destination registration response 802 includes information such as “gatewayId”, “gatewayName”, “region”, “scope”, and “endpoints”. Among these information, "gatewayId" is the identification information for identifying the gateway 111, which is given in step 703. Further, the information of "gatewayName", "region", "scope", and "endpoints" corresponds to, for example, the information of the same name included in the destination registration request 801 of the gateway received in step S702.

By the gateway destination registration process shown in steps S701 to S704, the administrator or the like can register the destination of the gateway 111 in the communication management device 110.

In step S711, the administrator or the like who manages the communication system 100 performs the registration operation of the electronic device by using, for example, the web browser of the information terminal 150 or the management application of the communication management device 110.

In step S712, the information terminal 150 registers the electronic device including, for example, the name of the electronic device, the manufacturer name, the model name, the device ID, the connection destination information, and the like in response to the electronic device registration operation by the administrator or the like. The request is transmitted to the communication management device 110.

In step S713, when the registration information management unit 405 of the communication management device 110 receives the registration request of the electronic device, the information included in the registration request of the electronic device is registered in the registration information 503 of the electronic device. For example, the registration information management unit 405 assigns a "management ID" for identifying the management target and a type of management target (here, "electronic device") to the received information, and shows, for example, FIG. 5 (C). It is stored in the registration information 503 of such an electronic device.

In step 714, the registration information management unit 405 sends a completion notification indicating that the registration of the electronic device 120 is completed to the requesting information terminal 150. The completion notification includes, for example, the management ID of the electronic device 120 assigned in step S713.

By the electronic device registration process shown in steps S711 to S714, the administrator or the like can register the electronic device 120 in the communication management device 110. The registration process of the electronic device may be executed before the destination registration process of the gateway shown in steps S701 to S704.

In step S721, the administrator or the like who manages the communication system 100 performs the registration operation of the application by using, for example, the web browser of the information terminal 150 or the management application which manages the communication system 100.

In step S722, the information terminal 150 transmits an application registration request including, for example, an application ID, an application name, and connection destination information to the communication management device 110 in response to an application registration operation by an administrator or the like. To do. The management ID may be included in the registration request of this application.

In step S723, when the registration information management unit 405 of the communication management device 110 receives the application registration request, the information included in the application registration request is registered in the application registration information 502. For example, the registration information management unit 405 assigns a "management ID" for identifying the management target and a type of management target (here, "application") to the received information, and as shown in FIG. 5 (B), for example. It is stored in the registration information 502 of the electronic device. When the management ID is included in the application registration request, the registration information management unit 405 assigns the management ID included in the application registration request and uses the information included in the application registration request as the application registration information. Register with 502.

In step S724, the registration information management unit 405 sends a completion notification indicating that the registration of the application 130 is completed to the requesting information terminal 150. The completion notification includes, for example, the management ID of the application 130 given in step S723.

By the application registration process shown in steps S721 to S724, the administrator or the like can register the application 130 in the communication management device 110. The application registration process may be executed before the gateway destination registration process shown in steps S701 to S704 or before the electronic device registration process shown in steps S711 to S714.

Next, an example of gateway setting processing will be described.

In step S731, the person in charge of installation or the like performs a setting operation of the electronic device 120 registered in the electronic device registration process. For example, an installation person or the like sets a management ID, a certificate, a private key, or the like in the electronic device 120. As the management ID set in the electronic device 120, for example, the management ID notified in the completion notification in step S714 is used.

In step S732, the person in charge of installation or the like performs a network setting operation on the electronic device 120. For example, the person in charge of installation connects the electronic device 120 to the communication network and sets the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, group, purpose of use / use, and the like.

In step S733, the request information transmission unit 619 of the electronic device 120 transmits the destination reply request of the gateway including the information such as the set management ID, group, purpose of use / use, etc. to the communication management device 110. For example, the request information transmission unit 619 transmits the destination response request 803 of the gateway as shown in FIG. 8C to the communication management device 110.

In the example of FIG. 8C, in the gateway destination response request 803, "region": "na" representing the region "North America" as an example of the group, purpose of use: "as an example of use". Information such as "" scope ": / app / factory" "representing" factory application 130c "is included. Further, "thingId = 000001" included in the destination reply request 803 of the gateway represents the management ID set in step S731.

