JP4243563B2 - Object connection destination notification device, object connection destination notification system, and object connection destination notification program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides an object connection destination notification device and an object connection destination notification program for notifying the connection destination of an object when the objects registered on the network are connected to each other. The present invention relates to an object connection request terminal and an object connection request program for requesting notification of an address of an object to be connected and requesting connection between the objects.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a communication method technique using a computer network (hereinafter, simply referred to as a network), there is a distributed object technique for allowing terminals (computers and the like) distributed on the network to connect and communicate with each other.

  This distributed object technology is a logical method for processing data in a distributed system environment in which multiple terminals distributed over a network connect and communicate with each other and perform processing of the communicated data in a distributed manner. Objects that are processing entities exchange the data and messages (inter-object communication).

  Among the distributed object technologies, as examples of implementation of inter-object communication, CORBA (registered trademark; Common Object Request Broker Architecture) of OMG (Object Management Group), DCOM, Sun Micros (trademark) of Microsoft (registered trademark) Java (registered trademark) RMI of registered trademark company.

  “Object generation device and object generation program” that can handle video data, audio data, etc. in a unified manner regardless of the format or the type of recording medium, as using this inter-object communication (see Patent Document 1) In addition, a “data processing path search apparatus and data processing path search program” that can automatically search for an object generation apparatus capable of processing data to be communicated to determine a communication path (see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, a “data processing system and data processing program” for accumulating connection data files that describe connection systems and control systems of data processing devices that process data, and for connecting and controlling objects according to the connection data files (See Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-126871) It is.

  By the way, terminals (computers, etc.) on the network are assigned IP addresses represented by a regular numeric string that can be easily processed by machines such as the terminals. Is going. However, since this IP address and the like is a list of numbers that are dry and dry for humans and is difficult to remember, conventionally, a name that is easy for humans to remember is assigned separately and this name is associated with the IP address. By associating this name with the IP address and memorizing this name, it is possible to resolve the difficulty of memorizing the IP address as having learned the IP address from “name resolution” (computer name (host name)) This is referred to as checking the address (for example, IP address) of the computer (host).

  As conventional name resolution techniques (techniques), techniques such as a directory service and DNS (Domain Name Server) are generally known. Of these technologies, without DNS, a terminal (computer or the like) cannot be connected to a network (for example, the Internet). Incidentally, conversion from the URL of a website on a network to the IP address of an HTTP server in which data is stored is also called name resolution.

  In other words, what is called inter-object communication is realized by middleware such as CORBA (registered trademark), and this middleware is spread over the entire network so that differences in computer language, OS, and network interface can be handled transparently. It is.

  In the inter-object communication, when an object is generated on the network, a unique ID corresponding to the object is generated, and this ID is added to the object. For example, in the OMG CORBA (registered trademark), a unique character string name called IOR (Interoperable Object Reference) is added to the object.

  This IOR is a collection of data necessary for uniquely identifying an object in CORBA (registered trademark), and in this IOR, data such as a host name and a port number for operating the object. Is recorded. That is, this IOR is defined by the CORBA (registered trademark) specification and can be said to be an address of an object.

  However, since this IOR is a character string that is difficult for humans to remember, like an IP address, a name that is easy for humans to remember (easy to identify) is assigned separately from IOR, and this name and IOR are associated with each other to create an object. Is registered on the network.

Incidentally, it is one of the name resolutions to resolve the correspondence between the name of the unique character string called IOR and the name that is easy for humans to remember (easy to identify). A program for performing name resolution is generally called a naming service program (abbreviated naming service).
JP 2002-259177 A (paragraphs 0016 to 0035, FIG. 1) JP 2002-259330 A (paragraphs 0028 to 0048, FIG. 1)

  However, in the naming service provided by conventional inter-object communication, the objects managed in the same directory have the same function and the same processing capability in order to identify each object. There is a problem that all objects must have different names (object names).

  That is, in the naming service provided by the conventional inter-object communication, in order to identify and manage each object, objects having the same name cannot be registered on the network. For this reason, when performing communication between objects by specifying at least two object names, if the object with the specified object name is already connected to another object and cannot be used, When an object with an object name specified by use cannot be used, even if there are other objects with the same function and the same processing capability on the network, they are registered with different object names. If the object name is not specified again, there is a problem that inter-object communication cannot be realized, that is, it cannot be used in place of an object having the specified object name.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problem, and when performing communication between objects without assigning different object names to objects having the same function and the same processing capability, the specified object name Object connection destination notification device, object connection request terminal, object connection destination program, object connection destination program, and object connection that can realize inter-object communication without specifying the object name again even if an object having The purpose is to provide a request program.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the object connection destination notification device according to claim 1 is a data processing device for processing data transmitted on a network and a connection when the data is registered on the network as an object. An object connection destination notification device that notifies the connection source object of the address of the connection destination object that is the connection destination object of the connection source object based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object that is the source object. The object name / address writing unit, the address notification request signal receiving unit, the state notification request signal output unit, and the connection destination notification unit are provided.

  According to this configuration, the object connection destination notifying device uses the object name / address writing unit to set the object name and the data processing device and the data that are names on the network between the data processing device and the data set in advance. Write an address on the network to an object management file for managing objects. This object name / address writing means is used when a data processing device and data are connected to a network and are made an object by CORBA (registered trademark) or the like. The object name and the object address (object reference) described in the data describing whether the object is written are written in the object management file. The object management file is directly connected to the object connection destination notification device or connected via a network.

  Note that the object name is given in advance by a user who uses the data processing apparatus, and is stored in the data processing apparatus as metadata when the data processing apparatus is generated as an object by CORBA (registered trademark) or the like. Is stored in the storage means. Here, when a user of a data processing apparatus gives an object name, for example, an operation is performed between users so that the same object name is given to a data processing apparatus having the same function. An arrangement has been made. By the way, in middleware such as CORBA (registered trademark), the data processing device is a functional module that is a processing entity that processes data, and data processed (output) by the data processing device is generated as a media object on the network. (Register) (it will be on the network).

