JP5169667B2 - Object cooperation apparatus, object cooperation method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an object cooperation apparatus, an object cooperation method, a program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, with the progress of networking, a system in which a plurality of objects distributed on a network perform processing in cooperation with each other is increasing. As a technique for processing such a plurality of objects in cooperation with each other, there are object-oriented programming and component technology.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an object cooperation apparatus that constructs a system by linking an object and an object connected to a network or a computer and a computer. Specifically, the object cooperation apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 constructs a cooperation relationship between objects that are not in a cooperation relationship, or constructs a new cooperation relationship by adding a new object between the constructed cooperation relationships. Is. As a result, it is possible to flexibly cope with the participation and withdrawal of objects in the cooperative relationship between objects, so that a system in which objects cooperate with each other can be flexibly constructed.

Japanese Patent No. 3727243

  By the way, when an object actually executes a process in cooperation with another object, the object needs to grasp setting information such as a parameter used for an internal process that is uniquely executed by the other object.

  For example, when the setting information is set incorrectly, or when other objects do not satisfy the preconditions necessary for the objects to cooperate, a situation called inconsistency in which the objects cannot work together can occur. There are things to do. For this reason, if the objects cannot cooperate with each other, the inconsistency can be caused by resetting the setting information in the object or by satisfying the preconditions in other objects at the stage of the cooperation. It is desirable to prevent the occurrence of

  However, in the object cooperation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the object can be linked, but when an inconsistency occurs in which the object cannot perform processing in cooperation, the mismatch is generated. Since a method for eliminating the problem is not considered, there is a problem in that the object cannot be flexibly linked at the stage where the object is actually linked and processed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an object cooperation apparatus, an object cooperation method, a program, and a recording medium that can dynamically and flexibly perform cooperation processing between objects. To do.

To solve the above problems and achieve the object, the invention includes a first object to perform a specific internal processing using the setting information, the internal unique in conjunction with the first object according to claim 1 An object linkage apparatus having a second object for executing processing, the message requesting execution of internal processing of the second object , and a message including the setting information used by the first object for internal processing; receiving means for receiving the setting information before SL message is included in the second object of the internal processing execution determination information to the appropriate and such have field coupling in order to run indicating the condition of the setting information is required, A transmission for transmitting an inconsistency notification message including the setting information not corresponding to the execution determination information among the setting information included in the message to the first object. And the first object executes internal processing using the setting information different from the setting information included in the inconsistency notification message .

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, comprising a setting information storage means for storing configuration information Ru used for the internal processing of the second object, the second object, the message If the setting information included in the corresponding prior SL execution decision information, characterized by the Turkey to perform the internal processing using the setting information stored in the setting information storage means.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, further comprising provisional execution means for provisionally executing internal processing of the first object , wherein the reception means is an internal temporarily executed by the provisional execution means. The message including the setting information used for processing is received .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention , there is provided an object cooperation apparatus having a second object that executes unique internal processing in cooperation with a first object that executes unique internal processing using setting information. Receiving means for requesting execution of internal processing of two objects and receiving a message including the setting information used by the first object for internal processing; and the setting information included in the message includes the second object Inconsistency notification that includes the setting information that does not correspond to the execution determination information among the setting information included in the message when the condition does not correspond to the execution determination information that indicates the condition of the setting information requested to execute the internal processing of The setting information different from the setting information included in the inconsistency notification message is transmitted to the first object. Characterized by comprising a transmitting means for executing the internal processing on the first object using the.

The invention according to claim 5, object linkage having a first object to perform a specific internal processing using the setting information, and a second object in cooperation with the first object to perform a specific internal processing a object linkage method of the apparatus, the receiving means, wherein said first object be one that requests the execution of the internal processing of the second object receives the message including the setting information used for internal processing received process and, transmission means, the setting information before SL message is included in the second the setting condition corresponds to a have field if the execution decision information indicating the information required to perform the internal processing of the object the inconsistency notification message including the setup information does not correspond to the execution determination information of the setting information which the message is included in the first object Possess a transmission step of signal to the said first object, and executes the internal processing using the setting information that is different from the setting information which the inconsistency notification message contains.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the object linkage device includes a setting information storage means for storing configuration information Ru used for the internal processing of the second object, the second that the object is, if the setting information before SL message contains is applicable before SL execution decision information, further having a higher execution Engineering executing the internal processing using the setting information stored in the setting information storage means It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, wherein the provisional execution means further includes a provisional execution step of provisionally executing internal processing of the first object, and the reception step is the provisional execution. The message including the setting information used for internal processing provisionally executed by the means is received .

The invention according to claim 8 is an object cooperation method of an object cooperation apparatus having a second object that executes unique internal processing in cooperation with a first object that executes unique internal processing using setting information. Receiving means for requesting execution of internal processing of the second object and receiving a message including the setting information used by the first object for internal processing; and transmitting means, When the setting information included in the message does not correspond to the execution determination information indicating the condition of the setting information required for executing the internal processing of the second object, the execution determination among the setting information included in the message An inconsistency notification message including the setting information not corresponding to the information is transmitted to the first object, and the inconsistency notification message is transmitted. And having a transmission step of executing the internal processing on the first object using different said setting information from said setting information message contains.

  The invention according to claim 9 is to cause a computer to execute each step of the object cooperation method according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the object cooperation method according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects.

  According to the present invention, the conditions necessary for the object to perform cooperative processing are confirmed, and if the conditions are not satisfied, the setting information used by the object for internal processing is changed so that the inconsistency is resolved so that the conditions are satisfied. Therefore, there is an effect that the cooperation processing between objects can be performed dynamically and flexibly.

  Exemplary embodiments of an object cooperation device, an object cooperation method, a program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which the object cooperation apparatus, the object cooperation method, the program, and the recording medium of the present invention are applied to a personal computer (PC) will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the PC machine, and the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a multi function peripheral (MFP), a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copier.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a hardware and software configuration of a PC according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 100 according to the present embodiment has a hardware resource 107 composed of various devices. Devices included in the hardware resource 107 include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a network interface, an operation display unit such as a display unit and a keyboard, and the like.

  A software system that controls the hardware resource 107 includes a web browser 101, an engine 102, a web server 103, a common gateway interface (CGI) 104, an object 105, and an operating system 106. Have.

  The operating system 106 provides a basis for other software to operate. The web browser 101 is software that displays image data and the like on the operation display unit.

  The engine 102 is software that provides a visual programming system to the user through the web browser 101. Here, the visual programming system displays labels such as icons, which are visual information that visually represents the object 105 that executes specific internal processing, such as a program module, and the like. This is a system for creating and executing a program for executing internal processing in cooperation with an object 105 selected from the above.

  The CGI 104 is software for activating the object 105 selected by the engine 102.

  The object 105 performs cooperative processing such as communication, dialogue, and cooperation between distributed objects. Also, the object 105 performs internal processing in response to each object responding to messages flowing between the objects. Further, the object 105 can flexibly change the operation of the entire software system by joining or leaving the software system.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the object 105 reacts to a message flowing in the software system of the PC 100 and executes internal processing will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for a message flowing through a common communication path, it is realized in another PC, a device, an individual application program operating in the other PC or device, or an individual program component operating in the application program. It is also possible to execute internal processing in such a way that the object reacts.