In step S734, when the gateway management unit 404 of the communication management device 110 receives the gateway destination response request 803, the gateway management unit 404 transmits the gateway destination response response including the management information of the available gateway 111 to the requesting electronic device 120. To do. For example, the gateway management unit 404 extracts the gateway 111 that can be used under the specified conditions (group, purpose of use / use) from the plurality of gateways 111 managed by the gateway management information 501. Further, the gateway management unit 404 transmits, for example, a gateway destination response response 804 as shown in FIG. 8D, including the extracted gateway management information, to the requesting electronic device 120.

In the example of FIG. 8D, the gateway destination response response 804 includes "" gatewayId "" corresponding to the gateway ID, "" gatewayName "" corresponding to the gateway name, and "gatewayName" corresponding to an area as an example of the group. Contains information such as "region". In addition, the destination response response 804 of the gateway includes information such as "" scope "" which is an example of the purpose and use of use and "" endpoints "" corresponding to the connection destination.

The electronic device 120 can specify, for example, the area to be used and the gateway 111 that can be used for the purpose and purpose of use by each information included in the destination response response 804 of the gateway transmitted from the gateway management unit 404.

At this time, the electronic device 120 may, for example, execute the processes shown in steps S735 and S736 to confirm the connection of the connection destination of the gateway 111 notified in the destination reply response 804 of the gateway.

For example, in step S735, the management information acquisition unit 615 of the electronic device 120 uses the communication unit 611 to transmit a connection request to the connection destination of the gateway 111 notified by the destination response response 804 of the gateway. The connection request includes, for example, the management ID, certificate, private key, and the like of the electronic device 120 set in step S731.

In step S736, when the connection destination of the gateway 111 requested in the connection request can be successfully connected, the communication management device 110 transmits the connection notification to the electronic device 120. The processing of steps S735 and S736 is an option and is not essential.

In steps S737 and S738, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 of the electronic device 120 acquires the information of the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 in response to, for example, an operation of acquiring the communication destination of the application by the installation person or the like. The requested acquisition request is transmitted to the communication management device 110. This acquisition request includes, for example, the management ID of the application 130 notified by the completion notification in step S724.

In step S739, when the registration information management unit 405 of the communication management device 110 receives the acquisition request of the connection destination of the application, the connection destination corresponding to the application managed in association with the management ID included in the acquisition request is set. It is transmitted to the requesting electronic device 120.

In step S740, the gateway setting unit 617 of the electronic device 120 is based on at least one of the available gateway 111 management information acquired from the communication management device 110 and the connection destination of the application 130. The 120 sets the gateway for communicating with the application 130.

(Specific processing example 1)
FIG. 9 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a specific process according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that the communication management device 110 manages a plurality of gateways 111 by grouping them into two groups, group 1 (region: Japan) and group 2 (region: North America).

In addition, the person in charge of installation, etc., in order to install the electronic device 120 for the factory application 130c in the North American region, the group "" region ":" na "" and the purpose and use "" scope ": / app / factory" It is assumed that "" is specified to perform the network setting operation on the electronic device 120.

In response to this, the management information acquisition unit 615 of the electronic device 120 transmits, for example, the destination response request 803 of the gateway as shown in FIG. 8C to the communication management device 110. As a result, the gateway management unit 404 of the communication management device 110 transmits, for example, the destination response response 804 of the gateway as shown in FIG. 8D to the electronic device 120. (Step S901)
Further, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 of the electronic device 120 transmits a request for acquisition of the connection destination of the application including the management ID of the application 130c for the factory to the communication management device 110. As a result, the registration information management unit 405 of the communication management device 110 transmits the connection destination information (for example, URL information, communication protocol information, etc.) corresponding to the factory application 130c to the electronic device 120. (Step S902)
Further, the gateway setting unit 617 of the electronic device 120 identifies the gateway 111 (for example, the file transfer gateway 111e) to be used by, for example, the destination response response 804 of the gateway as shown in FIG. 8 (D). Further, the gateway setting unit 617 sets the information of the connection destination corresponding to the factory application 130c notified from the communication management device 110 as the connection destination of the specified gateway 111. As a result, the electronic device 120 can communicate with the connection destination (for example, the information processing device 140c) corresponding to the factory application 130c.