  Subsequently, the object connection destination notification device receives the address notification request signal transmitted from the connection source object which is the connection source object by the address notification request signal receiving means. This address notification request signal is an address (object reference) of a connection destination object that is a connection destination object.

  Then, the object connection destination notification device uses the state notification request signal output unit to connect to the connection destination object indicated by the object name written in the object management file based on the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal reception unit. In response to this, a state notification request signal for requesting notification of the state of the connection destination object is output. This state notification request signal output means outputs a state notification request signal in the order of writing, randomly or simultaneously when there are a plurality of objects indicated by the object names written in the object management file. .

  After that, the object connection destination notification device sends a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object output by the connection destination object that has received the state notification request signal from the state notification request signal output means by the connection destination notification means. Based on this status notification signal, the object management file is referred to, and the address of the connection destination object is notified to the connection source object. In other words, when the state notification signal corresponding to the return signal of the state notification request signal is received by the connection destination notification means, the state of the connection destination object (whether it is connected to other objects or not based on this state notification signal). Whether or not there is a fault on the network, and notifies the address (object reference) of the connection destination object that can be connected to the connection source object.

  The object connection destination notifying device according to claim 2 is a data processing device for processing data transmitted on a network and an address notification request signal from a terminal when the data is registered as an object on the network. Based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object, the connection source object connected to the connection source object is notified based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object. An object connection destination notification device for notifying an address of a destination object to the connection source object, an object name / address writing unit, an address notification request signal receiving unit, a state notification request signal output unit, and a connection destination notification Means.

  According to this configuration, the object connection destination notifying device uses the object name / address writing unit to set the object name and the data processing device and the data that are names on the network between the data processing device and the data set in advance. Write an address on the network to an object management file for managing objects.

  Subsequently, the object connection destination notification device receives the address notification request signal transmitted from the terminal and the connection source object by the address notification request signal receiving means. Here, the address notification request signal transmitted from the terminal requests notification of the address (object reference) of the connection source object, and the address notification request signal transmitted from the connection source object indicates the address of the connection destination object. (Object reference) notification is requested. The address notification request signal from the terminal is used to notify the contact destination when the terminal requests connection (inter-object communication) between the objects to the connection destination object. Is.

  Then, the object connection destination notification device uses the state notification request signal output unit to connect to the connection destination object indicated by the object name written in the object management file based on the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal reception unit. In response to this, a state notification request signal for requesting notification of the state of the connection destination object is output. If the connection source object is currently connected to another object when requesting connection (inter-object communication) from the terminal to the connection source object, this connection source object The inter-object communication disable signal indicating that inter-object communication is impossible is transmitted to the terminal.

  After that, the object connection destination notification device sends a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object output by the connection destination object that has received the state notification request signal from the state notification request signal output means by the connection destination notification means. Based on this status notification signal, the object management file is referred to, and the address of the connection destination object is notified to the connection source object.

  The object connection request terminal according to claim 3, wherein a data processing device that processes data transmitted on a network and an object that requests connection between the objects when the data is registered on the network as an object The connection request terminal is configured to include an address notification request signal output unit, a connection request signal output unit, and a data processing unit.

  According to such a configuration, the object connection requesting terminal uses the address notification request signal output means to notify the object connection destination notification device that notifies the address of the object of the address notification that requests the notification of the address of the connection source object that is the connection source. Outputs a request signal. Usually, the object connection requesting terminal does not know the address (object reference) of the data processing device (functional module) that can process data (media object), so it needs to be notified to the object connection destination notification device. .

  Subsequently, the object connection request terminal requests connection with the connection destination object that is the connection destination of the connection source object to the address of the connection source object notified from the object connection destination notification device by the connection request signal output means. A connection request signal is output. By this connection request signal, the inter-object communication is executed between the connection source object and the connection destination object.

  Here, the object connection requesting terminal is configured such that the data processing means uses the notification result output from the connection destination object by the object connection destination notification device according to the state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object. Rewrite the object name of the connection destination object described in the connection data file used when connecting. For example, if the connection destination object described in the connection data file is communicating with another object and communication between the connection source object and the object cannot be executed, the object of the connection destination object can be connected to another connection destination object. The name (object name of the functional module that generated the media object to be the connection destination object) is rewritten.

  The connection data file describes a route (combination of a functional module and a media object) to be connected when inter-object communication is executed between the connection source object and the connection destination object. The connection data file is stored (recorded) in the storage device, a storage device directly connected to the device, or a storage device connected to the network.

  The object connection destination notifying program according to claim 4 is a data processing apparatus that processes data transmitted on a network and a connection that is an object that is a connection source when the data is registered on the network as an object. Based on the address notification request signal from the source object, a device for notifying the source object of the address of the destination object that is the connection destination of the source object is an object name / address writing means, address notification The request signal receiving unit, the state notification request signal output unit, and the connection destination notification unit are configured to function.

  According to such a configuration, the object connection destination notification program uses the object name / address writing unit to set the object name and the data processing device and the data that are names on the network between the data processing device and the data set in advance. Write an address on the network to an object management file for managing objects. Subsequently, the object connection destination notification program receives the address notification request signal transmitted from the connection source object by the address notification request signal receiving means, and is written in the object management file based on the received address notification request signal. A state notification request signal for requesting to notify the state of the connection destination object is output to the connection destination object indicated by the object name by the state notification request signal output means. Then, the object connection destination notification program outputs a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object output by the connection destination object that has received the state notification request signal from the state notification request signal output unit by the connection destination notification unit. Based on this status notification signal, the object management file is referred to, and the address of the connection destination object is notified to the connection source object.

  The object connection destination notification program according to claim 5 is a data processing device for processing data transmitted on a network and an address notification request signal from a terminal when the data is registered as an object on the network. Based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object, the connection source object connected to the connection source object is notified based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object. The apparatus that notifies the connection source object of the address of the destination object is configured to function as an object name / address writing means, an address notification request signal receiving means, a status notification request signal output means, and a connection destination notification means.

