JPH11195009A - Method for communication with moving decentralized resource and information control system using same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to use the decentralized resource of a moving agent by changing a network address registered each time the agent moves, into a new network address. SOLUTION: A proxy object on a proxy computer 5 gathers information of the decentralized resource of the agent by accessing the decentralized resource. The information of the decentralized resource is sent and provided for a client computer 1a as a user. When it is judged that the agent 6 has moved to another computer, the new network address is reported to the proxy object on the proxy computer 5. When the report on the new network address is received from the agent 6, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 changes the registered network address of the decentralized resource into a new network address. Therefore, the decentralized resource can be used only at a service request to the proxy object.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for communicating with distributed resources existing on a network, and more particularly to a method for communicating with distributed resources moving on a network and an information control system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advent of inexpensive and sophisticated information control systems such as computers, downsizing has progressed, and individual information control systems have been distributed and connected to each other by networks. ing. For example, the Internet and Intranet have rapidly become more widespread in such environments.

[0003] For this reason, as a user, opportunities to use not only resources such as contents and information that exist locally but also distributed resources such as contents and information distributed over a network are increasing. ing.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining such a conventional communication method with distributed resources. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a computer) which is an information control system used by a user; 2 and 3 computers for managing distributed resources distributed on a network; and 4 a name service. Computer.

The computers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are mutually connected by a network (not shown), and the IP address of the computer 1 is "AAA.0.0.1".
The host name is “AAA”, the IP address of the computer 2 is “BBB.0.0.1”, the host name is “BBB”, and the IP address of the computer 3 is “CCC.0.0.1”. The host name is “CCC”. The IP address of the computer 4 is “DDD.0.0.1” and the host name is “DDD”.

Here, a conventional communication method shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The user of the computer 1 can obtain the distributed resource from the computer by specifying the network address of the computer that manages the distributed resource to be used and performing communication. For example, the user of the computer 1 receives the IP address of the computer 2 (BBB.0.0.
Direct communication with the computer 2 is performed by designating a fixed network address such as 1).

If the user of the computer 1 does not know the fixed network address such as the IP address of the computer that manages the distributed resources the user wants to use,
It is also possible to use distributed resources using host names.

However, in this case, the computer communicates with the computer managing the distributed resources via the computer 4 providing the name service for converting the host name into the network address.

For example, the user of the computer 1 designates the host name “BBB” of the computer 2 and designates the computer 4
Connect to Computer 4 has the specified host name "B"
BB "with the IP address" BBB. 0.0.1 "and connected to the computer 2 so that the distributed resources of the computer 2 can be used from the computer 1.

In this case, even if the network address of the computer that manages the distributed resources is changed, the distributed resources are used by specifying the host name and connecting via the computer 4 that provides the name service. It becomes possible.

[0011]

However, distributed resources are not only managed in a fixed manner by each computer, but recently there is an agent technology in which software autonomously moves between computers on a network.

When using distributed resources such as contents and information of an agent that moves between computers on a network, the user always monitors the host name of the computer to which the agent moves. There was a problem that he had to do. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication method and an information control system using the same that can use the distributed resources of an agent that moves without being aware of the destination of the agent on the user side. It is in.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a method for communicating with a distributed resource of an agent that moves between computers on a network. The distributed resource provided by the agent and the current network address of the distributed resource are registered in the object, and the distributed resource of the provided agent is provided to the user as a service of the proxy object. Based on the network address registered in the proxy object, information is collected from the distributed resources of the agent and provided to the user, and when the agent moves between computers, the network address registered in the proxy object is Move the agent By changing the previous network address, the communication method capable of using a distributed resource agents that move without being aware of the destination agent on the user side can be realized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the proxy object accumulates information from the agent as needed based on a service requested by the user, so that a new one from the user can be obtained. If the information to be provided in response to a request for a new service exists in the stored information, the information is provided to the user.
Concentration of communication on the agent can be prevented. Further, even when a plurality of users request the same service, the proxy object does not need to access the distributed resources of the agent each time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication method according to the first aspect, information voluntarily transmitted from the agent is provided to a user registered in advance as a proxy object. The user can automatically obtain Push information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information control system for communicating with distributed resources of an agent moving between computers on a network, the agent moving between the computers on the network comprises:
A client that uses the distributed resources of the agent
Registers a computer, distributed resources provided by the agent and a current network address of the distributed resources, provides the distributed resources of the provided agent to the client computer as a service, and requests the service from the client computer. Collects information from the distributed resources of the agent based on the network address and provides the information to the client computer, and when the agent moves between the computers, the network address is the network address of the destination of the agent By using the proxy computer that changes the agent, the client computer can use the distributed resources of the agent that moves without being aware of the destination of the agent. Shin methods can be realized.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information control system according to the fourth aspect, the proxy computer accumulates information from the agent as needed based on a service requested from the client computer. If information to be provided in response to a new service request from the client computer is present in the stored information, the information is provided to the client computer to prevent concentration of communication to the agent. be able to.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information control system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the proxy computer is a client registered in advance. By providing the computer with the information voluntarily transmitted from the agent, the client computer can automatically obtain the Push information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information control system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the agent is a product agent in which a product manufacturing procedure is stored, so that the upper level host computer Information can be obtained from the product agent, communication can be prevented from being concentrated on the product agent, and the host computer can automatically obtain Push information.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a communication method with a moving distributed resource according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1a, 1
Reference characters b and 1c denote client computers as users, reference numeral 5 denotes a proxy computer on which a proxy object operates, reference numeral 6 denotes an agent that moves between computers on a network, and reference numerals 7, 8, 9 and 10 denote computers to which the agent 6 can move. . In addition, each computer 1
a, 1b, 1c, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are interconnected by a network (not shown).