(Example 2 of specific processing)
FIG. 10 is a diagram (2) showing an image of a specific process according to the first embodiment. In steps S901 and S902 of FIG. 10, the electronic device 120 receives the destination response response 804 of the gateway as shown in FIG. 8 (D) from the communication management device 110 and the factory in the same manner as the process shown in FIG. It is assumed that the information of the connection destination corresponding to the target application 130c is acquired.

Here, when the electronic device 120 can communicate with the information processing device 140c without going through the gateway 111, the gateway setting unit 617 sets the information of the connection destination corresponding to the factory application 130c as the gateway destination. You may. As a result, the electronic device 120 can communicate with the connection destination (for example, the information processing device 140c) corresponding to the factory application 130c without going through the gateway 111.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, it is premised that the gateway 111 for communicating between the electronic device 120 and the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 already exists in the communication system 100. However, with this method alone, for example, in the communication system 100 as shown in FIG. 1, when the electronic device 120 (for example, a camera) using the streaming gateway is installed in the groups 2 and 3 that do not have the streaming gateway. I can not cope.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example of a process in which an administrator, an installation person, or the like generates a gateway 111 by using the gateway generation unit 406 of the communication management device 110 will be described.

<Processing flow>
(Gateway generation process)
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of gateway generation processing according to the second embodiment. In this process, an administrator who manages the communication system 100, an installation person who installs the electronic device 120, or the like generates a new gateway 111 by using the electronic device 120, the information processing device 140, the information terminal 150, or the like. An example of the processing to be executed when doing so is shown.

Here, as an example, the description will be made assuming that the administrator or the like requests the generation of the gateway 111 by using the information processing device 140a in which the device management application 130a is installed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the administrator or the like may request the communication management device 110 to generate the gateway 111 by using, for example, the information terminal 150, the electronic device 120, or the communication management device 110.

In step S1101, the administrator or the like performs the setting start operation by using the information processing device 140a in which the device management application 130a is installed.

In step S1102, when the information processing apparatus 140a receives the setting start operation by the administrator or the like, for example, the setting screen 1210 as shown in FIG. 12A is displayed. The setting screen 1210 may be displayed by the device management application 130a of the information processing device 140a, or the web browser included in the information processing device 140a displays the setting screen 1210 provided by the communication management device 110. It may be something to do.

The administrator or the like can display the setting dialog 1212 for setting the new gateway 111 by selecting the "new registration" button 1211 on the setting screen 1210 shown in FIG. 12 (A). Using this setting dialog 1212, the administrator or the like can set information such as the gateway name, type, region (group), scope (usage / purpose) of the newly generated gateway 111.

In addition, the administrator or the like can display the setting dialog 1214 for setting the parameters according to the type of the gateway 111 by selecting the "confirm / edit" button 1213 of the generation parameter.

Further, the administrator or the like sets the endpoint (connection destination) of the gateway 111 as shown in FIG. 12B by selecting the “confirm / edit” button 1215 of the endpoint. Can be displayed. On the setting screen 1220 for setting the endpoint, the endpoint addition dialog 1222 can be displayed by selecting the "add new" button 1221. Further, on the setting screen 1220 for setting the endpoint, the endpoint change dialog 1224 can be displayed by selecting the "change" button 1223.

On the other hand, the administrator or the like can select the "confirm / edit" button 1216 of the connected device list on the setting screen 1210 shown in FIG. 12A, for example, to display the device list display screen 1310 as shown in FIG. Can be displayed. On the device list display screen 1310, a device (electronic device 120) connected to the gateway 111 can be added by selecting the "add connection" button.

In step S1103, for example, the administrator or the like performs a setting operation of the newly generated gateway 111 on the setting screen as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

In step S1104, in response to a setting operation by an administrator or the like, the information processing device 140a sends a gateway generation request 1401 as shown in FIG. 14A to the gateway generation unit 406 of the communication management device 110, for example. Will be sent.