  Here, the common communication path is not limited to a physical network such as a LAN, and may be any medium that can transmit a message such as radio, voice, and light. The common communication path may be a virtual medium such as a storage medium such as a memory that can be commonly called by each object, or a port address on the communication path.

  The web server 103 is software that transmits information between the CGI 104 and the engine 102.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the PC according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 100 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 200, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 201, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 202, and a PCI (Peripheral Component). Interconnect) bus 203.

  The controller 200 is a control device that performs overall control of the PC 100, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 204, a system memory (MEM-P) 205, a North Bridge (NB) 206, a South Bridge (SB) 207, An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 208, a local memory (MEM-C) 209, and a hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 210, and the AGP (Bridge) between the North Bridge (NB) 206 and the ASIC 208 Accelerated Graphics Port) 15 is connected.

  The CPU 204 is an arithmetic device for executing various software. A software system (shown in FIG. 1) for realizing various functions of the PC 100, including the object 105 according to the present embodiment, is stored and held in the MEM-C 209 or the HDD 210, and loaded into the MEM-P 205 as necessary. This is executed by the lever CPU 204.

  The MEM-P 205 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing image data to be output to a printer, and the like. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 205a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 205b. The ROM 205a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 205b is a writable and readable memory used as a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing image data output to a printer, and the like. is there.

  The NB 206 and the SB 207 are control devices that control the MEM-P 205 and the AGP 15. The CPU 204, the MEM-P 205, the SB 207, and the AGP 15 are connected via the NB 206. The NB 206 is also connected to the ASIC 208 via the AGP 15, and the PCI bus 203 is connected to the NB 206.

  The ASIC 208 is a control device for image processing. The ASIC 208 is connected to peripheral devices such as the MEM-C 209, the HDD 210, and the operation display unit 211, and also controls them. The MEM-C 209 is a storage unit that temporarily stores image data and the like that the ASIC 208 performs image processing. The HDD 210 is a storage unit that stores various software, font data, image data instructed to be stored, and the like. The operation display unit 211 is an input device that receives user operations.

  The USB interface 201 and the IEEE 1394 interface 202 are interfaces for connecting external devices. In addition to these, an interface device or the like for network connection is also connected to the PCI bus 203.

  Next, an object model of the object 105 will be described. FIG. 3 is a UML class diagram of the object. UML (Unified Modeling Language) is a system modeling language formulated by OMG (Object Management Group), and defines a notation for describing the results of modeling. This UML is widely used in the design of object-oriented software.

  A class is a concept corresponding to a design drawing of an object, and defines attributes, operations, and relationships with other objects. The class is described as a rectangle having three sections in the UML class diagram. Each section is called a name section, an attribute section, and an operation section from the top. The name section describes the name of the class, the attribute section describes data (attributes) of the class, and the operation section describes procedures (operations) of the class.

  As described above, the class has an attribute section for possessing data (attributes) and an operation section for possessing procedures (operations) for writing and reading such attributes. Since these classes are included as a part of software, when the software stored in the MEM-C 209 is executed in advance, each class is materialized in a predetermined area of the RAM 205b and each data (attribute ) Is expanded on the RAM 205b. Therefore, the object 105 in which the class is realized can write and read each data (attribute) on the RAM 205b.

  In the class diagram, if a "-" symbol is attached to the left side of an attribute or operation, it indicates that the attribute or operation is private to the external class, and if a "+" symbol is attached, Indicates that an attribute or operation is exposed to an external class. Also, for operations, it is customary to add a “()” symbol, such as “message reception ()”, and in some cases, such as “(argument 1, argument 2)”, an argument to be passed to the operation is described. is there.

  The class of the object 105 has message reception (), inconsistency reception (), and processing () as operations.

  Message reception () is processing for receiving a message requesting execution of internal processing of an object from an external device or another object. Inconsistency reception () is processing for receiving an inconsistency notification message for notifying the cause of the inability to perform cooperation processing from another object. The process () is an internal process (internal state or internal function) of the object.

  The class of the object 105 includes an object ID, an object name, an object URL, an object type, a setting information name, a setting information value, and a template as attributes. Among these attributes and operations, the process (), setting information name, setting information value, and template are not disclosed outside the class.

  The object ID is information for specifying the object. The name of the object is the name of the object. The URL of the object is information for specifying the object. The object type is a type of internal processing executed by the object. The setting information name is a name of setting information such as a parameter used by the object for internal processing. The setting information value is a parameter value used by the object for internal processing. A template is a format for messages sent and received between objects.

  Next, a detailed functional configuration of an object when performing print processing using the object model shown in FIG. 3 and an execution procedure of an object operation for performing print processing will be described. More specifically, an example will be described in which a text file stored in the HDD 210 is read and converted into a predetermined character code, and then the converted text file is output to a printer and printed.

  First, the relationship between objects to be printed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between objects that perform print processing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the printing process, a text file reading object 401 for reading a text file stored in the HDD 210 and a text file read by the text file reading object 401 are connected via the USB interface 201 or the IEEE 1394 interface 202. It is assumed that this is performed by the cooperation process of the text print object 402 output to the printer. The text file reading object 401 and the text print object 402 send a message 403 and a message 404 to each other, and execute internal processing in response to the sent message.

  Next, a detailed functional configuration of the text file reading object 401 and the text print object 402 and an execution procedure of the operation of the text file reading object 401 and the text print object 402 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the text reading object and the text printing object. As shown in FIG. 5, a text file reading object 401 and a text print object 402 include a setting information storage unit 501, an execution unit 502, a transmission unit 503, a communication unit 504, a reception unit 505, an execution determination information storage unit 506, and a determination unit. 507, a generation unit 508, and an inconsistency determination unit 509. It is assumed that the text file reading object 401 and the text print object 402 are connected by a common communication path 510.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for transmitting a message from the text reading object to the text print object. First, the execution unit 502 acquires setting information from the setting information storage unit 501 (step S601). Further, the execution unit 502 reads a text file stored in the HDD 210 (step S602).

  Here, the setting information storage unit 501 stores metadata such as parameters which are setting information used by the text file reading object 401 for internal processing. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information stored in the setting information storage unit. The setting information storage unit 501 stores setting information names, setting information values, setting priorities, and selection cursors in association with each other. The setting priority indicates the priority when the text file reading object 401 can convert a text file based on a plurality of setting information values. In the present embodiment, the setting priority indicates that the setting priority is higher in ascending order of numbers. The selection cursor is a cursor for checking a setting information value used for internal processing of the execution unit 502. That is, the setting information name and the setting information value stored in association with the checked selection cursor are displayed as the setting information name and setting information value (data) expanded on the RAM 205b as the attributes of the text file read object 401. ).

  Next, the execution unit 502 operates the text file reading object 401 according to the setting information value (character code) having the highest setting priority among the setting information values included in the setting information acquired from the setting information storage unit 501. A character conversion process, which is a certain process (), is executed on the read text file (step S603). When the selection cursor associated with the setting information value included in the acquired setting information is checked, the execution unit 502 sets the setting priority next to the setting information value for which the selection cursor is checked. It is assumed that character conversion processing is executed according to a high setting information value. In addition, the execution unit 502 stores setting information in which the selection cursor associated with the setting information value used for the character conversion process is checked in the setting information storage unit 501 (step S604).

  FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of an example in which the character conversion process is executed according to the setting information value in which the selection cursor is checked. Setting information value included in the acquired setting information (currently selected setting information): When the selection cursor associated with UTF-8 is checked (shown in FIG. 7B (a)), the execution unit 502 Is a setting information value: setting information value having the next highest setting priority after UTF-8 (setting information selected next priority): executes character conversion processing according to Shift_JIS (shown in FIG. 7B (b)) . Then, the execution unit 502 stores the setting information in which the selection cursor associated with the setting information value: Shift_JIS is checked in the setting information storage unit 501.

  Further, the execution unit 502 requests execution of internal processing of the text print object 402 that the text file reading object 401 performs cooperation processing. The execution unit 502 performs processing on the contents of the text file subjected to character conversion processing and the character conversion processing. A message including the used setting information is generated (step S605). Then, the execution unit 502 sends the generated message to the transmission unit 503 (step S606).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message generated by the execution unit. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the execution unit 502 generates an XML format message 800. The message 800 includes information (URL) indicating the location (URL) of the transmission source object (text file reading object 401) and the transmission destination object (text print object 402), as indicated by reference numeral 801. .

  The message 800 includes an info element that is metadata indicating setting information used by the object for internal processing, as indicated by reference numeral 802. Specifically, the message 800 includes metadata of parameters used by the transmission source object for internal processing. For example, the message 800 includes metadata of setting information name: character code and setting information value: UTF-8 used by the text file reading object 401, which is a transmission source object, for character conversion processing.

  Further, as indicated by reference numeral 803, the message 800 includes an entry element that is metadata indicating the content of the data such as text and images to be sent to the destination object, the title (name), and the like. The object that has received the message 800 including the entry element indicated by reference numeral 803 executes internal processing of the object for the data indicated by the entry element.

  The transmission unit 503 transmits the message generated by the execution unit 502 via the communication unit 504 to the text print object 402 that performs cooperation processing (step S607). Here, the communication unit 504 is for communicating with other objects on a common communication path 510 between objects that perform cooperation processing, such as a network.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the communication unit 504 stores the identification information of the text file reading object 401 and the identification information of the text print object 402 that is an object that the text file reading object 401 performs cooperation processing. Then, when transmitting the message, the communication unit 504 transmits the message to another object using the stored object identification information. Here, the identification information is information with which an object can be identified on a common communication path 510 (for example, the Internet).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the text print object 402 that has received the message performs internal processing (print processing). First, the reception unit 505 receives a message transmitted from the text file reading object 401 via the communication unit 504 by message reception () that is an operation of the text print object 402 (step S <b> 901).

  The determination unit 507 acquires execution determination information from the execution determination information storage unit 506 (step S902). Here, the execution determination information is the setting information used for the internal processing by the text file reading object 401 that performs the cooperation processing, and the conditions of the setting information required for executing the internal processing of the text print object 402 are set. It is shown.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of execution determination information stored in the execution determination information storage unit. As described above, the execution determination information storage unit 506 is setting information used by the text file reading object 401 for character conversion processing, and is required to execute printing processing that is internal processing of the text print object 402. The execution determination information 1000 indicating the condition of the setting information is stored. Specifically, the execution determination information storage unit 506 stores execution determination information 1000 indicating conditions of setting information (for example, setting information name: character code, font, and setting information value: Shift_JIS, EUC-JP, etc.). doing.

  Note that a wild card (indicated by *) can be used as the condition of the setting information indicated by the execution determination information. For example, when a wild card is indicated in the setting information name condition, the text print object 402 indicates that the print processing can be executed regardless of the setting information name used by the text file reading object 401 for internal processing. ing. When a wild card is indicated in the setting information value condition, the text print object 402 indicates that the print processing can be executed regardless of the setting information value used by the text file reading object 401 for internal processing. ing.

  The determination unit 507 determines whether the setting information included in the message received by the reception unit 505 satisfies the setting information condition indicated by the execution determination information stored in the execution determination information storage unit 506.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit 507 first determines whether or not a wild card is used for the condition of the setting information name indicated by the execution determination information (step S903). When a wild card is used for the setting information name condition indicated by the execution determination information (step S903: No), the determination unit 507 sets the setting information included in the received message as the setting information condition indicated by the execution determination information. If it is determined to be applicable, the received message is sent to the execution unit 502, and the process is terminated (step S908).

  On the other hand, when a wild card is not used for the condition of the setting information name indicated by the execution determination information (step S903: Yes), the determination unit 507 sequentially reads the setting information conditions indicated by the acquired execution determination information (step S904). It is determined whether the setting information name included in the received message corresponds to the setting information name included in the read setting information condition (step S905). When it is determined that the setting information name included in the received message corresponds to the setting information name included in the read setting information condition (step S905: Yes), the determination unit 507 reads the setting information value included in the received message. It is determined whether the setting information value included in the setting information condition is satisfied (step S906).

  When it is determined that the setting information value included in the received message corresponds to the setting information value included in the read setting information condition (step S906: Yes), the determination unit 507 determines all the settings from the acquired execution determination information. It is determined whether or not the information condition has been read (step S907). If it is determined that all the setting information conditions have been read from the acquired execution determination information (step S907: Yes), the determination unit 507 determines that the setting information included in the received message is the setting information condition indicated by the execution determination information. The received message is sent to the execution unit 502, and the process is terminated (step S908). On the other hand, when it is determined that all the setting information conditions have not been read from the acquired execution determination information (step S907: No), the process returns to step S904.

  If it is determined that the setting information name included in the received message does not correspond to the setting information name included in the read setting information condition (step S905: No), the determining unit 507 determines the received message and the read setting. The setting information name included in the received message determined not to correspond to the setting information name included in the information condition is sent to the generation unit 508 (step S909). If it is determined that the setting information value included in the received message does not correspond to the setting information value included in the read setting information condition (step S906: No), the determining unit 507 determines the received message and the read setting. The setting information value included in the received message determined not to correspond to the setting information value included in the information condition is sent to the generation unit 508 (step S909).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when it is determined that internal processing cannot be executed. Specifically, this is a processing procedure in the case where the setting information that is determined not to satisfy the conditions of the received message and the read setting information in step S909 shown in FIG.

  First, the generation unit 508 receives the message and setting information transmitted from the determination unit 507 (step S1101). Next, using the received message and setting information, the generation unit 508 generates an inconsistency notification message that notifies the reason why the internal processing of the text print object 402 cannot be executed (step S1102). In the present embodiment, the generation unit 508 adds the setting information sent from the determination unit 507, which is the cause that the internal processing of the text print object 402 cannot be executed, to the message sent from the determination unit 507. Is generated.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the inconsistency notification message generated by the generation unit. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the generation unit 508 generates an XML format inconsistency notification message 1200 as in the message shown in FIG. The inconsistency notification message 1200 is a cause that internal processing of the text print object 402 cannot be performed on the message 800 generated by the execution unit 502 of the transmission source object (text file read object 401), as indicated by reference numeral 1201. An error element that is metadata indicating setting information is included. Specifically, the inconsistency notification message 1200 includes at least one of the setting information name and the setting information value determined not to meet the setting information condition read in step S905 or step S906 shown in FIG.