Here, a method of communicating with the moving distributed resource shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG.
FIG. 4 to FIG. 4 are flowcharts for explaining a communication method with a moving distributed resource.

In FIG. 2 "S001", the proxy computer 5 on which the proxy object operates registers the distributed resources provided by the agent 6 moving between the computers on the network and the current network address of the distributed resources.

In FIG. 2 "S002", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 is the registered agent 6
Is provided as a service to a client computer which is a user. For example, the resource name of the distributed resource is provided to the client computer 1a as a user as a service name.

When the client computer 1a as the user wants to use the distributed resources of the agent 6 in "S003" in FIG. 2, the service provided from the client computer 1a as the user to the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 Is "A" in FIG.
Request as shown. For example, proxy computer 5
The communication is performed by designating the “network address” of the proxy server 5 and the “service name” provided by the proxy object of the proxy computer 5.

In FIG. 2 "S004", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 receives a request for a service provided from the client computer 1a, which is a user, to the network address of the distributed resource of the agent 6 registered in advance. The distributed resource of the agent 6 is accessed based on "B" in FIG. For example, communication is performed by designating a "resource name" corresponding to a "service name" designated by a client computer 1a as a user and a "network address" of a distributed resource.

In FIG. 2 “S005”, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 accesses the distributed resources of the agent 6 and collects information on the distributed resources of the agent 6. For example, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 reads information from the distributed resources of the agent 6.

In FIG. 2 at "S006", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 transmits the information on the distributed resources collected from the agent 6 as shown at "C" in FIG. 1 and provides it to the client computer 1a as the user. .

In FIG. 2 "S007", the agent 6
Determines whether or not it has moved to another computer, and if so, notifies the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 of the new network address in "S008" in FIG. 2 as shown by "D" in FIG. I do. For example, when the agent 6 moves from the computer 7 to the computer 8, the network address of the computer 8 is notified as a new network address.

In FIG. 2 "S009", the agent 6
If you get a new network address from,
The proxy object on the proxy computer 5 changes the network address of the registered distributed resource to the new network address.

That is, when the agent 6 moves between computers, the client computer 1a, which is the user, cannot know the movement of the agent 6, but the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 moves the agent 6. The new network address is registered. Here, the client computer 1a, which is the user, sends the proxy computer 5
When the service provided to the above proxy object is requested, the distributed resources of the agent 6 are accessed based on the new network address.

Accordingly, the client computer 1a, which is a user, only requests a service to the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 without knowing the actual network address of the agent, and transmits the request via the proxy object on the proxy computer 5. It is possible to use distributed resources.

As a result, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 registers the distributed resource provided by the agent 6 and the current network address of the distributed resource as a service, and registers the registered network address every time the agent 6 moves, as a new network. By changing to the address, a communication method can be realized in which the client computer, which is the user, can use the distributed resources of the moving agent without being conscious of the destination of the agent.

In the communication method shown in FIG. 2, information is obtained by accessing the distributed resources of the agent 6 every time a service request is made from a user, but when a service request is made from many client computers at the same time. In this case, communication concentrates on the agent. This is a problem particularly in the case of an agent whose function is significantly reduced when communication is concentrated.

Further, even when a plurality of client computers request the same service, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 must access the distributed resources of the agent 6 each time, and the processing becomes complicated. I will.

Therefore, a communication method which solves these problems will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3 "S101", the proxy computer 5 on which the proxy object operates is an agent 6 that moves between computers on the network.
And the current network address of this distributed resource.