In the example of FIG. 14A, the gateway generation request 1401 includes information such as a gateway name (gatewayName), a gateway type (gatewayType), and generation parameters (params). Here, the generation parameters (params) are parameters that differ depending on the gateway type, and when the gateway type is a file transfer gateway, the storage name (storageName) and the application ID (appId) are required to be set.

The gateway generation request 1401 shown in FIG. 14A is just an example. The gateway generation request 1401 may include various information set on the setting screen as shown in FIGS. 13 (A), 13 (B), and 14.

In step S1005, the gateway generation unit 406 determines the type of gateway to be generated, which is requested in the gateway generation request 1401. Further, the gateway generation unit 406 executes a procedure for generating a gateway according to the type of gateway to be generated.

Preferably, the gateway generation unit 406 stores in advance the procedure for generating various types of gateways in the storage unit 403 or the like. Further, when a new type of gateway is generated, the processing procedure for generating the new type of gateway is stored and transmitted in the gateway generation request transmitted from the information processing device 140a to the gateway generation unit 406. You may. As a result, the gateway generation unit 406 can generate a new type of gateway according to the processing procedure stored in the gateway generation request.

The processing of steps S1106 to S1110 shows an example of processing when the gateway generation unit 406 generates a file transfer gateway.

In step S1106, the gateway generation unit 406 transmits a connection information acquisition request including the application ID to the registration information management unit 405. As a result, in step S1107, the registration information management unit 405 refers to, for example, the registration information 502 of the application as shown in FIG. 5B, and obtains the information of the connection destination corresponding to the application 130 corresponding to the application ID. , Sent to gateway generator 406.

In step S1108, the gateway generation unit 406 generates an instance (file transfer gateway 111e) corresponding to the designated gateway name.

In step S1109, the gateway generation unit 406 generates a storage with a specified storage name in the generated instance.

In step S1110, the gateway generation unit 406 sets the connection destination information in the generated instance.

By the above process, a new file transfer gateway 111e is generated.

Preferably, in step S1111, the gateway generation unit 406 notifies the gateway management unit 404 of the information of the generated gateway 111 (here, the file transfer gateway 111e). Further, in step S1112, the gateway management unit 404 registers (stores) the notified gateway 111 information in the gateway management information 501 as shown in FIG. 5A, for example.

In step S1113, the gateway generation unit 406 transmits, for example, the gateway generation response 1402 as shown in FIG. 14B to the requesting information processing device 140a.

In the example of FIG. 14B, the gateway generation response 1402 includes identification information (instanceId) for identifying the generated gateway 111, gateway name (gatewayName), gateway type (gatewayType), generation parameters (params), and the like. Contains information. The identification information that identifies the generated gateway 111 may be "gatewayId".

(Specific processing example 1)
FIG. 15 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a specific process according to the second embodiment. Here, an example of a process in which the MQTT broker 111d and the file transfer gateway 111e of the group 2 are generated and the connection destination of the image forming apparatus 120a is changed from the group 1 to the group 2 will be described. In addition, here, detailed description about the same process of 1st Embodiment is omitted.

In step S1501, the administrator or the like requests the gateway generation unit 406 to generate a gateway by using, for example, the device management application 130a. For example, the device management application 130a transmits a gateway generation request for generating the MQTT broker 111d of the group 2 and the file transfer gateway 111e to the gateway generation unit 406.

In step S1502, the gateway generation unit 406 executes, for example, a gateway generation process as shown in FIG. 11 to generate the requested MQTT broker 111d and the file transfer gateway 111e.

In step S1503, the administrator or the like uses, for example, the device management application 130a (or the information terminal 150) to send the gateway to the gateway management unit 404 by the endpoint change dialog 1224 as shown in FIG. 12 (B). Request a change of destination.

In steps S1504 and S1505, the administrator and the like transmit a gateway change request requesting the gateway change from the device management application 130a to the image forming apparatus 120a via the MQTT broker 111a.

In step S1506, the management information acquisition unit 615 of the image forming apparatus 120a that has received the gateway change request transmits the gateway destination response request to the gateway management unit 404, and acquires the gateway destination response response.