  According to such a configuration, the object connection destination notification program uses the object name / address writing unit to set the object name and the data processing device and the data that are names on the network between the data processing device and the data set in advance. Write an address on the network to an object management file for managing objects. Subsequently, the object connection destination notification program receives the address notification request signal transmitted from the terminal and the connection source object by the address notification request signal receiving means. Then, the object connection destination notification program notifies the terminal of the address of the connection source object with reference to the object management file by the connection destination notification means. Further, when the connection source object that has received the connection request signal from the terminal transmits an address notification request signal to request notification of the address of the connection destination object, the object connection destination notification program outputs the address by the status notification request signal output means. Based on the address notification request signal received by the notification request signal receiving means, a status notification for requesting the connection destination object indicated by the object name written in the object management file to notify the status of the connection destination object Outputs a request signal. Thereafter, the object connection destination notification program outputs a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object output by the connection destination object that has received the state notification request signal from the state notification request signal output unit by the connection destination notification unit. Based on this status notification signal, the object management file is referred to, and the address of the connection destination object is notified to the connection source object.

  According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, based on the metadata of the object, the object name and address of the object are written in the object management file, and these objects are identified and managed based on the address. Thus, if they have the same function (and the same processing capability), the same object name can be assigned. Also, when receiving the address notification request signal from the connection source object and notifying the address of the connection destination object, the state notification request signal is output to the connection destination object, and the state of the connection destination object is changed to the connection destination object. Even if the connection destination object with the specified object name cannot be used when performing inter-object communication between the connection source object and the connection destination object by checking with the status notification signal output from the object. Since the address of another connection destination object having the same object name is notified, inter-object communication can be realized without specifying the object name again.

  According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, the object name and address of the object are written in the object management file based on the metadata of the object, and these objects are identified and managed based on the address. Thus, if they have the same function (and the same processing capability), the same object name can be assigned. In addition, after receiving the address notification request signal from the terminal and notifying the address of the connection source object, when receiving the address notification request signal from the connection source object and notifying the address of the connection destination object, By outputting a status notification request signal to the connection destination object and confirming the status of the connection destination object with the status notification signal output from the connection destination object, the connection between the connection source object and the connection destination object Even if the connection destination object with the specified object name cannot be used when communicating, the address of another connection destination object with the same object name is notified, so there is no need to specify the object name again. Inter-object communication can be realized.

According to the invention of claim 3 Symbol placement, by outputting a connection request signal, the object (the data processing apparatus, data) to the can request connection between objects (inter-object communication). Further, for example, when the connection source object and the connection destination object perform inter-object communication based on the connection request signal, the object name of the connection destination object described in the connection data file and the object connection destination notification device When the notified object name of the connection destination object is different, consistency can be obtained by rewriting the object name of the connection destination object described in the connection data file by the data processing means.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
<Configuration of object connection destination notification system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an object connection destination notification system (including an object connection destination notification device and an object connection request terminal). As shown in FIG. 1, an object connection destination notification system S is configured such that a device connected to a network (a data processing device that processes some data) and data transmitted / received on the network are objects (functional modules, media objects). ), The objects are connected to each other (inter-object communication is performed), and the object connection destination notification device 1 and the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n) And an object connection request terminal 3, an object management file storage device 4, and a connection data file storage device 6.

  In this embodiment, the object connection destination notification system S is a so-called video processing system as an example, and a plurality of video data processing devices (object generation device 2) for processing video data are function modules (objects), and The video data (data) processed (output) by this video data processing apparatus is made to exist on the network as a media object (object), and a plurality of video data is operated according to an operation from the operation terminal (object connection request terminal 3). By connecting (cooperating) processing devices (object generation device 2) and performing inter-object communication, processing of video data (editing, processing, addition of video effects, format conversion, storage, etc.) is executed. It is. The object connection destination notification system S is not limited to a video processing system, that is, a system that processes video data, and can be applied to any data processing system that processes some data.

  In this embodiment, the object connection destination notification device 1 of the object connection destination notification system S, the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n), the object connection request terminal 3, and the object The management file storage device 4 and the connection data file storage device 6 are configured by a single network, but the devices 1, 2, 4, 6 and the terminal 3 do not have to exist in a single network. . For example, the object connection destination notification device 1 and the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n) are connected to the same network, and the object connection request terminal 3 and the object management file storage device 4 and the connection data file storage device 6 may be connected to another (other) network.

  Incidentally, the network includes an object connection destination notification device 1 of the object connection destination notification system S, an object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n), an object connection request terminal 3, and an object management file storage. It is for electrically connecting the device 4 and the connection data file storage device 6 and takes various forms such as wired or wireless.

  First, prior to the description of the configuration of the object connection destination notification device 1 and the object connection request terminal 3, the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n), the object management file storage device 4, and the connection A configuration with the data file storage device 6 will be described.

In the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n), a data processing device (video data processing device) that processes data (video data) transmitted over a network is a logical processing entity. Data (video data) processed (output) by the data processing device (video data processing device) as a functional module (object) is automatically registered on the network as a media object (object). , Object name / address write request means 8, metadata reading means 10, connection request means 12, connection request processing means 14, connection state notification means 16, and metadata storage means 18. Here, the processing for automatically registering the data processing device (video data processing device) and the data (video data) on the network is performed through middleware such as CORBA (registered trademark).

  In this embodiment, the object generation device 2 includes the units 2 to 18, for example, a video recording / playback device such as a VTR device or a file server for recording and storing video data, and a liquid crystal display for displaying video data. And a general term including a video display device such as a plasma display.

  The object name / address write request means 8 is itself connected to a network (data processing apparatus [video data processing apparatus]), activated, and registered on the network by middleware such as CORBA (registered trademark). At this time, the object management file storage device uses the object name and address (IOR) described in the metadata via the object connection destination notification device 1 connected (existing) in advance on the network. No. 4 object management file 4a is automatically requested to be written.