In FIG. 3 "S102", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 is the registered agent 6
Are provided to the user as one service.
For example, the resource name of the distributed resource is provided as a service name.

In FIG. 3 "S103", when the client computer 1a as the user wants to use the distributed resources of the agent 6, the service provided to the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 from the client computer 1a as the user Request.

In FIG. 3 "S104", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 stores information provided for the service requested by the client computer 1a, which is a user, in the proxy computer 5 according to the service request so far. It is determined whether or not.

In FIG. 3 "S104", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 determines that the information provided for the service requested by the client computer 1a as the user is stored in the proxy computer 5. For example, in "S105" in FIG. 3, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 transmits the stored information and provides the information to the client computer 1a as the user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in FIG. 3 "S104" that the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 is not stored in the information proxy computer 5 which provides the service requested by the client computer 1a as the user. In FIG. 3 "S106", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 accesses the distributed resource of the agent 6 based on the network address of the distributed resource of the agent 6 registered in advance.

In FIG. 3 "S107", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 accesses the distributed resources of the agent 6 and collects information on the distributed resources of the agent 6.

In FIG. 3 "S108", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 accumulates the information of the distributed resources collected from the agent 6 in the proxy computer 5, and transmits the collected information in FIG. To the client computer 1a.

In FIG. 3 "S110", the agent 6
Determines whether or not it has moved to another computer, and if so, notifies the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 of the new network address in "S111" in FIG.

In FIG. 3 "S112", the agent 6
If you get a new network address from,
The proxy object on the proxy computer 5 updates the network address of the registered distributed resource.

That is, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 accumulates information provided from the agent at any time based on the service requested from the client computer 1a as the user, and newly stores the information from the client computer 1a as the user. If the information to be provided in response to the service request exists in the stored information, the information is stored in the client computer 1a as the user.
Will be provided.

In other words, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 does not access the distributed resources of the agent 6 every time, but supplies the information stored in the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 and, if necessary, the agent 6 The stored information is updated by accessing the distributed resources.

As a result, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 accumulates information provided from the agent at any time based on the service requested from the client computer 1a as the user, and newly stores the information from the client computer 1a as the user. If the information to be provided in response to a request for a special service exists in the stored information, the information is stored in the client computer 1a as the user.
, It is possible to prevent communication from being concentrated on the agent.

Even when a plurality of client computers 1a request a service of the same content, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 does not need to access the distributed resources of the agent 6 each time, thereby simplifying the processing. .

There is information called "Push information" which is automatically transmitted by the agent 6 (hereinafter simply referred to as "Push information"). However, in the communication method shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this Push information is obtained. Can not do.

Therefore, a communication method that solves this problem will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4 "S201", the proxy computer 5 on which the proxy object operates registers the distributed resources provided by the agent 6 moving between the computers on the network and the current network address of the distributed resources. Agent 6 is Push
The information is spontaneously transmitted to the proxy object on the proxy computer 5.

In FIG. 4 "S202", the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 is the registered agent 6
Is provided as a service to the client computer 1a as a user.

When the user wants to obtain the Push information from the agent 6 in "S203" in FIG. 4, the user registers with the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 the request to provide the Push information. For example, when it is desired to receive the Push information in the client computer 1a as the user, the network address of the computer 1 is registered in the proxy object on the proxy computer 5.

In "S204" in FIG. 4, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 determines whether or not the Push information has been transmitted from the agent 6 as indicated by "E" in FIG. When it is transmitted, the Push information received in "S205" in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the client computer 1a, which is the user registered in "S203" in FIG. 4, as indicated by "F" in FIG.

In FIG. 4 "S206", the agent 6
Determines whether or not it has moved to another computer, and if so, notifies the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 of the new network address in "S207" in FIG.

In FIG. 4 "S208", the agent 6
If you get a new network address from,
The proxy object on the proxy computer 5 updates the network address of the registered distributed resource.

That is, the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 is spontaneously transmitted from the agent 6 to the client computer, which is a user who wants to provide Push information registered in the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 in advance. Push information will be provided.

As a result, by registering the network address of the client computer, which is the user who wants to provide Push information, in the proxy object on the proxy computer 5 in advance, the client computer, which is the user, automatically receives the Push information. Can be obtained.

In the description of the use of the distributed resource of the agent 6 that moves between computers, reading of information from the distributed resource is described as an example. However, in the case of writing information to the distributed resource, However, the same effect can be obtained.

Further, a specific example of the agent 6 will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram showing an example of an information control system using such a communication method. In FIG. 5, 11 is a management computer, 12 and 13 are control computers, 14 and 15 are machine tools such as machine tools and machine robots, 16 is a product to be produced, and 17 is a product agent that moves between the control computers.