In step S1507, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 of the image forming apparatus 120a transmits the acquisition request of the connection destination of the device management application 130a to the registration information management unit 405, and acquires the information of the connection destination corresponding to the device management application 130a. To do.

In step S1508, the gateway setting unit 617 of the image forming apparatus 120a identifies the MQTT broker 111d and the file transfer gateway 111e to be connected based on the information included in the acquired destination response and response of the gateway. Further, the gateway setting unit 617 sets the connection destination information corresponding to the acquired device management application 130a to the connection destination (endpoint) of the specified gateway.

In steps S1509 and S1010, the gateway setting unit 617 of the image forming apparatus 120a notifies the device management application 130a that the gateway setting change is completed via the MQTT broker 111d.

(Modification example)
In the process shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 120a executes the gateway change process as shown in steps S1506 to S1508 in response to the gateway change request transmitted from the device management application 130a.

As a preferred example, the image forming apparatus 120a may execute the gateway change processing as shown in steps S1506 to S1508 when the device management application 130a cannot communicate with the device management application 130a for a predetermined time or longer. As a result, for example, when the administrator or the like makes a mistake in changing the settings, or when the administrator forgets to issue a gateway change request, the electronic device 120 self-recovers the gateway settings for communicating with the device management application 130a. become able to.

Further, as another example, the image forming apparatus 120a may periodically execute the gateway change processing as shown in steps S1506 to S1508 when the preset update time has elapsed. Also in this method, for example, when the administrator or the like makes a mistake in changing the setting or forgets to issue the gateway change request, the electronic device 120 sets the gateway for communicating with the device management application 130a by itself. You will be able to recover.

(Example 2 of specific processing)
FIG. 16 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a specific process according to the second embodiment. Here, an example will be described in which a plurality of gateways 111 are grouped by business and, for example, the streaming gateway 111g corresponding to group 2 (business B) is expanded. Here, detailed description of the same processing as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

In step S1601, the administrator or the like requests the gateway generation unit 406 to generate the gateway by using, for example, the information terminal 150 or the like. For example, the administrator or the like transmits a gateway generation request requesting the generation of the group 2 streaming gateway 111g corresponding to the business B to the gateway generation unit 406.

In step S1602, the gateway generation unit 406 executes, for example, a gateway generation process as shown in FIG. 11 to generate 111 g of the requested streaming gateway of group 2.

In step S1603, the administrator or the like executes the gateway destination registration process as shown in steps S701 to S704 of FIG. 8 by using, for example, the information terminal 150 or the like, and sets the generated gateway destination (endpoint). to register.

In step S1604, the management information acquisition unit 615 of the camera 120c transmits, for example, a gateway destination response request to the gateway management unit 404 in response to a network setting operation by the installation person, and acquires the gateway destination response response. ..

In step S1605, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 of the camera 120c transmits the acquisition request of the connection destination of the monitoring application 130b to the registration information management unit 405, and acquires the information of the connection destination corresponding to the monitoring application 130b.

In step S1606, the gateway setting unit 617 of the camera 120c identifies the streaming gateway 111g to be connected based on the information included in the acquired destination response response of the gateway. Further, the gateway setting unit 617 sets the connection destination information corresponding to the acquired monitoring application 130b to the connection destination of the specified gateway.

As a result, the camera 120c can communicate with the monitoring application 130b via the streaming gateway 111g corresponding to the business B.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the communication system 100 including a plurality of grouped gateways 111, the electronic device 120 newly generates and sets a gateway used for communication with a communication destination such as an application 130. It becomes easy.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, for example, a process suitable for an electronic device 120 that does not have a display unit for displaying an operation screen such as a sensor 120b will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of communication system processing according to the third embodiment. Here, for example, it is assumed that the information set in steps S731 and S732 of FIG. 7 is stored in advance in the storage unit 614 of the sensor 120b.

In step S1701, the power of the sensor 120b is turned on.

In step S1702, the management information acquisition unit 615 of the sensor 120b transmits the gateway destination response request to the gateway management unit 404 in response to the sound source on event, and acquires the gateway destination response response.

In step S1703, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 of the sensor 120b transmits the acquisition request of the connection destination of the device management application 130a to the registration information management unit 405, and acquires the information of the connection destination corresponding to the device management application 130a.