  Metadata is a generic term for various data representing object attributes, and describes at least an object name that is the name of the object on the network and an address (IOR; object reference) that corresponds to the location of the object on the network. Here, the function and processing capability of the data processing device (video data processing device) referred to when performing inter-object communication are further described.

  The function of the data processing device (video data processing device) is a process that can be executed on the data (video data), such as an editing process for freely connecting and cutting the data (video data). , Processing to insert telops into data (video data), video effect addition processing to add some video effect to data (video data), format conversion processing to convert the format of data (video data), It refers to an accumulation process for accumulating and storing data (video data).

  The processing capability of a data processing device (video data processing device) refers to a processing speed indicating the speed at which data (video data) is processed, a storage capacity indicating a capacity capable of storing data (video data), and the like.

  Here, the object name and address described in the metadata are automatically sent from the object generation device 2 to the object connection destination notification device 1 by the object name / address writing request means 8 when the device 2 is activated. A write request is made and written in the object management file 4a of the object management file storage device 4. However, for example, it may be transmitted after a request is received from the object connection destination notification device 1.

  The metadata reading unit 10 stores the metadata stored in the metadata storage unit 18 when the object generation device 2 is registered on the network by middleware such as CORBA (registered trademark) (when the device 2 is activated). Are read out and output to the object name / address write request means 8.

  The metadata reading means 10 is described in the metadata accumulated in the metadata accumulating means 18 when there is a request from the object connection destination notifying apparatus 1 and the metadata is transmitted to the object connection destination notifying apparatus 1. The read object name and address are read out and output to the object name / address write request means 8.

  Further, when executing the inter-object communication, the metadata reading means 10 receives a request from the other object generation device 2 and transfers the metadata of itself (data processing device [video data processing device]) to the other object. When transmitting to the generation device 2, the metadata stored in the metadata storage means 18 is read and output to the other object generation device 2. That is, the metadata reading unit 10 plays a role of an interface for reading metadata.

  The connection request means 12 outputs a connection request signal for making a connection request to another object generation device 2 in accordance with the connection request signal output from the object connection request terminal 3.

  In addition, when the object generation device 2 itself is operated by a user, the connection request unit 12 connects to another object generation device 2 without using a connection request signal from the object connection request terminal 3. A connection request signal for making a request is output.

The connection request processing means 14 receives a connection request signal transmitted from another object generation device 2 and executes connection between objects (inter-object communication).
The connection request unit 12 and the connection request processing unit 14 serve as an interface for connecting objects (inter-object communication).

  In this embodiment, CORBA (registered trademark) is used for connection between the object generation devices 2, that is, for communication between objects. However, what is used when performing inter-object communication is not limited to CORBA (registered trademark), for example, DCOM and Java (registered trademark) RMI.

  The connection status notification means 16 receives a status notification request signal for requesting notification of the status of the device 2 from the object connection destination notification device 1, and the device 2 is connected to another object (executes inter-object communication). A state notification signal for notifying the state of the device 2 is output to the object connection destination notification device 1.

  Incidentally, when a failure on the network occurs and the status notification request signal output from the object connection destination notification device 1 is not received, the object generation device 2 naturally outputs the status notification signal. Absent. As a result, the object connection destination notification device 1 determines that the object generation device 2 is in a state where communication is not possible. In addition, when the object generation device 2 itself is out of order, it is of course impossible to respond (reply), so the object connection destination notification device 1 determines that the object generation device 2 cannot communicate. become.

  The metadata storage unit 18 is configured by a nonvolatile memory or the like, and stores the metadata of the device 2 in advance. Of the stored metadata, the object name and address are read by the metadata reading means 10 and sent to the object connection destination notification device 1 via the object name / address writing request means 8. Sent.

Here, an object generated (registered) by the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n) will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (refer to FIG. 1 as appropriate).
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the types of objects to be generated (registered). As shown in FIG. 2, the objects generated (registered) by the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n) (objects handled by the object connection destination notification system S) include two types. There are types: functional modules and media objects.

  The functional module and the media object have a logical parent-child relationship, the functional module is a parent object of the media object, and the media object is a child object of the functional module. That is, the media object is generated from the object generation device 2 having the same functional module as the parent object. That is, the functional module is “an object having a function of a data processing device”, and the media object is “an object obtained by converting data (processing result) output from the data processing device”.

  Note that whether the object existing on the network is a functional module or a media object can be distinguished by reading the metadata of the object by the metadata reading means 19. Further, which functional module has generated a media object can be determined by reading the metadata of each media object by the metadata reading means 10.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3, functional modules and media objects generated by the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,..., 2n) will be described (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). .

  FIG. 3 illustrates the concept of object generation for the four object generation devices 2 of the object generation device 2a, the object generation device 2b, the object generation device 2c, and the object generation device 2d. It is assumed that the object generation device 2c has the same function.

  When these object generation devices 2 are connected and activated on the network, a function module A is generated from the object generation device 2a by CORBA (registered trademark), which is middleware on the network, as shown in FIG. The function module B1 and the media object b are generated from the device 2b, the function module B2 and the media object b are generated from the object generation device 2c, and the function module D and the media object d are generated from the object generation device 2d. Here, “A”, “B1”, “B2”, “D”, “a”, “b”, and “d” are object names of the respective objects.

Returning to FIG. 1, the description of the object connection destination notification system S will be continued.
The object management file storage device 4 is configured by a server or the like provided with a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores an object management file 4a in which an object name and an address (IOR) transmitted to the object connection destination notification device 1 are associated with each other. Accumulate. An example of the object management file 4a is shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the object management file 4a.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the object management file 4a, the object name and address (IOR; object reference) paired (associated) are listed by the number of objects. . In this embodiment, the object name is about 10 characters, and the IOR is 256-character data. For example, even if the number of objects is 1000, the data amount is about 260 kBytes, and the object management file 4a is configured as a single file.