The working means 14 and 15 are connected to the control computers 12 and 13, respectively, and
2 and 13 are management computers 11 via a network.
Connected to. Further, the product 16 is transported from the machining means 14 to the machining means 15 by a transportation means (not shown) such as a belt conveyor according to the production process. Further, the management computer 11 is connected to a host computer (not shown) via a network.

The product agent 17 stores the manufacturing procedure of the product 16. While the product 16 is being machined by the machining means 14, the product agent 17 moves to the control computer 12 for controlling the machining means 14 and sends the product agent to the product agent 17. The work means 14 is controlled based on the stored manufacturing procedure.

The product agent 17 controls the work means 15 as the product 16 is transferred from the work means 14 to the work means 15 by a transfer means (not shown) such as a belt conveyor or the like according to the production process. The control unit 13 moves to the control computer 13 and controls the working means 15 based on the manufacturing procedure stored in the product agent.

In such a configuration, the proxy object described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 is operated on the management computer 11. That is, since the latest network address of the moving product agent is managed in the proxy object on the management computer 11, the information can be obtained from the product agent 17 from the upper-level host computer no matter where the product agent 17 moves. Becomes possible.

The information provided by the product agent is stored in the proxy object on the management computer 11 as needed, and if a new service request from the host computer exists in the stored information, the information is provided. By doing so, it is possible to prevent communication from being concentrated on the product agent.

Furthermore, by registering the network address of the host computer in the proxy object on the management computer 11 in advance, the host computer can automatically obtain the Push information.

[0066]

As is apparent from the above description,
According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, the proxy object on the proxy computer registers the distributed resource provided by the agent and the current network address of the distributed resource as a service, and registers the network each time the agent moves. By changing the address to a new network address, a communication method and an information control system using the same that can use the distributed resources of the agent that moves without being aware of the destination of the agent on the client computer side are realized. it can.

According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, the proxy object on the proxy computer accumulates information provided from the agent at any time based on the service requested from the client computer, and stores the information on the client computer. If the information to be provided in response to a new service request from is present in the stored information, the information is provided to the client computer, thereby preventing the concentration of communication to the agent.

According to the third and sixth aspects of the present invention, the Pu object is previously assigned to the proxy object on the proxy computer.
By registering the network address of the client computer that wants to provide the sh information, the client computer can automatically obtain the Push information.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the agent is a product agent containing a product manufacturing procedure, so that information can be obtained from the product agent from a host computer. Communication can be prevented from being concentrated on
The host computer can automatically obtain Push information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a communication method with a moving distributed resource according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method with a moving distributed resource.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method with a moving distributed resource.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method with a moving distributed resource.

FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an example of an information control system using a communication method.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conventional communication method with a distributed resource.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 Computer 1a, 1b, 1c Client computer 5 Proxy computer 6 Agent 11 Management computer 12, 13 Control computer 14, 15 Machining means 16 Product 17 Product agent

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A method for communicating with a distributed resource of an agent that moves between computers on a network, wherein the distributed resource provided by the agent and the current network address of the distributed resource are registered in a proxy object. Is provided to the user as a service of the proxy object, and when the user requests the service, information is collected from the distributed resource of the agent based on the network address registered in the proxy object and provided to the user. A communication method, wherein when the agent moves between computers, the network address registered in the proxy object is changed to a network address to which the agent has moved. 2. The proxy object accumulates information from the agent as needed based on a service requested by a user, and information provided for a new service request from the user is included in the accumulated information. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the information is provided to the user if the information exists. 3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein information transmitted spontaneously from said agent is provided to a user registered in advance as a proxy object. 4. An information control system for communicating with a distributed resource of an agent that moves between computers on a network, wherein the agent that moves between the computers on a network, and a client that uses the distributed resources of the agent
Registering a distributed resource provided by the agent and a current network address of the distributed resource, providing the distributed resource of the provided agent to the client computer as a service, and requesting the service from the client computer Collects information from the distributed resources of the agent based on the network address and provides the information to the client computer, and when the agent moves between the computers, the network address is the network address of the destination of the agent An information control system, comprising: a proxy computer that changes the information to a value. 5. The proxy computer accumulates information from the agent at any time based on a service requested from the client computer, and provides information provided in response to a new service request from the client computer. 5. The information control system according to claim 4, wherein if the information exists in the stored information, the information is provided to the client computer. 6. A client in which the proxy computer is registered in advance. 5. The information control system according to claim 4, wherein information spontaneously transmitted from the agent is provided to a computer. 7. The information control system according to claim 4, wherein said agent is a product agent in which a product manufacturing procedure is stored.