In step S1704, the gateway setting unit 617 of the sensor 120b identifies the gateway 111 (for example, MQTT broker 111a) to be connected based on the information included in the acquired gateway destination response response. In addition, the gateway setting unit 617 sets the connection destination information corresponding to the acquired device management application 130a to the connection destination of the specified gateway.

Preferably, the sensor 120b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1702 to S1704 at predetermined time intervals while the power is on. This makes it possible to apply the present invention even to an electronic device 120 that does not have a display unit for displaying a display screen, such as a sensor 120b or the like.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the intermediary device 120d, which is an example of the electronic device 120, is used, for example, the detection data detected by the sensors 1800a and 1800b of another company that do not correspond to the communication system 100 is collected by the device management application 130a. An example of processing in the case of doing so will be described.

The intermediary device 120d has a function of communicating with a device that does not support the communication system 100, such as sensors 1800a and 1800b of another company, and collecting detected data or the like by a predetermined communication method. .. The intermediary device 120d also has a function of notifying the device management application 130a of the collected data.

By installing the intermediary device 120d in this way, various devices that are not compatible with the communication system 100 can be used in the communication system 100.

For example, when the other company's sensors 1800a and 1800b are used in the communication system 100, the person in charge of installation installs the intermediary device 120d that communicates with the other company's sensors 1800a and 1800b. Further, the person in charge of installation or the like performs, for example, an electronic device setting operation as shown in step S731 of FIG. 7 and a network setting process as shown in step S732 for the intermediary device 120d. As a result, for example, the processes of steps S1801 to S1803 of FIG. 18 are executed.

In step S1801, the management information acquisition unit 615 of the intermediary device 120d transmits the gateway destination response request to the gateway management unit 404, and acquires the gateway destination response response.

In step S1802, the connection destination information acquisition unit 616 of the intermediary device 120d transmits the acquisition request of the connection destination of the device management application 130a to the registration information management unit 405, and acquires the information of the connection destination corresponding to the device management application 130a. ..

In step S1803, the gateway setting unit 617 of the intermediary device 120d identifies the MQTT broker 111a to be connected and the file transfer gateway 111b based on the information included in the acquired destination response response of the gateway. Further, the gateway setting unit 617 sets the information of the connection destination corresponding to the acquired device management application 130a to the endpoint of the specified gateway.

As a result, the sensor data detected by the sensors 1800a and 1800b of other companies can be transmitted to the device management application 130a via the intermediary device 120d.

<Interface provided by communication management device>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an interface provided by the communication management device according to the embodiment. The communication management device 110 provides, for example, an interface (web API) for receiving various request information for the information terminal 150, the information processing device 140, and the electronic device 120.

For example, FIG. 19 shows an example in which an interface is defined other than the REST (Representational State Transfer) API of general HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

Further, as an example, FIG. 20 (A) shows an example of listening to the gateway destination acquisition / search API. Further, an example of the response of the gateway destination acquisition / search API is shown in FIG. 20 (B).

<Conceptual model of database>
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a conceptual model of a database according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, in the present embodiment, the electronic device 120 and the application 130 are managed by the management ID as the management target.

Further, since the electronic device 120 and the gateway 111 are related to each other, the communication management device 110 can manage which gateway 111 and which electronic device 120 are connected to each other. Similarly, the communication management device 110 can manage which gateway 111 and which application 130 are connected.

In addition, such a database allows the gateway 111 to have a plurality of endpoints. For example, a plurality of endpoints for status notification, job communication, etc. can be set for one gateway 111.

As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, in the communication system 100 including a plurality of grouped gateways 111, it is easy to set the gateway 111 used by the electronic device 120 for communication with the communication destination such as the application 130. become.

<Supplement>
Each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

In addition, the device group described in each embodiment is merely one of a plurality of computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification.

In certain embodiments, the communication management device 110 includes a plurality of computing devices, such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including networks, shared memory, and the like, and perform the processes disclosed herein. Similarly, the information processing device 140 can include a plurality of computing devices configured to communicate with each other.