  In FIG. 4, the object name “A” and the object reference “IOR1” are the object name “B1” and the object reference “IOR2”, the object name “b” and the object reference “IOR101” are the object name “IOR101”. B2 ”and object reference“ IOR3 ”, object name“ b ”and object reference“ IOR102 ”, object name“ D ”and object reference“ IOR4 ”, object name“ d ”and object reference“ IOR103 ”. Are associated with each other.

  The object reference is unique data that is required when each object performs initial communication for accessing the objects by inter-object communication using the connection request unit 12 and the connection request processing unit 14. In this embodiment, since CORBA (registered trademark) is used for inter-object communication, the unique data corresponds to IOR (Interoperable Object Reference) defined by the specifications of CORBA (registered trademark).

  In this embodiment, the object management file storage device 4 is directly connected to the object connection destination notification device 1, but may be connected via a network. The object management file storage device 4 itself may be built in the object connection destination notification device 1.

  The connection data file storage device 6 is configured by a server or the like having a storage medium such as a large-capacity hard disk, and connects objects (functional modules, media objects, etc.) (when performing inter-object communication). The connection data file 6a, which is data describing how to connect the objects, is stored (a specific example will be described later).

  The connection data file 6a is described in a computer language such as XML, and can be rewritten (changed) by data processing means (described later) of the object connection request terminal 3.

  In this embodiment, the connection data file storage device 6 is connected on the network, but may be connected directly to the object connection request terminal 3. The connection data file storage device 6 itself may be built in the object connection request terminal 3.

<Configuration of object connection destination notification device>
The configuration of the object connection destination notification device 1 will now be described.
The object connection destination notification device 1 stores the object name and address transmitted from the object generation device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,... 2n) in the object management file 4a stored in the object management file storage device 4. At the same time, when the object generation device 2 performs inter-object communication, the object connection request terminal 3 is notified of the address of the connection source object that is the connection source object, and the connection source object is notified to the connection source object This is a notification of the address of the connection destination object, and includes an object name / address writing means 5, an address notification request signal receiving means 7, a status notification request signal output means 9, and a connection destination notification means 11. Yes.

  The object connection destination notification device 1 is generally called a “broker” in inter-object communication.

  The object name / address writing means 5 stores the object name and address (IOR; object reference) described in the metadata transmitted from the object generation device 2 in the object management file 4a of the object management file storage device 4. Write.

  The object name is set (added) by a user who uses the object generation device 2 in advance, and the object generation device 2 has the same function (and the same processing capability). In order to set (add) the same object name, an agreement is made in advance between users.

  The same function is an object generation device that edits data (video data), processes data (video data), adds video effects to data (video data), converts the format of data (video data), etc. 2 indicates that the output after processing is the same.

  For example, the object generation device 2 (video data processing device) is an image processing device that halves the size of an image, and an image processing device that handles high-definition signals and an image processing device that handles NTSC signals handle the types of signals handled. Since the function of halving the image size is the same, the same object name is set (added) or the type of signal handled is different, so the function is also considered different, and the different object name May be set (added).

  Note that what kind of object name is set (added) based on what criteria is an operational agreement between users using the object connection destination notification system S, but inter-object communication is performed between objects. When the connection destination object cannot be connected, it is essential to set the object name in advance so that the alternative connection destination object can be identified by the object connection destination notification device 1.

  The same processing capability refers to the case where the processing speed for processing data and the storage capacity for storing data are the same. If the processing capability is within a certain range (for example, the CPU clock of the device 2 is 1 GHz to 1.5 GHz and the recording capacity is 10 GB to 50 GB), the same object name may be assigned. It is.

  The address notification request signal receiving means 7 receives an address notification request signal output from the object connection request terminal 3 and an address notification request signal output from a connection source object that is an object that is a connection source in inter-object communication. It is.

  This address notification request signal includes the object name of the object whose address is to be known. That is, the address notification request signal from the object connection request terminal 3 includes the object name of the connection source object that is the connection source object in inter-object communication, and the address notification request signal from the connection source object includes The object name of the connection destination object which is the connection destination object is included.

  The status notification request signal output means 9 sends the object name address (IOR) that matches the object name included in the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal reception means 7 to the object management file storage means 4. A search is performed from the stored object management file 4a, and a status notification request signal for requesting notification of the status of the object indicated by the object name is output to the searched address.

  The state of the object here indicates whether or not the searched object is communicating with another object generation device 2.

  This status notification request signal output means 9 searches the object management file 4a for an object name that matches the object name included in the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal reception means 7, and as a result, When a plurality of names are searched, a status notification request signal is output simultaneously to a plurality of connection destination objects, or a status notification request signal is output to each connection destination object sequentially (or randomly). )Output.

  Incidentally, if a failure has occurred on the network that has output the status notification request signal, the reply (status notification signal) does not return from the connection destination object. Will be judged.

  The connection destination notifying unit 11 determines a connectable connection destination object based on the state notification signal transmitted (returned) from the connection destination object that has received the state notification request signal output by the state notification request signal output unit 9. As a result of the determination, the address (IOR) of the connection destination object is notified to the connection source object (object generation device 2).

  The connection destination notifying means 11 is stored in the object management file storage device 4 when the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal receiving means 7 is output from the object connection request terminal 3. The object management file 4a is searched, the object name that matches the object name included in the address notification request signal is used as the object name of the connection source object, and the address of this connection source object is the object connection request terminal 3. To notify.

  The object connection requesting terminal 3 that has received the address notification result (notification result) receives the connection data stored in the connection data file storage device 6 according to the address notification result (notification result) by the data processing means (described later). Rewrite the file 6a.

  The connection source object (object generation device 2) performs inter-object communication using the address of the connection destination object notified by the object connection destination notification device 1.