  Next, the generation unit 508 sends the generated inconsistency notification message to the transmission unit 503 (step S1103). The transmission unit 503 transmits the inconsistency notification message generated by the generation unit 508 to the text file reading object 401 that is the message transmission source via the communication unit 504 (step S1104).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when it is determined that internal processing can be executed. Specifically, this is a processing procedure when the received message is sent to the execution unit 502 in step S908 shown in FIG.

  First, the execution unit 502 receives the message sent from the determination unit 507 (step S1301). Next, the execution unit 502 executes print processing, which is internal processing of the text print object 402, using the received message (step S1302). In the present embodiment, the execution unit 502 refers to the info element of the message, acquires a text file that has been subjected to character conversion processing by the text file reading object 401, and uses the acquired text file as the USB interface 201 or the IEEE 1394 interface 202. Output to a printer connected via.

  Next, the execution unit 502 determines whether or not to transmit a message to another object (step S1303). Specifically, the execution unit 502 determines whether or not to transmit a processing result message indicating that internal processing of the text print object 402 has been performed to the text file reading object 401 that is the transmission source object. If it is determined not to transmit the process result message (step S1303: No), the process ends. It is assumed that whether or not to transmit the processing result message is set in advance.

  If it is determined that the processing result message is to be transmitted (step S1303: Yes), the execution unit 502 generates a processing result message indicating that the internal processing has been performed normally (step S1304).

  Then, the execution unit 502 sends the generated processing result message to the transmission unit 503 (step S1305). The transmission unit 503 transmits the processing result message generated by the execution unit 502 via the communication unit 504 to the text file reading object 401 that is an object of the transmission source of the received message (step S1306).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when an inconsistency notification message is received. First, the receiving unit 505 receives a message transmitted from the text print object 402 via the communication unit 504 by inconsistent reception () that is an operation of the text file reading object 401 (step S1401).

  The inconsistency determination unit 509 determines whether the message received by the reception unit 505 is an inconsistency notification message (step S1402). Specifically, the inconsistency determination unit 509 determines whether the received message is an inconsistency notification message based on whether an error element is included in the received message. If it is determined that the received message is not an inconsistency notification message (step S1402: No), the processing is terminated as it is.

  If it is determined that the received message is an inconsistency notification message (step S1402: Yes), the inconsistency determination unit 509 determines that the text print object 402 cannot execute internal processing from the received inconsistency notification message. Setting information indicated by the element is extracted (step S1403). Further, the inconsistency determination unit 509 sends the received inconsistency notification message and the extracted setting information to the execution unit 502 (step S1404).

  The execution unit 502 extracts the setting information from the setting information storage unit 501 in accordance with the setting information sent from the inconsistency determination unit 509, and performs internal processing (the process shown in FIG. 6) again using the extracted setting information. Then, the message is transmitted again to the text print object 402 (step S1405).

  Specifically, the execution unit 502 sets the setting information value (in the selection cursor) included in the setting information transmitted from the inconsistency determination unit 509 among the setting information values included in the setting information acquired from the setting information storage unit 501. It is assumed that the character conversion process is executed according to the setting information value having the next highest setting priority after the setting information value that is checked).

  Here, the effect obtained by the above-described object cooperation processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an object that performs the cooperation processing. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the object A (1501), the object B (1502), and the object C (1503) are objects that are main entities that transmit and receive messages. A message M1 (1504), a message M2 (1505), a message M3 (1506), and a message M4 (1507) are messages that flow between objects, and the starting point of an arrow indicating the message indicates the transmission of the message, and the end point Indicates receipt of a message. Further, the process A1 (1501a), the process A2 (1502a), and the process A3 (1503a) are processes based on the internal functions of each object, and correspond to internal processes that are uniquely executed by each object.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the cooperation process between the object A (1501) and the object B (1502) is performed via a message M1 (1504). The object A (1501) basically transmits a message without knowing about the internal function of the object B (1502). Note that each object is not aware of the internal functions (operations) of other objects that perform linkage processing, but having common message reception and inconsistent reception is common to all objects. To do. It is assumed that messages are exchanged between objects by calling up message reception that each object has in the operation section. The inconsistency notification message is exchanged by calling inconsistency reception that each object has in the operation section.

  When the object B (1502) receives the message M1 (1504) and determines that the internal processing of the object B (1502) can be executed based on the message M1 (1504), the object B (1502) receives the message M1 (1504). In response, process A2 is started.

  If it is determined that the internal processing of the object B (1502) cannot be executed, the object B (1502) transmits a message M4 (1507), which is an inconsistency notification message, to the object A (1501). 1501) of the setting information used for processing A1 (1501a) (notification included in message M1 (1504)) is notified. As a result, the object A (1501) executes the process A1 (1501a) again so as to eliminate the inconsistency (deficiency of the setting information used for the process A1 (1501a)), and a new message M1 (1504). Since it can be generated and transmitted to the object B (1502), it is possible to recover and continue the cooperation process even if something goes wrong during the cooperation process.

  When the received message M1 (1504) is not related to the object B (1502), that is, information (URL) indicating the location of the destination object included in the message M1 (1504) is the object B1 ( If it does not indicate 1502), object B (1502) does not respond.

  That is, the object A (1501) and the object B (1502) can take a significant cooperation, but the message M1 (1504) transmitted and received between the object A (1501) and the object B (1502) and It can be said that this is due to the connection by the message M4 (1507).

  Note that the cooperation process between the object B (1502) and the object C (1503) is also performed in the same manner as the cooperation process between the object A (1501) and the object B (1502). Further, the number of objects to be linked is not limited to two. For example, the message M1 (1504) is transmitted from the object A (1501) to the object B (1502), and the object B (1502) to the object C (1503). ) To send a message M2 (1505), it is also possible to perform cooperation processing with three or more objects.

  As described above, according to the PC 100 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the object cannot execute the internal process, by notifying the other object that performs the cooperative process of the reason that the internal process cannot be performed. Since the conditions necessary for the object to perform cooperative processing can be confirmed, and if the conditions are not met, the setting information used by the object for internal processing can be changed so that the inconsistency can be resolved. Thus, it is possible to dynamically and flexibly perform cooperation processing between objects.

(Second Embodiment)
When the physical state changes due to the execution of the internal processing of the object, the PC according to the present embodiment does not actually perform the temporary execution of the internal processing, but obtains a processing result as if the internal processing was executed. This is a provisional execution of internal processing. Since the configuration of the PC 100 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, only the processing of the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  In the following description, an example will be described in which scan processing is performed using a scanner connected via the USB interface 201 or the IEEE 1394 interface 202, and analysis processing of a QR code included in data obtained by the scan processing is performed.

  First, with reference to FIG. 16, the relationship between objects that perform scan processing and QR code analysis processing will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between objects that perform scan processing and QR code analysis processing.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the scan process and the QR code analysis process are obtained by a scan object 1601 that performs a scan process using a scanner connected via the USB interface 201 or the IEEE1394 interface 202, and a scan process by the scan object 1601. It is assumed that the processing is performed by the cooperation processing of the QR code analysis object 1602 that performs the analysis processing of the QR code included in the received data. The scan object 1601 and the QR code analysis object 1602 send a message 1603 and a message 1604 to each other, and execute internal processing in response to the sent message.