Further, the communication management device 110 and the electronic device 120 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, for example, FIGS. 7 and 11 in various combinations. For example, a process performed by a given unit can be performed by electronics 120. Similarly, the function of a given unit can be performed by the electronic device 120. Further, each element of the communication management device 110 and the electronic device 120 may be integrated into one server device, or may be divided into a plurality of devices.

100 Communication system 110 Communication management device 111 Gateway 120 Electronic device 130 App (program)
140 Information processing device 404 Gateway management unit 405 Registration information management unit 406 Gateway generation unit 615 Management information acquisition unit 616 Connection destination information acquisition unit 617 Gateway setting unit 618 Update unit 618, 625 Request information transmission unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-141166

Claims (10)

A program executed by an information processing device, an electronic device, and a plurality of gateways that are communicably connected to the information processing device and the electronic device and relay communication between the information processing device and the electronic device are managed. A communication system that includes a communication management device and
The communication management device is
A gateway management unit that manages the plurality of gateways by dividing them into a plurality of groups and manages gateway management information including information on the usage of each gateway and information on the connection destination.
A registration information management unit that manages registration information of the program including information on the connection destination corresponding to the program, and
Have,
The electronic device is
A management information acquisition unit that acquires management information of available gateways among the plurality of gateways from the gateway management unit by designating at least one of the information related to the group and the application.
A connection destination information acquisition unit that acquires connection destination information corresponding to the program from the registration information management unit, and
A gateway setting unit that sets a gateway for communicating with the program based on at least one of the available gateway management information and the connection destination information corresponding to the program.
Have,
Communications system. The communication management device according to claim 1, further comprising a gateway generation unit that generates a gateway for the electronic device to communicate with the program in response to request information requesting generation of a gateway corresponding to the program. Communications system. The program causes the information processing device to function as a request information transmitting unit that transmits request information requesting the generation of the gateway or request information requesting a change of the destination of the gateway to the communication management device. Item 2. The communication system according to Item 2. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection destination information corresponding to the program includes destination information for communicating with the program and communication protocol information. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic device has an update unit that automatically updates the settings of the gateway for communicating with the program. The update unit communicates with the program when the electronic device cannot communicate with the program for a predetermined time or longer, when the power of the electronic device is turned on, or when a preset update period has elapsed. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the gateway setting is updated. The gateway management unit manages information related to the usage in a layered manner with a predetermined delimiter.
The connection destination information acquisition unit obtains the connection destination information of the gateway available from the gateway management unit by designating the information related to the application separated by a predetermined delimiter, according to claims 1 to 6. The communication system according to any one of the above. Multiple gateways for communicating with the program executed by the information processing device are managed by dividing them into multiple groups, and the gateway management information including information on the usage of each gateway and information on the connection destination, and the program An electronic device that is communicably connected to the communication management device that manages the registration information of the program including the corresponding connection destination information.
A management information acquisition unit that acquires management information of available gateways among the plurality of gateways from the communication management device by designating at least one of the information related to the group and the application.
A connection destination information acquisition unit that acquires connection destination information corresponding to the program from the communication management device, and
A gateway setting unit that sets a gateway for communicating with the program based on at least one of the available gateway management information and the connection destination information corresponding to the program.
Have an electronic device. A program executed by an information processing device, an electronic device, and a plurality of gateways that are communicably connected to the information processing device and the electronic device and relay communication between the information processing device and the electronic device are managed. Communication management method in a communication system including a communication management device
The communication management device
A process of managing the plurality of gateways by dividing them into a plurality of groups, and managing gateway management information including information on the usage of each gateway and information on the connection destination.
The process of managing the registration information of the program including the information of the connection destination corresponding to the program, and
A process of generating a gateway for the electronic device to communicate with the program in response to request information requesting the generation of a gateway corresponding to the program.
And
The electronic device
A process of acquiring management information of available gateways from the communication management device by designating at least one of the information related to the group and the usage.
A process of acquiring information on a connection destination corresponding to the program from the communication management device, and
A process of setting a gateway for communicating with the program based on at least one of the available gateway management information and the connection destination information corresponding to the program.
To execute,
Communication management method. A program for causing a communication management device and an electronic device to execute the communication management method according to claim 9.

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