  According to the object connection destination notifying device 1, the object name and object generating device, which are names on the network between the object generating device 2 and the data to be processed, which are set in advance by the object name / address writing means 5. 2 and the data to be processed are written in the object management file 4a for managing the object, and the address notification request signal receiving means 7 receives the address notification request signal transmitted from the connection source object. Based on the received address notification request signal, the state notification request signal output unit 9 notifies the state of the connection destination object to the connection destination object indicated by the object name written in the object management file 4a. Request to Status notification request signal is output. Then, the connection destination notification means 11 receives a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object output by the connection destination object that has received the state notification request signal from the state notification request signal output means 9, and this state Based on the notification signal, the object management file 4a is referred to, and the address of the connection destination object is notified to the connection source object.

  That is, by writing the object name and address of the object in the object management file 4a and identifying and managing these objects based on the address, the same function (and the same processing capability) is obtained. The same object name can be assigned. Further, when receiving the address notification request signal from the connection source object (object generation device 2) and notifying the address of the connection destination object, the state notification request signal is output to the connection destination object, and the connection destination object By using the status notification signal output from the connection destination object, the connection destination object with the specified object name is used when performing inter-object communication between the connection source object and the connection destination object. Even if it is not possible, since the address of another connection destination object having the same object name is notified, inter-object communication can be realized without specifying the object name again.

  Further, according to the object connection destination notification device 1, the address notification request signal is received from the object connection request terminal 3, and the address of the connection source object (object generation device 2) is notified. When inter-object communication is performed between an object and a connection destination object, the address of the connection destination object to which the connection source object is actually connected is output to the object connection request terminal 3 as an address notification result (notification result). Thus, the terminal 3 can rewrite the connection data file 6a referred to in the inter-object communication.

<Configuration of object connection request terminal>
The object connection request terminal 3 inquires of the object connection destination notification device 1 about the address of the connection source object that executes the inter-object communication (outputs an address notification request signal), and sends the objects to the connection source object. A connection request signal for requesting execution of the connection (inter-object communication) is output, and includes an address notification request signal output means 13, a connection request signal output means 15, and a data processing means 17.

  The address notification request signal output means 13 requests the object connection destination notification device 1 to notify the address of the connection source object (object generation device 2 [functional module]) that is the connection source in inter-object communication. Is output.

The address notification request signal, the connection includes the object name of the source object, the object destination notification device 1 which has received the address notification request signal, object management file stored in the object management file storage 4 4 Search the inside of a to find a matching object name, and notify the object connection destination notification device 1 of the address of the object having the matching object name as the address of the connection source object.

  The connection request signal output unit 15 instructs the connection source object (object generation device 2) notified by the object connection destination notification device 1 to instruct the connection source object to perform inter-object communication. A request signal is output.

  For the connection destination object (here, a media object) notified from the object connection destination notification device 1, the data processing means 17 is an object of a functional module (hereinafter referred to as a parent module) that is a parent object of the connection destination object. And the corresponding location of the connection data file 6a stored in the connection data file storage device 6 based on the object name of the parent module notified from the connection destination object (object name of the parent module) Is rewritten.

  Further, the data processing means 17 rewrites the object name of the connection data file 6 a stored in the connection data file storage device 6 based on the address notification result (notification result) transmitted from the object connection destination notification device 1. Is.

  Here, referring to FIG. 5, rewriting of the connection data file 6a by the data processing means 17 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example when the data processing means 17 rewrites the connection data file 6a.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the connection data file 6a, for example, the media object b (connection destination object) generated by the function module B1 is connected to the function module A (connection source object) (B1: b). Is connected to A).

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the connection data file 6a includes a media object b generated by the functional module B1 connected to the functional module A (B1: b is connected to A), and a functional module D. It is described that the media object d generated by the above is connected to the functional module B1 (D: d is connected to B1). When the connection data file 6a shown in FIG. 5B is rewritten by the data processing means 17, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the connection data file contains the media object b generated by the function module B2. It is rewritten to connect to the functional module A (B1: b is connected to A) and to connect the media object d generated by the functional module D to the functional module B2 (D: d is connected to B1).

  The rewriting by the data processing means 17 in this case is caused by either the function module B1 being connected to another object or a failure occurring on the network connected to the function module B1. This is performed when the module B1 cannot be used.

  According to this object connection request terminal 3, the address notification request signal output means 13 sends an address notification for requesting notification of the address of the connection source object as the connection source to the object connection destination notification device 1 that notifies the address of the object. A request signal is output, and the connection request signal output means 15 outputs a connection request signal for requesting a connection source object to connect to a connection destination object that is a connection destination of the connection source object. When the data processing means 17 connects the objects based on the address notification result output according to the state notification signal that the object connection destination notification device 1 receives from the connection destination object and notifies the state of the connection destination object. The object name of the connection destination object described in the connection data file 6a used for is rewritten. Therefore, by outputting a connection request signal, it is possible to request the connection between objects (inter-object communication) with respect to the objects. Further, for example, when the connection source object and the connection destination object perform inter-object communication based on the connection request signal, the object name of the connection destination object described in the connection data file 6a and the object connection destination notification device When the object name of the connection destination object notified from 1 is different, consistency can be obtained by rewriting the object name of the connection destination object described in the connection data file 6a by the data processing means 17.

<Operation of object connection destination notification system>
Next, the overall operation of the object connection destination notification system S (the operation including the operation of the object connection destination notification device 1 and the operation of the object connection request terminal 3) will be described with reference to the sequential charts shown in FIGS. (Refer to FIG. 1 as appropriate).

  First, the overall operation of the object connection destination notification system S will be described with reference to the sequential chart shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows that when the media object a is generated from the functional module A and another functional module B exists on the network, the object connection request terminal 3 sends the media module a to the functional module B. It illustrates the overall operation of the object connection destination notification system S when outputting a connection request signal for requesting communication between objects (connection between objects).

  First, the object connection request terminal 3 outputs an address notification request signal for requesting notification of the address of the functional module B as a connection source in inter-object communication to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S1). Then, the object connection destination notifying device 1 notifies the object connection requesting terminal 3 of an IOR (object reference) of B that is an address of the functional module B (step S2).