  Next, object models of the scan object 1601 and the QR code analysis object 1602 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a UML class diagram of a scan object. FIG. 18 is a UML class diagram of a QR code analysis object.

  The class of the scan object 1601 includes message reception (), inconsistent reception (), and scan processing () as operations.

  The scan process () is an internal process of the scan object 1601 and is a process for controlling the scanner connected via the USB interface 201 or the IEEE1394 interface 202. The scan process () can temporarily execute a scan process that is an operation of the scan object 1601. Note that message reception () and inconsistent reception () are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  Also, the class of the scan object 1601 has an object ID, an object name, an object URL, an object type, a setting information name, a setting information value, and a template for generating a temporary execution result as attributes. Of these attributes and operations, the scan processing (), the setting information name, the setting information value, and the temporary execution result generation template are not disclosed outside the class.

  The object ID is information for specifying the object, and is, for example, “ScanObject”. The name of the object is the name of the object, for example, “scan object”. The URL of the object is information for specifying the object, for example, “http://example.com/scanObject”. The object type is a type of internal processing executed by the object, and is, for example, “input”. The setting information name is a name of setting information such as a parameter used by the object for internal processing, and is, for example, “resolution”. The setting information value is a parameter value used by the object for internal processing, and is, for example, “300 dpi”. A template is a format for messages sent and received between objects. The temporary execution result generation template is dummy data included in the message, for example, “dummy JPEG data”.

  The class of the QR code analysis object 1602 has message reception (), mismatch reception (), and QR code analysis processing () as operations.

  Message reception () is processing for receiving a message requesting execution or temporary execution of internal processing of the QR code analysis object 1602 from the scan object 1601. Inconsistency reception () is processing for receiving an inconsistency notification message for notifying the cause of the inability to perform cooperation processing from another object. The QR code analysis process () is an internal process of the QR code analysis object 1602 and is a process of analyzing the QR code included in the data obtained by the scan process of the scan object 1601. The QR code analysis process () does not perform temporary execution of internal processes.

  Also, the class of the QR code analysis object 1602 has, as attributes, an object ID, an object name, an object URL, an object type, a setting information name, a setting information value, and a template for generating a temporary execution result. Among these attributes and operations, the QR code analysis process (), the setting information name, the setting information value, and the temporary execution result generation template are not disclosed outside the class.

  The object ID is information for specifying the object, and is, for example, “QR Code Object”. The name of the object is the name of the object, for example, “QR code analysis object”. The URL of the object is information for specifying the object, for example, “http://example.com/qrCodeObject”. The object type is a type of internal processing executed by the object, for example, “processing”. The setting information name is a name of setting information such as a parameter used by the object for internal processing, and is, for example, “resolution”. The setting information value is a parameter value used by the object for internal processing, and is, for example, “600 dpi”. A template is a format for messages sent and received between objects. The temporary execution result generation template is dummy data included in the message, and the QR code analysis object 1602 is “none” because it does not perform temporary execution of internal processing.

  Next, a detailed functional configuration of the scan object 1601 and the QR code analysis object 1602 and an execution procedure of the operation of the scan object 1601 and the QR code analysis object 1602 will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of the scan object and the QR code analysis object. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the scan object 1601 and the QR code analysis object 1602 include a setting information storage unit 501, an execution unit 502, a communication unit 504, a reception unit 505, an execution determination information storage unit 506, a determination unit 507, and a generation unit 508. , A mismatch determination unit 509, a temporary execution unit 1901, and a transmission unit 1902. Note that the scan object 1601 and the QR code analysis object 1602 are connected to each other through a common communication path 510.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for transmitting a message from a scan object to a QR code object. First, the provisional execution unit 1901 acquires setting information from the setting information storage unit 501 (step S2001). Next, the temporary execution unit 1901 sets the setting information value (resolution) having the highest setting priority among the setting information values included in the setting information acquired from the setting information storage unit 501 in the scanner, and scan object 1601. The scan process which is the above operation is provisionally executed (step S2002).

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which temporary execution is performed according to a setting information value in which a selection cursor is checked. Setting information value included in the acquired setting information (currently selected setting information): When the selection cursor associated with 300 dpi is checked (shown in FIG. 21A), the temporary execution unit 1901 Setting information value: Setting information value with the next highest setting priority after 300 dpi (setting information selected with priority next): Scan processing is temporarily executed according to 600 dpi (shown in FIG. 21B). Then, the temporary execution unit 1901 stores the setting information in which the selection cursor associated with the setting information value: 600 dpi is checked in the setting information storage unit 501.

  Here, as described above, provisional execution refers to data as if the scan process was actually performed without using the scan process that is the internal process of the scan object 1601 and using the template for generating the provisional execution result ( For example, a process for generating dummy JPEG data). For example, it is a process of scanning a contact glass on which an original is not set without reading an original set on an ADF original table.

  Specifically, in a process in which the physical state of the scanner changes before and after the process, such as a scan process, when an inconsistency notification message is received after the execution unit 502 executes the scan process, Even if the setting information is reset according to the inconsistency notification message, the physical state must be restored to perform the scanning process again. For example, when an inconsistency notification message is received by executing a document scanning process using ADF, it is necessary to perform the scanning process again. For this purpose, the document discharged to the discharge unit is again scanned by the ADF document table. Must be set again. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is realized that the internal process is temporarily executed by the temporary execution unit 1901 without performing the internal process by the execution unit 502, and the above-described inconvenience is solved.

  Next, the provisional execution unit 1901 requests provisional execution of internal processing of the QR code analysis object 1602 that performs cooperation processing with the scan object 1601, and includes data obtained by provisional execution of internal processing and the internal processing. A message including the setting information used for the temporary execution is generated (step S2003). Then, the provisional execution unit 1901 sends the generated message to the transmission unit 1902 (step S2004).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message generated by the temporary execution unit. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the temporary execution unit 1901 generates an XML format message 2200. As indicated by reference numeral 2201, the message 2200 includes information (URL) indicating the location of the transmission source object (scan object 1601) and information (URL) indicating the location of the transmission destination object (QR code analysis object 1602). It is out.

  The message 2200 includes an info element that is metadata indicating setting information used by the temporary execution unit 1901 for temporary execution of internal processing, as indicated by reference numeral 2202. Specifically, the message 2200 includes metadata of parameters used by the temporary execution unit 1901 for temporary execution of internal processing. For example, the message 2200 includes metadata of setting information name: resolution and setting information value: 300 dpi used by the temporary execution unit 1901 for temporary execution of internal processing.

  Further, as indicated by reference numeral 2203, the message 2200 includes an entry element that is metadata indicating the title of the data obtained by the temporary execution of the internal processing and the location of the data. The QR code analysis object 1602 that has received the message 2200 including the entry element indicated by reference numeral 2203 does not perform provisional execution of internal processing, and therefore performs internal processing on the data indicated by the entry element.