  Then, the object connection request terminal 3 outputs a connection request signal for requesting the function module B to connect to the media object a (step S3). Then, the functional module B outputs an address notification request signal for requesting notification of the address of the media object a serving as a connection destination to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S4).

  Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 searches the object management file 4a for an object that matches the object name a of the media object a, and sends a status notification request signal (“is connection possible”) to the address of the media object a? Is output (step S5). Then, the media object a outputs a status notification signal (here, “OK”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S6).

  Then, the object connection destination notifying device 1 notifies the functional module B of an IOR (object reference) of a that is the address of the media object a (step S7). Then, the functional module B outputs a connection request signal to the media object a (step S8), and executes inter-object communication (performs video signal communication) (step S9).

  Next, the overall operation of the object connection destination notification system S will be described with reference to the sequential chart shown in FIG. 7 (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). FIG. 7 shows an object connection request in the case where “D: d → B1: b B1: b → A” is described in the connection data file 6a and the media object b is connected to another object. The overall operation of the object connection destination notification system S including the operation of rewriting the connection data file 6a by the data processing means 17 of the terminal 3 will be described.

  First, the object connection request terminal 3 outputs an address notification request signal for requesting notification of the address of the media object b to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S11). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 outputs a status notification request signal to the media object b whose function module B1 is a parent module (step S12).

  Then, the media object b whose functional module B1 is the parent module outputs a status notification signal (here, “connected to another”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S13). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 outputs a status notification request signal to the media object b whose function module B2 is a parent module (step S14).

  Then, the media object b whose functional module B2 is the parent module outputs a state notification signal (here, “OK”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S15). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 notifies the object connection request terminal 3 of the IOR (object reference) of b (B2: b) which is the address of the media object b (the parent module is the functional module B2) ( Step S16).

  Here, the object connection requesting terminal 3 requests the media object b to notify the object name of the parent module (step S17), and the parent module from the media object b is the functional module B2 (“B2”). (Step S18). Then, the object connection request terminal 3 uses the data processing means 17 to rewrite the corresponding location “B1” of the connection data file 6a to “B2”.

  Subsequently, the object connection request terminal 3 outputs an address notification request signal for requesting notification of the address of the media object d to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S19). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 outputs a state notification request signal to the media object d (step S20).

  Then, the media object d outputs a status notification signal (here, “OK”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S21). Then, the object connection destination notifying device 1 notifies the object connection requesting terminal 3 of the IOR (object reference) of d (D: d) that is the address of the media object d (step S22).

  Then, the object connection request terminal 3 outputs a connection request signal for requesting the function module B2 to connect to the media object d (step S23). Then, the functional module B2 outputs an address notification request signal for requesting notification of the address of the media object d to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S24).

  Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 outputs a status notification request signal (“is connection possible”) to the media object d (step S25). Then, the media object d outputs a status notification signal (here, “OK”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S26). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 notifies the functional module B2 of an IOR (object reference) of d (D: d) that is the address of the media object d (step S27).

  Then, the functional module B2 outputs a connection request signal to the media object d (step S28), and executes inter-object communication (performs video signal communication) (step S29).

  Further, the object connection request terminal 3 outputs a connection request signal for requesting the function module A to connect to the media object b (the parent module is the function module B1) (step S30). Then, the functional module A outputs an address notification request signal for requesting notification of the address of the media object b to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S31). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 outputs a state notification request signal to the media object b whose function module B1 is a parent module (step S32).

  Then, the media object b whose functional module B1 is the parent module outputs a status notification signal (here, “connected to another”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S33). Then, the object connection destination notification device 1 outputs a status notification request signal to the media object b whose function module B2 is a parent module (step S34).

  Then, the media object b whose function module B2 is the parent module outputs a state notification signal (here, “OK”) to the object connection destination notification device 1 (step S35). Then, the object connection destination notifying device 1 notifies the functional module A of the IOR (object reference) of b (B2: b) that is the address of the media object b (the parent module is the functional module B2) (step S36). ).

  Then, the functional module A outputs a connection request signal to the media object b (whose module is the functional module B2) (step S37), and performs inter-object communication (performs video signal communication) (step S38). ).

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, in the present embodiment, the object connection destination notification device 1 and the object connection request terminal 3 have been described. However, the object connection destination notification program and the object connection request in which the processing of each component is described in a general-purpose or special computer language. It can be regarded as a program. In these cases, the same effects as those of the object connection destination notification device 1 and the object connection request terminal 3 can be obtained.

  For example, the object connection destination notification system S including the object connection destination notification device 1 and the object connection request terminal 3 registers the object generation device 2 (data processing device) that processes audio data as an object, and connects the objects. You may do it. That is, if there is input / output of data, a processing function for processing data, and two types of objects (the former is a functional module and the latter is a media object) with the processing result data that is the processed result, Any mode may be used. For example, there are customer databases and bank deposit databases, and when the processing program that processes these databases is subdivided (for example, extracting only the customer's name or extracting the latest data with the updated date) In this case, the program can be applied to a system for creating various batch flow processes by combining individual programs.