  The transmission unit 1902 performs a QR code analysis that performs cooperation processing using the message generated by the temporary execution unit 1901 via the communication unit 504 as a message obtained by executing the internal processing of the execution unit 502 (scan object 1601). It transmits to the object 1602 (step S2005). The processing procedure when the QR code analysis object that received the message performs internal processing (shown in FIG. 9) and the processing procedure when it is determined that the internal processing cannot be executed (shown in FIG. 11) are as follows. Since it is almost the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when it is determined that internal processing can be executed. Specifically, this is a processing procedure when the received message is sent to the execution unit 502 of the QR code analysis object 1602 in step S908 shown in FIG.

  First, the execution unit 502 receives the message sent from the determination unit 507 (step S2301). Next, the execution unit 502 uses the received message to execute a QR code analysis process that is an operation of the QR code analysis object 1602 (step S2302). In the present embodiment, the execution unit 502 acquires the data scanned by the scan object 1601 with reference to the info element of the message, and executes the analysis process of the QR code included in the acquired data.

  Next, the execution unit 502 determines whether to send a message to another object (step S2303). Specifically, the execution unit 502 determines whether or not to transmit a processing result message indicating that the QR code analysis processing of the QR code analysis object 1602 has been performed to the scan object 1601 that is the transmission source object. If it is determined that the processing result message is not transmitted (step S2303: No), the processing ends.

  If it is determined that the processing result message is to be transmitted (step S2303: YES), the execution unit 502 generates a processing result message indicating that the internal processing has been performed normally (step S2304).

  Then, the execution unit 502 sends the generated processing result message to the transmission unit 1902503 (step S2305). The transmission unit 1902 transmits the processing result message generated by the execution unit 502 to the scan object 1601 that is the transmission source of the received message via the communication unit 504 (step S2306).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when an inconsistency notification message is received. First, the reception unit 505 receives a message transmitted from the QR code analysis object 1602 via the communication unit 504 by inconsistent reception () that is an operation of the scan object 1601 (step S2401).

  The inconsistency determination unit 509 determines whether the message received by the reception unit 505 is an inconsistency notification message (step S2402). Specifically, the inconsistency determination unit 509 determines whether the received message is an inconsistency notification message based on whether an error element is included in the received message. If it is determined that the received message is not an inconsistency notification message (step S2402: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the inconsistency notification message. The inconsistency notification message 2500 according to the present embodiment is also an XML format message, as in the first embodiment. As shown by reference numeral 2501, the inconsistency notification message 2500 is a meta data indicating setting information that can be linked with the scan object 1601 in the message 2200 generated by the execution unit 502 of the transmission source object (scan object 1601). Contains an error element that is data. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that generation unit 508 generates inconsistency notification message 2500 including a setting information name and a setting information value that can be subjected to QR code analysis processing by execution unit 502.

  For example, when receiving a QR code analysis processing execution request for data scanned at a resolution of 300 dpi from the scan object 1601, the generation unit 508 receives an inconsistency notification message including a resolution capable of QR code analysis: 600 dpi. 2500 is generated.

  If it is determined that the received message is an inconsistency notification message (step S2402: Yes), the inconsistency determination unit 509 is error that is setting information that can be linked with the scan object 1601 from the received inconsistency notification message. Elements are extracted (step S2403). Furthermore, the inconsistency determination unit 509 sends the received inconsistency notification message and the extracted setting information to the temporary execution unit 1901 (step S2404).

  The temporary execution unit 1901 temporarily executes internal processing again using the setting information sent from the inconsistency determination unit 509, and transmits a message to the QR code analysis object 1602 again (step S2405). At this time, the provisional execution unit 1901 stores in the setting information storage unit 501 the setting information in which the selected cursor associated with the setting information value included in the setting information sent from the inconsistency determining unit 509 is checked. And

  In this embodiment, the temporary execution unit 1901 re-executes the internal process using the setting information sent from the inconsistency determination unit 509, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the inconsistency notification message includes setting information that can be linked to the scan object 1601, the message sent from the inconsistency determination unit 509 and the extracted setting information are sent to the execution unit 502, and the execution unit 502 Scan processing may be executed.

  Here, the effect obtained by the above-described object cooperation processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an object that performs the cooperation process. As shown in FIG. 26, in the present embodiment, the scan object 1601 first executes provisional scan processing (step S2601), and transmits a message including the result to the QR code analysis object 1602 (step S2602). Next, when the QR code analysis object 1602 determines that internal processing cannot be executed, the QR code analysis object 1602 transmits an inconsistency notification message to the scan object 1601 (step S2603). Then, the scan object 1602 extracts the setting information indicated by the error element from the inconsistency notification message, temporarily executes internal processing again using the extracted setting information (step S2604), and analyzes the message including the result of the QR code analysis. It transmits again to the object 1602 (step S2605).

  As a result, the physical state changes before and after the internal processing of the scan object 1601, such as when a paper document is scanned and data for QR code analysis processing is generated like the scan object 1601. Even in this case, the inconsistency can be resolved by executing the internal process again (or the internal process) again according to the notification of the inconsistency notification message.

(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a software development environment for developing software that causes an object to perform cooperation processing will be described.

  In the present embodiment, a software development environment in which software development is performed graphically on the screen of the operation display unit 211 using icon means will be described as a main example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it should be used in the same way for a software development environment that develops software by inputting characters on the screen using character input means such as a text editor, or a CASE tool that can develop software that performs a series of processing from icon means Can do.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the software development system. The software development system 2700 includes a PC 100 that realizes a software development environment (engine 102), and a device 2701 in which objects are materialized.

  It is assumed that the PC 100 is connected to the Internet 2702 on which services on various networks such as the Web are operating. In addition, the PC 100 includes a bitmap screen that is a screen of the operation display unit 211, a pointing device such as a mouse, and a character input unit such as a keyboard.

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a software development environment realized on a PC. As shown in FIG. 28, the engine 102 which is a software development environment includes an input unit 2801, an editing unit 2802, a display unit 2803, an object temporary execution unit 2804, an object execution unit 2805, an object monitoring unit 2806, and an object communication unit 2807. It is prepared for.

  The input unit 2801 accepts input of a character string and selection or operation of an icon displayed on a bitmap screen via a pointing device or a character input unit. Here, the icon displayed on the bitmap screen is a visual representation of an object realized on the device 2701.

  The editing unit 2802 holds a character string accepted by the input unit 2801 and icons that can be selected and operated by the input unit 2801.

  The display unit 2803 displays the state of the cooperative processing between objects on the bitmap screen. Specifically, the display unit 2803 acquires a character string and an icon from the editing unit 2802 according to the input of the character string received by the input unit 2801, the selection and operation of the icon, and displays them on the bitmap screen.

  FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed functional configuration of the display unit. The display unit 2803 includes an object list display unit 2803a and an object layout display unit 2803b. The object list display unit 2803a displays a list of objects realized on the device 2701 connected via the Internet 2702 on the bitmap screen. The object layout display unit 2803b displays, on the bitmap screen, an object to be linked according to the selection of the icon received by the input unit 2801 among the objects displayed on the bitmap screen by the object list display unit 2803a.

  In the present embodiment, the bitmap screen is an object list, an object list display area that displays icons that visually represent each object, and an object that performs linkage processing, via an input unit 2801. And an object layout display area for displaying icons at appropriate positions in accordance with the selection of the received icons. The user can perform software development graphically by operating the mouse or the like to drag the icon of the object displayed in the object list display area and dropping it in the object layout display area.

  In the present embodiment, an icon is a set of identification information and a picture that visually represents an object in order to determine on the Internet 2702 which object the icon represents. Also, the identification information is assumed to be composed of an integer or a character string that is unique on the Internet 2702, for example.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen configuration of a bitmap screen. As shown in FIG. 30, the display unit 2803 provides an object list display area 3001 and an object layout display area 3002 on the bitmap screen 3000. Then, the user can develop the software by operating the mouse or the like to drag the icon displayed in the object list display area 3001 and dropping it in the object layout display area 3002.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of a bitmap screen when software development is performed using character input means such as a text editor. As shown in FIG. 31, the display unit 2803 provides a character string display area 3101 on a bitmap screen 3100. The display unit 2803 displays the character string received by the input unit 2801 and held in the editing unit 2802 in the character string display area 3101. As a result, the user can develop software while viewing the character string displayed in the character string display area 3101.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a bitmap screen when software development is performed using the CASE tool. As shown in FIG. 32, the display unit 2803 provides an object list area 3201 and an object layout display area 3202 on the bitmap screen 3200. The user can develop software by operating the mouse or the like to drag an icon displayed in the object list display area 3201 and dropping it in the object layout display area 3202.

  Here, when software development is performed using the CASE tool, the object layout display unit 2803 b refers to the object identification information stored in the object communication unit 504 of each device 2702 and refers to the object layout display area 3202. The icons displayed on the screen can be connected by a solid line or the like, and the operation flow can be visually represented by this line.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the temporary object execution unit 2804, the object execution unit 2805, the object monitoring unit 2806, and the object communication unit 2807 will be described.

  First, a processing procedure for causing the provisional execution unit 1901 of the object materialized on the device 2701 to perform provisional execution will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a flowchart of processing for causing a provisional execution unit of an object to perform provisional execution.

  The temporary object execution unit 2804 extracts an object identification information group from the icon group dropped in the object layout display area 3002 (step S3301). At this time, the provisional object execution unit 2804 extracts the identification information of each object in the order in which the cooperation processing is performed. Further, the temporary object execution unit 2804 sends the extracted object identification information group to the object communication unit 2807 (step S3302).

  Next, the object communication unit 2807 uses the identification information group of the objects received from the temporary object execution unit 2804 via the web server 103 based on the identification information of the object that is the start part of starting the cooperation process. A message requesting temporary execution of the process is transmitted (step S3303). After the message is transmitted to the object, the cooperation process between the objects described in the above embodiment is performed.

  Further, the temporary object execution unit 2804 sets the object monitoring unit 2806 to the monitoring state and ends the process (step S3304). The object monitoring unit 2806 monitors messages transmitted / received between objects via the web server 103 and feeds back to a software development environment realized by the engine 102 every time a message is transmitted / received.

  As described above, by linking the object temporary execution unit 2804 and the temporary execution unit 1901 included in the object according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to create software that combines objects that perform cooperation processing.

  Here, processing for monitoring messages transmitted and received between objects will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of processing when an inconsistency notification message is transmitted / received between objects. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of processing when a processing result message is transmitted and received between objects.

  First, processing when an inconsistency notification message is transmitted and received between objects will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the object monitoring unit 2806 is set to the monitoring state by the object temporary execution unit 2804, the object monitoring unit 2806 shifts to a state of monitoring a message flowing on the common communication path 510.

  When the object monitoring unit 2806 detects the inconsistency notification message (step S3401), the setting information to be set in the destination object of the inconsistency notification message is input to the display unit 2803 via the editing unit 2802. A display of a dialog or the like (3406) for requesting is requested (step S3402).

  When the setting information is received by the input unit 2801, the object monitoring unit 2806 acquires the setting information received by the input unit 2801 (step S3403), and notifies the temporary object execution unit 2804 of the acquired setting information (step S3404). ).

  When the setting information is notified from the object monitoring unit 2806, the temporary object execution unit 2804 generates a message including the setting information, and transmits the message generated via the object communication unit 2807 to the inconsistency notification message. It is assumed that it is transmitted to the previous object (step S3405).

  In the above-described embodiment, internal processing of an object or provisional execution of internal processing is performed according to a setting information value having a high setting priority among setting information values included in setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 501. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a message including setting information is received from the engine 102 (object temporary execution unit 2804), the object execution unit 502 or the temporary execution unit 1901 uses the setting information included in the received message to perform internal processing or internal processing. Temporary execution may be performed.

  Next, processing when a processing result message is transmitted and received between objects will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the object monitoring unit 2806 is set to the monitoring state by the object temporary execution unit 2804, the object monitoring unit 2806 shifts to a state of monitoring a message flowing on the common communication path 510.

  When the object monitoring unit 2806 detects the processing result message (step S3501), an icon indicating that internal processing has been normally performed in the object layout display area 3503 with respect to the display unit 2803 via the editing unit 2802, and the like. Is requested to be displayed (step S3502). Thereby, it can be visually expressed that the internal processing of the object is successful.

  Next, a processing procedure for causing the execution unit 502 of the object materialized on the device 2701 to perform internal processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is a flowchart of processing for causing an object execution unit to perform internal processing.

  The object execution unit 2805 extracts an object identification information group from the icon group dropped in the object layout display area 3002 (step S3601). In that case, the object execution part 2805 shall extract the identification information of each object according to the order which performs a cooperation process. Furthermore, for example, when the execution icon displayed in the object layout display area 3002 in FIG. 30 is clicked, the object execution unit 2805 sends the extracted object identification information group to the object communication unit 2807 (step S3602). .

  Next, the object communication unit 2807 sends a message requesting the execution of the internal processing based on the identification information of the object that is the start part of starting the cooperation processing in the object identification information group received from the object execution unit 2805. Transmit (step S3603). After the message is sent to the object, the cooperation process between the objects described in the above embodiment is performed.

  As described above, by linking the object execution unit 2805 and the execution unit 502 included in the object according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to create software that combines the objects that perform the linkage processing.

  As described above, according to the PC 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a software development environment capable of developing software that causes an object to perform cooperation processing.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the software stored in the MEM-C 209 is activated and the object 105 is materialized on the RAM 205b has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any medium that can materialize the object 105 by installing the program in the PC 100 and starting the program may be used.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage medium that stores a program that can materialize an object.

  FIG. 37A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the object 105 is materialized on the RAM 205b by starting a program installed in the HDD 210 included in the PC 100. In this case, the HDD 210 corresponds to a storage medium.

  FIG. 37B illustrates a program that is temporarily or permanently stored in the storage medium when the PC 100 includes an interface that allows the storage medium 3701 to be attached or detached, or when the storage medium can be incorporated into the PC 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an object 105 is materialized on a RAM 205b by activating “A”. As shown in FIG. 37 (c), the storage medium is a flexible disk 3702, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 3703, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk 3704, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) 3706, a magnetic disk. 3705, a semiconductor memory 3707, and the like can be used.