1 is a block diagram of an object connection destination notification system (including an object connection destination notification device and an object connection request terminal) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the kind of object. It is the figure which illustrated the concept of the production | generation of an object. It is the figure which illustrated the object management file. (A) (b) (c) is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example at the time of rewriting a connection data file by a data processing means. It is the sequence chart explaining the whole operation | movement of the object connection destination notification system shown in FIG. It is a sequence chart explaining the whole operation | movement of the object connection destination notification system shown in FIG. 1 (operation | movement including rewriting of a connection data file).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Object connection destination notification apparatus 2 Object generation apparatus 3 Object connection request terminal 4 Object management file storage apparatus 5 Object name / address writing means 6 Connection data file storage apparatus 7 Address notification request signal reception means 9 Status notification request signal output means 11 Connection destination notification means 13 Address notification request signal output means 15 Connection request signal output means 17 Data processing means

Claims (5)

Based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object that is the connection source object when the data processing apparatus that processes data transmitted on the network and the data is registered on the network as the object, An object connection destination notifying device for notifying the connection source object of an address of a connection destination object that is an object that is a connection destination of the connection source object,
When the data processing device has the same function, or when the data is the same, the data processing device and the data that are set to have the same object name on the network the name and is the object name and the data processing device address on the network with the data, and object name-address writing means for writing the object management file for managing the object,
Address notification request signal receiving means for receiving an address notification request signal transmitted from the connection source object;
For the object name included in the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal receiving means, all the addresses corresponding to the object name that matches the object name are retrieved from the object management file. A state notification request signal output means for searching and outputting a state notification request signal for requesting notification of the state of the connection destination object to these addresses ;
Receiving a state signal representing the state of the status notification request signal state notification request signal from the output means output by the object to connect to receive the corresponding destination object, determined to be connected by a plurality of said state signal select one of the destination object being, with reference to the object management file, with respect to the connection source object, a connection destination notifying means for notifying the address of the selected destination object,
An object connection destination notification device comprising: A data processing device for processing data transmitted on a network and an object that is a connection source based on an address notification request signal from an object connection request terminal when the data is registered on the network as an object. Notifying the address of the connection source object to the object connection request terminal, and based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object, the address of the connection destination object that is an object to which the connection source object is connected, An object connection destination notification device for notifying the connection source object,
When the data processing device has the same function, or when the data is the same, the names of the data processing device and the data on the network so as to have the same object name An object name / address writing means for writing the object name and the address of the data processing device and the data on the network to an object management file for managing the object;
Address notification request signal receiving means for receiving an address notification request signal transmitted from the object connection request terminal and the connection source object;
For the object name included in the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal receiving means, all the addresses corresponding to the object name that matches the object name are retrieved from the object management file. A state notification request signal output means for searching and outputting a state notification request signal for requesting notification of the state of the connection destination object to these addresses ;
The object connection request terminal refers to the object management file, notifies the address of the connection source object, and is output by the connection destination object that has received the status notification request signal from the status notification request signal output means. Receiving a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object, selecting one connection destination object determined to be connectable by a plurality of the state notification signals , referring to the object management file, and connecting to the original object, and the connection destination notifying means for notifying the address of the selected destination object,
An object connection destination notification device comprising: A data processing apparatus for processing data transmitted on a network and an object connection destination notification system for performing communication between objects when the data is registered on the network as the object,
The object connection destination notification system includes:
The registered object, the object connection destination notification device according to claim 2, and an object connection request terminal that requests connection between the objects ,
The object connection request terminal is:
With respect to the object connection destination notification unit for notifying the address of the object, and an address notification request signal output means for outputting an address notification request signal for requesting the notification of the address of the connecting object to be connection source,
A connection request signal output means for outputting a connection request signal for requesting connection to the connection source object which is a connection destination of the connection source object to the connection source object;
Described in a connection data file used when the objects are connected to each other based on a notification result received according to a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object received by the object connection destination notification device from the connection destination object Data processing means for rewriting the object name of the connected destination object,
Equipped with a,
The connection source object is
When receiving the connection request signal from the object connection request terminal, using the object name of the connection destination object included in the connection request signal, an address notification request signal is transmitted to the object connection destination notification device,
When the address of the connection destination object is received from the object connection destination notification device, the connection destination object and inter-object communication are performed using the address,
The destination object is
When receiving the status notification request signal from the object connection destination notification device, object destination notification system and outputs the state signal whether connectable to the object. Based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object that is the connection source object when the data processing apparatus that processes data transmitted on the network and the data is registered on the network as the object, A device that notifies the connection source object of the address of the connection destination object that is an object to which the connection source object is connected,
When the data processing device has the same function, or when the data is the same, the names of the data processing device and the data on the network so as to have the same object name An object name / address writing means for writing the object name and the address of the data processing device and the data on the network to an object management file for managing the object;
An address notification request signal receiving means for receiving an address notification request signal transmitted from the connection source object;
For the object name included in the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal receiving means, all the addresses corresponding to the object name that matches the object name are retrieved from the object management file. A status notification request signal output means for searching and outputting a status notification request signal for requesting notification of the status of the connection destination object to these addresses ;
Receiving a state signal representing the state of the status notification request signal state notification request signal from the output means output by the object to connect to receive the corresponding destination object, determined to be connected by a plurality of said state signal select one of the destination object being, with reference to the object management file, with respect to the connection source object, the destination notifying means for notifying the address of the selected connection destination object,
An object connection destination notification program characterized in that it functions as an object. A data processing device for processing data transmitted on a network and an object that is a connection source based on an address notification request signal from an object connection request terminal when the data is registered on the network as an object. Notifying the address of the connection source object to the object connection request terminal, and based on the address notification request signal from the connection source object, the address of the connection destination object that is an object to which the connection source object is connected, A device that notifies the connection source object
When the data processing device has the same function, or when the data is the same, the names of the data processing device and the data on the network so as to have the same object name An object name / address writing means for writing the object name and the address of the data processing device and the data on the network to an object management file for managing the object;
Address notification request signal receiving means for receiving an address notification request signal transmitted from the object connection request terminal and the connection source object;
For the object name included in the address notification request signal received by the address notification request signal receiving means, all the addresses corresponding to the object name matching the object name are retrieved from the object management file. A status notification request signal output means for searching and outputting a status notification request signal for requesting notification of the status of the connection destination object to these addresses ;
The object connection request terminal refers to the object management file, notifies the address of the connection source object, and is output by the connection destination object that has received the status notification request signal from the status notification request signal output means. Receiving a state notification signal for notifying the state of the connection destination object, selecting one connection destination object determined to be connectable by a plurality of the state notification signals , referring to the object management file, and connecting to the original object, the destination notifying means for notifying the address of the selected destination object,
An object connection destination notification program characterized in that it functions as an object.

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