  FIG. 37D shows that the PC 100 is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) Internet, downloads the program from the download site 3708 on the network to the HDD 210 of the PC 100 by wire or wireless, and starts the downloaded program. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an object 105 is materialized on a RAM 205b. In this case, the download site 3708 corresponds to a storage medium.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the hardware and software of PC concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of PC concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a UML class diagram of an object. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the object which performs a printing process. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a text reading object and a text printing object. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which transmits a message from a text reading object to a text printing object. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting information memorize | stored in the setting information storage part. It is explanatory drawing of the example which performs a character conversion process according to the setting information value in which the selection cursor has a check. It is a figure which shows an example of the message produced | generated by the execution part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when the text print object which received the message performs an internal process (printing process). It is a figure which shows an example of the execution judgment information memorize | stored in the execution judgment information storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when it is judged that an internal process cannot be performed. It is a figure which shows an example of the inconsistency notification message produced | generated by the production | generation part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when it is judged that an internal process can be performed. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when an inconsistency notification message is received. It is a block diagram which shows typically the object which performs a cooperation process. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the object which performs a scanning process and the analysis process of QR code. It is a UML class diagram of a scan object. It is a UML class diagram of a QR code analysis object. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a scan object and a QR code analysis object. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which transmits a message from a scan object to a QR code object. It is explanatory drawing of the example which performs provisional execution according to the setting information value in which the selection cursor has a check. It is a figure which shows an example of the message produced | generated by the temporary execution part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when it is judged that an internal process can be performed. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when an inconsistency notification message is received. It is a figure which shows an example of an inconsistency notification message. It is a block diagram which shows typically the object which performs a cooperation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a software development system. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the software development environment implement | achieved on PC. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed functional structure of a display part. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen structure of a bitmap screen. It is a figure which shows the screen structure of a bitmap screen in the case of developing software using the character input means by a text editor etc. It is a figure which shows the screen structure of a bitmap screen in the case of developing software using a CASE tool. It is a flowchart of the process which makes the temporary execution part of an object perform temporary execution. It is explanatory drawing of a process when an inconsistency notification message is transmitted / received between objects. It is explanatory drawing of a process when a process result message is transmitted / received between objects. It is a flowchart of the process which makes an execution part of an object perform an internal process. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage medium which stores the program which can materialize an object.

Explanation of symbols

100, 2701 PC
101 Web browser 102 Engine 103 Web server 104 CGI
105 Object 106 Operating System 107 Hardware Resource 200 Controller 201 USB Interface 202 IEEE 1394 Interface 203 PCI Bus 204 CPU
205 MEM-P
205a ROM
205b RAM
206 NB
207 SB
208 ASIC
209 MEM-C
210 HDD
211 Operation Display Unit 401 Text File Reading Object 402 Text Print Object 501 Setting Information Storage Unit 502 Execution Unit 503, 1902 Transmission Unit 504 Communication Unit 505 Reception Unit 506 Execution Determination Information Storage Unit 507 Determination Unit 508 Generation Unit 509 Inconsistency Determination Unit 510 Common communication path 1501 Object A
1502 Object B
1503 Object C
1601 Scan Object 1602 QR Code Analysis Object 1901 Temporary Execution Unit 2700 Software Development System 2702 Device 2703 Internet 2800 Software Development Environment 2801 Input Unit 2802 Editing Unit 2803 Display Unit 2803a Object List Display Unit 2803b Object Layout Display Unit 2804 Object Temporary Execution Unit 2805 Object Execution unit 2806 Object monitoring unit 2807 Object communication unit 3000, 3100, 3200 Bitmap screen 3001, 3201 Object list display area 3002, 3202, 3503 Object layout display area 3101 Character string display area 3701 Storage medium 3702 Flexible disk 3703 CD-ROM
3704 MO disk 3705 Magnetic disk 3706 DVD
3707 Semiconductor memory 3708 download site

Claims (10)

An object cooperation apparatus having a first object that executes unique internal processing using setting information and a second object that executes unique internal processing in cooperation with the first object ,
Receiving means for requesting execution of internal processing of the second object and receiving a message including the setting information used by the first object for internal processing;
The setting information before SL message is included in the second said those teeth execution decision information indicating the condition of the setting information required to perform the internal processing of the objects have field coupling, the said message comprises Transmission means for transmitting to the first object an inconsistency notification message including the setting information that does not correspond to the execution determination information among the setting information ,
The first object performs an internal process using the setting information different from the setting information included in the inconsistency notification message . Comprising a setting information storage means for storing configuration information Ru used for the internal processing of the second object,
The second object, if the setting information which the message contains is applicable before SL execution decision information, and wherein the benzalkonium perform internal processing using the setting information stored in the setting information storage means The object cooperation device according to claim 1. Provisional execution means for provisionally executing internal processing of the first object ;
It said receiving means, object linkage device according to claim 2, characterized in that receiving the message including the setting information used the inside processing provisionally executed in the temporary execution means. An object cooperation apparatus having a second object that executes unique internal processing in cooperation with a first object that executes unique internal processing using setting information,
Receiving means for requesting execution of internal processing of the second object and receiving a message including the setting information used by the first object for internal processing;
When the setting information included in the message does not correspond to execution determination information indicating a condition of the setting information required for executing the internal processing of the second object, the execution of the setting information included in the message An inconsistency notification message including the setting information not corresponding to the determination information is transmitted to the first object, and the first object is internally processed using the setting information different from the setting information included in the inconsistency notification message. Transmission means for executing
  An object linkage apparatus comprising: An object cooperation method of an object cooperation apparatus having a first object that executes unique internal processing using setting information and a second object that executes unique internal processing in cooperation with the first object ,
Receiving means, a receiving step wherein said first object be one that requests the execution of the internal processing of the second object receives the message including the setting information used for internal processing,
Transmitting means, said setting information before SL message is included in the second object of the internal processing execution the appropriate and such have park execution decision information indicating the condition of setting information required for engagement, the message A transmission step of transmitting to the first object an inconsistency notification message including the setting information that does not correspond to the execution determination information among the setting information included in
The first object performs an internal process using the setting information different from the setting information included in the inconsistency notification message . The object collaboration apparatus comprises a setting information storage means for storing configuration information Ru used for the internal processing of the second object,
The second object is, before Symbol if the message is the setting information included in the corresponding prior SL execution decision information, further more execution Engineering executing the internal processing using the setting information stored in the setting information storage means objects cooperation method according to claim 5, characterized in Rukoto to Yusuke. The temporary execution means further includes a temporary execution step of temporarily executing internal processing of the first object ,
The object receiving method according to claim 6, wherein the receiving step receives the message including the setting information used for internal processing temporarily executed by the temporary execution unit . An object cooperation method of an object cooperation apparatus having a second object that executes unique internal processing in cooperation with a first object that executes unique internal processing using setting information,
A receiving step for receiving a message including the setting information used by the first object for internal processing, wherein the receiving means requests execution of the internal processing of the second object;
If the setting information included in the message does not correspond to execution determination information indicating a condition of the setting information required for executing the internal processing of the second object, the transmission unit includes the setting information included in the message. The inconsistency notification message including the setting information not corresponding to the execution determination information is transmitted to the first object, and the first information is set using the setting information different from the setting information included in the inconsistency notification message. A sending step that causes the object to perform internal processing;
  An object cooperation method characterized by comprising:   The program for making a computer perform each process of the object cooperation method as described in any one of Claim 5 to 8.   A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the object cooperation method according to claim 5.

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